Temperature tank and test method

Abstract

To provide a temperature tank capable of bringing the temperature of a specimen to a desired temperature in a shorter time.SOLUTION: Provided is a temperature bank 2 in which a specimen 100 can be exposed to a desired environment, and that is used in material test in which an external force is applied to a specimen 100 of which the areas of sides 105, 106 are smaller than front and back surfaces 101, 102 to deform it, and the resulting change is measured. The measurement tank 2 includes a specimen region 10 enclosing at least a section of the specimen 100, gas introduction units 22, 23 for introducing a gas into the specimen region 10, and an opening 27 for measurement which is opened in the specimen region 10, and is characterized in that the gas introduction units 22, 23 are opened on a lateral side of the specimen 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature chamber capable of creating a desired temperature environment therein, and more particularly to a temperature chamber used for testing the material properties of materials in a predetermined temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a testing method and testing device for material testing and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known material testing machines that test the basic properties of metal materials, rubber, etc. Materials testing machines include, for example, tensile testing machines, compression testing machines, shear testing machines, hardness testing machines, impact testing machines, etc. Creep testing machines that use rubber or resin as test specimens are also known. Some tensile testing devices have a pair of grippers, a moving device for moving one of the grippers, an extensometer for detecting the amount of movement of the grippers, and a load meter for detecting the tensile load. In a typical tensile test, both ends of a specimen formed into a given shape are held by the pair of grippers described above, and one of the grippers is moved away from the other by the moving device. The elongation of the specimen during this time is measured by an extensometer, and the tensile load applied to the specimen is measured by a load meter, and these data are used to create the stress-strain diagram of the specimen.

[0003] Also, there is known a test device that tests the material properties of materials in low and high temperature environments. For example, a test device that performs a tensile test is equipped with a thermostatic device (environmental test device), and a test specimen is placed in the test chamber (temperature chamber) of the thermostatic device to perform the tensile test. Hereinafter, a test device equipped with a test chamber (temperature chamber) will be referred to as a "combined test device" to distinguish it from a normal test device. Also, a test in which a test specimen is placed in a desired environment and an external force is applied to the specimen will be referred to as a "combined test."

[0004] A composite tensile tester, which is one type of composite tester, is composed of a thermostatic device and a tensile tester that pulls a test specimen. Like the tensile tester described above, some tensile testers have a pair of grippers, a moving device that moves one of the grippers, an extensometer that detects the amount of gripper movement, and a load meter.

[0005] An example of a composite testing device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The composite testing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is also composed of a constant temperature device and a tensile testing device. The composite testing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 was developed with the aim of making the test space to be conditioned during testing (hereinafter referred to as the conditioned space) as small as possible, and employs a structure in which a bellows is provided on the top of a thermostatic chamber as a thermostatic device. In the composite testing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the space separated from the outside by the thermostatic chamber and the bellows is an air-conditioned space. In the composite testing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the pair of grippers and the entire specimen are placed in the space separated from the outside by the thermostatic chamber and the bellows. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-228067 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The composite testing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter, the conventional composite testing apparatus) has a smaller air-conditioned space than conventional apparatuses. Therefore, the conventional composite testing apparatus can raise the temperature of the air-conditioned space faster than conventional composite testing apparatuses, and can bring the air-conditioned space to the desired environmental temperature in a shorter time than conventional apparatuses. Therefore, the conventional composite testing apparatus can shorten the time required to bring the temperature of the test specimen to the desired temperature before starting a tensile test or the like. In short, the conventional composite testing apparatus shortens the preparation time required before starting a tensile test or the like. However, there is a demand in the market for a test specimen to have a faster temperature rise and for the test specimen to reach a desired temperature within a shorter period of time. An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature chamber which allows the temperature of a specimen to rise more quickly and reach a desired temperature within a shorter period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aspect for solving the above-mentioned problems is a temperature chamber capable of exposing a specimen to a desired environment, which is used in material testing in which an external force is applied to a specimen whose side area is smaller than its front and back surfaces to deform it and measure the changes that occur, the temperature chamber having a specimen area surrounding at least a portion of the specimen, a gas inlet section for introducing gas into the specimen area, and an opening for measurement that opens into the specimen area, wherein the gas inlet section opens on the side of the specimen.

[0009] The temperature chamber of this embodiment has an opening for measurement, which opens into the specimen area. The opening allows, for example, a probe of a measuring instrument to be inserted into the specimen area, and the specimen can be exposed to a desired environment while the probe of the measuring instrument is in contact with the specimen. This temperature chamber is recommended for use when carrying out a composite test. The temperature chamber of this embodiment has a specimen region, and gas is introduced into the specimen region from the gas inlet portion. The temperature in the specimen region depends on the temperature of the gas supplied. In the temperature chamber of this embodiment, the gas inlet is open to the side of the specimen. Here, the surface area of ​​the side of the specimen placed in the temperature chamber of this embodiment is smaller than that of the front and back surfaces. Therefore, the gas introduced from the gas inlet into the specimen area flows along at least one of the front and back surfaces of the specimen. Therefore, the gas passes along at least one of the front and back surfaces of the specimen, and at least one of the front and back surfaces of the specimen is exposed to the passing gas. Therefore, in the temperature chamber of this embodiment, the gas introduced into the specimen region from the gas inlet portion directly contacts at least one of the front and back surfaces, which are the large area sides of the specimen, and the specimen becomes accustomed to the temperature of the gas in a shorter time. Since the temperature chamber of this embodiment can change the temperature of the test specimen in a short period of time, it is also suitable for conducting tests such as a thermal cycle test in which the test specimen is exposed to an environment in which the environmental temperature changes periodically, or a thermal shock test in which the test specimen is exposed to an environment in which the temperature changes suddenly.

