Material analyzer with quick-release mounting

Abstract

Material analysis device (1) for analyzing a material sample (4), comprising a sample chamber (5) and a sample holder which is supported by at least one column (12) and projects into the sample chamber (5), as well as a loading plunger (3) which is subjected to force at one end by an exciter and carries a sensing plunger (14) at its other end, with which it transmits force to the material sample (4) in a defined manner and thereby loads it, characterized in that the loading plunger (3) forms a sleeve (16) at one end facing the sample chamber (5), which in the ready-for-use state receives an insertion section of the sensing plunger (14), wherein the sleeve (16) has at least one lateral window through which a wedge (20) can be inserted into a groove behind it on the insertion section, by means of which the sensing plunger (14) is fixed to the loading plunger (3) without play.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a material analysis device according to the preamble of claim 1 with a quick-release fastening for the probe and / or the sample holder. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Devices like the one according to the invention are used not only, but preferably, for dynamic mechanical analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is an indispensable method for determining the viscoelastic properties of primarily polymeric materials. This requires material analysis instruments with a modular design. This modular design should, in particular, allow the instrument to be operated with a variety of different sample holders and probes. In this way, it is possible to simulate almost all conceivable load cases with a single instrument. Currently, these sample holders and the associated probes are screwed into the material analysis instrument. Screw connections are secure, can reliably transmit the necessary forces, and can be quickly assembled and disassembled.

[0003] The publication NETZSCH: Dynamic-mechanical analysis - DMA 242 E Artemis. Selb, 2019, pp. 1-24 - company brochure. URL: http: / / www.NETZSCH-thermal-analysis.com / media / thermalanalysis / brochures / DMA 242 E Artmis de web 01.pdf [accessed on 27.01.2022] describes a method and a device for determining the viscoelastic properties of mainly polymeric materials.

[0004] DE 697 24 021 T2 relates to a device for thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis. THE TASK UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0005] Although the material analysis instruments known so far function well and reliably and can also be converted relatively easily, a further reduction in the setup times for such a material analysis instrument is desirable. THE INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0006] The solution to the aforementioned problem is achieved using the features of claim 1 in their entirety.

[0007] Accordingly, a material analysis instrument for analyzing a material sample (hereinafter also referred to simply as a sample) is proposed, preferably equipped with a sample chamber (hereinafter also referred to as a sample space) that can be loaded from the top and, in the latter case, closed by a lid. The sample chamber is usually temperature-controlled. It has a sample holder held in position by one, two, or more columns; preferably, the sample holder is suspended from the lid by columns. For positioning the sample holder, two or, preferably, even more columns are often used to support it. In the preferred case of top loading, the columns allow the sample holder to project from the lid into the sample chamber.

[0008] Furthermore, the material analysis instrument features a loading plunger. At one end of this plunger, force is applied by an exciter. At its other end, the loading plunger carries a sensing plunger, which practitioners often refer to as an "insert adapted to the sample geometry," although for the sake of consistency, the patented term "sensing plunger" will be retained hereafter. This plunger transmits force to the sample in a defined manner, thereby applying a load.

[0009] According to the invention, the material analysis device is characterized in that the pressure probe forms a socket at its end facing the sample chamber. In its ready-to-use state, this socket receives an insertion section of the probe. This socket has at least one lateral window. Through this lateral window, a wedge, preferably in the form of a flat wedge with a planar surface, can be inserted into the groove behind it on the insertion section. The wedge is typically inserted in a purely radial direction, relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe.

[0010] In this way, the feeler pin can be anchored to the load pin with a positive locking mechanism and no play. This wedge connection has the major advantage of being quick to assemble and disassemble, usually without tools. With suitable, forced preload, it is also always formed correctly on its own. This not only reduces setup time but can also increase operational reliability. There are no more problems with accidentally loosened screw connections. Furthermore, there is no risk, or at least a significantly lower risk compared to a screw connection, of the wedge connection loosening unintentionally. OPTIONAL DESIGN OPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Ideally, the sleeve of the load-bearing plunger forms a first centering cone, preferably in the form of a centering cone seat. This, in conjunction with a second, preferably male, centering cone formed on the insertion section of the probe, centers the probe relative to the load-bearing plunger. For this purpose, the wedge is preferably designed, positioned, and pre-tensioned such that it draws the two centering cones together, which are preferably located below it, viewed from the direction of the sample chamber. In this way, the quick-release fastener according to the invention ensures optimal centering.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous if a bending spring is attached to the outside of the load-bearing plunger. This bending spring pre-tensions the wedge radially towards the load-bearing plunger. The bending spring is preferably designed like a leaf spring fixed at only one of its ends.

