JP2005127753A - Thermostatic bath device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermostatic bath device capable of performing simultaneously in parallel, tests in various temperature conditions set to a sample, reducing cost necessary for the tests, and performing a plurality of measurements. <P>SOLUTION: This thermostatic bath device 2 has a bath 53 sealed by using a heat insulating material on the surrounding side faces 52, and is equipped with a fan 6 for stirring the air in the bath 53 and a cooler 7 controlled by the first temperature control means. In the device, the front side face 9 is constituted of the heat insulating material, and as for other side faces, a plurality of chambers 4 constituted of the heat conductive material are mounted inside the bath 53, while the front side face 9 is positioned on one side face of the bath 53, and clearances 21 are formed between the chambers 4 mutually or between the chamber 4 and the other side face 10, to thereby form an air jacket 20 in the bath 53. Each chamber has the second temperature control means 5 and a temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the sample stored in the chamber 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermostatic chamber apparatus having a plurality of chambers for containing samples that can be set independently of each other and capable of performing individual temperature measurement for each sample in each chamber. This enables simultaneous and continuous measurement of the sample temperature corresponding to a plurality of samples under the above temperature environment conditions.

  In general, various testing machines are known in order to investigate and inspect changes in a sample under a predetermined condition. For the quality inspection of the product as such a sample, for example, a test device in which various conditions such as temperature, humidity, illuminance, atmosphere filled with various gases, and vibrations are set in advance is used. That is, in these test equipment, even for tests with set temperatures, the test temperature can be controlled from a low temperature to a high temperature in a predetermined time by controlling the temperature to a constant temperature with a simple single thermostat. A device that performs a wide range of temperature tests by changing the temperature is known.

  Conventional temperature tests include 1) using a thermostat with a single temperature selected, 2) using a program thermostat, changing the test temperature from low to high using a program timer, and 3) A plurality of thermostats were used, and test temperatures were individually set for these thermostats.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, the thermostatic chamber device 50 as a thermostatic device forms a tank 53 sealed with a heat insulating material on a peripheral side surface 52, and divides the inside of the tank 53 into a predetermined section. A plurality of chambers 54 are formed, and one side surface located on the front surface side as the thermostatic chamber device 50 communicating with the chambers 54 is freely opened and closed, and air in the bath 53 adjusted to a predetermined temperature is circulated through these chambers 54. A configuration in which flow is made is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). That is, ventilation paths 56, 56 are provided on both sides inside the tank 53, and the internal space of the tank 53 located in the middle of these ventilation paths 56, 56 is partitioned in the vertical direction by the heat insulating plate 52, and the like. A plurality of thermally insulated chambers 54 are also formed on the side surfaces by forming predetermined sections using a heat insulating material. Below the tank 53, there are provided a fan 6 for blowing air and a cooler 7 whose operation is controlled by a first temperature control means (not shown). Further, an inlet opening 54a and an outlet opening 54b communicating with the ventilation path 56 are formed on both side surfaces of each chamber 54, and the heater 5 whose operation is controlled by a second temperature control means (not shown) and the inlet opening 54a, A suction fan 55a is provided. Reference numeral 8 denotes a compressor (compressor) for the cooler 7.

Therefore, according to the thermostatic chamber device 50, the cooling operation is controlled by the first temperature control means to set the cooling temperature, and the fan 6 attached to the cooler 7 is set in each chamber 54. The cold air cooled to below the minimum set temperature is forcibly circulated among the temperatures, and each chamber 54 is heated so that the heater 5 is operated by the second temperature control means to compensate for the desired temperature. . For this reason, the respective chambers 54 and 54 can be independently set to each other temperature while being ventilated by the suction fan 55a. Instead of providing the suction fan 55a in the inlet opening 54a, a configuration in which an exhaust fan is provided in the outlet opening 54b, or a configuration in which the suction fan 55a and the exhaust fan are provided is also used.
Japanese Patent No. 2547970 (pages 1, 2 and 4)

  However, the conventional test equipment described above has a disadvantage that it cannot fully respond to the recent demand for temperature tests.

  In other words, with the progress of product transportation reforms due to the speed of product development and the enhancement of the distribution network, and the spread of cold products, importance is placed on product preservation tests. For this reason, it has been necessary to increase the speed of the temperature test of products as a test for such storage stability.

  In addition, for example, as a temperature test for such products, 1) We want to conduct a multi-point temperature test in which the temperature is set for a plurality of identical products at the same time, and also perform a test with a wide range of temperature changes. 2) Sample We want to conduct non-destructive and non-contact temperature tests for products as 3) We want to conduct temperature tests in the state that products as samples are sealed in existing containers such as cans and PET bottles 4) Lot production There was a request for a quick quality inspection of the finished products. In particular, in the food industry, there is a strong desire to conduct multi-faceted temperature testing of products in a short time and at low cost from the viewpoint of improving product quality and stabilizing quality. In the beverage industry, which is sold in a container such as the above, the above-mentioned demand tends to be stronger because the product life cycle is shortened.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, the temperature measurement of each sample accommodated in each chamber 54 in which different temperature conditions are set from the start to the end of the test is performed over time and simultaneously while being accommodated. No means to perform is installed. For this reason, each sample is taken out from the chamber 54 every predetermined time and the temperature of the sample is measured. This takes time and labor, and is limited in terms of time and place for measuring the temperature and labor cost. It is not preferable in terms of operational costs. Further, even if the temperature measurement of the sample taken out is performed in a short time, it is not preferable in terms of maintaining a constant temperature environment in the chamber 54, and there is a problem that it is difficult to inspect the sample accurately.

