Adjusting device, maintenance system, measurement system and method for thermostatic expansion valve

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device (1000) for adjusting a preload device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL installation (8000), comprising: a drive (1010); an actuator (1020), which can be rotated about an axis (1021) by means of the drive (1010); a coupling device (1030); the coupling device (1030) is configured to be detachably coupled to an adjusting interface (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) in such a way that a tool tip (1022) of the actuator (1020) forms an operative connection with an adjusting element (2021) of the pre-tensioning device (2020), and a torque generated by the driver (1010) or a rotational movement triggered by the driver (1010) can be transmitted to the adjusting element (2021) by means of the actuator (1020), and wherein the coupling device (1030) is configured to be detachably coupled to the adjusting interface (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) in such a way that the tool tip (1022) of the actuator (1020) and the adjusting element (2021) of the pre-tensioning device (2020). And the control device (1040) is configured to actuate the driver (1010) such that the actuator (1020) performs rotation at a defined angle of rotation. The invention further relates to a maintenance system (7000) for maintaining and / or operating an HKL installation (8000), which can comprise an adjustment device (1000), to a measurement system (7000) and to a method for adjusting a preloading device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL installation (8000).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of heating, cooling, and ventilation technology (hereinafter referred to as "HKL"). Installations in this technical field (e.g., air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration circuits, etc.) are hereinafter referred to as "HKL installations." HKL installations have an expansion valve, via which a refrigerant is expanded. The inlet of the expansion valve is connected to the condenser (sometimes also referred to as the condenser) of the HKL installation and receives subcooled refrigerant liquefied at high pressure. The outlet of the expansion valve is connected to the evaporator of the HKL installation, in which the expanded refrigerant evaporates at low pressure and, ideally, reaches a superheated state. Background Art

[0002] Although electronic valves suitable for precisely and dynamically controlling the expansion process have long been known on the market, for cost reasons and high reliability considerations, many HKL installations still use purely mechanical expansion valves, which have been widely used in various designs for decades. This also includes so-called thermostatic expansion valves. What these mechanical expansion valves have in common is that they have a preload device, by which the static preload force acting on the movable adjustment element of the expansion valve (for example, the valve stem) can be adjusted. Usually, these preload devices include a mechanical spring that directly or indirectly applies a force to the adjustment element (for example, the valve stem) that resists the opening of the valve. The adjustment of these preload devices is usually carried out by means of an adjustment element, which can be configured, for example, as a grub screw that directly or indirectly influences the spring preload. The adjustment element is accessible via an adjustment interface, wherein the adjustment interface is usually provided with a removable protective cap.

[0003] Expansion valves have a crucial influence on the efficiency of a heat exchanger (HKL) system, as they can significantly influence the superheat occurring in the low-pressure range. Superheat can be determined by measuring the pressure at the outlet of the HKL system's evaporator using a pressure sensor and the temperature at the outlet using a temperature sensor. The measured pressure, also referred to as the saturated vapor pressure or suction pressure, can be converted to the so-called saturated vapor temperature if the refrigerant used is known. The measured temperature, also referred to as the evaporator outlet temperature, is the evaporator outlet temperature. The difference between the saturated vapor temperature determined by the pressure measurement and the actual measured evaporator outlet temperature corresponds to the superheat. Depending on the type and application of the HKL system, particularly the target temperature for the application, precise superheat adjustment can significantly improve the efficiency of the HKL system. However, manual adjustment by HKL technicians is very tedious. If the superheat is determined to be unsatisfactory, the control element must be manually adjusted, for example, using a screwdriver or wrench. Precise adjustment is often difficult because the expansion valve is often installed in an inaccessible location. Furthermore, HKL technicians may need to perform extensive calculations to determine how to optimize the expansion valve adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a regulating device that facilitates the adjustment of the preload of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance system that also facilitates the adjustment of the preload of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to demonstrate a method for adjusting the preload of a thermostatic expansion valve using a regulating device and / or a maintenance system. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a measuring system that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved by a regulating device according to claim 1 , a maintenance system according to claims 17 and 27 , a method according to claims 20 and 25 , and a measuring system according to claim 31 .

[0006] Advantageous embodiments and refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a regulating device for regulating a preload device of an expansion valve in a HKL system comprises a drive, an actuator, a coupling device, and a control device.

[0008] The actuator can be rotated about the axis by a driver, ie the driver drives the actuator or a part of the actuator (at least the tool tip of the actuator facing the preload device) to perform a rotational movement and transmits a torque thereto.

[0009] The coupling device is configured to be detachably coupled to the adjustment interface of the expansion valve. Here, the adjustment apparatus is fixed at the adjustment interface in the coupled state in such a way that the tool tip of the actuator forms an effective connection with the adjustment element of the pretensioning device. "Forms an effective connection" here (and generally also in the context of all aspects of the application whenever reference is made to the tool tip forming an effective connection with the adjustment element) means that the tool tip and the adjustment element engage with one another with mutually matching screw drive contours (also referred to simply as drive contours or contours) in such a way that the torque generated by the drive or the rotational movement triggered by the drive can be transmitted by the actuator to the adjustment element. Here, the drive is correspondingly held rigidly relative to the adjustment interface in such a way that the drive cannot move relative to the adjustment interface, in particular cannot rotate about the adjustment interface. For example, the adjustment element can have an internal hexagon, while the tool tip can have a matching external hexagon. Here, the actuator is positioned with its axis about which it is rotated coinciding with the screwing axis of the adjustment element. By being detachably coupled to the adjustment interface, the adjustment apparatus, in particular the drive contained therein, is prevented from moving or rotating relative to the adjustment interface, so that precise, defined adjustment of the adjustment element is possible.

[0010] The control device is configured to manipulate the drive in such a way that the actuator performs a rotation through a defined rotational angle. To this end, the control device can be connected, for example in an electronic and / or data-technological manner, to an angle measurement device which is explained in further detail in the subsequent chapter and accesses the determined absolute angular position or relative angular position change of the actuator provided by the angle measurement device as an adjustment parameter. However, the drive itself can also be configured to perform defined, discrete rotational steps, for example as a stepper motor. "Manipulate" in this context (and generally also when reference is made to manipulating the drive by the control device in the context of all aspects of the application) means to operate, control the drive, in particular to control or regulate the power supply to the drive. The control device is here in particular configured in the form of an electronic assembly, so that it can for example comprise at least one circuit board and electronic components and microcontrollers arranged thereon and connected to one another.

[0011] The adjustment apparatus enables precise, automated adjustment of the pretensioning device or adjustment element. Inaccurate manual adjustment can be dispensed with, since the adjustment apparatus, due to the accurate manipulation of the drive by the control unit and the rigid coupling to the adjustment interface, enables reliable, accurate adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0012] In one exemplary design, the regulating device comprises an interface arrangement configured to provide at least the measurement information and the input information and / or the angle information. If the interface arrangement does not provide the angle information, but the measurement information and the input information, the regulating device further comprises an internal determination arrangement configured to determine and provide the angle information by means of a defined determination rule based on the measurement information and the input information.

[0013] Here, the defined determination rule can be implemented in the form of a calculation formula, in the form of a query value from a stored numerical table or in the form of an evaluation of the measurement information and the input information by means of an application having so-called artificial intelligence. Here, the determination of the angle information can be carried out entirely within the regulating device, i.e. by means of a component of the regulating device, such as a microcontroller. Alternatively, the internal determination arrangement can also establish a connection with an external unit, such as an external determination arrangement or a cloud application, transmit the measurement information and the input information to the external unit and retrieve the angle information determined by the external unit. Here, the exchange of the measurement information, the input information and the angle information with the external unit can in particular be carried out by means of a communication arrangement of the regulating device, which will be explained in more detail in the exemplary designs below.

[0014] The purpose of determining the angle information is to achieve an optimal regulation of the thermostatic expansion valve. A relevant parameter here can be the degree of superheat or the superheat occurring in the evaporator of the HKL installation. From the measurement information in combination with the input information, it can be assessed whether the HKL installation is already operated with optimal efficiency or whether an increase in efficiency can be achieved by increasing or reducing the degree of superheat.

[0015] If the determination by means of the internal determination arrangement shows that the thermostatic expansion valve is not optimally regulated, the determined angle information in particular comprises information about in which direction the actuator needs to be rotated and by which angle value the actuator needs to be rotated in order to optimally regulate the pretensioning arrangement by means of the regulating element. Here, the angle value and the direction of rotation can be determined directly or in the form of an equivalent quantity thereof. Such an equivalent quantity can be, for example, a direction of current to be supplied to the drive or a number of revolutions of the drive corresponding to the required angle value taking into account the transmission ratio of the transmission of the drive.

[0016] However, if the determination by means of the internal determination arrangement shows that the thermostatic expansion valve is optimally regulated or nearly optimally regulated, the angle information can also contain information that no adjustment needs to be made. This can be achieved, for example, by determining the angle value (or the equivalent quantity of the angle value) to be equal to zero.

[0017] "Providing" in the present context (and generally also in the context of all aspects of the present application whenever reference is made to providing the following information from an element of the regulating device, for example an interface device, a communication device, an operating device, an internal determination device, a position measurement device, an angle measurement device, a control device or a torque device: for example measurement information, input information, action instructions, angle information, a first torque limit value, a first or second angle position, an angle position change or displacement) means that the information, here in particular the measurement information, the input information and / or the angle information, is provided to other components of the regulating device in an electronic and / or data-technological manner, for example as an analog or digital electronic signal, or as a data set stored in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can be called up by these components. For example, the angle information can be transferred, provided to the control device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the control device, and / or the measurement information and the input information can be transferred, provided to the internal determination device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the internal determination device.

[0018] Here, the control device is configured to manipulate the drive to cause the actuator to perform a rotation by a defined angle of rotation determined in direction and magnitude by the angle information. "Manipulate" here has the meaning already explained above.

[0019] The use of the terms "measurement information", "input information" and "angle information" in the singular form here is not to be understood as meaning that each of these information contains only a single record or a single value. Rather, each of these information can contain a plurality of records, values or data. For example, the angle information contains at least information about the angle magnitude to be adjusted and the direction of rotation, for example clockwise or counterclockwise. The measurement information is characterized in that it contains measurement data or measurement values related to the thermostatic expansion valve and / or the HKL installation in which the thermostatic expansion valve is installed and / or the environment or application of the HKL installation. These can be, for example, pressure measurement values and / or temperature measurement values. Thus, the measurement information can comprise, for example, the saturation vapor pressure or the saturation vapor temperature in the evaporator of the HKL installation and the evaporator outlet temperature. From these measurement values, for example, the current degree of superheat can be calculated. In contrast, the input information is characterized in that it contains information which cannot be called measurement data. These can be, for example, the type of refrigerant used in the HKL installation, the manufacturer and model of the thermostatic expansion valve and / or target parameters of the HKL installation application, for example target temperatures. In combination with these data, it can be determined, for example, whether the degree of superheat determined from the measurement information is in an optimal range or whether the degree of superheat needs to be optimized by adjusting the regulating element of the pre-tensioning device.

[0020] By this design, the adjustment of the pre-tensioning device of the thermostatic expansion valve can be further automated and conveniently performed by the adjustment device, which either automatically processes the preset angle information and converts it into a defined rotation and thus into an adjustment change of the adjustment element or which first automatically determines the angle information from the measurement information and the input information. Thus, no manual control or monitoring of the adjustment device is required during the adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0021] In another exemplary design, the interface device comprises a communication device. The communication device is configured to carry out a wired or wireless communication with at least one external unit. The external unit can be various devices, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer, but also a sensor system, in particular a so-called assembly aid. The wireless communication can be carried out, for example, by means of a Bluetooth interface, which can ensure a reliable short-range communication and a high compatibility with various external units.

[0022] Here, the communication device is configured to receive at least measurement information from one or more external units, in particular from a sensor system consisting of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device can also send or transfer measurement information to the external unit, in particular to an external determination device. This can be chosen if the angle information is not initially provided to the adjustment device by the interface device and the adjustment device is not able to autonomously determine the angle information directly from the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication device can be configured to receive at least input information from the external unit, in particular from an external operating device. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device can also send or transfer input information to the external unit, in particular to an external determination device. This can be chosen if the angle information is not initially provided to the adjustment device by the interface device and the adjustment device is not able to autonomously determine the angle information directly from the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device.

[0024] Furthermore, the communication device can be configured to receive at least angle information from the external unit, in particular from an external determination device.

