WO2023057579A1 - Device for testing leak-tightness, and associated method - Google Patents

Device for testing leak-tightness, and associated method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023057579A1
WO2023057579A1 PCT/EP2022/077829 EP2022077829W WO2023057579A1 WO 2023057579 A1 WO2023057579 A1 WO 2023057579A1 EP 2022077829 W EP2022077829 W EP 2022077829W WO 2023057579 A1 WO2023057579 A1 WO 2023057579A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sealed
tightness
flexible wall
junction zone
pressure
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Application number
PCT/EP2022/077829
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Luc Regef
Guy DEWAILLY
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Ateq
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2023057579A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023057579A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/36—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting change in dimensions of the structure being tested
    • G01M3/366—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting change in dimensions of the structure being tested by isolating only a part of the structure being tested
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/20—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material
    • G01M3/22—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/226—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/229—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators for containers, e.g. radiators removably mounted in a test cell
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/3281—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators removably mounted in a test cell
    • G01M3/329—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators removably mounted in a test cell for verifying the internal pressure of closed containers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/34—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators by testing the possibility of maintaining the vacuum in containers, e.g. in can-testing machines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/4285—Testing apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of sealing test systems, or leak detection, of sealed parts, such as certain types of batteries, cans, etc. as well as leak test methods on sealed parts.
  • the invention is also of interest for parts having metal casings, preferably completely filled with a material which does not evaporate or hardly evaporates.
  • the device and the method according to the invention advantageously apply to objects comprising at least two parts fixed to each other, as well as at least one flexible wall, the purpose of the invention being to check the tightness at the junction zone of said at least two parts of said sealed part.
  • the sealed parts to be tested generally have little or no empty internal space (or volume).
  • This type of object corresponds in particular to button-type batteries, such as a button cell, certain prismatic batteries, certain cans, etc.
  • the so-called “sealed components” method may not work, because the latter requires that the object under test has a sufficiently large volume or empty internal space that which is not the case with a button battery.
  • Another possibility for testing the tightness of a button battery is to place it under vacuum so that the electrolyte it contains evaporates, however this method has several shortcomings, such as being sensitive to temperature, d be limited in detecting leak size, typically leaks in the order of 10' 3 seem, or not to work with an electrolyte that evaporates with difficulty, or even not at all if it is dried out or in a solid state.
  • Another possible test method is to use a mass spectrometer with a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen.
  • the part to be tested is placed in a closed chamber into which a tracer gas under pressure is injected, then after having purged the gas from the chamber or changed the chamber, a measurement is made of the evolution of the concentration of the tracer gas at the course of time.
  • This so-called tracer gas method has the disadvantages of being expensive, especially in terms of tracer gas, and slow, indeed such a method takes several minutes (in particular because of the transfer of the tracer gas to a test chamber for its quantification).
  • a test method of this type is not compatible with a test on a production line.
  • the invention thus relates to a sealing test system for a sealed part, said sealed part to be tested comprising at least two parts fixed to one another, as well as at least one flexible wall, said system comprising :
  • a leak test device comprising at least one pressure source
  • test support intended to accommodate the part to be tested and which is connected to the pressure source; said test support being configured, on the one hand, so that only one zone of junction of said parts of said part is pressurized by means of the pressure source and, on the other hand, to leave free at least a part of the flexible wall of said part when it is mounted in said support, said device being configured to measure a characteristic quantity making it possible to determine the tightness of the sealed part at the level of said junction zone.
  • This test system is therefore configured to apply a pressure, or an overpressure, in the zone liable to present leaks from the part tested, so that a gas can enter it (such as air), while leaving the possibility for the flexible wall of the sealed part to move, or to deform, thus allowing the envelope of the part to expand if it has a leak or an insufficient level of sealing.
  • a pressure or an overpressure
  • the sealing test device is configured to measure at the level of the junction zone of the sealed part the variation in pressure over time.
  • the measurement of the pressure variation over time makes it possible to verify the presence of a defect at the level of the junction zone and to quantify the level of leakage that it generates. More particularly, the measurement is advantageously carried out in a closed test volume encompassing the junction zone of the part tested or delimited by the latter.
  • the sealing test device is configured to measure the displacement of the flexible wall of said sealed part. Indeed, if the flexible wall moves (or deforms) this indicates the presence of a leak at the junction area. Depending on the displacement of the flexible wall, it is possible to quantify the level of leakage existing at the junction zone of the sealed part.
  • said at least one flexible wall is exposed to vacuum or at least to a pressure below atmospheric pressure.
  • the system comprises an additional leak test device, said device being a tracer gas leak test device.
  • Said tracer gas is for example one or more electrolytes contained in the tested object, helium, hydrogen, a hydrogen-dinitrogen mixture, etc.
  • the additional leak test device comprises a mass spectrometer.
  • the invention also relates to a method for testing the tightness of a sealed part, said sealed part comprising at least two parts fixed to one another, as well as at least one flexible wall, said method including:
  • the characteristic physical quantity measured by the tightness test device is a pressure variation over time in the junction zone of the part tested. More specifically, the decrease in the pressure value over time indicates the presence of a leak at the junction zone.
  • the characteristic quantity measured by the tightness test device is a displacement of said at least one flexible wall.
  • the displacement of said at least one flexible wall indicates the presence of a leak at the junction zone of the sealed part.
  • the method further comprises:
  • the method further comprises:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a sealed part intended to be tested by the system according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a very schematic representation of a leak test system according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a very schematic perspective and exploded view of the test support of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a very schematic cross-sectional view of the test support of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a leak test method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 6 referenced [Fig. 6], is a flowchart of a variant embodiment of the method of figure 5. ]
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a sealed part, more specifically here of a button battery 1.
  • a sealed part can also be a prismatic battery, a tin can, etc. or any other part or object comprising at least two parts, fixed to one another, in particular at the level of a junction zone, and at least one flexible wall or any region of said part able to deform.
  • the button battery 1 of [Fig.1] comprises a casing 2 composed of a cover 3 and a container 4 respectively forming the negative and positive poles of the battery 1.
  • the housing 2 comprises a polymer seal 5 positioned by compression between the lid 3 and the container 4.
  • This polymer seal 5 is preferably made of polypropylene, but it can also be made of polyethylene, or of other thermoplastic resins based on of polyolefins.
  • Said seal 5 is glued to lid 3 and container 4 by means of a layer of glue 6 extending, preferably, over the entire surface of said seal 5.
  • the button cell 1 zone for which it is necessary to test the tightness is the junction zone 11 between the lids 3, the container 4 and the polymer seal 5 (that is to say the contact zone between different parts of the sealed room).
