U.S. patent application number 11/283857 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-06 for climatic device, and process for defrosting a heat exchanger in a climatic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kendro Laboratory Products, GmbH. Invention is credited to Dieter Bidlingmaier, Olaf Bromsen, Achim Melching, Jurgen Schneider.
Application Number | 20060070389 11/283857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32667952 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060070389 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Melching; Achim ; et
al. |
April 6, 2006 |
Climatic device, and process for defrosting a heat exchanger in a
climatic device
Abstract
The invention pertains to a climatic device comprising a working
space and an equipment space connected thereto via at least one
connection opening, wherein a heat exchanger is arranged in said
equipment space. In order to prevent the penetration of moist and
cold air into the working space when defrosting the heat exchanger,
a blocking device is provided in accordance with the invention with
which the exchange of gas via a connection opening can be
selectively prevented, wherein there is at least one such
connection opening. The blocking device can comprise a device for
producing a curtain of gas over the connection opening or a
mechanical seal. In addition, the invention pertains to a process
for operating the climatic device.
Inventors: |
Melching; Achim;
(Langenselbold, DE) ; Bidlingmaier; Dieter;
(Bruchkobel, DE) ; Bromsen; Olaf;
(Morfelden-Walldorf, DE) ; Schneider; Jurgen;
(Hanau, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Baker & Hostetler LLP;Washington Square
Suite 1100
1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Kendro Laboratory Products,
GmbH
|
Family ID: |
32667952 |
Appl. No.: |
11/283857 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10766908 |
Jan 30, 2004 |
|
|
|
11283857 |
Nov 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 17/047 20130101;
F24F 11/41 20180101; F25D 21/06 20130101; F25D 17/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/256 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/04 20060101
A47F003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2003 |
DE |
DE10304011.0 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. Climatic device comprising a working space and an equipment
space, connected thereto via at least one connection opening, with
a heat exchanger arranged therein, characterized by the fact that a
blocking device is provided with which the exchange of gas between
the working space and the equipment space via the connection
opening can be selectively suppressed, wherein there is at least a
such opening that the blocking device is a device for forming a gas
curtain transversely to the connection opening, wherein there is at
least one such connection opening.
3. Climatic device in accordance with claim 2, characterized by the
fact that the device for forming a gas curtain comprises at least
one gas blower opening, and preferably several gas blower
openings.
4. Climatic device in accordance with claim 2, characterized by the
fact that at least one gas blower opening is arranged in the region
of the entrance of the connection opening, this entrance being on
the side where the equipment space is located and there being at
least one such gas blower opening.
5. Climatic device in accordance with claim 2, characterized by the
fact that at least one gas blower opening is arranged in the region
inside the connection opening and, in particular, in one of the
connection opening walls that define the connection opening.
6. Climatic device in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the
fact that gas blower openings are present in the region of several
connection opening walls, especially those located opposite one
another, or in the region of all such connection opening walls.
7. Climatic device in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the
fact that the connection opening is surrounded by a gas collection
chamber at least in those regions into which the gas blower
openings issue, wherein this gas collection chamber communicates
with the gas blower openings and is connected to a gas supply
line.
8. Climatic device in accordance with claim 3, characterized by the
fact that the gas blower openings are configured in the form of
openings in the wall of a gas supply line.
9. Climatic device in accordance with claim 8, characterized by the
fact that a gas supply line is arranged along at least one side of
the connection opening.
10. Climatic device in accordance with claim 9, characterized by
the fact that a gas supply line surrounds the connection opening at
least once.
11. Climatic device in accordance with claim 3, characterized by
the fact that several rows of gas blower openings are arranged one
above another.
12. Climatic device in accordance with claim 3, characterized by
the fact that at least some of the gas blower openings are aligned
obliquely in the direction of the equipment space.
13. Climatic device in accordance with claim 1, characterized by
the fact that the gas is an essentially anhydrous gas and/or an
inert gas, especially nitrogen.
