Climate cabinet
By incorporating heating elements and a complementary design within the raised area of the climate chamber's double-wing door, the problem of icing and condensation in the raised area was solved, improving sealing and testing accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
The double-wing doors of existing climate chambers are prone to icing or condensation in the raised areas, affecting sealing performance and causing sample integrity and the accuracy of test results.
Heating elements are installed in the raised areas of the double-wing door to prevent condensation and icing. The complementary raised design and sealing elements improve the sealing performance. The combination of low-voltage DC power supply and thermally conductive external body material ensures effective heat transfer.
It effectively prevents condensation and icing in the raised areas, improves the sealing performance of the double-wing door, and ensures the accuracy of the test results and the integrity of the samples in the climate chamber.
Smart Images
Figure CN121847252A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a climate chamber according to the features of claim 1. Background Technology
[0002] Various climate chamber designs are known from the prior art and are used in scientific laboratories or industrial applications to simulate biological, chemical, and / or physical environmental effects, such as temperature, air pressure, and / or air humidity. One climate chamber includes a housing having an internal space arranged within the housing, wherein biological, chemical, and / or physical environmental effects are simulated within the internal space.
[0003] Furthermore, known climate control cabinets can have their internal space sealed through double-wing doors, particularly double-wing doors. The double-wing doors have a first door and a second door, which are preferably rotatably supported on the cabinet's shell. The advantage of double-wing doors is that the first and second doors can be opened independently of each other, allowing independent access to the various sections of the segmented internal space, for example, from the outside. Moreover, opening double-wing doors requires less space because the rotational movement of two doors is less than that of a single door, which is advantageous in confined laboratory spaces.
[0004] Typically, climate control cabinets can regulate temperatures from -10°C to 100°C, but there are also climate control cabinets for high-temperature ranges, capable of maintaining internal temperatures up to 350°C for extended periods, or low-temperature units that can maintain temperatures as low as -85°C for extended periods. Therefore, in the closed state, the first and second doors of a double-wing door must be constructed as tightly as possible and arranged relative to each other. The first and second doors usually have complementary slots, each slot formed by a first protrusion and a second protrusion to improve sealing performance.
[0005] A drawback of this climate chamber is the increased icing or condensation in the raised areas, which negatively impacts the sealing performance of the double-wing doors. Furthermore, icing and / or condensation in the first and second raised areas can distort sample integrity, leading to inaccurate test results. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to prevent icing and / or condensation in the raised areas.
[0007] This objective is achieved by a climate chamber having the features of claim 1.
[0008] Advantageous designs and improvements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
[0009] Therefore, according to the invention, in a climate cabinet having a double-wing door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the double-wing door comprises a first door and a second door, wherein the first door has a first end face with a first protrusion, and the second door has a second end face with a second protrusion, wherein the first end face and the second end face are substantially facing each other in the closed position, and a heating element is disposed within the first protrusion of the first door. Advantageously, condensation at high temperatures and icing at low temperatures can be prevented in the areas of the first and second protrusions. Furthermore, the heating element is arranged within the protrusions and therefore cannot be accessed from the outside, which has the advantage of allowing the use of higher voltages, such as 230V.
[0010] The first and second protrusions preferably at least partially form door slots, wherein the first and second protrusions and their door slots are preferably constructed and arranged such that they at least partially and complementaryly engage with each other in the closed position. Therefore, a gap is preferably formed between the first and second protrusions. The first and second protrusions can also be constructed and arranged such that the first protrusion is positioned on the second protrusion in a form-locking manner, thereby preventing a gap from forming between the first and second doors. Due to the design of the first and second protrusions, the sealing performance of the double-wing door is increased.
[0011] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first protrusion extends substantially over the entire length of the first end face, and the second protrusion extends substantially over the entire length of the second end face. This has the advantage of improving the sealing performance of the double-wing door over the total length of the first and second end faces.
[0012] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the heating element extends substantially along the entire length of the first protrusion. As a result, the first protrusion is heated along its entire length, preventing condensation or icing over the entire first protrusion. Furthermore, the heating element radiates its heat from the first protrusion toward the second protrusion, thus preventing condensation and icing in the region of the second protrusion as well, thanks to the heating element disposed within the first protrusion.
[0013] Preferably, the double-wing door has a front and a back, wherein the first protrusion is at least partially arranged behind the second protrusion in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis intersecting the front and preferably the back and extending from the front to the back. With this arrangement, the heating element disposed within the first protrusion can heat the second protrusion, thereby preventing condensation and icing throughout the gap area. Furthermore, with this arrangement of the first and second protrusions, arranging the sealing element within the gap is simpler and safer.