[0010] Another aspect for solving the above-mentioned problems is a temperature chamber capable of exposing a specimen to a desired environment, which is used for material testing in which an external force is applied to the specimen to deform it and measure the changes therein, the temperature chamber having a specimen area surrounding at least a portion of the specimen, a gas inlet section for introducing gas into the specimen area, and an opening for measurement that opens into the specimen area, wherein the gas inlet section is positioned so that the axis of the gas inlet section intersects with the axis of the opening.

[0011] The temperature chamber of this embodiment has an opening for measurement that opens into the specimen area, and allows, for example, a probe of a measuring instrument to be inserted into the specimen area through the opening, making it possible to expose the specimen to a desired environment, for example with the probe of the measuring instrument in contact with the specimen, and is recommended for use when conducting composite tests. In the temperature chamber of this embodiment, the gas introduction part is disposed so that its axis intersects with the axis of the opening. Here, "intersect" includes a configuration in which the two intersect at an angle in addition to a perpendicular state. Furthermore, "intersect" includes a case in which the axes intersect with each other as well as a case in which the axes intersect three-dimensionally. In other words, it includes a case in which the axes intersect in a staggered manner. As described above, the temperature chamber of this embodiment has an opening, and a probe of a measuring instrument or the like is inserted into the specimen area through the opening, and the probe of the measuring instrument is brought into contact with the specimen. In the temperature chamber of this embodiment, the gas inlet is disposed so that its axis intersects with the axis of the opening, so that the gas inlet opens in a direction intersecting with the axis of the probe, and the gas introduced from the gas inlet flows in a direction intersecting with the axis of the probe. Therefore, the gas passes along the surface of the specimen that is in contact with the probe, and the surface of the specimen that is in contact with the probe is exposed to the passing gas. Therefore, in the temperature chamber of this embodiment, the gas comes into direct contact with the detection part of the specimen, and the detection part of the specimen becomes accustomed to the temperature of the gas in a shorter time. Since the temperature chamber of this embodiment can change the temperature of the test specimen in a short period of time, it is also suitable for conducting tests such as a thermal cycle test in which the test specimen is exposed to an environment in which the environmental temperature changes periodically, or a thermal shock test in which the test specimen is exposed to an environment in which the temperature changes suddenly.

[0012] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that a plurality of the gas introduction parts are provided, and at least one of the gas introduction parts is disposed on a side facing at least one other of the gas introduction parts.

[0013] According to this aspect, air is blown from multiple directions onto the large surface of the specimen and onto the detected portion of the specimen, so that these portions can be brought to the desired temperature quickly.

[0014] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable to have a cover portion in which the opening is formed, and the cover portion is formed with a space through which a member for measurement can reach the specimen area.

[0015] When a specimen is placed in a high or low temperature environment, away from the outside air temperature, and a probe is placed in contact with the specimen in a high or low temperature state, heat transfer through the probe may not be negligible. In other words, if the temperature of the specimen is high, the heat of the specimen may transfer to the probe, causing the temperature of the specimen to drop. Conversely, if the temperature of the specimen is low, the heat of the probe may transfer to the specimen, causing the temperature of the specimen to rise. In order to solve this problem, the temperature chamber of this embodiment is provided with a cover part. According to this embodiment, a part or all of the gas introduced from the gas inlet part passes through the cover part and is exhausted. In the temperature chamber of this embodiment, the temperature in the cover is close to the temperature in the specimen area, and the temperature difference between the probe and the specimen is small, so that heat transfer via the probe is suppressed and the specimen can be maintained at a desired temperature.

[0016] In each of the above-mentioned aspects, it is desirable to have a gas supply device capable of supplying temperature-regulated gas, and for the gas to be introduced from the gas supply device through the gas inlet portion into the specimen area.

[0017] The temperature chamber of this embodiment has a gas supply device capable of supplying a temperature-regulated gas, so that the specimen area can be regulated to a desired temperature environment, and the temperature of the specimen can be regulated.

[0018] An aspect relating to the testing method is characterized in that it uses an external force application device having a pair of holding members for holding the specimen, which holds the specimen with the holding members and applies an external force to the specimen, a measuring instrument having a probe, and any of the temperature baths described above, wherein both ends of the specimen are held by the holding members so that the center of the specimen is located within the specimen area, the probe is positioned so that the tip of the probe contacts the specimen within the specimen area, a temperature-controlled gas is introduced from the gas inlet in a direction intersecting the axis of the probe to flow the gas over the surface of the specimen with which the probe contacts, and in this state, the external force application device is driven to apply an external force to the specimen and the deformation state of the specimen is measured by the measuring instrument.

[0019] According to this aspect, it is possible to test the material properties of materials in low temperature and high temperature environments.

[0020] The invention relating to a test apparatus is a test apparatus including any one of the temperature chambers described above and an external force applying device that applies an external force to the test specimen.

