Climate cabinet

Abstract

The invention relates to a climate cabinet (1) with a double-leaf door (10) which is movable between an open and closed position, wherein the double-leaf door (10) comprises a first door (15) and a second door (20), wherein the first door (15) has a first end face (21) with a first projection (18), and the second door (20) has a second end face (21) with a second projection (23), wherein the first end face (21) and the second end face (22) are substantially facing each other in the closed position, wherein a heating element (30) is arranged within the first projection (18) of the first door (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a climate chamber according to the features of claim 1.

[0002] Climate chambers are known in various designs from the prior art and are used in scientific laboratories or in industrial applications to simulate biological, chemical, and / or physical environmental influences, such as temperature, air pressure, and / or humidity. A climate chamber comprises a housing with an interior space arranged within the housing, in which the biological, chemical, and / or physical environmental influences are simulated.

[0003] Furthermore, climate chambers are known whose interior can be closed by a double-leaf door, in particular a double-leaf door. Double-leaf doors have a first and a second door, which are preferably each rotatably mounted on the housing of the climate chamber. Double-leaf doors have the advantage that the first and second doors can be opened independently of each other, for example, to access the individual segments of a segmented interior independently from the outside. In addition, opening a double-leaf door requires less space, since the rotational movement is less with two doors than with one, which is advantageous in confined laboratory spaces.

[0004] Typically, climate-controlled cabinets can set temperatures from -10°C to 100°C. However, there are also high-temperature climate-controlled cabinets that can maintain continuous internal temperatures of up to 350°C, and even cryogenic cabinets that can maintain continuous temperatures as low as -85°C. Therefore, the first and second doors of a double-leaf door must be as airtight as possible when closed and positioned correctly against each other. Often, the first and second doors feature a complementary rebate, each formed by a first and second projection to improve the sealing.

[0005] A disadvantage of such a climate chamber is that icing or condensation is more likely to occur in the area of ​​the projection, which can negatively affect the sealing performance of the double-leaf door. Furthermore, icing and / or condensation in the area of ​​the first and second projections can compromise sample integrity and thus the test results.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to prevent icing and / or dew formation in the area of ​​the projection.

[0007] This problem is solved by a climate chamber with the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a climate-controlled cabinet with a double-leaf door, which is movable between an open and closed position, comprises a first door and a second door, wherein the first door has a first end face with a first projection, and the second door has a second end face with a second projection, wherein the first and second end faces are essentially facing each other in the closed position, and a heating element is arranged within the first projection of the first door. The advantage of this is that condensation at high temperatures and icing at low temperatures in the area of ​​the first and second projections can be prevented. Furthermore, the heating element is arranged within the projection and is therefore not accessible from the outside, which has the advantage that higher voltages can be used, for example, 230 V.

[0010] The first and second projections preferably form at least a partial door rebate, wherein the first and second projections, or their respective door rebates, are preferably designed and arranged such that they interlock at least partially in a complementary manner when closed. This preferably creates a gap between the first and second projections. Alternatively, the first and second projections can be designed and arranged such that the first projection is positively engaged with the second projection, thus preventing a gap from forming between the first and second doors. The design of the first and second projections increases the airtightness of the double-leaf door.

[0011] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first projection extends substantially over the entire length of the first end face, and the second projection extends substantially over the entire length of the second end face. This has the advantage that an improved sealing performance of the double-leaf door can be achieved over the entire length of both the first and second end faces.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating element extends essentially over the entire length of the first projection. This ensures that the first projection is heated along its entire length, preventing the formation of condensation or icing over its entire length. Furthermore, the heating element radiates its heat from the first projection towards the second projection, thus preventing condensation and icing in the area of ​​the second projection as well, thanks to the heating element located within the first projection.

[0013] Preferably, the double-leaf door has a front and a back, with the first projection being located at least partially behind the second projection along a longitudinal axis that intersects the front, and preferably the back, orthogonally and extends from the front towards the back. This arrangement allows the heating element located within the first projection to thermally act on the second projection, thereby preventing condensation and icing in the entire gap area. Furthermore, with this arrangement of the first and second projections, the placement of a sealing element within the gap can be simpler and more reliable.

[0014] In connection with this invention, the front is defined as the side formed by the first and second doors, which, in the closed position, form a common surface and face the outside environment.

[0015] In connection with this invention, the rear side is defined as the side formed by the first and second doors, which, in the closed position, form a common surface and face the interior of the housing of the climate cabinet.

