Equipment and methods for materials testing

Abstract

A material testing apparatus (100) includes: a guiding device (110); a sample testing device (120) for holding a sample (130) and applying a testing force to the sample (130); a transverse carrier (150) arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device (120), the transverse carrier (150) being movable about the guiding device (110); and a transverse carrier drive device (150) for moving the transverse carrier (150) substantially vertically about the guiding device (110). 80), wherein the transverse carrier drive (180) is driven by a motor (302) in a drive configuration; and a controller (170) is arranged to: configure the motor (302) in the drive configuration; control the transverse carrier drive (180) to move the transverse carrier (150) substantially vertically about the guide (110); and configure the motor (302) in a braking configuration, wherein, in the braking configuration, the windings of the motor (302) are connected together with a low-resistance connection.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for testing materials. Background Technology

[0002] Materials testing machines (sometimes also called structural testing machines) are used to test the physical properties of material samples. Materials testing machines use a sample testing device to hold the material sample and apply testing forces to it. The sample testing device is supported by a transverse carrier clamped to guide rails. A transverse carrier drive mechanism is used to control the position of the transverse carrier, raising and lowering it.

[0003] However, as testing machines capable of applying greater forces to samples have been developed, the mass that must be supported by the transverse carrier has also increased. Therefore, a class of materials testing machines is needed that enables the transverse carrier drive to safely move the increased mass supported by the transverse carrier to the appropriate position on the guide rail and to secure the transverse carrier to the guide rail.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to alleviate some of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a material testing apparatus is provided, comprising: a guiding device; a sample testing device for holding a sample and applying a testing force to the sample; a transverse carrier arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device, wherein the transverse carrier is movable about the guiding device; a transverse carrier drive device for moving the transverse carrier substantially vertically about the guiding device, wherein the transverse carrier drive device is driven by a motor in a drive configuration; and a controller arranged to: configure the motor in a drive configuration; control the transverse carrier drive device to move the transverse carrier substantially vertically about the guiding device; and configure the motor in a braking configuration, wherein, in the braking configuration, the windings of the motor are connected together with a low-resistance connection.

[0006] Alternatively, the controller is arranged to configure the motor to a braking configuration after controlling the lateral carrier drive to move the lateral carrier vertically.

[0007] In some embodiments, the controller may be arranged to immediately configure the motor to a braking configuration after controlling the lateral carrier drive to end the vertical movement of the lateral carrier.

[0008] Optionally, the device may include one or both of the following: in a braking configuration, the low-resistance connection may include connecting the motor windings via a substantially zero-resistance connection; and the controller may configure the motor to a drive configuration or a braking configuration by controlling the switching device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lateral carrier drive may include a drive mechanism arranged to cause the lateral carrier to move vertically in a generally linear manner relative to the guide.

[0010] Optionally, the drive mechanism arranged to cause the transverse carrier to move linearly about the guide device includes a ball screw mechanism arranged to cause the transverse carrier to move linearly about the guide device.

[0011] Optionally, the device may include an electric clamping device configured to apply a releasable clamping force to the guide to hold the transverse carrier head in a position relative to the guide, wherein a controller may be arranged to control the electric clamping device to apply the clamping force.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller may be arranged to configure the motor to a braking configuration after controlling the lateral carrier drive to move the lateral carrier vertically and before applying a clamping force to the guide.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a material testing apparatus is provided, comprising: a guide device; a sample testing device for holding a sample and applying a testing force to the sample; a transverse carrier arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device, wherein the transverse carrier is movable about the guide device; an electric clamping device configured to apply a releasable clamping force to the guide device to fix the transverse carrier in a position relative to the guide device, wherein the electric clamping device is driven by a motor in a clamping configuration; and a controller arranged to: configure the electric clamping device in a clamping configuration; control the electric clamping device to apply a clamping force to the guide device; and configure the motor in a braking configuration, wherein, in the braking configuration, the motor windings are connected together with a low-resistance connection.

[0014] Alternatively, the controller can be arranged to configure the motor to brake when the guide is subjected to clamping force.

[0015] In some embodiments, the controller may be arranged to immediately configure the motor to a braking configuration after the clamping force is applied.