  • the lid 3 and the container 4 are similar to flexible walls capable of deforming under the application of pressure (or force).
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a leak test system 15 according to the invention.
  • Said system 15 thus comprises:
  • a leak test device 17 comprising at least one pressure source 19;
  • test support 21 intended to accommodate the part 1 to be tested (here the button battery) and which is connected to the device 17 and to said at least one pressure source 19.
  • Said test support 21 is configured, on the one hand, so that the junction zone 11 of said parts 3, 4 and 5 of said part 1 is pressurized by means of the pressure source 19 and, on the other hand, to leave free at least a part of the flexible wall 3 or 4 of said part when it is mounted in said support 21 .
  • Said device 17 is in particular configured to measure a characteristic quantity (physical quantity) making it possible to determine the tightness of the sealed part 1. More particularly, the device 17 is for example configured to measure the variation of the pressure during the time in junction area 11, this in particular by means of a pressure sensor (absolute or relative). If the pressure decreases over time, this indicates that there is an opening (or defect) at the level of the junction zone 11 and that the gas (for example air) under pressure injected by said device 17 (at the level of the junction zone 11 ) infiltrates inside the part 1 .
  • a pressure sensor absolute or relative
  • the device 17 can be configured to measure the displacement of the flexible wall 3 or 4 of said sealed part 1. Indeed, the displacement of the wall 3 or 4 under the effect of pressure on the junction zone 11 indicates that there is infiltration of gas under pressure in the part 1 and that there is at least one leak. .
  • the measurement of the displacement of the wall 3 or 4 is carried out in particular by means of an optical sensor, by a mechanical comparator in contact with said wall 3 or 4, and/or by measuring the change in airflow from an orifice placed near the wall 3 or 4, and/or by measuring a change in pressure in a closed volume around the envelope of the piece 1.
  • the sealing test device 17 can measure both the pressure variation at the level of the junction zone 11 and the displacement of the value of the flexible wall 3 or 4, in order to to make the detection of a possible leak on the sealed part 1 more robust.
  • the pressure source 19 of the device 17 can be a compressor, a connection to a compressed air network or simply a pressurized gas cylinder.
  • test support 21 that comprises two parts 21b and 21c, more particularly visible in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], shaped to define a housing 21a for receiving the part 1 to be tested, as well as several O-rings 20, these notably making it possible to isolate the junction zone 11 of the part 1 from the outside.
  • the conformation of the support 21, the O-rings 20 and the junction zone 11 of the part define a test volume 50 (volume intended to be pressurized).
  • the support 21 is thus configured to allow at least one flexible wall 3 or 4 to move freely, in particular by providing one or more recesses 23 in one of the parts of the support 21 .
  • the recesses 23 of the support 21 form a cavity 52 which can be placed under vacuum or at least at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, in order to facilitate the movement of said flexible wall 3 or 4.
  • This reduction of the pressure prevailing in the cavity 52 is for example produced by means of a pump 25.
  • support 21 comprises various channels 40, for example arranged in parts 21b and 21c of said support 21. Said channels 40 are configured to ensure fluid communication between junction zone 50 and/or cavities 52 with other system components 1 .
  • the system 1 also comprises conduits 36, valves 38 and 41, respectively two and three ways, configured to connect the volume 50 of the junction zone 11 and/or the cavities 52 (via the channels 40 ) to the various elements of the system 1, such as the sealing device 17, the pressure source 19, the pump 25, etc.
  • the support 21 advantageously comprises a purge circuit 42 (more particularly illustrated in [Fig. 2]) configured to purge and/or bring to atmospheric pressure the test volume 50 of the junction zone 11.
  • the system 15 according to the invention comprises an additional leak test device 27, in particular a leak test device using tracer gas.
  • Said additional leak test device 27 comprises in particular a mass spectrometer and a supply of tracer gas. It will be noted that the additional device 27 is also connected to the volume 50 of the junction zone 11 and/or to the cavities 52, in particular via the conduits 36, the channels 40, the valves 38 and 41.
  • Said system 15 thus allows the implementation of a method 100 for testing the tightness of the sealed part 1 previously described.
  • the characteristic quantity measured by the sealing test device 17 is advantageously a pressure variation over time in the junction zone 11 of the part 1 tested (more particularly in the test volume 50).
  • the characteristic quantity measured by the sealing test device 17 is a displacement of said at least one flexible wall 3 or 4.
  • method 200 for leak testing thus comprises:
  • the measurement S5 of the variation in concentration of tracer gas can be carried out in the test volume 50 formed by said junction zone 11 of the part 1 tested and of the support 21, but can also be carried out in a separate test chamber after transfer therein of said room 1.
  • the concentration measurement S5 is carried out in the support 21, after injection S4 of tracer gas, it is advantageous to purge, beforehand, the test volume 50 by means of the purge circuit 42, before putting the latter under vacuum before carrying out said measurement S5.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (15) for testing leak-tightness for a sealed part, said sealed part (1) to be tested comprising at least two portions (3 and 4) attached to one another, and also at least one flexible wall (3 or 4), said system (15) comprising: - a device (17) for testing leak-tightness, comprising at least one pressure source (19); - a test support (21) which is intended to accommodate the part (1) to be tested and which is connected to the pressure source (19); said test support (21) being configured such that only one joining region (11) of said portions (3 and 4) of said part (1) is pressurised by means of the pressure source (19), and also such that least one portion of the flexible wall (3 or 4) of said part (1) remains free when it is mounted in said support (21), said device (17) being configured to measure a characteristic value which makes it possible to determine the leak-tightness of the sealed part (1) at said joining region (11).

Description

Description Description
Titre de l’invention :| DISPOSITIF DE TEST D’ÉTANCHÉITÉ ET MÉTHODE ASSOCIÉE | Title of the invention:| LEAK TEST DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD |
[0001] [La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des systèmes de test d’étanchéité, ou de détection de fuites, de pièces scellées, telles que certains types de batteries, de conserves, etc. ainsi qu’aux méthodes de test d’étanchéité sur des pièces scellées. L’invention présente également un intérêt pour des pièces présentant des enveloppes métalliques, de préférence complètement remplies d’une matière qui ne s’évapore pas ou peu. [0001] [The present invention relates to the field of sealing test systems, or leak detection, of sealed parts, such as certain types of batteries, cans, etc. as well as leak test methods on sealed parts. The invention is also of interest for parts having metal casings, preferably completely filled with a material which does not evaporate or hardly evaporates.
