EP2558852A1

EP2558852A1 - Method and apparatus for testing a wall section and/or corner region inside a hollow body

Info

Publication number: EP2558852A1
Application number: EP11717183A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Schmidt; Michael Brooksiek; Nils Krone; Thorsten Lilienkamp
Original assignee: ThyssenKrupp System Engineering GmbH
Current assignee: ThyssenKrupp System Engineering GmbH
Priority date: 2010-04-12
Filing date: 2011-04-12
Publication date: 2013-02-20
Also published as: WO2011128066A1

Abstract

Elongate hollow bodies (100) or structures like hollow bodies, for example masts, rotor blades of wind energy installations or else wings, flaps and similar aircraft components, must be tested for freedom from material defects. In particular, if a plurality of chambers (90) are arranged inside the hollow bodies (100), partitions, wall sections and corner regions (120, 122, 124, 126) can mostly be examined only by means of a random test by being dismantled. Therefore, the problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a non-destructive testing method for hollow bodies (100), in which all wall sections and corner regions (120, 122, 124, 126) arranged inside the hollow body (100) can be tested. The invention solves this problem by means of a method and an apparatus for testing a wall section and/or corner region (120, 122, 124, 126) of a hollow body (100), wherein a sensor arrangement (28) is moved through the inside of the hollow body (100) relative to wall sections and/or corner regions (120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (100) which are arranged inside the hollow body (100) and need to be tested.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHECKING A WALL SECTION AND / OR CORNER AREA INSIDE A HOLLOW BODY

description

The invention relates to a method for testing a wall section and / or corner region of a hollow body according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for testing a wall section and / or corner region of a hollow body according to the preamble of claim 9.

Hollow bodies or hollow body-like structures are used in various fields of technology. These include, for example, masts, such as masts or masts for wind turbines and the like, lamp posts, wind turbine blades and constructions in the field of aircraft technology, such. B. wings, flaps and the like. The hollow bodies addressed here are characterized by a substantially elongate shape. As a rule, they have lengths of a few meters to a few tens or hundreds of meters. In this case, at least one chamber is arranged in the interior of the hollow body, which extends at least substantially along the entire longitudinal extent of the hollow body.

In the hollow body, in particular for subdivision of the interior of the hollow body into a plurality of chambers, intermediate walls or the like may be retracted. Such partitions serve, for example, the stabilization of the hollow body, but also to the actual department of the chambers. At least part of these partitions or partitions is connected to the inner side of the outer wall of the hollow body. In this case, so-called corner areas, ie the connecting areas of the walls are formed with each other.

CONFIRMATION COPY The material of the finished hollow body must be checked before delivery for accuracy or compliance with specifications. Errors can be caused for example by inclusions, flaws, but also cracks or the like in the material. In particular, a review of the material thickness or the homogeneity of surfaces, etc. are often the subject of inspections or tests. All freely accessible from the outside walls of the hollow body can usually be checked in a simple manner, for example by manual or mechanical approach and moving along a sensor. For this purpose, the sensor, often an ultrasonic sensor, is brought into contact with the exterior of the wall and guided over the surface to be tested. Any deviations of the desired properties can thus be detected.

The problem is the examination of lying in the interior of the hollow body walls, in particular individual wall sections and / or corner areas. These can not be checked by usually manual approach of a sensor to the surface. This is due, inter alia, to the fact that the hollow bodies referred to here or their chambers have longitudinal extents of at least at least a few meters, at least in sections of comparatively small cross-sections of typically several to several tens of centimeters. Another problem is an often encountered rejuvenation of the hollow body cross-section. Workers can thus not or not sufficiently fast work inside the hollow body. A common method for testing such hollow body is therefore to randomly disassemble individual hollow body and thus destroy, sections to investigate the inner wall or corner areas and thus draw conclusions about the manufacturing process.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for testing a wall section and / or corner region of a hollow body, which on the one hand dispenses with merely random, destructive testing and on the other hand permits non-destructive testing of all internal wall sections or corner regions of a hollow body. The object of the invention is achieved by a method for testing a wall section and / or corner region of a hollow body having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the sensor arrangement is arranged at least partially through the interior of the hollow body along a wall section which is arranged inside the hollow body and / or. or corner of the hollow body moves. This ensures that the wall section to be tested and / or the corner area in the interior of the hollow body can be examined in particular for quality assurance. In this case, it is preferably not necessary to carry out destructive random checks by manual means. As a hollow body is in particular also a chamber of the hollow body to look at. In particular, the hollow body may be an aircraft wing, preferably with several internal chambers.

Preferably, the sensor arrangement is moved by a translation device. The translation device serves to move the sensor arrangement, in particular to move, move or the like. Preferably, at least one linear drive or linear drive is used as the translation device. Likewise, a particular not directly driven linkage, such as a push rod, may be provided as a translation device. A linear drive is used for substantially rectilinear motion in preferably outward and forward directions. The movement of the sensor arrangement takes place in particular at least almost through or along the entire longitudinal extent of the interior of the hollow body or at least one of the chambers of the hollow body. By the translation device, in particular the linear drive and / or the linkage, is provided, a manual intervention is no longer mandatory. Such a linear drive can and will generally be driven by a motor, in particular electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or in another suitable manner by a drive device, in particular a motor. For this purpose, the linear drive may preferably have a toothing, and be formed in particular in the form of a rack. With this rack preferably meshes a gear of the drive device. Particularly preferably, the linear drive or the rack is stored outside the interior of the hollow body. This is for example a separate holder for supporting the linear drive, in particular a bearing rail. For example, the drive device may be arranged there. Preferably, the storage is carried out on the outside of the hollow body and / or on a bearing means, such as preferably a bearing device for supporting the linear drive and / or the hollow body. During the test, the hollow body is preferably likewise provided with at least one bearing, in particular the bearing device, which preferably supports or fixes the hollow body in a fixed or immovable manner. Particularly preferably, the linear drive is mounted such that a movement of the sensor arrangement in the interior of the hollow body or at least one of the chambers thereof is ensured by the linear drive. The linear drive is particularly preferably supported outside and / or inside the interior of the hollow body. Outside serves for this purpose in particular a bearing rail, which is further preferably mounted by means of supports in particular height adjustable on a substrate. The support within takes place, in particular, on an inner wall section and / or corner region of the hollow body. This support serves, for example, to prevent sagging of a very long trained linear drive. Also damage to the hollow body are minimized or prevented. In addition, the linear drive can be kinked on at least one joint, so as to enable a displacement of the sensor arrangement at an angle or around a bend or corner. Particularly preferably, at least one sensor of the sensor arrangement, preferably at least during the movement of the sensor arrangement, approximates the wall section or corner area of the hollow body to be tested and / or is brought into contact and / or into abutment with the wall section or corner area of the hollow body to be tested. In particular, the sensor is arranged in the edge region or at the edge of the sensor arrangement. Thus, the sensor can easily be brought into contact or interact with the wall section or corner area to be tested. Preferably, various wall sections or corner regions of the hollow body are tested with a plurality of sensors of the sensor arrangement. These Testing is preferably carried out in parallel and / or simultaneously. Thus, the time required for testing can be reduced by detecting multiple areas to be inspected in one operation. Preferably, the sensor or at least a part of the sensor arrangement is supported or supported with a counter bearing on a wall section or corner region of the hollow body. This wall section or corner region of the hollow body is preferably arranged substantially opposite the wall section or corner region of the hollow body to be tested. This can also be opposite to the side or obliquely and / or arranged substantially parallel. In particular, serves as an abutment at least one further sensor and / or a guide means. The support is made such that the at least one sensor or the at least one guide means are clamped substantially between opposite wall sections or corner regions, in particular movable. In a support by a further sensor, a substantially parallel or simultaneous testing of the wall section or corner area assigned to this sensor is preferably made possible. Thus, on the one hand, several sensors fulfill the purpose of ensuring the installation of the sensors on the wall sections or corner regions to be tested and, on the other hand, at the same time the purpose of accelerating the testing process. This is especially true for oppositely arranged sensors. Particularly preferably, the transverse dimensions of the sensor arrangement are increased by, in particular, spring-loaded expansion means or spring means associated with the sensor arrangement. This means that the expansion means exert a force on the sensor arrangement, which act in the direction of increasing the dimensions in the transverse direction. The transverse direction is to be seen in this case substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the hollow body to be tested, ie in the direction of the cross section. The expansion means may instead of a spring load in other ways exert a corresponding force on the remaining components of the sensor assembly, for example pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically and in any other suitable way. Particularly preferably, the transverse dimensions of the sensor arrangement are limited and / or reduced by external action and / or stop means. Slings are preferably assigned to the sensor arrangement and serve to limit the maximum transverse extent. In particular, a limited amount of space inside a cavity can be seen as an external effect. For example, the sensor arrangement is brought within a particular wedge-shaped or tapered hollow body cross section by the decreasing cross section when moving in this longitudinal direction to reduce their transverse dimensions. This is preferably done against the force of the expansion means or, so that they are stretched accordingly. Overall, the sensor arrangement will adapt in transverse dimension to the inner cross section of the hollow body or the chamber of the hollow body such that the sensor arrangement rests against the wall sections or corner areas to be tested with the at least one sensor and / or the at least one guide means. This is preferably also the case during the movement and thus the entire examination procedure.

