Adjusting device for thermostatic expansion valves, maintenance system, measuring system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjusting device (1000) for adjusting a preload device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) in an HVAC system (8000), comprising a drive (1010), an actuator (1020) which is rotatable about an axis (1021) by means of the drive (1010), a coupling device (1030) and a control device (1040), wherein the coupling device (1030) is designed to be detachably coupled to an adjusting connection (2010) of the expansion valve (2000), so that a tool tip (1022) of the actuator (1020) comes into operative connection with an adjusting element (2021) of the preload device (2020) and a torque generated by the drive (1010) or a rotation triggered by the drive (1010) can be transmitted via the actuator (1020) to the adjusting element (2021), and the control device (1040) is configured to actuate the drive (1010) in such a way that the actuator (1020) rotates through a defined rotational angle. The present invention also relates to a maintenance system (7000) for the maintenance and / or start-up of an HVAC system (8000) which can comprise an adjusting device (1000), to a measuring system (7000), and to a method for adjusting a preload device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) in an HVAC system (8000).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Thermostatic expansion valve setting device, maintenance system, measuring system and procedure

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to the technical field of heating, cooling, and ventilation technology (hereinafter abbreviated to "HVAC"). Systems in this technical field, such as air conditioning systems, heat pumps, cooling circuits, etc., are hereinafter referred to as "HVAC systems." HVAC systems have expansion valves through which a refrigerant is expanded. An inlet connection of the expansion valve is connected to a condenser (sometimes also referred to as a condenser) of the HVAC system and receives the liquefied, subcooled refrigerant at high pressure. An outlet connection of the expansion valve is connected to an evaporator of the HVAC system, in which the expanded refrigerant evaporates at low pressure and is ideally superheated.

[0006] Although electronic valves suitable for precise, dynamic control of the expansion process have long been available on the market, purely mechanical expansion valves are used in many HVAC systems for reasons of cost and in the interest of high reliability. These valves have been widely used in various designs for many decades. These include so-called thermostatic expansion valves. These mechanical expansion valves have in common that they have a preload device by means of which a static preload force can be adjusted on a movable actuating element, e.g. a valve tappet, of the expansion valve. These preload devices usually comprise a mechanical spring which directly or indirectly exerts a force on the actuating element, e.g. the valve tappet, which counteracts the opening of the valve.These preload devices are typically adjusted using an adjustment element, which can be a grub screw, for example, which directly or indirectly influences the spring preload. The adjustment element is accessible via an adjustment connection, which is often equipped with a removable protective cap.

[0007] The expansion valve has a decisive influence on the efficiency of the HVAC system, as it significantly influences the superheat that occurs in the low-pressure range. The superheat can be determined by measuring the pressure at the outlet of an evaporator in the HVAC system using a pressure sensor and, at the same time, by measuring the temperature at the evaporator outlet using a temperature sensor. The measured pressure is also referred to as the saturation vapor pressure or suction pressure and, if the refrigerant used is known, can be converted into a so-called saturation vapor temperature. The measured temperature is also referred to as the evaporator outlet temperature. The difference between the saturation vapor temperature determined by the pressure measurement and the actually measured evaporator outlet temperature corresponds to the superheat.Depending on the type and application of the HVAC system, and particularly depending on the target temperature of the application, a precise adjustment of the superheat can significantly increase the efficiency of the HVAC system. However, manual adjustment by an HVAC technician is time-consuming. If an unsatisfactory superheat level is detected, the adjustment element must be adjusted manually, for example, using a screwdriver or wrench. Precise adjustment is often difficult, as the expansion valve is often installed in a location that is difficult to access. Furthermore, the HVAC technician may have to perform extensive calculations to estimate how the expansion valve setting can be optimized.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an adjustment device that facilitates the adjustment of the preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a maintenance system that also facilitates the adjustment of the preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to demonstrate methods for using an adjustment device and / or a maintenance system for adjusting the preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a measuring system that is improved over the prior art.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This object is achieved by a setting device according to claim 1, by maintenance systems according to claims 17 and 27, by methods according to claims 20 and 25, and by a measuring system according to claim 31.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, an adjustment device for adjusting a pretensioning device of an expansion valve on an HVAC system comprises a drive, an actuator, a coupling device and a control device.

[0014] The actuator can be rotated about an axis by the drive, i.e. the drive drives the actuator or a component of the actuator - at least one tool tip of the actuator facing the pretensioning device - to a rotational movement and transmits a torque to it.

[0015] The coupling device is designed to be detachably coupled to an adjustment connection of the expansion valve. In the coupled state, the adjustment device is fixed to the adjustment connection in such a way that the tool tip of the actuator comes into operative connection with an adjustment element of the pretensioning device. "Coming into operative connection" here (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is stated that a tool tip comes into operative connection with an adjustment element) means that the tool tip and adjustment element engage with matching screw drive profiles (also simply referred to as drive profiles or profiles), so that a torque generated by the drive or a rotary movement triggered by the drive can be transmitted to the adjustment element via the actuator.The drive is rigidly mounted relative to the adjustment connection, preventing it from moving relative to the adjustment connection, and in particular, from rotating around it. For example, the adjustment element can have a hexagon socket and the tool tip a matching hexagon socket. The actuator is positioned so that the axis around which it can rotate coincides with a screw axis of the adjustment element. The detachable coupling to the adjustment connection prevents the adjustment device, in particular the drive it encompasses, from moving or rotating relative to the adjustment connection, thus enabling precise, defined adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0016] The control device is designed to actuate the drive such that the actuator rotates through a defined angle of rotation. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, be connected electronically and / or via data technology to an angle measuring device, which will be explained in more detail in a following section, and can access the determined absolute angular positions or relative angular position changes of the actuator provided by this device as control parameters. For example, the drive itself can also be designed to execute defined, discrete rotational steps, such as a stepper motor. In this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention when it is mentioned that a drive is actuated by a control device), "actuating" means to activate or control the drive, in particular to control or regulate a power supply to the drive.The control device is designed in particular in the form of an electronic assembly, thus it can, for example, comprise at least one printed circuit board and electronic components and microcontrollers arranged thereon and interconnected.

[0017] The setting device enables precise, automated adjustment of the preload device or adjustment element. Inaccurate manual adjustment is eliminated, as the setting device can achieve reliable, accurate adjustment of the adjustment element due to the precise actuation of the drive by the control unit, combined with the rigid coupling to the adjustment connection.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the setting device comprises a

[0019] An interface device configured to provide at least one piece of measurement information, one piece of input information, and / or one piece of angle information. If the interface device does not provide angle information, but instead provides the measurement information and the input information, the setting device further comprises an internal determination device configured to determine and provide the angle information based on the measurement information and the input information using a defined determination rule.

[0020] The defined determination rule can be implemented in the form of a calculation formula, a value query from stored value tables, or an evaluation of the measurement information and input information by an application with so-called artificial intelligence. The determination of the angle information can be carried out entirely within the setting device, i.e., by components of the setting device, such as a microcontroller. Alternatively, the internal determination device can also establish a connection to an external unit, such as an external determination device or a cloud application, transmit the measurement information and input information to this external unit, and receive back the angle information determined by the external unit.The exchange of measurement information, input information and angle information with the external unit can take place in particular via a communication device of the setting device, which will be explained in more detail in a following exemplary embodiment.

[0021] The purpose of determining the angle information is to achieve optimal adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve. A relevant parameter for this can be the superheat or the degree of superheat occurring in an evaporator of the HVAC system. Using the measurement information in conjunction with the input information, it can be assessed whether the HVAC system is already operating at optimal efficiency, or whether efficiency could be improved by increasing or decreasing the superheat.

[0022] If the determination by the internal detection device reveals that the thermostatic expansion valve is not optimally adjusted, the determined angle information includes, in particular, information regarding the direction in which the actuator must rotate and the angle by which it must rotate in order to optimally adjust the preload device using the adjustment element. This angle and the direction of rotation can be determined directly or in the form of equivalent quantities. Such equivalent quantities can be, for example, a current direction to be supplied to the drive or a number of drive revolutions, which, taking into account the transmission of a drive gear, corresponds to the required angle.

[0023] However, if the internal detection system determines that the thermostatic expansion valve is already optimally or nearly optimally adjusted, the angle information may also indicate that no adjustment is necessary. This can be achieved, for example, by determining an angle value (or a value equivalent to the angle value) equal to zero.

[0024] "Providing" in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is said that information - such as measurement information, input information, an action command, angle information, a first torque limit value, a first or second angular position, a change in angular position, or a displacement - is provided by an element of a setting device - such as an interface device, a communication device, an operating device, an internal determination device, a position measuring device, an angle measuring device, a control device or a torque device - means that information - here specifically the measurement information, input information and / or angle information - is made available to other components of the setting device electronically and / or by data technology,For example, as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a stored data set in a volatile or non-volatile memory, it is made available or can be retrieved by such devices. For example, the angle information can be transmitted to, provided to, or queried or recorded by the control device, and / or the measurement information and input information can be transmitted to, provided to, or queried or recorded by the internal detection device.

[0025] The control device is designed to actuate the drive such that the actuator rotates through a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information. "Actuation" has the meaning already explained above. The fact that the terms measurement information, input information and angle information are used in the singular should not be understood to mean that each of these pieces of information contains only a single piece of information or a single value. Instead, each piece of information can contain multiple pieces of information, values ​​or data. The angle information, for example, contains at least information about the angle amount to be adjusted, as well as about the direction of rotation (e.g. clockwise or counterclockwise).The measurement information is characterized by the fact that it contains measurement data or measured values ​​relating to the thermostatic expansion valve and / or the HVAC system in which the thermostatic expansion valve is installed and / or the environment or application of the HVAC system. These can be, for example, pressure measurements and / or temperature measurements. For example, the measurement information can include a saturation vapor pressure or a saturation vapor temperature within an evaporator of the HVAC system, as well as an evaporator outlet temperature. From these measured values, for example, an existing superheat can be calculated. The input information, on the other hand, is characterized by the fact that it contains information that cannot be described as measurement data.This could include, for example, the type of refrigerant used in the HVAC system, the manufacturer and type designation of the thermostatic expansion valve, and / or a target parameter for the HVAC system application, such as a target temperature. In conjunction with this data, it can be determined, for example, whether the superheat determined from the measurement information is within an optimal range or whether the superheat needs to be optimized by adjusting the setting element of the preload device.

[0026] This configuration allows the adjustment of the preload device of thermostatic expansion valves to be further automated and simplified using the adjustment device: The adjustment device is capable of either automatically processing predefined angle information and converting it into a defined rotation—and thus a setting change of the adjustment element—or of initially automatically determining the angle information from the measurement information and input information. Thus, manual control or monitoring of the adjustment device is not required during adjustment of the adjustment element. In another exemplary configuration, the interface device comprises a communication device. This device is configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one external unit.A wide variety of devices can be used as external units, such as mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and even sensor systems, especially so-called manifolds. Wireless communication can be achieved, for example, via a Bluetooth interface, which can ensure reliable communication at close range and high compatibility with various external units.

[0027] The communication device is configured to receive at least the measurement information from the external unit or from multiple external units, in particular from a sensor system comprising pressure and temperature sensors. Alternatively or additionally, it can also send or transmit the measurement information to an external unit, in particular to an external determination device. This is possible if no angle information is initially provided to the setting device via the interface device, but the setting device cannot independently determine the angle information directly from the measurement information and the input information using the internal determination device.

[0028] Furthermore, the communication device can be configured to receive at least the input information from an external unit, in particular from an external operating device. Alternatively or additionally, it can also send or transmit the input information to an external unit, in particular to an external determination device. This is possible if no angle information is initially provided to the setting device via the interface device, but the setting device cannot independently determine the angle information directly from the measurement information and the input information using the internal determination device.

