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

Abstract

An adjusting device for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system, comprising a drive, a control element rotatable about an axis via the drive, a coupling device, and a control device. The coupling device is detachably coupled to an adjusting connection of the expansion valve so that a tool tip of the control element comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device and a torque generated by the drive or a rotation triggered by the drive can be transmitted via the control element to the adjusting element. The control device is configured to actuate the drive such that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation. A maintenance system is also provided for the maintenance and / or start-up of an HVAC system which can comprise the adjusting device. Provided also is a measuring system and a method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system.

Description

[0001] This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / EP2024 / 056838, which was filed on Mar. 14, 2024, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2023 106 402.9, which was filed in Germany on Mar. 14, 2023, and which are both herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of heating, ventilation, and cooling technology (hereinafter abbreviated as “HVAC”). Systems in this technical field, such as air conditioning systems, heat pumps, cooling circuits, etc., are referred to as “HVAC systems” hereinafter. HVAC systems have expansion valves through which a refrigerant is expanded. An inlet connection of the expansion valve is connected to a condenser (sometimes also referred to as a liquefier) of the HVAC system and receives the liquefied, subcooled refrigerant at high pressure. An outlet connection of the expansion valve is connected to an evaporator of the HVAC system, in which the expanded refrigerant evaporates at low pressure and is ideally superheated.DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Although electronic valves, which are suitable for a precise, dynamic control of the expansion process, have long been known on the market, purely mechanical expansion valves, which have been widely used for many decades in various designs, are used in many HVAC systems for cost reasons and in favor of high reliability. This also includes so-called thermostatic expansion valves. What these mechanical expansion valves have in common is that they have a preload device by means of which a static preload force on a movable actuating element, e.g., a valve tappet, of the expansion valve can be adjusted. As a rule, these preload devices comprise a mechanical spring that directly or indirectly exerts a force on the actuating element, therefore, for example, the valve tappet, which counteracts an opening of the valve. These preload devices are usually adjusted using an adjusting element, which can be designed in the form of a grub screw, for example, which directly or indirectly influences the preload of the spring. The adjusting element is accessible via an adjusting connection, wherein this adjusting connection is often fitted with a removable protective cap.

[0004] The expansion valve has a decisive influence on the efficiency of the HVAC system, because the superheating occurring in the low-pressure range can be significantly influenced by it. The superheating can be determined in that a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system is measured using a pressure sensor and at the same time a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator is measured using a temperature sensor. The measured pressure is also referred to as saturated vapor pressure or suction pressure and can be converted into a so-called saturated vapor temperature if the refrigerant used is known. The measured temperature is also referred to as the evaporator outlet temperature. The difference between the saturated vapor temperature determined via the pressure measurement and the actually measured evaporator outlet temperature corresponds to the superheating. Depending on the type and application of the HVAC system, and in particular depending on the target temperature of the application, a significant increase in the efficiency of the HVAC system can be achieved by precise adjustment of the superheating. However, manual adjustment by an HVAC technician is time-consuming. If an unsatisfactory degree of overheating is detected, the adjusting element must be adjusted manually, for example, using a screwdriver or wrench. In this case, precise adjustment is often difficult, because the expansion valve is often installed in a not easily accessible location. Furthermore, the HVAC technician may need to make extensive calculations in order to estimate how the adjustment of the expansion valve can be optimized.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjusting device which facilitates the adjustment of the preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a maintenance system which also facilitates the adjustment of the preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to disclose methods as to how an adjusting device and / or a maintenance system for adjusting the preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve can be used. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide an improved measuring system compared to the state of the art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an adjusting device for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system comprises a drive, a control element, a coupling device, and a control device.

[0007] The control element can be rotated about an axis by the drive, i.e., the drive drives the control element or a component of the control element, at least one tool tip of the control element facing the preload device, to perform a rotational movement and transmits a torque to it.

[0008] The coupling device (e.g. coupler) can be designed to be detachably coupled to an adjusting connection of the expansion valve. In this case, in the coupled state, the adjusting device is fixed to the adjusting connection in such a way that the tool tip of the control element comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device. “Coming into operative connection” here (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is mentioned that in each case a tool tip comes into operative connection with an adjusting element) may mean that the tool tip and adjusting element engage with matching screw drive profiles (also referred to simply as drive profiles or profiles), so that a torque generated by the drive or a rotation triggered by the drive can be transmitted via the control element to the adjusting element. The drive in this case is held rigidly relative to the adjusting connection so that it cannot move relative to the adjusting connection, and in particular cannot rotate around it. For example, the adjusting element can have a hexalobular socket and the tool tip a matching hexalobular head. In this case, the control element is positioned in such a way that the axis around which it can rotate corresponds to a screw axis of the adjusting element. The detachable coupling to the adjusting connection prevents the adjusting device, in particular the drive it comprises, from moving or rotating relative to the adjusting connection, so that a precise, defined adjustment of the adjusting element is possible.

[0009] The control device (e.g. controller) can be configured to actuate the drive in such a way that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation. For this purpose, the control device can be connected, for example, electronically and / or using data technology to an angle measuring device, which is explained in more detail in a subsequent section, and can access absolute angular positions determined and provided by this device or relative angular position changes of the control element as control parameters. For example, however, the drive itself can also be designed to perform defined, discrete rotational steps, such as, for example, a stepper motor. “Actuate” in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is mentioned that a drive is actuated by a control device) may mean to trigger, to control the drive, in particular to control or regulate a power supply of the drive. In particular, the control device is designed in the form of an electronic assembly and can therefore, for example, comprise at least one printed circuit board and interconnected electronic components arranged thereon and microcontrollers.

[0010] The adjusting device enables a precise, automated adjustment of the preload device or the adjusting element. An inaccurate manual adjustment can be avoided, because the adjusting device can achieve a reliable, accurate adjustment of the adjusting element due to the precise actuation of the drive by the control unit in conjunction with the rigid coupling to the adjusting connection.

