Weather resistant test device and method for running weather resistant test

Abstract

To provide a weather resistant test device which can easily reduce the moisture of the inside of a pressurized container while promoting a weather resistant test.SOLUTION: A weather resistant test device 1A includes: a pressurized container 2; a holding unit 3 stored in the pressurized container 2, the holding unit holding a sample M; a light radiation device 4 for radiating the sample M with light L; a liquid spray device 5 for spraying liquid to the sample M; and a dehumidification device 11 for dehumidifying the gas in the inside of the pressurized container 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a weather resistance test apparatus and a weather resistance test method.

Background Art

[0002] When conducting a weather resistance test on how much organic materials and inorganic materials deteriorate due to light such as sunlight, heat, moisture such as rain, oxygen in the atmosphere, etc., it is best to conduct the test in the actual environment. However, in the test under the actual environment, it may take a long time to obtain the test results. Therefore, as a weather resistance test apparatus for accelerating the weather resistance test, there is known one including a pressure vessel, a holding part accommodated in the pressure vessel for holding a sample, a light irradiation device for irradiating light to the sample, and at least one of a liquid spraying device for spraying a liquid onto the sample (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). In such a weather resistance test apparatus, for example, by making the air pressure (oxygen partial pressure, etc.) in the pressure vessel higher than the atmospheric pressure (making the inside of the pressure vessel a high-pressure environment), the weather resistance test is accelerated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a weather resistance test using a weather resistance test apparatus as described above, a predetermined weather resistance test may be performed with the humidity inside the pressure vessel reduced to the humidity of the test conditions. In a weather resistance test apparatus as described above, in order to reduce the humidity inside the pressure vessel, gas may be introduced into the pressure vessel. In this case, it is necessary to introduce a large amount of oxygen gas or the like in order to maintain the air pressure (oxygen partial pressure, etc.) inside the pressure vessel.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a weather resistance test apparatus and a weather resistance test method that can easily reduce the humidity inside a pressure vessel while promoting the weather resistance test.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) As one aspect, the present invention relates to a weather resistance test apparatus including a pressure vessel, a holding part accommodated in the pressure vessel for holding a sample, at least one of a light irradiation device for irradiating light to the sample and a liquid spraying device for spraying a liquid to the sample, and a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel.

[0007] The weather resistance test apparatus of the above (1) includes a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel. By dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel using this dehumidifying device, the humidity inside the pressure vessel can be reduced. Therefore, according to the weather resistance test apparatus of the above (1), the humidity inside the pressure vessel can be easily reduced.

[0008] (2) The weather resistance test apparatus of the above (1) may include both a light irradiation device and a liquid spraying device. In this case, while performing a weather resistance test using each of the light irradiation device and the liquid spraying device, the humidity inside the pressure vessel can be easily reduced.

[0009] (3) The weather resistance test apparatus according to (1) or (2) above may include a light irradiation device having a light source. The pressure vessel may have a light transmissive portion that can transmit light. The light irradiation device is disposed outside the pressure vessel, and the light from the light source may be irradiated onto the sample held by the holding portion through the light transmissive portion. In this case, since the light irradiation device is disposed outside the pressure vessel, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation device from being damaged due to the high-pressure environment inside the pressure vessel. Therefore, the reliability of the light irradiation device can be improved, and the safety of the weather resistance test can be improved.

[0010] (4) In any one of the weather resistance test apparatuses according to (1) to (3) above, the dehumidifying device may include a pipe connected to the pressure vessel and a dehumidifier provided in the pipe outside the pressure vessel for dehumidifying the gas flowing through the pipe. The dehumidifying device may circulate the gas inside the pressure vessel through the pipe and the dehumidifier. In this case, since the dehumidifier is provided in the pipe outside the pressure vessel, it is possible to prevent the dehumidifier from being damaged due to the high-pressure environment inside the pressure vessel. Therefore, the reliability of the dehumidifying device can be improved, and the safety of the weather resistance test can be improved.

[0011] (5) Any one of the weather resistance test apparatuses according to (1) to (4) above may further include a gas introduction portion for introducing a gas containing oxygen gas into the pressure vessel. The dehumidifying device may be connected to the gas introduction portion so as to introduce the dehumidified gas into the gas introduction portion. The gas introduction portion may introduce a gas in which the gas containing the oxygen gas and the dehumidified gas are mixed into the pressure vessel. In this case, the oxygen concentration of the gas in which the gas containing the oxygen gas and the dehumidified gas are mixed can be made close to the oxygen concentration inside the pressure vessel, and then the mixed gas can be introduced into the pressure vessel. Thereby, since the dehumidified gas can be easily introduced into the pressure vessel, the humidity inside the pressure vessel can be more easily reduced.

[0012] (6) The weather resistance test apparatus according to (5) above may further include a humidifier provided in the gas introduction portion for humidifying the gas inside the gas introduction portion. In this case, the humidity inside the pressure vessel can be easily adjusted.

[0013] (7) Any one of the weather resistance test apparatuses of (1) to (6) above may further include a gas exhaust unit that exhausts the gas in the pressure vessel. The dehumidifying device may be connected to the gas exhaust unit so as to draw the gas flowing through the gas exhaust unit into the dehumidifying device. The dehumidifying device may dehumidify the gas drawn into the dehumidifying device and introduce the dehumidified gas into the pressure vessel. In this case, it is possible to easily achieve both the exhaust of the gas in the pressure vessel and the dehumidification of the gas in the pressure vessel.

[0014] (8) Any one of the weather resistance test apparatuses of (1) to (7) above may further include a temperature regulator provided in the dehumidifying device for heating or cooling the gas dehumidified by the dehumidifying device. The dehumidifying device may introduce the gas heated or cooled by the temperature regulator into the pressure vessel. In this case, since the dehumidified gas is heated or cooled and introduced into the pressure vessel, the temperature in the pressure vessel can be easily adjusted.

[0015] (9) As another aspect, the present invention relates to a weather resistance test method for evaluating the weather resistance of a sample using any one of the weather resistance test apparatuses of (1) to (8) above. This weather resistance test method includes a holding step of holding the sample in the holding unit, at least one of a light irradiation step of irradiating the sample with light from the light irradiation device, and a liquid spraying step of spraying the liquid from the liquid spraying device onto the sample, and a dehumidifying step of dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel by the dehumidifying device.

[0016] In the weather resistance test method of (9) above, by dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel by the dehumidifying device, the humidity in the pressure vessel can be reduced. Therefore, according to the weather resistance test method of (9) above, the humidity in the pressure vessel can be easily reduced.

[0017] (10) As another aspect, the present invention relates to a weather resistance test method for evaluating the weather resistance of a sample using the weather resistance test apparatus of (2) above. This weather resistance test method includes a holding step of holding the sample in a holding portion, a light irradiation step of irradiating the sample with light from a light irradiation device, a liquid spraying step of spraying a liquid from a liquid spraying device onto the sample, and a dehumidifying step of dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel by a dehumidifying device. In this weather resistance test method, the dehumidifying step is performed after the liquid spraying step.