[0025] The terms "sending", "transferring" and "receiving" as used herein in the present context (and generally also in the context of all aspects of the present application whenever reference is made to sending, transferring or receiving the following information from elements of the regulating device, such as interface means, communication means, operating means, internal determination means, position measuring means, angle measuring means, control means or torque means, or from elements of the maintenance system, such as sensor system, determination means, operating means or display means: such as measurement information, input information, action instructions, angle information, first torque limit value, first or second angle position, angle position change or displacement) should only be understood restrictively in that they indicate the direction of the information transfer or information flow. This means that the sending or transferring unit does not necessarily have to assume the active or controlling role here. The receiving unit also does not necessarily have to assume the passive role. Information can be requested, queried or called by other units. The sending unit also does not necessarily have to address or know the recipient purposefully, but can also, for example, propagate the information openly or store it as a data set in a volatile or non-volatile memory, and one or more pre-set recipients write, wait for or call the propagated information from the memory. The receiving unit and the sending unit can communicate with each other according to any protocol and exchange information bidirectionally.

[0026] With this exemplary design, further automation and convenient adjustment of the pre-tensioning device of the thermostatic expansion valve can be achieved. The regulating device can flexibly and variably exchange information with various external units, in particular with an external sensor system, an external operating device and / or an external determination means. Here, the exchange of information via the communication means can in particular take place during the continuous coupling of the regulating device to the regulating interface of the thermostatic expansion valve. In particular, measurement information, input information and / or angle information can be exchanged several times, so that an iterative optimization of the expansion valve adjustment can be carried out automatically in several adjustment steps and in the waiting gaps between them.

[0027] In one exemplary extension of this design, the communication means are configured for wired communication with the external unit, via which the regulating device simultaneously obtains an energy supply. Reliable operation of the regulating device can thus be ensured without having to fear malfunctions due to depletion of the energy store.

[0028] In another exemplary extension of this design, the communication means are configured for wireless communication with the external unit, via which the regulating device either simultaneously obtains an energy supply, operates as so-called "energy harvesting" in the electromagnetic field of the wireless communication, or the regulating device comprises an energy supply device, via which the regulating device is supplied with energy. A rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery is suitable as an energy supply device, for example. With this design, the regulating device can be used flexibly and mobile, and the operation is further facilitated due to the absence of a cable connection.

[0029] In another exemplary design, the interface device comprises an operating device which is configured to accept and provide at least measurement information and / or input information and / or angle information and / or action instructions from an operating person.

[0030] Here, the "acceptance" of information or instructions can take place by means of manual manipulation of operating elements of the operating device, such as buttons, keys, levers or touch-sensitive surfaces.

[0031] In the present context, "provision" is in line with the definition introduced above and means that the measurement information, the input information, the angle information and the action instructions are provided to other components of the regulating device in an electronic and / or data-technical manner, for example as analog or digital electronic signals, or can be called up by these components. In particular, the angle information and the action instructions can be transmitted, provided to the control device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the control device, and / or the measurement information and the input information can be transmitted, provided to the internal determination device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the internal determination device.

[0032] In the present context, the action instructions can in particular be understood as inputs of the operating person which are intended to trigger an activation or deactivation of the regulating device or which are intended to provide a confirmation of the completed coupling of the regulating device to the regulating interface.

[0033] While this design cannot achieve further automation compared to the previous design, the regulating device can be used more flexibly, since if the measurement information, the input information and / or the angle information cannot be received automatically from the external device by means of the communication device, these information can be detected by means of the operating device and provided to other components of the regulating device. Thus, the regulating device remains practically usable even without an external unit having corresponding communication capabilities.

[0034] In another exemplary design, the drive comprises an actuator and a transmission. The actuator is configured, for example, as a stepper motor or a servo motor, in order to be able to control the actuator accurately. The transmission can in particular have a transmission ratio by means of which the rotational speed is reduced and, in this respect, the torque is increased. For example, a so-called planetary gear transmission can be used. This makes it possible to achieve an accurate and at the same time effective regulation of the regulating element by means of the actuator rotated by the drive. In this design, the actuator further comprises a bearing and a shaft which is rotatably supported by the bearing about an axis. Both the drive and the coupling device are rigidly supported, directly or indirectly, with respect to the bearing here.

[0035] In this context, direct rigid support means that the transmission (for example the transmission frame) and / or the coupling are rigidly connected to the bearing directly. In contrast, indirect rigid support means that the aforementioned components are held in a rigid position relative to one another by means of a further component or element.

[0036] By means of this design, it is possible to effectively transfer the torque from the drive to the actuator and from there to the adjustment element, without the drive having to be rotated or moved relative to the adjustment interface.

[0037] In one exemplary extension of this design, the indirect rigid support of the drive and the coupling relative to the bearing is achieved in that the adjustment device has a housing which accommodates or holds the aforementioned components in a rigid position relative to one another. This makes it possible to achieve the advantageous effects of this design while at the same time enabling the structural design of the adjustment device to be adapted to a variety of requirements. Furthermore, the components of the adjustment device can be effectively protected from the environment by means of the housing.

[0038] In another exemplary extension of this design, the adjustment device has a housing which comprises a tool housing component and a drive housing component. The actuator is at least partially accommodated in the tool housing component, while the drive is at least partially accommodated in the drive housing component.

[0039] In this context, "partially" means that the aforementioned components or assemblies are at least partially surrounded or at least partially arranged in the respective housing component. This is for example not contradicted by the fact that the output shaft of the drive can project into the tool housing component in order to drive the actuator into rotational movement.

[0040] Here, it is provided in this extension that the drive housing component is arranged here relative to the tool housing component such that a virtual connection line extending through the center or center of gravity of the drive housing component and the center or center of gravity of the tool housing component forms an angle of between 45° and 90° with the axis about which the actuator is rotated. This makes it possible for the drive housing component to be arranged substantially laterally of the tool housing component or at least substantially not to be located axially behind the tool housing component. This makes it possible to effectively reduce the overall length of the housing and thus also of the adjustment device, which can therefore be coupled to a difficult-to-reach adjustment interface and used in a narrow installation environment. It can be advantageous in this design for the transmission to comprise a bevel gear transmission.

[0041] Furthermore, this extension can advantageously be combined with the aforementioned extension in that the drive, the bearing and the coupling are rigidly supported or positioned relative to one another by means of the housing components which are rigidly connected to one another.

[0042] In another exemplary design, the coupling device is configured to be couplable with different types of adjustment interfaces. "Different types" here in particular refer to different outer diameters or geometries, which the coupling device can be coupled to by surrounding, enclosing, clamping, gripping, clamping or clenching. However, this can also in particular refer to different nominal width external threads that can be provided on the adjustment interfaces, which the coupling device can be coupled to by surrounding, enclosing, clamping, gripping, clamping, clenching or screwing. With this design, the adjustment apparatus can be flexible and can be used to adjust the pre-tensioning device of various thermostatic expansion valves of different manufacturers.

[0043] In one exemplary extension of this design, the coupling device has a chuck, the basic structural design of which is known from drill chucks of various tools, such as drill bolt tightening machines. Here, the chuck can for example have a three-jaw chuck, or the chuck comprises a rubber ring, which can be axially compressed by a locking nut, so that the inner diameter of the rubber ring is reduced and the adjustment interface is clamped therein. The chuck is advantageously adapted to accommodate adjustment interfaces of different widths within a certain range and can here in particular be fastened or loosened without tools, for example by manually turning the locking nut.

[0044] In another exemplary extension of this design, the coupling device has a clamp, which is rigidly held or carried in the position of the tool tip by an arm. The clamp is here positioned so that it can grip adjustment interfaces of different widths, different shapes. Preferably, the clamp is provided with a set screw, by which the opposing clamp halves can be uniformly varied in radial distance with respect to the rotational axis of the actuator, in particular can be tightened. This extension can also be fastened to the adjustment interface and loosened again from the adjustment interface without tools.

[0045] In another exemplary extension of this design, the coupling device comprises an attachment coupling, which is couplable with a replaceable coupling attachment. This enables the coupling device to be flexibly adapted to and coupled with different types of adjustment interfaces. Preferably, the coupling attachment can be replaced without tools, which facilitates the handling of the adjustment apparatus, in particular the adaptation of the adjustment apparatus to a particular adjustment interface.

[0046] For example, the attachment coupling can have a flange-like flange with a front end contact face, i.e. a contact face facing the adjustment interface. The coupling attachment can be configured as a locking nut having a lateral notch, so that the coupling attachment can be slid laterally onto the attachment coupling and again taken off therefrom. The lateral notch here has at least one step, so that the locking nut can be supported on the side of the flange facing away from the contact face after being slid onto the attachment coupling and when the locking nut is screwed onto the outer thread of the adjustment interface. By tightening the locking nut on the adjustment interface, the contact face can be pressed against the front surface or edge of the adjustment interface, so that a rigid coupling of the adjustment device to the adjustment interface is established. Preferably, the lateral notch comprises a guide groove, in which the flange engages. In this way, the locking nut is arranged in a defined position on the attachment coupling and facilitates handling of the adjustment device during coupling to the adjustment interface. In this design, the locking nut can be replaced simply and toollessly, so that a matching locking nut can be prepared and used for any outer thread that can be provided on the adjustment interface.

[0047] In another exemplary design, the actuator has a chuck seat, and the tool tip is formed by a chuck that is replaceably accommodated in the chuck seat. This enables the tool tip to match the drive profile of the adjustment element, and various thermostatic expansion valves of various manufacturers can be adjusted by the adjustment device. Preferably, the chuck can be replaced without tools, which further facilitates handling of the adjustment device. A magnetic holder can also be integrated in the chuck seat, which magnetically holds the chuck in the seat, so that the chuck can be prevented from falling out of the chuck seat by accident.

[0048] In another exemplary design, the tool tip has a so-called universal socket wrench, which can match a plurality of different screw drive profiles of the adjustment element.

[0049] In another exemplary design, the tool tip is directly or indirectly displaceably supported, and the actuator has a pre-tensioning element that directly or indirectly pre-tensions the tool tip into the distal end position.

[0050] "Directly" displaceably supported and / or pre-tensioned in the present context (and generally also when the tool tip is mentioned as being directly displaceably supported in the context of all aspects of the present application) means that the tool tip, for example the chuck held in the chuck seat explained in the preceding design, is itself directly displaceably supported, while for example the shaft of the actuator is displaceably supported in a bearing or the chuck seat is not displaceably supported. For example, the chuck can be directly displaceably supported in the chuck seat and pre-tensioned by a pre-tensioning device.

[0051] In this context (and generally also in the context of all aspects of the invention when the tool tip is indirectly displaceably supported), "indirectly" displaceably supported and / or preloaded means that the tool tip (e.g. the bit held in the bit holder explained in the previous embodiment) is not itself displaceably and / or preloaded relative to the part of the actuator connected to the tool tip, but can be displaced together with this part. For example, the bit holder can be displaceably supported, while the bit has a fixed position in the bit holder.

[0052] The preload element is designed as a mechanical coil spring, for example. The spring element applies a preload force directly or indirectly to the tool tip, so that the tool tip moves to the distal end position without external resistance and stays there. The distal end position refers to the position at which the tool tip protrudes farthest forward from the adjustment device. When the adjustment device is coupled to the adjustment interface, the tool tip hits the end face of the adjustment element and is thereby pushed away from the distal end position, i.e. into the retracted position. By means of the preload device, the tool tip is continuously pressed against the adjustment element during this process and can maintain an effective connection with the adjustment element even if the adjustment element is screwed deeper into the preload device. On the contrary, if the adjustment element is further unscrewed from the preload device, the tool tip can also follow this movement and retreat further backwards from the adjustment interface because it is supported in a displaceable manner.

[0053] In an exemplary development of this embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a position measuring device which is configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide the axial position and / or the axial displacement dL of the tool tip.

[0054] In this context, "providing" is consistent with the definition introduced above and means that the measured axial position and / or axial displacement dL is provided to other components of the regulating device in an electronic and / or data-technical manner (for example as an analog or digital electronic signal), or can be called by these components. In particular, the axial position and / or axial displacement dL can be transmitted, provided to a control device or an internal determination device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by a control device or an internal determination device. In this context, "direct" measurement should refer to measuring the axial position and / or axial displacement dL directly at the tool tip or a specific component forming the tool tip. In contrast, "indirect" measurement means determining the position, displacement or similar measured variable at another component and inferring the axial position and / or axial displacement based on this measurement. Furthermore, in this context, "axial position" is understood to be the absolute position of the tool tip, while "axial displacement dL" is understood to be the relative position change between two states. The explanations given above regarding the terms “indirect” or “direct” measurement, “axial position” and “axial displacement dL” also apply generally in the context of all aspects of the present invention in which a position-measuring device is used accordingly.

