Device for locating an orifice in a layer of material.

Abstract

A device (1) for locating an orifice (2) in a layer of a material (3) comprising: a compartment (4) adapted to receive a liquid (5), closed at a first end (41) and open at a second end (42) intended to be in contact with the layer of material (3); and a vacuum means (6) adapted to create a vacuum in said compartment (4), said device (1) being arranged so that gas bubbles (9) appear in the compartment (4) when: the liquid (5) is disposed in the compartment (4), and the second end (42) is in contact with the layer of material (3), and a vacuum is applied in the compartment (4), and the orifice (2) is disposed opposite the compartment (4). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for locating an orifice in a layer of material. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the present invention is that of devices for locating a leak or orifice in a layer of material. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The rapid and precise localization of orifices, holes or leaks in structures is an important issue in many fields. Indeed, these sealing defects can have serious consequences in terms of safety, performance and costs.

[0003] In industry, a leak in a pressurized fluid pipeline can lead to production losses, risks to personal safety, and environmental damage. In the leisure sector, a hole in a swimming pool cover can cause significant water losses and high operating costs.

[0004] It is therefore important to have effective means to detect and locate these orifices quickly so that they can be remedied before they cause significant damage.

[0005] There are many known devices and methods for detecting and locating leaks or orifices in structures such as tanks, pipes or tarpaulins.

[0006] Among the commonly used techniques are acoustic detection methods, which consist of detecting the noise generated by a leak using ultrasonic sensors. However, these devices require the use of sophisticated and expensive sensors, and require complex signal analysis to precisely locate the leak.

[0007] Other methods use tracer gases that escape through the leak and are detected using specific sensors. These methods also require the use of dedicated and expensive equipment.

[0008] Some processes use thermographic means, for example an infrared camera, to detect temperature variations caused by a leak. However, these devices are also expensive and complex to implement, and are sensitive to environmental conditions.

[0009] In summary, prior art devices and methods for leak detection and localization have disadvantages in terms of cost and complexity of implementation.

[0010] There is therefore a need for orifice localization devices in a layer of material that are simple, economical, and do not require the use of complex sensors or tooling. Description of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a device for locating an orifice in a layer of a material comprising: - a compartment suitable for receiving a liquid, closed at one end and open at a second end intended to be in contact with the layer of material; and - a means of depression capable of creating a depression in said compartment,

[0012] said device being arranged so that gas bubbles appear in the compartment when: - the liquid is placed in the compartment, and - the second end is in contact with the layer of material, and - a vacuum is applied in the compartment, and - the opening is positioned opposite the compartment.

[0013] The locating device is simple in design in that it does not contain any sensors or other tools. The detection of an orifice is achieved by the appearance of gas bubbles in the liquid present in the compartment and does not require complex signal analysis.

[0014] The orifice can also be detected by detecting a loss of adhesion between the device and the material layer. Indeed, the passage of a gas from outside the compartment to the inside of the compartment through the orifice, and therefore the appearance of gas bubbles in the liquid, reduces or even eliminates the vacuum applied in the compartment and thus the adhesion force between the device and the material layer.

[0015] The depression means makes it possible on the one hand to create an adhesion force between the localization device and the layer of material and, on the other hand, to allow the passage of a fluid from the outside of the compartment to the inside of the compartment.

[0016] Furthermore, the vacuum adhesion of the device to the material layer has the advantage of being easily reversible and controllable. In addition, controlling the vacuum allows the device to be moved across the surface of the material layer while maintaining its adhesion to the material layer.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the depression means is represented by a deformable membrane closing the first end and capable of adopting a relaxed position and at least one deployed position, the deformable membrane being able to create a depression in the compartment when passing from the relaxed position to at least one deployed position.

[0018] The deformable membrane creates a vacuum in the compartment by increasing its internal volume while the amount of fluid in the compartment remains constant. Thus, when the second end of the compartment comes into contact with the layer of material, the increase in the compartment's internal volume creates a vacuum, since the amount of fluid in the compartment remains constant.

