JP6527403B2 - Environmental test equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an environmental test apparatus.

  As background art of this technical field, in the abstract of the following patent document 1, “the relationship between the cooling capacity of the low temperature tank and the target temperature reaching time and the heating capacity of the high temperature chamber and the target temperature reaching time is calculated It is described that the operation of the electric heater of the high temperature chamber and the operation of the refrigerator and the electric heater of the low temperature chamber during the high temperature test are effective in reducing the power consumption.

JP 2000-249643 A

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes an environmental test apparatus which performs an environmental test such as a thermal shock test of an object under test by alternately repeating a high temperature test (or preparatory operation) and a low temperature test alternately.
Among them, the low temperature test is a so-called pre-cooling system in which the refrigerator is started so that the low temperature chamber becomes a pre-cooling temperature by the start time of the low temperature test using data collected in advance before the end of the previous high temperature test. Is done.
The refrigeration capacity of the refrigerator required to bring the low temperature room to the pre-cooling temperature depends on the test conditions such as the test temperature and the heat capacity of the low temperature room, and the optimal start timing of the refrigerator differs for each low temperature test Do. Therefore, the data of the previous low temperature test of the temperature cycle is collected, and the activation timing of the refrigerator is calculated from the time until the low temperature tank reaches the precooling temperature.
However, during the period from the previous high temperature test to precooling in the low temperature test (hereinafter also referred to as precooling operation), external factors such as the amount of heat entering from the periphery of the low temperature tank and the frosted state of the refrigerator change. The prediction accuracy of the activation timing of the refrigerator may be reduced.
In addition, if the required time per temperature cycle becomes long, it becomes susceptible to changes in external factors, and furthermore, the prediction accuracy of the activation timing of the refrigerator decreases.
An object of the present invention is to provide an environmental test apparatus capable of automatically calculating an optimal restart timing in accordance with test conditions with high accuracy.

In order to solve the above problems, in the environmental test apparatus of the present invention, the control unit performs preliminary activation of the refrigerator during the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle as the present low temperature test until the low temperature tank reaches the precooling temperature. Calculate the temperature gradient from the elapsed time and the temperature change.
Then, after the refrigerator is temporarily stopped, the low temperature tank is restarted so as to be in the precooling state by the start of the current low temperature test based on the temperature gradient.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an environmental test apparatus capable of automatically calculating an optimal restart timing according to test conditions with high accuracy.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above are clarified by the following embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic diagram of the environmental test apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of an environmental test apparatus according to a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of the environmental test apparatus of the first embodiment. In the environmental test apparatus of 1st Embodiment, it is a time chart which shows a mode that the refrigerator stopped once is restarted during a high temperature test. In the environmental test apparatus of 1st Embodiment, it is a time chart which shows a mode that restart is late and temperature stable minimum time is not ensured. In the environmental test apparatus of 1st Embodiment, it is a time chart which shows a mode that a refrigerator is restarted at the time when estimated temperature stabilization time corresponded with temperature stabilization minimum time. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the environmental test apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. In the environmental test apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, it is a time chart which shows a mode that the refrigerator stopped once is restarted during a high temperature test. In the environmental test apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, when estimated temperature stabilization time corresponds with temperature stabilization minimum time, it is a time chart which shows a mode that a refrigerator is restarted. In the environmental test apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, it is a time chart which shows a mode that restart is late and temperature stable minimum time is not ensured.

(First embodiment)
(overall structure)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the environmental test apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the schematic view of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the block diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 1, the environmental test apparatus 1 is provided in a test tank 10 in which an object to be tested 70 is disposed, a low temperature tank 20 communicating with the test tank 10 via vents 28 and 29, and a low temperature tank 20. A refrigerator 24, a low temperature tank air blower 27, a high temperature tank 30 communicating with the test tank 10 through air vents 38, 39, a high temperature tank heater 36 provided in the high temperature tank 30, a high temperature tank air blower And 37.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 40 includes a refrigerator 24, a high temperature tank side heater 36, a high temperature tank air blower 37, a low temperature tank side blower 52, a high temperature tank side blower 62 and a test tank temperature sensor 12, a low temperature tank temperature. The sensor 22 and the high temperature tank temperature sensor 32 are connected respectively. The detailed configuration of the control unit 40 will be described later.
The test tank 10 includes a test tank temperature sensor 12 that detects the temperature of the gas (atmosphere) in the test tank 10. The test tank temperature sensor 12 detects temperature data of the gas in the test tank 10 and outputs the temperature data to the control unit 40.
The low temperature tank 20 includes a low temperature tank temperature sensor 22. The low temperature tank temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature of the gas in the low temperature tank 20, and outputs the detected temperature data of the gas to the control unit 40.

  In the low temperature tank 20 of the first embodiment, a low temperature tank heater 26 is provided together with the refrigerator 24. The low temperature tank heater 26 corrects the cold power of the refrigerator 24. The refrigerator 24 is controlled by the control unit 40 and is started with the low temperature tank heater 26 or independently, and alternately switched to the operation state and the stop state. In the operating state, the gas in the low temperature tank 20 is cooled to a precooling temperature TL which is a temperature necessary for precooling (accumulation of preheating), and in a state where the low temperature test CL is performed, the temperature of the test tank (A) Is kept at the temperature of the low temperature test tank (B).

The low-temperature tank air blower 27 includes a low-temperature tank fan 52, a low-temperature outlet blow-out damper 50 capable of opening and closing the air vents 28 and 29, and a low-temperature suction suction damper 51. The low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 of this embodiment have actuators 54, 55 operated by compressed air, an electric motor or the like. The actuators 54 and 55 drive the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 in a direction to open / close the low temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 50 according to a control signal from the control unit 40 to open / close the vents 28/29.