[0055] The adjustment device according to this expansion can in any case automatically detect a change in axial position and automatically carry out further steps as a result, as explained in more detail in the following chapter. For example, when the tool tip is inserted or snapped into the driving contour of the adjustment element, i.e. a correct active connection with the adjustment element is made, this can be automatically recognized by means of the position measuring device. In addition, the axial travel resulting therefrom can be monitored during the defined rotation of the actuator in order to make a defined adjustment of the adjustment element. If this axial travel does not correspond to the expected value, it indicates that the pitch of the thread available for adjusting the adjustment element must necessarily be different from the expected value. It can therefore be concluded that, for example, the valve type selection was incorrect or that the table values on which the previously determined angle information was based were incorrect. The actually measured axial travel can then be used in order to correct or adapt the determined angle information before further adjustment steps are carried out on the same valve or valve type. In an exemplary variant of this expansion, in which the "axial position" is absolutely measurable, the adjustment device can also be configured to automatically determine whether the tool tip is near the distal end position or near the proximal end position. The proximal end position here is an axial position in which the tool tip can no longer be moved further back, since it has reached the rear stop and can no longer be pushed further into the adjustment device. In the region of the two end positions, the adjustment of the pretensioning device can only be possible with restrictions, since the tool tip can no longer be able to follow the adjustment element completely during the adjustment of the adjustment element, resulting in an interruption of the active connection. If the position measuring device is able to measure the axial position, the presence of this risk can be reliably recognized and a warning prompt can then be output (for example as an optical or acoustic signal).

[0056] In another exemplary design, the adjustment device comprises a torque measuring device which is configured to measure and provide the torque transmitted to the actuator directly or indirectly.

[0057] In the present context, "providing" is in line with the definition introduced above and means that the measured torque is provided to other components of the adjustment device, respectively, in an electronic and / or data-technological manner, for example as an analog or digital electronic signal, or can be called up by these components. In particular, the measured torque can be delivered, provided to the control device, or can be queried and / or recorded synchronously by the control device. A "direct" measurement of the torque is to be understood here as meaning that the torque sensor is integrated into the actuator and detects the torque acting in the actuator, in particular between the shaft and the tool tip. In contrast, an "indirect" measurement is to be understood as meaning that the torque or a variable related thereto is measured at another location. For example, the power consumption of the actuator of the drive can be monitored, or the mechanical stress between components of the transmission or between components of the transmission and components of the bearing of the actuator can be measured. The explanations given above with respect to the terms "indirect" or "direct" measurement also apply correspondingly universally in the context of all aspects of the present application in which torque measurement devices are used accordingly.

[0058] In this design, the adjustment device can perform a further step of automation by means of the torque measurement device: for example, the adjustment device can be configured to monitor that the first torque limit value is not exceeded during rotation of the actuator. If, for example, the angular position of the tool tip at the stop of the carrying contour of the adjustment element is to be determined in the clockwise and anticlockwise direction, respectively, but no adjustment of the adjustment element is to be made at this time, the first torque limit value can be selected to be sufficiently low to ensure that an unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element can be ruled out. Furthermore, the adjustment device can be configured to be able to be identified when the adjustment element is jammed. To this end, the second torque limit value D2may be selected to be sufficiently high, for example, so that this second torque limit value triggers only when jammed and not when a normal adjustment of the adjustment element is made. By this design, the adjustment device can be operated more safely and more reliably.

[0059] In another exemplary design, the adjustment device comprises an angle measurement device which is configured to measure and provide at least one absolute or relative angular position change of the actuator directly or indirectly. The measurement is referred to as "indirect" if it is not determined directly on the rotating component of the actuator or on the tool tip. For example, an engine contained by the drive can comprise an angle measurement device, then the transmission ratio of a thread possibly arranged between the engine and the actuator is also taken into account in order to convert the angular change of the engine output shaft into an angular change of the actuator. The measurement is referred to as "direct" in other cases. These explanations of the terms "indirect" or "direct" measurement also apply correspondingly universally in the context of all aspects of the present application in which torque measurement devices are used accordingly.

[0060] In the present context, "providing" is in line with the definition introduced above and means that the determined absolute angular position or relative angular position change is provided to other components of the regulating device in an electronic and / or data-technological manner, for example as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a data set stored in a volatile or non-volatile memory, respectively, or can be called up by these components. For example, the determined absolute angular position or relative angular position change can be passed on, provided to the control device or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the control device. By means of the angle measuring device, it is possible for the control device to rotate the actuator by a defined rotation angle with greater accuracy and for further automated methods and applications of the regulating device to be implemented.

[0061] In another exemplary design, the regulating device is configured as a component of a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the application described below, wherein all exemplary designs and extensions of the regulating device mentioned above can also be applied accordingly in the context of the maintenance system.

[0062] In a further exemplary design, the electronic components and units mentioned in the preceding sections with regard to the regulating device and its designs and extensions, such as the control device, the torque measuring device, the position measuring device, the angle determining device, the internal determining device, the interface device, the communication device, the operating device and the energy supply device, can each be implemented as a separate, independent unit. For example, each of these devices or units can comprise its own circuit board, its own microcontroller and other components individually. In an exemplary design, a plurality of or even all of the mentioned devices or units can also be integrated into a common electronic component. The individual functions of the respective mentioned devices or units can also be integrated. For example, the functions of the control device and the internal determining device can be performed by a single electronic component or even a single microcontroller or process. This can enable an increased production value, a reduced manufacturing cost of the regulating device and a reduced number of components.

[0063] In another exemplary design, the regulating device is configured to perform one or more methods according to the third aspect of the application described below, wherein the regulating device then accordingly has at least all features or components necessary to perform the respective method.

[0064] The designs and extensions of the regulating device mentioned above can in particular be combined with one another in any manner, as long as they are not logically mutually exclusive.

[0065] According to a second aspect of the present application, a maintenance system for adjusting a pretensioning device of an expansion valve on an HKL installation comprises a sensor system, an operating device and an adjusting device according to the first aspect of the present application or according to any of the exemplary design solutions and extensions of the first aspect of the present application mentioned above. Accordingly, all examples, definitions and explanations explained in the preceding section with respect to the first aspect of the present application also apply to the corresponding elements, terms and features in the following section with respect to the second aspect of the present application.

[0066] The operating device comprises, for example, a display and a plurality of operating elements, such as keys or buttons, or a touch-sensitive surface, such as a touchscreen. The operating device can be configured, for example, on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet or a so-called assembly aid.

[0067] The adjusting device comprises at least a drive, an actuator which can be rotated about an axis by the drive, a coupling device, a control device and an interface device with a communication device. The coupling device is configured to be detachably coupled to an adjustment interface of the expansion valve, such that a tool tip of the actuator forms an effective connection with an adjustment element of the pretensioning device and a torque generated by the drive or a rotational movement triggered by the drive can be transmitted by the actuator onto the adjustment element.

[0068] The sensor system comprises at least a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HKL installation and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. The maintenance system is configured to measure at least the pressure and the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator with the sensor system and to provide them as measurement information. The maintenance system is further configured to accept at least input information from an operating person with the operating device and to provide them.

[0069] Furthermore, the maintenance system comprises a determination device or the adjusting device comprises an internal determination device.

[0070] In case the maintenance system has a determination device, the maintenance system is configured to determine and provide angle information based on the measurement information and the input information with the determination device. In this case, the adjusting device is configured to receive the angle information from the determination device by means of the communication device and to provide the angle information again inside the adjusting device.

[0071] In case the adjusting device comprises an internal determination device, the adjusting device is configured to first receive the measurement information from the sensor system and the input information from the operating device by means of the communication device and to provide these information inside the adjusting device. The adjusting device is further configured to subsequently determine the angle information based on the measurement information and the input information with the internal determination device and to provide the angle information inside the adjusting device.

[0072] In this context, "providing" at the level of components or elements of the maintenance system (and generally also in the context of all aspects of the application when providing information at the level of the following components or elements of the maintenance system: e.g. sensor system, operating device, regulating device and determining device), means that the information - here in particular measurement information, input information and / or angle information - is provided to, or can be called up by, the respective other components of the maintenance system in an electronic and / or data-technological manner (e.g. as an analog or digital electronic signal, or as a data set stored in a volatile or non-volatile memory). Thus, in particular the angle information can be transferred, provided to the regulating device or its communication device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the regulating device or its communication device, and / or the measurement information and input information can be transferred, provided to the determining device, or can be queried and / or synchronously recorded by the determining device.

[0073] In the context of components of the regulating device (i.e. e.g. interface device, communication device, operating device, control device and internal determining device) and in accordance with the definitions given in the section relating to the first aspect of the application, "providing", in particular "providing within the regulating device", means that the information - here in particular measurement information, input information and / or angle information - is provided to, or can be called up by, the respective other components of the regulating device in an electronic and / or data-technological manner (e.g. as an analog or digital electronic signal, or as a data set stored in a volatile or non-volatile memory).

[0074] For the sake of clarity, the allocation of individual communication devices to each individual component of the maintenance system is omitted here; this does not mean, however, that any components of the maintenance system other than the regulating device do not have a communication device. In fact, it can even be necessary to provide such additional communication devices and to make corresponding settings in order to achieve the intended information flow. In the case of the regulating device, the communication device is emphasized and explicitly mentioned in particular, in order to be able to distinguish more clearly in the interaction of the first aspect with the second aspect of the application between the processes and methods that take place within the regulating device and the higher-level processes and methods that take place at the level of the maintenance system.

[0075] In any case, i.e. whether the angle information is determined by the determination means of the maintenance system or by the internal determination means of the adjustment device, the adjustment device is configured to manipulate the drive by means of the control means in order to cause the actuator to perform a rotation by a defined rotation angle in terms of direction and magnitude determined by the angle information. For this purpose, the adjustment device can comprise, for example, angle measuring means which are configured to measure at least one absolute or relative angle position change of the actuator directly or indirectly and to provide it to the control means, for example in an electronic and / or data-technological manner, so that the control means can use this angle position or relative angle position change as an adjustment parameter. However, the drive itself can also be configured to perform defined, discrete rotation steps, for example as a stepper motor.

[0076] The manipulation of the drive is preceded by the determination of the angle information by means of the defined determination rule indicating that an adjustment of the adjustment element of the pretensioning device is actually to be made. The explanations made in the section on the first aspect of the application with regard to the defined determination rule apply accordingly here, regardless of whether the determination rule is used by the determination means on the level of the maintenance system or by the internal determination means on the level of the adjustment device.

[0077] By means of the maintenance system, the adjustment or optimized adjustment of the pretensioning device of the expansion valve can be performed conveniently, reliably and to a large extent automatically.

[0078] In one exemplary design, the maintenance system comprises a display device which is configured to display a visual representation of the angle information. The visual representation here comprises at least the display of the angle magnitude and the rotation direction on the basis of the angle information. The angle magnitude here can be displayed, for example, as an angle number (for example "90°") or as a multiple or fraction of a full rotation (for example "one and a half revolutions"). The rotation direction here can be displayed in words (for example "clockwise", "CW" for "clock wise") or in pictograms.

[0079] In addition, the visual representation can comprise an animation. Here, at least an exemplary pretensioning device and a tool in effective connection with the adjustment element of the pretensioning device can be displayed or shown. In addition, the rotational movement of the tool, which matches the angle magnitude and the rotation direction determined by the angle information, can be animated, in particular.

[0080] The display device can be configured, in particular, as a screen on a mobile device (for example a mobile phone, a tablet or a so-called assembly aid). The display device can be configured, in particular, also as a touch screen and, together with the operating device, as a single device or component.

[0081] By means of the visual presentation by the display device, the preset adjustment of the pretensioning device can be presented in a manner that is easily understandable to the operating personnel. In particular, this enables the operating personnel to manually adjust or adapt the adjustment element of the pretensioning device themselves in the event of the adjustment device being abandoned, the adjustment device not being available or not functioning properly. The visual presentation can thus serve as an animated operating guide in this context.

[0082] In another exemplary design, the sensor system of the maintenance system comprises a so-called assembly aid. The pressure sensor of the sensor system is here configured as an integrated pressure sensor of the assembly aid. Furthermore, the assembly aid can be connected wired or wirelessly with the temperature sensor of the sensor system to record the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. The assembly aid can thus collect all measured values as a central node and aggregate them to provide as measurement information. Furthermore, the determination device and / or the operating device and / or the display device can be integrated into the assembly aid. In particular, the determination device, the operating device and the display device can all be integrated into the assembly aid.