[0029] Furthermore, the communication device can be configured to receive at least the angle information from the external unit, in particular from the external determination device. The terms "send," "transmit," and "receive," as used herein, are in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when referring to information—such as measurement information, input information, an action command, angle information, a first torque limit value, a first or second angular position, an angular position change, or a displacement—being transmitted from an element of a setting device—such as an interface device, a communication device, an operating device, an internal determination device, a position measuring device, an angle measuring device,a control device or a torque device - or by an element of a maintenance system - such as a sensor system, a detection device, an operating device, or a display device - are to be understood only in a restrictive manner insofar as they indicate a direction of information transmission or information flow. This means that a sending or transmitting unit does not necessarily have to assume an active or controlling role. A receiving unit does not have to assume a passive role either. Information can be requested, interrogated, or retrieved by other units. A sending unit does not necessarily have to specifically address or know the recipient.But it can also, for example, disseminate the information openly to the recipient or store it as a data set in a volatile or non-volatile memory, and one or more intended recipients can record the disseminated information, expect it, or retrieve it from the memory. Receiving and sending units can communicate with each other according to any protocol and exchange information bidirectionally.

[0030] This exemplary embodiment enables further automation and simplification of the adjustment of the preload device of thermostatic expansion valves. The adjustment device can automatically exchange information with various external units in a versatile and flexible manner, in particular with the external sensor system, the external control device, and / or the external detection device. The exchange of information via the communication device can take place, in particular, while the adjustment device is continuously connected to the adjustment connection of a thermostatic expansion valve. In particular, measurement information, input information, and / or angle information can be exchanged multiple times, so that an iterative optimization of the expansion valve adjustment can be carried out automatically in several adjustment steps and with intervening waiting periods.

[0031] In an exemplary further development of this embodiment, in which the communication device is configured for wired communication with the external unit, the setting device is simultaneously supplied with power via this wired connection. This allows the setting device to operate reliably without the risk of failures due to depleted energy storage.

[0032] In a further exemplary development of this embodiment, in which the communication device is configured for wireless communication with the external unit, the setting device is either simultaneously supplied with power via this wireless connection, operating in the electromagnetic field of the wireless communication as so-called "energy harvesting," or the setting device comprises a power supply device through which the setting device is supplied with power. Rechargeable accumulators or replaceable batteries are suitable as power supplies. This configuration allows for flexible, mobile use of the setting device, and handling is further simplified, as a cable connection is eliminated.

[0033] In a further exemplary embodiment, the interface device comprises an operating device which is configured to receive and provide at least the measurement information and / or the input information and / or the angle information and / or an action command from an operator.

[0034] The “receipt” of information or commands can be done by manually operating control elements of the control device, such as buttons, keys, levers or touch-sensitive surfaces.

[0035] In this context, "providing" means, consistent with the previously introduced definition, that the measurement information, input information, angle information, and action command are made available electronically and / or via data technology, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal, to other components of the setting device, or can be retrieved by them. In particular, the angle information and the action command can be transmitted to, provided to, or queried or recorded by the control device, and / or the measurement information and input information can be transmitted to, provided to, or queried or recorded by the internal detection device.

[0036] In this context, an action command can be understood as an operator input which is intended to trigger an activation or deactivation of the setting device or to provide confirmation of the completion of the coupling of the setting device to the setting connection.

[0037] Although this design does not provide any further automation compared to the previous design, the setting device can be used more flexibly, as the measurement information, input information, and / or angle information can be acquired via the operating device and made available to other components of the setting device if it is not possible to automatically receive this information from external devices via a communication device. Thus, the setting device remains practically operational even if external units with appropriate communication capabilities are not available.

[0038] In a further exemplary embodiment, the drive comprises an actuator and a gear. The actuator is designed, for example, as a stepper motor or servo motor, so that precise control of the actuator is possible. The gear can, in particular, have a transmission ratio by which a rotational speed is reduced and a torque is increased accordingly. For example, a so-called planetary gear can be used. This enables precise and at the same time effective adjustment of the adjusting element, which is mediated by means of the actuator rotated by the drive. Furthermore, the actuator in this embodiment comprises a bearing and a shaft which is mounted so as to be rotatable about the axis by the bearing. Both the drive and the coupling device are rigidly mounted, directly or indirectly, relative to the bearing.

[0039] In this context, a direct rigid support means that the transmission—for example, a transmission frame—and / or the coupling device is rigidly connected directly to the bearing. An indirect rigid support, on the other hand, means that the aforementioned parts are held in a rigid position relative to each other by additional components or elements.

[0040] This design effectively ensures that a torque is transmitted from the drive first to the actuator and then to the adjustment element without the drive rotating or moving relative to the adjustment connection.

[0041] In an exemplary further development of this embodiment, an indirect rigid mounting of the drive and the coupling device relative to the bearing is achieved by the setting device having a housing that accommodates or holds the aforementioned parts in a rigid position relative to one another. This allows the advantageous effect of this embodiment to be achieved and, at the same time, the design of the setting device to be adapted to a wide range of requirements. Furthermore, the housing can effectively protect the components of the setting device from environmental influences.

[0042] In a further exemplary development of this embodiment, the setting device has a housing comprising a tool housing part and a drive housing part. At least the actuator is housed in sections in the tool housing part, while at least the drive is housed in sections in the drive housing part.

[0043] In this context, "section-wise" means that the aforementioned parts or components are at least partially enclosed by the respective housing part or at least partially arranged within it. This is not contradicted by the fact that, for example, an output of the drive extends into the tool housing part to drive the actuator to rotate.

[0044] In this development, it is provided that the drive housing part is arranged in relation to the tool housing part in such a way that an imaginary connecting line running through a center point or centre of gravity of the drive housing part and a center point or centre of gravity of the tool housing part forms an angle of between 45° and 90° with the axis about which the actuator can rotate. This results in the drive housing part being arranged essentially laterally on the tool housing part, or at least not axially, essentially behind the tool housing part. This allows the overall length of the housing to be effectively reduced and the setting device can therefore be coupled and used even in tight installation situations on setting connections that are difficult to access. In this embodiment, it can be advantageous for the transmission to comprise a bevel gear transmission.

[0045] Furthermore, this further development can be advantageously combined with the previously mentioned further development: Due to the rigidly connected housing parts, the drive, bearing and coupling device can be rigidly mounted or positioned relative to one another.

[0046] In a further exemplary embodiment, the coupling device is configured to be coupled to various types of adjustment connections. "Various types" refers in particular to various external diameters or geometries to which the coupling device can couple by encompassing, enclosing, clamping, gripping, clamping, or clamping. Furthermore, however, it can also refer in particular to various nominal diameters of external threads, which can be provided on the adjustment connection and to which the coupling device can couple by encompassing, enclosing, clamping, gripping, clamping, or screwing. This configuration makes the adjustment device versatile and can be used to adjust the preload device of various thermostatic expansion valves from different manufacturers.

[0047] In an exemplary development of this embodiment, the coupling device comprises a chuck, the basic design of which is known from drill chucks of various tools, such as drill drivers. The chuck can, for example, have a three-jaw chuck, or it can comprise a rubber ring that can be axially compressed by a union nut, so that an inner diameter of the rubber ring is reduced and the adjustment connection is clamped therein. The chuck is advantageously suitable for adapting to adjustment connections of different widths within a certain range and can be tightened or loosened, in particular without tools, for example by manually turning a union nut. In a further exemplary development of this embodiment, the coupling device comprises a clamping pliers, which is rigidly held or supported by an arm in a position on the tool tip.The clamping pliers are positioned so that they can grip adjustment connections of various widths and shapes. Preferably, they are equipped with a locking screw, which allows opposing clamping pliers halves to be evenly adjusted at a radial distance from the actuator's rotational axis, and in particular, to be tightened. This further development can also be attached to and removed from the adjustment connection without the need for any tools.

[0048] In a further exemplary development of this embodiment, the coupling device comprises an attachment coupling that can be coupled to an interchangeable coupling attachment. This allows the coupling device to be flexibly adapted and coupled to various types of adjustment connections. Preferably, the coupling attachment can be changed without tools, which facilitates handling of the adjustment device and, in particular, adapting the adjustment device to a specific adjustment connection.

[0049] For example, the attachment coupling can have a flange-like collar with a contact surface on the front - that is, facing the adjustment connection. The coupling attachment can be designed as a union nut which has a lateral slot so that the coupling attachment can be pushed laterally onto the attachment coupling and pulled off again. The lateral slot has at least one step so that the union nut can be supported against the side of the collar facing away from the contact surface after being pushed onto the attachment coupling and when the union nut is screwed onto an external thread on the adjustment connection. By tightening the union nut on the adjustment connection, the contact surface can then be pressed against a front surface or an edge of the adjustment connection, thereby creating a rigid coupling of the adjustment device to the adjustment connection.Preferably, the lateral slot includes a guide groove into which the collar engages. This positions the union nut at a defined location on the attachment coupling, facilitating handling of the adjustment device during coupling to the adjustment connection. In this design, the union nut can be easily replaced without the need for tools, allowing a suitable union nut to be readily available and used for any external thread that may be provided on the adjustment connection.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the actuator has a bit receptacle, and the tool tip is formed by a bit that is interchangeably mounted in the bit receptacle. This allows the tool tip to be adapted to the drive profile of the adjustment element, and a variety of different thermostatic expansion valves from different manufacturers can be adjusted using the adjustment device. Preferably, the bit can be replaced without tools, which further simplifies handling of the adjustment device. A magnetic holder can also be integrated into the bit receptacle, which magnetically holds the bit in the receptacle, thus preventing the bit from accidentally falling out of the bit receptacle.

[0051] In a further exemplary embodiment, the tool tip has a so-called universal socket wrench, which can adapt to a variety of different screw driving profiles of the adjustment element.

[0052] In a further exemplary embodiment, the tool tip is mounted so as to be directly or indirectly displaceable, and the actuator has a pretensioning element which directly or indirectly pretensions the tool tip into a distal end position.

[0053] In this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when referring to a tool tip being directly displaceably mounted), a "direct" displaceable mounting and / or preload means that the tool tip—for example, a bit held in a bit receptacle, as explained in the previous embodiment—is itself directly displaceably mounted, while, for example, a shaft of the actuator is not displaceably mounted within a bearing or the bit receptacle is not displaceably mounted. Thus, for example, the bit can be displaceably mounted directly within the bit receptacle and preloaded by a preloading device.In this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when referring to a tool tip being mounted in an indirectly displaceable manner), an "indirect" displaceable mounting and / or preloading means that the tool tip—for example, a bit held in a bit receptacle, as explained in the previous embodiment—is not itself mounted displaceably and / or preloaded relative to a part of the actuator adjoining the tool tip, but can be displaced together with it. For example, the bit receptacle can be displaceably mounted, while the bit has a fixed position in the bit receptacle.

[0054] The preload element is designed, for example, as a mechanical coil spring. The spring element directly or indirectly exerts a preload force on the tool tip, causing it to move into a distal end position and remain there without external resistance. The distal end position refers to the position of the tool tip protruding furthest forward from the setting device. If the setting device is coupled to an adjustment connection, the tool tip strikes an end surface of the setting element and is thereby pushed out of the distal end position, i.e. into a retracted position. The preload device continuously presses the tool tip against the setting element and can maintain the operative connection to the setting element even if the latter is screwed deeper into the preload device.If, however, the adjustment element is turned further out of the pre-tensioning device, the tool tip can also follow this movement due to the movable bearing and move further backwards, away from the adjustment connection.

[0055] In an exemplary further development of this embodiment, the setting device comprises a position measuring device which is designed to directly or indirectly measure and provide an axial position and / or an axial displacement dL of the tool tip.

