JP6326584B2 - Weather resistance tester - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a weather resistance tester that performs a weather resistance test by irradiating a sample with light emitted from a light source under accelerated environmental conditions.

  A weathering tester evaluates the degree of deterioration of a sample (material) by irradiating various samples with radiated light from a light source (artificial light source) instead of the sun under accelerated environmental conditions (accelerated test environment). This is a device for performing (weather resistance test).

  In such a weather resistance tester, in general, in a test chamber (test chamber) capable of adjusting temperature and humidity, as a light source, for example, a xenon arc lamp, a sunshine carbon arc lamp, an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp, a metal halide lamp Or the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp etc. are arrange | positioned (for example, refer patent document 1). And the test of several hours to several thousand hours is continuously performed under said accelerated environmental conditions.

Japanese Patent No. 5455999

  By the way, such a weather resistance tester is generally required to perform a highly reliable weather resistance test. However, in a metal halide lamp, if there is a temperature difference along the direction of the lamp axis during lighting, the metal encapsulated in the arc tube of the lamp is spotted, and different light is emitted in the vertical direction of the lamp axis. There may be variations in irradiance at the location, which may impair reliability. Therefore, a proposal of a method for improving such reliability is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a weather resistance tester capable of performing a highly reliable weather resistance test.

The weather resistance tester according to the present invention includes a test chamber, a metal halide lamp unit, and a control mechanism. The metal halide lamp unit extends along the axial direction, and is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the metal halide lamp, and includes a metal halide lamp that incorporates electrodes near both ends along the axial direction. It has an inner tube filter that extends and an outer tube filter that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner tube filter and extends along the axial direction. Between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter, the cooling water is configured to flow along the axial direction . Further , when performing the flow rate control for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water based on the coolant temperature, the control mechanism cools the coolant when the coolant temperature becomes equal to or higher than the refrigerant flow start threshold temperature. Control is performed to start the operation of flowing the refrigerant into the cooling coil for cooling water, and the water temperature of the cooling water is subsequently lower than the refrigerant flow stop threshold temperature that is lower than the refrigerant flow start threshold temperature. In the case where it has occurred, control is performed to stop the operation of flowing the refrigerant into the cooling coil.

In the weather resistance tester of the present invention, flow rate control is performed to control the flow rate of the cooling water based on the temperature of the cooling water flowing along the axial direction between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter. Thereby, as a result of realizing an effective cooling operation by the cooling water, stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp. In addition, when the coolant temperature becomes equal to or higher than the refrigerant flow start threshold temperature, control for starting the operation of flowing the coolant through the cooling coil is performed, and the coolant temperature is subsequently started after the coolant flow starts. When the temperature is lower than the refrigerant flow stop threshold temperature that is lower than the threshold temperature, control for stopping the operation of flowing the refrigerant into the cooling coil is performed. As a result, the coolant temperature is easily maintained at a constant temperature. As a result, a more effective cooling operation is realized. As a result, a more stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp.

  In the weather resistance tester of the present invention, the control mechanism performs the flow rate control according to the water temperature difference between the cooling water temperature on the inflow side to the metal halide lamp and the cooling water temperature on the outflow side from the metal halide lamp. It is desirable to do it. When it does in this way, it becomes easy to suppress the water temperature difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of cooling water. Therefore, the above-described effective cooling operation is easily realized, the metal sealed in the arc tube of the metal halide lamp is easily evaporated, and stable irradiance is easily obtained in the lamp axis direction. As a result, variation in irradiance on the sample surface is likely to be reduced.

In addition, the control mechanism sets the flow rate of the cooling water to the minimum flow rate at the start of operation of the weather resistance tester, and performs the flow rate control when the water temperature of the cooling water becomes equal to or higher than the flow control start threshold temperature. It is desirable to start. In this case, since the cooling function by the cooling water at the start of operation is minimized, the time for the metal halide lamp to warm up at the start of operation is shortened. Therefore, the time required for the irradiance from the metal halide lamp to reach the target value is shortened, so that convenience at the start of operation is improved.

  In the weather resistance tester of the present invention, it is desirable that the metal halide lamp unit further has a light reflecting film on the surface in the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrodes in the inner tube filter. In such a case, the emitted light from the metal halide lamp is reflected and returned to the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrodes, so that the vicinity of this region is heated. Therefore, in the metal halide lamp, the metal in the vicinity of each electrode arrangement region is likely to evaporate, and the irradiance in the vicinity of this region increases. As a result, for example, the desired irradiance can be easily obtained from the entire metal halide lamp. The fluctuation of the spectral irradiance distribution in the metal halide lamp can be suppressed.

  In this case, it is desirable that the light reflecting film is provided on the inner surface in the vicinity of each electrode arrangement region in the inner tube filter. In this case, unlike the case where the light reflecting film is provided on the outer surface of the inner tube filter, the cooling water flows on the outer surface side of the inner tube filter (between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter). Even in this case, the adverse effect of the cooling water on the light reflecting film (for example, peeling or evaporation of the light reflecting film) is avoided. In addition, since the radiated light from the metal halide lamp is reflected by the light reflecting film without passing through the inner tube filter, the radiated light is efficiently returned to the metal halide lamp. It becomes easy to raise temperature more effectively.

  In the weather resistance tester according to the present invention, it is desirable that the metal halide lamp unit further includes a rectifying plate in a cooling water inflow side region between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter. In this case, it is possible to prevent the cooling water from locally flowing between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter (for example, it is difficult to flow upward and air is accumulated) and cooling is performed. Water easily flows uniformly. As a result, for example, a local temperature rise in the outer tube filter is suppressed, and breakage (such as cracking) of the outer tube filter is prevented.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the outer tube filter has a tapered peripheral surface whose diameter decreases toward the cooling water outflow side. In this case, since the flow velocity on the outflow side of the cooling water increases, the heat transfer coefficient of the cooling water on the outflow side increases compared to the inflow side, and the amount of heat taken from the metal halide lamp on the outflow side increases. To do. Therefore, it becomes easy to suppress the water temperature difference between the cooling water inflow side and the outflow side in the metal halide lamp (difference in cooling action with respect to the metal halide lamp), and more effective cooling operation is realized. It becomes easy to obtain stable irradiance.

