JP7225160B2 - Environment forming device - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an environment forming apparatus equipped with a steam humidifier for humidifying the inside of a test chamber.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an environment forming apparatus having a steam humidifier for maintaining a predetermined humidity inside a test chamber in which a sample is placed. In a steam type humidifier, when a humidity control signal is received, water stored in a storage tank is heated by a heater to boil, and the generated steam is sent into the test chamber for humidification. .

In the humidifier as described above, when the humidity control signal cannot be sufficiently generated until the water in the storage tank boils after receiving the humidity control signal, the humidity control cannot be performed quickly. was there. In this case, even though the humidity control signal was received, the inside of the test chamber was not humidified, the output of the heater continued to rise, and when the water in the storage tank reached the boiling point, the steam overflowed. Shoots (explosive bursts of steam) can occur, resulting in excessive humidification of the interior of the test chamber.

As a configuration for preventing the above situation, in Patent Document 1, a preheating heater for preheating the water in the water tank (storage tank) is provided, and the preheating heater operates independently of the input of the humidity control signal. A steam generator (steam type humidifier) is disclosed that keeps the water in the water tank close to the evaporation point at all times.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-96701

In the humidifier of Patent Document 1, a humidification heater for generating steam for humidification and a preheating heater are controlled separately. At the evaporation point, the preheater is turned off. Then, since the heating in the water tank by the preheating heater is lost, it becomes necessary to adjust the output of the humidifying heater again, and it is not easy to perform proper humidification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an environment forming apparatus that facilitates control for proper humidification while suppressing the violent blowing out of steam during humidification.

An environment forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention is an environment forming apparatus that adjusts the environment inside a test chamber in which a sample is placed, comprising a humidity sensor that measures the humidity inside the test chamber, and a humidity sensor that generates steam. a steam type humidifier for humidifying the inside of the test chamber by means of a humidifier, the humidifier having a reservoir for storing water and a heater for heating the water in the reservoir; Alternatively, a temperature sensor that indirectly measures the temperature and a control unit, and the control unit measures the humidity inside the test chamber based on a predetermined humidity setting value and the measured value of the humidity sensor. A humidification calculation unit that calculates the humidification output output by the heater when the set value is set, and the water in the storage tank based on the preheating temperature set value, which is a temperature below the boiling point, and the measured value of the temperature sensor. a preheating calculation unit for calculating a preheating output output by the heater when heating up to the preheating temperature set value; and when the humidification output is greater than a predetermined value, the output of the heater becomes the humidification output, and the humidification output. is smaller than the predetermined value, the output of the heater is the preheating output, and when the humidification output is equal to the predetermined value, the output of the heater is either the humidification output or the preheating output. and an output switching unit for controlling the output of the heater.

According to the first invention, the heater can output either the humidification output or the preheating output based on the comparison between the humidification output and the predetermined value. Therefore, by preheating the water in the storage tank at least when the humidification output is smaller than a predetermined value, it is possible to suppress the violent blowout of steam during humidification. In addition, since humidification is performed by switching the output of the heater from the preheating output to the humidification output when the humidification output exceeds a predetermined value, humidification control is facilitated.

An environment forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is an environment forming apparatus that adjusts the environment inside a test chamber in which a sample is placed, and comprises a humidity sensor that measures the humidity inside the test chamber, and a humidity sensor that generates steam. a steam type humidifier for humidifying the inside of the test chamber by means of a humidifier, the humidifier having a reservoir for storing water and a heater for heating the water in the reservoir; Alternatively, a temperature sensor that indirectly measures the temperature and a control unit, and the control unit measures the humidity inside the test chamber based on a predetermined humidity setting value and the measured value of the humidity sensor. A humidification calculation unit that calculates the humidification output output by the heater when the set value is set, and the water in the storage tank based on the preheating temperature set value, which is a temperature below the boiling point, and the measured value of the temperature sensor. a preheating calculation unit for calculating the preheating output output by the heater when heating up to the preheating temperature set value; and when the humidification output is greater than the preheating output, the heater output becomes the humidification output, and When the output is smaller than the preheating output, the output of the heater is the preheating output, and when the humidification output is the same as the preheating output, the output of the heater is either the humidification output or the preheating output, and an output switching unit that controls the output of the heater.