The control unit 40 opens the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 while driving the low temperature tank side fan 52 and cools the inside of the low temperature tank 20 through the vent holes 28 and 29. Gas is introduced and quenched. By the drive of the low temperature tank side fan 52, a gas is circulated around the test object 70 disposed in the test tank 10 via the low temperature tank 20, the vent 28, the test tank 10 and the vent 29; The temperature in the test tank 10 is brought close to the low temperature test temperature (C). In addition, the control unit 40 closes the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 in a state where the low temperature tank side fan 52 is driven, and the inside of the low temperature tank 20 in the precooling state (cold heat accumulation state). Can be circulated in the low temperature tank 20.

The drive control of the low-temperature tank side fan 52 may be performed independently or may be synchronized to open and close the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51. For example, the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 may be opened in synchronization with the drive of the low temperature tank side fan 52. In addition, the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 are closed in synchronization with the driving stop of the low temperature tank side fan 52 so that the flow of gas between the test tank 10 and the low temperature tank 20 is shut off. May be In this case, the actuators 54 and 55 can be omitted. Furthermore, the mechanism and operation of the low temperature side blow-out opening and closing damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening and closing damper 51 are not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment, and may be a simplified or omitted mechanism.

The control unit 40 controls the high temperature tank side heater 36 provided in the high temperature tank 30 to alternately switch between the operation state and the stop state. In the operating state, the gas in the high temperature tank 30 can be heated to be in a preheated state.
The high temperature tank air blower 37 operates with a high temperature tank fan 62, a high temperature side blowing open / close damper 60 capable of opening and closing the air vents 38, 39, a high temperature side suction open / close damper 61, and compressed air or an electric motor. Actuators 64 and 65 are provided. Further, the control unit 40 opens the high temperature side blowing open / close damper 60 and the high temperature side suction opening / closing damper 61 in a state of driving the high temperature tank side fan 62 and is disposed in the test tank 10 through the vents 38 and 39. The gas in the high temperature tank 30 in the preheated state can be fed and circulated around the test object 70. Then, the control unit 40 further drives the high temperature tank 30 in the preheated state by closing the high temperature side blowing open / close damper 60 and the high temperature side suction open / close damper 61 while driving the high temperature tank side blower 62. 30 can be circulated.

Further, in the first embodiment, the low temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 50, the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51, and the high temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 60 using the actuators 54, 55 and 64, 65 operated by compressed air or an electric motor. Although the high temperature side suction open / close damper 61 is opened and closed, an actuator of any configuration and drive system may be used. For example, the open / close operation may be performed passively by the wind force generated by the drive of the low-temperature and high-temperature tank side blowers 52 and 62. Further, the low-temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 50, the low-temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51, the high-temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 60, or the high-temperature side suction opening / closing damper 61 may be opened and closed using oil pressure etc. The shape, number and material of the drive source and transmission member used for the purpose are not limited to the actuators 54, 55 and 64, 65 of the first embodiment.

(Configuration of control unit 40)
The control unit 40 alternately switches between the operation state and the stop state of the low temperature tank side fan 52 and the high temperature tank side fan 62. That is, based on the data detected by the test tank temperature sensor 12, the low temperature tank temperature sensor 22, and the high temperature tank temperature sensor 32, the control unit 40 mainly uses the refrigerator 24, the low temperature tank side heater 26, and the low temperature tank blowing. The low temperature test using the pre-cooling state using the part 27 and the high temperature test mainly using the preheating state using the high temperature tank side heater 36 and the high temperature tank blowing part 37 can be performed alternately.

The control unit 40 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes an input unit 41, an operation unit 42, a timer unit 44, a storage unit 46, and an output unit 48, and is an application developed in the RAM. The function implemented by the program is shown as a block diagram.
The input unit 41 receives temperature data detected by the test tank temperature sensor 12, the low temperature tank temperature sensor 22, and the high temperature tank temperature sensor 32. Besides, the input unit 41 is connected with an external input device such as a keyboard or communication device (not shown), for example, data on test conditions and test results, high, low temperature test repetition number, or 2 zones (high temperature test, low temperature test It may be configured such that data of test conditions such as switching of a test or a 3-zone test (high temperature test, normal temperature test, low temperature test) or high, low temperature set temperature, etc. is input.

The arithmetic unit 42 includes hardware as a general computer, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. , OS (Operating System), application programs, various data, etc. are stored. The OS and application programs are expanded in the RAM, executed by the CPU, and perform arithmetic processing in accordance with data input to the input unit 41 together with the timer unit 44 and the storage unit 46.
The timer unit 44 counts a low temperature test time and a high temperature test time in which control is performed based on data of test conditions, or measures an elapsed time after reaching a desired temperature.
The storage unit 46 stores test condition data or temporarily stores temperature data detected by the test tank temperature sensor 12, the low temperature tank temperature sensor 22, and the high temperature tank temperature sensor 32, and reads and writes by the calculation unit 42. Memory or buffer (neither is shown).