[0083] By this integration in the assembly aid, a high operational convenience, a simple operation and a high functionality can be achieved. The assembly aid is here in particular configured as a so-called digital assembly aid.

[0084] In another exemplary design, the maintenance system is configured to carry out one or more methods according to the fourth aspect of the application below, wherein the maintenance system then has all features or components necessary to carry out the respective method accordingly.

[0085] The aforementioned design and extension of the maintenance system can in particular be combined with one another in any manner, as long as they are not logically mutually exclusive.

[0086] According to a third aspect of the application, a method for carrying out an adjustment of a pretensioning device of an expansion valve on an HKL facility by means of an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the application comprises the following steps:

[0087] Step A) coupling the coupling device of the adjustment device to the adjustment interface of the expansion valve, such that the tool tip of the actuator of the adjustment device forms an effective connection with the adjustment element of the pretensioning device;

[0088] Step B) providing measurement information and input information and / or angle information by means of the interface device of the adjustment device, step B being carried out after, simultaneously with or before step A;

[0089] Step B') if no angle information is provided in step B, determining angle information by means of defined determination rules based on the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device of the adjustment device;

[0090] Step C) If the angle information contains a non-zero angle value, manipulating the drive of the adjustment device by adjusting the control device of the adjustment device to cause the actuator to perform a rotation in a defined rotation angle determined in direction and in value by the angle information, wherein step C is performed after steps A, B and B' are completed.

[0091] As already mentioned before, in this method as well as in its subsequent exemplary design solutions, any of the adjustment devices according to the first aspect of the present application or any of its exemplary design solutions or extensions is used (as long as the adjustment device or the solutions have all the components or parts required in the respective method). Accordingly, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements and explanations explained in the preceding section with respect to the first aspect of the present application can also be transferred to the respective examples, definitions, terms, features, elements and explanations in the section with respect to the second aspect of the present application and its exemplary design solutions. Thus, for example, with respect to the terms "forming an effective connection", "providing", "manipulating" and the like, the explanations of the respective terms, components and features of the first aspect of the present application and its exemplary design solutions and extensions can be referred to.

[0092] The determination of the angle information in step B' by the internal determination device can be performed completely within the adjustment device, i.e. by a component of the adjustment device, such as a microcontroller. Alternatively, the internal determination device in step B' can also establish a connection with an external unit, such as an external determination device or a cloud application, transmit the measurement information and the input information to the external unit and retrieve the angle information determined by the external unit and then provide the angle information. Here, the exchange of the measurement information, the input information and the angle information with the external unit can be performed in particular by the communication device of the interface device, which will be explained in more detail in the exemplary design solutions of the method below.

[0093] By this method, it is apparent that the adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve is facilitated and automated, so that the adjustment can be performed reliably and quickly. Furthermore, by using the adjustment device in this method, the advantages and improvements of the adjustment device explained in the preceding sections can be transferred to the method or achieved by the method.

[0094] In one exemplary design solution, at least one of the following sub-steps B1 or B2 is performed in step B, with the aim of providing the measurement information, the input information and / or the angle information:

[0095] Step B1) Receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an external unit by the communication device of the interface device; and / or

[0096] Step B2) receiving and providing angle information and / or measurement information and / or input information from the operating personnel via the operating device of the interface device.

[0097] Here, it can be provided in step B1 that measurement information is received from a sensor system and input information is received from an operating device. The sensor system, the operating device and the regulating device can be part of a maintenance system, in particular.

[0098] In one exemplary design of the method, the regulating device comprises a torque measuring device configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide a torque transmitted to the actuator and an angle measuring device configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide at least one absolute angular position or relative angular position change of the actuator. In step A, after the coupling device is coupled to the regulating interface and the tool tip is in operative connection with the regulating element, the following additional sub-steps are performed, respectively:

[0099] Step A1 ) manipulating the drive such that the actuator performs a rotational movement in a first rotational direction until a first torque limit value is broken through; and

[0100] detecting and providing a first angular position W1 in which the actuator is at this time as absolute angular position and / or as zero base for the subsequent detection of a relative angular position change in step A2, and subsequently

[0101] Step A2) manipulating the drive such that the actuator performs a rotational movement in a rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction until a first torque limit value is broken through; and

[0102] detecting and providing a second angular position W2 in which the actuator (1020) is at this time as absolute angular position, and / or

[0103] detecting and providing a relative angular position change between the zero base and the second angular position W2 as angular position change dW.

[0104] In the above steps, the various manipulations of the drive are performed by a control device, respectively, which is designed for this purpose according to the explanation of the first aspect of the invention.

[0105] The object of this design variant is to determine the position of the tool tip within the carrier contour of the adjustment element in such a way that possible gaps between the carrier contour of the adjustment element and the contour of the tool tip can be identified and taken into account. However, during this design variant of the method, the adjustment element should not be rotated, i.e. the adjustment element should not be adjusted. Therefore, the torque transmitted to the actuator is measured, in particular continuously monitored, by means of the torque measuring device. This means that the applied or acting torque is measured continuously or periodically and at least provided to the control device. The first torque limit value is set in such a way that it is immediately exceeded when the edge, tip, surface or corner of the tool tip comes to rest against the corner, edge, tip or surface of the carrier contour of the adjustment element during a rotation in one direction. As a result, the rotation of the actuator is immediately stopped, which effectively prevents an unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0106] In steps Al and A2, "at this point in time" means the point in time at which the first torque limit value is exceeded and the rotational movement is stopped, respectively.

[0107] If the angle measuring device is configured to measure absolute angle positions, i.e. for example a specific angle position - like 45.3° or 271.5° - the first angle position Wl and the second angle position W2 are measured absolutely and provided, in particular stored, as absolute angle positions, respectively. At the same time, the relative angle position change between the two angle positions Wl and W2 can also be determined, even though this is not required for the subsequent steps.

[0108] However, if the angle measuring device is only configured to measure relative angle position changes of the actuator, the first angle position Wl in step Al is used as zero base position and the relative angle position change between the zero base position, i.e. the first angle position Wl, and the second angle position W2 is then measured and provided, in particular stored, in step A2.

[0109] If the first torque limit value is exceeded in both steps Al and A2, the first angle position Wl and the second angle position W2 are either known by absolute angle positions and can be reset at any time or the relative angle position change dW between at least two angle positions is known in terms of magnitude and direction and thus the actuator can be returned from the second angle position W2 to the first angle position Wl and vice versa at any time, as long as the actuator does not perform any further rotational movement of unknown angle position change. Therefore, in the last step before the rotation determined by the angle information in step C, one of the following steps can be performed:

[0110] Step A3) If the angle information determines a rotation in the first rotational direction, the actuator (1010) is operated such that the actuator (1020) is in the first angle position Wl;

[0111] Step A4) If the angle information determines that a rotation in the opposite direction to the first rotational direction is to be carried out, the drive (1010) is actuated such that the actuator (1020) is in the second angular position W2.

[0112] However, if the first torque limit value is not exceeded after a rotation of the angular amount of 360° in one of the steps Al or A2, the method is prescribed to be terminated. Because at this point it is very likely that the core part of the step A has not been completed at all, i.e. the tool tip has not formed an effective connection with the adjustment element. This can occur, for example, if the rotational axis of the actuator is not aligned concentrically with the adjustment element such that the tool tip does not engage into the entraining contour of the adjustment element. In this case, the method is terminated completely and the operating personnel of the adjustment device can be informed of the error, for example, by an acoustic or optical signal.

[0113] What can be achieved with this exemplary design is that in step C of the method the rotation determined by the angle information in terms of direction and angular amount is carried out completely without the angular amount being distorted by a gap that can exist between the entraining contour of the adjustment element and the contour of the tool tip. Thus, an especially accurate adjustment of the adjustment element can be achieved.

[0114] In another exemplary design of the method, the tool tip is directly or indirectly displaceably supported and the actuator has a pre-tensioning element which directly or indirectly pre-tensions the tool tip into the distal end position. Furthermore, the adjustment device comprises a torque measuring device which is configured to directly or indirectly measure the torque transmitted to the actuator and to provide it to the control device, and a position measuring device which is configured to directly or indirectly measure the axial position and / or the displacement of the tool tip and to provide it to the control device. In step A, after the coupling device is coupled to the adjustment interface and the tool tip forms an effective connection with the adjustment element, and before steps Al to A4 which can likewise be provided in the preceding exemplary design, the following additional sub-steps are carried out:

[0115] Step A01) The drive is actuated such that the actuator carries out a rotational movement in the first rotational direction until the first torque limit value is exceeded, or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip, or a rotation of a defined angular amount is carried out, and subsequently

[0116] Step A02) If no displacement of the tool tip is detected in step A01 and the first torque limit value is not exceeded, the drive is actuated such that the actuator carries out a rotational movement in the opposite direction to the first rotational direction until the first torque limit value is exceeded, or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip, or a rotation of a defined angular amount is carried out.

[0117] The various manipulations of the drive in the above-mentioned steps are each carried out by a control device which, according to the explanation of the first aspect of the application, is designed for this purpose.

[0118] The object of this design variant is to check whether the tool tip in step A is correctly in active connection with the adjustment element, i.e. whether the contour of the tool tip engages into the entraining contour of the adjustment element and / or contributes to the establishment of the active connection. However, during this design variant of the method, the adjustment element should not be rotated, i.e. the adjustment element should not be adjusted. Therefore, the torque transmitted to the actuator is measured, in particular continuously monitored, by means of a torque measuring device. This means that the applied or acting torque is measured continuously or periodically and at least provided to the control device. The first torque limit value is determined in such a way that it is immediately exceeded when the edge, tip, surface or corner of the tool tip comes to rest on the corner, edge, tip or surface of the entraining contour of the adjustment element during the rotation in one direction. Immediately, the rotation of the actuator is immediately stopped, which effectively prevents an unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element. Here, the torque measuring device can in particular be identical to the torque measuring device used in the context of the aforementioned design variant.

[0119] Furthermore, during this design variant of the method, the axial position and / or displacement of the tool tip is measured, in particular continuously monitored, for example continuously or periodically, by means of a position measuring device. In this way, it can be detected if the tool tip gets stuck or enters the entraining contour of the adjustment element during the rotational movement. Immediately, the rotation of the actuator is immediately stopped, which effectively prevents an unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0120] Furthermore, if neither the first torque limit value is exceeded nor a displacement of the tool tip is measured when a certain angular value is rotated in the respective rotational direction, steps A01 and A02 are each terminated. Because at this point it cannot be determined that the tool tip has already formed an active connection with the adjustment element and that an active connection cannot be formed by rotation. In this case, the method is completely terminated and the operating personnel of the adjustment device can be informed of the error, for example by an acoustic or optical signal.

[0121] In order to monitor or detect the angular quantity of the completed rotation each time, the adjustment device can comprise, for example, an angle measuring device as explained in the context of the aforementioned design variants. Alternatively, the drive itself can also be configured to perform defined, discrete rotational steps, for example as a stepper motor. The defined angle is preferably set here to 360°, such that a full rotation is performed in both rotational directions, and thus the non-rotationally symmetrical entraining contour must match and form an effective connection at least once. However, if the current entraining contour of the adjustment element has rotational symmetry with respect to a given angle, the defined angular quantity can also be set to this given angle. This enables the design variant of the method to be performed quickly.

[0122] With this exemplary design variant, it is possible to check and, if necessary, prompt the correct completion of step A, i.e. the formation of an effective connection between the tool tip and the adjustment element, before the further method steps are performed. This makes the method as a whole more reliable and can increase the degree of automation.

[0123] In another exemplary design variant of the method, the following steps are performed after step C is completed:

[0124] Step D) waiting for a time interval, and

[0125] Step E) repeating the method steps starting with step B after step D is completed.

[0126] By waiting for a time interval in step D, the HKL facility has the opportunity to reach a new equilibrium state after the adjustment of the pretensioning device in step C has been changed. Here, the time interval can correspond to a predefined constant value, for example seven to 15 minutes, or the length of the time interval can be calculated and determined according to a calculation formula depending on the angle information or measurement information and input information from steps B and / or B'. Thus, the time interval can be determined very simply and quickly.

[0127] However, the following sub-steps can be performed in step D, in particular, and a dynamically adjusted time interval can be used instead of a statically determined time interval:

[0128] Step D1) providing first measurement information, and

[0129] Step D2) waiting for a first time interval Z1, and

[0130] Step D3) providing second measurement information, and

[0131] Step D4) if the second measurement information substantially coincides with the first measurement information, step E is continued, otherwise the steps starting with step D2 are repeated.

