Adjusting and aligning device for creep fatigue testing machine

Abstract

The invention discloses an adjusting and aligning device for a creep fatigue testing machine, and belongs to the technical field of testing machine auxiliary equipment. The device comprises a base, and a lifting centering system, a bearing centering system and a linkage driving system which are integrated on the base. Through driving of the lifting centering system, the linkage driving system converts vertical motion into horizontal thrust, the horizontal position of the bearing centering system is accurately adjusted, and accurate centering of a sample and a loading axis is achieved; meanwhile, the bearing and aligning system is self-adaptively leveled through the matching of the rotating ball and the pressing ball; a multi-stage buffering mechanism is arranged in the device, a vertical buffering piece absorbs downward impact, an elastic element in a pushing assembly achieves dynamic force unloading after horizontal centering, and it is ensured that the centering process is smooth and free of rigid impact; according to the invention, through dynamic matching of the centering mechanism and the buffer mechanism, the problems of insufficient centering precision and unstable operation in the prior art are solved, and the accuracy and reliability of a creep fatigue test are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of auxiliary equipment technology for testing machines, specifically an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of creep fatigue testing, precise alignment of the specimen and the testing components, a safe and controllable testing environment, and stable protection of the equipment are the core elements to ensure the reliability of test data. A search revealed that the existing technology (application number: CN201911156995.X), which describes "an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine," can achieve position adjustment of the high-temperature furnace and extensometer. However, it adopts a manual operation mode with a screw and nut drive and a handwheel, making the alignment accuracy susceptible to human error. Furthermore, it can only complete single-dimensional position adjustment and cannot dynamically compensate for angular offsets caused by assembly or stress on the specimen. This results in frequent positional deviations between the specimen and the extensometer and other testing components, directly affecting the accuracy of the test data. At the same time, the protective structure of this existing technology is relatively simple and lacks a precise locking closed protection design. Heat is easily leaked during the operation of the high-temperature furnace, posing a safety hazard and making it difficult to maintain the stable temperature environment required for the test, resulting in insufficient adaptability. In addition, it does not have an effective buffer and adaptive structure. When the extensometer approaches the specimen and the device during operation, rigid collisions are likely to occur, which may not only damage the specimen, extensometer, and other precision components, but also further reduce the stability of the test due to vibration interference.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine that can achieve multi-dimensional automatic and precise alignment, possess reliable protection and environmental control capabilities, and ensure stable operation through a buffered adaptive structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine to solve the problems of existing alignment adjustment, reliable protection, and stable operation mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine includes a base with adjustment feet on its lower surface. The core of this device lies in the construction of a collaborative centering-buffering system. This system mainly includes: The lifting and centering system includes a mounting bracket installed on the base and a lifting mechanism located on its top. The bottom of the lifting mechanism is provided with an extensometer and a holding component: serving as a power source and actuator, it is responsible for driving the extensometer to descend and converting it into a horizontal adjustment force through the centering mechanism. The bearing self-aligning system includes a bearing component mounted on the base via a buffer. The bearing component is used to mount the specimen and has horizontal sliding and angular deflection degrees of freedom. As a carrier of the specimen, it has adaptive fine-tuning capabilities in the horizontal plane and angle to ensure accurate centering and leveling of the specimen. The linkage drive system includes a pushing component mounted on the base. When the lifting mechanism moves downward, it can drive the pushing component to move, thereby pushing the bearing self-aligning system to move horizontally, achieving precise alignment between the sample and the loading axis. As a "bridge" connecting the lifting and alignment, it accurately converts the vertical movement of the lifting and alignment system into the horizontal pushing of the bearing self-aligning system, achieving automated alignment. The holding component includes a self-aligning assembly and a pressure stabilizing assembly. The self-aligning assembly consists of a support rod and a holding ball at its end, used to achieve the initial positioning and adaptive leveling of the self-aligning system. During the descent of the lifting mechanism, the holding ball contacts the supporting assembly, working with the buffer to complete the initial leveling and buffering of the system. The pressure stabilizing assembly is a holding plate located on the lower surface of the support plate. After the extensometer descends to the measurement position, the holding plate descends and presses against the heating furnace, ensuring the sealing and overall stability of the test chamber.