  As a result, a large number of personnel are required for testing, which increases personnel costs and increases the number of tests and requires a long period of time for testing, so it is not possible to fully respond to recent demands for temperature testing. .

  Therefore, the present invention solves the problems of the conventional apparatus, and can perform a test of various temperature conditions set on the sample simultaneously and in parallel, and can perform a plurality of measurements that can reduce the cost required for the test. It is an object to provide an apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 forms a sealed tank using a heat insulating material on the peripheral side surface, and a fan for stirring the air in the tank and the first temperature control means In the thermostatic bath apparatus comprising a cooler controlled by the chamber, the front side is made of a heat insulating material and the other side is made of a heat conductive material, and the front side is positioned on one side of the bath. A plurality of chambers are mounted inside the chamber, and a gap is formed between the chambers and between the other side surfaces to form an air jacket in the chamber. The chambers are accommodated in the second temperature control means and the chambers, respectively. Temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the prepared sample.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the set temperature of the first temperature control means is set to be equal to or lower than the temperature set as the test temperature of the sample, and the temperature of each chamber is The second temperature control means performs control so as to compensate for the temperature difference from the set temperature of the first temperature control means, and sets the temperature of each chamber as desired.

  Invention of Claim 3 is a temperature test apparatus, Comprising: The thermostat apparatus of the said Claim 1 or 2 is provided.

  According to the present invention, tests of various temperature conditions set on a sample can be performed simultaneously and in parallel, so that the time and cost required for the test can be reduced. That is, the same sample is accommodated in each chamber set with different temperature conditions, and a temperature test is performed on each sample to measure the temperature of each sample. By the number of times, a test of a plurality of temperature conditions can be simultaneously performed on one type of sample.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the temperature test apparatus, and FIGS. 2A to 2C are a left side view, a front view, and a right side view, respectively, showing a thermostatic chamber apparatus included in the temperature test apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a flow state in the thermostat apparatus, and FIGS. 4A to 4B are a plan view and a side view showing measurement units included in the thermostat apparatus, respectively. FIGS. 4C to 4D are a plan view and a longitudinal sectional view showing details of the container disposed in the measurement unit. In the embodiment of the present invention, the same parts as those of the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is simplified or omitted, and different parts are mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature test apparatus 1 includes a thermostatic chamber apparatus 2 having a plurality of chambers 4 that can contain samples and can be set to individual temperatures that are independent of each other, and each sample is measured. And a processing device 3 for recording the temperature as measurement data, processing it in a predetermined manner and analyzing it, and outputting the analysis result by a predetermined means. The thermostatic chamber device 2 is provided in each chamber 4 according to the number of samples. In addition, a plurality of temperature measuring means are provided to enable simultaneous and continuous temperature measurement at a plurality of locations corresponding to the number of all the samples accommodated in each chamber 4.

  That is, the processing device 3 records an interface 3A for converting the temperature measurement signal of the sample transmitted from the thermostatic chamber device 2 into a predetermined value, and records the converted temperature measurement signal as measurement data. A computer 3B that performs predetermined processing according to a program, a display 3C that displays the measurement data processed by the computer in a graph or as a numerical value, and a printer 3D that prints the measurement data on recording paper in a predetermined format. These 2, 3A to 3D are sequentially electrically connected in a predetermined manner as shown in the figure by a cord or the like. That is, the interface 3A converts a signal obtained by measuring the temperature of the sample and the temperature for control transmitted from the thermostat device 2 into a digital signal for a computer and sends it to the computer 3B, or for various controls from the computer 3B. The command signal is converted into a predetermined value and sent to the thermostatic chamber device 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (b), the thermostatic chamber device 2 has six chambers 4 arranged in three stages in the vertical direction and two in each stage. A predetermined temperature condition is individually set, and a sample is accommodated in each chamber 4 to measure the temperature of each sample. That is, the thermostatic chamber device 2 includes a tank 53 whose peripheral side surface 52 is sealed with a heat insulating material, a fan 6 that circulates and flows the air in the tank 53 as a cooling medium, a cooler 7, The thermostat device 2 includes first temperature control means for controlling the cooler 7 to adjust and set the temperature of the air as the cooling medium to a predetermined temperature, and the sample is placed inside the bath 53. The chamber 4 includes a plurality of chambers 4. The front surface 9 of the chamber 4 is made of a heat insulating material and the other surface 10 is made of a heat conductive material. The air jacket 20 is formed by being attached to the tank 53 so as to be on the side surfaces and between the chambers 4 and between the other side surfaces, and circulating air through the gap 21. Each chamber 4 and 4 has its own A second temperature control means 5 for setting to adjust the temperature in the chamber 4 to a predetermined temperature, it has a configuration having a temperature measuring means 33 for measuring the temperature of the sample in the chamber 4.