[0018] In the weather resistance test method of (10) above, the dehumidifying step is performed after the liquid spraying step. Thereby, even when the inside of the pressure vessel becomes a high humidity environment by spraying the liquid from the liquid spraying device onto the sample, the humidity inside the pressure vessel can be easily reduced by dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel by the dehumidifying device.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a weather resistance test apparatus and a weather resistance test method that can easily reduce the humidity inside the pressure vessel while promoting the weather resistance test.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a weather resistance test apparatus and a weather resistance test method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the description, the same reference numerals may be used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0022] [Weather Resistance Test Apparatus According to the First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a weather resistance test apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the weather resistance test apparatus 1A includes a pressure vessel 2, a holding unit 3, a light irradiation device 4, a liquid spraying device 5, a gas exhaust pipe 6 (gas exhaust unit), a pressure regulator 7, a drainage unit 8, a gas introduction pipe 9 (gas introduction unit), a humidifier 10, a dehumidifying device 11, a hygrometer 12, a pressure gauge 13, an oxygen concentration sensor 14, a temperature sensor 15, a housing 16, a measurement unit 17, and a control unit 18. In the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, a sample M is held on the holding unit 3 in the pressure vessel 2, and while introducing a gas such as oxygen or nitrogen from the gas introduction pipe 9, the pressure regulator 7 adjusts the inside of the pressure vessel 2 to a predetermined internal pressure. Then, in this pressurized state, while irradiating the sample M with light L from the light irradiation device 4 simulating sunlight or the like, a liquid is sprayed from the liquid spraying device 5 onto the sample M. The sample M is placed in such an environment for a predetermined period of time, and a weather resistance test is performed to determine how much the sample M deteriorates due to light, heat such as sunlight, moisture such as rain, oxygen in the atmosphere, and the like.

[0023] The pressurized container 2 is a hermetically sealable container that has a housing portion 2a, a lid portion 2b, and a light transmission portion 2c. The housing portion 2a is a box-shaped member that houses the holding portion 3 and the like. The lid portion 2b is a plate-shaped member that closes the opening of the housing portion 2a. The lid portion 2b can be attached to the upper end of the housing portion 2a and can also be removed from the upper end of the housing portion 2a. When installing the sample M on the holding portion 3, the lid portion 2b is removed from the housing portion 2a. After installing the sample M on the holding portion 3, the lid portion 2b is airtightly attached to the housing portion 2a. The lid portion 2b is fixed to the upper end of the housing portion 2a by, for example, bolts or the like. The materials forming the housing portion 2a and the lid portion 2b are materials having pressure resistance against the pressure inside the pressurized container 2. As an example, the housing portion 2a and the lid portion 2b are composed of SUS, aluminum alloy, iron, titanium alloy, tungsten alloy, and the like.

[0024] The light transmission portion 2c allows the light L irradiated from the light irradiation device 4 to pass from outside the pressurized container 2 into the pressurized container 2. The light transmission portion 2c is configured to transmit the light L without attenuating it so that the sample M is irradiated with the light L as it is. For this reason, the light transmission portion 2c is a member that can transmit the light L (particularly ultraviolet light) irradiated from the light irradiation device 4. The light transmission portion 2c is, for example, a quartz glass plate. The light transmission portion 2c is airtightly fitted into an opening 2d provided in the lid portion 2b so as to face the holding portion 3 (sample M). Since the light transmission portion 2c forms a part of the pressurized container 2, it has a structure that maintains the atmosphere and pressure inside the pressurized container 2.

[0025] The holding part 3 holds the sample M used in the weather resistance test. The holding part 3 has a plate-like member 3a and a support member 3b. The sample M is placed on the plate-like member 3a. The sample M is fixed to the plate-like member 3a by, for example, an aluminum tape. The support member 3b supports the plate-like member 3a in the pressure vessel 2. The support member 3b is formed in a rod shape extending along the vertical direction and is fixed to the bottom of the housing part 2a. The plate-like member 3a is supported by the support member 3b in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying device 5 from staying on the sample M. The plate-like member 3a may not be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0026] The holding part 3 may incorporate a temperature regulator (not shown). The temperature regulator can be configured to incorporate a heater and a cooling flow path, and by feeding back the value of the thermocouple, heat or cool the sample M to adjust the temperature of the sample M. In the heating of the sample M by the temperature regulator, the heating temperature is preferably equal to or higher than room temperature and equal to or lower than the decomposition temperature of the sample M. By heating below the decomposition temperature, it is possible to adjust the balance with deterioration due to light, oxygen, humidity, etc. without promoting only deterioration due to heat first. Instead of or in combination with the temperature regulator, a gas temperature adjustment mechanism for heating or cooling the gas introduced from the gas introduction pipe 9 may be provided.

[0027] The light irradiation device 4 is arranged outside the pressure vessel 2. The light irradiation device 4 has a light source 4a that irradiates light L and an optical filter 4b that removes light of some wavelengths from the light from the light source 4a. The light irradiation device 4 irradiates the light L from the light source 4a to the sample M held by the holding part 3 through the light transmission part 2c.

[0028] The light source 4a may be any light source that irradiates light L including at least ultraviolet light. For example, a carbon arc, high-pressure mercury, xenon lamp, metal halide, etc. used in a weather resistance test can be used alone or in combination of two different types of light sources. The light source 4a may also be an LED light source or a laser light source. However, as the light source 4a, it is preferable to use xenon that is closest to the wavelength of sunlight. Further, the light irradiated from the light source 4a preferably contains light in the wavelength range of 290 nm to 390 nm, and preferably contains at least a part of the light in the wavelength range of 290 nm to 390 nm. The spectral shape of the light irradiated from the light source 4a is preferably close to the spectral shape of sunlight. Light with a wavelength shorter than 290 nm may be included, but it is preferably cut by the optical filter 4b. Also, in the light L irradiated from the light source 4a, although light with a wavelength longer than 390 nm does not directly cause deterioration of the sample M, light with a wavelength in the infrared region in particular has an effect such as heating the sample M, so it may be left. On the other hand, since the temperature adjustment of the sample M is performed by a temperature regulator or the like built in the holding unit 3 as described above, in order to eliminate the influence of heating by the light L, infrared light with a wavelength greater than 390 nm may be cut by the optical filter 4b.

[0029] The light irradiation device 4 is preferably configured to irradiate the sample M with the light L from the light source 4a as parallel light, but is not limited thereto. For example, the light L from the light source 4a may be configured to spread radially to some extent. In this case, it is preferable to consider the arrangement of the sample M so that the illuminance of the light L from the light irradiation device 4 is uniform on the sample M (when testing a plurality of samples M, the illuminance at each sample M is the same). Also, the light quantity of the light L irradiated from the light irradiation device 4 may be higher than that of sunlight. For example, in the light quantity of light with a wavelength of 365 nm among the light irradiated from the light source 4a, 15 mW / cm 2 or more and 60 mW / cm 2The following is preferable. Here, the "light quantity" is the value measured by a device for measuring the light quantity at a wavelength of 365 nm (for example, the UIT-250 light receiver UVD-S365 manufactured by Ushio Inc.), and it is a wavelength distribution with a wavelength of 365 nm as the absolute value calibration wavelength. For example, it is the value obtained by detecting the light quantity within the width of the sensitivity wavelength range of 310 nm to 390 nm.