[0021] According to this aspect, it is possible to place the specimen in a desired environment and apply an external force to the specimen. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the temperature bath of the present invention, the temperature of a specimen can be brought to a desired temperature in a short period of time. Furthermore, according to the test method and test device of the present invention, a test can be performed in which a specimen is placed in a desired environment and an external force is applied to the specimen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a testing device (composite testing device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a temperature chamber of the testing apparatus (composite testing apparatus) of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the temperature chamber of the testing apparatus (composite testing apparatus) of FIG. 1, as viewed from a different direction than that of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the temperature bath according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the state inside the temperature chamber of FIG. 1, in which the two-dot chain line indicates the temperature chamber. [Figure 6] 1A is a front cross-sectional view of the temperature chamber, FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG. 1C is a plan cross-sectional view thereof. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of each opening of the temperature tank in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a temperature bath according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The testing device 1 of this embodiment is a hybrid testing device, more specifically, a hybrid tensile testing device. The test apparatus 1 of this embodiment is composed of a temperature chamber 2, an external force application device 3, and an extensometer (measuring instrument) 5, as shown in FIG. Moreover, an air conditioner (gas supply device) 6 is provided as an accessory device of the temperature chamber 2. Furthermore, the test device 1 is provided with nozzles 7a, 7b, and 8 for spraying dry air.

[0025] As described later, the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment has a two-part structure, but for convenience of explanation, the temperature chamber 2 will be described based on an integrated state. The outer shape of the temperature chamber 2 is two roughly rectangular parallelepiped boxes connected together, as shown in FIG. That is, there is a relatively large, roughly rectangular parallelepiped box portion, and a slightly smaller, roughly rectangular parallelepiped box portion is connected to the side of the relatively large box portion. The large box portion of the temperature chamber 2 has protrusions 28a, 28b on the side thereof. The protrusions 28a, 28b are provided with through holes 30, through which screws 38 are inserted. The tip side of the screw 38 engages with a nut 37 (see FIG. 4). Further, through holes 30 are provided at the other corners of the relatively large, roughly rectangular box portion, and screws 38 are inserted therethrough, the tip side of which engages with a nut 37 (see FIG. 4).

[0026] The temperature chamber 2 is divided into a specimen area 10 and a cover area 11 (see FIG. 3). That is, the specimen area 10 is formed by a relatively large box portion, and the cover area 11 is formed by a small box portion. The above-mentioned protrusions 28a, 28b are on a different side of the specimen area 10 from the cover area 11. One protrusion 28a is on the upper side of the specimen area 10, and the other protrusion 28b is on the lower side of the specimen area 10. 5 and 6, the inside of the temperature chamber 2 is hollow and the cavity is composed of two spaces. In other words, the temperature chamber 2 is a small box composed of two spaces inside. The space in the specimen area 10 is the specimen accommodation space 47, and the space in the cover area 11 is the probe insertion space 48.

[0027] The specimen area 10 is a box having a shape similar to a cube with six faces covered, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. That is, the specimen area 10 has a front wall 15, a back wall 16, a top wall 17, a bottom wall 18, a first side wall 20, and a second side wall 21.

[0028] A first gas introduction part 22 is provided in the front wall 15. A second gas introduction part 23 is provided in the rear wall 16. The cover area 11 is connected to the second side wall 21. The first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are holes having a circular cross-sectional shape, and both open to the inside of the specimen area 10 (specimen accommodation space 47). That is, the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 both communicate between the inside and the outside of the temperature chamber 2, and open to the inside of the specimen area 10. The first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 have the same cross-sectional shape and the same area, but the cross-sectional shapes and areas may be different. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6(b), the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are located opposite to each other.

[0029] A slit-shaped first opening 25 and a second opening 26 are provided in the top wall 17 and the bottom wall 18 of the specimen area 10. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the first opening 25 and the second opening 26 are both slit-shaped and long in the direction toward the front wall 15 and the back wall 16. In this embodiment, a dumbbell-shaped test piece is exemplified as the specimen 100. The specimen 100 is inserted into the first opening 25 and the second opening 26 so that a part or all of the intermediate region 110 is located within the specimen region 10 (specimen storage space 47) as shown in Fig. 5, and the holding parts 111 at both ends are located outside the specimen region 10. That is, in this embodiment, the specimen region 10 surrounds only a part of the specimen 100.

[0030] The cover area 11 has a rectangular cylindrical shape. The front, back, top and bottom of the cover area 11 are covered by walls as shown in Fig. 2, and both side surfaces are open as shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, one end of the cover area 11 is connected to the second side wall 21 of the specimen area 10, and the space within the cover area 11 is open toward the specimen area 10. An opening 27 for measurement is provided on the side of the cover area 11 opposite to the side connected to the second side wall 21, and the cover area 11 is also open to the external space. That is, the cover area 11 has a front wall 31, a rear wall 32, a top wall 33 and a bottom wall 35, and both side surfaces are open. The opening 27 of the cover area 11 is an opening that also opens into the specimen area 10, and functions as a probe insertion port 36. In other words, in the cover area 11, a free end extending from a fixed end fixed to the specimen area 10 is an open end. The probe insertion opening 36 is a vertically long rectangle. The internal space of the cover area 11 (a part of the probe insertion space 48, see FIG. 6) is an extension of the probe insertion opening 36, and its cross-sectional shape is a vertically long rectangle.

