Heating test device and drawing test device

Abstract

To provide a heating test device and a drawing test device with which it is possible to rapidly carry out test at a plurality of temperatures using a plurality of thermostat baths and suppress footprint.SOLUTION: A heating test device (10) comprises: a body unit (1); a housing (2) for accommodating the body unit (1); a sample holding unit (4) for holding a sample (T); a shared test space (TS) in the body unit (1) where the sample holding unit (4) is disposed and the sample (T) is tested; and a plurality of connecting ports (11) connectable to a thermostat path (5) capable of generating a temperature-controlled gaseous matter and capable of communicating a fluid to the test space (TS). The temperature-controlled gaseous matter generated in the thermostat bath (5) is enabled to flow into the test space (TS) when shutter means is open and disabled from flowing into the test space (TS) when the shutter means is closed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating test apparatus and a stretching test apparatus, and more particularly to a heating test apparatus and a stretching test apparatus to which a plurality of thermostatic chambers can be connected. [Background technology]

[0002] Resin films are used across a wide range of fields, including packaging, miscellaneous goods, agriculture, industry, food, medicine, optics, etc. Resin films are sometimes biaxially stretched for the purpose of imparting functionality, such as improving elastic modulus, reducing brittleness, improving water vapor permeability, and imparting optical anisotropy.

[0003] In recent years, biaxially stretched films have come under stricter requirements for formability and quality due to the diversification of applications, weight reduction, and high functionality, resulting in various issues such as breakage during stretching, reduced thickness deviation accuracy, and non-uniform orientation.Since the properties of resin films change depending on the degree of stretching, in order to solve these issues, it is necessary to properly understand the relationship between changes in resin film properties and the degree of stretching.

[0004] In order to properly understand the relationship between changes in the properties of a resin film and the degree of stretching, it is necessary to properly understand not only the properties of the resin film after stretching but also the changes in properties that occur in the resin film during the stretching process. In other words, it is necessary to properly evaluate the properties of the resin film in situ during stretching.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a resin film property evaluation device as a stretching test device capable of evaluating the properties of a resin film in situ during stretching. The device described in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature-controllable thermostatic chamber, a film stretching means installed inside the thermostatic chamber and capable of simultaneously stretching a resin film as a test piece in two or more axes, an electromagnetic wave irradiation means for irradiating electromagnetic waves onto the resin film during stretching, and a detection means for detecting the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the resin film. The device evaluates the properties of the resin film based on the detection results of the detection means while stretching the resin film in the thermostatic chamber set to a predetermined test temperature. Furthermore, within the thermostatic chamber, a blowout nozzle for blowing out hot air and a suction nozzle for sucking air from the thermostatic chamber are installed opposite each other across the film stretching means.

[0006] The resin film property evaluation device described in Patent Document 1 attaches and detaches a resin film to and from a stretching means by opening a lid provided on the top surface. Therefore, when the lid is opened to replace the resin film, the air inside the thermostatic chamber is replaced with outside air, which lengthens the time required for the thermostatic chamber to reach the specified test temperature. Furthermore, there is a risk of temperature unevenness occurring inside the thermostatic chamber immediately after replacing the resin film. Furthermore, if the temperature is changed stepwise to evaluate the properties of the resin film under multiple temperature conditions, the resin film will undergo a temperature transition in the thermostatic chamber. If the resin film is inserted and removed from the stretching test device at each of the multiple temperatures to avoid this transition, the evaluation time will be longer.

[0007] The applicant of the present application proposed a stretching tester described in Patent Document 2 in order to solve the problems with the resin film property evaluation device described in Patent Document 1.

[0008] The stretching test apparatus proposed in Patent Document 2 includes a thermostatic chamber provided within a housing, a drawer unit that can be moved between a storage position within the housing and a removal position outside the housing, a test specimen stretching section provided in the drawer unit that can hold and stretch a test specimen, and a test space in which the test specimen is stretched when the drawer unit is in the storage position, and is configured so that temperature-controlled gas from the thermostatic chamber can flow into the test space when the drawer unit is in the storage position, but cannot flow into the test space when the drawer unit is in the removal position. With this configuration, this stretching test apparatus allows the test space in which the test specimen is stretched to quickly reach the test temperature when the test specimen is replaced.

[0009] Furthermore, this stretching test apparatus is configured such that multiple thermostatic chambers, each capable of independently setting a temperature, are arranged in the second axial direction and are movable in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction along which the draw-out unit can move back and forth, and one thermostatic chamber arranged in a predetermined position is capable of communicating with the test space when the draw-out unit is in the retracted position. With this configuration, when a stretching test is performed on a single test piece at two or more temperatures, the test can be performed without removing the test piece from the housing, thereby shortening the time required for the stretching test.

[0010] However, the stretching test apparatus proposed in Patent Document 2, which is equipped with multiple thermostatic chambers, connects one of the thermostatic chambers to the test space by moving the thermostatic chambers, each of which has a heating element, a blower mechanism, an air supply duct, and a return air duct, in the second axial direction. Therefore, time is required to move the thermostatic chambers when switching between them to change the test temperature. Furthermore, a space equivalent to the number of thermostatic chambers plus an evacuation space is required in the second axial direction. In other words, it was found that there is room for improvement in the time required to change the test temperature and the footprint of this stretching test apparatus.

[0011] Furthermore, a stretching test device that can solve the problems with the resin film property evaluation device described in Cited Document 1 is also disclosed in Patent Document 3. The stretching test device disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a stretching frame that uniaxially or biaxially stretches a resin film piece placed thereon, a loading area and / or an unloading area, and at least two heating furnaces that are provided in succession on the movement path of the stretching frame, and a stretching test of the resin film piece is performed while the stretching frame moves from the loading area through the at least two heating furnaces to the unloading area.

[0012] Therefore, the stretching test apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 requires time to move the stretching frame to another thermostatic chamber when changing the test temperature. Furthermore, since a test space for accommodating the stretching frame must be provided for each heating furnace, at least two heating furnaces each require an installation area larger than the stretching frame. In other words, even if the heating gas generating unit in the heating furnace is made smaller, the installation area of ​​each heating furnace cannot be made smaller than the stretching frame, and the footprint of the stretching test apparatus increases depending on the number of heating furnaces. In other words, this stretching test apparatus also has room for improvement in the time required to change the test temperature and the footprint of the stretching test apparatus.

[0013] Furthermore, the stretching tester disclosed in Patent Document 3 is configured such that at least two heating furnaces each include an upper heating furnace and a lower heating furnace, and the stretching frame moves through the gap between the upper and lower heating furnaces. Therefore, if the heating furnaces are preheated before the stretching frame moves in, heated air leaks from the gap between the upper and lower heating furnaces. In other words, there is a risk that the heated air leaking during preheating may adversely affect the measurement system. In particular, if this stretching tester employs a measurement system that uses optical elements that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, measures to prevent the leakage of heated air are necessary.

[0014] Although the problems in the prior art have been explained using the prior art stretching test device as an example, it is obvious that similar problems also exist in a heating test device in which the sample holder does not have the function of stretching the test piece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-095252 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-115866 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-147371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heating test apparatus and a stretching test apparatus that can quickly perform tests at multiple temperatures using multiple thermostatic chambers and that can reduce the footprint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, a heating test device (10, 10a to 10e) according to the present invention comprises a main body (1, 1a), a housing (2, 2a to 2e) that houses at least the main body (1, 1a), a sample holder (4) that holds a sample (T), a common test space (TS) in the main body (1, 1a) in which the sample holder (4) is arranged and the sample (T) is tested, a plurality of connection ports (11) that can be fluidically connected to the test space (TS) in common, each of which can be connected to a separate thermostatic bath (5) that can generate a temperature-controlled gas, and a plurality of connection ports (11) that can be fluidically connected to the connection ports (11). and a main body duct portion (12, 12a) provided in the main body portion (1, 1a) for fluidly connecting the outlet (11) and the test space (TS), and one or more shutter means (59, second shutter means) for controlling the fluid communication between each of the constant temperature baths (5) and the test space (TS), wherein the temperature-controlled gas generated in each of the constant temperature baths (5) is allowed to flow into the test space (TS) when the shutter means (59, second shutter means) is in an open state, and is prohibited from flowing into the test space (TS) when the shutter means (59, second shutter means) is in a closed state.

[0018] The heating test device according to the present invention allows for rapid testing at multiple temperatures using multiple thermostatic chambers and reduces the footprint. Furthermore, since there is no need to move multiple thermostatic chambers or sample holders within the multiple thermostatic chambers, a mechanism for moving the thermostatic chambers and / or sample holders can be omitted. Furthermore, while a test is being performed using a thermostatic chamber that generates a temperature-controlled gas at a first temperature, another thermostatic chamber can be used to generate a temperature-controlled gas at a second temperature without leaking the gas from the other thermostatic chamber.

[0019] The heating test apparatus according to the present invention may further include a drawer unit (3) that can be moved between a storage position (P) within the housing (2) and a removal position (Q) outside the housing, the sample holder (4) is provided in the drawer unit (3) and is disposed in the test space (TS) when the drawer unit (3) is in the storage position (P), and each of the connection ports (11) is disposed so that the plurality of thermostatic chambers (5) can be connected from different directions without interfering with the thermostatic chambers (5) connected to the other connection ports (11) and the drawer unit (3) when in the removal position (Q). This configuration allows the placement of a plurality of thermostatic chambers having dimensions capable of generating temperature-controlled gases suitable in terms of quality (temperature stability, etc.) and quantity.

