Vibration test device

Abstract

Provided is a vibration test device with which it is possible to reduce the labor required for modification work on the excitation direction of a vibration generator, to reliably perform rotation restriction of the vibration generator relative to a support frame during a vibration test, and to suppress the contamination of a test environment such as when using a hydraulic mechanism.　The present invention comprises a vibration generator 30 having a rotary shaft part 32 rotatably supported by a support frame 20, and a clamp device 40 using gas as a working fluid. The clamp device 40 has a first member 41 and a second member 42, and can switch, by means of the working fluid, between an unlocked state in which relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42 is allowed, and a locked state in which relative rotation is restricted. One among the first member 41 and the second member 42 is fixed to the support frame 20, and the other is fixed to the rotary shaft part 32. By switching between the unlocked state and the locked state of the clamp device 40, the allowance of the rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 and the restriction of the rotation are switched.

Description

Vibration Test Equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration testing device that can change the vibration direction of a vibration generator by rotating the vibration generator relative to a support frame.

[0002] Conventionally, vibration testing apparatuses for performing vibration tests on various objects, such as automobile parts, have been known. The vibration testing apparatuses are equipped with a vibration generator (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vibration generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an electrodynamic vibration generator that includes an excitation coil that generates a static magnetic field, a drive coil that is disposed in a magnetic gap formed by the static magnetic field, and a vibration table on which the drive coil is attached.

[0003] With a vibration generator such as that described in Patent Document 1, a vibration test is performed in which a test specimen is fixed to a vibration table and vibrated in the vertical direction. However, in addition to vibration tests in which a test specimen is vibrated in the vertical direction, vibration tests in which a test specimen is vibrated in the horizontal direction may also be required. Therefore, a vibration test device has been known in the past in which a vibration generator is rotatably attached to a support frame so that the vibration direction can be changed between the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0004] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of a conventional vibration testing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 10 , the vibration testing apparatus 100 includes a support frame 120 and a substantially cylindrical vibration generator 130. The support frame 120 includes a bottom member 122 extending in the left-right direction, a left wall portion 123 attached to the left end of the bottom member 122, and a right wall portion 124 attached to the right end of the bottom member 122. The vibration generator 130 is disposed between the left wall portion 123 and the right wall portion 124. The vibration generator 130 includes a main body portion 131 and a pair of rotating shafts 132, 132. The pair of rotating shafts 132, 132 are provided on the side surfaces of the main body portion 131. The pair of rotating shafts 132, 132 are supported by the left wall portion 123 and the right wall portion 124, thereby rotatably supporting the vibration generator 130 relative to the support frame 120. The vibration testing device 100 is provided with a rotation operating handle 160, which allows the vibration generator 130 to be manually rotated relative to the support frame 120, thereby changing the vibration direction of the vibration generator 130 to either the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0005] JP 2023-100553 A

[0006] When a vibration test is performed using a vibration testing apparatus, a large rotational moment may act on the vibration generator due to a reaction force generated by vibrating a test specimen. However, if the vibration direction of the vibration generator shifts during the vibration test, the accuracy of the vibration test is impaired. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame against the large rotational moment acting on the vibration generator. The conventional vibration testing apparatus 100 described above is configured to restrict the rotation of the vibration generator 130 by fixing the vibration generator 130 to the support frame 120 with a plurality of fastening members 140.

[0007] For this reason, when changing the vibration direction of the vibration generator 130, for example, from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, it is necessary to temporarily remove all of the fastening members 140 to allow rotation of the vibration generator 130, then operate the rotation operating handle 160 to rotate the vibration generator 130 and change the vibration direction from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, and then reattach the fastening members 140 to restrict the rotation of the vibration generator 130. For example, in the vibration testing apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 10, this change operation involves removing and attaching a total of eight fastening members, four on the right side and four on the left side, which poses a problem of time and effort required to change the vibration direction of the vibration generator 130.

[0008] Here, it is conceivable to use a hydraulic mechanism to restrict the rotation of the vibration generator against the large rotational moment acting on the vibration generator while reducing the labor required to change the vibration direction of the vibration generator. For example, if it were possible to switch between allowing and restricting the rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame by switching a hydraulic valve, it would be possible to reduce the labor required to change the vibration direction of the vibration generator and to use hydraulic pressure to resist the large rotational moment acting on the vibration generator.

[0009] However, hydraulic mechanisms have the risk of hydraulic oil leakage, which can contaminate the testing environment around the vibration test equipment. Also, if the hydraulic mechanism is kept running constantly to regulate the rotation of the vibration generator during the vibration test, there is a problem that the amount of electricity consumed to operate the hydraulic mechanism increases.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vibration testing device that can reduce the labor required to change the vibration direction of a vibration generator, can reliably restrict the rotation of the vibration generator relative to a support frame during a vibration test, and can prevent contamination of the testing environment, which would occur if a hydraulic mechanism were used.

[0011] The vibration testing apparatus of the present invention is a vibration testing apparatus capable of changing the vibration direction of a vibration generator, and comprises: a support frame; a vibration generator having a rotating shaft portion rotatably supported on the support frame; and a clamping device that uses gas as a working fluid, wherein the clamping device has a first member and a second member and is configured to be switchable between an unlocked state that allows relative rotation between the first member and the second member and a locked state that restricts relative rotation between the first member and the second member by the working fluid, wherein one of the first member and the second member is fixed to the support frame, and the other of the first member and the second member is fixed to the rotating shaft portion, and by switching between the unlocked state and the locked state of the clamping device, the vibration testing apparatus switches between allowing rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame and restricting rotation.

[0012] The vibration testing device of the present invention can reduce the labor required to change the vibration direction of the vibration generator, can reliably restrict the rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame during vibration testing, and can prevent contamination of the testing environment, which would occur if a hydraulic mechanism were used.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vibration testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the vibration testing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vibration testing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the structure of a vibration generator and a rotation drive unit in the vibration testing apparatus. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the vibration generator is rotated 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a safety mechanism and its surrounding area in an activated state. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a safety mechanism and its surrounding area in a released state. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a pneumatic circuit and a control system for operating a clamping device and a safety mechanism. FIG. 9A is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the clamping device and the safety mechanism. FIG. 9B is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the clamping device and the safety mechanism. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of a conventional vibration testing apparatus.

[0014] A vibration testing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vibration testing apparatus capable of changing the vibration direction of a vibration generator, and comprises: a support frame; a vibration generator having a rotating shaft portion rotatably supported on the support frame; and a clamping device that uses gas as a working fluid, wherein the clamping device has a first member and a second member and is configured to be able to switch between an unlocked state that allows relative rotation between the first member and the second member and a locked state that restricts relative rotation between the first member and the second member by the working fluid, wherein one of the first member and the second member is fixed to the support frame, and the other of the first member and the second member is fixed to the rotating shaft portion, and by switching between the unlocked state and the locked state of the clamping device, the vibration generator can be allowed to rotate relative to the support frame and the rotation can be restricted (first configuration).