  Further, the metal halide lamp unit further includes an intermediate filter extending along the axial direction between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter, and cooling water sandwiches the intermediate filter. It is desirable to be configured to reciprocate along the axial direction. In this case, since the cooling water reciprocates along the axial direction with the intermediate filter in between, it becomes easy to suppress the water temperature difference between the cooling water inflow side and the outflow side and the return side, As a result of realizing a more effective cooling operation, more stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp.

  In this case, the intermediate filter is arranged so that the cross-sectional area in the region between the intermediate filter and the inner tube filter is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the region between the intermediate filter and the outer tube filter. desirable. In this case, when cooling water flows back and forth along the axial direction with the intermediate filter in between, the region between the intermediate filter and the inner tube filter (the region closer to the metal halide lamp) The flow rate of the cooling water flowing through () increases, so that the water temperature difference between the cooling water inflow side and the outflow side and the return side can be further suppressed. Therefore, as a result of realizing a more effective cooling operation, it becomes easier to obtain more stable irradiance from the metal halide lamp.

  Further, it is desirable that the outer tube filter has a tapered peripheral surface whose diameter decreases toward the turn-back side when the cooling water reciprocates. In this case, since the flow velocity on the return side of the cooling water increases, the water temperature difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water and the return side can be easily suppressed. Therefore, as a result of realizing a more effective cooling operation, a more stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp.

  According to the weather resistance tester of the present invention, the flow rate control for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water is performed based on the temperature of the cooling water flowing along the axial direction between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter. Therefore, stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp. Therefore, by using such a metal halide lamp, it becomes possible to perform a highly reliable weather resistance test.

It is a schematic diagram showing the example of schematic structure of the weather resistance testing machine which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a model perspective view showing the detailed structural example of the metal halide lamp unit shown in FIG. It is a schematic cross section showing the detailed structural example of the metal halide lamp unit shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing the detailed structural example regarding control by a control part and a temperature regulator. It is a model perspective view showing the structural example of the metal halide lamp unit which concerns on the comparative example 1. FIG. It is a model perspective view showing the structural example of the metal halide lamp unit which concerns on the comparative example 2. FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect | action of the baffle plate shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow control of the cooling water by a control part and a temperature controller. It is a flowchart showing an example of control of the operation | movement which flows a refrigerant | coolant into the cooling coil by a control part. It is a model perspective view showing the structural example of the metal halide lamp unit which concerns on the modification 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a metal halide lamp unit according to Modification 1. FIG. It is a model perspective view showing the structural example of the metal halide lamp unit which concerns on the modification 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a metal halide lamp unit according to Modification 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.
1. Embodiment (example in which a light reflecting film is arranged on the inner surface of the inner tube filter)
2. Modified example Modified example 1 (example in which the outer tube filter has a tapered peripheral surface)
Modification 2 (example in which an intermediate filter is further disposed between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter)
3. Other variations

<1. Embodiment>
[Schematic configuration example]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a schematic configuration example of a weather resistance tester (weather resistance tester 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The weather resistance tester 1 performs a weather resistance test under accelerated environmental conditions on a sample (test piece) 9 made of various materials arranged in a test chamber (test tank) 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the weather resistance tester 1 includes a metal halide lamp unit 11 as a light source, a sample stage 12, a spray mechanism 13, and a light receiver around a test chamber 10 capable of adjusting temperature and humidity. 14 and a black panel thermometer 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the weather resistance tester 1 also includes an input unit 16, a lamp cooling water tank 171, a lamp cooling water circulation pump 172, a humidity generator 173, and a control unit 19.

  The metal halide lamp unit 11 is disposed above the test chamber 10 so as to extend along its own axial direction Z (in this example, the horizontal direction). The metal halide lamp unit 11 is a light source unit that emits radiated light Lout toward the sample 9 in the test chamber 10. The detailed configuration of the metal halide lamp unit 11 will be described later (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The sample table 12 is a table (holder) for holding (mounting) the sample 9 in the test chamber 10. In this example, as shown in FIG. 1, a light receiver 14 and a black panel thermometer 15 which will be described later are also arranged on the sample table 12. In this example, the sample table 12 is a table that is fixedly arranged without performing, for example, a rotating operation.

  The spray mechanism 13 is a member for spraying the sample 9 with, for example, pure water or a test solution. The spray mechanism 13 includes one or a plurality of nozzles (spray nozzles) (not shown). This nozzle is a member that ejects the pure water or the test solution described above, and is disposed, for example, at a position facing the sample 9.

  The light receiver 14 is a device (illuminance meter) for measuring the irradiance of the radiated light Lout emitted from the metal halide lamp unit 11. The light reception data (light reception value) obtained by the light receiver 14 is transmitted to, for example, a control unit 19 described later.

  The black panel thermometer 15 is a thermometer for detecting temperature information of the sample 9. This temperature information includes a component in which the light energy of the radiated light Lout is heated and an environmental temperature component in the test chamber 10. Such a black panel thermometer 15 includes, for example, a heat sensitive body such as a bimetal, a platinum resistor, a thermistor, or a thermocouple.

  The input unit 16 is an information input unit (operation unit) used when various operations are performed by a user (user) of the weather resistance test machine 1. Such an input unit 16 is configured using, for example, various switches, a display unit, a touch panel, and the like, and various information input by the user is transmitted to, for example, a control unit 19 described later. Yes.

  The lamp cooling water tank 171 is a tank (container) for storing cooling water Wc described later (liquid for cooling the metal halide lamp 110 described later in the metal halide lamp unit 11). The detailed configuration of the lamp cooling water tank 171 will be described later (see FIG. 4).

  The lamp cooling water circulation pump 172 is a pump for circulating the cooling water Wc in the lamp cooling water tank 171 between the lamp cooling water tank 171 and the metal halide lamp unit 11. The detailed configuration of the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172 will be described later (see FIG. 4).

  The humidity generator 173 is a device for controlling the humidity in the test chamber 10 (generating a set predetermined humidity).