[0019] Advantageously, the device includes a means for locking the deformable membrane in at least one deployed position.

[0020] This embodiment makes it possible to maintain a constant depression in the compartment and therefore to apply a constant adhesion force between the compartment and the layer of material.

[0021] Advantageously still, the locking means includes a gripping tab comprising at least one groove intended to fit into a notch of the device.

[0022] This locking system, which engages a groove in a notch, allows the deformable membrane to be held in a stable and controlled deployed position without requiring additional locking mechanisms. Furthermore, the integration of grooves on the deformable membrane's gripping tab, combined with a rib on the positioning device, allows the deformable membrane to be locked in various deployed positions simply, stably, and in a controlled manner. This enables control of the vacuum generated in the compartment and the resulting adhesion force between the compartment and the material layer.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum means is represented by a vacuum pump.

[0024] The vacuum pump reduces the amount of fluid in the compartment while the internal volume of the compartment remains constant. This creates a vacuum when the compartment is in contact with the layer of material.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum means is represented by a piston capable of adopting a retracted position and at least one extended position, said piston comprising: - a piston head disposed in the compartment, closing the first end of the compartment and movable in translation within the compartment, and - a piston rod extending outwards from the compartment.

[0026] The piston creates a vacuum in the compartment by increasing the internal volume of the compartment while the amount of fluid in the compartment remains constant. Thus, when the second end of the compartment is in contact with the layer of material, the increase in the internal volume of the compartment creates a vacuum in the compartment, because the amount of fluid in the compartment remains constant.

[0027] The piston head moving in translation in the compartment then constitutes the first closed end of the compartment.

[0028] Advantageously, the device includes a means for locking the piston in at least one deployed position, said locking means comprising at least one groove disposed on the piston rod and suitable for fitting into a notch of the device.

[0029] The combination of at least one groove and the notch constitutes a means of locking the piston allowing to maintain a constant depression in the compartment and thus to apply a constant adhesion force between the compartment and the layer of material.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the compartment has one or more walls having a thickness between 2 mm and 7 mm.

[0031] The wall thickness allows a contact surface to be defined between the second end of the compartment and the layer of material and thus to control the adhesion force created by the depression in the compartment.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the compartment is transparent or includes at least one transparent window.

[0033] This embodiment allows visualization of the interior of the compartment and therefore verification of the presence of gas bubbles.

[0034] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device includes a sealing gasket located on the periphery of the second end and intended to be opposite the layer of material.

[0035] This embodiment ensures, on the one hand, a tight seal between the compartment and the material layer and, on the other hand, protects the material layer from potential damage that may occur during the use of the locating device. The seal distributes contact pressure, absorbs shocks and vibrations, and prevents air leaks. Furthermore, the seal minimizes the risk of damage to the material layer and ensures reliable operation of the locating device.

[0036] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device includes a first valve suitable for allowing the introduction of the liquid into the compartment.

[0037] The first valve is also suitable for allowing the introduction of gas into the compartment. Furthermore, when a vacuum is applied in the compartment, opening the first valve allows gas to be introduced into the compartment, thereby canceling the vacuum applied in the compartment.

[0038] The invention also relates to a method for locating an orifice in a layer of a material comprising the following steps: a. provision of a localization device according to the invention, b. introduction of a liquid into the compartment, c. bringing the second end of the compartment into contact with the layer of material, d. creation of a depression in the compartment, e. movement of the device on the material layer, an orifice being located when gas bubbles appear in the liquid or when a loss of adhesion between the device and the material layer is detected.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the introduction of the liquid is carried out by means of a first valve disposed on the compartment, after the second end of the compartment has been brought into contact with the layer of material.

[0040] A primary advantage of the present invention lies in the ease of use of the device.

[0041] Another advantage of the present invention lies in the precision of the orifice location.

