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Title:
ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR LOAD FRAME, TESTING DEVICE FOR MATERIAL TESTING AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING LOAD APPLICATION ELEMENTS OF TESTING DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/260395
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to an adjustment device, AJD, (3) for adjusting load application elements, LAEs, (23, 24) of a load frame (2), wherein the adjustment device (3) comprises an alignment element, ALE, (30) and an attachment element, ATE, (31) for attachment of a lower load application element, lLAE, (24) to the load frame (2), wherein the alignment element, ALE, (30) has a receiving recess (304) at the bottom end for tightly receiving an upper part of the attachment element, ATE, (31) and at least one receiving recess (303) at the top end for tightly receiving at least a fastening element (230) of an upper load application element, uLAE, (23). Furthermore, the invention relates to a testing device (1) comprising at least part of the adjustment device, AJD (3) and to a method for adjusting load application elements, LAEs, (23, 24) of a testing device (1).

Inventors:
VOGT MARTIN (CH)
MAHLER HANNS-CHRISTIAN (DE)
KOULOV ATANAS (CH)
MATHAES ROMAN (CH)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2020/067711
Publication Date:
December 30, 2020
Filing Date:
June 24, 2020
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
LONZA AG (CH)
International Classes:
G01N3/08
Foreign References:
DE102008050652A12010-04-15
US20150233709A12015-08-20
DE102008050652A12010-04-15
US20150233709A12015-08-20
EP2677296B12019-02-20
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GREINER, Elisabeth (DE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Adjustment device, AJD, (3) for adjusting load application elements, LAEs, (23, 24) of a load frame (2), wherein the adjustment device (3) comprises an alignment element, ALE, (30) and an attachment element, ATE, (31) for attachment of a lower load application element, ILAE, (24) to the load frame (2), wherein the alignment element, ALE, (30) has a receiving recess (304) at the bottom end for tightly receiving an upper part of the attachment element, ATE, (31) and at least one receiving recess (303) at the top end for tightly receiving at least a fastening element (230) of an upper load application element, uLAE, (23) and wherein the attachment element, ATE, (31) has at least two attachment apertures (312) for screw-type connection with a base (20) of the load frame (2) and wherein the adjustment device, AJD, (3) comprises at least two attachment screws (316) for attaching the attachment element, ATE, (31) to the base (20) of the load frame (2), wherein the inner diameter of the at least two attachment apertures (312) in the attachment element, ATE, (31) is larger than the outer diameter of the at least two attachment screws (315).

2. Adjustment device according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving recess (304) at the

bottom end and the receiving recess (303) at the top end of the alignment element, ALE, (30) have a cylindrical shape.

3. Adjustment device according to anyone of claims 1 or 2, wherein the receiving recesses

(303, 304) of the alignment element, ALE, (30) are connected via an air passage (305) in the alignment element, ALE, (30).

4. Adjustment device according to claim 3, wherein the alignment element, ALE, (30) is a tubular element (300), the inner diameter of the tubular element (300) forming the air passage (305) and the inner diameter of the tubular element (300) being smaller than the inner diameter of the top receiving recess (303) and the inner diameter of the bottom receiving recess (304).

5. Adjustment device according to anyone of claims 3 or 4, wherein the air passage (305) has an air outlet opening (306), which is spaced apart from the receiving recesses (303, 304).

6. Adjustment device according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attachment element, ATE, (31) has a body (310) and a connecting protrusion (311), wherein the connecting protrusion (311) is the upper part of the attachment element, ATE, (31) to be received in the receiving recess (304) at the bottom end of the alignment element, ALE, (30) and extends form the top of the body (310) of the attachment element, ATE, (31) and the at least two attachment apertures (312) are provided in the body (310) of the attachment element, ATE, (31).

7. Adjustment device according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attachment

apertures (312) are provided at different angle positions of the body (310) of the attachment element, ATE, (31).

8. Adjustment device according to anyone of claims 6 or 7, wherein the adjustment device

(3) comprises a straining screw (315) attached to the connecting protrusion (311) of the attachment element (31), for applying pressure in an axial direction against the bottom end of the lower load application element, ILAE, (24).

9. Testing device for material testing comprising an adjustment device (3) according

anyone of claims 1 to 8.

10. Testing device according to claim 9, wherein the testing device (1) comprises the

attachment element, ATE, (31) of the adjustment device, AJD, (3) and can interact with the alignment element, ALE, (30) of the adjustment device, AJD, (3).

