Apparatus and method for material testing

Abstract

A material testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a guide arrangement, a sample holding arrangement for holding a sample, a force application arrangement for applying a force to the sample, a crosshead arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding arrangement and the force application arrangement, wherein the crosshead is movable relative to the guide arrangement, an automated clamping arrangement configured to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide arrangement and the crosshead to fix the crosshead at a position relative to the guide arrangement, and a controller configured to control the automated clamping arrangement to apply the clamping force between the guide arrangement and the crosshead.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a material testing machine, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for operating the material testing machine. 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 sample holders to hold the material samples. The position of the sample holder is controlled using a transverse carrier clamped to a guide rail. Importantly, clamping the transverse carrier to the guide rail can withstand significant forces because the sample will exert some force on the machine in response to the forces applied to the material sample during testing. Existing technology uses manual clamping controlled by a user-operated handle to secure the transverse carrier to the guide rail.

[0003] However, as testing machines capable of applying greater forces to samples are developed, the length of the handle must be increased to ensure that the clamping can withstand greater forces. Therefore, the handle may become excessively long, making clamping operation inconvenient.

[0004] Furthermore, existing technology requires the user to perform two separate operations: setting the position of the transverse carrier on the guide rail and clamping the transverse carrier onto the guide rail. Therefore, setting up a material testing machine can be time-consuming and complex.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to alleviate at least some of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a material testing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a guiding device; a sample holding device for holding a sample; a force applying device for applying a force to the sample; a transverse carrier head arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding device and the force applying device, wherein the transverse carrier head is movable relative to the guiding device; an automatic clamping device configured to apply a releasable clamping force between the guiding device and the transverse carrier head to fix the transverse carrier head in a position relative to the guiding device; and a controller configured to control the automatic clamping device to apply the clamping force between the guiding device and the transverse carrier head.

[0007] Optionally, the automatic clamping device may include at least one clamping member arranged to contact the guide device, wherein the clamping force is the frictional force between the at least one clamping member and the guide device, and optionally the at least one clamping member may be formed of an elastically deformable material.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one of the following is true: at least a portion of at least one clamping member may be arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head to serve as a rod for applying frictional force between at least one clamping member and the guide device; and the automatic clamping device may include a linear actuator configured to apply a linear force generally perpendicular to the axis of at least one clamping member to apply a clamping force.

[0009] Alternatively, the linear force from the linear actuator can be converted into torque around the pivot point of the lever, such that the applied frictional force depends on the linear force.

[0010] In some embodiments, the linear actuator may include an electric motor and a gearbox arranged to generate linear motion to apply a linear force. Optionally, the device may include an opening between at least a portion of at least one clamping member and the lateral carrier head to allow the lever to move in reliance on the linear force to apply torque.

[0011] In some embodiments, the automatic clamping device may be at least one of the following: supported on a transverse carrier; and arranged to maintain clamping force when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device.

[0012] Optionally, at least one of the following is true: the controller can be configured to automatically move the transverse carrier relative to the guide device and control the automatic clamping device to apply a clamping force to the guide device in a single operation; and the guide device may include two guide rail members respectively arranged on respective sides of the transverse carrier, and the device may include a first clamping member and a second clamping member positioned on the respective sides of the transverse carrier to apply a releasable clamping force.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one clamping member is at least partially formed as an integral part with the transverse carrier.

[0014] In some embodiments, a method of operating a material testing apparatus is provided, wherein the material testing apparatus includes: a guiding device; a sample holding device for holding a sample; a force applying device for applying a force to the sample; a transverse carrier arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding device and the force applying device, wherein the transverse carrier is movable relative to the guiding device; and an automatic clamping device; and wherein the method includes: applying a releasable clamping force between the guiding device and the transverse carrier using the automatic clamping device to fix the transverse carrier in a position relative to the guiding device; and controlling the automatic clamping device to apply the clamping force between the guiding device and the transverse carrier.

[0015] Optionally, the method may include one or both of the following: at least one clamping member of the automatic clamping device contacts the guide device, wherein the clamping force is the frictional force between at least one clamping member and the guide device; and the clamping force is maintained when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method may include using at least a portion of at least one clamping member arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head to act as a rod to apply frictional force.