  The chamber 4 is formed in a substantially box shape having airtightness, and the front side surface 9 is detachably mounted as a door portion using a heat insulating material, and the other side surface 10 uses a heat conductive material. It is supposed to be configured. Further, for example, the chamber 4 forms a sealed internal space having a height and a width of 40 cm and a depth of about 35 cm by these members 9 and 10. The chamber 4 has a front side surface 9 positioned on the front surface of the thermostatic bath device 2, and a plurality of chambers 4 are mounted in a predetermined manner in multiple stages or multiple stages in the tank. That is, these chambers 4 form gaps 21 through which cold air can flow as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C between the chambers 4 and between the other side surfaces 52 of the thermostatic chamber apparatus 2. The air jacket 20 is formed by circulating cold air through the gap 21 formed in the tank 3. Each of the plurality of chambers 4 has a heater 5 as second temperature control means. The heater 5 is provided at the base of the chamber 4. Further, a measuring means (not shown) capable of measuring the cold air temperature as a cooling medium circulating as the air jacket 20 is provided at an appropriate location through which the air jacket 20 flows, and the actual cold wind measured by the measuring means is measured. Based on the temperature, the cooling operation of the cooler 7 is controlled to keep the temperature of the cold air at a predetermined target temperature.

  In addition, 53a shown in FIG.2 (b) is the outer door part provided in the tank 53 side so that opening and closing was possible corresponding to the front side surface 9 of each chamber 4 as a door part, and the chamber 4 On the other hand, a double door composed of a front side surface 9 and an outer door portion 53a as an inner door portion is formed. Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the front side surface 9 is a single door portion of each chamber 4, the double door configuration is adopted, so that the shielding effect, that is, the heat insulation effect can be further enhanced. On the other hand, when the front side surface 9 and the outer door portion 53a are opened in order to store or take out a sample in a certain chamber 4, a depth can be secured in the path from the outside to the inside of the chamber 4. It is possible to stabilize the temperature environment in the chamber 4 without changing the temperature environment in the chamber 4 by minimizing the diffusion of the temperature environment in the chamber 4 and the exchange of the air inside and outside the chamber 4 to a minimum. In addition to this, when the double door is configured in this way, the front side surface 9 is formed of a heat conductive material, and a predetermined gap is formed between the outer door portion 53a and the front side surface 9, You may form the air jacket 20 which let the cold wind flow through this gap | interval. Therefore, according to this structure, in addition to the heat insulation effect by the outer door part 53a as a fixing member, the heat insulation effect by the air jacket 20 is acquired. On the other hand, the front side surface 9 newly becomes a contact area for setting the temperature with respect to the chamber 4 by the air jacket 20, and the contact area can be expanded, so that the reference temperature supplied by the air jacket 20 to the chamber 4 is more stable. Can be secured. The heater 5 is not limited to the base portion of the chamber 4 and may be provided on the side surface portion of the chamber 4. Further, a fan (not shown) may be provided in the chamber 4, and the air in the chamber 4 may be agitated by this fan so that the temperature can be made uniform quickly throughout the entire area of the chamber 4. Further, a light source (not shown) may be provided in each chamber 4 and the light source may be configured to be freely set for a light / dark cycle environment that is set to a predetermined value by program control, that is, daytime environmental adjustment. Therefore, when configured in this way, in addition to the temperature conditions, the conditions of the day and night cycle can be set arbitrarily, so that it is preferable for tests using organisms such as plants and bacteria that are affected by sunshine hours as samples Become.

  The temperature of each chamber 4 can be set to a desired temperature by the second temperature control means. That is, the temperature of the air jacket 20 by the cooler 7 is set to be lower than the necessary minimum temperature set for each chamber 4 by the first temperature control means to which the information output from the second temperature control means is input. The In other words, the first temperature control means selects the lowest temperature among the desired temperatures set in the second temperature control means provided for each chamber 4, and the target temperature as the control target below this selected temperature. And the cooling operation of the cooler 7 is controlled so that the temperature of the air jacket 20 becomes the target temperature. The temperature of each chamber 4 is controlled by the second temperature control means so as to compensate for the temperature difference between the temperature set in the second temperature control means and the target temperature. That is, the second temperature control means controls the heat generation operation of the heater 5 so as to maintain the temperature difference. The temperature setting of the second temperature control means is set by inputting an arbitrary temperature control pattern in advance by operating a switch such as a knob installed on the operation panel 8 provided on the front surface. Can do. Alternatively, the operation of the second temperature control unit is controlled based on a control signal transmitted from the outside according to the program chart, and an arbitrary temperature control pattern is recorded in advance on the program chart. The first and second temperature control means are configured by the computer 3B of the processing device 3.

  Therefore, in the thermostatic chamber device 2 configured in this way, as shown in FIG. 3, the cold air adjusted to a predetermined temperature by the cooler 7 is fed in a fixed direction by the fan 6, and An air jacket 20 that circulates through the tank 53 is formed in contact with the other side surface 10. In other words, the fan 6 is installed immediately above the cooler 7 installed on the back side in the tank 53, and the air blowing direction is directed upward. An intermediate fan 6a with a predetermined horizontal direction is installed. Therefore, the cold air fed by the fan 6 is diverted by the intermediate fan 6 a into the gap between the chambers 4 in the vertical direction and the gap between the chamber 4 and the tank 53, and is sent to a specific chamber 4 in the tank 53. Without any deviation, it flows while contacting the peripheral side surfaces of all the chambers 4 and is returned to the cooler 7. For this reason, according to this thermostatic chamber device 2, each chamber 4 is cooled at the temperature of the air jacket 20 by heat conduction from the other side surface 10 of the thermally conductive material using the cooled air jacket 20 as a minimum cooling source. At the same time, since the second temperature control means generates heat for each heater 5 in response to the input signal of the set desired temperature, the heater is compensated for the temperature difference from the temperature of the air jacket 20. 5 and heated. As a result, the inside of each chamber 4 can be set to a desired constant temperature environment condition in a state close to the natural environment. That is, the temperature in the chamber 4 can be accurately set by balancing the balance of thermal energy in the chamber 4. In addition, since each chamber 4 as a small chamber partitioned with a relatively small volume with respect to the temperature of the air jacket 20 as a reference is heated by a dedicated heater 5, respectively. It becomes easy to control the temperature in the chamber 4. For this reason, the temperature in each chamber 4 can be set to a required temperature with high accuracy while eliminating the temperature interference between the chambers 4 and 4 and making each chamber 4 independent.