[0132] The time interval is thus derived from the first time interval Z1 multiplied by the number of cycles to reach step D4. The time interval Z1 can here for example be one minute. By comparing the first measurement information and the second measurement information in each cycle, it can be checked whether the HKL facility is again in an equilibrium state. When the first and second measurement information are "substantially identical", this means that the difference between the measurement information is limited to a fluctuation range which is only empirically expected in the equilibrium state. The first and second measurement information can here in particular comprise the same measurement variables or parameters which are likewise contained in the measurement information used for determining the angle information in step B', for example. However, it can also be other measurement variables or parameters which are suitable for determining that the HKL facility has reached an equilibrium state by sufficient numerical stability.

[0133] A new adjustment cycle is started by re-executing the method from step B as specified in step E. The renewed cycle run means that new, further measurement information has to be determined, irrespective of whether the adjustment device subsequently provides new, further angle information in step B, which is restarted, directly via the interface means, in order to determine the new equilibrium state of the HKL facility which is influenced by the new adjustment of the adjustment element carried out in the previous run of step C. For example, a new degree of superheat can be calculated from the new, further measurement information and it can be re-evaluated whether the pretensioning device is optimally adjusted. If this is not the case, which is reflected in the new, further angle information, which is either provided directly in step B or determined by the internal determination means in step B', the adjustment of the adjustment element is changed again and the adjustment of the pretensioning device can be further optimized.

[0134] With this design, an arbitrary number of optimization cycles can in principle be carried out automatically, so that the operator of the adjustment device can optimize the adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve very precisely with little effort.

[0135] The individual method steps of the method according to the third aspect of the application and the exemplary design of the same (for adjusting a pretensioning device of an expansion valve on a HKL facility by means of an adjustment device) can alternatively also be regarded as use steps of the use of the adjustment device according to the first aspect of the application.

[0136] According to the fourth aspect of the application, a method for carrying out an adjustment of a pretensioning device of an expansion valve on a HKL facility by means of a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the application comprises the following steps:

[0137] Step A) coupling a coupling means of an adjustment device of the maintenance system to an adjustment interface of the expansion valve, so that a tool tip of an actuator of the adjustment device forms an effective connection with an adjustment element of the pretensioning device;

[0138] Step B) receiving and providing input information of an operating person by means of an operating device of the maintenance system, wherein the input information comprises at least a valve type of the expansion valve, a refrigerant type and a target temperature, and wherein step B is performed after, simultaneously with or before step A; and

[0139] Step C) connecting at least a pressure sensor of a sensor system of the maintenance system and a temperature sensor of the sensor system to an outlet of an evaporator of the HKL installation, wherein step C is performed after, simultaneously with or before step A and step B; and

[0140] Step D) measuring at least a saturation vapor pressure with the pressure sensor, an evaporator outlet temperature with the temperature sensor and providing at least these measured values as measurement information by means of the sensor system, wherein step D is performed after step C.

[0141] If the regulating device used in the method has an internal determination device, the following steps E1 to E3 are performed subsequently after steps A to D:

[0142] Step E1) receiving and providing the measurement information and the input information by means of a communication device of an interface device of the regulating device; and

[0143] Step E2) determining an angle information by means of a defined determination rule based on the measurement information and the input information by the internal determination device; and

[0144] Step E3) providing the angle information.

[0145] If the maintenance system used in the method has a determination device, the following steps E4 to E6 are performed subsequently after steps A to D instead:

[0146] Step E4) determining an angle information by means of a defined determination rule based on the measurement information and the input information by the determination device; and

[0147] Step E5) providing the angle information; and

[0148] Step E6) receiving and providing the angle information by means of a communication device of an interface device of the regulating device.

[0149] Subsequently, after steps A to D and steps E1 to E3 or E4 to E6 are completed, the following step is performed as well:

[0150] Step F) if the angle information contains a non-zero angle value, manipulating the drive by means of a control device of the regulating device to cause the actuator to perform a rotation in a defined rotation angle determined in direction and value by the angle information.

[0151] As already mentioned before, in this method as well as in its subsequent exemplary design solutions, a maintenance device according to the second aspect of the present application or any of its exemplary design solutions or extensions is used (as long as the adjustment device or the solutions have all the components or parts required in the respective method). The maintenance system in turn comprises an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the present application or any of its exemplary design solutions or extensions. Accordingly, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements and explanations explained in the preceding sections with respect to the first or second aspect of the present application can also be transferred to the respective examples, definitions, terms, features, elements and explanations with respect to the second aspect of the present application and its exemplary design solutions. Thus, for example, with respect to the terms "forming an effective connection", "providing", "manipulating" and the like, the explanations of the respective terms, components and features of the first or second aspect of the present application and its exemplary design solutions and extensions can be referred to.

[0152] By this method, the optimized adjustment of the pre-tensioning device of a thermostatic expansion valve can be performed to a large extent automatically, reliably and precisely. By combining the elements of the first three aspects of the present application, these elements can be synergistically advantageous in this aspect.

[0153] In one exemplary design solution of this method, the following steps are performed after step F is completed:

[0154] Step G) waiting for a time interval; and

[0155] Step H) repeating the method steps starting from step D.

[0156] The purpose of this design solution is to start a new optimization cycle after the HKL installation has had the opportunity to reach a new equilibrium state. Thus, the adjustment of the pre-tensioning device can be further improved. This design solution is thus equivalent to the respective exemplary design solution of the method according to the third aspect of the present application. The explanations with respect to the respective design solution of the third aspect also apply accordingly to this design solution.

[0157] Thus, the time interval here can also correspond to a predefined constant value, for example seven to 15 minutes, or the length of the time interval can be calculated and determined according to a calculation formula from the angle information from one of steps E3 or E6 or from the measurement information in step D and the input information in step B. Thus, this time interval can be determined very simply and quickly.

[0158] Alternatively, a dynamically adjusted time interval can also be used here by performing in step G, inter alia, the following sub-steps:

[0159] Step G1) providing first measurement information by the sensor system, and

[0160] Step G2) waiting for a first time interval Z1, and

[0161] Step G3) providing second measurement information by means of the sensor system, and

[0162] Step G4) if the second measurement information substantially coincides with the first measurement information, continuing with step H, otherwise repeating the steps starting with step G2.

[0163] With this design, in principle any number of optimization loops can be performed automatically, so that the operating personnel of the maintenance system can optimize the adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve very precisely with little effort.

[0164] The method according to the fourth aspect of the present application and the individual method steps of its exemplary design (for adjusting a pre-tensioning device of an expansion valve on an HKL installation by means of a maintenance system) can alternatively also be regarded as use steps of the maintenance system according to the second aspect of the present application.

[0165] According to the fifth aspect of the present application, a maintenance system for adjusting a pre-tensioning device of an expansion valve on an HKL installation comprises at least a sensor system, a determination device, an operating device and a display device.

[0166] The maintenance system is configured to record and provide at least measurement information by means of the sensor system and to accept and provide at least input information of an operating personnel by means of the operating device. Furthermore, the maintenance system is configured to determine angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by means of the determination device and to display a visual representation of the angle information by means of the display device.

[0167] In one exemplary design of the maintenance system, the visual representation comprises here at least displaying an angle quantity and a direction of rotation on the basis of the angle information. The angle quantity can here be displayed, for example, as an angle number (for example "90°") or as a multiple or fraction of a full rotation (for example "one and a half revolutions"). The direction of rotation can here be displayed in words (for example "clockwise", "CW" for "clockwise") or in pictograms.

[0168] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the visual representation can comprise an animation. Here, at least an exemplary pre-tensioning device and a tool in effective connection with an adjustment element of the pre-tensioning device can be displayed or shown. Furthermore, a rotational movement of the tool, which matches the angle quantity and the direction of rotation determined by the angle information, can be animated, in particular.

[0169] The display device can be configured, in particular, as a screen on a mobile device (for example a mobile phone, a tablet or a so-called assembly aid). The display device can be configured, in particular, also as a touch screen and, together with the operating device, as a single device or component.

[0170] By means of the visual presentation by the display device, the preset adjustment of the pre-tensioning device can be presented in a manner that is easily understandable to the operating personnel. In particular, this enables the operating personnel to manually carry out the adjustment of the adjustment element of the pre-tensioning device themselves. The visual presentation can thus be used as an animated operating guide in this context.

[0171] In another exemplary design, the sensor system comprises at least a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at the outlet of the evaporator of the HKL installation and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. Thus, the saturation vapor pressure can be measured with the pressure sensor and the evaporator outlet temperature can be measured with the temperature sensor, so that the superheat of the HKL installation can be determined. As described in the previous section, the superheat can be used to assess whether the thermostatic expansion valve is optimally adjusted. Thus, in this design, the superheat can be used to reliably determine the angle information.

[0172] In another exemplary design, the sensor system of the maintenance system comprises a so-called assembly aid. The assembly aid here has at least an integrated pressure sensor, which can be used, for example, in combination with the exemplary designs mentioned above, as a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at the outlet of the evaporator of the HKL installation. In addition, the assembly aid can be wired or wirelessly connected to the temperature sensor of the sensor system, in particular in order to record the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. The assembly aid can thus collect all measured values as a central node and aggregate them to provide as measurement information. In addition, the determination device and / or the operating device and / or the display device can be integrated into the assembly aid. In particular, the determination device, the operating device and the display device can all be integrated into the assembly aid.

[0173] By this integration in the assembly aid, a high operational convenience, simple operation and high functionality can be achieved. The assembly aid is here in particular configured as a so-called digital assembly aid.

[0174] In another exemplary design, the maintenance system is configured to carry out one or more methods according to the fourth aspect of the application described below, wherein the maintenance system then has all the features or components necessary to carry out the respective methods accordingly.

[0175] The design and extension of the maintenance system mentioned above can in particular be combined with each other in any way, as long as they are not logically mutually exclusive.

[0176] The maintenance system according to this aspect of the invention essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of the maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, with the difference that the maintenance system according to this aspect does not have an adjustment device. Therefore, the adjustment of the preload device of the thermostatic expansion valve must be performed manually by the operator of the maintenance system, for example using a screwdriver or other suitable tool. Nevertheless, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements and explanations explained in the previous section on the second aspect of the invention can also be transferred to the corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements and explanations in the section on the fifth aspect of the invention and its exemplary embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0177] The following will explain exemplary designs and extensions of various aspects of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0178] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary thermostatic expansion valve;

[0179] Figure 2 An exemplary maintenance system is schematically illustrated;

[0180] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of an exemplary regulating device;

[0181] Figure 4 schematically shows a cross section of an exemplary regulating device;

[0182] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary actuator;

[0183] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary coupling device;

[0184] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary coupling device;

[0185] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary coupling attachment;

[0186] Figure 9 Schematically shows Figure 8 The coupling attachment in Figure 8 A cross section of plane IX indicated in ;

[0187] Figure 10 Schematically shows Figure 8 The coupling attachment in Figure 8 A cross section of the plane X indicated in ;

[0188] Figure 11 Schematically shows Figure 8coupling attachment in the direction of the arrow Figure 8 cross-section of the plane XI indicated in

[0189] Figure 12 a cross-section of an exemplary coupling device is schematically shown;

[0190] Figure 13 a perspective view of an exemplary adjustment device is schematically shown;

[0191] Figure 14 a perspective view of an exemplary adjustment device is schematically shown; Figure 13 a side view of an adjustment device in the

[0192] Figure 15 a side view of an exemplary adjustment device is schematically shown;

[0193] Figure 16 situations in which an exemplary adjustment element and an exemplary tool tip are in various angular positions relative to each other are schematically shown,

[0194] Figure 17 situations in which an exemplary adjustment element and an exemplary tool tip are in various positions relative to each other are schematically shown,

[0195] Figure 18 an exemplary actuator and an exemplary driver are schematically shown;

[0196] Figure 19 an exemplary maintenance system is schematically shown;

[0197] Figure 20 an exemplary measurement system is schematically shown;

[0198] Figure 21 an exemplary maintenance system is schematically shown;

[0199] Figure 22 an exemplary visualization presentation is schematically shown;

[0200] Figure 23 an exemplary visualization presentation is schematically shown;

[0201] Figure 24 an exemplary visualization presentation is schematically shown; and

[0202] Figure 25 an exemplary visualization presentation is schematically shown.

