Test device for testing the tightness of a weld joint, test set with such a test device, and method for testing the tightness of a weld joint by means of a test device

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a testing device for testing the tightness of a welded joint connecting multiple cables to form a cable bundle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a test set comprising this testing device and a method for testing the tightness of a welded joint connecting multiple cables to form a cable bundle using a testing device or a test set. State of the art

[0002] In vehicle construction, especially in series production, there is a need to connect several electrical conductor cables to form a cable bundle using a welded joint. Such a welded joint, by means of which the cables are connected to the cable bundle and at which the cables branch off from each other, can be called a "splice". Due to the manyThe sheer number and variety of such welded joints or splices gives rise to the problem, among other things, of testing the welded joints used in a corresponding motor vehicle for leaks. If such a welded joint is leaky, a fluid, for example water, can penetrate the welded joint in an undesired manner and get between a respective core and a respective cable insulation. This fluid or liquid is then transported in an undesired manner (particularly due to capillary forces) into the electrical network of the motor vehicle, which can cause damage to the electrical network and / or to electrical components of the motor vehicle. To test the leaks of the welded joint, it is known from the prior art, for example, to place the welded joint in a water bath and to apply compressed air to the cables at their free ends.If the welded joint is leaking, bubbles will rise in the water bath. However, this conventional testing method damages the cable bundle connected by the welded joint, as water can penetrate the cables through the leaking welded joint. This cable bundle can no longer be used in the vehicle's production, which is economically and ecologically unfavorable.

[0003] The document US 3 949 598 A relates to a method and means for indicating leaks through the wall of a vessel.

[0004] The document WO 2008 / 061343 A1 relates to a device and a method for testing pipes and in particular for testing the integrity of welds on pipes.

[0005] From the publication CN 107884143 A a device for checking the tightness of a wiring harness and a leak detection system are known. Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a possibility for particularly efficient and, in particular, non-destructive testing of the tightness of a welding node connecting several cables to form a cable bundle.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0008] The testing device according to the invention enables non-destructive testing of the tightness of a welded joint connecting several cables to form a cable bundle. For this purpose, the testing device comprises a first test chamber wall element, which has a first test chamber portion on its chamber-side broad side. The first test chamber wall element can be described as a "bottom tool". Furthermore, the test device a second test chamber wall element, which has a second test chamber part. The second test chamber wall element can be referred to as the "upper tool". The two test chamber wall elements and their test chamberThe individual parts of the test chamber face each other in the test device and correspond to form or close a test chamber. The respective test chamber wall element or the respective test chamber part is produced, for example, by machining a material body of the test chamber wall element to form the corresponding test chamber part. Accordingly, the respective test chamber part can be a respective material recess.

[0009] The testing device further comprises an adjustment device by means of which the testing device can be adjusted between an insertion position and a testing position. The insertion position is characterized by the test chamber being open for inserting or removing the weld node. In contrast, the testing position is characterized by the test chamber sections being clamped towards one another, thereby forming the test chamber. The test chamber wall elements can therefore be clamped towards one another or against one another by adjusting the testing device using the adjustment device. If the test chamber wall elements are clamped towards one another, the test chamber of the testing device is formed or closed by the two test chamber sections. In the testing position, the broad sides of the test chamber wall elements lie against one another or on top of one another - in particular congruent - so that the two test chamber sections face one another and together form the test chamber.In particular, it is provided that the adjustment device has a locking device so that an undesired adjustment of the test device from the test position and / or from the insertion position is prevented.

[0010] The testing device further comprises a test pressure connection, which opens into one of the test chamber sections at its chamber-side end, and whose other end is fluidically connectable to a pressure testing device. In particular, the test pressure connection is arranged on the second test chamber wall element, i.e., on the upper tool. Alternatively, the test pressure connection can be arranged on the first test chamber wall element, i.e., on the lower tool. The corresponding other of the test chamber wall elements is free of such a test pressure connection.

[0011] The test device further comprises a cable bushing which corresponds to the cables of the cable bundle to be tested or the welded node to be tested. The cable bushing is designed to fix the cables in the test position. In other words, the cable bushing serves to fix the cables of the cable bundle to be tested locally or positionally so that the welded node is arranged in the test chamber and free ends of the cables protrude from the test chamber. In the test position of the test device, the test chamber and the area surrounding the test chamber are fluidically sealed from one another via the cable bushing when the welded node is arranged in the test chamber and the cables of the cable bundle are led out of the test chamber through the cable bushing. Thus, if the cable bundle is inserted into the test device as intended, the individual cables of the cable bundle form sealing elements for the cable bushing.In the test position, the test chamber is therefore completely fluidically sealed against the environment of the test chamber if, on the one hand, the two test chamber wall elements are stretched towards each other and the cables are led from the test chamber into the environment via the cable gland.

[0012] Once the welded joint to be tested is placed in the test chamber, with the cables routed to the environment via the cable gland, the welded joint or cable bundle can be tested for leaks using the test device. For this purpose, the pressure testing device, such as a leak test computer, is connected to the test pressure connection. A corresponding test program on the leak test computer is then started, and a test result is provided on an output unit of the leak test computer.

[0013] When testing the tightness of the weld joint, the test device offers the advantage that the cable bundle is not damaged during the test, as the weld joint testing is based on an air pressure measurement in the test chamber. In particular, the cable bundle or weld joint being tested does not come into contact with any liquid, which ultimately means that the tested cable bundle - provided that the weld joint is determined to be tight - is still fully functional. This is because the cable bundle is not adversely moistened or saturated during the testing process. Accordingly, the tested cable bundle with the tight weld joint can be (re)introduced into a production process.