  Moreover, since the dry cool air is not ventilated inside the chamber 4, the inside of each chamber 4 is not dehumidified. Therefore, the test object as a sample, the culture medium for the sample, the culture medium, and the like are not dried, and the test can be performed in a state that is very close to nature. In addition, the chambers 4 are isolated from each other, and no air is exchanged between them, so that there is no mutual contamination of plants, animals, and microorganisms through the air. Therefore, the reliability of the test result obtained by this apparatus can be improved. Furthermore, since each chamber 4 does not need to be provided with a thick heat insulating layer as a member surrounding them, the internal space as the chamber 4 can be increased accordingly. On the other hand, the heat insulating layer as a member is not required and the use efficiency of the internal space as the device is high, so that the entire device can be made compact. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the material for manufacturing the device and save space. As a result, a low-temperature thermostat apparatus 2 can be obtained.

  Also, for example, when the temperature of the plurality of chambers 4 installed in the tank is to be set to different temperatures in the range of about 5 ° C. to 50 ° C., the temperature of the air jacket 20 is maintained at 0 ° C. Thus, a desired temperature can be set in each chamber 4. Therefore, even in the case of research that requires a long time from the start to the end of the test, such as germination of organisms, long-term culture, breeding, etc., research to compare and evaluate comparative samples with different temperature conditions It can be done efficiently and these test studies can be done in parallel at the same time. For this reason, a comparatively evaluated research result can be obtained by one test as the number of tests, and the reliability as a result of this research is also increased. That is, when the test is divided into a plurality of test times, the conditions are slightly different each time, and the test result is expected to be affected. Therefore, the above influence can be avoided at all. As a result, it is possible to increase the speed of conducting the test research while increasing the reliability of the test.

  In addition, you may form in the front side surface 9 of the chamber 4 with the heat insulating member which had transparency or had transparency. Therefore, when a transparent member is used as the heat insulating material, the front side surface 9 can be used as an observation window, that is, the front side surface 9 is maintained while maintaining the constant temperature in the chamber 4. Since the inside of the chamber 4 can be observed without opening, the usability as a test apparatus can be improved. On the other hand, when an opaque member is used, the incident light entering the chamber 4 from the outside can be shielded. Therefore, a light source is installed in the chamber 4 and this light source is used to provide a predetermined light / dark cycle environment, that is, It is possible to conduct a test in which daytime environmental adjustment is arbitrarily set.

  In addition, the thermostatic chamber device 2 includes a measurement unit 30 that can be accommodated and removed from the chamber 4 as a dedicated auxiliary tool for measuring a minute temperature change of the sample. That is, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4B, the measurement unit 30 includes a base member 31 as a base and a plurality of containers 32 fixedly arranged at predetermined positions on the upper surface of the base member 31. 32 and temperature measuring elements 33 and 33 provided at the bottoms of these containers 32 and 32, respectively, each of which contains a sample cell (not shown in the figure) in which a sample is stored. The temperature change of each sample is precisely measured by the temperature measuring element 33 of the container 32.

  The base member 31 is made of a lightweight aluminum alloy having excellent thermal conductivity, and the planar shape is formed in a square shape smaller than the floor shape of the chamber 4 and has a thickness that can secure a predetermined heat capacity. doing. That is, the base member 31 is set with a heat capacity capable of stably absorbing the heat from the sample, that is, a thickness dimension for securing a sufficient volume. Reference numeral 31a denotes legs provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the base member 31. The legs 31a are formed using a material having low thermal conductivity, and the lower surface of the base member 31 is formed by the legs 31a. The base member 31 is supported by forming a predetermined gap without contacting the floor of the chamber 4. Therefore, heat higher than room temperature in the chamber 4 conducted from the sample to the base member 31 reaches the lower surface of the base member 31 and is dissipated to the floor surface side of the chamber 4 facing the lower surface with a predetermined distance. Is done. That is, since the floor surface is set to a temperature lower than room temperature by the air jacket 20 formed through the periphery of the chamber 4, heat is dissipated in the base member 31 without stagnation, and the entire base member 31. As described above, the room temperature, that is, the temperature set in the chamber 4 is stably maintained. On the other hand, with the base member 31 configured in this way, the thermal energy from the floor surface can be applied to the container 32 installed on the upper surface of the base member 31, that is, the sample stored in the container 32 directly or via the measurement cell. Can be blocked.