[0031] 5 indicates the temperature chamber 2. As described above, the inside of the temperature chamber 2 is hollow, and the inside of the specimen region 10 (specimen accommodating space 47) and the inside of the cover region 11 (part of the probe insertion space 48) are in communication with each other. Comparing the areas of the vertical cross sections of the specimen accommodating space 47 and the probe insertion space 48 when viewed from the cover area 11 side to the specimen area 10 side, the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the probe insertion space 48 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the specimen accommodating space 47. Section AA in FIG. 6(a) is the vertical cross section of the probe insertion space 48, and section BB in FIG. 6(a) is the vertical cross section of the specimen accommodating space 47. FIG. 6(b) corresponds to section BB in FIG. 6(a). The vertical cross section of the probe insertion space 48 is the same at all parts, so the vertical cross section of the probe insertion space 48 is the same as the shape of the opening 27 for measurement shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2, 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c), the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the probe insertion space 48 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the specimen accommodation space 47. That is, assuming a cross section (longitudinal cross section) perpendicular to the direction in which the probe is inserted, and comparing the longitudinal cross section of the specimen accommodating space 47 with the longitudinal cross section of the probe insertion space 48, the area of ​​the longitudinal cross section of the probe insertion space 48 is smaller than the area of ​​the longitudinal cross section of the specimen accommodating space 47. Specifically, when looking from the cover area 11 side to the specimen area 10 side, the width of the probe insertion space 48 is shorter than the width of the specimen accommodating space 47, and the height of the probe insertion space 48 is shorter than the height of the specimen accommodating space 47.

[0032] The openings and the like provided in the temperature chamber 2 will be described below with reference to FIG. The temperature chamber 2 has a specimen area 10 surrounding the periphery of the specimen 100, and a top wall 17 and a bottom wall 18 of the specimen area 10 have a first opening 25 and a second opening 26 in the form of slits through which the specimen 100 passes. The first opening 25 and the second opening 26 are long in the direction toward the front wall 15 and the back wall 16. The front wall 15 of the specimen area 10 is provided with a first gas inlet 22, and the back wall 16 is provided with a second gas inlet 23. The first gas inlet 22 and the second gas inlet 23 both open to the inside of the specimen area 10 (specimen accommodating space 47). That is, the first gas inlet 22 and the gas inlet 23 both communicate between the inside and the outside of the temperature chamber 2, and open to the inside of the specimen area 10. A cover area 11 is provided on a second side wall 21 of the specimen area 10 , and the cover area 11 has an opening 27 for measurement that opens into the specimen area 10 .

[0033] The axial relationship of each opening is as shown in FIG. The axes of a first opening 25 provided in the top wall 17 of the specimen area 10 and a second opening 26 provided in the bottom wall 18 are aligned (axis YY). The axis of the first gas introduction part 22 provided in the front wall 15 and the axis of the second gas introduction part 23 provided in the rear wall 16 (axis XX) coincide with each other. The axis XX of the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 is perpendicular to the axis YY of the first opening 25 and the second opening 26. That is, the axis YY of the first opening 25 and the second opening 26 is a vertical axis, and the axis XX of the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 is a horizontal axis, and both extend in intersecting directions and intersect at a right angle. That is, the axis ZZ of the measurement opening 27 is on the same plane as the axis XX, and the two extend in intersecting directions and intersect at right angles. The axis ZZ also intersects with the axis YY at right angles.

[0034] The temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment has a two-part structure. The temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment is divided into a front side member 40 and a back side member 41 as shown in FIG. The temperature chamber 2 is divided vertically, and the cutting surfaces are the second side wall 21 of the specimen area 10 and the middle part of the cover area 11, the middle part of the top wall 17, the middle part of the first side wall 20, and the middle part of the bottom wall 35, and the chamber is divided into a front side member 40 and a back side member 41 with these as boundaries.

[0035] The specimen area 10 and the cover area 11 are roughly divided into two parts, a front wall 15, 31 side and a rear wall 16, 32 side. The first opening 25 and the second opening 26 are divided into the front wall 15, 31 side and the rear wall 16, 32 side. That is, recesses 42, 43, 45, etc. are provided on the mating surfaces of the front side member 40 and the back side member 41, and these are matched to form the slit-shaped first opening 25 and second opening 26.

[0036] Next, the external force application device 3 will be described. The external force application device 3 is a known tensile testing device. As shown in FIG. The gate frame 51 has a guide rail (not shown), and the lifting rail 52 is engaged with the guide rail of the gate frame 51 . An upper rod 55 is provided at the bottom of the lifting crosspiece 52, and an upper gripper (holding member) 57 is provided at the tip of the upper rod 55. That is, the upper gripper 57 serving as a holding member is attached to the lifting crosspiece 52 serving as a moving member via the upper rod 55.

[0037] Further, a lower rod 61 is provided on the base portion 50, and a lower gripper (holding member) 60 is provided on the tip of the lower rod 61. The external force application device 3 can raise and lower the lifting bar 52 to move the upper gripper 57 upward, similarly to known tensile testing devices. Furthermore, the external force application device 3 has a load meter 63 that detects the tensile load. The load meter 63 is attached to the lifting rail 52 and detects the weight of the upper rod 55 and the upper gripper 57 to thereby detect the tensile load acting on the specimen (test object) 100 .

[0038] 1, the extensometer 5 is a known measuring instrument having probes 71 and 72 protruding from a main body 70. The probes 71 and 72 are needles that come into contact with or are inserted into an object to be measured for measurement, experiment, or the like. The extensometer 5 employed in this embodiment measures the elongation of the specimen 100 by the change in the distance between the probes 71 and 72.