[0056] In this context, "providing" means, in accordance with the definition introduced above, that the measured axial position and / or axial displacement dL is made available electronically and / or via data technology, for example as an analog or digital electronic signal, to other components of the setting device, or can be retrieved by them. In particular, the axial position and / or axial displacement dL can be transmitted to the control device or the internal determination device, made available, queried, or recorded by them. A "direct" measurement in this context means that the axial position and / or axial displacement dL is measured directly at the tool tip or the specific component that forms the tool tip.An "indirect" measurement, on the other hand, means that a position, displacement, or similar measurement value is determined on another part, and the axial position and / or axial displacement is deduced from this measurement. Furthermore, "axial position" in this context is understood to mean an absolute position of the tool tip, while "axial displacement dL" is understood to mean a relative position change between two states. The above explanations of the terms "indirect" or "direct" measurement, "axial position," and "axial displacement dL" are also generally applicable in the context of all aspects of the invention in which a position-measuring device is used.

[0057] Setting devices according to this further development can always automatically detect a change in the axial position and thus carry out further steps automatically, as explained in more detail in the following sections. For example, with the help of the position measuring device, it can be automatically detected when the tool tip engages or snaps into a driving profile of the setting element, i.e. comes into correct engagement with it. Furthermore, during the execution of a defined rotation of the actuator - for the purpose of defined adjustment of the setting element - it can be monitored which axial stroke is emphasized thereby. If this does not match an expected value, it follows that the thread via which the setting element is adjustable must have a different pitch than expected.This can therefore be used to conclude that, for example, a valve type was not selected correctly or that table values ​​on the basis of which the angle information was previously determined are incorrect. The actually measured axial stroke can then be used to correct or adjust the determined angle information before further adjustment steps on the same valve or valve type. In exemplary variants of this further development, in which the "axial position" can be measured absolutely, the setting device can also be set up to automatically determine whether the tool tip is close to the distal end position or close to a proximal end position. The proximal end position is defined as an axial position of the tool tip from which it can no longer move back any further than it has reached a rear stop and cannot be pushed any further into the setting device.In the area of ​​both end positions, adjustment of the preload device may only be possible to a limited extent, as the tool tip may no longer be able to fully follow the adjustment element during adjustment, thus breaking the effective connection. The existence of this risk can be reliably detected if the position measuring device can measure the axial position, and a warning message – for example, a visual or acoustic signal – can be issued.

[0058] In a further exemplary embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a torque measuring device which is configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide a torque transmitted to the actuator.

[0059] In this context, "providing" means, in accordance with the definition introduced above, that the measured torque is made available to other components of the setting device electronically and / or via data technology, for example as an analog or digital electronic signal, or can be retrieved by them. In particular, the measured torque can be transmitted to the control device, made available to it, or queried or recorded by it. A "direct" measurement of the torque here means that a torque sensor is integrated into the actuator and detects a torque acting in the actuator - in particular between a shaft and the tool tip. An "indirect" measurement, on the other hand, means that a torque or a variable associated with it is measured at a different location.For example, the power consumption of an actuator of the drive can be monitored, or a mechanical stress between parts of a transmission or between parts of the transmission and parts of a bearing of the actuator can be measured. The above explanations of the terms "indirect" or "direct" measurement are also generally applicable in the context of all aspects of the invention in which a torque measuring device is used. With the aid of the torque measuring device, the setting device in this embodiment can perform even more automated steps: For example, it can be configured to monitor that a first torque limit is not exceeded during rotation of the actuator.If, for example, the angular position of the tool tip at stops on a driving profile of the adjustment element is to be determined in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction, but the adjustment element is not to be adjusted in the process. In this case, the first torque limit value can be selected to be so low that unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element can be ruled out. Furthermore, the setting device can be designed to detect when the adjustment element is blocked. For this purpose, for example, a second torque limit value D2 can be selected to be so high that it is only triggered in the event of a blockage, but not during normal adjustment of the adjustment element. This design therefore allows the setting device to be operated more safely and reliably.

[0060] In a further exemplary embodiment, the setting device comprises an angle measuring device which is configured to directly or indirectly measure and provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the actuator. The measurement is referred to as "indirect" if it is not determined directly on the rotating part of the actuator or the tool tip. For example, a motor included in the drive can comprise a protractor, in which case an angular change of an output of the motor must be converted to an angular change of the actuator, taking into account a transmission ratio of a thread possibly arranged between the motor and the actuator. Otherwise, the measurement is referred to as "direct".This explanation of the terms “indirect” or “direct” measurement is also to be applied generally in the context of all aspects of the invention in which a torque measuring device is used accordingly.

[0061] In this context, "providing" means, in accordance with the definition introduced above, that the determined absolute angular position or the relative angular position change is made available to other components of the setting device electronically and / or via data technology, for example as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a stored data set in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can be retrieved by them. For example, the determined absolute angular position or relative angular position change can be transmitted to the control device, made available to it, or queried or recorded by it. With the help of the angle measuring device, the actuator can be rotated even more precisely by the control device through a defined angle of rotation, and even more extensive automated processes can be implemented with and uses of the setting device.

[0062] In a further exemplary embodiment, the setting device is designed to be a component of a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention below, wherein all exemplary embodiments and further developments of the setting device mentioned above can also be used accordingly in the context of the maintenance system.

[0063] In further exemplary embodiments, the electronic elements and units mentioned in the context of the preceding sections regarding the setting device and its embodiments and further developments—such as the control device, the torque measuring device, the position measuring device, the angle measuring device, the internal determination device, the interface device, the communication device, the operating device, and the power supply device—can each be implemented as individual, stand-alone units. For example, each of these devices or units can comprise its own circuit board, its own microcontroller, and other components. Likewise, in exemplary embodiments, it is possible for several or even all of the aforementioned devices or units to be combined in a common electronic assembly.It is also possible for the respective functions of individual devices or units to be combined. For example, the function of the control device and the internal detection device can be performed by a single electronic assembly or even a single microcontroller or process. This allows increased added value to be achieved, the manufacturing costs of the setting device can be set, and the number of components can be reduced. In a further exemplary embodiment, the setting device is configured to carry out one or more of the methods according to the third aspect of the invention below, wherein the setting device then has at least all of the features or components necessary to carry out the respective method.

[0064] The above-mentioned embodiments and further developments of the setting device can be combined with each other in any way, provided that they do not logically exclude each other.

[0065] According to a second aspect of the invention, a maintenance system for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system comprises a sensor system, an operating device, and an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention or one of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments and further developments of the first aspect of the invention. Accordingly, all examples, definitions, and explanations explained in previous sections relating to the first aspect of the invention are also applicable to corresponding elements, terms, and features from the following sections relating to the second aspect of the invention.

[0066] The operating device comprises, for example, a display and several operating elements (e.g., keys or buttons) or a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touchscreen). It can be implemented, for example, on a mobile device such as a cell phone, a tablet, or a so-called assembly aid.

[0067] The adjustment device comprises at least one drive, an actuator that 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 designed to be releasably coupled to an adjustment connection of the expansion valve, so that a tool tip of the actuator comes into operative 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 to the adjustment element via the actuator. The sensor system comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator.The maintenance system is configured to use the sensor system to measure at least the pressure and temperature at the evaporator outlet and to provide this information as measurement data. Furthermore, the maintenance system is configured to use the operating device to receive and provide at least one input from an operator.

[0068] Furthermore, either the maintenance system comprises a detection device or the setting device comprises an internal detection device.

[0069] If the maintenance system includes the determination device, it is configured to use it to determine and provide angle information based on the measurement information and the input information. In this case, the setting device is configured to receive the angle information from the determination device via the communication device and, in turn, to provide it within the setting device.

[0070] If the setting device includes the internal determination device, it is configured to first receive the measurement information from the sensor system and the input information from the operating device via the communication device and to provide it within the setting device. Furthermore, it is configured to subsequently determine the angle information based on the measurement information and the input information via the internal determination device and to provide it within the setting device.

[0071] "Providing" here means, at the level of the components or elements of the maintenance system (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when information is provided at the level of components or elements of a maintenance system - i.e., e.g., sensor system, operating device, setting device and determination device), that information - here specifically the measurement information, input information and / or angle information - is made available to the other components of the maintenance system electronically and / or by data technology, i.e., for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a stored data record in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can be retrieved by them.In particular, the angle information can be transmitted to the setting device or to its communication device, provided, queried or recorded by it and / or the measurement information and input information can be transmitted to the determination device, provided, queried or recorded by it.

[0072] In the context and at the level of the components of the setting device (i.e., e.g., interface device, communication device, operating device, control device and internal determination device) and in consistency with the definition given in the sections relating to the first aspect of the invention, “provide”, in particular “provide within the setting device”, means that information – here specifically the measurement information, input information and / or angle information – is made available to the other components of the setting device electronically and / or by data technology, i.e., for example, as an analogue or digital electronic signal or as a stored data record in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or is retrievable by such.

[0073] For the sake of clarity, we have refrained from assigning a dedicated communication device to each individual component of the maintenance system; however, this does not mean that no component of the maintenance system other than the setting device has a communication device. In fact, such additional communication devices may even be necessary and provided accordingly to enable the intended information flows. In the case of the setting device, the communication device is highlighted and explicitly named in particular for the purpose of being able to more clearly separate, in the interaction of the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention, possible processes and methods that run within the setting device from processes and methods that run at a higher level of the maintenance system.

[0074] In any case - regardless of whether the angle information is provided by the

[0075] Detection device of the maintenance system or by the internal

[0076] Determining device of the setting device - the setting device is configured to actuate the drive by means of the control device such that the actuator rotates around a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information. For this purpose, the setting device can, for example, comprise an angle measuring device which is configured to measure at least an absolute angular position or a relative

[0077] The angular position change of the actuator can be measured directly or indirectly and transmitted to the control device, for example, electronically and / or via data transmission, so that the control device can use this angular position or relative angular position change as a control parameter. However, the drive itself can also be designed to execute defined, discrete rotational steps, such as a stepper motor.

[0078] The actuation of the drive is presumed that the determination of the angle information using the defined determination rule actually indicates that an adjustment of the setting element of the pretensioning device is to be performed. In this case, what was explained in the sections relating to the first aspect of the invention applies accordingly to the defined determination rule, regardless of whether the determination rule is used by the determination device at the maintenance system level or by the internal determination device at the setting device level.

[0079] With the help of the maintenance system, the adjustment or optimization of the expansion valve's preload device can be carried out conveniently, reliably and largely automatically.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the maintenance system comprises a display device which is configured to display a visualization of the angle information. The visualization comprises at least a display of an angle value and a direction of rotation which are based on the angle information. The angle value can be displayed, for example, in degrees (e.g., “90°”) or as a multiple or fraction of full revolutions (e.g., “one and a half revolutions”). The direction of rotation can be displayed in words (e.g., “clockwise,” “CW” for “clock wise”) or by pictograms. Furthermore, the visualization can comprise an animation. At least one exemplary pretensioning device and a tool which comes into operative connection with an adjustment element of the pretensioning device can be displayed or represented.Furthermore, in particular, a rotational movement of the tool can be animated, which is coordinated with the angular amount and the direction of rotation, which are determined by the angle information.

[0081] The display device can be designed, in particular, as a screen on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a so-called assembly aid. Furthermore, the display device can be designed, in particular, as a touchscreen and, together with the operating device, can be configured as a single device or part.

[0082] With the help of the visualization provided by the display device, a planned setting of the pretensioning device can be presented to the operator in a way that is understandable. In particular, this enables the operator to manually adjust or adjust the setting element of the pretensioning device if they do not wish to use the setting device, or if it is unavailable or malfunctioning. In this context, the visualization can thus be used as an animated work instruction.