[0013] The wedge is preferably connected to the leaf spring at its outer end in such a way that the spring can also transmit tensile forces to it. This makes the leaf spring a universal actuating element for the wedge, in both directions. Due to its inherently considerable size, it also allows for easy release of the wedge. In particular, the leaf spring can be readily actuated by a motor, and in the vast majority of cases, this can be done without the need for an additional motor.

[0014] For the latter purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the leaf spring has an extended, preferably radially angled outwards free end that projects beyond the wedge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the loading piston. This extended end, which ultimately itself acts as a wedge, can be used to cause it to run against a stop as the loading piston is advanced further into the sample chamber. The stop is then designed and positioned so that the loading spring catches against it and is spread outwards as the piston continues to advance.

[0015] She then pulls the wedge out of the groove in such a way that the feeler stamp can be removed from the load stamp. ANOTHER INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0016] Together with the features of the claims described above, but also independently with only the features according to the preamble of claim 1, protection is also claimed for a material analysis device whose sample chamber wall or lid has a holding opening for several columns of the sample holder. The free end of the respective column can be inserted into this holding opening. The free end of the column in question has a groove. A wedge, movably mounted in the lid, can be inserted into this groove – preferably in a purely radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the column.

[0017] In this way, the end of the column in question can be securely and play-free anchored to the test chamber wall or lid, usually without tools. Since this anchoring is essentially of the same type as that used for the probe, it also offers the advantages mentioned there. FURTHER OPTIONAL DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE INVENTION

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the holding opening is designed wholly or partially as a blind hole open towards the sample chamber – that is, usually downwards. This blind hole is typically constructed such that the wedge mounted in the lid clamps the free end of its associated column between the wedge's surface and the bottom of the blind hole. Unlike with a feeler punch, centering is generally not required here. Therefore, the connection can be simpler than the one described for a feeler punch.

[0019] Ideally, a synchronous actuation mechanism is integrated into the sample chamber wall or lid. This mechanism is designed to actuate all the wedges of the various columns of a specific sample holder synchronously, i.e., to insert or remove them simultaneously from the column grooves. Such a synchronous actuation mechanism results in a significant time saving during setup compared to the previous method, where several screw connections had to be loosened sequentially to install and remove the respective sample holder.

[0020] Preferably, the synchronous actuation mechanism incorporates a rotary eccentric. Upon appropriate rotation, this eccentric exerts a compressive force on at least one first wedge, forcing it into a groove in a column. Simultaneously, tension is exerted on a sliding frame. When this frame is pulled into a different position, it in turn exerts a compressive force on at least one second wedge. This compressive force forces the second wedge into a groove in another column. Upon appropriate rotation in the opposite direction, the rotary eccentric releases the wedges, allowing them to move back into their original positions. Alternatively, the rotary eccentric is positively coupled to the wedges in such a way that it actively retracts them.

[0021] For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the wedges communicate not directly with the eccentric and the sliding frame, but via spring elements. Bending bar springs are especially suitable for this purpose. This is because such springs can effectively apply not only a compressive force but also a tensile force to the wedges, effectively creating a positive engagement. This results in particularly easy release. LIST OF FIGURES The Fig. Figure 1 shows the material analysis device according to the invention in its ready-to-use state and provides an overview. The Fig. Figure 2 shows the material analysis device according to the invention in its ready-to-use state from the side, from a perspective opposite the Fig. 1. Viewer position rotated by 90°. The Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed section with an embodiment that clearly illustrates how the sensing stamp is connected to the loading stamp according to the invention. The Fig. Figure 4 shows an overview of how the tactile stamp can be solved. The Fig. Figure 4a shows, using a reduced-size illustration, the detached probe stamp in the process of being separated from the material analysis device. The Fig. Figure 5 shows the actuation mechanism in the sensing piston in the operational position. The Fig. Figure 6 shows the actuation mechanism for the sensing plunger when releasing the sensing plunger. The Fig. Figure 7 shows the attachment of the columns of the sample holder to the lid of the sample chamber according to the invention. The Fig. Figure 8 shows an excerpt from the Fig. 7. The Fig. 9 shows the fastening according to Fig. 7 in the dissolved state. The Fig. Figure 10 shows an excerpt from the Fig. 9. The Fig. Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the synchronous actuation mechanism according to the invention for the columns of the sample holders. Fig. Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the synchronous actuation mechanism according to the invention for the columns of the sample holders, but partially cut out so that the wedges and their actuation can be seen more clearly. EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 provides a good overview of the material analysis device according to the invention.

