Refrigerant charging device and refrigerant charging method

Abstract

To provide a refrigerant charging device capable of accurately measuring small amounts of refrigerant. [Solution] This refrigerant charging device 100 includes a refrigerant pipe 30 through which liquid refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant storage unit 21 can flow, a refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 for measuring the flow rate of liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipe 30, a vacuum pump 2 for creating a vacuum inside the refrigerant pipe 30, a plurality of valves 3 for opening and closing the flow path inside the refrigerant pipe 30, and a control unit 4 for controlling the plurality of valves 3 and the vacuum pump 2. The control unit 4 adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 based on the flow rate of liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerant filling device and a refrigerant filling method, and particularly to a refrigerant filling device and a refrigerant filling method for filling a liquid refrigerant into a cooler.

Background Art

[0002] A refrigerant filling device for filling a liquid refrigerant into a cooler is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for measuring the supply amount of a liquid refrigerant to a cooler (heat pipe) using a weighing scale. Here, when supplying a liquid refrigerant to a small cooler, the supply amount is small, so it is necessary to measure accurately. However, when using a weighing scale, it is difficult to accurately measure a liquid refrigerant. Therefore, a refrigerant filling device and a refrigerant filling method capable of accurately measuring a small amount of refrigerant are desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of this invention is to provide a refrigerant filling device and a refrigerant filling method capable of accurately measuring a small amount of refrigerant.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the refrigerant charging device according to the invention comprises a refrigerant pipe through which liquid refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant storage unit can flow, a refrigerant flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipe, a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum inside the refrigerant pipe, a plurality of valves for opening and closing the flow path inside the refrigerant pipe, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of valves and the vacuum pump. The control unit adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler based on the flow rate of liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the refrigerant filling method according to the invention involves suctioning the inside of a refrigerant pipe through which liquid refrigerant can flow to create a vacuum, supplying liquid refrigerant from a refrigerant storage unit to the inside of the refrigerant pipe that has been suctioned to create a vacuum, supplying the liquid refrigerant supplied to the inside of the refrigerant pipe to a cooler, measuring the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipe, and adjusting the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler based on the measured flow rate of liquid refrigerant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerant charging device and a refrigerant charging method that can accurately measure small amounts of refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of each component related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the flow of liquid refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant circuit and refrigerant supply system related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment to the cooler. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a part of the refrigerant supply system and a cooler related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the functional block of the control unit related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing a refrigerant charging method related to a refrigerant charging device of an embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a flowchart showing the vacuuming process by a vacuum pump related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the refrigerant supply preparation process related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the refrigerant discharge process related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process related to the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the refrigerant charging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of each component in the refrigerant supply device of the first modified example. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a part of the refrigerant supply system and a cooler related to the first modified refrigerant charging device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Overall configuration of the refrigerant charging system) The configuration of a refrigerant charging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0012] The refrigerant charging device 100 is a device that supplies liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50. The refrigerant may be, for example, hydrofluoroolefin, perfluorocarbon, fluorocarbon, pure water, ethylene glycol, or a neutral phosphate aqueous solution.

[0013] The cooler 50 is a small heat exchanger. The cooler 50 is used, for example, to cool servers located in a data center. The cooler 50 may also be used to cool other heat-generating elements.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationship of each component related to the refrigerant filling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerant filling device 100 includes a vacuum pump 2, a control unit 4, a display unit 8, a refrigerant supply system 12, a refrigerant circuit 20, and a vacuum pipe 32. For simplicity, FIG. 1 shows the internal configuration of the first refrigerant supply system 12a and does not show the internal configuration of the second refrigerant supply system 12b.

[0015] The vacuum pump 2 is a pump that sucks gas. The vacuum pump 2 is, for example, a rotary type pump or a diaphragm type pump. The vacuum pump 2 sucks so that the inside of the refrigerant pipe 30 described later becomes vacuum. The vacuum pump 2 sucks the inside of the refrigerant pipe 30 so that the internal pressure of the refrigerant pipe 30 becomes, for example, 0.7 Pa or less.

[0016] The control unit 4 is, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The control unit 4 controls a plurality of valves 3, the vacuum pump 2, a heater 5, and the display unit 8 described later. The control unit 4 adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 based on the integrated flow rate acquired from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1. The integrated flow rate is the cumulative value of the refrigerant flow rate. The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1, the vacuum pump 2, the plurality of valves 3, the heater 5, the pressure measurement unit 6, the vacuum degree measurement unit 7, the display unit 8, and the temperature measurement unit 9 described later. The control unit 4 includes a processor 4a and a memory 4b. The processor 4a executes the program stored in the memory 4b. The memory 4b stores a predetermined value of the integrated flow rate of the refrigerant, a predetermined range of the integrated flow rate of the refrigerant, a predetermined value of the instantaneous flow rate of the refrigerant, a predetermined vacuum degree inside the refrigerant pipe 30, and a reference pressure value described later, which are used in the process of supplying refrigerant to the cooler 50. Further, the memory 4b stores the program executed by the processor 4a.

[0017] The display unit 8 is a display device. For example, the display unit 8 is a liquid crystal monitor. The display unit 8 displays information such as the amount of refrigerant filled in the cooler 50. The display unit 8 is, for example, a touch panel configured as an input receiving unit that accepts user input. Details of the information displayed by the display unit 8 will be described later.

[0018] The refrigerant supply system 12 is a collection of components used to supply refrigerant to the cooler 50 and to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50. The refrigerant supply system 12 includes a first refrigerant supply system 12a and a second refrigerant supply system 12b. The first refrigerant supply system 12a supplies refrigerant to a predetermined cooler 50. The second refrigerant supply system 12b supplies refrigerant to another cooler 50. The first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b have similar configurations.