[0016] In some embodiments, one or both of the following are true: in a braking configuration, the low-resistance connection includes connecting the motor windings via a substantially zero-resistance connection; or the controller configures the motor to a clamping configuration or a braking configuration by controlling a switching device.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a material testing apparatus is provided, wherein the material testing apparatus includes: a guiding device; a sample testing device for holding a sample and applying a testing force to the sample; a transverse carrier arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device, wherein the transverse carrier is movable about the guiding device; a transverse carrier drive device for moving the transverse carrier substantially vertically about the guiding device, wherein the transverse carrier drive device is driven by a motor in a drive configuration; and wherein the method includes: configuring the motor in a drive configuration; controlling the transverse carrier drive device to move the transverse carrier substantially vertically about the guiding device; using the motor to move the transverse carrier vertically about the guiding device; configuring the motor in a braking configuration; wherein, in the braking configuration, the windings of the motor are connected together with a low-resistance connection.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a material testing apparatus is provided, wherein the material testing apparatus includes: a guiding device; a sample testing device for holding a sample and applying a testing force to the sample; a transverse carrier arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device, wherein the transverse carrier is movable about the guiding device; an electric clamping device configured to apply a releasable clamping force to the guiding device to fix the transverse carrier in a position relative to the guiding device, wherein the electric clamping device is driven by a motor in a clamping configuration; and wherein the method includes: configuring the motor in a clamping configuration; controlling the electric clamping device to apply a clamping force; using the electric clamping device to apply a clamping force to the guiding device to fix the transverse carrier in a position relative to the guiding device; configuring the motor in a braking configuration; wherein, in the braking configuration, the windings of the motor are connected together with a low-resistance connection.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, computer software is provided, which is configured to implement one of the methods described above at runtime. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 It is a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 4A cross-section of a transverse carrier drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0027] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Throughout this application, the term "sample" is intended to refer to a specimen, such as a material sample used for testing. A sample can be a piece of material placed in a material testing machine for testing. The material testing machine can apply forces to the sample to test various physical properties of the sample material. A sample can, for example, be taken from the material's production process as a sample of the material being produced.

[0029] Figure 1 A material testing apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral 100, is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The material testing apparatus 100 can be configured to perform the following procedures according to an embodiment of the present invention: [see below] Figure 6 The method described. The material testing equipment for testing sample 130 includes a guide device 110, a transverse carrier 150, and a transverse carrier drive device 180.

[0030] The guide device 110 may be a guide rail arranged to support the transverse carrier 150 and guide the movement of the transverse carrier 150 about the guide rail 110. The guide rail 110 may be supported by the base 105 of the material testing equipment 100. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, guide rail 110 includes two posts extending vertically from base 105, the two posts being laterally separated by a distance less than the width of the transverse carrier head 150. It should be understood that guide rail 110 can be configured according to force requirements and / or the shape and size of material testing equipment 100. For example, guide rail 110 may include a single post. In the illustrated embodiment, each guide rail has a generally circular cross-section; however, it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes of the guiding device are conceivable.

[0031] The lateral carrier 150 is movable about the guide rail 110. For example, the lateral carrier 150 can be moved about the guide rail 110 via translational movement. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the lateral carrier 150 is arranged to move vertically along the two posts of the guide rail 110 using translational movement. The lateral carrier 150 is arranged to move vertically about the guide rail 110 in opposite first and second directions, the directions relating to the up and down directions along the guide rail 110.

[0032] The lateral carrier drive device 180 can be a lateral carrier drive mechanism. The lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 is used to move the lateral carrier 150 substantially vertically about the guide rail 110. This vertical movement of the lateral carrier 150 about the guide rail 110 can be referred to as a lateral carrier drive operation. The lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 can include a combination of electrical and mechanical components arranged in a manner that allows the lateral carrier 150 to move vertically about the guide rail 110, as shown in Figure 3 and... Figure 4 As shown.

[0033] The lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 can be user-controlled. That is, the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 can move the lateral carrier 150 vertically about the guide rail 110 without manual force to raise or lower the lateral carrier 150, although user interaction may be required to control whether the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 raises or lowers the lateral carrier 150. In other embodiments, the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 can automatically raise or lower the lateral carrier 150 to receive the sample 130, but user input may be required to initiate the lateral carrier drive operation. For example, user input, such as pressing a button, may be required to initiate the lateral carrier drive operation.

[0034] The transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 includes a motor 302, which includes at least one winding, such as Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The switch 303, power supply 301, and controller 170 are also shown. The motor 302 can be supported on the transverse carrier 150 or located within the base 105.

[0035] The motor 302 can be configured into at least two different electrical configurations using the switching device 303. Specifically, the motor 302 can be configured as follows: Figure 3a The driver configuration shown and Figure 3b The braking configuration is shown. For example, the switching device 303 can be, for example, a relay switch or a solid-state switch, such as one or more FETs.