According to the second invention, the heater can always output either the humidification output or the preheating output based on the comparison between the humidification output and the preheating output. Therefore, when the humidification output is smaller, by preheating the water in the storage tank, it is possible to suppress the violent blowing out of the steam when the humidification is performed later. In addition, since humidification is performed by switching the output of the heater from the preheating output to the humidification output when the humidification output becomes larger, the humidification control is facilitated.

An environment forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention is the environment forming apparatus according to the first and second aspects of the invention, wherein the control unit performs a humidification operation for humidifying the interior of the test chamber using the humidifier, and Two types of operation, a non-humidifying operation in which the inside of the test chamber is not humidified, are performed in a predetermined order, and in the humidifying operation, the output of the heater is set to either the humidifying output or the preheating output. and controlling the output of the heater by the output switching unit so that the output of the heater becomes the preheating output within a predetermined period preceding the scheduled end of the non-humidification operation executed immediately before the humidification operation. Secondly, a current is supplied to the heater.

According to the third invention, by heating the water in the storage tank in advance before executing the humidification operation, the humidity in the test chamber can be quickly reached the humidity set value after the start of the humidification operation. can.

A fourth aspect of the environment forming apparatus is the environment forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the controller controls the temperature of the water in the storage tank based on the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the temperature sensor. to the preheating temperature setting value, wherein the predetermined period is a period from the scheduled end time of the non-humidifying operation to the time before the preheating time It is characterized by

According to the fourth invention, the inside of the storage tank can be kept at the preheating temperature set value when the humidification operation is started, and the heater can be prevented from outputting excessive power. Therefore, the humidity in the test chamber can be made to reach the humidity set value more quickly after the humidification operation is started, and power saving is realized.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the control for performing humidification appropriately can be made easy, suppressing the accidental blowing out of steam at the time of humidifying.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the environmental test apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a controller in FIG. 1; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a humidifier and a humidification control part. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the environmental test apparatus of FIG. 1; It is a flow chart which shows operation of an environmental test device concerning the 1st modification.

(Overall Configuration of Environmental Test Apparatus 1)
First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of an environmental test apparatus 1 (environment forming apparatus of the present invention) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction defined in FIG. 1 are defined as the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the environmental test apparatus 1 .

The environmental test apparatus 1 has, as shown in FIG. 1, a test chamber 10, a power supply section 30, and a controller 40 (control section of the present invention). The environmental test apparatus 1 is an apparatus for performing an environmental test on a sample M, and is used, for example, to inspect the performance of a sample M (parts, materials, etc.) in the fields of electrical/electronics, automobiles, material engineering, and the like. used for

An internal space 10a of the test tank 10 is separated by a partition plate 12 into two spaces (a test chamber 10a1 and an air conditioning chamber 10a2). The test chamber 10a1 and the air conditioning chamber 10a2 communicate with each other through the upper opening 12a and the lower opening 12b of the partition plate 12. As shown in FIG.

The test chamber 10a1 is provided with a shelf board 11 for placing the sample M, a temperature sensor 13 for measuring the temperature of the test chamber 10a1, and a humidity sensor 14 for measuring the humidity of the test chamber 10a1. A door 15 that can be opened and closed is provided at the front of the test chamber 10 . With the door 15 open, the sample M is brought into the test chamber 10a1 from the outside, or carried out from the test chamber 10a1 to the outside.

A blower 21, a heater 22, a cooling dehumidifier 23, and a humidifier 24 are provided in the air-conditioned room 10a2. The heater 22 heats the air-conditioned room 10a2, and is composed of an electric heater such as a sheathed heater. The cooling dehumidifier 23 cools and dehumidifies the air-conditioned room 10a2 and is connected to the refrigerator 23a. In this embodiment, a vapor compression refrigerator is employed as the refrigerator 23a, but a Stirling refrigerator may be employed. A Peltier element, a heat pipe, a heat lane, or the like may be used as the cooling dehumidifier 23 . The humidifier 24, which will be described later in detail, generates steam to humidify the air-conditioned room 10a2.

By driving the air blower 21, the air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted by the heater 22, the cooling dehumidifier 23 and the humidifier 24 in the air-conditioned room 10a2 flows from the air-conditioned room 10a2 into the test room 10a1 through the upper opening 12a. Also, the air that has flowed into the test chamber 10a1 through the upper opening 12a moves downward in the test chamber 10a1 and flows into the air-conditioned room 10a2 through the lower opening 12b. In this manner, air circulates between the test room 10a1 and the air conditioning room 10a2.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the power supply unit 30 is connected to a commercial power supply (not shown) and the controller 40 , and supplies power sent from the commercial power supply to the controller 40 .