[0019] The refrigerant circuit 20 is a circuit that supplies liquid refrigerant to the refrigerant supply system 12. The refrigerant circuit 20 includes a first refrigerant circuit 20a and a second refrigerant circuit 20b. The first refrigerant circuit 20a supplies refrigerant to the first refrigerant supply system 12a. The second refrigerant circuit 20b supplies refrigerant to the second refrigerant supply system 12b.

[0020] The vacuum piping 32 is a pipe. The vacuum piping 32 is, for example, made of metal. The vacuum piping 32 connects the vacuum pump 2 to the refrigerant piping 30, which will be described later. The inner diameter of the vacuum piping 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the refrigerant piping 30. For example, if the inner diameter of the refrigerant piping 30 is 4Φ, the inner diameter of the vacuum piping 32 is 6Φ or 8Φ.

[0021] The first refrigerant supply system 12a consists of refrigerant piping 30, a refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1, multiple valves 3, a pressure measuring unit 6, a vacuum degree measuring unit 7, a refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10, a connection unit 11, and a vacuum degree measuring unit connecting pipe 31.

[0022] The refrigerant piping 30 is a pipe. The refrigerant piping 30 is, for example, made of metal. Liquid refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant storage unit 21, which will be described later, can flow through the inside of the refrigerant piping 30. In other words, the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 is a refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant piping 30 also supplies refrigerant to the cooler 50 via the connection part 11. In some cases, the side of the refrigerant piping 30 facing the refrigerant storage unit 21 is described as upstream, and the side facing the connection part 11 is described as downstream.

[0023] The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 is a flow meter. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 is, for example, a Coriolis flow meter. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 measures the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 is capable of refrigerant flowing through its interior. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 outputs the cumulative flow rate. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 outputs the instantaneous flow rate. The instantaneous flow rate is the flow rate of refrigerant per unit time.

[0024] The multiple valves 3 are solenoid valves. Furthermore, the multiple valves 3 are, for example, stainless steel bellows seal valves. The multiple valves 3 open and close the flow paths inside the refrigerant piping 30.

[0025] The pressure measuring unit 6 is a pressure gauge. The pressure measuring unit 6 measures the pressure inside the refrigerant piping 30. The pressure measuring unit 6 is installed in the first refrigerant piping 30a, which will be described later. The pressure measuring unit 6 measures the pressure inside the first refrigerant piping 30a.

[0026] The vacuum level measuring unit 7 is a vacuum level measuring instrument. The vacuum level measuring unit 7 is, for example, a Pirani vacuum gauge. The vacuum level measuring unit 7 is connected to the refrigerant piping 30 by the vacuum level measuring unit connecting pipe 31. The vacuum level measuring unit 7 measures the vacuum level inside the refrigerant piping 30. When the vacuum level inside the refrigerant piping 30 is measured by the vacuum level measuring unit 7, the vacuum level measuring unit protective valve 3c is closed to prevent liquid refrigerant from coming into contact with the vacuum level measuring unit 7.

[0027] The refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 is a valve. The refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 is, for example, a needle valve. The refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 is adjusted to a predetermined opening so that the flow rate of the refrigerant becomes a preset flow rate.

[0028] The connection part 11 is a coupler that detachably connects the refrigerant charging device 100 and the cooler 50. The connection part 11 is, for example, a male coupler (plug).

[0029] The vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31 is made of metal. The vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31 connects the vacuum level measurement unit protective valve 3c and the vacuum level measurement unit 7.

[0030] The first refrigerant circuit 20a includes a heater 5, a temperature measuring unit 9, and a refrigerant storage unit 21. The second refrigerant circuit 20b also includes a heater 5, a temperature measuring unit 9, and a refrigerant storage unit 21.

[0031] Heater 5 is a heating device. Heater 5 is, for example, a rubber heater. Heater 5 heats the refrigerant storage unit 21. Heater 5 also includes a temperature controller 5a and a memory 5b. Temperature controller 5a is, for example, a thermostat. Temperature controller 5a adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21 under the control of the control unit 4. When the refrigerant storage unit temperature information, described later, falls below the heating information, temperature controller 5a drives heater 5. Also, when the refrigerant storage unit temperature information, described later, rises above the heating information, temperature controller 5a stops heater 5. Memory 5b stores the heating information. Heating information is numerical information of temperature.

[0032] The temperature measuring unit 9 is a thermometer. The temperature measuring unit 9 measures the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21. The temperature measuring unit 9 also converts the measured temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21 into refrigerant storage unit temperature information. The temperature measuring unit 9 is installed in the refrigerant storage unit 21. The refrigerant storage unit temperature information is numerical information of the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21. The temperature measuring unit 9 transmits the refrigerant storage unit temperature information to the heater control unit 40 and the temperature controller 5a, which will be described later.

[0033] The refrigerant storage unit 21 is a metal cylinder. The refrigerant storage unit 21 stores refrigerant. The refrigerant storage unit 21 has a tubular member inside. The refrigerant storage unit 21 supplies liquid refrigerant to the outside through the tubular member. In addition, the internal pressure of the refrigerant storage unit 21 changes according to the temperature. Therefore, the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant storage unit 21 is adjusted by the heater 5.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the flow of liquid refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant circuit 20 and refrigerant supply system 12 to the cooler 50 in the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment. The refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant storage unit 21 flows through the first refrigerant pipe 30a, second refrigerant pipe 30b, third refrigerant pipe 30c, fourth refrigerant pipe 30d, and fifth refrigerant pipe 30e, which will be described later, and is supplied to the cooler 50 via the connection unit 11.

[0035] The refrigerant piping 30 includes a first refrigerant piping 30a, a second refrigerant piping 30b, a third refrigerant piping 30c, a fourth refrigerant piping 30d, and a fifth refrigerant piping 30e.

[0036] The first refrigerant piping 30a is a pipe. The first refrigerant piping 30a connects the refrigerant storage unit 21 and the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1.

[0037] The second refrigerant piping 30b is a pipe. The second refrigerant piping 30b connects the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 and the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10.

