Incubator

Abstract

To provide an incubator that reduces condensation inside a chamber and enables energy-saving operation.SOLUTION: A control allows for selective switching between normal operation in which a measured temperature matches a set temperature, and refrigerator control operation in which a refrigerator operates based on a set refrigerator control time in a mid-high temperature range where a refrigerator operating temperature may not be reached during normal operation, by switching between refrigerator operation and heater control. In the refrigerator control operation, the refrigerator and a heater are forcibly operated alternately based on a set heater control time, a heater target temperature, a heater control time, and the refrigerator control time calculated according to the set temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an incubator that reduces condensation inside the chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] Incubators include a low-temperature incubator control system that is equipped with a refrigerator that cools the internal space of a tank and a heater that heats the internal space and circulates cooled or heated air to maintain a constant temperature within the internal space.

[0003] This method has excellent temperature control accuracy by keeping the refrigerator on at all times and stabilizing the temperature to the target temperature using heater output, but has issues such as high current and power consumption, and the formation of frost on the evaporator.

[0004] In order to avoid this problem, there has been a conventional method of solving the problem by using a function for controlling a refrigerator at regular intervals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-58113 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 2936145 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, even with conventional systems, there are times when the refrigerator and heater operate at the same time, so there are still challenges to be overcome in terms of reducing current and power consumption.

[0007] Incubators have the challenges of not only energy saving and condensation inside the tank, but also the need to avoid excessive dehumidification in order to protect the cultures, even though they have a dehumidification function using a refrigerator.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an incubator that enables reduction in condensation inside the tank, suppression of the current value, and energy-saving operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides an incubator that includes a refrigerator for cooling an internal space within a tank, and a heater for heating the internal space, and that maintains a constant temperature within the internal space by circulating cooled or heated air, the incubator comprising: a normal operation in which, when a measured temperature PV of a temperature sensor 16 that measures the temperature of the internal space reaches a refrigerator operating temperature SV+A2 that is higher than a set temperature SV by a first temperature A2, the heater is stopped and the refrigerator is operated, and when the measured temperature PV reaches a refrigerator stop temperature SV-B1 that is lower than the set temperature SV by a second temperature B1, the refrigerator is stopped and control is switched to heater control, thereby operating the incubator so that the measured temperature PV coincides with the set temperature SV; and a refrigerator control operation in which, during the normal operation, the refrigerator is operated based on a set refrigerator control time in a medium-to-high temperature range where the refrigerator operating temperature SV+A2 may not be reached. The refrigerator control operation forcibly operates the refrigerator and the heater alternately based on a refrigerator control time that is calculated according to a set heater control time, a heater target temperature, a heater control time, and a set temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0010] This invention allows users to have a wider range of options when operating at temperatures above room temperature. When no dehumidification is required, the refrigerator control operation function can be turned off (zero refrigerator operation time), and when dehumidification is required, the user can choose from a total of three options with two different refrigerator operation times (strong and weak). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the device configuration of an incubator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the incubator according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for normal operation. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for the refrigerator controlled operation [low]. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for the refrigerator control operation [strong]. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a temperature change curve over time during normal operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a temperature change curve over time during refrigeration machine control operation [low]. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a temperature change curve over time during refrigeration machine control operation [strong]. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing temperature rise characteristics due to heater gain. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a comparison of each operation example of normal operation, refrigerator control operation [low], and refrigerator control operation [high]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <Configuration of the embodiment> <Incubator Structure> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an incubator 1 as viewed from the side.

[0013] The housing 2 of the incubator 1 has thermal insulation properties, and an internal space 3 that serves as a culture chamber is formed. A machine room 4 in which a freezer is housed is installed below the internal space 3. A door 5 is installed on the front of the housing 2, and the door 5 is attached to the housing 2 via a door packing. A plurality of shelves 7 are installed within the internal space 3, and containers (not shown) in which culture objects are stored are placed on the shelves 7. An air-conditioning chamber 8 is formed at the back of the internal space 3, separated by a wall, and air conditioned to a predetermined temperature is supplied from the air-conditioning chamber 8 to the internal space 3.

