An automatic preloading mechanism for a loading chain

Abstract

The application provides a loading chain automatic preloading mechanism. The loading chain automatic preloading mechanism comprises a portal frame, the top of the portal frame is fixedly connected with a detachable high-precision servo electric cylinder, the top of the surface of the portal frame is slidably sleeved with a follow-up seat, the bottom end of the portal frame is fixedly connected with a fixed seat, the follow-up seat and the fixed seat are both provided with a clamping jaw mechanism, and two clamping jaw mechanisms are clamped with a loading chain. The loading chain automatic preloading mechanism provided by the application realizes automatic clamping, automatic loading and other automatic functions of the loading chain through an automatic execution mechanism, ensures that the loading chain meets the requirements of the automatic process action in the automatic process, and preloads the loading chain by adopting the spring reaction force generated by the rectangular compression spring on the loading chain in the key preloading mechanism, and has the advantages of simple structure, quantifiable spring force of the compression spring and quick and convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of loading chain preloading, and more particularly to an automated loading chain preloading mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In high-temperature tensile mechanical testing, the purpose of preloading the loading chain is twofold. First, it preloads the sample to eliminate gaps in the connection of the clamp threads, ensuring that the relevant test curves do not have large plateau steps due to the gaps at the beginning of the test, thus making the curve calculation results more accurate. Second, it straightens the loading chain and the sample (again, to eliminate gaps in the connection between the sample and the loading chain) and eliminates the expansion displacement caused by heating, ensuring that the loading chain will not be tilted when the direct-insertion thermocouple contacts the sample and is pre-tightened, thus preventing coaxiality problems.

[0003] When using a traditional single-channel high-temperature furnace test system, the loading chain is directly connected to the host, and the host preloads the loading chain. However, when dealing with multi-channel high-temperature furnace scenarios, the loading chain needs to be preloaded into the high-temperature furnace and heated outside the host. In this case, the loading chain can only be preloaded through an external preloading mechanism.

[0004] Currently, there are many types of high-temperature tensile testing systems with multiple high-temperature furnaces on the market. These products generally suffer from the following problems:

[0005] (1) Most products do not have external preloading function, but are simply fixed or suspended without positioning and locking function. The thermocouple is pushed in front and the loading chain is skewed.

[0006] (2) If the loading chain is fixed at both ends, the expansion displacement after heating will have nowhere to be released, resulting in the sample being damaged by compressive force.

[0007] (3) Some products with this function have complex structures and are cumbersome to operate, and their centering accuracy and repeatability are poor after entering the test station;

[0008] (4) It lacks automatic preloading function, and the preloading force cannot be quantified, and there is a lack of relevant protection measures.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention provides an automated preloading mechanism for a loading chain, which solves the problem that when the loading chain is fixed at both ends, the expansion displacement after heating has nowhere to be released, resulting in the sample being damaged by compressive force.

[0011] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an automated preloading mechanism for loading chains, including a portal frame. A high-precision servo electric cylinder is fixedly connected and detachably installed at the top of the portal frame. A follower seat is slidably sleeved on the top surface of the portal frame. A fixed seat is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the portal frame. Both the follower seat and the fixed seat are provided with gripper mechanisms. Loading chains are clamped on the two gripper mechanisms. A sample is placed between the two loading chains.

[0012] The high-precision servo electric cylinder has a pressure head located above the follower seat at its bottom end. A support plate is detachably installed on the upper part of the side wall of the portal frame. A compression spring is vertically installed between the bottom end of the follower seat and the top of the support plate.

[0013] Preferably, the support plate is composed of a first half plate and a second half plate, and the first half plate and the second half plate are installed on the surface of the portal frame by a first bolt.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom end of the compression spring is fixedly connected to an abutment seat that abuts against the top of the support plate, and the compression spring is movably sleeved on the surface of the portal frame.

[0015] Preferably, the surface of the high-precision servo electric cylinder is fixedly connected to a mounting base, and the mounting base is detachably connected to the top of the portal frame by a number of fourth bolts.