[0038] The third refrigerant pipe 30c is a pipe. The third refrigerant pipe 30c connects the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 to the upstream valve among the multiple valves 3.

[0039] The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is a pipe. The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d connects each of the multiple valves 3.

[0040] The fifth refrigerant pipe 30e is a pipe. The fifth refrigerant pipe 30e connects the downstream valve of the multiple valves 3 to the connection part 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the multiple valves 3 include a first refrigerant control valve 3a, a second refrigerant control valve 3b, a vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c, and a vacuum control valve 3d.

[0042] The first refrigerant control valve 3a is a valve. The first refrigerant control valve 3a is the upstream valve among the multiple valves 3. The first refrigerant control valve 3a is opened and closed to switch whether or not refrigerant flows to the refrigerant piping 30 downstream of the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10. The third refrigerant piping 30c is connected to the upstream side of the first refrigerant control valve 3a. The fourth refrigerant piping 30d is connected to the downstream side of the first refrigerant control valve 3a. When the first refrigerant control valve 3a is closed, liquid refrigerant does not flow to the fourth refrigerant piping 30d. When the first refrigerant control valve 3a is opened, liquid refrigerant flows to the fourth refrigerant piping 30d.

[0043] The second refrigerant control valve 3b is a valve. The second refrigerant control valve 3b is the downstream valve among the multiple valves 3. The second refrigerant control valve 3b is opened and closed to switch between a state in which refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50 and a state in which it is not supplied. The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is connected to the upstream side of the second refrigerant control valve 3b. The fifth refrigerant pipe 30e is connected to the downstream side of the second refrigerant control valve 3b. When the second refrigerant control valve 3b is closed, liquid refrigerant does not flow to the fifth refrigerant pipe 30e. Therefore, liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler 50. When the second refrigerant control valve 3b is opened, liquid refrigerant flows to the fifth refrigerant pipe 30e. Therefore, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50.

[0044] The vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c is a valve. The vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c is opened and closed to switch between a state in which fluid flows to the vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31 and a state in which fluid does not flow. The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is connected to the upstream side of the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c. The vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31 is connected to the downstream side of the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c. When the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c is closed, no fluid such as liquid refrigerant or gas flows to the vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31. When the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c is opened, fluid such as liquid refrigerant or gas flows to the vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31.

[0045] The vacuum control valve 3d is a valve. The vacuum control valve 3d is opened and closed to switch between a state where fluid flows through the vacuum piping 32 and a state where fluid does not flow through it. The fourth refrigerant piping 30d is connected to the upstream side of the vacuum control valve 3d. The vacuum piping 32 is connected to the downstream side of the vacuum control valve 3d. When the vacuum control valve 3d is closed, no fluid such as liquid refrigerant or gas flows through the vacuum piping 32. When the vacuum control valve 3d is opened, fluid such as liquid refrigerant or gas flows through the vacuum piping 32.

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the refrigerant supply system 12 and the cooler 50 related to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0047] The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is cross-shaped. The first refrigerant control valve 3a and the second refrigerant control valve 3b are connected via the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d so that they face each other. Also, the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c and the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c are connected via the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d so that they face each other.

[0048] The first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b are arranged so that the arrangement of the multiple valves 3 is symmetrical. That is, the vacuum control valve 3d of the first refrigerant supply system 12a and the vacuum control valve 3d of the second refrigerant supply system 12b are arranged to face each other.

[0049] The first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b are connected to each other via vacuum piping 32. The first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b are connected to a common vacuum pump 2.

[0050] When evacuating the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a and the refrigerant piping 30 of the second refrigerant supply system 12b, a common vacuum pump 2 is used for evacuating.

[0051] When evacuating the inside of the refrigerant piping 30, the first refrigerant control valve 3a is closed, and the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are opened.

[0052] The cooler 50 is connected to the cooler connection section 52 via the cooler connection piping 51.

[0053] The cooler connection pipe 51 is a metal pipe.

[0054] The cooler connection part 52 is a coupler. The cooler connection part 52 is, for example, a female coupler (socket). The cooler connection part 52 is detachably connected to the connection part 11.

[0055] (Functional block of the control unit) Figure 4 is a diagram showing the functional block of the control unit 4 related to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0056] The control unit 4 includes, as functional blocks, a heater control unit 40, a valve control unit 41, a vacuum level determination unit 42, a refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43, a display control unit 44, an abnormality notification control unit 45, a cooler connection status determination unit 46, and a pressure determination unit 47.

[0057] The heater control unit 40 controls the heater 5 based on the flow rate obtained from the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1. Specifically, the heater control unit 40 controls the heater 5 based on the refrigerant flow rate measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 and the pressure inside the refrigerant piping 30 measured by the pressure measuring unit 6.

[0058] The valve control unit 41 controls the first refrigerant control valve 3a, the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d, respectively.

[0059] The vacuum level determination unit 42 determines whether the vacuum level obtained from the vacuum level measurement unit 7 is below a predetermined value.

[0060] The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 determines whether the flow rate obtained from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1 is within a predetermined range.

[0061] The display control unit 44 controls the display unit 8 to display information such as the amount of liquid refrigerant supplied. The display control unit 44 controls the display unit 8 to display information such as the amount of refrigerant supplied on the information display screen, which will be described later.

[0062] The abnormality notification control unit 45 notifies the display unit 8 of any abnormality that occurs during the supply of liquid refrigerant. When an abnormality occurs, the abnormality notification control unit 45 makes an audible notification via an abnormality alarm and also displays a message indicating that an abnormality has occurred on the display unit 8.

[0063] The cooler connection status determination unit 46 determines whether or not the cooler 50 is connected to the connection part 11. Specifically, the cooler connection status determination unit 46 receives data from an optical sensor or the like, and determines whether or not the cooler 50 is connected to the connection part 11 based on the received data.

[0064] The pressure determination unit 47 determines whether the pressure value obtained from the pressure measurement unit 6 is greater than a predetermined value. The pressure value is data obtained by converting pressure into a numerical value.