[0030] The liquid spraying device 5 is a member for spraying a liquid onto the sample M installed in the pressure vessel 2. The liquid spraying device 5 has a spray pipe 5a and a flow regulator 5b. The spray pipe 5a is connected to the pressure vessel 2 and sprays the liquid supplied from outside the pressure vessel 2 onto the sample M inside the pressure vessel 2. The flow regulator 5b is provided on the spray pipe 5a and adjusts the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the spray pipe 5a. A spray nozzle is attached to the tip of the spray pipe 5a inside the pressure vessel 2, and the liquid can be sprayed (spray-like, mist-like, shower-like) over the entire sample M by this spray nozzle. It is also possible to adjust the momentum of the water sprayed from this spray nozzle by the adjustment of the flow regulator 5b. The liquid spraying device 5 is a device that simulates rain in an actual environment, and the liquid to be sprayed may be pure water, tap water, water with adjusted pH (simulating acid rain), water containing metal ions, or a mixture of these, or hydrogen peroxide water, etc.

[0031] The gas exhaust pipe 6 is a pipe for exhausting the gas inside the pressure vessel 2 and is connected to the pressure vessel 2. The pressure regulator 7 is provided on the gas exhaust pipe 6 and adjusts the pressure inside the pressure vessel 2. When the pressure inside the pressure vessel 2 is detected by a pressure gauge 13 or the like to be equal to or higher than the set pressure, the pressure regulator 7 opens the valve inside the pressure regulator 7 under the control of the control unit 18 and adjusts the pressure to the set pressure.

[0032] The drainage unit 8 discharges the liquid in the pressure vessel 2. The drainage unit 8 has a drain pipe 8a, a drainage tank 8b, an inflow valve 8c, and a discharge valve 8d. The drain pipe 8a is connected to the bottom of the pressure vessel 2 (the bottom of the accommodating portion 2a). The drainage tank 8b is provided in the drain pipe 8a and stores the liquid discharged from the inside of the pressure vessel 2 through the drain pipe 8a. The inflow valve 8c is provided in the drain pipe 8a and is located on the inflow side with respect to the drainage tank 8b. The discharge valve 8d is provided in the drain pipe 8a and is located on the discharge side with respect to the drainage tank 8b.

[0033] The volume of the drainage tank 8b is set to be equal to or less than the volume of the pressure vessel 2. Specifically, it is preferable to set the volume of the drainage tank 8b to be 1 / 6 or less with respect to the volume of the pressure vessel 2. More preferably, it is 1 / 6 or less and 1 / 60 or more. When a plurality of drainage tanks 8b are provided, it is preferable that the total volume of the plurality of drainage tanks 8b that can be opened simultaneously is set to be equal to or less than the volume of the pressure vessel 2.

[0034] The inflow valve 8c and the discharge valve 8d are controlled by the control unit 18. The inflow valve 8c is controlled to be in an open state, for example, when the spraying of the liquid by the liquid spraying device 5 is completed. Or, the inflow valve 8c is controlled to be in an open state when the water level in the pressure vessel 2 satisfies a predetermined condition. The water level in the pressure vessel 2 can be monitored, for example, by a water level sensor (not shown). When the inflow valve 8c is controlled to be in an open state, the discharge valve 8d is controlled to be in a closed state. Then, when all the liquid in the pressure vessel 2 has moved to the drainage tank 8b, the inflow valve 8c is controlled by the control unit 18 to be in a closed state. On the other hand, after the liquid in the pressure vessel 2 has moved to the drainage tank 8b and the inflow valve 8c is controlled to be in a closed state, the discharge valve 8d is controlled by the control unit 18 to be changed from a closed state to an open state to discharge the water stored in the drainage tank 8b.

[0035] The gas introduction pipe 9 is a pipe for introducing a gas containing oxygen gas from outside the pressure vessel 2 into the pressure vessel 2, and is connected to the pressure vessel 2. By introducing the gas from the gas introduction pipe 9 into the pressure vessel 2, the atmosphere inside the pressure vessel 2 can be changed or the pressure inside the pressure vessel 2 can be increased. The gas introduced into the pressure vessel 2 from the gas introduction pipe 9 is introduced into the pressure vessel 2 at a pressure of at least the pressure set by the pressure regulator 7 or higher. The gas introduced from the gas introduction pipe 9 may be, for example, oxygen gas, nitrogen gas, or a gas in which oxygen gas and nitrogen gas are mixed. A mass flow controller (not shown) may be provided in the gas introduction pipe 9 to adjust the flow rate of the introduced gas. When introducing two or more types of gases, a gas mixer (not shown) may be provided to switch and mix the introduced gases.

[0036] The humidifier 10 is provided in the gas introduction pipe 9 and humidifies the gas in the gas introduction pipe 9. The humidifier 10 humidifies the gas introduced by the gas introduction pipe 9, for example, by bubbling the water in the humidifier 10. The humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 is set within a predetermined range by the humidifier 10. Note that the humidification by the humidifier 10 may be controlled by the control unit 18 based on the humidity information from the hygrometer 12.

[0037] The dehumidifying device 11 dehumidifies the gas in the pressure vessel 2. The dehumidifying device 11 has a pipe 11a, a dehumidifier 11b, and a pump 11c. The dehumidifying device 11 circulates the gas in the pressure vessel 2 through the pipe 11a and the dehumidifier 11b. The gas in the pressure vessel 2 flows into the inside of the pipe 11a through the inlet 11d which is an opening on one side of the pipe 11a. The gas in the pipe 11a is introduced into the pressure vessel 2 through the introduction port 11e which is an opening on the other side of the pipe 11a. The pipe 11a is connected to the pressure vessel 2 such that the inlet 11d and the introduction port 11e communicate with the inside of the pressure vessel 2. The pipe 11a is connected to the side portion of the housing portion 2a such that the inlet 11d and the introduction port 11e are separated from the bottom of the pressure vessel 2 (the bottom of the housing portion 2a) by a predetermined distance along the vertical direction. Thereby, even when the liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying device 5 accumulates at the bottom of the housing portion 2a, it is possible to suppress the liquid from flowing into the inlet 11d, and it is possible to suppress the gas from the introduction port 11e from being introduced into the liquid.