[0016] Preferably, the gripper mechanism includes a connector, two first connecting rods, and two gripper plates. A T-shaped seat is fixedly connected to one side of both the fixed seat and the follower seat. The connector is slidably disposed inside the T-shaped seat in a horizontal direction. One end of each of the two first connecting rods is rotatably connected to the surface of the connector. The middle portions of the surfaces of the two gripper plates are rotatably connected to the front and rear sides of the T-shaped seat. One end of each gripper plate is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod on the same side. A clamping block adapted to the loading chain is detachably disposed at the other end of each gripper plate. A drive mechanism for moving the connector is provided on the other side of both the fixed seat and the follower seat.

[0017] Preferably, the top and bottom of the T-shaped seat are provided with guide grooves laterally, and the top and bottom ends of the connector are slidably embedded into the corresponding guide grooves.

[0018] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a driving rod, and a pneumatic telescopic rod is detachably provided on the other side of both the fixed seat and the follower seat. The other end of the driving rod is fixedly connected to the surface of the connector, and one end of the driving rod is pulled out and extended through the fixed seat, and is detachably connected to the output shaft of the pneumatic telescopic rod.

[0019] Preferably, one side of both the fixed base and the follower base is provided with a third bolt through several assembly plates, the pneumatic telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the surface of the third bolt, and one end of the drive rod is detachably connected to the output shaft of the pneumatic telescopic rod through a bolt group.

[0020] Preferably, the other end of the gripper plate is detachably connected to the clamping block by a number of second bolts, and the clamping block is provided with anti-slip teeth.

[0021] Preferably, the distance between the pressure head and the follower seat is 3cm.

[0022] Compared with related technologies, the automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain provided by this invention has the following advantages:

[0023] This invention provides an automated preloading mechanism for a loading chain. Through an automated actuator, it achieves automated functions such as automatic clamping and loading of the loading chain, ensuring that the loading chain meets the requirements of the automated process. The key preloading mechanism utilizes the spring reaction force generated by a rectangular compression spring to preload the loading chain. It features a simple structure, quantifiable spring force, quick and convenient operation, and automatic release of expansion displacement. The gripper mechanism on the follower seat has a follow-up function; after the sample and loading chain expand due to heat, the displacement can be released through the follow-up function of the follower seat, ensuring no damage to the sample during heating. A high-precision servo electric cylinder is used as the compression actuator, which can accurately quantify the compression amount. Combined with the sample's expansion displacement at temperature, the compression displacement can be automatically controlled to ensure that the preloading force value meets the standard requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the side view.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the front view of the structure.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gripper structure in the released state;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the gripper structure in the clamping state.

[0029] The following are the labeling elements in the diagram: 1. Portal frame; 2. High-precision servo electric cylinder; 3. Follower seat; 4. Support plate; 5. Compression spring; 6. First half plate; 7. First bolt; 8. Second half plate; 9. Contact seat; 10. Fixed seat; 11. Pneumatic telescopic rod; 12. T-shaped seat; 13. Grip plate; 14. Connector; 15. Guide groove; 16. First connecting rod; 17. Second bolt; 18. Clamping block; 19. Pneumatic telescopic rod; 20. Pressure head; 21. Loading chain; 22. Sample; 23. Assembly plate; 24. Third bolt; 25. Drive rod; 26. Bolt group; 27. Fourth bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the side view. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the front view of the structure. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gripper structure in the released state; Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the gripper structure in its clamping state. The automated preloading mechanism of the loading chain includes a portal frame 1, with a high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 fixedly connected and detachable at the top of the portal frame 1, and a follower seat 3 slidingly fitted on the top surface of the portal frame 1.

[0032] A fixed base 10 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the portal frame 1. Both the follower base 3 and the fixed base 10 are equipped with gripper mechanisms. Loading chains 21 are clamped on the two gripper mechanisms, and a sample 22 is placed between the two loading chains 21.