Particularly preferably, the sensor arrangement for removing or moving out of the hollow body is connected to an outlet device. The outlet device is preferably assigned to the storage device. The outlet device serves to allow an orderly removal or retraction of the sensor arrangement from an end region of the hollow body. Thus, on the one hand damage to the sensor arrangement or on the hollow body are preferably prevented on the one hand and on the other hand, a test of the end regions of the hollow body is made possible. The outlet device is preferably connected to a fixed part of the linear drive and / or the bearing rail and / or one of the bearing devices. In particular, the sensor assembly and / or the linear drive when moving out of the sensor assembly from the hollow body is also stored outside the hollow body and / or driven outside. This is preferably also for the end-side part of the test section in the hollow body. More preferably, the sensor arrangement for insertion into the hollow body is connected to an insertion device. The insertion device serves to simplify or enable threading of the sensor arrangement into the hollow body, in particular by pre-compressing the sensor arrangements against the fault-loaded expansion means, in particular to be smaller than or equal to the hollow body cross-section at the opening thereof.

Preferably, at least the wall portion and / or the corner region of the hollow body is at least partially formed of a composite material, in particular a fiber (plastic) composite material and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The test method described here can basically be carried out with practically any materials. Preferably, however, the composites mentioned here will be examined. On the one hand, these often displace the classically used materials, such as metals. On the other hand, there are special problems, for example, by inclusions and the like, which require a particularly intensive quality inspection, which allows the method described above.

More preferably, a plurality of translation devices, in particular at least one linear drive and / or a linkage, such as in particular a rod or push rod, are provided. The translation devices are preferably arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. They are furthermore preferably coupled or connected to one another, in particular in such a way that they can be moved jointly and / or synchronously, preferably in the same direction. Several sensor arrangements are preferably moved together, in particular coupled with each other. The coupling is preferably mediated by the linear drive and / or the linkage and / or a coupling device preferably coupling the linear drive and the linkage. Several sensor arrangements are thereby moved at least substantially parallel through the same cavity or chamber or through adjacent cavities or chambers of the hollow body.

The object mentioned above is achieved by a device for testing a wall section and / or corner region of a hollow body with the features of claim 9. This device is characterized in that the at least one sensor arrangement by the linear drive and / or at a in the Inside the hollow body arranged to be tested wall portion or corner region of the hollow body is movable along. This offers the advantage that a test of the inner wall sections or corner regions of a hollow body is made possible. In particular, a nondestructive testing is possible.

The sensor arrangement can preferably be brought into contact with the wall section or corner region of the hollow body to be tested, at least during a movement thereof relative to the hollow body. This bringing into contact preferably takes place by a force effect, in particular by spring force, preferably by at least one expansion agent. The force effect preferably takes place at least substantially perpendicular to the wall section or corner area to be tested. But other force effects, such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and other suitable force effects can be used. Suspensions are well suited because they allow a permanent and practically arbitrarily often repeatable force effect, without relying on an external power supply or the like. The force action takes place in particular for tracking by retracting or extending the sensors to the respective wall section or corner area to be tested, in particular during a movement of the sensor arrangement towards other local cross sections of the hollow body. Due to the acting force, the sensor arrangement is adapted in each case to the locally present transverse dimensions of the hollow body. Particularly preferably, the transverse dimensions of the sensor arrangement can be changed. As the cross-section of the hollow body is reduced or enlarged, the cross-section of the sensor arrangement consequently decreases or increases. In the ideal case, the sensor arrangement is at least substantially without interruption on the hollow body.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor arrangement is supported on a part and / or wall section and / or corner region of the hollow body which are essentially opposite or facing the wall section and / or corner area to be tested. The support is preferably carried out by at least one guide element and / or at least one further sensor. A support on two substantially opposite components the hollow body ensures a holding and / or fixing or tensioning of the sensor arrangement in this area. In addition, care can be taken for a metrologically safe installation of the at least one sensor on the wall section or corner area to be tested. More preferably, the sensor arrangement and / or the guide element is associated with at least one sliding, rolling or the like. This preferably serves to reduce the friction, in particular during a displacement, movement or movement of the sensor arrangement. Preferably, at least one, in particular each of the sensors of the sensor arrangement is associated with a separate spring element. This spring element serves to minimize the distance between the sensor and the region of the hollow body to be tested, in particular to introduce each of the sensors individually at any time optimally to the corresponding wall section and / or corner area to be tested. Preferably, at least one of the sensors is designed as a surface sensor or surface measuring head for testing a substantially flat wall section. Accordingly, the surface sensor or surface measuring head is preferably formed at least with an at least partially flat surface, at least in cross section. This ensures optimum contact with a substantially flat surface or a substantially flat wall section. More preferably, at least one of the sensors is designed as a radial sensor or radiometer measuring head for testing a curved wall section. For this purpose, the sensor has a form adapted to the curved wall section or corner area in order to be able to carry out an optimal test, in particular that the corresponding shape is designed to rest against the curved wall section or corner area in an arcuate, in particular circular segment-like, cross section. Preferably, the sensors are mounted interchangeably in particular in the sensor assembly associated sensor holders. The hollow body is preferably formed of a composite material, in particular fiber (plastic) composite material and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Such materials are characterized by particular difficulties in the test, since in particular many measurement methods on electrical and excrete magnetic base. The ultrasonic method shown here is particularly suitable.