[0038] The dehumidifier 11b is provided in the pipe 11a outside the pressure vessel 2 and dehumidifies the gas flowing through the pipe 11a. The dehumidifier 11b may be any device that can dehumidify the gas flowing through the pipe 11a. For example, it may be a cooling type, adsorption type, compression type, absorption type, Peltier type, gas-liquid separation type dehumidifier, etc. The cooling type dehumidifier dehumidifies the gas by cooling the gas with a refrigerator or the like until the moisture in the gas condenses. The adsorption type dehumidifier dehumidifies the gas by adsorbing the moisture in the gas with an adsorbent or the like. The compression type dehumidifier dehumidifies the gas by compressing the gas with a compressor or the like and aggregating the moisture in the gas. The absorption type dehumidifier dehumidifies the gas by absorbing the moisture in the gas with an absorption liquid or the like. The Peltier type dehumidifier dehumidifies the gas by cooling the gas using the Peltier effect in the Peltier element and condensing the moisture in the gas. The gas-liquid separation type dehumidifier removes moisture with a moisture removal filter. The dehumidifier 11b may be a combination of a plurality of dehumidifiers with different dehumidification methods. The operating conditions of the dehumidifier 11b (such as the degree of cooling the moisture in the gas) may be controlled by the control unit 18 based on the humidity information from the hygrometer 12.

[0039] The pump 11c is provided in the pipe 11a outside the pressure vessel 2. When the pump 11c operates, the gas in the pressure vessel 2 flows into the pipe 11a from the inlet 11d, and at the same time, the gas dehumidified through the dehumidifier 11b is introduced into the pressure vessel 2 from the introduction port 11e. The pump 11c is located on the introduction port 11e side (downstream side) with respect to the dehumidifier 11b. The gas dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifier 11b passes through the inside of the pump 11c and is introduced into the pressure vessel 2. In this way, the dehumidifying device 11 dehumidifies the gas in the pressure vessel 2 with the dehumidifier 11b and introduces the dehumidified gas into the pressure vessel 2, thereby reducing the humidity in the pressure vessel 2.

[0040] The operation of the pump 11c may be controlled by the control unit 18 based on the humidity information from the hygrometer 12. For example, when the humidity measured by the hygrometer 12 is below the set value, the control unit 18 stops the pump 11c and the dehumidification by the dehumidifying device 11 is terminated. While the dehumidifying device 11 is performing dehumidification, the gas introduction pipe 9 may continue to introduce gas into the pressure vessel 2. At this time, it is preferable not to use the humidifier 10. In this case, the gas in the pressure vessel 2 can be dehumidified while maintaining the pressure and oxygen concentration in the pressure vessel 2. While the dehumidifying device 11 is performing dehumidification, the gas introduction pipe 9 does not necessarily have to continue to introduce gas into the pressure vessel 2. In this case, in addition to the hygrometer 12, based on the information from the pressure gauge 13 and the oxygen concentration sensor 14, the operation of the gas introduction pipe 9 may be controlled by the control unit 18. For example, when the oxygen concentration deviates from the set value by a predetermined value, when the pressure deviates from the set value by a predetermined value, or when both of these conditions are satisfied, the gas introduction pipe 9 may introduce gas into the pressure vessel 2.

[0041] The hygrometer 12 measures the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 and outputs the measured humidity information to the measurement unit 17. The hygrometer 12 is provided on the lid portion 2b. The hygrometer 12 is provided at a position away from the gas introduction pipe 9 and the dehumidifying device 11 so that the influence of the gas introduced into the pressure vessel 2 from the gas introduction pipe 9 and the dehumidifying device 11 on the hygrometer 12 is reduced. For example, in the horizontal direction, the hygrometer 12 is located on the opposite side of the holding portion 3 from each of the gas introduction pipe 9 and the dehumidifying device 11. Thereby, the hygrometer 12 can measure the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 more accurately.

[0042] The pressure gauge 13 measures the pressure inside the pressure vessel 2 and outputs the measured pressure information to the measurement unit 17. The pressure gauge 13 is provided on the lid portion 2b. The oxygen concentration sensor 14 is provided on the gas exhaust pipe 6. The oxygen concentration sensor 14 measures the oxygen concentration of the gas inside the pressure vessel 2 by measuring the oxygen concentration of the gas in the gas exhaust pipe 6. The oxygen concentration sensor 14 outputs the measured oxygen concentration information to the measurement unit 17. The temperature sensor 15 measures the temperature of the sample M and outputs the measured temperature information to the measurement unit 17. The temperature sensor 15 is provided on the plate-shaped member 3a.

[0043] The housing 16 houses the pressure vessel 2, the holding portion 3, the light irradiation device 4, the liquid spraying device 5, the gas exhaust pipe 6, the pressure regulator 7, the drainage portion 8, the gas introduction pipe 9, the humidifier 10, the dehumidifying device 11, the hygrometer 12, the pressure gauge 13, the oxygen concentration sensor 14, the temperature sensor 15, the measurement unit 17, and the control unit 18, and is configured so that ultraviolet rays or high-intensity light leaking from the light irradiation device 4 does not leak outside.

[0044] The measurement unit 17 is electrically connected to the hygrometer 12, the pressure gauge 13, the oxygen concentration sensor 14, the temperature sensor 15, and the control unit 18, and measures various states inside the pressure vessel 2. The measurement unit 17 outputs the measured information (measurement value) to the control unit 18.

[0045] The control unit 18 is a device that controls the overall operation of the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, and is composed of, for example, a computer equipped with a CPU or the like. The control unit 18 is electrically connected to the temperature regulator of the holding unit 3, the flow rate regulator 5b, the pressure regulator 7, the inflow valve 8c, the discharge valve 8d, the mass flow controller of the gas introduction pipe 9, the humidifier 10, the dehumidifier 11b, the pump 11c, and the measurement unit 17. Based on the introduced gas flow rate measured by the measurement unit 17, the atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, water level, etc. inside the pressure vessel 2, the control unit 18 controls the operations of the temperature regulator of the holding unit 3, the flow rate regulator 5b, the pressure regulator 7, the inflow valve 8c, the discharge valve 8d, the mass flow controller of the gas introduction pipe 9, the humidifier 10, the dehumidifier 11b, and the pump 11c. The control unit 18 controls the operation of the dehumidification device 11 by controlling the operations of the dehumidifier 11b and the pump 11c. By the control of the control unit 18, the sample M disposed inside the weather resistance test apparatus 1A is disposed in a predetermined environment. Further, the control unit 18 is also electrically connected to the light irradiation device 4 disposed outside the pressure vessel 2, and the light quantity, irradiation time, interval, etc. of the irradiated light L are controlled.