14. Climatic device in accordance with claim 1, characterized by
the fact that the blocking device is a mechanical seal, especially
a flap and preferably a self-closing flap, or a sliding valve.
15. Climatic device in accordance with claim 14, characterized by
the fact that the mechanical seal is a sliding valve that is
arranged in the working space and can be actuated by a transport
system that is located in the working space.
16. Climatic device in accordance with claim 14, characterized by
the fact that at least two connection openings are present that are
capable of being sealed by means of flaps, wherein one of the flaps
opens toward the equipment space and the other flap opens toward
the working space.
17. Climatic device in accordance with claim 14, characterized by
the fact that the mechanical seal is capable of being actuated by
means of a motorized drive system or electromagnetically.
18. Climatic device in accordance with claim 14, characterized by
the fact that the mechanical seal is thermally insulated relative
to the working space and/or the equipment space, and that it made
from a material with low thermal conductivity or is heatable.
19. Climatic device in accordance with claim 1, characterized by
the fact that a control device is provided that is configured such
that the actuation of the blocking device is coupled to the
operating state of the heat exchanger and/or to the temperature in
the equipment space.
20. Process for the operation of a climatic device in accordance
with claim 1, characterized by the fact that the control device
actuates the blocking device and interrupts the operation of the
heat exchanger at the same time as the activation of the blocking
device, or after the activation thereof.
21. Process in accordance with claim 20, characterized by the fact
that the blocking device is de-activated when the heat exchanger is
re-activated.
22. Process in accordance with claim 20, characterized by the fact
that the blocking device is a device for forming a gas curtain
whose operation is not interrupted after the heat exchanger is
actuated.
Description
[0001] The invention pertains to a climatic device comprising a
working space and an equipment space, which is connected thereto
via at least one connection opening, whereby a heat exchanger is
arranged in the aforementioned equipment space. In addition, the
invention pertains to a process for operating the climatic
device.
[0002] In the present context, the term climatic device is to be
understood to mean a device that permits the creation of a defined
climate in a working space. The climate is defined, in particular,
by the temperature, humidity, and composition of the gas that is
present therein. In the area of biological sciences and medicine,
in particular, objects frequently must be stored for a defined
period of time under specific climatic conditions. Open dishes,
closed containers, so-called microtiter plates, and similar
containers for accommodating samples are also to be understood as
constituting said objects.
[0003] Climatic device are known from the prior art. Thus, DD-PS
141706 discloses a test chamber for simulating climatic parameters.
The test chamber has a working space and an outer space in which a
heat exchanger is arranged. The gas in the working space is led
into the outer space via a suction opening and is then circulated
around the heat exchanger and re-supplied to the working space via
an inlet opening.
[0004] Icing up of the heat exchanger, which has gas flowing around
it, occurs as an unavoidable problem during the operation of a
climatic device when, in particular, the working space is to be
thermostatically regulated to temperatures below the freezing
point. The heat exchanger must therefore be defrosted
regularly.
[0005] Various processes are known for defrosting heat exchangers,
such as defrosting by means of a hot gas, and defrosting by use of
electrical heat. The transformation of ice into liquid and,
finally, the formation of water vapor via the vapor pressure of the
liquid arise independently of the procedure as a result of the
defrosting process. The phase transition from liquid to gaseous
water is associated with a relatively large increase in volume.
During defrosting, there results a significant increase in the
humidity of the gas that surrounds the defrosting heat
exchanger.
[0006] The gas, which has been made very damp as a result of the
defrosting process, is transported into the working space as a
result of the exchange of gas between the space, in which the heat
exchanger is arranged and the working space. At a working space
temperature that is below the freezing point, the moisture that
derives from the defrosting process condenses in the form of a
layer of frost or ice on the objects that are located in the
working space, and on the storage devices that hold the objects,
and on any transport system that is possibly present.