[0039] The air conditioner (gas supply device) 6 has a built-in refrigeration device, heater, and blower (not shown), and can discharge air (gas) adjusted to a desired temperature. The air conditioner 6 employed in this embodiment can discharge air adjusted to a wide range of temperatures, from low to high. In addition, the temperature of the discharged air can be changed in a relatively short time. It is preferable that the air conditioner 6 is also capable of adjusting humidity.

[0040] The nozzles 7a, 7b, and 8 are connected to a dry gas supplying device (not shown). Here, the term "dry gas" refers to a gas that contains less water vapor than the outside air.

[0041] Next, the positional relationship of each member constituting the test device 1 will be described. As described above, the testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is composed of the temperature chamber 2, the external force application device 3, and the extensometer 5, and furthermore, the temperature chamber 2 is equipped with an air conditioning device (gas supply device) 6. The testing apparatus 1 is also provided with nozzles 7a, 7b, and 8 that spray dry air.

[0042] In the testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the temperature chamber 2 is within the framework of the gate-shaped frame 51 of the external force application device 3, and is supported in the hollow between an upper gripper (holding member) 57 and a lower gripper (holding member) 60. Although the supporting method is not limited, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a supporting member 81 is attached to a pillar portion 80 of a gate-shaped frame 51, and the temperature chamber 2 is held between an upper gripper (holding member) 57 and a lower gripper (holding member) 60 by the supporting member 81. More specifically, the back surface side member 41 of the temperature chamber 2 is supported between an upper gripper (holding member) 57 and a lower gripper (holding member) 60 by a support member 81 .

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 70 of the extensometer 5 is fixed to the pillars 80 of the gate-shaped frame 51 , and the probes 71 and 72 are arranged facing the temperature chamber 2 .

[0044] The temperature chamber 2 and the air conditioner 6 are connected by an air supply pipe 73. The air supply pipe 73 is composed of a main pipe 65, a branch pipe 75, a first insertion pipe 76, and a second insertion pipe 77, as shown in FIG. A main pipe 65 is connected to the exhaust section of the air conditioner 6, and the tip of the main pipe 65 is bifurcated by a branch pipe 75. One end of a first insertion pipe 76 is connected to one downstream end of the branch pipe 75, and the other end of the first insertion pipe 76 is inserted into the first gas introduction part 22 of the temperature chamber 2. One end of a second insertion pipe 77 is connected to the other downstream end of the branch pipe 75, and the other end of the second insertion pipe 77 is inserted into the second gas introduction part 23 of the temperature chamber 2. The branch pipe 75 can be easily separated from the first and second insertion pipes 76 and 77.

[0045] 2, the nozzle 7a is located near the first opening 25 of the temperature chamber 2 and can inject dry gas toward the first opening 25. The nozzle 7b is located near the second opening 26 of the temperature chamber 2 and can inject dry gas toward the second opening 26. The nozzle 8 is located near the free end of the cover area 11 and can inject dry gas onto the open end side of the cover area 11 .

[0046] Next, a testing method using the testing device 1 of this embodiment and the operation of the testing device 1 of this embodiment will be described. When a tensile test is performed using the test device 1 of this embodiment, the test piece 100 is formed into a predetermined shape. For example, it is formed into the shape of a dumbbell-shaped test piece. Then, the front side member 40 is removed from the back side member 41 of the temperature chamber 2, and the inside of the specimen region 10 and the inside of the cover region 11 are exposed. At this time, the branch pipe 75 and the first insertion pipe 76 are temporarily separated. Alternatively, the first insertion pipe 76 is temporarily removed from the first gas introduction part 22. In this state, both ends of the specimen 100 are gripped by the upper gripper 57 and the lower gripper 60 .

[0047] Furthermore, the probes 71 , 72 of the extensometer 5 are inserted into the cover region 11 , and the tips of the probes 71 , 72 are brought into contact with the front surface (surface) 101 of the specimen 100 . Then, the front side member 40 is fitted to the back side member 41 and the two are joined together. This state is as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, where only a portion of the intermediate region 110 of the specimen 100 is contained in the specimen containing space 47 inside the specimen area 10, and only a portion of the specimen 100 is covered by the specimen area 10, and the other portions are outside the specimen area 10. Specifically, a part of the intermediate region 110 and the entire holding portion 111 of the specimen 100 are outside the specimen region 10 .

[0048] The posture of the specimen 100 is as shown in Figures 5 and 6. That is, the planar cross-sectional shape of the middle region 110 of the specimen 100 is rectangular, the areas of the front (surface) 101 and back surface 102 are large, and the areas of the side surfaces 105, 106 are smaller than the areas of the front and back surfaces 101, 102. In this embodiment, the specimen 100 is arranged in a position where the large-area front (surface) 101 side faces the inner surface of the second side wall 21 of the specimen region 10, and the large-area back surface 102 side faces the inner surface of the first side wall 20. In the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment, the cover region 11 is located on the second side wall 21 side of the specimen region 10, and the probes 71, 72 pass through the opening 27 and come into contact with the intermediate region 110 of the specimen 100, which is the large-area side, the front (surface) 101 side. Side surfaces 105 and 106 of the specimen 100 face the front wall 15 and the back wall 16, respectively, and the gas inlet portions 22 and 23 open to the side surfaces 105 and 106 of the specimen 100, respectively.