[0036] In a drive configuration, motor 302 drives the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180. The drive configuration refers to a circuit arrangement that supplies power to motor 302 to operate it as a motor, thereby providing torque to actively drive the transverse carrier 150 to move vertically about guide rail 110, which is accomplished by raising or lowering the transverse carrier 150. In the drive configuration, switching device 303 is open to allow current to flow through at least one winding.

[0037] Lateral carrier 150 can be found via the following text. Figure 4The described ball screw mechanism is vertically driven about guide rail 110. Advantageously, the ball screw mechanism is capable of supporting heavier loads than other mechanisms that convert rotary motion into linear motion (such as lead screw mechanisms). This allows the transverse load head drive mechanism 180 to continue driving the transverse load head 150 even when it is supporting a heavy load. However, when the transverse load head 150 is not actively driven by the transverse load head drive mechanism 180, the heavy load on the transverse load head 150 may cause it to move downwards about guide rail 110 under gravity. Therefore, reverse drive may occur, where the motor 302 rotates due to the downward movement of the transverse load head 150 and is self-powered, causing the downward movement of the transverse load head 150 to continue. This is uncontrolled movement of the transverse load head 150, which may cause injury to the user of the material testing equipment 100 or damage to the sample 130.

[0038] To reduce the likelihood of reverse drive, motor 302 is configured in a braking configuration 302. A braking configuration is one in which at least one winding of motor 302 is electrically connected to a low-resistance circuit, for example, by using a switching device 303. In the braking configuration, the switching device 303 is closed, allowing current to flow through the closed switching device 303 instead of the at least one winding. That is, the at least one winding is connected to form a low-resistance circuit.

[0039] The low-resistance connection of the motor windings of the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 may include connecting at least one winding of the motor via a substantially zero-resistance connection. It should be understood that the short circuit in the motor windings is an intentional and controlled short circuit in which the windings are not powered.

[0040] Although the ball screw mechanism has been used as an exemplary embodiment, it should be understood that other mechanical arrangements for driving the transverse carrier 150 are conceivable, in which the present invention can be applied to prevent reverse drive.

[0041] As mentioned above, the materials testing equipment 100 includes Figure 2 The controller 170 is shown in detail below. The controller 170 is arranged to control the motor 302 using an output in the form of a control signal. In particular, the controller 170 is arranged to transmit control signals to configure the motor 302 of the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 in a drive configuration and a braking configuration, as will be described below.

[0042] The controller 170 is arranged to selectively configure the motor 302 of the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 to Figure 3a The drive configuration is shown. Motor 302 can be configured to drive by controlling switch 303 to the off position.

[0043] The controller 170 is arranged to control the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 to move the transverse carrier 150 substantially vertically about the guide rail 110. The controller 170 can transmit control signals to the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 to operate the motor 302 as a motor, thereby actively driving the transverse carrier 150 up or down along the guide rail 110 via a ball screw mechanism.

[0044] The controller 170 is arranged to configure the motor 302 of the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 as follows: Figure 3b The braking configuration is shown. The motor 302 can be configured for braking by controlling the switch device 303 to the closed position.

[0045] In some embodiments, the controller 170 may be arranged to configure the motor 302 in a braking configuration after controlling the lateral head drive mechanism 180 to move the lateral head 150 vertically. In such an embodiment, the controller 170 may perform the lateral head drive operation as described above, and once the lateral head drive mechanism 180 ceases to move the lateral head 150, the controller 170 may configure the motor 302 from the drive configuration to the braking configuration by moving the switching device 303 from the open position to the closed position. Advantageously, since reverse drive may occur when the lateral head drive mechanism 180 is not actively driving the lateral head 150, configuring the motor 302 in a braking configuration when the lateral head drive operation is not performed reduces the possibility of reverse drive.

[0046] In some embodiments, the controller 170 may be arranged to immediately configure the motor 302 into a braking configuration after controlling the lateral head drive mechanism 180 to terminate the vertical movement of the lateral head 150. Therefore, there is essentially no delay between the end of the lateral head drive operation and the configuration of the motor 302 into a braking configuration. Advantageously, immediately configuring the motor 302 into a braking configuration when the lateral head drive operation ends reduces the amount of time that reverse drive may occur.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, controller 170 can be implemented by processor 171 and memory 172 including computer program 173, which includes computer program instructions 174. Processor 171 may include output interface 175 and input interface 176, through which the processor outputs data and / or commands in the form of control signals, and through which the data and / or commands are input to the processor. Controller 170 can be implemented as hardware (circuit) alone, as software in some aspects (including firmware alone), or as a combination of hardware and software (including firmware). Computer program 173 can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.). Computer program 173 can be computer software arranged to execute at runtime according to the following description. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The method described.