[0014] The cable feedthrough is formed from a first cable feedthrough element and a second cable feedthrough element. The first cable feedthrough element is held on the first test chamber wall element, whereas the second cable feedthrough element is held on the second test chamber wall element. The cable feedthrough therefore has a pair of cable feedthrough elements. The cable feedthrough is, in particular, made at least partially from silicone. Thus, one of the cable feedthrough elements can be made from silicone. Furthermore, both cable feedthrough elements can be made from silicone. The respective cable feedthrough element can be manufactured, for example, using a generative manufacturing process, for example 3D printing. Alternatively or additionally, the respective cable feedthrough element can be designed as a cast part, in particular an injection-molded part, and / or can be formed using a machining process.

[0015] Since the cable feedthrough comprises the first cable feedthrough element held on the first test chamber wall element and the second cable feedthrough element held on the second test chamber wall element, the cable feedthrough can be opened or closed by adjusting the test fixture via the adjustment device. This makes it particularly easy to insert the cables of the cable bundle to be tested into the test fixture and lead them out of the test chamber or the test chamber wall elements via the cable feedthrough.

[0016] To ensure a particularly secure fit of the cable feedthrough elements on the respective test chamber wall element, according to a further embodiment, the testing device comprises a connecting unit by means of which the respective cable feedthrough element and the respective test chamber wall element can be reversibly and detachably fastened to one another in a form-fitting manner. The connecting unit comprises, for example, securing elements and securing element receptacles corresponding to the securing elements. For example, the respective cable feedthrough element can comprise the securing elements, with the respective test chamber wall element comprising the securing element receptacles. The cable feedthrough elements can thus be inserted into the respective test chamber wall element in a form-fitting manner.This ensures, for example, that the cable entry elements remain in place, i.e. attached to the respective test chamber wall element, even if the test device is moved from the test position to the insertion position using the adjustment unit.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the testing device, it is provided that the first cable feedthrough element and the second cable feedthrough element are of identical design. This means that the first cable feedthrough element and the second cable feedthrough element have the same shape or outer contour. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first cable feedthrough element and the second cable feedthrough element are made of the same material. This is accompanied by the fact that the test chamber wall elements, in particular their test chamber portions, are of identical design, at least in the region of the cable feedthrough, so that it would be possible, for example, to fasten the first cable feedthrough element selectively to the first test chamber wall element or to the second test chamber wall element as intended. In other words, the identically designed cable feedthrough elements are, for example, interchangeable.By designing the cable feedthrough elements as identical parts, the test device advantageously has a particularly simple structure.

[0018] Furthermore, in this context, it is conceivable for the testing device to have more than just two cable entry elements, in particular a set of cable entry elements or pairs of cable entry elements. Thus, the testing device can be adapted particularly easily and / or with little effort to different cable bundles whose tightness is to be tested.

[0019] To ensure a particularly reliable sealing effect between the cable entry elements in the test position, a further embodiment of the test device provides for the cable entry elements to be elastically and reversibly clamped together when the test device is adjusted to the test position. Accordingly, the cable entry elements can be made, for example, of an elastic material, whereby the cables arranged between the cable entry elements nestle particularly tightly or intimately against the cable entry elements and, consequently, against the cable entry when the test device is adjusted to the test position. This ensures that no or very little compressed air escapes from the test chamber and along an outer side of the cable into the environment during testing of the weld joint.

[0020] Each cable entry element has grooves that correspond to the cables in the cable bundle and into which the cables can be inserted. This means that the cables of the cable bundle to be tested can be inserted into the grooves of the respective cable entry element. The grooves can be undersized compared to a particular cable diameter, whereby the cables are clamped particularly tightly into the grooves when the test device is adjusted to the test position and the cable entry elements elastically expand. This makes it even easier to ensure the hermetic seal of the test chamber, particularly in the area of ​​the cable entry or cable entry elements.

[0021] For example, the number of grooves in the corresponding cable entry element and the number of cables in the cable bundle to be tested are the same. If the cable bundle to be tested has fewer individual cables than the number of grooves in the cable entry or cable entry elements, the test device can be used as intended by filling the remaining grooves in the cable entry elements with the corresponding blind sealing elements (" Cable -Dummies") can be reversibly closed. In connection with the grooves, it can also be provided that they have a different diameter in order to take into account a cable bundle to be tested which has cables of different thicknesses.

[0022] In a further development, the testing device has a flat sealing element that is arranged on one of the test chamber wall elements. As a result, in the test position, the test chamber and the environment of the test chamber are fluidically sealed from one another via the sealing element. The flat sealing element can be designed as a component of the corresponding test chamber wall element. The flat sealing element of the corresponding test chamber wall element is formed on its chamber-side broad side. In particular, the testing device is provided for the first test chamber wall element, i.e. the lower tool, to have the flat sealing element on its chamber-side broad side. The flat sealing element is made in particular from an elastic material, such as silicone, and can, for example, be made from the same material as the cable feedthrough elements.The flat sealing element provides a particularly reliable sealing effect for the test chamber, which - apart from the pressure test connection - is fluidically tight or hermetically sealed against the environment of the test chamber.