[0049] After the specimen 100 is placed in the temperature chamber 2, the air conditioner 6 is started to supply air adjusted to a predetermined temperature to the specimen area 10, and the inside of the specimen area 10 is adjusted to a predetermined temperature environment. For example, if a thermal cycle test is to be performed, the temperature of the air discharged from the air conditioner 6 is changed periodically. Moreover, the dry gas is jetted from the nozzle 7a toward the first opening 25, and the dry gas is jetted from the nozzle 7b toward the second opening 26. Furthermore, the dry gas is jetted from the nozzle 8 toward the open end side of the cover region 11. Then, the external force application device 3 is started, and the upper rod 55 is raised at a constant speed to apply a tensile load to the specimen 100 until it breaks. During this time, the elongation of the specimen 100 is measured by the extensometer 5, and the load is measured by the load meter 63, and the relationship between the elongation and the load is recorded.

[0050] The air flow in the temperature chamber 2 during the test is as shown by the arrows in Figures 6 and 7. That is, by starting the blower of the air conditioner 6, conditioned air is introduced into the specimen area 10 from the first gas introduction part 22 provided in the front wall 15 and the second gas introduction part 23 provided in the back wall 16. As described above, the axis XX of the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 is perpendicular to the axis YY of the first opening 25 and the second opening 26, and the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are opened on the side surfaces 105 and 106 of the specimen 100, respectively. Therefore, the air blown from the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 is divided into two layers when it hits the side surfaces 105 and 106 of the specimen 100, respectively. One layer flows along the front surface (surface) 101 of the intermediate region 110 of the specimen 100 , and the other layer flows along the back surface 102 of the intermediate region 110 of the specimen 100 .

[0051] The specimen 100 employed in this embodiment has a flat shape in which the areas of the side surfaces 105, 106 are smaller than the front surface (surface) 101 and the back surface 102. Therefore, the temperature-controlled air introduced from the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 into the specimen accommodation space 47 in the specimen region 10 is diverted at the side surfaces 105, 106 and flows along the front surface (surface) 101 and the back surface 102 of the specimen 100. As a result, the front surface 101 and the back surface 102 of the specimen 100 are exposed to the temperature-controlled air. In this embodiment, the temperature-controlled air introduced into the specimen area 10 from the first gas introduction section 22 and the second gas introduction section 23 directly contacts the large area sides, that is, the front (surface) 101 and the back surface 102, of the specimen 100, so that the specimen 100 becomes accustomed to the temperature of the temperature-controlled air in a shorter period of time.

[0052] In the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment, the axis XX of the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are arranged in a direction intersecting with the axis ZZ of the opening 27 for measurement. That is, the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are opened in a direction intersecting with the axis of the probes 71, 72. Therefore, the temperature-controlled air introduced from the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 flows in a direction intersecting with the axis of the probes 71, 72. The temperature-adjusted air passes along the surface of the specimen 100 with which the probes 71, 72 come into contact, and the surface (front surface 101) of the specimen 100 with which the probes 71, 72 come into contact is exposed to the passing air. Therefore, in the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment, the temperature-adjusted air comes into direct contact with the detection portion of the specimen 100, and the detection portion of the specimen 100 becomes accustomed to the temperature of the air supplied from the air conditioner (gas supply device) 6 within a shorter period of time. In addition, the entire periphery of the portion of the specimen 100 located inside the temperature chamber 2 is a ventilated environment, increasing the chances of the specimen 100 coming into contact with the air.

[0053] The air supplied into the specimen area 10 flows toward the cover area 11, but because the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the cover area 11 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the specimen area 10, the air in the specimen area 10 is difficult to discharge. Therefore, the temperature-regulated air is likely to remain in the specimen area 10, and it is easy to maintain the temperature of the specimen accommodation space 47 in the specimen area 10. That is, in this embodiment, the part of the probe insertion space 48 that opens into the specimen accommodation space 47 is a narrowed part, and the air in the specimen accommodation space 47 is difficult to discharge.

[0054] The air that has flowed to the cover area 11 side passes through the entire internal space of the cover area 11 and is exhausted from the opening 27 (probe insertion opening 36). Therefore, the temperature in the cover area 11 is close to the temperature in the specimen area 10 . As a result, the temperature of the portions of the probes 71, 72 located within the cover region 11 becomes close to the temperature within the specimen region 10 (specimen housing space 47), and the difference with the surface temperature of the specimen 100 becomes small. Therefore, heat transfer via the probes 71, 72 is suppressed, and the situation in which the probes 71, 72 change the temperature of the specimen 100 is suppressed.

[0055] This effect is effective not only when the temperature in the temperature chamber 2 is kept constant, but also when the temperature is changed. That is, when the temperature in the temperature chamber 2 is changing, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the temperature chamber 2 tends to increase. At this time, the probes 71 and 72 are affected by the temperature outside the temperature chamber 2, and the temperature change is likely to be delayed. In the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment, the parts of the probes 71 and 72 located in the cover area 11 are quickly heated or cooled by air having a temperature close to that in the specimen area 10 (specimen storage space 47). Therefore, even when the temperature in the temperature chamber 2 is changed, the difference between the temperature of the parts of the probes 71 and 72 located in the cover area 11 and the surface temperature of the specimen 100 is small, and heat transfer via the probes 71 and 72 is suppressed.