[0020] Furthermore, in the heating test device according to the present invention, each of the thermostatic chambers (5) has a connection part connectable to one of the plurality of connection ports (11), at least one of the plurality of connection ports (11) is provided in the housing (2e), and the connection port (11) provided in the housing (2e) can be configured to be detachable from the connection part of the thermostatic chamber (5). Furthermore, the connection port (11) provided in the housing (2e) can be configured to be sealable by sealing means (15). With this configuration, the number of thermostatic chambers (5) can be changed without changing the housing (2e).

[0021] Furthermore, the heating test device according to the present invention can be configured such that each of the constant temperature baths (5) has a connection part connectable to any one of the plurality of connection ports (11), and the one or more shutter means (59, second shutter means) are provided in at least one of the connection part of each of the constant temperature baths (5), the connection port (11) to which the connection part is connected, and the main body duct part (12, 12a). Furthermore, the device may be provided with a plurality of shutter means (59, second shutter means), and the plurality of shutter means (59, second shutter means) may include a first shutter means (59) and a second shutter means, the first shutter means (59) being provided at the connection portion of each of the thermostatic baths (5) or at the connection port (11) to which the connection portion is connected, and the second shutter means being provided at the main body duct portion (12a) and capable of closing at least the blow-out portion (58-1) that blows out the temperature-controlled gas toward the test space (TS), and the temperature-controlled gas generated in the thermostatic bath (5) may be configured so that, when the first shutter means (59) is in an open state and the second shutter means is in a closed state, the temperature-controlled gas is allowed to flow into the main body duct portion (12a) and is prohibited from flowing into the test space (TS). Furthermore, the main body duct section (12a) may be configured to include a bypass section (12aB) near the second shutter means, so that when the first shutter means (59) is in an open state and the second shutter means is in a closed state, a circulation flow path including the bypass section (12aB) is formed that can circulate the temperature-controlled gas between the main body duct section (12a) and the thermostatic chamber (5). With this configuration, at least a portion of the flow path of the temperature-controlled air can be preheated before the temperature-controlled gas is blown out from the blowout section (58-1) of the main body duct section (12) toward the test space (TS), so that the test space (TS) can be quickly set to a uniform test temperature.

[0022] Furthermore, the heating test apparatus according to the present invention can be further configured such that the main body duct portion (12, 12a) includes a punching plate (58, 58a) at the end on the test space (TS) side, the drawer unit (3) includes a connecting member (32) for connecting the test space (TS) and the punching plate (58, 58a), the connecting member (32) being movable back and forth between the drawer unit (3) side and the punching plate (58, 58a), the gap between the test space (TS) and the punching plate (58, 58a) being blocked by the connecting member (32) when the connecting member (32) is protruding to a protruding position on the punching plate (58, 58a) side, and the gap between the test space (TS) and the punching plate (58, 58a) being opened when the connecting member (32) is retracted to a retracted position on the drawer unit (3) side. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the temperature-controlled gas from leaking and diffusing from the test space (TS), so that the test space (TS) can be quickly set to a uniform test temperature.

[0023] The connection port (11) has an inlet (11i) and an outlet (11o), and the main body duct portion (12, 12a) has air supply ducts (12s, 12as) for supplying the temperature-controlled gas supplied from the thermostatic chamber (5) to the test space (TS) via the inlet (11i) of the connection port (11), and return air ducts (12r, 12ar) for returning the gas in the test space (TS) to the thermostatic chamber (5) via the outlet (11o) of the connection port (11). The test system may be configured to include an air supply duct (53) connected to the inlet (11i) of the main duct portion (12, 12a), a return air duct (54) connected to the outlet (11o) of the connection port (11), an air supply means, and a heating means (57) for heating the gas in the thermostatic bath (5), and the temperature-controlled gas supplied from the air supply duct (12s, 12as) to the test space (TS) controls the temperature of the sample (T) held in the sample holding portion (4) before flowing into the return air duct (12r, 12ar). The apparatus may further include a punched plate (58, 58a) having a first through hole and a second through hole, the first through hole of the punched plate (58, 58a) being connected to an end of the supply air duct (12s, 12as) on the test space (TS) side, and the second through hole of the punched plate (58, 58a) being connected to an end of the return air duct (12r, 12ar) on the test space (TS) side, and the temperature-controlled gas supplied from the supply air duct (12s, 12as) and blown out from the first through hole of the punched plate (58, 58a) controls the temperature of the sample (T) held in the sample holding portion (4), and then flows into the return air duct (12r, 12ar) through the second through hole of the punched plate (58, 58a). By configuring in this manner, the temperature-controlled gas generated in the thermostatic chamber (5) passes through the supply air ducts (12s, 12as), the test space (TS), and the return air ducts (12r, 12ar) and returns to the thermostatic chamber (5), thereby forming a circulation flow path for controlling the temperature of the test space (TS). As a result, the temperature-controlled gas flows smoothly through the circulation flow path, and the test space (TS) is quickly set to a uniform test temperature.

[0024] The main duct section (12, 12a) may also have an upper duct (12U, 12aU) provided above the test space (TS) and a lower duct (12L, 12aL) provided below the test space (TS), and the thermostatic chamber (5) may be configured to be fluidly connected to the upper duct (12U, 12aU) and the lower duct (12L, 12aL) via the connection port (11). With this configuration, the temperature of the sample is regulated by temperature-regulating gas from above and below, allowing it to be quickly set to a uniform test temperature. This configuration is particularly effective when the sample is in the form of a film or plate.

[0025] The stretching test apparatus according to the present invention is a stretching test apparatus comprising the heating test device (10, 10a to 10e) and a measuring means (7) for conducting a stretching test on a plate-like or film-like body as the sample (T), wherein the sample holding unit (4) comprises a plurality of chuck members (44) configured to be extendable and arranged so as to form sides of a polygon, and a plurality of sliders (45) that support both ends of two of the chuck members (44) that form adjacent sides of the polygon and are slidable, wherein the plate-like or film-like sample (T) held by the plurality of chuck members (44) can be stretched by moving the plurality of sliders (45), and the measuring means (7) can measure physical quantities of the sample (T) being stretched by the sample holding unit (4).

[0026] The stretching test apparatus according to the present invention, like the heating test apparatus according to the present invention, can rapidly perform tests at multiple temperatures using multiple thermostatic chambers and can reduce the footprint. Furthermore, since there is no need to move multiple thermostatic chambers or to move the sample holder within the multiple thermostatic chambers, mechanisms for moving the thermostatic chambers and / or the sample holder can be omitted. Furthermore, while a test is being performed using a thermostatic chamber that generates a temperature-controlled gas at a first temperature, another thermostatic chamber can be used to generate a temperature-controlled gas at a second temperature without leaking the gas from the other thermostatic chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The heating test device and stretching test device according to the present invention can quickly perform tests at a plurality of temperatures using a plurality of thermostatic chambers, and can also reduce the footprint. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a stretching test system according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a stretching test device according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are side views of the stretching test device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the extraction position, and FIG. 1B shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the storage position and a test is being performed. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA in the front view of the first embodiment (FIG. 2), in which (a) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the removed position, and (b) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the stored position and a test is being performed. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken along the line BB in the side view (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, in which (a) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the removed position, and (b) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the stored position and a test is being performed. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken along line CC in the side view (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, in which (a) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the removed position, and (b) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the stored position and a test is being performed. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are top views of a drawing unit provided in a stretching test device, in which (a) shows a state in which the distance between the chuck members in the drawing unit is minimum, and (b) shows a state in which the distance between the chuck members in the drawing unit is maximum. [Figure 8]2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of a stretching test device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the drawing unit 3 is placed at the take-out position Q, where (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in the front view (FIG. 2), and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in the side view (FIG. 3). [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a stretching test device according to a first modified example of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which the drawing unit is placed in the extraction position, and (b) shows a state in which the drawing unit is placed in the storage position and a test is being performed. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a stretching test device according to a second modified example of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which the drawer unit is placed in the extraction position, and (b) shows a state in which the drawer unit is placed in the storage position and a test is being performed. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a stretching test device according to a third modified example of the present invention, in which (a) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the extraction position, and (b) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the storage position and a test is being performed. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a stretching test device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention, in which (a) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the extraction position, and (b) shows the state in which the drawer unit is placed in the storage position and a test is being performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, a heat test system configured as a stretching test system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A specific description will be given of a stretching test system that measures a test piece (sample) while stretching it in two axial directions and is capable of analyzing the measurement results. However, the present invention relates to a heat test system that performs testing by exposing a sample to a preset temperature environment, and is not limited to stretching test systems. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a heat test system that has a measurement means 7 and performs in-situ measurements, but may also be a heat test system that exposes a sample to a temperature environment and then measures changes in physical quantities from before exposure using a separate device. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0030] First Embodiment A heating test system configured as a stretching test system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a stretching test system according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the stretching test system (heating test system) 100 includes a stretching test apparatus (heating test apparatus) 10 and a control device 90 that controls the operation of the stretching test apparatus 10 and analyzes the measurement results. The stretching test system 100 is configured so that it can be suitably used for a stretching test (heating test) in which a test specimen held in a test specimen stretching section (sample holding section) 4 is stretched while being heated. The stretching test system 100 can stretch a rectangular plate- or film-shaped test specimen in two axial directions, while evaluating its properties using a measurement means 7 (tension measurement means 47 (see FIG. 7) and a photometry means 70 (see FIG. 2)).

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the stretching test apparatus 10 comprises a main body 1, a housing 2, a drawer unit 3 configured to be able to be inserted and removed from the housing 2 like a drawer, a test piece stretching section 4 provided in the drawer unit 3, a thermostatic bath 5 for heating the test piece provided in the housing 2, and a measuring means 7 for measuring the characteristics of the test piece T.