[0023] In connection with the planar sealing element and as provided in a further embodiment of the test device, the sealing element and a rigid material body of the corresponding test chamber wall element are integrally connected to one another. In particular, the corresponding test chamber wall element and the sealing element are manufactured as a single piece. This means, for example, that the material body of the corresponding test chamber wall element has a metal portion and a plastic portion, wherein the planar sealing element on the broad side of the corresponding test chamber wall element and its associated test chamber portion are formed simultaneously, for example by milling. For example, there is a material-to-material connection between the sealing element and the corresponding rigid material body of the test chamber wall element, which has been created by vulcanization.In this way, the sealing element and the rigid material body of the corresponding test chamber wall element are particularly securely and reliably fastened to one another, thereby preventing undesired displacement or slipping of the sealing element relative to the rigid material body of the corresponding test chamber wall element, particularly when adjusting the test device using the adjustment device. In particular, it is provided that the first test chamber wall element, i.e., the lower tool, comprises the sealing element.

[0024] To ensure particularly simple and low-effort adjustment of the testing device, a further embodiment of the testing device provides for the adjustment device to have a toggle lever mechanism. A user of the testing device is thus able to adjust between the insertion position and the test position using only minimal muscle power. The toggle lever mechanism, in particular, has means for reversibly locking the testing device, i.e., the test chamber wall elements, in the test position. Such a principle is known, for example, in the machine tool sector for toggle lever clamps.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the testing device comprises a centering unit having a first centering element on the first test chamber wall element and a second centering element on the second test chamber wall element. The centering elements correspond to one another and can be brought into positive engagement when the testing device is adjusted into the test position. The centering unit is thus designed, on the one hand, to align the test chamber wall elements with one another as intended to form the test chamber when the testing device is adjusted into the test position, or to guide them in alignment with one another, and, on the other hand, to lock the test chamber wall elements against relative movement in the test position.For example, it can be provided that the first centering element arranged on the first test chamber wall element is designed as a centering element receptacle, wherein the second centering element arranged on the second test chamber wall element then engages positively with the first centering element or the centering element receptacle when the test device is adjusted to the test position. By aligning the test chamber wall elements relative to one another using the centering unit, the centering unit supports the formation of a reliably sealed test chamber.

[0026] In order to make it particularly easy to insert the cable bundle into the test device and to support this, the test device in a further development has a cable clamping device which is arranged on the first test chamber wall element and has pairs of springs by means of which the cables of the cable bundle can be held in position when the test device is inserted. The respective pair of springs is brought into a receiving position by tensioning, then the corresponding cable of the cable bundle is brought between individual springs of the spring pair and then the spring pair is adjusted into a clamping position by relaxing the same. In this state, the cable is held in place at least force-fitting by means of the pair of springs. In particular, the test device or the first test chamber wall element has as many pairs of springs as the cable bundle has cables. However, it can be provided that the cable clamping device orthe first test chamber wall element has more pairs of springs, whereby the cable clamping device is designed to be connected as intended to other cable bundles that can be tested by means of the test device.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the testing device can comprise a translation unit by means of which the first test chamber wall element is held so as to be translationally displaceable relative to the adjustment device and can be adjusted between a test position and an insertion position. The adjustment device and the translation unit are arranged in a fixed position relative to one another. For example, the translation unit and the adjustment device can be mounted on a common base plate. The translation unit is, for example, a slide rail unit with at least one slide rail, wherein the first test chamber wall element has a corresponding slide rail receptacle, such that the slide rail of the translation unit engages in the slide rail receptacle and consequently in the first test chamber wall element.Furthermore, in this context, the testing device can have a locking mechanism by means of which the test chamber wall element mounted via the translation unit can be locked or locked against translational displacement in the testing position and / or in the insertion position.

[0028] Since the test device is generally designed so that the test chamber wall elements are moved towards or away from each other along a vertical axis of the test device when the test device is adjusted using the adjustment device, the translation unit offers the option of translating the first test chamber wall element perpendicular to the vertical axis, which makes loading the test device, i.e. inserting the cable bundle into the test device or into the first test chamber wall element, particularly easy. This is because, along the vertical direction of the test device, the first test chamber wall element is not covered by the second test chamber wall element and / or the adjustment unit in its inserted position. This advantageously provides a particularly large space for manipulating the first test chamber wall element.Nevertheless, the first test chamber wall element can be returned to the test position particularly easily, whereby, thanks to the translation unit, precise alignment of the first test chamber wall element with respect to at least one of the three spatial directions can be omitted. Alignment of the first test chamber wall element in the test position with respect to two of the spatial directions can be omitted if the testing device, in particular the translation unit, has a stop against which the first test chamber wall element rests in its test position. Accordingly, laborious manual alignment of the first test chamber wall element or the lower tool with respect to the two spatial directions perpendicular to the vertical axis can be omitted.

[0029] According to a further development of the testing device, it has two first test chamber wall elements which are held so as to be translationally displaceable in relation to the adjustment device, in particular via the translation unit. The two first test chamber wall elements are each translationally adjustable between the test position and a respective insertion position. It can be provided that the two first test chamber wall elements are rigidly connected to one another, for example, formed integrally with one another or otherwise connected to one another in a force-fitting, form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. This makes it particularly easy to move the two first test chamber wall elements together. Alternatively, the two first test chamber wall elements can be connected to the translation unit independently of one another, i.e., mounted on it so as to be translationally displaceable.Because the testing device has two first test chamber wall elements, the process of testing multiple cable bundles or multiple welded nodes is particularly simple and efficient. While a first cable bundle or a first welded node is being tested for leaks in one of the first test chamber wall elements, the corresponding other of the two first test chamber wall elements is adjusted to its insertion position and can simultaneously be loaded with another cable bundle to be tested. This advantageously minimizes unwanted downtime of the testing device, making the testing device particularly efficient for testing the leaks of the welded node connecting multiple cables to the cable bundle.