[0056] The temperature chamber 2 has three openings in addition to the gas inlet portions 22 and 23. That is, the specimen area 10 of the temperature chamber 2 has a first opening 25 and a second opening 26. Also, the cover area 11 has a probe insertion port 36. Therefore, the air supplied from the gas introduction parts 22 and 23 is also exhausted from the first opening 25, the second opening 26 and the probe insertion port 36. As described above, when the thermal cycle test is performed, cold air is supplied from the gas inlet parts 22 and 23 at regular intervals, and the cold air is also exhausted from the first opening 25, the second opening 26, and the probe insertion port 36. Therefore, there is a possibility that condensation will occur in the first opening 25, the second opening 26, and the probe insertion port 36. However, in this embodiment, dry gas is sprayed from nozzle 7a toward the first opening 25, dry gas is sprayed from nozzle 7b toward the second opening 26, and dry gas is sprayed from nozzle 8 toward the probe insertion port 36 side of the cover area 11, so that the area where condensation may occur is covered with dry air, and condensation is less likely to occur even if the temperature drops.

[0057] In this embodiment, the temperature chamber 2 is installed in an open space, and the nozzles 7a, 7b, and 8 all spray dry gas into the open space. However, the temperature chamber 2 may be covered with a cover or the like, and the dry gas may be supplied to a space that is substantially blocked by the cover. For example, the temperature chamber 2 may be entirely enclosed in a box to form a second chamber, and the second chamber may be filled with dry air. Even in this case, dry air can be supplied to the open end side of the cover area, the first opening 25, and the second opening .

[0058] The temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment covers only a portion of the specimen 100 and controls the temperature of only that portion of the specimen 100 locally. The temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment has an extremely small air-conditioned space, so that the temperature of the air-conditioned space can be changed in an extremely short time. In addition, the conditioned air supplied to the specimen area 10 is exhausted through the cover area 11, so that the temperature difference between the specimen 100 and the probes 71 and 72 can be reduced. Therefore, the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment is suitable for performing tests involving temperature changes, such as thermal cycle tests and thermal shock tests. Furthermore, since the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment requires an extremely small air-conditioning space, the amount of air required is small, which contributes to energy saving.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the cover area 11 is provided, but the cover area 11 is not essential. For example, as in the temperature chamber 83 shown in Fig. 8, a configuration may be used in which there is no area corresponding to the cover area 11 and only an opening 85 for measurement is provided. Even in this configuration, it is desirable that the size of the opening 85 is such that the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the opening 85 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical cross section of the specimen housing space 47. This makes it possible to make it difficult for air in the specimen housing space 47 to be discharged. The cross-sectional shape of the cover area 11 and the shape of the opening 27 are not limited to a rectangle, but may be a circle, including an ellipse, or a polygon. The air supply pipe 73 connecting the temperature chamber 2 and the air conditioner 6 may be flexible, like a hose or a duct.

[0060] The axis XX, axis YY, and axis ZZ are preferably perpendicular to each other, but it is sufficient if they extend in intersecting directions. The axis of the first gas introduction part 22 and the axis of the second gas introduction part 23 are preferably aligned, but may be slightly misaligned. Furthermore, the axis of the first gas introduction part 22 and the axis of the second gas introduction part 23 may be misaligned with other axes, and may be in a staggered relationship. For example, when viewed from the axis XX direction, the first gas introduction part 22 may be in a positional relationship where it overlaps at least a part of the second gas introduction part 23, or may not overlap. In the temperature chamber 2 of the present embodiment, the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are provided on opposing wall surfaces, but there may be only one gas introduction part provided on one wall surface. Also, there may be more gas introduction parts.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 are set so that the temperature-controlled air introduced from the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 into the specimen accommodation space 47 in the specimen region 10 flows along the front (surface) 101 and the back surface 102 of the specimen 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the first gas introduction part 22 and the second gas introduction part 23 may be positioned so that the air flows along either the front (surface) 101 or the back surface 102 of the specimen 100. When this configuration is adopted, it is desirable to flow the temperature-controlled air along the surfaces against which the probes 71 and 72 are abutted.

[0062] The temperature chamber 2 in the above embodiment is divided into two parts in the front-rear direction and is integrated with a screw 38. The element for integration is not limited to the screw, and a connecting member other than the screw, such as a hook or a pin, may be used.

[0063] In the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment, the front side is open, so that the specimen 100 can be easily replaced. The temperature chamber 2 may be divided at any position. The number of divisions may also be any number. For example, the front side of the specimen area 10 and the front side of the cover area 11 may be structured so as to be removable separately. Each part may be connected by a hinge and be releasable.

[0064] The shape of the specimen area 10 is not limited, and may be, for example, cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or spherical. The same is true for the cover area 11, which may be tubular.

[0065] The configuration for supplying dry gas is optional. For example, if a test is not performed in a low-temperature environment, dry gas is not necessary.

[0066] When a dumbbell-shaped test piece is used in the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment, it is desirable to set the first opening 25 and the second opening 26 to a size that allows the middle region 110 of the dumbbell-shaped test piece to pass through but does not allow the holders 111 at both ends to pass through. When a dumbbell-shaped test piece is used, this configuration makes it difficult for air to be discharged from the first opening 25 and the second opening 26, making it easier to maintain the temperature in the specimen region 10. However, since the present invention does not limit the specimen 100 to a dumbbell-shaped test piece, the sizes of the first opening 25 and the second opening 26 are also not limited.