The controller 40 is electrically connected to the blower 21, the heater 22, the refrigerator 23a, and the humidifier 24, as shown in FIG. The controller 40 is configured by, for example, a personal computer. Such a computer contains hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk. Various software including programs for A humidification control unit 41, a ventilation control unit 42, a temperature control unit 43, a dehumidification control unit 44, and a storage unit 45 are constructed by combining these hardware and software.

The blower controller 42 controls driving of the blower 21 . The temperature control unit 43 controls the driving of the heater 22 and the refrigerator 23a based on the measurement value of the temperature sensor 13 in order to keep the test chamber 10a1 at a predetermined temperature. In order to keep the test chamber 10a1 at a predetermined humidity, the humidification control unit 41 controls the driving of the humidifier 24 based on the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, etc., and the dehumidification control unit 44 controls the Based on this, the drive of the refrigerator 23a is controlled. Two or three of the heater 22, the refrigerator 23a, and the humidifier 24 may be driven simultaneously in order to create a desired environment in the test chamber 10a1. The storage unit 45 stores preset temperature setting values, humidity setting values, and the like for the test chamber 10a1. In addition, the configuration of the humidification control unit 41 will be described in detail later.

(Humidifier 24)
Next, the configuration of the humidifier 24 will be described below with reference to FIG. The humidifier 24, as shown in FIG. 3, has a storage tank 24a, a heater 24b, and a vapor release portion 24d. Water is stored inside the storage tank 24a. The heater 24b heats the water in the storage tank 24a. A second temperature sensor 24c is provided to measure the temperature of the water in the storage tank 24a. The second temperature sensor 24c may directly measure the temperature of the water, or may measure the temperature of the water indirectly, such as by measuring the temperature of the storage tank 24a. The steam release part 24d is a part that releases steam generated by boiling of the water in the storage tank 24a into the air conditioning room 10a2.

(Humidification control unit 41)
The heater 24b is connected to the humidification control section 41 of the controller 40, and its output is controlled by the current supplied from the humidification control section 41. FIG. The configuration of the humidification control unit 41 will be described below with reference to FIG. The humidification control section 41 has a humidification calculation section 51 , a preheat calculation section 52 , an output switching section 53 , and a preheat time calculation section 54 .

The humidification calculation unit 51 calculates the humidification output output by the heater 24b when the humidity of the test chamber 10a1 is set to the humidity set value based on the humidity set value stored in the storage unit 45 and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14. do. The humidity setting value is a value preset by the user, as described above, and is stored in the storage unit 45 . When the humidity set value is less than the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, the humidification output becomes a smaller value (minimum is 0) as the difference between the humidity set value and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14 increases. 14, the larger the difference between the set humidity value and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, the larger the value. Also, when the humidity set value and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14 are the same, the humidification output is the output value necessary to maintain the humidity in the test chamber 10a1 at the humidity set value.

The preheating calculation unit 52 heats the water in the storage tank 24a to a preheating temperature set value (for example, 90° C.) based on the preheating temperature set value, which is a temperature below the boiling point, and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c. Then, the preheat output output by the heater 24b is calculated. The preheating temperature setting value is, for example, a preset value and is stored in the storage unit 45 . When the preheating temperature set value is less than the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c, the preheating output becomes a smaller value (minimum is 0) as the difference between the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c increases. When the preheating temperature set value is greater than the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c, the larger the difference between the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c, the greater the value. Also, when the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c are the same, the preheating output is the output value necessary to maintain the water in the storage tank 24a at the preheating temperature set value.

The output switching unit 53 is an arithmetic circuit that inputs an output signal to the relay unit 55 described later so that the output of the heater 24b becomes either the humidification output or the preheating output. The output switching unit 53 switches the output of the heater 24b to the humidification output when the humidification output is greater than a predetermined value P, and the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output when the humidification output is less than or equal to the predetermined value P. or preheating output to be input to the relay unit 55 . In this embodiment, the predetermined value P is 0, which is the minimum value of the humidification output when the humidity set value is less than the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, or the value of the humidification output during non-humidification operation, which will be described later. . The relay section 55 is connected to the output switching section 53, the power supply section 30 and the heater 24b. A current is supplied from the power supply unit 30 to the relay unit 55 . Then, the relay section 55 supplies a current corresponding to the output signal input from the output switching section 53 to the heater 24b. In this embodiment, the relay unit 55 is assumed to be an SSR, but other relays may be used.

