Material testing machine, and method for imaging holding tool

Abstract

To generate a proper image of an upper grabbing tool while a user is preparing for a tensile test.SOLUTION: A tensile testing machine 100 deforms a test piece TP and measures mechanical characteristics of the test piece TP. The tensile testing machine 100 comprises: an upper gripping tool 131 that grips an upper end part of the test piece TP; a lower gripping tool 141 that grips a lower end part of the test piece TP; an upper crosshead 13 on which the upper gripping tool 131 is arranged and that supports the upper gripping tool 131; a lower crosshead 14 on which the lower gripping tool 141 is arranged and that supports the lower gripping tool 141; and an imaging mechanism 15 that is arranged on the lower crosshead 14, and images the upper gripping tool 131 at least before the upper gripping tool 131 is caused to grip the upper end part of the test piece TP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a materials testing machine and a method for photographing a holder. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Various techniques are known for improving the safety of users of material testing machines that measure mechanical properties of test specimens by deforming them. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a tensile testing machine that includes a camera that generates an image including the moving parts of the tensile testing machine, a human body detection unit that detects at least part of a human body based on the image, a state detection unit that detects the state of the tensile testing machine, and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the tensile testing machine when the human body detection unit detects at least part of a human body according to the detection result of the state detection unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-184622 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the tensile testing machine described in Patent Document 1 and the like, when a user is preparing for a tensile test, there are cases where a part of the object being imaged by the camera is not included in the image generated by the camera. As a preparation for a tensile test, for example, a test piece is gripped by each of the upper grip and the lower grip based on the user's operation. In the prior art such as Patent Document 1, the position of the camera, which is the imaging means, is not taken into consideration, and in many cases the camera is installed near the personal computer, which is the central control means, due to cable and dust prevention considerations. However, if the camera is installed at a location relatively far from the tensile tester, such as near a personal computer, there are cases where the area of ​​interest of the human body is not included in the imaging area of ​​the camera. For example, when a user is preparing to attach a test specimen to the upper grip, the user's hands and arms, which are the areas of interest, are hidden behind the user's torso, etc., and it was discovered that only the back, etc., can be photographed by the camera. It is expected that users who operate the testing machine will be aware of the camera's position while working, but even such users often forget the camera's position.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a materials testing machine and a method for photographing a holder that are capable of generating an appropriate image of a holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aspect of the present invention relates to a materials testing machine that deforms a specimen to measure the mechanical properties of the specimen, the materials testing machine comprising a holder that holds the specimen, and a support member on which the holder is arranged and that supports the holder, and an imaging mechanism that images the holder is disposed in the materials testing machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this aspect of the present invention, the imaging mechanism is arranged in the material testing machine and captures an image of the holder, so that the holder, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism, can be prevented from being blocked by the worker's body or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a tensile testing machine main body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a tensile tester body. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a switch box. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of cameras. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a tensile testing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The tensile tester main body 1 performs a tensile test by applying a test force to a test piece TP, which is a material to be tested, in accordance with instructions from a control device 2, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 5. The test force is a tensile force. The test piece TP corresponds to an example of a "specimen."

[0011] 1 to 4 each show an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other to explain the structure of the tensile tester main body 1. The Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis is parallel to the left-right direction of the tensile tester main body 1, and the Y-axis is parallel to the front-rear direction of the tensile tester main body 1. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the right direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the front direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the upward direction.

[0012] [1. Configuration of the tensile testing machine] First, the structure of a tensile testing machine main body 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a tensile tester main body 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the tensile tester main body 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the tensile testing machine body 1 has a gate-shaped structure in front view, which is composed of a table 10 placed on the upper surface of a base 16, a pair of threaded rods 11, a pair of support columns 12, and an upper crosshead 13. The pair of support columns 12 are erected on the table 10 facing vertically and are capable of moving up and down. The pair of support columns 12 are driven to move up and down together with the table 10 by hydraulic cylinders (not shown) arranged in the base 16. The pair of support columns 12 are composed of a right support column 12R and a left support column 12L. The right support column 12R and the left support column 12L are driven to move up and down synchronously by the hydraulic cylinders.

[0014] The upper crosshead 13 is fixed to a pair of support columns 12. The table 10 and the pair of support columns 12 are driven to move up and down by hydraulic cylinders, thereby driving the upper crosshead 13 to move up and down. An upper gripping tool 131 and an upper switch box 132 are arranged on the upper crosshead 13. The upper crosshead 13 supports the upper gripping tool 131. The upper gripping tool 131 is arranged at the lower end of the center in the left-right direction on the upper crosshead 13. The upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP. The upper switch box 132 has arranged therein a switch and a button that are operated by the user when opening and closing the upper gripping tool 131. The upper crosshead 13 corresponds to an example of a "support member" and an "upper support member." The upper gripping tool 131 corresponds to an example of a "holding tool" and an "upper gripping tool." It should be noted that the method of holding the specimen in the present invention is not limited to gripping, but includes all general holding methods such as winding used to hold film materials or thread-like materials. The upper switch box 132 is further described with reference to FIG.

[0015] The upper gripping tool 131 includes a left pressing member 131A and a right pressing member 131B. The left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B are driven to open and close by, for example, a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). When the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B are driven to close, the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP. When the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test strip TP, the left pressing member 131A presses the left side surface of the upper end of the test strip TP to the right. When the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test strip TP, the right pressing member 131B presses the right side surface of the upper end of the test strip TP to the left. In other words, the left pressing member 131A presses the left side surface of the upper end of the test strip TP to the right, and the right pressing member 131B presses the right side surface of the upper end of the test strip TP to the left, thereby allowing the upper gripping tool 131 to grip the upper end of the test strip TP. The left pressing member 131A corresponds to an example of a "first pressing member." The right pressing member 131B corresponds to an example of a "second pressing member." The right direction corresponds to an example of a "first direction." The left direction corresponds to an example of the "second direction."

[0016] The pair of threaded rods 11 are rotatably inserted onto the table 10 while facing vertically. The pair of threaded rods 11 are rotated by a rotation mechanism (not shown) arranged in the lower crosshead 14 or the base 16. The rotation mechanism may be, for example, a hydraulic motor. Each of the pair of threaded rods 11 is threadedly engaged with one or the other of a pair of threaded holes formed in the lower crosshead 14. The rotation mechanism rotates the pair of threaded rods 11, thereby raising and lowering the lower crosshead 14. The pair of threaded rods 11 consists of a right-hand threaded rod 11R and a left-hand threaded rod 11L. The right-hand threaded rod 11R and the left-hand threaded rod 11L are rotated synchronously by the rotation mechanism. The arrangement of the right-hand threaded rod 11R and the left-hand threaded rod 11L will be further explained with reference to FIG.

