Test piece setting device and test piece setting method

Abstract

To provide a test piece setting device and a test piece setting method that enable even a test piece having a distorted shape to be attached to a testing machine with less eccentricity.SOLUTION: The test piece setting device includes: a first jig provided with a storage space having an opening; a second jig provided with a storage space having an opening; a support mechanism for supporting the first jig and the second jig with their openings facing each other and spaced apart in a vertical direction; a space adjustment mechanism for changing the space in the vertical direction between the first jig and the second jig, wherein a vertical positional relation between the first jig and the second jig can be inverted. The test piece setting method is provided using the test piece setting device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen setting device and a specimen setting method, and more particularly to a device and method for setting a specimen on a jig that can be attached to a material testing machine such as a tensile testing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Asphalt pavement is an important social infrastructure, and improving its performance and durability is a major challenge for society. For this reason, various new and improved technologies are proposed every day, but various tests are essential to properly evaluate their effectiveness.

[0003] For example, to evaluate the durability of an asphalt mixture, a typical procedure involves constructing an actual asphalt pavement using the asphalt mixture, exposing it to traffic loads and weather changes for a certain period of time, and then obtaining a specimen of the hardened asphalt mixture from the site and subjecting it to a material testing machine such as a tensile tester to examine its mechanical properties.

[0004] However, it is not easy to accurately cut out a rectangular parallelepiped specimen from an existing pavement using a cutter or other tool. Even if the utmost care is taken, it is often the case that the specimen obtained is distorted, with opposing faces not parallel to each other or with rectangular corners that are not exactly 90 degrees.

[0005] If a specimen with such a distorted shape is placed directly into a materials testing machine such as a tensile testing machine, the specimen may be tilted or the central axis of the specimen may not coincide with the tensile axis of the testing machine, making it impossible to perform an accurate test.

[0006] If the only goal was to obtain a test specimen with an accurate rectangular parallelepiped shape, it would be possible to create a rectangular parallelepiped formwork, pour the asphalt mixture into it, let it harden, and then demold it, but the test specimen obtained would not be one that has been exposed to changes in weather conditions, etc. under actual traffic conditions.

[0007] On the other hand, for tensile tests of concrete bodies, Patent Document 1, for example, proposes a test jig in which the first and second jigs that secure the ends of the test specimen are each cylindrical with a bottom and equipped with a chuck mechanism, thereby aligning the center line of the test specimen with the center line of the jig bottom, thereby enabling accurate determination of tensile strength. However, this test jig has the disadvantage that it can only be used for cylindrical test specimens, and if the test specimen has a distorted shape, it is difficult to align the center line of the test specimen with the center line of the jig bottom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-209228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, and aims to provide a specimen setting device and a specimen setting method that enable even a distorted specimen to be attached to a testing machine with minimal eccentricity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of extensive research and efforts to solve the above problems, the inventors hypothesized that the reason why it has been difficult to mount a distorted specimen on a tensile testing machine with minimal eccentricity is that the positional relationship between the jig or chuck mechanism that grips and mounts the specimen on the testing machine and the specimen is almost fixed and has little degree of freedom. Based on this hypothesis, they created a jig that allows freedom in its positional relationship with the specimen, and developed an apparatus and method using this jig that can adjust the positional relationship between the jig and the specimen while setting the specimen on the jig, thereby completing the present invention.

[0011] That is, the present invention is a first jig having a storage space communicating with the outside through an opening; a second jig having a storage space communicating with the outside through an opening; a support mechanism that supports the first jig and the second jig with the openings facing each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction; a gap adjustment mechanism that changes the gap between the first jig and the second jig in the up-down direction, The above problem is solved by providing a specimen setting device that can reverse the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig.

[0012] The storage spaces provided in the first and second jigs are spaces into which the ends of the specimen to be set are inserted through the respective openings, and into which the specimen is held and fixed in an appropriate position and orientation. The specimen setting device of the present invention is equipped with a support mechanism that supports the first and second jigs, each having such storage space, with their openings facing each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a spacing adjustment mechanism that changes the vertical spacing between the first and second jigs, and is capable of reversing the vertical positional relationship between the first and second jigs. With this configuration, the specimen setting device of the present invention can adjust and fix the position and orientation of the specimen relative to the first and second jigs while reversing the vertical positional relationship between the first and second jigs and adjusting the vertical spacing, so that even a distorted-shaped specimen can be attached to the first and second jigs with less eccentricity.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the size and shape of the storage space of the first jig and the second jig are selected so that, with the end of the specimen to be tested inserted into the storage space through the opening, the specimen can be moved horizontally relative to the storage space and tilted about a vertical axis. This allows the specimen setting device of the present invention to adjust the position and orientation of the specimen relative to the first jig and the second jig by moving the specimen horizontally relative to the storage space and tilting it about a vertical axis with the end of the specimen inserted into the storage space. The depth of the storage space is not particularly limited, as long as it allows the end of the specimen stored therein to be firmly fixed to the first jig or the second jig.

[0014] In a preferred aspect, the specimen setting device according to the present invention is characterized in that the first jig and the second jig have a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, respectively, on the opposite side of the opening, The support mechanism is With regard to the jig located above of the first jig and the second jig, a lower end thereof is connected to the first connection part or the second connection part, and the first connection part or the second connection part is a first connecting body or a second connecting body that is engaged with a first support body or a second support body that is located above the first jig or the second jig at a location closer to the upper end than the lower end, The jig located below is a second mounting plate or a first mounting plate that abuts against the lower surface of the second jig or the first jig.

[0015] As described above, the specimen setting device of the present invention can reverse the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig, so that the first jig can be positioned on top and the second jig on the bottom, or vice versa. In either case, for the jig positioned on top, the connector whose lower end is connected to the jig via the connector and whose part near the upper end is locked to the support body serves as the support mechanism, and for the jig positioned on the bottom, the support mechanism is the mounting plate that abuts against the bottom surface of the jig.

[0016] When the specimen setting device of the present invention is provided with the above-described first and second mounting plates as a support mechanism for the jig located below, the surface of the first jig or the second jig opposite to the opening can be abutted against the first or second mounting plate, respectively, to stably support the specimen, thereby providing the advantages of increased work efficiency and more accurate specimen setting.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second mounting plates, which are support mechanisms for the jigs located on the lower side, have positioning members that position the first jig or second jig placed on their upper surfaces at a predetermined position on the first or second mounting plate.

[0018] In another preferred aspect, the spacing adjustment mechanism in the specimen setting device of the present invention is a mechanism that adjusts the vertical spacing between the first jig and the second jig by changing the engagement position of the first connecting body or the second connecting body that supports the first jig or the second jig located above relative to the first support body or the second support body.

[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment, the first connecting body or the second connecting body supporting the upper first jig or the second jig is engaged so as to be tiltable relative to the first support body or the second support body, thereby making it possible to tilt the upper first jig or the second jig while adjusting the attitude of the specimen relative to the lower second jig or the first jig, and to easily insert both ends of even a distorted specimen into the storage space of each jig.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment, the specimen setting device of the present invention has an abutment member that can move forward and backward toward a vertical line passing through the center of the opening in a horizontal plane located up and down inside the opening of the storage space of the first jig and / or the second jig. When such a abutment member is provided, the specimen can be temporarily fixed in the adjusted attitude or position by moving the abutment member forward or backward and abutting it against the side of the specimen, after adjusting the inclination of the specimen with respect to the vertical axis, i.e., the attitude or horizontal position, with the end of the specimen inserted into the storage space of the first jig or the second jig.

[0021] In yet another preferred embodiment, the first jig and / or the second jig are composed of a plurality of components that can be disassembled and assembled. A specimen is usually fixed in the storage space of the first jig and the second jig with an adhesive or the like, but if the first jig and the second jig are disassembled, it is extremely convenient to remove the specimen from the first jig and the second jig after the test is completed.