[0006] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: The bearing assembly includes a sliding plate with a positioning groove that mates with the holding ball. The sliding plate is connected to a mounting plate via a column. The mounting plate has multiple through holes around its perimeter for fixing the sample. The bottom of the bearing assembly has a rotating ball, and the base has a ball groove that mates with the rotating ball. The mating of the holding ball with the positioning groove and the mating of the rotating ball with the ball groove together constitute the adaptive self-aligning mechanism of the bearing self-aligning system.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: The linkage drive system includes a pressing rod driven by the lifting mechanism and a sliding rod linked with the pressing rod. The sliding rod is connected to a push plate and a sliding block that can move in opposite directions or in opposite directions through a linkage mechanism. The sliding block is used to push the sliding plate to move horizontally.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: An elastic element is provided between the push plate and the sliding block; after the sliding plate is aligned and positioned, the lifting mechanism continues to descend, and the elastic element is compressed or stretched to absorb excess driving force, thereby realizing dynamic force unloading and buffer protection between the push component and the bearing component.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: The buffer component includes a telescopic rod, a spring, and a damper, which are connected between the base and the bearing plate of the bearing assembly to attenuate the downward movement of the lifting mechanism and the vertical impacts and vibrations generated during the test.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: It also includes a protective assembly, which includes a front protective cover, a rear protective cover, and a sliding door. The sliding door is provided with a spring-returning locking element, and the front protective cover is provided with a positioning hole that cooperates with the locking element.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: It also includes a transmission mechanism, which comprises a mounting box, a motor-driven screw, and a bracket threadedly connected to the screw. The bracket is connected to a heating furnace and is used to drive the heating furnace to move and cover the sample inside it.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: The lifting mechanism is a hydraulic rod or an electric push rod.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution: The lifting and centering system also includes a mounting cylinder, the upper end of which is connected to the bottom of the lifting mechanism, and the lower end of which is used to detachably mount the extensometer to provide guidance and stability when the extensometer descends.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: I. By using a closed-loop control mechanism of "lifting drive - horizontal linkage", the complex centering and leveling process is automated, eliminating human error; the adaptive deflection capability of the self-aligning system enables the synchronous completion of "horizontal centering" and "axial leveling", keeping the coaxiality error within an extremely high precision range, creating the necessary conditions for the extensometer's accurate measurement, and realizing automated, multi-degree-of-freedom accurate centering and leveling.

[0015] Second, the buffer design of this invention is not an independent rear unit, but is deeply embedded in every action link of the alignment. The vertical buffer is responsible for absorbing the downward impact, while the horizontal buffer elastic element realizes "dynamic force unloading" at the moment the alignment is completed, avoiding rigid resistance. This "time-coordinated, multi-level response" buffer mode ensures that the system has extremely high compliance and reliability while achieving high-precision positioning, effectively protecting the test piece and precision measuring components.

[0016] Third, the coordinated design of the protective components, transmission mechanism, and heating furnace enables the sample to be quickly sealed in a stable high-temperature environment after precise alignment. This not only ensures safety but also isolates the high-precision alignment state from external disturbances. From "alignment" to "protection," a complete closed loop is formed to ensure data accuracy, significantly improving the overall stability and data reliability of creep fatigue testing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective component of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the load-bearing component structure of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the lifting mechanism structure of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting structure and pushing component of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the push assembly structure of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism and heating furnace structure of an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine according to the present invention.

[0018] Legend: 1. Base; 2. Mounting frame; 3. Protective components; 4. Adjustable feet; 5. Buffer; 6. Lifting mechanism; 7. Pushing component; 8. Bearing component; 9. Transmission mechanism; 10. Heating furnace; 11. Extensometer; 301. Front protective cover; 302. Sliding door; 303. Locking component; 304. Rear protective cover; 601. Hydraulic rod; 602. Support plate; 603. Mounting cylinder; 604. Holding plate; 605. Pressing rod; 606. Support rod; 607. Holding ball; 701. Sliding rod; 702. First push rod; 703. Second push rod; 704. Push plate; 705. Sliding block; 801. Bearing plate; 802. Sliding plate; 803. Mounting plate; 804. Rotating ball; 901. Mounting box; 902. Motor; 903. Screw; 904. Bracket; 905. Connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Example 1: First, it should be noted that the adjustment and alignment device described in this invention is a core subsystem of the creep fatigue testing machine, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device is usually integrated into the main frame of the testing machine. Its base 1 is fixedly connected to the body of the testing machine, and the mechanical loading unit of the testing machine (such as actuation cylinder, force sensor, etc., not fully shown in the figure) is located on the top of its mounting frame 2.