The output unit 48 outputs the calculation processing result to the refrigerator 24, the low temperature tank side heater 26, the low temperature tank side blower 52, the high temperature tank side heater 36, and the high temperature tank side blower 62 connected to the control unit 40. The refrigerator 24, the low temperature tank side heater 26, the low temperature tank side blower 52, the high temperature tank side heater 36, and the high temperature tank side blower 62 are configured to stop the driving or the driving according to the control signal. .
As described above, the control unit 40 outputs the control signal, so that the gas in the low temperature tank 20 that has been precooled by the low temperature tank blower 27 and the high temperature tank blower 37 or the inside of the high temperature tank 30 that is preheated. The following gases are fed around the test object 70 placed in the test chamber 10, and the high temperature test and the low temperature test are performed. The environmental test apparatus 1 can continuously carry out the high temperature test and the low temperature test by alternately repeating the high temperature test and the low temperature test constituting one temperature cycle a plurality of times.

In the first embodiment, the low temperature side blow-out opening / closing is performed by controlling the drive of the actuators 54, 55, 64, and 65 in accordance with the control signal output from the output unit 48 of the control unit 40 shown in FIG. The damper 50, the high temperature side outlet open / close damper 60, the low temperature side inlet open / close damper 51, and the high temperature side inlet open / close damper 61 are actively opened and closed.
For example, in the high temperature test, the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction open / close damper 51 are closed, and the high temperature side blowout open / close damper 60 and the high temperature side suction open / close damper 61 are opened.
Further, in the low temperature test, the high temperature side blowing open / close damper 60 and the high temperature side suction open / close damper 61 are closed, and the low temperature side blow open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction open / close damper 51 are opened.

Then, the control unit 40 alternately opens and closes the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50, the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51, the high temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 60, and the high temperature side suction opening / closing damper 61.
Thereby, the gas in the high temperature tank 30 in the preheated state is sent to the periphery of the test object 70 in the test tank 10 where the low temperature test was performed, and the high temperature test which gives a thermal shock by rapid heating is performed. It will be.
In addition, the gas in the low temperature tank 20 in the pre-chilled state is sent to the periphery of the test object 70 in the test tank 10 where the high temperature test was performed, and the low temperature test to give a cooling impact by rapid cooling is performed. .
The environmental test device 1 can provide the test object 70 with a thermal shock by alternately repeating such a high temperature test including a thermal shock or a low temperature test including a cooling shock as one temperature cycle.

Further, the control unit 40 controls the refrigerator 24, the low temperature tank side heater 26, and the low temperature tank side blower 52 based on the temperature data detected by the test tank temperature sensor 12, the low temperature tank temperature sensor 22, and the high temperature tank temperature sensor 32. As long as the drive of the high temperature tank side heater 36 and the high temperature tank side blower 62 is controlled, these controls can be realized by dedicated hardware (such as an electronic circuit) and realized by software. It can also be done.
After the end of the previous low temperature test, the control unit 40 closes the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 when the current high temperature test is started. Thereby, when conducting the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle as the low temperature test of this time, the vent holes 28 and 29 between the low temperature tank 20 and the test tank 10 are closed and shut off. Therefore, by starting the refrigerator 24, the gas in the low temperature tank 20 can be efficiently precooled.
Further, in the pre-cooling operation state, the control unit 40 controls the driving of the refrigerator 24 and the low-temperature tank heater 26 so that the low-temperature tank 20 is maintained at a constant pre-cooling temperature until the low-temperature test is started. .

The control unit 40 according to the first embodiment activates the operation of the refrigerator 24 during the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle as the low temperature test this time (hereinafter referred to as "preliminary start"), and the low temperature tank 20 The temperature gradient α calculated from the elapsed time until reaching the pre-cooling temperature and the temperature change is determined. Then, when the low temperature tank temperature B of the low temperature tank 20 reaches the pre-cooling temperature TL, the control unit 40 temporarily stops the refrigerator 24. Furthermore, the control unit 40 restarts the refrigerator 24, which has been temporarily stopped, based on the elapsed time until the low temperature tank 20 reaches the precooling temperature and the temperature gradient α calculated from the temperature change.
At this time, the refrigerator 24 reduces the actual driving time of the refrigerator 24 while securing a sufficient time for the low temperature tank 20 to be in a pre-cooling state and maintaining a stable state by the start of the present low temperature test. The restart timing is set to improve the thermal efficiency.
As described above, the control unit 40 performs control of a test in which one temperature cycle repeating the high temperature test and the low temperature test is continuously performed a plurality of times.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 is described centering on the processing operation of the control unit 40 of the low temperature test performed this time among the processing performed by the control unit 40. Description of high temperature tests being conducted simultaneously is omitted. Moreover, it demonstrates not using a normal temperature test but using the test of the 2 zone cycle which performs a high temperature test and a low temperature test alternately.
Among these, steps S1 to S4 measure the arrival time until the precooling of the refrigerator 24 required to calculate the temperature gradient α of the precooling control of the current low temperature test after the end of the previous low temperature test. Shows the process to be performed.

In step S1, the control unit 40 changes the setting of the temperature of the low temperature tank 20 to the pre-cooling temperature (TL).
At time S2 (see FIG. 4) at which the previous low temperature test ends and the high temperature test is started in step S2, the control unit 40 starts counting by the timer unit 44. At this time, data of time a counted by the timer unit 44 of the control unit 40 is stored in the storage unit 46.
In step S3, the computing unit 42 of the control unit 40 compares the current low temperature tank temperature (B) with the pre-cooling temperature (TL).
Here, the control signal from the output unit 48 of the control unit 40 turns on the high temperature tank heater 36 to perform the high temperature test CH, and drives the actuators 64 and 65 to blow out the high temperature side air vents 38 and 39. The open / close damper 60 and the high temperature side suction open / close damper 61 are opened. Then, the control unit 40 drives the high temperature tank side fan 62 to feed the gas in the high temperature tank 30 which is in a preheated state by heating from the vent holes 38 and 39 being opened to the periphery of the test object 70 .
At this time, the control unit 40 drives the actuators 54 and 55 to close the low temperature side blowout open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction open / close damper 51 of the vents 28 and 29 so that the low temperature tank 20 and the test tank 10 are closed. The flow of gas between them is shut off.
During the precooling operation of the low temperature test CL of this first embodiment, the control unit 40 according to the first embodiment drives the low temperature tank side fan 52 to circulate the gas inside the low temperature tank 20 in the low temperature tank 20 and store the cold.

