JP5291534B2 - Environmental test equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environmental testing apparatus capable of lowering a frost formation onto an evaporator of a cooler, even when conducting a room temperature aeration test to be conducted by introducing the outside air into a test chamber. <P>SOLUTION: The environmental testing apparatus includes a supply device 14 capable of supplying a dried coolant gas to the test chamber S1 and a control device 16 which brings a gas supply section 20 of the supply device 14 to start supplying the dried coolant gas to the test chamber S1 prior to opening a suction port 2p and a blast port 2q to low-temperature dampers 7a, 7b in order to conduct a low-temperature aeration test, and then brings the gas supply section 20 to supply the dried coolant gas to the test chamber S1 in the process in which the temperature of the test chamber S1 is lowered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an environmental test apparatus.

  Conventionally, a high-temperature exposure test in which a sample is exposed to a high-temperature atmosphere and a low-temperature exposure test in which a sample is exposed to a low-temperature atmosphere can be performed via a normal-temperature exposure test in which the sample is exposed to a normal-temperature atmosphere between those tests. Environmental test apparatuses are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the environmental test apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a test chamber, a high temperature chamber, and a low temperature chamber are provided in a test tank. The high greenhouse communicates with the test room, and a high temperature damper is provided at a communication port that communicates the high temperature room and the test room. The high temperature damper opens and closes the communication port between the high temperature chamber and the test chamber. The low temperature chamber also communicates with the test chamber, and a low temperature damper is provided at a communication port that communicates the low temperature chamber with the test chamber. The low temperature damper opens and closes the communication port between the low temperature chamber and the test chamber. The test tank is provided with an opening for introducing outside air into the test chamber. An external air damper is provided in the opening.

  During a high-temperature exposure test, the communication port between the high-temperature chamber and the test chamber is opened by the high-temperature damper, and hot air generated by the heater in the high-temperature chamber flows into the test chamber so that the temperature of the test chamber reaches a predetermined high temperature. To rise. Thereby, the sample accommodated in the test chamber is exposed to a high temperature atmosphere. Further, during the normal temperature exposure test, the external air introduction opening is opened by the external air damper and the external air is introduced into the test chamber, so that the sample accommodated in the test chamber is exposed to the normal temperature atmosphere. During the low temperature exposure test, the communication port between the low temperature chamber and the test chamber is opened by the low temperature damper, and the cold air generated by the cooler in the low temperature chamber flows into the test chamber, so that the temperature of the test chamber becomes a predetermined low temperature. To descend. Thereby, the sample accommodated in the test chamber is exposed to a low temperature atmosphere.

Japanese Patent No. 2690969

  However, in the environmental test apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the outside air is introduced into the test room at the room temperature exposure test, moisture contained in the outside air is taken into the test room. This moisture enters the low temperature chamber during the low temperature exposure test after the normal temperature exposure test and causes frost formation in the evaporator of the cooler. When frosting occurs in the evaporator, the cooling capacity of the cooler is reduced, so that it is necessary to defrost the evaporator. In order to perform defrosting, the ongoing environmental test is interrupted or the temperature condition of the test is disturbed, so that the reproducibility and reliability of the test are lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to reduce frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler even when performing a room temperature exposure test by introducing outside air into the test chamber. It is an object of the present invention to provide an environmental test apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, an environmental test apparatus according to the present invention includes a test chamber in which a test chamber capable of accommodating a sample and a low temperature chamber connected to the test chamber via a communication port are provided, and the low temperature chamber. A cooler that generates cold air, a low-temperature damper that can open and close the communication port, and an outside air introduction means that can introduce outside air into the test chamber, and the low-temperature damper opens the communication port to form the low-temperature chamber. The cold air is allowed to flow into the test chamber to expose the sample contained in the test chamber to a low temperature atmosphere, and the outside air is introduced into the test chamber by the outside air introducing means. An environmental test apparatus capable of performing a normal temperature exposure test in which a stored sample is exposed to a normal temperature atmosphere, a supply apparatus capable of supplying dry gas to the test chamber, and the low temperature exposure test from the normal temperature exposure test. To During the row, in Sakiritsu one timing for opening the said communication opening in said cold damper, together with lowering the humidity in the test chamber the to start supply of the dry gas to the test chamber to the supply device, then And a control device that causes the supply device to supply the dry gas to the test chamber even in the process in which the temperature of the test chamber decreases.

  In this environmental test apparatus, the control apparatus causes the supply apparatus to start supplying the dry gas to the test chamber prior to opening the communication port to the low temperature damper for the low temperature exposure test. For this reason, even if moisture is taken into the test chamber as the outside air is introduced into the test chamber by the outside air introducing means during the normal temperature exposure test, the communication port is opened for the low temperature exposure test after that. The humidity in the test chamber can be reduced by dry gas before the low temperature chamber communicates with the low temperature chamber. As a result, the amount of moisture entering the low temperature chamber from the test chamber during the low temperature exposure test can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler due to moisture entering the low temperature chamber. Therefore, in this environmental test apparatus, frosting on the evaporator of the cooler can be reduced even when the test is performed at room temperature by introducing outside air into the test room.

  Further, in this environmental test apparatus, the supply device supplies the dry gas to the test chamber even in the process of lowering the temperature of the test chamber in the low temperature exposure test. For this reason, when the air in the test chamber contracts as the temperature of the test chamber decreases, the contraction of the air can be compensated by the dry gas. Thereby, the pressure drop in the test chamber can be suppressed. If the pressure in the test chamber is lower than the pressure outside the test chamber, there is a risk that outside air containing moisture will enter the test chamber. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outside air containing such moisture from entering the test chamber and the low temperature chamber. This leads to suppression of frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler due to moisture contained in the outside air. Therefore, in this environmental test apparatus, when the temperature of the test chamber is lowered for the low temperature exposure test, frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler due to moisture contained in the outside air entering the low temperature chamber can be suppressed. .

  In the environmental test apparatus, it is preferable that the supply device supplies a dry cooling gas as the dry gas.

  If comprised in this way, during the temperature fall of a test room, the cooling gas dried from the supply apparatus to the test room can be supplied, and the temperature fall of the test room can be accelerated | stimulated. As a result, the temperature lowering rate of the test room can be increased.

  In this case, the supply device includes a cooling liquid supply source that supplies the liquefied cooling gas, a cooling gas generation unit that can generate dry cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied by the cooling liquid supply source, and the cooling gas. It is preferable to include a gas introduction path through which the dried cooling gas generated in the generation unit can be introduced into the test chamber.

  If comprised in this way, the specific mechanism of the supply apparatus which can supply the cooling gas dried to the test room can be comprised.

  Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the supply device includes a coolant introduction unit capable of introducing a part of the liquefied coolant gas supplied from the coolant supply source into at least one of the low temperature chamber and the test chamber.

  In this configuration, since a part of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source can be introduced into at least one of the low temperature chamber and the test chamber by the cooling liquid introduction unit, the liquefied cooling gas is subjected to the low temperature exposure test. Therefore, it can be used as auxiliary cooling means when the temperature of the test chamber is lowered by the cold air generated by the cooler. Thereby, compared with the case where the temperature of a test chamber is dropped only by a cooler, the temperature decrease of a test chamber can be further promoted. For this reason, for example, even when there are many samples accommodated in the test chamber and the temperature of the test chamber is difficult to decrease, the temperature of the test chamber can be lowered satisfactorily. In addition, even when there is a request to increase the rate of temperature decrease in the test chamber, the rate of decrease in the temperature of the test chamber can be increased in response to the request.

  Furthermore, in this case, the cooling gas generation unit includes a gas-liquid separation tank capable of separating the dried cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source, and the gas introduction path includes the gas-liquid separation The cooling gas separated in the tank is connected to the gas-liquid separation tank so as to be able to be led out from the gas-liquid separation tank, and the cooling liquid introduction unit is able to lead out the liquefied cooling gas from the gas-liquid separation tank. It is preferable to be connected to the gas-liquid separation tank.

  As a means for generating the cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas, it is also conceivable to use a heater that heats the liquefied cooling gas and forcibly vaporizes it. However, in this case, energy costs are increased because energy is consumed to operate the heater. On the other hand, in this structure, since the dried cooling gas can be naturally separated from the liquefied cooling gas in the gas-liquid separation tank, energy consumption like the heater can be prevented. Therefore, in this configuration, it is possible to generate a dried cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas and introduce the dried cooling gas into the test chamber while preventing an increase in energy cost.

  In the configuration in which the supply apparatus includes a gas introduction path, the supply apparatus is provided in the gas introduction path, and supplies a dry tank to the storage tank for temporarily storing the gas to be introduced into the test chamber. A possible dry air supply.