[0203] Corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0204] Figure 1A cross section of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is shown schematically. The thermostatic expansion valve has an input connection 2022, by which it can be connected to the condenser 8030 and receive a supply of refrigerant. An output connection 2023 can in turn be connected to the evaporator 8010, into which the refrigerant can be discharged. Between the connections 2022 and 2023 there is arranged a valve orifice plate 2025, and a valve stem 2024 can be moved within the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 such that the refrigerant flow is either released through the valve orifice plate 2025 or blocked by the valve stem 2024 sealingly engaging into the valve orifice plate 2025. The movement of the valve stem 2024 is controlled via a diaphragm 2026, the underside of which is loaded by the refrigerant pressure present at the output connection 2023, and the upper side of which is loaded by a pressure transmitting fluid, which is connected to a temperature sensor 2027 by means of a capillary 2028. The temperature sensor 2027 is in thermal contact with the evaporator 8010. If the temperature at the evaporator 8010 rises, the pressure transmitting fluid in the temperature sensor 2027 warms up, expands as a result of the warming and exerts a higher pressure on the upper side of the diaphragm 2026. From a certain temperature of the evaporator 8010, the diaphragm will be pressed downwards against the refrigerant pressure acting on the underside of the diaphragm, and the valve stem 2024 will release the refrigerant flow through the valve orifice plate 2025. This in turn can result in a reduction of the temperature in the evaporator 8010, so that the pressure on the upper side of the diaphragm falls again. The ratio between the refrigerant pressure at which the refrigerant flow is released and the evaporator temperature can additionally be manipulated by a pre-tensioning device 2020, which exerts a pressure on the diaphragm by means of a helical spring. The pre-tensioning force of the pre-tensioning device 2020 is adjusted via an adjustment element 2021, the position of which can be changed by means of a tool by screwing in or out by means of an adjustment connection 2010.

[0205] By means of the adjustment device 1000 according to the first aspect of the application and / or its exemplary design variants and extensions described in the preceding summary of the application, the adjustment of the adjustment element 2021 can be carried out automatically and conveniently, and moreover very precisely and reliably.

[0206] Figures 3 to 18 An exemplary design variant of the adjustment device 1000 or of a component or assembly of the adjustment device 1000 is shown respectively.

[0207] The adjustment device 1000 comprises a drive 1010, an actuator 1020, a coupling device 1030 and a control device 1040. The actuator 1020 can be rotated about an axis 1021 by the drive 1010. The coupling device 1030 is configured to be detachably coupled to the adjustment interface 2010 of the expansion valve 2000 such that a tool tip 1022 of the actuator 1020 forms an effective connection with an adjustment element 2021 of the pretensioning device 2020 and a torque generated by the drive 1010 or a rotational movement triggered by the drive 1010 can be transmitted by the actuator 1020 onto the adjustment element 2021.

[0208] As is schematically shown in various exemplary design variants of the adjustment device 1000 in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 18 , the drive 1010 can here comprise an actuator 1011 (for example an electric motor, a stepper motor or a servo motor) and a transmission 1012. By means of the transmission, the torque or the rotational movement from the actuator 1011 can be transmitted to the actuator 1020. The transmission 1012 can for example have a planetary gear transmission, as is schematically shown in Figure 18 . The actuator 1020 here comprises a shaft 129, which is supported in one or more bearings 128. In order to enable the torque or the rotational movement to be transmitted from the actuator 1011 to the actuator 1020 by means of the transmission 1012 and ultimately from the actuator 1020 to the adjustment element 2021 by means of the effective connection via the tool tip 1022, at least the drive 1010, in particular the transmission 1012 or a frame thereof, and the coupling device 1030 must be rigidly held and / or fastened relative to the bearing(s) 128.

[0209] To this end, the adjustment device 1000 can have a housing 1070, which protects its components and constituent parts from environmental influences and damage, while at the same time fixing the drive 1010, the bearings 1028 and the coupling device 1030 in the required rigid positions relative to one another. As is exemplarily shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , here a tool housing part 1071 (which at least partially accommodates the actuator 1020) and a drive housing part 1072 (which at least partially accommodates the drive 1010) can be provided.

[0210] If the tool housing part 1071 and the drive housing part 1072 are fastened to one another and aligned such that a virtual connecting line 1073 (as is schematically shown in Figure 15 ) between the centres of gravity of the two housing parts intersects the axis 1021 at an angle of between 45° and 90°, a particularly compact, easy-to-handle design can be achieved. As is exemplarily shown in Figure 4 andFigure 18 As shown exemplarily in the middle, the transmission 1012 can here comprise a bevel gear transmission 1012', which makes it possible for the torque generated by the actuator 1011 or the rotational movement generated by the actuator 1011 to be transmitted to the effector 1020 even in this construction design.

[0211] In order to be able to form an effective connection with the various screw-driving contours that can be provided on the adjustment element 2021, the effector 1020 can have a bit holder 1023 and a bit 1024 that is arranged replaceably therein and forms the tool tip 1022. In Figure 3 The bit 1024 is here accommodated in a fixed position within the bit holder 1023, and the bit holder 1023 can be supported axially displaceably relative to the shaft 1029. A pre-tensioning element 1025 exerts a force here on an element that is rigidly connected with the bit holder 1023, so that the bit holder 1023 (and the bit 1024 accommodated therein) is pre-tensioned without counterforce to the distal end position 1026. Due to the axial displaceability, the tool tip 1022 (for example the bit 1024) can follow the axial displacement of the adjustment element 2021 during adjustment thereof; it can be ensured by the pre-tensioning element 1025 that the tool tip 1022 is always pressed against the adjustment element 2021, so that the effective connection is not interrupted.

[0212] Figure 5 An exemplary design of the effector 1020 is shown schematically in the middle, which differs from the one in Figure 4 the middle in particular in that the bit holder 1023 is integrated directly in the shaft 1029 and cannot be displaced relative to this shaft. Only the bit 1024 is supported axially displaceably within the bit holder 1023.

[0213] Figure 18 An exemplary design of the effector 1020 is shown in the middle, which is similar to the one in Figure 5 the middle. Here, two different bits 1024 are shown, which are inserted replaceably into the bit holder 1023. The bit holder 1023 also has a side window with a millimeter scale. The axial position of the bit 1024 can thus be read directly.

[0214] In the exemplary design, the coupling device 1030 is configured so that it can be coupled with different types of adjustment interface. Figures 6 to 14 Various exemplary designs of the coupling device 1030 that can satisfy this feature are shown in the middle.

[0215] Figure 6An exemplary coupling device 1030 is schematically shown with a chuck 1038. In the half of the drawing above axis 1021, chuck 1038 is untightened, and a clamping ring 1038′ disposed therein is in a relaxed state. However, in the half of the drawing below axis 1021, chuck 1038 is tightened, thereby axially compressing clamping ring 1038′. This axial compression reduces the inner diameter of clamping ring 1038′. This allows the adjustment interface 2010, inserted into the untightened chuck 1038, to be clamped, establishing a coupling between the adjustment device 1000 and the adjustment interface 2010.

[0216] In an exemplary design, the coupling device 1030 may have an attachment coupling portion 1031 to which a coupling attachment 1032 may be replaceably connected. Figure 7 This exemplary design is schematically illustrated, wherein the coupling attachment 1032 is configured as a locking nut, which can be screwed onto a thread provided on the adjustment interface 2010 using an internal thread 1037. The attachment coupling portion 1031 includes a flange 1033 and a front contact surface 1034 (i.e., the contact surface facing the adjustment interface 2010). The front contact surface 1034 is configured to press against the adjustment interface 2010 when the locking nut is tightened thereon, thereby achieving a rigid coupling of the adjustment device 1000 to the adjustment interface 2010. Furthermore, the coupling attachment 1032, configured as a locking nut, includes a transverse notch 1035, which allows the coupling attachment to be removed laterally from the attachment coupling portion 1031, particularly without the need for tools. The notch 1035 also has a guide groove 1036, which is configured to surround the flange 1033. This prevents the locking nut from slipping on the attachment coupling portion.

[0217] Figures 8 to 11 Shown in different views Figure 7 An exemplary design of the coupling attachment 1032 configured as a lock nut: Figure 8 It is a side view with the viewing direction perpendicular to the horizontal notch 1035, Figure 9 For the Figure 8 The cross section of Section IX is drawn in Figure 10 For the Figure 8 The cross section of section X is drawn in , and Figure 11 For the Figure 8 A correspondingly configured coupling attachment 1032 can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively for many different thread types and sizes and can be connected flexibly to the adjustment device 1000 .

[0218] In an exemplary design, the coupling device 1030 can also comprise a clamp 1039' by which the adjustment interface 2010 can be clamped and rigidly held relative to the adjustment apparatus. For example, the clamp 1039' is connected to the housing 1070 of the adjustment apparatus 1000 by means of an arm 1039. Figures 12 to 14 The respective design is shown schematically. The clamp 1039' here comprises two jaws which can be moved relative to one another by means of a screw. As shown, the screw here has a different thread direction on the upper and lower screw sections, so that the jaws can be adjusted uniformly towards and away from one another. The clamp 1039' can be held and arranged by means of the arm 1039 so that the adjustment interface 2010 clamped by it is always coaxially aligned with the axis 1021 of the actuator 1020.

[0219] According to the application, the control device 1040 of the adjustment apparatus 1000 is configured to operate, i.e. for example to control, monitor, actuate or adjust, the drive 1010 in such a way that the actuator 1020 performs a rotation through a defined angle of rotation.

[0220] In addition, the adjustment apparatus 1000 can also have other main electronic components, for example a torque measuring device 1013, a position measuring device 1027, an angle measuring device 1027', an interface device 1050 (which can comprise a communication device 1051 and / or an operating device 1052), an internal determination device 1041 and an energy supply device. With regard to the respective use and the respective function of these components, reference is made here to the respective explanations in the summary of the application. In Figure 4 In the summary, these components are schematically simplified to two function blocks with dashed boxes. In particular, these components can be used advantageously in the context of the various methods already explained in the context of the third and fourth aspects of the application in order to carry out the adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 easily, automatically and more reliably by means of the adjustment apparatus 1000.

[0221] In one exemplary design of the method according to the third aspect of the application, which requires an adjustment apparatus 1000 having a torque measuring device 1013 and an angle measuring device 1027', the position of the tool tip 1022 within the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021 is determined so that possible gaps between the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021 and the contour of the tool tip 1022 can be identified and taken into account in the subsequent rotation step. Figure 16 The steps A1 and A2 included in this method are shown in one schematic example:

[0222] Here, the entraining contour is configured as a notch, and the tool tip 1022 has a matching contour of a notch screwdriver bit. In the left-hand part of the figure, the tool tip 1022 is engaged in the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021, but it can be seen that there is a certain clearance between the edge of the entraining contour and the side of the tool tip 1022. During step Al, the actuator is turned in a first direction, here in a clockwise direction. In the middle part of the figure, it can be seen that the corner of the tool tip 1022 is abutting against the edge of the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021. Here, a first torque limit value is exceeded, which is measured with the torque measuring device 1013. The turning movement of the actuator 1020 is stopped, and the current angular position can be detected as a first angular position Wl. In step A2, the actuator 1020 is subsequently turned in the opposite direction until the corner of the tool tip 1022 again abuts against the edge of the adjustment element 2021. A second angular position W2 is detected here, or at least an angular position change dW between the two angular positions is indicated, as shown in the right-hand part of the figure.

[0223] In another exemplary design of the adjustment device 1000 according to the third aspect of the application, which has a torque measuring device 1013, a position measuring device 1027 and a tool tip 1022 which is supported axially displaceably and which is pretensioned in a distal end position 1026 by a pretensioning element 1025, it is checked whether the tool tip 1022 is correctly in an effective connection with the adjustment element 2021, i.e. whether the contour of the tool tip 1022 is engaged in the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021, and / or the formation of an effective connection is attempted. Figure 17 One of the steps A01 or A02 included in the method is illustrated in one exemplary example:

[0224] Here, the entraining contour is again configured as a notch, and the tool tip 1022 again has a matching contour of a notch screwdriver bit. In the left-hand part of the figure, the tool tip 1022 is not engaged in the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021, so there is no effective connection between the two components. In steps A01 or A02, the actuator 1020 is rotated so that the contours match one another, and the tool tip 1022 can be snapped into the entraining contour of the adjustment element 2021. The axial displacement dL of the tool head which occurs here can be detected with the aid of the position measuring device.

[0225] With the aid of the maintenance system 7000 according to the first aspect of the application and / or its exemplary design and extensions described in the summary above, the adjustment of the adjustment element 2021 can be carried out automatically and conveniently, and moreover very precisely and reliably.

[0226] Figure 2 andFigure 19 An exemplary design of the maintenance system 7000 is shown.