In step S3, until the current low temperature tank temperature (B) reaches the pre-cooling temperature (TL) (NO in step S3), operation unit 42 repeats step S3 and the current low temperature tank temperature (B) is When the pre-cooling temperature (TL) is reached (YES in step S3), control unit 40 advances the process to step S4.
In step S4, the control unit 40 causes the timer unit 44 to stop counting. At this time, data of time b counted by the timer unit 44 of the control unit 40 is stored in the storage unit 46.

In step S5, the control unit 40 stops the temperature control of the low temperature tank 20. Specifically, the drive of the refrigerator 24 is temporarily stopped by the control signal of the refrigerator 24 accompanying the preliminary start which has been output from the output unit 48.
In step S6, when the low-temperature tank temperature (B) of the low-temperature tank 20 becomes the pre-cooling temperature (TL), the computing unit 42 of the control unit 40 changes the time (b) from the time a at preliminary startup to the pre-cooling temperature (TL) : The temperature gradient α (α = (C−TL ° C.), which is the temperature change amount per unit time, is read from the storage unit 46 after the elapsed time (time a to time b) up to the pre-cooling temperature reaching time). ) / (B−a)) is calculated (Equation 1).
[Equation 1]
α = (C−TL) / (b−a)
Here, the low temperature test temperature (C) indicates the temperature of the gas (atmosphere) in the low temperature test set in advance, and the previous low temperature test temperature (C) is time a (a: start of low temperature test, high temperature test end time Using the low temperature test temperature (C) set as temperature data using the same temperature as the starting point of the temperature change of the low temperature tank temperature B at the time of the preliminary start in agreement with the low temperature tank temperature B in). Thus, data collection by temperature detection of the gas in the low temperature tank 20 is simplified.
In the next step S7 and step S8, the control unit 40 calculates the timing to restart the low temperature test (end of the high temperature test).

That is, in step S7, the calculation unit 42 calculates the required pre-cooling return time (e-d) from the low temperature tank temperature (B) and the calculated temperature gradient α. The low-temperature tank current temperature (Bn) is a temperature at the current time (for example, Bn = B1 at time d1), and is used to calculate the temperature gradient α. Therefore, when the refrigerator 24 is restarted at the current time d1, the low-temperature tank temperature (B1: low-temperature tank temperature at time d1) reaches the pre-cooling temperature (TL) in the pre-cooling recovery required time (e-d) It will be time to do it.

In step S8, it is determined whether it is time to restart the temperature control of the low temperature tank 20 and perform the low temperature test. The predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e) is determined using time g of resumption of the low temperature test and the required pre-cooling return time (e-d) predicted from the current time d.
In the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f), after the low temperature tank temperature (B) reaches the pre-cooling temperature (TL), the temperature fluctuation decreases and falls within a predetermined range from the pre-cooling temperature (TL) Therefore, the buffer time until it becomes a state suitable for a low temperature test is shown, and shall be determined by experiment, simulation, etc.

The control unit 40 calculates the time e at which the current low-temperature tank temperature B reaches the pre-cooling temperature (TL), using the calculated pre-cooling return required time (e-d). In addition, an estimated temperature stabilization time (g−e) is calculated which indicates the time from arrival time e to the start of the low temperature test this time. In addition, the temperature stabilization minimum time (g−f) required to stabilize the temperature before the start of the low temperature test of this time is calculated.

Then, the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) required until the start of the present low temperature test is compared with the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e).
By performing such calculations as needed in the calculation unit 42 of the control unit 40, the low-temperature tank temperature (B) falls within a predetermined width centered on the pre-cooling temperature (TL), and is the fastest in the stable state. The restart timing of the refrigerator 24 is calculated.

That is, in step S8, when the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) is longer than the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e) in step S8, the control unit 40 still does not reach the time suitable for recovery (step). In S8, the process returns to step S7 to calculate the required pre-cooling return time (e-d) by the calculation unit 42, and the processes in steps S7 and S8 are performed again.
If the minimum temperature stabilization time (g-f) has reached the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e) (YES in step S8), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S9 to process the estimated temperature stabilization time The refrigerator 24 is restarted at a coincident time point so that (ge) is not shorter than the minimum temperature stabilization time (g-f).

As described above, the environmental test apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment temporarily stops temperature control of the low temperature tank 20 after acquiring data of the temperature gradient α of the pre-cooling operation by the preliminary start simultaneously with the start of the high temperature test this time. By stopping the temperature control, even if, for example, the temperature of the low temperature tank 20 rises, the optimum restart timing according to the test conditions can be automatically calculated with high precision, always using the current low temperature tank temperature (B).

As a result, during the pre-cooling operation, it is possible to stop the driving of the refrigerator 24 and the low-temperature tank heater 26, which has conventionally maintained the pre-cooling state by driving, for a relatively long time, and improve energy efficiency. Can.
In addition, when performing preliminary activation of the refrigerator 24 to precool the low temperature tank 20 to the precooling temperature (TL) before performing the low temperature test, the low temperature tank side fan 52 is driven to similarly perform the precooling state in the low temperature tank 20. The gas can be circulated, and the calculation accuracy of the temperature gradient α can be further improved, and the refrigerator 24 can be restarted at the optimum timing according to the test conditions.