  In this configuration, the dry air supplied from the dry air supply unit and the cooling gas generated in the cooling gas generation unit and led to the gas introduction path can be mixed in the storage tank. Then, the mixed gas of the dry air and the cooling gas can be introduced into the test chamber from the storage tank through the gas introduction path. For this reason, the amount of cooling gas supplied to the test chamber can be reduced by the amount of dry air. As a result, the consumption of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source can be reduced.

  In this case, the dry air supply unit has a dry air generation unit that generates air by cooling and dehumidifying air by exchanging heat with the outer surface of the gas-liquid separation tank into which the liquefied cooling gas is introduced. It is preferable.

  By the way, in order to generate dry air, it is conceivable to provide a dryer in the environmental test apparatus and dry the air with the dryer. However, in this case, the configuration of the environmental test apparatus becomes complicated, and energy is consumed for the operation of the dryer, which increases the energy cost. On the other hand, in this structure, a dry air production | generation part produces | generates dry air by cooling and dehumidifying air by heat exchange with a gas-liquid separation tank. That is, in the dry air generation unit, dry air is generated using the cold heat of the gas-liquid separation tank into which the liquefied cooling gas has been introduced. For this reason, dry air can be generated while preventing an increase in energy costs. In this configuration, the gas-liquid separation tank is warmed during the heat exchange between the dry air generation unit and the gas-liquid separation tank. Thereby, the vaporization of the liquefied cooling gas is promoted in the gas-liquid separation tank, and as a result, the cooling gas can be favorably generated in the gas-liquid separation tank.

  In the configuration in which the supply device includes a gas introduction path, the gas introduction path is provided with a heating unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the dried cooling gas flowing through the gas introduction path, and the control device performs the low-temperature exposure test. In the final stage of the room temperature exposure test before performing the above, the introduction of the outside air into the test chamber by the outside air introduction means is stopped, and the dried cooling gas adjusted to the room temperature by the heating unit is supplied to the supply device. It is preferable to supply the test chamber.

  In this configuration, in the final stage of the normal temperature exposure test before the low temperature exposure test, the introduction of the outside air into the test chamber is stopped, and the dry cooling gas adjusted to the normal temperature by the heating unit of the supply device is supplied to the test chamber. be able to. Thereby, in the final stage of the normal temperature exposure test before the low temperature exposure test is performed, the humidity of the test chamber can be lowered while keeping the temperature of the test chamber at the normal temperature. By the way, in order to prevent moisture from entering the cold room from the test room and frost formation in the cooler evaporator after the introduction of the outside air into the test room by the room temperature exposure test, the low temperature exposure is performed. It is also conceivable to reduce the humidity of the test room by providing a separate period for introducing the dry gas into the test room before shifting to the test. However, in this case, there is a problem that the test time increases. On the other hand, in this configuration, in the final stage of the normal temperature exposure test before performing the low temperature exposure test, the humidity of the test chamber can be reduced while maintaining the temperature of the test chamber at the normal temperature. For this reason, the amount of moisture entering the low temperature chamber from the test chamber should be reduced even after the room temperature exposure test and immediately opening the communication port for the low temperature exposure test to connect the low temperature chamber and the test chamber. Can do. For this reason, in this structure, frost formation with respect to the evaporator of a cooler can be reduced, preventing the increase in test time.

  In the environmental test apparatus, the supply device is configured to be able to supply dry gas to the low temperature chamber in addition to the test chamber, and the control device supplies cool air to the cooler in the preparation stage of the low temperature exposure test. When generating, it is preferable that the supply device supply the dry gas to the low temperature chamber.

  In the preparatory stage of the low temperature exposure test, there is a possibility that the low temperature chamber becomes negative pressure with respect to the outside of the test tank as the cool air is generated by the cooler and the temperature of the low temperature chamber is lowered. In this case, there is a possibility that the outside air slightly enters the low temperature chamber through various minute gaps existing in the test tank. When outside air enters the low greenhouse, the moisture contained in the outside air causes frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler. On the other hand, in this configuration, when the cooler generates cold air in the preparation stage for the low temperature exposure test, the supply device supplies the dry gas to the low temperature chamber. In addition, it is possible to keep the low temperature chamber at a positive pressure with respect to the outside of the test chamber and prevent the outside air from entering the low temperature chamber through the minute gap. For this reason, the frost formation with respect to the evaporator of the cooler in the preparation stage of a low-temperature exposure test can be reduced.

  In the environmental test apparatus, the control device may be configured so that the pressure of the test chamber and the low temperature chamber is maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test tank during the low temperature exposure test. It is preferable to supply a dry gas to the tank.

  With this configuration, even if cold air flows out from the test chamber during the low-temperature exposure test, the pressure in the test chamber and the low-temperature chamber exceeds the pressure outside the test chamber by the dry gas supplied from the supply device. Can be kept under pressure. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the outside air containing moisture from entering the test chamber and the low temperature chamber even during the low temperature exposure test.

  In the configuration in which the supply device includes a coolant introduction unit, the control device is configured so that the pressure in the test chamber and the low temperature chamber is maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test chamber during the low temperature exposure test. , Supplying at least one of supply of dry cooling gas to the test chamber by the supply device and introduction of liquefied cooling gas to at least one of the low temperature chamber and the test chamber by the cooling liquid introduction unit Is preferred.

  With this configuration, even when cold air flows out from the test chamber during the low temperature exposure test, the dry cooling gas supplied from the supply device and / or the liquefied cooling gas introduced by the cooling liquid introduction unit The pressure in the test chamber and the low temperature chamber can be maintained at a pressure higher than the pressure outside the test chamber. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the outside air containing moisture from entering the test chamber and the low temperature chamber even during the low temperature exposure test.

  In the environmental test apparatus, the control device supplies dry gas to the supply device prior to introducing outside air into the test chamber by the outside air introduction means when the low temperature exposure test is shifted to the room temperature exposure test. It is preferable to supply the test chamber.

  When the introduction of outside air to the test room by the outside air introduction means is started before the communication port is completely closed by the low temperature damper during the transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test, it is introduced into the test room. There is a risk that moisture contained in the outside air may enter the low temperature chamber. On the other hand, in this configuration, the dry gas can be supplied to the test chamber by the supply device prior to the introduction of the outside air into the test chamber by the outside air introduction means at the time of the transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test. . For this reason, even if the introduction of outside air into the test chamber is started before the communication port is completely closed, the test chamber is kept in a relatively dry state and the low temperature chamber is passed through the communication port from the test chamber. It is possible to reduce the amount of moisture that enters the water.

  As described above, according to the environmental test apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler even when the test is performed at room temperature by introducing outside air into the test room.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the environmental test apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a piping system diagram of the supply apparatus of the environmental test apparatus by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a piping system diagram of a supply device of an environmental test apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the gas-liquid separation tank used for the supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a piping system diagram of the supply apparatus of the environmental test apparatus by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a piping system diagram of the gas supply part of the environmental test apparatus by 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the structure of the environmental test apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  The environmental test apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a high temperature exposure test in which the sample W accommodated in the test chamber S1 is exposed to a high temperature atmosphere, a low temperature exposure test in which the sample W is exposed to a low temperature atmosphere, and the sample W at room temperature. It is an apparatus capable of performing a normal temperature exposure test in which it is exposed to the atmosphere. Specifically, this environmental test apparatus is a test apparatus capable of repeatedly performing a test cycle in which a high temperature exposure test, a normal temperature exposure test, and a low temperature exposure test are performed in this order, and then a normal temperature exposure test is performed again. Specific examples of such an environmental test apparatus include a thermal shock test apparatus, a vibration environment composite test apparatus, and a constant temperature and humidity apparatus.

  And this environmental test apparatus has the test tank 2, the external air introduction means 3, the high temperature dampers 4a and 4b, the heater 5, the high temperature side blower 6, the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b, the cooler 8, and the low temperature. A side blower 10, an auxiliary heater 12, a supply device 14, and a control device 16 are provided.

  The test tank 2 is formed in a hollow box. Inside the test chamber 2, a test chamber S1, a high temperature chamber S2, and a low temperature chamber S3 are provided. That is, the internal space of the test tank 2 is divided into a test chamber S1, a high temperature chamber S2, and a low temperature chamber S3. The test tank 2 includes a plurality of wall portions that form the test chamber S1, the high temperature chamber S2, and the low temperature chamber S3, and each wall portion is a heat insulating wall.