[0227] The maintenance system 7000 comprises the adjustment device 1000 according to the first aspect of the application, a sensor system 7010, a determination means 7020, an operating means 7030 and a display means 7040.

[0228] Figure 2 An exemplary design of the maintenance system 7000 used to optimize the adjustment of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is shown schematically in Fig. 6. The thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is a component of an HKL installation 8000, which further comprises an evaporator 8010, a compressor 8020 and a condenser 8030. The adjustment device 1000 is connected at the adjustment interface 2010 of the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 and the tool tip 1022 is in operative connection with the adjustment element 2021. The adjustment device 1000 is wirelessly connected with the sensor system 7010 by means of the communication means 1051, which is shown schematically by a simplified wave. The sensor system 7010 comprises a temperature sensor 7012 configured as a temperature clip, which is arranged in the outlet region of the evaporator 8010 to measure the evaporator output temperature there. Furthermore, the sensor system 7010 comprises an assembly aid 7013, which has an internal pressure sensor 7011'. This internal pressure sensor is connected to the outlet of the evaporator 8010 by means of a refrigerant hose to measure the saturation vapor pressure or suction pressure. Just like the display means 7040, which is integrated into the assembly aid 7013 in the form of a display, the operating means 7030 is likewise integrated into the assembly aid in the form of an operating element. With the measurement data of the sensors 7012 and 7011', in combination with further data such as the type of refrigerant used, which the operator can access by means of the operating means 7030, the superheat of the HKL installation can be calculated. In combination with further information which together constitute the input information, the determination means 7020, which is likewise integrated into the assembly aid 7013, can determine whether the pre-tensioning means 2020 of the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 has been optimally adjusted or whether an adjustment change is required. The result of this determination is then provided to the adjustment device 1000 in wireless fashion, in particular as angular information, so that the adjustment device 1000 can automatically make any necessary adjustment to the adjustment element 2021.

[0229] Figure 19Another exemplary design of the maintenance system 7000 is shown. There is provided a further exemplary design of the assembly aid 7013 in which the sensor system 7010, the determination device 7020, the operating device 7030 and the display device 7040 are integrated. There is also provided an external unit 6000 (here shown in the form of a mobile phone) which likewise can comprise the determination device 7020, the operating device 7030 and the display device 7040. The external unit 6000, the assembly aid 7013 and the conditioning device 1000 are in wireless contact with one another by means of a wireless connection and can exchange various data with one another, such as angle information, measurement data logs or input information. The external unit 6000 can also establish a connection to a cloud application (here shown schematically by means of a cloud) by means of a mobile network.

[0230] Figure 20 An exemplary design of the measurement system 7000 is shown schematically, which for example monitors process parameters. These can be chemical measurement variables in addition to pressure, temperature and flow. In particular, the measurement system 7000 can also be linked to a valve regulator or a dosing system.

[0231] When monitoring the measurement information by means of the sensor 7010, operating instructions can also be given in at least two or more iterative steps in order to establish a target value. In particular, this can be a particularly efficient operation of the process along the pipe in addition to the HKL system 8000. For this purpose, the user is guided through the necessary steps by means of visualization using the display device 7040. For this purpose, the interaction can embed actual values in graphics and display them. It is also possible to load and display component-specific videos in these visualization modes depending on the specific installation. The user is thus guided to safely complete the individual steps, since the individual components he sees on the display 7040 are identical to the actual situation.

[0232] A particular safety feature would be to receive and display the measurement information during the respective visualization of the necessary steps and to request confirmation of the individual steps in the process. On the basis of this, the measurement system 7000 can determine the next step depending on stored logic, software and based on determined historical old data. For this purpose, in particular the measurement data is stored in a storage cloud, compared or called up.

[0233] In addition to displaying an analysis of the evaluation of the measurement information (shown dynamically or in animation), it is also possible to display the remaining optimization potential. It is also possible to display the time for the remaining steps or measurements as the remaining time required in a graphical and dynamic manner, for example as a progress bar which is shortened gradually.

[0234] By following the step-by-step process, even inexperienced users can be guided through the optimization of complex or virtually unknown plant components. In particular, if confirmation of individual steps is required, it is useful to query between or during individual visualizations of measurement information or operating instructions.

[0235] Figure 21 An exemplary design of a maintenance system 7000 according to the fifth aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. The maintenance system thus does not include the regulating device 1000. By means of a temperature sensor 7012 and one or more integrated pressure sensors 7011′, the maintenance system can, for example, measure the superheat of the HKL installation 8000 and determine angle information for optimizing the regulation of the thermostatic expansion valve 2000. The angle information can be visualized via a display device 7040, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 However, other processes or work steps can also be visualized, such as Figure 24 and Figure 25 For example, Figure 25 1 shows a visualization of the filling or evacuation process. During the filling or evacuation process, refrigerant is extracted from or injected into the refrigerant container 9010. The current weight of the refrigerant container 9010 is monitored using a scale 7050, and the instantaneous liquid level of the refrigerant container 9010 derived from the weight is visualized.

[0236] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. These embodiments may be modified within the scope of the appended claims. Likewise, the various aspects of the dependent claims may be combined with each other.

[0237] Reference Signs List

[0238] 1000 Regulating Equipment

[0239] 1010 Driver

[0240] 1011 Actuator

[0241] 1012 Transmission

[0242] 1012′ bevel gear transmission

[0243] 1013 Torque measuring device

[0244] 1020 Actuator

[0245] 1021 Axis

[0246] 1022 Tool Tip

[0247] 1023 bit holder

[0248] 1024 bits

[0249] 1025 pre-tensioning element

[0250] 1026 distal end position

[0251] 1027 position measuring device

[0252] 1027' angle measuring device

[0253] 1028 bearing

[0254] 1029 shaft

[0255] 1030 coupling device

[0256] 1031 attachment coupling

[0257] 1032 coupling attachment

[0258] 1033 flange

[0259] 1034 contact surface

[0260] 1035 slot

[0261] 1036 guide slot

[0262] 1037 internal thread

[0263] 1038 chuck

[0264] 1038' clamping ring

[0265] 1039 arm

[0266] 1039' tongs

[0267] 1040 control device

[0268] 1041 internal determination device

[0269] 1050 interface device

[0270] 1051 communication device

[0271] 1052 operating device

[0272] 1060 energy supply device

[0273] 1070 housing

[0274] 1071 tool housing component

[0275] 1072 driver housing component

[0276] 1073 connection line

[0277] 2000 expansion valve

[0278] 2010 Adjustment Interface

[0279] 2020 Preload Device

[0280] 2021 Regulating Elements

[0281] 2022 Input Interface

[0282] 2023 Output Interface

[0283] 2024 valve stem

[0284] 2025 Valve Orifice Plate

[0285] 2026 Diaphragm

[0286] 2027 Temperature Sensor

[0287] 2028 Capillary

[0288] 6000 External Units

[0289] 7000 Maintenance System / Measurement System

[0290] 7010 Sensor System

[0291] 7011′ Integrated Pressure Sensor

[0292] 7012 Temperature Sensor

[0293] 7020 Determine the device

[0294] 7030 Operating Device

[0295] 7040 Display Device

[0296] 7050 Scale

[0297] 8000 HKL facilities

[0298] 8010 Evaporator

[0299] 8020 Compressor

[0300] 8030 Condenser

[0301] 9010 Refrigerant container

[0302] W1 first angle position

[0303] W2 Second angle position

[0304] dW angular position change

[0305] dL Shift

Claims

1. An adjustment device (1000) for adjusting a pretensioning arrangement (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL plant (8000), said adjustment device comprising: - a drive (1010), - an actuator (1020) capable of rotating said actuator about an axis (1021) by means of said drive (1010), - a coupling arrangement (1030), and - a control arrangement (1040), wherein - said coupling arrangement (1030) is configured to be detachably coupled to an adjustment interface (2010) of said expansion valve (2000) such that a tool tip (1022) of said actuator (1020) forms an effective connection with an adjustment element (2021) of said pretensioning arrangement (2020) and a torque generated by said drive (1010) or a turning movement triggered by said drive (1010) can be transmitted by means of said actuator (1020) onto said adjustment element (2021), and - said control arrangement (1040) is configured to maneuver said drive (1010) such that said actuator (1020) performs a rotation in a defined turning angle.

2. The adjustment device (1000) according to claim 1, comprising: an interface arrangement (1050) configured to provide at least: - measurement information and input information, and / or - angle information; wherein said control arrangement (1040) is configured to maneuver said drive (1010) such that said actuator (1020) performs a rotation in a defined turning angle determined in direction and magnitude by said angle information; and wherein, if said interface arrangement (1050) does not provide said angle information, said adjustment device further comprises an internal determination arrangement (1041) configured to determine and provide said angle information by means of defined determination rules based on said measurement information and input information.

3. The conditioning device (1000) according to claim 2, wherein said interface arrangement (1050) comprises a communication arrangement (1051) configured to communicate wired or wirelessly with at least one external unit (6000) in order to receive therefrom, in particular from a sensor system (7010), said measurement information or to transmit therefrom, in particular to a determination arrangement (7020), said measurement information, and / or in order to receive therefrom, in particular from an operating arrangement (7030), said input information or to transmit therefrom, in particular to said determination arrangement (7020), said input information, and / or in order to receive therefrom, in particular from said determination arrangement (7020), said angle information. said interface arrangement (1050) comprises an operating arrangement (1052) configured to accept and provide at least the following from an operating personnel: said measurement information, and / or said input information, and / or 4. The adjustment device (1000) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said angle information, and / or action instructions. ​ ​ ​ 5. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The drive (1010) comprises - an actuator (1011), and - a transmission (1012), and wherein the effector (1020) comprises - a bearing (1028), and - a shaft (1029) rotatably supported by the bearing (1028) about the axis of rotation (1021); and wherein - the drive (1010) is directly or indirectly rigidly supported relative to the bearing (1028), and - the coupling device (1030) is directly or indirectly rigidly supported relative to the bearing (1028).

6. Adjustment device (1000) according to claim 5, comprising a housing (1070) configured to rigidly support the drive (1010), the bearing (1028) and the coupling device (1030) relative to each other.

7. The adjustment device (1000) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The housing (1070) comprises a tool housing part (1071) and a drive housing part (1072), wherein the drive housing part (1072) is arranged relative to the tool housing part (1071) such that a virtual connection line (1073) extending through the center or center of gravity of the drive housing part (1072) and the center or center of gravity of the tool housing part (1071) forms an angle of between 45° and 90° with the axis of rotation (1021).

8. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The coupling device (1030) is configured to be couplable with different types of adjustment interfaces (2010, 2010', 2010").

9. The conditioning device (1000) according to claim 8, wherein The coupling device (1030) has a chuck (1038), or wherein the coupling device (1030) has an arm (1039) and a gripper (1039') carried by the arm (1039).

10. The conditioning device (1000) according to claim 8, wherein The coupling device (1030) has an attachment coupling (1031) couplable with a replaceable coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032"), wherein the coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032") is especially replaceable without tools, and wherein the attachment coupling (1031) especially has a flange (1033) and a front end contact surface (1034), and the replaceable coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032") is especially configured as a locking nut and has a lateral notch (1035) such that the coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032") can be laterally removed from and slid onto the attachment coupling (1031).

11. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The effector (1020) has a socket (1023) and the tool tip (1022) is formed by a socket head (1024) replaceably accommodated in the socket (1023).

12. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The tool tip (1022) is directly or indirectly displaceably supported, and The effector (1020) has a pre-tensioning element (1025) directly or indirectly pre-tensioning the tool tip (1022) to a distal end position (1026).

13. The conditioning device (1000) of claim 12, comprising: - a position measuring device (1027) configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide an axial position and / or an axial displacement dL of the tool tip (1022).

14. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a torque measuring device (1013) configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide a torque transmitted to the actuator (1020).

15. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - an angle measuring device (1027') configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide at least one absolute angular position or relative angular position change of the actuator (1020).

16. The conditioning device (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The input information at least comprises: - a valve type of the expansion valve (2000), - a refrigerant type, and - a target temperature, and / or wherein the measurement information at least comprises: - a saturated vapor temperature or a saturated vapor pressure at or inside an outlet of the evaporator (8010), and - an evaporator outlet temperature.