[0014] In the context of this invention, the front is defined as the surface formed by the first and second doors, which form a common plane in the closed position and face the external environment.
[0015] In the context of this invention, the back side is defined as the surface formed by the first and second doors, which form a common plane in the closed position and face the interior space of the climate cabinet housing.
[0016] Preferably, the heating element is at least partially arranged behind the second protrusion in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This improves the thermal coupling between the heating element located in the first protrusion and the gap, as well as between the second protrusion and the first protrusion.
[0017] According to a particularly advantageous design of the invention, in the closed position, the sealing element is disposed between the first and second protrusions, particularly within the gap. The sealing element is preferably made of at least partially elastic material, allowing it to engage well with the first and / or second protrusions to seal the interior space of the climate control cabinet from external influences.
[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating element has a forward conductor and a return conductor, which are substantially disposed within the first protrusion. Therefore, thermal radiation can be achieved over the entire width and length of the first protrusion, allowing the thermal critical region within the first protrusion to remain completely free from condensation and icing. Furthermore, if the forward conductor and the return conductor are substantially parallel to each other, a more compact structure of the climate control cabinet can be achieved.
[0019] The forward conductor and the return conductor are preferably connected in series and electrically connected to each other. The forward conductor and the return conductor may also be connected in parallel. The forward conductor and the return conductor are preferably electrically connected to the same power source.
[0020] Preferably, the heating element has an annular profile in at least one corner region of the first door. Condensation or icing increases in the corner region of the first door. The annular profile in at least one corner region can generate greater heat in that region, thereby counteracting the stronger condensation and icing in that region.
[0021] Advantageously, the heating element includes a conductor with a silicone sheath. The conductor is preferably made of copper. The conductor can also be made of any other conductive material. The conductor can be formed from a single strand or multiple strands electrically connected to each other. In this case, the single strands can be connected in series or parallel. In each case, an insulating layer can be arranged around the single strand or individual conductor.
[0022] Two or more heating elements, especially heating elements that can be operated independently of each other, can also be advantageously arranged within the first protrusion of the first door.
[0023] According to a particularly advantageous design of the invention, the heating element is electrically connected to a low-voltage DC power supply. The heating element can also be electrically connected to a high-voltage DC power supply or an AC voltage source, such as the 230V power supply commonly found in Europe. One advantage of the low-voltage DC power supply is that, in the event of damage, even a novice can replace or repair individual electrical components. The voltage range of the low-voltage DC power supply is preferably between 12V and 60V.
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second doors have thermally conductive outer bodies, preferably made of stainless steel, wherein the outer bodies are filled with foam having good thermal insulation properties. With a thermally conductive outer body, it is advantageous that heat dissipated by the heating element can be better radiated in the direction of the gap and the second protrusion. With foam having good thermal insulation properties, it is advantageous that the first and second doors thus minimize, or ideally completely avoid, heat and / or cold exchange.
[0025] Preferably, the heating element is secured within the first protrusion by foam. As a result, even when mechanical pressure is applied to the climate chamber from the outside, the heating element can remain in its intended position within the first protrusion. During manufacturing, the heating element is inserted into the first protrusion. Preferably, the heating element is clamped into the first protrusion by an external body. Foam, preferably polyurethane foam, is then injected into the hollow space defined by the external body. Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer foam, silicone foam, or neoprene foam can also be used.
[0026] The heating element, particularly the silicone sheath of the conductor or the silicone sheath of a single strand of conductor, advantageously contacts the outer body of the first door at at least one location. The heating element may also contact the outer body at two, three, or more locations. The heating element is preferably clamped between two sides of the outer body. This clamping or contact provides good thermal coupling between the heating element and the outer body, which in turn improves heat transfer to the surrounding area, particularly to the regions of the first and second protrusions.
[0027] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, a surface heater is thermally coupled to the first and / or second door. The surface heater can be used to achieve anti-icing and anti-condensation on the entire door surface. The surface heater is preferably arranged in a ring within a hollow space specifically defined by the outer body and can be mechanically fixed by injecting foam. The heating element and the surface heater can be electrically connected to each other. The surface heater and the heating element can be connected in series or in parallel. The surface heater can be electrically connected to a different power source than the heating element, or the surface heater can be electrically connected to the same power source as the heating element.