[0011] In an example, the adjusting device can comprise an interface device (e.g. an interface) which is configured to provide at least one piece of measurement information and input information, and / or angle information. If the interface device does not provide any angle information but instead provides the measurement information and the input information, the adjusting device further comprises an internal determination device, which is configured to determine and provide the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and input information by means of a defined determination rule.

[0012] The defined determination rule can take the form of a calculation formula, in the form of a value query from stored value tables, or in the form of an evaluation of the measurement information and input information by an application with so-called artificial intelligence. The angle information can be determined entirely within the adjusting device, therefore, by components of the adjusting device, such as, for example, a microcontroller. Alternatively, the internal determination device can also establish a connection to an external unit, for example, an external determination device or a cloud application, transmit the measurement information and input information to this external unit, and receive back angle information determined by the external unit. The exchange of measurement information, input information, and angle information with the external unit can take place in particular via a communication device of the adjusting device, which is described in more detail below.

[0013] The purpose of determining the angle information is to achieve an optimal adjustment of the thermostatic expansion valve. The superheating or the degree of superheating that occurs in an evaporator of the HVAC system can be a relevant metric here. The measurement information in conjunction with the input information can be used to assess whether the HVAC system is already running at optimal efficiency or whether an increase in efficiency could be achieved by increasing or decreasing the superheating.

[0014] If the determination by the internal determination device shows that the thermostatic expansion valve is not optimally adjusted, the angle information determined comprises, in particular, information on the direction in which the control element must rotate and the angle value by which it must rotate in order to optimally adjust the preload device by means of the adjusting element. This angle value and the direction of rotation can be determined directly or in the form of variables equivalent thereto. Such equivalent variables can be, for example, a current direction to be supplied to the drive or a number of drive revolutions that corresponds to the required angle value, taking into account an implementation of a gear of the drive.

[0015] However, if the determination by the internal determination device shows that the thermostatic expansion valve is already adjusted optimally or almost optimally, the angle information can also contain information that no adjustment is necessary. This can be done, for example, by determining an angle value (or a variable equivalent to the angle value) equal to zero.

[0016] “Providing” in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is mentioned that in each case information, for example, measurement information, input information, an action command, angle information, a first torque limit value, a first or second angular position, an angular position change, or a displacement, is provided by an element of an adjusting device, for example, an interface device, a communication device, an operating device, an internal determination device, a position measuring device, an angle measuring device, a control device, or a torque device) may mean that information, here specifically the measurement information, input information, and / or angle information, is made available to other components of the adjusting device electronically and / or using data technology, therefore, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a stored data record in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can be retrieved by such components. For example, the angle information can be transmitted to the control device, provided or queried by it or recorded and / or the measurement information and input information can be transmitted to the internal determination device, provided or queried by it or recorded.

[0017] The control device is configured to actuate the drive in such a way that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation, which is determined in direction and value by the angle information.

[0018] The fact that the terms measurement information, input information, and angle information are used in the singular is not to be understood here such that each of these information items contains only a single piece of information or a single value. Instead, each information item can contain multiple pieces of information, values, or data. The angle information contains, for example, at least one information item on the angle value to be adjusted and the direction of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise, for example). The measurement information is characterized in that it contains measurement data or measured values relating to the thermostatic expansion valve and / or the HVAC system in which the thermostatic expansion valve is installed and / or to the environment or application of the HVAC system. These can be pressure readings and / or temperature readings, for example. Thus, the measurement information can comprise, for example, a saturated vapor pressure or a saturated vapor temperature within an evaporator of the HVAC system, as well as an evaporator outlet temperature. Existing overheating, for example, can be calculated from these measured values. The input information, on the other hand, is characterized in that it contains information that cannot be described as measurement data. This can be, for example, a type of refrigerant used in the HVAC system, a manufacturer and type designation of the thermostatic expansion valve, and / or a target parameter of the HVAC system application, such as, for example, a target temperature. In conjunction with these data, it is possible, for example, to determine whether the superheating determined from the measurement information is within an optimal range or whether the superheating should be optimized by adjusting the adjusting element of the preload device.

[0019] This makes it possible to further automate and simplify the adjustment of the preload device of thermostatic expansion valves using the adjusting device: The adjusting device is either able to automatically process predetermined angle information and convert it into a defined rotation (and thus a change in the adjustment of the adjusting element) or to first automatically determine the angle information from the measurement information and input information. Thus, manual control or monitoring of the adjusting device is not required during adjustment of the adjusting element.

[0020] The interface device can comprise a communication device. This is configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one external unit. A wide variety of devices can be used as external units, for example, cell phones, tablets, and PCs, but also sensor systems, especially digital manifolds. Wireless communication can occur, for example, by means of a Bluetooth interface, which can ensure reliable short-range communication and high compatibility with various external units.

[0021] The communication device is configured to receive at least the measurement information from the external unit or from a number of external units, in particular, from a sensor system having pressure and temperature sensors. Alternatively or in addition, it can also send or transmit the measurement information to an external unit, in particular to an external determination device. This is a consideration if no angle information is initially provided to the adjusting device via the interface device, but the adjusting device cannot independently determine the angle information directly from the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device.

[0022] Furthermore, the communication device can be configured to receive at least the input information from an external unit, in particular from an external operating device. Alternatively or in addition, it can also send or transmit the input information to an external unit, in particular to an external determination device. This is a consideration if no angle information is initially provided to the adjusting device via the interface device, but the adjusting device cannot independently determine the angle information directly from the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication device can be configured to receive at least the angle information from the external unit, in particular from the external determination device.

[0024] The terms “send,”“transmit,” and “receive” as used herein are to be understood only restrictively in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention when it is mentioned that information, for example, measurement information, input information, an action command, angle information, a first torque limit value, a first or second angular position, an angular position change, or a displacement, is sent, transmitted, or received from an element of an adjusting device, for example, an interface device, a communication device, an operating device, an internal determination device, a position measuring device, an angle measuring device, a control device or a torque device, or from an element of a maintenance system, for example, a sensor system, a determination device, an operating device, or a display device), insofar as they provide a direction of information transmission or information flow. This means that a sending or transmitting unit does not necessarily have to take on an active or controlling role. A receiving unit does not have to take on a passive role either. Information can be requested, queried, or retrieved from other units. A transmitting unit does not necessarily have to specifically address or know the recipient, but can also, for example, disseminate the information without a recipient being specified or to store it as a data record in a volatile or non-volatile memory and one or more intended recipients log the disseminated information, expect it, or retrieve it from the memory. Receiving and transmitting units can communicate with each other according to any protocol and exchange information bidirectionally.

