Refrigerant charging device and refrigerant charging method

Abstract

A refrigerant charging device capable of measuring a small amount of refrigerant with high accuracy. [Solution] This refrigerant sealing device 100 comprises a refrigerant piping 30 through which liquid refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant storage section 21 can flow, a refrigerant flow rate measuring section 1 that measures the flow rate of liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30, a vacuum pump 2 that draws air so that the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 is vacuumed, a plurality of valves 3 that open and close the flow paths inside the refrigerant piping 30, and a control section 4 that controls the plurality of valves 3 and the vacuum pump 2, and the control section 4 adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to a cooler 50 based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring section 1.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant charging device and a refrigerant charging method, and more particularly to a refrigerant charging device and a refrigerant charging method for charging a liquid refrigerant into a cooler. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A refrigerant sealing device that seals a liquid refrigerant in a cooler is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the amount of liquid refrigerant supplied to a cooler (heat pipe) is measured using a gravimeter. When supplying liquid refrigerant to a small cooler, the amount of supply is small, and therefore it is necessary to measure the amount accurately. However, when using a gravimeter, it is difficult to measure the amount of liquid refrigerant accurately. Therefore, there is a demand for a refrigerant charging device and a refrigerant charging method that can measure small amounts of refrigerant accurately. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 6-033973 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant charging device and a refrigerant charging method that are capable of measuring small amounts of refrigerant with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerant charging device according to the present invention includes a refrigerant pipe through which liquid refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant storage unit can flow, a refrigerant flow rate measuring unit that measures the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipe, a vacuum pump that draws air so as to create a vacuum inside the refrigerant pipe, a plurality of valves that open and close flow paths inside the refrigerant pipe, and a control unit that controls the plurality of valves and the vacuum pump. a heater for heating the refrigerant storage unit; The control unit is configured to control the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit. Controlling the heater , regulating the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerant charging method according to the present invention includes: suctioning the inside of a refrigerant pipe through which a 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 a flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the inside of the refrigerant pipe; and calculating a flow rate of the liquid refrigerant based on the measured flow rate of the liquid refrigerant. Controlling the heater that heats the refrigerant storage section , regulating the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerant charging device and a refrigerant charging method capable of measuring a small amount of refrigerant with high accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 2 is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of components of the refrigerant charging device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a flow of liquid refrigerant supplied to a cooler from a refrigerant circuit and a refrigerant supply system in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a refrigerant supply system and a cooler in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a control unit of the refrigerant charging device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5]4 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant charging method in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a vacuuming process by a vacuum pump in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant supply preparation process in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant discharge process in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant flow rate adjustment process in the refrigerant charging device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the refrigerant charging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of components related to a refrigerant supply device of a first modified example. [Figure 12] 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a refrigerant supply system and a cooler in a refrigerant charging device of a first modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

[0012] The refrigerant injection device 100 is a device that supplies a liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50. The refrigerant is, 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 a server installed in a data center. The cooler 50 may also be used to cool other heat generating bodies.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of each component of a refrigerant charging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerant charging 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 vacuum piping 32. For simplification, Fig. 1 shows the internal configuration of a first refrigerant supply system 12a, but does not show the internal configuration of a 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 below becomes a vacuum. The vacuum pump 2 sucks so that the air pressure inside 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, a vacuum pump 2, a heater 5, and a display unit 8, which will be described later. The control unit 4 adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 based on an integrated flow rate acquired from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1. The integrated flow rate is an accumulated value of the flow rate of the refrigerant. The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit 1, the vacuum pump 2, a plurality of valves 3, the heater 5, a pressure measurement unit 6, a vacuum measurement unit 7, a display unit 8, and a temperature measurement unit 9, which will be described later. The control unit 4 includes a processor 4a and a memory 4b. The processor 4a executes a 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 degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant pipe 30, and a reference pressure value, which will be described later, which are used in the process of supplying the refrigerant to the cooler 50. The memory 4b also stores a 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 the amount of refrigerant filled in the cooler 50, etc. The display unit 8 is, for example, a touch panel configured as an input receiving unit that receives operation input from a user. 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 that supply refrigerant to the coolers 50 and components used to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the coolers 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 specific 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 the same configuration.

[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 pipe 32 is a pipe. The vacuum pipe 32 is made of, for example, metal. The vacuum pipe 32 connects the vacuum pump 2 to the refrigerant pipe 30 described below. The size of the inner diameter of the vacuum pipe 32 is larger than the size of the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30. For example, when the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30 is 4Φ, the inner diameter of the vacuum pipe 32 is 6Φ or 8Φ.