[0023] It should also be noted that the creep fatigue testing machine in this application can be a high-temperature creep fatigue testing machine, an electro-hydraulic servo creep fatigue testing machine, a multi-axis creep fatigue testing machine, etc. Figure 1 In this embodiment, a high-temperature creep fatigue testing machine is used as an example for description. Of course, other types of creep fatigue testing machines can also adopt a similar structure, which will not be described in detail below.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, this embodiment provides an adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine. Its core functional systems include: a lifting and centering system (mainly composed of a mounting frame 2, a lifting mechanism 6, an extensometer 11, and a holding component), a load-bearing self-aligning system (mainly composed of a load-bearing component 8 and a buffer component 5), and a linkage drive system (mainly composed of a pushing component 7). In addition, it also includes a protective component 3, a transmission mechanism 9, and a heating furnace 10 to form a complete testing environment.

[0025] The key to this device lies in the coordinated action and dynamic matching between the aforementioned systems. Its specific workflow is as follows: Phase 1: Initial Preparation and Adaptive Alignment First, adjust the adjusting feet 4 on the lower surface of the base 1 to ensure that the entire device is in a horizontal state; pull the locking member 303 outward to disengage it from the positioning hole, slide the sliding door 302 upward to the open position, release the locking member 303, and it will automatically spring into the positioning hole above under the action of the built-in spring, thereby temporarily locking the sliding door 302; reliably install the sample on the mounting plate 803 that supports the self-aligning system; The hydraulic rod 601 of the lifting and centering system is activated, driving the support plate 602 and the components below it to descend as a whole. The pressure ball 607 at the end of the support rod 606 contacts the positioning groove on the sliding plate 802 of the self-aligning system. At the moment of contact, the buffer 5 connected between the base 1 and the support plate 801 begins to compress. The spring and damper inside it effectively absorb the downward impact energy, avoiding potential damage to the sample or device from rigid collision. Under the pressure of the holding ball 607, the entire bearing assembly 8 uses the rotating ball 804 at its bottom as a fulcrum and generates a small adaptive deflection in the ball groove of the base 1. This passive self-aligning mechanism automatically compensates for the initial angular deviation that may exist in the sample and the fixture, and realizes the initial leveling of the bearing surface.

[0026] Phase Two: Coordinated Alignment and Horizontal Fine-tuning After the initial alignment and buffering are completed, the lifting mechanism 6 continues to descend, and the pressure rods 605 installed on both sides of the support plate 602 descend accordingly. Their lower ends contact and push the sliding rod 701 of the linkage drive system to move downward. The downward movement of the sliding rod 701, through the first push rod 702 and the second push rod 703 hinged to it, accurately converts the vertical force into a horizontal thrust. This horizontal thrust drives the push plate 704 and the sliding block 705 to slide towards each other in the groove of the base 1, thereby accurately pushing the sliding plate 802 to move along the T-shaped groove of the bearing plate 801, achieving precise alignment of the sample on the horizontal plane.

[0027] Phase 3: Dynamic Force Unloading and State Locking When the sliding plate 802 moves to the target centering position (i.e., the sample axis coincides with the loading axis), the horizontal centering is completed. If the lifting mechanism 6 still has a slight excessive downward movement, the elastic element (spring) built into the linkage drive system begins to play its core "dynamic force unloading" role, pushing the spring between the plate 704 and the sliding block 705 to be compressed (or stretched), adaptively absorbing and storing this excess driving force. This ingenious design avoids the internal stress caused by the rigidity of the mechanism, protects the precision transmission components, and ensures that the centering state will not be distorted or damaged due to over-constraint. Ultimately, the system achieves force balance in this compliant state, completing the stable locking of the centering state.