[0017] The lower crosshead 14 is provided with a lower gripping tool 141, a lower switch box 142, and an imaging mechanism 15. The lower crosshead 14 supports the lower gripping tool 141. The lower gripping tool 141 is disposed at the upper end of the center portion of the lower crosshead 14 in the left-right direction. The lower gripping tool 141 grips the lower end of the test piece TP. The lower switch box 142 is provided with a switch and a button that are operated by the user when opening and closing the lower gripping tool 141. The imaging mechanism 15 captures an image of the upper gripping tool 131. The lower crosshead 14 corresponds to an example of a "support member" and a "lower support member." The lower gripping tool 141 corresponds to an example of a "holding tool" and a "lower gripping tool." The present invention is not limited to testing machines equipped with a lower clamp, but also includes, for example, vibration fatigue testing machines that only have an upper clamp. In such vibration fatigue testing machines, the upper clamp alone holds the test piece, and the mechanical properties of the test piece are measured by applying vibration. The lower switch box 142 is further described with reference to FIG. The imaging mechanism 15 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0018] The lower gripping tool 141 includes a left pressing member 141A and a right pressing member 141B. The left pressing member 141A and the right pressing member 141B are driven to open and close by, for example, a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). When the left pressing member 141A and the right pressing member 141B are driven to close, the lower gripping tool 141 grips the upper end of the test piece TP. When the lower gripping tool 141 grips the lower end of the test strip TP, the left pressing member 141A presses the left side surface of the lower end of the test strip TP to the right. When the lower gripping tool 141 grips the lower end of the test strip TP, the right pressing member 141B presses the right side surface of the lower end of the test strip TP to the left. In other words, the left pressing member 141A presses the left side surface of the lower end of the test strip TP to the right, and the right pressing member 141B presses the right side surface of the lower end of the test strip TP to the left, thereby causing the lower gripping tool 141 to grip the lower end of the test strip TP.

[0019] With the upper end of the test piece TP held by the upper gripping tool 131 and the lower end of the test piece TP held by the lower gripping tool 141, the upper crosshead 13 rises, applying a test force, which is a tensile load, to the test piece TP. When performing a tensile test, the testing machine main body 1 applies a test force to the test piece TP by raising the upper crosshead 13 under the control of the control device 2, with the upper gripping tool 131 and the lower gripping tool 14 holding both ends of the test piece TP. The control device 2 is further described with reference to FIG.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the pair of support columns 12 is composed of a right support column 12R and a left support column 12L. The pair of support columns 12 is fixed to an upper crosshead 13. The pair of threaded rods 11 is composed of a right-hand threaded rod 11R and a left-hand threaded rod 11L. The upper ends of the pair of threaded rods 11 are inserted into the upper crosshead 13.

[0021] The center of the left support column 12L and the center of the left-handed threaded rod 11L are positioned so that their positions in the X-axis direction, i.e., the left-right direction, coincide. That is, the left-right positions of the center of the left support column 12L and the center of the left-handed threaded rod 11L are positioned on the left center line CLL. In other words, the left center line CLL indicates the left-right positions of the center of the left support column 12L and the center of the left-handed threaded rod 11L. The left-hand threaded rod 11L is disposed in the positive direction of the Y-axis, that is, in the forward direction, relative to the left support column 12L.

[0022] The center of the right support column 12R and the center of the right-handed threaded rod 11R are positioned so that their positions in the X-axis direction, i.e., the left-right direction, coincide. That is, the centers of the right support column 12R and the right-handed threaded rod 11R are positioned on the right center line CLR in the left-right direction. In other words, the right center line CLR indicates the left-right position of the center of the right support column 12R and the center of the right-handed threaded rod 11R. The right-hand threaded rod 11R is disposed in the negative direction of the Y axis, that is, in the rearward direction, relative to the right support 12R. The center line CLC indicates the left-right position of the upper crosshead 13. The center line CLC corresponds to the center position between the left center line CLL and the right center line CLR.

[0023] [2. Switch box configuration] Next, the configuration of the upper switch box 132 and the lower switch box 142 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the upper switch box 132 and the lower switch box 142. Since the upper switch box 132 and the lower switch box 142 have approximately the same configuration, the upper switch box 132 will be described first, and then the differences between the upper switch box 132 and the lower switch box 142 will be described.

[0024] A switch SW1, a close button PB1, and an open button PB2 are arranged from top to bottom in the upper switch box 132. The switch SW1, the close button PB1, and the open button PB2 are operated by the user when opening or closing the upper gripping tool 131.

[0025] The switch SW1 is a switch that turns on and off each of the close button PB1 and the open button PB2. By operating the switch SW1 to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, each of the close button PB1 and the open button PB2 is turned off. The off state means that each of the close button PB1 and the open button PB2 does not accept user operation. By operating the switch SW1 to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, each of the close button PB1 and the open button PB2 is turned on. The on state means that each of the close button PB1 and the open button PB2 accepts user operation.

[0026] The close button PB1 is a push button that is pressed by the user when driving the upper gripping tool 131 from the open state to the closed state. The open state is a state in which the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B of the upper gripping tool 131 are open in the left-right direction. The closed state is a state in which the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B of the upper gripping tool 131 are closed in the left-right direction. In other words, when the upper gripping tool 131 is to grip the upper end of the test piece TP, the close button PB1 is pressed. The close button PB1 drives the upper gripping tool 131 from the open state to the closed state, for example, only when the close button PB1 is pressed by the user. In other words, when the user presses the close button PB1, the upper gripping tool 131 is driven from the open state to the closed state, and when the user does not press the close button PB1, the upper gripping tool 131 is not driven from the open state to the closed state. Because of this configuration, the user can adjust the distance between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B of the upper gripping tool 131 to the distance desired by the user by pressing the close button PB1 multiple times.

[0027] The open button PB2 is a push button that is pressed by the user when driving the upper grip 131 from a closed state to an open state. For example, when a material test is completed, the open button PB2 is pressed when the upper end of the test piece TP held by the upper grip 131 is to be removed from the upper grip 131. In this embodiment, the “user” is, for example, an operator who operates the tensile tester 100 .