[0042] Another advantage of the present invention lies in the high sensitivity of orifice detection.

[0043] Another further advantage of the present invention lies in the reliability of the localization device which does not include complex tooling subject to failures.

[0044] Another further advantage of the present invention lies in the control of the depression applied in the compartment.

[0045] Another advantage of the present invention lies in the compactness and portability of the location device.

[0046] Another advantage of the present invention lies in the low manufacturing cost of the localization device.

[0047] Another further advantage of the present invention lies in the protection of the material layer during the search for orifices.

[0048] Another further advantage of the present invention is that the device can be used and works immersed in a liquid. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Other features, advantages and details of the invention will be better understood upon reading the supplementary description that follows in relation to the drawings in which:

[0050] [Fig. 1] represents the localization device according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the depression means is a membrane in a relaxed position,

[0051] [Fig.2] represents the localization device according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the depression means is a membrane in a deployed position,

[0052] [Fig.3] represents the localization device according to a second embodiment of the invention in which the vacuum means is a vacuum pump, and

[0053] [Fig.4] represents the localization device according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the vacuum means is a piston in a retracted position, and

[0054] [Fig. 5] represents the localization device according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the vacuum means is a piston in the deployed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the context of the present invention, "orifice" means an opening, hole, bore, perforation, or pore through a wall, surface, object, or one or more layers of material, allowing the passage of a fluid, object, or element from one side of the material layer(s) to the other. The orifice may be of regular or irregular shape and of variable size.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, the term "material layer" refers to a thickness of flexible or rigid, homogeneous or heterogeneous material. More particularly, the material layer according to the invention is a tarpaulin, canvas, or sheet, for example, made of a polymer, metal, or plastic. The material layer according to the invention may comprise several layers of different or identical materials.

[0057] In the context of the present invention, "depression means" means a device or system for creating a negative pressure, lower than the external pressure, in a confined space, such as a compartment, enclosure or circuit.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, "depression" means a state in which the pressure of a system or compartment is lower than a reference pressure, generally ambient atmospheric pressure or the pressure exerted by a fluid. In other words, it is a negative pressure relative to the reference pressure.

[0059] The following description relates to embodiments of the invention in connection with figures 1 to 5.

[0060] As described above, the invention relates to a device for locating 1 an orifice 2 in a layer of a material 3 comprising: - a compartment 4 suitable for receiving a liquid 5; and - a means of depression 6, 7, 8.

[0061] The compartment is closed at a first end 41 and open at a second end 42.

[0062] The compartment 4 comprises one or more walls defining an internal volume V and having a first closed end 41 and an opening delimited by edges constituting the second end 42. The compartment 4 is intended to be pressed against the layer of material 3 in which an orifice 2 is to be located, so that the opening, or the second open end 42, of the compartment 4 is opposite the surface of the layer of material 3. Thus, when the second end 42 is in contact with the layer of material 3, the compartment 4 is closed.

[0063] The dimensions of compartment 4 are chosen so that the opening of compartment 4 covers a sufficient surface of the layer of material 3 to allow efficient localization of the orifices 2, while remaining sufficiently compact to ensure good handling of the device 1. For example, the opening of compartment 4 can have a surface area of ​​a few square centimeters to a few square decimeters, depending on the size of the orifices 2 to be detected and the desired localization accuracy.

[0064] Compartment 4 can be made of various materials, chosen for their mechanical properties, durability and compatibility with the conditions of use of device 1. Materials such as metals, polymers or composite materials can be used to make compartment 4.

[0065] Compartment 4 can be manufactured by various techniques, such as machining, molding, extrusion or additive manufacturing, depending on its shape, dimensions and the material chosen.

[0066] The depression means 6, 7, 8 is suitable for creating a depression in compartment 4. In addition, the depression is created when compartment 4 is in contact with the layer of material 3 so as to allow the adhesion of device 1 to the layer of material 3.