[0083] In a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor system of the maintenance system comprises a so-called manifold. The pressure sensor of the sensor system is designed as an integrated pressure sensor of the manifold. Furthermore, the manifold can be connected to the temperature sensor of the sensor system in a wired or wireless manner for the purpose of recording the temperature at the evaporator outlet. The manifold can thus collect all measured values ​​as a central location and provide them summarized as measurement information. Furthermore, the detection device and / or the operating device and / or the display device can be integrated into the manifold. In particular, the detection device, the operating device, and the display device can all be integrated into the manifold. This integration into the manifold results in a high level of operating comfort, simple handling, and high functionality.The assembly aid is specifically designed as a so-called digital assembly aid.

[0084] In a further exemplary embodiment, the maintenance system is configured to carry out one or more of the methods according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the maintenance system then has at least all of the features or components necessary for carrying out the respective method.

[0085] The above-mentioned configurations and further developments of the maintenance system can be combined with each other in any way, provided that they do not logically exclude each other.

[0086] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve on an HVAC system, which is carried out with the aid of an adjusting device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprises the following steps:

[0087] Step A) Coupling a coupling device of the adjustment device to an adjustment connection of the expansion valve so that a tool tip of an actuator of the adjustment device comes into operative connection with an adjustment element of the pretensioning device, and

[0088] Step B) Providing measurement information and input information and / or angle information by an interface device of the setting device, wherein step B is carried out after, simultaneously with or before step A, and

[0089] Step B') If no angle information is provided in step B, determining the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by an internal determination device of the setting device using a defined determination rule, and

[0090] Step C) If the angle information contains an angle amount not equal to zero, actuating a drive of the setting device by a control device of the setting device so that the actuator rotates through a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information, wherein step C is carried out after steps A, B and B' have been completed.

[0091] As mentioned at the beginning, this method, as well as the following exemplary embodiments thereof, utilizes an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention, or one of the exemplary embodiments or further developments thereof (provided that this or these comprise all the parts or components required in the respective method). Accordingly, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations explained in previous sections relating to the first aspect of the invention are also transferable to corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations from the sections relating to the second aspect of the invention and its exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, for example, the terms "enter into operative connection," "provide," "actuate," etc., reference is made to the preceding explanations of corresponding terms, parts and features of the first aspect of the invention, its embodiments and further developments.

[0092] The determination of the angle information by the internal determination device in step B' can be carried out entirely within the setting device, i.e., by components of the setting device, such as a microcontroller. Alternatively, the internal determination device in step B' can also establish a connection to an external unit, such as an external determination device or a cloud application, transmit the measurement information and input information to this external unit, and receive back and subsequently make available the angle information determined by the external unit. The exchange of measurement information, input information, and angle information with the external unit can take place, in particular, via a communication device of the interface device, which will be discussed in more detail in a subsequent exemplary embodiment of the method.

[0093] This method significantly simplifies and automates the adjustment of a thermostatic expansion valve, allowing it to be performed reliably and quickly. Furthermore, the advantages and improvements attributed to the adjustment device in previous sections can also be transferred to the process or realized by using the adjustment device in this process.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the following sub-steps B1 or B2 is carried out in step B for the purpose of providing the measurement information, input information and / or angle information:

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

[0096] Step B2) Receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an operator by an operating device of the interface device.

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

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the setting 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 a relative angular position change of the actuator. In step A, after the coupling device is coupled to the adjustment connection and the tool tip has entered into operative connection with the adjustment element, the following additional substeps are performed:

[0099] Step A1) Actuating the drive so that the actuator performs a rotational movement in a first rotational direction until a first torque limit is exceeded, and

[0100] Detecting and providing a first angular position Wl, which the actuator assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position and / or as a zero position for a detection of a relative angular position change following in step A2, and then

[0101] Step A2) Actuating the actuator so that the actuator performs a rotational movement opposite to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit is exceeded, and

[0102] Detecting and providing a second angular position W2, which the actuator (1020) assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position, and / or

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

[0104] The respective actuation of the drive in the steps mentioned is carried out by the control device, which is set up for this purpose according to the explanations of the first aspect of the invention.

[0105] The aim of this embodiment is to determine the position of the tool tip within a drive profile of the adjustment element, so that any play between the drive profile of the adjustment element and the profile of the tool tip can be detected and taken into account. However, during the execution of this embodiment of the method, the adjustment element should not yet be rotated, i.e., adjusted. Therefore, a torque transmitted to the actuator is measured, in particular continuously monitored, using the torque measuring device. This means that the applied or effective torque is measured continuously or continuously periodically and provided at least to the control device.The first torque limit is set so that it is immediately exceeded if edges, points, surfaces, or corners of the tool tip collide with corners, edges, points, or surfaces of the drive profile of the adjustment element during rotation in one direction. The rotation of the actuator is then immediately interrupted, effectively preventing unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0106] In steps A1 and A2, "at this moment" refers to the point in time at which the first torque limit is exceeded and the rotational movement is stopped. If the angle measuring device is configured to measure absolute angular positions (e.g., specific angular positions such as 45.3° or 271.5°), the first angular position W1 and the second angular position W2 are each measured absolutely and provided, in particular saved, as absolute angular positions. At the same time, a relative angular position change between the two angular positions W1 and W2 can also be determined, even if this is not required for the following steps.

[0107] However, if the angle measuring device is only designed to measure relative

[0108] To measure the angular position change of the actuator, the first angular position W1 from step A1 is used as the zero position and in step A2 a relative angular position change between this zero position (i.e. between the first angular position W1) and the second angular position W2 is measured and provided, in particular stored.

[0109] If the first torque limit is exceeded in both steps A1 and A2, the first angular position W1 and the second angular position W2 are then either known by the absolute angular position and can be adjusted again at any time, or at least a relative angular position change dW between the two angular positions is known in magnitude and direction, and the actuator can therefore be returned at any time from the second angular position W2 to the first angular position W1 and vice versa, as long as the actuator does not perform any further rotational movements for which the achieved angular position changes are unknown. Thus, in a final step, before the rotation determined by the angular information is executed in step C, one of the following steps can be performed:

[0110] Step A3) If the angle information specifies a rotation in the first rotation direction, actuating the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) assumes the first angular position Wl, and

[0111] Step A4) If the angle information specifies a rotation opposite to the first direction, actuate the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) assumes the second angular position W2. However, if in one of steps A1 or A2 a rotation through an angular amount of 360° is carried out without the first torque limit being exceeded, the method is aborted. This is because it is then likely that the core part of step A was not completed at all, i.e. the tool tip did not come into active connection with the adjustment element. This can happen, for example, if a rotation axis of the actuator was inadvertently not aligned concentrically with the adjustment element, so that the tool tip does not engage with the drive profile of the adjustment element.In this case, the process is aborted completely and an operator of the setting device can be alerted to the error, for example via an acoustic or optical signal.

[0112] This exemplary embodiment makes it possible to ensure that, in step C of the method, the rotation determined by the angle information in terms of direction and angle magnitude is fully executed without the angle magnitude being distorted by any possible play between the drive profile of the adjustment element and the profile of the tool tip. Thus, a particularly precise adjustment of the adjustment element can be achieved.

[0113] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, the tool tip is mounted for direct or indirect displacement, and the actuator has a preloading element that directly or indirectly preloads the tool tip into a distal end position. Furthermore, the setting device comprises a torque measuring device configured to directly or indirectly measure a torque transmitted to the actuator and provide it to the control device, and a position measuring device configured to directly or indirectly measure an axial position and / or a displacement of the tool tip and provide it to the control device.In each case in step A, after the coupling device has been coupled to the adjustment connection and the tool tip has come into operative connection with the adjustment element, and before the steps A1 to A4 from the previous exemplary embodiment, which may also be provided, are carried out, the following additional sub-steps:

[0114] Step A01) Actuating the drive so that the actuator executes a rotational movement in a first direction of rotation until the first torque limit is exceeded or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip or a rotation by a defined angular amount is carried out, and then step A02) If no displacement of the tool tip is detected in step A01 and the first torque limit is not exceeded, actuating the drive so that the actuator executes a rotational movement opposite to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit is exceeded or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip or a rotation by the defined angular amount is carried out.

[0115] The respective actuation of the drive in the steps mentioned is carried out by the control device, which is set up for this purpose according to the explanations of the first aspect of the invention.

[0116] The aim of this embodiment is to check whether the tool tip has correctly engaged the adjustment element in step A, i.e., whether a profile of the tool tip engages a drive profile of the adjustment element, and / or to bring about the establishment of the operative connection. However, during the execution of this embodiment of the method, the adjustment element should not yet be rotated, i.e., adjusted. Therefore, a torque transmitted to the actuator is measured, in particular continuously monitored, using the torque measuring device. This means that the applied or acting torque is measured continuously or continuously periodically and provided at least to the control device.The first torque limit is set so that it is immediately exceeded if edges, points, surfaces, or corners of the tool tip collide with corners, edges, points, or surfaces of the drive profile of the adjustment element during rotation in one direction. The rotation of the actuator is then immediately interrupted, effectively preventing unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element. The torque measuring device can, in particular, be the same one used in the previous embodiment.

[0117] Furthermore, during the execution of this embodiment of the method, an axial

[0118] Position and / or displacement of the tool tip by means of the

[0119] The position measuring device measures and, in particular, continuously monitors the position (e.g., continuously or continuously periodically measured). This allows detection if the tool tip snaps into or retracts into the drive profile of the adjustment element during the rotational movement. The rotation of the actuator is then immediately interrupted, effectively preventing unintentional adjustment of the adjustment element.

[0120] Furthermore, steps A01 and A02 are aborted if, during rotation by an angular amount in the respective rotation direction, neither the first torque limit is exceeded nor a displacement of the tool tip is measured. In this case, it cannot be determined that the tool tip is already operatively connected to the setting element, and the operative connection cannot be established through rotation. In this case, the process is aborted entirely, and an operator of the setting device can be alerted to the error, for example, via an acoustic or visual signal.

[0121] To monitor or record the angular amount covered with a respective rotation, the setting device can, for example, comprise an angle measuring device as explained in the previous embodiment. Alternatively, the drive itself can also be designed to execute defined, discrete rotational steps, such as a stepper motor. The defined angular amount is preferably set to 360° so that a full revolution is executed in both directions of rotation and thus non-rotationally symmetrical drive profiles should lie correctly on top of one another at least once and can interact. However, if the drive profile of the setting element has rotational symmetry around a given angle, the defined angular amount can also be set to this given angle. This embodiment of the method can therefore be carried out quickly.

[0122] This exemplary embodiment allows the correct completion of step A—i.e., the establishment of an operative connection between the tool tip and the adjustment element—to be verified and, if necessary, brought about before further process steps are executed. This makes the process more reliable overall and can increase automation. In another exemplary embodiment of the process, the following steps are performed after completion of step C:

[0123] Step D) Wait for a period of time, and

[0124] Step E) Repeat the process steps from step B after completing step D.

[0125] By waiting for a period of time in step D, the HVAC system is given a chance to reach a new equilibrium state after the change in the pre-tensioning device setting made in step C. The period of time can correspond to a predefined, constant value, such as seven to 15 minutes, or the length of the period of time can be calculated and set using a formula based on the angle information or the measurement information and input information from step B and / or B'. This allows the period of time to be set very easily and quickly.

[0126] However, in step D, the following sub-steps can also be carried out and a dynamically adjusted time period can be used instead of a statically defined one:

[0127] Step Dl) Providing initial measurement information, and

[0128] Step D2) Wait for a first period of time ZI, and

[0129] Step D3) Providing a second measurement information, and

[0130] Step D4) If the second measurement information essentially agrees with the first measurement information, continue with step E, otherwise repeat the steps from step D2.