[0028] Next, a description will be given of the differences between the lower switch box 142 and the upper switch box 132. The lower switch box 142 has a switch SW2, a close button PB3, and an open button PB4 arranged from top to bottom. The switch SW1 is a switch that turns on and off a close button PB3 and an open button PB4. The close button PB3 is a push button that is pressed by the user when driving the lower gripping tool 141 from an open state to a closed state. The open button PB4 is a push button that is pressed by the user when driving the lower gripping tool 141 from a closed state to an open state.

[0029] Next, the preparation work performed by the user before carrying out a tensile test will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As the preparation work, the user sets the test piece TP, which is the target of the tensile test, in the tensile tester main body 1. That is, the upper end of the test piece TP is gripped by the upper grip 131, and the lower end of the test piece TP is gripped by the lower grip 141.

[0030] When performing this operation, for example, the user grips the test piece TP in the upper grip 131 and the lower grip 141 in the following procedure. For convenience, in the initial state, the upper grip 131 and the lower grip 141 are in an open state, and the upper crosshead 13 and the lower crosshead 14 are placed in their reference positions. The reference position of the upper crosshead 13 is, for example, the lower limit position. The reference position of the lower crosshead 14 is, for example, the lower limit position.

[0031] First, the user adjusts the vertical position of the lower crosshead 14 in accordance with the length of the test piece TP by rotating the pair of threaded rods 11 using a rotation mechanism (not shown). That is, the user adjusts the vertical position of the lower crosshead 14 so that the lower end of the test piece TP is positioned between the left pressing member 141A and the right pressing member 141B of the lower gripping tool 141 when the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP.

[0032] Next, the user grips the upper end of the test strip TP with the upper gripping tool 131. That is, with the upper end of the test strip TP positioned between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B of the upper gripping tool 131, the user turns on the switch SW1 and presses the close button PB1. The operation of turning on the switch SW1 and pressing the close button PB1 corresponds to an example of a "first operation."

[0033] The user causes the upper gripping tool 131 to grip the upper end of the test piece TP so that when the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP, the lower end of the test piece TP is positioned between the left pressing member 141A and the right pressing member 141B of the lower gripping tool 141. For example, the user causes the upper gripping tool 131 to grip the upper end of the test piece TP in a state in which the test piece TP is positioned so that the up-down direction of the test piece TP is parallel to the up-down direction of the tensile tester main body 1, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0034] Next, the user grips the lower end of the test strip TP with the lower gripping tool 141. That is, with the lower end of the test strip TP positioned between the left pressing member 141A and the right pressing member 141B of the lower gripping tool 141, the user turns on the switch SW2 and presses the close button PB3. In this manner, the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP, and the lower gripping tool 141 grips the lower end of the test piece TP. The operation of turning on the switch SW2 and pressing the close button PB3 corresponds to an example of a "second operation."

[0035] [3. Imaging mechanism configuration] Next, the configuration of the imaging mechanism 15 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the imaging mechanism 15. As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed in the lower crosshead 14 and captures an image of the upper gripping tool 131 before the upper end of the test piece TP is gripped by the upper gripping tool 131. "Before the upper end of the test strip TP is gripped by the upper gripping tool 131" means, in other words, when the upper gripping tool 131 is in the open state. When the upper gripping tool 131 is in the open state, the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B of the upper gripping tool 131 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Note that the predetermined distance is greater than the thickness of the test strip TP.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging mechanism 15 includes a camera 151 and an arm member 152. The camera 151 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like, captures an image of the upper gripping tool 131, and generates a captured image PC. For example, when the upper gripping tool 131 is in the open state, the camera 151 captures an image of the area between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B. An arrow VC indicates an example of the imaging direction of the camera 151. An angle θ shown in FIG. 1 indicates an example of the imaging range of the camera 151.

[0037] The left pressing member 131A has a left pressing surface 131S. The left pressing surface 131S presses the left side surface of the test piece TP when the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP. The right pressing member 131B has a right pressing surface 131T. The right pressing surface 131T presses the right side surface of the test piece TP when the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP. The left pressing surface 131S and the right pressing surface 131T are formed with, for example, projections and recesses so that the upper end of the test piece TP does not slide against the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B when a tensile force is applied to the test piece TP. By forming projections and recesses on the left pressing surface 131S and the right pressing surface 131T, it is possible to increase the frictional resistance between the left side surface or the right side surface of the test piece TP. Camera 151 captures an image between left pressing surface 131S and right pressing surface 131T when upper gripping tool 131 is in the open state. Camera 151 captures an image of an area including left pressing member 131A and right pressing member 131B, for example, when upper gripping tool 131 is in the open state. The camera may be a fisheye lens, which has a wider shooting range, allowing both the upper and lower gripping tools to be photographed with a single camera. Even when photographing only one of the upper and lower gripping tools, the wider shooting range allows for a clear image of the user's hands.

[0038] The arm member 152 supports the camera 151. As shown in Fig. 4, the arm member 152 includes a first member 152A, a second member 152B, and a third member 152C. The first member 152A is fixed to the upper surface 14S of the lower crosshead 14. The upper surface 14S is the upper surface of the lower crosshead 14, and is, for example, located on the left side of the lower gripping tool 141, and is an inclined surface that slopes from the upper right to the lower left. The first member 152A is formed, for example, from plastic in the shape of a rectangular plate. The lower surface of the first member 152A is adhered to the upper surface 14S of the lower crosshead 14, whereby the first member 152A is fixed to the upper surface 14S of the lower crosshead 14. The first member 152A may be configured to be detachable from the upper surface 14S of the lower crosshead 14. In this way, it is sufficient for the camera 151 to be able to photograph the upper gripping tool 131 or the lower gripping tool 141. In addition to providing the arm member 152 on the lower crosshead 14 as in this embodiment, the camera 151 may be connected to the upper crosshead 13 via an arm member. Furthermore, if the angle and other settings are appropriate, the camera 151 may be provided anywhere on the testing machine main body 1, such as the support 12, the table 10, or the base 16. Because the camera 151 is provided on the testing machine main body 1, it is possible to capture images of the upper gripping tool 131 or the lower gripping tool 141 to be photographed and the user's arm or hand without being obstructed by the user's torso or the like.