[0002] En effet, le dispositif et la méthode selon l’invention s’appliquent avantageusement à des objets comportant au moins deux parties fixées l’une à l’autre, ainsi qu’au moins une paroi flexible, le but de l’invention étant de vérifier l’étanchéité au niveau de la zone de jonction desdites au moins deux parties de ladite pièce scellée. De plus, les pièces scellées à tester ne présentent généralement pas ou peu d’espace (ou de volume) interne vide. Indeed, the device and the method according to the invention advantageously apply to objects comprising at least two parts fixed to each other, as well as at least one flexible wall, the purpose of the invention being to check the tightness at the junction zone of said at least two parts of said sealed part. In addition, the sealed parts to be tested generally have little or no empty internal space (or volume).
Cette typologie d’objet correspond notamment aux batteries de type bouton, telles qu’une ou pile bouton, certaines batteries prismatiques, certaines boîtes de conserve, etc. This type of object corresponds in particular to button-type batteries, such as a button cell, certain prismatic batteries, certain cans, etc.
[0003] En effet, tester l’étanchéité ou détecter des fuites sur ce type d’objet n’est pas simple, les méthodes utilisées habituellement peuvent être peu efficaces, voire inopérantes. [0003] Indeed, testing the tightness or detecting leaks on this type of object is not simple, the methods usually used can be ineffective, or even ineffective.
Par exemple, dans le cas d’un test d’étanchéité sur une pile bouton, la méthode dite des « composants scellés » peut ne pas fonctionner, car cette dernière nécessite que l’objet testé présente un volume ou espace interne vide suffisamment important ce qui n’est pas la cas d’une pile bouton. For example, in the case of a leak test on a button battery, the so-called "sealed components" method may not work, because the latter requires that the object under test has a sufficiently large volume or empty internal space that which is not the case with a button battery.
Une autre possibilité pour tester l’étanchéité d’une pile bouton est de la placer sous vide pour que l’électrolyte qu’elle contient s’évapore, cependant cette méthode présente plusieurs défauts, tels que d’être sensible à la température, d’être limitée dans la détection de la taille de fuite, généralement des fuites de l’ordre de 10'3 seem, ou encore de ne pas fonctionner avec un électrolyte s’évaporant difficilement, voire pas du tout si celui-ci est desséché ou à l’état solide. Another possibility for testing the tightness of a button battery is to place it under vacuum so that the electrolyte it contains evaporates, however this method has several shortcomings, such as being sensitive to temperature, d be limited in detecting leak size, typically leaks in the order of 10' 3 seem, or not to work with an electrolyte that evaporates with difficulty, or even not at all if it is dried out or in a solid state.
[0004] Une détection de fuites par moyen électrique s’avère également impossible en raison du fait que les pièces scellées, piles boutons, conserves, etc. présentent généralement des enveloppes électriquement conductrices, généralement métalliques. [0004] Leak detection by electrical means is also impossible due to the fact that sealed parts, button batteries, cans, etc. generally have electrically conductive envelopes, generally metallic.
[0005] Une autre méthode de test possible est d’utiliser un spectromètre de masse avec un gaz traceur, tel que de l’hélium ou de l’hydrogène. Another possible test method is to use a mass spectrometer with a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen.
La pièce à tester est disposée dans une chambre fermée dans laquelle un gaz traceur sous pression est injecté, puis après avoir purgé le gaz de la chambre ou changé de chambre, on procède à une mesure de l’évolution de la concentration du gaz traceur au cours du temps. Cette méthode dite au gaz traceur présente les inconvénients d’être onéreuse, notamment en gaz traceur, et lente, en effet une telle méthode prend plusieurs minutes (notamment à cause du transfert du gaz traceur à une chambre de test pour sa quantification). Une méthode de test de ce type n’est notamment pas compatible avec un test sur une chaîne de production. The part to be tested is placed in a closed chamber into which a tracer gas under pressure is injected, then after having purged the gas from the chamber or changed the chamber, a measurement is made of the evolution of the concentration of the tracer gas at the course of time. This so-called tracer gas method has the disadvantages of being expensive, especially in terms of tracer gas, and slow, indeed such a method takes several minutes (in particular because of the transfer of the tracer gas to a test chamber for its quantification). In particular, a test method of this type is not compatible with a test on a production line.
[0006] De plus, cette méthode fonctionne très imparfaitement lorsque la pièce à tester ne comporte pas d’espaces vides à remplir, le gaz traceur s’accumulant dans des porosités de la surface de la pièce qui ne correspondent pas à des fuites d’électrolytes. En outre, même si le gaz traceur est en mesure d’entrer dans la pièce, ce dernier ne va pas forcément s’accumuler au niveau du défaut, et ne sera donc pas détecté, car c’est l’électrolyte qui doit théoriquement s’échapper dudit défaut. [0006] In addition, this method works very imperfectly when the part to be tested does not have any empty spaces to fill, the tracer gas accumulating in the porosities of the surface of the part which do not correspond to leaks of electrolytes. In addition, even if the tracer gas is able to enter the part, the latter will not necessarily accumulate at the level of the defect, and will therefore not be detected, because it is the electrolyte which must theoretically s escape from said defect.
[0007] Le système et la méthode selon l’invention décrits ci-après permettent ainsi de remédier au moins partiellement aux problèmes techniques évoqués ci-dessus. The system and the method according to the invention described below thus make it possible to at least partially remedy the technical problems mentioned above.
[0008] L’invention concerne ainsi un système de test d’étanchéité pour pièce scellée, ladite pièce scellée à tester comportant au moins deux parties fixées l’une à l’autre, ainsi qu’au moins une paroi flexible, ledit système comprenant : The invention thus relates to a sealing test system for a sealed part, said sealed part to be tested comprising at least two parts fixed to one another, as well as at least one flexible wall, said system comprising :
- un dispositif de test d’étanchéité comportant au moins une source de pression ;- a leak test device comprising at least one pressure source;
- un support de test destiné à accueillir la pièce à tester et qui est relié à la source de pression ; ledit support de test étant configuré, d’une part, pour que seule une zone de jonction desdites parties de ladite pièce soit mise sous pression au moyen de la source de pression et, d’autre part, pour laisser libre au moins une partie de la paroi flexible de ladite pièce lorsqu’elle est montée dans ledit support, ledit dispositif étant configuré pour mesurer une grandeur caractéristique permettant de déterminer l’étanchéité de la pièce scellée au niveau de ladite zone de jonction. - A test support intended to accommodate the part to be tested and which is connected to the pressure source; said test support being configured, on the one hand, so that only one zone of junction of said parts of said part is pressurized by means of the pressure source and, on the other hand, to leave free at least a part of the flexible wall of said part when it is mounted in said support, said device being configured to measure a characteristic quantity making it possible to determine the tightness of the sealed part at the level of said junction zone.