[0131] The time span is thus calculated from the product of the first time span ZI and the number of runs in which step D4 was reached. The time span ZI can, for example, be one minute. By comparing the first measurement information and the second measurement information in each run, it is examined whether the HVAC system has returned to a state of equilibrium. If the first and second measurement information "essentially agree", this means that the measurement information only differs to an extent that, based on experience, corresponds to the fluctuations that can be expected in a state of equilibrium. The first and second measurement information can, in particular, comprise the same measured variables or parameters that are also contained in the measurement information that is used, for example, in step B' to determine the angle information.However, there may also be other measured variables or parameters that are suitable for determining whether the HVAC system has reached an equilibrium state through sufficient value stability.

[0132] By running the process again from step B as provided for in step E, a new adjustment loop is initiated. Regardless of whether new, additional angle information is subsequently provided directly to the adjustment device by the interface device in the restarted step B or not, the renewed loop run entails the need to determine new, additional measurement information in order to determine the new equilibrium state of the HVAC system, which is influenced by the new adjustment of the adjustment element made during the previous run through step C. For example, based on the new, additional measurement information, a new superheat can be calculated and a new assessment can be made of whether the pretensioning device is optimally adjusted.If this is not the case - which is then reflected in new, additional angle information, which is either provided directly in step B or determined in step B' by the internal determination device - the setting of the adjustment element is changed again and the setting of the pretensioning device can be further optimized.

[0133] This design allows, in principle, any number of optimization loops to be carried out automatically, thus achieving very precise optimization of the setting of the thermostatic expansion valve with little effort for an operator of the setting device.

[0134] The respective method steps of the method and its exemplary embodiments according to the third aspect of the invention (for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system using an adjustment device) can alternatively also be considered as steps of using an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system, which is carried out using a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, comprises the following steps:

[0135] Step A) Coupling a coupling device of an adjustment device of the maintenance system to an adjustment connection of the expansion valve, so that a tool tip of an actuator of the adjustment device comes into operative connection with an adjustment element of the pretensioning device,

[0136] Step B) Receiving and providing input information from an operator by an operating device of the maintenance system, wherein the input information comprises at least one valve type of the expansion valve, a refrigerant type and a target temperature, and wherein step B takes place after, simultaneously with or before step A, and

[0137] Step C) Connecting at least one pressure sensor of a sensor system of the maintenance system and one temperature sensor of the sensor system to an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system, wherein step C takes place after, simultaneously with or before step A and step B, and

[0138] Step D) Measuring at least one saturation vapor pressure with the pressure sensor and one evaporator outlet temperature with the temperature sensor and providing at least these measured values ​​as measurement information by the sensor system, wherein step D occurs after step C.

[0139] If the setting device used in this procedure has an internal detection device, the following steps E1 to E3 are carried out sequentially after steps A to D:

[0140] Step El) Receiving and providing the measurement information and the input information by means of a communication device of an interface device of the setting device, and

[0141] Step E2) Determining angle information based on the measurement information and input information by the internal determination device using a defined determination rule, and

[0142] Step E3) Providing the angle information. If the maintenance system used in this method has a detection device, the following steps E4 to E6 are alternatively performed sequentially after steps A to D:

[0143] Step E4) Determining angle information based on the measurement information and input information by the determination device using a defined determination rule, and

[0144] Step E5) Providing the angle information, and

[0145] Step E6) Receiving and providing the angle information by means of a communication device of an interface device of the setting device.

[0146] Then, after steps A to D and steps E1 to E3 or E4 to E6 have been completed, the following step is carried out:

[0147] Step F) If the angle information contains an angle amount not equal to zero, actuate the drive by means of a control device of the setting device so that the actuator rotates by a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information.

[0148] As mentioned at the beginning, this method, as well as the following exemplary embodiments thereof, utilizes a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, or one of the exemplary embodiments or further developments thereof (provided that this or these comprise 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 invention or one of the exemplary embodiments or further developments thereof. Accordingly, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations explained in previous sections relating to the first or second aspect of the invention are also transferable to corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations from the sections relating to the fourth aspect of the invention and its exemplary embodiments.Accordingly, for example, with regard to the terms “enter into active connection”, “provide”, “actuate”, etc., reference is made to the preceding explanations of corresponding terms, parts and features of the first or second aspect of the invention, their embodiments and further developments.

[0149] The method allows for the optimization of the setting of a preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve to be largely automated and carried out reliably and precisely. By combining elements from the first three aspects of the invention, these can interact advantageously in this aspect.

[0150] In an exemplary embodiment of the procedure, the following steps are carried out after completion of step F:

[0151] Step G) Wait for a period of time, and

[0152] Step H) Repeat the procedure steps from step D.

[0153] This embodiment serves the purpose of initiating a new optimization loop after the HVAC system has had a chance to reach a new equilibrium state. This allows the adjustment of the pretensioning device to be further improved. This embodiment is thus equivalent to the corresponding exemplary embodiment of the method according to the third aspect of the invention. Explanations made with regard to the corresponding embodiment of the third aspect also apply accordingly to this embodiment.

[0154] Here, too, the time period can correspond to a predefined, constant value, such as seven to 15 minutes, or the length of the time period can be calculated and set using a calculation formula based on the angle information from one of steps E3 or E6, or based on the measurement information from step D and the input information from step B. Thus, the time period can be set very easily and quickly.

[0155] Alternatively, a dynamically adjusted time period can also be used here by carrying out the following sub-steps in step G:

[0156] Step G1) Providing a first measurement information by the sensor system, and Step G2) Waiting for a first time period ZI, and

[0157] Step G3) Providing a second measurement information by the sensor system, and step G4) If the second measurement information substantially corresponds to the first measurement information, continue with step H, otherwise repeat the steps from step G2).

[0158] This design allows, in principle, any number of optimization loops to be carried out automatically, thus achieving a very precise optimization of the setting of the thermostatic expansion valve with little effort for an operator of the maintenance system.

[0159] The respective method steps of the method and its exemplary embodiments according to the fourth aspect of the invention (for adjusting a pretensioning device of an expansion valve on an HVAC system with the aid of a maintenance system) can alternatively also be regarded as usage steps of uses of a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0160] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a maintenance system for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve on an HVAC system comprises at least one sensor system, a detection device, an operating device, and a display device.

[0161] The maintenance system is configured to record and provide at least one piece of measurement information using the sensor system, and to receive and provide at least one piece of input information from an operator using the operating device. Furthermore, the maintenance system is configured to determine angle information using the determination device based on the measurement information and the input information, and to display a visualization of the angle information using the display device.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment of the maintenance system, the visualization comprises at least a display of an angle value and a direction of rotation, which are based on the angle information. The angle value can be displayed, for example, in degrees (e.g., "90°") or as a multiple or fraction of full revolutions (e.g., "one and a half revolutions"). The direction of rotation can be displayed in words.

[0163] (e.g. “clockwise”, “CW” for “clock wise”) or indicated by pictograms.

[0164] Furthermore, the visualization in this embodiment can include an animation. At least one exemplary preloading device and a tool that interacts with an adjustment element of the preloading device can be displayed or represented. Furthermore, in particular, a rotational movement of the tool can be animated, which is coordinated with the angle and direction of rotation determined by the angle information.

[0165] The display device can be designed, in particular, as a screen on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a so-called assembly aid. Furthermore, the display device can be designed, in particular, as a touchscreen and, together with the operating device, can be configured as a single device or part.

[0166] With the help of the visualization provided by the display device, a planned setting of the pre-tensioning device can be presented in a way that is understandable to the operator. In particular, this enables the operator to manually adjust or adjust the setting element of the pre-tensioning device themselves. In this context, the visualization can thus be used as an animated work instruction.

[0167] In a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor system comprises at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at the evaporator outlet. This allows a saturation vapor pressure to be measured with the pressure sensor, and an evaporator outlet temperature to be measured with the temperature sensor, so that the overheating of the HVAC system can be determined. As already explained in previous sections, the superheat can be used to evaluate whether a thermostatic expansion valve is optimally adjusted. Thus, in this embodiment, the superheat can be used to reliably determine the angle information. In a further exemplary embodiment, the sensor system of the maintenance system comprises a so-called installation aid.The manifold has at least one integrated pressure sensor, which can be used, for example, in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment mentioned above, as a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at the evaporator outlet of the HVAC system. Furthermore, the manifold can be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a temperature sensor of the sensor system, in particular for recording the temperature at the evaporator outlet. The manifold can thus act as a central location to collect all measured values ​​and provide them in summarized form as measurement information. Furthermore, the detection device and / or the operating device and / or the display device can be integrated into the manifold. In particular, the detection device, the operating device, and the display device can all be integrated into the manifold.

[0168] This integration into the assembly aid ensures a high level of user-friendliness, ease of use, and functionality. The assembly aid is specifically designed as a so-called digital assembly aid.

[0169] In a further exemplary embodiment, the maintenance system is configured to carry out one or more of the methods according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the maintenance system then has at least all of the features or components necessary for carrying out the respective method.

[0170] The above-mentioned configurations and further developments of the maintenance system can be combined with each other in any way, provided that they do not logically exclude each other.

[0171] The maintenance system according to this aspect of the invention essentially corresponds to an exemplary embodiment of the maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, with the difference that, according to this aspect, it does not have an adjustment device. Adjustment of the preload device of the thermostatic expansion valve must therefore be performed manually, for example, with a screwdriver or other suitable tool by an operator of the maintenance system. Nevertheless, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations explained in previous sections relating to the second aspect of the invention can also be transferred to corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations from the sections relating to the fifth aspect of the invention and its exemplary embodiments.

[0172] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0173] Exemplary embodiments and further developments of the various aspects of the invention are explained below with reference to figures.

[0174] Figure 1 shows schematically an exemplary thermostatic expansion valve in a cross-section,

[0175] Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary maintenance system,

[0176] Figure 3 shows schematically an exemplary setting device in a cross-section,

[0177] Figure 4 shows schematically an exemplary setting device in a cross-section,

[0178] Figure 5 shows schematically an exemplary actuator in a cross-section,

[0179] Figure 6 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device in a

[0180] cross-section,

[0181] Figure 7 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device in a cross section,

[0182] Figure 8 shows schematically an exemplary coupling attachment in a side view,

[0183] Figure 9 shows schematically the coupling attachment from Figure 8 in a cross-section through the plane IX indicated in Figure 8,

[0184] Figure 10 schematically shows the coupling attachment from Figure 8 in a cross-section through the plane X indicated in Figure 8,

[0185] Figure 11 schematically shows the coupling attachment from Figure 8 in a cross-section through the plane XI indicated in Figure 8,

[0186] Figure 12 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device in a cross section,

[0187] Figure 13 schematically shows an exemplary setting device in a perspective view, Figure 14 schematically shows the setting device from Figure 13 in a side view, Figure 15 schematically shows an exemplary setting device in a side view,

[0188] Figure 16 schematically shows an exemplary adjustment element and an exemplary

[0189] Tool tip in different angle positions to each other,

[0190] Figure 17 schematically shows an exemplary adjustment element and an exemplary tool tip in different positions relative to each other,

[0191] Figure 18 schematically shows an exemplary actuator and an exemplary drive,

[0192] Figure 19 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary maintenance system,

[0193] Figure 20 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary measuring system,

[0194] Figure 21 schematically shows an exemplary maintenance system, Figure 22 schematically shows an exemplary visualization, Figure 23 schematically shows an exemplary visualization, Figure 24 schematically shows an exemplary visualization and Figure 25 schematically shows an exemplary visualization.