[0039] The second member 152B is a member that connects the first member 152A and the third member 152C. The second member 152B rotatably connects one end of the first member 152A, for example, the upper right end, to the other end of the third member 152C, for example, the lower left end. The second member 152B is, for example, a rod-shaped member that is inserted into a hole formed at the upper right end of the first member 152A and extending in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction, and a hole formed at the lower left end of the third member 152C and extending in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction.

[0040] Camera 151 is fixed to the tip of third member 152C, and the base end is supported by second member 152B so as to be rotatable relative to first member 152A. Third member 152C is formed, for example, from plastic in the shape of a rectangular plate. Because third member 152C is supported so as to be rotatable relative to first member 152A, the user can easily adjust the imaging direction of camera 151. The rotation direction DR indicates the rotation direction of the tip of the third member 152C.

[0041] [4. Control device configuration] Next, the configuration of the control device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main parts of a tensile tester 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tensile tester 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention applies a test force to a test piece TP to perform a material test to measure mechanical properties such as the tensile strength and yield point of the sample. The test force is a tensile force. The tensile tester 100 includes the tensile tester main body 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and a control device 2 that controls the operation of the tensile tester main body 1. The tensile tester 100 corresponds to an example of a "material testing machine." The control device 2 corresponds to an example of a "control unit."

[0042] The control device 2 includes a processor 21 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a memory device 22 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface circuit for connecting various peripheral devices. The memory device 22 may include a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory device 22 stores a control program 221 .

[0043] The processor 21 may be configured with multiple processors or may be configured with a single processor. The processor 21 may be hardware programmed to implement the functions of each unit described below. That is, the processor 21 may be configured with the control program 221 installed as a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor 21 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. In the following description, the processor 21 executes the control program 221 to realize various functions of the control device 2.

[0044] The control device 2 receives a switch signal SG1, a close signal SG2, and an open signal SG3 from the upper switch box 132. The switch signal SG1 indicates whether the switch SW1 is in the ON state or the OFF state. The close signal SG2 indicates that the close button PB1 has been pressed when the switch SW1 is in the ON state. The open signal SG3 indicates that the open button PB2 has been pressed when the switch SW1 is in the ON state.

[0045] By executing the control program 221, the processor 21 functions as an acquisition unit 211, a determination unit 212, a prohibition unit 213, and an execution unit 214. Furthermore, by executing the control program 221, the processor 21 causes the memory device 22 to function as an image storage unit 222 and a condition storage unit 223.

[0046] The image storage unit 222 stores a captured image PC captured by the camera 151. The captured image PC is acquired from the camera 151 by the acquisition unit 211. The acquired image PC is stored in the image storage unit 222 by the acquisition unit 211.

[0047] The condition storage unit 223 stores the test conditions for the tensile test performed by the tensile tester main body 1. For example, the test conditions are set in the condition storage unit 223 by a user. Furthermore, the test conditions are stored in the condition storage unit 223 in response to an operation by the user. The test conditions are read from the condition storage unit 223 by the execution unit 214.

[0048] The acquisition unit 211 acquires a captured image PC from the camera 151. The acquisition unit 211 acquires a captured image PC from the camera 151, for example, at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time is, for example, 0.1 seconds. The acquisition unit 211 stores the captured image PC acquired from the camera 151 in the image storage unit 222.

[0049] The determination unit 212 determines, based on the captured image PC, whether or not there is a foreign object on the upper gripping tool 131. The determination unit 212 determines, based on the captured image PC, for example, whether or not there is a foreign object between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B. The determination unit 212 determines, based on the captured image PC, for example, whether or not there is a foreign object between the left pressing surface 131S and the right pressing surface 131T. Foreign matter includes fragments of the test strip TP, and also includes parts of the human body, such as fingers.

[0050] The determination unit 212 performs, for example, image processing on the captured image PC, and determines, based on the processed image, whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131. The image processing includes, for example, binarization processing and edge enhancement processing. Furthermore, the determination unit 212 determines whether or not a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool 131 for the image after image processing, using a trained model trained by, for example, machine learning. The trained model is configured, for example, by a neural network. The trained model is trained, for example, by supervised learning using deep learning. To train the trained model, a data set is used that associates images obtained by performing image processing on various captured images PC with the determination results of the presence or absence of a foreign object. The trained model is stored, for example, in the memory device 22.

[0051] The prohibition unit 213 prohibits the upper gripping tool 131 from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP when the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131. In other words, when the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131, the prohibition unit 213 turns the switch SW1 to the ON state and does not drive the upper gripping tool 131 from the open state to the closed state even if the determination unit 212 receives an operation to press the close button PB1.

[0052] The prohibition unit 213 determines whether an operation to turn the switch SW1 to the ON state and press the close button PB1 has been accepted based on the switch signal SG1, the close signal SG2, and the open signal SG3. Even if it is determined that an operation to turn the switch SW1 to the ON state and press the close button PB1 has been accepted, if the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object on the upper gripping tool 131, the prohibition unit 213 does not drive the upper gripping tool 131 from the open state to the closed state.

[0053] Furthermore, when the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131, the prohibition unit 213 notifies the user that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131. When the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131, the prohibition unit 213 displays a text image stating "There is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool" on a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) not shown, for example. Furthermore, when the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131, the prohibition unit 213 turns the switch SW1 to the ON state and outputs an alarm when it determines that an operation to press the close button PB1 has been received. For example, the prohibition unit 213 displays, as an alarm, on a display device such as an LCD (not shown) that the closing operation of the upper gripping tool 131 is prohibited.

[0054] The execution unit 214 controls the operation of the tensile tester main body 1. The execution unit 214 controls, for example, the opening and closing operations of the upper gripping tool 131 and the lower gripping tool 141 based on the switch signal SG1, the close signal SG2, and the open signal SG3. The execution unit 214 also reads out test conditions from the condition storage unit 223, for example, and causes the tensile tester main body 1 to perform the tensile test operation corresponding to the test conditions. The execution unit 214, for example, performs feedback control of the tensile force so that the increase in the tensile force per unit time becomes the value set in the test conditions. The tensile force is detected, for example, by a pressure cell disposed in the hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the table 10. The pressure cell converts hydraulic pressure into an electrical signal and detects the tensile force applied to the upper grip 131.