11. Testing device according to anyone of claims 9 or 10, wherein the testing device (1) further comprises a load frame (2) with a base (20) and a cross beam (22), at least one upper load application element, uLAE, (23) and at least one lower load application element, ILAE, (24).

12. Testing device according to claim 11 , wherein the lower load application element,

ILAE, (24) is attached to the attachment element, ATE, (31) by bolt connection.

13. Testing device according to anyone of claims 11 or 12, wherein the attachment

element, ATE, (31) has an upper part which can be inserted to or which can receive the bottom of the lower load application element, ILAE, (24).

14. Testing device according to anyone of claims 9 to 13, wherein the receiving recess (303) at the top end of the alignment element, ALE, (30) serves for indirectly receiving the fastening element (230) of the upper load application element, uLAE, (23), in particular for receiving the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) fastened to the fastening element (230).

15. Method for adjusting load application elements, LAEs, (23, 24) of a testing device (1) of anyone of claims 9 to 14.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a. placing an attachment element, ATE, (31) on the base (20) of the load frame (2); b. inserting part of the attachment element, ATE, (31) into the alignment element, ALE, (30); c. lowering the cross beam (22) of the load frame (2) to insert at least part of a fastening element (230) for the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) into the upper part of the alignment element, ALE, (30); d. adjusting the horizontal position of the attachment element, ATE, (31) relative to the fastening element (230) of the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) in order to align the upper part of the alignment element, ALE, (30) with the fastening element (230) for the upper load application element, uLAE, (23); e. fixating the attachment element, ATE, (31) to the base (20) of the load frame (2).

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the fixating of attachment element, ATE, (31) is only carried out to that extent that the attachment element, ATE, (31) is held in a vertical direction but can still move a horizontal direction.

18. Method according to anyone of claims 16 or 17, wherein the method comprises the step of alternatingly performing step c) and step d) until the attachment element, ATE, (31) and the fastening element (230) for the upper load application element, uLAE,

(23) are aligned and the fastening element (230) for the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) can be inserted into the upper part of the alignment element, ALE, (30).

19. Method according to anyone of claims 16 to 18, wherein the method further comprises the step of lifting and lowering the alignment element, ALE, (30) by the user to confirm alignment of the attachment element, ATE, (31) and the fastening element (230) of the upper load application element, uLAE, (23).

20. Method according to anyone of claims 16 to 19, wherein the method comprises,

attaching the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) to the fastening element

(230) before step c) and inserting the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) into the upper part of the alignment element, ALE, (30) in step c).

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein the step of alternatingly performing step c) and step d) will be performed until the attachment element, ATE, (31) and the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) are aligned and the upper load application element, uLAE, (23) can be inserted into the upper part of the alignment element, ALE, (30).

Description:
Adjustment device for Load Frame, Testing Device for Material Testing and Method of Adjusting Load Application elements of Testing Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustment device for a load frame, to a testing device for load testing as well as to a method for adjusting load application elements of a testing device.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

For determining mechanical properties of materials or products material-testing machines are used to apply compression, impact and/or tensile force to a specimen. Such testing machines comprise a load frame for applying the force or load onto the specimen. To obtain reliable testing results, the direction in which the force is applied to the specimen has to be adjusted accurately.

In DE 10 2008 050 652 A1 a clamping tool is described which comprises a clamping aid. The clamping aid serves for holding a test sample in such a way, that the test sample can be held in the clamping tool parallel to the tension direction in which tension is applied to the test sample. Even though this clamping tool with clamping aid can ensure an alignment of the test sample with the tension direction, it cannot address an offset of upper and lower elements of the load frame which apply the force onto the test sample.

In US 2015/0233709A1 a system and method for testing compression panels is described. In particular, an alignment apparatus for aligning a test panel with a testing machine is described which may include a laser measuring system and an adjustment mechanism. The laser measuring system may include at least one laser measuring device coupled to a test fixture and/or a testing machine. The laser measuring system may generate laser measurement data representative of an orientation of a test panel relative to a platen and/or a loading axis of the testing machine. The adjustment mechanism may adjust, based on the laser measurement data, a location and/or orientation of the test panel relative to the platen and/or the loading axis in a manner such that the test panel is moved into substantially alignment with the platen and/or the loading axis.