In particular, the linear drive is designed to enable a substantially linear movement, in particular method and / or displacement, of the sensor arrangement. The translation devices, in particular the linear drive and / or the linkage or the at least one push rod, are mounted such that the sensor devices are movable through the entire longitudinal extent of the hollow body through this. For this purpose, the translation device is movable through the interior of the hollow body or the respective chamber. The translation device is more preferably longer than the hollow body or the corresponding wall to be tested or the wall section or the corner region. This can be done by moving the sensor assembly by means of the linear drive practically in one operation, a complete test in the longitudinal direction of the hollow body. The linear drive preferably has at least one linear element, which is preferably designed as a rod, rod, rack or the like. Several of the linear elements are connected to each other in particular by joints, in order to allow a bending or pivoting of the linear elements relative to each other, preferably in a common plane. Preferably, at least one support element is provided on the linear drive in order to prevent unintentional kinking under shear loading in the interior of the hollow body by supporting on the wall thereof. The translation device is preferably connected in the region of one of its end regions with the at least one sensor arrangement, in particular detachable. Preferably, the preferably acting at least in the vertical direction supporting member to a strut, a slider, a roller or the like. Thus, the linear drive can be secured in particular against bending by the acting force of gravity or shear stress. In addition, possible damage to the hollow body are prevented by a bent support member. The linear drive can in particular also have at least one joint for angled feed. More preferably, the linear drive with the at least one sensor arrangement is preferably detachably connectable. This ensures that a coupling or decoupling of the linear drive of the sensor arrangement allows becomes. This may be the case when the sensor assembly is to be passed completely through the interior of a hollow body, that is used at one end face of the hollow body and taken out at the other again. More preferably, the linear drive and / or the linkage or the push rod is at least partially disposed within and partially outside of the hollow body or its chamber. For example, the drive may be mounted outside, while at least a part of the linear element is moved at least during the test within the hollow body. The push rod or the linkage can in particular be designed in a manner similar to the linear drive with joints, linear elements and Abstützorgangen.

Preferably, the linear drive is at least substantially configured to allow linear movement. As a form of movement of the sensor arrangement are in particular a method, moving and the like into consideration. The linear drive is further preferably mounted such that the sensor arrangement is movable at least almost along the entire longitudinal extent of the hollow body. This movement preferably takes place completely through the interior of the hollow body. Thus, the test can be carried out at least substantially over the entire longitudinal extension of the hollow body away. Of the

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor arrangement and / or the linear drive is equipped with a drive device for moving the sensor arrangement or has such. The particular motor drive device is preferably arranged outside of the hollow body. Thus, a decoupling of the sensor arrangement of the linear drive can take place. On the other hand, a stable basis for moving the sensor arrangement by means of the linear drive is made possible. The drive can be done for example by means of gear on the drive device and / or rack on the linear drive. Preferably, the linear drive has a longitudinal extent such that a test of substantially the entire wall section or corner area to be tested can be performed in one Operation. Preferably, not only a small part of the wall section or corner region to be tested is tested, but essentially the entire longitudinal extent of the chamber or of the hollow body. In particular, the longitudinal extent of the translation device alone, such as the linear drive and also of the linkage, or the combination of translation device and sensor arrangement corresponds at least substantially to the longitudinal extent of the hollow body or the wall section or corner area to be tested. More preferably, the sensor arrangement is at least substantially movable by means of the linear drive through the entire and / or along the entire longitudinal extension of the hollow body. In particular, the sensor arrangement can be connected to an inlet device and / or an outlet device. This serves to allow insertion or removal of the sensor arrangement in the hollow body, while a test can also already be done during insertion or removal. A coupling of the translation devices with each other, preferably of the at least one linear drive with the linkage, preferably the push rod, can be effected in particular by means of a coupling device. A positionally correct positioning of the hollow body to the translation device is preferably carried out by means of at least one particular cone-shaped centering on the bearing devices for insertion into the end regions of the hollow body.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1 is a sketch-like representation of three side views of a

Embodiment of the invention in the examination of a wall portion of a hollow body in three working sections, Fig. 2 shows a linear drive according to the invention in a side view,

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a sensor arrangement for testing a

Wall section, 4 is a side sectional view of the device of FIG. 3,

Fig. 5 is a detailed illustration of a device for testing a

Wall section of a hollow body in two different positions in a side view,

6 is a detailed plan view of a device according to FIG. 5,

7 is a sketch of a second embodiment of the

Invention in the testing of a wall section of a hollow body,

8 shows a sensor arrangement according to the invention for testing

9 shows a perspective and detailed illustration according to FIG. 8, FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention for

Examination of corner areas in a superposition of two examination positions,

11 is a side view of an overall view of an embodiment,

12 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a detail view of the measuring arrangement with four sensor arrangements according to FIG. 11, and

14 shows a further detail view of the measuring arrangement with four

Sensor arrangements according to FIG. 11.

Elongated hollow bodies 10, 100 such as masts, rotor blades of wind turbines or landing flaps or wings of aircraft have to stabilize or subdivide into a plurality of chambers 12 partitions 14. These intermediate walls 14 extend inside the Hollow body 10, 100. The intermediate walls 14 often extend from a first outer wall 16 to a second outer wall 18. With the respective inner sides of the outer walls 16 and 18, the intermediate walls 14 are usually connected such that a corner portion 20 is formed. This corner region 20 is formed by the angular arrangement of the respective intermediate wall 14 to the outer wall 16 and 18, wherein the angle often corresponds at least substantially or almost a right angle. The corner region 20 may be formed by the corresponding manufacturing, joining or joining methods, for example as a rounded, at least partially angular or angular area. Alternatively, however, corners or corner regions 20 may arise with sections of planar areas.

The corner regions 20 and the intermediate walls 14 are not accessible to external testing via the outer walls 16 and 18, respectively, since they are at least partially located too far away in the interior. Accordingly, according to the invention, a sensor arrangement 24, 96 is introduced into a chamber 12 of a hollow body 10, 100. For the purpose of testing, this sensor arrangement 24, 96 is moved along the intermediate wall 14 or the corner region 20 within the hollow body 10, 100. For the actual test, the sensor arrangement 24, 96 has at least one sensor 26, 112, 114, 116, 118, which is frequently designed as an ultrasonic sensor. Such a sensor 26, 112, 1 4, 1 16, 118 or ultrasonic sensor is brought into contact with the material to be tested, in this case the corresponding intermediate wall 14 or the corner region 20, 120, 122, 124, 126. By emitting (ultra-) sound waves, their measurement after contact with the material to be tested and a corresponding evaluation, conclusions can be drawn on the material properties, in particular on defects, cracks, inclusions and the like.