[0055] [5. Processing of control device] Next, an example of the processing of the control device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control device 2. Note that Fig. 6 describes a case where the vertical position of the lower crosshead 14 has been adjusted and the upper gripping tool 131 and the lower gripping tool 141 are in an open state.

[0056] First, in step S101, the acquisition unit 211 determines whether or not a captured image PC has been acquired from the camera 151. If the acquisition unit 211 determines that the captured image PC has not been acquired from the camera 151 (step S101; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the acquisition unit 211 determines that the captured image PC has been acquired from the camera 151 (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S103. Then, in step S103, the determination unit 212 executes image processing on the captured image PC acquired by the acquisition unit 211 in step S101. Next, in step S105, the determination unit 212 determines whether or not a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool 131 using the captured image PC after image processing, for example, using a trained model.

[0057] Next, in step S107, the control device 2 determines whether the determination unit 212 has determined that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131 or not. If the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131 (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S115. If the determination unit 212 determines that there is no foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131 (step S107; NO), the process proceeds to step S109. Then, in step S109, the prohibition unit 213 permits the upper gripping tool 131 to grip the upper end of the test piece TP, that is, the closing operation.

[0058] Next, in step S111, the prohibition unit 213 determines whether or not a close signal SG2 has been received from the upper switch box 132. The close signal SG2 indicates that the close button PB1 has been pressed when the switch SW1 is in the ON state. If the prohibition unit 213 determines that the close signal SG2 has not been received (step S111; NO), the process returns to step S101. If the prohibition unit 213 determines that the close signal SG2 has been received (step S111; YES), the process proceeds to step S113. Then, in step S113, the execution unit 214 executes a closing operation that changes the upper gripping tool 131 from the closed state to the open state, and then the process ends.

[0059] If the determination unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131 (step S107; YES), in step S115, the prohibition unit 213 prohibits the closing operation of the upper gripping tool 131. The closing operation of the upper gripping tool 131 is an operation in which the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test piece TP. Next, in step S117, the prohibition unit 213 displays on a display device such as an LCD (not shown) that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131.

[0060] Next, in step S119, the prohibition unit 213 determines whether or not a close signal SG2 has been received from the upper switch box 132. If the prohibition unit 213 determines that the close signal SG2 has not been received (step S119; NO), the process returns to step S101. If the prohibition unit 213 determines that the close signal SG2 has been received (step S119; YES), the process proceeds to step S121. Then, in step S121, the prohibition unit 213 outputs an alarm indicating that the closing operation of the upper gripping tool 131 is prohibited. The prohibition unit 213 displays, for example, on a display device such as an LCD (not shown) that the closing operation of the upper gripping tool 131 is prohibited. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

[0061] [6. Configuration and Effects of the Tensile Tester According to the Present Embodiment] As described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, the tensile testing machine 100 of this embodiment is a tensile testing machine 100 that deforms a test piece TP to measure the mechanical properties of the test piece TP, and is equipped with holders (upper grip 131 and lower grip 141) that hold the test piece TP, and support members (upper crosshead 13 and lower crosshead 14) on which the holders (upper grip 131 and lower grip 141) are arranged and that support the holders (upper grip 131 and lower grip 141), and an imaging mechanism 15 that takes images of the holding members (at least one of the upper crosshead 13 and the lower crosshead 14) is arranged in the material testing machine 100.

[0062] In this way, since the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed in the tensile tester 100, the holder can be properly photographed. That is, it is possible to prevent the holder, which is the subject of the photograph, from being hidden behind the user's torso, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the user's hands and arms, which are included in the subject of the photograph and are the parts of interest, from being hidden behind the user's torso, etc.

[0063] In addition, in the tensile testing machine 100, the holding tool is an upper gripping tool 131 that grips the upper end of the test piece TP and a lower gripping tool 141 that grips the lower end of the test piece TP, and the support member is an upper crosshead 13 on which the upper gripping tool 131 is arranged and which supports the upper gripping tool 131, and a lower crosshead 14 on which the lower gripping tool 141 is arranged and which supports the lower gripping tool 141.

[0064] Therefore, for example, when the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the lower crosshead 14 and images the upper gripping tool 131, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool 131, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism 15, from being blocked by the worker's body or the like. Therefore, the imaging mechanism 15 can properly image the upper gripping tool 131. As a result, it is possible to properly determine whether or not a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool 131 based on the captured image PC generated by the imaging mechanism 15. Furthermore, for example, when the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the upper crosshead 13 and captures an image of the lower gripping tool 141, it is possible to prevent the lower gripping tool 141, which is the image capture target of the imaging mechanism 15, from being blocked by the worker's body or the like. Therefore, the imaging mechanism 15 can properly capture an image of the lower gripping tool 141. As a result, it is possible to properly determine whether or not a foreign object is present in the lower gripping tool 141 based on the captured image PC generated by the imaging mechanism 15.

[0065] In addition, in the tensile tester 100, the imaging mechanism 15 captures an image of the upper gripper 131. Therefore, by disposing the imaging mechanism 15 on, for example, the lower crosshead 14, it is possible to properly photograph the upper gripping tool 131. In this case, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool 131, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism 15, from being blocked by the worker's body or the like.

[0066] Furthermore, in the tensile testing machine 100, when attaching the test piece TP to the upper grip 131 and the lower grip 141, the upper end of the test piece TP is gripped by the upper grip 131 in accordance with a first operation by the user, and then the lower grip 141 is gripped by the lower end of the test piece TP in accordance with a second operation by the user. Therefore, by properly gripping the upper end of the test strip TP with the upper grip 131, the user can position the lower end of the test strip TP at a position where it can be gripped by the lower grip 141. Therefore, the test strip TP can be easily attached to the lower grip 141.

[0067] In addition, in the tensile tester 100, the upper grip 131 is disposed above the lower grip 141, and the upper crosshead 13 is disposed above the lower crosshead . Therefore, the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the lower crosshead 14, and the upper gripping tool 131 is disposed on the upper crosshead 13 disposed above the lower crosshead 14. This prevents the upper gripping tool 131, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism 15, from being blocked by the worker's body or the like. As a result, it is possible to properly determine whether or not a foreign object is present on the upper gripping tool 131 based on the captured image PC generated by the imaging mechanism 15.