[0048] See back Figure 1 The material testing apparatus 100 includes a sample testing device 120, which may be a sample testing apparatus. The sample testing device 120 is used to hold a sample 130 and apply a testing force to the sample 130. The sample testing device 120 may include a sample holding device 120a for holding the sample 130 and a force applying device 120b for applying the testing force to the sample 130. A lateral support head 150 is arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device 120. Advantageously, using the lateral support head 150 as a support for other components of the material testing apparatus 100 results in a compact apparatus.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the force application device 120b is supported by the transverse carrier 150 because the force application device 120b is located on the transverse carrier 150. Additionally, the upper portion of the sample holder 120a is supported by the transverse carrier 150 because, in some embodiments, the upper portion is suspended below the transverse carrier 150. The transverse carrier 150 can be adjusted according to force requirements and / or the shape and size of the material testing equipment 100.

[0050] Therefore, during the lateral carrier drive operation, the lateral carrier 150 is moved, for example, raised, to allow the sample 130 to be inserted into or removed from the material testing apparatus 100, and to accommodate samples of different sizes. The movement of the lateral carrier 150 about the guide rail 110 allows the position of the sample holder 120a to be adjusted according to the size of the sample 130.

[0051] The sample holding device 120a can be arranged to hold the sample 130 and can include multiple components such that the sample 130 is held between the multiple components of the sample holding device 120a. For example, the sample holding device 120a may include multiple clamps (e.g., grippers) respectively arranged at opposite ends of the sample 130. In some embodiments, a pair of clamps are present.

[0052] The sample holder 120a can be configured to withstand the maximum force applied to the sample by the material testing equipment 100. Therefore, the sample holder 120a can be made of or formed of a material such that it will not deform under a force less than or equal to the maximum force applied to the sample 130. Thus, the sample holder 120a can be adjusted according to force requirements and / or the shape and size of the sample 130 to be tested. Depending on the type and magnitude of the force applied to the sample, the sample holder 120a can be arranged horizontally or vertically. However, it should be appreciated that other structures and forms of sample holders are contemplated.

[0053] Force application device 120b is used to apply force to sample 130 so that the physical properties of sample 130 can be tested. Force application device 120b can repeatedly apply force to sample 130. For example, force application device 120b can apply a deformation force or test force to deform sample 130, and as an alternative or addition to the deformation force, one or more of tension, compression, or torsion can be applied. Force application device 120b can apply force via sample holding device 120a, since the force to be applied to sample 130 is applied by moving sample holding device 120a. Force application device 120b can be arranged to apply force to one end of sample 130 or opposite ends of sample 130. Force application device 120b can be adjusted according to force requirements and / or the shape and size of material testing equipment 100. For example, force application device 120b may include an actuator. The actuator can be arranged to move at least a portion of the sample holding device during use to apply force to the sample held therein. However, it should be recognized that other force-applying devices will be considered to apply force.

[0054] Some embodiments of the material testing apparatus 100 may include an electrically operated clamping device 160. The electrically operated clamping device 160 may be an electrically operated clamping device. The electrically operated clamping device 160 is arranged to selectively apply a releasable clamping force to the guide rail 110 during use to hold the transverse carrier head 150 in a position relative to the guide rail 110. See below. Figure 5 The electric clamping device 560 will be described in more detail to the electric clamping device 160.

[0055] The controller 170 can be arranged to control the electric clamping device 160 to apply a clamping force to the guide rail 110. The controller 170 can transmit control signals to the electric clamping device 160 to apply a clamping force to the guide rail 110. The clamping force reduces the likelihood of the lateral carrier 150 reversing because it secures the lateral carrier 150 to the guide rail 110. Therefore, when the lateral carrier 150 might cause reversing, there is a time interval between the lateral carrier drive operation and the application of the clamping force.

[0056] The controller 170 can be arranged to configure the motor 302 in a braking configuration after controlling the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 to move the lateral carrier 150 vertically and before applying a clamping force to the guide rail 110. Advantageously, configuring the motor in a braking configuration during the time period between the lateral carrier drive operation and the application of the clamping force reduces the amount of time that reverse drive may occur.

[0057] Figure 4A cross-section of a lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As previously mentioned, the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 may include a combination of electrical and mechanical components arranged in such a way that the lateral carrier 150 moves vertically about the guide rail 110. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 includes a motor 302 and a mechanical drive mechanism arranged to cause the transverse carrier 150 to move vertically and substantially linearly relative to the guide rail 110.