[0007] In an extreme case, this undesired formation of frost and
ice can lead to the situation in which the objects freeze tight to
the storage device. As a result, the removal of the objects from
the storage device or the working space is no longer directly
possible either manually or via an automated transport system.
[0008] The problem that therefore forms the basis of the present
invention is to indicate a climatic device and a process of the
initially mentioned type that prevent the formation of frost and
ice in the working space as a result of the defrosting process.
[0009] This problem is successfully solved by the climatic device
in accordance with Claim 1, as well as with the process in
accordance with Claim 20. Preferred embodiments of the device and
preferred process variants can be seen in the dependent claims in
question.
[0010] In accordance with the device, the problem is solved for a
climatic device as described initially by means of the feature
that, at the connection opening between the working space and the
equipment space, there being at least one such opening, a blocking
device is arranged with which the exchange of gas between the
working space and the equipment space can be selectively
suppressed.
[0011] As a result of the blocking device in accordance with the
invention, the situation is prevented in which wet gas from the
equipment space can get into the working space when defrosting the
heat exchanger. Consequently, the formation of frost and ice,
especially on stored objects, is prevented at temperatures of the
working space that are below the freezing point. In addition, the
objects cannot freeze tight to the storage device that is holding
them, as a result of which problem-free removal of the objects from
the storage device is possible even after defrosting the heat
exchanger several times. Moreover, the formation of a layer of
frost or ice on any transport system, which is possibly present in
the working space, is also effectively prevented.
[0012] As an additional advantage, the device in accordance with
the invention prevents any undesired increase in relative humidity,
so-called re-humidification, in the working space in the case of a
working space temperature that is above the freezing point. As a
result, it is not possible for objects that are stored in the
working space to become damaged or even destroyed by means of the
increase in humidity.
[0013] In a first preferred embodiment, the blocking device is a
device for forming a curtain of gas transversely to the connection
opening. As a result of the fact that the connection opening(s)
is/are covered with a curtain of gas over its/their total cross
section, one therefore prevents the situation in which gas from the
equipment space can cross over into the working space. This
blocking device does not have any movable mechanical parts, but
nevertheless reliably prevents the exchange of gas between the
equipment space and the working space.
[0014] The curtain of gas is expediently produced by at least one
gas blower opening, and preferably several gas blower openings. The
gas blower opening, there being at least one such opening, can
basically be arranged anywhere in the region of the connection
opening as long as the site of application and the size of the
opening ensure that the opening cross section of the connection
opening is covered completely by the flow of gas. A slot-type
nozzle, for example, can serve as the gas blower opening.
Alternatively, several small nozzles can be used for covering the
opening cross section.
[0015] The gas blower openings can be arranged both inside and
outside the connection opening.
[0016] It is conceivable, for example, for the gas blower openings
to be arranged outside the connection opening in the working space,
namely in the region that is adjacent to the working space end of
the connection opening, in such a way that the outflow openings of
the gas blower openings point in the direction of the equipment
space. The gas flow then streams through the connection opening
from the inside and in the direction of the outer end.
[0017] However, it is preferred that the gas blower openings be
arranged in the connection opening in order not to reduce the size
of the working space that is available. It is possible, for
example, to arrange the gas blower openings in the region of the
connection opening walls that define the connection opening. The
length of the connection opening is hereby determined in the usual
way by the thickness of the wall that separates the working space
from the equipment space. However, it is also possible to extend
the connection opening beyond the thickness of the lateral walls,
and to allow the connection opening walls to project into the
interior of the working space or, preferably, into the equipment
space.
[0018] A gas curtain, that covers the cross section of the
connection opening can be achieved realized reliably if several gas
blower openings are used for forming the gas curtain. For example,
gas blower openings can be located on opposing sides or all sides
of the connection opening.