[0067] Device 1 is arranged so that gas bubbles 9 appear in compartment 4 when: - Liquid 5 is placed in compartment 4, and - the second end 42 is in contact with the material layer 3, - a vacuum is applied in compartment 4, and - Opening 2 is positioned opposite compartment 4.

[0068] To facilitate the visualization of the gas bubbles 9, compartment 4 has one or more transparent walls. Alternatively, compartment 4 includes one or more transparent windows (not shown in a figure).

[0069] Figures 1 and 2 represent device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. A liquid 5 is disposed in compartment 4. The second end 42 of device 1 is in contact with a layer of material 3, and an orifice 2 is opposite compartment 4. Furthermore, the orifice 2 of the layer of material 3 is contained within the space delimited by the second end 42 of compartment 4.

[0070] A deformable membrane 6 is disposed at the first end 41 of the compartment 4. The deformable membrane 6 closes or seals the first end 41 of the compartment 4. In addition, the deformable membrane 6 constitutes the first closed end 41 of the compartment 4.

[0071] The deformable membrane 6 is capable of adopting several positions: - a relaxed position, and - at least one deployed position.

[0072] In [Fig. 1], the deformable membrane 6 is in its relaxed position; it is not subjected to any deformation stress and adopts a generally free shape, for example, a substantially flat or slightly convex shape. The deformable membrane 6 in its relaxed position thus defines an internal volume V in the compartment 4.

[0073] In [Fig.2], the deformable membrane 6 is in the deployed position, it is subjected to a deformation stress, for example a stretching force directed outwards from compartment 4, which causes an increase in its surface area and an increase in the internal volume V of compartment 4. The deformable membrane 6 then adopts a generally stretched shape, for example a spherical cap or dome shape.

[0074] The transition of the deformable membrane 6 from its relaxed to its deployed position creates a negative pressure in compartment 4. Indeed, when the deformable membrane 6 is stretched outwards from its relaxed to its deployed position, the internal volume V of compartment 4 increases, while the amount of fluid contained in compartment 4 remains constant. This results in a decrease in pressure within compartment 4, i.e., a negative pressure relative to the external atmospheric pressure.

[0075] This depression created in compartment 4 by the deformation of the deformable membrane 6 allows, on the one hand, to create an adhesion force between compartment 4, and therefore device 1, and the layer of material 3. In addition, the depression tends to press device 1 against the layer of material 3.

[0076] On the other hand, the depression created in compartment 4 makes it possible to generate suction allowing the flow of a fluid from the outside to the inside of compartment 4, for example through an orifice 2 present in the layer of material 3. In addition, due to the depression applied in compartment 4, gas is able to enter compartment 4, through orifice 2, generating gas bubbles 9 in the liquid 5 present in compartment 4.

[0077] The deformable membrane 6 can be made of a flexible and waterproof material, exhibiting good mechanical strength and high deformability. For example, the deformable membrane 6 is made of a natural or synthetic rubber-type elastomer, a flexible thermoplastic polymer, or a fiber-reinforced flexible matrix composite.

[0078] The deformable membrane 6 can be connected to the compartment 4 by various means, such as bonding, welding, or by means of a sealed mechanical joint, for example a flange connection or radial clamping. The connection between the deformable membrane 6 and the compartment 4 is sealed to allow a vacuum to be established in the compartment 4 when the deformable membrane 6 moves from its relaxed position to its deployed position.

[0079] The deformable membrane 6 includes a gripping tab 61 which facilitates the handling and control of the deformation of the deformable membrane 6. Preferably, the gripping tab 61 is integral with the deformable membrane 61. The gripping tab 61 extends outwards from the compartment 4.

[0080] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.1] and [Fig.2], the gripping tongue 61 comprises a series of grooves 62 arranged transversely with respect to the direction of stretching of the deformable membrane 6. These grooves 62 are configured to cooperate with a notch 10 arranged on the device 1, so as to allow the deformable membrane 6 to be locked in different deployed positions.