[0021] The first refrigerant supply system 12a is composed of a refrigerant piping 30, a refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1, a plurality of valves 3, a pressure measuring unit 6, a vacuum measuring unit 7, a refrigerant flow rate adjusting unit 10, a connection unit 11, and a piping 31 connecting to the vacuum measuring unit.

[0022] The refrigerant piping 30 is a pipe. The refrigerant piping 30 is made of, for example, metal. The liquid refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant storage unit 21 described below can flow inside the refrigerant piping 30. That is, the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 is a flow path for the refrigerant. The refrigerant piping 30 also supplies the refrigerant to the cooler 50 via the connection unit 11. In the refrigerant piping 30, the refrigerant storage unit 21 side may be described as the upstream side, and the connection unit 11 side may be described as the downstream side.

[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 liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 allows the refrigerant to flow inside. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 outputs an integrated flow rate. The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 outputs an instantaneous flow rate. The instantaneous flow rate is the flow rate of the refrigerant per unit time.

[0024] The valves 3 are solenoid valves. The valves 3 are, for example, bellows seal valves made of stainless steel. The valves 3 open and close the flow passages inside the refrigerant pipes 30.

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

[0026] The vacuum measurement unit 7 is a vacuum gauge. The vacuum measurement unit 7 is, for example, a Pirani vacuum gauge. The vacuum measurement unit 7 is connected to the refrigerant piping 30 by a vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31. The vacuum measurement unit 7 measures the degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30. When the vacuum measurement unit 7 measures the degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c is closed to prevent the vacuum measurement unit 7 from coming into contact with liquid refrigerant.

[0027] The refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 is a valve. For example, the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 is a needle valve. The refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant 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 measurement unit connection pipe 31 is a metal pipe and connects the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c and the vacuum 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 includes a heater 5, a temperature measuring unit 9, and a refrigerant storage unit 21.

[0031] The heater 5 is a heating device. The heater 5 is, for example, a rubber heater. The heater 5 heats the refrigerant storage section 21. The heater 5 also includes a temperature regulator 5a and a memory 5b. The temperature regulator 5a is, for example, a thermostat. The temperature regulator 5a adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant storage section 21 by being controlled by the control section 4. The temperature regulator 5a drives the heater 5 when the refrigerant storage section temperature information described later becomes lower than the heating information. The temperature regulator 5a also stops the heater 5 when the refrigerant storage section temperature information described later becomes equal to or higher than the heating information. The memory 5b stores the heating information. The heating information is numerical temperature information.

[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 provided 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, which will be described later, and the temperature regulator 5a.

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

[0034] 2 is a block diagram showing the flow of liquid refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant circuit 20 and the 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 first refrigerant piping 30a, second refrigerant piping 30b, third refrigerant piping 30c, fourth refrigerant piping 30d, and fifth refrigerant piping 30e, which will be described later, and is supplied to the cooler 50 via the connection unit 11.

[0035] The refrigerant pipes 30 include a first refrigerant pipe 30a, a second refrigerant pipe 30b, a third refrigerant pipe 30c, a fourth refrigerant pipe 30d, and a fifth refrigerant pipe 30e.

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

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

[0038] The third refrigerant pipe 30c is a pipe that connects the refrigerant flow rate regulator 10 and the valve that is the most upstream of the multiple valves 3.

[0039] The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is a pipe that connects the plurality of valves 3 to each other.

[0040] The fifth refrigerant pipe 30e is a pipe that connects the valve on the most downstream side of the plurality of valves 3 to the connection portion 11.

[0041] The plurality of valves 3 include a first refrigerant control valve 3a, a second refrigerant control valve 3b, a vacuum measurement section 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 most upstream valve among the multiple valves 3. The first refrigerant control valve 3a is opened and closed when switching between flowing and not flowing refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe 30 downstream of the refrigerant flow rate adjustment unit 10. The third refrigerant pipe 30c is connected to the upstream side of the first refrigerant control valve 3a. In addition, the fourth refrigerant pipe 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 pipe 30d. When the first refrigerant control valve 3a is opened, liquid refrigerant flows to the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d.