In EP 2 677 296 B1 an alignment device of a material-testing machine is described. In this alignment device, a change of angle or offset is effected by using radially aligned pressure elements which act on the end of an axially guided pressure transmission testing rod. The pressure transmission testing rod has a rounded end which corresponds to and interacts with a curved inner side of an inner housing. The inner housing is supported against an outer housing by the at least one pressure element.

One disadvantage of this alignment device is that the construction is complex. In addition, this document does not disclose, how the necessity of alignment of the pressure transmission testing rod is determined.

Therefore, there was a need for a solution to allow reliable adjustment of the elements of a load frame in a simple manner.

Surprisingly, the problem was solved by providing an adjustment device, a testing device and a method, wherein the relative position of elements of the load frame is adjusted and can easily be fixated in the adjusted position.

ABBREVIATIONS

AJD Adjustment device

ALE Alignment element ATE Attachment element LAE Load application element uLAE upper load application element

ILAE lower load application element SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Subject of the invention is an adjustment device (AJD) for adjusting load application elements (LAEs) of a load frame, wherein the adjustment device comprises an alignment element (ALE) and an attachment element (ATE) for attachment of a lower load application element (ILAE) to the load frame, wherein the alignment element (ALE) has a receiving recess at the bottom end for tightly receiving an upper part of the attachment element (ATE) and at least one receiving recess at the top end for tightly receiving at least a fastening element of an upper load application element (uLAE) wherein the attachment element (ATE) has at least two attachment apertures for screw-type connection with a base of the load frame and wherein the adjustment device (AJD) comprises at least two attachment screws for attaching the attachment element (ATE) to the base of the load frame, wherein the inner diameter of the at least two attachment apertures in the attachment element (ATE) is larger than the outer diameter of the at least two attachment screws.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The AJD is a device for adjusting the position of LAEs in a load frame. In particular the AJD serves for adjusting the relative position of LAEs of a load frame. The load frame preferably is part of a testing device for material testing. In particular, the load frame can be part of a tensile and/or pressure testing system. The testing device can comprise measuring components for measuring the force applied to a specimen and/or the distance travelled. The load frame preferably has a base and a cross beam. The cross beam is movable relative to the base. In particular, the cross beam can be lowered towards the base or lifted away from the base. On the cross beam at least one LAE is provided. The LAE preferably is directed downward. The LAE on the cross beam will hereinafter also be referred to as the uLAE. The uLAE is preferably detachable from the cross beam. The uLAE can be, for example, a rod or punch. The uLAE can be fastened to the cross beam by fastening element. The fastening element can be a pin extending downward from the cross beam. The fastening element can be inserted into the uLAE and can be fixated on the fastening element by a bolt. The bolt can be inserted into a hole extending through the uLAE and the fastening element perpendicular to their axes. On the base of the load frame a lower load application element (ILAE) can be provided.

During operation of the load frame and in particular the testing device, the uLAE and ILAE interact to apply force onto a specimen provided between the uLAE and ILAE.

The AJD comprises an ALE and an ATE.

The ATE serves for attachment of a ILAE to the load frame, in particular to the base of the load frame. The ATE is an element which is separate from the base of the load frame but can be mounted to the base. In particular the ATE can be mounted to the base by screw-type connection. The ILAE can be attached to the ATE for example by bolt connection. The ATE has an upper part which can be inserted to or which can receive the bottom of the ILAE. In particular, the upper part can be a connecting protrusion of the ATE which extends from a body of the ATE.

The ALE has a top end and a bottom end. In the top end and in the bottom end, respectively, a receiving recess is provided. The receiving recesses preferably have a cylindrical shape.

The receiving recess in the bottom end serves for tightly receiving an upper part of the ATE, in particular a connecting protrusion of the ATE. This means that the upper part of the ATE is seated in the receiving recess in the bottom end of the ALE without clearance. The receiving recess in the bottom end will also be referred to as the bottom receiving recess. Preferably, the shape of the bottom receiving recess matches the shape of the upper part of the ATE. Preferably, the bottom receiving recess and the upper part of the ATE, which is seated in the bottom receiving recess, have a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the inner diameter of the bottom receiving recess will therefore be equal to the outer diameter of the upper part of the ATE or be marginally larger than the outer diameter of the upper part of the ATE to allow a precision fit.