[0046] In the control by the control unit 18, specifically, the mass flow controller of the gas introduction pipe 9, the pressure regulator 7, etc. are controlled to adjust the concentration of the gas introduced from the gas introduction pipe 9 and the pressure inside the pressure vessel 2. For example, the gas introduced from the gas introduction pipe 9 may be pressurized so that the oxygen partial pressure contained in the gas becomes higher than the oxygen partial pressure in the atmosphere. Further, the control unit 18 may control the mass flow controller so that the oxygen gas and nitrogen gas (inert gas) introduced through the gas introduction pipe 9 are mixed at an arbitrary concentration. Furthermore, after the oxygen gas and nitrogen gas (inert gas) introduced through the gas introduction pipe 9 are mixed at an arbitrary concentration, the control unit 18 may pressurize the mixed gas introduced into the pressure vessel 2 with a compression pump or the like. In the weather resistance test by the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, the concentration of the introduced oxygen gas is preferably higher than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere, and for example, it may be 20% to 100% by volume ratio with respect to the entire gas inside the pressure vessel 2.

[0047] In addition, in the control by the control unit 18, it is preferable that the air pressure in the pressure vessel 2 by the pressure regulator 7 is adjusted to 1 MPa or less in gauge pressure. At this time, the oxygen concentration of the gas introduced under pressure is preferably a gas of 1% to 100% as the oxygen concentration before pressurization. More preferably, it is 0.5 MPa or less in gauge pressure. The oxygen concentration of the gas introduced under this pressure is preferably a gas of 4% to 100% as the oxygen concentration before pressurization. By suppressing the air pressure in this way, the wall thickness of the pressure vessel 2 can be reduced, and as a result, the pressure vessel 2 and the weather resistance test apparatus 1A can be downsized and lightened.

[0048] In addition, the control unit 18 may control the humidifier 10 and the dehumidifying device 11 to reproduce the weather resistance due to the humidity in the actual environment. The adjustment of the humidity by the control unit 18 is performed by humidifying the introduced gas by the humidifier 10 based on the humidity information measured by the measuring unit 17. Alternatively, the adjustment of the humidity by the control unit 18 is performed by dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel 2 by the dehumidifying device 11 based on the humidity information measured by the measuring unit 17. In the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, it is sufficient to perform a certain degree of humidification or dehumidification, but the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 is preferably 10% to 100%, more preferably 40% to 100%, and even more preferably 50% to 100%. The control unit 18 controls the humidifier 10 or the dehumidifying device 11 so as to be within such a humidity range. When performing an accelerated weather resistance test, the oxygen concentration in the pressure vessel 2 is preferably selected according to the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 4a of the weather resistance test apparatus 1A with respect to the amount of oxygen required when the sample deteriorates due to the amount of ultraviolet light contained in the sunlight in the actual environment. Furthermore, in order to promote the diffusion of oxygen into the sample M, it is possible to promote the deterioration of the sample M by increasing the pressure in the pressure vessel 2.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, a weather resistance test method for evaluating the weather resistance of a sample M using the weather resistance test apparatus 1A having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a weather resistance test method according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the weather resistance test method includes a holding step S1 of holding the sample M in the holding unit 3, a light irradiation step S2 of irradiating the sample M with light L from the light irradiation device 4, a liquid spraying step S3 of spraying a liquid from the liquid spraying device 5 onto the sample M, a dehumidifying step S4 of dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel 2 by the dehumidifying device 11, and a non-light irradiation step S5 of not irradiating the sample M with the light L from the light irradiation device 4.

[0050] First, the holding step S1 is performed. In the holding step S1, the sample M used in the weather resistance test is prepared. The sample M may be one or a plurality. Further, the sample M may be a member made of various inorganic materials or organic materials and is not particularly limited. When such a sample M is prepared, the lid portion 2b of the pressure vessel 2 is removed, and the sample M is held by attaching it to the holding unit 3 or the like. Then, the lid portion 2b is airtightly attached to the housing portion 2a and fixed with bolts or the like. As a result, the pressure vessel 2 containing the sample M is in a sealed state.

[0051] Subsequent to the holding step S1, the light irradiation step S2 is performed. In the light irradiation step S2, first, the temperature regulator of the holding unit 3 is controlled by the control unit 18, so that the temperature of the sample M is set to a predetermined temperature T1. Also, the humidifier 10 or the dehumidifying device 11 is controlled by the control unit 18, so that the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 is set to a predetermined humidity H1. In the light irradiation step S2, the pressure regulator 7 and the mass flow controller of the gas introduction pipe 9 may be controlled by the control unit 18, so that the pressure in the pressure vessel 2 and the amount of the gas introduced into the pressure vessel 2 are set to predetermined values. Thus, the test conditions in the pressure vessel 2 are set.

[0052] Next, in the light irradiation step S2, the light irradiation device 4 is controlled by the control unit 18, so that predetermined light L is irradiated into the pressure vessel 2 from the light irradiation device 4 through the light transmission part 2c, and the sample M is irradiated. For example, the light irradiation device 4 irradiates the sample M with light L for 20 hours. When the light irradiation device 4 irradiates the sample M with light L for a predetermined time, the control unit 18 stops the irradiation of light L from the light irradiation device 4.

[0053] Subsequent to the light irradiation step S2, a liquid spraying step S3 is performed. In the liquid spraying step S3, the flow regulator 5b is controlled by the control unit 18, so that the liquid from the liquid spraying device 5 is sprayed onto the sample M. For example, the liquid spraying device 5 sprays the liquid onto the sample M for 1 minute. When the liquid spraying device 5 sprays the liquid onto the sample M for a predetermined time, the control unit 18 stops the spraying of the liquid from the liquid spraying device 5. In the liquid spraying step S3, the liquid is sprayed into the pressure vessel 2, so that the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 increases. The humidity in the pressure vessel 2 at the time when the liquid spraying step S3 ends (the time when the spraying of the liquid from the liquid spraying device 5 stops) is, for example, about 100%.

[0054] Subsequent to the liquid spraying step S3, a dehumidification step S4 is performed. In the dehumidification step S4, the dehumidification device 11 is controlled by the control unit 18, so that the gas in the pressure vessel 2 is dehumidified and the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 decreases. The dehumidification device 11 dehumidifies the gas in the pressure vessel 2 within, for example, 1 hour. The time of the dehumidification step S4 is shorter than the times of the light irradiation step S2, the liquid spraying step S3, and the light non-irradiation test S5 described later, respectively. When the humidity measured by the hygrometer 12 reaches a predetermined humidity H2, the control unit 18 stops the dehumidification by the dehumidification device 11. The humidity H2 may be smaller than the humidity H1 or may be equal to or greater than the humidity H1.

[0055] Subsequent to the dehumidification step S4, a non-light irradiation step S5 is performed. In the non-light irradiation step S5, the temperature regulator of the holding unit 3 is controlled by the control unit 18, so that the temperature of the sample M is set to a predetermined temperature T2. The temperature T2 may be lower than the temperature T1 or may be equal to or higher than the temperature T1. The temperature adjustment of the sample M may be performed in the dehumidification step S4. In the non-light irradiation step S5, the sample M is left in the pressure vessel 2 for a predetermined time in a state where there is no irradiation of the light L from the light irradiation device 4 and no spraying of the liquid from the liquid spraying device 5. The predetermined time is set so that the total of the time of the liquid spraying step S3, the time of the dehumidification step S4, and the time of the non-light irradiation step S5 (that is, the time from the end of the light irradiation step S1 to the end of the dehumidification step S4) is, for example, 4 hours.