  The control part 19 is a part which controls operation | movement of the weather resistance testing machine 1 whole, for example, is comprised using a sequencer, a microcomputer, etc. As one of such control operations, the control unit 19 includes, in this example, control of an operation of flowing a refrigerant (a refrigerant W described later) into a cooling coil 170 described later. A detailed configuration example related to the control by the control unit 19 and the like will be described later (see FIG. 4).

[Detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit 11]
Next, a detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit 11 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit 11 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the metal halide lamp unit 11 includes a metal halide lamp 110, an inner tube filter 111, an outer tube filter 112, a light reflecting film 113, and a rectifying plate 114.

  The metal halide lamp 110 has a substantially cylindrical arc tube 110a extending along the axial direction Z described above. Further, in this metal halide lamp 110, electrodes (a pair of electrodes 110b1 and 110b2) are incorporated near both ends along the axial direction Z of the arc tube 110a. The metal halide lamp 110 is a light source that emits the above-described radiation light Lout. The outer diameter (diameter R0) of the metal halide lamp 110 is, for example, about 30 mm.

  The inner tube filter 111 is a substantially cylindrical member that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the metal halide lamp 110 via a gap and extends along the axial direction Z. The inner pipe filter 111 is a member (member that functions as an enclosure) that plays a role of forming the flow path of the cooling water Wc described above, and is made of, for example, quartz. The length along the axial direction Z of the inner tube filter 111 is, for example, 680 mm. Further, the inner diameter of the inner tube filter 111 is, for example, about 35 mm, and the outer diameter (diameter R1) of the inner tube filter 111 is, for example, about 40 mm.

  The outer tube filter 112 is a substantially cylindrical member that is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner tube filter 111 via a gap and extends along the axial direction Z. The outer tube filter 112 is a filter (wavelength selective transmission filter) having a function of blocking (limiting) light in a predetermined wavelength region (for example, a wavelength region of 300 nm or less) out of the radiated light Lout from the metal halide lamp 110. ing. The length of the outer tube filter 112 along the axial direction Z is, for example, about 680 mm, and the outer diameter (diameter R2) of the outer tube filter 112 is, for example, about 60 mm.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the metal halide lamp unit 11, along the axial direction Z (FIG. 2), the flow path formed between the inner tube filter 111 and the outer tube filter 112. The cooling water Wc flows in the direction of the arrow in the middle. Hereinafter, the cooling water Wc flowing into this flow path is referred to as cooling water Wcin, and the cooling water Wc flowing out from this flow path is referred to as cooling water Wcout. As the cooling water Wc flows through such a flow path, a cooling operation (indirect cooling operation) for the metal halide lamp 110 is performed.

(Light reflecting film 113)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light reflecting film 113 is provided on the surface of the inner tube filter 111 in the vicinity of the arrangement regions of the electrodes 110 b 1 and 110 b 2 in the metal halide lamp 110. Specifically, in this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the light reflecting film 113 is disposed on the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) of the inner tube filter 111 in the vicinity of the respective arrangement regions of the electrodes 110 b 1 and 110 b 2. . In addition, the arrangement | positioning area | region (application area | region mentioned later) of the light reflection film 113 is as follows, for example. That is, for example, on the basis of a position of about 70 mm from both ends of the inner tube filter 111 toward the center direction, the region is from each of these positions to about 30 mm toward the center direction. Therefore, in this example, the length along the axial direction Z in the light reflecting film 113 is about 30 mm.

  As will be described in detail later, the light reflecting film 113 reflects a part of the radiated light Lout from the metal halide lamp 110 (the radiated light Lout in the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrodes 110b1 and 110b2), and each of the electrodes 110b1 and 110b2 It is a member that plays a role of returning to the vicinity of the arrangement region. The film thickness of the light reflecting film 113 is, for example, about 2 to 4 μm, and the light transmittance (for example, light transmittance in the wavelength region of 460 to 800 nm) in the light reflecting film 113 is, for example, 0.05% or less. It has become.

  Such a light reflection film 113 is, for example, a coating film made of a material such as platinum (Pt), gold (Au), or silver (Ag) (a film formed by applying a liquid of these materials). ing. A method of forming the light reflecting film 113 made of such a coating film is, for example, as follows. That is, first, a liquid (for example, platinum solution) of the above-described material is applied to the above-described application region on the inner surface of the inner tube filter 111 using a brush or the like. Next, the inner tube filter 111 is put in a furnace, and a platinum solution or the like is baked at a temperature of about 800 ° C., for example. After such baking, the platinum solution or the like on the inner tube filter 111 is then sufficiently cooled and dried, and then the platinum solution or the like is overcoated. Next, the inner tube filter 111 is put into the furnace again, and a platinum solution or the like is baked at a temperature of about 750 ° C., for example. Then, the light reflecting film 113 made of the above-described coating film is formed by cooling and drying again the platinum solution or the like on the inner tube filter 111.

  In this way, the temperature during the first baking (800 ° C. in this example) is different from the temperature during the second baking (750 ° C. in this example), so that during the second baking The crack of the coating film is prevented. In addition, by performing application of platinum solution or the like twice (overcoating), it is possible to prevent the coating film from being cracked or unevenly coated after application, or to improve the light shielding property (light reflection characteristics) in the light reflection film 113, It is possible to improve the temperature rise performance in the metal halide lamp 110 described later.

  2 and 3, the rectifying plate 114 is provided between the inner pipe filter 111 and the outer pipe filter 112 (in the flow path of the cooling water Wc described above), on the inflow side (inlet side) of the cooling water Wc. ) It is provided so as to be fixedly arranged in the area. The rectifying plate 114 is a member for rectifying the flow of the cooling water Wc that has flowed into the flow path, which will be described later in detail. For example, the rectifying plate 114 is made of stainless steel (SUS).

[Detailed Configuration Example for Control by Control Unit 19 and Temperature Controller 184a]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a detailed configuration example related to control by the control unit 19 and a temperature controller 184a described later will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example related to the control by the control unit 19 and the like.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the following is provided in the weather resistance tester 1 for the control by the control unit 19. That is, in this example, in addition to the lamp cooling water tank 171, the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172, and the control unit 19, the cooling coil 170, the cooling device 186, the three thermocouples 181, 182, 183, and the two temperature regulators 184a. , 184b and an inverter 185 are provided. Of these, the control unit 19 and the temperature regulator 184a correspond to a specific example of the “control mechanism” in the present invention.

