Environmental testing machine

Abstract

To provide an environment testing machine that improves test accuracy in environment testing and reduces costs.SOLUTION: An environment testing machine conducts environment testing with respect to a sample. The environment testing machine comprises: a test tank; a lamp light source emitting light in the test tank; a cooling water tank which stores cooling water for cooling the lamp light source, and incorporates a cooling device for cooling the cooling water; a humidity generator for generating prescribed humidity in the test tank; a first channel for supplying cooling water from the cooling water tank toward the lamp light source; a second channel for returning cooling water from the lamp light source toward the cooling water tank; and a third channel for supplying a part of the cooling water flowing through the first channel or through the second channel toward the humidity generator. The humidity generator uses the cooling water supplied from the third channel to generate humidity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental test machine for performing an environmental test on a sample.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of an environmental test machine for performing an environmental test on various samples, a weather resistance test machine that evaluates the degree of deterioration (performs a weather resistance test) of the sample (material) can be mentioned (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, in this weather resistance test machine, in addition to temperature and humidity conditions and water spray, light from a light source (artificial light source)代替太阳 is irradiated onto various samples to artificially reproduce accelerated environmental conditions (an accelerated test environment) and perform the above-described weather resistance test as an environmental test.

[0003] In such a weather resistance test machine, generally, in a test tank capable of adjusting temperature, humidity, etc. and performing water spray, as a light source, for example, a xenon arc lamp, a sunshine carbon arc lamp, an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp, a metal halide lamp, an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, etc. are arranged. And under the above-described accelerated environmental conditions, a test is performed for about several hours to several thousand hours.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in an environmental test machine such as a weather resistance test machine, generally, it is required to improve the test accuracy during the environmental test and reduce the cost.

[0006] It is desirable to provide environmental testing equipment that can improve the accuracy of environmental tests while reducing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An environmental testing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is an environmental testing machine for performing environmental tests on a sample, comprising: a test chamber; a lamp light source that emits light within the test chamber; a cooling water tank that stores cooling water for cooling the lamp light source and has a built-in cooling device for cooling the cooling water; a humidity generator that generates a predetermined humidity within the test chamber; a first flow path for supplying cooling water from the cooling water tank to the lamp light source; a second flow path for returning cooling water from the lamp light source to the cooling water tank; and a third flow path for supplying a portion of the cooling water flowing on the first or second flow path to the humidity generator. Furthermore, the humidity generator generates humidity using the cooling water supplied from the third flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an environmental testing machine makes it possible to improve the accuracy of environmental testing while reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration example of a weather resistance tester as an environmental testing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a weather resistance testing machine related to a comparative example. [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates an example of control for switching the open / closed state of a valve according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates an example of control for switching the open / closed state of other valves according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration example of a weather resistance tester as an environmental testing machine related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order. 1. Embodiment (Example of a weather resistance testing machine in which a portion of the cooling water returning from the lamp light source to the cooling water tank is supplied to a humidity generator, sprayer, and cleaning unit, respectively) 2. Modified example (An example of a weather resistance testing machine in which a portion of the cooling water supplied from the cooling water tank to the lamp light source is supplied to the humidity generator, sprayer, and cleaning unit, respectively) 3. Other variations

[0011] <1. Embodiment> [composition] Figure 1 schematically shows an example of the general configuration of a weathering tester 1 as an environmental testing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The weathering tester 1 performs weathering tests on samples (test pieces) 9 made of various materials placed in a test chamber 10 under accelerated environmental conditions.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, this weather resistance tester 1 is equipped with a lamp light source 11 inside a test chamber 10 in which the temperature and humidity can be adjusted. The weather resistance tester 1 also includes, as shown in Figure 1, a cooling water tank 12, a humidity generator 13, a sprayer 14, a cleaning unit 15, valves 161, 162, water level sensors 171, 172, pumps 181, 182, a control unit 19, and flow paths Fcin, Fc(Fc1, Fc2), Fhin.