[0015] According to the above configuration, by controlling the gas as the working fluid, it is possible to automate the permitting and restricting of rotation of the vibration generator. This eliminates the need for attaching and detaching fastening members that fasten the vibration generator to the support frame, as is required in conventional vibration testing devices, thereby reducing the labor required to change the vibration direction of the vibration generator. Furthermore, when the clamping device is locked, the relative rotation between the vibration generator's rotating shaft and the support frame is restricted, thereby reliably restricting the vibration generator's rotation relative to the support frame during a vibration test. Furthermore, because the clamping device uses gas as the working fluid, there is no hydraulic oil leakage, as occurs when a hydraulic mechanism is used, and contamination of the test environment can be suppressed.

[0016] In the first configuration, the clamping device has the first member having a circular hole formed therein and the second member arranged in the circular hole so as to be rotatable relative to the first member, and is configured to be switched to the unlocked state when the interior is pressurized with a working fluid, and to be switched to the locked state when the interior is at a lower pressure than in the unlocked state, and the first member may be fixed to the support frame, and the second member may be fixed to the rotating shaft portion (second configuration).

[0017] According to the above configuration, the clamp device can be switched to the locked state when the internal pressure is lower than in the unlocked state, so the clamp device can maintain the locked state even when the pressure of the working fluid is reduced during the vibration test. Therefore, it is not necessary to maintain the pressure of the working fluid at a high level during the vibration test, and rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame can be reliably restricted during the vibration test. Furthermore, because the second member is disposed in the circular hole of the first member, the clamp device can be made thinner, allowing the vibration test apparatus to be made more compact.

[0018] In the above first or second configuration, the support frame has a bottom frame and a pair of shaft support frames provided on one and the other end sides of the bottom frame, the vibration generator is arranged between the pair of shaft support frames, and the rotating shaft is supported by the pair of shaft support frames, and the clamp device may be arranged on one of the faces of the shaft support frames opposite to the face on which the vibration generator is arranged (third configuration).

[0019] According to the above configuration, the clamping device is disposed on one of the surfaces of the shaft support frame opposite to the surface on which the vibration generator is disposed. Therefore, the clamping device can be disposed without affecting the support structure of the vibration generator relative to the support frame and without widening the gap between the pair of shaft support frames. This allows the clamping device to be disposed while minimizing the effect on the characteristics of the vibration testing device.

[0020] In any of the above first to third configurations, a safety mechanism for preventing relative rotation of the vibration generator with respect to the support frame may be further provided, the safety mechanism comprising: a shaft support member disposed on the support frame to support the rotating shaft portion and having a guide hole portion; the rotating shaft portion having a fitting portion provided opposite the guide hole portion; a safety pin slidably fitted into the guide hole portion; and a slide actuator for sliding the safety pin, and the slide actuator may be actuated to switch between an operating state in which the safety pin is fitted into the fitting portion and a release state in which the safety pin is released from the fitting portion (fourth configuration).

[0021] According to the above configuration, a safety mechanism is further provided to prevent relative rotation of the vibration generator with respect to the support frame. Therefore, in the unlikely event that the clamping force of the clamping device decreases or a rotational force exceeding the clamping force of the clamping device is generated, rotation of the vibration generator can be prevented. Furthermore, by fitting a safety pin into a fitting portion provided on the rotating shaft, relative rotation of the vibration generator with respect to the support frame can be prevented with a simple configuration.

[0022] In the above fourth configuration, there is provided a control unit that controls the driving of the clamp device and the safety mechanism, and a clamp operation switch that sends an operation signal to the control unit to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state of the clamp device, and the control unit may drive the clamp device based on the operation signal from the clamp operation switch, and may also drive the safety mechanism in conjunction with the driving of the clamp device (fifth configuration).

[0023] According to the above configuration, the safety mechanism is driven in conjunction with the actuation of the clamp device by operating the clamp operation switch. This allows for labor savings compared to when the actuation of the clamp device and the actuation of the safety mechanism are performed using different operation switches. Furthermore, because the safety mechanism is driven in conjunction with the actuation of the clamp device, it is possible to prevent operational errors or forgetfulness of the safety mechanism. This allows for safe and reliable restriction of rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame during vibration testing.

[0024] In the fifth configuration, the device may further include a clamp drive detection unit that detects the drive of the clamp device, and the control unit may drive the clamp device based on an operation signal from the clamp operation switch, and may drive the safety mechanism based on a detection signal from the clamp drive detection unit that detects the drive of the clamp device (sixth configuration).

[0025] According to the above configuration, when the clamp device is driven by operating the clamp operation switch, the drive of the clamp device is detected and the safety mechanism is driven. This reduces labor compared to when the drive of the clamp device and the drive of the safety mechanism are performed by different operation switches. Furthermore, because the safety mechanism is driven when the drive of the clamp device is detected, both the clamp device and the safety mechanism can be reliably driven, and rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame can be safely and reliably restricted during vibration testing.

[0026] In the fifth or sixth configuration, the control unit may further include a rotation drive unit that rotates the vibration generator relative to the support frame, a rotation operation switch that sends an operation signal to the control unit to rotate the vibration generator relative to the support frame, and a safety mechanism drive detection unit that detects whether the safety mechanism is in the activated state or the released state, wherein when the safety mechanism drive detection unit detects that the safety mechanism is in the released state, the control unit may drive the rotation drive unit based on the operation signal from the rotation operation switch to rotate the vibration generator relative to the support frame, and when the safety mechanism drive detection unit detects that the safety mechanism is in the activated state, the control unit may invalidate the operation signal from the rotation operation switch and not drive the rotation drive unit (seventh configuration).

[0027] According to the above configuration, the vibration generator can be rotated by the driving force of the rotation drive unit, so that the rotation operation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame can be automated. Furthermore, when the safety mechanism is activated, the operation signal from the rotation operation switch is invalidated to prevent the rotation drive unit from being driven, so that the vibration generator can be prevented from being rotated by the rotation drive unit while the safety mechanism is activated. This prevents a large load from being applied to the safety pin of the safety mechanism.

[0028] First Embodiment A vibration testing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Note that, for ease of understanding, the drawings referred to below show simplified or schematic configurations, and some components are omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios between components shown in each drawing do not necessarily represent the actual dimensional ratios.