[0043] The second refrigerant control valve 3b is a valve. The second refrigerant control valve 3b is the most downstream valve among the multiple valves 3. The second refrigerant control valve 3b is opened and closed when switching between a state in which a refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50 and a state in which a refrigerant 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 measurement unit protection valve 3c is a valve. The vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c is opened and closed when switching between a state in which a fluid flows through the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31 and a state in which a fluid does not flow through the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31. The fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is connected to the upstream side of the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c. In addition, the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31 is connected to the downstream side of the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c. When the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c is closed, fluids such as liquid refrigerant and gas do not flow through the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31. When the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c is opened, fluids such as liquid refrigerant and gas flow through the vacuum measurement unit connection 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 in which a fluid flows through the vacuum pipe 32 and a state in which a fluid does not flow through the vacuum pipe 32. A fourth refrigerant pipe 30d is connected to the upstream side of the vacuum control valve 3d. In addition, the vacuum pipe 32 is connected to the downstream side of the vacuum control valve 3d. When the vacuum control valve 3d is closed, fluids such as liquid refrigerant and gas do not flow through the vacuum pipe 32. When the vacuum control valve 3d is opened, fluids such as liquid refrigerant and gas flow through the vacuum pipe 32.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the refrigerant supply system 12 and the cooler 50 in 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 to each other via the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d so as to face each other. Also, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c and the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c are connected to each other via the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d so as to 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 so as to face each other.

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

[0050] When the refrigerant pipes 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a and the refrigerant pipes 30 of the second refrigerant supply system 12b are evacuated, a common vacuum pump 2 is used to evacuate them.

[0051] When the inside of the refrigerant pipe 30 is evacuated to a vacuum, the first refrigerant control valve 3a is closed, and the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement section protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are opened.

[0052] The cooler 50 is connected to a cooler connection part 52 via a cooler connection pipe 51 .

[0053] The cooler connecting 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] (Function block of the control unit) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the control unit 4 in the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0056] The control unit 4 has, as functional blocks, a heater control unit 40, a valve control unit 41, a vacuum degree 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 acquired from the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1. Specifically, the heater control unit 40 controls the heater 5 based on the flow rate of the refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant pipe 30 measured by the pressure measuring unit 6.

[0058] The valve control section 41 controls each of the first refrigerant control valve 3a, the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement section protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d.

[0059] The vacuum degree determination unit 42 determines whether or not the degree of vacuum acquired from the vacuum degree measurement unit 7 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

[0060] The refrigerant flow rate determining unit 43 determines whether or not the flow rate acquired from the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 is within a predetermined range.

[0061] The display control unit 44 controls the display unit 8 to display information such as the supply amount of liquid refrigerant. The display control unit 44 controls the display unit 8 to display information such as the supply amount of refrigerant on an information display screen described later.

[0062] If an abnormality occurs during the supply of the liquid refrigerant, the abnormality notification control unit 45 notifies the display unit 8 of the occurrence of the abnormality. If an abnormality occurs, the abnormality notification control unit 45 notifies the display unit 8 of the occurrence of the abnormality by sounding an abnormality alarm.

[0063] The cooler connection status determination unit 46 determines whether or not the cooler 50 is connected to the connection unit 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 unit 11 based on the received data.

[0064] The pressure determination unit 47 determines whether or not the pressure value acquired 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 filling process) 5 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant charging method according to the present embodiment of the refrigerant charging device 100. With reference to FIG. 5, the refrigerant charging process executed by the refrigerant charging device 100 will be described.

[0066] When a user performs an operation to start supply of the refrigerant, 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 part 41 of the control part 4 performs a vacuum drawing process (S2). The details of the vacuum drawing process will be described later.

[0068] When the cooler 50 is not connected to the connection portion 11 (S1 NO), the refrigerant injection process in FIG. 5 ends (END).

[0069] When the evacuation process in S2 is completed, the valve control section 41 and the vacuum level determination section 42 of the control section 4 perform a refrigerant supply preparation process (S3). The refrigerant supply preparation process will be described in detail later.

[0070] When the refrigerant supply preparation process of S3 is completed, the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a signal to the second refrigerant control valve 3b to open the valve (S4). That is, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to open the flow path so that the refrigerant pipe 30 and the refrigerant storage unit 21 communicate with each other. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to open the flow path so that the third refrigerant pipe 30c and the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d communicate with each other. As a result, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50. When liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50, the vacuum measurement 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 while the connection unit 11 and the cooler connection unit 52 are connected.

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

[0072] The refrigerant flow rate determining unit 43 of the control unit 4 determines whether or not the acquired integrated flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value that has been set in advance (S6).