The receiving recess in the top end of the ALE serves for firmly receiving at least a fastening element of the uLAE. This means that at least the fastening element of the uLAE is seated in the receiving recess in the top end of the ALE without clearance. The receiving recess in the top end of the ALE will also be referred to as the top receiving recess. Preferably, the shape of the top receiving recess matches the shape of the fastening element of the uLAE. In case that the shape of the fastening element of the uLAE is cylindrical, then preferably, the top receiving recess has a cylindrical shape as well. Preferably, the inner diameter of the top receiving recess will therefore be equal to the outer diameter of the fastening element of the uLAE or be marginally larger than the outer diameter of the fastening element of the uLAE to allow a precision fit.

In one embodiment, the top receiving recess can serve for indirectly receiving the fastening element of the uLAE. In this embodiment, the top receiving recess, in particular, can serve for receiving the lower part of the uLAE fastened to the fastening element. In that case, the lower part of the uLAE is seated in the top receiving recess without clearance. The inner diameter of the top receiving recess in this embodiment will therefore be equal to the outer diameter of the uLAE or be marginally larger than the outer diameter of the uLAE to allow a precision fit.

By providing an ALE which has receiving recesses for at least the fastening element of the uLAE and for the upper part of an ATE for the ILAE, the relative position of the fastening element of the uLAE and the ATE of the ILAE is automatically adjusted once the fastening element and the upper part of the ATE are inserted into the respective recesses. For the purpose of adjustment, the ATE can be moved relative to the fastening element of the uLAE. When the ATE is aligned with the fastening element of the uLAE, the ATE can be attached and fixed to the base of the load frame. Thereby, the relative position of the uLAE and ILAE which will be fastened to the fastening element and to the ATE is set.

In a preferred embodiment, the receiving recesses of the ALE are connected via an air passage in the ALE. In one embodiment, the ALE therefore is a tubular element and the inner diameter of the tubular element forms the air passage. The inner diameter of the tubular element is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the top receiving recess and also smaller than the inner diameter of the bottom receiving recess.

In a preferred embodiment, the air passage has an air outlet opening. The air outlet opening is spaced apart from the receiving recesses. In one embodiment, the air outlet opening is a hole in the wall of the tubular element forming the ALE. By providing an air passage and an air outlet opening, the fit of the fastening element or uLAE and the upper part of the ATE in the recesses can be extremely tight, that means without clearance. When elements are inserted in to the receiving recesses, with such a tight fit, the air from the receiving recesses normally cannot escape from the receiving recesses, thus requiring strong force for insertion. With the embodiment, where an air passage with an air outlet opening is provided, the air in the receiving recesses can be pushed into the air passage when the elements are inserted into the receiving recesses and can exit the ALE via the air outlet opening. The ATE has at least two attachment apertures for screw-type connection with the base of the load frame. The attachment apertures are provided at a lower part of the ATE. By providing two or more attachment apertures, the attachment position of the ATE on the base can be more precise than with an ATE with only one connection point to the base of the load frame. For the screw-type connection, at least two holes are provided in the base of the load frame. The holes have an inner thread for receiving a screw. The relative position of the holes to each other corresponds to the relative position of the attachment apertures on the ATE.

According to the invention, the AJD comprises at least two attachment screws for attaching the ATE to the base of the load frame. The at least two attachment screws match the inner thread of the at least two holes in the base of the load frame and serve for attaching the ATE to the base of the load frame. The inner diameter of the at least two attachment apertures in the ATE is larger than the outer diameter of the at least two attachment screws. This difference in the diameters provides for a clearance between the screws and the attachment apertures. With this dimensioning of the attachment apertures, i.e. with the clearance, a horizontal movement of the ATE on the base during adjustment of the ATE prior to the attachment of the ATE to the base can be performed. Thereby, a deviation of the horizontal position of the fastening element for the uLAE and the ATE can be compensated by the movement of the ATE. Once the ATE and the fastening uLAE are aligned, the screws can be fastened and the final and adjusted position of the ATE can thereby be fixed. For this purpose, the attachment screws can have a head, which has a diameter larger than the diameter of the attachment aperture. Alternatively or additionally, a washer can be placed on top of the lower part of the ATE. The washer has an inner diameter, which corresponds to or is larger than the outer diameter of the screw but is smaller than the outer diameter of the head of the screw. The outer diameter of the washer is larger than the diameter of the attachment aperture.

Thereby, either by means of the head of the attachment screw or by the washer, the lower part of the ATE can be clamped between the head or washer, respectively, and the upper side of the base of the load frame on which the ATE is placed. The attachment screw has a length which is larger than the height of the lower part of the ATE. In particular, the screw has such a length, that once the head rests on the upper side of the lower part of the ATE, at least part of the threaded part of the attachment screw extends over the lower side of the ATE and into the holes in the base of the load frame.