Note that the predetermined value may be any value greater than zero. For example, when the maximum output of the heater 24b that defines the maximum humidification performance of the humidifier 24 is 100, the predetermined value may be any value such as 5 or 10.

Based on the preheating temperature setting value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c, the preheating time calculation unit 54 determines the amount of time required for the heater 24b to heat the water in the storage tank 24a to the preheating temperature setting value with the preheating output. Calculate the warm-up time.

(Operation of environmental test apparatus 1)
Next, the operation of the environmental test apparatus 1 according to the embodiment when adjusting the environment of the test chamber 10a1 in which the sample M is placed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the present embodiment, the controller 40 of the environmental test apparatus 1 predetermines two types of operation: a humidification operation in which the test chamber 10a1 is humidified by the humidifier 24, and a non-humidification operation in which the test chamber 10a1 is not humidified by the humidifier 24. Perform so-called program operation, which is executed in the order specified. The humidification operation includes multiple operations with different conditions such as temperature and time, and the non-humidification operation includes multiple operations with different conditions such as temperature and time. In this embodiment, temperature control and dehumidification are performed in a plurality of humidification operations and a plurality of non-humidification operations.

First, a user sets a program for executing a plurality of humidification operations under different conditions and a plurality of non-humidification operations under different conditions in a predetermined order (step S1). The program includes humidity setting values of the test chamber 10a1 in multiple humidifying operations, temperature setting values in multiple humidifying operations and non-humidifying operations, and operation times for each, which are also set in advance by the user. be done. The program is stored in the storage unit 45 . Subsequently, the user sets a preheating temperature set value that is a temperature below the boiling point (step S2). The preheating temperature setting value is stored in the storage unit 45 .

After that, the controller 40 starts programmed operation based on the program stored in the storage unit 45 (step S3). First, the controller 40 determines whether or not the operation to be executed from now on is the humidification operation (step S4). If it is determined that the operation to be executed from now on is the humidification operation (S4: YES), the controller 40 calculates the humidification calculation unit 51 based on the humidity set value corresponding to the humidification operation and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14. to calculate the humidification output. Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated humidification output is greater than 0, which is a predetermined value P (step S5).

When it is determined that the humidification output is greater than 0 (S5: YES), the humidification control section 41 of the controller 40 controls the output switching section 53 to correspond to the humidification output so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the humidification output. The output signal is input to the relay section 55 . Then, the controller 40 causes the relay section 55 to supply the heater 24b with a current corresponding to the output signal input from the output switching section 53, thereby making the output of the heater 24b a humidification output (step S6). When it is determined that the humidification output is equal to or less than the predetermined value P, that is, 0 (S5: NO), the preheating calculation unit 52 calculates the preheating output based on the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c. do. The humidification control unit 41 of the controller 40 inputs an output signal corresponding to the preheating output to the relay unit 55 by the output switching unit 53 so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the calculated preheating output. Then, the controller 40 causes the relay section 55 to supply the heater 24b with a current corresponding to the output signal input from the output switching section 53, thereby making the output of the heater 24b a preheating output (step S7).

The controller 40 determines whether or not the humidification operation has ended (step S8). A determination as to whether or not the humidification operation has ended is made, for example, at regular intervals during the time the humidification operation is being performed. If it is determined that the humidifying operation has not ended (S8: NO), the controller 40 returns to step S5, and humidifies again based on the measured value of the humidity sensor 14 and the humidity set value acquired at that time. Calculate the output and determine whether the calculated humidification output is greater than zero.

In step S4, when it is determined that the operation to be performed from now on is not the humidification operation (S4: NO), the controller 40 determines whether or not the operation to be performed next in the program operation is the humidification operation (step S9). ). If it is determined that the operation to be executed next is not the humidification operation (S9: NO), the controller 40 executes the non-humidification operation based on the temperature setting value, the operation time, etc. stored in the storage unit 45 ( step S10). In the non-humidifying operation, at least the temperature of the test chamber 10a1 is adjusted by the heater 22 and the cooling dehumidifier .

