Head assembly for a material testing machine and method of servicing the same
Inventors
Schulz, Bradley Dean • Krueger, Paul M. • Schletty, Mark William • Kuhlmann, Tyler B. • Taylor, Richard Leo
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9121791-B2
Publication Date
2015-09-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A testing machine includes a pair of vertical columns, a crosshead selectively positionable on the vertical columns, and a head assembly supported by and movable with the crosshead. The head assembly has an electric actuator, a support that can be selectively moved from a first position when the test machine is operated to a lowered position. The support supporting components are related to powering or controlling the electric actuator, said components are exposed for servicing in the lowered position.
Core Innovation
A testing machine is described with a support member and a crosshead selectively positionable on the support member. A head assembly is supported by and movable with the crosshead, and the head assembly includes an enclosure having an electric actuator at least partly therein and a door configured to provide an opening in the head assembly. A support is movable selectively from a first position in the head assembly when the test machine is operated and the door is closed to a second position, where the support supports components related to powering or controlling the electric actuator, and the components are exposed for servicing in the second position.
The described arrangement includes a pair of vertical columns as the support member, with the crosshead selectively positionable on the vertical columns. The head assembly is supported by and movable with the crosshead, and a drive selectively moves the crosshead on the vertical columns to position the head assembly. The disclosure further links servicing access to user ergonomics by configuring the second position and/or the service positioning so that the exposed components are available for servicing at a waist-high level for a user standing next to the machine.
A service mode is described for operating the testing machine, where selected components can receive power to operate, and moving the head assembly to a service position is performed. The testing machine includes a controller configured to operate the actuator and apply load to a test specimen, and an input device separate from the controller configured to operate the drive when the controller is disconnected so as to operate the actuator. This enables repositioning of the head assembly without requiring connection to the controller while positioning the actuator-related power/control components for servicing.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies three independent claims covering a movable support that exposes actuator power/control components through a head assembly door opening, crosshead positioning on a pair of vertical columns with a separate input device that operates the drive when the controller is disconnected, and a method for operating the testing machine to enter a service mode and move the head assembly to a lower service position.
Movable support exposing actuator power/control components through a head assembly door opening
A testing machine comprising a head assembly enclosure with an electric actuator and a door providing an opening; a support movable from a first position when the door is closed to a second position; the support supporting components related to powering or controlling the electric actuator, with the components exposed for servicing in the second position.
Separate controller-disconnected input device for drive operation
A testing machine comprising a controller configured to operate an actuator and apply load to a test specimen, and a drive connected to a crosshead to move the crosshead on vertical columns; and an input device separate from the controller configured to operate the drive when the controller is disconnected from the testing machine so as to operate the actuator.
Service mode enabling selected components to receive power and moving head assembly to a lower service position
A method for operating a testing machine to place a head assembly in a service position, the method comprising operating an input device to place the test machine in a service mode where selected components of the testing machine can receive power to operate, and moving the head assembly to a service position that is a lower position than a highest position of the head assembly relative to the base.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on a servicing-oriented access arrangement in a head assembly and on enabling head assembly repositioning using a drive operated by a separate input device when the controller is disconnected, as part of operating in a service mode and moving to a lower service position.
Stated Advantages
Exposes components related to powering or controlling the electric actuator for servicing in a second position.
Documented Applications
Servicing the actuator power/control components by placing the head assembly/support into a service position associated with exposed components.
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