[0013] The lamp light source 11 is positioned, for example, near the center of the test chamber 10. The lamp light source 11 emits light Lout in the surrounding area (towards the sample 9) within the test chamber 10. This lamp light source 11 is composed of, for example, a xenon arc lamp, a metal halide lamp, an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, or an LED lamp. Each sample 9 is mounted on, for example, a sample holder (not shown).

[0014] The cooling water tank 12 is a tank that stores cooling water Wc for cooling the lamp light source 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the cooling water tank 12 incorporates a cooling device 120 for cooling the cooling water Wc. The surface temperature of the lamp light source 11 is, for example, around 800°C and is constantly cooled by the cooling water Wc. The cooling device 120 controls the temperature of the cooling water Wc to a predetermined temperature WcT [°C] (a temperature defined between a temperature above room temperature (e.g., 40°C) and a temperature below the boiling point (e.g., 80°C)). Also, the temperature of the cooling water after cooling the lamp light source 11 (the cooling water Wc2 that returns to the cooling water tank 12 via the flow path Fc2, described later) is higher than the above-mentioned temperature WcT due to the heat from the lamp light source 11. Therefore, for example, if the temperature of the cooling water Wc in the cooling water tank 12, as detected by the temperature sensor in the cooling water tank 12, exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, the cooling device 120 is activated to cool the cooling water Wc in the cooling water tank 12 to approximately the above-mentioned temperature WcT. As will be described in more detail later, water Wcin (pure water) at room temperature (e.g., 25°C) is automatically supplied to this cooling water tank 12 from outside the weathering tester 1 via the flow path Fcin (and the valve 161 described later).

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the flow path Fc is a flow path (circulation flow path) connecting the cooling water tank 12 and the lamp light source 11, and is composed of two flow paths Fc1 and Fc2. Flow path Fc1 is a flow path (supply flow path) for supplying cooling water Wc1 from the cooling water tank 12 to the lamp light source 11. On the other hand, flow path Fc2 is a flow path (return flow path) for returning the cooling water Wc2, which has been heated by the lamp light source 11, back to the cooling water tank 12.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the flow path Fhin is a flow path (branching flow path) for supplying a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing over the flow path Fc2 to the humidity generator 13, sprayer 14, and cleaning unit 15, which will be described later.

[0017] Here, the above-described flow paths Fc1 and Fc2 respectively correspond to specific examples of the "first flow path" and the "second flow path" in the present invention. Further, the above-described flow path Fhin corresponds to a specific example of the "third flow path" in the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the humidity generator 13 is a device that generates a predetermined humidity inside the test tank 10. This humidity generator 13 generates humidity by performing a heat treatment with a built-in heating device 130 using the water Wh (the heated cooling water Wc2 supplied from the above-described flow path Fhin) stored inside.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the sprayer 14 is a device that generates a spray (atomization) inside the test tank 10. This sprayer 14 also sprays water onto the sample 9 using the heated cooling water Wc2 supplied from the above-described flow path Fhin.

[0020] The cleaning unit 15 is a unit that cleans predetermined members (for example, various sensors and the inner wall of the test tank) inside the weather resistance tester 1. This cleaning unit 15 also performs cleaning treatment of such members using the heated cooling water Wc2 supplied from the above-described flow path Fhin.

[0021] In this way, in the weather resistance tester 1 of the present embodiment, a part of the (heated) cooling water Wc2 flowing on the flow path Fc2 passes through the flow path Fhin and is supplied to at least one of the humidity generator 13, the sprayer 14, and the cleaning unit 15.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the valve 161 is arranged on the above-described flow path Fcin (the water supply path of the water Wcin from the outside of the weather resistance tester 1 to the cooling water tank 12). Although the details will be described later (FIG. 3), this valve 161 is a valve that switches between the supply state and the cutoff state of the water Wcin to the cooling water tank 12.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, valve 162 is positioned on the aforementioned flow path Fhin (a flow path for supplying a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing on the flow path Fc2 to the humidity generator 13, sprayer 14, and cleaning unit 15). As will be described in detail later (Figure 4), valve 162 is a valve that switches between supplying (heated) cooling water Wc2 to the humidity generator 13 (and sprayer 14 and cleaning unit 15) and shutting it off.