[0065] (Refrigerant charging process) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the refrigerant charging method for the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment. The refrigerant charging process performed by the refrigerant charging device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0066] When the user initiates the refrigerant supply start operation, the cooler connection status determination unit 46 of the control unit 4 determines whether or not the cooler 50 is connected to the connection unit 11 (S1).

[0067] If the cooler 50 is connected to the connection part 11 (S1 YES), the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 performs a vacuuming process (S2). Details of the vacuuming process will be described later.

[0068] If the cooler 50 is not connected to the connection part 11 (S1 NO), the refrigerant charging process shown in Figure 5 is terminated (end).

[0069] Once the vacuuming process in S2 is complete, the valve control unit 41 and the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 perform a refrigerant supply preparation process (S3). Details of the refrigerant supply preparation process will be described later.

[0070] When the refrigerant supply preparation process in S3 is completed, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sends a signal to open the second refrigerant control valve 3b (S4). That is, the valve control unit 41 opens the flow path of the second refrigerant control valve 3b so that the refrigerant piping 30 and the refrigerant storage unit 21 are in communication. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 opens the flow path of the second refrigerant control valve 3b so that the third refrigerant piping 30c and the fourth refrigerant piping 30d are in communication. As a result, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50. When liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50, with the connection part 11 and the cooler connection part 52 connected, the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c and the vacuum control valve 3d are closed, and the first refrigerant control valve 3a and the second refrigerant control valve 3b are opened.

[0071] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmitted a control signal to open the valve, the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 acquires the cumulative flow rate from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1 (S5).

[0072] The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 determines whether the acquired cumulative flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value set in advance (S6).

[0073] If the cumulative flow rate acquired by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S6 YES), the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a control signal to the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the valve (S7). As a result, the second refrigerant control valve 3b is closed. In other words, if the cumulative flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the flow path so that the refrigerant piping 30 and the cooler 50 do not communicate. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant piping 30d and the fifth refrigerant piping 30e do not communicate. In other words, when stopping the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50, at least the second refrigerant control valve 3b is closed.

[0074] If the acquired cumulative flow rate is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S6 NO), the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 performs the S5 process again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0075] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmitted a control signal to the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the valve, the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 acquires the integrated flow rate from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1 (S8).

[0076] The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 determines whether the acquired cumulative flow rate is within a predetermined range (S9).

[0077] If the cumulative flow rate acquired by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is within a predetermined range (S9 YES), the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a signal to the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close the valve (S10). As a result, the first refrigerant control valve 3a is closed. In other words, if the cumulative flow rate is within a predetermined range, the valve control unit 41 instructs the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close the flow path so that the refrigerant piping 30 and the refrigerant storage unit 21 do not communicate. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 instructs the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close the flow path so that the third refrigerant piping 30c and the fourth refrigerant piping 30d do not communicate.

[0078] If the cumulative flow rate obtained by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is not within a predetermined range (S9 NO), the abnormality notification control unit 45 of the control unit 4 causes the display unit 8 to notify that an abnormality has occurred (S12). After notifying the display unit 8 that an abnormality has occurred, the refrigerant charging process shown in Figure 5 is completed (end).

[0079] After a control signal to close the first refrigerant control valve 3a is sent, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 performs the refrigerant discharge process (S11). Details of the refrigerant discharge process will be described later. After the refrigerant discharge process is completed, the refrigerant charging process shown in Figure 5 is completed (end).

[0080] After a predetermined amount of refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50, the connection between the connection part 11 and the cooler connection part 52 is released, thereby completing the filling of the cooler 50 with liquid refrigerant.

[0081] (Vacuuming process) The vacuuming process will now be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the vacuuming process by the vacuum pump 2 in the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0082] After the cooler connection status determination unit 46 of the control unit 4 determines that the cooler 50 is connected to the connection unit 11, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a signal to open the valves to each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d (S20). As a result, the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are opened. In other words, the valve control unit 41 causes the flow paths of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d to open so that the fourth refrigerant piping 30d, the fifth refrigerant piping 30e, the vacuum level measurement unit connection piping 31, and the vacuum piping 32 are connected. The signals to open the valves to each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are transmitted simultaneously so that the valve opening operations are performed in parallel. Furthermore, the signals to open the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d may be transmitted sequentially to the vacuum level measuring unit protection valve 3c and the vacuum control valve 3d so that the valve opening operations are performed sequentially.

[0083] After the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a signal to open the valve, the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 obtains the vacuum level from the vacuum level measurement unit 7 (S21).

[0084] The vacuum level determination unit 42 determines whether the acquired vacuum level is a predetermined value set in advance (S22).

[0085] If the acquired vacuum level is higher than a predetermined value (S22 NO), the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S24).

[0086] If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 will perform the determination in S22 again after another predetermined time has elapsed.

[0087] If the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, the abnormality notification control unit 45 of the control unit 4 causes the display unit 8 to notify that an abnormality has occurred in the vacuuming process by the vacuum pump 2 (Figure 5, S12). After the abnormality notification control unit 45 of the control unit 4 notifies the display unit 8 that an abnormality has occurred in the vacuuming process, the vacuuming process shown in Figure 6 is terminated (end).

[0088] If the vacuum level determined by the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 is below a predetermined value (S22 YES), the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a signal to close the valves to each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d (S23). As a result, each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d is closed. In other words, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant piping 30d, the fifth refrigerant piping 30e, the vacuum level measurement unit connecting piping 31, and the vacuum piping 32 do not communicate. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant piping 30d and the fifth refrigerant piping 30e do not communicate. Furthermore, the valve control unit 41 instructs the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the vacuum level measurement unit connecting pipe 31 do not communicate. Also, the valve control unit 41 instructs the vacuum control valve 3d to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the vacuum pipe 32 do not communicate. The signals to close the valves for the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are transmitted simultaneously so that the valve closing operations are performed in parallel. Alternatively, the signals to close the valves for the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d may be transmitted sequentially so that the valve closing operations are performed sequentially.