  The cooling coil 170 is arranged in the lamp cooling water tank 171 so as to be immersed in the stored cooling water Wc. The cooling coil 170 is controlled by the cooling device 186 so that the refrigerant W flows in the cooling coil 170, thereby lowering the temperature (water temperature) of the cooling water Wc stored in the lamp cooling water tank 171 (cooling). It has a function of cooling the water Wc. The cooling device 186 described above is a member that controls the refrigerant W to flow in the cooling coil 170 in accordance with the control from the control unit 19, and is configured by, for example, a refrigerator.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the cooling water Wc stored in the lamp cooling water tank 171 is sucked out by the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172, and the pump pressure P is applied to cool the flow rate F. Water Wc (Wcin) is supplied to the flow path in the metal halide lamp unit 11 described above. In addition, the cooling water Wc (Wcout) that has flowed out of the flow path in the metal halide lamp unit 11 is returned to the lamp cooling water tank 171 again. That is, the cooling water Wc is circulated between the lamp cooling water tank 171 and the metal halide lamp unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the thermocouple 181 is a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature (water temperature T1) of the cooling water Wc (Wcin) supplied (inflowing) to the flow path in the metal halide lamp unit 11. It functions. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the thermocouple 182 functions as a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature (water temperature T2) of the cooling water Wc (Wcout) flowing out from the flow path in the metal halide lamp unit 11. is there. Each of these thermocouples 181 and 182 is composed of, for example, a K thermocouple. In this example, the thermocouples 181 and 182 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. Information on the temperature difference (water temperature difference ΔT) between the water temperature T and the water temperature T2 is transmitted.

  On the other hand, the thermocouple 183 is also composed of, for example, a K thermocouple, and detects the water temperature (water temperature T3) of the cooling water Wc stored in the cooling water tank 171 as shown in FIG. It functions as a temperature sensor. The information on the water temperature T3 detected in this way is transmitted to a temperature controller 184b described later.

  Based on the information on the temperature difference (water temperature difference ΔT) between the water temperature T1 and the water temperature T2, the temperature adjuster 184a is a setting signal for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water Wc (in this example, an output from an inverter 185 described later). The set value of the frequency fout) is output to the inverter 185. That is, the temperature controller 184a performs flow rate control for controlling the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc. On the other hand, the temperature controller 184b outputs, to the control unit 19, a setting signal for controlling the operation of flowing the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170 by the control unit 19 described later based on the information on the water temperature T3. Is.

  The inverter 185 is a power converter that converts DC power and outputs predetermined AC power (output frequency fout) to the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172. The output frequency fout in the inverter 185 is controlled by the temperature regulator 184a, whereby the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc (Wcin) supplied from the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172 is controlled.

  With such a configuration, the temperature controller 184a performs the flow rate control for controlling the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc as described above, while the control unit 19 controls the operation of flowing the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170. To do. Details of an example of a control method using the control unit 19 and the temperature controller 184a (control mechanism) will be described later (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[Operation and action / effect]
(A. Basic operation)
In the weather resistance tester 1, in the test chamber 10, the emitted light Lout is emitted from the metal halide lamp unit 11 (metal halide lamp 110) toward the sample 9 on the sample stage 12. Thereby, the radiated light Lout is irradiated to the sample 9 under accelerated environmental conditions (accelerated test environment). The radiation of such radiated light Lout is continuously performed for a predetermined test time (for example, several hours to several thousand hours), whereby the degree of deterioration of each sample 9 (material) is evaluated, and a weather resistance test. Is made.

  At this time, the control unit 19 controls the irradiance to the sample 9 by controlling the discharge power of the metal halide lamp 110 based on the light reception data obtained by the light receiver 14. As a result, the discharge power of the metal halide lamp 110 is controlled so that the value of the received light data substantially matches (preferably matches) the preset test condition value, and a stable radiation operation is ensured.

  Further, at this time, in the metal halide lamp unit 11, the cooling water Wc in the lamp cooling water tank 171 is circulated and supplied by the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172, so that the metal halide lamp 110 is cooled (indirect cooling operation). The The temperature controller 184a performs flow rate control for controlling the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc, and the control unit 19 operates to flow the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170 disposed in the lamp cooling water tank 171. Also controls.

(B. Action in the metal halide lamp unit 11)
Next, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 4, the operation of the metal halide lamp unit 11 of the present embodiment will be described in detail in comparison with the comparative examples (Comparative Examples 1 and 2). To do.

  First, in a metal halide lamp used in a weather resistance tester, generally, during lighting, the temperature between the electrodes rises due to the heat of discharge, and the metal enclosed in the arc tube evaporates, so that the light emission operation (radiated light Lout) Radiation). At this time, since the influence of heat due to the discharge is low in the peripheral region of the electrode, the temperature does not rise sufficiently, so that the metal is difficult to evaporate in the peripheral region of the electrode in the arc tube. As a result, the irradiance near this region decreases, for example, the desired irradiance (irradiance required for the weather resistance test) cannot be obtained from the entire metal halide lamp, or the spectral irradiance distribution in the metal halide lamp. May fluctuate.

(B-1. Comparative Example 1)
Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a metal halide lamp unit (metal halide lamp unit 100) for a weather resistance tester according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. The metal halide lamp unit 100 of Comparative Example 1 is made of aluminum between the metal halide lamp 110 and the inner tube filter 101 instead of the light reflecting film 113 on the inner tube filter 111 in the metal halide lamp unit 11 of the present embodiment. It corresponds to what provided the reflecting plate 103 of this.

  In such a metal halide lamp unit 100 of Comparative Example 1, since the aluminum reflector 103 is provided, the following problems may occur. That is, first, when the arc tube 110a becomes high temperature when the metal halide lamp 110 is turned on, the reflector 103 is deformed and comes into contact with the arc tube 110a. 110a may be damaged. Further, in the case of the reflector 103 made of aluminum, the components of the reflector 103 are vaporized, adhere to the arc tube 110a, and are whitened. For example, after an aging time of about 1000 hours, the irradiance decreases by about 20%. There is a risk of it. Further, when assembling the metal halide lamp unit 100, a trouble of attaching the reflecting plate 103 occurs.