[0022] In principle, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the storage space provided in the first jig and the second jig used in the specimen setting device of the present invention is not limited to a specific shape, and can be changed appropriately to match the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the target specimen. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the storage space, including the opening, is usually circular, triangular, or rectangular, with square being the most frequently used shape.

[0023] The present invention also provides a specimen setting method performed using the above-described specimen setting device, comprising: (1) inserting one end of a specimen into a storage space of the lower jig out of the first jig and the second jig; (2) adjusting the horizontal position of the inserted specimen relative to the storage space and the inclination of the specimen relative to the vertical axis; (3) A step of inverting the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig; (4) A step of changing the vertical distance between the first jig and the second jig and inserting the lower end of the specimen into the storage space of the jig located below; (5) fixing the lower end of the specimen to a jig located below; (6) A step of inverting the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig; (7) fixing the lower end of the specimen to a jig located below; The present invention solves the above problems by providing a method comprising the steps of:

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the specimen setting method of the present invention further comprises, after the step (7), (8) removing the first jig and the second jig together with the specimen from the specimen setting device; The removed first and second jigs have their ends adhered and fixed to them, and can be attached to the testing machine as is via the connecting parts of the first and second jigs.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the specimen setting method of the present invention further comprises the steps (2) and (3) between: (9) a step of temporarily fixing the inserted specimen at the adjusted vertical position and inclination relative to the storage space; Contains: [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The specimen setting device and specimen setting method according to the present invention have the advantage that even a specimen having a distorted shape can be set on a jig with little eccentricity and attached to a testing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a specimen setting device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the specimen setting device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view showing only the first jig. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a view showing only the second jig. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first jig is disassembled into a plurality of members. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the specimen setting device. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first jig is moved downward to change the distance between the first jig and the second jig. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing only the upper half of the specimen setting device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the second mounting plate and the positioning member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the positioning member is removed from the second mounting plate. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 along the line ZZ′. [Figure 12] 10 is a plan view showing how a second jig is positioned at a predetermined position on a second mounting plate using a positioning member. FIG. [Figure 13] 1A is a plan view, a right side view, and a front view showing a temporary fixing frame. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are a front view and a plan view showing the position adjustment mechanism with the frame body rotated. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are views showing how the temporary fixing frame is fixed to the second jig. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a test piece is temporarily fixed to a second jig using a temporary fixing frame. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the specimen setting device in a ready state. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a specimen, a first jig, and a second jig. [Figure 19] This shows the state in which the lower end of the specimen is inserted into the second jig located below. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the attitude and position of the specimen have been adjusted. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the test specimen is temporarily fixed with a spacer. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the test piece is temporarily fixed in a temporary fixing frame. [Figure 23]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the specimen setting device in a state where the upside-down direction is inverted. [Figure 24] A diagram showing the state in which the lower end of the specimen is inserted into the storage container of the first jig. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the lower end of the specimen is fixed to the first jig. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the lower end of the specimen is fixed to the second jig. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the first jig and the second jig removed from the setting device together with the specimen. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a test piece is attached to a chuck of a testing machine together with a first jig and a second jig. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0029] <1. Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a specimen setting device according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 denotes the specimen setting device according to the present invention (hereinafter, the "specimen setting device" may be simply referred to as the "setting device"). The setting device 1 comprises four flat plate-like members: a first support 2A, a first mounting plate 3A, a second mounting plate 3B, and a second support 2B, and four support columns 41, 42, 43, and 44 that support them. n denotes a small nut and N denotes a large nut, which are threadedly engaged with screws (not shown) cut on the outer peripheries of the support columns 41, 42, 43, and 44.

[0030] The first support body 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support body 2B are fixed in appropriate positions on the supports 41, 42, 43, and 44 by inserting supports 41, 42, 43, and 44 into locking holes provided in the four corners of each support body and tightening small nuts n and large nuts N above and below each locking hole. It goes without saying that the outer diameters of the small nuts n and large nuts N are larger than the inner diameters of the locking holes provided in the first support body 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support body 2B.

[0031] Moreover, it is preferable that the first support 2A, the first mounting plate 3A, the second mounting plate 3B, and the second support 2B are attached and fixed to the supports 41, 42, 43, 44 so that they are horizontal and parallel to each other.

[0032] By loosening the small nuts n and large nuts N located above and below each locking hole, the first support 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support 2B can be moved to any desired position in the vertical direction relative to the supports 41, 42, 43, and 44. After movement, the first support 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support 2B can be fixed in their new positions by retightening the small nuts n and large nuts N located above and below each locking hole. By loosening, moving, and tightening the small nuts n and large nuts N in this way, the fixed positions of the first support 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support 2B relative to the supports 41, 42, 43, and 44 can be appropriately changed, and the vertical spacing between them can be adjusted.

[0033] 4 1A , 4 2A , 4 3A , 4 4A are first legs attached to the upper ends of the supports 41, 42, 43, and 44, respectively. 1B , 4 2B , 4 3B , 4 4B are second legs attached to the lower ends of the supports 41, 42, 43, and 44, respectively. When the setting device 1 is in the orientation shown in the figure, the second legs 41B , 4 2B , 4 3B , 4 4B The setting device 1 can stand on its own by abutting the first leg 4 against a horizontal surface such as a tabletop or floor (not shown). 1A , 4 2A , 4 3A , 4 4A The specimen setting device 1 can stand on its own by abutting it against a horizontal surface such as a tabletop or floor (not shown). In this way, the specimen setting device 1 can be turned upside down and stand on its own.

[0034] In this specification, the terms "vertical direction" and "horizontal direction" refer to the vertical direction and horizontal direction when the specimen setting device 1 is set upright with its four supports 41, 42, 43, and 44 oriented vertically.

[0035] 5A is a first connecting body, 6A is a first jig, 6B is a second jig, 5B is a second connecting body, 7A is a first adjusting ring, and 7B is a second adjusting ring.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the specimen setting device 1 shown in Figure 1 disassembled into its component parts. The same members as in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals. However, in Figure 2, the support columns 41, 42, 43, and 44 are not shown.

[0037] 2, a support hole 8A that passes through the first support 2A in the vertical direction is provided at the center of the first support 2A, and an insertion hole 9A that passes through the first mounting plate 3A in the vertical direction is provided at the center of the first mounting plate 3A.

[0038] The first connector 5A is a bolt-shaped member with a threaded outer periphery and a rotation knob 5Aa attached to its upper portion. A nut 10A and a washer 11A are attached to an appropriate longitudinal position of the first connector 5A, and the nut 10A is threadedly engaged with the threaded outer periphery of the first connector 5A. The nut 10A, which is threadedly engaged with the first connector 5A, can move up and down along the first connector 5A by rotating relative to the first connector 5A.

[0039] The outer diameter of washer 11A is larger than the inner diameter of support hole 8A provided in first support body 2A, and the inner diameter of washer 11A is smaller than the outer diameter of nut 10A. Therefore, washer 11A can only move up and down along first connecting body 5A between first support body 2A and nut 10A. If the outer diameter of nut 10A is larger than the inner diameter of support hole 8A, washer 11A does not need to be provided.

[0040] Hemispherical nut 12A has a hemispherical top and is threadedly engaged with the lower end of first connector 5A, which passes through support hole 8A, at a position below support hole 8A. Hemispherical nut 12A can move up and down along first connector 5A by rotating relative to first connector 5A. Preferably, the lower end of support hole 8A provided in first support body 2A is provided with a hemispherical recess that corresponds to the hemispherical protrusion of hemispherical nut 12A.

[0041] The first adjusting ring 7A is a hollow cylindrical member having a large-diameter portion 7Aa at its upper portion. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 7Aa of the first adjusting ring 7A is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 9A provided in the first mounting plate 3A. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 7Ab other than the large-diameter portion 7Aa of the first adjusting ring 7A is set smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 9A. As a result, when the cylindrical portion 7Ab is inserted into the insertion hole 9A of the first mounting plate 3A, the lower surface of the large-diameter portion 7Aa abuts against the upper surface of the first mounting plate 3A, allowing the first adjusting ring 7A to remain on the first mounting plate 3A. The inner diameter of the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 7Ab is larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting body 5A and the outer diameter of the hemispherical nut 12A. Therefore, the first connecting body 5A can pass through the cylindrical portion 7Ab with the hemispherical nut 12A threaded thereon.