[0014] A compressor 9 and a condenser 10 that constitute the refrigerator are installed in the machine room 4, and an evaporator 11, a heater 12, and a fan motor 13 are installed in the air-conditioning room 8. Drain water from the internal space 3 is discharged from a drain outlet 15 via a tray 14.

[0015] A temperature sensor 16 is installed at a predetermined location in the internal space 3, and the measured temperature PV of the temperature sensor 16 is output to a controller 20 shown in FIG.

[0016] <Incubator control system configuration> As shown in FIG. 2, the control system of the incubator 1 includes a temperature setting unit 17, a menu selection unit 18, a controller 20, a refrigerator control unit 30, and a heater control unit 40.

[0017] The temperature setting unit 17 sets the set temperature SV of the internal space 3 of the housing 2 .

[0018] The menu selection unit 18 calls up normal operation, refrigerator control operation (low), and refrigerator control operation (high) in a sub-menu and instructs the controller 20 to select the menu.

[0019] The controller 20 includes a refrigerator control command output unit 21 , a heater control command output unit 22 , a function selection unit 23 , a refrigerator timer 24 , and a heater timer 25 .

[0020] The refrigerator control command output unit 21 outputs a refrigerator control command to the refrigerator control unit 30 .

[0021] The heater control command output unit 22 outputs a heater control command to the heater control unit 40 .

[0022] Based on a selection instruction from the menu selection unit 18, the function selection unit 23 instructs the refrigerator control command output unit 21 and the heater control command output unit 22 to select one of them, and instructs the timer times of the refrigerator timer 24 and the heater timer 25.

[0023] The refrigerator timer 24 sets the refrigerator timer time of the refrigerator control unit 30 according to the time setting from the function selection unit 23 .

[0024] The heater timer 25 sets the heater timer time of the heater control unit 40 according to the time setting from the function selection unit 23 .

[0025] The refrigerator control unit 30 controls the on / off of the refrigerator based on the set temperature SV, the measured temperature PV, and the refrigerator timer time.

[0026] The heater control unit 40 controls the on / off of the heater 12 based on the set temperature SV, the measured temperature PV, and the heater timer time.

[0027] <Operation of the embodiment> Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3 and subsequent figures. In Figure 3 and subsequent figures, the respective symbols are defined as follows.

[0028] SV: set temperature, PV: measured temperature, REF: refrigerator, A1: heater target value in refrigerator / heater alternating control, A2: refrigerator ON threshold in refrigerator / heater alternating control, B1: refrigerator OFF threshold in refrigerator / heater alternating control, COFF: refrigerator control operation OFF, CTYPE: refrigerator control operation type (High: strong, Low: weak), E1: heater target value in refrigerator control operation, E2: refrigerator ON threshold in refrigerator control operation, F1: refrigerator OFF threshold in refrigerator control operation, XH: refrigerator timer in refrigerator control operation High, YH: heater timer in refrigerator control operation High, XL: refrigerator timer in refrigerator control operation Low, YL: heater timer in refrigerator control operation Low.

[0029] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, "normal operation" refers to operation when no dehumidification is required at all. "Refrigerator control operation" refers to operation aimed at suppressing condensation by forcibly turning the refrigerator on / off in a temperature range where only the heater is controlled in normal operation. Two types of "refrigerator control operation" can be set: "refrigerator control operation [weak]" and "refrigerator control operation [strong]." In an embodiment of the present invention, three functions are used differently: normal operation, refrigerator control operation (weak: Low), and refrigerator operation control (strong: High).

[0030] 《Normal operation》 As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when control is started, it is first necessary to determine whether the control is "normal operation," "refrigeration unit control operation is weak (Low)," or "refrigeration unit control operation is strong (High)" (steps S1 and S2).

[0031] That is, first, it is determined whether the target temperature SV is equal to or lower than room temperature (here, equal to or lower than 20°C) (step S1). If the target temperature SV is equal to or lower than 20°C (step S1=YES), or if the target temperature SV is equal to or higher than 20°C but dehumidification is not required and the refrigerator control operation is off (COFF) (step S2=YES), the "normal operation" shown in steps S3 to S11 is performed.

[0032] In normal operation, first, it is determined whether or not the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the target temperature SV of 20° C. (step S3).