[0195] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0196] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0197] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000. It has an inlet connection 2022, via which it can be connected to a condenser 8030 and supplied with a refrigerant. An outlet connection 2023 can in turn be connected to an evaporator 8010, to which the refrigerant can be discharged. A valve orifice 2025 is arranged between the connections 2022 and 2023, and a valve stem 2024 can be moved within the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 such that a flow of refrigerant through the valve orifice 2025 is either opened or blocked by a sealing engagement of the valve stem 2024 with the valve orifice 2025.The movement of the valve stem 2024 is controlled, on the one hand, by a diaphragm 2026, the underside of which is subjected to the refrigerant pressure present at the outlet connection 2023, and the upper side of which is subjected to a pressure transfer fluid connected to a temperature sensor 2027 via a capillary line 2028. The temperature sensor 2027 is in thermal contact with the evaporator 8010. If the temperature at the evaporator 8010 rises, the pressure transfer fluid in the temperature sensor 2027 heats up, expands as a result of the heating, and exerts greater pressure on the upper side of the diaphragm 2026. From a certain temperature of the evaporator 8010, the diaphragm is thereby pressed downward against the refrigerant pressure present at its underside, and the valve stem 2024 releases the flow of refrigerant through the valve orifice 2025.This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in the temperature in the evaporator 8010, causing the pressure at the top of the diaphragm to decrease again. The ratio of refrigerant pressure to evaporator temperature, at which the refrigerant flow is released, can also be manipulated via a preload device 2020, which exerts a compressive force on the diaphragm via a coil spring. The preload force of the preload device 2020 is adjusted via an adjustment element 2021, whose position can be changed by screwing it in or out via an adjustment connection 2010 using a tool.

[0198] With the aid of an adjustment device 1000 according to the first aspect of the invention and / or its exemplary embodiments and further developments described in the preceding summary of the invention, the adjustment of the adjustment element 2021 can be automated and facilitated, and moreover, an adjustment can be carried out very precisely and reliably.

[0199] Figures 3 to 18 each show exemplary embodiments of the setting device 1000 or exemplary embodiments of parts or components of the setting device 1000.

[0200] The adjustment device 1000 comprises a drive 1010, an actuator 1020, a coupling device 1030, and a control device 1040. The actuator 1020 is rotatable about an axis 1021 by the drive 1010. The coupling device 1030 is configured to releasably couple to the adjustment connection 2010 of the expansion valve 2000, so that a tool tip 1022 of the actuator 1020 comes into operative connection with the 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 to the adjustment element 2021 via the actuator 1020. As schematically illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 18 using various exemplary embodiments of the setting device 1000, the drive 1010 can comprise an actuator 1011, such as an electric motor, a stepper motor or a servo motor, and a gear 1012.By means of the gearing, a torque or a rotary movement can be transmitted from the actuator 1011 to the adjusting element 1020. The gearing 1012 can, for example, comprise a planetary gearing, as schematically shown in Figure 18. The adjusting element 1020 comprises a shaft 129, which is mounted in one or more bearings 128. In order for the torque or the rotary movement to be transmitted effectively and completely from the actuator 1011 by means of the gearing 1012 to the adjusting element 1020 and from the adjusting element 1020 by means of an operative connection through the tool tip 1022 finally to the adjusting element 2021, at least the drive 1010, in particular specifically the gearing 1012 or a frame thereof, as well as the coupling device 1030, must both be rigidly held and / or fastened relative to the bearing(s) 128.

[0201] For this purpose, the setting device 1000 can have a housing 1070, which protects its components and parts from environmental influences and damage and simultaneously fixes the drive 1010, bearing 1028, and coupling device 1030 in the required rigid position relative to one another. As shown by way of example in Figures 3 and 4, 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.

[0202] If the tool housing part 1071 and the drive housing part 1072 are fastened and aligned to one another such that an imaginary connecting line 1073 between the centers of gravity of the two housing parts, as schematically shown in Figure 15, intersects the axis 1021 at an angle between 45° and 90°, a particularly compact, handy design can be achieved. As shown by way of example in Figures 4 and 18, the transmission 1012 can comprise a bevel gear 1012', so that even in such a design, a torque generated by the actuator 1011 or a rotational movement generated by the actuator 1011 can be transmitted to the actuator 1020. In order to be able to interact with different screw driving profiles that can be provided on the adjusting element 2021, the actuator 1020 can have a bit holder 1023 and a bit 1024 arranged therein which can be exchanged and which forms the tool tip 1022.In Figure 3, the bit 1024 is held in a fixed position within the bit holder 1023, and the bit holder 1023 is mounted so as to be axially displaceable relative to the shaft 1029. A preloading element 1025 exerts a force on an element rigidly connected to the bit holder 1023, so that the bit holder 1023—and the bit 1024 held therein—in the absence of a counterforce—is preloaded in a distal end position 1026. Due to the axial displaceability, the tool tip 1022, for example the bit 1024, can follow the adjustment element 2021 in its axial displacement during its adjustment; the preloading element 1025 ensures that the tool tip 1022 is always pressed against the adjustment element 2021, thus preventing the operative connection from being broken.

[0203] Figure 5 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the actuator 1020, which differs from that of Figure 4 in particular in that the bit receptacle 1023 is integrated directly into the shaft 1029 and is not displaceable relative to it. Only the bit 1024 is mounted axially displaceably within the bit receptacle 1023.

[0204] The exemplary embodiment of the actuator 1020, shown in Figure 18, is similar to that of Figure 5. Two different bits 1024 are shown here, which can be interchangeably inserted into the bit receptacle 1023. The bit receptacle 1023 also has a side window with a millimeter scale. This allows the axial position of the bit 1024 to be directly read.

[0205] In exemplary embodiments, the coupling device 1030 is configured to be coupled to various types of adjustment connections. Figures 6 to 14 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the coupling device 1030 that can fulfill this feature.

[0206] Figure 6 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device 1030 having a chuck 1038. In the half of the image above the axis 1021, the chuck 1038 is not tightened, and a clamping ring 1038' provided therein is relaxed. However, in the half of the image below the axis 1021, the chuck 1038 is tightened, whereby the clamping ring 1038' is axially compressed. The axial compression reduces an inner diameter of the clamping ring 1038'. This allows an adjustment connection 2010, which was inserted into the chuck 1038 when it was not tightened, to be gripped, and a coupling can be established between the setting device 1000 and the adjustment connection 2010.

[0207] In exemplary embodiments, the coupling device 1030 can have an attachment coupling 1031, to which a coupling attachment 1032 can be exchangeably connected. Figure 7 schematically shows such an exemplary embodiment, wherein the coupling attachment 1032 is designed here as a union nut, which can be screwed onto a thread provided on the adjustment connection 2010 with an internal thread 1037. The attachment coupling 1031 comprises a collar 1033 and a front-side contact surface 1034—that is, facing the adjustment connection 2010. The contact surface 1034 is configured to be pressed against the adjustment connection 2010 when the union nut is tightened, thus enabling a rigid coupling of the adjustment device 1000 to the adjustment connection 2010.Furthermore, the coupling attachment 1032, designed as a union nut, includes a lateral slot 1035, thanks to which it can be removed laterally from the attachment coupling 1031, in particular without the need for a tool. The slot 1035 also has a guide groove 1036, which is designed to engage the collar 1033. This prevents the union nut from slipping on the attachment coupling.

[0208] Figures 8 to 11 show an exemplary embodiment of the coupling attachment 1032 designed as a union nut from Figure 7 in various views: in Figure 8 in a side view looking perpendicularly onto the lateral slot 1035, in Figure 9 in a cross-section through the sectional plane IX shown in Figure 8, in Figure 10 in a cross-section through the sectional plane X shown in Figure 8 and in Figure 11 in a cross-section through the sectional plane XI shown in Figure 8. A correspondingly designed coupling attachment 1032 can be manufactured easily and inexpensively for many different thread types and sizes and can be flexibly connected to the setting device 1000. In exemplary embodiments, the coupling device 1030 can also comprise a clamping pliers 1039', by means of which the setting connection 2010 can be gripped and held rigidly relative to the setting device.For example, the clamping pliers 1039' are connected to the housing 1070 of the adjustment device 1000 by an arm 1039. Figures 12 to 14 schematically illustrate a corresponding embodiment. The clamping pliers 1039' comprises two clamping jaws, which can be moved relative to one another via a screw. As shown in the figures, the screw can have external threads with different directions of rotation along an upper and a lower screw section, so that the clamping jaws can be adjusted uniformly toward and away from one another. The arm 1039 allows the clamping pliers 1039' to be held and arranged such that an adjustment connection 2010 gripped by it is always aligned concentrically with the axis 1021 of the actuator 1020.

[0209] According to the invention, the control device 1040 of the setting device 1000 is configured to actuate the drive 1010 in such a way, that is to say, for example, to control, monitor, activate or regulate it, so that the actuator 1020 executes a rotation by a defined angle of rotation.

[0210] In addition, the setting device 1000 can also comprise further, primarily electronic elements, such as a torque measuring device 1013, a position measuring device 1027, an angle measuring device 1027', an interface device 1050, which can include a communication device 1051 and / or an operating device 1052, an internal detection device 1041, and a power supply device. Regarding the respective purpose and function of these elements, reference is made at this point to the corresponding explanations in the preceding summary of the invention. In Figure 4, the elements are shown schematically simplified as two functional blocks with dashed frame lines.In particular, they can be advantageously used in the context of various methods, which were explained in the summary of the invention in the context of the third and fourth aspects of the invention, to facilitate, automate, and make more reliable the adjustment of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000 with the aid of the adjustment device 1000. In an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, for which an adjustment device 1000 with a torque measuring device 1013 and an angle measuring device 1027' is required, a position of the.

[0211] Tool tip 1022 is determined within a driving profile of the adjusting element 2021, so that any existing play between the driving profile of the adjusting element 2021 and the profile of the tool tip 1022 can be detected and taken into account in subsequent rotation steps. Figure 16 illustrates, using a schematic example, the steps A1 and A2 included in this method:

[0212] Here, the driving profile is designed as a slot, and the tool tip 1022 has the profile of a matching slotted screwdriver head. In the left-hand part of the figure, the tool tip 1022 engages with the driving profile of the adjustment element 2021, but it can be seen that there is a certain amount of play between the edges of the driving profile and the side surfaces of the tool tip 1022. During step A1, the actuator is rotated in a first direction, here clockwise. In the middle part of the figure, it can be seen that corners of the tool tip 1022 abut the edges of the driving profile of the adjustment element 2021. In the process, a first torque limit value is exceeded, which is measured by the torque measuring device 1013. The rotary movement of the actuator 1020 is stopped, and the current angular position can be recorded as the first angular position W1.In step A2, the actuator 1020 is then rotated in the opposite direction until corners of the tool tip 1022 collide again with the edges of the adjustment element 2021. In this case, the second angular position W2 is detected, or at least one.

[0213] Angle change in position dW between the two angular positions, as indicated in the right part of the figure.

[0214] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, for which a setting device 1000 with a torque measuring device 1013, a position measuring device 1027 and an axially displaceably mounted tool tip 1022, which is preloaded by a preload element 1025 in a distal end position 1026, is required, it is checked whether the tool tip 1022 has correctly entered into operative connection with the setting element 2021, i.e. a profile of the tool tip 1022 engages in a driving profile of the setting element 2021, and / or an attempt is made to prevent the occurrence of the

[0215] Figure 17 illustrates a schematic example of one of the steps A01 or A02 included in this method:

[0216] Here, the drive profile is again designed as a slot, and the tool tip 1022 again has the profile of a matching slotted screwdriver head. In the left part of the figure, the tool tip 1022 does not engage the drive profile of the adjustment element 2021, so there is no operative connection between the two parts. In a step A01 or A02, the actuator 1020 is rotated so that the profiles lie correctly one above the other and the tool tip 1022 can snap into the drive profile of the adjustment element 2021. Any resulting axial displacement dL of the tool head can be detected by the position measuring device.