(B-2. Comparative Example 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a metal halide lamp unit (metal halide lamp unit 200) for a weather resistance tester according to Comparative Example 2. In the metal halide lamp unit 200 of this comparative example 2, in the metal halide lamp unit 11 of the present embodiment, the light reflecting film 203 corresponding to the light reflecting film 113 is formed on the outer surface of the metal halide lamp 210 instead of on the inner tube filter 111. It corresponds to the one provided in. That is, the above-described coating film of platinum solution or the like is applied directly on the outer surface of the metal halide lamp 210 instead of on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube filter 111.

  In such a metal halide lamp unit 200 of Comparative Example 2, since the light reflecting film 203 made of a coating film such as a platinum solution is provided on the outer surface of the metal halide lamp 210, the following problems may occur. That is, when the arc tube 210a becomes high temperature when the metal halide lamp 210 is turned on, such a coating film is peeled off from the metal halide lamp 210 or evaporated, and the reflectivity at the light reflecting film 203 is lowered and its function is reduced. There is a possibility that the film cannot be exhibited or the evaporated coating film adheres to the surface of the arc tube 210a and hinders light emission in the arc tube 210a.

(B-3. This Embodiment)
On the other hand, in the metal halide lamp unit 11 in the weather resistance tester 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the surface in the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrodes 110 b 1 and 110 b 2 in the inner tube filter 111. In addition, a light reflecting film 113 is provided. The light reflection film 113 reflects the radiated light Lout from the metal halide lamp 110 and returns it to the vicinity of the arrangement regions of the electrodes 110b1 and 110b2, and the temperature in the vicinity of this region is increased. Therefore, in the metal halide lamp 110, the metal in the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrodes 110b1 and 110b2 is likely to evaporate, and the irradiance in the vicinity of this region increases. That is, for example, desired irradiance can be easily obtained from the entire metal halide lamp 110, or fluctuations in the spectral irradiance distribution in the metal halide lamp 110 can be suppressed.

  Further, in the light reflecting film 113 of the present embodiment, unlike the aluminum reflecting plate 103 in Comparative Example 1 described above, the following fears do not occur. That is, first, there is no possibility that the metal halide lamp 110 is not turned on or the arc tube 110a is damaged due to the contact between the reflector 103 and the arc tube 110a. Further, since there is no possibility that the components (platinum liquid, etc.) of the light reflecting film 113 are vaporized and adhere to the arc tube 110a, the irradiance can be maintained even after the aging time of about 2000 hours, for example. become. Furthermore, since there is no need to attach the reflector 103 when the metal halide lamp unit 11 is assembled, the metal halide lamp unit 11 can be easily assembled in this embodiment as compared with the first comparative example.

  In addition, unlike the light reflection film 203 in the comparative example 2 described above, the light reflection film 113 of the present embodiment does not have the following fears. That is, since the light reflecting film 113 made of a coating film such as a platinum solution is provided on the inner tube filter 111 (on the inner peripheral surface), even when the arc tube 110a becomes hot when the metal halide lamp 110 is turned on. There is no possibility that such a coating film is peeled off from the metal halide lamp 110 or evaporated. This is because the melting point of platinum is about 1700 ° C., but the surface temperature of the arc tube 110 a at the time of lighting is about 800 ° C., and is between the arc tube 110 a and the inner tube filter 111. This is because heat is not easily transmitted because the air is air, and the inner tube filter 111 is always cooled by the cooling water Wc.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG. 3, such a light reflecting film 113 is provided on the inner surface of the inner tube filter 111 in the vicinity of the arrangement regions of the electrodes 110 b 1 and 110 b 2. Thereby, for example, unlike the case where the light reflecting film 113 is provided on the outer surface of the inner tube filter 111, cooling is performed on the outer surface side of the inner tube filter 111 (between the inner tube filter 111 and the outer tube filter 112). Even if the water Wc flows, adverse effects (for example, peeling or evaporation of the light reflecting film 113) on the light reflecting film 113 by the cooling water Wc are avoided. Further, since the radiated light Lout from the metal halide lamp 110 is reflected by the light reflecting film 113 without passing through the inner tube filter 111, the radiated light Lout is efficiently returned into the metal halide lamp 110. (For example, light transmittance in the inner tube filter 111 = about 92%). As a result, in the present embodiment, in particular, the temperature in the vicinity of the arrangement regions of the electrodes 110b1 and 110b2 can be more effectively increased.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, rectification is performed in the inflow side region of the cooling water Wc between the inner pipe filter 111 and the outer pipe filter 112 (flow path of the cooling water Wc). A plate 114 is provided. Thereby, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 7, the flow of the cooling water Wc flowing into the flow path is rectified by the rectifying plate 114. Specifically, the cooling water Wc is prevented from flowing locally in the vertical direction in the flow path. More specifically, for example, the cooling water Wca in FIG. 7 is prevented from easily flowing (being difficult to flow upward) in the flow path, for example, FIG. Like the cooling water Wcb in FIG. 7, the cooling water Wc easily flows upward in the flow path. Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the air A is prevented from accumulating above the flow path, and the cooling water Wc can easily flow uniformly in the vertical direction within the flow path. As a result, for example, a local temperature rise in the outer tube filter 112 due to the non-uniform flow of the cooling water Wc is suppressed, and breakage (breaking or the like) of the outer tube filter 112 is prevented.

(C. Control method example by control unit 19)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 4, an example of a control method performed by the control unit 19 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow rate control (control of the flow rate F) of the cooling water Wc by the control unit 19 and the temperature controller 184a.

  In this flow control, when the weather resistance tester 1 (main body) is turned on (step S11 in FIG. 8), the control is performed as follows. That is, first, the control unit 19 sets the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc (Wcin) supplied from the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172 to the minimum flow rate Fmin by setting the output frequency fout in the inverter 185 to a predetermined value. (F = Fmin) (step S12). That is, the control unit 19 sets the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc to the minimum flow rate Fmin at the start of operation of the weather resistance test machine 1.