[0016] Preferably, the heating element is arranged at least partially behind the second projection in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This improves the thermal coupling between the heating element located in the first projection and the gap, as well as the second projection.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is arranged between the first projection and the second projection, in particular within the gap, in the closed position. The sealing element is preferably made of an at least partially elastic material, so that the sealing element can conform well to the first and / or second projection in order to seal the interior of the climate chamber against external influences.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating element has a forward conductor and a return conductor, wherein the forward conductor and the return conductor are arranged essentially within the first projection. This allows heat radiation to be achieved over the entire width and length of the first projection, so that the thermally critical area in the region of the first projection can remain completely free of dew and ice. Furthermore, a more compact design of the climate chamber is possible if the forward conductor and the return conductor are arranged essentially parallel to each other.

[0019] The supply and return conductors are preferably connected in series and electrically linked. Alternatively, the supply and return conductors can be connected in parallel. The supply and return conductors are preferably connected to the same power source.

[0020] Preferably, the heating element has a loop-shaped profile in at least one corner of the first door. Increased condensation or icing occurs in the corners of the first door. A loop-shaped profile in at least one corner can generate more heat in this area, thus counteracting the increased condensation and icing there.

[0021] Advantageously, the heating element comprises an electrically conductive wire with a silicone sheath. The electrically conductive wire is preferably made of copper. The wire can also be made of any other conductive material. The wire can consist of a single strand or of many electrically connected strands. The strands can be connected in series or in parallel. An insulating layer can be arranged around each strand or wire.

[0022] Advantageously, two or more heating elements, in particular those that can be controlled independently of each other, can also be arranged within the first projection of the first door.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating element is electrically connected to a low-voltage direct current source. The heating element can also be electrically connected to a high-voltage direct current source or to an alternating current source, for example, the 230V mains supply common in Europe. An advantage of a low-voltage direct current source is that, in the event of damage, even a layperson can replace or repair individual electrical components. The voltage range of the low-voltage direct current source is preferably between 12V and 60V.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second doors each have an outer body made of a thermally conductive material, preferably stainless steel, wherein the outer body is filled with a thermally insulating foam. An advantage of a thermally conductive outer body is that the heat emitted by the heating element can be radiated more effectively towards the gap and the second projection. An advantage of a thermally insulating foam is that it minimizes, or ideally completely eliminates, the exchange of heat and / or cold between the first and second doors.

[0025] Preferably, the heating element is fixed within the first projection by the foam. This allows the heating element to remain in its intended position within the first projection even under external mechanical stress on the climate chamber. During the manufacturing process, the heating element is inserted within the first projection. Preferably, the outer casing clamps the heating element within the first projection. Subsequently, the cavity defined by the outer casing is filled with a foam, preferably polyurethane foam. Ethylene propylene diene monomer foam, silicone foam, or neoprene foam can also be used.

[0026] Advantageously, the heating element, in particular the silicone sheathing of the wire or the silicone sheathing of the individual strands of the wire, contacts the outer body of the first door at at least one point. The heating element can also contact the outer body at two, three, or more points. Preferably, the heating element is clamped between two side surfaces of the outer body. This clamping or contact ensures good thermal coupling between the heating element and the outer body, which in turn improves heat transfer to the surroundings, particularly to the area of ​​the first and second projections.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a surface heating element is thermally coupled to the first and / or second door. A surface heating element can be used to provide protection against icing and condensation across the entire door surface. The surface heating element is preferably arranged in a loop within the cavity, which is defined in particular by the outer body, and can be mechanically fixed by injecting foam. The heating element and the surface heating element can be electrically connected. The surface heating element and the heating element can be connected in series or in parallel. The surface heating element can be electrically connected to a different power source than the heating element, or it 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 arranged within the second projection. Due to the limited space within the first projection, it may be advantageous to arrange a second heating element within the second projection. The second heating element can be of the same design as the heating element within the first projection.

[0029] An embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to the following figures. They show Fig. 1 A front view of an embodiment of a climate cabinet with a double-leaf door, wherein a first door is arranged in a closed position and a second door is arranged in an open position, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the climate cabinet according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a top view of the climate cabinet according to Fig. 3 with a double-leaf door in a closed position, Fig. 4. A close-up of a cross-section through the climate chamber according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 a section enlargement of a cross-section through the climate chamber according to Fig. 3 with an arranged sealing element, wherein the sealing element is shown in the unloaded state despite the closed door.

[0030] The Fig. Figures 1 to 5 show different views of an embodiment of a climate cabinet 1 according to the invention, comprising a housing 2 and an interior space 3 arranged inside the housing 2, having a height H and a base 4.