[0028] Phase 4: Environmental Construction and Precise Measurement After completing all the centering and buffering actions, the lifting mechanism 6 drives the extensometer 11 to descend to its precise measuring position; the motor 902 of the transmission mechanism 9 is activated, and through the screw 903, the support 904 is moved, precisely moving the heating furnace 10 to the position covering the sample; the locking member 303 is pulled to disengage from the upper positioning hole, and the sliding door 302 is slid down to the fully closed position. Under the action of the spring, the locking member 303 automatically springs back into the lower positioning hole, thus firmly locking the sliding door 302; the sample is completely sealed in a stable and safe high-temperature testing environment consisting of the heating furnace 10 and the protective cover; after the temperature inside the heating furnace 10 stabilizes, the main body of the creep fatigue testing machine can apply the load; after the test, the components are operated in reverse order to safely remove the sample.

[0029] It should be noted that, in order to achieve convenient installation and precise guidance of the extensometer 11, the upper end of the mounting cylinder 603 is connected to the middle of the lower surface of the support plate 602. The lower end of the mounting cylinder 603 is detachably installed with the upper end of the extensometer 11 through a threaded connection. The cylindrical structure of the mounting cylinder 603 can provide circumferential constraint and protection for the measuring rod during the downward movement of the extensometer 11, effectively preventing the measuring rod from swinging or deviating due to its slender structure, ensuring that it extends into the sample measurement area inside the heating furnace 10 in a stable posture, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement data.

[0030] It should also be noted that the heating furnace 10 and the extensometer 11 were purchased from the market and are common knowledge in the field. They are only used and not modified, so the control method and circuit connection will not be described in detail.

[0031] The device in this embodiment perfectly demonstrates the dynamic matching of the "centering-buffering" system through the above four interconnected and precisely timed stages, integrating high-precision alignment, adaptive leveling, multi-level buffering and stable environment control into one, ultimately achieving the purpose of the invention.

[0032] Example 2: This embodiment, based on embodiment 1, focuses on demonstrating the diversity of driving methods and the optimized design of the buffer module.

[0033] The lifting mechanism 6 is not limited to hydraulic drive. In this embodiment, an electric push rod or a combination of a servo motor and a ball screw can be used. This electric drive method facilitates precise digital control of stroke and position and can be deeply integrated with a controller (such as a PLC) to achieve more complex motion curves. For example, a low speed can be used in the initial contact stage to enhance buffering, and the speed can be switched to the standard speed in the centering stage, thereby further improving the smoothness and accuracy of the centering process.

[0034] The buffer component 5 can be designed as a standardized, pluggable modular unit. Each buffer module integrates the telescopic rod, spring, and damper. The stiffness coefficient of the spring and the damping coefficient of the damper can be pre-selected and configured according to the expected test load range. For high-frequency, low-load fatigue testing, a buffer module with a low-stiffness spring can be selected to obtain better vibration reduction effect. For creep testing with high static load, a module with a high-stiffness spring can be installed to control the overall deformation of the system. This modular design enables the device to dynamically match different test conditions, making it more versatile.

[0035] Inside the sliding block 705 or the push plate 704 of the push assembly 7, a miniature pressure sensor can be integrated. This sensor is used to monitor and provide feedback on the horizontal clamping force during the centering process in real time. When the control system detects that the force has reached the preset optimal value, it determines that the centering is complete and can immediately instruct the lifting mechanism (6) to stop descending. This upgrades the original purely mechanical "dynamic force unloading" to a closed-loop force management of "sensor feedback-active control", making the centering process more intelligent and reliable, and completely avoiding any potential overload risks.

[0036] Example 3: This embodiment aims to illustrate that the core concept of the present invention can also be applied to solutions with simpler structures and lower costs, which helps to cover a wider market.

[0037] The lifting mechanism 6 can be simplified to a manually operated precision screw jack. By rotating the screw through the handwheel, the support plate 602 is moved up and down. Although the degree of automation is reduced, the core centering mechanism of "lifting drive - horizontal linkage" is completely retained.

[0038] The linkage structure of the push assembly 7 can be simplified, but its core function of converting vertical motion into horizontal motion remains unchanged. To assist manual operation, a knob or handle with scale markings can be added to the sliding rod 701 or the push plate 704. When the operator presses down the lifting mechanism, he / she can intuitively observe these scales, thereby quantitatively controlling the displacement of horizontal alignment and ensuring the consistency of repeated operations.