[0019] The number of gas blower openings is a function of the size
of the connection opening and should in any case be adequate to
ensure a flow of gas that prevents the penetration of air from the
equipment space into the connection opening. In this regard, it can
be expedient to arrange several rows of gas blower openings in the
connection opening. A large number of gas blower openings per unit
area, for example, can be realized via a staggered arrangement of
gas blower openings.
[0020] Instead of gas blower openings in the lateral walls of the
connection opening, one or more gas supply lines with gas blower
openings in the walls of the supply lines can also be installed in
the connection opening. For example, one or more gas supply lines
with openings that have been introduced into the wall of the supply
line can be installed in the connection opening in a linear manner,
a meandering manner, or a spiral manner.
[0021] It can also be expedient to set up the flow direction of the
gas blower openings in a specific fashion. For example, it is
possible to align at least some of the gas blower openings
obliquely in the direction of the equipment space. As a result, a
flow of gas arises in the direction of the outer entrance of the
connection opening and away from it, and the penetration of ambient
air is made additionally difficult. It is not basically necessary
for this purpose that all the gas blower openings be aligned in the
direction of the outside of the connection opening, but it is
currently preferred.
[0022] In the case of applying a large number of gas blower
openings in the walls of the connection opening, one can
surround--at least in those areas in which the gas blower openings
are present--the connection opening with a chamber, which is filled
with the gas and from where the gas then gets into the gas blower
openings that are connected to the gas collection chamber, where
this is done for the purpose of achieving a uniform and simple gas
supply. Thus, only a single gas supply line is necessary, which
opens out into the gas collection chamber.
[0023] In addition to or instead of the application of gas blower
openings in the connection opening, at least one gas blower opening
can also be provided outside the connection opening adjacent to an
entrance of the connection opening. The possibility has already
been mentioned of application on the side where the working space
is located. However, application is preferred on the side where the
equipment space is located. As in the case of gas blower openings
in the walls of the connection opening, the gas blower openings can
in this case also be present on both sides either entirely or
partially around the connection opening. Here also an arrangement
of several rows of gas blower openings one above another can be
useful at the side of the opening in order to from an adequately
thick gas curtain. In order to do this, a gas supply line with
openings introduced in the wall of the supply line can be wrapped
around the connection opening, e.g., in a spiral manner.
[0024] As in the case of the gas blower openings that are arranged
in the connection opening, the gas blower openings, which are
present on the outside in front of the connection opening, can be
oriented in such a way that gas does not flow out exactly parallel
to the opening cross section, but rather is directed somewhat away
from the connection opening.
[0025] Any suitable gas can basically be used as the gas in regard
to the atmosphere that is present in the working space of the
climatically controlled cabinet. Essentially anhydrous gases and/or
inert gases (buffer gases) are preferably used, e.g., dried air,
nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. Nitrogen is currently preferred. This
has the advantage that nitrogen supply lines that are usually
present in laboratories can be used; optionally a reducing valve to
reduce the pressure to a suitable preliminary pressure of e.g., 1
bar can be used.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, which can optionally be
used as a blocking device in combination with the curtain of gas,
the feature is provided that the blocking device is a mechanical
seal. This can be a flap for example, and, in particular, an
automatically closing flap, which is, e.g., pre-tensioned in
elastic fashion, in order to block the connection opening until a
predetermined pressure difference is reached between the working
space and the equipment space. Alternatively, a sliding valve is
also possible as a mechanical seal. In this case, the term sliding
valve should be understood to mean not only a linearly displaceable
seal, but also a sliding valve that is rotatable about a pivot
axis.
[0027] It is especially advantageous if the sliding valve is
applied to the side of the connection opening where the working
space is located, and if it can actuated by means of a transport
system arranged in the working space. If a transport system, which
is in any case present in the working space for transporting
objects, is also used for actuating the seal, then no additional
actuation system is required for the seal, and external
interventions by operating personnel are superfluous.