[0030] The invention further relates to a test set which has a test device designed according to the above description. In order to be able to test as many differently designed cable bundles as possible, in particular with a different number of individual cables and / or with different diameters of the individual cables, for their tightness particularly efficiently, the test set further has a multiplicity of differently designed cable bushings so that the test set can be adapted to the cable bundle to be tested as required. This means that the test set has, for example, two pairs of cable bushing elements, three pairs of cable bushing elements, etc. If at least some of the pairs of cable bushing elements are provided with the grooves described above, into which the cables of the cable bundle can be inserted, the test set can further have a multiplicity of blind sealing elements or blanking elements corresponding to the cable bushings or the grooves.Cable dummies. In particular, the test set may include the pressure test device, for example, the leak test computer.

[0031] Features, advantages and advantageous embodiments of the test device according to the invention are to be regarded as features, advantages and advantageous embodiments of the test set according to the invention and vice versa.

[0032] The invention further relates to a method for testing the tightness of a welded joint connecting several cables to form a cable bundle, using a testing device designed as described above or using a testing set designed as described above. If features, advantages, and advantageous embodiments of the testing device and / or the testing set according to the invention are presented herein in connection with the description of the method, these are to be regarded as such. The testing device and / or the testing set according to the invention comprises means for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0033] In the method for testing the tightness of the welded joint, the testing device is moved into the insertion position - if not already done - and, if necessary, the first test chamber wall element is moved into the insertion position. The cable bundle is then connected to the testing device, in particular to the first test chamber wall element, by bringing the welded joint into the first test chamber section, for example by inserting it. The individual cables of the cable bundle to be tested are led out of the first test chamber section through the cable feedthrough, for example by placing the individual cables on the cable feedthrough element arranged on the first test chamber wall element. For example, the cables of the cable bundle are placed in the grooves of the first cable feedthrough element.If the cable bundle to be tested has fewer individual cables than the cable entry elements have grooves for the cables, it is particularly intended that the blind sealing elements or cable dummies are inserted into the free grooves of the cable entry elements.

[0034] Before, during, or after this, the individual cables can be clamped into the corresponding spring pairs of the cable clamping device, so that the individual cables are securely held in position in the insertion position. If the test device is equipped with the translation unit, the first test chamber wall element is then moved into the test position. After this, the test chamber wall elements, i.e. the lower tool and the upper tool, are moved towards each other along the vertical direction of the test device while the test device is adjusted using the adjustment device. If available, the test chamber wall elements are aligned with each other using the centering unit. Once the test device has been fully adjusted to the test position, the test chamber is formed between the test chamber wall elements, in which the weld node of the cable bundle to be tested is arranged.The test chamber is hermetically sealed from the environment by means of the cable entry, in particular by means of the clamped cable entry elements, and – if present – ​​by means of the flat sealing element. The pressure test device, for example, the leak test computer, is then connected to the test pressure connection, and the leak test computer's test program is started.

[0035] The pressure testing device measures the pressure inside the test chamber and monitors it over a measuring period. If the welded joint is leaking, the compressed air inside the test chamber escapes through the leaking welded joint and through the individual cables of the cable bundle out of the test chamber, whereby the pressure testing device determines that the welded joint is leaking. The compressed air escapes from the test chamber by flowing into the welded joint and from there between a respective cable core and the associated cable insulation, thus flowing into the environment of the test chamber. If, on the other hand, the welded joint is tight, no or very little compressed air escapes from the test chamber. The corresponding result of the pressure test is provided to the user of the testing device, for example by means of a display unit on the pressure testing device.Once the test routine has been completed, the test chamber is opened by moving the test fixture from the test position to the insertion position using its adjustment mechanism. If necessary, the first test chamber wall element is translated from the test position to the insertion position using the translation unit, so that the tested cable bundle or weld joint can then be removed from the first test chamber section.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention can be derived from the following description of possible embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Short character description

[0037] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a testing device for testing the tightness of a welded joint connecting several cables to form a cable bundle; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first test chamber wall element of the testing device; Fig. 3 is a perspective and partial view of the testing device with a second test chamber wall element; Fig. 4 is a perspective and partial view of the testing device with a test pressure connection; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first test chamber wall element, with the cable bundle to be tested inserted into the first test chamber wall element as intended; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cable feedthrough element; Fig. 7 is a perspective and partial view of the testing device with a centering unit; and Fig. 8 is a perspective and partial view of the testing device with a translation unit.

[0038] Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0039] In the following, a test device 1, a test set (not shown) and a method for testing the tightness of a weld node 2 using the test device 1 or the test set are described together.

[0040] This shows Fig. 1 a perspective view of the testing device 1 for testing the tightness of the welded joint 2 connecting several cables 3 to a cable bundle 4. In the method for testing the tightness of the welded joint 2 (first shown in Fig. 6), the testing device 1 is used. For this purpose, the testing device 1 has a first test chamber wall element 5, which can be referred to as the lower tool. Furthermore, the testing device 1 has a second test chamber wall element 6, which can be referred to as the upper tool. The testing device 1 also has an adjustment device 7, by means of which the testing device 1 can be adjusted between an insertion position and a testing position. In the present case, the testing device 1 also has a base plate 8, to which the adjustment device 7 and a translation unit 9 of the testing device 1 are fastened. By means of the translation unit 9, the first test chamber wall element 5 or the lower tool is mounted on the base plate 8 in a translationally displaceable manner. This means that the lower tool or the first test chamber wall element 5 can be displaced or adjusted relative to the adjustment device 7 along the translation unit 9.