[0073] When the integrated flow rate acquired by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is equal to or greater than a preset value (S6 YES), the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a control signal to close the valve to the second refrigerant control valve 3b (S7). This closes the second refrigerant control valve 3b. That is, when the integrated flow rate is equal to or greater than a preset value, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the flow path so that the refrigerant pipe 30 and the cooler 50 do not communicate with each other. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the fifth refrigerant pipe 30e do not communicate with each other. That is, when the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50 is stopped, at least the second refrigerant control valve 3b is closed.

[0074] If the acquired integrated flow rate is not equal to or greater than the preset predetermined value (S6 NO), the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 performs the process of S5 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 sent 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 accumulated flow rate from the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 (S8).

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

[0077] If the integrated 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 sends a signal to the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close the valve (S10). This causes the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close. That is, if the integrated flow rate is within the predetermined range, the valve control unit 41 causes the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close the flow path so that the refrigerant pipe 30 and the refrigerant storage unit 21 do not communicate with each other. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the first refrigerant control valve 3a to close the flow path so that the third refrigerant pipe 30c and the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d do not communicate with each other.

[0078] If the integrated flow rate acquired 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 the occurrence of an abnormality (S12). After causing the display unit 8 to notify the occurrence of an abnormality, the refrigerant charging process of FIG. 5 ends (END).

[0079] After transmitting a control signal to close the valve to the first refrigerant control valve 3a, the valve control section 41 of the control section 4 performs a 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 in FIG. 5 is completed (END).

[0080] After a predetermined amount of refrigerant has been 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 liquid refrigerant into the cooler 50.

[0081] (Vacuum drawing process) The evacuation process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the evacuation process by the vacuum pump 2 of 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 valve to each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d (S20). As a result, the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are opened. That is, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d to open the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d, the fifth refrigerant pipe 30e, the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31, and the vacuum pipe 32 communicate with each other. Note that the transmission of the signal to open the valve to each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d is transmitted simultaneously so that the valve opening operations are performed in parallel. In addition, the signal to open the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d may be transmitted sequentially to the vacuum measurement 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 degree determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 acquires the degree of vacuum from the vacuum degree measurement unit 7 (S21).

[0084] The vacuum degree determination unit 42 determines whether the acquired degree of vacuum is a predetermined value that has been set in advance (S22).

[0085] When the acquired degree of vacuum is higher than the predetermined value (S22 NO), the vacuum determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S24).

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

[0087] When the vacuum level determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 determines that the 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 evacuation process by the vacuum pump 2 (FIG. 5, S12). After 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 evacuation process, the evacuation process in FIG. 6 ends (END).

[0088] When the degree of vacuum acquired by the vacuum determination unit 42 of the control unit 4 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (S22 YES), the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 transmits a signal to close the valve to each of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum 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 measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d is closed. That is, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d to close the flow paths so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d, the fifth refrigerant pipe 30e, the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31, and the vacuum pipe 32 do not communicate with each other. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the second refrigerant control valve 3b to close the flow paths so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the fifth refrigerant pipe 30e do not communicate with each other. The valve control unit 41 also controls the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c to close the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the vacuum measurement unit connection pipe 31 do not communicate with each other. The valve control unit 41 also controls 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 with each other. The signals to close the valves of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d are transmitted simultaneously so that the valve closing operations are performed in parallel. The signals to close the valves of the second refrigerant control valve 3b, the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c, and the vacuum control valve 3d may also be transmitted sequentially so that the valve closing operations are performed sequentially.

[0089] After the valve control section 41 of the control section 4 transmits a signal to close the valve, the evacuation process in FIG. 6 ends (END).

[0090] (Refrigerant supply preparation process) Next, the refrigerant supply preparation process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the refrigerant supply preparation process performed by the refrigerant charging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0091] 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). This opens the first refrigerant control valve 3a. That is, the valve control unit 41 causes the first refrigerant control valve 3a to open the flow path so that the refrigerant pipe 30 and the refrigerant storage unit 21 communicate with each other. Specifically, the valve control unit 41 causes the first refrigerant control valve 3a to open the flow path so that the third refrigerant pipe 30c and the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d communicate with each other.

[0092] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sent 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 measuring 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] When the instantaneous flow rate acquired 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 (FIG. 5, S12). After 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, the refrigerant supply preparation process in FIG. 7 ends (END).

[0095] If the acquired instantaneous flow rate is zero (YES in S32), 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 integrated flow rate, the refrigerant supply preparation process in FIG. 7 ends (END).

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

[0098] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the signal to close the first refrigerant control valve 3a was sent, the valve control section 41 of the control section 4 sends a signal to open the valve to the vacuum control valve 3d (S110). This opens the vacuum control valve 3d. That is, the valve control section 41 causes the vacuum control valve 3d to open the flow path so that the fourth refrigerant pipe 30d and the vacuum pipe 32 communicate with each other.