[0025] More extensive automation and facilitation of the adjustment of the preload device of thermostatic expansion valves can be achieved. The adjusting device can automatically exchange information with various external units in a versatile and flexible manner, in particular with the external sensor system, the external control unit, and / or the external determination device. The exchange of information via the communication device can take place in this case in particular while the adjusting device is continuously coupled to the adjusting connection of a thermostatic expansion valve. In particular, measurement information, input information, and / or angle information can be exchanged several times so that an iterative optimization of the expansion valve adjustment can be carried out automatically in a number of adjusting steps with waiting pauses in between.

[0026] In an example, in which the communication device is configured for wired communication with the external unit, the adjusting device is simultaneously supplied with power via this wired connection. As a result, the adjusting device can be operated reliably without having to expect failures due to a depleted energy storage device.

[0027] In an example, in which the communication device is configured for wireless communication with the external unit, the adjusting device is either simultaneously supplied with power via this wireless connection, operated as so-called “energy harvesting” in the electromagnetic field of the wireless communication, or the adjusting device comprises a power supply device by which the adjusting device is supplied with power. Rechargeable accumulators or replaceable batteries are suitable power supply devices. The adjusting device can be used flexibly and when mobile by this design and handling is made even easier because there is no need for a cable connection.

[0028] In an example, the interface device comprises an operating device which is configured to receive and provide at least the measurement information and / or the input information and / or the angle information and / or an action command of an operator.

[0029] The “receiving” of the information or commands can occur via manual actuation of control elements of the operating device, such as buttons, keys, levers, or touch-sensitive surfaces.

[0030] “Providing” in this context, consistent with the definition introduced above, may mean that the measurement information, input information, angle information, and the action command are each provided to other components of the adjusting device electronically and / or using data technology, therefore, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal, or can be retrieved from such components. For example, the angle information and the action command can be transmitted to the control device, provided or queried by it or recorded and / or the measurement information and input information can be transmitted to the internal determination device, provided or queried by it or recorded.

[0031] In this context, an action command can be understood in particular as an operator input that is intended to trigger an activation or deactivation of the adjusting device or to provide confirmation that the coupling of the adjusting device to the adjusting connection has been completed.

[0032] This design does not in fact achieve any further automation compared to the previous design. However, the adjusting device can be used more flexibly, because the measurement information, input information, and / or angle information can be captured via the operating device and provided to other components of the adjusting device if it is not possible to receive this information automatically from external devices by means of a communication device. Thus, the adjusting device remains practically operational, even if external units with suitable communication capabilities are not available.

[0033] In an example, the drive comprises an actuator and a gear. The actuator is designed as a stepper motor or servomotor, for example, so that precise control of the actuator is possible. The gear can have, in particular, a transmission ratio that reduces a rotational speed and in so doing the torque is increased accordingly. For example, a so-called planetary gear can be used. As a result, a precise and simultaneously effective adjustment of the adjusting element is possible, which is facilitated by means of the control element rotating on the drive. Furthermore, the control element can comprises a bearing and a shaft, which is rotatably mounted about the axis by the bearing. Both the drive and the coupling device are in this case directly or indirectly rigidly mounted relative to the bearing.

[0034] In this context, a direct rigid mounting may mean that the gear, for example, a gear frame, and / or the coupling device is or are rigidly connected directly to the bearing. An indirect rigid mounting, on the other hand, may mean that the parts mentioned are held in a rigid position in relation to each other by other components or elements.

[0035] This design can effectively achieve that a torque from the drive is effectively transmitted first to the control element and then to the adjusting element without the drive rotating or moving relative to the adjusting connection.

[0036] An indirect rigid mounting of the drive and the coupling device relative to the bearing can be achieved in that the adjusting device has a housing which accommodates or holds the said parts in a rigid position relative to one another. As a result, the advantageous effect can be achieved and at the same time the design of the adjusting device can be adapted to a wide range of requirements. Furthermore, the components of the adjusting device can be effectively protected from environmental influences by the housing.

[0037] The adjusting device can have a housing which comprises a tool housing part and a drive housing part. At least the control element is accommodated partially in the tool housing part, whereas at least the drive is accommodated partially in the drive housing part.

[0038] In this context, “partially” may mean that the parts or components mentioned are enclosed at least in part by the respective housing part or arranged at least in part therein. This is not contradicted by the fact that, for example, an output of the drive protrudes into the tool housing part in order to drive the control element for the rotational movement.

[0039] In this regard, it is provided in this refinement that the drive housing part is arranged relative to the tool housing part in such a way that an imaginary connecting line, which runs through a center point or center of gravity of the drive housing part and a center point or center of gravity of the tool housing part, forms an angle between 45° and 90° with the axis about which the control element can rotate. This results in the drive housing part being arranged substantially laterally on the tool housing part, or at least not axially substantially behind the tool housing part. As a result, the overall length of the housing can be effectively reduced and the adjusting device can therefore also be connected and used in tight installation situations at poorly accessible adjusting connections. The gear can comprise a bevel gear.

[0040] Furthermore, this refinement can be advantageously combined with the aforementioned refinement: The drive, bearing, and coupling device can be rigidly mounted or positioned relative to each other by the housing parts rigidly connected to each other.

[0041] The coupling device can be designed so that it can be coupled to different types of adjusting connections. The term “different types” in this case refers in particular to different outer diameters or geometries to which the coupling device can couple by grasping, enclosing, clipping, gripping, fixing, or clamping. Furthermore, however, this can also refer in particular to different nominal widths of external threads, which can be provided at the adjusting connection and to which the coupling device can couple by grasping, enclosing, clipping, gripping, fixing, clamping, or screwing on. Due to this design, the adjusting device is versatile and can be used to adjust the preload device of various thermostatic expansion valves from different manufacturers.