[0024] This valve 162 corresponds to one specific example of a "valve" in the present invention.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the water level sensor 171 is a sensor that detects the water level Lwc of the cooling water Wc stored in the cooling water tank 12. As shown in Figure 1, the water level sensor 172 is a sensor that detects the water level Lwh of the water Wh (cooling water Wc2 supplied from the flow path Fhin) inside the humidity generator 13. The output signals of the water levels Lwc and Lwh detected by the water level sensors 171 and 172 are transmitted to the control unit 19, respectively.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, pump 181 is positioned on the flow path Fc1 (a flow path for supplying cooling water Wc1 from the cooling water tank 12 to the lamp light source 11). Pump 181 is a pump that applies a predetermined pressure to the cooling water Wc1 flowing on the flow path Fc1. Pump 182 is positioned on the aforementioned flow path Fhin (a flow path for supplying a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing on the flow path Fc2 to the humidity generator 13, etc., which will be described later), on the side in front of the valve 162 (a position closer to the lamp light source 11 than the valve 162). Pump 182 is a pump that applies a predetermined pressure to the cooling water Wc2 (cooling water Wc2 heated by the lamp light source 11) flowing on the flow path Fchin.

[0027] The control unit 19 is the part that controls the operation of the entire weather resistance testing machine 1. As one of these control operations, the control unit 19 has the function of controlling the irradiance to the sample 9 by controlling the radiant intensity of the lamp light source 11.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 19, as will be described in detail later (Figures 3 and 4), controls the switching between the open and closed states of the valves 161 and 162 described above, according to the water levels Lwc and Lwh detected by the water level sensors 171 and 172. As a result, the water supply (of water Wcin) is automatically controlled from outside the weathering tester 1 to inside the cooling water tank 12, according to the water level of cooling water Wc stored in the cooling water tank 12. In addition, the water supply (of cooling water Wc2) is automatically controlled from the flow path Fhin to inside the humidity generator 13, according to the water level Lwh of water Wh inside the humidity generator 13.

[0029] [Action and function / effect] (A.Basic movement) In this weathering tester 1, light Lout is emitted from the lamp light source 11 as needed inside the test chamber 10. At this time, each sample 9 is irradiated with light Lout under accelerated environmental conditions (accelerated testing environment). By performing this emission of light Lout for a predetermined test time (for example, several hours to several thousand hours), the degree of degradation of each sample 9 (material) is evaluated, and a weathering test is performed.

[0030] During such weather resistance tests, the control unit 19 controls the irradiance to the sample 9 by controlling the radiant intensity of the lamp light source 11. This controls the discharge power of the lamp light source 11, ensuring stable radiant operation.

[0031] (B. Effects and Actions of Flow Channels such as Fhin) Next, referring to Figures 2 to 4 in addition to Figure 1, the functions and effects of the flow channel Fhin, etc., in the weather resistance tester 1 of this embodiment will be explained in detail, in comparison with the comparative example.

[0032] (B-1. Comparative example) Figure 2 schematically shows an example of the general configuration of a weather resistance tester (weather resistance tester 101) related to a comparative example.

[0033] In this comparative example, the weather resistance tester 101 is configured such that, unlike the weather resistance tester 1 of this embodiment, a portion of the (heated) cooling water Wc2 flowing through the flow path Fc2 is not supplied to the humidity generator 13. In addition, valve 106 and control unit 109 are provided instead of valve 162 and control unit 19. Furthermore, unlike the weather resistance tester 1, room temperature water Whin is automatically supplied into the humidity generator 13 from outside the weather resistance tester 101 via the flow path Fhin and valve 106. Specifically, in response to the water level Lwh in the humidity generator 13 detected by the water level sensor 172, the control unit 109 uses the control signal CTL0 to control the switching between the open and closed states of valve 106. Furthermore, unlike the case of weather resistance tester 1, the supply of room-temperature water Wcin from outside the weather resistance tester 101 to the cooling water tank 12 is performed manually because the amount of cooling water Wc stored in the cooling water tank 12 does not decrease significantly, resulting in a low frequency of water supply.