Then, using the data at the time of preliminary start-up collected at the start of the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle, the temperature gradient α is obtained (step S6), and the control unit 40 calculates the required time for precooling and return (e-d) Are repeatedly compared with the minimum temperature stabilization time (g-f) (steps S7 and S8).
For this reason, when the calculated planned return time coincides with the low temperature test start time, the control unit 40 can restart the operation of the refrigerator 24 and can cool the low temperature tank 20 to the pre-cooling temperature (TL) at an optimal timing.

In addition, under test conditions in which the required time per one temperature cycle becomes long, the influence on the calculation accuracy of predicting the restart timing of the refrigerator 24 may be increased. However, the environmental test apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment performs data acquisition of the temperature gradient α used for the pre-cooling operation simultaneously with the start of the high temperature test performed in the same temperature cycle as the low temperature test this time.
Therefore, data is acquired within the same temperature cycle as the pre-cooling operation and at the beginning of the same low-temperature test, as compared with the conventional type in which time from data acquisition to utilization elapses beyond one temperature cycle. There is little progress of time. Therefore, it becomes hard to receive to the influence of the heat | fever which penetrates into the low temperature tank 20 from the circumference | surroundings, and the change of the frost formation state of the refrigerator 24, and the prediction precision of the timing made into a precooling state can be improved.

Then, as in the conventional example, keeping the temperature of the low temperature tank 20 at the pre-cooling temperature (TL) during the entire period in which the high temperature test is performed means that the low temperature tank side heater 26 There is also a possibility that an unnecessary start-up may occur, and it can not be said that energy efficiency is good.

On the other hand, in the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, at the start of the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle, the control unit 40 performs preliminary activation of the refrigerator 24 to calculate the temperature gradient α. After performing the corresponding operation, when the pre-cooling temperature (TL) is reached, the refrigerator 24 is temporarily stopped.
For this reason, it is not necessary to start the refrigerator 24 until immediately before the low temperature test CL of this time is started, and the low temperature tank heater 26 is not started, so that the energy efficiency is good.
In addition, when collecting data during the previous temperature cycle, there is a risk of frost forming around the refrigerator 24 activated during the low temperature test. However, the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment has the same temperature cycle. Since the refrigerator 24 is pre-started at the start of the internal high temperature test, the possibility of frost formation can be reduced. In addition, since the refrigerator 24 is pre-started in a relatively short time, new frost formation is suppressed, and the influence of a change in disturbance factor can be reduced.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing how the temporarily stopped refrigerator 24 is restarted at any time during the high temperature test in the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
The time chart of FIG. 4 shows a test mode of so-called two-zone cycle (high temperature test zone, low temperature test zone) in which low temperature test CL and high temperature test are alternately repeated with one temperature cycle C1 from time a to time i. ing.
Here, the vertical axis represents temperature (T), and the horizontal axis represents time (H). The test tank temperature (A) during one temperature cycle C1 is equal to the high temperature tank temperature (not shown) during the high temperature test (time a to time g), and the low temperature tank during the low temperature test CL (time g to time i) is the low temperature tank It is shown changing to be equal to the temperature (B).

The time chart of FIG. 4 of the environmental test apparatus 1 will be described in order of time with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. First, the previous low temperature test CL of the temperature cycle C0 is performed until time a. For this reason, the test tank temperature (A) is the same low temperature test temperature (C) as the low temperature tank temperature (B).
Next, the present temperature cycle C1 is started. At the time a when the high temperature test of the temperature cycle C1 is started, with the end of the low temperature test CL of the previous temperature cycle C0, in the low temperature tank 20, once the preliminary start of the refrigerator 24 is performed as in the precooling operation. The ports 28 and 29 are shut off by the low temperature side blowing open / close damper 50 and the low temperature side suction open / close damper 51, and the cooling of the low temperature tank 20 is started.

Under the present circumstances, since it is immediately after completion of low temperature test CL of the last temperature cycle C0, and since it is the start time of high temperature test CH this time, low temperature tank temperature (B) becomes fixed low temperature test temperature (C) There is. Therefore, the low temperature tank temperature (B) at time a can be easily collected from the data of the low temperature test temperature (C) in the storage unit 46 set in advance.
The preliminary activation of the refrigerator 24 lowers the low-temperature tank temperature (B) of the low-temperature tank 20 to the pre-cooling temperature (TL). When reaching the pre-cooling temperature (TL) at time b, the control unit 40 stops the refrigerator 24 and starts calculation of the temperature gradient α. The temperature gradient α starts the refrigerator 24 at the end of the previous low temperature test CL, and the time until the low temperature tank 20 reaches the precooling temperature (TL) and the temperature of the low temperature tank when the precooling operation is started ( B) The temperature difference between pre-cooling temperature (TL) is used to calculate.

In the first embodiment, when calculating the time e1 for reaching the pre-cooling temperature (TL) from the time d when the pre-cooling is resumed as described above, immediately after the end of the previous low-temperature test and after the high-temperature test is started The data of the temperature gradient α, which will be described later, is collected during the preliminary start-up. Since the data of the temperature gradient α is data collected in the same temperature cycle C1 as the low temperature test to be precooled, the optimal restart timing can be calculated with higher accuracy.
At time b, when the refrigerator 24 is stopped, the low-temperature tank temperature (B) starts to rise gradually due to heat entering from the outside of the low-temperature tank 20, and restart of the refrigerator 24 is performed for precooling. At time d1 at which the temperature control of the low temperature tank 20 is restarted, the temperature (B1) is higher than the pre-cooling temperature and lower than the low temperature test temperature (C).