[0030] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, directions may be described using up / down, left / right, and front / rear of the vibration testing apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the direction in which a virtual rotation axis about which the vibration generator 30 rotates relative to the support frame 20 extends is defined as the left / right direction of the vibration testing apparatus 1, and the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction to the direction in which the rotation axis extends is defined as the front / rear direction. In the drawings, arrow U indicates the upward direction of the vibration testing apparatus 1, and arrow D indicates the downward direction. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the vibration testing apparatus 1, and arrow L indicates the leftward direction. Arrow F indicates the forward direction of the vibration testing apparatus 1, and arrow B indicates the rearward direction.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a side view of a vibration testing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the vibration testing apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the vibration testing apparatus 1. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the vibration testing apparatus 1 includes a support frame 20, a vibration generator 30, clamping devices 40, 40, a rotation drive unit 60, and a safety mechanism 70.

[0032] [Support Frame] The support frame 20 rotatably supports the vibration generator 30. The support frame 20 includes a pair of bottom frames 21, 21, a bottom plate portion 22, a first shaft support frame 23, a second shaft support frame 24, and side plate portions 26.

[0033] The bottom frames 21, 21 are arranged to extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The bottom plate portion 22 is arranged between the front and rear of the bottom frames 21, 21. The first shaft support frame 23 is arranged to extend upward from the left end of the bottom frames 21, 21. The second shaft support frame 24 is arranged to extend upward from the right end of the bottom frames 21, 21. The side plate portions 26 are connected to both front and rear ends of the first shaft support frame 23 and both front and rear ends of the second shaft support frame 24, respectively. The length of each side plate portion 26 in the left-right direction is short. A space is formed between the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24 to allow the main body portion 31 of the vibration generator 30 to pass through when the vibration direction of the vibration generator 30 is changed.

[0034] [Vibration Generator] The vibration generator 30 includes a main body 31, rotating shafts 32, 32, and vibration absorbing parts 33, 33.

[0035] The main body 31 is substantially cylindrical and includes a yoke 311, a vibration table 312, and a cover 313. The yoke 311 is provided with a plurality of excitation coils 314. In the state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vibration generator 30 vibrates in the vertical direction, and is disposed so as to vibrate the vibration table 312 in the vertical direction. The vibration direction can be changed to the horizontal direction by rotating the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 (see FIG. 5).

[0036] The vibration table 312 is a part that vibrates the test specimen. Specifically, the vibration table 312 vibrates the test specimen fixed on the upper surface in the vertical direction with the vibration direction set to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vibration table 312 is connected to a vibration table (not shown) and vibrates the test specimen fixed on the vibration table in the horizontal direction with the vibration generator 30 rotated 90 degrees to change the vibration direction to the horizontal direction (see FIG. 5 ). A cylindrical body is formed at the bottom of the vibration table 312. A drive coil 315 is attached to the bottom of the cylindrical body. The vibration table 312 is supported by the yoke part 311 so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0037] The cover part 313 is attached so as to cover the upper part of the yoke part 311. A circular hole 313a (see FIG. 3) is provided in the center of the cover part 313, and the upper part of the vibration table 312 is arranged so as to be exposed upward from the circular hole 313a.

[0038] When a drive control unit (not shown) that controls the driving of the vibration generator 30 supplies a direct current to the excitation coil 314 via a power amplifier, a magnetic circuit (static magnetic field) is generated in the yoke 311 surrounding the excitation coil 314. Then, when an alternating current of a predetermined frequency is supplied by the drive control unit to the drive coil 315 disposed in the magnetic gap, the drive coil 315 is subjected to a force whose direction alternates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic flux due to the interaction (Lorentz force) between the alternating current and the static magnetic field. As a result, the drive coil 315 and the vibration table 312 vibrate in the axial direction (vertical direction) according to the frequency of the alternating current.

[0039] The rotating shafts 32, 32 are members for rotatably supporting the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20. A pair of rotating shafts 32, 32 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the main body 31. As shown in FIG. 2 , the left rotating shaft 32 has a first left rotating member 321 and a second left rotating member 322. The first left rotating member 321 is attached to the main body 31, and the second left rotating member 322 is rotatably supported by the support frame 20.

[0040] The right-side rotating shaft portion 32 has a first right-side rotating member 323 and a second right-side rotating member 324. The first right-side rotating member 323 is attached to the main body portion 31, and the second right-side rotating member 324 is rotatably supported by the support frame 20.

[0041] Annular shaft support members 25 (left shaft support member 251, right shaft support member 252) are attached to the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24 of the support frame 20. A circular support surface 25a is formed in the center of the shaft support members 25 (left shaft support member 251, right shaft support member 252) (see FIG. 6).

[0042] 2, the left-side second rotating member 322 has a circular outer peripheral surface 322a that rotates around the rotation axis. The left-side second rotating member 322 has the circular outer peripheral surface 322a rotatably supported by the support surface 25a of the left-side shaft support member 251. The right-side second rotating member 324 has a circular outer peripheral surface 324a that rotates around the rotation axis. The right-side second rotating member 324 has the circular outer peripheral surface 324a that rotates around the rotation axis. The right-side second rotating member 324 has the circular outer peripheral surface 324a rotatably supported by the support surface 25a of the right-side shaft support member 252.

[0043] The vibration absorbing portion 33 suppresses the transmission of vibrations generated by the vibration generator 30 to the support frame 20. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vibration absorbing portions 33, 33 are provided on the rotating shaft portions 32, 32.

[0044] The vibration absorbing section 33 includes a frame member 331 , a guide member 332 , a coil spring 333 , and an air spring 334 .

[0045] In the left vibration absorbing section 33, the frame member 331 is disposed to sandwich the rotating shaft section 32 from above and below and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The frame member 331 is attached and fixed to the left second rotating member 322. The guide members 332 extend in the up-down direction in front and behind the rotating shaft section 32 and are attached and fixed to the frame member 331.

[0046] The left first rotating member 321 is attached to the guide member 332 so as to be slidable in the vibration direction. Therefore, the left first rotating member 321 is slidable in the vibration direction relative to the left second rotating member 322 supported by the support frame 20.

[0047] The air spring 334 is interposed between the frame member 331 and the first left rotating member 321. The air spring 334 absorbs vibrations of the first left rotating member 321 relative to the second left rotating member 322, and also supports the weight of the vibration generator 30, etc., so as to maintain the height of the vibration generator 30 within a predetermined range relative to the support frame 20, even if the total weight of the vibration generator 30 and the test piece fluctuates.

[0048] In the right vibration absorbing section 33, similar to the left vibration absorbing section 33, the frame member 331 is disposed above the rotating shaft section 32 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The frame member 331 is attached and fixed to the right second rotating member 324. The guide members 332 extend in the up-down direction in front of and behind the rotating shaft section 32 and are attached and fixed to the frame member 331.