The first embodiment of the invention described here relates to a device and a method for testing a wall section 22 of an intermediate wall 14 of a hollow body 10, 100.

For testing, a sensor arrangement 24 is used. This sensor arrangement 24 has at least one sensor 26, which is designed here as an area sensor is. In the present case, this is an ultrasonic sensor. However, other measuring methods, such as magnetic or inductive measuring methods, radiative, ie radiating measuring methods, for example based on electromagnetic radiation of different wavelength ranges are basically also considered, if the corresponding materials permit. The sensor 26 is guided to test a wall portion 22 along this. In order to obtain meaningful measurement results, he must be in contact with the test area, at least if it is an ultrasonic sensor. In order to bring the sensor 26 into contact with the intermediate wall 14 or the corner region 20, the sensor arrangement 24 has a plurality of spring elements.

The sensor 26 is mounted in a holder 28 and mounted pivotably relative to a base 30 of the sensor arrangement 28. The base 30 is connected to a carriage 40 which is movable within the chamber 12 of the hollow body 10 at least in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 12. The carriage 40 has at least two rollers 41 or more, in particular three or four wheels, with which it rests on a lower wall portion 42 in the interior of the chamber 12 and is movable there. Since the base 30 of the sensor assembly 24, and thus the sensor holder 28 with the arms 32 and 34 is laterally attached to the carriage 40, the carriage 40 must be supported against tilting. For this purpose, the carriage 40 at its upper region on a support or a strut 44 which is movable with two pivotable arms 46, 48 in the vertical direction and against another, above the carriage 40 arranged wall portion 16 can be pressed. Thus, the carriage 40 can be moved within the hollow body 10 in order to move the sensor arrangement 24 with the sensor 26 along the intermediate wall 14 to be tested or the wall section 22 to be tested. In particular, the sensor 26 can be inserted into a beginning of a first open end portion 43 of the chamber 12 of the hollow body 10 and are moved completely along the wall portion 22 in the longitudinal direction up to another end portion of the hollow body in the longitudinal direction. A pivotable mounting is achieved by the arrangement of two arms 32 and 34 between the base 30 and the sensor holder 28. Due to the parallel arrangement of the two arms 32 and 34 takes place when pivoting the sensor holder 28 relative to the base 30, only a parallel displacement of the sensor holder 28 relative to the base 30. The spatial orientation of the sensor holder 28 and thus the sensor 26 does not change.

The pivoting of the sensor holder 28 relative to the base 30 takes place in the test according to the invention by means of the sensor arrangement 24 substantially in the vertical direction, which is shown for example in Fig. 1 by an arrow 36 and lying in the sheet plane upwards. Since, contrary to the direction of the arrow 36, the force of gravity also acts on the sensor holder 28, the arms 32, 34 are spring-loaded by means of a torsion spring 38. The force of the torsion spring 38 is directed in the direction of arrow 36. The strength of the spring can be just chosen so that the downwardly acting gravity is just compensated for the sensor holder 28, so the sensor holder 28 is held by the torsion spring 38 substantially in their respective position. However, the torsion spring 38 is preferably sufficiently strong to pivot the sensor holder 28 by means of the arms 32 and 34 against gravity upwards.

Without changing the relative position of the sensor 26 or the sensor holder 28 relative to the base 30 of the sensor arrangement 24, only a part or a strip, ie only a single test surface 52, 54 or 56 of a wide wall section 22 to be tested, can be examined , This is due to the fact that the sensor 26 has a transverse dimension in the vertical direction (in the direction of the arrow 36), which is usually smaller than the vertical extent of the chamber 12. In the present case, a case is shown in Fig. 1, in which the Wall section 22 must be divided into three test areas 52, 54 and 56 in order to be able to be fully examined. An adjustability of the position of the sensor assembly 24 is always necessary if, as in this case, a tapered component to be tested. In order to be able to test each of the test surfaces 52, 54 and 56 shown, a plurality of setting positions 58, 60 and 62 for the pivoting range of the arms 32 and 34 are therefore provided here. With the stakeout positions 58, 60 and 62, the pivoting range of the sensor holder 28 relative to the base 30 can be limited to the top.

The staking positions 58, 60, 62 are chosen in the present case as an example for the three test surfaces 52, 54, 56 shown. Depending on the size ratios, for example in more or less than three test areas, for example in the case of a narrower or wider sensor 26 or wider wall sections, these can be varied or adjusted correspondingly in terms of position and number. By placing a latch, for example a bolt, at a staking position 58, 60, 62, the corresponding pivoting range of the arms 32 and 34 is restricted.

At the first staking position 58, the sensor holder 28 is locked in its lowermost position, so that the sensor 26 sweeps over the test surface 52 of the wall portion 22 directly on or above the lower wall portion 42. Thus, a deflection of the arms 32 and 34 in the vertical upward direction is almost completely suppressed.

By locking in the second setting position 60, the maximum pivoting range of the arms 32 and 34 extends to a maximum approximately to the middle of the cross section of the chamber 12, as shown in Fig. 1. However, here the sensor holder 28 can be pivoted downwards in the vertical direction down to the lower wall region 42, despite being locked at the setting position 60. This is the case, for example, when the carriage 40 has been moved to the right with the sensor arrangement 24 as far as the abutment point 64 of the test surface 54. At the point, the sensor holder 28 abuts the obliquely downwardly extending portion of the wall portion 50. In order for the carriage 40 to be moved further to the right with the sensor assembly 24, the sensor holder 28 must deflect and pivot downward by pivoting the arms 32 and 34. This results in a sloping test surface 54. When moving back the carriage 40 with the sensor assembly 24 to the left, pivot the arms 32 and 34, the sensor holder 28 again continuously in the vertical upward direction that always at least the front upper edge 66 of the sensor holder 28 abuts the upper wall portion 50. As soon as the sensor holder 28 moves further beyond the abutment point 64 to the left, the effect of the staking position 60 engages. Thus, the pivoting range of the arms 32 and 34 is limited upward and the sensor holder 28 is maintained at a constant height of the horizontal portion of the test surface 54.

When locking the arms 32 and 34 at the third Absteckposition 62, the sensor holder 28 remains adjacent between the position on the lower wall portion 42 adjacent to the upper wall portion 50 adjacent pivotally. When the carriage 40 with the sensor holder 28 moves to the right in the direction of the flat tapered portion of the hollow body 10, 100, the sensor holder 28 abuts the abutment point 68 with the edge 66 against the upper edge region 50 of the chamber 12. Also in this case, the sensor holder 28 pivoted downward against the spring force of the torsion spring 38 to allow the further movement of the sensor assembly 24 to the right. Accordingly, the test surface 56 extends obliquely downwards starting from the abutment point 68. In a return movement, the sensor holder 28 pivots back accordingly. The superimposition of the three test surfaces 52, 54 and 56 ensures complete coverage of the entire wall section 22 to be tested. Thus, with three sensor movements along the longitudinal extent of the chamber 12, 90, the complete wall section 22 to be tested can be examined. In particular, the test can be carried out in the case of a multiple back and forth movement of the sensor arrangement 24, 96 in the horizontal direction. A first test of the test surface 52 then takes place, for example, during a movement to the right. The test surface 54 is then inspected in the left-hand backward motion to finally test the test surface 56 for a further rightward movement. The order of the procedure is of course reversible. The carriage 40 with the sensor assembly 24 is moved by means of a linear drive 70 and 98, respectively. The linear drive 70 has an attachment 74 for a sensor arrangement 24 or a carriage 40 at an end region 72. The other end region 76 of the elongate linear drive 70 is mounted on a drive device 78. The drive device 78 serves to move the linear drive 70 along a horizontal direction of movement, which is identified by the arrow 80. For this purpose, the linear drive 70 on a rack 82 which is engageable with a gear 84 of the drive means 78 in engagement. By turning the gear 84, for example by means of a motor, the rack 82 can be moved relative to the drive means 78. By the rack 82 is formed sufficiently long to extend at least substantially along the entire or by the entire longitudinal extension of the chamber 12, the sensor assembly 24 connected to the rack 82 can be moved through the entire chamber 12.