[0033] The control device 90 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly composed of a main control unit 91, a data analysis unit 92, a display unit 93 equipped with a display or other display device, a storage device 94 consisting of a non-volatile memory or the like, and an input device 95 such as a mouse or keyboard. The control device 90 controls the operation of controlled elements included in the stretching test apparatus 10, specifically, the heating means, ventilation mechanism, and air supply mechanism equipped in the thermostatic chamber 5, drive means such as motors equipped in the test piece stretching unit 4, etc., and the measurement unit 7, etc. The data analysis unit 92 acquires the output of the measurement unit 7 and analyzes the output of the measurement unit 7 using the acquired output and analysis parameters input from the input device 95. The analysis results are displayed on the display unit and stored in the storage device 94.

[0034] The control device 90 may be a personal computer (PC) or the like. When the control device 90 is a PC, a control program for causing the PC to function as a main control unit 91 is installed. The control program operates the controlled elements based on the operating parameters of the stretch test apparatus 10 input from an input device 95. The control program also acquires outputs from various sensors (not shown) provided to monitor the state of the stretch test apparatus 10, and operates the PC to display the outputs on a display unit 93 and to perform feedback control or feedforward control of the controlled elements based on the outputs.

[0035] Furthermore, when the control device 90 is a PC, an analysis program is installed on the PC to cause the PC to function as a data analysis unit 92. The analysis program acquires the output of the measurement means 7, analyzes the output of the measurement means 7 using the acquired output and analysis parameters input from the input device 95, and displays the analysis results on the display unit and stores them in the storage device 94.

[0036] In the following description, as shown in each figure, the left-right direction when the stretching test apparatus 10 is installed with its front (the surface on which an opening 21 (see FIG. 3(a)) of the housing 2 described later is provided) facing forward is referred to as the X direction, the front-rear direction in this state (the direction toward the front and rear) is referred to as the Y direction, and the up-down direction in this state is referred to as the Z direction. Furthermore, the rightward direction in the left-right direction is referred to as the +X direction, the leftward direction is referred to as the -X direction, the rearward direction in the front-rear direction is referred to as the +Y direction, and the frontward direction is referred to as the -Y direction, and the upward direction in the up-down direction is referred to as the +Z direction, and the downward direction is referred to as the -Z direction.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a front view of the stretching test apparatus 10. Fig. 3 is a side view of the stretching test apparatus 10, in which Fig. 2(a) shows a state in which the drawer unit 3 is placed at the take-out position Q, and Fig. 3(b) shows a state in which the drawer unit 3 is placed at the storage position P and a test is being performed.

[0038] 2 and 3, dashed lines indicate the arrangement of the main body 1, drawer unit 3, test piece stretching unit 4, thermostatic chamber 5 (5a, 5b), and light source unit 71 and light receiving unit 72 of the photometric means 70 within the housing 2. Also, in FIGS. 2 and 3, an axis I extending in the Z direction indicates a straight line passing through the center TC (see FIG. 7(b)) of the test piece stretching unit 4 in the Z direction when the drawer unit 3 is placed in the storage position P. The photometric means 70, which is a measuring means 7 using electromagnetic waves, is positioned based on the axis I or the center TC of the test piece stretching unit 4.

[0039] 4 to 7, the components of the stretching test apparatus 10 will be described one by one. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 3. In FIGS. 4 to 6, (a) shows a state in which the drawer unit 3 is placed at the extraction position Q, and (b) shows a state in which the drawer unit 3 is placed at the storage position P and a test is being performed using the thermostatic chamber 5a. FIG. 7 is a top view of the drawer unit 3 provided in the stretching test apparatus 10, with (a) showing a state in which the distance between the chuck members 44 in the drawer unit 3 is at a minimum, and (b) showing a state in which the distance between the chuck members 44 in the drawer unit is at a maximum.

[0040] [Main body of the stretching test device] The main body 1 of the stretching test apparatus 10 includes a connection port 11 for connecting a thermostatic chamber 5, a storage section 22 provided in the housing 2 and storing the draw-out unit 3 for the stretching test, a main body duct section 12 for fluid communication between the storage section 22 and the connection port 11, and punching plates 58 for rectifying the flow provided in the center of the upper and lower surfaces of the storage section 22. In the first embodiment, the connection port 11 and the thermostatic chamber 5 are both provided in the housing 2.

[0041] The connection ports 11 (11a, 11b) are provided on both the left and right ends of the main body 1 of the stretching test apparatus 10, and can be connected to different thermostatic chambers 5 (5a, 5b), respectively. Each connection port 11 has an inlet 11i connected to an air supply duct 53 of the thermostatic chamber 5, and an outlet 11o connected to a return air duct 54 of the thermostatic chamber 5 (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0042] The main body duct section 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. The dashed lines in Figs. 4 and 5 indicate punching plate 58. The dashed lines in Fig. 6 indicate partition walls within the main body duct section 12 that define the supply air duct 12s and the return air duct 12r. The solid arrows in Figs. 4 and 5 indicate the flow of temperature-controlled gas. The solid arrows in Fig. 6 indicate the flow of temperature-controlled gas within the thermostatic chamber 5, and the dashed arrows indicate the flow of temperature-controlled gas within the supply air duct 12s and the return air duct 12r.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the main body duct section 12 includes an upper duct 12U provided in the +Z direction (above) of the storage section 22 and a lower duct 12L provided in the -Z direction (above) of the storage section 22. The upper duct 12U includes an air supply duct 12s for supplying temperature-controlled gas to the upper surface (front surface) of a test piece held in the test piece extension section 4 of the drawer unit 3 arranged in the storage position, and a return air duct 12r for recovering the temperature-controlled gas from the upper surface. The lower duct 12L includes an air supply duct 12s for supplying temperature-controlled gas to the lower surface (rear surface) of a test piece held in the test piece extension section 4 of the drawer unit 3 arranged in the storage position, and a return air duct 12r for recovering the temperature-controlled gas from the lower surface.

[0044] Connection ports 11a and 11b are connected to the ends of the upper duct 12U and the lower duct 12L on the thermostatic baths 5a and 5b side (ends in the +X direction and -X direction in FIG. 1), respectively. The connection ports 11a and 11b connected to the upper duct 12U and the lower duct 12L are connected to the thermostatic baths 5a and 5b, respectively. That is, the thermostatic baths 5a and 5b have a connection part connected to the upper duct 12U and a connection part connected to the lower duct 12L. The connection port 11 connected to the upper duct 12U and the connection port 11 connected to the lower duct 12L may be integrally configured. Also, in the thermostatic bath 5, the connection portion connected to the upper duct 12U and the connection portion connected to the lower duct 12L may be integrally configured.

[0045] When the draw-out unit 3 is in the storage position P, i.e., when the test piece is being stretched, the temperature of the upper and lower surfaces of the test piece is regulated by the temperature-regulating gas supplied from the upper duct 12U and the lower duct 12L, so that even if the test piece is in the form of a plate that is thicker than a film, the test piece can be quickly heated to the desired test temperature.

[0046] 5 and 6, the end of the air supply duct 12s of the main body duct section 12 on the thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b side is fluidically connected to the inlet 11i of the connection port 11. The end of the air supply duct 12s on the storage section 22 side is connected to a first region 58-1 (see FIG. 6) in the center of the punched plate 58, in which through holes (first through holes) are arranged. The air supply duct 12s is fluidically connected to the storage section 22 via the first region 58-1 of the punched plate 58. The first region 58-1 of the punched plate 58 functions as a blowing section that blows out a temperature-controlled gas.

[0047] An end of the return air duct 12r of the main body duct section 12 on the thermostatic baths 5a, 5b side is connected to the outlet 11o of the connection port 11 so as to be fluidly connected thereto. In addition, an end of the return air duct 12r on the storage section 22 side is connected to a second section 58-2 (see FIG. 6) that surrounds the outside of the first section 58-1 of the punched plate 58 and has an array of through holes (second through holes). The return air duct 12r is fluidly connected to the storage section 22 via the second section 58-2 of the punched plate 58.

[0048] The storage section 22 stores the drawer unit 3, which is placed at the storage position P for the extension test. When the drawer unit 3 is placed at the storage position P, the connecting lid 32 (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 7), which will be described later, is positioned so as to be adjacent to or abut on the third region 58-3 (see FIG. 7), which does not have a through hole and surrounds the outside of the second region 58-2 of the punching plate 58. As a result, a test space TS surrounded by the punching plate 58 and the connecting lid 32 is formed in the storage section 22.

[0049] The portions of main body duct portion 12 corresponding to first region 58-1 and second region 58-2 of punching plate 58 are essentially common portions through which temperature-controlled gas flows from connection port 11a and connection port 11b. Furthermore, the portion of main body duct portion 12 closer to connection port 11a than the common portion is a dedicated portion through which temperature-controlled gas flows exclusively from connection port 11a, and the portion closer to connection port 11b than the common portion is a dedicated portion through which temperature-controlled gas flows exclusively from connection port 11b.

[0050] In addition, the main body duct portion 12 can also be configured to consist only of the common parts corresponding to the first area 58-1 and the second area 58-2 of the punching plate 58, and the connection port 11a and the connection port 11b can be configured to have the dedicated parts.

[0051] [Drawer unit] As shown in FIG. 7, the drawer unit 3 includes a flat drawer body 31 having a substantially rectangular outer shape, a rectangular through-hole 31c provided in the drawer body 31, and a test piece stretching section 4 provided inside the through-hole 31c. The through-hole 31c in which the test piece stretching section 4 is disposed is a through-hole region that penetrates from the upper surface (first surface) 31a to the lower surface (second surface) 31b of the drawer body 31, as shown in FIG. 4(a). That is, the drawer unit 3 is a member having a through-hole region that opens in the Z direction, and the test piece stretching section 4 is provided within this through-hole region. Meanwhile, the housing 2 is provided with an opening 21 on its front surface for inserting and removing the drawer unit 3 into and from the housing 2, and a storage section 22 formed of a space extending from the opening 21 along the Y-axis direction is provided inside the opening 21.