Alternatively, however, the mechanical seal can also be actuated
manually, by a motor-driven system, or electromagnetically.
[0028] In order to prevent the situation in which the mechanical
seal acts as a cold bridge between the equipment space and the
working space, thereby leading to negative effects on the
temperature of the working space, the heat transfer properties of
the seal should be reduced as much as possible. In order to effect
this, the seal can be thermally insulated or heated or can be made
from a material of low thermal conductivity.
[0029] The climatic device in accordance with the invention is
preferably designed in such a way that it can be largely operated
automatically as far as is possible. For this purpose, a control
device is present that can be used, inter alia, to control the
blocking device in such a way that its coming into operation is
coupled to the operating state of the heat exchanger and/or the
temperature in the equipment space. This permits the blocking
device not only to be automatically activated in the case of an
intentional start of a defrosting process, and optionally
deactivated once again after finishing the defrosting process, but
also to be set automatically in operation in the case of an
inadvertent malfunction of the heat exchanger (as a result of a
power outage or similar occurrence) and an associated increase in
temperature in the equipment space.
[0030] In addition to placing the blocking device in operation, an
aspirating extraction device, such as an extraction fan, can also
be started up that conveys moist air from the equipment space into
the external surroundings of the climatic device, thereby
contributing to dehumidification in the equipment space. The
extraction fan can be arranged, for example, in the region of the
pressure equalization opening of the climatic device.
[0031] In another regard, the invention pertains to a process for
operating the climatic device that has been described above, such
that the control device sets the blocking device into operation and
interrupts the operation of the heat exchanger at the same time as
the activation of the blocking device, or after the activation
thereof. In a variant of the process, the blocking device is put
out of operation once again when the heat exchanger is placed in
operation again. In another variant, by contrast, which can be
considered for a blocking device with the formation of a curtain of
gas, the operation of the blocking device is not interrupted after
the heat exchanger is placed in operation. In other words, the
supply of gas continues even in the case where the heat exchanger
is switched on, i.e., during the regular operation of the climatic
device. As a result, the gas that is supplied also builds up in the
working space. This may have the advantage of the gas contributing
to a positive effect on the atmosphere in the working space. This
is the case, for example, if the humidity in the working space is
reduced by admitting dry gas, or if an inert gas, such as nitrogen,
builds up in the working space and thus contributes to the
protection of air-sensitive objects that are being stored in the
working space. This can also be important for certain incubation
applications if carbon dioxide is admitted as the gas for expulsion
purposes.
[0032] The fan that is arranged in the equipment space can be
switched on in order to assist the admission of gas into the
working space. However, it is also possible to carry out the gas
expulsion process during the defrosting of the heat exchanger,
i.e., with the fan switched off. Upon deactivating the blocking
device, the fan is advantageously switched on again in order to
actuate climatic control.
[0033] The invention will be explained further in the following
section by means of the drawings. The following features are shown
schematically.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a sectional illustration of a first preferred
embodiment example of a climatic device in accordance with the
invention, namely during the defrosting process;
[0035] FIG. 2(a) shows a partial plan view of a connection opening
of another example of a climatic device in accordance with the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 2(b) shows a cross section along line A-A in FIG.
2(a);
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a connection opening of a
further example of another climatic device in accordance with the
invention;
[0038] FIG. 4 shows an additional example of a climatic device in
accordance with the invention in the form of an illustration that
corresponds to FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 5 shows another example of a climactic control
apparatus in accordance with the invention in the form of an
illustration that corresponds to FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a climatic device 1 that essentially
corresponds to the prior art except for the configuration in the
region of the connection openings 5 in a wall 14 that separates a
working space 2 from an equipment space 3. A heat exchanger 4 is
arranged in the equipment space 3 in order to acclimatize the
working space 2. The gas atmosphere, which is located in the
interior of the climatic device 1, is circulated through the
equipment space 3 via the connection openings 5 and the working
space 2 by means of a fan 13 that is located in the equipment space
3. A heatable pressure equalization opening 12 serves for
equalizing the positive or negative pressure in the device 1.