[0033] The bottom of the high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 is provided with a pressure head 20 located above the follower seat 3, and the distance between the pressure head 20 and the follower seat 3 is 3cm.

[0034] A support plate 4 is detachably installed on the upper part of the side wall of the portal frame 1, and a compression spring 5 is vertically installed between the bottom end of the follower seat 3 and the top of the support plate 4.

[0035] During the high-temperature tensile test, the loading chain 21, which is heated outside the main unit, is preloaded so that the loading chain 21 can be accurately and reliably fixed between the two gripper mechanisms, and temperature measurement is carried out in conjunction with the thermocouple device.

[0036] After the automated process begins, the robot grips the loading chain 21 and delivers it to the high-temperature furnace. Before the loading chain 21 is delivered into the gripper mechanism, the high-temperature furnace and the upper and lower starting gripper mechanisms are fully opened.

[0037] Subsequently, the high-precision servo electric cylinder 02 begins to perform its action, the pressure head 20 moves downward, pushing the gripper mechanism located on 03 to move, and the compression amount is estimated according to the material grade. When the specified compression amount is reached, the upper and lower gripper mechanisms clamp the loading chain 21. At this time, the robot releases the grip and exits, and the high-temperature furnace is turned off.

[0038] As the robot exits, the high-precision servo electric cylinder 02 drives the pressure head 20 to retract to its original position. At this point, the preloading action is completed, and the sample 22 is now subjected to the reaction force generated by the compression spring 5.

[0039] The automatic clamping, preload application and release of the loading chain 21 are fully automated, perfectly adapting to the process of the fully automatic high temperature tensile testing system, significantly improving testing efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, by achieving precise quantification and control of the preload force, the compression spring 5 is used to generate the reaction force as the preload force source, combined with the high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 to control the compression displacement, making the preload force value calculable, quantifiable and precisely controllable, ensuring that the preload conditions are consistent and meet the standards for each test.

[0040] The follower function of the follower seat 3 can automatically release the displacement when the sample 22 and the loading chain 21 are heated and expanded, so as to avoid damage to the sample 22 by the compressive force generated by the thermal expansion having nowhere to be released. At the same time, the reliable clamping and pre-stretching function ensures that the loading chain 21 will not be skewed when the thermocouple is pre-tightened, thus ensuring the coaxiality of the test.

[0041] With its simple structure, convenient operation, and high centering accuracy, the entire mechanism is built on a portal frame 1, which is compact and rigid. Automated operation reduces human intervention, which not only makes the operation fast but also eliminates human error, thereby improving the centering accuracy and repeatability of the loading chain 21 after it enters the test station.

[0042] An automated actuator is used to achieve automated functions such as automatic clamping and automatic loading of the loading chain 21, ensuring that the loading chain 21 meets the requirements of the automated process. In the key preloading mechanism, the spring reaction force generated by the rectangular compression spring 5 is applied to the loading chain 21 for preloading. It has the advantages of simple structure, quantifiable elastic force of compression spring 5, and fast and convenient operation.

[0043] The gripper mechanism on the follower seat 3 has a follower function. After the sample 22 and the loading chain 21 are heated and expanded, the displacement can be released through the follower function of the follower seat 3. It has an automatic expansion displacement release function to ensure that the sample 22 is not damaged during the heating process.

[0044] Using a high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 as the compression actuator, the compression amount can be accurately quantified. Combined with the expansion displacement of the sample 22 at temperature, the compression displacement can be automatically controlled to ensure that the preload force value meets the standard requirements.

[0045] The support plate 4 is composed of a first half plate 6 and a second half plate 8, which are mounted on the surface of the portal frame 1 by a first bolt 7.

[0046] The bottom end of the compression spring 5 is fixedly connected to an abutment seat 9 that abuts against the top of the support plate 4, and the compression spring 5 is movably sleeved on the surface of the portal frame 1.