[0217] With the aid of a maintenance system 7000 according to the second aspect of the invention and / or its exemplary embodiments and further developments described in the preceding summary of the invention, the adjustment of the adjustment element 2021 can be automated and facilitated, and moreover, an adjustment can be carried out very precisely and reliably.

[0218] Figures 2 and 19 each show exemplary embodiments of the maintenance system 7000.

[0219] The maintenance system 7000 comprises a setting device 1000 according to the first aspect of the invention, a sensor system 7010, a detection device 7020, an operating device 7030 and a display device 7040.

[0220] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the maintenance system 7000 being used to optimize the setting of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000. The thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is part of an HVAC system 8000, which also includes an evaporator 8010, a compressor 8020, and a condenser 8030. The setting device 1000 is connected to the setting connection 2010 of the thermostatic expansion valve 2000, and the tool tip 1022 is operatively connected to the setting element 2021. With the aid of the communication device 1051, the setting device 1000 is in wireless communication with the sensor system 7010, which is represented pictographically by simplified wave rings. The sensor system 7010 comprises a temperature sensor 7012 designed as a temperature clamp, which is mounted in the region of the outlet of the evaporator 8010 in order to measure an evaporator outlet temperature there.Furthermore, the sensor system 7010 includes a manifold 7013, which has an internal pressure sensor 7011'. This is connected to the outlet of the evaporator 8010 via a refrigerant hose to measure the saturation vapor pressure or suction pressure. The operating device 7030 is integrated into the manifold 7013 in the form of operating elements, as is the display device 7040 in the form of a display. Using the measured data from the sensors 7012 and 7011', in conjunction with other data, such as the type of refrigerant used, which can be received by an operator via the operating device 7030, superheating of the HVAC system can be calculated.In conjunction with further information, which together form input information, the determination device 7020, which is also integrated into the manifold 7013, can determine whether the preload device 2020 of the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is already optimally adjusted or whether a change in the setting is required. The result of this determination is then wirelessly transmitted to the adjustment device 1000, in particular as angle information, so that the adjustment device 1000 can automatically perform any necessary adjustment of the adjustment element 2021.

[0221] Figure 19 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the maintenance system 7000. A further exemplary embodiment of a service aid 7013 is provided, in which the sensor system 7010, the detection device 7020, the operating device 7030, and the display device 7040 are integrated. Furthermore, an external unit 6000, shown here in the form of a mobile phone, is provided, which can also include a detection device 7020, an operating device 7030, and a display device 7040. The external unit 6000, the service aid 7013, and the setting device 1000 are in wireless contact with one another via radio links and can exchange various data, such as angle information, measurement data protocols, or input information, with one another. The external unit 6000 can also establish a connection to a cloud application, represented pictographically here by a cloud, via a mobile network.

[0222] Figure 20 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a measuring system 7000 that monitors, for example, process parameters. In addition to pressure, temperature, and flow, this can also be a chemical measurement variable. In particular, the measuring system 7000 can also be linked to valve actuators or dosing systems.

[0223] When monitoring measurement information via sensors 7010, instructions can also be issued in at least two or more iterative steps to establish setpoints. In particular, this can be used not only for HVAC systems 8000 but also for the particularly effective operation of a process along a pipeline. For this purpose, the user is guided through the necessary steps using the display device 7040 via a visualization. Actual values ​​can be displayed interactively embedded in graphics. Depending on the specific system, component-specific videos can also be loaded and displayed with the visualizations. The user is thus safely guided through the individual steps because they see the respective components on the display 7040 as they appear in reality.

[0224] Special security is achieved when measurement information is recorded and displayed during the visualization of the necessary steps, and confirmation of individual steps is requested. Based on this, the 7000 measurement system can determine the next steps using stored logic, software, and acquired historical data. For this purpose, measurement data is stored, compared, or retrieved in a storage cloud.

[0225] In addition to displaying analyses based on measurement information, which can be presented dynamically or animated, the remaining optimization potential can also be displayed. Likewise, the time for remaining steps or the remaining time required for a measurement can be displayed graphically and dynamically, e.g., as a shrinking bar.

[0226] The step-by-step approach allows even users with little experience to be introduced to the optimization of a complex or virtually unfamiliar system component. Querying between or during a visualization of measurement information or instructions is particularly effective when confirmation of individual steps is requested.

[0227] Figure 21 shows an exemplary embodiment of a maintenance system 7000 according to the fifth aspect of the invention. It therefore does not include an adjustment device 1000. With the aid of temperature sensors 7012 and one or more integrated pressure sensors 7011', it is able, for example, to measure overheating of an HVAC system 8000 and to determine angle information for the purpose of optimizing the setting of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000. The angle information can be visualized via the display device 7040, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23. However, other processes or work steps can also be visualized, as illustrated in Figures 24 and 25. For example, Figure 25 shows a visualization of a filling or evacuation process. During the filling or evacuation process, refrigerant is removed from or filled into a refrigerant container 9010.The current weight of the refrigerant tank 9010 is monitored with a scale 7050 and the current fill level of the refrigerant tank 9010 derived from the weight is visualized.

[0228] The invention is not limited to the foregoing detailed embodiments. It may be modified within the scope of the following claims. Likewise, individual aspects of the subclaims may be combined with one another.

[0229] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0230] 1000 setting device

[0231] 1010 drive

[0232] 1011 Actuator

[0233] 1012 gearbox

[0234] 1012' bevel gear

[0235] 1013 Torque measuring device

[0236] 1020 actuator

[0237] 1021 Axis

[0238] 1022 tool tip

[0239] 1023 bit holder

[0240] 1024 bits

[0241] 1025 preload element

[0242] 1026 Distal end position

[0243] 1027 Position measuring device

[0244] 1027' angle measuring device

[0245] 1028 warehouses

[0246] 1029 Wave

[0247] 1030 coupling device

[0248] 1031 Attachment coupling

[0249] 1032 coupling attachment

[0250] 1033 collar

[0251] 1034 contact surface

[0252] 1035 Schlitz

[0253] 1036 guide groove

[0254] 1037 internal thread

[0255] 1038 chuck

[0256] 1038' clamping ring

[0257] 1039 Arm

[0258] 1039' clamp pliers

[0259] 1040 Control device

[0260] 1041 Internal Investigation Unit

[0261] 1050 interface setup

[0262] 1051 Communication device 1052 Operating device

[0263] 1060 Energy supply facility

[0264] 1070 case

[0265] 1071 tool housing part

[0266] 1072 drive housing part

[0267] 1073 connecting line

[0268] 2000 expansion valve

[0269] 2010 adjustment connection

[0270] 2020 pre-tensioning device

[0271] 2021 adjustment element

[0272] 2022 input connection

[0273] 2023 Output connection

[0274] 2024 valve tappet

[0275] 2025 valve cover

[0276] 2026 Membran

[0277] 2027 T emperature sensor

[0278] 2028 capillary line

[0279] 6000 External Unit

[0280] 7000 Maintenance system / measuring system

[0281] 7010 sensor system

[0282] 701 E Integrated pressure sensor

[0283] 7012 temperature sensor

[0284] 7020 Investigation facility

[0285] 7030 Operating device

[0286] 7040 display device

[0287] 7050 scale

[0288] 8000 HVAC system

[0289] 8010 evaporator

[0290] 8020 compressor

[0291] 8030 Condenser

[0292] 9010 refrigerant tank

[0293] W1 First angle position

[0294] W2 Second angle position dW Angular position change dL Shift

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Adjustment device (1000) for adjusting a pre-tensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on a HVAC system (8000), comprising - a drive (1010), - an actuator (1020) which is rotatable about an axis (1021) by the drive (1010), - a coupling device (1030) and - a control device (1040), wherein - the coupling device (1030) is adapted to be connected to a to detachably couple the adjustment connection (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) so that a tool tip (1022) of the actuator (1020) comes into operative connection with an adjustment element (2021) of the pretensioning device (2020) and a torque generated by the drive (1010) or a rotary movement triggered by the drive (1010) can be transmitted via the actuator (1020) to the adjustment element (2021), and - the control device (1040) is configured to actuate the drive (1010) such that the actuator (1020) performs a rotation through a defined angle of rotation.

2. Adjustment device (1000) according to claim 1, comprising an interface device (1050) which is designed to at least - a measurement information and an input information, and / or - to provide angle information, wherein the control device (1040) is configured to actuate the drive (1010) such that the actuator (1020) executes a rotation by a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information, and wherein, if the interface device (1050) does not provide angle information, the setting device further comprises an internal determination device (1041) which is configured to determine and provide the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by means of a defined determination rule.

3. Adjustment device (1000) according to claim 2, wherein the interface device (1050) comprises a communication device (1051) which is configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one external unit (6000) in order to thereby at least - to receive the measurement information from the external unit (6000), in particular from a sensor system (7010), or to send it to the external unit (6000), in particular to a detection device (7020), and / or - to receive the input information from the external unit (6000), in particular from an operating device (7030), or to send it to the external unit (6000), in particular to a determination device (7020), and / or to at least - to receive the angle information from the external unit (6000), in particular from the detection device (7020).

4. Adjustment device (1000) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the interface device (1050) comprises an operating device (1052) which is configured to receive and provide at least the measurement information and / or the input information and / or the angle information and / or an action command from an operator.

5. Adjustment device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive (1010) - an actuator (1011) and - comprises a gear (1012), and wherein the actuator (1020) - a warehouse (1028) and - a shaft (1029) which is rotatably mounted about the axis (1021) by the bearing (1028), and wherein - the drive (1010) is directly or indirectly rigidly mounted relative to the bearing (1028), and - the coupling device (1030) is directly or indirectly rigidly mounted relative to the bearing (1028).

6. Adjustment device (1000) according to claim 5, comprising a housing (1070) which is designed to rigidly mount the drive (1010), the bearing (1028) and the coupling device (1030) relative to one another.

7. 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 an imaginary connecting line (1073) passing through a center or center of gravity of the drive housing part (1072) and a center or center of gravity of the tool housing part (1071) forms an angle of between 45° and 90° with the axis (1021).

8. Adjustment device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (1030) is configured to be coupled to different types of adjustment connections (2010, 2010', 2010").

9. Setting device (1000) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling device (1030) comprises a chuck (1038), or wherein the coupling device (1030) comprises an arm (1039) and a clamping pliers (1039') which is carried by the arm (1039).

10. Adjustment device (1000) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling device (1030) has an attachment coupling (1031) which can be coupled to an exchangeable coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032"), wherein the coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032") can be exchanged in particular without tools, and wherein the attachment coupling (1031) has in particular a collar (1033) and a front-side contact surface (1034), and the exchangeable coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032") is in particular designed as a union nut and has a lateral slot (1035), so that the coupling attachment (1032, 1032', 1032") can be pulled off and pushed onto the attachment coupling (1031) laterally. is.

11. Setting device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (1020) has a bit holder (1023) and the tool tip (1022) is formed by a bit (1024) which is exchangeably received in the bit holder (1023).

12. Adjustment device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool tip (1022) is mounted to be directly or indirectly displaceable and the actuator (1020) has a prestressing element (1025) which prestresses the tool tip (1022) directly or indirectly into a distal end position (1026).

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

14. Adjustment device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a torque measuring device (1013) which is designed to directly or indirectly measure and provide a torque transmitted to the actuator (1020).

15. Adjustment device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an angle measuring device (1027') which is designed to measure and provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the actuator (1020) directly or indirectly.