[0023] The material analysis device 1 includes a vibration exciter 2. The vibration exciter 2 applies vibrations to a loading stamp 3. These vibrations are transmitted to a sample 4, which is only indicated here in a very general way.

[0024] The material analysis instrument 1 also includes a sample chamber 5, which is located in Fig. Figure 1 is only indicated. This sample chamber 5 is essentially closed during operation by means of a lid 6. The desired test temperatures can be generated in the sample chamber. Optionally, it is also possible to apply radiation to the test specimen, such as UV radiation. If necessary, misting or steam exposure with, for example, corrosive liquids or liquids that attack or otherwise affect the plastic material is also possible. Similar conditions can optionally be achieved by immersion in a suitable immersion bath.

[0025] Quite well based on the Fig. Figure 1 also shows that in this embodiment, an area outside the sample chamber, between the sample chamber and the measuring system, is automatically cooled by a cooling system based on heat pipe technology. For this purpose, a support plate 7, preferably designed as a cooling plate, is located above the insulation 8 and thus between the sample chamber and the measuring system. The support plate 7 can be, as shown in the drawing, a layer of the multi-layered cover 6, but it can also be completely independent of the cover 6, which is not shown in the drawing.

[0026] The cooling plate 7 eliminates or reduces the heat load on the measuring system located above the sample chamber from the sample chamber. The cooling plate 7 is preferably cooled by a fluidic coolant, which is cooled by a cooling unit 34. However, the cooling plate 7 can also function like a heat pipe, as used in laptop construction.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous to implement the cooling system by providing the cooling plate 7 with a mostly radial bore. A tubular heat pipe is inserted into this bore, usually with the use of thermal paste to ensure optimal heat transfer. The heat pipe used is longer than the bore it accommodates in the cooling plate. It therefore protrudes laterally from the cooling plate 7. As can be seen quite well, for example, from the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the part protruding laterally from the cooling plate 7 extends into the cooling unit 34. There, it is received by a groove or bore in a typically finned heat sink, which in turn serves as a heat sink and is typically cooled by a fan.

[0028] Such a "heatpipe" or heat tube of the type used here is typically hermetically sealed and cannot be opened without destruction.

[0029] The heat pipe is typically designed so that, driven solely by temperature difference and possibly supported by capillary action, a fluid circulates within it, absorbing heat at one end of the heat pipe, transporting it to the other end of the heat pipe, and then releasing it to the outside.

[0030] If one examines the heat pipe used according to the invention in more detail, the following can be said about the heat pipes that are preferably to be used: The cooling plate 7 inevitably conducts a certain heat flow, namely the heat loss that the insulation 8 has overcome. The heat input in the area of ​​the cooling plate increases the temperature of the vessel forming the heat pipe, typically a copper pipe, and of the working medium contained within it, until the boiling point of the working medium is reached. The working medium then begins to evaporate. The temperature no longer rises; all further supplied energy is instead converted into heat of vaporization.

[0031] This locally increases the pressure above the liquid level in the heat pipe, resulting in a slight pressure gradient within the heat pipe. The resulting vapor begins to spread throughout the entire available volume, i.e., it flows wherever the pressure is lower; it condenses where its temperature falls below the boiling point of the working medium. For this to happen, the vapor must transfer energy to the vessel, and the vessel to the surroundings. This occurs most rapidly at the location of the condenser, where active cooling is possible, i.e., in the area of ​​the cooling unit 34.

[0032] The temperature will no longer drop until all the latent heat contained, the heat of condensation, has been released to the surroundings.

[0033] The liquid portion of the working fluid returns to the evaporator via capillary action, which is generated by the metal mesh typically incorporated into the pipe used here as a heat pipe. Alternatively, a pipe can be used as a heat pipe whose inner surface is not smooth, but rather features ribs running along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, enclosing spaces between them that can be considered capillary grooves.