[0047] The surface of the high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 is fixedly connected to a mounting base 19, which is detachably connected to the top of the portal frame 1 by several fourth bolts 27.

[0048] The gripper mechanism includes a connector 14, two first connecting rods 16 and two gripper plates 13. The fixed base 10 and the follower base 3 are both fixedly connected to one side of a T-shaped base 12. The connector 14 is slidably disposed inside the T-shaped base 12 in the horizontal direction.

[0049] One end of each of the two first connecting rods 16 is rotatably connected to the surface of the connector 14, and the middle of the surfaces of the two gripper plates 13 is rotatably connected to the front and rear sides of the T-shaped seat 12. One end of the gripper plate 13 is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod 16 on the same side.

[0050] The other end of the gripper plate 13 is detachably equipped with a clamping block 18 adapted to the loading chain 21. The other side of the fixed base 10 and the follower base 3 are both equipped with a drive mechanism that drives the connecting member 14 to move.

[0051] The high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 can be replaced by an electric gripper, a hydraulic gripper, or a screw and nut clamping mechanism driven by a motor, as long as it can achieve reliable automatic clamping and releasing functions.

[0052] The high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 can be replaced by a ball screw pair mechanism driven by a servo motor or stepper motor, or other drive devices that can achieve precise linear displacement control.

[0053] The top and bottom of the T-shaped base 12 are both horizontally provided with guide grooves 15, and the top and bottom of the connector 14 are respectively slidably embedded into the corresponding guide grooves 15.

[0054] The drive mechanism includes a drive rod 25. A pneumatic telescopic rod 11 is detachably installed on the other side of both the fixed seat 10 and the follower seat 3. The other end of the drive rod 25 is fixedly connected to the surface of the connector 14.

[0055] One end of the drive rod 25 is pulled out and extends through the fixed base 10, and is detachably connected to the output shaft of the pneumatic telescopic rod 11.

[0056] Both the fixed base 10 and the follower base 3 have a third bolt 24 detachably installed on one side via several assembly plates 23. The pneumatic telescopic rod 11 is fixedly connected to the surface of the third bolt 24. One end of the drive rod 25 is detachably connected to the output shaft of the pneumatic telescopic rod 11 via a bolt group 26.

[0057] The other end of the gripper plate 13 is detachably connected to the clamping block 18 by several second bolts 17, and the clamping block 18 is provided with anti-slip teeth.

[0058] After 11 extends and moves, it can drive 25 to move. Push and pull 14 to slide inside 15. During the movement of 14, it can drive 16 to change the tilt angle, which in turn drives 13 to change the tilt angle, adjusting the angle between the two 18, so as to clamp or release the loading chain 21.

[0059] The working principle of the automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain provided by this invention is as follows: During the high-temperature tensile test, the loading chain 21, which is heated outside the host, is preloaded so that the loading chain 21 can be accurately and reliably fixed between the two gripper mechanisms. Temperature measurement is performed in conjunction with a thermocouple device. After the automated process starts, the robot grips the loading chain 21 and sends it to the high-temperature furnace. Before the loading chain 21 is transported into the gripper mechanism, the high-temperature furnace and the upper and lower starting gripper mechanisms are all opened. Then, the high-precision servo cylinder 02 starts to perform the action, the pressure head 20 moves down, pushing the gripper mechanism located on 03 to move, and the compression amount is estimated according to the material grade. When the specified compression amount is reached, the upper and lower gripper mechanisms clamp the loading chain 21. At this time, the robot releases the grip and exits, the high-temperature furnace is closed, and at the same time as the robot exits, the high-precision servo cylinder 02 drives the pressure head 20 to retract to its original position. Thus, the preloading action is completed. At this time, the sample 22 has been subjected to the reaction force generated by the compression spring 5.