  Subsequently, the control unit 19 and the temperature controller 184a perform flow rate control of the cooling water Wc as follows based on the water temperature (water temperature T1, T2, T3, etc.) of the cooling water Wc. Thereby, an effective cooling operation by the cooling water Wc (indirect cooling operation for the metal halide lamp 110) is realized, and as a result, stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110.

Specifically, in this example, first, the control unit 19 detects that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc in the lamp cooling water tank 171 detected (monitored) by the thermocouple 183 and the temperature controller 184b is a predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature Tth1 (flow control start threshold temperature) (whether T3 ≧ Tth1 is satisfied) (step S13). In addition, as this threshold temperature Tth1, 30 degreeC is mentioned, for example (Tth1 = 30 degreeC). Here, when it is determined that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is lower than the threshold temperature Tth1 (T3 <Tth1) (step S13: N), the determination in step S13 is performed again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Tth1 (T3 ≧ Tth1) (step S13: Y), the temperature regulator 184a performs the following operation on the cooling water Wc. Flow rate control for controlling the flow rate F is started (steps S14 to S16). Thus, at the start of operation of the weather resistance test machine 1, the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc is set to the minimum flow rate Fmin as described above, and the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc becomes equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Tth1. Since the flow control is started from the following, it is as follows. That is, since the cooling function by the cooling water Wc at the start of operation is minimized, the time for the metal halide lamp 110 to warm up at the start of operation is shortened. Therefore, the time for the irradiance from the metal halide lamp 110 to reach the target value is shortened, and as a result, the convenience at the start of operation of the weather resistance tester 1 is improved.

  In this flow rate control example, the temperature controller 184a includes a water temperature T1 of the cooling water Wc (Wcin) on the inflow side to the metal halide lamp 110, and a water temperature T2 of the cooling water Wc (Wcout) on the outflow side from the metal halide lamp 110. The flow rate is controlled according to the water temperature difference ΔT (= T2−T1). The water temperature difference ΔT is detected (monitored) by the thermocouples 181 and 182 and the temperature controller 184a. By controlling the flow rate according to the water temperature difference ΔT in this way, the water temperature difference ΔT between the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water Wc can be easily suppressed. Therefore, an effective cooling operation (indirect cooling operation with respect to the metal halide lamp 110) using the cooling water Wc as described above is easily realized, and stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110.

  Specifically, first, the temperature controller 184a determines whether or not the water temperature difference ΔT is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold temperature difference ΔTth (whether ΔT ≧ ΔTth is satisfied) (step S14). An example of the threshold temperature difference ΔTth is 5 ° C. (ΔTth = 5 ° C.). Here, when it is determined that the water temperature difference ΔT is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature difference ΔTth (ΔT ≧ ΔTth) (step S14: Y), the temperature controller 184a performs flow rate control as follows. That is, the temperature controller 184a performs flow rate control to increase the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc (Wcin) by increasing the output frequency fout in the inverter 185 and increasing the pump pressure P in the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172. (Step S15). After that, the process returns to step S14 again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water temperature difference ΔT is less than the threshold temperature difference ΔTth (ΔT <ΔTth) (step S14: N), the temperature controller 184a performs flow rate control as follows. That is, the temperature controller 184a performs flow rate control to reduce the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc (Wcin) by decreasing the output frequency fout in the inverter 185 and decreasing the pump pressure P in the lamp cooling water circulation pump 172. (Step S16). After that, the process returns to step S14 again.

  Next, FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control of the operation of causing the coolant W to flow into the cooling coil 170 by the control unit 19.

In this control, when the weather resistance tester 1 (main body) is turned on (step S21 in FIG. 9), the control is performed as follows. That is, first, the control unit 19 detects that the temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc in the lamp cooling water tank 171 detected (monitored) by the thermocouple 183 and the temperature controller 184b is a predetermined threshold temperature Tth2 (refrigerant flow). It is determined whether or not ( start threshold temperature) or higher (T3 ≧ Tth2 is satisfied) (step S22). In addition, as this threshold temperature Tth2, 30 degreeC is mentioned, for example (Tth2 = 30 degreeC). That is, in this example, the threshold temperature Tth1 and the threshold temperature Tth2 described above have a common (same) value (Tth1 = Tth2). Here, when it is determined that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is lower than the threshold temperature Tth2 (T3 <Tth2) (step S22: N), the determination in step S22 is performed again.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Tth2 (T3 ≧ Tth2) (step S22: Y), the control unit 19 performs an operation of flowing the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170. Control to start is performed (step S23). Then, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold temperature Tth3 (refrigerant flow stop threshold temperature) (whether T3 ≦ Tth3 is satisfied). (Step S24). In addition, as this threshold temperature Tth3, 25 degreeC is mentioned, for example (Tth3 = 25 degreeC). That is, in this example, the threshold temperature Tth3 is lower than the threshold temperature Tth2 (Tth3 <Tth2). Here, when it is determined that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is higher than the threshold temperature Tth3 (T3> Tth3) (step S24: N), the determination in step S24 is performed again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature Tth3 (T3 ≦ Tth3) (step S24: Y), the control unit 19 performs an operation of flowing the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170. Control to stop is performed (step S25). After that, the process returns to step S22 again.

  In this way, the control unit 19 performs control so that the operation of flowing the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170 is started when the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Tth2, and the cooling water Wc. When the water temperature T3 thereafter becomes equal to or lower than the threshold temperature Tth3, the operation of flowing the refrigerant W into the cooling coil 170 is controlled to be stopped. As a result, the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is easily kept constant, and as a result, a more effective cooling operation is realized. As a result, more stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110. If the water temperature T3 of the cooling water Wc is too low, the target spectral irradiance distribution in the metal halide lamp 110 may not be obtained. On the other hand, if the water temperature T3 is too high, the arc tube 110a in the metal halide lamp 110 is damaged. There is a risk of it.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the light reflecting film 113 is provided on the surface of the inner tube filter 111 in the vicinity of the arrangement regions of the electrodes 110b1 and 110b2, so that, for example, desired radiation is emitted from the entire metal halide lamp 110. Illuminance can be easily obtained, and fluctuations in the spectral irradiance distribution in the metal halide lamp 110 can be suppressed. Therefore, by using such a metal halide lamp 110 (metal halide lamp unit 11), it is possible to perform a highly reliable weather resistance test in the weather resistance tester 1.