[0034] Preferably, the insulation 8 is a high-temperature-resistant plate made of inorganic material, usually based on dispersed, amorphous silica. This plate often also contains special infrared opacifiers, so that even infrared radiation generated in the sample chamber 5 cannot readily penetrate the insulation. A so-called lid heater 9 is usually arranged on one side of the insulation 8, in the sample chamber, for temperature control.

[0035] The sample is held in position in the sample chamber 5 by means of a sample holder. The sample holder usually consists of a type of sample table or a sample crossbeam 11. This, in turn, is held in position by means of columns 12. For this purpose, a column anchor 13 is arranged on the outside of the lid. This preferably includes a synchronous actuation mechanism, as will be described in more detail later. The columns protrude through corresponding openings in the lid and into the area of ​​the column anchor 13.

[0036] It is also clearly visible that the load stamp 3 does not directly apply the vibrations communicated to it by the vibration exciter 2 to the sample, but via a sensing stamp 14 coupled to it.

[0037] The coupling that connects the load-bearing piston to the sensing piston 14 here bears the reference numeral 15. The coupling 15 is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is only roughly recognizable and will be explained in more detail later. The sensor 14 protrudes through a corresponding opening in the lid and into the area of ​​the sample chamber 5.

[0038] It is noteworthy that the sensing plunger 14 is preferably hollow, at least in the area where it projects into the sample chamber 5. It also typically has a number of radial windows. In this way, the cross-section available for heat conduction at the sensing plunger 14 is kept small, allowing heat to flow from the sample chamber along the plunger to an area outside the sample chamber.

[0039] Similarly, the columns 12, which hold the sample table or sample crossbeam 11, are preferably designed with reduced thermal conductivity. This is for the same reason as described for the probe.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the coupling 15 and thus illustrates in detail how the sensing piston 14 is coupled to the load piston 3.

[0041] The load-bearing plunger 3, which is hollow at least at its end facing the sensing plunger, is clearly visible. This hollow end forms a sleeve 16. In this case, the sensing plunger 14 has a coupling piece 17 at its end, which in this case is male. This design is particularly advantageous because the wedge does not have to be completely pulled out of its associated window for uncoupling.

[0042] The coupling piece 17 is conveniently screwed onto the sensing plunger 14. Unlike the sensing plunger 14, the coupling piece 17 is typically solid. To couple the coupling, the coupling piece 17 is inserted into the sleeve 16 of the load plunger 3. As can be seen, the coupling piece 17 has a groove accessible radially from the side. When fully coupled, the groove lies behind a window in the sleeve 16. A wedge 20 is inserted through this window.

[0043] The wedge 20 can be designed as a round wedge or, which is clearly preferred, as a flat wedge.

[0044] The flat wedge is shown here in a figure-like representation. The flat wedge has a flat, purely radially oriented lower sliding surface 21. Opposite this, it has a wedge surface 22, which is usually also flat and inclined. The wedge surface 22 interacts with a counter-wedge surface 23 on the coupling piece 17.

[0045] The wedge 20 is pre-tensioned radially towards the coupling piece 17 by a spring element, preferably formed here by the leaf spring 24. This means that the leaf spring 24 forces the wedge 20 into the groove. The sliding of the wedge surface 22 of the wedge 20 against the counter-wedge surface 23 of the coupling piece, on the one hand, and the support of the wedge 20 with its lower sliding surface 21 at the edge of the window, on the other hand, tends to draw the coupling piece 17 deeper into the sleeve 16 of the load-bearing piston. This results in automatic centering, as the outer cone 25 of the coupling piece 17 is thereby drawn into the conical seat 26 at the very end of the sleeve 16 of the load-bearing piston 3. In this way, the play, although usually small, that the cylindrical shaft 27 of the coupling piece 17 must naturally have relative to the inner surface of the sleeve 16 is rendered harmless.It is also clearly visible that this type of coupling enables the load piston 3 to transmit vibrations to the sensing piston 14 without loss in both directions along its longitudinal axis L and in the opposite direction.

[0046] It is also clearly visible that the wedge 20 is positively locked to the leaf spring 24 in the region of its radially outer end. For this purpose, the leaf spring 24 may have a window. The wedge projects through this window. As can be seen, the leaf spring 24 is characterized here by the fact that only one end of it is clamped. Preferably, a type of pipe clamp 28 serves to clamp this end. This clamp grips locally around the load-bearing piston 3 and holds the aforementioned end of the leaf spring 24 immovably on one side. The opposite end of the leaf spring 24 preferably forms a cranked section 29, which in any case runs obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis L of the load-bearing piston. Its function will be explained in more detail below.