16. Setting device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input information comprises at least - a valve type of expansion valve (2000), - a refrigerant type, and - comprises a target temperature, and / or wherein the measurement information is at least - a saturation vapor temperature or a saturation vapor pressure within or at an outlet of an evaporator (8010), and - an evaporator outlet temperature.

17. Maintenance system (7000) for adjusting a pre-tensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HVAC system (8000), comprising - a sensor system (7010) comprising at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator (8010) of the HVAC system (8000) and a temperature sensor (7012) for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010), - an operating device (7030), and - a setting device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the setting device (1000) - a drive (1010), - an actuator (1020) which is rotatable about an axis (1021) by the drive (1010), - an angle measuring device (1027') which is designed to measure and provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the actuator (1020) directly or indirectly, - a coupling device (1030) which is designed to detachably couple to an adjustment connection (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) so that a tool tip (1022) of the actuator (1020) comes into operative 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 via the actuator (1020) to 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 - 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), - to receive and provide at least one input information from an operator with the operating device (7030), and wherein either - the maintenance system has a detection device (7020) and is designed to - with the determination device (7020) on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by means of a defined determination rule to determine angle information, and - wherein the setting device (1000) is configured to receive and provide the angle information from the determination device (7020) by means of the communication device (1051), or - the setting device comprises an internal detection device (1041) and is designed to - to receive the measurement information from the sensor system (7010) by means of the communication device (1051) and to receive and provide the input information from the operating device (7030), and - to determine and provide the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by means of a defined determination rule by means of the internal determination device (1041), wherein the setting device (1000) is in any case designed to actuate the drive (1010) by means of the control device (1040) and the angle measuring device (1027') in such a way that the actuator (1020) executes a rotation by a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information.

18. Maintenance system (7000) according to claim 17, comprising a display device (7040) which is configured to display a visualization of the angle information, wherein the visualization - includes a display of an angle amount and a direction of rotation which are determined by the angle information, and / or - an animation comprising a display of an exemplary pretensioning device (2020) and a tool engaging therein, wherein - the animation continues to show a movement of the tool which is coordinated with the angle and direction of rotation which are determined by the angle information.

19. Maintenance system (7000) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein - the sensor system (7010) comprises a mounting aid (7013), wherein the pressure sensor is designed as an integrated pressure sensor (7011') of the mounting aid (7013), and - the assembly aid (7013) with the temperature sensor (7012) for recording the Temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010) is connected wired or wirelessly, and - the detection device (7020) and / or the operating device (7030) and / or the display device (7040) are integrated into the assembly aid (7013).

20. A method for adjusting a pretensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HVAC system (8000), using an adjusting device (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the steps: A) coupling a coupling device (1030) of the adjustment device (1000) to an adjustment connection (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) so that a Tool tip (1022) of an actuator (1020) of the setting device (1000) comes into operative connection with an adjusting element (2021) of the pretensioning device (2020), and B) Providing measurement information and input information and / or angle information by an interface device (1050) of the setting device (1000), wherein step B is carried out after, simultaneously with or before step A, and B') If no angle information is provided in step B, determining the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by an internal determination device (1040) of the setting device (1000) by means of a defined determination rule, and C) If the angle information contains an angle amount not equal to zero, actuating a drive (1010) of the setting device (1000) by a control device (1040) of the setting device (1000) so that the actuator (1020) executes a rotation by a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information, wherein step C is carried out after steps A, B and B' have been completed.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein in step B at least one of the following sub-steps B1 or B2 is carried out for the purpose of providing the measurement information, input information and / or angle information: Bl) receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an external unit (6000) by a communication device (1051) of the interface device (1050), and / or B2) receiving and providing the angle information and / or the Measurement information and / or the input information from an operator through an operating device (1052) of the interface device (1050).

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the setting device (1000) - a torque measuring device (1013) which is designed to directly or indirectly measure and provide a torque transmitted to the actuator (1020), and - an angle measuring device (1027') which is designed to measure at least an absolute angle position or a relative angle position change of the actuator (1020) directly or indirectly, and wherein in each case in step A, after the coupling device (1030) is coupled to the adjustment connection (2010) and the tool tip (1022) has come into operative connection with the adjustment element (2021), the following additional sub-steps are carried out: Al) actuating the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) performs a rotational movement in a first rotational direction until a first torque limit is exceeded, and Detecting and providing a first angular position Wl, which the actuator (1020) assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position and / or as a zero position for a subsequent detection of a relative Angle position change, and then A2) Actuating the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) performs a rotational movement opposite to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit is exceeded, and Detecting and providing a second angular position W2, which the actuator (1020) assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position, and / or Detecting and providing the relative angular position change between the zero position and the second angular position W2 as angular position change dW, wherein the method is aborted if in one of the steps A1 or A2 a rotation by an angular amount of 360 ° is carried out without the first torque limit being reached, and wherein, if the first torque limit is reached in both steps A1 and A2, in each case before the rotation determined by the angle information in step C is executed, the following steps must be performed: A3) If the angle information specifies a rotation in the first rotation direction, actuating the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) assumes the first angular position W1, and A4) If the angle information specifies a rotation opposite to the first direction, actuating the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) moves the second Angle position W2.

23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein - the tool tip (1022) is mounted so as to be directly or indirectly displaceable, and - the actuator (1020) has a pretensioning element (1025) which directly or indirectly pretensions the tool tip (1022) into a distal end position (1026), and the setting device (1000) - a torque measuring device (1013) which is designed to directly or indirectly measure a torque transmitted to the actuator (1020) and to provide it to the control device (1040), and - a position measuring device (1027) which is configured to measure an axial position and / or a displacement of the tool tip (1022) directly or indirectly and to provide it to the control device (1040), and wherein in each case in step A, after the coupling device (1030) is coupled to the adjustment connection (2010) and the tool tip (1022) has come into operative connection with the adjustment element (2021), and before steps A1 and A2 are carried out, the following additional sub-steps are carried out: A01) Actuating the drive (1010) so that the actuator (1020) executes a rotational movement in a first rotational direction 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 by a defined angular amount is executed, and then A02) If no displacement of the tool tip (1022) is detected in step A01 and the first torque limit is not exceeded, actuate the Drive (1010), so that the actuator (1020) performs a rotational movement opposite to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit is exceeded or the position measuring device (1027) detects a displacement of the tool tip (1022) or a rotation by the defined angular amount is carried out.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the following steps are carried out after step C is completed: D) Wait for a period of time, and E) Repeating the process steps from step B after completion of step D, whereby in step D the following sub-steps are carried out in particular: Dl) Providing a first measurement information, and D2) Waiting for a first time period ZI, and D3) Providing a second measurement information, and D4) If the second measurement information substantially agrees with the first measurement information, continue with step E), otherwise repeat the steps from step D2).

25. A method for adjusting a pretensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HVAC system (8000) using a maintenance system (7000) according to one of claims 17 to 19, comprising the steps: A) coupling a coupling device (1030) of an adjustment device (1000) of the maintenance system (7000) to an adjustment connection (2010) of the expansion valve (2000) so that a tool tip (1022) of an actuator (1020) of the adjustment device (1000) comes into operative connection with an adjustment element (2021) of the pretensioning device (2020), B) receiving and providing input information from an operator by an operating device (7030) of the maintenance system (7000), wherein the input information comprises at least one valve type of the expansion valve (2000), a refrigerant type, and a target temperature, and wherein step B takes place after, simultaneously with, or before step A, and C) connecting at least one pressure sensor of a sensor system (7000) of the maintenance system (7000) and a temperature sensor (7012) of the sensor system (7000) to an outlet of an evaporator (8010) of the HVAC system (8000), wherein step C takes place after, simultaneously with or before step A and step B, and D) measuring at least one saturation vapor pressure with the pressure sensor and an evaporator outlet temperature with the temperature sensor (7012) and providing at least these measured values ​​as measurement information by the sensor system (7010), wherein step D occurs after step C, and wherein either the setting device (1000) has an internal detection device (1041) and after steps A to D the following steps E1 to E3 are carried out successively: El) receiving and providing the measurement information and the input information by means of a communication device (1051) of an interface device (1050) of the setting device (1000), and E2) Determining angle information on the basis of the measurement information and input information by the internal determination device (1040) by means of a defined determination rule, and E3) Providing the angle information, or wherein the maintenance system (7000) has a determination device (7020) and after steps A to D, the following steps E4 to E6 are carried out successively: E4) Determining angle information on the basis of the measurement information and input information by the determination device (7020) by means of a defined determination rule, and E5) Providing the angle information, and E6) Receiving and providing the angle information by means of a communication device (1051) of an interface device (1050) of the setting device (1000), and, after completing steps A to D and steps E1 to E3 or E4 to E6, carrying out the following step: F) If the angle information contains an angle amount not equal to zero, actuating the drive (1010) by means of a control device (1040) of the setting device (1000) so that the actuator (1020) executes a rotation by a defined angle of rotation, the direction and amount of which is determined by the angle information.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the following steps are performed after step F is completed: G) Waiting for a period of time, and H) Repeating the process steps from step D, whereby in step G the following sub-steps are carried out in particular: Gl) providing a first measurement information by the sensor system (7010), and G2) Waiting for a first period of time ZI, and G3) Providing a second measurement information by the sensor system (7010), and G4) If the second measurement information substantially corresponds to the first measurement information, continue with step H), otherwise repeat the steps from step G2).

27. Maintenance system (7000) for adjusting a pre-tensioning device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HVAC system (8000), comprising - a sensor system (7010), - an investigative facility (7020), - an operating device (7030), and - a display device (7040), wherein the maintenance system (7000) is configured to - to record and provide at least one piece of measurement information with the sensor system (7010), - to receive and provide at least one input information from an operator with the operating device (7030), - to determine angle information with the determination device (7020) on the basis of the measurement information and the input information, and - to display a visualization of the angle information using the display device (7050).

28. Maintenance system (7000) according to claim 27, wherein the visualization - includes the display of an angle value and a direction of rotation, which are determined by the angle information, and / or - includes an animation showing the display of an exemplary biasing device (2020) and a tool engaging therein, wherein the animation further comprises a movement of the tool which is directed to the The angle and direction of rotation are determined by the angle information.

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

30. Maintenance system (7000) according to claim 29, wherein - the sensor system (7010) comprises a mounting aid (7013), wherein the pressure sensor is designed as an integrated pressure sensor (7011') of the mounting aid (7013), and - the manifold (7013) is connected to the temperature sensor (7012) by wire or wireless connection for the purpose of recording the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator (8010), and - the detection device (7020), the operating device (7030) and the display device (7040) are integrated into the assembly aid (7013).

31. Measuring system (7000) for adjusting a preload device (2020) of an expansion valve (2000) on an HVAC system (8000) or for adjusting or diagnosing a process parameter of a process system, comprising - a sensor system (7010), - an investigative facility (7020), - an operating device (7030), and - a display device (7040), wherein the measuring system (7000) is arranged to - to record and provide at least one piece of measurement information with the sensor system (7010), - to receive and provide at least one input information from an operator with the operating device (7030), - to determine action instructions with the determination device (7020) on the basis of the measurement information and the input information in at least two or more iterative steps, wherein for this purpose a visualization of the necessary steps is carried out with the display device (7050).

32. Measuring system (7000) according to claim 31, wherein the measuring system (7000) is configured to record measurement information or to request confirmations of individual steps between or during a respective visualization of the necessary steps.

33. Measuring system (7000) according to claim 31 to 32, wherein the measuring system (7000) is configured to record measurement information between or during a respective visualization or to request confirmations of individual steps, or to base analyses on evaluations of To display measurement information dynamically and to show any remaining optimization potential or to show the remaining time required for remaining steps or for a measurement.

34. Measuring system (7000) according to one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the measuring system (7000) is configured to record measurement information or to request confirmations of individual steps between or during a respective visualization.

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