[0052] The drawer unit 3 can be moved back and forth in the Y direction relative to the housing 2 between a take-out position Q shown in Figures 3(a) and 4(a) where it is taken out and outside the housing 2, and a storage position P shown in Figures 3(b) and 4(b) where it is stored in the storage section 22 inside the housing 2. Therefore, the drawer unit 3 can be stored in the storage position P inside the housing 2 by sliding it in the +Y direction, and can be taken out to the take-out position Q outside the housing 2 by sliding it in the -Y direction. When the drawer unit 3 is in the storage position P, the test strip stretching section 4 is positioned for testing. On the other hand, when the drawer unit 3 is in the take-out position Q, the test strip stretching section 4 is positioned for replacing the test strip.

[0053] [Test piece extension part] 7, the test piece stretching section 4 includes four rails 41 (41X, 41X, 41Y, 41Y) arranged in a grid pattern within the through-hole 31c of the pull-out unit 3, and sliders 42 provided at the four corners of the rectangle formed by these four rails. In the figure, the center of the rectangle formed by the four rails coincides with the center TC of the test piece stretching section 4 (see FIG. 7(b). Ix and Iy indicate the X- and Y-axis lines passing through the center TC).

[0054] The two rails 41X extend in the X direction and are arranged parallel to each other. Both ends of the two rails 41X are supported by a Y-direction spacing adjustment mechanism (not shown) for increasing or decreasing the spacing between them in the Y direction. The Y-direction spacing adjustment mechanism is preferably configured to move the two rails 41X so that the distances from the center TC of the test piece stretching unit 4 to each rail 41X are the same.

[0055] The two rails 41Y extend in the Y direction and are arranged parallel to each other. The rail 41Y crosses the rail 41X at an intersection. Both ends of the two rails 41Y are supported by an X-direction spacing adjustment mechanism (not shown) for increasing or decreasing the spacing between them in the X direction. The X-direction spacing adjustment mechanism is preferably configured to move the two rails 41Y so that the distances from the center TC of the test piece stretching unit 4 to each rail 41Y are the same. The speed and range of movement of the rails 41 by the X-direction spacing adjustment mechanism and the Y-direction spacing adjustment mechanism are controlled by a main control unit 91 of the control device 90.

[0056] The four sliders 42 are provided at four locations where two rails 41X and two rails 41Y intersect at different levels. Each slider 42 is configured to allow the two rails (one extending in the X direction and the other extending in the Y direction) that intersect at the location where the slider 42 is provided to slide on. Specifically, each slider 42 has an X-direction sliding portion (e.g., a through-hole through which the rail 41X passes) on which the rail 41X can slide, and a Y-direction sliding portion (e.g., a through-hole through which the rail 41Y passes) on which the rail 41Y can slide. Therefore, the mutual distances between the four sliders 42 can be changed by moving the four rails 41 at a desired speed and within a desired range using the X-direction spacing adjustment mechanism and the Y-direction spacing adjustment mechanism.

[0057] The sliders 42 also include chuck portions 43 for holding the corners of the test piece T. The chuck portions 43 hold the corners of the rectangular test piece T. When the four rails 41 are moved so that the distance between the four sliders 42 increases, the corners of the rectangular test piece T held by the chuck portions 43 are pulled in the direction along the diagonal of the rectangle formed by the four rails 41 as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b).

[0058] The chuck portion 43 is configured so that it can firmly hold the test piece T against tension in the direction in which it extends. For example, the chuck portion 43 is configured so that the clamping surfaces that clamp the test piece T are strongly pressed together by an elastic member or air pressure. The clamping surfaces are provided with irregularities or the like to prevent slippage in the pulling direction. Therefore, it is desirable that the chuck portion 43 be arranged so that it extends along the diagonal lines of the rectangle formed by the four rails 41.

[0059] Furthermore, chuck members 44 that hold each side of the rectangular test piece T are provided between two adjacent sliders 42. A plurality of chuck members 44 (four in this embodiment) are provided along each side of the rectangle surrounding the rectangular test piece T so that it can be stretched in two axial directions. The gripping portions 45 of each of the four chuck members 44 (44F, 44B, 44L, 44R) are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction or Y direction so that each side of the rectangular test piece T can be pulled as evenly as possible.

[0060] Each chuck member 44 has a link section 46 having a plurality of links that can expand and contract like a pantograph or a handheld device. Each of the plurality of links connects adjacent gripping sections 45 together or connects a gripping section 45 to the slider 42 adjacent thereto.

[0061] When the distance between the two rails 41Y expands in the X direction in Fig. 7, the distance between the chuck member 44L and the chuck member 44R expands, and the link portions 46 of the chuck members 44F and 44B extend in the X direction in Fig. 7. As a result, the rectangular test piece T held by the gripping portions 45 arranged on the chuck members 44L, 44R, 44F, and 44B is pulled in the X direction in Fig. 7. Similarly, when the distance between the two rails 41X expands in the Y direction in Fig. 7, the rectangular test piece T held by the gripping portions 45 arranged on the chuck members 44L, 44R, 44F, and 44B is pulled in the Y direction in Fig. 7.

[0062] The gripping portions 45 are configured so that they can firmly grip the test piece T against tension in the direction in which they extend. For example, the gripping portions 45 are configured so that the clamping surfaces that clamp the test piece T are strongly pressed together by an elastic member or air pressure. The clamping surfaces of the gripping portions 45 are provided with irregularities or the like to prevent slippage in the pulling direction. Therefore, it is desirable that the multiple gripping portions 45 of the chuck members 44F and 44B be arranged to extend in the Y direction, and it is desirable that the multiple gripping portions 45 of the chuck members 44L and 44R be arranged to extend in the X direction.

[0063] It is desirable that the gripping portion 45C located at the center of each chuck member 44 coincides with the center TC of the test piece stretching portion 4 in the X or Y direction. With this configuration, the gripping portions 45C of chuck members 44F and 44B move in the Y direction but not in the X direction. Also, the gripping portions 45C of chuck members 44L and 44R move in the X direction but not in the Y direction. As a result, the central region of the test piece T, which is positioned in the central TC region of the test piece stretching portion 4, does not move during the stretching process of the test piece T. Therefore, by evaluating the properties of the central region of the test piece T, it is possible to evaluate changes in the properties of the test piece T due to stretching at a common position.

[0064] In addition, a tension measuring means 47 such as a load cell is provided and connected to the gripping portion 45C. The tension measuring means 47 makes it possible to measure the tension applied to the test piece T during stretching. The tension applied to the test piece T during stretching is a physical quantity required to stretch the test piece T by a predetermined amount, and is a characteristic value of the test piece T. The tension measuring means 47 such as a load cell is a measuring means 7 that measures the characteristics of the test piece T being stretched.

[0065] [Thermostatic bath] 2, 5, and 6, the stretching test apparatus 10 includes two thermostatic chambers 5, namely, a thermostatic chamber 5a and a thermostatic chamber 5b. The thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b are connected to connection ports 11a and 11b, respectively.

[0066] The thermostatic chamber 5 (5a, 5b) includes an intake air duct 53, a return air duct 54, a temperature-controlled gas generation region 56, a connection portion (not shown), and an air supply mechanism (not shown). The temperature-controlled gas generation region 56 includes a heat generating portion 57 as a heating means, and a ventilation mechanism (not shown) for replacing at least a portion of the gas in the thermostatic chamber 5 with air from outside the stretching test apparatus 10. In the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56, the temperature of the temperature-controlled gas is adjusted by the heat generating portion 57 and the ventilation mechanism, and is sent to the intake air duct 53. The temperature of the gas returned to the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56 via the return air duct 54 is adjusted in the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56.

[0067] The air intake port 53o of the air intake duct 53 is connected to the inlet 11i of the connection port 11 by a connecting means (not shown). The air return port 54i of the air return duct 54 is connected to the outlet 11o of the connection port 11 by a connecting means (not shown). The connection part of the thermostatic bath has the air intake port 53o, the air return port 54i, and the connecting means.

[0068] The air supply port 53o of the air supply duct 53 and the return air port 54i of the return air duct 54 are provided with shutter means 59 (first shutter means) for opening and closing them (see FIG. 5). When the shutter means 59 is completely closed (closed state), gas circulates between the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56 and the air supply duct 53. When the shutter means 59 is open, the temperature-controlled gas circulates between the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56 of the thermostatic bath 5 and the storage section 22 of the main body 1. That is, the temperature-controlled gas supplied from the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56 flows sequentially through the air supply duct 53, the inlet 11i of the connection port 11, the air supply duct 12s of the main body duct section 12, and the first region 58-1 of the punched plate 58, before being supplied to the storage section 22. Meanwhile, the gas in the storage section 22 flows sequentially through the second region 58-2 of the punched plate 58, the return air duct 12r of the main duct section 12, the outlet 11o of the connection port 11, and the return air duct 54, and is returned to the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the shutter means 59 of one thermostatic chamber 5a is open, the shutter means 59 of the other thermostatic chamber 5b is closed. Therefore, in the other thermostatic chamber 5b, gas circulates between the temperature-controlled gas generation region 56 and the air supply duct 53. While this gas is circulating, a temperature-controlled gas whose temperature is adjusted to the temperature of the next test condition can be generated in the other thermostatic chamber 5b.