[0047] The Fig. 4 and Fig. 4a show when you use them with the Fig. Figure 1 compares, quite clearly, how the load stamp can be remotely controlled and motorized. Fig. Figure 1 shows the material analysis device, as mentioned, in its operational state. The vibration exciter 2 can be moved up and down by means of vertical guides (no longer visible), motorized, usually remotely. This mobility is actually intended to position the end of the probe precisely so that it can be coupled accurately to the sample 4. However, according to the invention, this mobility is now being repurposed or subjected to a secondary use. As can be clearly seen from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4a, the vibration exciter 2 is moved downwards to release the clutch 15. During this process, the inclined section 29 of the leaf spring eventually runs up against a stop 30. As the vibration exciter continues to move downwards, the inclined section 29 is bent outwards precisely because of its wedge-like angle. This means that the leaf spring is pivoted – here in a clockwise direction. In doing so, it pulls the wedge 20 out of the groove. In this way, the sensing piston 14 is unlocked. It can now be pulled out of the load piston 3, as described in the Fig. 4a is depicted.

[0048] The more precise details are shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Here, the leaf spring 24, preferably held at its upper end by the pipe clamp 28, is clearly visible. The stop 30 is advantageously formed here by the retaining bracket 31, which is fixedly mounted on the material analysis device and carries a roller 32.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 5 shows the whole thing in the operational position. Fig. Figure 6 shows the entire assembly after the vibration exciter 2 has been lowered sufficiently. As can be seen, the inclined section 29 of the leaf spring 24 now rolls on the roller 32 of the stop. This pulls the leaf spring 24 outwards almost frictionlessly.

[0050] It is also noteworthy that the connection between the wedge 20 and the leaf spring 24 can be clearly seen in these figures. As can be seen here, the leaf spring 24 supports a window 33. The end of the wedge 20 is positively locked to the window, or preferably between two jamb sides of the window. Ideally, for this purpose, the wedge will have a grooved end on two opposite sides, as can be seen in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 recognizes.

[0051] Preferably, the cross-section of the wedge at its end is not square, but rectangular. The window 33 has the same rectangular cross-section, but rotated by 90°. In this way, the wedge can be inserted into the window 33 during installation until its two grooved sides are at the same height as the guide rail of the window 33. The wedge 20 is then rotated by 90° into its final position. In this way, two opposing jambs of the window 33 now engage positively in the two grooves at the end of the wedge. The wedge can thus be forcibly moved back and forth by the leaf spring, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the load-bearing plunger. Of course, other fastening methods are conceivable, such as screwing the wedge to the leaf spring.

[0052] The best way to show how the columns of the sample holder are attached to the lid, so that the sample holder hangs from the ceiling of the sample room into the sample room, is by the following: Fig. 7 to 12.

[0053] The Fig. 11 provides an overview of the column anchoring 13, which, according to the Fig. 1 forms the outermost part of the lid 6, facing away from the sample chamber. The columns to be attached protrude through recesses in the lid to the area on its outer surface where the column anchor is located. The advantage of this is that the column anchor remains essentially cold, at approximately room temperature.

[0054] This mostly plate-like column anchorage has blind holes, either partially or completely. Each of these blind holes receives a coupling piece 35 of the respective column 12. As can be seen, the term "blind hole" here refers to a hole that forms a stop for the upper end face of the coupling piece 35. The coupling piece 35 has a lateral groove 36. The groove 36 has at least one groove flange facing the stop of the blind hole, forming a wedge-shaped surface 37.

[0055] The coupling piece 35 is secured by inserting a movable wedge 38. A round wedge would be suitable, but a flat wedge, like the one shown here, is considerably more practical. The coupling piece 35 is clamped between the wedge 38 and the stop of the blind hole by means of its preferably upper wedge surface, which interacts with the wedge surface 37 on the groove cheek. In this way, the column 12 is immobilized in and against the direction of its longitudinal axis LS. Movements transverse or oblique to the longitudinal axis LS of the column 12 are prevented by the circumferential walls of the blind hole. The wedge 38 slides on a flat surface of the column anchor 13 on its side facing the sample chamber. It typically also has flat sides that provide lateral guidance.