[0042] Reference numeral 13A denotes a first connecting portion attached to the first jig 6A. The first connecting portion 13A is cylindrical, with a connecting port at its center that opens upward. The first connecting body 5A is connected to the first connecting portion 13A by inserting its lower end into the connecting port, and is thus connected to the first jig 6A. The connection between the lower end of the first connecting body 5A and the first connecting portion 13A can be detachable, and any specific mechanism is acceptable. However, a detachable connection is preferred, with threads formed on the inner periphery of the connecting port threadedly engaging with threads formed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the first connecting body 5A. The outer diameter of the first connecting portion 13A is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 7Ab of the first adjusting ring 7A. Therefore, the first connecting portion 13A can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 7Ab of the first adjusting ring 7A.

[0043] The specimen setting device 1 is configured to be symmetrical from top to bottom, and the components located below the second jig 6B, including the second mounting plate 3B and the second support 2B, are basically of the same shape, size, and structure as the corresponding components located above, except that their vertical positional relationship is reversed.

[0044] That is, an insertion hole 9B is provided at the center of second mounting plate 3B, penetrating vertically through second mounting plate 3B, and a support hole 8B is provided at the center of second support body 2B, penetrating vertically through second support body 2B. These insertion hole 9B and support hole 8B, and the aforementioned insertion hole 9A and support hole 8A, are configured so that when first support body 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support body 2B are attached and fixed to supports 41, 42, 43, and 44 so that they are all horizontal, the centers of support holes 8A, 8B and insertion holes 9A, 9B in the horizontal plane are positioned on a single vertical line indicated by C in the figure. It is desirable that the centers of support holes 8A, 8B and insertion holes 9A, 9B in the horizontal plane coincide with the centers of first support body 2A, second support body 2B, first mounting plate 3A, and second mounting plate 3B, respectively, in the horizontal plane. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the support holes 8A, 8B and the insertion holes 9A, 9B is preferably a circle, but may be a square, rectangle, ellipse, or the like.

[0045] In addition, the second connecting body 5B, nut 10B, washer 11B, hemispherical nut 12B, second adjusting ring 7B, its large diameter portion 7Ba and cylindrical portion 7Bb, and further, the second jig 6B and its second connecting portion 13B are all components that have the same shape, size, and structure as the corresponding first connecting body 5A, nut 10A, washer 11A, hemispherical nut 12A, first adjusting ring 7A, its large diameter portion 7Aa and cylindrical portion 7Ab, and further, the first jig 6A and its first connecting portion 13A, except that their orientation is upside down.

[0046] <2. First jig and second jig> FIG. 3 shows only the first jig 6A and the first connecting portion 13A. (a) of FIG. 3 is a perspective view, (b) a plan view, (c) a rear view, and (d) a cross-sectional view along the line XX' of (b). As shown in FIGS. 3(a), (b), and (d), a connecting port 13Aa is provided in the center of the top surface of the first connecting portion 13A, which is used to connect to the first connecting body 5A. H in FIG. 3(a) denotes a connecting screw. 14A denotes a storage space, and 15A denotes its opening. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3(d), the storage space 14A communicates with the outside through the opening 15A. The first connecting portion 13A is located on the opposite side of the storage space 14A from the opening 15A.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows only the second jig 6B and the second connecting portion 13B. In FIG. 4, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a rear view, and (d) is a YY' cross-sectional view of (b). As shown in FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d), a connecting port 13Ba is provided in the center of the underside of the second connecting portion 13B, which is used to connect to the second connecting body 5B. In FIG. 4(a), H denotes a connecting screw. 14B is a storage space, and 15B is its opening. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(d), the storage space 14B is connected to the outside through the opening 15B. The second connecting portion 13B is located on the opposite side of the storage space 14B from the opening 15B.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the specimen setting device 1 of this example, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are the same in shape, structure, and size, including the storage spaces and their openings, except that they are vertically opposite. That is, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B not only have the same external shape and size, but also the storage spaces 14A and 14B have the same shape and size. In addition, in this example, the storage spaces 14A and 14B are both rectangular parallelepipeds with square horizontal cross sections. When the first jig 6A is inverted upside down, it becomes the same as the second jig 6B, and when the second jig 6B is inverted upside down, it becomes the same as the first jig 6A. In the specimen setting device 1 of the present invention, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are arranged with their openings 15A and 15B facing each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0049] However, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B do not necessarily have to be members with the same shape, structure, and size. The first jig 6A and the second jig 6B may differ in one or more of the shape, structure, and size. The same applies to the storage spaces and their openings; the storage spaces 14A and 14B, and the openings 15A and 15B may have different shapes and sizes.

[0050] In the specimen setting device 1 of the present invention, the end of the specimen is inserted into the storage space 14A and storage space 14B of the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B, and the specimen is then moved horizontally or tilted about the vertical axis.Therefore, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the storage space 14A and storage space 14B, including the opening 15A and opening 15B, must be of a shape and size that encompasses the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the end of the specimen that is expected to be the target.

[0051] Regarding the shape, in a preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the storage spaces 14A and 14B, including the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the openings 15A and 15B, are similar to the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the end of the specimen that is expected to be the target. That is, when the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the end of the expected specimen is square or rectangular, the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the storage spaces 14A and 14B, including the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the openings 15A and 15B, are also square or rectangular. When the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the end of the expected specimen is circular, the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the storage spaces 14A and 14B, including the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the openings 15A and 15B, are also circular. However, as long as the end of the specimen can be inserted, the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the storage spaces 14A and 14B, including the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the openings 15A and 15B, do not have to be similar to the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the end of the specimen.

[0052] Regarding size, when the horizontal cross-sectional area of storage space 14A and its opening 15A, and storage space 14B and its opening 15B is α and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the upper and lower ends of the specimen to be tested is β, the area ratio α:β is preferably in the range of 100:15 to 100:91, and more preferably in the range of 100:25 to 100:81. The horizontal cross-sectional area α may be different between storage space 14A and storage space B.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional areas of storage spaces 14A and 14B, including openings 15A and 15B, at all positions in the vertical direction satisfy the above-mentioned area ratio. In another preferred embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of storage spaces 14A and 14B from opening 15A or 15B to at least the depth at which the end of the test specimen is intended to be inserted satisfy the above-mentioned area ratio. The horizontal cross-sectional shapes and horizontal cross-sectional areas of storage spaces 14A and 14B may be the same at all positions in the vertical direction, or may differ depending on the position.

[0054] In this example, both first connecting portion 13A and second connecting portion 13B are cylindrical, but the shapes of first connecting portion 13A and second connecting portion 13B are not limited to cylindrical. They may be rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, elliptical prisms, or other shapes. Furthermore, first connecting portion 13A and second connecting portion 13B may have the same shape, structure, and size, or any of these may be different.

[0055] 5 is a perspective view showing the first jig 6A disassembled into multiple members. The structures of the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are basically the same except that they are upside down, so an exploded perspective view of the second jig 6B and its description will be omitted, and only the first jig 6A will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the first jig 6A is composed of a central plate 6Ac and four side plates 6A1, 6A2, 6A3, and 6A4. The central plate 6Ac has an engagement protrusion 16 on each side surface that protrudes horizontally from approximately the center in the thickness direction. Meanwhile, the four side plates 6A1, 6A2, 6A3, and 6A4 have engagement recesses 17 formed thereon that engage with the engagement protrusions 16. This protrusion-recess relationship may be reversed. Reference numeral h denotes a screw hole into which the aforementioned connecting screw H is inserted and screwed. Note that the connecting screw H is not shown in Figure 5.