[0041] In Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the first test chamber wall element 5 or the lower tool of the testing device 1, which has a first test chamber portion 10. The first test chamber portion 10 is formed on a broad side 11 of the first test chamber wall element 5. In the present case, the first test chamber portion 10 is a material recess that has been produced, for example, by means of a machining process. On the chamber-side broad side 11, the first test chamber wall element 5 in the present example has a flat sealing element 12 that is materially connected to a rigid material body 13 of the first test chamber wall element 5. For example, the material body 13 of the first test chamber wall element 5 is formed from a metal, in particular aluminum.In contrast, it is provided that the planar sealing element 12, which is integrally connected to the material body 13 of the first test chamber wall element 5, is formed from a softer material than the material body 13. For example, the planar sealing element 12 is formed from a plastic, in particular silicone. It can further be provided that the planar sealing element 12 has a Shore hardness of, for example, 35. The planar sealing element 12 is, in particular, non-destructively and reversibly elastically deformable.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided that a blank from which the first test chamber wall element 5 is formed comprises both the material of the rigid material body 13 and the material of the planar sealing element 12. During the production of the first test chamber wall element 5, the first test chamber portion 10 and the planar sealing element 12 are then manufactured together. For example, the rigid material body, i.e., the aluminum, and the silicone of the planar sealing element 12 are bonded to one another by vulcanization, and the first test chamber portion 10 is formed into the first test chamber wall element 5 by milling the blank accordingly.

[0043] Fig. 3shows a perspective and partial view of the test device 1 with the second test chamber wall element 6 or with the upper tool. The upper tool or the second test chamber wall element 6 has a second test chamber portion 14, wherein the test chamber portions are arranged to form a test chamber 15 (see Fig. 7 ) correspond to each other. The second test chamber portion 14 is formed on a broad side 16 of the second test chamber wall element 6. This means that in the test device 1, the two test chamber portions 10, 14 face each other, in that the broad sides 11, 16 of the test chamber wall elements 5, 6 face each other.

[0044] By means of the adjustment device 7, the testing device 1 can be adjusted between the insertion position and the testing position, wherein in the insertion position the test chamber 15 is open for inserting or removing the weld node 2. In contrast, in the testing position the test chamber wall elements 5, 6 and their test chamber portions 10, 14 are clamped towards one another, thereby forming the test chamber 15, i.e., is closed. For this purpose, the adjustment device 7 in the present example has a toggle lever mechanism 17, by means of which a user can adjust the testing device 1 between the testing position and the insertion position with only very little muscle effort. The toggle lever mechanism 17 here has an actuating lever 18 for operating the toggle lever mechanism 17. The testing device can be locked against unintentional adjustment from the testing position by means of a locking unit (not shown) of the toggle lever mechanism 17.

[0045] In Fig. 3 Furthermore, a test pressure connection 19 of the test device 1 is shown, which opens with its chamber-side end into the second test chamber portion 14. This means that the test pressure connection 19 is arranged on the second test chamber wall element 6. In Fig. 4 The test pressure connection 19 is shown in a perspective and partial view of the test device 1. The test pressure connection 19 further has another end 20 that can be connected to a pressure testing device, such as a leak test computer. Thus, in the method for testing the weld node 2, the leak test computer is connected to the end 20 of the test pressure connection 19, whereby the leak test computer or the pressure testing device is fluidically connected to the second test chamber portion 14 and, in the test position of the test device 1, to the test chamber 15.

[0046] Fig. 5shows a perspective view of the first test chamber wall element 5, wherein the cable bundle 4 to be tested is inserted as intended into the first test chamber wall element 5. It can be seen that the weld node 2 to be tested is inserted into the first test chamber section 10 in order to test the tightness of the weld node 2. The individual cables 3, of which Fig. 5only a few are provided with the corresponding reference numeral, are led out of the first test chamber section 10. For this purpose, the test device 1 has a cable feedthrough 21, by means of which the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 can be locally fixed in / on the test device 1. In the test position of the test device 1, the test chamber 15 and an area surrounding the test chamber 15 are fluidically sealed from one another via the cable feedthrough 21 when the weld node 2 is arranged in the test chamber 15 or in the first test chamber section 10 and the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 are led out of the test chamber 15 through the cable feedthrough 21. This means that for testing the weld node 2, the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 function as the respective sealing element when the cable bundle 4 is inserted into the test device 1 as intended, i.e. correctly, and the test device 1 is adjusted to the test position.

[0047] In the present example, the cable feedthrough 21 has a first cable feedthrough element 22 and a second cable feedthrough element 23 (see Fig. 3). This means that the cable feedthrough 21 in the present example is formed from the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23, at least when the test device 1 is adjusted to the test position as intended. The first cable feedthrough element 22 is held on the first test chamber wall element 5, whereas the second cable feedthrough element 23 is held on the second test chamber wall element 6. This means that when the test device 1 is adjusted between the test position and the insertion position, the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23 are moved along with the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6. This is because the test device 1 has a connecting unit 24, by means of which the respective cable feedthrough element 22, 23 and the respective test chamber wall element 5, 6 can be reversibly detachably fastened to one another in a form-fitting manner.