If it is determined that the operation to be performed next is the humidification operation (S9: YES), the controller 40 causes the preheating time calculation unit 54 to control the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c. , the preheating time required to heat the water in the storage tank 24a to the preheating temperature set value is calculated (step S11).

After calculating the preheating time, the controller 40 executes the non-humidifying operation based on the temperature setting value, the operating time, etc. stored in the storage unit 45 (step S12). In the non-humidifying operation of step S12, the controller 40 causes the output switching unit 53 to set the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output during the period from the scheduled end of the non-humidifying operation to the preheating time. , an output signal corresponding to the preheating output is input to the relay unit 55 . Then, the controller 40 causes the relay section 55 to supply the heater 24b with a current corresponding to the output signal input from the output switching section 53, thereby making the output of the heater 24b a preheating output. Here, it is assumed that the preheating time calculated in step S11 is shorter than the non-humidifying operation time in step S12, but if the preheating time is longer than the non-humidifying operation time in step S12 2, the controller 40 sets the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output by the output switching unit 53 and the relay unit 55 from the beginning of the non-humidifying operation in step S12.

If it is determined that the humidification operation has ended (S8: YES), or if the non-humidification operation (S10 or S12) has ended, the controller 40 determines whether or not the programmed operation has ended (step S13). When it is determined that the programmed operation has not ended (S13: NO), the controller 40 returns to step S4 and determines whether or not the operation to be executed from now on is the humidification operation. If it is determined that the programmed operation has ended (S13: YES), the operation of the environmental test apparatus 1 ends.

(effect)
In the present embodiment, the output switching unit 53 sets the output of the heater 24b to be the humidification output when the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P, and the output of the heater 24b to be the preheating output when the humidification output is less than or equal to the predetermined value P. Thus, the output of the heater 24b is controlled. Therefore, based on the comparison between the humidification output and the predetermined value P, the heater 24b can output either the humidification output or the preheating output. Therefore, by preheating the water in the storage tank 24a when the humidification output is equal to or less than the predetermined value P, it is possible to suppress the spontaneous ejection of steam during humidification. Further, since humidification is performed by switching the output of the heater 24b from the preheating output to the humidification output when the humidification output becomes larger than the predetermined value P, the humidification control is facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the controller 40 controls the output of the heater 24b by the output switching unit 53 so that the output of the heater 24b becomes either the humidification output or the preheating output in the humidification operation. In addition, the controller 40 controls the output of the heater 24b so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the preheating output during the period from the scheduled end of the non-humidifying operation executed immediately before the humidifying operation to the preheating time. do. Therefore, when the humidification operation is started, the inside of the storage tank 24a can be kept at the preheating temperature set value, and the heater 24b can be prevented from outputting excessive power. Therefore, the humidity in the test chamber 10a1 can reach the humidity set value more quickly after the humidification operation is started, and power saving is realized.

(Modification)
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

(First modification)
First, the environmental test apparatus 1 according to the first modified example will be described below. However, components having the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the output switching unit 53 sets the output of the heater 24b to be the humidification output when the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P, and the output of the heater 24b to be the preheating output when the humidification output is less than or equal to the predetermined value P. Thus, the output of the heater 24b is controlled. However, in the first modification, the output switching unit 53 switches the output of the heater 24b to the humidification output when the humidification output is greater than the preheating output, and switches the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output when the humidification output is equal to or less than the preheating output. The output of the heater 24b is controlled so that Moreover, in the above embodiment, the controller 40 performs a program operation in which a plurality of humidification operations and a plurality of non-humidification operations are performed in a predetermined order. However, in the first modified example, the controller 40 does not perform programmed operation. The operation of the environmental test apparatus 1 according to the first modification when adjusting the environment of the test chamber 10a1 in which the sample M is placed will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the user sets a preheating temperature set value that is a temperature below the boiling point (step S21). The preheating temperature setting value is stored in the storage unit 45 . Subsequently, the controller 40 starts an environmental test for adjusting the environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) of the test room 10a1 (step S22).