The rack 82 has an additional strut 86, which is vertically extendable upwards and there by means of a slider 88 with an upper wall portion 50 of the chamber 12 is brought into contact, so that the strut 86 pushes the rack 82 down. This ensures that on the one hand the carriage 40 also rests on the lower wall portion 42 and on the other hand, the rack 82 rests on the gear 84. In addition, a buckling of the rack 82 is prevented in long components to be tested, especially when a thrust force acts on the rack 82. This also applies to the case where the linear drive 70, 98 or the rack 82 has one or more joints 108, 110.

The sensor holder 28 has two rollers 160 and 162 to reduce the friction with the corresponding wall portion 22 to be tested. On the other hand, the sensor 26 is repelled by the sensor holder 28 by two spring members 164 and 166 and pressed against the wall portion 22 so as to slide along the wall portion 22 during movement of the sensor assembly 24. The hollow body 10, 100 is mounted on two bearings 102 and 104. The bearing 102 arranged on the left-hand end region 92 of the hollow body 10, 100 or on the chamber 90 is formed shorter or shorter than the bearing 104 on the right-hand end region 94 of the hollow body 10, 100 or the chamber 90. Accordingly, the right-hand end region 94 a higher position than the left end portion 92 and is above. The chamber 90 has a lower wall portion 106, which therefore runs at a small angle from obliquely to bottom left to top right.

Accordingly, either a linear drive 70 or a feed system of the first embodiment can be used, which then has to be mounted at an angle in order to be inserted into the hollow body (10, 100) and pushed completely through. However, if the linear drive 70 is not completely rigid, but has, for example, joints, the mounting of the rack 82 can be substantially horizontal, while the sensor arrangement 24 or 96 is moved obliquely upwards or downwards within the corresponding chambers 12 and 90, respectively. For this purpose, the linear drive 70 has a plurality of linear elements 109, which are connected by one or more joints 108, 110. The joints 108, 110 ensure that a kinking at individual locations is possible. The strut 86 serves to prevent unwanted kinking of the rack 82 when thrusting in the longitudinal direction, ie horizontally in the direction 80 at the joint 108, 110.

A further embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail mainly with reference to FIGS. 5 to 0 of the drawing.

In order to be able to test the corner regions 20 of one of the chambers 90 or 12 of the hollow body 10, 100 according to the invention, a special device is required. FIG. 7 shows, as a hollow body 10, 100, a part of a landing flap for an aircraft with a plurality of chambers 90. The chamber 90 has a larger cross section at the left end region 92 in the drawing than at the right end region 94. Both end regions 92, 94 of the chamber 90 are in this case open. A sensor assembly 96 may be inserted through the end portion 92 into the chamber 90, optionally with the aid of an inserter. It is then moved within the chamber 90 by means of a linear drive 98, which is similar or identical to the linear drive 70 of the first embodiment. For this purpose, the linear drive 70, 98 is coupled to the sensor arrangement 96.

The sensor arrangement 96 has four sensors 112, 114, 116 and 118. The sensors 112, 114, 16, 118 are designed as radial sensors suitable for testing corner regions 20, 120, 122, 124, 126 of the chamber 90 (also 12).

Accordingly, they have a substantially rounded cross-sectional shape, which can be brought into contact with the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the corner region 120 to be examined. This cross-sectional shape can be seen particularly well in FIG. 10.

! 5

The chamber 90 essentially has the four corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126. Each of these four corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126 is assigned in each case to one of the sensors 112, 114, 16, 118. In each case, two sensors 112 and 116 or 114 and 118 respectively form a sensor pair 128 or 130. Such a sensor pair 128 is inserted diagonally into the chamber 90, such that the sensor 112 the corner region 120 and the sensor 116 the corner region 124th assigned. Accordingly, the other sensor pair 130 is also inserted diagonally into the chamber 90, such that the sensor 114 comes to lie in the corner region 122 and the sensor 118 in the corner region 126.

25

Each pair of sensors 128, 130 has two spring elements 132, 134 and 136, 138, respectively. Each of the sensors 112, 114, 16, 118 is embedded in a sensor holder 140, 142, 144, 146, respectively. The spring elements 132 and 134 serve the sensor holders 140, 142 of the sensor pair 128 and 30 so that the sensors 1 12 and 116 move apart, so they almost always independent of the cross-sectional dimension come diagonally in the two corner regions 120 and 124 to the plant. The same applies to the spring elements 136 and 138 of the sensor pair 130 corresponding to the corner regions 122 and 126. In a small cross-section of the chamber 90 are the Spring elements 132, 134, 136 and 138 respectively compressed, while correspondingly expand in a large cross section of the chamber. The two sensor pairs 128 and 130 operate independently, so that different cross-sectional changes in the movement in the two diagonal directions of the chamber 12 can be compensated.

The two sensor pairs 128 and 130 are interconnected. For this purpose, semi-rigid (pipe) connections 148 are provided. Thus, it is ensured that a free mobility of the sensors 112, 114, 116 and 118 is ensured in the respective corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126 and moving the entire sensor assembly 96 comprising the two sensor pairs 128, 130 including the connection 148 along the Longitudinal extent of the chamber 90 is ensured. The sensor holders 24 and 140, 142, 144, 146 have rollers 160 and 162 or 156 and 158, which are suitable for running along or rolling on the respective corner region 20 or 120, 122, 124, 126, so as to Minimize friction. Only the sensors 112, 114, 116, 118 thus rub against the corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126.

In further illustrations of an embodiment of the invention, the device according to the invention and its use is described in particular with the method according to the invention. In the present case, the hollow body 10, 100 illustrated here is an aircraft wing 180. In its interior, it has at least one cavity along its longitudinal extent in the form of a chamber 12, 90. In the aircraft wing 180 shown here, a total of three chambers 12, 90 are present. The aircraft wing 180 is mounted above a ground 182 by means of two bearing devices 184 and 186, which correspond to the abovementioned bearings 102 and 104, respectively. The orientation of the aircraft wing 180 is substantially horizontal. As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 11 and 12, the aircraft carrying surface 180 is in the vertical direction with its long transverse edge aligned. Accordingly, the three chambers 12, 90 lie one above the other in the vertical direction. The short transverse edge thus lies substantially in the horizontal direction. The plane of the aircraft wing 180 thus extends substantially perpendicular. This avoids that the aircraft wing 180 bends down due to the applied gravity, as would be the case with a horizontal storage.