[0058] This mechanical drive mechanism can be composed of multiple mechanical components. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical drive mechanism includes a ball screw mechanism arranged to cause the transverse carrier 150 to move linearly about the guide rail 110. Specifically, this ball screw mechanism can convert the rotational motion of the motor 302 into linear motion of the transverse carrier 150 about the guide rail 110.

[0059] The ball screw mechanism includes at least one ball screw 401 and at least one ball screw nut 402. The ball screw mechanism may include at least one ball screw 401 positioned vertically aligned with and substantially near the guide rail 110. The ball screw 401 may be fixed in place so that it cannot rotate. A motor 302 rotates a belt 404, which in turn rotates a pulley 403. The pulley 403 may be supported on a transverse carrier 150 and oriented perpendicular to the guide rail 110. The pulley 403 may rotate due to the movement of the belt 404 to drive the ball screw nut 402 to move vertically about the ball screw 401. Due to the vertical movement of the ball screw nut 402 about the ball screw 401, the transverse carrier 150 attached to the ball screw nut 402 may be driven vertically about the guide rail 110. It should be understood that other mechanical arrangements of the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 can be envisioned. For example, a rotating screw can be used in the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180.

[0060] Although Figure 4 While the ball screw 401, ball screw nut 402, pulley 403, and belt 404 are all shown as a single component, it should be understood that the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 may include some or all of the aforementioned components. For example, when the guide rail 110 includes... Figure 1 When two columns are shown, the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 may include two ball screws, each positioned vertically aligned with and substantially near the respective column. In such an embodiment, the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 may also include a ball screw nut, a pulley, and a belt for each ball screw to cause the lateral carrier 150 to move vertically about the guide rail 110.

[0061] Figure 5 A material testing apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral 500, is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The material testing apparatus 500 can be configured to perform the following procedures according to an embodiment of the present invention: [see below] Figure 7 The method described. Unless otherwise described, Figure 5 The material testing equipment 500 shown may include the same components as those in the above embodiments, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted for clarity.

[0062] Material testing equipment 500 may include Figure 1 The material testing equipment 100 shown includes all components, but excludes the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180. Specifically, the material testing equipment 500 includes a guide rail 510 and a transverse carrier 550.

[0063] The guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 550 can respectively correspond to Figure 1 The guide rail 510 and the transverse carrier 550 are configured to support and guide the transverse carrier 550 about the guide rail 510. The guide rail 510 can be supported by the base 505 of the material testing equipment 500. The transverse carrier 550 is vertically movable about the guide rail 510 and is configured to interact with the material testing equipment 500. Figure 1 The material testing equipment 100 is moved about the guide rail 510 in the same manner as described. The transverse carrier 550 can be moved vertically about the guide rail 510 manually by the user using a handle or lever, or it can be moved electronically.

[0064] The material testing equipment 500 includes a sample testing device 520 (which includes a sample holding device 520a and a force application device 520b), at least a portion of which is supported on a transverse support head 550. The sample holding device 520a and the force application device 520b may respectively correspond to... Figure 1 The sample holding device 120a and the force application device 120b.

[0065] The material testing equipment 500 includes an electrically operated clamping device 560. The electrically operated clamping device 560 may be an electrically operated clamping apparatus. The electrically operated clamping device 560 is configured to apply a releasable clamping force to a guide rail 510 to hold the transverse carrier head 550 in a position relative to the guide rail 510. The electrically operated clamping device 560 may include a combination of electrical and mechanical components arranged to apply the clamping force.

[0066] The electric clamping device 560 may include at least one clamping member 561, 561b, which is arranged to apply a releasable clamping force. The at least one clamping member 561a, 561b may be at least partially movable and arranged to contact a guide rail 510. Due to the contact between the at least one clamping member 561a, 561b and the guide rail 510, the clamping force may be a frictional force between the at least one clamping member 561a, 561b and the guide rail 510. This frictional force may increase with an increase in the contact surface area between the at least one clamping member 561a, 561b and the guide rail 510.

[0067] The electric clamping device 560 can be controlled by the user. That is, the electric clamping device 560 can fix the transverse carrier 550 to the guide rail 510 without manual application of clamping force, but user interaction may be required to start applying the clamping force. For example, the user may need to press a button to start applying the clamping force.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the electric clamping device 560 may be an automated clamping device. As understood from the term "automated," the automated clamping device may be configured to automatically apply a releasable clamping force to the guide rail 510. That is, the automated clamping device secures the transverse carrier 550 to the guide rail 510 without requiring manual application of clamping force or user interaction to control the application of clamping force.