[0048] In this case, the connection unit 24 - see Fig. 2- Connecting element receptacles 25, whereby the respective cable entry element 22, 23 - see Fig. 6- Have connecting elements 26. The connecting element receptacles 25 and the connecting elements 26 correspond to one another, so that a positive connection can be formed via the connecting unit 24 between the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6 and the corresponding cable feedthrough element 22, 23. For this purpose, in the present example, the respective cable feedthrough element 22, 23 is inserted into the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6, so that the respective connecting element 26 engages in an associated one of the connecting element receptacles 25.If the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6 is pre-assembled in such a way that the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6 and the corresponding cable feed-through element 22, 23 are positively connected to one another, the respective cable feed-through element 22, 23 sits in an associated and corresponding cable feed-through element receptacle 27 which is formed on the corresponding broad side 11, 16 of the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6. In order to secure the corresponding cable feed-through element 22, 23 in the corresponding cable feed-through element receptacle 27 against slipping or falling out, the respective test chamber wall element 5, 6 in the present example has a securing plate 28 which closes the corresponding cable feed-through element receptacle 27 in a reversibly detachable manner, in particular reversibly detachable without tools. This is particularly good in . Fig. 5which shows the first cable feedthrough element 22 as it sits in the cable feedthrough element receptacle 27 of the first test chamber wall element 5 and is secured by the securing plate 28 against accidental falling out of the cable feedthrough element receptacle 27. For this purpose, the securing plate 28 is connected to the material body 13 of the first test chamber wall element 5 or to a material body of the second test chamber wall element 6 in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. In the present case, the testing device 1 comprises a set of knurled screws 29, of which Fig. 5For reasons of clarity, only a few are provided with the corresponding reference numerals. The securing plate 28 is screwed to the corresponding material body 13 of the corresponding test chamber wall element 5, 6 by means of the knurled screws 29. For this purpose, the material body 13 of the first test chamber wall element 5 or the material body of the second test chamber wall element 6 has threaded holes corresponding to the knurled screws 29, into which the knurled screws 29 engage or can engage to establish a threaded connection.

[0049] In Fig. 6A perspective view of the cable feedthrough element 22, 23 is shown. In the present example, it is provided that the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23 are of identical design. The cable feedthrough elements 22, 23 are made, in particular, from the same material, in this case from silicone. Furthermore, the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23, which are designed as identical parts, are respective 3D-printed parts. Grooves 31 are formed on an upper side 30 of the respective cable feedthrough element 22, 23, so that the grooves 31 form respective through-openings through the cable feedthrough 21 when the testing device 1 is adjusted to the testing position. The grooves 31 and consequently the through-openings through the cable feedthrough 21 correspond to the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 to be tested.As a result, the cable entry elements 22, 23 nestle particularly tightly and tightly against the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 to be tested when the test device 1 is adjusted to the test position. If the cable bundle 4 has fewer cables 3 than the cable entry 21 has through-openings, it is provided that blind sealing elements ("cable dummies"; not shown) are inserted into the free through-openings or the free grooves 31 to test the weld node 2.

[0050] In the test position of the test device 1, and when the weld node 2 of the cable bundle 4 to be tested is inserted into the test chamber 15 as intended, the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 to be tested are guided through the grooves 31 or through the through-openings through the cable bushing 21, with the cables 3 serving as sealing elements for the test chamber 15. In other words, it is provided that in the test position, the grooves 31 of the cable bushing elements 22, 23 are sealed by the cables 3 and / or by the blind sealing elements. The cable bushing elements 22, 23 can be elastically and reversibly clamped together when the test device 1 is moved into the test position.This means that a material, in this case silicone, of the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23 is selected such that the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23 can be pressed against one another in a non-destructive manner and can thereby be deformed, wherein the cable feedthrough elements 22, 23 are relaxed again when the test device 1 is moved into the insertion position and thereby return to their original shape.

[0051] In Fig. 7A perspective and partial view of the testing device 1 is shown, wherein a centering unit 32 of the testing device 1 is particularly clearly visible. The centering unit 32 has a first centering element 33 and a second centering element 34. The first centering element 33, which in the present example is designed as a centering element receptacle, is formed on the first test chamber wall element 5, whereas the second centering element 34, which in this case is designed as a centering bar, is arranged on the second test chamber wall element 6. The centering elements 33, 34, in this case the centering element receptacle and the centering bar, correspond to one another, so that when the testing device 1 is adjusted to the test position, the centering elements 33, 34 can be brought into positive engagement with one another.If the test device 1 is moved, for example, from the insertion position to the test position, the centering latch, i.e., the second centering element 34, engages the centering element receptacle, i.e., the second centering element 34. As a result, the test chamber wall elements 5, 6 are aligned with one another as the test device 1 is moved, with the centering elements 33, 34 sliding against one another until the test device 1 is fully moved into the test position. In this state, the centering elements 33, 34 interact with one another in a form-fitting manner, thereby preventing one of the test chamber wall elements 5, 6 from disengaging from the corresponding other of the test chamber wall elements 5, 6.

[0052] With further reference to Fig. 1It can be seen that the test chamber wall elements 5, 6 are moved toward or away from each other along an adjustment direction 35 when the test device 1 is adjusted between the insertion position and the test position. The test device 1, in particular the adjustment device 7, is designed such that the adjustment direction 35 and a vertical spatial axis are parallel to each other. The second test chamber wall element 6 is attached to a base 36, for example, screwed to the base 36.