After starting the environmental test, the controller 40 calculates the humidification output using the humidification calculation unit 51 and calculates the preheating output using the preheating calculation unit 52 . Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated humidification output is greater than the calculated preheating output (step S23). When it is determined that the humidification output is greater than the preheating output (S23: YES), the humidification control section 41 of the controller 40 causes the output switching section 53 to adjust the humidification output so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the humidification output. An output signal to be applied is input to the relay unit 55 . Then, the controller 40 causes the relay section 55 to supply the heater 24b with a current corresponding to the output signal input from the output switching section 53, thereby making the output of the heater 24b a humidification output (step S24).

When it is determined that the humidification output is equal to or less than the preheating output (S23: NO), the humidification control section 41 of the controller 40 causes the output switching section 53 to adjust the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output so as to correspond to the preheating output. An output signal to be applied is input to the relay unit 55 . Then, the controller 40 causes the relay section 55 to supply the heater 24b with a current corresponding to the output signal input from the output switching section 53, thereby making the output of the heater 24b a preheating output (step S25).

Subsequently, the controller 40 determines whether or not the environmental test has ended (step S26). If it is determined that the environmental test has not ended (S26: NO), the controller 40 returns to step S23, obtains the humidity in the test chamber 10a1 and the temperature of the water in the storage tank 24a again, and then outputs the humidification. and a preheating output, and it is determined whether or not the calculated humidification output is greater than the calculated preheating output. If it is determined that the environmental test has ended (S26: YES), the operation of the environmental test apparatus 1 ends.

Here, as described in the above embodiment, both the humidification output and the preheating output are values that fluctuate, and their relative magnitudes also fluctuate. Therefore, it is preferable that the determination of whether the humidification output is greater than the preheating output (S23) is always performed. Therefore, in the first modified example, the determination by the controller 40 of whether or not the environmental test has ended (S26) and the determination of whether or not the humidification output is greater than the preheating output (S23) are performed when the environmental test has ended. It is always done until

According to the configuration of the first modification, the heater 24b can always output either the humidification output or the preheating output based on the comparison between the humidification output and the preheating output. Therefore, by preheating the water in the storage tank 24a when the humidification output is smaller, it is possible to suppress the violent blowing out of the steam when the humidification is performed later. In addition, since humidification is performed by switching the output of the heater 24b from the preheating output to the humidification output when the humidification output becomes larger, the humidification control is facilitated.

(Other modifications)
In the above embodiment, the controller 40 determines whether or not the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P when executing the humidification operation (S5). When the controller 40 determines that the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P, the output switching unit 53 sets the output of the heater 24b to the humidification output. The unit 53 uses the output of the heater 24b as a preheating output. However, the controller 40 may determine whether or not the humidification output is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when executing the humidification operation. In this case, the controller 40 sets the output of the heater 24b to the humidification output by the output switching unit 53 when the humidification output is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and changes the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output by the output switching unit 53 when the humidification output is smaller than the predetermined value. and
Moreover, this also applies to the first modified example. That is, after starting the environmental test, the controller 40 determines whether the humidification output is equal to or higher than the preheating output. The controller 40 sets the output of the heater 24b to the humidification output by the output switching unit 53 when the humidification output is equal to or higher than the preheating output, and sets the output of the heater 24b to the preheating output by the output switching unit 53 when the humidification output is smaller than the preheating output. do.

In the above embodiment, the controller 40 determines whether or not the calculated humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P in step S5. When it is determined that the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P (S5: YES), the controller 40 causes the output switching unit 53 to control the output of the heater 24b so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the humidification output. (Step S6). However, the controller 40 may perform step S23 in the first modified example between steps S5 and S6. That is, when it is determined that the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value P, the controller 40 calculates the humidification output using the humidification calculation unit 51 and calculates the preheating output using the preheating calculation unit 52 . Then, it may be determined whether or not the calculated humidification output is greater than the calculated preheating output. In this case, when the humidification output is higher than the preheating output, the controller 40 controls the output of the heater 24b by the output switching unit 53 so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the humidification output. When the humidification output is equal to or less than the preheating output, the controller 40 controls the output of the heater 24b by the output switching unit 53 so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the preheating output.