[0069] The electric clamping device 560 consists of a motor, for example... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The motor 302 shown is driven by [the motor]. The motor of the electric clamping device 560 may be configured to [become] [the following]. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The same configuration as shown.

[0070] However, when installed in the electric clamping device 560, Figure 3a The drive configuration of the motor 302 shown can be referred to as a clamping configuration. That is, when the motor of the electric clamping device 560 is in a clamping configuration... Figure 3a During configuration, the motor is powered to actively drive the electric clamping device 560 to apply or release clamping force.

[0071] Figure 3b The braking configuration of the motor 302 shown can be directly corresponding to the braking configuration of the electric clamping device 560.

[0072] The electric clamping device 560 may include a ball screw mechanism. A motor in the electric clamping device 560 rotates mechanical components within the device, which in turn causes a ball screw nut to move linearly about the ball screw. Due to this linear movement of the ball screw nut about the ball screw, the electric clamping device 560 is driven to move at least one clamping member 561a, 561b toward the guide rail 510, thereby applying a clamping force to the guide rail 510.

[0073] However, when the electric clamping device 560 is not actively driven by the motor, the tension within the electric clamping device 560 may cause reverse drive. This could lead to unintentional release of the clamping force, which in turn means that the transverse carrier 550 is not secured to the guide rail 510. In this situation, the transverse carrier 550 can move under the influence of gravity, and this uncontrolled movement of the transverse carrier 550 may cause injury to the user of the material testing equipment 500 or damage to the sample 530.

[0074] The material testing equipment 500 includes a controller 570, which can have... Figure 2 The controller 170 shown is implemented in the same manner. The controller 570 is arranged to control the motor of the electric clamping device 560 using an output in the form of a control signal. In particular, the controller 570 is arranged to transmit control signals to configure the motor of the electric clamping device 560 into a clamping configuration and a braking configuration.

[0075] The controller 570 is arranged to selectively configure the motor of the electric clamping device 560 to Figure 3a The clamping configuration is shown. The motor can be configured into the clamping configuration by controlling the switch device 303 to the off position. In the clamping configuration, the motor is powered to actively move the at least one clamping member 561a, 561b to apply a clamping force.

[0076] The controller 570 is arranged to control the electric clamping device 560 to apply a clamping force to the guide rail 510. The controller 570 can transmit control signals to the electric clamping device 560 to cause the motor to actively drive the at least one clamping member 561a, 561b to apply the clamping force.

[0077] The controller 570 is arranged to configure the motor of the electric clamping device 560 as... Figure 3b The braking configuration is shown. The motor can be configured for braking by controlling the switch device 303 to the closed position. The controller 570 can transmit control signals to configure the motor of the electric clamping device 560 in an arrangement that uses a low-resistance connection to connect the motor windings. The low-resistance connection of the motor windings may include connecting at least one winding of the motor through a substantially zero-resistance connection.

[0078] Advantageously, configuring the motor of the electric clamping device 560 as a braking configuration reduces the possibility of the clamping force being unintentionally released, which could lead to uncontrolled movement of the lateral carrier head 150.

[0079] The controller 570 can be arranged to configure the motor of the electric clamping device 560 into a clamping configuration or a braking configuration by controlling the switch device 303 to the aforementioned open or closed position.

[0080] In some embodiments, the controller 570 may be arranged to configure the motor in a braking configuration when a clamping force is applied to the guide rail 510. Advantageously, configuring the motor in a braking configuration when a clamping force is applied to the guide rail 510 reduces the possibility that the clamping force may be unintentionally released, potentially leading to uncontrolled movement of the lateral carrier head 550.

[0081] In some embodiments, the controller 570 may be arranged to immediately configure the motor to a braking configuration after the clamping force is applied. Therefore, there is essentially no delay between the end of the process of applying the clamping force using the electric clamping device 560 and the configuration of the motor to a braking configuration. Advantageously, immediately configuring the motor to a braking configuration when the application of the clamping force by the electric clamping device 560 ends reduces the amount of time during which the clamping force may be unintentionally released, potentially leading to uncontrolled movement of the lateral carrier head.

[0082] As previously mentioned, the material testing equipment 500 does not include a lateral carrier drive. However, in some embodiments of the invention, Figure 5 The material testing equipment 500 shown may include Figure 1 The transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 of the material testing equipment 100 shown.