The aircraft wing 180 tapers in front of its end region mounted on the left bearing device 184 to the end region mounted on the right bearing device 186. As a result, the cross section of the chambers 12, 90 disposed within the aircraft wing 180 also decreases from left to right.

The bearing of the aircraft wing 180 on the bearing devices 84 and 186 by means of so-called centering 172. These centering 172 are matched with their outer dimensions on the cross section of the chambers 12, 90 at least substantially accurate fit. This means that the centering bodies 172 can be inserted into the chambers 12, 90 individually or at least in combination of several centering bodies 172 in such a way that relative displaceability perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the aircraft support surface 180, ie in the horizontal or vertical direction, is prevented. This is achieved in that the centering body or bodies 172 rest against the inner wall of the chambers 12, 90 at at least two points per spatial direction and thus fix the aircraft carrying surface 180.

Preferably, the centering bodies 172 are formed with a round cross section. From their attachment to the bearing surface 184 and 186 in the plane of Fig. 11 and 12 pointing to the right, or left, the centering 172 are each pointing in the direction of the support surface 180 conically tapered. This ensures that insertion into the chambers 12, 90 is facilitated.

In the illustration of FIGS. 1 1 and 12, an essential part of the device described here extends on the left side of the bearing device 184. These are on the one hand to a bearing rail 188 for storage and to drive the actual translation device with the linear drive 70, 98. In addition, a control station 190 is also provided, which is operated here by an employee.

The linear drive 70, 98 is formed on the one hand by the rack 82, which is driven by means of the gear 84 by a motor 192. Thus, the rack 82 can be moved along the bearing rail 188. At the left end portion of the rack 82 is a coupling device 194. This coupling device 194 serves to connect to the rack 82, a further push rod 170. This push rod 170 is arranged in the present case below the rack 82 parallel to this running. The push rod 170 is also mounted on the Lagerschtene 188. At the right end portion of both the rack 82 and the push rod 170 a plurality of sensor assemblies 24, 96 are arranged. These sensor assemblies 24, 96 are connected to either the push rod 170 or the rack 82. The length of both the rack 82 and the push rod 170 is selected such that the distance between the coupling device 194 and the sensor arrangement 24, 96 corresponds at least to the longitudinal extent of the aircraft wing 180. This ensures that the sensor arrangements 24, 96 can be pushed once completely through the interior of the aircraft carrying surface 180 in order to leave them at the other end region, without the coupling device 194 compellingly abutting the left end region of the aircraft carrying surface 180. In addition, then, by means of the coupling device 194, a uniform and common parallel feed of the rack 82 and the push rod 170 through the interior of the aircraft wing 180 can be provided.

The bearing rail 188 is supported by a plurality of supports 196 on the substrate 182. These supports serve on the one hand to ensure a straight course of the bearing rail 188 without bending. For this purpose, the supports 196 are substantially equidistant along the longitudinal extent of Bearing rail 188 arranged. In addition, the supports 196 are height-adjustable connected to the bearing rail 188. By the position in the vertical direction of the bearing rail 188 relative to the supports 196 is changed each different degrees, a more or less large angle of the bearing rail 188 can be adjusted to the ground 182. The mounting of the bearing rail 188 on the left bearing device 184 is also adjustable in height. Thus, the total height of the bearing rail 188 relative to the ground 182 and also the included between the bearing rail 188 and the ground 182 angle can be changed. This angle adjustment may be required to accommodate the course of the chambers 12, 90 of the aircraft wing 180 to be tested. As shown in Fig. 11, the upper edge of the uppermost chamber 12, 90 parallel to the ground 182. Due to the taper of the chambers 12, 90 from the left to the right end of the aircraft wing 180 and the same decreasing transverse dimension thereof in the vertical direction, run Partitions 14 between the chambers 12, 90 and thus also the chambers themselves increasingly from top to bottom, each having a larger angle to the ground 182. This means that the chambers 12, 90 run inversely from bottom left to top right.

In the illustration of FIG. 11, the sensor arrangements 24, 96 are arranged above the storage device 184. In order for these to enter the chambers 12, 90 and drive them completely from the left to the right end region, it is necessary to adjust the inclination of the bearing rails 188 to the course of the respective chamber 12, 90 to be tested. Accordingly, the bearing rail 188 corresponding to the lower in this case to be tested chamber 12, 90 at the same angle to the ground 182 as this lower chamber 12, 90. As soon as an overlying chamber 12, 90 is to be measured, accordingly the height or vertical position of the sensor assemblies 24, 96 relative to the hollow body 10, 100 adapted for entry into the corresponding chamber 12, 90. The angle of the bearing rail 188 to the ground 182 is the corresponding angle of the lower wall of the corresponding Chamber 12, 90 of the aircraft wing 180 also adapted, parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the chamber 12, 90 or to one of the side walls thereof. The height adjustment of the bearing rail 188 relative to the supports 196 and against the bearing device 184 is carried out in the present case by motor, but can also be done manually.

To permit simultaneous testing of both the corner portions 120, 122, 124, 126 of the chamber 12, 90 as well as the intervening surface or walls of the chamber 12, 90 are a sensor assembly 96 with two diagonally arranged sensor pairs 128 and 130 for testing from all four corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126 and at the same time, in particular, two sensor arrangements 24 are provided for testing inner wall sections 22. However, in general, not all sensor arrays 24 and 96 may be used in the one chamber 12, 90 due to the tight space and to improve measurement accuracy. Accordingly, the sensor assembly 96 is inserted into the corresponding chamber 12, 90 together with one of the sensor assemblies 24. At the same time, the second sensor arrangement 24 is inserted into an adjacent chamber 12, 90 for testing the wall section 22 of the intermediate wall 14 from the other side. Thus, both the lower and the upper wall portion 22 of the chamber 12, 90 can be tested simultaneously. Inside the same chamber, the two sensor arrangements 24 would not have sufficient space opposite one another, especially as the taper of the aircraft wing 180 only provides for a clear decrease in the cross section.

In order to be able to insert the two sensor arrangements 24 into notable chambers 12, 90 and to be able to pass them completely, separate translation devices are necessary. Accordingly, here one of the sensor assemblies 24 in the upper chamber 12, 90 is connected to the rack 82, while the other sensor assembly 24 and the sensor assembly 96 in the lower chamber 12, 90 is connected to the separate push rod. To a simultaneous and parallel feed of the two sensor arrangements 24 and to ensure the sensor arrangement 96, the two translation devices, namely the push rod 170 and the rack 82, connected to each other by means of the coupling device 194. Optionally, the coupling device 194 may also be releasably connected to the push rod 170 and the rack 82, respectively, to allow for assembly or disassembly.