17. A maintenance system (7000) for adjusting a pretensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL installation (8000), the maintenance system comprising: - a sensor system (7010) at least comprising a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator (8010) of the HKL installation (8000) and a temperature sensor (7012) for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010), - an operating device (7030), and - an adjustment apparatus (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the adjustment apparatus (1000) comprises: - a drive (1010), - an actuator (1020) rotatable about an axis (1021) by the drive (1010), - an angle measuring device (1027') configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide at least one absolute angular position or relative angular position change of the actuator (1020), - a coupling device (1030) configured to detachably couple to an adjustment interface (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) such that a tool tip (1022) of the actuator (1020) forms an effective connection with an adjustment element (2021) of the pretensioning device (2020) and a torque generated by the drive (1010) or a rotational movement triggered by the drive (1010) can be transmitted by the actuator (1020) onto the adjustment element (2021), - a control device (1040), and - an interface device (1050) with a communication device (1051), and wherein the maintenance system (7000) is configured to: - record and provide at least the pressure and the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010) as measurement information with the sensor system (7010), - accept and provide at least input information from an operating person with the operating device (7030), and wherein either: - the maintenance system has a determination device (7020) and is configured to: - determine a target torque for the expansion valve (2000) based on the input information and the measurement information, and - determining, by means of the defined determination rule, angle information based on the measurement information and the input information by means of the determination device (7020), and - wherein the adjustment device (1000) is configured to receive and provide the angle information by means of the communication device (1051) from the determination device (7020), or: - the adjustment device comprises an internal determination device (1041) and is configured to: - receive measurement information from the sensor system (7010) and receive and provide input information from the operating device (7030) by means of the communication device (1051), and - determine and provide the angle information by means of the defined determination rule based on the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device (1041), wherein, in either case, the adjustment device (1000) is configured to manipulate the drive (1010) by means of the control device (1040) and the angle measuring device (1027') such that the effector (1020) performs a rotation in a defined rotational angle determined in direction and magnitude by the angle information.

18. The maintenance system (7000) of claim 17, comprising: a display device (7040) configured to display a visual representation of the angle information; wherein the visual representation comprises: - a display of the angle magnitude and the rotational direction determined by the angle information, and / or - an animation comprising a display of an exemplary pretensioning device (2020) and a tool engaged into the pretensioning device, wherein the animation also displays a movement of the tool that matches the angle magnitude and the rotational direction determined by the angle information.

19. The maintenance system (7000) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein - the sensor system (7010) comprises a fitting aid device (7013), wherein the pressure sensor is configured as an integrated pressure sensor (7011') of the fitting aid device (7013), and - the fitting aid device (7013) is wired or wirelessly connected with the temperature sensor (7012) for recording a temperature at an outlet of the evaporator (8010), and - the determination device (7020) and / or the operating device (7030) and / or the display device (7040) are integrated in the fitting aid device (7013).

20. A method of adjusting a pretensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL facility (8000) by means of the adjustment device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the following steps: A) coupling the coupling device (1030) of the adjustment device (1000) to an adjustment interface (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) such that a tool tip (1022) of an effector (1020) of the adjustment device (1000) forms an effective connection with an adjustment element (2021) of the pretensioning device (2020), and B) adjusting the pretensioning device (2020) by means of the adjustment device (1000) by manipulating the drive (1010) by means of the control device (1040) and the angle measuring device (1027') such that the effector (1020) performs a rotation in a defined rotational angle determined in direction and magnitude by the angle information. B) providing measurement information and input information and / or angle information via interface means (1050) of the adjustment device (1000), wherein step B is performed after, simultaneously with or before step A, and B') if no angle information is provided in step B, determining the angle information based on the measurement information and the input information by means of defined determination rules via internal determination means (1040) of the adjustment device (1000), and C) if the angle information contains a non-zero angle value, manipulating a drive (1010) of the adjustment device (1000) by control means (1040) of the adjustment device (1000) in order to cause the actuator (1020) to perform a rotation in a defined rotation angle in direction and value determined by the angle information, wherein step C is performed after completion of steps A, B and B'.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, In step B at least one of the following sub-steps B1 or B2 is performed in order to provide the measurement information, the input information and / or the angle information: B1) receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an external unit (6000) via communication means (1051) of the interface means (1050), and / or B2) receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an operator via operating means (1052) of the interface means (1050).

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The adjustment device (1000) comprises: - torque measurement means (1013) configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide a torque transferred to the actuator (1020), - angle measurement means (1027') configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide at least one absolute angle position or relative angle position change of the actuator (1020), and wherein In step A, after the coupling means (1030) are coupled to the adjustment interface (2010) and the tool tip (1022) forms an active connection with the adjustment element (2021), the following additional sub-steps are performed, respectively: A1) manipulating the drive (1010) such that the actuator (1020) performs a rotational movement in a first rotation direction until a first torque limit value is exceeded, and detecting and providing a first angle position W1 in which the actuator (1020) is at this time as absolute angle position and / or as zero base position for subsequent detection of a relative angle position change in step A2, and subsequently A2) manipulating the drive (1010) such that the actuator (1020) performs a rotational movement in a rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction until the first torque limit value is exceeded, and detecting and providing a second angle position W2 in which the actuator (1020) is at this time as absolute angle position, and / or detecting and providing a relative angle position change between the zero base position and the second angle position W2 as angle position change dW, wherein the method is terminated if the first torque limit value is not reached after a rotation of an angular magnitude of 360° in one of the steps Al or A2; and wherein, if the first torque limit value is reached in both steps Al and A2, the following steps are performed before the rotation determined by the angular information in step C is performed: A3) if the angular information determines a rotation in the first direction of rotation, the driver (1010) is operated such that the effector (1020) is in the first angular position Wl, and A4) if the angular information determines a rotation in the opposite direction to the first direction, the driver (1010) is operated such that the effector (1020) is in the second angular position W2.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein: - the tool tip (1022) is directly or indirectly displaceably supported, and - the effector (1020) has a pre-tension element (1025) which directly or indirectly pre-tensions the tool tip (1022) to a distal end position (1026), and the adjustment device (1000) comprises: - a torque measuring device (1013) which is configured to directly or indirectly measure a torque transferred to the effector (1020) and to provide it to the control device (1040), and - a position measuring device (1027) which is configured to directly or indirectly measure an axial position and / or displacement of the tool tip (1022) and to provide it to the control device (1040), and wherein, after the coupling of the coupling device (1030) to the adjustment interface (2010) and the effective connection of the tool tip (1022) to the adjustment element (2021) in step A, and before the performance of steps Al and A2, the following additional sub-steps are performed, respectively: A01) the driver (1010) is operated such that the effector (1020) performs a rotational movement in a first direction of rotation until the first torque limit value is exceeded, or the position measuring device (1027) detects a displacement of the tool tip (1022), or a rotation of a defined angular magnitude is performed, and subsequently A02) if no displacement of the tool tip (1022) is detected and the first torque limit value is not exceeded in step A01, the driver (1010) is operated such that the effector (1020) performs a rotational movement in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit value is exceeded, or the position measuring device (1027) detects a displacement of the tool tip (1022), or a rotation of a defined angular magnitude is performed.

24. The method of any one of claims 20-23, wherein, the following steps are performed after the completion of step C: D) a time interval is waited for, and E) after the completion of step D, the method steps starting with step B are repeated, wherein the following sub-steps are performed in particular in step D: D1) a first measurement information is provided, and D2) a first time interval Zl is waited for, and D3) providing second measurement information, and D4) if said second measurement information substantially coincides with said first measurement information, continuing with step E), otherwise repeating the steps starting with step D2.

25. A method of adjusting a pre-tensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL installation (8000) by means of a maintenance device (7000) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising the following steps: A) coupling a coupling device (1030) of an adjustment device (1000) of said maintenance system (7000) to an adjustment interface (2010) of said expansion valve (2000) such that a tool tip (1022) of an actuator (1020) of said adjustment device (1000) forms an active connection with an adjustment element (2021) of said pre-tensioning device (2020), B) accepting and providing input information from an operator by means of an operating device (7030) of said maintenance system (7000), wherein said input information comprises at least a valve type, a refrigerant type and a target temperature of said expansion valve (2000), and wherein step B is performed after, simultaneously with or before step A, and C) connecting at least a pressure sensor of a sensor system (7000) of said maintenance system (7000) and a temperature sensor (7012) of said sensor system (7000) to an outlet of an evaporator (8010) of said HKL installation (8000), wherein step C is performed after, simultaneously with or before steps A and B, and D) measuring at least a saturation vapor pressure with said pressure sensor, at least an evaporator outlet temperature with said temperature sensor (7012) and providing at least these measured values as measurement information by means of said sensor system (7010), wherein step D is performed after step C, and wherein either said adjustment device (1000) has an internal determination device (1041) and the following steps E1 to E3 are performed subsequently after steps A to D: E1) receiving and providing said measurement information and said input information by means of a communication device (1051) of an interface device (1050) of said adjustment device (1000), and E2) determining an angle information by means of defined determination rules based on said measurement information and said input information by means of said internal determination device (1040), and E3) providing said angle information, or wherein said maintenance system (7000) has a determination device (7020) and the following steps E4 to E6 are performed subsequently after steps A to D: E4) determining said angle information by means of defined determination rules based on said measurement information and said input information by means of said determination device (7020), and E5) providing said angle information, and E6) receiving and providing said angle information by means of a communication device (1051) of an interface device (1050) of said adjustment device (1000), after steps A to D and steps E1 to E3 or E4 to E6 are completed, the following step is performed: E7) adjusting said pre-tensioning device (2020) by means of said adjustment device (1000) based on said angle information. F) if the angle information comprises a non-zero angle value, manipulating the drive (1010) by means of a control device (1040) of the adjustment device (1000) to cause the actuator (1020) to perform a rotation by a defined angle of rotation determined in direction and value by the angle information.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein, the following steps are performed after completion of step F: G) waiting for a time interval, and H) repeating the method steps starting with step D, wherein, the following sub-steps are performed in particular in step G: Gl) providing first measurement information by means of the sensor system (7010), and G2) waiting for a first time interval Zl, and G3) providing second measurement information by means of the sensor system (7010), and G4) if the second measurement information substantially coincides with the first measurement information, continuing with step H), otherwise repeating the steps starting with step G2.

27. A maintenance system (7000) for adjusting a pretensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HKL installation (8000), comprising: - a sensor system (7010), - a determination device (7020), - an operating device (7030), and - a display device (7040), wherein the maintenance system (7000) is configured to: - record and provide at least measurement information with the sensor system (7010), - accept and provide at least input information from an operating person with the operating device (7030), - determine angle information based on the measurement information and the input information with the determination device (7020), and - display a visual representation of the angle information with the display device (7050).

28. The maintenance system (7000) according to claim 27, wherein The visual representation comprises: - a display of an angle value and a direction of rotation determined by the angle information, and / or - an animation comprising a display of an exemplary pretensioning device (2020) and a tool engaged into the pretensioning device, wherein, the animation further comprises a movement of the tool matching the angle value and the direction of rotation determined by the angle information.

29. The maintenance system (7000) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The sensor system (7010) comprises at least a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator (8010) of the HKL installation (8000) and a temperature sensor (7012) for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010).

30. The maintenance system (7000) according to claim 29, wherein - the sensor system (7010) comprises a fitting aid device (7013), wherein the pressure sensor is configured as an integrated pressure sensor (7011') of the fitting aid device (7013), and - the fitting aid device (7013) is wired or wirelessly connected to the temperature sensor (7012) for recording the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010), and - The determination device (7020), the operating device (7030) and the display device (7040) are integrated into the assembly auxiliary device (7013).

31. A measurement system (7000) for adjusting a pre-tensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on a HKL facility (8000) or for adjusting or diagnosing a process parameter of a process system, comprising: - sensor system (7010), - determining means (7020), - operating means (7030), and - a display device (7040), Wherein, the measurement system (7000) is configured to: - using said sensor system (7010) to record and provide at least measurement information, - using the operating device (7030) to at least receive and provide input information from an operator, - determining operating instructions in at least two or more iterative steps based on the measurement information and the input information using the determination device (7020), wherein for this purpose, the necessary steps are visually presented using the display device (7050).

32. The measurement system (7000) of claim 31, wherein, The measurement system (7000) is configured to record measurement information between or during each visual representation of the necessary steps or to request confirmation of each step.

33. The measurement system (7000) according to claims 31 to 32, wherein, The measurement system (7000) is configured to: Between or during individual visualizations, measurement information can be recorded or confirmation of individual steps can be requested, or an analysis of the evaluation of the measurement information can be dynamically displayed, thereby displaying the remaining optimization potential or the remaining steps or the remaining time required for the measurement.

34. The measurement system (7000) according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein, The measurement system (7000) is configured to record measurement information between or during each visualization presentation or request confirmation of each step.

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