[0083] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Method 600 can be described above and... Figures 1 to 4 The material testing equipment 100 shown in the image is used to perform the test.

[0084] Method 600 includes configuring the motor 302 of the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 as 510 Figure 3a The drive configuration is shown. Method step 620 includes controlling the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 to move the lateral carrier 150 substantially vertically about the guide rail 150.

[0085] Method 600 includes: using a motor 302 of a transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 to move the transverse carrier 150 vertically about the guide rail 150 630.

[0086] Method 600 includes configuring the motor 302 of the lateral head drive mechanism 180 in a braking configuration 640. As discussed above, in the braking configuration, the motor windings are connected to a low-resistance circuit, such as... Figure 3b As shown. When the motor of the transverse head drive mechanism 180 is configured in a braking configuration, the low-resistance connection may include short-circuiting the motor windings through a substantially zero-resistance connection.

[0087] In some embodiments, method step 640 may include configuring motor 302 to a braking configuration after controlling the lateral carrier drive mechanism 180 to move the lateral carrier 150 vertically.

[0088] In addition, method step 640 may include: immediately configuring motor 302 into braking configuration after controlling the lateral carrier drive mechanism to end the vertical movement of the lateral carrier 150.

[0089] Method 600 may include using an electric clamping device 160 to apply a releasable clamping force 650 to the guide rail 110 to fix the transverse carrier 150 in a position relative to the guide rail 110. Method step 650 may include controlling the electric clamping device 160 to apply the clamping force via a controller 170.

[0090] Method 600 may include: after controlling the transverse carrier drive mechanism 180 to move the transverse carrier 150 vertically and before applying a clamping force to the guide rail 110, controlling the motor to be configured in a braking configuration.

[0091] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Method 700 can be derived from... Figure 5 The material testing equipment 700 described and shown is used to perform the tests.

[0092] Method 700 includes: configuring the motor of the electric clamping device 560 as 710 Figure 3a The clamping configuration is shown. Method step 720 includes: controlling the electric clamping device 560 to apply a clamping force.

[0093] Method 700 includes: using an electric clamping device 560 to apply a clamping force 730 to the guide rail 510 to fix the transverse carrier 550 in a position relative to the guide rail 510.

[0094] Method 700 includes: configuring the motor of the electric clamping device 560 as 740, for example... Figure 3b The braking configuration is shown. As discussed above, in the braking configuration, the motor windings are connected to a low-resistance connection. When the motor of the electric clamping device 560 is configured for braking, the low-resistance connection may include short-circuiting the motor windings through a substantially zero-resistance connection.

[0095] In some embodiments, method step 740 may include: controlling the motor to be configured in a braking configuration when a clamping force is applied to the guide rail 510.

[0096] In addition, method step 740 may include immediately configuring the motor to a braking configuration after applying the clamping force.

[0097] It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software can be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage devices (such as storage devices like ROM, whether erasable or rewritable); or in the form of memory (such as RAM, memory chips, devices, or integrated circuits); or stored on optically or magnetically readable media (such as CDs, DVDs, disks, or magnetic tapes). It should be understood that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage devices suitable for storing one or more programs that, when run, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program and a machine-readable storage device storing such a program, the program comprising code for implementing the system or method as described in any of the preceding claims. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can be transmitted electronically via any medium (e.g., communication signals carried over a wired or wireless connection), and the same applies to embodiments suitably.

[0098] Throughout the specification and claims, the words “comprising” and “including,” and variations thereof, mean “including, but not limited to,” and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additions, components, wholes, or steps. In the specification and claims of this document, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, this document should be understood to consider both the plural and singular forms unless the context requires otherwise.

[0099] Features, integrals, properties, compounds, chemical parts, or groups described in connection with specific aspects, embodiments, or examples of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this document (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, unless at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or combination of novel features disclosed in this document (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or combination of novel steps in any method or process so disclosed.

[0100] Readers are encouraged to focus on all articles and documents submitted concurrently with or prior to this document that are related to this application and open to public access, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A material testing apparatus comprising: a guide rail; a sample holding device for holding a sample; a force applying apparatus for applying a test force to the sample; a cross head configured to support at least a portion of the sample holding device, wherein the cross head is movable along the guide rail; a cross head drive mechanism for moving the cross head generally vertically along the guide rail, wherein the cross head drive mechanism is driven by a motor in a drive configuration; and a controller configured to: configure the motor into the drive configuration; control the cross head drive mechanism to move the cross head generally vertically with respect to the guide rail; and configure the motor into a braking configuration, wherein, in the braking configuration, windings of the motor are shorted with a low resistance connection.