[0041] During normal climatic control operation, the circulated
masses of air can flow unhindered through the connection openings 5
from the working space 2 and into the equipment space 3 and back
again. The fan 13 is switched off and the blocking device 6 is
activated when the heat exchanger 4 is also switched off for
defrosting purposes.
[0042] The blocking device 6 is arranged in the region of the two
connection openings 5. In each case, it comprises two gas supply
lines 9, which run essentially over the entire breadth of the
connection openings 5, whereby these gas supply lines are arranged
along two opposite sides of the connection openings 5. If the
blocking device 6 is activated, then a gas 7' flows out of the gas
supply lines 9 at a defined gas pressure. In order to obtain a gas
curtain 7, that covers the entire cross section of the connection
opening 5 in question, several gas blower openings 8 are present
over the entire length of each gas supply line 9 (i.e., vertically
to the plane of the drawing). There are two rows of gas blower
openings 8, which point toward the equipment space 3, for each gas
supply line 9, whereby gas 7' flows obliquely away to the outside
from the gas supply lines. As a result, a gas curtain 7 transverse
to the connection opening 5 is created, this gas curtain prevents
the penetration of moist gas, which is located in the equipment
space 3, into the connection openings 5.
[0043] A positive pressure, which builds up as a result of the
permanent inward flow of gas 7' during the defrosting process, is
equalized by the pressure equalization opening 12. The pressure
equalization opening 12 is heatable in order to ensure that it does
not freeze up by the cold and moist gas that flows through it.
[0044] The definition of the gas pressure of the outward flowing
gas 7' and the number of gas blower openings 8 determines not only
the thickness of the gas curtain 7 but also the volume of the flow
of gas 7' that is led off to the outside from the equipment space 3
via the pressure equalization opening 12. The gas 7' entrains
moisture and coldness in the equipment space 3 to the outside via
the gas equalization opening 12. Thus, the defrosting process for
the heat exchanger 4 is actively assisted by the admitted gas
7'.
[0045] The blocking device 6 can also be used for modifying the
atmosphere in the working space 2. Gas 7' also penetrates into the
working space 2 and expels the gas that is present there even
during the defrosting of the heat exchanger 4. In order to increase
the gas volume that is exchanged, the supply of gas 7' can be
extended beyond the time of defrosting and can take place
uninterruptedly, for example. The complete exchange of the
atmosphere in the working space by gas 7' can thus be achieved with
a supply of gas adequate in strength for a sufficient period of
time.
[0046] FIG. 2(a) is a plan view of a connection opening 5 from the
side of the equipment space 3. Apart from the configuration in the
region of this connection opening 5, the remaining climatic device,
which is not illustrated in the diagram, corresponds to that of
FIG. 1. Instead of the gas supply lines 9 that are arranged in the
connection openings in FIG. 1, the gas supply lines in the device
in accordance with FIG. 2 are applied outside the connection
openings 5. Two gas supply lines 9 run along opposite sides of each
of the connection openings 5 on the side of the wall 14 that points
toward the equipment space 3. Gas blower openings 8 are present in
the gas supply lines 9, covering the cross section with a curtain
of gas and allowing gas 7' to flow away via the connection opening
5.