[0039] Despite being a simplified model, key buffering and dynamic matching designs such as the rotating ball 804 self-aligning mechanism at the bottom of the self-aligning system, the buffer 5, and the elastic element within the push assembly are retained; this is the essence of the invention, ensuring a smooth and shock-free alignment process even in an economical solution, thereby protecting the sample and the device.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustment and alignment device for a creep fatigue testing machine, comprising a base (1), wherein an adjustment foot (4) is provided on the lower surface of the base (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The lifting and centering system includes a mounting bracket (2) installed on the base (1) and a lifting mechanism (6) located on its top. The bottom of the lifting mechanism (6) is provided with an extensometer (11) and a pressing component. The bearing self-aligning system includes a bearing assembly (8) provided on the base (1) via a buffer (5), the bearing assembly (8) being used to mount the specimen and having horizontal sliding and angular deflection degrees of freedom; The linkage drive system includes a push component (7) disposed on the base (1). When the lifting mechanism (6) moves downward, it can drive the push component (7) to move, thereby driving the bearing self-aligning system to move horizontally and achieve precise alignment between the sample and the loading axis.

2. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing component includes a self-aligning component and a pressure stabilizing component. The self-aligning component consists of a support rod (606) and a pressing ball (607) at its end, which is used to realize the initial positioning and adaptive leveling of the self-aligning system. During the downward movement of the lifting mechanism (6), the pressing ball (607) contacts the bearing component (8) and works with the buffer component (5) to complete the initial leveling and buffering of the system. The pressure stabilizing component is a pressing plate (604) located on the lower surface of the support plate (602), which is used to press down and press the heating furnace (10) after the extensometer (11) descends to the measurement position, ensuring the sealing and overall stability of the test chamber.

3. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing assembly (8) includes a sliding plate (802), which has a positioning groove that cooperates with the holding ball (607). The sliding plate (802) is connected to the mounting plate (803) through a column. The mounting plate (803) has multiple through holes around its perimeter for fixing the sample. The bottom of the bearing assembly (8) has a rotating ball (804), and the base (1) has a ball groove that is adapted to the rotating ball (804). The cooperation between the holding ball (607) and the positioning groove, and the cooperation between the rotating ball (804) and the ball groove, together constitute the adaptive self-aligning mechanism of the bearing self-aligning system.

4. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage drive system includes a pressing rod (605) driven by the lifting mechanism (6) and a sliding rod (701) linked with the pressing rod (605). The sliding rod (701) is connected to a push plate (704) and a sliding block (705) that can move in opposite directions through a linkage mechanism. The sliding block (705) is used to push the sliding plate (802) to move horizontally.

5. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the push plate (704) and the sliding block (705); after the sliding plate (802) is centered and positioned, the lifting mechanism (6) continues to descend, and the elastic element is compressed or stretched to absorb excess driving force, thereby realizing dynamic force unloading and buffer protection between the push assembly (7) and the bearing assembly (8).

6. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer (5) includes a telescopic rod, a spring and a damper, which are connected between the base (1) and the bearing plate (801) of the bearing assembly (8) to attenuate the vertical impact and vibration generated during the downward movement of the lifting mechanism (6) and the test.

7. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective component (3), which includes a front protective cover (301), a rear protective cover (304) and a sliding door (302). The sliding door (302) is provided with a spring-returning locking element (303), and the front protective cover (301) is provided with a positioning hole that cooperates with the locking element (303).

8. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a transmission mechanism (9), which includes a mounting box (901), a screw (903) driven by a motor (902), and a bracket (904) threadedly connected to the screw (903). The bracket (904) is connected to a heating furnace (10) for driving the heating furnace (10) to move and cover the sample inside it.

9. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (6) is a hydraulic rod (601) or an electric push rod.

10. The adjustment and alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting and centering system also includes a mounting cylinder (603), the upper end of which is connected to the bottom of the lifting mechanism (6), and the lower end for detachably mounting the extensometer (11) to provide guidance and stability when the extensometer (11) descends.

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