[0070] Therefore, when performing an extension test on one test piece T at two or more temperatures, preparations for the test at the second temperature can be made while the test is being performed at the first temperature, without removing the test piece T from the housing 2. This reduces the time required to prepare for the test at the second temperature, and shortens the total time required for the extension test. In addition, since the temperature can be quickly switched from the first temperature to the second temperature, it is possible to reduce the need to perform the test while the temperature is transitioning.

[0071] [Connecting lid] 3(a), the height (length in the Z direction) of the opening 21 of the housing 2 is sufficient for the advancement and retreat of the drawer unit 3. Specifically, the height H1 of the opening 21 is slightly longer than the height (length in the Z direction) H2 of the drawer main body 31 (H1>H2).

[0072] A portion of the movable space of the drawer unit 3, extending from the opening 21 into the housing 2, serves as a test space TS where testing of the test piece T is performed when the drawer unit 3 is stored in the storage position P. If the test space TS is large, it takes a long time to set the test space TS to a uniform test temperature. Therefore, the punching plates 58 on the upper duct 12U side and the lower duct 12L side are arranged so that the gap between them and the surfaces (upper surface 31a, lower surface 31b) of the drawer main body 31 when the drawer unit 3 is placed in the storage position P is minimized.

[0073] However, this gap can become a flow path for the temperature-controlled gas to leak into spaces other than the test space TS within the housing 2. If the temperature-controlled gas leaks from this gap, it may adversely affect the control or measurement components included in the stretching test apparatus 1. To address this issue, the drawer unit 3 is configured to include a connecting lid (connecting member) 32 provided inside the through-hole 31c, as shown in Figures 4 and 7.

[0074] The connecting lid 32 is a rectangular annular member provided inside the through-hole 31c along the inner wall thereof, and is provided to minimize or seal the gap when the drawer unit 3 is in the storage position P. That is, when the drawer unit 3 is in the storage position P, the drawer unit 3 includes an upper connecting lid 32a that protrudes from the top surface 31a of the drawer main body 31 toward the punching plate 58 on the upper duct 12U side, and a lower connecting lid 32b that protrudes from the bottom surface 31b of the drawer main body 31 toward the punching plate 58 on the lower duct 12L side.

[0075] When the drawer unit 3 is in a position other than the storage position P, the upper connecting lid 32a and the lower connecting lid 32b are retracted and retracted into the through-hole 31c, so that they are flush with the upper surface 31a and the lower surface 31b of the drawer main body 31. When the drawer unit 3 is in the storage position P, the upper connecting lid 32a and the lower connecting lid 32b are arranged so as to be close to or in contact with the punching plates 58 on the upper duct 12U side and the lower duct 12L side, respectively. As a result, when the connecting lid 32 protrudes to the protruding position on the punching plate 58 side, the connecting lid 32 closes the gap between the punching plate 58 and the test space TS. As a result, the test space TS is a space surrounded by the inner wall of the through-hole 31c of the drawer main body 31, the upper connecting lid 32a and the lower connecting lid 32b, and the punching plates 58 on the upper duct 12U side and the lower duct 12L side (see FIG. 5(b)). Furthermore, when the shutter means 59 is opened, the test space TS becomes a space that is constantly ventilated with the temperature-controlled gas (see FIGS. 4(b), 5(b), and 6(b)).

[0076] There is little or no temperature-controlled gas leaking from the test space TS. Therefore, the temperature-controlled gas can be prevented from reaching the control or measurement components included in the stretching test apparatus 1. Furthermore, compared to a test space TS that has gaps through which the temperature-controlled gas can leak, the test space TS, which is constantly ventilated, is maintained at a uniform test temperature. Furthermore, compared to a test space TS in which the temperature-controlled gas leaks through gaps and diffuses, a test space TS surrounded by a connecting lid 32 or the like can be quickly set to a uniform test temperature.

[0077] [Measurement means 7] The stretching test device 10 includes, as the photometric means 7, a photometric means 70 that uses electromagnetic waves in addition to the tension measuring means 47 described above.

[0078] A specific example of the photometry means 70 will be described. The photometry means 70 has the functions of measuring birefringence retardation using the double photoelastic modulation method and observing light scattering. As described above, the position of the central region of the test piece T remains unchanged during stretching. Therefore, birefringence retardation (Retardation)-magnification (Strain) curves can be measured under various stretching conditions. Furthermore, the performance of the stretched film can be evaluated by measuring the birefringence retardation distribution and observing light scattering.

[0079] The photometric means 70 includes a light source unit 71 arranged on one side of the test piece T in the Z-axis direction in Figures 2 and 3, and a light receiving unit 72 arranged on the other side. For birefringence phase difference measurement by the double photoelastic modulation method, it includes optical measurement systems with incident angles of 0° and 30° with respect to the central region of the test piece T during stretching. The optical measurement systems for birefringence phase difference measurement are distributed between the light source unit 71 and the light receiving unit 72.

[0080] The light source unit for measuring birefringence phase difference included in the light source unit 71 includes a laser light source (for example, a helium-neon laser with a wavelength of 632.8 nm), a polarizer, and a photoelastic modulation element, which are arranged in this order from the distal side of the test piece T. The light receiving unit for measuring birefringence phase difference included in the light receiving unit 72 includes an analyzer and a photoreceiver, which are arranged in this order from the proximal side of the test piece T.

[0081] The birefringence phase difference at an incident angle of 0° and the birefringence phase difference at an incident angle of 30° are input into a data analysis unit 92 of the control device 90. The data analysis unit 92 calculates the triaxial orientation during stretching from the input birefringence phase difference at an incident angle of 0°, the birefringence phase difference at an incident angle of 30°, the average refractive index, and the film thickness.

[0082] The photometric means 70 also includes a light scattering observation and measurement system for light scattering observation. The light source unit 71 and the light receiving unit 72 respectively include the light source unit and the light receiving unit of the light scattering observation and measurement system.

[0083] The light source unit for light scattering observation, which is included in the light source unit 71, includes a laser light source (for example, a helium-neon laser with a wavelength of 632.8 nm), a half-wave plate, and a polarizer, arranged in this order from the distal side of the test piece T. The light receiving unit for light scattering observation, which is included in the light receiving unit 72, includes an analyzer and an imaging element, arranged in this order from the proximal side of the test piece T. The polarizer and the analyzer are installed so that their polarization directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0084] Due to the optical anisotropy of the test piece T during stretching, light incident on the test piece T is scattered. The spherulites in the test piece T are imaged by the imaging element as a four-leaf clover-shaped scattered image. The light scattering observation measurement system makes it possible to observe the spherulite structure and changes in spherulite diameter of the test piece T during stretching.

[0085] As described above, the stretching test apparatus 10 is provided with a tension measuring means 47, such as a load cell, as the measuring means 7 for measuring the tension applied to the test piece T during stretching, connected to the gripping portion 45C of the test piece stretching section 4. The tension applied to the test piece T during stretching is a physical quantity required to stretch the test piece T by a predetermined amount, and is a characteristic value of the test piece T. The tension measuring means 47 has a load cell, so it is possible to detect the tension applied to the test piece T during stretching, i.e., it is possible to measure the stretching stress-magnification ratio (Stress-Strain) curve.

[0086] [Specific example of stretching test method] Next, a stretching test method using the stretching test apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. A specific example of the stretching test method described below is a test method in which a test piece T is stretched in biaxial directions to evaluate the properties of the test piece T, in which the test piece T is stretched in biaxial directions at T1° C. using a thermostatic chamber 5a to evaluate the properties of the test piece T, and then the test piece T is stretched in biaxial directions at T2° C. using a thermostatic chamber 5b to evaluate the properties of the test piece T. However, the stretching test method is not limited to the specific example below, and it may also be a method in which the test piece T is stretched in uniaxial or biaxial directions at T1° C. using a thermostatic chamber 5a to evaluate the properties of the test piece, and then the test piece T is heat-treated (annealed) at T2° C. using a thermostatic chamber 5b to evaluate the properties of the test piece T.

[0087] First, the operator inputs the operating parameters of the test piece stretching unit 4, the thermostatic bath 5 (thermostatic bath 5a and thermostatic bath 5b), and the measuring means 7 into the control device 90 using the input device 95. Then, the operator inputs a test preparation instruction into the control device 90 using the input device 95. For example, the operator clicks a "test preparation" button displayed on the display unit 93 with the input device 95, such as a mouse.

[0088] When a test preparation command is input, shutter means 59 of thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b are closed, as shown in Fig. 5(a). Then, in thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b, gas is circulated inside each chamber, and heat generating unit 57 and / or ventilation mechanism (not shown) are activated to adjust the temperature to T1°C and T2°C. This circulation of temperature-adjusted gas preheats the heating space (air supply duct 53) of thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b.

[0089] When the preheating of the heating spaces of the thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b is completed, "preheating completed" is displayed. For example, "preheating completed" is displayed on an indicator (not shown) provided on the front surface of the housing 2 (the surface facing the operator), or on the display unit 93 of the control device 90. This also applies to the other displays described below.

[0090] Next, the operator prepares a rectangular film- or plate-shaped test piece T having dimensions corresponding to the minimum distance between the chuck members 44 shown in Figure 7(a). Then, the operator pulls out the draw-out unit 3 from the housing 2 until the test piece T can be fixed to the test piece stretching portion 4. The prepared test piece T is fixed to the chuck portion 43 and the gripping portion 45 of the pulled-out test piece stretching portion 4.

[0091] When testing a test piece T in which the distance between the chuck members is larger than the dimension corresponding to the minimum state, or when the dimension of the prepared test piece T is larger than the dimension corresponding to the minimum state, the operator first pulls out the drawer unit 3 from the housing 2. Then, the operator inputs the dimension of the test piece T into the control device 90 using the input device 95. When the dimension of the test piece T is input, the test piece stretching unit 4 is set to a test piece set state corresponding to the dimension of the test piece T. The prepared test piece T is fixed to the chuck portion 43 and gripping portion 45 of the test piece stretching unit 4 set to the test piece set state.