[0033] If the target temperature SV is below 20° C. but the measured temperature PV exceeds 20° C. (step S3=YES), the refrigerator is turned on to lower the measured temperature PV. At this time, the heater control is turned off (step S4).

[0034] Next, it is determined whether or not the measured temperature PV has become equal to or lower than the refrigerator stop temperature SV-B1 (step S5).

[0035] If the measured temperature PV becomes equal to or lower than the refrigerator stop temperature SV-B1 (step S5=YES), the refrigerator is turned off and heater control is turned on with the heater target temperature SV+A1 (step S6). If the measured temperature PV becomes equal to the refrigerator operating temperature SV+A2 (step S7=YES), the process returns to step S4, the refrigerator is turned on, and heater control is turned off.

[0036] On the other hand, if the measured temperature PV is equal to or lower than the target temperature SV (step S3=NO), it is confirmed that the refrigerator is off and the heater is controlled on (step S8). The heater target temperature at this time is SV+A1. Next, it is determined whether the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the refrigerator operating temperature SV+A2 (step S9).

[0037] When the measured temperature PV becomes equal to or higher than the refrigerator operating temperature SV+A2 (step S9=YES), the refrigerator is turned on and the heater control is turned off (step S10). When the measured temperature PV becomes equal to the refrigerator stop temperature SV-B1 (step S11=YES), the process returns to step S8, the refrigerator is turned off, and the heater control is turned on.

[0038] If the refrigerator control operation is ON (COFF) in the determination process of step S2 in FIG. 3, the process proceeds to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and it is determined whether the refrigerator control operation is strong (High) or weak (Low) (step S21).

[0039] If the refrigerator control operation is low (step S21=NO), the process proceeds to the flowchart in FIG. 5. If the refrigerator control operation is high (step S21=YES), the process from step S41 in FIG. 4 is executed.

[0040] <When the refrigerator control operation is low> First, the procedure for "low refrigerator control operation" will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] In the process when the refrigerator control operation is low as shown in Fig. 5, first, it is determined whether or not the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the set temperature SV (step S31). If the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the set temperature SV (step S31 = YES), the processes of steps S32 to S35 are executed. If the measured temperature PV is equal to or lower than the set temperature SV (step S31 = NO), the processes of steps S36 to S39 are executed.

[0042] In step S32, it is confirmed that the refrigerator is on and the heater control is off. Then, it is determined whether the refrigerator timer 24 has reached the set time XL or whether the measured temperature PV has become equal to or lower than the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1 (step S43).

[0043] When the refrigerator timer 24 has elapsed the set time XH, or when the measured temperature PV becomes equal to or lower than the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1 (step S33=YES), the refrigerator is turned off and the heater control is turned on. The heater target temperature at this time is SV+E1 (step S34).

[0044] When heater timer 25 has reached set time YL or when measured temperature PV reaches refrigerator operating temperature SV+E2 (step S35=YES), the process returns to step S32, the refrigerator is turned on, and heater control is turned off.

[0045] On the other hand, if the measured temperature PV is equal to or lower than the set temperature SV (step S31=NO), it is confirmed that the refrigerator is off and the heater control is on. The heater target temperature at this time is SV+E1. Next, it is determined whether the heater timer 25 has elapsed the set time YL or whether the measured temperature PV has exceeded the refrigerator operating temperature SV+E2 (step S37).

[0046] When the heater timer 25 has reached the set time YL, or when the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the refrigerator operating temperature SV+E2 (step S37=YES), the refrigerator is turned on and the heater control is turned off. When the refrigerator timer 24 has reached the set time XL, or when the measured temperature PV is equal to the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1, the process returns to step S36, the refrigerator is turned off, and the heater control is turned on.

[0047] <When the refrigeration control operation is set to High> Returning to the flowchart in FIG. 4, the procedure for "refrigerant control operation is high" will be described.

[0048] In the process when the refrigerator control operation is high as shown in Fig. 4, first, it is determined whether or not the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the set temperature SV (step S41). If the measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than the set temperature SV (step S41 YES), the processes of steps S42 to S45 are executed. If the measured temperature PV is equal to or lower than the set temperature SV (step S41 = NO), the processes of steps S46 to S49 are executed.