[0034] In this way, in the comparative example weather resistance tester 101, the water supply to the humidity generator 13 and the water supply for lamp cooling are performed separately, which may lead to problems such as the following.

[0035] Specifically, since room temperature water Wh is supplied to the water Wh in the humidity generator 13, which is heated to approximately 100°C to generate steam, the temperature of the water Wh in the humidity generator 13 decreases due to the supply of this room temperature water Wh, which may disrupt the humidity control in the humidity generator 13. Furthermore, the temperature of the room temperature water Wh is affected by the ambient temperature, and the water temperature fluctuates significantly depending on the season, for example, becoming 30°C in summer and 5°C in winter, so the degree of disruption to humidity control may differ depending on the season. If the humidity control in the humidity generator 13 is disrupted in this way, the accuracy of the weather resistance test will decrease.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to suppress the decrease in the water supply temperature to the humidity generator 13 (to raise the water supply temperature to the humidity generator 13), one could consider, for example, attaching a separate component (such as a water supply heating unit) to the humidity generator 13. However, in that case, the following problems arise. That is, the cost of the weather resistance tester 101 will increase because such a separate component will be provided separately.

[0037] Thus, it can be said that with the comparative example weather resistance tester 101, it is difficult to improve the accuracy of the weather resistance test (environmental test) while reducing costs.

[0038] (B-2. Embodiment) In contrast, in the weather resistance tester 1 of this embodiment, a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing through the channel Fc2 that returns the cooling water Wc2 from the lamp light source 11 in the test chamber 10 to the cooling water tank 12 is supplied to the humidity generator 13 via the channel Fhin. The humidity generator 13 then generates humidity using the cooling water Wc2 supplied from the channel Fhin.

[0039] In this embodiment, since the cooling water Wc2 heated by the lamp light source 11 is supplied to the humidity generator 13, the waste heat from the lamp light source 11 can be reused. Therefore, unlike the comparative example above, where room temperature water Whin is supplied to the humidity generator 13 from outside the weathering tester 101, this embodiment is as follows. In other words, in this embodiment, the disruption of humidity control caused by the decrease in the temperature of water Wh in the humidity generator 13 due to the supply of room temperature water Whin, as described above, is prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent disruption of humidity control caused by a decrease in the temperature of water Wh in the humidity generator 13 due to the supply of such room-temperature water Wh, it becomes unnecessary to attach a separate component (such as a water supply heating unit) to the humidity generator 13, as described above.

[0041] Based on these findings, the weather resistance tester 1 of this embodiment can improve the accuracy of weather resistance tests (environmental tests) while reducing costs, compared to the weather resistance tester 101 of the comparative example.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating treatment in the heating device 130 within the humidity generator 13 is not performed from room temperature (e.g., 25°C: water Whin) to about 100°C as in the comparative example above, but rather from the temperature of the heated cooling water Wc2 to about 100°C, as follows. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during such heating treatment compared to the comparative example above.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water supply mechanism for the humidity generator 13 and the water supply mechanism for lamp cooling can be integrated. Compared to the comparative example above, in which these water supply mechanisms are provided separately, the structure can be simplified, and costs can be reduced in this respect as well.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the humidity generator 13, a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing through the channel Fc2 is also supplied to at least one of the sprayer 14 and the cleaning unit 15 (both in the example of Figure 1) via the channel Fhin, as follows: That is, when the sprayer 14 generates a spray or cleans the predetermined components mentioned above, the cooling water Wc2 heated by the lamp light source 11 is used, which improves the accuracy of the test by keeping the temperature of the water sprayed onto the sample 9 constant, and makes it possible to clean impurities such as chlorides more efficiently than with room temperature water.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a valve 162 is provided on the flow path Fhin described above, it is possible to switch between supplying and shutting off the cooling water Wc2 to the humidity generator 13 (and the sprayer 14 and cleaning unit 15) at any time.