[0031] The interior space 3 of the housing 2 can be closed off by a double-leaf door 10. The double-leaf door 10 comprises a first door 15 and a second door 20.

[0032] The first door 15 and the second door 20 can be moved between an open and closed position. The double-leaf door 10 is in a closed position when the first door 15 and the second door 20 are in a closed position. The double-leaf door 10 is in an open position when the first door 15 and / or the second door 20 are in an open position.

[0033] The first door 15 has a first front 116, a first back 117, a first side surface 17, a first end face 16, a first surface 118, and a first underside 119. The first side surface 17 and the first end face 16, the first surface 118 and the first underside 119, as well as the first front 116 and the first back 117, can each be arranged opposite each other (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) The first door 15 can have an outer body 14 and an inner area 13 filled with foam.

[0034] The second door 20 has a second front 121, a second back 122, a second side 22, a second end 21, a second surface 123, and a second underside 124. The second side 22 and the second end 21, the second surface 123 and the second underside 124, as well as the second front 121 and the second underside 122, can each be arranged opposite each other (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) The second door 20 can have an outer body 24 and an inner area 26 filled with foam.

[0035] The outer body 14, 24 of the first door 15 and the second door 20 is preferably made of a thermally conductive material, particularly preferably stainless steel. The outer body 14, 24 of the first door 15 and / or the second door 20 can also be made of aluminum. The foam with which the inner area 13, 26 of the first door and / or the second door 20 can be filled is preferably polyurethane foam. The foam can also be ethylene propylene diene monomer foam, silicone foam, or neoprene foam.

[0036] The first door 15 can be rotatably mounted on the first side surface 17 via two hinges 50 on the housing 2 of the climate cabinet 1. The second door 20 can be rotatably mounted on the second side surface 22 via two hinges 50 on the housing 2 of the climate cabinet 1.

[0037] 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 face each other (cf. Fig. 3).

[0038] The first door 15 and the second door 20, in the closed position, together form a front 11 and a back 12 of the double-leaf door 10 of the climate cabinet 1. The front 11 faces the outside environment, whereas the back 12 faces the interior 3 of the housing 2 of the climate cabinet 1.

[0039] The climate chamber 1 has a longitudinal axis L that intersects the front 11 orthogonally. The longitudinal axis L also intersects the rear 12, preferably also orthogonally. The longitudinal axis L extends from the front 11 towards the rear 12 (see figure). Fig. 3).

[0040] The first end face of the first door 15 has a first projection 18. The first end face 16 of the first door 15 is thus stepped. The first projection 18 of the first door 15 spans at least part of the rear side 12 of the double-leaf door 10 of the climate cabinet 1. The first projection 18 of the first door 15 points particularly towards the second door 20.

[0041] The second door 20 has a second projection 23. The second end face 21 of the second door 20 is thus stepped. The second projection 23 points in particular towards the first door 15.

[0042] The first projection 18 of the first door 15 can extend over almost the entire height H of the interior 3 of the climate cabinet 1. The second projection 23 of the second door 20 is preferably designed to be complementary to the first projection 18 of the first door 15. In the closed position, the first projection 18 of the first door 15 can engage in a recess 25 formed by the second projection 23 of the second door 20, whereby a gap 60 can form between the first door 15 and the second door 20, in particular between the first projection 18 and the second projection 23.

[0043] The first projection 18 can, in the closed position, preferably be arranged at least partially behind the second projection 23 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0044] The first projection 18 of the first door 15 can be smaller in the direction of the longitudinal axis L than the second projection 23 of the second door 20. The first projection 18 of the first door 15 is longer in the direction of an imaginary axis that runs parallel to the first front face 116 than the second projection 23 of the second door 20.

[0045] Within the first projection 18 is a heating element 30, which is located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The heating element 30 is arranged as shown in Figure 2 by dashed lines. It can extend section by section along the first end face 16 of the first door 15. Preferably, the heating element 30 extends over the entire height H of the interior 3 of the housing 2 of the climate cabinet 1. The heating element 30 can also extend substantially over the entire first end face 16 of the first door 15.

[0046] The heating element 30 can have a loop 35 in its path in an edge region of the interior 3 (cf. Fig. 1) The loop 35 allows the thermally critical area of ​​the first door 15, namely a corner area 19 located between the first end face 16 and the first surface 118 and / or the first underside 119, to be heated more effectively.