  Further, in the weather resistance tester 1 of the present embodiment, based on the water temperature of the cooling water Wc flowing along the axial direction Z between the inner tube filter 111 and the outer tube filter 112 (water temperature difference ΔT in this example). Since the flow rate control for controlling the flow rate F of the cooling water Wc is performed, stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110. Therefore, by using such a metal halide lamp 110 (metal halide lamp unit 11), it is possible to perform a highly reliable weather resistance test in the weather resistance test machine 1 also in this respect.

<2. Modification>
Subsequently, modified examples (modified examples 1 and 2) of the above embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as the component in embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a detailed configuration example of a metal halide lamp unit (metal halide lamp unit 11A) according to the first modification. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit 11A.

  The metal halide lamp unit 11A of the present modification corresponds to the metal halide lamp unit 11 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the embodiment, in which the outer tube filter 112A is provided instead of the outer tube filter 112, and the other configurations are as follows. Basically it is the same.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer pipe filter 112A corresponds to the outer pipe filter 112 in which the shape on the outflow side of the cooling water Wc is changed. It is the same. Specifically, the outer pipe filter 112A has a tapered peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface) whose diameter (outer diameter R2) decreases toward the cooling water Wc outflow side (FIG. 10, FIG. 11 (see arrow P1). That is, in this example, the outer diameter R2out on the outflow side of the cooling water Wc is smaller than the outer diameter R2in on the inflow side of the cooling water Wc in the outer pipe filter 112A (R2out <R2in).

  With this configuration, in this modification, the flow velocity on the outflow side of the cooling water Wc increases, so that the heat transfer coefficient of the cooling water Wc on the outflow side increases compared to the inflow side, and the metal halide lamp 110 on the outflow side. Increases the amount of heat taken from Therefore, the water temperature difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water in the metal halide lamp 110 (water temperature difference ΔT: difference in cooling action with respect to the metal halide lamp 110) can be easily suppressed (easily reduced) and more effective. Cooling operation is realized. As a result, in this modification, the evaporation of the metal enclosed in the arc tube 110a of the metal halide lamp 110 is likely to be uniform, and stable irradiance can be easily obtained in the lamp axial direction (axial direction Z). The variation in irradiance on the sample surface is likely to be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform a more reliable weather resistance test.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit (metal halide lamp unit 11B) according to the second modification. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of the metal halide lamp unit 11B.

  The metal halide lamp unit 11B of this modification corresponds to the following in the metal halide lamp unit 11 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the embodiment, and other configurations are basically the same. . That is, the metal halide lamp unit 11B is provided with an outer tube filter 112B instead of the outer tube filter 112, and in the axial direction Z between the inner tube filter 111 and the outer tube filter 112B (in the flow path of the cooling water Wc). It corresponds to what further provided the intermediate filter 115 extended along. In addition, since such an intermediate filter 115 is provided, the present modification differs from the first embodiment and the modification 1 in that the intermediate filter 115 is interposed therebetween as shown in FIGS. The cooling water Wc is configured to reciprocate along the axial direction Z. That is, the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water Wc are the same side (one side) of the metal halide lamp unit 11B, and the return side of the cooling water Wc is the other side of the metal halide lamp unit 11B. In the following, in the flow path of the cooling water Wc, the forward path Fg and the return path Fr are distinguished from each other (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

  In this way, in the present modification, the cooling water Wc reciprocates along the axial direction Z with the intermediate filter 115 interposed therebetween, so that the water between the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water Wc and the return side The temperature difference is easily suppressed and a more effective cooling operation is realized. As a result, in this modification, stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110, and a more reliable weather resistance test can be performed.

  Further, the outer tube filter 112B of this modification has a tapered peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface) whose diameter (outer diameter R2) decreases toward the return side of the cooling water Wc (FIG. 12, (See arrow P2 in FIG. 13). That is, in this example, the outer diameter R2t on the return side of the cooling water Wc is smaller than the outer diameter R2io on the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water Wc in the outer pipe filter 112B (R2io> R2t).

  With this configuration, in the present modification, the flow velocity on the return side of the cooling water Wc increases, so that it becomes easy to suppress the water temperature difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of the coolant Wc and the return side. (It becomes easy to decrease) and a more effective cooling operation is realized. As a result, in this modification, a more stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110, and a more reliable weather resistance test can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the metal halide lamp unit 11B of the present modification, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the intermediate filter 115 is arranged as follows. That is, the cross-sectional area Sr in the region (inner region) between the intermediate filter 115 and the inner tube filter 111 is larger than the cross-sectional area Sg in the region (outer region) between the intermediate filter 115 and the outer tube filter 112. An intermediate filter 115 is arranged so as to be small (Sr <Sg). In other words, the intermediate filter 115 is arranged so that the cross-sectional area Sr in the return path Fr of the cooling water Wc is smaller than the cross-sectional area Sg in the forward path Fg of the cooling water Wc.

  In this way, in the present modification, when the cooling water Wc reciprocates along the axial direction Z with the intermediate filter 115 interposed therebetween, a region (relative to the intermediate filter 115 and the inner pipe filter 111). The flow velocity of the cooling water Wc flowing in the region closer to the metal halide lamp 110) increases. Thereby, the water temperature difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of the cooling water Wc and the turn-back side can be further suppressed (further reduced). Therefore, in this modified example, more effective cooling operation is realized. As a result, a more stable irradiance can be easily obtained from the metal halide lamp 110, and a more reliable weather resistance test can be performed.

<3. Other variations>
While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and the like, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, etc., the configuration (shape, arrangement, number, etc.) of each device in the weather resistance tester has been specifically described, but these configurations have been described in the above-described embodiment, etc. The shape is not limited to this, and may be other shapes, arrangements, numbers, and the like.