[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a second heating element is disposed within the second protrusion. Since the space within the first protrusion is limited, it may be advisable to arrange the second heating element within the second protrusion. The second heating element may have the same structure as the heating element within the first protrusion. Attached Figure Description
[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0030] Figure 1 A front view of an embodiment of a climate control cabinet with two wing doors is shown, wherein the first door is arranged in a closed position and the second door is arranged in an open position;
[0031] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the climate control cabinet;
[0032] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 A top view of the climate control cabinet, with the double-wing doors in the closed position;
[0033] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 An enlarged view of the cross-section of the climate control cabinet; and
[0034] Figure 5 It shows that according to Figure 3 An enlarged cross-section of the climate control cabinet, in which sealing elements are arranged, are shown as being unloaded even though the door is closed. Detailed Implementation
[0035] Figures 1 to 5 Various views of an embodiment of a climate cabinet 1 according to the present invention are shown, which has a housing 2 and an internal space 3 disposed within the housing 2 having a height H and a bottom 4.
[0036] The internal space 3 of the shell 2 can be closed through the double-wing door 10. The double-wing door 10 includes a first door 15 and a second door 20.
[0037] The first door 15 and the second door 20 are movable between an open position and a closed position. When the first door 15 and the second door 20 are in the closed position, the double-wing door 10 is in the closed position. When the first door 15 and / or the second door 20 are in the open position, the double-wing door 10 is in the open position.
[0038] The first door 15 has a first front side 116, a first rear side 117, a first side surface 17, a first end face 16, a first surface 118, and a first bottom surface 119. The first side surface 17 and the first end face 16, the first surface 118 and the first bottom surface 119, and the first front side 116 and the first rear side 117 can be arranged opposite to each other (see [reference]). Figure 2 The first door 15 may have an outer body 14 and an inner area 13 filled with foam.
[0039] The second door 20 has a second front side 121, a second rear side 122, a second side surface 22, a second end face 21, a second surface 123, and a second bottom surface 124. The second side surface 22 and the second end face 21, the second surface 123 and the second bottom surface 124, as well as the second front side 121 and the second rear side 122, can each be arranged opposite to each other (see [reference]). Figure 2 The second door 20 may have an outer body 24 and an inner area 26 filled with foam.
[0040] The outer bodies 14, 24 of the first door 15 and the second door 20 are preferably made of a material with good thermal conductivity, particularly stainless steel. The outer bodies 14, 24 of the first door 15 and / or the second door 20 may also be made of aluminum. The foam filling the internal regions 13, 26 of the first door and / or the second door 20 is preferably polyurethane foam. The foam may also be ethylene-propylene-diene monomer foam, silicone foam, or neoprene foam.
[0041] The first door 15 is rotatably supported on the first side 17 of the housing 2 of the climate chamber 1 via two hinges 50. The second door 20 is rotatably supported on the second side 22 of the housing 2 of the climate chamber 1 via two hinges 50.
[0042] In the closed position, the first end face 16 of the first door 15 and the second end face 21 of the second door 20 are opposite to each other (see [link]). Figure 3 ).
[0043] When the first door 15 and the second door 20 are in the closed position, they together form the front 11 and back 12 of the double-wing door 10 of the climate chamber 1. The front 11 points towards the external environment, while the back 12 points towards the internal space 3 of the shell 2 of the climate chamber 1.
[0044] The climate control chamber 1 has a longitudinal axis L that intersects orthogonally with the front face 11. The longitudinal axis L also intersects the back face 12, preferably also orthogonally with the back face 12. The longitudinal axis L extends from the front face 11 towards the back face 12 (see...). Figure 3 ).
[0045] The first end face of the first door 15 has a first protrusion 18. Therefore, the first end face 16 of the first door 15 is stepped. The first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 at least partially clamps the back 12 of the double-wing door 10 of the climate control cabinet 1. The first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 specifically points towards the direction of the second door 20.
[0046] The second door 20 has a second protrusion 23. Therefore, the second end face 21 of the second door 20 is stepped. The second protrusion 23 specifically points in the direction of the first door 15.
[0047] The first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 can extend beyond almost the entire height H of the interior space 3 of the climate control cabinet 1. The second protrusion 23 of the second door 20 is preferably complementary to the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15. In the closed position, the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 can be received in a recess 25 formed by the second protrusion 23 of the second door 20, wherein a gap 60 can be formed between the first door 15 and the second door 20, particularly between the first protrusion 18 and the second protrusion 23.