[0049] The right-side first rotating member 323 is attached to the guide member 332 so as to be slidable in the vibration direction. Therefore, the right-side first rotating member 323 is slidable in the vibration direction relative to the right-side second rotating member 324 supported by the support frame 20.

[0050] The air spring 334 is interposed between the frame member 331 and the first right-side rotating member 323. The air spring 334 absorbs vibrations of the first right-side rotating member 323 relative to the second right-side rotating member 324, and also supports the weight of the vibration generator 30, etc., so as to maintain the height of the vibration generator 30 within a predetermined range relative to the support frame 20, even if the total weight of the vibration generator 30 and the test piece fluctuates.

[0051] The coil springs 333 are arranged below the rotating shaft 32 in the left-side vibration absorbing section 33 and the right-side vibration absorbing section 33. When the vibration direction of the vibration generator 30 is changed from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, the weight applied to the air spring 334 that supports the total weight of the vibration generator 30 and the test piece changes significantly, and the elastic force of the air spring 334 may become excessive. Even in such a state, it is necessary to maintain the position of the vibration generator 30, so the coil springs 333 are arranged to suppress the elastic force of the air spring 334 that has become excessive.

[0052] [Clamping Device] The clamping device 40 switches between a state in which rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 is permitted and a state in which rotation is restricted. The clamping device 40 of this embodiment is a gas-pressure operated clamping device that uses gas as the working fluid. Gas-pressure operated means that the device is operated by the pressure of compressed gas. The gas used as the working fluid of the clamping device 40 is a chemically stable gas that does not cause environmental pollution. Examples of such gas include air and nitrogen gas. In this embodiment, the clamping device 40 is described as using compressed air as the working fluid, but the type of gas used as the working fluid is not limited. In the following description, compressed air may also be simply referred to as air.

[0053] The clamp device 40 has a first member 41 and a second member 42 and is formed in a generally disk shape. The first member 41 has a circular outer shape and a circular hole 41a in its center (see FIG. 6 ). The second member 42 is disposed to be fitted into the circular hole 41a so as to be rotatable relative to the first member 41. The clamp device 40 is configured to be air-switchable between an unlocked state that allows relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42 and a locked state that restricts relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42.

[0054] The clamp device 40 incorporates an elastic member (spring) (not shown), and the elastic force of the elastic member acts to lock the first member 41 and the second member 42, restricting their relative rotation. By pressurizing the interior with air from this state, the action of the elastic member is released, switching to an unlocked state that permits relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42. By lowering the internal pressure below the unlocked state, the elastic force of the elastic member acts, switching to a locked state that restricts their relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42. An example of a gas-pressure-operated clamp device 40 is the "Linear Clamper Z (registered trademark) TPS-200 (manufactured by Nabeya Bi-Tech Co., Ltd.)," but this is not limiting. The configuration of the clamp device is not limited to that of this embodiment.

[0055] The first member 41 is fixed to the shaft support members 25 (left shaft support member 251, right shaft support member 252) attached to the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24 of the support frame 20 using a plurality of first fastening members 43 (see FIG. 6 ). More specifically, the first member 41 is disposed on one of the surfaces of the shaft support members 25 (left shaft support member 251, right shaft support member 252) opposite to the side on which the vibration generator 30 is disposed. That is, in the first shaft support frame 23, the first member 41 is disposed on the left surface of the left shaft support member 251, and in the second shaft support frame 24, the first member 41 is disposed on the right surface of the right shaft support member 252.

[0056] The second member 42 is fixed to the rotating shaft portion 32 by a plurality of second fastening members 44 (see FIG. 6 ). Specifically, the second member 42 of the left clamp device 40 is fixed to the left-side second rotating member 322 that constitutes the rotating shaft portion 32, and the second member 42 of the right clamp device 40 is fixed to the right-side second rotating member 324 that constitutes the rotating shaft portion 32. This allows the clamp device 40 to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state, thereby allowing or restricting rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20. Note that in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the clamp device 40 is covered by a clamp cover 27 and cannot be directly seen from the outside.

[0057] [Rotational Drive Unit] Fig. 4 is a side view showing the structures of the vibration generator 30 and the rotational drive unit 60 in the vibration testing apparatus 1. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the vibration generator 30 rotated 90 degrees from the state shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the vibration testing apparatus 1 is equipped with a rotational drive unit 60 that changes the vibration direction between the vertical and horizontal directions by rotating the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 using the driving force of an electric motor 50. The rotational drive unit 60 is composed of the electric motor 50, a worm reducer 61, etc.

[0058] The electric motor 50 generates a driving force for rotating the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20. The electric motor 50 is disposed on the side of the vibration testing apparatus 1 with its output shaft facing downward.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the rotational drive unit 60, which serves as a mechanism for transmitting the rotational drive force of the electric motor 50 to the rotating shaft portion 32 of the vibration generator 30, includes a worm reducer 61, a first power transmission shaft portion 621, a first direction change gear box 63, a first sprocket portion 64, a second sprocket portion 65, and a chain 66.

[0060] The worm reducer 61 has a first input shaft 611, a second input shaft 612, and an output shaft 613. The first direction changing gearbox 63 is connected to the output shaft of the electric motor 50. The output shaft of the first direction changing gearbox 63 is connected to the first input shaft 611 of the worm reducer 61 via a first power transmission shaft portion 621.

[0061] The output shaft 613 of the worm reducer 61 extends in the left-right direction. A first sprocket 64 is attached to the output shaft 613. As shown in FIG. 2, the second sprocket 65 is attached to the second left rotating member 322. As shown in FIG. 4, the chain 66 is wound around the first sprocket 64 and the second sprocket 65.

[0062] The rotational drive unit 60 transmits the rotational drive force of the electric motor 50 to the left-side second rotating member 322 via the first direction changing gearbox 63, the first power transmission shaft unit 621, the worm reducer 61, the first sprocket unit 64, the chain 66, and the second sprocket unit 65. This allows the vibration generator 30 to rotate relative to the support frame 20 by the drive force of the electric motor 50.

[0063] In Fig. 4, the orientation of the vibration generator 30 is set so that the vibration direction is vertical. To change the vibration direction from vertical to horizontal, the electric motor 50 is driven to rotate the vibration generator 30 by 90 degrees as shown in Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 5 shows the case where the vibration generator 30 is rotated 90 degrees forward from the state in Fig. 4, but it is also possible to rotate the vibration generator 30 90 degrees backward from the state in Fig. 4.

[0064] The rotation drive unit 60 of this embodiment is configured to not only change the vibration direction of the vibration generator 30 by the driving force of the electric motor 50, but also to manually change the vibration direction of the vibration generator 30. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the rotation drive unit 60 includes a second power transmission shaft unit 622, a rotation operation handle 67, a connecting member 68, and a second direction change gear box 69.