[0057] Reference numeral 18 denotes an attachment recess formed in the center of the upper surface of the central plate 6Ac. Reference numeral 13Ab denotes an attachment protrusion formed at the lower end of the first connecting portion 13A. The first connecting portion 13A is attached to the central plate 6Ac by inserting and fixing the attachment protrusion 13Ab into the attachment recess 18. Although there is no particular restriction on the mechanism for this attachment, a detachable attachment is preferable. In this example, threads are cut on the outer periphery of the attachment protrusion 13Ab and the inner periphery of the attachment recess 18, and the first connecting portion 13A is attached to the central plate 6Ac by screwing them together.

[0058] To assemble the first jig 6A, the engaging protrusions 16 on each side of the central plate 6Ac are engaged with the engaging recesses 17 formed in the four side plates 6A1, 6A2, 6A3, and 6A4, respectively, and the central plate 6Ac is fitted into the center of the four side plates 6A1, 6A2, 6A3, and 6A4. Then, the screw holes h formed in each side plate are aligned, and the side plates are connected together using connecting screws H (not shown). The first connecting portion 13A can be attached to the central plate 6Ac by inserting the mounting protrusion 13Ab formed on its lower end into the mounting recess 18 formed in the upper surface of the central plate 6Ac and rotating it. The first jig 6A can be disassembled by following the steps in reverse.

[0059] <3.Support mechanism> 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the specimen setting device 1. However, for the sake of convenience, the first connector 5A and the second connector 5B are not hatched.

[0060] 6, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are supported and arranged with their openings 15A and 15B facing each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction. D is the vertical distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B (the distance between the openings 15A and 15B in the illustrated example).

[0061] The upper first jig 6A is connected to the lower end of the first connector 5A via the first connecting portion 13A, and the first connector 5A is engaged with the first support 2A at a position above the lower end by a nut 10A and a washer 11A. As a result, the first jig 6A is supported in a position facing the second jig 6B with a gap in the vertical direction, with its opening 15A facing downward. Therefore, the first connector 5A forms the support mechanism for the upper first jig 6A.

[0062] A hemispherical nut 12A is attached with its hemispherical portion facing up above the point where first connecting body 5A is connected to first connecting portion 13A. By rotating and tightening hemispherical nut 12A so that its lower surface firmly abuts the upper surface of first connecting portion 13A, the connection between first connecting body 5A and first connecting portion 13A can be made more secure. However, hemispherical nut 12A is not essential, and if the connection between the lower end of first connecting body 5A and first connecting portion 13A can be made sufficiently secure, hemispherical nut 12A may not be provided.

[0063] On the other hand, the second jig 6B located below is placed on the second mounting plate 3B with its surface opposite to the opening 15B abutting against the upper surface of the second mounting plate 3B. As a result, the second jig 6B is supported in a position facing the first jig 6A with a gap in the vertical direction, with the opening 15B facing upward. Therefore, it can be said that the second mounting plate 3B constitutes the support mechanism for the second jig 6B located below.

[0064] The second mounting plate 3B has an insertion hole 9B whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the second connection part 13B attached to the second jig 6B. Therefore, the second jig 6B can be placed with its underside abutting on the second mounting plate 3B by passing the second connection part 13B through the insertion hole 9B and protruding downwardly from the second mounting plate 3B.

[0065] 6, the second connector 5B provided below the setting device 1 functions as a support mechanism for the second jig 6B, which is located above the setting device 1 when the setting device 1 is turned upside down. In other words, when the setting device 1 is turned upside down, not only is the vertical positional relationship between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B reversed, but also the vertical positional relationship between the first support body 2A and the first connector 5A and the second support body 2B and the second connector 5B. In this case, as described above for the first jig 6A, the second connector 5B to which the second jig 6B is connected is locked to the second support body 2B by the nut 10B and the washer 11B, and the second connector 5B constitutes a support mechanism for the second jig 6B.

[0066] 6, when the setting device 1 is turned upside down, the first mounting plate 3A moves below the first jig 6A, and the first jig 6A is supported by the first mounting plate 3A with its lower surface abutting against the upper surface of the first mounting plate 3A. In this case, the first mounting plate 3A constitutes a support mechanism for the first jig 6A.

[0067] As described above, in the setting device 1 of this example, when the setting device 1 is inverted upside down, the vertical positional relationship of not only the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B but also their support mechanisms is inverted.

[0068] <4. Spacing adjustment mechanism> FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, showing a state in which the first jig 6A located above has been moved downward to change the distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the nut 10A and washer 11A have moved upward relative to the first connector 5A from the position shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the first connector 5A, together with the first jig 6A connected to it, has moved downward relative to the first support 2A. By rotating the nut 10A relative to the first connector 5A and changing its threaded engagement position with the first connector 5A, the position at which the first connector 5A is engaged with the first support 2A can be changed, thereby changing the vertical position of the first jig 6A. As a result, the vertical distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B also changes. By changing the position at which the first connector 5A is engaged with the first support 2A, the vertical distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B can be adjusted. In the illustrated example, the vertical distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B has been adjusted from D shown in FIG. 6 to D1 shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] In the case of the setting device 1 of this example, the first jig 6A is lowest at the position where the first connecting body 5A is lowered and the rotary knob 5Aa attached to its upper end comes into contact with the upper surface of the first support body 2A via a nut 10A and a washer 11A. Meanwhile, the first jig 6A is connected to the lower end of the first connecting body 5A via a first connecting portion 13A. Because the first jig 6A cannot pass through the insertion hole 9A of the first mounting plate 3A, the highest point of the first jig 6A is the position where the upper surface of the first jig 6A comes into contact with the lower surface of the first mounting plate 3A.

[0071] The same is true when the specimen setting device 1 is inverted upside down; for the second jig 6B located at the top, the position of the second jig 6B can be raised or lowered by changing the screwing position of the nut 10B relative to the second connecting body 5B and changing the engagement position of the second connecting body 5B relative to the second support body 2B, thereby adjusting the vertical distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B.

[0072] As described above, the specimen setting device 1 of the present invention is equipped with a spacing adjustment mechanism that adjusts the vertical spacing between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B by changing the engagement position of the first connecting body 5A or the second connecting body 5B that supports the first jig 6A or the second jig 6B located above, relative to the first support body 2A or the second support body 2B.

[0073] <5.Tilt mechanism> In the specimen setting device 1 of the present invention, when the first jig 6A is positioned upward, the first connecting body 5A supporting the first jig 6A is locked so as to be tiltable relative to the first support body 2A to which it is locked. On the other hand, when the second jig 6B is positioned upward, the second connecting body 5B supporting the second jig 6B is locked so as to be tiltable relative to the second support body 2B to which it is locked.

[0074] 8 is a front cross-sectional view showing only the upper half of the specimen setting device 1, showing a state in which the first connecting body 5A supporting the upper first jig 6A has been tilted from the vertical axis C to an axis C1 that is inclined relative to the vertical axis C. As described above, the vertical axis C is a vertical axis that passes through the center points on the horizontal plane of the support hole 2A, insertion hole 9A, insertion hole 9B, and support hole 8B formed in the first support body 2A, first mounting plate 3A, second mounting plate 3B, and second support body 2B, respectively.

[0075] The outer diameter of the first connecting body 5A is smaller than the inner diameter of the support hole 8A formed in the first support body 2A, and a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the first connecting body 5A and the inner periphery of the support hole 8A. The inner diameter of the first adjusting ring 7A is larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting portion 13A, and a gap is also provided between the inner periphery of the first adjusting ring 7A and the outer periphery of the first connecting portion 13A. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 7Ab of the first adjusting ring 7A is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 9A formed in the first mounting plate 3A, and a gap also exists between the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 7Ab and the inner periphery of the insertion hole 9A. Therefore, within the range allowed by each gap, the first connecting body 5A can tilt relative to the first support body 2A around the locking point with respect to the first support body 2A or point X nearby.