[0009] Ce système de test est donc configuré pour appliquer dans la zone susceptible de présenter des fuites de la pièce testée une pression, ou une surpression, pour qu’un gaz puisse y entrer (tel que de l’air), tout en laissant la possibilité à la paroi flexible de la pièce scellée de se déplacer, ou se déformer, permettant ainsi à l’enveloppe de la pièce de se dilater si celle-ci présente une fuite ou un niveau d’étanchéité insuffisant. [0009] This test system is therefore configured to apply a pressure, or an overpressure, in the zone liable to present leaks from the part tested, so that a gas can enter it (such as air), while leaving the possibility for the flexible wall of the sealed part to move, or to deform, thus allowing the envelope of the part to expand if it has a leak or an insufficient level of sealing.
[0010] Selon une caractéristique possible, le dispositif de test d’étanchéité est configuré pour mesurer au niveau de la zone de jonction de la pièce scellée la variation de la pression au cours du temps. [0010]According to one possible characteristic, the sealing test device is configured to measure at the level of the junction zone of the sealed part the variation in pressure over time.
La mesure de la variation de la pression au cours de temps permet de vérifier la présence d’un défaut au niveau de la zone de jonction et de quantifier le niveau de fuite que celui-ci engendre. Plus particulièrement, la mesure s’effectue avantageusement dans un volume de test fermé englobant la zone de jonction de la pièce testée ou délimité par cette dernière. The measurement of the pressure variation over time makes it possible to verify the presence of a defect at the level of the junction zone and to quantify the level of leakage that it generates. More particularly, the measurement is advantageously carried out in a closed test volume encompassing the junction zone of the part tested or delimited by the latter.
[0011] Selon une autre caractéristique possible, le dispositif de test d’étanchéité est configuré pour mesurer le déplacement de la paroi flexible de ladite pièce scellée. En effet, si la paroi flexible se déplace (ou se déforme) cela indique la présence d’une fuite au niveau de la zone de jonction. En fonction du déplacement de la paroi flexible, il est possible de quantifier le niveau de fuite existant au niveau de la zone de jonction de la pièce scellée. [0011]According to another possible characteristic, the sealing test device is configured to measure the displacement of the flexible wall of said sealed part. Indeed, if the flexible wall moves (or deforms) this indicates the presence of a leak at the junction area. Depending on the displacement of the flexible wall, it is possible to quantify the level of leakage existing at the junction zone of the sealed part.
[0012] Selon une autre caractéristique possible, ladite au moins une paroi flexible est exposée au vide ou au moins à une pression inférieure à la pression atmosphérique. According to another possible feature, said at least one flexible wall is exposed to vacuum or at least to a pressure below atmospheric pressure.
Le fait de mettre en dépression la zone extérieure en regard de ladite au moins une paroi flexible permet de faciliter son déplacement et favorise l’entrée du gaz sous pression au niveau de la zone de jonction de la pièce scellée. [0013] Selon une autre caractéristique possible, le système comprend un dispositif additionnel de test d’étanchéité, ledit dispositif étant un dispositif de test d’étanchéité par gaz traceur. The fact of placing a vacuum in the outer zone facing said at least one flexible wall makes it easier to move and promotes the entry of pressurized gas at the level of the junction zone of the sealed part. [0013]According to another possible characteristic, the system comprises an additional leak test device, said device being a tracer gas leak test device.
Ledit gaz traceur est par exemple un ou plusieurs électrolytes contenus dans l’objet testé, de l’hélium, de l’hydrogène, un mélange hydrogène-diazote, etc. Said tracer gas is for example one or more electrolytes contained in the tested object, helium, hydrogen, a hydrogen-dinitrogen mixture, etc.
L’utilisation d’un gaz traceur permet de détecter des fuites plus petites, et s’intégre de manière complémentaire dans un contrôle d’étanchéité de pièces pouvant présenter des défauts avec des ordres de grandeur très différents. The use of a tracer gas makes it possible to detect smaller leaks, and is integrated in a complementary way into a tightness control of parts that can present defects with very different orders of magnitude.
[0014] Selon une autre caractéristique possible, le dispositif additionnel de test d’étanchéité comprend un spectromètre de masse. [0014]According to another possible feature, the additional leak test device comprises a mass spectrometer.
[0015] L’invention se rapporte également à une méthode de test d’étanchéité d’une pièce scellée, ladite pièce scellée comportant au moins deux parties fixées l’une à l’autre, ainsi qu’au moins une paroi flexible, ladite méthode comprenant : [0015] The invention also relates to a method for testing the tightness of a sealed part, said sealed part comprising at least two parts fixed to one another, as well as at least one flexible wall, said method including:
- une installation de la pièce scellée dans un support de test configuré pour que ladite au moins une paroi flexible soit libre de se déplacer (c’est-à-dire puisse se déformer avec le moins de contraintes possibles) ; - an installation of the sealed part in a test support configured so that said at least one flexible wall is free to move (that is to say can deform with the least possible constraints);
- une mise sous pression d’une zone de jonction de ladite pièce scellée ; - pressurization of a junction zone of said sealed part;
- une mesure de grandeur physique caractéristique par un dispositif de test d’étanchéité pour déterminer l’étanchéité de la pièce scellée. - a measurement of a characteristic physical quantity by a tightness test device to determine the tightness of the sealed part.
[0016] Selon une caractéristique possible, la grandeur physique caractéristique mesurée par le dispositif de test d’étanchéité est une variation de pression au cours du temps dans la zone de jonction de la pièce testée. Plus particulièrement, la diminution de la valeur de la pression au cours du temps indique la présence d’une fuite au niveau de la zone de jonction. [0016] According to one possible characteristic, the characteristic physical quantity measured by the tightness test device is a pressure variation over time in the junction zone of the part tested. More specifically, the decrease in the pressure value over time indicates the presence of a leak at the junction zone.
[0017] Selon une autre caractéristique possible, la grandeur caractéristique mesurée par le dispositif de test d’étanchéité est un déplacement de ladite au moins une paroi flexible. En effet, le déplacement de ladite au moins une paroi flexible indique la présence d’une fuite au niveau de la zone de jonction de la pièce scellée. [0017]According to another possible characteristic, the characteristic quantity measured by the tightness test device is a displacement of said at least one flexible wall. Indeed, the displacement of said at least one flexible wall indicates the presence of a leak at the junction zone of the sealed part.
[0018] Selon une autre caractéristique possible, la méthode comprend en outre : [0018] According to another possible characteristic, the method further comprises:
- une mise sous vide ou à une pression inférieure à la pression atmosphérique de ladite au moins une paroi flexible. - placing under vacuum or at a pressure below atmospheric pressure of said at least one flexible wall.