[0089] After the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sends a signal to close the valve, the vacuuming process shown in Figure 6 is completed (end).

[0090] (Preparation process for refrigerant supply) Next, the refrigerant supply preparation process will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the refrigerant supply preparation process related to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0091] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal to close the valve was sent in the process of S24 in Figure 6, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sends a signal to open the valve to the first refrigerant control valve 3a (S30). As a result, the first refrigerant control valve 3a is opened. That is, the valve control unit 41 causes the flow path of the first refrigerant control valve 3a to open so that the refrigerant piping 30 and the refrigerant storage unit 21 are in communication. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the flow path of the first refrigerant control valve 3a to open so that the third refrigerant piping 30c and the fourth refrigerant piping 30d are in communication.

[0092] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmitted a signal to open the valve to the first refrigerant control valve 3a, the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 acquires the instantaneous flow rate from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1 (S31).

[0093] The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 determines whether the acquired instantaneous flow rate is zero or not (S32).

[0094] If the instantaneous flow rate obtained by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is not zero (S32 NO), the abnormality notification control unit 45 of the control unit 4 causes the display unit 8 to notify that an abnormality has occurred in the refrigerant piping 30 (Figure 5, S12). After the abnormality notification control unit 45 of the control unit 4 notifies the display unit 8 that an abnormality has occurred in the refrigerant piping 30, the refrigerant supply preparation process shown in Figure 7 is completed (end).

[0095] If the acquired instantaneous flow rate is zero (S32 YES), the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 causes the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1 to initialize the value of the integrated flow rate (S33).

[0096] After the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 initializes the value of the cumulative flow rate, the refrigerant supply preparation process shown in Figure 7 is completed (end).

[0097] (Refrigerant discharge treatment) Next, with reference to Figure 8, the process of discharging the liquid refrigerant remaining inside the refrigerant piping 30, performed by the valve control unit 41, will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the refrigerant discharge process related to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0098] After a predetermined time has elapsed since sending a signal to close the first refrigerant control valve 3a, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sends a signal to open the vacuum control valve 3d (S110). As a result, the vacuum control valve 3d opens. That is, the valve control unit 41 causes the vacuum control valve 3d to open the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the vacuum pipe 32 are in communication.

[0099] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal to open the first refrigerant control valve 3a was sent, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sends a signal to close the vacuum control valve 3d (S111). As a result, the vacuum control valve 3d is closed. In other words, the valve control unit 41 instructs the vacuum control valve 3d to close the flow path so that the refrigerant piping 30 and the vacuum piping 32 do not communicate with each other.

[0100] After the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sends a signal to close the vacuum control valve 3d, the process of discharging the liquid refrigerant remaining inside the refrigerant piping 30 in Figure 8 is completed (end).

[0101] (Refrigerant flow rate adjustment process) Next, referring to Figure 9, the process by which the heater control unit 40, the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43, and the pressure determination unit 47 adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process related to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment. The refrigerant flow rate adjustment process is a process in which the control unit 4 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50.

[0102] In the process of S4 in Figure 5, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmitted a control signal to open the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 acquires the instantaneous flow rate from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1 (S40). The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 acquires the instantaneous flow rate at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process is performed at predetermined time intervals while the process of supplying refrigerant to the cooler 50 is in progress.

[0103] The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 determines whether the acquired instantaneous flow rate is greater than a predetermined value (S41).

[0104] If the instantaneous flow rate obtained by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (S41 NO), the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process is terminated (end).

[0105] If the instantaneous flow rate obtained by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is greater than a predetermined value (S41 YES), the pressure determination unit 47 of the control unit 4 obtains the measured pressure value from the pressure measurement unit 6 (S42). The measured pressure value is numerical information of the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit 6.

[0106] The pressure determination unit 47 of the control unit 4 determines whether the acquired measured pressure value is greater than a predetermined value (S43).

[0107] If the measured pressure value acquired by the pressure determination unit 47 of the control unit 4 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (S43 NO), the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process is terminated (end).

[0108] If the measured pressure value acquired by the pressure determination unit 47 of the control unit 4 is greater than a predetermined value (S43 YES), the heater control unit 40 of the control unit 4 acquires a reference pressure value from the memory 4b (S44). The reference pressure value is a preset pressure value. The reference pressure value is determined as a target pressure value inside the first refrigerant piping 30a, which changes as the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21 is adjusted during the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process.

[0109] After obtaining the reference pressure value, the heater control unit 40 of the control unit 4 calculates the set temperature (S45). Specifically, the heater control unit 40 calculates the set temperature using the following equation (1), the obtained reference pressure value, and the obtained measured pressure value. Ts = A * ΔP ... (1) Here, Ts is the set temperature. A is a coefficient determined in advance by experiment. ΔP is the value obtained by subtracting the measured pressure value from the reference pressure value. The set temperature is numerical information of the temperature. The set temperature is transmitted to the temperature controller 5a when the heater 5 heats the refrigerant storage unit 21.

[0110] After calculating the set temperature, the heater control unit 40 of the control unit 4 transmits the set temperature to the heater 5 (S46). Specifically, the heater control unit 40 transmits the set temperature to the temperature controller 5a of the heater 5.

[0111] Upon receiving the set temperature, the temperature controller 5a updates the heating information stored in memory 5b to the received set temperature value (S47).

[0112] After updating the heating information in memory 5b to the received set temperature value, the temperature controller 5a acquires refrigerant storage unit temperature information from the temperature measurement unit 9 (S48).

[0113] The temperature controller 5a determines whether the acquired refrigerant storage unit temperature information is equal to the heating information (S49).

[0114] If the acquired refrigerant storage unit temperature information is not equal to the heating information (S49 NO), the temperature controller 5a performs the S49 process again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0115] If the refrigerant storage unit temperature information acquired by the temperature controller 5a is equal to the heating information (S49 YES), the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process is terminated (end).