[0017] Alternatively, the method may include applying a linear force generally perpendicular to the axis of at least one clamping member using a linear actuator to apply a clamping force.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method may include converting a linear force into a torque about a pivot point of the rod, such that the applied frictional force depends on the linear force.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, computer software is provided that is configured to perform any of the above methods 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 3 An automatic clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of an automatic clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0025] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Throughout this application, the reference to "sample" is intended to mean a specimen, such as a material sample 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 be taken from the material production process, for example, as a sample of material being produced.

[0027] Figure 1A material testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The material testing apparatus 100 can be configured to perform methods according to embodiments of the present invention, as described below. Figure 5 The described material testing equipment includes a guiding device 110, a sample holding device 120, a force application device 140, a transverse carrier head 150, and an automatic clamping device 160.

[0028] The guiding device 110 may be a guide rail 110, which is arranged to support the transverse carrier 150 and guide the movement of the transverse carrier 150 relative to the guide rail. An automatic clamping device 160 is used to fix the transverse carrier 150 relative to 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 pillars extending vertically from base 105 and laterally spaced apart by a width less than that of the transverse carrier head 150. It should be appreciated that guide rail 110 can be adjusted according to force requirements and / or the shape and size of material testing equipment 100. For example, guide rail 110 may include a single pillar. Each guide rail in the illustrated embodiment has a generally circular cross-section, although it should be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes of the guiding device are also conceivable.

[0029] The lateral carrier 150 is movable relative to the guide rail 110. The lateral carrier 150 can move relative to the guide rail 110 via translational movement. This movement of the lateral carrier 150 relative to the guide rail 110 can be referred to as a lateral carrier lifting operation, because the lateral carrier 150 is lifted to allow the sample 130 to be inserted into or removed from the material testing equipment 100 and to accommodate test samples of different sizes. The movement of the lateral carrier 150 relative to the guide rail 110 allows the position of the sample holding device 130 to be adjusted according to the size of the sample 130. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the lateral carrier 150 is arranged to move along two supports of the guide rail 110 using translational motion. The lateral carrier 150 is arranged to move relative to the guide rail 110 in a first direction and an opposite second direction, which can be upward and downward directions along the guide rail 110, respectively. However, it should be appreciated that other configurations of the lateral carrier and the guide rail are contemplated. For example, the guide rail 110 can be arranged horizontally, and the lateral carrier 150 can move to the left and right relative to the guide rail 110.

[0030] The transverse support head 150 is arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding device 130 and the force application device 140. Advantageously, using the transverse support head 150 as a support for other components of the material testing equipment 100 results in a compact device.

[0031] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the force-applying device 140 is supported by the transverse carrier 150 because the force-applying device 140 is located on the transverse carrier 150. Furthermore, the upper portion of the sample holding device 120 is supported by the transverse carrier 150 because this 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.

[0032] The automatic clamping device 160 can be an automatic clamping apparatus. The automatic clamping device 160 is configured to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150 to hold the transverse carrier 150 in a position relative to the guide rail 110. As understood from the term "automatic," the automatic clamping device 160 is configured to automatically apply the releasable clamping force to the guide rail 110. That is, the automatic clamping device 160 holds the transverse carrier 150 to the guide rail 110 without requiring manual application of clamping force. Advantageously, the automatic clamping apparatus allows for the application of a large clamping force to hold the transverse carrier 150 to the guide rail 110 without the use of a long handle, which would be necessary if the clamping force were applied based on user operation. Therefore, the clamping of the transverse carrier 150 to the guide rail 110 can withstand large forces generated during testing by the force-applying device and / or the sample 130 on the transverse carrier 150.

[0033] In some embodiments, the automatic clamping device 160 can be arranged to maintain clamping force even when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device 160. As a result, the transverse carrier head 150 is secured to the guide rail 110 when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device 160. Advantageously, the automatic clamping device 160 is "fail-safe," meaning that the clamping device does not rely on a continuous power supply to maintain the clamping state. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The automatic clamping device 160 is described in more detail.

[0034] The material testing apparatus 100 includes a sample holding device 120 and a force application device 140. The sample holding device 120 is used to hold the sample 130 to be tested. The sample holding device 120 may be arranged to clamp the sample 130 and may include multiple components such that the sample 130 is clamped when placed between the multiple components of the sample holding device 120. For example, the sample holding device 120 may include multiple clamps (e.g., claws) respectively arranged at opposite ends of the sample 130. In some embodiments, a pair of clamps are present.

[0035] The sample holding device 120 can be configured to withstand the maximum force applied to the sample by the material testing equipment 100. Therefore, the sample holding device 120 can be constructed 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 holding device 120 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 holding device 120 can be arranged horizontally or vertically. However, it should be appreciated that other structures and forms of the sample holding device are contemplated.