[0060] Compared with related technologies, the automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain provided by this invention has the following advantages:

[0061] The automated actuator enables automatic clamping and loading of the loading chain 21, ensuring that it meets the requirements of the automated process. The key preloading mechanism utilizes the spring reaction force generated by the rectangular compression spring 5 to preload the loading chain 21. This design features a simple structure, quantifiable spring force of the compression spring 5, quick and convenient operation, and automatic release of expansion displacement. The gripper mechanism on the follower seat 3 has a follow-up function; after the sample 22 and loading chain 21 expand due to heat, the displacement can be released through the follow-up function of the follower seat 3, ensuring no damage to the sample 22 during heating. A high-precision servo electric cylinder 2 is used as the compression actuator, which can accurately quantify the compression amount. Combined with the expansion displacement of the sample 22 at temperature, the compression displacement can be automatically controlled to ensure that the preloading force value meets the standard requirements.

[0062] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated preloading mechanism for a loading chain, comprising a portal frame (1), characterized in that, A high-precision servo electric cylinder (2) is fixedly connected to the top of the portal frame (1). A follower seat (3) is slidably sleeved on the top of the surface of the portal frame (1). A fixed seat (10) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the portal frame (1). Both the follower seat (3) and the fixed seat (10) are equipped with gripper mechanisms. Loading chains (21) are clamped on the two gripper mechanisms. A sample (22) is placed between the two loading chains (21). The high-precision servo electric cylinder (2) has a pressure head (20) located above the follower seat (3) at its bottom end. A support plate (4) is detached from the upper part of the side wall of the portal frame (1). A compression spring (5) is vertically arranged between the bottom end of the follower seat (3) and the top of the support plate (4).

2. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate (4) is composed of a first half plate (6) and a second half plate (8), and the first half plate (6) and the second half plate (8) are installed on the surface of the portal frame (1) by a first bolt (7).

3. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the compression spring (5) is fixedly connected to an abutment seat (9) that abuts against the top of the support plate (4), and the compression spring (5) is movably sleeved on the surface of the portal frame (1).

4. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the high-precision servo electric cylinder (2) is fixedly connected to a mounting base (19), which is detachably connected to the top of the portal frame (1) by several fourth bolts (27).

5. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripper mechanism includes a connector (14), two first connecting rods (16) and two gripper plates (13). The fixed seat (10) and the follower seat (3) are both fixedly connected to a T-shaped seat (12) on one side. The connector (14) is slidably disposed inside the T-shaped seat (12) in the horizontal direction. One end of each of the two first connecting rods (16) is rotatably connected to the surface of the connector (14). The middle part of the surface of each of the two gripper plates (13) is rotatably connected to the front and rear sides of the T-shaped seat (12). One end of the gripper plate (13) is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod (16) on the same side. The other end of the gripper plate (13) is detachably provided with a clamping block (18) adapted to the loading chain (21). The fixed seat (10) and the follower seat (3) are both provided with a driving mechanism that drives the connector (14) to move.

6. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top and bottom of the T-shaped base (12) are provided with guide grooves (15) in the horizontal direction, and the top and bottom of the connector (14) are respectively slidably embedded into the corresponding guide grooves (15).

7. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a driving rod (25). A pneumatic telescopic rod (11) is detachably provided on the other side of both the fixed seat (10) and the follower seat (3). The other end of the driving rod (25) is fixedly connected to the surface of the connector (14). One end of the driving rod (25) is pulled out and extends through the fixed seat (10) and is detachably connected to the output shaft of the pneumatic telescopic rod (11).

8. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixed seat (10) and the follower seat (3) are each provided with a third bolt (24) on one side through several assembly plates (23). The pneumatic telescopic rod (11) is fixedly connected to the surface of the third bolt (24). One end of the drive rod (25) is detachably connected to the output shaft of the pneumatic telescopic rod (11) through a bolt group (26).

9. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 5, characterized in that, The other end of the gripper plate (13) is detachably connected to the clamping block (18) by several second bolts (17), and the clamping block (18) is provided with anti-slip teeth.

10. The automated preloading mechanism for the loading chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the pressure head (20) and the follower seat (3) is 3cm.

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