Le fait de créer une dépression au niveau de la paroi flexible (à l’extérieur de la pièce) permet d’optimiser la détection d’une fuite au niveau de la zone de jonction de la pièce scellée. The fact of creating a depression at the level of the flexible wall (outside the part) makes it possible to optimize the detection of a leak at the level of the junction zone of the sealed part.
[0019] Selon une caractéristique possible, la méthode comprend en outre : [0019] According to one possible characteristic, the method further comprises:
- une injection de gaz traceur sous pression dans la zone de jonction de la pièce testée ; - an injection of tracer gas under pressure in the junction zone of the tested part;
- une mesure de la variation de la concentration du gaz traceur pour déterminer le niveau d’étanchéité de la pièce testée, notamment au niveau de ladite zone de jonction. - a measurement of the variation in the concentration of the tracer gas to determine the level of tightness of the part tested, in particular at the level of said junction zone.
[0020] L’invention sera mieux comprise, et d’autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages de celles-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers de l’invention, donnée uniquement à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and non-limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
- La figure 1 , référencée [Fig. 1], est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de pièce scellée destinée à être testée par le système selon l’invention ; - Figure 1, referenced [Fig. 1], is a schematic representation of an example of a sealed part intended to be tested by the system according to the invention;
- la figure 2, référencée [Fig. 2], est une représentation très schématique d’un système de test d’étanchéité selon l’invention ; - Figure 2, referenced [Fig. 2], is a very schematic representation of a leak test system according to the invention;
- la figure 3, référencée [Fig. 3], est une vue très schématique en perspective et en éclatée du support de test de la figure 2 ; - Figure 3, referenced [Fig. 3], is a very schematic perspective and exploded view of the test support of FIG. 2;
- la figure 4, référencée [Fig. 4], est une vue très schématique et en coupe du support de test de la figure 3 ; - Figure 4, referenced [Fig. 4], is a very schematic cross-sectional view of the test support of FIG. 3;
- la figure 5, référencée [Fig. 5], est un logigramme d’une méthode de test d’étanchéité selon l’invention ; - Figure 5, referenced [Fig. 5], is a flowchart of a leak test method according to the invention;
- la figure 6, référencée [Fig. 6], est un logigramme d’une variante de réalisation de la méthode de la figure 5. ] - Figure 6, referenced [Fig. 6], is a flowchart of a variant embodiment of the method of figure 5. ]
[0021] La [Fig. 1] est une représentation schématique d’un exemple de pièce scellée, plus particulièrement ici d’une pile bouton 1. [0021] The [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an example of a sealed part, more specifically here of a button battery 1.
On notera cependant qu’une pièce scellée peut être également une batterie prismatique, une boite de conserve, etc. ou tout autre pièce ou objet comportant au moins deux parties, fixées l’une à l’autre, notamment au niveau d’une zone de jonction, et au moins une paroi flexible ou n’importe quelle région de ladite pièce apte à se déformer. Note, however, that a sealed part can also be a prismatic battery, a tin can, etc. or any other part or object comprising at least two parts, fixed to one another, in particular at the level of a junction zone, and at least one flexible wall or any region of said part able to deform.
On notera qu’on s’intéresse plus particulièrement aux pièces scellées comportant pas ou peu d’espaces internes vides et/ou une enveloppe électriquement conductrice. It should be noted that we are particularly interested in sealed parts with little or no empty internal spaces and/or an electrically conductive envelope.
[0022] La pile bouton 1 de la [Fig.1 ] comporte un boîtier 2 composé d’un couvercle 3 et d’un récipient 4 formant respectivement les pôles négatif et positif de la pile 1 . De manière conventionnelle, le boîtier 2 comporte un joint polymère 5 positionné par compression entre le couvercle 3 et le récipient 4. Ce joint 5 polymère est préférentiellement en polypropylène, mais il peut également être en polyéthylène, ou dans d’autres résines thermoplastiques à base de polyoléfines. Ledit joint 5 est collé sur le couvercle 3 et le récipient 4 au moyen d’une couche de colle 6 s’étendant, de préférence, sur toute la surface dudit joint 5. [0022] The button battery 1 of [Fig.1] comprises a casing 2 composed of a cover 3 and a container 4 respectively forming the negative and positive poles of the battery 1. Conventionally, the housing 2 comprises a polymer seal 5 positioned by compression between the lid 3 and the container 4. This polymer seal 5 is preferably made of polypropylene, but it can also be made of polyethylene, or of other thermoplastic resins based on of polyolefins. Said seal 5 is glued to lid 3 and container 4 by means of a layer of glue 6 extending, preferably, over the entire surface of said seal 5.
[0023] La zone de pile bouton 1 dont il est nécessaire de tester l’étanchéité est la zone de jonction 11 entre les couvercles 3, le récipient 4 et le joint polymère 5 (c’est-à- dire la zone de contact entre les différentes parties de la pièce scellée). Le couvercle 3 et le récipient 4 sont quant à eux assimilables à des parois flexibles aptes à se déformer sous l’application d’une pression (ou d’une force). [0023] The button cell 1 zone for which it is necessary to test the tightness is the junction zone 11 between the lids 3, the container 4 and the polymer seal 5 (that is to say the contact zone between different parts of the sealed room). The lid 3 and the container 4 are similar to flexible walls capable of deforming under the application of pressure (or force).
[0024] La [Fig. 2], quant à elle, est une représentation schématique d’un système 15 de test d’étanchéité selon l’invention. [0024] The [Fig. 2], for its part, is a schematic representation of a leak test system 15 according to the invention.
Ledit système 15 comprend ainsi : Said system 15 thus comprises:
- un dispositif 17 de test d’étanchéité comportant au moins une source de pression 19 ; - a leak test device 17 comprising at least one pressure source 19;
- un support de test 21 destiné à accueillir la pièce 1 à tester (ici la pile bouton) et qui est relié au dispositif 17 et à ladite au moins une source de pression 19. - a test support 21 intended to accommodate the part 1 to be tested (here the button battery) and which is connected to the device 17 and to said at least one pressure source 19.
[0025] Ledit support de test 21 est configuré, d’une part, pour que la zone de jonction 11 desdites parties 3, 4 et 5 de ladite pièce 1 soit mise sous pression au moyen de la source de pression 19 et, d’autre part, pour laisser libre au moins une partie de la paroi flexible 3 ou 4 de ladite pièce lorsqu’elle est montée dans ledit support 21 . [0025] Said test support 21 is configured, on the one hand, so that the junction zone 11 of said parts 3, 4 and 5 of said part 1 is pressurized by means of the pressure source 19 and, on the other hand, to leave free at least a part of the flexible wall 3 or 4 of said part when it is mounted in said support 21 .