[0099] After a preset time has elapsed since the signal to open the first refrigerant control valve 3a was sent, the valve control section 41 of the control section 4 sends a signal to close the valve to the vacuum control valve 3d (S111). This causes the vacuum control valve 3d to close. That is, the valve control section 41 causes the vacuum control valve 3d to close the flow path so that the refrigerant pipe 30 and the vacuum pipe 32 do not communicate with each other.

[0100] After the valve control section 41 of the control section 4 transmits a signal to close the vacuum control valve 3d, the process of discharging the liquid refrigerant remaining inside the refrigerant pipe 30 in FIG. 8 ends (end).

[0101] (Refrigerant flow rate adjustment process) Next, a process in 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 with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a refrigerant flow rate adjustment process in 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] 5, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the valve control unit 41 of the control unit 4 sent 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 being performed.

[0103] The refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 determines whether or not the acquired instantaneous flow rate is greater than a predetermined value (S41).

[0104] When the instantaneous flow rate acquired by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S41 NO), the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process ends (END).

[0105] If the instantaneous flow rate acquired by the refrigerant flow rate determination unit 43 of the control unit 4 is greater than the predetermined value (S41 YES), the pressure determination unit 47 of the control unit 4 acquires a 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 or not the acquired measured pressure value is greater than a predetermined value (S43).

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

[0108] When the measured pressure value acquired by the pressure determination unit 47 of the control unit 4 is greater than the 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 pressure value set in advance. The reference pressure value is determined as a target for the pressure value inside the first refrigerant pipe 30a that changes as the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit 21 is adjusted in the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process.

[0109] After acquiring 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 formula (1), the acquired reference pressure value, and the acquired measured pressure value. Ts = A * ΔP (1) Here, Ts is the set temperature. A is a coefficient determined in advance by an experiment. ΔP is a value obtained by subtracting the measured pressure value from the reference pressure value. The set temperature is numerical information on temperature. The set temperature is transmitted to the temperature regulator 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 regulator 5a of the heater 5.

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

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

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

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

[0115] If the refrigerant storage section temperature information acquired by the temperature regulator 5a is equal to the heating information (S49 YES), the refrigerant flow rate adjustment process ends (END).

[0116] That is, the heater control unit 40 drives or stops the heater 5 using the temperature regulator 5a based on the difference value 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 when refrigerant is being supplied) Next, a description will be given of an example of a screen on which various information is displayed when the refrigerant charging device 100 supplies the refrigerant to the cooler 50, with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 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] The 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 in which the operating status of the refrigerant charging device 100 and the like are displayed.

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

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

[0122] In the first display area 60a, an operation status display icon 61a, a total production number display field 61b, a production number display field 61c, and a defect number display field 61d are displayed.

[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 state 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 for preparation. Furthermore, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in green when the refrigerant charging device 100 is operating. Furthermore, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in green when the refrigerant charging device 100 is in an operable state. Furthermore, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in red when the refrigerant charging device 100 is stopped. Furthermore, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in yellow when the refrigerant charging device 100 is waiting for return to origin. Furthermore, the operating status display icon 61a is displayed in yellow when the refrigerant charging device 100 is returning to origin. Moreover, the operating condition display icon 61a is displayed in red when the refrigerant charging device 100 is in an abnormal state during operation.

[0124] The total production number display field 61b displays the total production number since the power of the refrigerant charging device 100 is turned on. The total production number since the power of the refrigerant charging device 100 is turned on is stored in the memory 4b.

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

[0126] The defect number display field 61d displays the number of times that the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50 was not performed normally. The number of times that the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50 was not performed normally is stored in the memory 4b as the defect number. The number displayed in the defect number display field 61d is reset to zero every time the type of the cooler 50 is changed.

[0127] The second display area 60b displays a cooler connection status display icon 62a, a cooler removal status display icon 62b, a filling amount display field 63a, a vacuum level display field 63b, a flow rate at time of sealing display field 63c, a piping pressure display field 63d, a heater set temperature display field 63e, a cylinder temperature display field 63f, a valve opening / closing status display icon 64a, a valve opening / closing status display icon 64b, a valve opening / closing status display icon 64c, and a valve opening / closing status display icon 64d.

[0128] The cooler connection status display icon 62a displays whether or not the cooler 50 is connected to the connection unit 11. When the cooler 50 is connected to the connection unit 11, the display mode of the cooler connection status display icon 62a differs. When the cooler 50 is connected to the connection unit 11, for example, the cooler connection status display icon 62a is displayed in green.