[0046] In addition, in this embodiment, the valve 162 is controlled to switch between an open state and a closed state according to the water level Lwh of water Wh in the humidity generator 13. Therefore, appropriate switching control can be performed according to the water level Lwh. Thus, it is possible to improve convenience during weather resistance testing.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water supply is automatically controlled (via valve 161) from outside the weathering tester 1 to inside the cooling water tank 12 according to the water level Lwc of the cooling water Wc stored in the cooling water tank 12, as follows: That is, it is possible to automatically eliminate the decrease in the water level Lwc in the cooling water tank 12 that occurs when a portion of the cooling water Wc2 is supplied to the humidity generator 13 (as well as the sprayer 14 and cleaning unit 15). In addition, since the water temperature of the cooling water Wc in the cooling water tank 12 decreases when room temperature water Wcin is automatically supplied to the cooling water tank 12, the amount of cooling of the cooling water Wc by the cooling device 120 can be reduced, and power consumption during the cooling process can also be reduced.

[0048] Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of the switching control of the opening / closing state of the valve 161 according to the present embodiment in a flowchart. Further, FIG. 4 shows an example of the switching control of the opening / closing state of the valve 162 according to the present embodiment in a flowchart.

[0049] In the switching control example of the valve 161 shown in FIG. 3, first, the control unit 19 sets the valve 161 to the closed state using the control signal CTL1 (step S10). As a result, the water supply of the water Wcin from the outside of the weather resistance tester 1 into the cooling water tank 12 is set to the blocked state. Next, the control unit 19 determines whether the water level Lwc (the water level of the cooling water Wc stored in the cooling water tank 12) output from the water level sensor 171 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value Lth1 (Lwc≧Lth1) (step S11). Here, when it is determined that the water level Lwc is equal to or higher than the threshold value Lth1 (step S11: Y), the process returns to step S10 described above.

[0050] On the other hand, when it is determined that the water level Lwc is less than the threshold value Lth1 (Lwc < Lth1) (step S11: N), next, the control unit 19 sets the valve 161 to the open state using the control signal CTL1 (step S12). As a result, the water supply of the water Wcin from the outside of the weather resistance tester 1 into the cooling water tank 12 is set to the supply state. That is, the automatic water supply by the water Wcin to the cooling water tank 12 is executed. After that, the process returns to step S11 described above. Thus, the description of the switching control example of the valve 161 shown in FIG. 3 is completed.

[0051] Also, in the switching control example of the valve 162 shown in FIG. 4, first, the control unit 19 uses the control signal CTL2 to set the valve 162 to the closed state (step S20). As a result, the supply of (heated) cooling water Wc2 to the humidity generator 13 (as well as the atomizer 14 and the cleaning unit 15) via the flow path Fhin is set to the blocked state. Next, the control unit 19 determines whether the water level Lwh output from the water level sensor 172 (the water level of the water Wh in the humidity generator 13) is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value Lth2 (Lwh ≧ Lth2) (step S21). Here, if it is determined that the water level Lwh is greater than or equal to the threshold value Lth2 (step S21: Y), the process returns to step S20 described above.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that the water level Lwh is less than the threshold value Lth2 (Lwh < Lth2) (step S21: N), next, the control unit 19 uses the control signal CTL2 to set the valve 162 to the open state (step S22). As a result, the supply of (heated) cooling water Wc2 to the humidity generator 13 (as well as the atomizer 14 and the cleaning unit 15) via the flow path Fhin is set to the supply state. That is, the automatic water supply to the humidity generator 13 (as well as the atomizer 14 and the cleaning unit 15) by the cooling water Wc2 is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S21 described above. With the above, the description of the switching control example of the valve 162 shown in FIG. 4 is completed.