[0056] As described above, a weather resistance test is performed. In the weather resistance test, the light irradiation step S2 or the liquid spraying step S3 may be performed a plurality of times following the non-light irradiation step S5. In the weather resistance test, the deterioration state of the sample M is tested by continuously performing such a state where the irradiation of light, pressurization, temperature adjustment, and supply of liquid are continued. Such a test may be continuously performed, for example, for 3 to 6 months, or may be continued for 6 months or more or 1 year or more. Also, with a predetermined pressurization and temperature adjustment being performed, the irradiation of light, spraying of liquid, etc. may be repeated at a predetermined cycle. Such a test state can be appropriately selected so as to be similar to the test under actual environmental conditions.

[0057] Note that the deterioration of the sample in the actual environment is not only due to light-induced deterioration but also due to the deterioration of the sample caused by rain and moisture (humidity) contained in the atmosphere. The water adhering to the sample surface due to rain or humidity diffuses from the sample surface into the sample interior, and the sample deteriorates due to hydrolysis or the like. Therefore, in the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, similar to the relationship between the light amount of the light source and oxygen, in order to accelerate the deterioration caused by water, the amount of water spray and the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 can be selected. Furthermore, by pressurizing the inside of the pressure vessel 2, the diffusion of water into the sample M is promoted. Also, in order to further accelerate the reaction between the sample M deteriorated by light irradiation and oxygen and the hydrolysis reaction by water, the temperature of the sample M can be changed. This temperature of the sample M may be adjusted based on the light amount of the light from the light irradiation device 4. In the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, by appropriately selecting these light amount, oxygen concentration, pressure, water, humidity, and temperature, the deterioration caused by light and the deterioration caused by water proceed in a well-balanced manner, and for example, without suffering from adverse effects such as being strongly affected only by light, it is possible to obtain weather resistance test results similar to those obtained over a long period in the actual environment in a short period of time.

[0058] [Function and Effect] The weather resistance test apparatus 1A configured as described above includes a dehumidifying device 11 that dehumidifies the gas inside the pressure vessel 2. By using the dehumidifying device 11 to dehumidify the gas inside the pressure vessel 2, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be easily reduced.

[0059] In a conventional weather resistance test apparatus, for example, a large amount of oxygen gas was introduced into a pressure vessel in order to reduce the humidity inside the pressure vessel. This is because the oxygen concentration inside the pressure vessel is not reduced. In this case, the amount of gas cylinders used to introduce oxygen gas increases, which is inefficient. On the other hand, when a small amount of oxygen gas is introduced to suppress the amount of gas cylinders used, it takes a long time to reduce the humidity inside the pressure vessel to the set humidity, which is inefficient. In the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, as described above, by using the dehumidifying device 11, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be reduced without using a large amount of gas. As a result, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be reduced without significantly changing the gas concentration (such as oxygen concentration) inside the pressure vessel 2.

[0060] The weather resistance test apparatus 1A includes both a light irradiation device 4 and a liquid spraying device 5. Thereby, while performing weather resistance tests using each of the light irradiation device 4 and the liquid spraying device 5, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be easily reduced.

[0061] The weather resistance test apparatus 1A includes a light irradiation device 4 having a light source 4a. The pressure vessel 2 has a light transmissive portion 2c that can transmit light. The light irradiation device 4 is disposed outside the pressure vessel 2, and irradiates the sample M held by the holding portion 3 with light from the light source 4a through the light transmissive portion 2c. As a result, since the light irradiation device 4 is disposed outside the pressure vessel 2, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation device 4 from being damaged by the high-pressure environment inside the pressure vessel 2. Therefore, the reliability of the light irradiation device 4 can be improved, and the safety of the weather resistance test can be improved.

[0062] In the weather resistance test apparatus 1A, the dehumidifying device 11 has a pipe 11a connected to the pressure vessel 2 and a dehumidifier 11b provided outside the pressure vessel 2 on the pipe 11a for dehumidifying the gas flowing through the pipe 11a. The dehumidifying device 11 circulates the gas in the pressure vessel 2 through the pipe 11a and the dehumidifier 11b. As a result, since the dehumidifier 11b is provided on the pipe 11a outside the pressure vessel 2, it is possible to prevent the dehumidifier 11b from being damaged due to the high-pressure environment inside the pressure vessel 2. Therefore, the reliability of the dehumidifying device 11 can be improved, and the safety of the weather resistance test can be improved.

[0063] The weather resistance test apparatus 1A is provided on the gas introduction pipe 9 and includes a humidifier 10 for humidifying the gas in the gas introduction pipe 9. Thereby, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be easily adjusted.

[0064] The above-described weather resistance test method includes a holding step S1 of holding the sample M in the holding unit 3, a light irradiation step S2 of irradiating the sample M with the light L from the light irradiation device 4, a liquid spraying step S3 of spraying the liquid from the liquid spraying device 5 onto the sample M, and a dehumidifying step S4 of dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel 2 by the dehumidifying device 11. By dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel 2 by the dehumidifying device 11, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be reduced. Therefore, according to this weather resistance test method, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be easily reduced.

[0065] In this weather resistance test method, the dehumidifying step S4 is performed after the liquid spraying step S3. Thereby, even when the inside of the pressure vessel 2 becomes a high-humidity environment by spraying the liquid from the liquid spraying device 5 onto the sample M, the humidity inside the pressure vessel 2 can be easily reduced by dehumidifying the gas inside the pressure vessel 2 by the dehumidifying device 11.

[0066] [Weather Resistance Test Apparatus of the Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the weather resistance test apparatus according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the weather resistance test apparatus 1B mainly differs from the weather resistance test apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in that the dehumidifying device 11 is connected to the gas introduction pipe 9. Hereinafter, the weather resistance test apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the weather resistance test apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0067] The dehumidifying device 11 is connected to the gas introduction pipe 9 so as to introduce the dehumidified gas into the gas introduction pipe 9. The dehumidifying device 11 has a pipe 11a, a dehumidifier 11b, and a pump 11c. The pipe 11a is connected to the pressure vessel 2 and the gas introduction pipe 9. The pipe 11a is connected to the gas introduction pipe 9 on the downstream side with respect to the humidifier 10. The gas in the pressure vessel 2 flows into the inside of the pipe 11a through the inlet 11d which is an opening on one side of the pipe 11a. The gas in the pipe 11a is introduced into the gas introduction pipe 9 through an opening (not shown) on the other side of the pipe 11a. The dehumidifier 11b and the pump 11c are provided on the pipe 11a outside the pressure vessel 2. The dehumidifier 11b is located on the inlet 11d side (upstream side) with respect to the pump 11c. The gas dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifier 11b passes through the inside of the pump 11c and is introduced into the gas introduction pipe 9. By introducing the gas introduced into the gas introduction pipe 9 into the pressure vessel 2, the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 decreases.