[0056] Each column 12 is individually assigned such a wedge coupling.

[0057] An optional feature is the synchronous actuation of the four or more wedges. A synchronous actuation mechanism is provided for this purpose. This mechanism is capable of retracting the wedges as described in the... Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shown. The wedge tip then comes completely out of engagement with the groove 36.

[0058] The sample table 11 can then be removed downwards together with the columns 12.

[0059] The structure of the synchronous actuation mechanism, which is part of the column anchorage here, is best illustrated by the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

[0060] For the sake of easier understanding, the reader should first turn to the Fig. 12 to.

[0061] Various components that are in Fig. 11 are still visible and obstruct the view of the crucial things, are in Fig. 12 cut away. As can be seen, the wedges 38 run back and forth in a groove or a limited recess on the plate 46. The plate 46 is part of the column anchorage 13. For this purpose, as can be seen relatively well, lateral guide rails 39 are preferably provided next to each wedge. Each pair of wedges 38 is assigned a common actuating slide 40.

[0062] Upon closer inspection, it can be seen that each wedge is connected to the actuating slide 40 via an elongated cylindrical element. This elongated cylindrical element terminates at one of the long, narrow side faces of the wedge. The elongated cylindrical element is a spring element, preferably in the form of a bending spring.

[0063] Additionally, a double eccentric 41 is pivotally mounted in the plate 46. The double eccentric 41 can be rotated about the eccentric axis 43 using its pivot handle 42. As soon as the pivot handle 42 is rotated clockwise to actuate the double eccentric 41, one eccentric – namely, the one facing the viewer – of the double eccentric 41 presses against the actuating slide 40. This pushes the actuating slide 40 to the left. Consequently, the wedges 38, each connected to the actuating slide 40 via a bending spring 44, are pushed from their open position into their closed position.

[0064] If one now considers the Fig. 11 and Fig.Viewed side by side, the synchronous actuation mechanism becomes clear. It includes the synchronous actuation frame 45. Towards its right end, the second eccentric of the double eccentric 41 rests against it from the inside. The same movement of the double eccentric, which in this case moves the actuating slide 40 facing it to the left, causes the synchronous actuation frame 45 to be pulled by the second eccentric, in this figure to the right. This pulling movement continues across the entire column anchorage 13, up to the area of ​​its left actuating slide 40. This left actuating slide 40 is then pulled from left to right by the synchronous actuating frame. In doing so, it pushes the wedges 38, which are also connected to it via bending springs, from their open position to the right, into their closed position.

[0065] In this way, changing a sample table or sample crossbeam 11 can be carried out easily and conveniently. After removing the compartment that separates the sample chamber 5, the sample table or sample crossbeam 11 is held with one hand, while the other hand rotates the swivel handle 42 by 90°. The sample table or sample crossbeam 11 can then be removed downwards with one hand. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 material analysis device 2 vibration exciters 3 charge stamps 4 Sample 5 Sample chamber 6 lids 7 Cooling plate 8 Insulation 9 Lid heating 11 Sample table / sample crossbeam 12 Columns for holding the sample holder 13 Column anchoring 14 tactile stamps 15 Coupling between sensing plunger and load plunger 16 Coupling sleeve or sleeve of the load-bearing plunger 17 Coupling piece 20 wedge 21 Sliding surface 22 Wedge surface of the wedge 23 Counter wedge surface of the coupling piece 17 24 leaf spring 25 outer cones 26 Conical seat of the sleeve 16 27 cylindrical shaft of the coupling piece 17 28 pipe clamp 29 oblique section of the leaf spring 30 strikes 31 retaining brackets 32 rolls 33 windows 34 Cooling unit 35 coupling piece 36 Nut 37 wedge surface 38 wedge 39 side guide rail 40 actuating sliders 41 Rotary or double eccentrics 42 Swivel handle 43 Eccentric axis 44 bending bar springs 45 Synchronous actuation frames 46 plates L Longitudinal axis Stamp LS longitudinal axis column 12