[0067] In the embodiment described above, the temperature chamber 2 and the extensometer 5 are fixed to the pillars 80 of the gate-shaped frame 51, but the fixing positions and fixing means thereof are not limited. For example, a separate support stand or the like may be prepared, and the temperature chamber 2 and the extensometer 5 may be fixed to this support stand.

[0068] The length of the specimen area 10 and the length of the cover area 11 in the direction in which the probes 71, 72 are inserted may be the same or different. For example, if the length of the cover area 11 is made longer than the specimen area 10, the portions of the probes 71, 72 located within the cover area 11 will increase. In this case, the portions of the probes 71, 72 located within the cover area 11 will be heated or cooled within the cover area 11, so that a temperature difference is less likely to occur between the portions of the probes 71, 72 in contact with the specimen 100 and the specimen 100.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the opening 27 is provided to open a part of the free end side of the cover area 11, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the opening area on the free end side may be limited, for example, by narrowing the free end side or providing a partition, etc. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a part of the free end side of the cover area 11 has an opening. Also, the free end side of the cover area 11 may be configured to be completely open.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the test specimen 100 and a portion of the probes 71, 72 are placed in the temperature chamber 2 while the temperature chamber 2 is held in a position between the upper gripper 57 and the lower gripper 60, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, after both ends of the specimen 100 are gripped by the upper gripper 57 and the lower gripper 60, the temperature chamber 2 may be arranged so that the center of the specimen 100 is located in the specimen area 10. In this state, the probes 71 and 72 may be inserted into the cover area 11 so that the tips of the probes 71 and 72 come into contact with the specimen 100. In addition, after grasping both ends of the specimen 100 with the upper gripper 57 and the lower gripper 60 and bringing the tips of the probes 71, 72 into contact with the specimen 100, the temperature chamber 2 may be positioned so that the center of the specimen 100 is located in the specimen area 10 and at least a portion of the probes 71, 72 are located within the specimen area 10 and the cover area 11.

[0071] The specimen area 10 of the temperature chamber 2 of this embodiment only encloses a part of the intermediate area 110 of the specimen 100, and therefore the air-conditioning space is smaller than that of the conventional technology. Therefore, the temperature in the specimen area 10 can reach a desired temperature in a short time. In addition, the energy consumption is small. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the specimen area 10 of the temperature chamber 2 may entirely surround the intermediate area 110 of the specimen 100 .

[0072] In the above explanation, there are expressions such as "the direction of inserting the probes 71, 72" and "probe insertion space 48." Here, "insertion" indicates the state when a test is performed, and it is sufficient if the result is that the member for measurement is inserted into the cover portion, and does not limit the procedure when the member for measurement is placed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1, 83 Test equipment 2 Temperature bath 3. External force application device 5. Extensometer (measuring instrument) 6 Air conditioning equipment (gas supply equipment) 10 Specimen area 11 Coverage Area 22 First gas introduction section 23 Second gas inlet 27, 85 aperture 40 Front side member 41 Back side member 47 Test specimen storage space 48 Probe insertion space 57 Upper gripping tool (holding member) 61 Lower gripping tool (holding member) 71, 72 Probes 100 specimen 101 Front (front) 102 Back side XX axis YY axis ZZ axis

Claims

1. A temperature chamber capable of exposing a specimen to a desired environment, the temperature chamber being used in a material test in which an external force is applied to a specimen having a smaller side area than the front and back surfaces to deform the specimen and measure the change in the deformation, A specimen region surrounding at least a portion of the specimen; A gas inlet portion for introducing a gas into the specimen region; and an opening for measurement that opens into the specimen area; A temperature chamber characterized in that the gas inlet portion opens to a side surface of the specimen.

2. A temperature chamber capable of exposing a test specimen to a desired environment, which is used in material testing to apply an external force to the test specimen to deform it and measure the change in the deformation, A specimen region surrounding at least a portion of the specimen; A gas inlet portion for introducing a gas into the specimen region; and an opening for measurement that opens into the specimen area; The temperature chamber, wherein the gas introduction section is disposed such that an axis of the gas introduction section intersects with an axis of the opening.

3. 3. The temperature chamber according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the gas inlet ports are provided, and at least one of the gas inlet ports is disposed on a side opposite to at least another of the gas inlet ports.

4. 3. The temperature chamber according to claim 1, further comprising a cover portion in which the opening is formed, the cover portion being formed with a space through which a measuring member can reach the specimen region.

5. 3. The temperature chamber according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a gas supply device capable of supplying a temperature-regulated gas, the gas being introduced from the gas supply device through the gas inlet into the specimen area.

6. An external force applying device having a pair of holding members for holding the specimen and applying an external force to the specimen by holding the specimen with the holding members, a measuring instrument having a probe, and the temperature chamber according to claim 1 or 2 are used, holding both ends of the specimen with the holding members so that a central portion of the specimen is positioned within the specimen area; Positioning the probe so that a tip of the probe contacts the specimen within the specimen area; A temperature-adjusted gas is introduced from the gas inlet in a direction intersecting the axis of the probe, and the gas is caused to flow onto a surface of the specimen that comes into contact with the probe; The testing method is characterized in that in this state, the external force application device is driven to apply an external force to the test piece, and the deformation state of the test piece is measured with the measuring instrument.

7. 3. A test apparatus comprising: the temperature chamber according to claim 1 or 2; and an external force applying device for applying an external force to the test specimen.

Images