[0068] The weather resistance test apparatus 1B further includes a switching valve 19. The switching valve 19 is a valve that switches the direction of the gas flow. The switching valve 19 is provided at a portion of the gas introduction pipe 9 to which the pipe 11a is connected. The gas introduction pipe 9 introduces only the gas containing oxygen gas that originally flowed through the gas introduction pipe 9 into the pressure vessel 2 by the switching operation of the switching valve 19. Alternatively, the gas introduction pipe 9 introduces only the dehumidified gas introduced into the gas introduction pipe 9 from the dehumidifying device 11 via the pipe 11a into the pressure vessel 2 by the switching operation of the switching valve 19. Alternatively, the gas introduction pipe 9 introduces into the pressure vessel 2 a gas in which the gas containing oxygen gas that originally flowed through the gas introduction pipe 9 and the dehumidified gas introduced into the gas introduction pipe 9 from the dehumidifying device 11 are mixed. The switching valve 19 is electrically connected to the control unit 18, and the switching operation of the switching valve 19 is controlled by the control unit 18.

[0069] Even when the weather resistance test apparatus 1B is used, a weather resistance test similar to the weather resistance test method using the above-described weather resistance test apparatus 1A can be performed.

[0070] According to the weather resistance test apparatus 1B configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Further, the weather resistance test apparatus 1B includes a gas introduction pipe 9 that introduces a gas containing oxygen gas into the pressure vessel 2, and the dehumidifying device 11 is connected to the gas introduction pipe 9 so as to introduce the dehumidified gas into the gas introduction pipe 9. The gas introduction pipe 9 introduces into the pressure vessel 2 a gas in which the gas containing oxygen gas and the dehumidified gas are mixed. Thereby, the oxygen concentration of the gas in which the gas containing oxygen gas and the dehumidified gas are mixed can be made close to the oxygen concentration in the pressure vessel 2, and then the mixed gas can be introduced into the pressure vessel 2. Thereby, since the dehumidified gas can be easily introduced into the pressure vessel 2, the humidity in the pressure vessel 2 can be more easily reduced.

[0071] [Weather Resistance Test Apparatus of the Third Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the weather resistance test apparatus according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the weather resistance test apparatus 1C is mainly different from the weather resistance test apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in that the dehumidifying device 11 is connected to the gas exhaust pipe 6. Hereinafter, the weather resistance test apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the weather resistance test apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0072] The dehumidifying device 11 is connected to the gas exhaust pipe 6 so as to draw the gas flowing through the gas exhaust pipe 6 into the dehumidifying device 11. The dehumidifying device 11 dehumidifies the gas drawn into the dehumidifying device 11 and introduces the dehumidified gas into the pressure vessel 2. The dehumidifying device 11 has a pipe 11a, a dehumidifier 11b, and a pump 11c. The pipe 11a is connected to the pressure vessel 2 and the gas exhaust pipe 6. The pipe 11a is connected to the gas exhaust pipe 6 on the downstream side with respect to the oxygen concentration sensor 14. The gas in the gas exhaust pipe 6 flows into the inside of the pipe 11a through an opening (not shown) on one side of the pipe 11a. The gas in the pipe 11a is introduced into the pressure vessel 2 through an inlet 11e which is an opening on the other side of the pipe 11a. The dehumidifier 11b and the pump 11c are provided on the pipe 11a outside the pressure vessel 2. The pump 11c is located on the inlet 11e side (downstream side) with respect to the dehumidifier 11b and draws the gas flowing through the gas exhaust pipe 6 into the dehumidifying device 11. The gas dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifier 11b passes through the inside of the pump 11c and is introduced into the pressure vessel 2.

[0073] The weather resistance test apparatus 1C further includes a switching valve 20. The switching valve 20 is a valve that switches the flow direction of the gas. The switching valve 20 is provided at a portion of the gas exhaust pipe 6 to which the pipe 11a is connected. The gas flowing through the gas exhaust pipe 6 flows to the downstream side of the gas exhaust pipe 6 without flowing into the pipe 11a by the switching operation of the switching valve 20. Alternatively, the gas flowing through the gas exhaust pipe 6 flows into the pipe 11a by the switching operation of the switching valve 20. The dehumidifying device 11 dehumidifies the gas flowing into the pipe 11a and introduces it into the pressure vessel 2. The switching valve 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 18, and the switching operation of the switching valve 20 is controlled by the control unit 18.

[0074] Even when using the weather resistance test device 1C, a weather resistance test similar to the weather resistance test method using the above-described weather resistance test device 1A can be performed.

[0075] According to the weather resistance test device 1C configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Further, the weather resistance test device 1C includes a gas exhaust pipe 6 for exhausting the gas in the pressure vessel 2, and the dehumidifying device 11 is connected to the gas exhaust pipe 6 so as to draw the gas flowing through the gas exhaust pipe 6 into the dehumidifying device 11. The dehumidifying device 11 dehumidifies the gas drawn into the dehumidifying device 11 and introduces the dehumidified gas into the pressure vessel 2. Thereby, it is possible to easily achieve both the exhaust of the gas in the pressure vessel 2 and the dehumidification of the gas in the pressure vessel 2.

[0076] [Weather Resistance Test Device of the Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the weather resistance test device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the weather resistance test device 1D mainly differs from the weather resistance test device 1A of the first embodiment in that it further includes a temperature regulator 21. Hereinafter, the weather resistance test device 1D according to the fourth embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the weather resistance test device 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0077] The weather resistance test apparatus 1D further includes a temperature regulator 21 provided in the dehumidifying device 11. The dehumidifying device 11 introduces a gas heated or cooled by the temperature regulator 21 into the pressure vessel 2. The temperature regulator 21 is provided in the pipe 11a outside the pressure vessel 2 and heats or cools the gas in the pipe 11a. The temperature regulator 21 can be configured to incorporate a heater and a cooling flow path, and heats or cools the gas in the pipe 11a by feeding back the value of the thermocouple. The temperature regulator 21 is located on the inlet 11e side (downstream side) with respect to the pump 11c. Thereby, the temperature regulator 21 heats or cools the gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier 11b. The heated or cooled gas is introduced into the pressure vessel 2 by the dehumidifying device 11, whereby the temperature in the pressure vessel 2 is adjusted. The temperature regulator 21 is electrically connected to the control unit 18, and the operation of the temperature regulator 21 is controlled by the control unit 18. For example, the control unit 18 controls the operation of the temperature regulator 21 based on the temperature information in the pressure vessel 2.

[0078] Even when using the weather resistance test apparatus 1D, a weather resistance test similar to the weather resistance test method using the above-described weather resistance test apparatus 1A can be performed.