  The test chamber S1 is a space in which the sample W can be stored. The test chamber S1 is disposed in the center of the internal space of the test tank 2. The test tank 2 has a side wall 2a provided with an opening 2b for taking the sample W into and out of the test chamber S1. A door 2c that can open and close the opening 2b is attached to the side wall 2a. This door part 2c has heat insulation.

  In addition, the test tank 2 is provided with a side wall 2d disposed to face the side wall 2a provided with the opening 2b. A portion of the side wall 2d forming the test chamber S1 is provided with an outside air introduction means 3 for introducing outside air into the test chamber S1. The outside air introduction means 3 includes an outside air introduction port 2e and an exhaust port 2f, outside air dampers 3a and 3b, an outside air introduction fan 3c, and an exhaust fan 3d.

  The outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f are formed in a portion of the side wall 2d of the test tank 2 that forms the test chamber S1. The outside air introduction port 2e is an opening for introducing outside air into the test chamber S1. The exhaust port 2f is an opening for discharging the air in the test chamber S1 from the test chamber S1 to the outside when the external air is introduced into the test chamber S1 through the external air introduction port 2e.

  The external air dampers 3 a and 3 b are provided on the outer surface of the side wall 2 d of the test tank 2. One outside air damper 3a is for opening and closing the outside air introduction port 2e, and the other outside air damper 3b is for opening and closing the outside air introduction port 2f.

  The outside air introduction blower 3c is provided at the outside air introduction port 2e. When the outside air introduction blower 3c is driven, outside air is introduced into the test chamber S1 through the outside air introduction port 2e. The exhaust fan 3d is provided at the exhaust port 2f. By driving the exhaust fan 3d, the air in the test chamber S1 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 2f. That is, in this outside air introduction means 3, the outside air introduction blower 3c and the exhaust blower 3d are driven while the outside air introduction ports 2e and the exhaust ports 2f are opened by the outside air dampers 3a and 3b, whereby the test is conducted through the outside air introduction port 2e. An outside air is introduced into the chamber S1, and an air flow is created in which the air in the test chamber S1 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 2f. One of the outside air introduction fan 3c and the exhaust fan 3d may be omitted.

  In addition, a first introduction hole 2g and an escape hole 2h are provided in a portion of the side wall 2d of the test tank 2 where the test chamber S1 is formed.

  The 1st introduction hole 2g is for introducing the dry gas supplied from the gas supply part 20 mentioned later into test room S1. The first introduction hole 2g is included in the concept of the through hole of the present invention. Specifically, the first introduction hole 2g penetrates the side wall 2d from the test chamber S1 side to the outside of the test chamber 2. A gas introduction pipe 25 of a gas supply unit 20 to be described later is inserted into the first introduction hole 2g in an airtight manner. The dry gas supplied from the gas supply unit 20 is introduced into the test chamber S <b> 1 through the gas introduction pipe 25.

  The escape hole 2h penetrates the side wall 2d from the test chamber S1 side to the outside of the test chamber 2. An escape tube 2i is inserted into the escape hole 2h. The escape pipe 2i is for releasing air and gas in the test chamber S1 to the outside of the test chamber 2 when the pressure in the test chamber S1 is higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2. In the escape pipe 2i, an unillustrated film body in which slits are formed may be attached so as to block the flow of air and gas in the escape pipe 2i. In this case, when the pressure in the test chamber S1 is higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2, air and gas in the test chamber S1 pass through the escape pipe 2i and pass through the slit portion of the film body. Thus, it is possible to gradually escape to the outside of the test chamber 2.

  The high greenhouse S2 and the low temperature room S3 are separately arranged on the upper and lower sides of the test room S1 in FIG. The high greenhouse S2 is a room for generating hot air to be supplied to the test room S1 during the high temperature exposure test, and the low temperature room S3 is for generating cold air to be supplied to the test room S1 during the low temperature exposure test. It is a room.

  Specifically, the high temperature chamber S2 is partitioned from the test chamber S1 by a high temperature side partition wall 2j provided in the test tank 2. The high temperature side partition wall 2j is provided with an inlet 2k and an outlet 2m. The high greenhouse S2 is connected to the test room S1 through the inlet 2k and the outlet 2m. The suction port 2k is an opening for introducing the air in the test chamber S1 into the high temperature chamber S2, and the blowout port 2m is an opening for allowing the hot air generated in the high temperature chamber S2 to flow into the test chamber S1. . The high temperature side partition wall 2j is provided with a high temperature damper 4a capable of opening and closing the suction port 2k and a high temperature damper 4b capable of opening and closing the air outlet 2m.

  In the high temperature chamber S2, a heater 5 and a high temperature side blower 6 are provided. The heater 5 generates hot air by heating air in the high temperature chamber S2. The high temperature side blower 6 circulates hot air generated by the heater 5 during the high temperature exposure test between the high temperature chamber S2 and the test chamber S1 through the suction port 2k and the blowout port 2m.

  The low temperature chamber S3 is partitioned from the test chamber S1 by a low temperature side partition wall 2n provided in the test tank 2. The low temperature side partition wall 2n is provided with an inlet 2p and an outlet 2q. The suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q are included in the concept of the communication port of the present invention. The low greenhouse S3 is connected to the test room S1 through the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q. The suction port 2p is an opening for introducing the air in the test chamber S1 into the low temperature chamber S3, and the blowout port 2q is an opening for allowing the cold air generated in the low temperature chamber S3 to flow into the test chamber S1. . The low temperature side partition wall 2n is provided with a low temperature damper 7a capable of opening and closing the suction port 2p and a low temperature damper 7b capable of opening and closing the air outlet 2q.

  And the cooler 8, the low temperature side air blower 10, and the auxiliary heater 12 are provided in low temperature chamber S3. The cooler 8 has an unillustrated evaporator, and cools the air in the low temperature chamber S3 to generate cold air. The low temperature side blower 10 circulates the cold air generated by the cooler 8 during the low temperature exposure test between the low temperature chamber S3 and the test chamber S1 through the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q. The auxiliary heater 12 is operated when the temperature of the cold air generated in the low temperature chamber S3 becomes lower than the target temperature, and raises the temperature of the cold air.

  Further, a second introduction hole 2u is provided in a portion of the side wall 2d of the test tank 2 where the low temperature chamber S3 is formed. The second introduction hole 2u is for introducing a liquefied cooling gas supplied by a cooling liquid introduction unit 30 described later into the low temperature chamber S3. The second introduction hole 2u penetrates the side wall 2d from the low temperature chamber S3 side to the outside of the test chamber 2. A coolant introduction pipe 31 of a coolant introduction part 30 described later is inserted into the second introduction hole 2u in an airtight manner. The liquefied cooling gas supplied by the coolant introduction unit 30 is introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 through the coolant introduction pipe 31.

  The supply device 14 is a device that can supply dry gas to the test chamber S1 and supply liquefied cooling gas to the low temperature chamber S3. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply device 14 includes a gas supply unit 20 and a coolant introduction unit 30.

  The gas supply unit 20 is configured to be able to supply dry gas to the test chamber S1. The gas supply unit 20 supplies the dry gas to the test chamber S1 at a pressure higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1. And this gas supply part 20 supplies the cooling gas dried as dry gas to test room S1. As this cooling gas, nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, or the like is used.

  Specifically, the gas supply unit 20 includes a coolant supply source 21, a cooling gas generation unit 22, a supply pipe 23, a tank introduction switching valve 24, a gas introduction pipe 25, and a gas supply switching valve 26. Have

  The coolant supply source 21 supplies liquefied cooling gas (liquid nitrogen, liquefied carbon dioxide, etc.) at a predetermined pressure. Specifically, the coolant supply source 21 is a tank filled with liquefied cooling gas at a predetermined pressure.

  The cooling gas generator 22 generates dry cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source 21. The cooling gas generation unit 22 includes a gas generation tank 22a, a heater 22b, and a pressure regulator 22c.

  The gas generation tank 22 a is connected to the coolant supply source 21 via the supply pipe 23. Thereby, the liquefied cooling gas discharged from the cooling liquid supply source 21 can be introduced into the gas generation tank 22 a through the supply pipe 23. A tank introduction switching valve 24 is provided in the supply pipe 23. The tank introduction switching valve 24 is composed of an electromagnetic valve, and is controlled to be opened and closed by a control device 16 (see FIG. 1). Whether the liquefied cooling gas is introduced from the coolant supply source 21 to the gas generation tank 22a through the supply pipe 23 is switched by opening and closing the tank introduction switching valve 24.

  The heater 22b is for heating the liquefied cooling gas introduced into the gas generation tank 22a. When the liquefied cooling gas is heated by the heater 22b, a part of the liquefied cooling gas is vaporized to become a dried cooling gas. Thereby, the cooling gas dried in the gas generation tank 22a is generated.