The method according to the invention and the mode of operation of the device are the following:

To test the wall regions 22 of the intermediate walls 14 and the corner regions 20, 120, 122, 124 and 126 of the hollow body 10, 100 and the aircraft wing 180, the sensor assemblies 24, 96 must be inserted into this chamber 12, 90 and moved through it completely , For this purpose, the sensor arrangement 24 and 96 are first positioned in front of the end-side opening of the respective chamber 12, 90. This is accomplished by appropriate height adjustment of the bearing device 184 and the supports 196. In addition, in order to pass the sensor arrangements 24, 96 through the chamber 12, 90, the angle of the bearing rail 188 to the ground 182 and thus the angle of the rack 82 or the push rod 170 must be adapted to the angle of the chamber 12, 90 to the ground 172. The angles are at least substantially identical. For this purpose, the vertical positions of the bearing rail 188 are adjusted according to the supports 196. The longitudinal extension of the toothed rack 82 or the push rod should then be arranged at least essentially on a line with the longitudinal central axis 198 of the chamber 12, 90 to be tested, or ideally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the lower wall of the chamber 12, 90.

The rack 82 and push rod 170 move into adjacent chambers 12, 90. In the case shown here is the push rod 170 with the sensor assembly 96 for testing the corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126 and one of the sensor assemblies 24 for testing the lower wall portion 22 of the lower chamber 12, 90 in this lower chamber 12, 90th Der upper wall portion 22 of the lower chamber 12, 90 and the upper Between wall 14 is checked by means of the second sensor assembly 24 from above from the overlying chamber 12, 90. For this purpose, this upper sensor arrangement 24 is connected to the rack 82. The rack 82 and the push rod 170 are strongly interconnected by the coupling device 194 at their left end portion. This is provided at a feed of the rack 82 in the direction of its longitudinal extension for just such a feed of the push rod 170. The sensor assemblies 24 and 96 thus move simultaneously through the adjacent chambers 12, 90. Thus, a uniform and simultaneous testing of the corresponding wall sections 22 and the corner regions 120, 122, 124, 126 is ensured.

If further internal chambers are to be checked, further toothed racks 82 or rods or push rods 170 can also be provided, which can then likewise be coupled together. This can be tested virtually any number of surfaces or corners. The corresponding effort for testing thus drops considerably compared to a single test.

After the sensor assembly 24, 96 has been inserted through the open end portion 92 in the chamber 12, 90, it is optionally connected to the linear drive 70, 98, to be pushed by the latter through the chamber 12, 90 to the second end portion 94. For this purpose, a motor 192 is preferably used to drive the toothed rack 82. Since the sensors 26, 12, 14, 16, 120 in any case abut against the corner regions 20, 120, 122, 124, 126, a measurement or test is performed the material properties of the corner regions 20, 120, 122, 124, 126 ensured. This is also the spring force of the spring elements 132, 134, 136, 138, which provides for a minimum system pressure and thus a good contact of the sensors 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 118. This is particularly important for a test by means of ultrasonic sensors, which are used as sensors 26, 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18. The sensor arrangements 24, 96 can be retracted into different chambers 12, 90.

At the end region 94, the sensor arrangement 24, 96 can be taken out of the chamber 12, 90, insofar as it is an open end region 94. For this purpose, the linear drive 70, 98 is then either from the sensor arrangement Disconnect 24, 96, which is ensured by a detachable coupling 150 between the linear actuator 70, 98 and the sensor assembly 24, 96. Alternatively, the linear drive 70, 98 can be threaded out of engagement of the drive device 78. Then the linear drive 70, 98 and the rack 82 is also removed from the open end portion 94 of the chamber 12, 90. The sensors 26, 1 12, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18 are supported in the sensor holders 28, 140, 142, 144, 146. In this case, to ensure good contact with the corner region 20, 120, 122, 124, 126 to be tested, respectively two spring elements 164, 166 and 152, 154 are arranged between the respective sensor and the associated sensor holder, so that the sensor 24, 112, 1 14, 1 16, 118 is repelled in the direction of the respective corner region and is pressed to selbigen. Alternatively, the sensor arrangements 24, 96 are pulled out of the hollow body 10, 100 in the opposite direction by means of the translation devices.

Overall, there are some similarities and also differences between the various embodiments, some of which are not described in detail, but can be deduced from the context or the drawings. The individual features of the described exemplary embodiments or individual aspects of the invention can in principle be combined with one another to form a complete work.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 hollow body 102 storage

12 chamber 104 storage

14 intermediate wall 106 wall area

16 outer wall 108 joint

18 outer wall 109 linear element

20 corner area 1 10 joint

22 wall section 112 sensor

24 Sensor arrangement 1 14 Sensor

26 Sensor 1 16 Sensor

28 Sensor holder 118 Sensor

30 base 120 corner area

32 arm 122 corner area

34 arm 124 corner area

36 arrow 126 corner area

38 torsion spring 128 sensor pair

40 cars 130 sensor pair

41 rollers 132 spring element

42 wall area 134 spring element

43 end region 136 spring element

44 strut 138 spring element

45 End area 140 Sensor holder

46 arm 142 sensor holder

48 arm 144 sensor holder

50 Wall area 146 Sensor holder

52 Test surface 148 Connection

54 test surface 150 coupling

56 Test surface 152 Spring element

58 Stakeout position 154 Spring element

60 Stake position 156 Roller

62 Stakeout position 158 Roller

64 kick point 160 roller

66 edge 162 roller

68 abutment point 164 spring element

70 linear actuator 166 spring element

72 end section 70 push rod

74 Coupling 172 Centering body

76 end area 180 aircraft wing

78 Drive device 182 Underground

80 arrow 84 storage device

82 rack 186 storage device

84 Gear 188 Bearing rail

86 strut 90 operator

88 slider 192 engine

90 chamber 194 coupling device

92 end section 196 support

94 end portion 198 longitudinal center axis

96 sensor arrangement

98 linear drive

100 hollow bodies

Claims

claims

1. A method for testing a wall section (22) and / or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of a hollow body (10, 100), comprising at least one sensor arrangement (24, 96) with preferably at least one sensor (26, 1 12, 1 14, 116, 1 18), in particular at least one ultrasonic sensor, wherein the sensor arrangement (24, 96) relative to the wall section (22) to be tested and / or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of Hollow body (10, 100) is moved, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) at least partially through the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) along a in the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) arranged to be tested wall portion (22) and / or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) is moved.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor arrangement (24, 96) by at least one translation device, preferably at least one linear drive (70, 98) and / or at least one linkage, in particular at least one push rod (170) moves is, preferably at least almost through the entire longitudinal extent of the interior of the hollow body (10, 100), wherein preferably the linear drive (70, 98) is driven, in particular motor, and / or wherein the linkage is moved with the linear drive.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the linear drive (70, 98) outside the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) is mounted, preferably on the outside of the hollow body (10, 100) and / or on a bearing means for storage the linear drive (70, 98) and / or the hollow body (10, 100), particularly preferably at least while the sensor arrangement (24, 96) in the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) is moved, and / or that the linear drive (70, 98) outside and / or inside the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) is supported, in particular on an inner wall portion (22) and / or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) of the