[0053] The test device 1 has a cable clamping device 37, which can be used, for example, in Fig. 5can be seen. In the present example, the cable clamping device 37 is arranged on the first test chamber wall element 5 and has spring pairs 38 by means of which the cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 can be held in position in the insertion position of the test device 1. The spring pairs 38 of the cable clamping device 37 are arranged outside the first test chamber portion 10 and / or inside the first test chamber portion 10. To insert the cable bundle 4 into the test device 1, the weld node 2 is inserted into the first test chamber portion 10, with the individual cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 being inserted separately from one another into respective spring pairs 38 of the cable clamping device 37. In this case, the cables 3 are placed between the individual springs of the respective spring pair 38 while tensioning the respective spring pair 38, whereby the individual springs of the corresponding spring pair 38 are tensioned away from one another.As a result, the respective cable 3 of the cable bundle 4 is held in place by the spring force of the spring pair 38. Of the spring pairs 38, . Fig. 5 For reasons of clarity, only a few are provided with the corresponding reference numeral. For each cable 3, the cable clamping device can have two pairs of springs 38, one of which is arranged outside the first test chamber portion 10 and one inside the first test chamber portion 10. As a result, the corresponding cable 3 is or can be secured positionally along its longitudinal extent, once inside the first test chamber portion 10 and once outside the first test chamber portion 10.

[0054] Fig. 8shows a perspective and partial view of the test device 1 with the translation unit 9, wherein only the base plate 8, the translation unit 9 and the first test chamber wall element 5 of the test device 1 are shown. As already explained, the first test chamber wall element 5 is translationally displaceable with respect to the adjustment device 7 along the translation unit 9. This is shown in Fig. 8 can be seen from the fastening holes 39 by means of which the adjustment device 7 is fastened to the base plate 8. The first test chamber wall element 5 is thus adjustable along the translation unit 9 between a test position and an insertion position, wherein in the test position the first test chamber wall element 5 is arranged exactly below the second test chamber wall element 6. In this case, a vertical axis 40 of the first test chamber wall element 5 and the adjustment direction 35 coincide. In this case, in the insertion position of the second

[0055] test chamber wall element 5 - that is, when it is disengaged from the test position along the translation unit 9 - the adjustment direction 35 and the vertical axis 40 are parallel to one another, but the vertical axis 40 and the adjustment direction 35 do not intersect. In particular, the first test chamber wall element 5 in the insertion position is so far away from the adjustment device 7 along the translation unit 9 that the entire broad side 11 of the first test chamber wall element 5 is not covered or covered by the second test chamber wall element 6 along the vertical direction, that is, from above. This results in a particularly large space above the first test chamber wall element 5 arranged in the insertion position, whereby the insertion of the cable bundle 4 to be tested into the first test chamber wall element 5 is particularly easy.

[0056] Not shown is at least one further first test chamber wall element 5 of the testing device 1, wherein the two first test chamber wall elements 5 are then held so as to be translationally displaceable relative to the adjustment device 7 by means of the translation unit 9. Thus, the testing device 1 can have at least two first test chamber wall elements 5, each of which is translationally adjustable between the testing position and a respective insertion position. This means that one of the two first test chamber wall elements 5 can be alternately adjusted into the testing position, wherein the corresponding other of the two first test chamber wall elements 5 can be arranged in the respectively assigned insertion position.If the testing device 1 is arranged in the room as intended, for example, set up on a surface via the base plate 8, and a user of the testing device 1 is standing on the side of the actuating lever 18, with the translation unit 9 running transversely in front of the user, one of the two first test chamber wall elements 5 can, for example, be adjusted to a right-hand insertion position, whereas the other of the two first test chamber wall elements 5 can be adjusted to a left-hand insertion position. Either of the two first test chamber wall elements 5 arranged in the right-hand or left-hand insertion position can then be adjusted to the testing position. In this way, a first cable bundle 4 can be tested using the testing device 1, while at the same time a further cable bundle 4 (not shown) can be inserted into the corresponding other of the two first test chamber wall elements 5.

[0057] The test set comprises the test device 1 and a plurality of differently designed cable feedthroughs 21, i.e., a plurality of differently designed cable feedthrough element pairs, wherein each cable feedthrough element pair comprises two identically designed cable feedthrough elements 22, 23. Furthermore, the test set can comprise a plurality of blind sealing elements or cable dummies corresponding to the cable feedthroughs 21. Furthermore, the test set can comprise the pressure testing device, such as the leak test computer.

[0058] In order to test the tightness of the welded joint 2 connecting several cables 3 to form the cable bundle 4 using the test device 1 or the test set, the test device 1 is moved from the test position to the insertion position, if not already done. This releases the test chamber 15 formed between the test chamber wall elements 5, 6, so that the welded joint 2 to be tested can be inserted into the test chamber 15, in particular into the first test chamber section 10. The individual cables 3 of the cable bundle 4 are led out of the first test chamber section 10 through the cable feedthrough 21, for example by inserting the cables 3 into the grooves 31 of the first cable feedthrough element 22.For particularly simple insertion of the cable bundle 4 into the test device 1, it can be provided that the first test chamber wall element 5 is first adjusted along the translation unit 9 into the corresponding insertion position in order to adjust the first test chamber wall element 5 (again) into the test position after the cable bundle 4 or the weld node 2 has been inserted along the translation unit 9.

[0059] When inserting the cable bundle 4 into the first test chamber wall element 5, it can further be provided that the cables 3 are inserted or clamped into the cable clamping device 37 or spring pairs 38 in order to hold the cables 3 particularly securely in position. The toggle lever mechanism 17 is then actuated—in particular by means of the actuating lever 18—as a result of which the test device 1 is adjusted into the test position. In the present example, the second test chamber wall element 6 is moved toward the first test chamber wall element 5 along the adjustment direction 35, wherein in particular the centering elements 33, 34 of the centering unit 32 engage with one another and slide against one another. The broad sides 11, 16 or the test chamber wall elements 5, 6 touch one another, wherein the flat sealing element 12 is elastically deformed and thereby tensioned.In this state, the test chamber 15 is formed by the test chamber parts 10, 14 and is closed and sealed against the environment of the test chamber 15.