[0079] According to the weather resistance test apparatus 1D configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Further, the weather resistance test apparatus 1D is provided in the dehumidifying device 11 and includes a temperature regulator 21 that heats or cools the gas dehumidified by the dehumidifying device 11, and the dehumidifying device 11 introduces the gas heated or cooled by the temperature regulator 21 into the pressure vessel 2. Thereby, since the dehumidified gas is heated or cooled and introduced into the pressure vessel 2, the temperature in the pressure vessel 2 can be easily adjusted.

[0080] [Weather Resistance Test Apparatus of the Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the weather resistance test apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the weather resistance test apparatus 1E mainly differs from the weather resistance test apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in that it further includes a pipe 22, a temperature regulator 23, and a pump 24. Hereinafter, the weather resistance test apparatus 1E according to the fifth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the weather resistance test apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0081] The weather resistance test apparatus 1E further includes a pipe 22, a temperature regulator 23, and a pump 24. Through an inlet 22a which is an opening on one side of the pipe 22, the gas in the pressure vessel 2 flows into the inside of the pipe 22. Through an introduction port 22b which is an opening on the other side of the pipe 22, the gas in the pipe 22 is introduced into the pressure vessel 2. The pipe 22 is connected to the pressure vessel 2 such that the inlet 22a and the introduction port 22b communicate with the inside of the pressure vessel 2.

[0082] The temperature regulator 23 and the pump 24 are provided on the pipe 22 outside the pressure vessel 2. The temperature regulator 23 heats or cools the gas in the pipe 22. The temperature regulator 23 can be configured to incorporate a heater and a cooling flow path, and heats or cools the gas in the pipe 22 by feeding back the value of the thermocouple. The temperature regulator 23 is located on the side of the introduction port 22b (downstream side) with respect to the pump 24. When the pump 24 operates, the gas in the pressure vessel 2 flows into the pipe 22 from the inlet 22a, and the gas heated or cooled through the temperature regulator 23 is introduced into the pressure vessel 2 from the introduction port 22b. Thereby, the temperature in the pressure vessel 2 is adjusted. The temperature regulator 23 and the pump 24 are electrically connected to the control unit 18, and the operations of the temperature regulator 23 and the pump 24 are controlled by the control unit 18. For example, the control unit 18 controls the operations of the temperature regulator 23 and the pump 24 based on the temperature information in the pressure vessel 2.

[0083] Even when the weather resistance test apparatus 1E is used, a weather resistance test similar to the weather resistance test method using the above-described weather resistance test apparatus 1A can be performed.

[0084] According to the weather resistance test device 1E configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Further, the weather resistance test device 1E includes a temperature regulator 23. Thereby, the temperature inside the pressure vessel 2 can be adjusted.

[0085] [Modification Example] As described above, each embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The weather resistance test device and the weather resistance test method according to the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

[0086] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the weather resistance test devices 1A to 1E include both the light irradiation device 4 and the liquid spraying device 5, but the weather resistance test devices 1A to 1E only need to include at least one of the light irradiation device 4 and the liquid spraying device 5. The weather resistance test method only needs to include at least one of the light irradiation step S2 and the liquid spraying step S3. In the weather resistance test method, the dehumidification step S4 may be performed after the light irradiation step S2 or after the non-light irradiation step S5.

[0087] In each of the above embodiments, the dehumidifier 11b and the pump 11c of the dehumidifying device 11 are located outside the pressure vessel 2, but in each of the above embodiments, the dehumidifying device 11 may be disposed inside the pressure vessel 2. In this case, the dehumidifying device 11 may have only the dehumidifier 11b.

[0088] In each of the above embodiments, the pump 11c is located downstream of the dehumidifier 11b, but the pump 11c may be located upstream of the dehumidifier 11b.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 1A to 1E... Weather resistance test devices, 2... Pressure vessel, 2c... Light transmission part, 3... Holding part, 4... Light irradiation device, 4a... Light source, 5... Liquid spraying device, 6... Gas exhaust pipe (gas exhaust part), 9... Gas introduction pipe (gas introduction part), 10... Humidifier, 11... Dehumidifying device, 11a... Pipe, 11b... Dehumidifier, 21... Temperature regulator, L... Light, M... Specimen, S1... Holding step, S2... Light irradiation step, S3... Liquid spraying step, S4... Dehumidification step.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel, a holding part that is accommodated in the pressure vessel and holds a sample, at least one of a light irradiation device that irradiates light onto the sample and a liquid spraying device that sprays liquid onto the sample, and a dehumidifying device that dehumidifies the gas inside the pressure vessel. A weather resistance test device.

2. Comprising both the light irradiation device and the liquid spraying device, The weather resistance test device according to Claim 1.

3. Comprising the light irradiation device having a light source, The pressure vessel has a light transmissive part that can transmit the light, The light irradiation device is arranged outside the pressure vessel, and irradiates the light from the light source onto the sample held by the holding part through the light transmissive part. The weather resistance test device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The dehumidifying device has a pipe connected to the pressure vessel and a dehumidifier provided in the pipe outside the pressure vessel for dehumidifying the gas flowing through the pipe, The dehumidifying device circulates the gas inside the pressure vessel through the pipe and the dehumidifier. The weather resistance test device according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. Further comprising a gas introduction part for introducing a gas containing oxygen gas into the pressure vessel, The dehumidifying device is connected to the gas introduction part so as to introduce the dehumidified gas into the gas introduction part, The gas introduction part introduces a gas in which the gas containing the oxygen gas and the dehumidified gas are mixed into the pressure vessel. The weather resistance test device according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. Further comprising a humidifier provided in the gas introduction part for humidifying the gas inside the gas introduction part. The weather resistance test device according to Claim 5.

7. Further comprising a gas exhaust part for exhausting the gas inside the pressure vessel, The dehumidifying device is connected to the gas exhaust part so as to draw in the gas flowing through the gas exhaust part into the dehumidifying device, The dehumidifying device dehumidifies the gas drawn into the dehumidifying device and introduces the dehumidified gas into the pressure vessel. The weather resistance test device according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. Further comprising a temperature regulator provided in the dehumidifying device for heating or cooling the gas dehumidified by the dehumidifying device, The dehumidifying device introduces the gas heated or cooled by the temperature regulator into the pressure vessel. The weather resistance test device according to Claim 1 or 2.

9. A weather resistance test method for evaluating the weather resistance of the sample using the weather resistance test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a holding step of holding the sample in the holding part; at least one of a light irradiation step of irradiating the sample with the light from the light irradiation device and a liquid spraying step of spraying the liquid from the liquid spraying device onto the sample; a dehumidifying step of dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel by the dehumidifying device.

10. A weather resistance test method for evaluating the weather resistance of the sample using the weather resistance test apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: a holding step of holding the sample in the holding part; a light irradiation step of irradiating the sample with the light from the light irradiation device; a liquid spraying step of spraying the liquid from the liquid spraying device onto the sample; a dehumidifying step of dehumidifying the gas in the pressure vessel by the dehumidifying device, wherein the dehumidifying step is performed after the liquid spraying step.

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