  As shown in FIGS. 4C to 4D, the container 32 is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and is fixed upright at a predetermined position of the base member 31. The container 32 forms a sealed space having a diameter of about 80 mm and a height of about 220 mm. The upper part of the container 32 is closed so as to be openable by a lid part 32a, and through the opening opened by removing the lid part 32a, a sample cell or a sample cell storing the sample can be taken in and out of the container 32. . The lower part of the container 32 is opened to the upper surface of the base member 31, and a receiving tray 32b having excellent thermal conductivity is provided in the opening. A temperature measuring element 33 having a substantially thin plate rectangular shape is interposed between the tray 32b and the upper surface of the base member 31. In other words, the temperature measuring element 33 is positioned substantially at the center in the plan view of the tray 32b, and is disposed so as to be in close contact with both the surfaces 32b and 31 and in surface contact therewith. Further, an aluminum plate (not shown) having a thickness of about 5 mm is interposed between the temperature measuring element 33 and the upper surface of the base member 31, and an adhesive is used as means for fixing the temperature measuring element 33 by the aluminum plate. Even when the aluminum plate is used, the aluminum plate can be easily removed, and the contact area for heat conduction from the temperature measuring element 33 to the base member 31 is expanded as compared with the temperature measuring element 33 alone, thereby ensuring a smooth flow of heat. I am doing so.

  The temperature measuring element 33 is a highly sensitive element that can electrically measure minute temperature changes. As this element, for example, a Peltier element or a thermocouple measuring element, which is a semiconductor element, can be applied. The element is an element that outputs a minute temperature change of a measurement target as a voltage potential change.

  A plurality of containers 32 configured in this manner are fixed on the base member 31, and are arranged on the base member 31 in advance so that the mutual distance between them is equal according to the number of the containers 32. A measurement unit 30 is prepared in advance. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, each container 32 is symmetrically arranged in each measurement unit 30 with the center in the plane of the base member 31 as a reference. In addition, the container 32 indicated with R in each figure is a container used for temperature compensation of a measured value when measuring the temperature of each sample. That is, when there are two or more samples to be tested using a temperature compensation container, the temperature compensation container is installed at the center, and other sample containers are surrounded around the center. Is used in a point-symmetric arrangement. In particular, when the number of containers 32 is four or more, the triangle formed by connecting the center of the base member 31 and the centers of two adjacent containers 32 in plan view always has the same size and shape. Yes. Therefore, when measuring a plurality of samples in one chamber 4 as test objects, the distance between them is made equal so that the test cells containing these samples do not affect each other. Can be.

  That is, in these measurement units 30, when testing using, for example, one container 32 for temperature compensation and four containers for measuring the sample temperature, as shown in FIG. The installed temperature measurement element 33 is connected by wiring, and the temperature of the sample in each container 32 is output from one terminal of the temperature measurement element 33 as a differential voltage with respect to the temperature measurement element 33 for temperature compensation. Has been. That is, these temperature measuring elements 33 have two terminals, and one terminal of the temperature measuring element 33 that measures the temperature for temperature compensation arranged in the center of the base member 31 is connected to a single common line. One terminal of each temperature measuring element 33 for measuring the sample temperature is connected to the common line. The other terminals of the temperature measuring elements 33 for temperature compensation and sample temperature measurement are individually wired and connected to the processing apparatus 3. That is, an internal connector (not shown) having connection terminals corresponding to the total number of terminals of the temperature measuring element 33 in the room is provided in a predetermined position in each chamber 4 in advance, and the terminals of the temperature measuring element 33 are connected with one touch. This internal connector is wired in the thermostat device 2 in a predetermined manner and connected to an external connector (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the thermostat device 2. Therefore, by connecting a dedicated cord or the like connected to the interface 3A of the processing device 3 to this external connector, the measurement signal from the temperature measuring element 33 for temperature compensation and sample temperature measurement is transmitted via the interface 3A. It is configured to reach the computer 3B individually. Note that a wiring configuration similar to the wiring configuration shown as the configuration provided in the right chamber 4 row in the figure is also provided in advance in the left chamber 4 row.

  Therefore, according to the measurement unit 30 configured in this way, the mutual distance between the containers 32 is equal, so that the mutual interference with the sample stored in each container 32 is eliminated, and each container Since the distance from the side wall surface of the chamber 4 closest to 32 is also equal, the temperature effect of each container 32 from the side wall surface is also equal, and the conditions of each container 32 can be made uniform. As a result, precise temperature measurement of the sample becomes possible. On the other hand, a sample or a cell storing the sample is placed on a receiving tray 32b provided at the bottom of the container 32 and stored in the container 32, whereby a transmission path through which heat generated from the sample moves is transferred from the receiving tray 32b. Since the temperature measurement element 33 is interposed as a member through which heat is transmitted and passed along the path to the base member 31, the temperature change of the sample is highly accurate. Can be measured. In addition to this, the samples in each container or cell have a predetermined gap distance between adjacent samples even if they are slightly affected by thermal changes. The mutual influences between those adjacent to each other are eliminated. For example, by measuring the temperature difference between the sample in the measurement cell and the sample in the temperature compensation comparison cell, the influence of adjacent ones can be eliminated. That is, by subtracting the temperature measurement value obtained by measuring the temperature compensation sample affected by the thermal effect of this sample or the adjacent sample from the temperature measurement value of the sample, measurement that is not affected by the thermal effect of the sample. The value can be determined. In other words, the measured value corresponding to the thermal influence is specified as described above, and the measured value corresponding to the specified thermal influence is subtracted from the temperature at which the sample is measured to obtain a predetermined temperature. A substantial heat change (temperature change) of the sample due to an internal factor of the sample itself under the test conditions can be accurately measured.