According to one embodiment, the ATE has a body. Preferably, the body of the ATE can be a plate. The body of the ATE, for example, can have a circular, oval or rectangular shape. Preferably, the body of the ATE has a circular shape, which will hereinafter be referred to as disc shape.

According to one embodiment, the ATE has a connecting protrusion extending from the top of the body of the ATE. The connecting protrusion is the upper part of the ATE which is inserted into the bottom receiving recess of the ALE. The outer shape of the connecting protrusion preferably matches the inner shape of the bottom receiving recess of the ALE; preferably, both shapes are circular, i.e. have a circular cross-section. In addition, the connecting protrusion can have a through hole perpendicular to its length for receiving a bolt. The through hole is parallel to the extension of the body of the ATE.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment apertures are provided at different angle positions of the body of the ATE. This is preferably the case when the body of the ATE has a circular shape, in particular the shape of a disc.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a straining screw attached to the connecting protrusion. The straining screw can be used for applying pressure in an axial direction against the bottom end of the ILAE, which is preferably attached to the connecting protrusion of the ATE by a bolt-type connection. The direction in which pressure is applied to the bottom end of the ILAE is preferably perpendicular to the direction of the bolt by which the ILAE is attached to the connecting protrusion. Thereby, the ILAE is tightly adjusted and fixed to the ATE.

A further subject of the invention is a testing device comprising at least one adjustment device according to the invention. The testing device comprises an AJD according to the invention. In particular, the testing device can comprise the ATE of the AJD and can interact with an ALE of the AJD.

Features and advantages which have been described with reference to the adjustment device - as far as applicable - also relate to the testing device and vice versa and will not only be described once.

Indications of directions such as upper, lower, top or bottom refer to the AJD positioned in a load frame, with the ALE being vertically positioned. A further subject of the invention is a method for adjusting LAEs of a load frame comprising the steps of: a. Placing an ATE on the base of a load frame b. Inserting part of the ATE into an ALE c. Lowering the cross beam of the load frame to insert at least part of a fastening element for an uLAE into the upper part of the ALE d. Adjusting the horizontal position of the ATE relative to the fastening element of the uLAE in order to align the upper part of the ALE with the fastening element for the uLAE. e. Fixating the ATE.

According to one embodiment, the fixating of ATE is only carried out to that extent that the ATE is held in a vertical direction but can still move a horizontal direction. In particular, the ATE may move within the clearance provided by attachment apertures in the ATE having a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of attachment screws inserted there through.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of alternatingly performing step c) and step d) until the ATE and the fastening element for the uLAE are aligned and the fastening element for the uLAE can be inserted into the upper part of the ALE. In particular, the fastening element can be inserted into the upper part of the ALE until the fastening element for an uLAE can be inserted into the upper receiving recess of the ALE and reaches the lower end of the upper receiving recess.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of lifting and lowering the ALE by the user to confirm alignment of the ATE and the fastening element of the uLAE.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises, attaching the uLAE to the fastening element before step c) and inserting the uLAE into the upper part of the ALE in step c). In this embodiment, the step of alternatingly performing step c) and step d) will be performed until the ATE and the uLAE are aligned and the uLAE can be inserted into the upper part of the ALE. In particular, the uLAE can be inserted into the upper part of the ALE until the uLAE can be inserted into an upper receiving recess of the ALE and reaches the lower end of the upper receiving recess. Preferably, the method is carried out with an AJD according to the invention.

Features and advantages which have been described with reference to the adjustment device and the testing device - as far as applicable - also relate to the method and vice versa and will not only be described once.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described again with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 : shows a schematic front view of a load frame of a testing device;

Figure 2: shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the attachment element of the present invention on the base of a load frame;

Figure 3: shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the alignment element of the present invention;

Figure 4: shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of the alignment element of the present invention;

Figure 5: shows a schematic bottom view of the embodiment of the alignment element from Figure 4; Figure 6: shows a schematic top view of the embodiment of the alignment element from Figure 4;

Figure 7: shows a schematic perspective view of a testing device with an embodiment of the adjustment device according to the invention;

Figure 8: shows a schematic perspective view of a testing device with an embodiment of the adjustment device according to the invention; Figure 9: shows a schematic perspective view of the attachment element with a lower load application element during assembly of the testing device;

Figure 10: shows a schematic perspective view of the attachment element with a lower load application element during assembly of the testing device; Figure 11 : shows a schematic perspective view of the attachment device after assembly of the testing device;

Figure 12: shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the upper load application element of the testing device; and

Figure 13: shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the upper load application element of the testing device during assembly.