[0042] The coupling device can have a chuck, as it is known in its basic design from drill chucks of various tools, such as, for example, drill drivers. In this case, the chuck can have a three-jaw chuck, for example, or it comprises a rubber ring that can be compressed axially by a union nut so that the inside diameter of the rubber ring is reduced and the adjusting connection is fixed therein. The chuck is advantageously suitable for adapting to adjusting connections of different widths within a certain range and can be tightened or loosened without tools, for example, by manually turning a union nut.

[0043] The coupling device can have a locking clamp which is rigidly held or supported in one position on the tool tip via an arm. The locking clamp is positioned here in such a way that it can grip adjusting connections of different shapes and widths. Preferably, it is provided with a fixing screw by means of which opposing locking clamp halves can be varied uniformly at a radial distance from the axis of rotation of the control element and, in particular, tightened. This refinement as well can also be attached to the adjusting connection and detached again without the need for a tool.

[0044] The coupling device can comprise an attachment coupling which can be coupled to an exchangeable coupling attachment. As a result, the coupling device can be flexibly adapted and coupled to different types of adjusting connections. Preferably, the coupling attachment can be changed without tools, which facilitates the handling of the adjusting device and in particular the adaptation of the adjusting device to a specific adjusting connection.

[0045] For example, the attachment coupling can have a flange-like collar with a front contact surface, that is, facing the adjusting connection. The coupling attachment can be designed as a union nut, which has a lateral slot, so that the coupling attachment can be pushed laterally onto the attachment coupling and pulled off it again. The lateral slot has at least one step so that the union nut can be supported against the side of the collar facing away from the contact surface after pushing onto the attachment coupling and when the union nut is screwed onto an external thread on the adjusting connection. By tightening the union nut on the adjusting connection, the contact surface can then be pressed against a front surface or an edge of the adjusting connection, as a result of which a rigid coupling of the adjusting device at the adjusting connection is created. Preferably, the lateral slot comprises a guide groove in which the collar engages. As a result, the union nut is arranged at a defined position on the attachment coupling and the handling of the adjusting device during the coupling to the adjusting connection is facilitated. The union nut can be replaced easily and without tools, so that a suitable union nut can be kept ready and used for any external thread that might be provided on the adjusting connection.

[0046] The control element can have a bit holder and the tool tip can be formed by a bit which is exchangeably received in the bit holder. As a result, the tool tip can be adapted to the drive profile of the adjusting element and a wide range of different thermostatic expansion valves from various manufacturers can be adjusted using the adjusting device. Preferably, the bit can be replaced without tools, which further facilitates handling of the adjusting device. A magnetic holder can also be integrated into the bit holder, which magnetic holder holds the bit magnetically in the holder so that an accidental falling of the bit out of the bit holder can be prevented.

[0047] The tool tip can have a so-called universal socket, which can adapt to a variety of different screw drive profiles of the adjusting element.

[0048] The tool tip can be directly or indirectly displaceably mounted and the control element has a preload element which directly or indirectly preloads the tool tip into a distal end position.

[0049] A “directly” displaceable mounting and / or preloading can mean in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is mentioned that a tool tip is directly displaceably mounted) that the tool tip, for example, a bit held in a bit holder, as explained above, is itself directly displaceably mounted, whereas, for example, a shaft of the control element is not displaceably mounted within a bearing or the bit holder. Thus, for example, the bit can be displaceably mounted directly within the bit holder and preloaded by a preload device.

[0050] An “indirect” displaceable mounting and / or preloading may mean in this context (and also generally in the context of all aspects of the invention, when it is mentioned that a tool tip is indirectly displaceably mounted) that the tool tip, for example, a bit held in a bit holder, as explained above, may not itself be mounted displaceably and / or preloaded relative to a control element part adjoining the tool tip, but can be displaced together with it. Thus, for example, the bit holder can be displaceably mounted, whereas the bit has a fixed position in the bit holder.

[0051] The preload element is designed hereby as a mechanical spiral spring, for example. The spring element exerts a preload force directly or indirectly on the tool tip so that it moves, without external resistance, to a distal end position and remains there. The distal end position refers to the tool tip position that protrudes farthest forward from the adjusting device. If the adjusting device is coupled to an adjusting connection, the tool tip encounters an end face of the adjusting element and is thereby pushed out of the distal end position, therefore, into a retracted position. In so doing, the tool tip is continuously pressed against the adjusting element by the preload device and can then maintain the active connection to the adjusting element even if it is screwed deeper into the preload device. If, on the other hand, the adjusting element is screwed farther out of the preload device, the tool tip can also follow this movement due to the displaceable mounting and move farther back, away from the adjusting connection.

[0052] The adjusting device comprises a position measuring device which is designed to measure directly or indirectly and to provide an axial position and / or an axial displacement dL of the tool tip.

[0053] “Providing” in this context may mean, consistent with the definition introduced above, that the measured axial position and / or axial displacement dL are made available to other components of the adjusting device electronically and / or using data technology, therefore, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal, or can be retrieved by such components. In particular, the axial position and / or axial displacement dL can be transmitted to the control device or the internal determination device, provided to them or queried or logged by them. A “direct” measurement in this context is intended to mean that the axial position and / or axial displacement dL is measured directly at the tool tip or the specific part that forms the tool tip. An “indirect” measurement, on the other hand, may mean that a position, displacement, or similar measured variable is determined on another part and the axial position and / or axial displacement are inferred from this measurement. Furthermore, “axial position” in this context is understood as an absolute position of the tool tip, whereas “axial displacement dL” is understood as a relative change in position between two states. The explanations given above of the terminology “indirect” or “direct” measurement, “axial position,” and “axial displacement dL” are accordingly also to be applied generally in the context of all aspects of the invention in which a position measuring device is used accordingly.