  The pressure regulator 22c is attached to the gas generation tank 22a. The pressure adjusting device 22c adjusts the pressure in the gas generation tank 22a to a pressure (for example, about 2 atmospheres) higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1. Thereby, the cooling gas is discharged from the gas generation tank 22a at a pressure higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1.

  The gas introduction pipe 25 is for introducing the dried cooling gas from the gas generation tank 22a to the test chamber S1. This gas introduction pipe 25 is included in the concept of the gas introduction path of the present invention. The gas introduction pipe 25 is made of a tubular member such as a copper pipe. One end of the gas introduction pipe 25 is connected to the gas generation tank 22a. On the other hand, the other end of the gas introduction tube 25 is inserted into the test chamber S1 through the first introduction hole 2g provided in the side wall 2d of the test tank 2. Thereby, dry cooling gas can be introduced into the test chamber S1 from the gas generation tank 22a through the gas introduction pipe 25 at a pressure higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1.

  The gas supply switching valve 26 is provided in the gas introduction pipe 25. The gas supply switching valve 26 is composed of an electromagnetic valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by a control device 16 (see FIG. 1). That is, whether or not to supply the cooling gas from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 is switched by opening and closing the gas supply switching valve 26. The opening of the gas supply switching valve 26 is controlled by the control device 16. By controlling the opening degree of the gas supply switching valve 26, the amount of cooling gas introduced into the test chamber S1 is controlled.

  The cooling liquid introducing unit 30 is configured to be able to introduce a part of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source 21 into the low temperature chamber S3. The coolant introduction unit 30 includes a coolant introduction pipe 31 and a coolant supply switching valve 32.

  The coolant introduction pipe 31 is for introducing a part of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the coolant supply source 21 into the low temperature chamber S3. The coolant introduction pipe 31 is made of a thin tubular member such as a capillary tube. One end of the coolant introduction pipe 31 is connected to the supply pipe 23. On the other hand, the other end of the coolant introduction pipe 31 is inserted into the low temperature chamber S3 through the second introduction hole 2u provided in the side wall 2d of the test tank 2. Thereby, a part of the liquefied cooling gas discharged from the coolant supply source 21 to the supply pipe 23 can be introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 through the coolant introduction pipe 31.

  The coolant supply switching valve 32 is provided in the coolant introduction pipe 31. The coolant supply switching valve 32 is composed of an electromagnetic valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control device 16 (see FIG. 1). That is, whether or not to introduce the liquefied cooling gas from the coolant introduction part 30 to the low temperature chamber S3 is switched by opening and closing the coolant supply switching valve 32. The opening of the coolant supply switching valve 32 is controlled by the control device 16. The amount of liquefied cooling gas introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 is controlled by controlling the opening degree of the coolant supply switching valve 32.

  The control device 16 controls the operation of the heater 5, the cooler 8, and the auxiliary heater 12. Specifically, the control device 16 controls the heating capability of the heater 5, the cooling capability of the cooler 8, and the heating capability of the auxiliary heater 12, respectively. Further, the control device 16 controls driving of the high temperature side blower 6 and the low temperature side blower 10. The control device 16 controls the opening / closing operations of the high temperature dampers 4a, 4b and also controls the opening / closing operations of the low temperature dampers 7a, 7b. Further, the control device 16 controls the opening / closing of the tank introduction switching valve 24, the gas supply switching valve 26 and the coolant supply switching valve 32 and the opening control of the gas supply switching valve 26 and the coolant supply switching valve 32 as described above. And do.

  Next, the operation of the environmental test apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. The operation described below is the first implementation in the case where the test cycle of performing the high temperature exposure test, the normal temperature exposure test, and the low temperature exposure test in this order and then performing the normal temperature exposure test again is repeated. It is operation | movement of the environmental test apparatus by a form.

  At the start of the environmental test in this environmental test apparatus, the inlet 2k and the outlet 2m are closed by the high temperature dampers 4a and 4b, and the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q are closed by the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b. . Further, the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f are also closed by the outside air dampers 3a and 3b.

  In the supply device 14, the gas supply switching valve 26 of the gas supply unit 20 and the coolant supply switching valve 32 of the coolant introduction unit 30 are both closed. On the other hand, the tank introduction switching valve 24 of the gas supply unit 20 is opened. Thereby, the liquefied cooling gas is supplied from the coolant supply source 21 to the gas generation tank 22 a through the supply pipe 23. And the cooling gas dried in the gas generation tank 22a is produced | generated by operating the heater 22b. In the gas generation tank 22a, the pressure of the cooling gas is adjusted to a pressure (about 2 atmospheres) higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1 by the pressure regulator 22c.

  In this state, the control device 16 operates the heater 5 and the high temperature side blower 6 to generate hot air in the high temperature chamber S2. Thereafter, the control device 16 operates the high temperature dampers 4a and 4b to open the suction port 2k and the blowout port 2m. As a result, hot air circulates between the high temperature chamber S2 and the test chamber S1 through the suction port 2k and the blowout port 2m. Due to the circulation of the hot air, the temperature of the atmosphere in the test chamber S1 rises to a predetermined high temperature. And the sample W accommodated in test room S1 is exposed to the high temperature atmosphere of this test room S1. In this way, the high temperature exposure test is performed. The high temperature exposure test is performed for a predetermined time.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the high-temperature exposure test, the control device 16 drives the high-temperature dampers 4a and 4b to close the inlet 2k and the outlet 2m. Thereby, the supply of hot air from the high temperature chamber S2 to the test chamber S1 is stopped, and the high temperature exposure test ends. The control device 16 introduces the outside air into the test chamber S1 by the outside air introduction means 3 almost simultaneously with the closing of the suction port 2k and the outlet 2m. That is, the control device 16 drives the outside air dampers 3a and 3b to open the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f almost simultaneously with the closing of the suction port 2k and the outlet port 2m. Further, the control device 16 drives the blower 3c for introducing outside air and the blower 3d for exhaust. Thereby, outside air is introduced into the test chamber S1 through the outside air introduction port 2e, and air in the test chamber S1 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 2f. That is, the test room S1 is ventilated by outside air. As a result, the temperature of the test chamber S1 drops to room temperature. And the sample W accommodated in test room S1 is exposed to the normal temperature atmosphere of this test room S1. In this way, the room temperature exposure test is performed. This room temperature exposure test is performed for a predetermined time.

  When the high temperature exposure test or the normal temperature exposure test is performed, the low temperature chamber S3 prepares for the low temperature exposure test performed after the normal temperature exposure test. Specifically, the control device 16 operates the cooler 8 and the low temperature side blower 10. As a result, cold air is generated in the low temperature chamber S3 in which the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q are closed by the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b and separated from the test chamber S1.

  When a certain time has elapsed from the start of the normal temperature exposure test, the control device 16 drives the outside air dampers 3a and 3b to close the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f. As a result, the introduction of the outside air into the test room S1 is stopped, and the test is completed after exposure to room temperature. Further, the control device 16 drives the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b almost simultaneously with the closing of the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f to open the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q. Thereby, cold air circulates between the low temperature chamber S3 and the test chamber S1 through the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q. Due to the circulation of the cold air, the temperature of the atmosphere in the test chamber S1 is lowered to a predetermined low temperature. And the sample W accommodated in test room S1 is exposed to the low temperature atmosphere of this test room S1. In this way, the low temperature exposure test is performed. This low temperature exposure test is performed for a predetermined time.

  In the first embodiment, before the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b open the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q during the transition from the normal temperature exposure test to the low temperature exposure test, the gas supply unit 20 has the test chamber. Supply of dried cooling gas to S1 is started. Specifically, the control device 16 opens the gas supply switching valve 26 prior to driving the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b to open the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q. As a result, the dried cooling gas generated in the gas generation tank 22 a of the cooling gas generation unit 22 is introduced into the test chamber S <b> 1 through the gas introduction pipe 25. During the normal temperature exposure test, the moisture contained in the outside air is taken into the test room S1 together with the outside air. By introducing the thus-cooled cooling gas into the test room S1, the suction port 2p and the outlet are blown for the low temperature exposure test. When the mouth 2q is opened, the humidity in the test chamber S1 can be relatively low.