[0116] In other words, the heater control unit 40 drives or stops the heater 5 by the temperature controller 5a based on the difference between the reference pressure value and the acquired pressure value, so that the refrigerant storage unit temperature information becomes heating information.

[0117] (Information display screen during refrigerant supply) Next, with reference to Figure 10, an example of a screen displaying various information when the refrigerant charging device 100 supplies refrigerant to the cooler 50 will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 8 of the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0118] Screen 60 includes a first display area 60a, a second display area 60b, and a third display area 60c.

[0119] The first display area 60a is an area where the operating status of the refrigerant charging device 100 and other information are displayed.

[0120] The second display area 60b is an area where information regarding refrigerant supply by the first refrigerant supply system 12a is displayed.

[0121] The third display area 60c is an area where information regarding refrigerant supply by the second refrigerant supply system 12b is displayed.

[0122] The first display area 60a displays the operating status icon 61a, the total production quantity display area 61b, the production quantity display area 61c, and the number of defects display area 61d.

[0123] The operating status display icon 61a is an icon that displays the operating status of the refrigerant charging device 100. The display mode of the operating status display icon 61a differs depending on the operating status of the refrigerant charging device 100. For example, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in yellow when the refrigerant charging device 100 is waiting to be ready. The operating status display icon 61a is displayed in green when the refrigerant charging device 100 is in operation. The operating status display icon 61a is displayed in green when the refrigerant charging device 100 is ready to operate. The operating status display icon 61a is displayed in red when the refrigerant charging device 100 is stopped. The operating status display icon 61a is displayed in yellow when the refrigerant charging device 100 is waiting to return to its home position. The operating status display icon 61a is displayed in yellow when the refrigerant charging device 100 is returning to its home position. Furthermore, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in red if the refrigerant charging device 100 is in an abnormal state during operation.

[0124] The total production quantity display field 61b displays the total production quantity since the refrigerant charging device 100 was powered on. The total production quantity since the refrigerant charging device 100 was powered on is stored in memory 4b.

[0125] The production quantity display field 61c displays the production quantity since the change in the type of cooler 50. The production quantity since the change in the type of cooler 50 is stored in memory 4b separately from the total production quantity.

[0126] The defect count display field 61d shows the number of times the liquid refrigerant was not supplied to the cooler 50 properly. The number of times the liquid refrigerant was not supplied to the cooler 50 properly is stored as a defect count in memory 4b. The number displayed in the defect count display field 61d is reset to zero each time the type of cooler 50 is changed.

[0127] The second display area 60b displays the following icons: cooler connection status icon 62a, cooler removal status icon 62b, filling amount display field 63a, vacuum level display field 63b, flow rate during sealing display field 63c, piping pressure display field 63d, heater set temperature display field 63e, cylinder temperature display field 63f, valve open / closed status display icon 64a, valve open / closed status display icon 64b, valve open / closed status display icon 64c, and valve open / closed status display icon 64d.

[0128] The cooler connection status indicator icon 62a indicates whether or not the cooler 50 is connected to the connection part 11. When the cooler 50 is connected to the connection part 11, the display of the cooler connection status indicator icon 62a changes. When the cooler 50 is connected to the connection part 11, for example, the cooler connection status indicator icon 62a is displayed in green.

[0129] The cooler removal status indicator icon 62b indicates whether the cooler 50 is removable or not. The cooler removal status indicator icon 62b is displayed in different ways depending on whether the cooler 50 is removable or whether the refrigerant charging device 100 is in operation. For example, if the cooler 50 is removable, the cooler removal status indicator icon 62b is displayed in green. If the refrigerant charging device 100 is in operation, the cooler removal status indicator icon 62b is displayed in red.

[0130] The fill amount display area 63a displays the amount of liquid refrigerant filled into the cooler 50 by the first refrigerant supply system 12a. The display mode of the fill amount display area 63a changes depending on whether the amount of liquid refrigerant filled into the cooler 50 is within a preset range. For example, if the amount of liquid refrigerant filled into the cooler 50 is within a preset range, the fill amount display area 63a is displayed in green. If the amount of liquid refrigerant filled into the cooler 50 is outside the preset range, the fill amount display area 63a is displayed in red.

[0131] The vacuum level display area 63b shows the vacuum level inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, if the vacuum level inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a is below a predetermined value, the vacuum level display area 63b is displayed in green. If the vacuum level inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a does not drop to a predetermined value, the vacuum level display area 63b is displayed in red.

[0132] The flow rate display section 63c at the time of charging shows the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. The maximum and minimum values ​​of the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a are also displayed in the flow rate display section 63c at the time of charging.

[0133] The piping pressure display section 63d shows the pressure value inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a.

[0134] The heater setting temperature display area 63e shows the setting temperature of the heater 5 that heats the refrigerant storage section 21 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a.

[0135] The cylinder temperature display section 63f shows the temperature of the refrigerant storage section 21 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a.

[0136] The valve open / closed status indicator icon 64a shows the open / closed state of the first refrigerant control valve 3a of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, if the first refrigerant control valve 3a is open, the blue lamp 65a lights up. If the first refrigerant control valve 3a is closed, the red lamp 66a lights up.

[0137] The valve open / closed status indicator icon 64b shows the open / closed state of the second refrigerant control valve 3b of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, if the second refrigerant control valve 3b is open, the blue lamp 65b lights up. If the second refrigerant control valve 3b is closed, the red lamp 66b lights up.

[0138] The valve open / closed status indicator icon 64c shows the open / closed state of the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, if the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c is open, the blue lamp 65c lights up. If the vacuum level measurement unit protection valve 3c is closed, the red lamp 66c lights up.

[0139] The valve open / closed status indicator icon 64d shows the open / closed status of the vacuum control valve 3d of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, if the vacuum control valve 3d is open, the blue lamp 65d lights up. If the vacuum control valve 3d is closed, the red lamp 66d lights up.