[0081] For example, the notch 10 is disposed on a fixed part of the locating device, for example an adjacent support 11.

[0082] Thus, when the deformable membrane 6 is stretched into a deployed position, a groove 62 engages in the notch 10, thereby locking the deformable membrane 6 in this deployed position. To change the deployed position of the deformable membrane 6, the groove 62 must be disengaged from the notch 10, and then the deformable membrane 6 must be stretched or released until another groove 62 engages in the notch 10 to correspond to the new desired deployed position, or the gripping tab 61 must be completely disengaged from the notch 10 so that the deformable membrane 6 returns to its released position. This allows control of the vacuum applied in the compartment 4 and therefore the adhesion force of the locating device 1 to the material layer 3.

[0083] The pitch of the grooves 62 can be adapted to offer a greater or lesser number of intermediate deployed positions in order to modulate and control the depression applied in the compartment 4 and therefore the adhesion force between the device 1 and the layer of material 3.

[0084] Figure 3 represents the localization device 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. A liquid 5 is disposed in the compartment 4 and a vacuum is applied inside the compartment 4. The second end 42 of the device 1 is in contact with a layer of material 3 and an orifice 2 is opposite the compartment 4.

[0085] The localization device 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a vacuum pump 7 connected inside the compartment 4 by a suction line 71.

[0086] The first end 41 is here closed by a fixed wall and forming an integral part of compartment 4. Preferably, the vacuum pump 7 is located against the fixed wall constituting the first end 41, outside compartment 4.

[0087] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in a figure, the vacuum pump 7 is located at a distance from the compartment 4. This embodiment also allows the compartment 4 to be immersed in a liquid while avoiding damage to the vacuum pump 7.

[0088] The vacuum pump 7 is configured to extract the gas contained in the internal volume V of compartment 4. Thus, when the second end 42 of compartment 4 is in contact with the layer of material 3, the vacuum pump 7 makes it possible to create a vacuum in compartment 4.

[0089] The vacuum pump 7 can be of the volumetric type, for example a vane, lobe or diaphragm pump, or of the dynamic type, for example a screw or side channel pump.

[0090] The vacuum pump 7 is sized to generate a vacuum in the compartment 4 in order to ensure sufficient adhesion force between the device 1 and the layer of material 4.

[0091] The suction line 71 connecting the vacuum pump 7 to the compartment can be fitted with a second control valve 72 allowing adjustment of the suction flow rate and therefore the level of vacuum in the compartment 4. This second control valve 72 can be controlled manually or automatically.

[0092] Alternatively, the suction line 72 includes, at the point of entry into compartment 4, a non-return valve to prevent the introduction of fluid into the vacuum pump 7. This ensures a constant pressure in compartment 4.

[0093] When the second end 42 of compartment 4 is pressed against the material layer 3 and the vacuum pump 7 is activated, the gas contained in the internal volume V of compartment 4 is drawn out, thus creating a vacuum in compartment 4, since the volume V of compartment 4 remains unchanged. This vacuum generates an adhesive force that presses compartment 4, and therefore device 1, against the material layer 3, thus ensuring adhesion and a seal between compartment 4 and the material layer 3.

[0094] If the material layer 3 has an orifice 2 in the area covered by the compartment 4, external gas is drawn through this orifice 2 under the effect of the depression prevailing in the compartment 4. The precise location of an orifice 2 can thus be determined by moving the compartment 4 on the surface of the material layer 3 until gas bubbles 9 are perceived in the liquid 5 of the compartment 4 or by detecting a loss of adhesion between the device 1 and the material layer 3.

[0095] The use of a vacuum pump 7 as a means of creating a vacuum in the positioning device 1 makes it possible to generate a significant and stable vacuum in the compartment 4. Furthermore, the vacuum pump 7 ensures optimal vacuum and therefore optimal adhesion between the compartment 4 and the material layer 3, even in the case of rough or irregular surfaces of the material layer 3, as well as thick material layers. In addition, the vacuum level can be continuously adjusted by means of the second regulating valve 72, thus allowing the adhesion force to be adapted to the different types of materials and thicknesses encountered in the material layer 3.