[0076] The same is true when the specimen setting device 1 is inverted upside down; within the range allowed by the gaps between the outer periphery of the second connecting body 5B and the inner periphery of the support hole 8B, between the inner periphery of the second adjusting ring 7B and the outer periphery of the second connecting portion 13B, and between the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 7Bb of the second adjusting ring 7B and the inner periphery of the insertion hole 9B, the second connecting body 5B can tilt relative to the second support body 2B around the engagement point with the second support body 2B or a point nearby.

[0077] In this way, when the first connector 5A or the second connector 5B supporting the upper first jig 6A or the second jig 6B is tiltably engaged with the first support body 2A or the second support body 2B, it is easier and more convenient to insert both ends of a specimen into the storage space 14A of the first jig 6A and the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B, even if the specimen has a distorted shape. That is, with one end of the specimen inserted into the storage space 14A or 14B of the first jig 6A or the second jig 6B, by tilting the upper first connector 5A or the second connector 5B about the vertical axis C, the other end of the specimen can be adjusted and moved relatively to a position facing the storage space 14B or 14A of the second jig 6B or the first jig 6A, into which no end of the specimen has yet been inserted.

[0078] <6. Positioning member> In a preferred embodiment, the specimen setting device 1 according to the present invention has a positioning member that positions the second jig 6B placed on the second mounting plate 3B or the first jig 6A placed on the first mounting plate 3A at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B or the first mounting plate 3A. Below, we will explain the member that positions the second jig 6B on the second mounting plate 3B when the second jig 6B is located below, but the same applies to the member that positions the first jig 6A on the first mounting plate 3A when the first jig 6A is located below.

[0079] 9 is a plan view of the second mounting plate 3B and the positioning members placed thereon, as seen from above. In the figure, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are positioning members, which are arranged on all four sides of the second mounting plate 3B so as to surround the insertion hole 9B provided in the center of the second mounting plate 3B. 9Bc is the center of the insertion hole 9B on the horizontal plane. 4 1h , 4 2h , 4 3h , 4 4h are locking holes through which the support posts 41, 42, 43, and 44 are inserted, and are formed at the four corners of the second loading plate 3B.

[0080] 10 is a plan view showing the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d removed from the second mounting plate 3B. The positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are all flat plate-like members, each having an oblong large hole 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d and an oblong small hole 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. The radius of the semicircular portion of the large hole 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d is larger than the radius of the semicircular portion of the small hole 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d.

[0081] Reference numerals 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d denote washers, and 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d denote nuts. Reference numerals 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d denote bolt-shaped protrusions erected on the second mounting plate 3B, and reference numerals 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d denote columnar protrusions erected on the second mounting plate 3B.

[0082] The positioning member 20a is attached to the second mounting plate 3B as follows. Specifically, the positioning member 20a is placed on the second mounting plate 3B so that the bolt protrusion 25a is positioned in the large elongated hole 21a and the cylindrical protrusion 26a is positioned in the small elongated hole 22a. Then, a washer 23a is inserted into the bolt protrusion 25a that protrudes above the positioning member 20a, and a nut 24a is screwed and tightened to attach the positioning member 20a to a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B. The positioning members 20b, 20c, and 20d can be attached to their predetermined positions on the second mounting plate 3B in the same manner.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the ZZ′ line in FIG. 9 . As shown in the figure, the protruding length of the bolt-shaped protrusion 25a provided on the second mounting plate 3B is longer than the thickness of the positioning member 20a. The protruding length of the bolt-shaped protrusion 25a may be such that, with the bolt-shaped protrusion 25a passing through the large elongated hole 25a of the positioning member 20a, a washer 23a can be inserted over the bolt-shaped protrusion 25a, and a nut 24a can be screwed onto and tightened. On the other hand, the protruding length of the columnar protrusion 26a provided on the second mounting plate 3B may be such that, when inserted into the small elongated hole 26a of the positioning member 20a, the columnar protrusion 26a can abut against the inner periphery of the small elongated hole 26a. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring a more reliable engagement, it is desirable that the protruding length of the columnar protrusion 26a be longer than the thickness of the positioning member 20a. The same applies to the relationships between the other positioning members 20b, 20c, and 20d and the bolt-shaped projections 25b, 25c, and 25d and the columnar projections 26b, 26c, and 26d.

[0084] 12 is a plan view showing how second jig 6B is positioned at a predetermined position on second mounting plate 3B using positioning members. Positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are placed on second mounting plate 3B with bolt-like projections 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d and columnar projections 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d inserted into large elongated holes 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d and small elongated holes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, respectively. When nuts 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are not tightened, positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d can move parallel to each other, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow L1 in the figure, within the range permitted by the lengths of the large elongated holes and small elongated holes. Furthermore, within the range permitted by the difference between the inner diameter of the large elongated holes 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d and the outer diameter of the bolt-shaped projections 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d, they can be rotated as shown by arrow L2 in the drawing.

[0085] By this translation and rotation, positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are moved to predetermined positions on second mounting plate 3B, and nuts 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are tightened at those positions, thereby attaching positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d to the predetermined positions on second mounting plate 3B. To position second jig 6B at a predetermined position on second mounting plate 3B, the side surfaces of positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d attached to the predetermined positions are brought into contact with the side surfaces of second jig 6B.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined position of the second jig 6B on the second mounting plate 3B is a position where the horizontal center 14Bc of the storage space 14B coincides with the horizontal center 9Bc of the insertion hole 9B of the second mounting plate 3B. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the center 14Bc of the storage space 14B is shifted to the right in the figure from the center 9Bc of the insertion hole 9B, so the predetermined position of the second jig 6B is a position shifted to the left in the figure from the illustrated position. To position and fix the second jig 6B at a predetermined position using the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are attached to the second mounting plate 3B at positions where the second jig 6B is positioned when the four side surfaces of the second jig 6B abut against the side surfaces of the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. This position is the predetermined position for the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d.

[0087] In order to make it easier to attach the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d to their predetermined positions, it is desirable to mark the upper surface of the second mounting plate 3B with a line or other mark indicating the predetermined position of the positioning member. In addition, multiple such marks may be attached depending on the size of the jig to be used.

[0088] Furthermore, instead of the positioning member as described above, a recess that fits with the underside of the second jig 6B may be provided on the upper surface of the second mounting plate 3B, and when the underside of the second jig 6B is fitted into the recess, the second jig 6B is positioned at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B. In this case, the recess that fits with the underside of the second jig 6B serves as the positioning member.

[0089] <7. Temporary Fixing Frame> 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the temporary fixing frame, in which Fig. 13A is a plan view of the temporary fixing frame, Fig. 13B is a right side view, and Fig. 13C is a front view.

[0090] In Figure 13(a), 30 is a temporary fixing frame. The temporary fixing frame 30 is composed of four frame bodies 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d. The four frame bodies 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are connected at their ends with bolts 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d to form a square frame. Cc is the center of the square frame on the horizontal plane.

[0091] The framework formed by the frame bodies 31a, 31b, 3c, and 31d does not necessarily have to be square. However, as described below, since this framework is used to attach the temporary fixing frame 30 to the first jig 6A or the second jig 6B, it is preferable that the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the framework be similar to that of the first jig 6A or the second jig 6B. In this example, since the horizontal cross-sectional shapes of the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are both square, the framework formed by the four frame bodies 31a, 31b, 3c, and 31d is square. If the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the first jig 6A or the second jig 6B is rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, or the like, it is preferable that the shape of the framework formed by the frame bodies constituting the temporary fixing frame 30 is also rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, or the like.