  At this time, the amount of outside air introduced into the test chamber S1 through the outside air inlet 2e may be adjusted according to the amount of dry cooling gas supplied from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1. For example, if the supply amount of dry cooling gas from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 is equal to or greater than the amount of outside air introduced into the test chamber S1 during the normal temperature exposure test, the outside air introduction port 2e is closed by the outside air damper 3a. May be. In this case, it is preferable that the supply amount of the dry cooling gas from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 is equal to the exhaust amount through the exhaust port 2f by the exhaust fan 3d. When the supply amount of the dry cooling gas from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 is smaller than the amount of outside air introduced into the test chamber S1 during the normal temperature exposure test, the control device 16 causes the dry cooling gas to flow. The drive amount of the outside air introduction fan 3c is controlled so that the sum of the supply amount and the outside air introduction amount through the outside air introduction port 2e by the outside air introduction fan 3c is equal to the exhaust amount through the exhaust port 2f by the exhaust fan 3d. Then, the outside air introduction amount may be adjusted. According to these configurations, the air in the test chamber S1 can be efficiently replaced with the dry cooling gas. In addition, since the balance between the amount of gas introduced into the test chamber S1 and the amount of exhaust from the test chamber S1 can be balanced, it is possible to suppress a decrease in driving efficiency of the blower 3c for introducing outside air.

  The control device 16 also opens the gas supply switching valve 26 from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 in the process where the temperature of the test chamber S1 drops due to the introduction of cold air from the low temperature chamber S3 to the test chamber S1. Supply dry cooling gas to. Thereby, even if the air in the test chamber S1 contracts as the temperature of the test chamber S1 decreases, the contraction of the air is compensated by the supply of the cooling gas. As a result, the pressure in the test chamber S1 is maintained at a pressure higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2 in the process of decreasing the temperature of the test chamber S1.

  Further, when there are many samples W stored in the test chamber S1 and the temperature of the test chamber S1 is difficult to decrease, or when it is desired to increase the temperature decrease rate of the test chamber S1, the control device 16 starts from the coolant introduction unit 30. The liquefied cooling gas is introduced into the low greenhouse S3. Specifically, the control device 16 opens the coolant supply switching valve 32 of the coolant introduction unit 30. Thereby, a part of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the coolant supply source 21 is introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 through the coolant introduction pipe 31. The liquefied cooling gas introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 functions as auxiliary cooling means. That is, the liquefied cooling gas is vaporized in the low temperature chamber S3 to become a cooling gas, and promotes the generation of cold air in the low temperature chamber S3 and the temperature decrease in the test chamber S1.

  During the low-temperature exposure test, as the cold air is circulated by the low-temperature side blower 10, a portion that is partially positive in the test chamber S1 appears, and the low-temperature chamber S3 is negative. Then, air and cooling gas flow out from the test chamber 2 to the outside of the test chamber S1 through various gaps existing in the test chamber 2 and communication points with the outside from the location where the partial pressure is positive. The pressure in the test chamber S1 is equal to the external pressure in the test chamber 2. When the pressure in the test chamber S1 becomes equal to the external pressure, the low-temperature chamber S3 has a negative pressure, so that external air may be sucked into the low-temperature chamber S3 and the test chamber S1 through various gaps in the test tank 2 from the outside. . Therefore, the control device 16 moves from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 so that the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 is maintained at a pressure higher than the pressure outside the test tank 2 during the low temperature exposure test. While supplying the dry cooling gas, the liquefied cooling gas is introduced from the cooling liquid introduction unit 30 to the low temperature chamber S3 as necessary.

  Specifically, how the amount of the cooling gas supplied from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 and the amount of the liquefied cooling gas introduced from the coolant introduction unit 30 to the low temperature chamber S3 are determined by preliminary experiments. If controlled, it is investigated whether the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 during the low temperature exposure test can be maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2. Then, based on the result of the preliminary experiment, the control program for the amount of cooling gas supplied from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1 during the low temperature exposure test to the control device 16 and the cooling liquid introduction unit 30 to the low temperature chamber S3. A control program for the supply amount of the liquefied cooling gas is incorporated. The control device 16 controls the flow rate of the cooling gas introduced into the test chamber S1 by controlling the opening degree of the gas supply switching valve 26 during the low temperature exposure test based on the incorporated control program, and supplies the coolant. By controlling the opening degree of the switching valve 32, the flow rate of the liquefied cooling gas introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 is controlled. In this way, in the low temperature exposure test, the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 is maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2.

  During the low temperature exposure test, if the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 can be maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test tank 2, the gas supply switching valve 26 and the coolant supply switching valve 32 are intermittently opened. In this state, the cooling gas supply to the test chamber S1 and the liquefied cooling gas supply to the low temperature chamber S3 may be intermittently performed.

  Next, when a certain time has elapsed from the start of the low temperature exposure test, the control device 16 drives the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b to close the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q. Thereby, the supply of cold air from the low temperature chamber S3 to the test chamber S1 is stopped, and the low temperature exposure test is completed. Then, almost simultaneously with the closing of the inlet 2p and the outlet 2q, the control device 16 introduces the outside air into the test chamber S1 by the outside air introducing means 3 in the same manner as in the normal temperature exposure test. Thereby, the room temperature exposure test similar to the above is performed again.

  And even if it is a case where supply of dry cooling gas to test room S1 is performed intermittently during low temperature exposure test, control device 16 uses outside air introduction means 3 at the time of transfer from low temperature exposure test to normal temperature exposure test. Before introducing the outside air into the test chamber S1, the gas supply unit 20 always supplies dry cooling gas to the test chamber S1. Specifically, the control device 16 always opens the gas supply switching valve 26 before opening the outside air inlet 2e and the exhaust port 2f during the transition from the low temperature exposure test to the room temperature exposure test. Thus, even when the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f are opened slightly earlier than when the suction port 2p and the discharge port 2q are completely closed during the transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test, The test chamber S1 is kept relatively dry by the cooling gas introduced into the test chamber S1. For this reason, the amount of moisture entering the low temperature chamber S3 from the test chamber S1 through the suction port 2p during a short period until the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q are completely closed is reduced.

  Then, each test from the high temperature exposure test to the room temperature exposure test as described above is repeatedly performed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the control device 16 supplies the gas from the supply device 14 before opening the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q to the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b for the low temperature exposure test. The unit 20 is started to supply the dry gas to the test chamber S1. For this reason, even if moisture is taken into the test room S1 as the outside air is introduced into the test room S1 by the outside air introduction means 3 during the normal temperature exposure test, the suction port 2p and the blowout are thereafter used for the low temperature test. Before the opening 2q is opened and the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 communicate with each other, the humidity of the test chamber S1 can be reduced by the dry gas. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of moisture that enters the low temperature chamber S3 when the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 are in communication with each other during the low temperature exposure test. Therefore, it is possible to reduce frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler 8 due to moisture entering the low temperature chamber S3. Therefore, in the first embodiment, frosting on the evaporator of the cooler 8 can be reduced even when a test is performed at room temperature by introducing outside air into the test chamber S1.

  In the first embodiment, the control device 16 causes the gas supply unit 20 to supply the dry gas to the test chamber S1 even in the process in which the temperature of the test chamber S1 drops in the low temperature exposure test. For this reason, when the air in the test chamber S1 contracts as the temperature of the test chamber S1 decreases, the contraction of the air can be compensated by the dry gas. Thereby, the pressure drop of test room S1 can be suppressed. For this reason, the penetration | invasion to the test chamber S1 and low temperature chamber S3 of the external air containing a water | moisture content can be suppressed. This leads to suppression of frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler 8 due to moisture contained in the outside air. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, when the temperature of the test chamber S1 is lowered for the low temperature exposure test, frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler 8 due to moisture contained in the outside air entering the low temperature chamber S3 is suppressed. can do.

  In the first embodiment, since the gas supply unit 20 supplies the dry gas at a pressure higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1, the first introduction hole 2g for introducing the dry gas into the test chamber S1 is provided. Even if the inner diameter is small, the dry gas can be satisfactorily introduced into the test chamber S1. For this reason, in this 1st Embodiment, while being able to suppress the significant fall of the heat insulation performance of the test tank 2 in the part of the 1st introduction hole 2g, to the said test chamber S1 accompanying the temperature fall of test chamber S1 It is possible to effectively prevent the intrusion of moisture containing outside air.

  Moreover, in this 1st Embodiment, since the gas supply part 20 supplies the dry cooling gas as a dry gas, when lowering | hanging the temperature of test room S1 for a low-temperature exposure test, test room S1 is made with the cooling gas. The temperature drop can be promoted. As a result, the temperature lowering rate of the test chamber S1 can be increased.