[0068] Furthermore, when a tensile test is carried out in the tensile tester 100, the upper crosshead 13 moves up and down, while the lower crosshead 14 remains stationary. Therefore, when a tensile test is performed, the lower crosshead 14 on which the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed remains stationary, thereby suppressing vibration and acceleration applied to the imaging mechanism 15. Therefore, damage to the imaging mechanism 15 due to vibration and acceleration can be suppressed.

[0069] The tensile testing machine 100 also includes a control device 2 that controls the operation of the tensile testing machine 100, and the control device 2 includes an acquisition unit 211 that acquires an image PC from the imaging mechanism 15, a determination unit 212 that determines whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131 based on the image PC, and a prohibition unit 213 that prohibits the upper gripping tool 131 from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP when it is determined that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131. That is, based on the captured image PC, it is determined whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131, and if it is determined that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131, the upper gripping tool 131 is prohibited from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP. Therefore, it is possible to properly prohibit the upper gripping tool 131 from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP. For example, if the foreign matter is a broken piece of the test piece TP, the upper grip 131 may not be able to properly grip the upper end of the test piece TP. In this case, it may be impossible to properly perform a tensile test on the test piece TP. Therefore, by prohibiting the upper grip 131 from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP when there is a foreign matter in the upper grip 131, it is possible to prevent the tensile test on the test piece TP from being performed improperly.

[0070] In the tensile tester 100, the foreign object includes a part of a human body. If the foreign object is a part of a human body, there is a possibility that the part of the human body will be pinched by the upper gripping tool 131. If it is determined that a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool 131, the upper gripping tool 131 is prohibited from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP, thereby reducing the possibility that a part of the human body will be pinched by the upper gripping tool 131. Therefore, the safety of the tensile tester 100 can be improved.

[0071] In addition, in the tensile testing machine 100, the upper gripping tool 131 has a left pressing member 131A that presses the upper end of the test piece TP to the right when gripping the upper end of the test piece TP, and a right pressing member 131B that presses the upper end of the test piece TP to the left, and the imaging mechanism 15 captures an image between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B. When the upper gripping tool 131 grips the upper end of the test strip TP, the left pressing member 131A presses the upper end of the test strip TP to the right, and the right pressing member 131B presses the upper end of the test strip TP to the left. In other words, the upper end of the test strip TP is clamped between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B. Furthermore, the imaging mechanism 15 captures an image of the area between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B, so the imaging mechanism 15 can generate an appropriate captured image. Therefore, it is possible to properly determine whether or not a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool 131 based on the captured image PC.

[0072] Furthermore, in the tensile testing machine 100, the judgment unit 212 judges whether or not there is a foreign object between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B based on the captured image PC, and the prohibition unit 213 prohibits the upper gripping tool 131 from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP when the judgment unit 212 determines that there is a foreign object between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B. Therefore, based on the captured image PC, it is determined whether or not there is a foreign object between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B, and therefore it is possible to properly determine whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131. Furthermore, if there is a foreign object between the left pressing member 131A and the right pressing member 131B, the upper gripping tool 131 is prohibited from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP, and therefore the upper gripping tool 131 can be properly prohibited from gripping the upper end of the test piece TP.

[0073] Furthermore, in the tensile tester 100, the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed in the tensile tester 100 via an arm member 152 configured to be able to adjust the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism 15. Therefore, since the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed in the tensile tester 100 via the arm member 152 configured to be able to adjust the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism 15, the user can appropriately adjust the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism 15. This allows the imaging mechanism 15 to generate an appropriate captured image. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool 131 based on the captured image PC.

[0074] In the tensile tester 100, the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on a support member. Therefore, by disposing the imaging mechanism 15 on, for example, the lower crosshead 14, it is possible to properly photograph the upper gripping tool 131. In this case, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool 131, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism 15, from being blocked by the worker's body or the like.

[0075] In the tensile tester 100 , the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the support 12 . Therefore, by disposing the imaging mechanism 15, for example, at the bottom of the support 12, it is possible to properly photograph the upper gripping tool 131. In this case, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool 131, which is the object to be photographed by the imaging mechanism 15, from being blocked by the worker's body or the like.

[0076] The method for photographing the holders (upper grip 131 and lower grip 141) provided in the tensile testing machine 100 according to this embodiment is a method for photographing the holders provided in the tensile testing machine 100 for measuring the mechanical properties of the test piece TP, and an imaging mechanism 15 for photographing the holders is installed in a position where it can photograph the arm of the user placing the test piece TP in the tensile testing machine 100. Therefore, the imaging mechanism 15 can properly photograph the user's arm.

[0077] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has been described with respect to a case where the camera 161 is disposed on the tensile tester 100, the problem of the present application may also be solved by installing a camera provided externally to the tensile tester 100 in an appropriate position. The appropriate position may be the front side where the test piece TP is placed by the user, or the back side on the opposite side. As another example, the tensile tester 100 generally has a clear operating area, for example, in the perpendicular direction in the above embodiment of the present application, and the camera may be located as close to the tester as possible on the front side as long as it does not come into contact with the tensile tester 100. Furthermore, a pedestal or stand may be used to adjust the height position of the camera 161.

[0078] [7. Aspects and Effects] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are examples of the following aspects.

[0079] (Section 1) A materials testing machine that deforms a specimen to measure the mechanical properties of the specimen, comprising a holder that holds the specimen, and a support member on which the holder is placed and that supports the holder, and an imaging mechanism that photographs the holder is disposed in the materials testing machine.

[0080] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 1, since the imaging mechanism is disposed in the materials testing machine, the holder can be properly photographed. That is, it is possible to prevent the holder, which is the subject of the photograph, from being hidden behind the user's torso, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the user's hands and arms, which are included in the subject of the photograph and are the parts of interest, from being hidden behind the user's torso, etc.

[0081] (Section 2) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 1, the holding device is an upper gripping device that grips the upper end of the test piece and a lower gripping device that grips the lower end of the test piece, and the support member is an upper support member on which the upper gripping device is placed and that supports the upper gripping device, and a lower support member on which the lower gripping device is placed and that supports the lower gripping device.

[0082] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 2, for example, when the imaging mechanism is arranged on the lower support member and images the upper gripping tool, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism, from being blocked by the worker's body, etc. Furthermore, for example, when the imaging mechanism is arranged on the upper support member and images the lower gripping tool, it is possible to prevent the lower gripping tool, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism, from being blocked by the worker's body, etc.