[0047] As can be seen from FIG. 2(b), the flow of gas out of the
gas blower openings 8 is directed somewhat away from the entrance
of the connection opening 5 and runs obliquely into the equipment
space 3. Penetration of moist air from the equipment space 3 can be
prevented even more certainly as a result of the flow of gas 7'
away from the connection opening 5.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a connection opening 5 of a further
example of an embodiment of a climatic device in accordance with
the invention which, except for the differences that have been
indicated, again corresponds basically to the climatic device
described in the figures above. The view shows the end of the
connection opening 5 at the side where the equipment space is
located. Here, the gas curtain that covers the cross section of the
connection opening 5 is produced by gas blower openings 8 that are
arranged in the interior of the connection opening 5. 5 rows of 5
gas blower openings in each case are present in the region of the
left lateral wall 5a, and are uniformly distributed over its
surface. These gas blower openings 8 pass through the lateral wall
5a and open out into a gas collection chamber 17 that surrounds the
connection opening 5; it is illustrated more clearly by the dotted
line and is supplied with gas via a gas connection. This gas
collection chamber 17 serves for building up a preliminary gas
pressure and for distributing the gas uniformly.
[0049] As in the case of the wall 5a, gas blower openings are also
present in the wall 5b on the side opposite the wall 5a. As a
result of the uniform distribution of gas blower openings 8 in the
region of the lateral connection opening walls 5a and 5b, which
surround the connection opening 5, a wider gas curtain can be
produced over the entire length of the connection opening 5, namely
from the inner entrance on the side of the working space 2 to the
outer entrance on the side of the equipment space 3, whereby this
wider gas curtain covers the entire opening cross section of the
connection opening 5. As a result, the penetration of moist air
into the working space 2 can be reliably prevented. The penetration
of air can be suppressed still better if the gas blower openings 8
run in an oblique manner in the direction of the equipment space 3
with their openings pointing into the connection opening 5. As a
result, a flow of gas arises that is directed out of the connection
opening 5 and into the direction of the equipment space 3.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the
invention. In order to prevent an exchange of gas between the
working space 2 and the equipment space 3, the connection openings
5 are in each case sealed off by a blocking device 6' in the form
of a mechanical seal. The mechanical seal is a sliding valve 10
that has a grasping element 11. The sliding valve 10 can be
displaced by a sliding force that acts upon the grasping element
11, as a result of which the connection opening 5 closes or opens.
In the case shown, displacement takes place in the right-left
direction in the plane of the paper. Alternatively, rotation of the
given sliding valve is also conceivable about an axis of rotation
opposite the grasping element.
[0051] Here, the displacement of the sliding valve 10 takes place
via a transport system 15 arranged in the working space 2 for
objects that are stored in the working space, namely in the form
known from, e.g., DE 10024581. The transport system 15 that is
arranged in the working space thus serves both for actuating the
mechanical seal and also for transporting the objects within the
working space 2. In order to actuate the sliding valve 10, the
blade 16 of the transport system 15 pushes the sliding valve 10 in
the direction of the middle of the working space by applying a
sliding force to the grasping element 11. The connection opening 5
opens as a result.
[0052] The sliding valve 10 can be thermally insulating, or it can
be heatable in order that coldness not be transferred from the
equipment space 3 into the working space 2.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a variant that corresponds to FIG. 4, wherein
flaps 18 and 19 are present as seals for the connection openings 5
instead of the sliding valve. These flaps can also be thermally
insulating or heatable. The flaps are shown in the closed state,
i.e., in the state adopted during a defrosting process. During
regular operation of the climatic device 1, the flaps 18, 19 are
opened by pivoting about a holding device installed in the region
of the edges 20. The opening of the flaps 18, 19 is brought about
by the stream of air that is produced by the fan 13. Accordingly,
the flap 18 for the air that is flowing out of the working space 2
and toward the equipment space 3 (made clear by the arrows) is
located on the side where the equipment space is located, whereas
the flap 19 for air that flows from the equipment space 3 and into
the working space 2 is located on the side where the working space
is located. The flaps 18, 19 close by themselves when the fan 13 is
switched off. This can be achieved, for example, by means of spring
elements (not shown in the drawing).
[0054] If the heat exchanger 4 and the fan 13 are switched off for
defrosting purposes, then no additional steps are necessary in
order to close the flaps 18 and 19, and thus to suppress the
penetration of moist and cold air into the working space.
* * * * *