[0092] Next, the operator checks the display to confirm that the thermostatic chamber 5a is in the "preheating completed" state. After confirming that the "preheating completed" state, the operator stores the drawer unit 3, with the test piece T held by the chuck portion 43 and the gripping portion 45, in the housing 2.

[0093] With the drawer unit 3 retracted, the operator inputs a test start command to the control device 90 using the input device 95. For example, the operator clicks a "test start" button displayed on the display unit 93 with the input device 95, such as a mouse. When the test start command is input, the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5a opens.

[0094] At the same time as the shutter means 59 opens, the upper connecting lid 32a of the drawer main body 31 protrudes toward the punching plate 58 on the upper duct 12U side. At the same time, the lower connecting lid 32b of the drawer main body 31 protrudes toward the punching plate 58 on the lower duct 12L side. As a result, the test space TS in which the test piece extension portion 4 is arranged becomes a space surrounded by the inner wall surrounding the penetration region of the drawer main body 31, the upper connecting lid 32a and the lower connecting lid 32b, and the punching plates 58 on the upper duct 12U side and the lower duct 12L side, as shown in FIG. 5(b). The test space TS becomes a space that is constantly ventilated with temperature-controlled gas whose temperature is controlled by the thermostatic chamber 5a.

[0095] After a preset time has elapsed, a substantial stretching test of the test piece T using the thermostatic chamber 5a is started. Four rails 41 arranged in a grid pattern in the test piece stretching section 4 move so that the distances between the four sliders 42 of the test piece stretching section 4 in the X and Y directions increase. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the rectangular test piece T is stretched by having its four sides and corners pulled outward so that the dimensions of its four sides increase.

[0096] The tension applied to the test piece T during stretching is measured by a tension measuring means 47. The output of the tension measuring means 47 is input into a data analysis unit 92 of the control device 90 and stored in a memory device 94 of the control device 90. The output of the tension measuring means 47 can also be displayed on a display unit 93 of the control device 90.

[0097] The central region of the test piece T during stretching is measured by a photometric means 70 having the functions of birefringence phase difference measurement by double photoelastic modulation method and light scattering observation. The output of the photometric means 70 is input into a data analysis unit 92 of the control device 90 and stored in a memory device 94 of the control device 90. The output of the measuring means 70 can also be displayed on a display unit 93 of the control device 90. The output of the photometric means 70 is analyzed by the data analysis unit sequentially or at an appropriate time (such as when the stretching test is completed). The analysis results are displayed on the display unit 93 of the control device 90 and stored in the memory device 94.

[0098] When the stretching of the test piece T in the thermostatic chamber 5a is completed, the message "Thermostatic chamber test completed" is displayed. At the same time, the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5a is completely closed.

[0099] Next, when the thermostatic chamber 5b is in the "preheating completed" state, the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5b opens. As a result, the test space TS in which the test piece stretching section 4 is placed becomes a space that is constantly ventilated with temperature-controlled gas whose temperature is controlled by the thermostatic chamber 5b.

[0100] After a preset time has elapsed, a substantial stretching test of the test piece T using the thermostatic chamber 5b is started. The substantial stretching test of the test piece T using the thermostatic chamber 5b proceeds in the same manner as the substantial stretching test of the test piece T using the thermostatic chamber 5a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0101] When the stretching of the test piece T in the thermostatic chamber 5b is completed, the message "Thermostatic chamber test completed" is displayed. At the same time, the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5a is completely closed. When the shutter means 59 is completely closed, both connecting lids 32 that were in contact with the punching plate 58 are sunk into the through-holes 31c.

[0102] When the connecting lid 32 is immersed in the through-hole 31c, the message "All tests completed" is displayed. When the message "All tests completed" is displayed, the operator can remove the drawer unit 3 from the housing 2 and prepare for testing the next test piece.

[0103] Second Embodiment A stretching test system 100a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 8. The stretching test system 100a differs from the stretching test system 100 in the configuration of the main body 1a of the stretching test apparatus 10a and the operation flow in the stretching test. Explanation of points common to the stretching test system 100 will be omitted.

[0104] The front view and side view of the stretching test device 10a in the stretching test system 100a are the same as Fig. 2, which is a front view, and Fig. 3, which is a side view, of the stretching test system 100. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the draw-out unit 3 is placed at the take-out position Q, Fig. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2, and Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3.

[0105] 8, the main body duct section 12a includes an upper duct 12aU provided in the +Z direction (above) of the storage section 22, and a lower duct 12aL provided in the -Z direction (above) of the storage section 22. The upper duct 12aU includes an air supply duct 12as for supplying a temperature-controlled gas to the upper surface (front surface) of the test piece T, and a return air duct 12ar for recovering the temperature-controlled gas from the upper surface. The lower duct 12aL includes an air supply duct 12as for supplying a temperature-controlled gas to the lower surface (rear surface) of the test piece T, and a return air duct 12ar for recovering the temperature-controlled gas from the lower surface.

[0106] In the main body 1a of the stretching test apparatus 10a, a bypass section 12aB is provided in the main body duct section 12a so that the supply air duct 12as and the return air duct 12ar are fluidly connected in the vicinity of the punching plate 58a. Therefore, at least a part of the temperature-controlled gas flowing through the supply air duct 12as flows into the return air duct 12ar via the bypass section 12aB.

[0107] Furthermore, in the main body 1a of the stretching test apparatus 10a, punching plates 58a provided at the centers of the upper and lower surfaces of the storage section 22 are equipped with shutter mechanisms (hereinafter referred to as "second shutter means"). The main body of the punching plate 58a has a first region 58-1 to a third region 58-3 and is configured similarly to the punching plate 58 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6). The second shutter means closes the first region 58-1 and the second region 58-2. Therefore, the supply of temperature-controlled gas to the storage section 22 can be controlled by opening and closing the punching plate 58a or the opening degree thereof by the second shutter means. When the shutter means 59 serving as the first shutter means is in an open state and the second shutter means is in a closed state, the temperature-controlled gas generated in the thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b is permitted to flow into the main body duct portion 12a but is prohibited from flowing into the test space TS. The second shutter means may be any means capable of closing at least the first region 58-1 that functions as an air outlet in the center of the punching plate 58a.

[0108] The bypass portion 12aB is provided near the second shutter means. As a result, when the shutter means 59 is in the open state and the second shutter means is in the closed state, all of the temperature-controlled gas circulating through the supply air duct 12as can be made to flow into the return air duct 12ar via the bypass portion 12aB. In other words, by opening the shutter means 59 and closing the second shutter means, a circulation flow path including the bypass portion 12aB is formed between the main body duct portion 12a and the thermostatic bath 5, and the main body duct portion 12a can be preheated by the temperature-controlled gas circulating through the circulation flow path.

[0109] An additional shutter means (hereinafter referred to as "third shutter means") can also be provided in the bypass section 12aB. In this case, for example, by opening the third shutter means only when preheating the main body duct section 12a, a circulation flow path including the bypass section 12aB can be formed. That is, when a temperature-controlled gas is supplied to the test space (TS) to perform a test, the third shutter means can be closed to prevent the temperature-controlled gas from flowing into the bypass section 12aB. Furthermore, by making the third shutter means adjustable in opening degree, the supply of the temperature-controlled gas to the storage section 22 can be controlled by the opening degree of the third shutter means.

[0110] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a bypass section 12aB in the main duct section 12a, but the bypass section 12aB is not necessary. In this case, when the shutter means 59 is in the open state and the second shutter means is in the closed state, the temperature-controlled gas circulates only within the air supply duct 12as, and only the air supply duct 12as is preheated. Although this is inferior to the case where the bypass section 12aB is provided, since at least a portion of the main duct section 12a is preheated, the test space (TS) is quickly set to a uniform test temperature.

[0111] The operation flow in the stretching test using the stretching test system 100a will be described in comparison with the above-mentioned "Specific example of the stretching test method" using the stretching test system 100.

[0112] In the stretching test system 100, when a test preparation command is input, the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b are closed, and the thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b are preheated, as shown in Fig. 5(a). Therefore, when the drawer unit 3 with the test piece T held by the chuck portion 43 and the gripping portion 45 is stored in the housing 2 and the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5a is then opened, the supply air duct 12s and the return air duct 12r of the main body 1 have not yet been preheated. Therefore, there is a slight time lag until the temperature of the temperature-controlled gas stabilizes.

[0113] On the other hand, in the stretching test system 100a, the punching plate 58a is closed by the second shutter means while the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5a is open. In this way, in preheating the thermostatic chamber 5a, the temperature is adjusted to T1°C by the heating unit 57 and / or the ventilation mechanism (not shown) while gas is circulated between the thermostatic chamber 5a and the main body duct part 12a.

[0114] That is, when the thermostatic chamber 5a is preheated, the gas in the thermostatic chamber 5a flows from the inlet 11i of the connection port 11 into the supply air duct 12as of the main body 1a, and then flows into the return air duct 12ar via the bypass section 12aB. The gas flowing through the return air duct 12ar then returns to the thermostatic chamber 5a from the return air port 54i of the return air duct 54. Therefore, not only the supply air duct 53 and the return air duct 54 of the thermostatic chamber 5a, but also the supply air duct 12as and the return air duct 12ar of the main body 1a are preheated.