[0036] The force-applying device 140 can be a force-applying apparatus 140 for applying force to sample 130 to test the physical properties of sample 130. The force-applying device 140 can repeatedly apply force to the sample. For example, the apparatus 140 can apply a deformation force or test force to deform sample 130, or, in addition to a deformation force, deformation can be applied by one or more of tension, compression, or torsion. The force-applying device 140 can apply force through sample holding device 130, since the force to be applied to sample 130 is applied by moving sample holding device 130. The force-applying device 140 can be arranged to apply force to one end of sample 130 or to opposite ends of sample 130. The force-applying device 140 can be adjusted according to force requirements and / or the shape and size of material testing apparatus 100. For example, the force-applying device 140 can include an actuator. The actuator can be arranged to move at least one sample holding device during use to apply force to the sample held therein. However, it should be appreciated that other force-applying devices are contemplated for applying force.

[0037] The material testing equipment 110 also includes a controller 170, for example Figure 2 The controller 170 shown is configured to control the automatic clamping device 160 to apply a clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150. In this way, the automatic clamping device 160 is configured to automatically apply a releasable clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150 without requiring manual application of the clamping force.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller 170 can be configured to automatically move the transverse carrier 150 relative to the guide rail 110 and control the automatic clamping device 160 to apply a clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150 in a single operation. The single operation can be a setup operation that links the application of the releasable clamping force with a transverse carrier lifting operation. The setup operation can be controlled by a single user input via an input device (not shown) to initiate the operation to automatically release the clamping force, move the transverse carrier 150 relative to the guide rail 110, and apply a clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150. Advantageously, this reduces the time spent setting up the material testing equipment for testing samples and simplifies the process for the user.

[0039] The controller 170 can automatically determine how much clamping force is required to secure the transverse carrier 150 to the guide rail 110. For example, the controller 170 can access stored values ​​to set the clamping force. Alternatively or additionally, the clamping force can be set by the user using an input device (not shown).

[0040] Controller 170 may be implemented by processor 171 and memory 172 including computer program 173, which includes computer program instructions 174. Processor 171 may also include output interface 175 and input interface 176, through which the processor outputs data and / or commands, and through which data and / or commands are input to the processor. Controller 170 may be implemented as separate hardware (circuit), having some aspects of software including separate firmware, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware). Computer program 173 may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.). Computer program 173 may be computer software arranged to execute at runtime according to the following description. Figure 5 The method described.

[0041] Now describing Figure 3 The figure illustrates a transverse carrier 150 and an automatic clamping device 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic clamping device 160 can be supported on the transverse carrier 150. Figure 3 As shown, the automatic clamping device 160 is supported on the transverse carrier 150, wherein the automatic clamping device is located on the side surface of the transverse carrier 150. Fasteners such as screws or bolts can be used to support the automatic clamping device 160 on the transverse carrier 150. In other embodiments, the automatic clamping device 160 may be supported on the transverse carrier 150, wherein the automatic clamping device is suspended from the lower surface or the upper surface of the transverse carrier 150. The automatic clamping device 160 may be partially mounted into the transverse carrier 150 to allow a secure connection between the automatic clamping device 160 and the transverse carrier 150.

[0042] The automatic clamping device 160 may include at least one clamping member 161a, 161b. The at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be arranged to apply a releasable clamping force. The at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be at least partially movable. Advantageously, the at least one clamping member may be sensitive, such that a small movement of the at least one clamping member causes a change in the clamping force.

[0043] At least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be arranged to contact the guide rail 110. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the guide rail 110 includes guide rail members 110a and 110b. At least one clamping member 161a or 161b may be formed such that when attached to the transverse carrier head 150, it forms a cavity. The cavity may be arranged to receive the guide rail members 110a and 110b and its dimensions allow at least one clamping member 161a or 161b to contact the guide rail members 110a and 110b respectively. Figure 3 In the middle, guide rail components 110a and 110b can extend along the 'y' direction shown by the axis, such that their length in the 'y' direction is greater than that in the middle. Figure 3 The description in the text is longer.