[0060] The test routine for testing the tightness of the weld node 2 is then started and carried out on / in the pressure testing device connected to the end 20 of the test pressure connection 19, for example the leak test computer. If the test device 1 has two first test chamber wall elements 5, the free first test chamber wall element 5 can be equipped with another cable bundle 4 or another weld node 2 during the test routine. In this way, the time during which the test routine is running can be used particularly efficiently and economically. Once the testing of the corresponding cable bundle 4 or the corresponding weld node 2 is completed, the test device 1 is moved from the test position to the insertion position by actuating the actuating lever 18 and, if necessary,the corresponding first test chamber wall element 5 is disengaged from the test position, in particular by moving the corresponding first test chamber wall element 5 to the right or to the left along the translation unit 9. The tested cable bundle 4 with the tight welded joint 2 can then be fed to a production line, since the method for testing the tightness of the welded joint 2 is a non-destructive method.

[0061] Overall, the invention shows that the testing device 1, the testing set and the method for testing the tightness of the weld node 2 provide a (respective) possibility for particularly efficient and, in particular, non-destructive testing of the tightness of the weld node 2. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0062] 1Test fixture 2Welded node 3Cable 4Cable bundle 5First test chamber wall element 6Second test chamber wall element 7Adjustment device 8Base plate 9Translation unit 10First test chamber section 11Broad side 12Flat sealing element 13Material body 14Second test chamber section 15Test chamber 16Broad side 17Toggle lever mechanism 18Actuating lever 19Test pressure connection 20End 21Cable feedthrough 22Cable feedthrough element 23Cable feedthrough element 24Connecting unit 25Connecting element holder 26Connecting element 27Cable feedthrough element holder 28Securing plate 29Knurled screw 30Top 31Groove 32Centering unit 33First centering element 34Second centering element 35Adjustment direction 36Foot 37Cable clamping device 38Pair of springs 39Mounting hole 40Vertical axis

Claims

1. Testing device (1) for testing the tightness of a weld joint (2) connecting several cables (3) to a cable bundle (4), comprising - a first test chamber wall element (5) which has a first test chamber part (10) on its chamber-side broad side (11); - a second test chamber wall element (6) which has a second test chamber part (14) on its chamber-side broad side (16), wherein the test chamber wall elements (5, 6) and their test chamber parts (10, 14) face each other and correspond with each other to form a test chamber (15); - an adjustment device (7) by means of which the testing device (1) is adjustable between an insertion position, in which the test chamber (15) is open for inserting or removing the weld joint (2), and a test position, in which the test chamber wall elements (5, 6) and their test chamber parts (10, 14) are tensioned towards each other, whereby the test chamber (15) is closed; - a test pressure connection (19) which opens at its chamber-side end into one of the test chamber parts (10, 14) and whose other end (20) can be fluidically connected to a pressure testing device; - a cable feed-through (21) corresponding to the cables (3) of the cable bundle (4), which is designed to fix the cables (3) in the test position; wherein in the test position the test chamber (15) and an environment of the test chamber (15) are fluidically sealed from each other via the cable feed-through (21) when the weld joint (2) is arranged in the test chamber (15) and the cables (3) of the cable bundle (4) are led out of the test chamber (15) through the cable feed-through (21), wherein the cable feed-through (21) is formed from a first cable feed-through element (22) held on the first test chamber wall element (5) and a second cable feed-through element (23) held on the second test chamber wall element (6), characterized in that each cable feed-through element (22, 23) has grooves (31) corresponding to the cables (3) of the cable bundle (4) into which the cables (3) can be inserted.

2. Testing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a connecting unit (24) by means of which the respective cable feed-through element (22, 23) and the respective test chamber wall element (5, 6) can be detachably fastened to each other in a form-fitting manner.

3. Testing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first cable feed-through element (22) and the second cable feed-through element (23) are designed identically.

4. Testing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cable feed-through elements (22, 23) can be elastically tensioned against each other in a reversible manner when the testing device (1) is adjusted to the test position.

5. Testing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the test chamber wall elements (5, 6) has a flat sealing element (12) on its chamber-side broad side (11, 16), so that in the test position the test chamber (15) and the environment of the test chamber (15) are fluidically sealed from each other via the sealing element (12).

6. Testing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing element (12) and a rigid material body (13) of the corresponding test chamber wall element (5, 6) are materially bonded to each other.

7. Testing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment device (7) has a toggle lever mechanism (17).

8. Testing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a centering unit (32) which has a first centering element (33) on the first test chamber wall element (5) and a second centering element (34) on the second test chamber wall element (6), wherein the centering elements (33, 34) correspond with each other and can be brought into form-fitting interaction with each other when the testing device (1) is adjusted to its test position.

9. Testing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cable clamping device (37) which is arranged on the first test chamber wall element (5) and has pairs of springs (38) by means of which the cables (3) of the cable bundle (4) can be held in position in the insertion position of the testing device (1).

10. Testing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a translation unit (9) by means of which the first test chamber wall element (5) is held translationally displaceable relative to the adjustment device (7) and is adjustable between a test position and an insertion position, wherein the adjustment device (7) and the translation unit (9) are arranged stationary relative to each other.

11. Testing device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that two first test chamber wall elements (5) are held translationally displaceable relative to the adjustment device (7) via the translation unit (9), each of which is translationally adjustable between the test position and a respective insertion position.

12. Test set comprising a testing device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11 and a plurality of differently designed cable feed-throughs (21).

13. Method for testing the tightness of a weld joint (2) connecting several cables (3) to a cable bundle (4) by means of a testing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or by means of a test set according to claim 12.