A flexible leak test apparatus and method for leak testing a variety of workpieces having various multiple configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom. The flexible leak test apparatus and method provide a plurality of leak test fixtures adaptable to
A flexible leak test apparatus and method for leak testing a variety of workpieces having various multiple configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom. The flexible leak test apparatus and method provide a plurality of leak test fixtures adaptable to receive the workpieces. Each leak test fixture has a bottom portion and a top portion that engage one another when the workpieces are loaded in the bottom portion of the leak test fixture. The leak test fixtures are shuttled in and out of the workstation, and a manipulator loads and unloads the workpieces into and out of the bottom portion of the leak test fixtures. The leak test fixtures seal the apertures in the workpieces so that the workpieces can be leak tested by pressurizing the internal cavity of the workpiece.
대표청구항▼
1. A flexible leak test apparatus for leak testing workpieces in a single workstation, wherein said workpieces have multiple geometric configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom, comprising: a plurality of leak test fixtures configured to receive sai
1. A flexible leak test apparatus for leak testing workpieces in a single workstation, wherein said workpieces have multiple geometric configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom, comprising: a plurality of leak test fixtures configured to receive said workpieces having multiple geometric configurations, and said leak test fixtures each forming a substantially rectangular enclosure having a bottom portion and a top portion to allow for access and engagement of all sides of said workpiece;means for automatically selecting and shuttling said plurality of leak test fixtures in and out of said single workstation;a robotic manipulator for automatically loading and unloading said workpieces into said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures;said top portion of said leak test fixtures automatically and removably engaging and partially enclosing said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures forming a top wall of said enclosure after said workpieces are loaded into said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures and contained within said leak test fixtures; andsaid bottom portion of said enclosure having a floor and side walls, wherein said side walls have seals that are adjustably connected thereto to accommodate multiple geometric configurations of said workpiece, wherein said leak test fixtures seal said at least one aperture in said workpieces so that said workpieces can be leak-tested in said single workstation by pressurizing said at least one internal cavity of said workpieces. 2. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said shuttling means further comprises: a pair of substantially parallel rails leading to and from said single workstation for slidably moving and supporting said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures; anda shuttle drive system provided between said rails, wherein said shuttle drive system automatically selects and moves said leak test fixtures in and out of said single workstation. 3. The apparatus stated in claim 1, wherein said shuttling means further comprises: a plurality of wheeled carts having said leak test fixtures mounted thereon, wherein said wheeled carts are manually directed to and from said workstation. 4. The apparatus as stated in claim 3, further comprising: a pair of guide rails in said workstation for guiding and stabilizing said wheeled carts in said workstation. 5. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said robotic manipulator further comprises: at least one robotic arm mounted to an overhead gantry. 6. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, wherein said robotic manipulator further comprises: a self-standing robotic arm. 7. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, further comprising: said manipulator engaging said top portion of said leak test fixtures and placing said top portion on and off said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures in an engaged position, wherein said leak test fixtures are in a position to leak test said workpieces, and a disengaged position, wherein said top portion is disengaged from said bottom portion of said leak test fixture for loading and unloading said workpieces into said bottom portion of said leak test fixture. 8. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, further comprising: said top portion of said leak test fixtures hingedly connected to said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures for movement between an engaged position, wherein said top portion engages said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures for leak-testing said workpiece, and a disengaged position, wherein said top portion is disengaged from said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures for loading and unloading said workpieces into said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures. 9. The apparatus as stated in claim 8, further comprising: a motor connected to said leak test fixture for hingedly moving said top portion of said leak test fixture between said engaged position and said disengaged position. 10. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, further comprising: said leak test fixtures having at least one linear actuator connected thereto, and said linear actuators having a sealing device connected thereto for automatically sealing said at least one aperture in said workpieces for leak-testing said workpieces. 11. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, further comprising: said leak test fixtures in communication with a pressurized fluid source, wherein said pressurized fluid source sealedly connects to said internal cavity of said workpieces for leak-testing said workpieces. 12. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, further comprising: said leak test fixtures having at least one sensor for sensing pressure in said internal cavity of said workpieces, and said at least one sensor in electronic communication with a computer, wherein said computer interprets signals from said at least one sensor to determine if said workpieces are leaking. 13. The apparatus as stated in claim 12, further comprising: a controller interface having a first portion connected to said leak test fixture and in electronic communication with said at least one sensor, and a second portion located in said workstation and in electronic communication with said computer; andsaid first portion and said second portion of said controller interface being releasably engageable with one another such that said first portion and said second portion of said controller interface engage one another in said workstation prior to leak-testing said workpieces such that said at least one sensor is in communication with said computer when leak-testing said workpieces. 14. The apparatus as stated in claim 1, further comprising: at least one press fixture adaptable to receive said workpieces having multiple geometric configurations;means for moving said at least one press fixture in and out of said workstation;said manipulator loading and unloading said workpieces into said at least one press fixture and loading a component to be press-fit into said workpieces; anda press tool for press-fitting said component into said workpieces. 15. The apparatus as stated in claim 14, further comprising: said manipulator releasably engaging said press tool for press-fitting said component into said workpieces with said press tool. 16. The apparatus as stated in claim 14, further comprising: said press tool being a self-standing press located in said workstation. 17. The apparatus as stated in claim 14, further comprising: said at least one press fixture being rotatable to allow the press fitting of said components into various sides and angles of said workpieces. 18. The apparatus stated in claim 1, further comprising: at least one conveyor for moving said workpieces to and from said single workstation, wherein said robotic manipulator engages said workpieces on said conveyor and moves said workpieces to and from said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures. 19. A flexible leak test apparatus for leak-testing workpieces in one of a pair of similar workstations, wherein said workpieces have multiple geometric configurations with at least one internal cavity and at least one aperture leading therefrom, comprising: a plurality of leak test fixtures configured to receive said workpieces having different geometric configurations, and said leak test fixtures each forming a substantially rectangular enclosure having a bottom portion and a top portion to allow for access and engagement of all sides of said workpiece;means for automatically selecting and shuttling said plurality of leak test fixtures in and out of one of said workstations;a robotic arm for automatically loading and unloading said workpieces into said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures while in one of said workstations;said top portion of said leak test fixtures automatically and removably engaging and partially enclosing said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures forming a top wall of said enclosure after said workpieces are loaded in said bottom portion of said leak test fixtures;said bottom portion of said enclosure having a floor and side walls, wherein said side walls have seals that are adjustably connected thereto to accommodate multiple geometric configurations of said workpiece, wherein said plurality of leak test fixtures having at least one linear actuator connected thereto, and said at least one linear actuator having a sealing device connected thereto for automatically sealing said at least one aperture in said workpieces;said leak test fixtures in communication with a pressurized fluid source wherein said pressurized fluid source sealedly connects to said internal cavity of said workpieces; anda monitoring system having at least one sensor for measuring pressure in said internal cavity of said workpieces, and a computer in connection with said at least one sensor for interpreting measurements from said at least one sensor in determining whether said workpieces are leaking. 20. The apparatus as stated in claim 19, further comprising: at least one press fixture adaptable to receive said workpieces having multiple geometric configurations;means for moving said at least one press fixture in and out of said workstation;said manipulator loading and unloading said workpieces onto said at least one press fixture and loading a component to be press-fit into said workpieces; anda press tool for press-fitting said component into said workpieces.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (9)
Cohen Bernard (Woodland Hills CA) Caplan Don B. (Agua Dulce CA) Edwards Edward G. (Woodland Hills CA), Automated leak detection apparatus and method therefor.
Caron Richard W. (Canton MI) Dean Breck G. (Telford PA) Newswanger Dean C. (Lebanon PA), Production line O-ring test apparatus for a mass air flow sensor.
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