[0129] The cooler removal status display icon 62b indicates whether the cooler 50 is removable or not. The cooler removal status display icon 62b is displayed in different display modes when the cooler 50 is removable and when the refrigerant charging device 100 is in operation. For example, when the cooler 50 is removable, the cooler removal status display icon 62b is displayed in green. Also, when the refrigerant charging device 100 is in operation, the cooler removal status display icon 62b is displayed in red.

[0130] The filling amount display field 63a displays the amount of liquid refrigerant filled into the cooler 50 by the first refrigerant supply system 12a. The display mode of the filling amount display field 63a is changed based 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 filling amount display field 63a is displayed in green. If the amount of liquid refrigerant filled into the cooler 50 is not within the preset range, the filling amount display field 63a is displayed in red.

[0131] The vacuum degree display field 63b displays the degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, when the degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the vacuum degree display field 63b is displayed in green. When the degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a does not decrease to the predetermined value, the vacuum degree display field 63b is displayed in red.

[0132] The charging flow rate display field 63c displays the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. The charging flow rate display field 63c displays the maximum and minimum flow rates of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a.

[0133] The pipe pressure display field 63d displays the pressure value inside the refrigerant pipe 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a.

[0134] The heater set temperature display field 63e displays the set temperature of the heater 5 that heats the coolant storage section 21 of the first coolant supply system 12a.

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

[0136] The valve open / close status display icon 64a indicates the open / close status of the first refrigerant control valve 3a of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, when the first refrigerant control valve 3a is open, a blue lamp 65a is lit. When the first refrigerant control valve 3a is closed, a red lamp 66a is lit.

[0137] The valve open / close status display icon 64b indicates the open / close status of the second refrigerant control valve 3b of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, when the second refrigerant control valve 3b is open, a blue lamp 65b is lit. When the second refrigerant control valve 3b is closed, a red lamp 66b is lit.

[0138] The valve open / close status display icon 64c indicates the open / close status of the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, when the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c is open, a blue lamp 65c is lit. When the vacuum measurement unit protection valve 3c is closed, a red lamp 66c is lit.

[0139] The valve status display icon 64d indicates the open / closed state of the vacuum control valve 3d of the first refrigerant supply system 12a. For example, when the vacuum control valve 3d is open, a blue lamp 65d is lit. When the vacuum control valve 3d is closed, a red lamp 66d is lit.

[0140] The third display area 60c displays a cooler connection status display icon 70a, a cooler removal status display icon 70b, a filling amount display field 71a, a vacuum level display field 71b, a flow rate at time of sealing display field 71c, a piping pressure display field 71d, a heater set temperature display field 71e, a cylinder temperature display field 71f, a valve opening / closing status display icon 72a, a valve opening / closing status display icon 72b, a valve opening / closing status display icon 72c, and a valve opening / closing status display icon 72d. The cooler connection status display icon 70a, the cooler removal status display icon 70b, the filling amount display field 71a, the vacuum level display field 71b, the flow rate at time of sealing 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 opening / closing status display icon 72a, the valve opening / closing status display icon 72b, the valve opening / closing status display icon 72c, and the valve opening / closing status display icon 72d display information about 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 the embodiment, the amount of refrigerant 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, so the amount of liquid refrigerant can be measured with higher accuracy than a configuration in which a weight scale is used to measure the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50. As a result, it is possible to provide a refrigerant charging device 100 that can measure a small amount of refrigerant with high accuracy. Note that being able to measure a small amount of refrigerant with high accuracy means, for example, that the weight of the liquid refrigerant supplied to the cooler 50 can be measured with an error within a range of about plus or minus 2%.

[0143] (Second effect of this embodiment) Moreover, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipe 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) Moreover, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted based on the internal pressure of the refrigerant pipes 30.

[0145] (Fourth Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the refrigerant sealing device 100, 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 acquiring the pressure value inside the refrigerant piping 30.

[0146] (Fifth Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the refrigerant sealing device 100, the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 can be suctioned so that the degree of vacuum inside the refrigerant piping 30 becomes such that liquid refrigerant can be supplied to the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 due to the pressure difference between the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 and the inside of the refrigerant storage section 21.

[0147] (Sixth Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the user can know that an abnormality has occurred in the evacuation process inside the refrigerant pipes 30.

[0148] (Seventh Advantage of This Embodiment) Moreover, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the 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 is possible to suppress a difference between the integrated flow rate measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 and the amount of liquid refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50.