[0044] Due to the contact between at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the guide rail 110, the clamping force can be the frictional force between the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the guide rail 110. The frictional force can increase with the increase of the contact surface area between the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the guide rail 110.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be formed of an elastically deformable material, such as a metallic alloy. Each of the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be further secured to the transverse carrier 150 using side member blocks 220a, 220b. Advantageously, the side member blocks 220a, 220b are arranged such that at least one clamping member 161a, 161b is surrounded at a closed end. The closed end may be the end of at least one clamping member 161a, 161b attached to the transverse carrier 150. Fasteners such as screws or bolts may be used to attach at least one clamping member 161a, 161b to the transverse carrier 150. However, it should be appreciated that other forms and arrangements for attaching at least one clamping member to the transverse carrier are contemplated.

[0046] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rail 110 includes two guide rail members 110a and 110b respectively arranged on corresponding sides of the transverse carrier 150. The automatic clamping device 160 includes a first clamping member 161a and a second clamping member 161b, which are positioned on corresponding sides of the transverse carrier 150 to apply a releasable clamping force. However, it should be appreciated that the guide rail may include any number of guide rail members respectively arranged around the transverse carrier, and the automatic clamping device may include any number of clamping members positioned on corresponding sides of the transverse carrier.

[0047] At least one clamping member 161a, 161b may include at least one portion 162a, 162b arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head 150, which may be considered as clamping "ears". At least one portion 162a, 162b of at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may serve as a lever for applying frictional force between at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the guide rail 110. At least one portion 162a, 162b of at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be arranged to receive a force that moves at least one clamping member 161a, 161b.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, at least one portion 162a, 162b of at least one clamping member 161a, 161b is arranged to extend from the transverse carrier 150 perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide rail 110. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown by the axis, at least one portion 162a, 162b, arranged to extend from the transverse carrier 150 along the 'z' direction, extends from the crosshead 150, and the guide rail 110 extends along the 'y' direction. It should be appreciated that other orientations of at least one clamping member relative to the guide rail are conceivable.

[0049] Advantageously, the clamping efficiency is increased because at least a portion of at least one clamping member extends from the transverse carrier. This means that the force applied to the rod (i.e., at least a portion of the at least one clamping member extending from the transverse carrier) is effectively converted into a clamping force on the guide rail. Furthermore, it is simple to manufacture a transverse carrier arranged to be attached to a clamping member having this shape.

[0050] Figure 3In this design, at least one clamping member 161a, 16b is depicted as being formed from a single part. However, it should be appreciated that other configurations for the at least one clamping member 161a, 16b are conceivable. For example, in other embodiments, the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be formed from more than one part. At least one portion 162a, 162b of the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be a component separate from the remaining portion of the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b. At least one portion 162a, 162b of the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the remaining portion of the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be attached during assembly to form the at least one clamping member 161a, 161b.

[0051] The automatic clamping device 160 may include a linear actuator 163, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 4 The linear actuator will be described in more detail.

[0052] Figure 4 A plan view (not drawn to scale) of a portion of an automatic clamping device 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Although only one side of the automatic clamping device 160 is shown, it should be understood that the following description can be applied to both sides of the automatic clamping device 160.

[0053] Linear actuator 163 can be configured to apply a linear force F that is generally perpendicular to the axis 450 of at least one clamping member 161a. L To apply a clamping force. In particular, the linear actuator 163 can be arranged to apply a linear force F to at least one portion 162a (i.e., a clamping "ear") of at least one clamping member 161a that is arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head 150. L In this way, the linear force F L This causes at least one clamping member 161a to move.

[0054] Figure 4 In this configuration, axis 450 is parallel to the extending direction of at least one portion 162a of at least one clamping member 161a, which is arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head 150. Advantageously, the linear actuator can be housed within the space formed by at least one portion 162a, 162b of the at least one clamping member extending from the transverse carrier head and the rear surface of the transverse carrier head 150, from which at least one portion 162a, 162b of the at least one clamping member extends, thereby maintaining a compact design of the machine testing equipment. Furthermore, the linear actuator is readily compatible with at least one clamping member and the transverse carrier head.

[0055] Linear force F from linear actuator 163 LThis can be converted into a torque F around the pivot point of rod 162a (in the general area indicated by the mark 'A'). T This causes the applied frictional force to depend on the linear force F. L When the linear actuator 163 applies a linear force F L When at least one portion 162a, 162b of at least one clamping member 161a is pulled toward the transverse carrier head 150, the torque F T It is applied. Therefore, the torque F T The application depends on the linear force F L .