In the non-humidification operation of step S12 in the above embodiment, if the preheating time is longer than the non-humidification operation time of step S12, the controller 40 uses the output of the heater 24b as the preheating output from the beginning of the non-humidification operation of step S12. However, if the preheating time is longer than the non-humidifying operation time in S12, the controller 40 switches the output switching unit from the time of the non-humidifying operation that is performed before the non-humidifying operation in which the next operation is the humidifying operation. 53 and the relay unit 55, the output of the heater 24b may be used as the preheating output. Specifically, in step S9, the controller 40 determines whether or not the operation to be performed thereafter includes the humidification operation. When the humidification operation is not included in the operation to be executed thereafter, the controller 40 executes the non-humidification operation of S10. When humidification operation is included in the operation to be executed thereafter, the controller 40 executes step S11 for calculating the preheating time. Subsequently, the controller 40 determines whether or not it is necessary to start preheating in the non-humidifying operation to be executed from now on. If the start of preheating is not required, the controller 40 executes the non-humidifying operation of S10. If preheating needs to be started, the controller 40 executes the non-humidifying operation of S12 with preheating. Note that the case where preheating must be started means the scheduled start time of the first humidifying operation among the humidifying operations to be performed thereafter (or the scheduled end time of the non-humidifying operation performed immediately before the humidifying operation). ) is included in the non-humidifying operation to be executed from now on. In the non-humidification operation of S12, the controller 40 sets the scheduled start time of the first humidification operation among the humidification operations to be performed thereafter (or the scheduled end time of the non-humidification operation performed immediately before the humidification operation). ) to the scheduled start time of the humidifying operation (or the scheduled end time of the non-humidifying operation executed immediately before the humidifying operation), the output of the heater 24b is the preheating output.

In the above embodiment, when the set humidity value is greater than the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, the larger the difference between the set humidity value and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, the larger the humidification output. However, in order to bring the humidity in the test chamber 10a1 to the humidity set value in the shortest time, when the humidity set value is greater than the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, the humidification output is set to the humidity set value and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14. It may be the maximum output of the heater 24b regardless of the difference in . Further, the algorithm for calculating the humidification output may take into account not only the set humidity value and the measured value of the humidity sensor 14, but also other parameters.

In the above embodiment, the preheating output calculated by the preheating calculation unit 52 is the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c when the preheating temperature set value is greater than the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c. The larger the difference, the larger the value. However, as long as the temperature of the water in the storage tank 24a is maintained at or below the preheating temperature set value, the preheating output may be an output obtained by repeatedly supplying a pulse-shaped current to the heater 24b. Further, the algorithm for calculating the preheating output may take into consideration other parameters in addition to the preheating temperature set value and the measured value of the second temperature sensor 24c.

In the above embodiment, the preheating time calculator 54 calculates the preheating time required to heat the water in the storage tank 24a to the preheating temperature setting value based on the preheating temperature setting value and the measurement value of the second temperature sensor 24c. is calculated. However, the preheating time may be a fixed time, or may be predetermined by the user or the like. Further, when the environmental test by the environmental test apparatus 1 is performed a plurality of times, the preheating time for the first environmental test is stored in the storage unit 45, and the preheating time is stored in the storage unit 45 for the second and subsequent environmental tests. A preheat time may be employed.

In the above embodiment, steps S9, S11 and S12 may not be performed. That is, when it is determined in step S4 that the operation to be executed from now on is not the humidification operation, the controller 40 simply executes the non-humidification operation based on the temperature set value, the operation time, etc. stored in the storage unit 45. You may

Also, in the above embodiment, steps S9 and S10 may not be performed. That is, when it is determined in step S4 that the operation to be performed from now on is not the humidification operation, the controller 40 performs calculation of the preheating time (S11) and non-humidification operation accompanied by preheating (S12). Also, at this time, the calculation of the preheating time (S11) may not be performed. In this case, the controller 40 may set the output of the heater 24b as the preheating output during the period from the scheduled end of the non-humidification operation in S12 to the time prior to the time set in advance, or at the scheduled start of the humidification operation or The required time until the scheduled end of the non-humidification operation may be compared with a pre-set preheating time, and preheating may be started at the timing when the required time and the preheating time are the same.

Further, in step S12 in the above embodiment, the time during which the controller 40 controls the output of the heater 24b so that the output of the heater 24b becomes the preheating output may be longer than the preheating time calculated in step S11. It can be short.

In the above embodiment, the environmental test device 1 as the environment forming device can adjust the temperature and humidity of the test room 10a1. However, the present invention can also be applied to an environment forming device such as a constant humidity device that adjusts only the humidity in the test chamber 10a1.