[0048] In the closed position, the first protrusion 18 may preferably be arranged at least partially behind the second protrusion 23 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.
[0049] In the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 may be smaller than the second protrusion 23 of the second door 20. In the direction parallel to the imaginary axis extending from the first front side 116, the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 is longer than the second protrusion 23 of the second door 20.
[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heating element 30, shown by the dashed line, is arranged within the first protrusion 18. The heating element 30 may extend segmentally along the first end face 16 of the first door 15. The heating element 30 preferably extends over the entire height H of the interior space 3 of the housing 2 of the climate cabinet 1. The heating element 30 may also extend substantially over the entire first end face 16 of the first door 15.
[0051] The heating element 30 may have a ring 35 along its path in the edge region of the internal space 3 (see Figure 1 Due to the ring 35, the thermal critical region of the first door 15, namely the corner region 19 located between the first end face 16 and the first surface 118 and / or the first bottom surface 119, can be heated more effectively.
[0052] The heating element 30 is preferably electrically connected to a low-voltage DC power supply (not shown). The low-voltage DC power supply can draw energy from a battery (not shown) or the mains power grid (not shown). The voltage range of the low-voltage DC power supply is preferably between 12V and 60V. The climate control cabinet 1 can also draw energy from an AC mains power grid. The AC mains power grid preferably has a voltage value of 230V. Because the heating element 30 is arranged within the first protrusion, the heating element cannot be accessed from the outside, thus preventing accidental contact with the heating element 30.
[0053] The heating element 30 preferably has a forward conductor 31 and a return conductor 32, wherein the forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 are connected in series. The forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 may also be connected in parallel. The forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 are electrically connected to a low-voltage DC power supply (not shown), wherein the forward conductor 31 is arranged closer to the positive terminal of the low-voltage DC power supply, and the return conductor 32 is arranged closer to the negative terminal of the low-voltage DC power supply.
[0054] Alternatively, only the forward conductor 31 can run within the first protrusion 18 of the first gate 15, and the return conductor 32 can function as a surface heater (not shown) of the first gate 15, or vice versa.
[0055] Heating element 30 can originate from a low-voltage DC power supply (not shown) within the climate cabinet 1, initially extending parallel to the first front side 116 of the first door 15. Then, heating element 30 can extend back and forth within the first protrusion 18 substantially over the entire length of the first end face 16 of the first door 15, so that it can subsequently be guided back to the low-voltage DC power supply parallel to the first front side 116 of the first door 15 (see [link to climate cabinet 1]). Figure 1 The measuring length of the heating element 30 traveling within the first protrusion 18 can correspond to more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, and particularly preferably more than 80% of the total measuring length of the heating element 30, wherein the starting point and the ending point of the total measuring length are both low-voltage DC power supplies.
[0056] The heating element 30 may have a meandering shape at least segmented within the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15.
[0057] The heating element 30 preferably has a wire 33 with a silicone sheath 34. The silicone sheath 34 must be thick enough to provide sufficient insulation between the wire 33 and the conductive outer body 14 of the first door 15, but thin enough to allow heat to radiate from the wire 33 into the outer body 14 of the first door 15 and from there into the gap 60.
[0058] The conductor 33 is preferably made of copper or aluminum, but can be made of any conductive material. The conductor 33 can be a single strand or multiple strands. Multiple strands can be connected in parallel or series. The conductor 33 is electrically connected to a low-voltage DC power supply (not shown).
[0059] The heating element 30 is preferably arranged within the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15, such that the silicone sheath 34 of the conductor 33 is very close to, preferably in direct contact with, the outer body 14 of the first door 15. As a result, the thermal coupling between the heating element 30 and the outer body 14 of the first door 15 is greater. The heating element 30 preferably contacts the outer body 14 of the first door 15 at two locations. The heating element 30 may also contact the outer body 14 of the first door 15 at more than two locations. The heating element 30 can be clamped between two sides 70 of the outer body 14 of the first door 15. The forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 of the heating element 30 are preferably clamped between the two sides 70 of the outer body 14 of the first door 15.
[0060] Since the internal region 13 of the first door 15 is filled with foam, the heating element 30, preferably the forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 are mechanically fixed.
[0061] In the closed position, the sealing element 40 can be arranged between the first door 15 and the second door 20, wherein, although the doors are closed, Figure 5 The image shows the sealing element 40 in an unloaded state.