[0026] Ledit dispositif 17 est notamment configuré pour mesurer une grandeur caractéristique (grandeur physique) permettant de déterminer l’étanchéité de la pièce scellée 1. Plus particulièrement, le dispositif 17 est par exemple configuré pour mesurer la variation de la pression au cours du temps dans la zone de jonction 11 , ceci notamment au moyen d’un capteur de pression (absolu ou relatif). Si la pression diminue au cours du temps, cela indique qu’il y une ouverture (ou défaut) au niveau de la zone de jonction 11 et que le gaz (par exemple de l’air) sous pression injecté par ledit dispositif 17 (au niveau de la zone de jonction 11 ) s’infiltre à l’intérieur de la pièce 1 . [0026] Said device 17 is in particular configured to measure a characteristic quantity (physical quantity) making it possible to determine the tightness of the sealed part 1. More particularly, the device 17 is for example configured to measure the variation of the pressure during the time in junction area 11, this in particular by means of a pressure sensor (absolute or relative). If the pressure decreases over time, this indicates that there is an opening (or defect) at the level of the junction zone 11 and that the gas (for example air) under pressure injected by said device 17 (at the level of the junction zone 11 ) infiltrates inside the part 1 .
[0027] Dans une alternative de réalisation de l’invention, le dispositif 17 peut être configuré pour mesurer le déplacement de la paroi flexible 3 ou 4 de ladite pièce 1 scellée. En effet, le déplacement de la paroi 3 ou 4 sous l’effet d’une pression sur la zone de jonction 11 indique qu’il y a infiltration de gaz sous pression dans la pièce 1 et qu’il y a au moins une fuite. La mesure du déplacement de la paroi 3 ou 4 (ou plus généralement le changement de volume de l’enveloppe de la pièce 1 ) s’effectue notamment au moyen d’un capteur optique, par un comparateur mécanique en contact avec ladite paroi 3 ou 4, et/ou par la mesure du changement du débit d’air d’un orifice placé près de la paroi 3 ou 4, et/ou par mesure d’un changement de pression dans un volume fermé autour de l’enveloppe de la pièce 1. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device 17 can be configured to measure the displacement of the flexible wall 3 or 4 of said sealed part 1. Indeed, the displacement of the wall 3 or 4 under the effect of pressure on the junction zone 11 indicates that there is infiltration of gas under pressure in the part 1 and that there is at least one leak. . The measurement of the displacement of the wall 3 or 4 (or more generally the change in volume of the envelope of the part 1) is carried out in particular by means of an optical sensor, by a mechanical comparator in contact with said wall 3 or 4, and/or by measuring the change in airflow from an orifice placed near the wall 3 or 4, and/or by measuring a change in pressure in a closed volume around the envelope of the piece 1.
[0028] Dans une autre alternative de réalisation, le dispositif de test d’étanchéité 17 peut mesurer à la fois la variation de pression au niveau de la zone de jonction 11 et le déplacement de la valeur de la paroi flexible 3 ou 4, afin de rendre plus robuste la détection d’une éventuelle fuite sur la pièce scellée 1. [0028] In another alternative embodiment, the sealing test device 17 can measure both the pressure variation at the level of the junction zone 11 and the displacement of the value of the flexible wall 3 or 4, in order to to make the detection of a possible leak on the sealed part 1 more robust.
[0029] Plus particulièrement, la source de pression 19 du dispositif 17 peut être un compresseur, une connexion à un réseau d’air comprimé ou simplement une bonbonne de gaz sous pression. More specifically, the pressure source 19 of the device 17 can be a compressor, a connection to a compressed air network or simply a pressurized gas cylinder.
[0030] Concernant le support de test 21 , celui comporte deux parties 21b et 21c, plus particulièrement visibles aux [Fig. 3] et [Fig. 4], conformées pour définir un logement 21a d’accueil à la pièce 1 à tester, ainsi que plusieurs joints toriques 20, ceux-ci permettant notamment d’isoler la zone de jonction 11 de la pièce 1 de l’extérieur. Comme cela est plus particulièrement visible à la [Fig. 4], la conformation du support 21 , des joints toriques 20 et la zone de jonction 11 de la pièce définissent un volume 50 de test (volume destiné à être mis sous pression). [0031] Le support 21 est ainsi configuré pour permettre à au moins une paroi flexible 3 ou 4 de se déplacer librement, notamment en prévoyant un ou plusieurs retraits 23 dans l’une des parties du support 21 . [0030] Concerning the test support 21, that comprises two parts 21b and 21c, more particularly visible in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], shaped to define a housing 21a for receiving the part 1 to be tested, as well as several O-rings 20, these notably making it possible to isolate the junction zone 11 of the part 1 from the outside. As is more particularly visible in [Fig. 4], the conformation of the support 21, the O-rings 20 and the junction zone 11 of the part define a test volume 50 (volume intended to be pressurized). [0031] The support 21 is thus configured to allow at least one flexible wall 3 or 4 to move freely, in particular by providing one or more recesses 23 in one of the parts of the support 21 .
[0032] De manière avantageuse, les retraits 23 du support 21 forment une cavité 52 qui peut être mise sous vide ou au moins à une pression inférieure à la pression atmosphérique, afin de faciliter le déplacement de ladite paroi flexible 3 ou 4. Cette diminution de la pression régnant dans la cavité 52 est par exemple réalisée au moyen d’une pompe 25. Advantageously, the recesses 23 of the support 21 form a cavity 52 which can be placed under vacuum or at least at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, in order to facilitate the movement of said flexible wall 3 or 4. This reduction of the pressure prevailing in the cavity 52 is for example produced by means of a pump 25.
[0033] Comme cela est plus particulièrement illustré aux [Fig .2] à [Fig. 4], le support 21 comprend différents canaux 40, par exemple aménagés dans les parties 21 b et 21c dudit support 21. Lesdits canaux 40 sont configurés pour assurer une communication fluidique entre la zone de jonction 50 et/ou les cavités 52 avec d’autres éléments du système 1 . As is more particularly illustrated in [Fig .2] to [Fig. 4], support 21 comprises various channels 40, for example arranged in parts 21b and 21c of said support 21. Said channels 40 are configured to ensure fluid communication between junction zone 50 and/or cavities 52 with other system components 1 .