[0053] <2. Modified Example> Subsequently, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0054] (Configuration) Figure 5 schematically shows an example of the general configuration of weather resistance tester 1A as an environmental test machine according to a modified example. This modified weather resistance tester 1A is a modified version of the weather resistance tester 1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with some changes to the arrangement of the flow path Fhin and the absence (omission) of the aforementioned pump 182, while the other configurations are basically the same.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the flow path Fhin is a flow path (branching flow path) for supplying a portion of the cooling water Wc1 flowing over flow path Fc1 to the humidity generator 13, sprayer 14, and cleaning unit 15. In other words, in the weathering test machine 1 shown in Figure 1, the flow path Fhin was a flow path for supplying a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing over flow path Fc2 to the humidity generator 13, etc., whereas in this weathering test machine 1A, the flow path Fhin is configured to supply a portion of the cooling water Wc1 flowing over flow path Fc1 to the humidity generator 13, etc. To put it another way, in the weathering test machine 1, a portion of the cooling water Wc2 returning from the lamp light source 11 to the cooling water tank 12 is supplied to the humidity generator 13, etc. via flow path Fhin, whereas in the weathering test machine 1A, a portion of the cooling water Wc1 supplied from the cooling water tank 12 to the lamp light source 11 is supplied to the humidity generator 13, etc. via flow path Fhin.

[0056] (Effects / Actions) In the weather resistance testing machine 1A, which is a modified example of this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect through basically the same operation as the weather resistance testing machine 1 of the embodiment.

[0057] Specifically, in this weather resistance testing machine 1A, as described above, a portion of the cooling water Wc1 flowing through the channel Fc1 that supplies cooling water Wc1 from the cooling water tank 12 to the lamp light source 11 is supplied to the humidity generator 13, etc., via the channel Fhin. The humidity generator 13 then generates humidity using the cooling water Wc1 supplied from the channel Fhin.

[0058] In this modified example, cooling water Wc2, whose temperature is controlled by the cooling device 120 within the cooling water tank 12, is supplied to the humidity generator 13, etc. Therefore, in this modified example, unlike the comparative example described above where room temperature water Whin is supplied to the humidity generator 13 from outside the weathering tester 101, the following occurs. That is, in this modified example, as in the embodiment described above, disruption of humidity control caused by a decrease in the temperature of water Wh in the humidity generator 13 due to the supply of room temperature water Whin is prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, in this modified example, as with the embodiment described above, it becomes unnecessary to attach a separate component (such as a water supply heating unit) to the humidity generator 13 in order to prevent disruption of humidity control caused by a decrease in the temperature of the water Wh in the humidity generator 13 due to the supply of such room-temperature water Wh.

[0060] Based on these findings, the weather resistance tester 1A of this modified example also makes it possible to improve the accuracy of weather resistance tests (environmental tests) while reducing costs, compared to the weather resistance tester 101 of the comparative example.

[0061] Furthermore, in particular, in this modified weathering tester 1A (Figure 5), unlike the weathering tester 1 (Figure 1) of the embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a pump 182 on the flow path Fhin (sufficient pressure is applied to the cooling water Wc1 flowing on the flow path Fhin even without the pump 182), as follows: In other words, this modified version makes it possible to further reduce costs compared to the embodiment.

[0062] <3. Other variations> Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments and modifications, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications are possible.

[0063] For example, in the above embodiments, the configuration (shape, arrangement, number, etc.) of each piece of equipment in the weather resistance testing machine was described in detail, but these configurations are not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and other shapes, arrangements, numbers, etc., may be used.