[0047] The heating element 30 is preferably electrically connected to a low-voltage DC power source (not shown). The low-voltage DC power source can draw its energy from a battery (not shown) or an electrical mains supply (not shown). The voltage range of the low-voltage DC power source is preferably between 12 V and 60 V. The climate chamber 1 can also draw its energy from an AC mains supply. Preferably, the AC mains supply has a voltage of 230 V. Due to the arrangement of the heating element 30 within the first projection, the heating element is not accessible from the outside, thus preventing accidental contact with the heating element 30.

[0048] 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 can also be connected in parallel. The forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 are electrically connected to the low-voltage DC power source (not shown), wherein the forward conductor 31 is located closer to a positive terminal and the return conductor 32 closer to a negative terminal of the low-voltage DC power source.

[0049] It is also possible that only the forward conductor 31 runs within the first projection 18 of the first door 15 and the return conductor 32 functions as surface heating (not visible) of the first door 15 or vice versa.

[0050] The heating element 30 can, within the climate chamber 1, initially run parallel to the first front face 116 of the first door 15, starting from a low-voltage DC power source (not shown). Subsequently, the heating element 30 can run back and forth within the first projection 18 essentially over the entire length of the front face 16 of the first door 15, in order to then be routed back to the low-voltage DC power source, parallel to the first front face 116 of the first door 15, within the first door 15 (see figure). Fig. 1) The measured length traveled by the heating element 30 within the first projection 18 can correspond to more than 50 percent, preferably more than 60 percent, and most preferably more than 80 percent of the measured total length of the heating element 30, wherein the starting and ending points of the measured total length are the low-voltage DC source.

[0051] The heating element 30 can have a meandering course at least in sections within the first projection 18 of the first door 15.

[0052] The heating element 30 preferably comprises 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 electrically 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.

[0053] The wire 33 is preferably made of copper or aluminum, although it can be made of any electrically conductive material. The wire 33 can have a single strand or multiple strands. The multiple strands can be connected in parallel or in series. The wire 33 is electrically connected to the low-voltage DC power source (not shown).

[0054] The heating element 30 is preferably arranged within the first projection 18 of the first door 15 such that the silicone sheathing 34 of the wire 33 is positioned very close to, preferably directly against, the outer body 14 of the first door 15. This increases the thermal coupling between the heating element 30 and the outer body 14 of the first door 15. The heating element 30 preferably contacts the outer body 14 of the first door 15 at two points. The heating element 30 can also contact the outer body 14 of the first door 15 at more than two points. The heating element 30 can be clamped between two side surfaces 70 of the outer body 14 of the first door 15. Preferably, both the forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32 of the heating element 30 are clamped between two side surfaces 70 of the outer body 14 of the first door 15.

[0055] The heating element 30, preferably the forward conductor 31 and the return conductor 32, are mechanically fixed due to the foaming of the inner area 13 of the first door 15.

[0056] A sealing element 40 can be arranged between the first door 15 and the second door 20 in the closed position, wherein in the Fig. 5 the sealing element 40 is shown in the unloaded state despite the closed door.

[0057] The sealing element 40 can be made of an elastic material, preferably an elastomer or silicone.

[0058] The sealing element 40 can be mechanically fixed to the first door 15 or to the second door 20. Alternatively, one sealing element 40 can be mechanically fixed to the first door 15 and another sealing element 40 to the second door 15. In the closed position, the sealing element 40 can deform so that it fits precisely within the gap 60.

[0059] Preferably, the first projection 18 of the first door 15 and the second projection 23 of the second door 20 have rounded edges to avoid damaging the sealing element 40 when closing the double-leaf door 10.

[0060] A second heating element (not shown) can be arranged within the second projection 23. The second heating element can, in particular, have the technical features described with reference to heating element 30 and be arranged in the second projection 23 in an analogous manner to heating element 30 in the first projection 18 of the first door 15. Reference symbol list 1 climate cabinet 2 cases 3 Interior 4 Floor (Interior) 8 Top edge 9 bottom edge 10 Double-leaf doors 11 Front 12 Back 13 Indoor area 14 Outer body (first door) 15 First Door 16 First front 17 First side surface 18 First lead 19 Corner area 20 Second Door 21 Second front 22 Second side surface 23 Second lead 24 Outer body (second door) 25 Exclusion 26 Indoor area 30 heating elements 31 Inward ladder 32 return conductors 33 wire 34 silicone coating 35 loops 40 sealing element 50 hinge 60 gap 70 side surfaces 116 First front 117 First reverse 118 First surface 119 First subsurface 121 Second front 122 Second back 123 Second surface 124 Second subsurface L Longitudinal axis H Height (interior)

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