[0034] Le système 1 comprend également des conduits 36, des vannes 38 et 41 , respectivement deux et trois voies, configurés pour relier le volume 50 de la zone de jonction 11 et/ou les cavités 52 (par l’intermédiaire des canaux 40) aux différents éléments du système 1 , tels que le dispositif d’étanchéité 17, la source de pression 19, la pompe 25, etc. [0034] The system 1 also comprises conduits 36, valves 38 and 41, respectively two and three ways, configured to connect the volume 50 of the junction zone 11 and/or the cavities 52 (via the channels 40 ) to the various elements of the system 1, such as the sealing device 17, the pressure source 19, the pump 25, etc.
[0035] On notera également que le support 21 comprend avantageusement un circuit de purge 42 (plus particulièrement illustré à la [Fig. 2]) configuré pour purger et/ou ramener à la pression atmosphérique le volume 50 de test de la zone de jonction 11. It will also be noted that the support 21 advantageously comprises a purge circuit 42 (more particularly illustrated in [Fig. 2]) configured to purge and/or bring to atmospheric pressure the test volume 50 of the junction zone 11.
[0036] De plus, de manière optionnelle, le système 15 selon l’invention comprend un dispositif additionnel 27 de test d’étanchéité, notamment un dispositif de test d’étanchéité par gaz traceur. Ledit dispositif additionnel 27 de test d’étanchéité comprend notamment un spectromètre de masse et une réserve de gaz traceur. On notera que le dispositif additionnel 27 est également relié au volume 50 de la zone de jonction 11 et/ou aux cavités 52, notamment par l’intermédiaire des conduits 36, des canaux 40, des vannes 38 et 41 . In addition, optionally, the system 15 according to the invention comprises an additional leak test device 27, in particular a leak test device using tracer gas. Said additional leak test device 27 comprises in particular a mass spectrometer and a supply of tracer gas. It will be noted that the additional device 27 is also connected to the volume 50 of the junction zone 11 and/or to the cavities 52, in particular via the conduits 36, the channels 40, the valves 38 and 41.
[0037] Ledit système 15 permet ainsi la mise en œuvre d’une méthode 100 de test d’étanchéité de la pièce 1 scellée précédemment décrite. [0037] Said system 15 thus allows the implementation of a method 100 for testing the tightness of the sealed part 1 previously described.
Ladite méthode 100 selon l’invention, plus particulièrement illustrée à la [Fig. 5] comprend : Said method 100 according to the invention, more particularly illustrated in [FIG. 5] understand :
- l’installation S1 de la pièce 1 scellée dans le support de test 21 configuré pour que ladite au moins une paroi flexible 3 ou 4 de la pièce 1 scellée soit libre de se déplacer (ou de se déformer) ; - the installation S1 of part 1 sealed in the test support 21 configured so that said at least one flexible wall 3 or 4 of part 1 sealed is free to move (or deform);
- la mise sous pression S2 d’une zone de jonction 11 de ladite pièce 1 scellée ;- the pressurization S2 of a junction zone 11 of said sealed part 1;
- la mesure S3 d’une grandeur physique caractéristique par un dispositif de test d’étanchéité 17 pour déterminer l’étanchéité de la pièce 1 scellée, et plus particulièrement le niveau d’étanchéité de ladite zone de jonction 11. - the measurement S3 of a characteristic physical quantity by a tightness test device 17 to determine the tightness of the sealed part 1, and more particularly the level of tightness of said junction zone 11.
[0038] La grandeur caractéristique mesurée par le dispositif de test d’étanchéité 17 est avantageusement une variation de pression au cours du temps dans la zone de jonction 11 de la pièce 1 testée (plus particulièrement dans le volume 50 de test). The characteristic quantity measured by the sealing test device 17 is advantageously a pressure variation over time in the junction zone 11 of the part 1 tested (more particularly in the test volume 50).
[0039] Dans une variante de réalisation, la grandeur caractéristique mesurée par le dispositif de test 17 d’étanchéité est un déplacement de ladite au moins une paroi flexible 3 ou 4. In an alternative embodiment, the characteristic quantity measured by the sealing test device 17 is a displacement of said at least one flexible wall 3 or 4.
[0040] Dans une autre variation de réalisation, il y a mise sous vide ou à une pression inférieure à la pression atmosphérique de ladite au moins une paroi flexible 3 ou 4 de la pièce 1 scellée. In another embodiment variation, there is a vacuum or a pressure below atmospheric pressure of said at least one flexible wall 3 or 4 of the part 1 sealed.
[0041] La [Fig. 6] illustré une variante de la méthode précédemment décrite, la méthode 200 de test d’étanchéité comprend ainsi : [0041] The [Fig. 6] illustrates a variant of the method previously described, method 200 for leak testing thus comprises:
- l’injection S4 de gaz traceur sous pression au niveau de la zone de jonction 11 de la pièce 1 testée ; - injection S4 of pressurized tracer gas at junction zone 11 of part 1 tested;
- la mesure S5 au cours du temps de la variation de la concentration du gaz traceur pour déterminer le niveau d’étanchéité de la pièce 1 testée. - the measurement S5 over time of the variation in the concentration of the tracer gas to determine the level of tightness of the part 1 tested.
[0042] On notera que la mesure S5 de la variation de concentration de gaz traceur peut être réalisée dans le volume de test 50 formée par ladite zone de jonction 11 de la pièce 1 testée et du support 21 , mais peut être également réalisée dans une chambre de test distincte après transfert dans celle-ci de ladite pièce 1 . [0042] It will be noted that the measurement S5 of the variation in concentration of tracer gas can be carried out in the test volume 50 formed by said junction zone 11 of the part 1 tested and of the support 21, but can also be carried out in a separate test chamber after transfer therein of said room 1.
[0043] De plus, lorsque la mesure S5 de concentration est effectuée dans le support 21 , après injection S4 de gaz traceur, il est avantageux de purger, au préalable, le volume 50 de test au moyen du circuit de purge 42, avant mettre celui-ci sous vide avant de procéder à ladite mesure S5. Moreover, when the concentration measurement S5 is carried out in the support 21, after injection S4 of tracer gas, it is advantageous to purge, beforehand, the test volume 50 by means of the purge circuit 42, before putting the latter under vacuum before carrying out said measurement S5.