[0062] The sealing element 40 may be formed of an elastic material, preferably an elastomer or silicone resin.
[0063] The sealing element 40 can be mechanically fixed to the first door 15 or the second door 20. Alternatively, the sealing element 40 can be mechanically fixed to the first door 15, and another sealing element 40 can be mechanically fixed to the second door 20. In the closed position, the sealing element 40 can deform so that it can be precisely positioned within the gap 60.
[0064] Preferably, the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15 and the second protrusion 23 of the second door 20 have rounded edges so as not to damage the sealing element 40 when the double-wing door 10 is closed.
[0065] A second heating element (not shown) may be arranged within the second protrusion 23. The second heating element may have the technical features described with reference to the heating element 30, and may be arranged in the second protrusion 23 in a manner similar to that of the heating element 30 in the first protrusion 18 of the first door 15.
[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0067] 1. Climate Cabinet
[0068] 2. Shell
[0069] 3. Interior Space
[0070] 4. Bottom (Internal Space)
[0071] 8. Top edge
[0072] 9. Bottom edge
[0073] 10. Double-wing door
[0074] 11 Front
[0075] 12 Back
[0076] 13 Internal Area
[0077] 14 External Main Body (First Gate)
[0078] 15 First Gate
[0079] 16 First end face
[0080] 17 First side view
[0081] 18 First protrusion
[0082] 19 Corner Area
[0083] 20 Second Door
[0084] 21 Second end face
[0085] 22 Second side view
[0086] 23 Second protrusion
[0087] 24 External Main Body (Second Gate)
[0088] 25 grooves
[0089] 26 Internal Area
[0090] 30 Heating element
[0091] 31. Forward Conductor
[0092] 32 Return conductor
[0093] 33 Wires
[0094] 34 Silicone Resin Sheath
[0095] 35 rings
[0096] 40 Sealing elements
[0097] 50 Hinges
[0098] 60 gap
[0099] 70 Side View
[0100] 116 First Anterior Side
[0101] 117 First Rear Side
[0102] 118 First Surface
[0103] 119 First bottom surface
[0104] 121 Second Anterior Side
[0105] 122 Second Rear Side
[0106] 123 Second Surface
[0107] 124 Second base
[0108] L longitudinal axis
[0109] H (Height, Interior Space)
Claims
1. A climate control cabinet (1) having a double-wing door (10) movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein, The double-wing door (10) includes a first door (15) and a second door (20), wherein the first door (15) has a first end face (16) with a first protrusion (18), and the second door (20) has a second end face (21) with a second protrusion (23), wherein the first end face (16) and the second end face (21) are substantially facing each other in the closed position. Its features are, The heating element (30) is disposed in the first protrusion (18) of the first door (15).
2. The climate control cabinet (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The first protrusion (18) extends substantially over the entire length of the first end face (16), and the second protrusion (23) extends substantially over the entire length of the second end face (21).
3. The climate chamber (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) extends substantially over the entire length of the first protrusion (18).
4. The climate chamber (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The double-wing door (10) has a front (11) and a back (12), wherein the first protrusion (18) is arranged at least partially behind the second protrusion (23) in a direction of a longitudinal axis (L) that intersects the front (11) orthogonally and extends from the front (11) to the back (12).
5. The climate control cabinet (1) according to claim 4, Its features are, The heating element (30) is arranged at least partially behind the second protrusion (23) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).
6. The climate control cabinet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, In the closed position, a sealing element (40) is provided between the first protrusion (18) and the second protrusion (23).
7. The climate control cabinet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) has a forward conductor (31) and a return conductor (32), wherein the forward conductor (31) and the return conductor (32) are substantially disposed within the first protrusion (18).
8. The climate control cabinet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) has an annular profile in at least one corner region (19) of the first door (15).
9. The climate control cabinet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) includes a wire (33) with a silicone sheath (34).
10. The climate chamber (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) is electrically connected to a low-voltage DC power supply.
11. The climate chamber (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The first door (15) and the second door (20) have a thermally conductive outer body (14, 24), preferably made of stainless steel, wherein the outer body (14, 24) is filled with foam with good thermal insulation properties.
12. The climate control cabinet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) is fixed within the first protrusion (18) by the foam.
13. The climate chamber (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The heating element (30) contacts the outer body (14) of the first door (15) at at least one location.
14. The climate chamber (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The surface heater is thermally coupled to the first gate (15) and / or the second gate (20).
15. The climate control cabinet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The second protrusion (23) contains a second heating element.