DETAILLED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures. Same components and arrangements are denoted in the figures by the same reference numerals and the respective description may be omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

In Figure 1 a schematic front view of a load frame 2 of a testing device is shown. The load frame 2 has a base 20 and posts 21 extending from the sides of the base 20 vertically upwards. Between the posts 21 a cross beam 22 is movable mounted. As indicated by the double arrow in Figure 1 , the cross beam 22 can be moved upwards and downwards. At the bottom side of the cross beam 22, a fastening element 230 for an uLAE 23 (not shown in Figure 1) is provided. At the upper surface of the base 20 an ATE 31 is attached.

The base 20 may be immovable or movable. In the latter case, the base can be moved upwards and downwards. In the load frame 2 as shown in Figure 1 , an ILAE and an uLEA (not shown in Figure 1) can be attached to the ATE 31 and the fastening element 230,

respectively. The shape and function of the LAEs will be adapted to the test to be performed with the load frame 2. For example, when testing the tensile strength of a specimen, the LAEs may be clamps holding the specimen. In this case, the cross beam 22 will be moved upwards, that means away from the base 20 in order to apply tensile force onto the specimen. In another embodiment, the load frame 2 may for example be used for a bending test. In that case, a ILAE can be a die and the uLAE can be a punch. In this embodiment, the cross beam 22 will be moved downward to apply pressure onto the specimen placed between the die and the punch. The testing device preferably comprises at least one measuring unit for measuring the force applied to the specimen and / or distance travelled by the cross beam. Furthermore, measurements of a dependence on temperature may be performed by the testing device.

In Figure 2 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the ATE 31 of the present invention on the base 20 of a load frame (not shown in Figure 2) is shown. The ATE 31 has a body 310 and a connecting protrusion, which has a circular shape and will hereinafter be referred to as cylindrical protrusion 311 , extending from the top of the body 310. The outer diameter of the body 310 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 311. On the outside of the lower part of the cylindrical protrusion 311 , an outer thread is provided. Onto the outer thread a straining screw 315 is screwed. The height of the straining screw 315 is smaller than the height of the cylindrical protrusion 311. In the upper part of the cylindrical protrusion 311 a through hole 313 is provided. The through hole extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical protrusion 311.

In the body 310 attachment apertures 312 are formed which are parallel to the axis of the body 310. In Figure 2 two attachment apertures 312 are visible. Preferably, more than two and preferably a multitude of attachment apertures 312, for example four, six or eight, are formed. The ATE 31 is attached to the base 20 via attachment screws (not shown in Figure 2). In the base 20 of the load frame 2 holes 200 are provide at relative positions which correspond to the relative positions of the attachment apertures 312 of the ATE 31. Any attachment screw passes through the attachment aperture 312 and extends into the hole 200 in the base. As shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the diameter of the attachment aperture 312 is larger than the diameter of the hole 200 in the base 20. An inner thread is provided at the inner diameter of the hole 200 for receiving the attachment screw. At the inner diameter of the attachment aperture 312, no thread needs to be provided because the inner diameter of the attachment aperture is in any case larger than the diameter of the attachment screw. Thus, the body 310 and thus the attachment element 31 are clamped between the screw head of the attachment screw and the upper side of the base 20. For this reason, the screw head has a larger diameter than the attachment aperture 312.

In Figure 3 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the ALE 30 of the present invention is shown. The ALE 30 has a tubular body 300 with a top end 301 and a bottom end 302. In the top end 201 a top receiving recess 303 is provided. In the bottom end 302 a bottom receiving recess 304 is provided. The recesses 303, 304 have a shape corresponding to the shape of the fastening element 230 for an uLEA 23 and the cylindrical protrusion 311 of the ATE 31 , respectively, in this case a cylindrical shape. The length of the recesses 303 and 304 is shorter than the length of the tubular body 300. An air passage 305 extends between the top receiving recess 303 and the bottom receiving recess 304. In the depicted

embodiment, the air passage 305 is formed by the inner diameter of the tubular body 300. In the wall of the tubular body 300, an air outlet opening 306 is provided. The air outlet opening 306 extends under an angle of larger zero to the axis of the tubular body 300. In the depicted embodiment, the air outlet opening 306 is arranged perpendicular to the axis of the tubular body 300. The air outlet opening 306 extends from the outer diameter of the tubular body 300 to the air passage 305. The inner diameter of the receiving recesses 303, 304 is larger than the inner diameter of the tubular body 300 and in particular than the air passage 305 which is formed thereby.