  Next, a first usage example of the temperature test apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. That is, an example in which the temperature test apparatus 1 is used as a test method for a certain sample will be described. In this example, a platinum resistor element is used as a sample temperature measuring means. First, the temperature control accuracy of the insulated air jacket 20 itself is adjusted to a predetermined value. Next, the temperature control accuracy in the individual chambers 4A and 4B is adjusted to a predetermined value. That is, platinum resistor elements C1 and D1 for measuring the indoor temperature are provided in the chambers 4A and 4B as the respective chambers, and each chamber is measured by measuring the temperature using these platinum resistor elements C1 and D1. The temperature control characteristics in the chambers 4A and 4B are examined, temperature correction data corresponding to the control characteristics is collected, and adjustment is performed so as to obtain sufficient temperature control accuracy using the correction data. Next, the chambers 4A and B are set to individual temperatures, and the measurement cells A2 and B2 containing samples (not shown) are accommodated in the chambers 4A and B, respectively. Next, the platinum resistor elements C2 and D2 for measuring the sample temperature are inserted into the measurement cells A2 and B2, respectively, or the platinum resistor elements C2 and D2 are attached in close contact with the outer surfaces of the measurement cells A2 and B2. The platinum resistor elements C2 and D2 are set for measuring the temperature of each sample. That is, in the former, the platinum resistor elements C2 and D2 are set in contact with the samples in the measuring cells A2 and B2, and in the latter, the platinum resistors are in contact with the samples in the measuring cells A2 and B2 through the cell side walls. Elements C2 and D2 are set.

  Then, a process capable of calculating a predetermined temperature difference between the platinum resistor elements C1 and D1 for measuring the room temperature in the chambers 4A and 4B and the platinum resistor elements C2 and D2 for measuring the sample temperature mounted on the sample. The apparatus 3 performs graph display and numerical calculation display of the temperature change of each sample over time.

  The measurement cells A2 and B2 containing the samples are supported by a predetermined distance away from the floor surface or the side wall by a holder (not shown) without contacting the floor surface or the side wall surface of the chamber 4A or B. Thermally shielded and held. Therefore, the samples in the measurement cells A2 and B2 are not affected by the temperature of the air jacket 20 from the floors or side walls of the chambers 4A and B, but are only affected by the room temperature, that is, the test temperature set in each chamber 4A and B. I am doing so. Further, when the number of samples in each chamber 4A, B is increased, it is possible to increase another combination of the above platinum resistor elements. Furthermore, the object to which this test method is applied is effective in the case where a relatively high temperature accuracy is not required as a test purpose or test result.

  Furthermore, a second usage example of the temperature test apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. That is, an example in which this temperature test apparatus 1 is used as an evaluation method for a certain sample will be described. In this example, a thermocouple measuring element is used as a sample temperature measuring means. In this example as well, the measurement cells A2 and B2 are supported or held by a holder (not shown) as in the first example. First, in the same manner as in the first use example, the temperature control accuracy and characteristics in the air jacket 20 and the chambers 4A and 4B are examined and adjusted, and the temperature in the chambers 4A and 4B is set to an arbitrary temperature. Adjust to. Next, a temperature compensation cell E1 serving as a reference for each sample is connected in series to the temperature measurement line as shown in the figure. That is, as shown in the upper part of the figure, a reference (temperature compensation) cell E1 is arranged in the same chamber 4A as the measurement cell A1 storing the sample, and the thermocouple set in the measurement cell A2 in this cell E1. The thermocouple measuring element F2 is set in the same manner as the measuring element F1, one terminal of the thermocouple measuring element F2 is connected to the output terminal of the thermocouple measuring element set in the measuring cell A2, and the other terminal is connected to the temperature. Connect to the measurement line. That is, the thermocouple measuring element F1 is set in the measuring cell A2 so that the thermocouple measuring element F1 itself contacts the sample in the measuring cell A2 or the inner wall of the measuring cell A2 located in the vicinity of the sample. . Similarly, the thermocouple measuring element F2 itself is in contact with the temperature compensation sample in the reference cell E1 or in contact with the inner wall of the reference cell E1 located in the vicinity of the sample. Is set in the reference cell E1. As shown in the lower part of the figure, a temperature compensation cell E10 connected in the same manner may be disposed outside the chamber 4A containing the measurement cell A1, and the periphery of the temperature compensation cell E1 may be surrounded by a heat insulating layer E11. . One of these is selected according to the purpose of evaluating a certain sample. When there are a large number of samples, one temperature compensation cell E1 is also used as in the configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, this evaluation method can also be applied depending on the sample, but by devising a method of mounting a thermocouple measuring element on the sample, it is possible to measure by eliminating the constraint depending on the sample.

  When the sample to be tested is a living organism such as a microorganism, the temperature compensation cell E1 is a measurement cell containing only the culture solution or culture medium necessary for this sample. That is, as the temperature test apparatus 1, when measuring the generated heat, that is, the amount of heat generated due to the biological activity of a living organism, the temperature of a culture medium without biological activity for temperature compensation or the temperature of a culture medium is measured at the same time. Correct the value. Therefore, in this case, the measurement value can be compensated by measuring the influence of the measurement cell as a container on the sample stored in the measurement cell, so that sufficient measurement accuracy can be obtained. For this reason, the minute amount of heat generated from the sample is measured to detect the presence or absence of microorganisms contained in the sample, and the metabolic activity of the microorganisms in the sample, that is, the active state is estimated based on the measured amount of heat. The active state can be measured. In addition, since the temperature test apparatus 1 can measure a minute amount of heat from a sample in this way, detection of viruses and viruses other than microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, animals, and measurement of activity. Of course you can use it.