[0092] Each of the frames 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d has a protruding piece 32a, 32b, 32c, or 32d protruding upward from approximately the center in the longitudinal direction. A threaded hole is formed in each of the protruding pieces 32a, 32b, 32c, or 32d, and a bolt-shaped member Ra, Rb, Rc, or Rd, each threaded on the outer periphery, is threadedly inserted into the corresponding threaded hole. The knobs 34a, 34b, 34c, or 34d are knobs. When the knobs 34a, 34b, 34c, or 34d are rotated to rotate the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, or Rd, the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, or Rd advance or retreat relative to the corresponding threaded protruding piece 32a, 32b, 32c, or 32d, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0093] Incidentally, when the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd move forward relative to the protruding pieces 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, this means that the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd move in a direction approaching the vertical axis passing through the center Cc of the framework formed by the four frame bodies 31, 31b, 31c, and 31d, and when they move backward, this means that they move in a direction away from the vertical axis passing through the center Cc.

[0094] Reference numerals 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d denote fixing screws for attaching the temporary fixing frame 30 to the first jig 6A or the second jig 6B (however, the fixing screws 33c and 33d are not shown in FIG. 13).

[0095] Figure 14(a) shows the state after the bolt 35a connecting the frame body 31a and the frame body 31d from the state shown in Figure 13(c) has been loosened and removed, and the frame body 31a has been rotated around the bolt 35b in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. In Figure 14(a), "h" denotes a screw hole into which the bolt 35a is inserted and screwed. In this way, by releasing one of the frame bodies from the connection with the adjacent frame body and rotating it, one side of the framework can be opened. This opened side is used when attaching the temporary fixing frame 30 to the second jig 6B.

[0096] FIG. 14(b) shows the temporary fixing frame 30 being moved to a position surrounding the second jig 6B using one open side of the framework. In FIG. 14(b), the hatched S indicates a specimen, and its lower end is inserted into the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B. Even with one end of the specimen S inserted into the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B, the temporary fixing frame 30 can be moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure, with the open side of the temporary fixing frame 30 facing the second jig 6B, to accommodate the second jig 6B and the specimen S together within the framework formed by the frame members 31b, 31c, and 31d of the temporary fixing frame 30. After the insertion, the frame member 31a is returned to its original position and connected to the adjacent frame member 31d, thereby forming the original square framework around the second jig 6B.

[0097] In the above explanation, the frame body 31a was rotated by removing the bolt 35a, but it is of course also possible to remove the bolt 35b instead of the bolt 35a and rotate the frame body 31a around the bolt 35a, or to remove the bolt 35c or 35d and rotate the frame body 31c around the bolt 35d or 35c.

[0098] Figure 15 shows how the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached to and fixed in the second jig 6B. Figure 15(a) is a plan view, and Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX' in Figure 15(a). However, for convenience of illustration, the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are omitted from the illustration.

[0099] 15(a) and 15(b), the second jig 6B is placed inside the framework of the temporary fixing frame 30, and the frame body 31a is returned to its original position to close the framework. Then, the attachment and fixing screws 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d attached to the frame bodies 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are rotated until their tips abut against the outer peripheral side surface of the second jig 6B and are tightened. This allows the temporary fixing frame 30 to be attached and fixed to the second jig 6B. Needless to say, the temporary fixing frame 30 can be removed from the second jig 6B by loosening the fixing screws 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d.

[0100] The vertical position at which the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached to the second jig 6B may be any position at which the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd can move forward or backward on a horizontal plane above the opening 15B of the storage space 14B. Because the opening 15A faces downward for the first jig 6A, which is located above the second jig 6B, the vertical position at which the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached to the first jig 6A may be any position at which the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd can move forward or backward on a horizontal plane below the opening 15A of the storage space 14A. In any case, the temporary fixing frame 30 may be attached to the first jig 6A at a position at which the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd can move forward or backward on a horizontal plane located vertically inside the openings 15A and 15B of the storage spaces of the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B, respectively.

[0101] In order to more reliably attach and fix the temporary fixing frame 30 to the second jig 6B, recesses for receiving the tips of the attachment and fixing screws 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d or screw holes for threading onto the tips of the attachment and fixing screws 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d may be provided at appropriate positions on the outer side surface of the second jig 6B.

[0102] Although the above description has mainly been made on the case where the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached to and fixed on the second jig 6B, the same applies to the case where the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached to and fixed on the first jig 6A.

[0103] 16 is a diagram showing how, after the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached and fixed to the second jig 6B, the posture and / or position of the specimen S, one end of which is inserted into the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B, is temporarily fixed with respect to the storage space 14B using bolt-like members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd. (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a YY-YY' cross-sectional view of (a). In the figure, P2 is a horizontal plane where the opening 15B of the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B is located, and P B is the horizontal plane in which the bolt-like members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd move forward or backward.

[0104] As shown in the figure, after the temporary fixing frame 30 is fixed to the second jig 6B, when the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are rotated, the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are aligned with a horizontal plane P2 located in the vertical direction inside a horizontal plane P2 where the opening 15B of the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B is located. B The bolt-like members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are advanced or retracted so that their tips come into contact with the sides of the specimen S and clamp it from all sides, thereby temporarily fastening the specimen S to the storage space 14B. In this case, the bolt-like members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are the abutting members.

[0105] In another preferred embodiment, the tip of the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd, which are abutment members, can be abutted against the side of the specimen S, and in that state, the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd can be moved forward or backward as appropriate, thereby adjusting the position of the specimen S relative to the storage space 14B on the horizontal plane P2.

[0106] In the illustrated example, bolt-like members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are attached to protruding pieces 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d in one layer or one stage. However, protruding pieces 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d may be extended upward, and second-layer bolt-like members Ra2, Rb2, Rc2, and Rd2 may be attached to the extended portions, resulting in a temporary fixing frame 30 with two layers or two stages of abutting members. In this case, it is preferable that the second-layer bolt-like members move forward or backward on a horizontal plane, similar to the first-layer bolt-like members. Furthermore, it is of course possible to provide three or more layers or stages of bolt-like members.

[0107] <8. Test specimen setting method> The specimen setting method according to the present invention will be described below using as an example a case where a specimen S having a distorted shape as shown on the left side of FIG. 17 is attached and set between a first jig 6A and a second jig 6B.

[0108] In Figure 17, specimen S is a rectangular parallelepiped specimen cut out from an existing pavement. S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 represent the six faces that make up the rectangular parallelepiped specimen S. Although great care is usually taken when cutting out the specimen, it is often the case that the opposing faces are not parallel to each other, resulting in a distorted shape as shown in Figure 17. Even a specimen S with such a distorted shape can be attached and set in the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B with little eccentricity using the specimen setting device 1 according to the present invention.

[0109] Fig. 18 is a front cross-sectional view of the specimen setting device 1 in a ready state. However, as in Fig. 6, the first connector 5A and the second connector 5B are not hatched for the sake of convenience.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 18, the setting device 1 is placed upright on a table or the like with the first jig 6A facing up and the second jig 6B facing down. The upper first jig 6A is engaged with the first support 2A via the first connector 5A with the opening 15A of the storage space 14A facing downward. The lower second jig 6B is placed and supported on the second mounting plate 3B with the opening 15B of the storage space 14B facing upward. The openings 15A and 15B face each other with a vertical distance D between them. P1 is the horizontal plane on which the opening 15A exists, and P2 is the horizontal plane on which the opening 15B exists.

[0111] The first support body 2A, the first mounting plate 3A, the second mounting plate 3B, and the second support body 2B are supported by supports 41, 42, 43, and 44 so that the center points on the horizontal plane of the support holes 2A, insertion holes 9A, insertion holes 9B, and support holes 8B formed in each of them are located on a single vertical axis C and are parallel to each other (supports 41 and 42 are not shown in Figure 18).

[0112] When setting the specimen S, first, the second jig 6B is positioned at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B. This positioning is preferably performed using the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d described above, but if a mark indicating the predetermined position is provided on the second mounting plate 3B, the second jig 6B may be positioned on the second mounting plate 3B in accordance with the mark.

[0113] The method for positioning the second jig 6B at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B using the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is as described above. The predetermined position of the second jig 6B on the second mounting plate 3B is preferably a position where the center 15Bc of the opening 15B of the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B on the horizontal plane P2 is located on a vertical line C that passes through the center points of the support hole 2A, the insertion hole 9A, the insertion hole 9B, and the support hole 8B on the horizontal plane. At this stage, the center 15Ac of the opening 15A of the first jig 6A on the horizontal plane P1 does not necessarily have to be located on the vertical line C.