Claims

[1] Material analysis device (1) for analyzing a material sample (4), comprising a sample chamber (5) and a sample holder which is supported by at least one column (12) and projects into the sample chamber (5), as well as a loading plunger (3) which is subjected to force at one end by an exciter and which carries a sensing plunger (14) at the other end, with which it transmits force to the material sample (4) in a defined manner and thereby loads it, characterized by , that the load-bearing plunger (3) forms a sleeve (16) at one end facing the sample chamber (5), which in the ready-to-use state receives an insertion section of the feeler plunger (14), wherein the sleeve (16) has at least one lateral window through which a wedge (20) can be inserted into a groove behind it on the insertion section, by means of which the feeler plunger (14) is fixed to the load-bearing plunger (3) without play. [2] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sample chamber (5) can be closed by a lid (6), and the material analysis device (1) has the sample holder which is attached to the lid (6) and then extends into the sample chamber (5) supported by it. [3] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the sleeve (16) of the load-bearing plunger (3) forms a first centering cone, preferably in the form of a centering cone seat, which, in conjunction with a second, preferably male, centering cone on the insertion section of the sensing plunger (14), centers the latter relative to the load-bearing plunger (3). [4] Material analysis device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the wedge (20) and the groove on the insertion section of the feeler punch (14) are designed such that the wedge (20), in the course of its insertion into the said groove, pulls the male centering cone on the insertion section of the feeler punch (14) into the centering cone seat of the sleeve (16). [5] Material analysis device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a bending spring, preferably in the form of a leaf spring (24) fixed at one end, is attached to the outside of the load-bearing plunger (3), which preloads the wedge (20) in a radial direction towards the load-bearing plunger (3). [6] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the wedge (20) is connected to the leaf spring (24) at its radially outward end in such a way that the latter can also transmit tensile forces to it. [7] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the wedge (20) is positively connected to the leaf spring (24) in the manner of a bayonet fitting. [8] Material analysis device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the leaf spring (24) has an extended, preferably radially obliquely cranked outwards free end which projects beyond the wedge (20) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the loading plunger (3), and which, when the loading plunger (3) is advanced further into the sample chamber (5), runs against a stop (30) so that the leaf spring (24) is spread outwards in a radial direction and pulls the wedge (20) out of the groove in such a way that the feeler plunger (14) can be removed from the loading plunger (3). [9] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the sample chamber wall, in the form of its lid (6), has a retaining opening for one or more columns (12) of the sample holder, into which the free end of the respective column (12) can be inserted, wherein the free end of the column (12) in question has a groove into which a wedge (20) movably mounted in the lid (6) can be inserted, so that the end of the column (12) is positively locked and free of play on the lid (6). [10] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the retaining opening is designed wholly or partially as a blind hole, such that the wedge (20) mounted in the lid (6) clamps the free end of the column (12) associated with it between its wedge surface (22) and the bottom of the blind hole. [11] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by, that a synchronous actuation mechanism is integrated into the cover (6) which synchronously actuates further wedges (38), i.e. inserts them into or pulls them out of grooves (36) of the columns (12). [12] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the synchronous actuation mechanism comprises a rotary eccentric (41) which, when rotated accordingly, exerts a compressive force on at least one wedge (38), forcing it into a groove (36) of a column (12), and simultaneously exerts tension on a synchronous actuation frame (45), which, when thereby pulled into another position, in turn exerts a compressive force on at least a second wedge (38), forcing it into a groove (36) of another column (12). [13] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 12, characterized bythat the wedges (38) do not communicate directly, but via spring elements, preferably in the form of bending bar springs (44), with the rotary eccentric (41) and the synchronous actuation frame (45). [14] Material analysis device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the material analysis device (1) has a measuring system arranged outside the sample chamber (5) which automatically cools at least one area outside the sample chamber (5) between the sample chamber (5) and the measuring system by means of a cooling system based on heat pipe technology, by providing at least one heat pipe which is hollow inside and hermetically sealed and in which a cooling fluid circulates automatically, wherein the heat-absorbing end of the heat pipe is thermally connected to the wall area to be cooled and the heat-emitting end of the heat pipe is connected to a cooling sink and / or is externally subjected to a forced flow of coolant. [15] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the sample chamber (5) can be loaded from its top side. [16] Material analysis device (1) according to claim 2 or 15, characterized by that the sample holder is attached to at least two or four columns (12) on the lid (6) and then extends into the sample chamber (5) supported by the lid. [17] Material analysis apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sample chamber (5) is temperature-controlled. [18] Material analysis apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wedge (20, 38) is a flat wedge with a flat wedge surface (22).

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