[0049] In step S42, it is confirmed that the refrigerator is on and the heater control is off. Then, it is determined whether the refrigerator timer 24 has reached the set time XH or whether the measured temperature PV has become equal to or lower than the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1 (step S43).

[0050] When the refrigerator timer 24 has elapsed the set time XH, or when the measured temperature PV becomes equal to or lower than the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1 (step S43=YES), the refrigerator is turned off and the heater control is turned on. At this time, the target temperature is SV+E1 (step S44).

[0051] When heater timer 25 has reached set time YH or when measured temperature PV reaches refrigerator operating temperature SV+E2 (step S45=YES), the process returns to step S42, the refrigerator is turned on, and heater control is turned off.

[0052] On the other hand, if the measured temperature PV is equal to or lower than the set temperature SV (step S41=NO), it is confirmed that the refrigerator is off and the heater control is on. The heater target temperature at this time is SV+E1. Next, it is determined whether the heater timer 25 has elapsed the set time YH or whether the measured temperature PV has exceeded the refrigerator operating temperature SV+E2 (step S47).

[0053] When heater timer 25 has reached set time YH, or when measured temperature PV is equal to or higher than refrigerator operating temperature SV+E2 (step S47=YES), the refrigerator is turned on and heater control is turned off. When refrigerator timer 24 has reached set time XH, or when measured temperature PV is equal to refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1, the process returns to step S46, the refrigerator is turned off, and heater control is turned on.

[0054] <Graph explanation> Next, temperature changes during normal operation, during refrigerator control operation (low), and during refrigerator control operation (high) in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0055] <Temperature change curve during normal operation> When the refrigerator stop temperature is reached at time t1, the heater is turned on and the refrigerator is turned off, and from time t1 to t3, the heater 12 is PID controlled to achieve the heater target temperature SV+A1 (points P1, P2). In this case, the refrigerator control range can be easily entered by setting the heater target value A1 in the refrigerator / heater alternate control close to the refrigerator ON threshold value A2 in the refrigerator / heater alternate control.

[0056] Between times t2 and t3, PID control of only the heater 12 continues, but when the refrigerator operating temperature exceeds SV+A2 (point P3), the refrigerator is restarted.

[0057] When PID control is performed with the heater target temperature SV+A1 as the target value, the output is controlled at 0-100% x β1. In this way, the output of the heater 12 can be reduced by multiplying by the gain β1. Therefore, even if a heater with a large capacity is installed, the output can be reduced, making it difficult to overshoot and allowing for a stable temperature rise. The gain β1 is a parameter that can be arbitrarily determined at the time of design. It is determined by experimentally determining the gain number that can reach the maximum temperature of each zone.

[0058] The value A1 is set to prevent the temperature from stabilizing without reaching the set temperature SV, and to make it easier to reach the refrigerator operating temperature. In this case, if A1>A2 is set, it is possible to control the entire range ON / OFF instead of controlling only the heater.

[0059] At time t4 in Fig. 6, the measured temperature PV falls below the refrigerator stop temperature SV-B1, so the refrigerator is turned off and the heater 12 is PID controlled. In this way, the measured temperature PV converges to the set temperature SV, as shown at point P4. In the figure, when only the heater is operated, as shown in the area P5 surrounded by a dashed line, the temperature is stable and power consumption can be reduced.

[0060] <Temperature change curve when the refrigerator is operated under control (low)> From time t11 to t12 shown in FIG. 7, the heater is off and the refrigerator is on, and the refrigerator timer 24 is on. When the refrigerator timer 24 turns off at time t12, the refrigerator is turned off and the heater 12 is PID controlled with the heater target temperature SV+E1 as the target value (P11). In this case, the output is controlled at 0-100%×β2. The heater output can be reduced by multiplying by the gain β2. Therefore, even if a heater 12 with a large capacity is installed, the output can be reduced, making it difficult to overshoot, and allowing for a stable temperature rise. The gain β2 can also be determined arbitrarily during design.