[0149] (Eighth Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the user can grasp that an abnormality, such as leakage of liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant pipes 30, has occurred.

[0150] (Ninth Advantage of This Embodiment) Moreover, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the amount of liquid refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50 is within an allowable range. As a result, the amount of refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50 can be measured with high accuracy.

[0151] (Tenth Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the user can know by notification that the amount of liquid refrigerant actually supplied to the cooler 50 is not within the allowable range.

[0152] (Eleventh Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, after liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 50, the inside of the refrigerant piping 30 can be suctioned for a time sufficient to discharge the refrigerant remaining inside the refrigerant piping 30 from the refrigerant piping 30. As a result, the amount of liquid refrigerant remaining inside the refrigerant piping 30 without being discharged can be reduced.

[0153] (Twelfth Advantage of This Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the inside of the refrigerant pipe 30 can be evacuated by the vacuum pipe 32 having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30. As a result, the speed at which the inside of the refrigerant pipe 30 is evacuated can be improved while reducing the burden on the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1.

[0154] (Thirteenth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the refrigerant charging device 100, the refrigerant supply system 12 of the refrigerant charging device 100 includes the first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b, so that the refrigerant charging process can be simultaneously performed for two coolers 50 by one refrigerant charging device 100. As a result, the efficiency of the charging operation of the refrigerant into the coolers 50 can be improved.

[0155] (14th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, even if either the first refrigerant supply system 12a or the second refrigerant supply system 12b fails, it is possible to continue supplying the liquid refrigerant to the cooler 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant charging operation from being completely stopped.

[0156] (Fifteenth effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the insides of the refrigerant pipes 30 of the first refrigerant supply system 12a and the second refrigerant supply system 12b can be suctioned by a single vacuum pump 2.

[0157] (16th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging device 100 of the embodiment, the user can know at a glance whether the amount of refrigerant filled in the cooler 50 is within a predetermined range.

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

[0159] (18th effect of this embodiment) Furthermore, according to the refrigerant charging method of the present embodiment, it is possible to supply liquid refrigerant with high accuracy to a small-sized cooler 50 which requires high supply accuracy when supplying liquid refrigerant.

[0160] [Variations] (First Modification) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the inclusion relationships of the components of refrigerant charging device 200 of the first modified example.

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

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

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

[0164] (Second Modification) Moreover, the refrigerant supply system 12 of the refrigerant charging device 100 may be three or more systems.

[0165] (Third Modification) 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 Modification) The heater control unit 40 (control unit 4) may be configured to perform feedback control to adjust the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipes 30 while changing the temperature of the heater 5.

[0167] (Fifth Modification) 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 Modification) The abnormality notification control unit 45 (control unit 4) may be configured to notify the occurrence of an abnormality by turning on or blinking a warning light, for example.

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

[0170] (Eighth Modification) The refrigerant flow rate measuring unit 1 may be, for example, an area type flow meter, an ultrasonic type flow meter, an impeller type flow meter, a volumetric type flow meter, a turbine type flow meter, or the like.

[0171] (Ninth Variation) The inner diameter of the vacuum pipe 32 may be the same as the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30 or may be smaller than the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 30 .

[0172] (Tenth Modification) The first coolant supply system 12a and the second coolant supply system 12b may be connected to separate vacuum pumps 2, respectively.

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

[0174] (Twelfth Variation) When the cooler connection portion 52 is a male coupler (plug), the connection portion 11 may be a female coupler (socket).

[0175] (13th Variation) The refrigerant charging device 100 may supply the refrigerant to a cooler 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 measurement section 7 Vacuum measurement section 8 Display 9 Temperature measurement section 10 Refrigerant flow rate adjustment section 11 Connection 12 Refrigerant supply system 12a 1st refrigerant supply system 12b Second refrigerant supply system 21 Refrigerant storage section 30 Refrigerant piping 30a First refrigerant pipe 30b Second refrigerant piping 30c 3rd refrigerant pipe 30d 4th refrigerant piping 30e 5th refrigerant piping 31 Vacuum measurement section connection pipe 32 Vacuum piping 40 Heater control section 41 Valve control section 42 Vacuum degree determination section 43 Refrigerant flow rate determination section 44 Display control section 45 Abnormality notification control section 46 Cooler connection status determination unit 47 Pressure Judgment Section 50 cooler 100, 200 Refrigerant charging device

Claims

1. a refrigerant pipe through which liquid refrigerant supplied from a refrigerant storage unit can flow; a refrigerant flow rate measuring unit for measuring a flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant pipe; A vacuum pump that draws air into the refrigerant pipe to create a vacuum; A plurality of valves for opening and closing flow paths inside the refrigerant pipes; a control unit that controls the plurality of valves and the vacuum pump; a heater for heating the refrigerant storage unit; The control unit controls the heater based on the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant measured by the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit, and adjusts the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler. Refrigerant injection device.