[0096] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the device according to a third embodiment of the invention. A liquid 5 is disposed in compartment 4. The second end 42 of the device 1 is in contact with a layer of material 3, and an orifice 2 is opposite compartment 4. Furthermore, the orifice 2 of the layer of material 3 is contained within the space delimited by the second end 42 of compartment 4.

[0097] The locating device 1 further comprises a piston 8 including a piston head 81 movably mounted in the compartment 4. In addition, the piston head 81 constitutes the first end 41 of the compartment 4 in that it seals the compartment 4. The piston head 81 has a shape complementary to the shape of the compartment 4. Preferably, a sealing gasket (not shown in the figures) is disposed between the piston head 81 and the internal wall(s) of the compartment 4.

[0098] The piston head 81 is configured to move in translation within compartment 4 between a retracted position and at least one deployed position, so as to vary the internal volume V of compartment 4.

[0099] The piston 8 can be actuated manually, for example by means of a piston rod 82 attached to the piston head 81 and extending outwards from the compartment 4. The user can thus move the piston head 81 by exerting a force on the piston rod 81, either by pulling it to bring the piston 8 into the deployed position as shown in [Fig. 5], or by pushing it to bring the piston 8 into the retracted position as shown in [Fig. 4].

[0100] When the second end 42 of compartment 4 is in contact with the material layer 3 and the piston 8 is moved from the retracted position to an extended position, the internal volume V of compartment 4 increases. This increase in internal volume V creates a vacuum in compartment 4, because the amount of air contained in compartment 4 remains constant, the second end 42 being blocked by the material layer 3.

[0101] This depression generates an adhesion force which presses compartment 4, and therefore device 1, against the layer of material 3, thus ensuring adhesion and sealing between compartment 4 and layer of material 3.

[0102] If the material layer 3 has an orifice 2 in the area covered by the compartment 4, an external gas is drawn through the orifice 2 under the effect of the vacuum applied in the compartment 4 and gas bubbles 9 appear in the liquid 5 present in the compartment 4. The precise location of the orifice 2 can thus be determined by moving the device 1 on the surface of the material layer 3.

[0103] The use of a piston 8 as a vacuum means in the locating device 1 makes it possible to generate a significant vacuum in the compartment 4 with a relatively short stroke, thus enabling a compact and easy-to-handle device 1. Furthermore, the vacuum level can be continuously adjusted by modulating the position of the piston 8 between its retracted and extended positions, thereby adapting the adhesion force to different types of materials and thicknesses encountered.

[0104] In addition, the use of a piston 8, like the use of a deformable diaphragm 6, makes it possible to generate a vacuum in a simple and reliable way, without requiring energy sources.

[0105] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the piston rod 82 comprises a series of grooves 83. These grooves 83 are configured to cooperate with a notch 10 disposed on the locating device 1, so as to allow the piston 8 to be locked in different deployed positions.

[0106] For example, the notch 10 is disposed on a fixed part of the locating device 1, for example an adjacent support 11.

[0107] The grooves 83 of the piston 8 have the same advantages and functionalities as the grooves 62 of the gripping tongue 61 of the deformable membrane 6 of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0108] Alternatively, the piston rod 82 includes a thread 84 complementary to a tapped hole present in a piston locking means 8 such as a nut, a wing nut, or a star nut. This allows precise control of the vacuum applied in the compartment 4 by enabling the piston 8 to be locked in the extended position.

[0109] In order to optimize the adhesion force between compartment 4 and the material layer 3, it is preferable that the contact area between the second end 42 of compartment 4 and the material layer 3 be large. Indeed, increasing the adhesion area makes it possible to obtain an equivalent adhesion force with a smaller vacuum in compartment 4. Furthermore, increasing the contact area reduces the energy required to create the vacuum to obtain the desired adhesion force between the device 1 and the material layer 3.