[0054] In any case, adjusting devices according to this refinement can automatically detect a change in the axial position and thus automatically carry out further steps, as will be explained in more detail in the following sections. For example, the position measuring device can be used to automatically detect when the tool tip inserts or snaps into a drive profile of the adjusting element, therefore, when it comes correctly into operative connection with it. In addition, during the execution of a defined rotation of the control element, for the purpose of defined adjustment of the adjusting element, it is possible to monitor which axial stroke is thereby emphasized. If this does not correspond to an expected value, it follows that the thread via which the adjusting element is adjustable must have a different pitch than expected. It can therefore be concluded that, for example, a valve type was not selected correctly or that table values on the basis of which the angle information was previously determined are incorrect. The actually measured axial stroke can then be used to correct or adjust a determined angle information before further adjustment steps on the same valve or valve type. In exemplary variants of this refinement, in which the “axial position” can be measured absolutely, the adjusting device can moreover also be configured to automatically determine whether the tool tip is close to the distal end position or close to a proximal end position. The proximal end position is defined as an axial position of the tool tip from which it cannot move back any further as it has reached a rear stop and cannot be pushed any farther into the adjusting device. In the area of both end positions, an adjustment of the preload device can be made only to a limited extent, if necessary, because the tool tip may no longer be able to follow the adjusting element completely while the adjusting element is being adjusted, and it thus breaks the operative connection. The existence of this risk can be reliably detected if the position measuring device can measure the axial position and a warning message, for example, as an optical or acoustic signal, can then be issued.

[0055] The adjusting device comprises a torque measuring device which is designed to measure directly or indirectly and to provide a torque transmitted to the control element.

[0056] “Providing” in this context may mean, consistent with the definition introduced above, that the measured torque is made available to other components of the adjusting device electronically and / or using data technology, therefore, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal, or can be retrieved by such components. In particular, the measured torque can be transmitted to the control device, provided or queried or logged by it. A “direct” measurement of the torque here can be intended to mean that a torque sensor is integrated into the control element and detects a torque acting in the control element, in particular between a shaft and the tool tip. An “indirect” measurement, on the other hand, can be intended to mean that a torque or a related variable is measured at a different point. For example, a power consumption of an actuator of the drive can be monitored or a mechanical voltage between parts of a gear or between parts of the gear and parts of a bearing of the control element can be measured. The explanations, given above, of the terminology “indirect” or “direct” measurement are accordingly also to be applied generally in the context of all aspects of the invention in which a torque measuring device is used accordingly.

[0057] With the aid of the torque measuring device, the adjusting device can carry out even more automated steps: For example, it can be configured to monitor that a first torque limit value is not exceeded during rotation of the control element. If, for example, an angular position of the tool tip is to be determined at stops of a drive profile of the adjusting element in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the adjusting element should not be adjusted, however. The first torque limit value can then be selected so low that unintentional adjustment of the adjusting element can be ruled out. Furthermore, the adjusting device can be configured to detect when the adjusting element is blocked. To this end, for example, a second torque limit value D2 can be selected so high that it is only triggered in the event of blocking, but not in the event of a normal adjustment of the adjusting element. The adjusting device can thus be operated more safely and reliably.

[0058] The adjusting device can comprise an angle measuring device which is designed to measure directly or indirectly and to provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the control element. The measurement is referred to as “indirect” if it is not determined directly on the rotating part of the control element or the tool tip. Thus, for example, a motor that is part of the drive can comprise an angle gauge, wherein a change in the angle of an output of the motor must then be converted to a change in the angle of the control element, taking into account a transmission ratio of a thread possibly arranged between the motor and control element. Otherwise, the measurement is described as “direct.” This explanation of the terminology “indirect” or “direct” measurement is accordingly also to be applied generally in the context of all aspects of the invention in which a torque measuring device is used accordingly.

[0059] “Providing” in this context may mean, consistent with the definition introduced above, that the determined absolute angular position or the relative angular position change is made available to other components of the adjusting device electronically and / or using data technology, therefore, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a stored data record in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can be retrieved by such components. For example, the determined absolute angular position or relative angular position change can be transmitted to the control device, provided or queried or logged by it. With the aid of the angle measuring device, the control element can be rotated even more precisely by the control device through a defined angle of rotation and even more extensive automated methods can be realized using the adjusting device.

[0060] The adjusting device can be designed to be a component of a maintenance system according to the following second aspect of the invention, wherein all the examples of the adjusting device mentioned above can also be used accordingly in the context of the maintenance system.

[0061] The electronic elements and units, such as, for example, the control device, the torque measuring device, the position measuring device, the angle measuring device, the internal determination device, the interface device, the communication device, the operating device, and the power supply device, can all be realized as individual, stand-alone units. For example, each of these devices or units can comprise its own circuit board, its own microcontrollers, and other components. It is also possible in that multiple or even all of the aforementioned devices or units are combined in a common electronic assembly. It is also possible that the respective functions of individual devices or units of those mentioned are combined. For example, the function of the control device and the internal determination device can be carried out by a single electronic assembly or even a single microcontroller or process. As a result, increased added value can be achieved, the manufacturing costs of the adjusting device can be lowered, and the number of components can be reduced.

[0062] The adjusting device can be configured to carry out one or more of the methods according to the following third aspect of the invention, wherein the adjusting device then has at least all those features or components that are necessary for carrying out the respective method.

[0063] The examples of the adjusting device can be combined in particular with one another in any way, insofar as they are not logically mutually exclusive.

[0064] According to a second aspect of the invention, a maintenance system for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system comprises a sensor system, an operating device, and the adjusting device. Accordingly, all examples, definitions, and explanations explained in previous sections with respect to the first aspect of the invention are also applicable to corresponding elements, terms, and features from the following sections with respect to the second aspect of the invention.

[0065] The operating device can comprise, for example, a display and a number of operating elements (e.g., buttons or knobs) or a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screen). For example, it can be formed on a mobile device, such as, for example, a cell phone, a tablet, or on a digital manifold gauge.