  Furthermore, the 3rd usage example of the temperature test apparatus 1 of the said structure is demonstrated based on FIG. That is, an example in which this temperature test apparatus 1 is used as an evaluation method for a certain sample will be described. In this example, the measurement unit 30 described above is used, and a temperature measurement element 33 which is a highly sensitive semiconductor element such as a Peltier element provided in advance in the measurement unit 30 is used as the temperature measurement means. First, in the same manner as in the first usage example, the temperature control and accuracy of the insulated air jacket 20 itself are adjusted to a predetermined value. Next, using the measurement unit 30, each sample is set for a temperature test. That is, the measurement unit 30, that is, the aluminum block base member 31 is stored in the chambers 4 A and B, and the measurement cells A 2 and B 2 are placed in the measurement containers 32 A and 32 B so as to be placed on the base member 31. The comparison cell E1 is stored and set in the comparison container (reference) 32E. At this time, the base member 31 is installed such that the plane center of the base member 31 coincides with the center of the floor surface of the chambers 4A and 4B. Further, the measurement cells A2 and B2 and the comparison cell E1 are placed on the receiving tray 32b in each of the containers 32A, 32B, and 32E so that the bottom surfaces thereof are in close contact with each other.

  When the test is performed with the cells A2, B2, E1 storing the sample or the comparative sample stored in the containers 32A, 32B, 32E, at least the bottom of each cell A2, B2, E1 It is assumed that each cell itself is made of a material having a good thermal conductivity or a thin thickness having a good conductivity. In addition, in this case, it is preferable that the cells A2, B2, E1 storing these samples or the comparative samples do not contact the side walls of the surrounding containers 32A, 32B, 32E, and these cells A2, B2 , E1 is optimally a cylindrical container having an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the containers 32A, 32B, and 32E. That is, when the cell has this configuration, a constant gap is always ensured over the entire periphery between the cell and the container, so that the thermal shielding effect by the containers 32A, 32B, and 32E is more offset. Without increasing the shielding effect. For this reason, it can further avoid that the thermal change of adjacent samples influences each other. As a result, it becomes possible to measure the heat change generated in the sample with high accuracy. In addition, when the cell is a cylindrical container, the contact area with the tray 32b as a cell can be maximized as much as possible while ensuring the gap, so that the heat generated in the sample can be stably stabilized. It can be conducted to the base member 31 via 32b and the temperature measuring element 33. Therefore, in addition to highly accurate measurement, stable measurement is possible.

  Therefore, the temperature of each sample is measured, recorded by the processing device 3 and processed in a predetermined manner, and a graph showing the minute temperature change of each sample simultaneously and continuously as shown in FIG. Can be displayed. That is, the display 3C displays six graphs corresponding to each of the six chambers 4 as minute diagrams, and each of these graphs shows the minute temperatures of the four samples accommodated in the respective chambers 4 respectively. The change is drawn as a graph curve. That is, 24 graph curves corresponding to a total of 24 samples are drawn. As the horizontal axis of each of these graphs, a time axis indicating the elapsed time from the start of the test is taken, and the vertical axis is a voltage value of micro-order, and a specific value within the above-mentioned elapsed time is taken. A minute difference voltage value is shown as the measured temperature of the sample at the time. Therefore, as a total of these graphs, the temperature change process of all the samples from the start time of the test indicated at 0:00 on the horizontal axis to the time indicated at 40:00 or the present time is collectively performed. Can be grasped. In addition, the voltage value is adopted on the vertical axis of each graph, and the measured differential voltage value is displayed as raw data without any processing. In particular, while making it possible to grasp as it is, it is easy to grasp by estimating a measurement error due to some mechanical factor.

  In addition, before measuring the temperature of a sample as mentioned above, the temperature characteristic intrinsic | native to a cell, a sample, and the container 32 is grasped | ascertained beforehand. That is, a cell in which sterile water or a sterilized sample at a certain temperature is enclosed is accommodated in the chamber 4 and set so that the temperature can be measured. For example, in the chamber 4 under substantially the same conditions as in an actual experiment. By setting the environmental temperature and starting temperature measurement, measuring the temperature over time from this start, the process of changing such as the temperature of sterile water or sterilized sample at this environmental temperature decreases Recording and analysis are performed, and the process is parameterized to values indicating the temperature characteristics specific to the cell, the sample, and the container 32. Therefore, since the temperature characteristics unique to the combination of the cell, the sample, and the container 32 that affect the measurement are previously parameterized, the measurement accuracy of the sample can be improved by correcting the temperature measurement value of the sample using this parameter. Can be improved.

  As described above, according to the temperature test apparatus including the thermostat apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to perform tests under various temperature conditions set on a plurality of samples simultaneously and in parallel. Cost and cost can be reduced. That is, the temperature test apparatus accommodates the same sample in each chamber set with different temperature conditions, and performs a temperature test to measure the temperature change of the sample over time under each temperature condition, This apparatus can test a plurality of temperature conditions for one type of sample in one test.

  For this reason, when using a thermostatic chamber or temperature tester with a single chamber for a test that compares changes in the sample under multiple temperature conditions, repeat the test with different temperature conditions. From this, the number of tests increases and a long period of time is required for the entire test. On the other hand, according to this thermostatic chamber device or temperature test device, a test can be performed with a set number of temperature conditions corresponding to the number of chambers. Therefore, the number of tests can be reduced and the test period can be greatly shortened. For this reason, time cost can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when a test with different temperature conditions is performed using a plurality of devices with different temperature conditions, the number of required devices increases and the investment cost of the test equipment increases. On the other hand, in the thermostatic chamber apparatus and temperature test apparatus of this embodiment, as described above, since the test of the number of temperature conditions corresponding to the number of chambers can be performed collectively, the number of apparatuses can be significantly reduced. The said investment cost can be suppressed. For this reason, a cost cost can be reduced.