[0061] The section indicated by P12 is the heater timer time, which starts after the set time SV has been exceeded. When the timer time has been exceeded, the heater control is stopped and the refrigerator is turned on even if the measured temperature PV has not reached the refrigerator operation temperature SV+E2. As a result, as indicated by point P13, the measured temperature PV decreases toward the measured temperature SV. When the measured temperature PV reaches time t15 and exceeds the set temperature SV, the refrigerator timer 24 is turned on until it reaches time t16. When the on time of the refrigerator timer has elapsed, the heater 12 is turned on and the refrigerator is turned off even if it has not reached the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1, and the measured temperature PV at the point indicated by P14 reaches the lower limit at time t16. Between times t16 and t18, the PID control by the heater 12 is turned on and the refrigerator control is turned off. The measured temperature PV rises again toward the set temperature SV, and when it exceeds the set temperature SV, the heater timer 25 is turned on during the time period from time t17 to time t18. When the timer turns off at time t18 or the measured temperature PV reaches the heater target temperature SV+E1, the heater turns off and the refrigerator turns on.

[0062] In this way, in this embodiment, even if the refrigerator operating temperature is not reached, the control can be reliably shifted to refrigerator control as time passes. Also, even if the refrigerator stop temperature is not reached, the control can be reliably shifted to heater control as time passes. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the ON / OFF cycle.

[0063] <Regarding the time of refrigerator control and heater control in the embodiment> In this embodiment, based on a concept similar to that of conventional refrigerator cycle operation, an ON time is provided for each of the refrigerator and the heater, and alternating operation is performed based on "time" rather than "operating temperature."

[0064] The ON time of the refrigerator and the heater can be related by a formula. For example, if the ON time of the heater is X, the ON time of the refrigerator is Y, Y=(Ct-X)×(1-(T1 / (Tmax-Tmin)))+Rt Here, T1 = set temperature, Tmax = maximum set temperature, Tmin = minimum set temperature, Rt = minimum refrigerator operation time, and Ct = cycle period.

[0065] According to this formula, when the heater ON time is extended, the refrigerator ON time is shortened, and when the heater ON time is shortened, the refrigerator ON time is extended. Therefore, shortening the heater ON time (= extending the refrigerator ON time) can effectively suppress condensation.

[0066] <Temperature change curve during refrigeration control operation (strong)> In FIG. 8, refrigerator timer 24 operates from time t31 to t32, but at time t32 when measured temperature PV becomes equal to or lower than refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1, the refrigerator is turned off and heater 12 is PID controlled.

[0067] At this time, if the refrigerator on-time, for which PID control adjustment is ineffective, is extended in an attempt to strengthen the condensation suppression effect, the temperature fluctuation range will widen, so the refrigerator and heater are switched on at time t32, when the temperature drops below the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1.As a result, even if the refrigerator timer time is shortened, the number of on / off times per hour increases, making it possible to strengthen the condensation suppression effect while suppressing the expansion of the temperature fluctuation range.

[0068] At time t33 when the measured temperature PV exceeds the set temperature SV, the heater timer 25 is activated, and when the set time of the heater timer 25 has elapsed, the heater 12 is turned off and the refrigerator is turned on (time t34) even before the heater target temperature SV+E1 is reached.

[0069] At time t35 when the measured temperature PV falls below the set temperature SV, the refrigerator timer 24 operates, but when the measured temperature PV falls below the refrigerator stop temperature SV-F1, the refrigerator is turned off and the heater 12 is PID controlled.

[0070] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature rise characteristics due to the heater gain.

[0071] A comparison is shown between the case where there is no heater gain β and the case where there is a heater gain β.

[0072] In the proportional control band shown in Figure 9, if a large capacity heater is installed for defrosting or other reasons, the brake may not be applied due to the influence of residual heat from heating, resulting in overshoot, as shown by the solid line. In other words, if there is no heater gain β, the heater output is controlled at 100% up to the proportional control band. In the proportional control band, the heater output is fluctuated between 0 and 100% by PID calculation, so overshooting cannot be avoided.

[0073] In contrast, when there is a heater gain, the heater output is controlled at 100% x β% up to the proportional control band. In the proportional control band, the heater output is varied by (0 to 100%) x β% using PID calculations.

[0074] For this reason, as shown by the dashed line, by introducing a gain β%, it is possible to limit the heater output, prevent overshoot, and improve stability.