[0066] The adjusting device can comprise at least one drive, a control element which can be rotated about an axis by the drive, a coupling device, a control device, and an interface device with a communication device. The coupling device can be designed to couple releasably to an adjusting connection of the expansion valve so that a tool tip of the control element comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device and a torque generated by the drive or a rotary movement triggered by the drive can be transmitted to the adjusting element via the control element.

[0067] The sensor system can comprise at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. The maintenance system is designed to measure at least the pressure and temperature at the outlet of the evaporator with the sensor system and to provide these as measurement information. Furthermore, the maintenance system is designed to receive and provide at least one piece of input information by an operator via the operating device.

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

[0069] If the maintenance system has the determination device, it is designed to determine and provide angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information with the device. In this case, the adjusting device is then configured to receive the angle information from the determination device by means of the communication device and in turn provide it within the adjusting device.

[0070] If the adjusting device comprises the internal determination device, it is configured to first receive the measurement information from the sensor system and the input information from the operating device by means of the communication device and to provide it within the adjusting device. Furthermore, it is configured to subsequently determine the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by means of the internal determination device and to provide it within the adjusting device.

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

[0072] In the context and at the level of the components of the adjusting device (therefore, e.g., interface device, communication device, operating device, control device, and internal determination device) and in consistency with the definition given in the sections relating to the first aspect of the invention, “providing,” in particular “providing within the adjusting device,” may mean that an item of information, here specifically the measurement information, input information, and / or angle information, is made available to the other components of the adjusting device electronically and / or using data technology, therefore, for example, as an analog or digital electronic signal or as a stored data record in a volatile or non-volatile memory, or can be retrieved by such components.

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

[0074] In any case, therefore, irrespective of whether the angle information is determined by the determination device of the maintenance system or by the internal determination device of the adjusting device, the adjusting device is configured to actuate the drive by means of the control device in such a way that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation, which is determined in direction and value by the angle information. For this purpose, the adjusting device can, for example, comprise an angle measuring device which is designed to measure directly or indirectly at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the control element and to provide it to the control device, for example, electronically and / or using data technology, so that the control device can use this angular position or relative angular position change as a control parameter. For example, however, the drive itself can also be designed to perform defined, discrete rotational steps, such as, for example, a stepper motor.

[0075] The actuation of the drive requires that the determination of the angle information by means of the defined determination rule actually shows that an adjustment of the adjusting element of the preload device is to be carried out. What has been explained in this respect in the sections with regard to the first aspect of the invention applies accordingly here to the defined determination rule, irrespective of whether the determination rule is used by the determination device at the level of the maintenance system or by the internal determination device at the level of the adjusting device.

[0076] An adjustment or optimization of the adjustment of the expansion valve's preload device can be carried out conveniently, reliably, and largely automatically with the aid of the maintenance system.

[0077] The maintenance system can comprise a display device which is configured to display a visualization of the angle information. The visualization comprises at least one display of an angle value and a direction of rotation, which are based on the angle information. The angle value can be displayed here in angular degrees (e.g., “90°”) or as a multiple or fraction of full revolutions (e.g., “one and a half revolutions”). The direction of rotation can be indicated in words (e.g., “clockwise,”“CW” for “clockwise”) or by pictograms.

[0078] Furthermore, the visualization can comprise an animation. In this case, at least one exemplary preload device and a tool that comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device can be shown or pictured. Furthermore, a rotational movement of the tool can be animated in particular, which is matched to the angle value and the direction of rotation, which are determined by the angle information.

[0079] In particular, the display device can be designed as a screen on a mobile device, such as, for example, a cell phone, a tablet, or on a digital manifold. Furthermore, the display device can be designed in particular as a touch screen and can be designed together with the operating device as one device or a part.

[0080] With the help of the visualization by the display device, an intended adjustment of the preload device can be clearly displayed for an operator. In particular, this enables the operators to manually adjust or move the adjusting element of the preload device themselves if they do not use the adjusting device or if it is not available or not functional. The visualization can therefore be used in this context as an animated work instruction.

[0081] The sensor system of the maintenance system can comprise a digital manifold. In this case, the pressure sensor of the sensor system is designed as an integrated pressure sensor of the digital manifold. Furthermore, the digital manifold can be connected by wire or wirelessly to the temperature sensor of the sensor system for the purpose of recording the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. As a central point, the digital manifold can therefore collect all measured values and provide them in summarized form as measurement information. Furthermore, the determination device and / or the operating device and / or the display device can be integrated into the digital manifold. In particular, the determination device, the operating device, and the display device can all be integrated into the digital manifold.

[0082] This integration into the digital manifold achieves a high level of operating convenience, simple handling, and high functionality. The digital manifold is designed in particular as a digital manifold gauge.

[0083] The maintenance system can be designed to perform one or more of the methods according to the following fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the maintenance system then has at least all those features or components that are necessary for carrying out the respective method.

[0084] The examples of the maintenance system mentioned in the foregoing can be combined in particular with one another in any way, insofar as they are not logically mutually exclusive.

[0085] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system, which is carried out with the aid of an adjusting device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprises the following steps:

[0086] Step A) Coupling a coupling device of the adjusting device to an adjusting connection of the expansion valve, so that a tool tip of a control element of the adjusting device comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device, and

[0087] Step B) Providing measurement information and input information and / or angle information by an interface device of the adjusting device, wherein step B is performed after, simultaneously with, or before step A, and

[0088] Step B′) If no angle information is provided in step B, determining the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by an internal determination device of the adjusting device by means of a defined determination rule, and

[0089] Step C) If the angle information contains an angle value not equal to zero, actuating a drive of the adjusting device by a control device of the adjusting device, so that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation, which is determined in direction and value by the angle information, wherein step C is carried out after steps A, B, and B′ have been completed.

[0090] As mentioned at the beginning, in this method, as well as in the following examples thereof, an adjusting device is used according to the first aspect of the invention, or one of the examples thereof (insofar as this or these have all the parts or components required in the respective method). Accordingly, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations explained in relation to the first aspect of the invention in the previous sections are also transferable to corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations from the sections relating to the second aspect of the invention and examples thereof. Accordingly, reference is made, for example, with regard to the terminology “coming into an operative connection,”“providing,”“actuating,” etc., to the previous explanations of corresponding terms, parts, and features of the first aspect of the invention, its examples, and refinements.