  In the first embodiment, a part of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source 21 can be introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 by the cooling liquid introducing unit 30, so that the cooler is used for the low temperature exposure test. The liquefied cooling gas introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 can be used as auxiliary cooling means when the temperature of the test chamber S1 is lowered by the cold air generated in Step 8. Thereby, compared with the case where only the cooler 8 lowers the temperature of the test chamber S1, the temperature lowering of the test chamber S1 can be further promoted. For this reason, for example, even when there are many samples accommodated in the test chamber S1 and the temperature of the test chamber S1 is difficult to decrease, the temperature of the test chamber S1 can be favorably lowered. Further, even when there is a request to increase the temperature decrease rate of the test chamber S1, the temperature decrease rate of the test chamber S1 can be increased in response to the request.

  Further, in the first embodiment, during the low temperature exposure test, the gas supply unit 20 moves to the test chamber S1 so that the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 is maintained at a pressure higher than the pressure outside the test tank 2. The supply of the dry cooling gas and the introduction of the liquefied cooling gas into the low temperature chamber S3 by the cooling liquid introducing unit 30 are performed. For this reason, even when cold air flows out from the test chamber S1 during the low temperature exposure test and the pressure in the test chamber S1 may be lower than the external pressure, the gas is supplied from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1. The pressure of the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 can be maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2 by the dry cooling gas and the liquefied cooling gas introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 by the cooling liquid introducing unit 30. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the outside air containing moisture from entering the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3 even during the low temperature exposure test.

  Further, in the first embodiment, before the outside air is introduced into the test chamber S1 by the outside air introduction means 3 during the transition from the low temperature exposure test to the room temperature exposure test, the dry cooling gas is supplied from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber. To S1. For this reason, even when the introduction of the outside air into the test room S1 is started before the suction port 2p and the air outlet 2q are completely closed at the time of transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test, the test room Can be kept relatively dry. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of moisture that enters the low temperature chamber S3 from the test chamber S1 through the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q during the transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the environmental test apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the environmental test apparatus according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cooling gas generation unit 22 of the gas supply unit 20 includes a gas-liquid separation tank 22e, and the coolant introduction unit 30 is provided in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. It is connected.

  Specifically, in the second embodiment, the cooling gas generation unit 22 is supplied from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e that can separate the dried cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source 21 through the supply pipe 23. Become. As shown in FIG. 4, the gas-liquid separation tank 22e has an end portion of the supply pipe 23 attached to a position slightly below the upper end portion of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. The liquefied cooling gas is introduced into the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the supply pipe 23.

  The gas introduction pipe 25 of the gas supply unit 20 is connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 22e so that the dry cooling gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e can be led out from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. Specifically, the end portion of the gas introduction pipe 25 is inserted into the gas-liquid separation tank 22e from the upper end portion of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e and disposed at a position near the uppermost portion in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. Has been. In the gas-liquid separation tank 22e, the liquefied cooling gas is accumulated on the lower side, and the cooling gas is accumulated on the upper side of the liquefied cooling gas.

  The gas-liquid separation tank 22e is provided with a pressurizing pipe 22g, a pressurizing coil portion 22h, a pressurizing valve 22i, and a pressure gauge 22j.

  The pressurizing pipe 22g connects the vicinity of the lowermost part in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e and the upstream part of the gas supply switching valve 26 in the gas introduction pipe 25. The pressurizing coil portion 22h is provided in the pressurizing pipe 22g. Further, the pressurizing valve 22i is provided in a portion on the upper end side of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e with respect to the pressurizing coil portion 22h in the pressurizing pipe 22g.

  The liquefied cooling gas accumulated in the lower part of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e is led out through the pressurizing pipe 22g and is vaporized by heat exchange in the pressurizing coil section 22h. The pressure of the cooling gas generated by the vaporization of the liquefied cooling gas is higher than the pressure of the liquefied cooling gas. And this cooling gas is returned from the upper part in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the piping 22g for pressurization. The pressure of the cooling gas returned into the gas-liquid separation tank 22e is adjusted to a predetermined set pressure by the pressurizing valve 22i. Thereby, the pressure of the cooling gas and the liquefied cooling gas in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e becomes the set pressure by the pressurizing valve 22i. The set pressure by the pressurizing valve 22 i is lower than the pressure of the liquefied cooling gas introduced into the gas-liquid separation tank 22 e through the supply pipe 23. For this reason, when the liquefied cooling gas is introduced into the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the supply pipe 23, a part of the liquefied cooling gas is vaporized to become the cooling gas. Therefore, a part of the liquefied cooling gas is naturally separated as the cooling gas in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e.

  Further, the set pressure by the pressurizing valve 22i is higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1. Thereby, the cooling gas is led out from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the gas introduction pipe 25 at a pressure higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1.

  The pressure gauge 22j is connected in the vicinity of the end of the gas introduction pipe 25 connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. The pressure of the cooling gas led out from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the gas introduction pipe 25 can be detected by the pressure gauge 22j.

  The coolant introduction pipe 31 is connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 22e so that the liquefied cooling gas can be led out from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. Specifically, the coolant introduction pipe 31 is inserted into the gas liquid separation tank 22e from the upper end thereof. And the edge part of the cooling fluid introduction pipe | tube 31 is arrange | positioned in the lowermost vicinity in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. Thereby, the liquefied cooling gas accumulated in the gas-liquid separation tank 22 e is led out through the coolant introduction pipe 31 by the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 22.

  The other configuration of the environmental test apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the environmental test apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the cooling gas generation unit 22 includes the gas-liquid separation tank 22 e that can separate the dry cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source 21. In the gas-liquid separation tank 22e, the dry cooling gas can be naturally separated from the introduced liquefied cooling gas, so that the energy required when the liquefied cooling gas is forcibly generated by heating the liquefied cooling gas with a heater. Consumption can be prevented. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to generate the dry cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas and introduce the dry cooling gas into the test chamber S1 while preventing an increase in energy cost.

  The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the environmental test apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the environmental test apparatus according to the third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, a heating unit 27 is provided in the gas introduction pipe 25 of the gas supply unit 20. In the third embodiment, the supply device 14 is configured to be able to supply the dry gas to the low temperature chamber S3 in addition to the test chamber S1.

  Specifically, the heating unit 27 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the cooling gas flowing through the gas introduction pipe 25. The heating unit 27 is provided in a portion between the end of the gas introduction pipe 25 connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 22e and the location where the gas supply switching valve 26 is provided. The heating capacity of the heating unit 27 is controlled by the control device 16 (see FIG. 1).

  In addition, the supply device 14 includes a bypass unit 28 that can introduce dried cooling gas from the gas introduction pipe 25 into the low temperature chamber S3. The bypass portion 28 is configured by a bypass pipe 28a and a bypass switching valve 28b.

  The bypass pipe 28 a includes a portion closer to the test tank 2 (test chamber S 1 side) than a portion of the gas introduction pipe 25 where the gas supply switching valve 26 is provided, and a cooling liquid supply switching valve 32 of the cooling liquid introduction pipe 31. The test tank 2 side (low temperature chamber S3 side) part is connected rather than the provided location. That is, the dried cooling gas can be introduced from the gas introduction pipe 25 into the low temperature chamber S3 through the bypass pipe 28a and the coolant introduction pipe 31.

  The bypass switching valve 28b is provided in the bypass pipe 28a. The bypass switching valve 28b is an electromagnetic valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control device 16 (see FIG. 1). Whether the cooling gas is introduced from the gas introduction pipe 25 to the low temperature chamber S3 is switched by opening / closing control of the bypass switching valve 28b. Further, the opening degree of the bypass switching valve 28 b is controlled by the control device 16. By controlling the opening degree of the bypass switching valve 28b, the flow rate of the cooling gas introduced from the gas introduction pipe 25 into the low temperature chamber S3 is controlled.

  And in the environmental test by the environmental test apparatus of this 3rd Embodiment, when the control apparatus 16 makes the cooler 8 produce | generate cool air in the preparatory stage of a low temperature exposure test, it makes dry cooling gas to the low temperature room S3 by the bypass part 28. Let it be introduced.

  Specifically, in a state where the suction port 2p and the blowout port 2q are closed by the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b and the low temperature chamber S3 is isolated from the test chamber S1, the control device 16 prepares for a low temperature exposure test to be performed later. Therefore, the cooler 8 is operated to generate cool air in the low temperature chamber S3. At this time, the control device 16 opens the bypass switching valve 28b. As a result, the dry cooling gas is introduced from the gas introduction pipe 25 into the low temperature chamber S3 through the bypass pipe 28a and the coolant introduction pipe 31. Thereby, in the preparation stage of this low temperature exposure test, when generating cool air by the cooler 8, the low temperature chamber S3 is in a relatively dry state.

  In the third embodiment, when the low temperature exposure test is performed after the room temperature exposure test, the control device 16 stops the introduction of the outside air into the test room S1 by the outside air introduction means 3 in the final stage of the room temperature exposure test. At the same time, the dry cooling gas adjusted to room temperature by the heating unit 27 is supplied from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1.