In the above embodiment, the preheating temperature set value is set by the user or the like (S2). However, the preheating temperature setting value may be set in advance at the stage of manufacturing the environment forming apparatus.

In the above embodiment, the controller 40 calculates the preheating time from the scheduled end time of the non-humidifying operation (or the scheduled start time of the humidifying operation to be executed next), and the non-humidifying operation starts when the time reaches the estimated time. The output of the heater 24b is used as the preheating output in the period until the scheduled end time of the operation (or the scheduled start time of the humidifying operation to be executed next). However, the controller 40 determines the required time until the scheduled end time of the non-humidifying operation (or the scheduled start time of the humidifying operation to be executed next) and the preheating time calculated by the preheating time calculation unit 54 (or the preset Preheating time) may be compared, and the output of the heater 24b may be used as the preheating output at the timing when the required time and the preheating time are the same.

1 Environmental test device (environment formation device)
10 Test chamber 10a1 Test chamber 10a2 Air conditioning chamber 14 Humidity sensor 22 Heater 23 Cooling dehumidifier 24 Humidifier 24a Storage tank 24b Heater 24c Second temperature sensor (temperature sensor)
30 power supply unit 40 controller (control unit)
51 Humidification calculation unit 52 Preheat calculation unit 53 Output switching unit 54 Preheating time calculation unit P Predetermined value

Claims (4)

An environment forming device that adjusts the environment inside a test chamber in which a sample is placed,
a humidity sensor that measures the humidity inside the test chamber;
A steam type humidifier that generates steam to humidify the interior of the test chamber, the humidifier having a reservoir for storing water and a heater for heating the water in the reservoir;
a temperature sensor that directly or indirectly measures the temperature of the water in the reservoir;
and a control unit,
The control unit
a humidification calculation unit for calculating, based on a predetermined humidity set value and the measured value of the humidity sensor, a humidification output output by the heater when the humidity inside the test chamber is set to the humidity set value;
Based on the preheating temperature set value, which is a temperature below the boiling point, and the measured value of the temperature sensor, a preheating output output by the heater when heating the water in the storage tank to the preheating temperature set value is calculated. a preheating calculation unit;
When the humidification output is greater than the predetermined value, the output of the heater is the humidification output, and when the humidification output is less than the predetermined value, the output of the heater is the preheating output, and the humidification output is the predetermined value. an output switching unit for controlling the output of the heater so that the output of the heater is either the humidification output or the preheating output when the output is the same as the output of the heater. An environment forming device that adjusts the environment inside a test chamber in which a sample is placed,
a humidity sensor that measures the humidity inside the test chamber;
A steam type humidifier that generates steam to humidify the interior of the test chamber, the humidifier having a reservoir for storing water and a heater for heating the water in the reservoir;
a temperature sensor that directly or indirectly measures the temperature of the water in the reservoir;
and a control unit,
The control unit
a humidification calculation unit for calculating, based on a predetermined humidity set value and the measured value of the humidity sensor, a humidification output output by the heater when the humidity inside the test chamber is set to the humidity set value;
Based on the preheating temperature set value, which is a temperature below the boiling point, and the measured value of the temperature sensor, a preheating output output by the heater when heating the water in the storage tank to the preheating temperature set value is calculated. a preheating calculation unit;
When the humidification output is greater than the preheating output, the heater output is the humidification output. When the humidification output is less than the preheating output, the heater output is the preheating output, and the humidification output is the preheating output. and an output switching unit that controls the output of the heater so that the output of the heater becomes either the humidification output or the preheating output when the output is the same. The control unit
Two types of operations, namely, a humidification operation in which the inside of the test chamber is humidified by the humidifier and a non-humidification operation in which the inside of the test chamber is not humidified by the humidifier are performed in a predetermined order,
In the humidification operation, the output of the heater is controlled by the output switching unit so that the output of the heater becomes either the humidification output or the preheating output,
The output of the heater is controlled so that the output of the heater is equal to the preheating output within a predetermined period before the scheduled end of the non-humidifying operation executed immediately before the humidifying operation. The environment forming device according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit
a preheating time calculation unit that calculates a preheating time required to heat the water in the storage tank to the preheating temperature setting value based on the preheating temperature setting value and the measured value of the temperature sensor;
4. The environment forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined period is a period from the time when the non-humidification operation is scheduled to end to the time before the preheating time.

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