[0091] The determination of the angle information by the internal determination device in step B′ can be carried out entirely within the adjusting device, therefore, by components of the adjusting device, such as, for example, a microcontroller. Alternatively, however, in step B′, the internal determination device can also establish a connection to an external unit, for example, an external determination device or a cloud application, transmit the measurement information and input information to this external unit, and receive back and then provide angle information determined by the external unit. The exchange of measurement information, input information, and angle information with the external unit can take place in particular via a communication device of the interface device, which communication device is described in more detail in the following example of the method.

[0092] The method significantly simplifies and automates the adjustment of a thermostatic expansion valve, so that it can be carried out reliably and quickly. Furthermore, the advantages and improvements attributed to the adjusting device in the previous sections can also be transferred to or realized by the method by using the adjusting device in this method.

[0093] In an example, at least one of the following substeps B1 or B2 is carried out in step B for the purpose of providing the measurement information, input information, and / or angle information:

[0094] Step B1) Receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an external unit by a communication device of the interface device, and / or

[0095] Step B2) Receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information by an operator via an operating device of the interface device.

[0096] In this regard, it can be provided in particular in step B1 that the measurement information is received by a sensor system and that the input information is received by an operating device. The sensor system, the operating device, and the adjusting device can in particular be part of a maintenance system.

[0097] The adjusting device can comprise a torque measuring device, which is designed to measure directly or indirectly and to provide a torque transmitted to the control element, and an angle measuring device, which is designed to measure directly or indirectly and to provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the control element. In step A, after the coupling device has been coupled to the adjusting connection and the tool tip has come into operative connection with the adjusting element, the following additional substeps are carried out:

[0098] Step A1) Actuating the drive so that the control element rotates in a first direction of rotation until a first torque limit value is exceeded, and detecting and providing a first angular position W1, which the control element assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position and / or as a zero position for a detection, following in step A2, of a relative angular position change, and then

[0099] Step A2) Actuating the drive so that the control element rotates opposite to a first direction of rotation until a first torque limit value is exceeded, and

[0100] detecting and providing a second angular position W2, which the control element (1020) assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position, and / or detecting and providing the relative angular position change between the zero position and the second angular position W2 as an angular position change dW.

[0101] The respective actuation of the drive takes place in each of the aforementioned steps by the control device, which is configured especially for this purpose in accordance with the explanations of the first aspect of the invention.

[0102] The aim of this example is to determine the position of the tool tip within a drive profile of the adjusting element so that any play between the drive profile of the adjusting element and the profile of the tool tip can be detected and taken into account. During the execution of this example of the method, however, the adjusting element should not yet be rotated, that is, moved. Therefore, a torque transmitted to the control element is measured using the torque measuring device, in particular continuously monitored. This may mean that the applied or acting torque is measured continuously or continuously periodically and at least provided to the control device. The first torque limit value is set so that it is immediately exceeded if edges, tips, surfaces, or corners of the tool tip collide with corners, edges, tips, or surfaces of the drive profile of the adjusting element during rotation in one direction. The rotation of the control element is then aborted immediately and an unintentional moving of the adjusting element can be effectively prevented.

[0103] In steps A1 and A2, “at this moment” refers to the time at which the first torque limit value is exceeded and the rotational movement is stopped.

[0104] If the angle measuring device is designed to measure absolute angular positions (therefore, for example, specific angular positions such as 45.3° or 271.5°), the first angular position W1 and the second angular position W2 are each measured absolutely and provided accordingly, in particular stored, as absolute angular positions. At the same time, a relative change in angular position between the two angular positions W1 and W2 can also be determined, even if this is not necessary for the following steps.

[0105] However, if the angle measuring device is only designed to measure a relative angular position change of the control element, the first angular position W1 from step A1 is used as the zero position and a relative angular position change between this zero position (therefore, between the first angular position W1) and the second angular position W2 is then measured and provided, in particular stored, in step A2.

[0106] If the first torque limit value is exceeded in both steps A1 and A2, the first angular position W1 and the second angular position W2 are then either known due to the absolute angular position and can be adjusted again at any time, or at least one relative angular position change dW between the two angular positions is known in value and direction and the control element can consequently be moved back from the second angular position W2 to the first angular position W1 and vice versa at any time, as long as the control element does not carry out any further rotational movements for which the angular position changes achieved are not known. For this reason, in a final step before the rotation determined by the angle information is carried out in step C, one of the following steps is carried out:

[0107] Step A3) If the angle information determines a rotation in the first direction of rotation, actuating the drive (1010) so that the control element (1020) assumes the first angular position W1, and

[0108] Step A4) If the angle information determines a rotation opposite to the first direction, actuating the drive (1010) so that the control element (1020) assumes the second angular position W2.

[0109] However, if in one of the steps A1 or A2 a rotation by an angle value of 360° is carried out without the first torque limit value being exceeded, it is provided that the method is aborted. This is because it is likely that the core part of step A has not been completed at all; therefore, the tool tip has not come into operative connection with the adjusting element. This can occur, for example, if an axis of rotation of the control element was inadvertently not aligned concentrically with the adjusting element, so that the tool tip does not engage in the drive profile of the adjusting element. In this case, the method is aborted completely and an operator of the adjusting device can be notified of the error, for example, via an acoustic or visual signal.

[0110] It can be achieved with this example that in step C of the method, the rotation determined by the angle information in direction and angle value is completely executed without the angle value being falsified by a possible play between the drive profile of the adjusting element and the profile of the tool tip. In this way, a particularly precise adjustment of the adjusting element can be achieved.