[0065] The rotation operation handle 67 is disposed at the bottom of the first shaft support frame 23. The rotation shaft of the rotation operation handle 67 is connected to the input shaft of the second direction changing gear box 69 via a connecting member 68. The output shaft of the second direction changing gear box 69 is connected to the second input shaft 612 of the worm reducer 61 via a second power transmission shaft portion 622. The first shaft support frame 23 of the support frame 20 is provided with a handle hole portion 233 through which the connecting member 68 passes.

[0066] The rotation drive unit 60 transmits the rotation drive force generated by manually turning the rotation operation handle 67 to the left-side second rotating member 322 via the connecting member 68, the second direction changing gear box 69, the second power transmission shaft unit 622, the worm reducer 61, the first sprocket unit 64, the chain 66, and the second sprocket unit 65. As a result, the vibration generator 30 can be rotated relative to the support frame 20 by manually turning the rotation operation handle 67.

[0067] 1 and 2, a maintenance opening 231 and a maintenance door 232 for opening and closing the same are provided in the lower center of the first shaft support frame 23 of the support frame 20. The maintenance opening 231 is used when performing maintenance on the various parts of the rotation drive unit 60 arranged on the back side of the first shaft support frame 23.

[0068] [Safety Mechanism] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism 70 in an activated state and its surrounding area. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the safety mechanism 70 in a released state and its surrounding area. As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, the vibration testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment further includes, in addition to the clamp device 40, a safety mechanism 70 that prevents relative rotation of the vibration generator 30 with respect to the support frame 20.

[0069] The safety mechanism 70 is composed of a guide hole portion 71, a fitting portion 72, a safety pin 73, and a slide actuator 74. The guide hole portion 71 is a through-hole provided in the right-side shaft support member 252, and has an opening formed in the support surface 25a. The fitting portion 72 is a recess formed in the circular outer peripheral surface 324a of the right-side second rotating member 324 so that the tip of the safety pin 73 protruding from the guide hole portion 71 fits into it. The position of the fitting portion 72 is set so that it faces the guide hole portion 71 when the vibration direction of the vibration generator 30 is vertical and when it is horizontal.

[0070] The safety pin 73 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The safety pin 73 is slidably fitted into a guide hole portion 71 having a circular cross-sectional shape. The slide actuator 74 is configured by an air cylinder. The slide actuator 74 has a cylinder tube 742 and a rod portion 741 that moves linearly relative to the cylinder tube 742. The slide actuator 74 is attached to the upper part of the right shaft support member 252 via a cylindrical member 76. The rod portion 741 is disposed inside the cylindrical member 76 and is configured to move up and down. The tip of the rod portion 741 is connected to the upper end of the safety pin 73 by a connecting member 75.

[0071] The slide actuator 74 has a cylinder tube 742 whose interior is divided into a head side chamber 746 and a rod side chamber 745 by a piston 743 (see FIG. 8 ). A spring 744 is provided in the head side chamber 746. By switching the position at which air is supplied to the slide actuator 74 between the head side chamber 746 and the rod side chamber 745, the slide actuator 74 is driven and the safety pin 73 is switched between the protruding state O and the retracted state I. Specifically, when air is supplied to the head side chamber 746, the safety pin 73 is brought into the protruding state O by the force of the air and the spring 744. When air is supplied to the rod side chamber 745, the safety pin 73 is brought into the retracted state I by the force of the air.

[0072] In the protruding state O, the safety pin 73 protrudes from the support surface 25a toward the circular outer peripheral surface 324a. In this state, the tip of the safety pin 73 fits into the fitting portion 72, preventing relative rotation of the vibration generator 30 with respect to the support frame 20. In this embodiment, the state in which the safety pin 73 is in the protruding state O is considered to be the activated state of the safety mechanism 70.

[0073] On the other hand, in the retracted state I, the tip of the safety pin 73 is released from the fitting portion 72 and is retracted into the guide hole portion 71. In this state, the prevention of relative rotation of the vibration generator 30 with respect to the support frame 20 is released. In this embodiment, the state in which the safety pin 73 is in the retracted state I is considered to be the released state of the safety mechanism 70.

[0074] The safety pin 73 is biased by a spring 744 so that the slide actuator 74 is in the protruding state O when no air is supplied. Therefore, once the slide actuator 74 is in the protruding state O, even if the supply of air to the slide actuator 74 is stopped, the protruding state O is maintained by the biasing force of the spring 744, and the safety mechanism 70 is in the activated state.

[0075] [Pneumatic Circuit and Control] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a pneumatic circuit and control system for operating the clamp device 40 and the safety mechanism 70. In this embodiment, the clamp device 40 and the slide actuator 74 of the safety mechanism 70 are driven by air. As shown in Figure 8, the pneumatic circuit for this drive is provided with a first solenoid valve 84, a second solenoid valve 85, and a third solenoid valve 86. The first solenoid valve 84, the second solenoid valve 85, the third solenoid valve 86, the pair of clamp devices 40, 40, the slide actuator 74, and the air source 90 are connected to an air supply path 91.

[0076] The first solenoid valve 84 is a 4-port, 2-position directional control valve and is provided in the middle of a first air supply passage 91 a that connects the air source 90 and the left clamp device 40.

[0077] The second solenoid valve 85 is a 4-port, 2-position directional control valve and is provided in the middle of the second air supply passage 91b that connects the air source 90 and the right clamp device 40.

[0078] The third solenoid valve 86 is configured as a 6-port 2-position directional control valve and is provided in the middle of a third air supply path 91c that connects the air source 90 and the slide actuator 74.

[0079] A pressure switch 82a is provided in the first air supply passage 91a near the left clamp device 40. The pressure switch 82a is provided in the first air supply passage 91a between the first solenoid valve 84 and the left clamp device 40. The pressure switch 82a detects the actuation of the left clamp device 40 and corresponds to a clamp actuation detector of the present invention.

[0080] A pressure switch 82b is provided in the second air supply passage 91b near the right clamp device 40. The pressure switch 82b is provided in the second air supply passage 91b between the second solenoid valve 85 and the right clamp device 40. The pressure switch 82b detects the drive of the right clamp device 40 and corresponds to a clamp drive detection unit of the present invention.

[0081] The slide actuator 74 of the safety mechanism 70 is provided with a position sensor 83 that detects the position of the rod portion 741. The position sensor 83 detects whether the slide actuator 74 is in the extended state O or the retracted state I, and detects whether the safety mechanism 70 is in the activated state or the released state, and corresponds to the safety mechanism drive detection unit of the present invention.

[0082] The vibration testing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a control unit 80 and an operation unit 81. The control unit 80 controls the driving of the pair of clamp devices 40, 40, the driving of the slide actuator 74 of the safety mechanism 70, and the driving of the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60.