Figure 4 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of the ALE 30 of the present invention. In this view, the air outlet opening 306 is visible. Figure 5 shows a schematic bottom view of the embodiment of the ALE 30 of Figure 4 and Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of the embodiment of the ALE 30 of Figure 4. In these Figures the receiving recesses 303, 304 at the respective top end 301 and bottom end 302 are visible.

Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a testing device 1 with an embodiment of the AJD 3 according to the invention. In Figure 7 the ATE 31 has been attached to the base 20 of the load frame 2 of the testing device. A ILAE 24 is attached to the ATE 31. This attachment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9 through 11. The ILAE 24 in Figure 7 is a holder for a syringe (not visible) and the testing device in this embodiment is used to test the force that is required for moving the plunger of the syringe which is inserted into the ILAE in an upright, that is vertical position with the plunger extending vertically upwards towards the uLAE. At the bottom of cross beam 22 the fastening element 230 for fastening an uLAE 23 to the cross beam 22 is provided. In the state of the testing device 1 , the uLAE 23 has not been attached to the fastening element 230. The attachment of the ulAE 23 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In Figure 7 the ALE 30 is being held next to the ILAE 24. The ALE 30 is not used in the status shown in Figure 7 but is only depicted to shown the proportion of the ALE 30. Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a testing device 1 with an embodiment of the AJD 3 according to the invention during adjustment. As can be derived from Figure 8, the ATE 31 is placed on the base 20 of the load frame 2. The attachment screws 316 have been placed into the attachment apertures (not visible in Figure 8 because they are covered by the heads of the attachment screws) but have not been tightened. In this state, the ALE 30 is placed onto the ATE 31. In particular, the cylindrical protrusion 311 is inserted into the bottom receiving recess 304 (see Figure 3). The ALE30 is fixed by the straining screw 315.

During adjustment of the vertical alignment of the ATE 31 , in particular of the cylindrical protrusion 311 of the ATE 31 , with the fastening element 230, the cross beam 22 is lowered moving the fastening element 230 for the uLAE 23 towards the ALE 30, which sits on the ATE 31 , in particular on the cylindrical protrusion 311 of the ATE 31. Once the fastening element 230 reaches the top end of the ALE 30, the fastening element 230 can immerse into the top receiving recess 303, provided that the fastening element 230 and the cylindrical protrusion 311 are aligned. If the fastening element 230 and the cylindrical protrusion 311 are not aligned, the user can move the ATE 31 and thereby the ALE 30 until the fastening element 230 is aligned with the top receiving recess 303. The fastening element 230 is then inserted into the top receiving recess 303 by further lowering the cross beam 22. If the fastening element 230 can only be inserted to such an extent that the bottom end of the fastening element 230, is not yet in contact with the bottom end of the top receiving recess 303 the attachment screws 316 can be slightly tightened, still allowing minor horizontal movement of the ATE 31 within the clearance provided by the larger diameter or the attachment apertures 312. After the screws 316 have been slightly tightened, the ALE 30 can be moved up by the user. If the axis of the fastening element 230 and of the ATE 31 are in the same line, that is are vertically aligned, the ALE 30 can be moved without hinderance. If, to the contrary, the axes are not aligned, a vertical movement of the ALE 30 will be hindered. In that case, the user can move the ATE 31 on the base 20 until vertical movement of the ALE 30 becomes possible again. The attachment screws 316 will then be tightened until no movement of the ATE 31 is possible anymore. Thereby the ATE 31 is adjusted and fixed to the base 20.