[0140] The third display area 60c displays the following icons: cooler connection status icon 70a, cooler removal status icon 70b, filling amount display field 71a, vacuum level display field 71b, flow rate during filling display field 71c, piping pressure display field 71d, heater set temperature display field 71e, cylinder temperature display field 71f, valve open / closed status display icon 72a, valve open / closed status display icon 72b, valve open / closed status display icon 72c, and valve open / closed status display icon 72d. The cooler connection status icon 70a, the cooler removal status icon 70b, the charge volume display field 71a, the vacuum level display field 71b, the flow rate during filling display field 71c, the piping pressure display field 71d, the heater set temperature display field 71e, the cylinder temperature display field 71f, and the valve open / closed status display icons 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d display information for the second refrigerant supply system 12b.

[0141] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0142] (First effect of this embodiment) According to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, the amount of refrigerant to be supplied to the cooler 50 is measured based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 is measured using a weighing scale, the amount of liquid refrigerant can be measured with greater accuracy. As a result, a refrigerant charging device 100 capable of accurately measuring small amounts of refrigerant can be provided. Accurate measurement of small amounts of refrigerant means, for example, that the error in the weight of the liquid refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 can be measured within a range of approximately plus or minus 2%.

[0143] (Second effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 can be adjusted so that it does not fall outside the measurement range of the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1.

[0144] (Third effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted based on the pressure inside the refrigerant piping 30.

[0145] (Fourth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, even if the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 falls outside the measurement range of the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1, the temperature of the heater 5 can be controlled by obtaining the pressure value inside the refrigerant piping 30.

[0146] (Fifth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30 can be reduced to a level where liquid refrigerant can be supplied into the refrigerant piping 30 due to the pressure difference between the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 and the inside of the refrigerant storage unit 21.

[0147] (Sixth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, the user can detect when an abnormality occurs in the vacuuming process inside the refrigerant piping 30.

[0148] (Seventh effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, with the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to start supplying liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50 after confirming that no liquid refrigerant is leaking from the refrigerant piping 30. As a result, it becomes possible to suppress discrepancies between the cumulative flow rate measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 and the actual amount of liquid refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50.

[0149] (The eighth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, the user can detect when an abnormality occurs, such as liquid refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant piping 30.

[0150] (Ninth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment can determine whether the amount of liquid refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50 is within an acceptable range. As a result, the amount of refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50 can be measured with high accuracy.

[0151] (The tenth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the user can be notified if the amount of liquid refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50 is not within the acceptable range.

[0152] (The 11th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, after supplying liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50, the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 can be suctioned for a sufficient amount of time to discharge any remaining refrigerant from the refrigerant piping 30. As a result, the amount of liquid refrigerant that remains inside the refrigerant piping 30 without being discharged can be reduced.

[0153] (The twelfth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 can be evacuated using a vacuum pipe 32 having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the refrigerant piping 30. As a result, the load on the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 can be reduced while improving the speed at which the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 is evacuated.

[0154] (The 13th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, since the refrigerant supply system 12 of the refrigerant charging device 100 includes a first refrigerant supply system 12a and a second refrigerant supply system 12b, one refrigerant charging device 100 can simultaneously charge two coolers 50. As a result, the efficiency of the refrigerant charging work for the coolers 50 can be improved.

[0155] (The 14th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, even if either the first refrigerant supply system 12a or the second refrigerant supply system 12b fails, the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50 can be continued. As a result, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant charging process from coming to a complete halt.

[0156] (The 15th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, a single vacuum pump 2 can draw suction from the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b.

[0157] (The sixteenth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the user can instantly determine whether the amount of refrigerant filled in the cooler 50 is within a predetermined range.

[0158] (The 17th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment, the user can grasp the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21 at a glance.

[0159] (The eighteenth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging method of this embodiment, liquid refrigerant can be supplied accurately to a small cooler 50, which requires high supply accuracy when supplying liquid refrigerant.

[0160] [Differentiation] (First variation) Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of each component in the first modified refrigerant charging device 200.

[0161] In the first modified example, the refrigerant charging device 200 includes one refrigerant supply system 12 and one refrigerant circuit 20 (first refrigerant supply system 12a, first refrigerant charging device 200a). In the first modified example, a vacuum pump 2 is connected to the first refrigerant supply system 12a, which is a single system.

[0162] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the refrigerant supply system 12 and the cooler 50 related to the first modified refrigerant charging device 200.

[0163] The first modified refrigerant charging device 200 supplies liquid refrigerant to one cooler 50.

[0164] (Second variation) Furthermore, the refrigerant supply system 12 related to the refrigerant charging device 100 may consist of three or more systems.

[0165] (Third variation) For example, the heater control unit 40 (control unit 4) may be configured to control the heater 5 based on the temperature of the heater 5.

[0166] (Fourth variation) The heater control unit 40 (control unit 4) may be configured to perform feedback control, which adjusts the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 while changing the temperature of the heater 5.

[0167] (Fifth variation) The heater control unit 40 (control unit 4) may be configured to adjust the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant based on a table showing the relationship between experimentally obtained pressure values ​​and the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant, and the pressure values ​​measured by the pressure measuring unit 6.

[0168] (Sixth variation) The abnormality notification control unit 45 (control unit 4) may be configured to notify that an abnormality has occurred by turning on or flashing a warning light.

[0169] (Seventh variation) The vacuum level measuring unit 7 may be, for example, a thermocouple vacuum meter, a thermistor vacuum meter, or the like.

[0170] (Variation 8) The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 may be, for example, an area-type flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, an impeller-type flow meter, a positive displacement flow meter, a turbine-type flow meter, or the like.

[0171] (9th variation) The inner diameter of the vacuum pipe 32 may be the same as the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30, or it may be smaller than the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30.

[0172] (Tenth variation) The first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b may each be connected to a separate vacuum pump 2.