  Specifically, the constituent material, the arrangement region, the size, the film thickness, etc. of the light reflecting film are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiment, but other constituent materials, the arrangement region, the size, the film, etc. Thickness etc. may be sufficient. Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the case where the light reflecting film is disposed on the inner surface of the inner tube filter has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be arranged on the outer surface. Thus, when it arrange | positions on the outer surface of an inner tube | pipe filter, there exists an advantage that it becomes easy to perform formation of the coating film (application | coating of platinum liquid etc.) mentioned above. Further, depending on the case, the rectifying plate described in the above embodiment and the like may not be provided in the metal halide lamp unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, various control operations (control of the flow rate of cooling water, control of the operation of flowing water into the cooling coil, etc.), the weather resistance test method, and the like have been specifically described. However, the method is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment and the like, and various control operations and weather resistance tests may be performed using other methods. Specifically, for example, the flow rate of the cooling water may be controlled by the control unit in accordance with the discharge power in the metal halide lamp. Specifically, for example, control is performed such that the flow rate of the cooling water increases as the discharge power increases relatively, while the flow rate of the cooling water decreases as the discharge power decreases relatively. You may make it control. More specifically, when the discharge power of the metal halide lamp is, for example, 6 kW or less, the control unit 19 performs control so that the flow rate of the cooling water is, for example, 9 (liters / minute). In addition, when the discharge power of the metal halide lamp is, for example, from over 6 kW to 7 kW, the control unit 19 performs control so that the flow rate of the cooling water is, for example, 10 (liters / minute). Furthermore, when the discharge power of the metal halide lamp is, for example, from over 7 kW to 8 kW or less, the control unit 19 performs control so that the flow rate of the cooling water is, for example, 11.5 (liters / minute). When the discharge power of the metal halide lamp is, for example, more than 8 kW, the operation of the weather resistance test machine is stopped by the safety device for excessive discharge power being activated. In this way, when the flow rate of the cooling water is controlled according to the discharge power of the metal halide lamp, the thermocouples 181 and 182 for detecting the water temperatures T1 and T2 and the temperature controller 184a are not required (these Need not be provided).

  Furthermore, the series of controls described in the above embodiments and the like may be performed by hardware (circuits) or may be performed by software (programs). When performed by software, the software is composed of a program group for causing the above-described functions to be executed by a computer (microcomputer or the like). Each program may be used by being incorporated in advance in the computer, for example, or may be used by being installed in the computer from a network or a recording medium.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Weather resistance test machine, 10 ... Test chamber (test tank), 11, 11A, 11B ... Metal halide lamp unit, 110 ... Metal halide lamp, 110a ... Arc tube, 110b1, 110b2 ... Electrode, 111 ... Inner tube filter, 112, 112A, 112B ... outer tube filter, 113 ... light reflecting film, 114 ... rectifying plate, 115 ... intermediate filter, 12 ... sample stage, 13 ... spray mechanism, 14 ... light receiver, 15 ... black panel thermometer, 16 ... input section , 170 ... Cooling coil, 171 ... Lamp cooling water tank, 172 ... Lamp cooling water circulation pump, 173 ... Humidity generator, 181, 182, 183 ... Thermocouple, 184a, 184b ... Temperature controller, 185 ... Inverter, 186 ... Cooling Apparatus, 19 ... control unit, 9 ... sample, Lout ... radiated light, Z ... axial direction, Wc, Wcin, Wcout, Wca, Wcb Cooling water, W ... refrigerant, R0, R1, R2 ... diameter, R2in, R2out, R2io, R2t ... outer diameter, F ... flow rate, Fmin ... minimum flow rate, fout ... output frequency, P ... pump pressure, T1, T2, T3 ... Water temperature, Tth1, Tth2, Tth3 ... Threshold temperature, ΔT ... Water temperature difference, ΔTth ... Threshold temperature difference, A ... Air, Fg ... Outward path, Fr ... Return path, Sg, Sr ... Section area.

Claims (10)

A test room,
A metal halide lamp unit,
A control mechanism and
The metal halide lamp unit is
A metal halide lamp that extends along the axial direction and has electrodes built in the vicinity of both ends along the axial direction;
An inner tube filter disposed on the outer peripheral side of the metal halide lamp and extending along the axial direction;
An outer tube filter disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner tube filter and extending along the axial direction;
Between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter, the cooling water is configured to flow along the axial direction,
The control mechanism is
When performing flow rate control for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water based on the water temperature of the cooling water ,
When the water temperature of the cooling water is equal to or higher than the refrigerant flow start threshold temperature, the control of starting the operation of flowing the refrigerant in the cooling coil for cooling the cooling water,
When the coolant temperature thereafter becomes equal to or lower than the refrigerant flow stop threshold temperature that is lower than the refrigerant flow start threshold temperature, control is performed to stop the operation of flowing the refrigerant into the cooling coil. Weather resistance tester. The flow rate control is performed according to a water temperature difference between a water temperature of the cooling water on the inflow side to the metal halide lamp and a water temperature of the cooling water on the outflow side from the metal halide lamp. The weather resistance tester described. The control mechanism is
At the start of operation of the weather resistance tester, the cooling water flow rate is set to the minimum flow rate,
The weather resistance tester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow rate control is started when a temperature of the cooling water becomes equal to or higher than a flow rate control start threshold temperature . The weather resistance tester according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the metal halide lamp unit further includes a light reflection film on a surface in the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrode in the inner tube filter. The weather resistance tester according to claim 4 , wherein the light reflecting film is provided on an inner surface in the vicinity of each arrangement region of the electrode in the inner tube filter. The weather resistance according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the metal halide lamp unit further includes a rectifying plate in an inflow region of the cooling water between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter. testing machine. The weather resistance tester according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the outer pipe filter has a tapered peripheral surface whose diameter decreases toward an outlet side of the cooling water. The metal halide lamp unit further includes an intermediate filter extending along the axial direction between the inner tube filter and the outer tube filter,
The weathering tester according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the cooling water is configured to reciprocate along the axial direction with the intermediate filter interposed therebetween. The intermediate filter is disposed such that a cross-sectional area in a region between the intermediate filter and the inner tube filter is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a region between the intermediate filter and the outer tube filter. Item 9. The weather resistance tester according to Item 8 . The weather resistance tester according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the outer pipe filter has a tapered peripheral surface whose diameter decreases toward a turn-back side when the cooling water reciprocates.

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