[0083] The control unit 80 is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve 84, the second solenoid valve 85, the third solenoid valve 86, the pressure switch 82a, the pressure switch 82b, the position sensor 83, the electric motor 50, and the operation unit 81. The operation unit 81 is operated by an operator and transmits an operation signal to the control unit 80.

[0084] The operation unit 81 has a clamp operation switch 811, a forward rotation switch 812 for rotating the electric motor 50 in the forward direction, and a reverse rotation switch 813 for rotating the electric motor 50 in the reverse direction.

[0085] The clamp operation switch 811 is provided to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state of the clamp device 40. In this embodiment, the clamp operation switch 811 has a lock switch 811a for locking the clamp device 40 and an unlock switch 811b for unlocking the clamp device 40.

[0086] In this embodiment, the clamp operation switch 811 (lock switch 811a, unlock switch 811b) also serves as an operation switch for the safety mechanism 70. When the clamp operation switch 811 is operated, the control unit 80 interlocks the driving of the clamp device 40 with the driving of the safety mechanism 70 (slide actuator 74). Specifically, when the lock switch 811a is operated, the clamp device 40 is locked and the safety mechanism 70 is activated. When the unlock switch 811b is operated, the clamp device 40 is unlocked and the safety mechanism 70 is released. The interlocking of the clamp device 40 with the safety mechanism 70 (slide actuator 74) is performed based on the detection of the pressure switches 82a and 82b.

[0087] The forward rotation switch 812 and the reverse rotation switch 813 are provided to rotate the vibration generator 30 in a forward or reverse direction relative to the support frame 20. When the forward rotation switch 812 is operated, an operation signal to rotate the vibration generator 30 in a forward direction is sent to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 drives the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 in the forward direction, so that the vibration generator 30 rotates forward in either the forward or reverse direction relative to the support frame 20. When the reverse rotation switch 813 is operated, an operation signal to rotate the vibration generator 30 in a reverse direction is sent to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 drives the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 in the reverse direction, so that the vibration generator 30 rotates backward in either the forward or reverse direction relative to the support frame 20. The forward rotation switch 812 and the reverse rotation switch 813 correspond to the rotation operation switches of the present invention.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the safety mechanism 70 is in an activated state, the operation signal is invalidated regardless of whether the forward rotation switch 812 or the reverse rotation switch 813 is operated, the driving of the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 is restricted, and the vibration generator 30 is not rotated. On the other hand, when the safety mechanism 70 is in a released state, the operation signal is valid regardless of whether the forward rotation switch 812 or the reverse rotation switch 813 is operated, and the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 is driven to rotate the vibration generator 30 in the forward or reverse direction relative to the support frame 20.

[0089] 9A and 9B are flow charts for explaining the operations of the clamp device 40 and the safety mechanism 70. Specific control contents by the control unit 80 will be explained below with reference to FIGS.

[0090] First, in step S01 of FIG. 9A, when the unlock switch 811b is turned on, an operation signal from the unlock switch 811b is input to the control unit 80.

[0091] In step S02, when an operation signal from the unlock switch 811b is input to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 turns on the first solenoid valve 84 and the second solenoid valve 85 based on the operation signal from the unlock switch 811b.

[0092] When the first solenoid valve 84 and the second solenoid valve 85 are turned on, in step S03, air from the air source 90 is supplied to the left clamp device 40 through the first air supply path 91a, thereby unlocking the left clamp device 40. At the same time, air from the air source 90 is supplied to the right clamp device 40 through the second air supply path 91b, thereby unlocking the right clamp device 40.

[0093] In step S03, when air from air source 90 is supplied to left clamp device 40 and right clamp device 40, air is also supplied to pressure switch 82a and pressure switch 82b. In step S04, when air is supplied to pressure switch 82a and pressure switch 82b, pressure switch 82a and pressure switch 82b send detection signals to control unit 80.

[0094] In step S05, when the detection signals from the pressure switches 82a and 82b are input to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 turns on the third solenoid valve 86 based on the detection signals from the pressure switches 82a and 82b.

[0095] When the third solenoid valve 86 is turned on, in step S06, air from the air source 90 is supplied through the third air supply path 91c to the head side chamber 746 of the slide actuator 74 (air cylinder) of the safety mechanism 70, and the safety pin 73 is switched from the protruding state O to the retracted state I.

[0096] When the safety pin 73 is switched to the retracted state I, in step S07, the position sensor 83 detects that the rod portion 741 of the slide actuator 74 has moved upward, turns on, and sends a detection signal to the control unit 80.

[0097] In step S08, the control unit 80 detects that the safety mechanism 70 is in the released state based on the detection signal from the position sensor 83, and thereby enables the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 to be driven.

[0098] In step S09, when the forward rotation switch 812 or the reverse rotation switch 813 is operated, an operation signal from the forward rotation switch 812 or the reverse rotation switch 813 is input to the control unit 80, and since the safety mechanism 70 is in the released state, the operation signal is made valid.

[0099] In step S10, the control unit 80 drives the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 based on an operation signal from the forward rotation switch 812 or the reverse rotation switch 813, and rotates the vibration generator 30 forward or reverse relative to the support frame 20. In this way, with the clamp device 40 in the unlocked state and the safety mechanism 70 in the released state assured, the vibration direction of the vibration generator 30 can be changed by rotating the vibration generator 30.

[0100] Next, in step S11 of Figure 9B, the vibration generator 30 is rotated forward or backward relative to the support frame 20, and the driving of the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 is stopped with the vibration direction of the vibration generator 130 changed to the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0101] When the driving of the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 is stopped, the operator turns on the lock switch 811a. In step S12, when the lock switch 811a is turned on, an operation signal from the lock switch 811a is input to the control unit 80.

[0102] In step S13, when an operation signal from the lock switch 811a is input to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 turns off the first solenoid valve 84 and the second solenoid valve 85 based on the operation signal from the lock switch 811a.

[0103] When the first solenoid valve 84 and the second solenoid valve 85 are turned off, in step S14, the supply of air from the air source 90 to the left clamp device 40 and the right clamp device 40 is stopped, and the internal pressure becomes lower than that in the unlocked state, causing the left clamp device 40 and the right clamp device 40 to enter a locked state.

[0104] In step S14, when the supply of air from the air source 90 to the left clamp device 40 and the right clamp device 40 is stopped, the supply of air to the pressure switches 82a and 82b is also stopped. In step S15, when the supply of air to the pressure switches 82a and 82b is stopped, the pressure switches 82a and 82b send detection signals to the control unit 80.

[0105] In step S16, when the detection signals from the pressure switches 82a and 82b are input to the control unit 80, the control unit 80 turns off the third solenoid valve 86 based on the detection signals from the pressure switches 82a and 82b.