[0115] After confirming that "preheating is complete," when the operator stores the drawer unit 3, with the test piece T held by the chuck portion 43 and the gripping portion 45, into the housing 2, the supply air duct 12as and the return air duct 12ar of the main body portion 1a are also preheated. When the operator inputs a command to start the test, the second shutter means is actuated and the punching plate 58a is opened. At this time, the supply air duct 12as and the return air duct 12ar of the main body portion 1a have already been preheated, so the time required for the temperature of the temperature-controlled gas to stabilize is shortened.

[0116] When the stretching of the test piece T in the thermostatic chamber 5a is completed, the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5a is completely closed, and the shutter means 59 of the thermostatic chamber 5b is opened, and at the same time, the punching plate 58a is closed by the second shutter means. By leaving the chamber in this state for a preset time, the supply air duct 12as and the return air duct 12ar of the main body 1a are preheated by the temperature-controlled gas whose temperature has been controlled to T2°C in the thermostatic chamber 5b.

[0117] After the supply air duct 12as and return air duct 12ar of the main body 1a are preheated, the second shutter means of the punched plate 58a opens, allowing temperature-controlled gas with a stable temperature to be supplied to the test space TS.

[0118] Although the bypass section 12aB has been described as being always open, the degree of opening may be adjusted. Specifically, a third shutter means may be provided in the bypass section 12aB, and this shutter mechanism may be controlled so that the bypass section 12aB is fully open during preheating and is fully or partially closed at other times.

[0119] <Modification> First, modifications relating to the arrangement and number of thermostatic chambers and connection ports of the stretching test device will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0120] <<First Modification>> The stretching test apparatus 10, 10a has connection ports 11a, 11b provided on the left and right sides of the main body 1, 1a, which is substantially square in top view. That is, the connection port 11a opens in the -X direction, and the connection port 11b opens in the +X direction. As a result, the thermostatic chamber 5a, the main body 1, 1a, and the thermostatic chamber 5b are arranged in this order in the X direction within the housing 2, 2a of the stretching test apparatus 10, 10a. Therefore, installation of the stretching test apparatus 10, 10a requires a space large enough to accommodate the housing 2, which is long in the X direction. On the other hand, the stretching test apparatus 10b according to the first modification has connection ports 11a, 11b provided on one of the left and right sides and the far side of the main body 1b, which is substantially square in top view.

[0121] 9, the connection port 11a is provided on the right side of the main body 1b so as to open in the +X direction, and the connection port 11b is provided on the back side so as to open in the +Y direction. As a result, within the housing 2b of the stretching test apparatus 10b, the thermostatic chamber 5a is arranged on the right side of the main body 1b, and the thermostatic chamber 5b is arranged in an L-shape behind the main body 1b. Therefore, the length of the housing 2b of the stretching test apparatus 10b in the X direction can be reduced.

[0122] <<Second Modification>> The extension test apparatuses 10, 10a, and 10b have connection ports 11a and 11b provided on different sides of the main body 1, 1a, and 1b, which are substantially square in top view. On the other hand, the extension test apparatus 10c according to the second modification has the connection ports 11a and 11b provided side by side on one of the left, right, and rear sides of the main body 1b.

[0123] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the stretching test apparatus 10c is provided with connection ports 11a and 11b arranged side by side on the right side of the main body 1c so that both ports open in the +X direction. The thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b are made smaller in size to accommodate the reduced width of the connection ports 11a and 11b. Therefore, the housing 2c of the stretching test apparatus 10c can be made shorter in the X direction than the housings 2 and 2a of the stretching test apparatuses 10 and 10a, and shorter in the Y direction than the housing 2b of the stretching test apparatus 10b.

[0124] <<Third Modification>> The stretching test apparatuses 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c have two connection ports on the main body 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c. Therefore, when testing one test piece T under three temperature conditions, the thermostatic chamber 5a used under the first temperature condition must be changed to the third temperature condition while the thermostatic chamber 5b is being used under the second temperature condition. If the test time under the second temperature condition is short, changing the temperature condition in the thermostatic chamber 5a from the first to the third temperature condition becomes problematic. Meanwhile, the stretching test apparatus 10d according to a third modification has three or more connection ports on the main body 1d. Furthermore, the main body 1d is not limited to a square shape when viewed from above. For example, the main body 1d may be configured as an approximately pentagon or hexagon when viewed from above, with the connection ports 11 provided on each of three or more sides.

[0125] 11, a stretching test apparatus 10d has a main body 1d that is substantially square in top view, and connection ports 11a, 11b, and 11c are provided on the left, right, and back sides of the main body 1d so as to open in the +X, -X, and +Y directions, respectively. Therefore, the stretching test apparatus 10d can perform tests under three temperature conditions.

[0126] <<Fourth Modification>> The stretching test apparatus 10, 10a to 10d has connection ports 11 provided in the main body 1, 1a to 1d corresponding to the number of thermostatic chambers 5 so that a predetermined number of thermostatic chambers 5 housed in the housing 2, 2a to 2d can be connected. Therefore, it is not possible to add more thermostatic chambers 5. On the other hand, the stretching test apparatus 10e according to the fourth modification has a predetermined number of connection ports 11 provided in the housing 2e so that thermostatic chambers 5 can be connected from outside the housing 2e up to the number of connection ports 11. Sealing means 15 are connected to the connection ports 11 to which no thermostatic chambers 5 are connected instead of the thermostatic chambers 5.

[0127] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, a stretching test apparatus 10e has a concave connection port 11 that opens into the surface of a housing 2e. A connection portion of a thermostatic bath 5 or a sealing means can be fitted into the concave connection port 11 through the opening in the surface of the housing 2e. When the connection portion of the thermostatic bath 5 is fitted into the connection port 11, an air supply port 53o and a return air port 54i of the connection portion of the thermostatic bath 5 are connected to an inlet 11i and an outlet 11o of the connection port 11, respectively. Furthermore, when the connection portion of the sealing means 15 is fitted into the connection port 11, the opening in the surface of the housing 2e is sealed, and the inlet 11i and outlet 11o of the connection port 11 are also sealed.

[0128] Ports 11a, 11b, and 11c are provided on the left, right, and rear sides of a housing 2e that is substantially square in top view, so as to open in the +X direction, -X direction, and +Y direction, respectively. Thermostatic baths 5a and 5b are connected to connection ports 11a and 11b, and sealing means 15 is connected to connection port 11c. If an additional thermostatic bath 5 is to be installed, the thermostatic bath 5 can be connected to connection port 11c instead of the sealing means 15. Furthermore, if the stretching test apparatus 10d is to be configured in an L-shape, the sealing means 15 can be connected to connection port 11a instead of the thermostatic bath 5a, and the thermostatic bath 5a can be connected to connection port 11c instead of the sealing means 15.

[0129] The stretching test apparatus 10e allows the user to freely change the arrangement and number of thermostatic chambers depending on the test content and installation space. It also has the greatest effect in reducing the footprint. Furthermore, the thermostatic chambers 5a and 5b have housings 5ac and 5bc that are separate from the housing of the main body 1e, reducing the thermal impact on the photometric means 70 provided in the main body 1e.

[0130] In the specific example, a connection configuration is employed in which the connection portion of the thermostatic bath 5 or the sealing means 15 is fitted into the concave connection port 11 through the opening in the surface of the housing 2e, but the connection configuration is not limited to this. For example, the connection can also be made by fitting the connection port 11 protruding from the surface of the housing 2e into a concave connection portion of the thermostatic bath 5. In addition, well-known and commonly used techniques for connecting openings can be applied.

[0131] <<Other variations>> The stretching test device of the above embodiment can be modified in other ways, such as simplification or sophistication, in addition to the first to fourth modifications. Below, we will explain modified examples other than those related to the arrangement and number of thermostatic baths and connection ports. The parentheses in the following explanations of modified examples are reference information indicating the components in the stretch test apparatus of the above embodiment, and this simply indicates that the components in the modified examples have the same functions, but does not indicate that the components in the modified examples are identical in arrangement or structure to the components in the stretch test apparatus of the above embodiment.

[0132] In the stretching test apparatus (10, 10a to 10e), when the drawer unit (3) is disposed in the storage position (P) in the housing (2), the drawer unit (3) is provided with a connecting lid (32) for connecting the main duct section (12, 12a) to the test space (TS). However, the connecting lid (32) is provided in a preferred embodiment and is not essential. The dimensions of the storage section (22) connected to the main duct section (12) via the punched plates (58, 58a) are sufficient for the advancement and retraction of the drawer unit (3). Therefore, when the drawer unit (3) does not have the connecting lid (32), the storage section (22), which serves as the test space (TS), is quickly ventilated by the temperature-controlled gas supplied from the air supply duct 12s.

[0133] Furthermore, it is particularly desirable for the main body duct portion (12, 12a) to have an upper duct (12U, 12aU) for heating the test piece (T) from the first surface (upper surface) side of the test piece (T) and a lower duct (12L, 12aL) for heating the test piece (T) from the second surface (lower surface) side of the test piece (T), but this is not limitative. The main body duct portion (12, 12a) may be provided with only either the upper duct (12U, 12aU) or the lower duct (12, 12aL).

[0134] The stretching test device (10, 10a to 10e) is provided with shutter means (59) at the air inlet (53o) and the air return port (54i) of the thermostatic chamber (5). However, instead of or in addition to the shutter means (59), a shutter means may be provided at the connection port (11).

[0135] The main body duct portion (12, 12a) substantially includes a common portion for all the connection ports (11) corresponding to the first region (58-1) and the second region (58-2) of the punched plate (58, 58a) and a dedicated portion for each connection port (11) outside the common portion. Shutter means may be provided in the dedicated portion for each connection port (11) in the main body duct portion (12, 12a) instead of or in addition to the shutter means (59).