  In addition, when different temperature conditions are set as described above using a single device and the test is repeated, the test for each condition will be different in time, so different temperature conditions will be set respectively. When testing using multiple devices, there are machine differences as individual differences unique to each device, so in any case, environmental conditions including temperature can be made the same. Because it is difficult, the measurement accuracy is affected, making it difficult to perform a rigorous test. On the other hand, according to the thermostatic chamber device and the temperature test device, the above-mentioned device can be used simultaneously and in parallel with a single device. Thus, it is possible to perform a batch test by setting different temperature conditions in each chamber, and thus the above-described problems that occur when using a single or a plurality of apparatuses as described above can be solved.

  Furthermore, since individual temperature measuring means are provided for each sample accommodated in each chamber, it is not necessary to take out each sample from the chamber and measure the temperature of the sample. For this reason, the constant temperature environment in the chamber can be stably maintained, and the temperature of the sample can be accurately measured. On the other hand, it is possible to automate and unmanned the measurement of the temperature of the sample and the recording of the measured temperature by the processing apparatus included in the temperature test apparatus. For this reason, the measurement of the sample temperature is not restricted in terms of time and place, the operation cost for performing the test can be reduced, and the cost and labor can be reduced. As a result, various temperature tests can be performed on the sample quickly and efficiently. In addition to this, even when different types of samples have the same temperature test conditions, the efficiency of the test as a whole can be further improved by mutually utilizing the chambers set to the overlapping conditions. For this reason, depending on the conditions of the temperature test and the way the plan is formulated, even with different types of samples, the cost required for the temperature test of all these samples can be reduced, and the efficiency and speed can be greatly increased.

  Therefore, according to this configuration, tests of different temperature conditions can be performed simultaneously on one kind of sample, and in addition, tests of different types of samples having the same temperature condition are combined with such a test. As a quality tester after product completion, as a product stability test during transportation and storage, as a speeding up of development research, as a test study on storage methods, As a test study on the preservation method in formulating the shelf life of food as a test, as a test study to measure the effect of preservatives, as a soil and sludge measurement, environmental improvement and evaluation test after soil improvement treatment, food , As a test for products such as beverages, as a physiological and pharmacological test for small animals and insects, for biologics, cosmetics, detergents, functional foods, health foods, etc. As the product of the test, plant, physiological, such as seeds, nutritional, as a pathological test research, fruit trees, vegetables such as vegetables and vegetables, fertilizer, is optimal for use of tests such as feed.

  That is, in particular, in the food industry, it is possible not only to test a single product as a content that is stored in a container and sold in the market, but also to perform a test with the product in a container. For example, when the product is a drink, according to this temperature test device, a 500 ml (milliliter) can body or a container up to a PET bottle can be directly stored in each chamber for testing or measurement. It can be stored in the container of the unit and tested by grasping minute temperature changes.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a temperature test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The thermostat apparatus which the temperature testing apparatus of this embodiment has is shown, (a) is a left side view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a right side view. It is the schematic which shows the flow state of the cold wind in the thermostat apparatus of this embodiment. The measurement unit which the thermostat apparatus of this embodiment has is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a top view of the container which the measurement unit had, (d) is the container of the same It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. The measurement unit of this embodiment is shown, (a)-(d) is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of each container when the number of containers is different. It is the schematic which shows the wiring of the temperature measurement element which the measurement unit of this embodiment had. It is the schematic which shows the 1st example using the temperature test apparatus of this embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the 2nd example using the temperature test apparatus of this embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the 3rd example using the temperature test apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the 3rd example using the temperature test apparatus of this embodiment, and shows the detail inside a container. It is a graph which shows the test result obtained by the temperature test apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the main structures inside the conventional thermostat apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Temperature test apparatus 2 Thermostatic chamber apparatus 3 Processing apparatus 3A Interface 3B Computer 3C Display 3D Printer 4 Chamber 5 Heater 6 Fan 7 Cooler 8 Operation panel 9 Front side 10 Other side 20 Air jacket 21 Gap 30 Measurement unit 31 Base member 31a Base Member leg 32 Measurement unit container 32a Container lid 32b Container 33, C2, D2, F1 Temperature measuring element for sample (temperature measuring means for measuring sample temperature)
52 Peripheral side surface of constant temperature bath device 53 Bath of constant temperature bath device

Claims (3)

In a constant temperature bath apparatus comprising a fan sealed with a heat insulating material on a peripheral side surface, a fan for stirring the air in the tank, and a cooler controlled by a first temperature control means,
The front side is composed of a heat insulating material and the other side is mounted with a plurality of chambers composed of a heat conductive material inside the tank with the front side positioned on one side of the tank. And an air jacket is formed in the tank by forming a gap between the other side surfaces, and each of the chambers has second temperature control means and temperature measurement means for measuring the temperature of the sample accommodated in the chamber. A thermostatic chamber device characterized by comprising: The set temperature of the first temperature control means is set to be equal to or lower than the temperature set as the test temperature of the sample, and the temperature of each chamber is set by the second temperature control means of the chamber of the first temperature control means. The thermostat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of each chamber is set to a desired level by controlling each temperature so as to compensate for a temperature difference from the set temperature. A temperature test apparatus comprising the thermostatic chamber apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.