[0106] When the third solenoid valve 86 is turned off, in step S17, air from the air source 90 is supplied through the third air supply path 91c to the rod side chamber 745 of the slide actuator 74 (air cylinder) of the safety mechanism 70, and the safety pin 73 is switched from the retracted state I to the protruding state O.

[0107] When the safety pin 73 is switched to the protruding state O, in step S18, the position sensor 83 detects that the rod portion 741 of the slide actuator 74 has moved downward, turns off, and sends a detection signal to the control unit 80.

[0108] In step S19, the control unit 80 detects that the safety mechanism 70 is in the activated state based on the detection signal from the position sensor 83, and thereby the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 is brought into a non-driven state. In other words, if the forward rotation switch 812 and the reverse rotation switch 813 are operated while the safety mechanism 70 is in the activated state, the operation signal is invalidated, and the electric motor 50 of the rotation drive unit 60 is brought into a non-driven state (END).

[0109] As described above, the vibration testing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises: a support frame 20; a vibration generator 30 having a rotating shaft portion 32 rotatably supported on the support frame 20; and a clamping device 40 that uses compressed air as a working fluid, wherein the clamping device 40 has a first member 41 and a second member 42, and is configured to be able to switch between an unlocked state that allows relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42, and a locked state that restricts relative rotation between the first member 41 and the second member 42, using compressed air; one of the first member 41 and the second member 42 is fixed to the support frame 20, and the other of the first member 41 and the second member 42 is fixed to the rotating shaft portion 32; and by switching the clamping device 40 between the unlocked state and the locked state, the vibration testing apparatus 1 is configured to switch between allowing rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 and restricting rotation.

[0110] With the above configuration, by controlling the compressed air as the working fluid, it is possible to automatically allow and restrict rotation of the vibration generator 30. This eliminates the need for attaching and detaching fastening members that fasten the vibration generator to the support frame, as is the case with conventional vibration testing devices, and reduces the labor required to change the vibration direction of the vibration generator. Furthermore, when the clamp device 40 is locked, relative rotation between the rotating shaft 32 of the vibration generator 30 and the support frame 20 is restricted, thereby reliably restricting rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 during a vibration test. Furthermore, because the clamp device 40 uses compressed air as the working fluid, there is no hydraulic oil leakage, as occurs when a hydraulic mechanism is used, and contamination of the test environment can be suppressed.

[0111] The clamping device 40 of the vibration testing apparatus 1 has a first member 41 having a circular hole 41 a formed therein, and a second member 42 arranged in the circular hole 41 a so as to be rotatable relative to the first member 41, and is configured to be switched to an unlocked state when the interior is pressurized with compressed air, and to be switched to a locked state when the interior is at a lower pressure than in the unlocked state, with the first member 41 fixed to the support frame 20 and the second member 42 fixed to the rotating shaft portion 32.

[0112] With the above configuration, the clamp device 40 can be switched to the locked state with the internal pressure lower than in the unlocked state, so the clamp device 40 can maintain the locked state with the internal pressure of the clamp device 40 reduced during a vibration test. This eliminates the need to maintain a high compressed air pressure during a vibration test, and ensures that the rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 is restricted during the vibration test. Furthermore, because the second member 42 is disposed in the circular hole 41 a of the first member 41 of the clamp device 40, the thickness of the clamp device 40 can be reduced, allowing the vibration testing apparatus 1 to be made more compact.

[0113] The support frame 20 has a bottom frame 21, a first shaft support frame 23 provided at the left end of the bottom frame 21, and a second shaft support frame 24 provided at the right end of the bottom frame 21, the vibration generator 30 is arranged between the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24, and the rotating shafts 32, 32 are supported by the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24, and the clamp device 40 is arranged on the surface of each of the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24 opposite to the surface on which the vibration generator 30 is arranged.

[0114] With the above configuration, the clamp device 40 is disposed on the surface of each of the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24 opposite to the surface on which the vibration generator 30 is disposed. Therefore, the clamp device 40 can be disposed without affecting the support structure of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 and without widening the gap between the first shaft support frame 23 and the second shaft support frame 24. This allows the clamp device 40 to be disposed while suppressing the effect on the characteristics of the vibration testing apparatus 1.

[0115] The vibration testing device 1 further includes a safety mechanism 70 that prevents relative rotation of the vibration generator 30 with respect to the support frame 20. The safety mechanism 70 includes: a shaft support member 25 that is arranged on the support frame 20 to support the rotating shaft 32 and that is provided with a guide hole 71; the rotating shaft 32 that has an engagement portion 72 that is provided opposite the guide hole 71; a safety pin 73 that is slidably fitted into the guide hole 71; and a slide actuator 74 that slides the safety pin 73. By operating the slide actuator 74, the device switches between an operating state in which the safety pin 73 is engaged with the engagement portion 72 and a release state in which the safety pin 73 is disengaged from the engagement portion 72.

[0116] The above-described configuration further includes a safety mechanism 70 that prevents relative rotation of the vibration generator 30 with respect to the support frame 20. Therefore, in the unlikely event that the clamping force of the clamp device 40 decreases or a rotational force exceeding the clamping force of the clamp device 40 is generated, rotation of the vibration generator 30 can be prevented. Furthermore, by fitting a safety pin 73 into a fitting portion 72 provided on the rotation shaft portion 32, relative rotation of the vibration generator 30 with respect to the support frame 20 can be prevented with a simple configuration.

[0117] The vibration testing apparatus 1 has a control unit 80 that controls the operation of the clamp device 40 and the safety mechanism 70, and a clamp operation switch 811 that sends an operation signal to the control unit 80 to switch the clamp device 40 between a locked state and an unlocked state. The control unit 80 drives the clamp device 40 based on the operation signal from the clamp operation switch 811, and also drives the safety mechanism 70 in conjunction with the driving of the clamp device 40.

[0118] With the above configuration, the safety mechanism 70 is driven in conjunction with the driving of the clamp device 40 by operating the clamp operation switch 811. This allows for labor savings compared to when driving the clamp device 40 and the safety mechanism 70 is performed using different operation switches. Furthermore, because the safety mechanism 70 is driven in conjunction with the driving of the clamp device 40, it is possible to prevent operational errors or forgetfulness of the safety mechanism 70. This allows for safe and reliable restriction of rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 during a vibration test.

[0119] The vibration testing apparatus 1 further has pressure switches 82a and 82b (clamp drive detection units) that detect the drive of the clamp device 40, and the control unit 80 drives the clamp device 40 based on an operation signal from the clamp operation switch 811, and drives the safety mechanism 70 based on detection signals from the pressure switches 82a and 82b (clamp drive detection units) that detect the drive of the clamp device 40.