  Specifically, when performing the low temperature exposure test after the normal temperature exposure test, the control device 16 operates the heating unit 27 during the normal temperature exposure test to warm the dry cooling gas in the gas introduction pipe 25 to the normal temperature. deep. At this time, the gas supply switching valve 26 is in a closed state. In the final stage of the room temperature exposure test, the control device 16 causes the outside air dampers 3a and 3b (see FIG. 1) to close the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f and opens the gas supply switching valve 26. . Thereby, the introduction of the outside air into the test chamber S1 is stopped, while the dry cooling gas adjusted to room temperature is introduced into the test chamber S1. That is, in the third embodiment, at a time before the end of the normal temperature exposure test, the introduction of the outside air into the test chamber S1 is switched to the introduction of the dry cooling gas at the normal temperature. The switching from the introduction of the outside air to the introduction of the cooling gas at room temperature is performed for a predetermined time (for example, about 30 seconds before the time when the suction port 2p and the discharge port 2q are opened by the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b for the low temperature exposure test. ).

  Other configurations and operations of the environmental test apparatus according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the environmental test apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, in the final stage of the normal temperature exposure test before performing the low temperature exposure test, the introduction of the outside cooling air into the test room S1 is stopped while the dry cooling gas adjusted to the normal temperature is used in the test room. Supply to S1. Thereby, in the final stage of the room temperature exposure test before performing the low temperature exposure test, the humidity of the test room S1 can be lowered while keeping the temperature of the test room S1 at room temperature.

  By the way, in order to prevent moisture from entering the low temperature chamber S3 from the test chamber S1 and the frost formation in the evaporator of the cooler 8 during the transition to the low temperature exposure test after introducing the outside air into the test chamber S1 by the normal temperature exposure test. It is also conceivable to reduce the humidity of the test chamber S1 by separately providing a period for introducing the dry gas into the test chamber S1 after the normal temperature exposure test and before shifting to the low temperature test. However, in this case, there is a problem that the test time increases. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, in the final stage of the normal temperature exposure test before the low temperature exposure test is performed, the humidity of the test chamber S1 can be reduced while keeping the temperature of the test chamber S1 at the normal temperature. . Therefore, immediately after the normal temperature exposure test, even if the low temperature chamber S3 and the test chamber S1 are in communication with each other by opening the suction port 2p and the outlet port 2q for the low temperature exposure test, the low temperature chamber S3 is changed from the test chamber S1 to the low temperature chamber S3. The amount of moisture that enters can be reduced. For this reason, in this 3rd Embodiment, frost formation with respect to the evaporator of the cooler 8 can be reduced, preventing the increase in test time.

  Further, at the time of transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test, that is, the intake port 2p and the outlet 2q are closed by the low temperature dampers 7a and 7b, while the outside air introduction ports 2e and the exhaust port 2f are opened by the outside air dampers 3a and 3b. When being done, the moisture in the outside air introduced into the test chamber S1 may slightly enter the low temperature chamber S3 through the suction port 2p that has not been completely closed. The moisture that has entered the low greenhouse S3 causes frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler 8 when cold air is generated by the cooler 8 in the preparatory stage of the low temperature exposure test to be performed again thereafter. Further, in the preparation stage of the low temperature exposure test, there is a possibility that the low temperature chamber S3 becomes a negative pressure with respect to the outside of the test tank 2 as the temperature of the low temperature chamber S3 decreases. In this case, the outside air has various minute gaps existing in the test tank 2 (gap in a seal portion of a hole for passing a refrigeration pipe (not shown) from the outside of the test tank 2 to the low temperature chamber S3, and the test tank 2). Among them, there is a risk of slightly entering the low temperature chamber S3 through a maintenance cover (not shown) provided in a portion forming the low temperature chamber S3. Also in this case, moisture contained in the outside air entering the low temperature chamber S3 causes frost formation on the evaporator of the cooler 8. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, when the cooler 8 generates cold air in the preparation stage for the low temperature exposure test, the dry cooling gas is introduced into the low temperature chamber S3 by the bypass unit 28, so the low temperature chamber S3 is compared. In addition, the low-temperature chamber S3 can be kept at a positive pressure with respect to the outside of the test tank 2, and the entry of outside air into the low-temperature chamber S3 through the minute gap can be prevented. For this reason, the frost formation with respect to the evaporator of the cooler 8 in the preparation stage of a low-temperature exposure test can be reduced.

  The other effects of the third embodiment are the same as the effects of the second embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the structure of the environmental test apparatus by 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the environmental test apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the gas supply unit 20 is provided with a storage tank 40 and a dry air supply unit 42, and the dry air supplied from the dry air supply unit 42 and the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. After the dry cooling gas derived from is mixed in the storage tank 40, it is introduced into the test chamber S1.

  Specifically, the storage tank 40 is provided in a portion between an end connected to the gas-liquid separation tank 22e in the gas introduction pipe 25 of the gas supply unit 20 and a portion where the gas supply switching valve 26 is provided. It has been. The storage tank 40 is for temporarily storing the dry cooling gas introduced from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e into the test chamber S1 through the gas introduction pipe 25. The pressure in the storage tank 40 is higher than the pressure in the test chamber S1 and is equal to or lower than the pressure in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e.

  A backflow prevention valve 44 is provided in a portion of the gas introduction pipe 25 between the storage tank 40 and the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. The backflow prevention valve 44 prevents the gas from flowing back from the storage tank 40 to the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the gas introduction pipe 25.

  The dry air supply unit 42 is configured to be able to supply dry air to the storage tank 40. The dry air supply unit 42 includes a dry air generation unit 42a, a storage tank introduction pipe 42b, a drain pipe 42c, and a pump 42d.

  The dry air generation unit 42a cools and dehumidifies the air by exchanging heat with the outer surface of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e into which the liquefied cooling gas has been introduced, thereby generating dry air. The dry air generating unit 42a is formed of a thin tubular member through which air can flow, and is wound around the outer surface of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. The dry air generating unit 42a is formed of a material that contacts the outer surface of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e and can exchange heat with the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. And air is introduced into this dry air generation part 42a from the one end. The air introduced from one end of the dry air generating unit 42a is introduced from the atmosphere. The other end of the dry air generating unit 42a is connected to the storage tank 40 via a storage tank introduction pipe 42b.

  The drain pipe 42c is connected to the storage tank introduction pipe 42b. This drain pipe 42c is for discharging the water generated by the dehumidification of air in the dry air generating section 42a. An unillustrated tank-like portion is provided at a connection portion of the drain pipe 42c with respect to the storage tank introduction pipe 42b. Both the air after dehumidification and the water generated by dehumidification are introduced from the upper part of the tank-like part, and only dry air flows from the upper part of the tank-like part to the storage tank 40 side through the storage tank introduction pipe 42b. Water accumulated in the lower part of the tank-shaped part is discharged from the lower part of the tank-shaped part through the drain pipe 42c. Instead of this tank-shaped part, a separator such as a centrifugal separator is provided at the connection part of the drain pipe 42c to the storage tank introduction pipe 42b to forcibly separate dry air and water generated by dehumidification, While only dry air is allowed to flow to the storage tank 40 side through the storage tank introduction pipe 42b, water generated by dehumidification may be discharged through the drain pipe 42c.

  The pump 42d is provided in a portion between the location where the drain pipe 42c is connected and the location where the drain tank 42c is connected in the storage tank introduction tube 42b.

  In the environmental test apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, air is introduced from the atmosphere into the dry air generation unit 42a by driving the pump 42d with the gas supply switching valve 26 closed at the start of the environmental test. Is done. On the other hand, liquefied cooling gas is introduced into the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the supply pipe 23 from the coolant supply source 21 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the outer surface of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e is at a low temperature.

  The air introduced into the dry air generator 42a exchanges heat with the outer surface of the low-temperature gas-liquid separation tank 22e via the dry air generator 42a. Thereby, the air in the dry air production | generation part 42a is cooled and dehumidified. Thereby, dry air is generated in the dry air generating unit 42a. The generated dry air is introduced into the storage tank 40 from the dry air generation unit 42a through the storage tank introduction pipe 42b by driving the pump 42d. On the other hand, the water generated as the air is dehumidified in the dry air generator 42a is discharged through the drain pipe 42c. In addition, the dry cooling gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e is introduced into the storage tank 40 through the gas introduction pipe 25. Thereby, dry air and dry cooling gas are mixed in the storage tank 40. When the control device 16 (see FIG. 1) opens the gas supply switching valve 26, a mixed gas of dry air and dry cooling gas is supplied from the storage tank 40 through the gas introduction pipe 25 to the test chamber S1. .