[0083] (Section 3) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 2, the imaging mechanism photographs the upper gripping tool.

[0084] According to the material testing machine described in the third aspect, for example, by arranging the imaging mechanism on the lower support member, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool, which is the image capture target of the imaging mechanism, from being blocked by the operator's body or the like.

[0085] (Section 4) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 2, when the specimen is attached to the upper gripping tool and the lower gripping tool, the upper gripping tool is caused to grip the upper end portion in response to a first operation by the user, and then the lower gripping tool is caused to grip the lower end portion in response to a second operation by the user.

[0086] According to the material testing machine described in paragraph 4, by properly gripping the upper end of the specimen with the upper gripping tool, the lower end of the specimen can be positioned so that it can be gripped by the lower gripping tool. Therefore, the specimen can be easily attached to the upper gripping tool and the lower gripping tool.

[0087] (Section 5) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 2, the upper gripping tool is arranged upward relative to the lower gripping tool, the upper support member is an upper crosshead arranged upward relative to the lower support member, and the lower support member is a lower crosshead arranged downward relative to the upper crosshead.

[0088] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 5, the imaging mechanism is disposed on the lower crosshead, and the upper gripping tool is disposed on the upper crosshead disposed above the lower crosshead. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the upper gripping tool, which is the object of imaging by the imaging mechanism, from being blocked by the operator's body, etc. As a result, it is possible to properly determine whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool based on the captured image generated by the imaging mechanism.

[0089] (Section 6) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 5, when a material test is carried out, the upper crosshead moves up and down, and the lower crosshead remains stationary.

[0090] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 6, when a materials test is performed, the lower crosshead on which the imaging mechanism is disposed remains stationary, thereby suppressing vibration and acceleration applied to the imaging mechanism, thereby suppressing damage to the imaging mechanism due to vibration and acceleration.

[0091] (Section 7) The material testing machine described in paragraph 1 is provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the material testing machine, and the control unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires an image from the imaging mechanism, a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool based on the image, and a prohibition unit that prohibits the upper gripping tool from gripping the upper end part when it is determined that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool.

[0092] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 2, when it is determined based on the captured image that there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool, the upper gripping tool is prohibited from gripping the upper end of the specimen. Therefore, the upper gripping tool can be properly prohibited from gripping the upper end of the specimen. For example, if the foreign object is a fragment of the specimen, the upper gripping tool may not be able to properly grip the upper end of the specimen. In this case, it may be impossible to properly perform a material test on the specimen. Therefore, by prohibiting the upper gripping tool from gripping the upper end of the specimen when a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool, it is possible to prevent the material test on the specimen from being performed improperly.

[0093] (Section 8) In the material testing machine described in item 7, the foreign object includes a part of a human body.

[0094] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 8, if the foreign object is a part of a human body, there is a possibility that the part of the human body may be pinched by the upper gripping tool. Furthermore, if it is determined that a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool, the upper gripping tool is prohibited from gripping the upper end of the specimen, thereby reducing the possibility that a part of the human body may be pinched by the upper gripping tool. Therefore, the safety of the materials testing machine can be improved.

[0095] (Section 9) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 7, the upper gripping tool has a first pressing member that presses the upper end in a first direction that intersects the up-down direction when gripping the upper end, and a second pressing member that presses the upper end in a second direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, and the imaging mechanism captures an image between the first pressing member and the second pressing member.

[0096] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 9, when the upper gripping tool grips the upper end of the specimen, the first pressing member presses the upper end of the specimen in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the second pressing member presses the upper end of the specimen in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In other words, the upper end of the specimen is clamped between the first pressing member and the second pressing member. Furthermore, the imaging mechanism captures an image between the first pressing member and the second pressing member, so the imaging mechanism can generate an appropriate captured image. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool based on the captured image.

[0097] (Section 10) In the material testing machine described in paragraph 9, the judgment unit judges whether or not there is a foreign object between the first pressing member and the second pressing member based on the captured image, and the prohibition unit prohibits the upper gripping tool from gripping the upper end portion when the judgment unit determines that there is a foreign object between the first pressing member and the second pressing member.

[0098] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 10, whether or not there is a foreign object between the first pressing member and the second pressing member is determined based on the captured image, so it is possible to properly determine whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripping tool. Furthermore, if there is a foreign object between the first pressing member and the second pressing member, the upper gripping tool is prohibited from gripping the upper end of the specimen, so that the upper gripping tool can be properly prohibited from gripping the upper end of the specimen.

[0099] (Section 11) In the materials testing machine described in paragraph 1, the imaging mechanism is disposed in the materials testing machine via an arm member configured to be able to adjust the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism.

[0100] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 11, the imaging mechanism is disposed in the materials testing machine via an arm member configured to adjust the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism, so that the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism can be adjusted appropriately. Therefore, the imaging mechanism can generate appropriate captured images. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a foreign object in the upper gripper based on the captured images.

[0101] (Section 12) In the materials testing machine described in paragraph 1, the imaging mechanism is disposed on the support member.

[0102] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 12, the image capturing mechanism is disposed on the support member, thereby enabling the holder to be properly photographed. In this case, it is possible to prevent the holder, which is the object of the image capturing mechanism, from being blocked by the operator's body or the like.

[0103] (Section 13) In the materials testing machine described in paragraph 1, the imaging mechanism is disposed on a support.

[0104] According to the materials testing machine described in paragraph 13, the image capturing mechanism is arranged on the support, so that the holder can be properly photographed. In this case, it is possible to prevent the holder, which is the object of the image capturing mechanism, from being blocked by the operator's body or the like.

[0105] (Section 14) A method for photographing a holder provided in a materials testing machine that deforms a test specimen to measure the mechanical properties of the test specimen, the method comprising installing an imaging mechanism for photographing the holder in a position where it can photograph the arm of a user who places the test specimen on the materials testing machine. According to the photographing method described in paragraph 14, the imaging mechanism is installed in a position where it can photograph the arm of the user who places the test specimen in the material testing machine, so that the imaging mechanism can photograph the arm of the user, which is the subject of the photograph.

[0106] 8. Other Embodiments In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the "material testing machine" is a tensile testing machine 100 will be described, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. The "material testing machine" may also be, for example, a fatigue testing machine.