The low temperature tank temperature (B) of the low temperature tank 20 is lowered to the precooling temperature (TL) at the time e1 by the restart of the refrigerator 24 at the time d1, and the precooling operation is started.
A pre-cooling operation period is from time e1 to time g when the low temperature test is started. The pre-cooling operation period is a period in which the low-temperature tank temperature (B) of the low-temperature tank 20 is maintained at the pre-cooling temperature (TL) by the restarted refrigerator 24 and the low-temperature tank side heater 26. As the pre-cooling operation period (time e1 to time g) is shorter, the activation time of the refrigerator 24 and the activation of the low temperature tank heater 26 can be reduced, and the thermal efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the temperature gradient α and the current low temperature tank temperature (B1) in the high temperature test are used, and the calculation unit 42 calculates the pre-cooling required time (e-d). You can keep doing. As a result, even when the low-temperature tank temperature (B) fluctuates in the upper and lower high temperature direction due to a disturbance factor, it is possible to calculate the time e1 at which the accurate precooling temperature (TL) that is always required is reached.

Further, at time g, the low temperature test CL is started in the temperature cycle C1 of this time. When a low temperature test is performed, a temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) in which a precooling temperature (TL) is continued for a fixed period is secured in advance. For this reason, the low temperature test CL can be started from the precooling temperature (TL) of the low temperature tank 20 which is always stable, and the test reliability of the environmental test apparatus 1 can be improved.

When the low temperature test is started at time g, the control unit 40 drives the refrigerator 24, the low temperature tank heater 26, the low temperature tank blower 27, and the high temperature tank heater 36 to perform low temperature operation (time g ~ Time i).

When the termination of the low temperature test CL ends at time i and the low temperature operation is stopped, the next temperature cycle C2 is started. The temperature cycle C2 performs the high temperature test CH and the low temperature test CL similarly to the temperature cycle C1, and thereafter the high temperature test CH and the low temperature test CL of a plurality of temperature cycles (not shown) are alternately performed.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing how the temperature stability minimum time (g−f) is not secured because the restart is delayed in the environmental test device of the first embodiment.
The low-temperature tank temperature (B) of the low-temperature tank 20 calculated from the current time d2 and the required pre-cooling and recovery time (e-d) will be described based on the difference from FIG. Down to).

However, when the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e2) reaches and exceeds the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) (time d2), the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) until the time g of restart It is difficult to guarantee the testability because it is delayed more than that. That is, when the restart timing is time d2 and the temperature rises to the low temperature tank temperature (B1), there is a possibility that appropriate precooling can not be performed.

The control unit 40 according to the first embodiment first uses the calculated precooling return required time (e-d) to a precooling temperature (TL) at which the current low temperature tank temperature (B) of the low temperature tank 20 is stable. After reaching, the estimated temperature stabilization time (g-e2) until the start of the present low temperature test is calculated.
Then, the control unit 40 compares the low temperature bath temperature (B) with the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) required until the present low temperature test is started with the precooling temperature (TL) being stabilized. . By comparison, the control unit 40 restarts the refrigerator 24 at the same timing so that the predicted temperature stabilization time (g−e2) does not exceed the temperature stabilization minimum time (g−f).

Therefore, when restarting the refrigerator 24, the control unit 40 can secure the minimum temperature stabilization time (g-f) to stabilize the low temperature tank temperature (B), and the test of the low temperature test of this time Reliability can be improved.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing how the refrigerator 24 is restarted when the predicted temperature stabilization time coincides with the temperature stabilization minimum time in the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 6, when the predicted temperature stabilization time (g−e3) reaches the temperature stabilization minimum time (g−f) (time d3), the control unit 40 restarts the refrigerator 24 and starts the precooling operation. Do.

Therefore, the timing at which the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e3) coincides with the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) (time e = time f) and the required pre-cooling time (g-f) can be secured ( At time d), the refrigerator 24 can be restarted.
Further, since the state suitable for the low temperature test can be made by the time g when the low temperature test is started, the control unit 40 does not restart the refrigerator 24 until the time d immediately before the start of the low temperature test.

The refrigerator 24 temporarily activated at time a is stopped at time b when the low-temperature tank temperature (B) reaches the pre-cooling temperature (TH). For this reason, heat moves between the gas in the low-temperature tank 20 and the component during the period from time b to time d3. The temperature of a component such as the wall of the low temperature tank 20 approaches the temperature of the low temperature tank temperature sensor 22 at the time of restart and the low temperature test is started.
Therefore, the gap between the low temperature bath temperature sensor 22 and the surrounding components at the start of the low temperature test is reduced, and the test accuracy can be further improved.

Second Embodiment
7 to 10 show an environmental test apparatus 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same or equivalent parts as those of the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the environmental test apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment. First, the difference in configuration from the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The environmental test apparatus 101 is a low temperature side mechanical that opens and closes the vents 28 and 29 of the low temperature tank blower 127. The dampers 150 and 151 are provided. The low temperature side mechanical dampers 150 and 151 are provided instead of the low temperature side blowout opening / closing damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening / closing damper 51 of the first embodiment, and are passively driven by wind pressure according to the on / off control of the low temperature tank side fan 52 The vent holes 28 and 29 can be opened and closed.