[0075] Also, in terms of heater output calculation image during one PID control cycle, when there is no heater gain β, the ON time X (PID cycle × PID calculation result %) will be longer and the OFF time Y will be shorter compared to when there is heater gain β. In contrast, when there is heater gain β, the ON time X' (X × β%) will be shorter and the OFF time Y' will be longer compared to when there is no heater gain β.

[0076] In this way, by introducing the heater gain β, the occurrence of overshoot can be avoided.

[0077] Figure 10 is a graph showing the humidity change during each operation example. (a) is an example of normal operation (when control is performed without reaching the refrigerator operating temperature), (b) is an example of refrigerator control operation (low), and (c) is an example of refrigerator control operation (high). In each figure, the solid line shows the humidity inside the tank (%) when a moist sample is placed inside the tank, and the dashed line shows the temperature at the center of the tank (℃).

[0078] In (a), the humidity inside the tank does not change, but in (b), the refrigerator control operation (weak) shows a dehumidifying effect in which the humidity decreases as the refrigerator operates. Also, as shown by the dashed line, it can be confirmed that the temperature also decreases slightly as the refrigerator operates, causing fluctuations.

[0079] In the refrigerator control operation (strong) shown in FIG. 1(c), the heater ON time is shortened compared to the refrigerator control operation (weak), which increases the frequency of refrigerator operation and strengthens the dehumidification effect.

[0080] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the above embodiment, the control is performed by "time" so that the refrigerator control and the heater control do not overlap between the refrigerator stop temperature and the refrigerator operation temperature. By controlling by "time", the ON / OFF cycle can be adjusted within the same temperature fluctuation range. This makes it possible to adjust the dehumidification amount, temperature stability, and power consumption.

[0081] In addition, because control is based on "time," the refrigerator control time and heater control time do not change even if the rate at which the temperature rises or falls changes due to changes in the room temperature, ensuring stable dehumidification.

[0082] In addition, since the on-times of the refrigerator and the heater do not overlap during refrigerator control operation, the current value can be suppressed, which contributes to energy-saving operation.

[0083] Furthermore, normal operation, refrigerator control operation (low), and refrigerator control operation (high) can be called up from the submenu of the menu selection unit 18, so that it is possible to switch between operation functions without changing the operation mode even during operation.

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, these are merely examples. The scope of the invention described in the claims can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...incubator, 2...housing, 3...internal space, 4...machine room, 5...door, 6...door gasket, 7...shelf, 8...air conditioning room, 9...compressor, 10...condenser, 11...evaporator, 12...heater, 13...fan motor, 14...tray, 15...drain, 16...temperature sensor, 17...temperature setting unit, 18...menu selection unit, 20...controller, 21...refrigeration unit control command output unit, 22...heater control command output unit, 23...function selection unit, 24...refrigeration unit timer, 25...heater timer, 30...refrigeration unit control unit, 40...heater control unit.

Claims

1. An incubator comprising a refrigerator for cooling an internal space of a tank and a heater for heating the internal space, and configured to circulate cooled or heated air to maintain a constant temperature within the internal space, a normal operation in which, when a temperature measured by a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the internal space reaches a refrigerator operating temperature that is higher than a set temperature by a first temperature, the heater is stopped and the refrigerator is operated, and, when the measured temperature reaches a refrigerator stop temperature that is lower than the set temperature by a second temperature, the refrigerator is stopped and switching to heater control is performed, thereby operating so that the measured temperature coincides with the set temperature; a refrigerator control operation in which the refrigerator is operated based on a refrigerator control time set for dehumidification in a medium-high temperature range where the refrigerator operating temperature may not be reached during the normal operation; A controller for selectively switching and setting the The refrigerator control operation forcibly operates the refrigerator and the heater alternately based on a set heater control time, the refrigerator control time being calculated according to a heater target temperature, the heater control time, and a set temperature.

2. 2. The incubator according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator control operation is selectively provided with a weak operation function that shortens the refrigerator control time by lengthening the heater control time, thereby weakening the dehumidifying effect and prioritizing temperature stability and power consumption, and a strong operation function that lengthens the refrigerator control time by shortening the heater control time, thereby obtaining a stronger dehumidifying effect.

3. The incubator according to claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the output value of the heater by multiplying a control value calculated by PID control by a gain.

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