Claims

(Revendications (Claims
[Revendications 1] Système (15) de test d’étanchéité pour pièce scellée, ladite pièce (1 ) scellée à tester comportant au moins deux parties (3 et 4) fixées l’une à l’autre, ainsi qu’au moins une paroi flexible (3 ou 4), ledit système (15) comprenant : [Claims 1] Sealing test system (15) for a sealed part, said sealed part (1) to be tested comprising at least two parts (3 and 4) fixed to each other, as well as at least one flexible wall (3 or 4), said system (15) comprising:
- un dispositif (17) de test d’étanchéité comportant au moins une source de pression (19) ; - a leak test device (17) comprising at least one pressure source (19);
- un support de test (21) destiné à accueillir la pièce (1) à tester et qui est relié à la source de pression (19) ; ledit support de test (21 ) étant configuré, d’une part, pour que seule une zone de jonction (11) desdites parties (3 et 4) de ladite pièce (1 ) soit mise sous pression au moyen de la source de pression (19) et, d’autre part, pour laisser libre au moins une partie de la paroi flexible (3 ou 4) de ladite pièce (1 ) lorsqu’elle est montée dans ledit support (21 ), ledit dispositif (17) étant configuré pour mesurer une grandeur caractéristique permettant de déterminer l’étanchéité de la pièce (1 ) scellée au niveau de ladite zone de jonction (11 ). - a test support (21) intended to receive the part (1) to be tested and which is connected to the pressure source (19); said test support (21) being configured, on the one hand, so that only a junction zone (11) of said parts (3 and 4) of said part (1) is pressurized by means of the pressure source ( 19) and, on the other hand, to leave free at least a part of the flexible wall (3 or 4) of said part (1) when it is mounted in said support (21), said device (17) being configured to measure a characteristic quantity making it possible to determine the tightness of the part (1) sealed at the level of said junction zone (11).
[Revendications 2] Système (15) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif (17) est configuré pour mesurer au niveau de la zone de jonction (11 ) de la pièce (1 ) scellée une variation de la pression.[Claims 2] System (15) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (17) is configured to measure at the junction zone (11) of the part (1) sealed a pressure variation.
[Revendications 3] Système (15) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif (17) est configuré pour mesurer le déplacement de la paroi flexible (3 ou 4) de ladite pièce (1 ) scellée. [Claims 3] System (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (17) is configured to measure the displacement of the flexible wall (3 or 4) of the said sealed part (1).
[Revendications 4] Système (15) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite au moins une paroi flexible (3, 4) est exposée au vide ou au moins à une pression inférieure à la pression atmosphérique. [Claims 4] System (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said at least one flexible wall (3, 4) is exposed to a vacuum or at least to a pressure below atmospheric pressure.
[Revendications 5] Système (15) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend un dispositif additionnel (27) de test d’étanchéité, ledit dispositif (27) étant un dispositif de test d’étanchéité par gaz traceur. [Claims 5] System (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional leak test device (27), said device (27) being a leak test device by tracer gas.
[Revendications 6] Méthode (100 ; 200) de test d’étanchéité d’une pièce (1 ) scellée, ladite pièce (1 ) scellée comportant au moins deux parties (3 et 4) fixées l’une à l’autre, ainsi qu’au moins une paroi flexible (3, 4), ladite méthode comprenant (100 ; 200) : [Claims 6] Method (100; 200) for testing the tightness of a sealed part (1), said sealed part (1) comprising at least two parts (3 and 4) fixed to each other, thus at least one flexible wall (3, 4), said method comprising (100; 200):
- une installation (S1 ) de la pièce (1 ) scellée dans un support de test (21 ) configuré pour que ladite au moins une paroi flexible (3, 4) soit libre de se déplacer ; - an installation (S1) of the part (1) sealed in a test support (21) configured so that said at least one flexible wall (3, 4) is free to move;
- une mise sous pression (S2) d’une zone de jonction (11 ) de ladite pièce (1 ) scellée ; - pressurization (S2) of a junction zone (11) of said sealed part (1);
- une mesure (S3) de grandeur physique caractéristique par un dispositif (17) de test d’étanchéité pour déterminer l’étanchéité de la pièce (1) scellée. - a measurement (S3) of a characteristic physical quantity by a tightness test device (17) to determine the tightness of the sealed part (1).
[Revendications 7] Méthode (100 ; 200) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que la grandeur caractéristique mesurée parle dispositif (17) de test d’étanchéité est une variation de pression au cours du temps dans la zone de jonction (11 ) de la pièce (1 ) testée. [Claims 7] Method (100; 200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the characteristic quantity measured by the sealing test device (17) is a pressure variation over time in the junction zone (11) of the part (1) tested.
[Revendications 8] Méthode selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisée en ce que la grandeur caractéristique mesurée par le dispositif (17) de test d’étanchéité est un déplacement de ladite au moins une paroi flexible (3, 4). [Claims 8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the characteristic quantity measured by the tightness test device (17) is a displacement of the said at least one flexible wall (3, 4).
[Revendications 9] Méthode (100 ; 200) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu’elle comprend en outre : [Claims 9] Method (100; 200) according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises:
- une mise sous vide ou à une pression inférieure à la pression atmosphérique de ladite au moins une paroi flexible (3, 4). - placing under vacuum or at a pressure below atmospheric pressure of said at least one flexible wall (3, 4).
[Revendications 10] Méthode (200) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend en outre : [Claims 10] Method (200) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises:
- l’injection (S5) de gaz traceur sous pression dans la zone de jonction de la pièce testée ; - the injection (S5) of tracer gas under pressure in the junction zone of the tested part;
- une mesure (S6) au cours du temps de la variation de la concentration du gaz traceur pour déterminer le niveau d’étanchéité de la pièce (1 ) testée. - a measurement (S6) over time of the variation in the concentration of the tracer gas to determine the level of tightness of the part (1) tested.
PCT/EP2022/077829 2021-10-08 2022-10-06 Device for testing leak-tightness, and associated method WO2023057579A1 (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB202319428D0 (en) 2023-12-18 2024-01-31 Prec Planting Llc Ultrasonic cleaning of stir chamber for agricultural sample slurry
GB202319421D0 (en) 2023-12-18 2024-01-31 Prec Planting Llc Ultrasonic cleaning of stir chamber for agricultural sample slurry

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4899574A (en) * 1989-02-01 1990-02-13 The Mead Corporation Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a sealed container
EP3736903A2 (en) * 2020-07-15 2020-11-11 Marposs Method for leak testing a battery cell

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4899574A (en) * 1989-02-01 1990-02-13 The Mead Corporation Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a sealed container
EP3736903A2 (en) * 2020-07-15 2020-11-11 Marposs Method for leak testing a battery cell

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB202319428D0 (en) 2023-12-18 2024-01-31 Prec Planting Llc Ultrasonic cleaning of stir chamber for agricultural sample slurry
GB202319421D0 (en) 2023-12-18 2024-01-31 Prec Planting Llc Ultrasonic cleaning of stir chamber for agricultural sample slurry

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