The environmental test apparatus 101 also has high temperature side mechanical dampers 160 and 161 that open and close the air vents 38 and 39 of the high temperature tank air blower 137. The high temperature side mechanical dampers 160 and 161 are provided instead of the high temperature side blowing open / close damper 60 and the high temperature side suction open / close damper 61 of the first embodiment, and the high temperature tank side blower 62 is turned on, Ventilation ports 38 and 39 are provided so as to be able to be opened and closed according to the off control.

Furthermore, in the environmental test apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, external vents 180 and 181 communicating the space in the test tank 10 with the external space are formed in the wall of the test tank 10.
The external vents 180 and 181 are provided with normal temperature dampers 170 and 171 that open and close the vents 38 and 39 of the low temperature tank air blower 127, respectively. These normal temperature dampers 170 and 171 are opened in a state where a normal temperature test is performed in a test mode of so-called three zone cycle (high temperature test zone, normal temperature test zone, low temperature test zone), and a low temperature test and a high temperature test are performed. Is configured to be closed in the

The time charts shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 shown below carry out the test mode of so-called 3-zone cycle (high temperature test zone, normal temperature test zone, low temperature test zone) repeating from time a to time i as one temperature cycle C3. It shows how you are doing.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing how the stopped refrigerator 24 is restarted at any time during the high temperature test. The normal temperature test CM1 is started from the time a when the previous low temperature test CL is finished. In the normal temperature test CM1, the low temperature side mechanical dampers 150 and 151 of the environmental test apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 7 are closed, and the external vents 180 and 181 are opened by the normal temperature dampers 170 and 171. Thereby, the gas in the test tank 10 communicates with the external air through the external vents 180 and 181. The test tank temperature (A) starts rising and reaches the same normal temperature D as the outside. During the normal temperature test, the test chamber temperature (A) is kept at the normal temperature (D) until the high temperature test CH is started.

Then, when the high temperature test CH is completed, the low temperature test, the normal temperature test and the high temperature test are repeated by repeating the normal temperature test CM2 and the low temperature test CL again with one temperature cycle C3 from time a to time i. The test mode of high temperature test zone, normal temperature test zone, low temperature test zone) is performed.

In the environmental test apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, the low temperature side mechanical dampers 150 and 151 are closed from time a to time g to shut off between the low temperature tank 20 and the test tank 10.
Therefore, the temperature gradient α for calculating the time d when starting the pre-cooling operation at the time of the low temperature test CL in the same temperature cycle C3 is from the time a when the previous low temperature test CL ended to the time b when the pre-cooling temperature TL It can be calculated using the temperature difference.

As shown in FIG. 8, for example, depending on the setting of the time d4 for restarting the refrigerator 24, the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e4) does not reach the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f), and from the time e4 The pre-cooling temperature TL must be maintained for a relatively long time until time g. For this reason, the start-up time of the refrigerator 24 and the start-up of the low-temperature tank heater 26 increase, and the thermal efficiency decreases.

In the time chart shown in FIG. 9, in the environmental test apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, the condition that the predicted temperature stabilization time (g−e5) matches the temperature stabilization minimum time (g−f) (time e5 = time) The refrigerator 24 is restarted at time d5 which is f).
In this second embodiment, a test mode of so-called 3-zone cycle is carried out, and even if one temperature cycle C3 is set relatively long due to addition of normal temperature tests CM1, CM2, etc., a spare within the same temperature cycle C3. The temperature gradient α can be calculated by activation (time a to time b). Therefore, in addition to the operation and effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically calculate the optimal restart time d5 according to the test conditions with high accuracy.

In the environmental test apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, in the time chart shown in FIG. 10, the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e6) passes the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) after the restart time d6 is delayed. There is. Even when the control unit 40 restarts the refrigerator 24 at time d6, it is time e6 that the pre-cooling temperature is reached, and the temperature stabilization minimum time (g−f) is not sufficiently ensured.

In the control unit 40 of the environmental test apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, the predicted temperature stabilization time (g-e6) matches the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) (time e6 = time f), and the necessary pre-cooling time The refrigerator 24 is restarted at time d5 at which (g−f) can be secured. Therefore, when the refrigerator 24 is restarted, the low temperature bath temperature (B) can be stabilized by securing the minimum temperature stabilization time (g-f), and the test reliability of the low temperature test of this time is improved. be able to.

Further, the normal temperature dampers 170 and 171 of the environmental test apparatus 101 of the second embodiment close the external vents 180 and 181 to perform a two-zone cycle (high temperature test as in the environmental test apparatus 1 of the first embodiment). It is possible to carry out test mode of zone, low temperature test zone). And, when conducting the test mode of 2 zone cycle, it is possible to obtain the temperature gradient α and improve the test reliability by using the current low temperature test and the data collected at the start of the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle. it can.

As described above, according to the environmental test apparatus 1, 101 in the first and second embodiments, at the start of the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle C1 or C3, the control unit 40 performs preliminary activation of the refrigerator 24, Calculate the gradient α. Therefore, it is possible to automatically calculate the optimal restart timing according to the test condition with high accuracy.
Furthermore, according to the environmental test apparatus 101 of the second embodiment, the test mode of two zone cycle (high temperature test zone, low temperature test zone) and the three zone cycle (high temperature test zone, normal temperature test zone, low temperature test zone) It is possible to change the case of carrying out the test mode in accordance with the test conditions.

In addition, even in tests where one temperature cycle is long, including low temperature test, normal temperature test, and high temperature test, measurement accuracy is reduced by reducing the influence on prediction accuracy of operation timing of equipment such as restart timing of refrigerator 24 Can be improved.
The other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. The embodiments described above are illustrated to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Further, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to delete part of the configuration of each embodiment or to add / replace other configuration. Possible modifications to the above embodiment are, for example, as follows.