[0064] Specifically, in the above embodiment, for example, a portion of the cooling water Wc1 flowing through the flow path Fc1, or a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing through the flow path Fc2, is supplied to the sprayer 14 and the cleaning unit 15, respectively, via the flow path Fhin. However, the configuration is not limited to this example. That is, for example, a portion of the cooling water Wc1 flowing through the flow path Fc1, or a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing through the flow path Fc2, may be supplied to one of the sprayer 14 and the cleaning unit 15 via the flow path Fhin. Alternatively, a portion of the cooling water Wc1 flowing through the flow path Fc1, or a portion of the cooling water Wc2 flowing through the flow path Fc2, may not be supplied to either the sprayer 14 or the cleaning unit 15 via the flow path Fhin. Furthermore, at least one of the sprayer 14 and the cleaning unit 15 may not be provided inside the weathering tester 1.

[0065] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described various control operations by the control unit 19 (such as switching between the open and closed states of valves 161 and 162), the methods are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. That is, for example, other methods may be used to perform various control operations.

[0066] Furthermore, while the above embodiments mainly described a weathering tester used for conducting weathering tests as an environmental test as an example of an environmental testing machine in the present invention, the invention is not limited to this example. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to other types of environmental testing machines (for example, corrosion testers and combined cycle testers).

[0067] In addition, the series of controls described in the above embodiments may be performed by hardware (circuits) or by software (programs). If performed by software, the software consists of a group of programs that cause a computer (microcomputer, etc.) to execute each of the above functions. Each program may, for example, be pre-installed in the computer or installed on the computer from a network or recording medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1,100,1A…Weathering tester, 10…Test chamber, 11…Lamp light source, 12…Cooling water tank, 120…Cooling device, 13…Humidity generator, 130…Heating device, 14…Sprayer, 15…Cleaning unit, 161,162…Valves, 171,172…Water level sensors, 181,182…Pumps, 19…Control unit, 9…Sample, Lout…Light, Wcin,Wh…Water, Wc,Wc1,Wc2…Cooling water, Fcin,Fc,Fc1,Fc2,Fhin…Flow path, Lwc,Lwh…Water level, Lth1,Lth2…Threshold, CTL1,CTL2…Control signal.

Claims

1. An environmental testing machine for performing environmental tests on a sample, Test tank and A lamp light source that emits light inside the test chamber, A cooling water tank that stores cooling water for cooling the lamp light source and incorporates a cooling device for cooling the cooling water, A humidity generator that generates a predetermined humidity inside the test chamber, A first channel for supplying the cooling water from the cooling water tank to the lamp light source, A second flow path for returning the cooling water from the lamp light source to the cooling water tank, A third channel for supplying a portion of the cooling water flowing in the first channel or the second channel toward the humidity generator, Equipped with, The humidity generator generates the humidity using the cooling water supplied from the third channel. Environmental testing machine.

2. A valve is provided on the third flow path that switches between supplying the cooling water to the humidity generator and shutting it off. The environmental testing machine according to claim 1.

3. The control unit further comprises a control unit that controls the switching between an open state and a closed state of the valve according to the water level of the cooling water in the humidity generator, The control unit, If the water level in the humidity generator is above the threshold, the valve is set to the closed state, thereby shutting off the cooling water. When the water level in the humidity generator falls below the threshold, the valve is set to the open state, thereby setting the cooling water supply state. The environmental testing machine according to claim 2.

4. The system is configured to automatically control the water supply from outside the environmental testing machine to the cooling water tank, according to the water level of the cooling water stored in the cooling water tank. The environmental testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A sprayer for spraying water onto the sample inside the test chamber, A cleaning unit for cleaning predetermined components inside the environmental testing machine Furthermore, A portion of the cooling water flowing through the first or second flow path is supplied to at least one of the sprayer and the cleaning unit via the third flow path. The environmental testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The third channel supplies a portion of the cooling water flowing in the second channel to the humidity generator. The environmental testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The third channel supplies a portion of the cooling water flowing in the first channel to the humidity generator. The environmental testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. It is configured as a weather resistance testing machine that performs weather resistance tests as part of the aforementioned environmental tests. The environmental testing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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