[0110] Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the wall or walls of compartment 4 have a thickness between 4 mm and 15 mm.

[0111] According to another embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the wall(s) of compartment 4 at the second end 42 is greater than the thickness of the wall(s) of compartment 4 at the first end 41. This makes it possible to reduce the total mass of device 1 while providing satisfactory adhesion of device 1 to the layer of material 3. For example, the wall(s) of compartment 4 at the second end 42 have a thickness of between 7 mm and 15 mm. The wall(s) of compartment 4 at the first end 41 have a thickness of between 4 mm and 9 mm.

[0112] The shape of the compartment 4, and in particular the shape of the second end 42, can be adapted to match the shape of the material layer 3. Furthermore, it is preferable that the shape of the second end 42 of the compartment 4 be complementary to the shape of the material layer 3. This ensures a good seal between the material layer 3 and the locating device 1.

[0113] According to embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, a sealing gasket 12 is disposed around the perimeter of the second end 42 of the compartment 4. In addition, the sealing gasket 12 is disposed around the perimeter of the opening of the compartment 4.

[0114] The sealing gasket 12 is intended to be opposite the material layer 3. Furthermore, when the device 1 is in contact with the material layer 3, the sealing gasket 12 is located between the material layer 3 and the second end 42 of the compartment 4.

[0115] The sealing gasket 12 ensures the sealing of the connection between compartment 4 and material layer 3 when compartment 4 is pressed against material layer 3.

[0116] The sealing gasket 12 is integral with the compartment 4 and can be made in one piece with it, for example by molding or overmolding a material on the edge of the opening of the compartment 4. Alternatively, the sealing gasket 12 can be attached to the second end 42 of the compartment 4, for example by gluing or crimping an O-ring or a flat gasket into a groove formed on the periphery of the second end 42 of the compartment 4.

[0117] The sealing gasket 12 has a shape and size adapted to fit the surface of the material layer 3 when the compartment 4 is in contact with the material layer 3. For example, the sealing gasket 12 may have a lip or bead shape which flattens slightly when the compartment 4 is pressed against the material layer 3, so as to achieve a tight seal over the entire periphery of the second end 42 of the compartment 4.

[0118] Preferably, the sealing gasket 12 is made of a flexible and deformable material, exhibiting good resistance to wear and aging, as well as good chemical compatibility with the materials that may be present on the material layer. Materials such as nitrile rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, silicone, or polyurethane elastomers can be used to make the sealing gasket 12.

[0119] The sealing gasket 12 ensures a seal between compartment 4 and material layer 3 when compartment 4 is depressurized, thus stabilizing the maintenance of the vacuum and the adhesion force between device 1 and material layer 3. The sealing gasket 12 also helps to compensate for any irregularities or defects in the surface of material layer 3, by adapting to the topography of this surface when the sealing gasket 12 is compressed.

[0120] The sealing gasket 12 also helps to protect the material layer 3 from possible damage during the use of the locating device 1. Indeed, the sealing gasket 12, by its flexible and deformable nature, acts as a contact interface between the compartment 4 and the material layer 3. When the compartment 4 adheres to the material layer 3, the sealing gasket 12 compresses slightly and conforms to the surface of the material layer 3, thus distributing the contact pressure over a larger area.

[0121] Furthermore, the sealing gasket 12, by virtue of its elasticity and its ability to deform, can also help to absorb any shocks or vibrations that might occur during the handling of the locating device 1, thus protecting the material layer 3 and the device 1 against mechanical damage.

[0122] The localization device 1 according to the invention can be designed in a compact and lightweight manner, thanks to the optimized integration of its various components. This compactness and portability allow for easy use of the device 1, even in confined or difficult-to-access spaces.