[0114] After the second jig 6B is positioned at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B, one end of the specimen S is inserted into the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B while the specimen S is standing upright. Figure 19 shows the state in which one end of the specimen S has been inserted into the storage space 14B. This step corresponds to the step of inserting one end of the specimen S into the storage space of the jig that is located lower out of the first jig and the second jig.

[0115] As mentioned above, the shape and size of the horizontal cross section of the storage space 14B of the second jig 6B and its opening 15B are selected to allow one end of the target specimen S to be inserted. As mentioned above, the ratio of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the storage space 14B to the horizontal cross-sectional area of the lower end of the target specimen is preferably in the range of 100:15 to 100:91, and more preferably in the range of 100:25 to 100:81. The same applies to the relationship between the horizontal cross-sectional area of the opening 15B and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the lower end of the target specimen.

[0116] If the shape of the specimen S is not a precise rectangular parallelepiped, when the specimen S is placed upright with its underside in contact with the bottom of the storage space 14B, the upper part of the specimen S may tilt from the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 19. Even such a specimen S can be mounted with minimal eccentricity between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B. In order to achieve this, the setting method of the present invention involves adjusting the specimen S at this stage by tilting it relative to the vertical axis, and, if necessary, adjusting its horizontal position within the storage space 14B. This is typically performed manually. This process corresponds to the process of adjusting the horizontal position of the inserted specimen relative to the storage space and its tilt relative to the vertical axis.

[0117] 20 shows the state in which the specimen S is tilted clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 19 about the vertical axis, and at the same time, its position on the horizontal plane P2 is moved slightly to the right in the figure. As a result of the tilting of the specimen S, a portion of the lower surface of the specimen S is floating and not in contact with the bottom surface of the storage space 14B. This adjustment of the posture and position of the specimen S is performed with the aim of positioning the specimen S so that its upper end can be inserted into the storage space 14A located above it with its lower end inserted into the storage space 14B.

[0118] In order to maintain the specimen S in its adjusted posture and position, it is desirable to insert appropriate spacers T between the four sides of the specimen S and the inner wall of the storage space 14B, as shown in Figure 21, to temporarily fix the posture and position of the specimen S relative to the storage space 14B.

[0119] The specimen S can also be temporarily fixed using a temporary fixing frame 30. That is, before or after inserting the lower end of the specimen S into the storage space 14B, the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached and fixed to the second jig 6B. After adjusting the posture and position of the specimen S, the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd, which are the abutment members, are advanced or retreated until they abut against the side surfaces of the specimen S. FIG. 22 shows the state in which the tip ends of the bolt-shaped members Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are abutted against the side surfaces of the specimen S and the specimen S is pressed, temporarily fixing the specimen S in the adjusted posture and position. Using a temporary fixing frame 30 with multiple layers or stages of bolt-shaped members is preferable because it allows for more precise and reliable temporary fixing of the specimen S.

[0120] Of course, temporary fixing by the temporary fixing frame 30 and temporary fixing by the spacer T may be used in combination.

[0121] After the adjustment of the posture and position of the specimen S and the temporary fixing at the adjusted position are completed, the vertical positional relationship of the entire setting device 1 is reversed. Figure 23 shows the state in which the entire setting device 1 is rotated 1890 degrees around an axis perpendicular to the paper surface from the state shown in Figure 22, and the vertical direction is reversed.

[0122] As shown in Figure 23, due to the inversion, the second jig 6B, which was located at the bottom, moves upward together with the specimen S temporarily fixed thereto, and the first jig 6A, which was located at the top, moves downward. This process corresponds to the process of inverting the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig. Due to the inversion, the second jig 6B, which has moved upward, is supported by the second connecting body 5B, which is engaged with the second support body 2B, and the first jig 6A, which has moved downward, is supported by the first mounting plate 3A, with its lower surface abutting against the upper surface of the first mounting plate 3A.

[0123] The reversal of the vertical positional relationship may be performed for the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B. In a preferred embodiment, the setting device 1 of the present invention is provided with a mechanism for reversing the vertical positional relationship between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B while maintaining the posture of the setting device 1 itself. In such a case, the vertical positional relationship between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B can be reversed together with their support mechanism while maintaining the vertical positional relationship of the setting device 1.

[0124] After the inversion, the first jig 6A is positioned at a predetermined position on the first mounting plate 3A. This positioning is performed using positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, similar to the previous positioning of the second jig 6B at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B. The predetermined position on the first mounting plate 3A is preferably a position where the center of the opening 15A of the first jig 6A in the horizontal plane is located on the vertical line C. Note that this positioning step is not necessarily required and may be omitted if it is confirmed that the first jig 6A is located approximately at the predetermined position on the first mounting plate 3A. However, performing this positioning is advantageous because it positions the first jig 6A accurately at the predetermined position, allowing for more accurate setting of the specimen S.

[0125] Next, the positioning members 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that had been positioning the second jig 6B at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate 3B are released from contact with the side surfaces of the second jig 6B, freeing the second jig 6B from the second mounting plate 3B. Then, the nut 10B is rotated relative to the second connecting body 5B, and the second connecting body 5B and the second jig 6B connected thereto, along with the specimen S temporarily fastened to the second jig 6B, are gradually lowered toward the storage space 14A of the first jig 6A located below. The specimen S is lowered while appropriately tilting the second connecting body 5B relative to the second support body 2B, if necessary, so that the lower end of the specimen S is inserted into approximately the center of the storage space 14A.

[0126] FIG. 24 shows the state in which the lower end of the specimen S has been inserted into the storage space 14A of the first jig 6A as described above. As shown in the figure, the distance between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B, i.e., the distance between the opposing openings 15A and 15B, has changed from the initial distance D to distance D2. Furthermore, the specimen S is held between the second jig 6B and the first jig 6A with both ends inserted into the storage spaces 14B and 14A, leaving gaps between the bottom and inner walls of the upper and lower storage spaces 14B and 14A. This process corresponds to changing the vertical distance between the first and second jigs and inserting the lower end of the specimen S into the storage space of the lower jig.

[0127] In the setting device 1 of the present invention, as described above, the horizontal cross-sectional areas of the storage spaces 14A and 14B of the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are selected to be sufficiently larger than the horizontal cross-sectional areas of the upper and lower ends of the specimen S. Therefore, with the upper and lower ends of the specimen S inserted into the storage spaces 14B and 14A, respectively, the specimen S can be positioned in a position and attitude with minimal eccentricity relative to the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B by adjusting its posture and / or position.

[0128] If the lower end of the specimen S cannot be inserted into the storage space 14A of the first jig 6A located below even after tilting the second connecting body 5B as much as possible, the specimen setting device 1 can be turned upside down to return to the state shown in Fig. 22, and the posture and position of the specimen S can be readjusted. Also, if the lower end of the specimen S can be inserted into the storage space 14A of the first jig 6A located below, but the eccentricity of the specimen S is still considered to be large, the specimen setting device 1 can be turned upside down to return to the state shown in Fig. 22, and the posture and position of the specimen S can be readjusted.

[0129] When using the specimen setting device 1 of the present invention in this manner, the vertical positional relationship between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B can be reversed as necessary to check or readjust the position and posture of the specimen S relative to the storage spaces 14A and 14B, so that the specimen S can be attached and set between the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B with less eccentricity.

[0130] As described above, the lower end of the specimen S is inserted into the storage space 14A of the first jig 6A located below, and if it is determined that there is little or no eccentricity, adhesive W is then poured between the bottom surface and inner peripheral wall of the storage space 14A and the lower end of the specimen S, as shown in Fig. 25, to fix the lower end of the specimen S to the first jig 6A. This process corresponds to the process of fixing the lower end of the specimen to the jig located below.