2. Further comprising a pressure measuring unit for measuring the pressure inside the refrigerant pipe, 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 pipe measured by the pressure measuring unit. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the heater based on a difference value between a reference pressure value that is a predetermined pressure value inside the refrigerant piping and the pressure value inside the refrigerant piping measured by the pressure measuring unit.

4. A vacuum measuring unit for measuring a vacuum degree inside the refrigerant pipe; a vacuum pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the refrigerant pipe, The control unit is causing the plurality of valves to open the flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the vacuum pipe are in communication with each other; The vacuum pump is caused to suck the inside of the refrigerant pipe so as to create a vacuum; Acquire the measured degree of vacuum from the vacuum measurement unit; determining whether the degree of vacuum is equal to or less than a predetermined value; When the degree of vacuum is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the valves are caused to close a flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the vacuum pipe are not in communication with each other; If the degree of vacuum is higher than the predetermined value, a notification is given that an abnormality has occurred in the evacuation process by the vacuum pump. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 3.

5. the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit is configured to measure an instantaneous flow rate, which is a flow rate per unit time of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping, and an integrated flow rate, which is an accumulated value of the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping, The control unit is The plurality of valves open a flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe communicates with the refrigerant storage unit; Acquire the measured instantaneous flow rate from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit; Determining whether the acquired instantaneous flow rate is zero; When the instantaneous flow rate is zero, the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit initializes the value of the integrated flow rate; If the instantaneous flow rate is not zero, an abnormality is notified that has occurred in the refrigerant piping. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit is opening a flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the plurality of valves, the refrigerant pipe, and the cooler are in communication with each other; The integrated flow rate is obtained from the refrigerant flow rate measurement unit; determining whether the acquired integrated flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; When the integrated flow rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the valves are caused to close the flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the cooler are not in communication with each other; determining whether or not the integrated flow rate is within a predetermined range after a predetermined time has elapsed since the plurality of valves are caused to close the flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the cooler are not in communication with each other; When the integrated flow rate is within the predetermined range, the valves are caused to close the flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the refrigerant storage unit are not in communication with each other. If the integrated flow rate is not within the predetermined range, a notification is given that an abnormality has occurred in the process of supplying the liquid refrigerant to the cooler. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit is causing the plurality of valves to open a flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the vacuum pipe are in communication with each other; determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the flow path of the refrigerant pipe is opened so that the refrigerant pipe and the vacuum pipe communicate with each other; when the predetermined time has elapsed, the valves are caused to close the flow path of the refrigerant pipe so that the refrigerant pipe and the vacuum pipe are not in communication with each other; The refrigerant charging device according to claim 6.

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

9. a vacuum pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the refrigerant pipe; The inner diameter of the vacuum pipe is larger than the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 8.

10. the refrigerant flow rate measuring unit, the refrigerant pipe, and the plurality of valves constitute a refrigerant supply system that supplies a refrigerant to the cooler, the refrigerant supply system includes a first refrigerant supply system that supplies a refrigerant to a predetermined one of the coolers, and a second refrigerant supply system that supplies a refrigerant to a cooler other than the cooler to which the first refrigerant supply system supplies a refrigerant, The refrigerant charging device according to claim 1 .

11. 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 10.

12. A display unit that displays the amount of the refrigerant filled in the cooling device is further provided. The control unit causes the display unit to identifiably display whether or not the amount of the refrigerant filled in the cooling device is within a predetermined range. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 1 .

13. A temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit is further provided, The control unit causes the display unit to display the temperature of the refrigerant storage unit measured by the temperature measurement unit. The refrigerant charging device according to claim 12.

14. Suction is performed to create a vacuum inside the refrigerant piping through which liquid refrigerant can flow, The liquid refrigerant is supplied from a refrigerant storage unit to the inside of the refrigerant pipe that has been suctioned to create a vacuum; The liquid refrigerant supplied to the inside of the refrigerant pipe is supplied to a cooler; measuring a flow rate of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the inside of the refrigerant pipe; a heater for heating the refrigerant storage unit is controlled based on the measured flow rate of the liquid refrigerant, thereby adjusting the amount of refrigerant supplied to the cooler. Refrigerant injection method.

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