[0107] The holding device may be a pair of upper and lower holding devices. Some materials testing machines also have methods for holding specimens other than gripping, such as winding. The present invention may employ any holding method known in materials testing machines. Furthermore, materials testing machines often have a pair of support columns. In so-called crosshead types, such as tensile testing machines, the support columns form part of a drive mechanism such as a screw rod, making it impossible to provide an imaging mechanism. On the other hand, in so-called actuator types, such as fatigue testing machines, the area used as a guide for the support columns is small, so an imaging mechanism can also be provided on the support columns. Furthermore, to freely set the monitoring imaging range of the preparation work using the imaging mechanism, an arm may be attached to the support column or support member of the testing machine, and the imaging mechanism may be provided on the arm.

[0108] Furthermore, when the holders consist of a pair of upper and lower grippers, an image of the upper gripper in the open position can be generated by employing a configuration in which the imaging mechanism captures an image of the upper gripper before the upper gripper grasps the upper end of the specimen. The above configuration was adopted based on the inventor's realization that skilled workers often set up the upper gripper first during the setup process of the testing machine. This method allows even heavy test specimens to be held from above, resulting in a hanging state. This stabilizes the test specimen against gravity and makes it easier to set it on the other holder. Therefore, the imaging mechanism can properly capture an image of the upper gripper, allowing for the capture of an image during the initial setup of the upper gripper, which is a process in which users are prone to making setup errors.

[0109] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a case is described in which an upper gripping tool 131 is arranged on the upper crosshead 13 and a lower gripping tool 141 is arranged on the lower crosshead 14, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper grip 131 may be disposed on a crosshead, and the lower grip 141 may be fixed to a table. In this case, the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the table.

[0110] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a case is described in which a tensile test is performed by raising and lowering the upper crosshead 13 on which the upper gripping tool 131 is arranged, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tensile test may be performed by raising and lowering the lower grip 141 while the upper grip 131 is fixed. In this case, for example, a crosshead supporting the lower grip 141 is raised and lowered. Also, in this case, the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the crosshead supporting the lower grip 141. Therefore, acceleration and vibration are applied to the imaging mechanism 15 during the tensile test. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the imaging mechanism 15, it is preferable to dispose the imaging mechanism 15 detachably on the crosshead.

[0111] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the imaging mechanism 15 is disposed on the lower crosshead 14 will be described, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. The imaging mechanism 15 may be disposed on the upper crosshead 13. In this case, acceleration and vibration are applied to the imaging mechanism 15 during the tensile test. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the imaging mechanism 15, it is preferable to dispose the imaging mechanism 15 detachably on the upper crosshead 13.

[0112] The tensile testing machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is merely an example of the form of the "material testing machine" according to the present invention, and can be modified and applied as desired within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100 Tensile testing machine (material testing machine) 1 Tensile testing machine body 10 tables 11 Screw shaft 12 pillars 13 Upper crosshead (support member, upper support member) 131 Upper gripping tool (holding tool, upper gripping tool) 131A Left pressing member (first pressing member) 131B Right pressing member (second pressing member) 132 Upper switch box 14 Lower crosshead (support member, lower support member) 141 Lower gripping tool (holding tool, lower gripping tool) 15 Imaging mechanism 151 Camera 152 Arm member 16 Foundation 2. Control device (control unit) 21 processors 211 Acquisition Department 212 Judgment section 213 Prohibited part 214 Executive Department 22 Memory Devices 221 Control Program SW1 switch PB1 Close button PB2 Open button PC captured image

Claims

1. A material testing machine that deforms a specimen to measure mechanical properties of the specimen, A holder for holding the specimen; a support member on which the holder is disposed and which supports the holder; Equipped with an imaging mechanism for photographing the holder is disposed in the material testing machine; Material testing machine.

2. The holder is An upper gripping tool that grips the upper end of the specimen; A lower gripping tool that grips the lower end of the specimen; And, The support member is an upper support member on which the upper gripping tool is disposed and which supports the upper gripping tool; a lower support member on which the lower gripping tool is disposed and which supports the lower gripping tool; That is, 2. The material testing machine according to claim 1.

3. The imaging mechanism photographs the upper gripping tool.

3. A material testing machine according to claim 2.

4. When the specimen is attached to the upper gripping tool and the lower gripping tool, the upper end portion is gripped by the upper gripping tool in response to a first operation of a user, and then the lower gripping tool is gripped by the lower end portion in response to a second operation of a user.

3. A material testing machine according to claim 2.

5. The upper gripping tool is disposed above the lower gripping tool, the upper support member is an upper crosshead disposed above the lower support member, The lower support member is a lower crosshead arranged below the upper crosshead.

3. A material testing machine according to claim 2.

6. When performing a material test, the upper crosshead moves up and down, and the lower crosshead remains stationary.

6. A material testing machine according to claim 5.

7. a control unit for controlling the operation of the materials testing machine; The control unit an acquisition unit that acquires a captured image from the imaging mechanism; a determination unit that determines whether or not a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool based on the captured image; a prohibition unit that prohibits the upper gripping tool from gripping the upper end portion when it is determined that a foreign object is present in the upper gripping tool; Equipped with 3. A material testing machine according to claim 2.

8. The foreign object includes a part of a human body.

8. A material testing machine according to claim 7.

9. The upper gripping tool has a first pressing member that presses the upper end portion in a first direction intersecting with the up-down direction when gripping the upper end portion, and a second pressing member that presses the upper end portion in a second direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, the imaging mechanism captures an image between the first pressing member and the second pressing member; 8. A material testing machine according to claim 7.

10. the determination unit determines whether or not a foreign object is present between the first pressing member and the second pressing member based on the captured image; the prohibition unit prohibits the upper gripping tool from gripping the upper end portion when the determination unit determines that a foreign object is present between the first pressing member and the second pressing member.

10. A material testing machine according to claim 9.

11. the imaging mechanism is disposed on the materials testing machine via an arm member configured to be able to adjust the imaging direction of the imaging mechanism; 2. The material testing machine according to claim 1.

12. the imaging mechanism is disposed on the support member; 2. The material testing machine according to claim 1.

13. The imaging mechanism is disposed on a support.

2. The material testing machine according to claim 1.

14. A method for photographing a holder provided in a materials testing machine that deforms a specimen and measures mechanical properties of the specimen, comprising: an imaging mechanism for photographing the holder is installed at a position where it can photograph the arm of a user who is placing the specimen on the material testing machine; How to photograph a holder.

Images