At this point, ATE 30 and the fastening element 230 are aligned and the ILAE 24 can be attached to the ATE 31. For this purpose, the user will first lift the cross beam 22 until the fastening element 230 is no longer received in the top receiving recess 303. The cross beam 22 is then lifted further until the distance between the top end 301 of the ALE 30 and the lower end of the fastening element 230 is larger than the height of the bottom receiving recess 304. In that position, the ALE 30 can be pulled off and removed from the ATE 31. In an alternative example, the adjustment is carried out after the uLAE 23 has been attached to the fastening element 230. The uLAE 23 can be attached to the fastening element 230 as shown in Figures 12 and 13. In particular, the uLAE 23 is a rod having a receiving recess in its upper end. The fastening element 230 is a rod having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the receiving recess in the uLAE 23. The fastening element 230 is inserted into the receiving recess of the uLAE 23 and is secured to the fastening element 230 by a bolt 232. The bolt 232 is in particular inserted into a hole 231 which extends through the fastening element 230 and the upper part of the uLAE 23 in the area of the receiving recess. The hole is provided perpendicular to the axis of the uLAE 23. Once the uLAE 23 has been attached to the fastening element 23, the cross beam 22 can be lowered. By lowering the cross beam 22, the uLAE 23 extending from its bottom surface will also be lowered. In that case, the adjustment of the vertical alignment of the ATE 31 with the uLAE 23 is performed. The the cross beam 22 is lowered moving the uLAE 23, towards the ALE 30, which sits on the ATE 31 , in particular on the cylindrical protrusion 311 of the ATE 31. Once the uLAE 23 reaches the top end of the ALE 30, the uLAE 23 can immerse into the top receiving recess 303, provided that the uLAE 23 and the cylindrical protrusion 311 are aligned. If the uLAE 23 and the cylindrical protrusion 311 are not aligned, the user can move the ATE 31 and thereby the ALE 30 until the uLAE 23 is aligned with the top receiving recess 303. The uLAE 23 is then inserted into the top receiving recess 303 by further lowering the cross beam 22. If the uLAE 23 can only be inserted to such an extent that the bottom end of the uLAE 23, is not yet in contact with the bottom end of the top receiving recess 303 the attachment screws 316 can be slightly tightened, still allowing minor horizontal movement of the ATE 31 within the clearance provided by the larger diameter or the attachment apertures 312. After the screws 316 have been slightly tightened, the ALE 30 can be moved up by the user. If the axis of the uLAE 23 and of the ATE 31 are in the same line, that is are vertically aligned, the ALE 30 can be moved without hinderance. If, to the contrary, the axes are not aligned, a vertical movement of the ALE 30 will be hindered. In that case, the user can move the ATE 31 on the base 20 until vertical movement of the ALE 30 becomes possible again.

The attachment screws 316 will then be tightened until no movement of the ATE 31 is possible anymore. Thereby the ATE 31 is adjusted and fixed to the base 20.

At this point, ATE 30 and the uLAE 23 are aligned and the ILAE 24 can be attached to the ATE 31. For this purpose, the user will first lift the cross beam 22 until the uLAE 23 is no longer received in the top receiving recess 303. The cross beam 22 is then lifted further until the distance between the top end 301 of the ALE 30 and the lower end of the uLAE 23 is larger than the height of the bottom receiving recess 304. In that position, the ALE 30 can be pulled off and removed from the ATE 31.

After the ALE 30 has been removed from the ATE 31 which is firmly attached to the base 20 in the aligned position, the ILAE 24 can be attached to the ATE 31 as shown in Figures 9 through 11. In particular, the ILAE 24 has a receiving recess in its lower end. The shape of this inner receiving recess preferably corresponds to the shape of the cylindrical protrusion 311 , preferably the shapes are cylindrical and inner diameter of this receiving recess of the ILAE 24 is equal to or corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 311 in its upper part. Preferably, the inner diameter of the receiving recess of the ILAE24 will therefore be equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 311 or be marginally larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical protrusion 311 to allow a precision fit.

The ILAE 24 has preferably a through hole 240 extending through the receiving recess perpendicular to the axis of the receiving recess. The hole 240 is then aligned with the through hole 313 of the cylindrical protrusion 311 and a bolt 314 is inserted into and through the hole 313 and through the through hole 240. This state is shown in Figure 11. The bottom end of the ILAE 24 rests on the upper side of the straining screw 315. By turning straining screw 315 and moving it upwards, the connection between the ILAE24 and the ATE 31 is further secured and fixed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Testing device

2 Load frame

20 base

200 hole

21 post

22 cross beam

23 upper load application element

230 fastening element

231 hole

232 bolt

24 lower load application element

240 through hole

3 adjustment device

30 alignment element

300 tubular body

301 top end

302 bottom end

303 top receiving recess 304 bottom receiving recess

305 air passage

306 air outlet opening

31 attachment element 310 body

311 cylindrical protrusion

312 attachment aperture

313 through hole

314 bolt

315 straining screw

316 attachment screw