2. The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the controller (170) is configured to configure the motor (302) into the braking configuration after controlling the cross head drive mechanism (180) to move the cross head (150) vertically.

3. The device (100) of claim 2, wherein, the controller (170) is configured to configure the motor (302) into the braking configuration immediately after controlling the cross head drive mechanism (180) to end vertical movement of the cross head (150).

4. The device (100) of claim 1, wherein, one or both of: in the braking configuration, the low resistance connection comprises connecting windings of the motor (302) with a substantially zero resistance connection; and the controller (170) configures the motor (302) into the drive configuration or the braking configuration by controlling a switching device (303).

5. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, comprising an electrically powered clamp configured to exert a releasable clamping force on the guide rail to fix the lateral load head (150) in a position relative to the guide rail, and wherein, the controller (170) is configured to control the electric clamp to apply the clamping force.

6. The device (100) of claim 5, wherein the controller (170) is configured to configure the motor (302) into the braking configuration after controlling the cross head drive mechanism (180) to move the cross head (150) vertically, before applying a clamping force to the guide rail.

7. The device (100) of claim 1, wherein, the cross head drive mechanism (180) comprises a drive mechanism arranged to move the cross head (150) generally linearly vertically with respect to the guide rail.

8. The device (100) of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism arranged to move the cross head (150) linearly with respect to the guide rail comprises a ball screw mechanism arranged to move the cross head (150) linearly with respect to the guide rail.

9. A material testing apparatus comprising: a guide rail; a sample holding device for holding a sample; a force applying apparatus for applying a test force to the sample; a cross head configured to support at least a portion of the sample holding device, wherein the cross head is movable along the guide rail; an electric clamp configured to apply a releasable clamping force to the guide rail to fix the cross head in a position with respect to the guide rail, wherein the electric clamp is driven by a motor in a clamping configuration; and a controller configured to: configure the motor into the drive configuration; control the crosshead drive mechanism to move the crosshead substantially vertically along the guide; configure the motor into a braking configuration, wherein, in the braking configuration, windings of the motor are shorted with a low resistance connection. the controller (570) is configured to configure the motor (302) into the braking configuration while the guide is subject to the clamping force.

10. The device (500) of claim 9, wherein, the controller (570) is configured to configure the motor (302) into the braking configuration immediately after the clamping force is applied.

11. The device (500) of claim 10, wherein, one or both of:

12. The device (500) of claim 9, wherein, in the braking configuration, the low resistance connection comprises connecting windings of the motor (302) with a substantially zero resistance connection; and the controller (570) configures the motor (302) into the drive configuration or the braking configuration by controlling a switching arrangement (303). the material testing apparatus comprises:

13. A method for operating a material testing apparatus, wherein a guide; a sample holding device for holding a sample; a force application device for applying a test force to the sample; a crosshead configured to support at least a portion of the sample holding device, wherein the crosshead is movable along the guide; a crosshead drive mechanism for moving the crosshead substantially vertically along the guide, wherein the crosshead drive mechanism is driven by a motor in a drive configuration; and wherein the method comprises: configuring the motor into the drive configuration; controlling the crosshead drive mechanism to move the crosshead substantially vertically along the guide; using the motor to move the crosshead vertically along the guide; configuring the motor into a braking configuration, wherein, in the braking configuration, windings of the motor are shorted with a low resistance connection.

14. A computer readable storage device comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause a processor to perform the method of claim 13. the material testing apparatus (500) comprises:

15. A method (700) for operating a material testing apparatus (500), wherein a guide (510); a sample testing device (520) for holding a sample (530) and applying a test force to the sample (530); a crosshead (550) arranged to support at least a portion of the sample testing device (520), wherein the crosshead (550) is movable with respect to the guide (510); a motorized clamping device (560) configured to apply a releasable clamping force to the guide (510) to fix the crosshead (550) in a position relative to the guide (510), wherein the motorized clamping device (560) is driven by a motor (302) in a clamping configuration; and wherein the method (700) comprises: configuring the motor (302) into the clamping configuration (710); controlling the motorized clamping device (560) to apply the clamping force (720); ​ applying the clamping force (730) to the guide device (510) using the electric clamping device (560) to fix the lateral load head (550) in a position relative to the guide device (510); configuring the electric machine (302) into a braking configuration (740), wherein, in the braking configuration, windings of the electric machine (302) are short-circuited with a low resistance connection.

16. Computer software arranged to implement the method of any one of claims 13 or 15 when run.

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