[0123] The localization device 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for locating orifices 2 in one or more layers of material 3 such as tarpaulins, canvases, swimming pool liners, metal sheets and fluid pipes.

[0124] The localization device 1 according to the invention allows the implementation of a method for localizing orifices 2 in a layer of material 3. The method comprises the following steps: a. provision of a localization device 1 according to the invention, b. introduction of a liquid 5 into the compartment 4, c. bringing the second end 42 of the compartment 4 into contact with the layer of material 3, d. creation of a depression in compartment 4, e. movement of device 1 on the layer of material 3, an orifice 2 being located when gas bubbles 9 appear in the liquid 5 present in compartment 4 or when a loss of adhesion between the device 1 and the layer of material 3 is detected.

[0125] The introduction of the liquid 5 into the compartment 4 can be carried out through the opening delimited by the second end 42 of the compartment 4. Alternatively, the introduction of the liquid 5 into the compartment 4 can be carried out after the second end 42 has been brought into contact with the layer of material 3. To do this, the device 1 according to all embodiments of the invention may include a first valve 13 located on the compartment 4 and adapted to allow the introduction of the liquid 5 into the compartment 4.

[0126] The first valve 13 is also suitable for allowing the introduction of gas into compartment 4. In addition, when a vacuum is applied in compartment 4, opening the first valve 13 allows the introduction of gas into compartment 4, thus canceling the vacuum applied in compartment 4. This makes it possible to detach the device 1 from the material layer 3 at any time without risk of damaging the material layer 3.

[0127] Similarly, and in order to facilitate the movement of the device 1 on the layer of material 3, it is possible to apply a product to the layer of material 3 beforehand to facilitate the movement of the device 1 on the layer of material 3. For example, the product is soapy water.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for locating (1) an orifice (2) in a layer of a material (3) comprising: - a compartment (4) suitable for receiving a liquid (5), closed at a first end (41) and open at a second end (42) intended to be in contact with the layer of material (3); and - a vacuum means (6, 7, 8) suitable for creating a vacuum in said compartment (4), said device (1) being arranged so that gas bubbles (9) appear in the compartment (4) when: - the liquid (5) is disposed in the compartment (4), and - the second end (42) is in contact with the layer of material (3), and - a vacuum is applied in the compartment (4), and - the orifice (2) is disposed opposite the compartment (4).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the depression means is represented by a deformable membrane (6) closing the first end (41) and capable of adopting a relaxed position and at least one deployed position, the deformable membrane (6) being capable of creating a depression in the compartment (4) when passing from the relaxed position to at least one deployed position.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a means for locking (61, 62, 10) the deformable membrane (6) in at least one deployed position.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking means comprises a gripping tab (61) comprising at least one groove (62) intended to fit into a notch (10) of the device (1).

5. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vacuum means is represented by a vacuum pump (7).

6. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vacuum means is represented by a piston (8) capable of adopting a retracted position and at least one extended position, said piston (8) comprising: - a piston head (81) disposed in the compartment (4), closing the first end (41) of the compartment (4) and movable in translation within the compartment (4), and - a piston rod (82) extending outwards from the compartment (4).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a means for locking (81, 83, 10) the piston (8) in at least one deployed position, said locking means comprising at least one groove (83) disposed on the piston rod (81) and adapted to fit into a notch (10) of the device (1).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compartment (4) is transparent or includes at least one transparent window.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sealing gasket (12) located on the periphery of the second end (42) and intended to be opposite the layer of material (3).

10. A method for locating an orifice (2) in a layer of a material (3) comprising the following steps: a. providing a locating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, b. introducing a liquid (5) into the compartment (4), c. bringing the second end (42) of the compartment (4) into contact with the layer of material (3), d. creating a depression in the compartment (3), e. moving the device (1) on the layer of material (3), an orifice (2) being located when gas bubbles (9) appear in the liquid (9) or when a loss of adhesion between the device (1) and the layer of material (3) is detected.

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