[0136] Alternatively, the main duct portion (12, 12a) may be configured to have only the common portion corresponding to the first region (58-1) and the second region (58-2) of the punching plate (58, 58a), and each connection port (11) may have its own dedicated portion. In this case, a shutter means provided in place of or in addition to the shutter means (59) may be provided at any position of each connection port (11).

[0137] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled gas generation region (56) is not limited to being located in the most upstream region of the supply air duct (53), and may be located anywhere in the supply air duct (53) or the return air duct (54), as long as it does not interfere with the evaluation of the characteristics of the test piece (T). The number of temperature-controlled gas generation regions (56) is not limited to one, and multiple regions may be provided. At least one heat generating unit (57) may be provided in the temperature-controlled gas generation region (56). The heat generating unit (57) may be a known type, such as a resistance heating unit or an infrared heating unit. The ventilation mechanism provided in the temperature-controlled gas generation region (56) is intended to take in outside air and adjust the temperature of the gas in the thermostatic chamber 5 to be closer to room temperature, but is not essential and may be omitted.

[0138] Instead of or in addition to the heat generating unit (57) and / or ventilation mechanism, a known cooling means may be provided in the temperature-controlled gas generating region (56). The thermostatic chamber (56) may be configured to generate a temperature-controlled gas at a temperature lower than room temperature using a cooling means. By connecting a thermostatic chamber (56) capable of generating a temperature-controlled gas at a temperature lower than room temperature to the main body (1, 1a), the stretching test apparatus (10, 10a-10e) can be configured to perform a cooling test. The heating test apparatus and stretching test apparatus of the present invention include apparatuses that test samples by cooling them, i.e., by applying negative heat to the samples.

[0139] The air supply mechanism of the thermostatic chamber (5) may be installed at any location in the air supply duct (53) or the return air duct (54) as long as it does not interfere with the evaluation of the properties of the test piece (T). The number of air supply mechanisms is not limited to one, and multiple mechanisms may be installed. The air supply mechanism may also be installed in the main duct section (12). Known mechanisms such as a propeller fan or a sirocco fan may be used as the air supply mechanism. A rectifying mechanism such as a rectifying plate may be installed in the air supply duct (53), the return air duct (54), and / or the main duct section (12).

[0140] The punched plate (58, 58a) includes a first region (58-1) having an array of central through-holes (first through-holes), a second region (58-2) surrounding the outside of the first region (58-1) and having an array of through-holes (second through-holes), and a third region (58-3) surrounding the outside of the second region (58-2) and having no through-holes (62). However, the punched plate (58, 58a) is not limited to this. A flow straightening mechanism may be provided in the punched plate (58, 58a) to generate a uniform downflow throughout the first region (58-1). For example, a flow straightening plate or the like may be provided on the surface of the first region (58-1) and / or the second region (58-2) facing the main body duct portion (12, 12a). The first region (58-1) and the second region (58-2) may have the same diameter or arrangement of through holes, or may have different diameters or arrangements. The second region (58-2) does not have to surround the first region (58-1) as long as it is provided outside the first region (58-1).

[0141] The frame-shaped drawer body 31 of the drawer unit 3 may be provided with a cooling means capable of cooling the drawer body 31 to room temperature. The cooling means may be arranged to cool the outer surface of the drawer body 31 immediately before or immediately after the drawer unit 3 is drawn out of the housing 2, 2a to 2e. This configuration allows the test strip T to be replaced quickly and safely.

[0142] Furthermore, a cooling means capable of cooling the test piece stretching portion 4 to room temperature may be provided in the test piece stretching portion 4 itself, the drawer body 31, or other housings 2, 2a to 2e. The cooling means can cool the test piece stretching portion 4 immediately before or after the drawer unit 3 is pulled out of the housings 2, 2a to 2e, thereby enabling quick and safe replacement of the test piece T. The chuck member 44 of the test piece stretching portion 4 is preferably that described in the above embodiment, but any known chuck member may be used instead.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 100,100a Extension Test System 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e Stretching test device 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Main body 2,2a,2b,2c,2d,2e housing 3 Drawer Unit 4. Test piece extension section (sample holding section) 5,5a,5b,5c Constant temperature bath 7 Measurement means 11, 11a, 11b, 11c connection ports 12, 12a Main body duct 12s, 12as Air intake duct 12r, 12ar return air duct 12U, 12aU upper duct 12L, 12aL lower duct 21 Aperture 22 Storage area 31 Drawer unit body 32, 32a, 32b Connecting cover (connecting member) 41, 41X, 41Y rails 42 Slider 43 Chuck part 44, 44F, 44B, 44L, 44R Chuck members 45,45C grip part 46 Link section 47 Tension measurement means 53 Air supply duct 54 Return air duct 56 Temperature-controlled gas generation area 57 Heat generating part 58,58a Punching board 59 Shutter means I,Ix,Iy axis T test piece TC: Center of the extension of the test piece TS Test Space

Claims

1. a main body; a housing that accommodates at least the main body; a sample holder for holding a sample; a common test space within the body in which the sample holders are disposed and in which the samples are tested; a plurality of connection ports that can be fluidically connected to the test space in common, each of which can be connected to a different thermostatic chamber that can generate a temperature-controlled gas; a main body duct portion provided on the main body portion for fluid communication between the connection port and the test space; one or more shutter means for controlling fluid communication between each of the thermostatic chambers and the test space; Equipped with The temperature-controlled gas generated in each of the thermostatic chambers is allowed to flow into the test space when the shutter means is in an open state, and is prohibited from flowing into the test space when the shutter means is in a closed state. A heating test device characterized by:

2. a drawer unit that can be moved between a storage position within the housing and a removal position outside the housing, the sample holder is provided in the drawer unit and is disposed in the test space when the drawer unit is in the storage position; The plurality of connection ports are arranged so that the plurality of thermostatic baths can be connected from different directions without interfering with the thermostatic baths connected to the other connection ports and the drawer unit in the removal position.

2. The heating test device according to claim 1.

3. each of the thermostatic baths has a connection part connectable to any one of the plurality of connection ports; At least one of the plurality of connection ports is provided on the housing, The connection port provided in the housing is detachably connected to the connection part of the thermostatic bath.

3. The heating test device according to claim 2.

4. The connection port provided in the housing can be sealed by a sealing means.

4. The heating test device according to claim 3.

5. each of the thermostatic baths has a connection part connectable to any one of the plurality of connection ports; The one or more shutter means are provided on at least one of the connection parts of the thermostatic baths, the connection ports to which the connection parts are connected, and the main body duct part.

3. The heating test device according to claim 2.

6. a plurality of the shutter means, the plurality of shutter means including a first shutter means and a second shutter means; the first shutter means is provided at a connection portion of each of the thermostatic baths or at the connection port to which the connection portion is connected, the second shutter means is provided in the main body duct portion and is capable of closing at least a blowout portion that blows out the temperature-controlled gas toward the test space, When the first shutter means is in an open state and the second shutter means is in a closed state, the temperature-controlled gas generated in the thermostatic chamber is allowed to flow into the main body duct portion and is prohibited from flowing into the test space.

6. The heating test device according to claim 5.

7. the main body duct portion includes a bypass portion in the vicinity of the second shutter means, When the first shutter means is in an open state and the second shutter means is in a closed state, a circulation flow path including the bypass portion is formed, which can circulate the temperature-controlled gas between the main body duct portion and the thermostatic chamber.

7. The heating test device according to claim 6.

8. The main body duct portion includes a punching plate at an end portion on the test space side, the drawer unit includes a connecting member for connecting the test space and the punching plate; the connecting member is movable back and forth between the drawer unit and the punching plate, When the connecting member protrudes to the protruding position on the punching plate side, the gap between the test space and the punching plate is blocked by the connecting member, When the connecting member is retracted to the retracted position on the drawer unit side, the gap between the test space and the punching plate is opened.

2. The heating test device according to claim 1.

9. The connection port has an inlet and an outlet, the main body duct section includes an air supply duct for supplying the temperature-controlled gas supplied from the thermostatic bath to the test space through the inlet of the connection port, and a return air duct for returning the gas in the test space to the thermostatic bath through the outlet of the connection port, the thermostatic bath includes an air supply duct connected to the inlet of the main body duct portion, a return air duct connected to the outlet of the connection port, and a heating means for heating gas in the thermostatic bath; The temperature-controlled gas supplied from the air supply duct to the test space controls the temperature of the sample held in the sample holder, and then flows into the return air duct.

2. The heating test device according to claim 1.

10. a punching plate having a first through hole and a second through hole; the first through hole of the punched plate is connected to an end of the air supply duct on the test space side, The second through hole of the punched plate is connected to an end of the return air duct on the test space side, The temperature-controlled gas supplied from the air supply duct and blown out from the first through-hole of the punched plate controls the temperature of the sample held in the sample holding unit, and then flows into the return air duct through the second through-hole of the punched plate.

10. The heating test device according to claim 9.

11. The main body duct portion has an upper duct provided above the test space and a lower duct provided below the test space, The thermostatic bath is fluidly connected to the upper duct and the lower duct via the connection ports.

2. The heating test device according to claim 1.

12. A stretching test apparatus for performing a stretching test on a plate-like or film-like body as the sample, comprising the heating test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a measuring means, The sample holder includes: The device comprises a plurality of chuck members that are configured to be extendable and contractible and that are arranged so that each chuck member forms a side of a polygon, and a plurality of sliders that support both ends of two of the chuck members that form adjacent sides of the polygon and are slidable, The plate-shaped or film-shaped sample held by the plurality of chuck members can be stretched by movement of the plurality of sliders, The measuring means can measure a physical quantity of the sample being stretched by the sample holder. A stretching test device characterized by:

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