[0173] (11th variation) The control unit 4 may include a refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit control as a functional block, which adjusts the flow rate of liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 by controlling the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10. In this case, the heater control unit 40 may be configured to adjust the flow rate of refrigerant by causing the heater 5 to control the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21, and the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit control may be configured to adjust the flow rate of refrigerant by causing the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 to adjust the flow rate of refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30.

[0174] (12th variation) If the cooler connection part 52 is a male coupler (plug), the connection part 11 may be a female coupler (socket).

[0175] (13th variation) The refrigerant charging device 100 may also supply refrigerant to coolers other than the cooler 50. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0176] 1 Refrigerant flow measurement section 2. Vacuum pump 3 Multiple valves 4. Control Unit 5 Heater 6. Pressure measuring section 7 Vacuum measurement section 8 Display 9 Temperature measurement section 10 Refrigerant flow rate adjustment section 11 Connection part 12 Refrigerant supply system 12a 1st refrigerant supply system 12b Second Refrigerant Supply System 21 Refrigerant Storage Section 30 Refrigerant piping 30a First refrigerant piping 30b Second refrigerant piping 30c 3rd refrigerant pipe 30d Fourth refrigerant piping 30e Fifth Refrigerant Piping 31. Connection piping for vacuum level measurement unit 32 Vacuum piping 40 Heater control unit 41 Valve control unit 42 Vacuum degree determination section 43 Refrigerant flow rate determination section 44 Display Control Unit 45 Anomaly Notification Control Unit 46 Cooler connection status determination unit 47 Pressure determination unit 50 cooler 100, 200 refrigerant charging device

Claims

1. A refrigerant piping system through which liquid refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant storage unit can flow, A refrigerant flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping, A vacuum pump that sucks air to create a vacuum inside the refrigerant piping, Multiple valves that open and close the flow path inside the refrigerant piping, The system comprises a control unit that controls the plurality of valves and the vacuum pump, The control unit adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit. Refrigerant charging device.

2. The refrigerant storage section is further equipped with a heater for heating the refrigerant storage section. The control unit controls the heater based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a pressure measuring unit for measuring the pressure inside the refrigerant piping. The control unit controls the heater based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit and the pressure inside the refrigerant piping measured by the pressure measuring unit. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 2.

4. The refrigerant filling device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the heater based on the difference between a reference pressure value, which is a preset pressure value inside the refrigerant piping, and the pressure value inside the refrigerant piping measured by the pressure measuring unit.

5. A vacuum level measuring unit for measuring the vacuum level inside the refrigerant piping, The vacuum pump and the refrigerant piping are further connected by vacuum piping, The control unit, The plurality of valves are opened to open the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the vacuum piping are in communication. The vacuum pump is used to create a vacuum inside the refrigerant piping. The measured vacuum level is obtained from the vacuum level measuring unit. Determine whether the vacuum level is below a predetermined value, If the vacuum level is below the predetermined value, the plurality of valves will close the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the vacuum piping do not communicate with each other. If the vacuum level is higher than the predetermined value, the system will notify that an abnormality has occurred in the vacuuming process performed by the vacuum pump. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 4.

6. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit is configured to measure the instantaneous flow rate, which is the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping per unit time, and the cumulative flow rate, which is the cumulative value of the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping. The control unit, The plurality of valves are opened to allow the flow path of the refrigerant piping to communicate with the refrigerant storage unit. The instantaneous flow rate measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit is acquired, Determine whether the acquired instantaneous flow rate is zero or not. If the instantaneous flow rate is zero, the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit is instructed to initialize the value of the cumulative flow rate. If the instantaneous flow rate is not zero, a notification is issued indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the refrigerant piping. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit, The passage of the refrigerant piping is opened so that the plurality of valves, the refrigerant piping and the cooler are in communication. The integrated flow rate is obtained from the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit. It is determined whether the acquired cumulative flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, If the cumulative flow rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the plurality of valves will close the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the cooler are not in communication. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the multiple valves have closed the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the cooler are not in communication, it is determined whether the cumulative flow rate is within a predetermined range. If the cumulative flow rate is within the predetermined range, the plurality of valves will close the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the refrigerant storage unit do not communicate. If the cumulative flow rate is not within the predetermined range, the system will notify that an abnormality has occurred in the process of supplying the liquid refrigerant to the cooler. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 6.

8. The control unit, The plurality of valves are opened to open the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the vacuum piping are in communication. It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the flow path of the refrigerant piping was opened so that the refrigerant piping and the vacuum piping were in communication. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the plurality of valves are instructed to close the flow path of the refrigerant piping so that the refrigerant piping and the vacuum piping are not connected. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 7.

9. The refrigerant filling device according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit is a Coriolis flow meter.

10. The vacuum piping further comprises the vacuum pump and the refrigerant piping, The inner diameter of the vacuum pipe is larger than the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 9.

11. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit, the refrigerant piping, and the plurality of valves constitute a refrigerant supply system that supplies refrigerant to the cooler. The refrigerant supply system includes a first refrigerant supply system that supplies refrigerant to a predetermined cooler, and a second refrigerant supply system that supplies refrigerant to a cooler different from the cooler to which the first refrigerant supply system supplies refrigerant. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 1.

12. The first refrigerant supply system and the second refrigerant supply system are connected to a common vacuum pump. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 11.

13. The cooler further includes a display unit that displays the amount of refrigerant filled in the cooler, The control unit causes the display unit to display whether or not the amount of refrigerant filled in the cooler is within a predetermined range. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 1.

14. The system further includes a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit, The control unit causes the display unit to display the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit measured by the temperature measuring unit. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 13.

15. The inside of the refrigerant pipe, through which the liquid refrigerant can flow, is suctioned to create a vacuum. The liquid refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant storage unit into the refrigerant piping, which has been sucked into a vacuum. The liquid refrigerant supplied to the inside of the refrigerant piping is supplied to the cooler. The flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping is measured. Based on the measured flow rate of the liquid refrigerant, the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler is adjusted. Refrigerant charging method.

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