[0120] With the above configuration, when the clamp device 40 is driven by operating the clamp operation switch 811, the drive of the clamp device 40 is detected and the safety mechanism 70 is driven. This reduces labor compared to when the drive of the clamp device 40 and the drive of the safety mechanism 70 are performed using different operation switches. Furthermore, because the safety mechanism 70 is driven when the drive of the clamp device 40 is detected, both the clamp device 40 and the safety mechanism 70 can be reliably driven, thereby safely and reliably restricting the rotation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20 during a vibration test. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the clamp device 40 and the safety mechanism 70 have gas-operated mechanisms, and therefore can be operated using a common pneumatic circuit, simplifying the mechanism for automatically restricting the rotation of the vibration generator.

[0121] The vibration testing device 1 further includes a rotation drive unit 60 that rotates the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20, a forward switch 812 and a reverse switch 813 (rotation operation switch) that send an operation signal to the control unit 80 to rotate the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20, and a position sensor 83 (safety mechanism drive detection unit) that detects whether the safety mechanism 70 is in an activated state or a released state. When the position sensor 83 (safety mechanism drive detection unit) detects that the safety mechanism 70 is in a released state, the control unit 80 drives the rotation drive unit 60 based on the operation signal from the forward switch 812 or the reverse switch 813 (rotation operation switch) to rotate the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20, and when the position sensor 83 (safety mechanism drive detection unit) detects that the safety mechanism 70 is in an activated state, the control unit 80 invalidates the operation signal from the forward switch 812 or the reverse switch 813 (rotation operation switch) so as not to drive the rotation drive unit 60.

[0122] With the above configuration, the vibration generator 30 can be rotated by the driving force of the rotation drive unit 60, thereby automating the rotation operation of the vibration generator 30 relative to the support frame 20. Furthermore, when the safety mechanism 70 is activated, the operation signal from the forward rotation switch 812 or the reverse rotation switch 813 (rotation operation switch) is invalidated to prevent the rotation drive unit 60 from being driven, so that the vibration generator 30 can be prevented from being rotated by the rotation drive unit 60 while the safety mechanism 70 remains activated. This makes it possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the safety pin 73 of the safety mechanism 70.

[0123] [Modifications] The vibration testing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The disclosed embodiment is illustrative in all respects and is not intended to be a basis for a restrictive interpretation. The technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted solely by the above-described embodiment, but is defined by the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0124] For example, in the above embodiment, the safety mechanism 70 is provided in addition to the clamp device 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a vibration testing device without a safety mechanism may also be used. Also, in the above embodiment, the slide actuator 74 of the safety mechanism 70 is configured as an air cylinder. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electric cylinder or an electric actuator other than a cylinder may also be used.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the control unit 80 is configured to interlock driving of the clamp device 40 and driving of the slide actuator 74 of the safety mechanism 70 when the clamp operation switch 811 is operated. The present invention is not limited to this, and an operation switch for driving the clamp device and an operation switch for operating the safety mechanism may be provided separately.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the rotary drive unit 60 is provided to rotate the vibration generator 30 using the electric motor 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vibration generator may be rotated only manually. Industrial application fields

[0127] The present invention is applicable to a vibration testing apparatus in which the vibration direction of the vibration generator can be changed by rotating the vibration generator relative to the support frame.

[0128] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vibration test device 20 support frame 25 shaft support member 25a support surface 30 vibration generator 32 rotating shaft portion 40 clamp device 41 first member 41a circular hole 42 second member 50 electric motor 60 rotation drive portion 70 safety mechanism 71 guide hole portion 72 fitting portion 73 safety pin 74 slide actuator 80 control portion 81 operation portion 324a circular outer peripheral surface 811 clamp operation switch O protruding state I retracted state

Claims

1. A vibration testing device capable of changing the vibration direction of a vibration generator, comprising: a support frame; a vibration generator having a rotating shaft portion rotatably supported on the support frame; and a clamping device that uses gas as a working fluid, wherein the clamping device has a first member and a second member and is configured to be able to switch between an unlocked state that allows relative rotation between the first member and the second member and a locked state that restricts relative rotation between the first member and the second member by the working fluid, wherein one of the first member and the second member is fixed to the support frame, and the other of the first member and the second member is fixed to the rotating shaft portion, and wherein the clamping device is switched between allowing rotation of the vibration generator relative to the support frame and restricting rotation by switching between the unlocked state and the locked state.

2. The vibration testing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device has the first member having a circular hole formed therein, and the second member disposed in the circular hole so as to be rotatable relative to the first member, and is configured to be switched to the unlocked state when the interior is pressurized with a working fluid, and to be switched to the locked state when the interior is at a lower pressure than in the unlocked state, and wherein the first member is fixed to the support frame, and the second member is fixed to the rotating shaft portion.

3. A vibration testing apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support frame has a bottom frame and a pair of shaft support frames provided on one and the other end sides of the bottom frame, the vibration generator is arranged between the pair of shaft support frames and the rotating shaft is supported by the pair of shaft support frames, and the clamp device is arranged on one of the faces of the shaft support frames opposite to the face on which the vibration generator is arranged.

4. A vibration testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a safety mechanism for preventing relative rotation of the vibration generator with respect to the support frame, the safety mechanism comprising: a shaft support member disposed on the support frame to support the rotating shaft and having a guide hole portion formed therein; the rotating shaft having a fitting portion formed opposite the guide hole portion; a safety pin slidably fitted into the guide hole portion; and a slide actuator for sliding the safety pin, wherein operation of the slide actuator switches between an operating state in which the safety pin is fitted into the fitting portion and a release state in which the safety pin is released from the fitting portion.

5. A vibration testing apparatus as described in claim 4, further comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the clamp device and the safety mechanism; and a clamp operation switch that sends an operation signal to the control unit to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state of the clamp device, wherein the control unit drives the clamp device based on the operation signal from the clamp operation switch, and drives the safety mechanism in conjunction with the driving of the clamp device.

6. A vibration testing device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a clamp drive detection unit that detects the drive of said clamp device, wherein said control unit drives said clamp device based on an operation signal from said clamp operation switch, and drives said safety mechanism based on a detection signal from said clamp drive detection unit that has detected the drive of said clamp device.

7. A vibration testing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising: a rotation drive unit that rotates the vibration generator relative to the support frame; a rotation operation switch that sends an operation signal to the control unit to rotate the vibration generator relative to the support frame; and a safety mechanism drive detection unit that detects whether the safety mechanism is in the activated state or the released state, wherein the control unit, when the safety mechanism drive detection unit detects that the safety mechanism is in the released state, drives the rotation drive unit based on the operation signal from the rotation operation switch to rotate the vibration generator relative to the support frame, and when the safety mechanism drive detection unit detects that the safety mechanism is in the activated state, invalidates the operation signal from the rotation operation switch so as not to drive the rotation drive unit.

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