[0056] Since at least one clamping member 161a is in contact with the guide rail member 110a, the torque F T It alters the contact between at least one clamping member 161a and the guide rail member 110a, thereby changing the frictional force so that the applied frictional force depends on the linear force F. L Advantageously, this arrangement is compact and allows for greater clamping force without requiring manual control by the user using a long handle.

[0057] The linear actuator 163 may include a motor 164 and a gearbox 165. The motor 164 and gearbox 165 may be arranged to generate linear motion to apply a linear force F. L The linear actuator 163 may include a ball screw unit 168, which includes a ball screw mechanism to convert the rotational motion of the motor 164 into a linear force F for applying. L The linear actuator 163 can be self-locking to prevent uncontrolled release of the clamping force. Although the ball screw unit 168 has been used as an example, it should be recognized that other mechanical arrangements can be used in the linear actuator 163.

[0058] An intermediate member 480, such as a tie rod, can be used to attach the linear actuator 163 to at least one portion 162a of at least one clamping member 161a. The intermediate member can be arranged to apply the linear force F. L The signal is transmitted from the linear actuator 163 to at least one portion 162a of at least one clamping member 161a.

[0059] The automatic clamping device 160 may include an opening 166 between at least one portion 162a of at least one clamping member 161a and the transverse carrier head 150. The opening 166 may allow the rod 162a (i.e., at least one portion of the at least one clamping member) to rely on a linear force F. L To perform motion to apply torque F T The opening 166 provides space for at least one portion 162a of at least one clamping member 161a to allow for the application of a linear force F by the linear actuator 163.L This allows at least one part to move into it. Advantageously, this allows linear force to be efficiently converted into torque.

[0060] It should be recognized that the automatic clamping device 160 may also include an opening 166 between at least one portion 162b of at least one clamping member 161b and the transverse carrier head 150. Figure 4 (Not shown).

[0061] In some embodiments, at least one clamping member 161a, 161b may be formed at least partially as an integral part with the transverse carrier 150. For example, except for at least one portion 162a, 162b (i.e., clamping "ears") of at least one clamping member 161a, 161b arranged to extend from the transverse carrier 150, all other portions of at least one clamping member may be formed as an integral part with the transverse carrier 150. Advantageously, partially integral parts are more quickly and easily manufactured and installed into the machine testing equipment 100.

[0062] Sensor 490 may be housed in at least one clamping member 161a, 161b to sense the clamping force to be applied. Sensor 490 may provide input to processor 171.

[0063] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. This can be understood through the above description and... Figures 1 to 4 The material testing equipment 100 shown in the image is used to execute method 500.

[0064] Method 500 includes applying a releasable clamping force 510. An automatic clamping device 160 is used to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150 to secure the transverse carrier 150 in a position relative to the guide rail 110.

[0065] Method step 520 includes controlling the automatic clamping device 160 to apply a clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150. As discussed above, the term "automatic" means that the method includes automatically applying a releasable clamping force between the guide rail 110 and the transverse carrier 150. That is, method step 520 involves securing the transverse carrier 150 to the guide rail 110 without user intervention. The user can initiate the application of the clamping force.

[0066] Method 500 may include at least one clamping member 161a, 161b of the automatic clamping device 160 contacting the guide rail 110 630. The clamping force may be the frictional force between at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the guide rail 110.

[0067] Method 600 may include applying a frictional force 540. The frictional force may be applied using at least one portion 162a, 162b of at least one clamping member arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head 150 as a rod. In this manner, the method involves applying a frictional force to apply a clamping force due to contact between at least one clamping member 161a, 161b and the guide rail 110.

[0068] In some embodiments, method 500 may include applying a clamping force by using a linear actuator 163 to apply a linear force 550 generally perpendicular to the axis 450 of at least one clamping member 161a, 16b.

[0069] Method 500 may include applying a linear force F L Convert 560 into torque F around the pivot points of rods 162a and 162b. T Therefore, the applied frictional force depends on the linear force F. L Method step 560 is achieved by at least one portion 162a, 162b of at least one clamping member 161a, 161b relative to the transverse carrier 150 and the guide rail 110 as described above.

[0070] Method 500 may include maintaining a clamping force of 570 when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device 160. Therefore, this method allows for fault-protected operation, where the clamping force can be maintained even in the event of a power outage (e.g., a power failure).