  Other configurations and operations of the environmental test apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the environmental test apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the dry air supplied from the dry air supply unit 42 and the dry cooling gas led out from the gas-liquid separation tank 22e through the gas introduction pipe 25 are mixed in the storage tank 40. can do. Then, the mixed gas of the dry air and the dry cooling gas can be introduced into the test chamber S1 from the storage tank 40 through the gas introduction pipe 25. For this reason, the amount of cooling gas supplied to the test chamber S1 can be reduced by the amount of dry air. As a result, the consumption of the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the coolant supply source 21 can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this 4th Embodiment, in the dry air production | generation part 42a, dry air can be produced | generated using the cold heat of the gas-liquid separation tank 22e into which liquefied cooling gas was introduce | transduced. For this reason, compared with the structure which drives a dryer and dries air, reduction of energy cost can be aimed at.

  Moreover, in this 4th Embodiment, the gas-liquid separation tank 22e is warmed at the time of heat exchange with the dry air production | generation part 42a and the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. Thereby, vaporization of the liquefied cooling gas is promoted in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. For this reason, the cooling gas can be generated satisfactorily in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e. Therefore, in this 4th Embodiment, while preventing the increase in energy cost, while being able to produce | generate dry air, cooling gas can be favorably produced | generated in the gas-liquid separation tank 22e.

  The other effects of the fourth embodiment are the same as the effects of the second embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope.

  For example, the coolant introduction unit 30 may not be provided in the supply device 14. That is, only the gas supply unit 20 may be provided in the supply device 14.

  Further, the dry gas supplied by the supply device 14 is not limited to the dry cooling gas shown in the above embodiment. That is, the dry gas supplied by the supply device 14 is not limited to the cooling gas generated by vaporizing the liquefied cooling gas, but may be dry air or other types of dry gas.

  Further, the coolant introduction unit 30 may be configured to introduce a liquefied cooling gas into the test chamber S1. In this case, a through hole is formed in a portion of the side wall 2d of the test tank 2 where the test chamber S1 is formed, and the end of the coolant introduction pipe 31 may be inserted into the test chamber S1 through the through hole. Further, the coolant introduction unit 30 may be configured to introduce the liquefied cooling gas into both the test chamber S1 and the low temperature chamber S3. In this case, the coolant introduction pipe 31 is branched into two in the middle, and the one branched pipe is inserted into the low temperature chamber S3 through the second introduction hole 2u, and the other branched pipe is connected to the side wall 2d. What is necessary is just to insert in test chamber S1 through the through-hole provided in the part which forms test chamber S1.

  Further, during the low-temperature exposure test, the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low-temperature chamber S3 can be maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2 only by supplying the cooling gas from the gas supply unit 20 to the test chamber S1. Good. Further, during the low-temperature exposure test, the pressure in the test chamber S1 and the low-temperature chamber S3 is maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test chamber 2 only by supplying the liquefied cooling gas from the coolant introduction unit 30 to the low-temperature chamber S3. May be.

  In the above embodiment, an example of an environmental test in which a high temperature exposure test, a normal temperature exposure test, a low temperature exposure test, and a normal temperature exposure test are repeated in this order is shown. You may perform an environmental test which repeats the test cycle which performs a test and a normal temperature exposure test in this order with an environmental test apparatus. The present invention can also be applied to an environmental test apparatus in this case.

  Further, the high temperature chamber S2 may not be provided in the test tank 2.

  Further, it is preferable that the exhaust port 2f and the gas introduction pipe 25 are arranged as far apart as possible. In this case, the dry cooling gas introduced into the test chamber S1 through the gas introduction pipe 25 can be prevented from being immediately discharged through the exhaust port 2f.

  Further, the positions of the outside air introduction port 2e and the exhaust port 2f shown in FIG. 1 may be interchanged.

  Further, the gas-liquid separation tank is not limited to the one shown in FIG.

  Further, either one of the outside air introduction blower 3c and the exhaust blower 3d may be omitted.

2 Test tank 2d Wall 2g First introduction hole (through hole)
2p suction port (communication port)
2q outlet (communication opening)
3 Outside air introduction means 7a, 7b Low temperature damper 8 Cooler 14 Supply device 16 Control device 21 Coolant supply source 22 Cooling gas generator 22e Gas-liquid separation tank 25 Gas introduction pipe (gas introduction path)
27 Heating unit 28 Bypass unit 30 Coolant introduction unit 40 Storage tank 42 Dry air supply unit 42a Dry air generation unit S1 Test chamber S3 Low greenhouse W Sample

Claims (12)

A test chamber in which a test chamber capable of accommodating a sample and a low-temperature chamber connected to the test chamber via a communication port, a cooler for generating cold air in the low-temperature chamber, and the communication port can be opened and closed A low-temperature damper and an outside air introduction means capable of introducing outside air into the test chamber, and by opening the communication port to the low-temperature damper and flowing cold air from the low-temperature chamber into the test chamber, A low-temperature exposure test in which the stored sample is exposed to a low-temperature atmosphere, and a normal-temperature exposure test in which the sample stored in the test chamber is exposed to a normal-temperature atmosphere by introducing the external air into the test chamber by the external air introduction means. An environmental testing device capable of
A supply device capable of supplying dry gas to the test chamber;
During the transition to the low-temperature exposure test from the normal temperature exposure test, the in Sakiritsu one timing for opening the communication port, said by starting the supply of dry gas to the test chamber to the supply device to said cold damper An environmental test apparatus comprising: a controller that lowers the humidity in the test chamber and causes the supply device to supply dry gas to the test chamber even in the process of lowering the temperature of the test chamber.
  The environmental test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply device supplies a dried cooling gas as the dry gas.   The supply device includes a cooling liquid supply source that supplies a liquefied cooling gas, a cooling gas generation unit that can generate a dry cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied by the cooling liquid supply source, and a cooling gas generation unit that generates the cooling gas. The environmental test apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a gas introduction path through which the dried and cooled cooling gas can be introduced into the test chamber.   The environmental test according to claim 3, wherein the supply device includes a coolant introduction unit capable of introducing a part of the liquefied coolant gas supplied from the coolant supply source into at least one of the low temperature chamber and the test chamber. apparatus. The cooling gas generation unit includes a gas-liquid separation tank capable of separating the dried cooling gas from the liquefied cooling gas supplied from the cooling liquid supply source,
The gas introduction path is connected to the gas-liquid separation tank so that the cooling gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank can be led out from the gas-liquid separation tank,
The environmental test apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the coolant introduction unit is connected to the gas-liquid separation tank so that liquefied cooling gas can be led out from the gas-liquid separation tank.   The said supply apparatus is provided in the said gas introduction path, The storage tank for once storing the gas introduced into the said test chamber, The dry air supply part which can supply dry air to the said storage tank, The dry air supply part is provided. The environmental test apparatus according to any one of 3 to 5.   The said dry air supply part has a dry air production | generation part which cools and dehumidifies air by heat-exchanging with the outer surface of the said gas-liquid separation tank in which liquefied cooling gas was introduce | transduced, and produces | generates dry air. The environmental test apparatus described in 1. The gas introduction path is provided with a heating unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the dried cooling gas flowing through the gas introduction path,
In the final stage of the room temperature exposure test before performing the low temperature exposure test, the control device stops the introduction of outside air into the test chamber by the outside air introduction means, and causes the heating device to bring the supply device to room temperature. The environmental test apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the adjusted dry cooling gas is supplied to the test chamber. The supply device is configured to be able to supply dry gas to the low temperature chamber in addition to the test chamber,
The said control apparatus makes the said supply apparatus supply the dry gas to the said low-temperature chamber, when making the said cooler produce | generate cold air in the preparation stage of the said low temperature exposure test, The any one of Claims 1-8. The environmental test apparatus described in 1.   The controller supplies dry gas to the test chamber by the supply device so that the pressure in the test chamber and the low temperature chamber is maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test tank during the low temperature exposure test. The environmental test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:   The control device is configured to dry-cool the test chamber by the supply device so that the pressure in the test chamber and the low-temperature chamber is maintained at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure outside the test tank during the low-temperature exposure test. The environmental test apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of gas supply and introduction of liquefied cooling gas into at least one of the low temperature chamber and the test chamber by the coolant introduction section is performed.   The control device causes the supply device to supply dry gas to the test chamber prior to introducing the external air into the test chamber by the external air introduction means at the time of transition from the low temperature exposure test to the normal temperature exposure test. The environmental test apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11.

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