[0131] Any type of adhesive may be used as long as it can secure the specimen S and the first jig 6A together to a degree that can withstand subsequent testing. To increase the adhesive strength, a metal mesh member, for example, may be attached to the bottom of the storage space 14A in advance.

[0132] Once the adhesive W has sufficiently hardened or once the temporary fixing frame 30 is attached to the first jig 6A and the lower end of the specimen S is temporarily fixed so as not to shift its position relative to the first jig 6A, the vertical positional relationship of the specimen setting device 1 is reversed and the second jig 6B is positioned below. This process corresponds to the process of reversing the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig.

[0133] Next, with the second jig 6B positioned below, adhesive W is poured between the lower end of the specimen S and the bottom surface and inner peripheral wall of the storage space 14B, as shown in Fig. 26, to fix the lower end of the specimen S to the second jig 6B. This step corresponds to the step of fixing the lower end of the specimen to the jig positioned below.

[0134] A specimen S, one end of which is fixed to the first jig 6A and the other end of which is fixed to the second jig 6B, can be removed from the specimen setting device 1 by disconnecting the first connecting portion 13A of the first jig 6A from the first connecting body 5A and disconnecting the second connecting portion 13B of the second jig 6B from the second connecting body 5B.

[0135] Specifically, the first connector 5A is connected to the first connector 13A simply by threading its tip into the threaded connection opening 13Aa of the first connector 13A. Therefore, the connection between the first connector 5A and the first connector 13A can be released by rotating the first connector 5A. Similarly, the second connector 5B is connected to the second connector 13B simply by threading its tip into the threaded connection opening 13Ba of the second connector 13B. Therefore, the connection between the second connector 5B and the second connector 13B can be released by rotating the second connector 5B. By releasing both connections, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B can be removed from the specimen setting device 1 with the specimen S still attached. Figure 27 shows the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B removed from the specimen setting device 1 in this manner, with the specimen S set between them.

[0136] As shown in Figure 27, the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B are removed from the setting device 1 with the first connecting portion 13A and the second connecting portion 13B still attached, and therefore, these first connecting portion 13A and the second connecting portion 13B can be used to attach them to the chuck device of various material testing machines.

[0137] FIG. 28 shows a state in which a first jig 6A and a second jig 6B, both ends of which are fixed to them, are attached between chuck devices 40A and 40B of a materials testing machine via first and second connecting portions 13A and 13B. Connectors 41A and 41B are attached to the chuck devices 40A and 40B. The tips of the connectors 41A and 41B are threaded to engage with the inner threads of the connecting ports 13Aa and 13Ba of the first and second connecting portions 13A and 13B. The connectors 41A and 41B can be threadedly engaged with the first and second connecting portions 13A and 13B to connect them, thereby attaching the first and second jigs 6A and 6B to the chuck devices 40A and 40B. 42A and 42B are the upper and lower crossheads, respectively, of an appropriate materials testing machine.

[0138] Furthermore, since the first connecting portion 13A and the second connecting portion 13B are detachable from the first jig 6A and the second jig 6B, when the first connecting portion 13A and the second connecting portion 13B cannot be connected to the connecting device 41A or 41B provided on the chuck device 40A or 40B, they can be replaced with other appropriate connecting portions. [Industrial Applicability]

[0139] As described above, the specimen setting device and specimen setting method according to the present invention enable even specimens with unintentionally distorted shapes to be mounted between jigs with minimal eccentricity. This allows for more reliable results to be obtained when performing various material tests. According to the present invention, specimens obtained from existing pavements can be used in tests without waste, and accurate data can be obtained. The present invention is particularly useful when evaluating the strength of pavements, and has great industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Test specimen setting device 2A, 2B First support, second support 3A, 3B First loading plate, second loading plate 41, 42, 43, 44 posts 5A, 5B First connector, second connector 6A, 6B First jig, second jig 7A, 7B First adjustment ring, second adjustment ring 8A, 8B support hole 9A, 9B insertion hole 10A, 10B nuts 13A, 13B First connection part, second connection part 14A, 14B storage space 15A, 15B opening 16 Engagement protrusion 17 Engagement recess 18 Mounting recess 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Positioning members 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d large slot 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d small slot 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d Bolt-like protrusions 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d Cylindrical protrusions 30 Temporary fixing frame 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d frame 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d convex piece 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d Mounting screws Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd Bolt-shaped member S specimen T-spacer W Adhesive

Claims

1. a first jig having a storage space communicating with the outside through an opening; a second jig having a storage space communicating with the outside through an opening; a support mechanism that supports the first jig and the second jig with the openings facing each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction; a gap adjustment mechanism that changes the gap between the first jig and the second jig in the up-down direction, A specimen setting device capable of reversing the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig.

2. A specimen setting device as described in claim 1, wherein the shape and size of the storage space of the first jig and the second jig are selected so that, with the end of the specimen to be tested inserted into the storage space through the opening, the specimen can be moved horizontally relative to the storage space and tilted about a vertical axis.

3. The first jig has a first connection portion on the opposite side to the opening, the secondary section has a second connection section on the opposite side to the opening, The support mechanism is With regard to the jig located above of the first jig and the second jig, a lower end thereof is connected to the first connection part or the second connection part, and the first connection part or the second connection part is a first connecting body or a second connecting body that is engaged with a first support body or a second support body that is located above the first jig or the second jig at a location closer to the upper end than the lower end, With respect to the jig located below, it is a second mounting plate or a first mounting plate that abuts against the lower surface of the second jig or the first jig, 3. The specimen setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second mounting plate or the first mounting plate has a positioning member that positions the second jig or the first jig at a predetermined position on the second mounting plate or the first mounting plate with the upper surface of the positioning member in contact with the lower surface of the second jig or the first jig.

4. The specimen setting device according to claim 3.

5. the gap adjustment mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the gap between the first jig and the second jig in the vertical direction by changing the engagement position of the first connecting body or the second connecting body supporting the first jig or the second jig located above with respect to the first support body or the second support body, 4. The specimen setting device according to claim 3.

6. The first connecting body or the second connecting body supporting the first jig or the second jig located above is tiltably engaged with the first support body or the second support body.

6. The specimen setting device according to claim 5.

7. a contact member that can move forward and backward on a horizontal plane located vertically inside the opening of the accommodation space of the first jig and / or the second jig toward a vertical axis passing through the center of the opening; 7. The specimen setting device according to claim 6.

8. The first jig and / or the second jig are composed of a plurality of components that can be disassembled and assembled.

6. The specimen setting device according to claim 5.

9. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the storage space provided in the first jig and the second jig, including the opening, is circular, triangular, or rectangular.

6. The specimen setting device according to claim 5.

10. a first jig having a storage space communicating with the outside through an opening; a second jig having a storage space communicating with the outside through an opening; a support mechanism that supports the first jig and the second jig with the openings facing each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction; a gap adjustment mechanism that changes the gap between the first jig and the second jig in the up-down direction, A specimen setting method carried out using a specimen setting device capable of reversing the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig, the method comprising the following steps (1) to (7): (1) inserting one end of a specimen into a storage space of the lower jig out of the first jig and the second jig; (2) adjusting the horizontal position of the inserted specimen relative to the storage space and the inclination of the specimen relative to the vertical axis; (3) A step of inverting the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig; (4) A step of changing the vertical distance between the first jig and the second jig and inserting the lower end of the specimen into the storage space of the jig located below; (5) fixing the lower end of the specimen to a jig located below; (6) A step of inverting the vertical positional relationship between the first jig and the second jig; (7) A step of fixing the lower end of the specimen to a jig located below.

11. The method for setting a specimen according to claim 10, further comprising the following step (8) after the step (7): (8) A step of removing the first jig and the second jig together with the specimen from the specimen setting device.

12. The method for setting a specimen according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising the following step (9) between the steps (2) and (3): (9) A process of temporarily fixing the inserted test specimen at the adjusted vertical position and inclination relative to the storage space.

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