[0071] It should be recognized that embodiments of the 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 memory, such as a storage device like ROM, whether erasable or rewritable, or in the form of memory, such as RAM, a memory chip, device, or integrated circuit, or stored on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as a CD, DVD, disk, or magnetic tape. It should be recognized that the storage device and storage medium are embodiments of machine-readable memory suitable for storing one or more programs that, when run, implement embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide programs comprising code for implementing a system or method as described in any of the preceding claims, and provide machine-readable memory for storing such programs. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can be transmitted electronically via any medium (e.g., communication signals transmitted via wired or wireless connections), and embodiments suitably cover the foregoing.

[0072] 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, integrals, or steps. In the specification and claims, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, this specification should be understood to consider both the plural and singular forms unless the context requires otherwise.

[0073] Features, integrals, properties, compounds, chemical portions, or groups described in connection with specific aspects, embodiments, or examples of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (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 covers any novel feature or any combination of novel features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel step or any combination of novel steps in any method or process so disclosed.

[0074] Readers are encouraged to focus their attention on all papers and documents that were submitted concurrently with or prior to this application, that are related to this application, and that are open to the public for review along with this application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A material testing device, comprising: Guiding device (110); A sample holding device (120) for holding a sample (130). A force-applying device (140) is used to apply force to the sample (130); A transverse carrier (150) is arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding device (120) and the force application device (140), wherein the transverse carrier (150) is movable relative to the guide device (110). An automatic clamping device (160) configured to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide device (110) and the transverse carrier (150) to fix the transverse carrier (150) in a position relative to the guide device (110), wherein the automatic clamping device (160) comprises: At least one clamping member (161a, 161b) is arranged to contact the guide device (110), wherein the clamping force is a frictional force between the at least one clamping member (161a, 161b) and the guide device (110), and at least one portion (162a, 162b) of the at least one clamping member (161a, 161b) is arranged to extend from the transverse carrier (150) to serve as a rod for applying the frictional force between the at least one clamping member (161a, 161b) and the guide device (110); A linear actuator (163) is configured to apply a linear force F generally perpendicular to the axis (450) of the at least one clamping member (161a, 161b). L To apply the clamping force, wherein the linear force F from the linear actuator (163) L The torque F is converted into a torque around the pivot point of the rod. T This causes the applied frictional force to depend on the linear force F. L ;as well as A controller (170) is configured to control the automatic clamping device (160) to apply a clamping force between the guide device (110) and the transverse carrier (150).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one clamping member (161a, 161b) is formed of an elastically deformable material.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The linear actuator (163) includes components arranged to generate linear motion to apply the linear force F. L The electric motor (164) and gearbox (165).

4. The device of claim 1, comprising an opening (166) between at least one portion (162a, 162b) of the at least one clamping member (161a, 161b) and the transverse carrier (150) to allow the rod to move according to the linear force F. L The torque F is applied during the movement. T .

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The automatic clamping device (160) satisfies at least one of the following: Supported on the transverse carrier head (150); and It is configured to maintain the clamping force when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device (160).

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least one of the following is true: The controller (170) is configured to automatically move the transverse carrier (150) relative to the guide device (110) in a single operation and control the automatic clamping device (160) to apply the clamping force to the guide device (110); and The guiding device (110) includes two guide rail members (110a, 110b) respectively arranged on corresponding sides of the transverse carrier (150), and the device (100) includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member positioned on corresponding sides of the transverse carrier to apply the releasable clamping force.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one clamping member (161a, 161b) is at least partially formed as an integral part with the transverse carrier (150).

8. A method for operating a material testing device, wherein, The material testing equipment includes: Guiding device. A sample holding device for holding a sample. A force-applying device, wherein the force-applying device is used to apply force to the sample. A lateral carrier head, arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding device and the force application device, wherein the lateral carrier head is movable relative to the guide device, and An automatic clamping device comprising a linear actuator and at least one clamping member arranged to extend from the transverse carrier head to function as a lever; and The method includes: The guide device is contacted by at least one clamping member; At least a portion of the at least one clamping member is used to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide device and the transverse carrier head to fix the transverse carrier head in a position relative to the guide device, wherein the clamping force is a frictional force between the at least one clamping member and the guide device, and wherein applying the releasable clamping force includes: The linear actuator applies a linear force F that is generally perpendicular to the axis of the at least one clamping member. L ;and The linear force F L This is converted into a torque F around the pivot point of the rod. T This causes the applied frictional force to depend on the linear force F. L ;as well as The automatic clamping device is controlled to apply the clamping force between the guide device and the transverse carrier.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising: The clamping force is maintained (570) when no power is supplied to the automatic clamping device (160).

10. A computer software configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 9 at runtime.

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