In each of the above embodiments, in the configuration of the environmental test apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the low temperature side blowout opening and closing damper 50 and the low temperature side suction opening and closing damper 51 are opened and closed in synchronization with the drive control of the low temperature tank side fan 52. However, as long as the low temperature tank side blower 52 is driven and the driving is stopped, any configuration can be used as long as it allows the gas between the test tank 10 and the low temperature tank 20 (or the high temperature tank 30) to flow and shut off. It may be an air blower of

  Further, although the process shown in FIG. 3 has been described as software-like processing using a program executed by the control unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 in the above embodiment, a part or all of the process may be ASIC (Application Specific) It may be replaced by hardware processing using an integrated circuit (application specific IC) or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or the like.

[Summary of composition and effect]
As described above, according to the environmental test apparatus in the embodiment, at the start of the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle, the control unit 40 performs preliminary activation of the refrigerator 24 to calculate the temperature gradient α. Therefore, it is possible to automatically calculate the optimal restart timing according to the test condition with high accuracy.

In addition, the control unit 40 of the environmental test apparatus 1 sequentially calculates the current temperature of the low temperature tank 20 together with the temperature gradient α at time e1 at the time e1 at which the precooling temperature (TL) is reached during precooling. The temperature gradient α that is the basis of the calculation is collected using the preliminary start of the low temperature test CL that is started simultaneously when starting the high temperature test CH within the same temperature cycle C1. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the optimal restart timing more accurately.

Then, by continuing to calculate the required pre-cooling and recovery time (e-d) continuously using the temperature gradient α and the current low temperature tank temperature (B1) in the high temperature test CH, the low temperature tank temperature (B) is Even if it fluctuates in the high and low temperature directions due to a disturbance factor, the time e1 of reaching the precooling temperature (TL) from the time d1 of starting the accurate precooling immediately is recalculated.

Also, the control unit 40 uses the calculated pre-cooling return required time (e-d) to reach the pre-cooling temperature (TL) at which the current low-temperature tank temperature (B) of the low-temperature tank 20 has stabilized. It is necessary to calculate the expected temperature stabilization time (g-e2) until the low temperature test of S. starts and the low temperature tank temperature (B) stabilizes at the pre-cooling temperature and the current low temperature test starts. It is compared with the minimum temperature stabilization time (g-f). By comparison, the controller 40 controls the estimated temperature stabilization time (g-e2) and the minimum temperature stabilization time (g--e) so that the estimated temperature stabilization time (g-e2) does not exceed the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f). f) restart the refrigerator 24 at the same timing as it matches.

For this reason, when performing restart of the refrigerator 24, the temperature stabilization minimum time (g-f) can be secured to stabilize the low temperature tank temperature (B), and further, the test reliability of the low temperature test of this time It can be improved.

1,101 environmental test apparatus 10 test tank 12 test tank temperature sensor 20 low temperature tank 22 low temperature tank temperature sensor 24 refrigerator 26 low temperature tank side heater 27,127 low temperature tank blower 28,29,38,39 vent 30 high temperature tank 32 High temperature tank temperature sensor 36 High temperature tank side heater 37, 137 High temperature tank air blower 40 Control unit 41 Input unit 42 Calculation unit 44 Timer unit 46 Memory unit 48 Output unit 50 Low temperature side blow-out opening and closing damper 51 Low temperature side suction opening and closing damper 52 Low temperature tank side Blower 54, 55, 64, 65 Actuator 60 High temperature side blowing open / close damper 61 High temperature side suction open / close damper 62 High temperature tank side fan 70 Test object 150, 151 Low temperature side mechanical damper 160, 161 High temperature side mechanical damper 170, 171 Normal temperature damper 180 , 181 External vent

Claims (4)

A test tank in which the test object is placed;
A cryogenic vessel in communication with the test vessel;
A refrigerator that cools the gas in the low temperature tank to bring it into a pre-cooled state;
A high temperature tank in communication with the test tank;
A high temperature tank side heater which heats the gas in the high temperature tank to bring it into a preheated state;
The high temperature test and the low temperature test are carried out by feeding the gas in the low temperature tank in the precooled state or the gas in the high temperature tank in the preheated state into the periphery of the test object disposed in the test tank. An air blower that performs alternately as a temperature cycle;
During the high temperature test in the same temperature cycle as this low temperature test, the refrigerator is pre-started to calculate the temperature gradient from the elapsed time until the low temperature tank reaches the pre-cooling temperature and the temperature change, and An environmental test apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to restart the low temperature tank so as to be in a precooling state by the start of the current low temperature test based on the temperature gradient after temporarily stopping the machine;   When calculating the temperature gradient, the control unit performs preliminary activation of the refrigerator at the end of the previous low temperature test, and the time until the low temperature tank reaches the precooling temperature, and the time when the precooling operation is started The environmental test device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature difference between the cold bath temperature and the precooling temperature is used.   The environmental test device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates the pre-cooling required time by using the temperature gradient and the current low temperature tank temperature.   The control unit uses the calculated required pre-cooling recovery time to estimate the expected temperature stabilization time from when the current low temperature tank reaches the stable pre-cooling temperature until the current low-temperature test is started. The predicted temperature stabilization time is calculated as compared to the minimum temperature stabilization time required until the low temperature test is started with the low temperature bath temperature stabilized at the pre-cooling temperature. The environmental test device according to claim 3, wherein the refrigerator is restarted so as not to cut off.

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