Sensor arrangement (24, 96), which is arranged in particular in the edge region of the sensor arrangement (22, 96), preferably at least during the movement of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) the wall portion (22) to be tested, in particular an intermediate wall (14), or Corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) is approached and / or brought into contact with and / or in the plant, and / or that with a plurality of sensors (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) substantially parallel and / or simultaneously different wall sections (22) or corner regions (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) are tested.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) with an abutment, preferably a further sensor (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) and / or a guide means on a wall section (22) or corner area (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10) arranged substantially opposite the wall section (22) or corner area (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) to be tested , 100), wherein preferably by the further sensor (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) in particular substantially parallel or simultaneously for testing the first wall section (22) or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the oppositely disposed wall portion (22) or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) is checked, and / or that the transverse dimensions of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) by the sensor arrangement ( 24, 96) associated, in particular spring-loaded expansion means are enlarged, un d) or that the transverse dimensions of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) are limited and / or reduced by external action and / or abutment means.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) for removal from

2011017469.doc the hollow body (10, 100) is connected to an outlet device, wherein the outlet device is preferably connected to a part of the linear drive (70, 98), wherein in particular the sensor arrangement (24, 96) and / or the linear drive (70, 98) sections when moving out the sensor arrangement (24, 96) from the hollow body (10, 100) within the hollow body (10, 100) stored and / or driven, and / or that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) for insertion into the hollow body (10 , 100) is connected to an insertion device, wherein the sensor arrangement (24, 96) is precompressed by the insertion device, in particular with respect to its transverse dimensions, preferably substantially to the cross section of the hollow body (10, 100) or smaller.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the wall portion (22) and / or the corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) at least partially made of a composite material, in particular fiber - (Plastic) composite material and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is formed, and / or that the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) into a plurality of cavities, in particular a plurality of chambers (12, 90) is divided.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of translation devices, in particular at least one linear drive (70, 98) and / or at least one linkage, preferably at least one push rod (170) arranged at least substantially parallel to each other and / or each other be coupled and / or preferably at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the translation devices, in particular of the linear drive (70, 98) and / or the linkage, preferably the push rod (170), are moved together, and / or that a plurality of sensor assemblies (24, 96) together, preferably coupled together, in particular at least substantially parallel to each other by particular adjacent cavities, preferably chambers (12, 90) of the hollow body (10, 100) are moved.

2011017469.doc

9. Apparatus for testing a wall section (22) and / or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of a hollow body (10, 100), preferably a wall section (22) arranged in the interior of the hollow body (10, 100), preferably an intermediate wall (14), in particular by a method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one sensor arrangement (24, 96) and with at least one translating device, in particular at least one linear drive (70, 98) and / or at least one linkage, in particular a push rod (170), each of the sensor arrangements (24, 96) having at least one sensor (26, 112, 114, 116, 118), in particular at least one ultrasonic sensor, and wherein the at least one sensor arrangement (24, 96) is provided by the linear drive (70, 98) is movable, characterized in that the at least one sensor arrangement (24, 96) by the linear drive (70, 98) arranged on a in the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) to be tested Wandabsc Section (22) and corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body is moved along.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that each translation device, in particular each linear drive (70, 98) and / or the linkage, preferably each push rod (170), at least one, preferably more of the sensor assemblies (24, 96) is assigned or , and / or that each of the translation devices, in particular each linear drive (70, 98) and / or each push rod (170), a separate cavity or a separate chamber (12, 90) is associated.

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) preferably at least during a movement of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) relative to the hollow body (10, 100) with the wall section (22) or wall section to be tested Corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) is brought into contact, preferably by force and / or by spring force, in particular by at least one strut, in particular for tracking the sensors to the wall section or corner region (20, 120 , 122, 124, 126), in particular with different cross sections of the hollow body (10, 100), is provided, and / or that the transverse dimensions of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) are variable.

2011017469.doc

12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) on one of the wall to be tested section (22) and / or corner (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) substantially opposite or ., facing part and / or wall portion (22) and / or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) is supported, preferably by at least one guide element and / or at least one (further) sensor, and / or that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) and / or the guide element sliding members, rolling elements or the like are assigned to reduce the friction.

13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that at least one, preferably each of the sensors (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) is associated with a separate spring element, and / or at least one of the sensors (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) is designed as a surface sensor or surface measuring head for testing a substantially flat wall section (22), and / or that at least one of the sensors (26, 112, 114, 116, 118) is designed as a radial sensor or radial measuring head for testing a curved wall section or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126), and / or that the hollow body (0, 100) and / or the wall section (22) and / or the corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) of the hollow body (10, 100) is at least partially formed from a composite material, in particular fiber (plastic) composite material and / or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), and / or the hollow body (10, 100) at least one, preferably Said plurality of cavities and / or chambers (12, 90), wherein the cavities or chambers (12, 90) at least substantially completely in the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) lying walls, wall sections or corner regions (20, 120, 122, 124, 126).

14. The device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the linear drive (70, 98) at least substantially a linear movement, in particular method and / or displacement of the sensor arrangement (24, 96) allows, and / or that the translation device .

2011017469.doc in particular the linear drive (70, 98) and / or the push rod (1 0), is mounted or are such that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) at least almost over the entire longitudinal extension of the hollow body (10, 100), in particular completely in Longitudinal through the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) or the respective chamber (12, 90) is movable therethrough, and / or that the linear drive (70, 98) has at least one preferably at least vertically acting support member, and / or the linear drive (70, 98) has at least one linear element (109), wherein the linear element (109) is preferably designed as a rod, rod or the like and / or at least one joint (108, 110) for bending or swiveling sections of the Linear element (109) to each other, and / or that the linear drive (70, 98) with the at least one sensor arrangement (24, 96) is in particular detachably connectable, and / or that the linear drive (70, 98) at least partially within and partially outside the interior of the hollow body (10, 100) is arranged.

15. Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) and / or the linear drive (70, 98) has a drive means (78) for moving the sensor arrangement (24, 96), wherein the Drive device (78) preferably outside the hollow body (10, 100) is arranged, and / or that more of the translation devices, in particular at least one of the linear drives (70, 98) and at least a portion of the linkage, preferably at least one of the push rods (170), can be moved together and / or coupled, and / or that the linear drive (70, 98) has such a longitudinal extent, the examination of the entire to be tested wall portion (22) or corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126), preferably the substantially entire longitudinal extent of the hollow body (10, 100) allows, and / or that the longitudinal extension of the linear drive (70, 98) alone or the linear drive (70, 98) together with the sensor arrangement (24 , 96) at least substantially corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the hollow body (10, 100), and / or that the sensor arrangement (24, 96) by means of the linear drive (70, 98) at least substantially through the entire and / or along the entire longitudinal extent of the hollow body (10, 100) is movable, and / or that the

2011017469.doc Sensor arrangement (24, 96) with an inlet device and / or an outlet device is connectable for inserting or removing the sensor assembly (24, 96) in the hollow body (10, 100), during which preferably already an examination of the wall portion (22) or the Corner region (20, 120, 122, 124, 126) can take place, and / or that preferably in the region of the inlet device and / or the outlet device at least one coupling device (194) for the positionally correct, relative positioning or coupling to the hollow body (10, 100 ) is provided, preferably by means of at least one centering body (172).

2011017469.doc