[0111] The tool tip can be directly or indirectly displaceably mounted and the control element has a preload element which preloads the tool tip directly or indirectly into a distal end position. Furthermore, the adjusting device comprises a torque measuring device, which is designed to measure directly or indirectly a torque transmitted to the control element and to provide it to the control device, and a position measuring device, which is designed to measure directly or indirectly an axial position and / or a displacement of the tool tip and to provide it to the control device. In each case in step A, after the coupling device is coupled to the adjusting connection and the tool tip has come into operative connection with the adjusting element, and before the optionally also provided steps A1 to A4 from the previous example are carried out, the following additional substeps are carried out:

[0112] Step A01) Actuating the drive so that the control element rotates in a first direction of rotation until the first torque limit value is exceeded or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip or a rotation through a defined angle value is performed, and then

[0113] Step A02) If no displacement of the tool tip is detected in step A01 and the first torque limit value is not exceeded, actuating the drive so that the control element rotates opposite to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit value is exceeded or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip or a rotation through the defined angle value is performed.

[0114] The respective actuation of the drive takes place in each of the aforementioned steps by the control device, which is configured especially for this purpose in accordance with the explanations of the first aspect of the invention.

[0115] The aim of this example is to check whether in step A the tool tip has correctly come into operative connection with the adjusting element, therefore, whether a profile of the tool tip engages in a drive profile of the adjusting element, and / or to bring about the operative connection. During the execution of this example of the method, however, the adjusting element should not yet be rotated, that is, moved. Therefore, a torque transmitted to the control element is measured using the torque measuring device, in particular continuously monitored. This may mean that the applied or acting torque is measured continuously or continuously periodically and at least provided to the control device. The first torque limit value is set so that it is immediately exceeded if edges, tips, surfaces, or corners of the tool tip collide with corners, edges, tips, or surfaces of the drive profile of the adjusting element during rotation in one direction. The rotation of the control element is then aborted immediately and an unintentional movement of the adjusting element can be effectively prevented. In particular, the torque measuring device may be the same one which was used in the previous example.

[0116] Furthermore, during the execution of this example of the method, an axial position and / or a shifting of the tool tip can be measured by means of the position measuring device and, in particular, continuously monitored (for example, continuously or continuously periodically measured). As a result, it can be determined if the tool tip snaps into or enters the drive profile of the adjusting element during the rotation. The rotation of the control element is then aborted immediately and an unintentional movement of the adjusting element can be effectively prevented.

[0117] Furthermore, steps A01 and A02 are each aborted if during the rotation by an angle value in the respective direction of rotation, neither the first torque limit value is exceeded nor a shifting of the tool tip is measured. Actually, it cannot then be determined that the tool tip is already in operative connection with the adjusting element and the operative connection cannot be established by the rotation. In this case, the method is aborted completely and an operator of the adjusting device can be notified of the error, for example, via an acoustic or visual signal.

[0118] To monitor or detect the angle value completed with a respective rotation, the adjusting device can, for example, comprise an angle measuring device as explained in the previous example. Alternatively, however, the drive itself can also be designed to perform defined, discrete rotational steps, such as, for example, a stepper motor. In this case, the defined angle value is preferably set at 360°, so that a full rotation is carried out in both directions of rotation and non-rotationally symmetrical drive profiles should therefore lie on top of one another in a fitting manner at least once and can come into operative connection. However, if the existing drive profile of the adjusting element has a rotational symmetry about a given angle, the defined angle value can also be set to this given angle. As a result, this example of the method can be carried out quickly.

[0119] With this exemplary design, the correct completion of step A, therefore, the occurrence of an operative connection between the tool tip and the adjusting element, can be checked and, if necessary, brought about before further method steps are carried out. As a result, the method becomes more reliable overall and the automation can be increased.

[0120] In an example of the method, the following steps can be carried out after completion of step C:

[0121] Step D) Waiting for a period of time, and

[0122] Step E) Repeating the method steps starting from step B after completion of step D.

[0123] By waiting for a period of time in step D, the HVAC system is given an opportunity to reach a new state of equilibrium after the change in the adjustment of the preload device made in step C. In this regard, the time period can correspond to a predefined, constant value, for example, 7 to 15 minutes, or the length of the time period can be calculated and set using a calculation formula based on the angle information or the measurement information and input information from step B and / or B′. Thus, the time period can be set very easily and quickly.

[0124] However, the following substeps in particular can also be carried out in step D and a dynamically adapted time period can be used instead of a statically defined one:

[0125] Step D1) Providing initial measurement information, and

[0126] Step D2) Waiting for a first period of time Z1, and

[0127] Step D3) Providing second measurement information, and

[0128] Step D4) If the second measurement information substantially agrees with the first measurement information, continuing with step E, otherwise repeating the steps starting from step D2.

[0129] The time period therefore results from the product of the first period of time Z1 and the number of runs in which step D4 was reached. The time period Z1 can be one minute, for example. By comparing the first measurement information and the second measurement information in each run, it is checked whether the HVAC system is again in a state of equilibrium. If the first and second measurement information “agree substantially,” may mean that the measurement information only differs to an extent that corresponds to a fluctuation that, according to experience, can be expected in a state of equilibrium. In particular, the first and second measurement information can comprise the same measured variables or parameters that are also included in the measurement information used to determine the angle information in step B′, for example. However, there may also be other measured variables or parameters which are suitable for making it possible to determine whether the HVAC system has reached a state of equilibrium through sufficient value stability.

[0130] A new adjusting loop is started by running through the method again, as provided in step E, starting from step B. Regardless of whether the adjusting device is then provided with new, further angle information directly by the interface device in the restarted step B or not, the new loop run may mean that new, further measurement information must be determined in order to determine the new HVAC system equilibrium state, which is influenced by the new adjustment of the adjusting element made during the previous run of step C. For example, the new, additional measurement information can be used to calculate a new superheating and to reassess whether the preload device is optimally adjusted. If this is not the case, which is then reflected in new, further angle information, which is either provided directly in step B or determined by the internal determination device in step B′, the adjustment of the adjusting element is changed again and an adjustment of the preload device can be further optimized.

[0131] In principle, any number of optimization loops can be performed automatically, and thus a very precise optimization of the thermostatic expansion valve adjustment can be achieved with little effort on the part of the operator of the adjusting device.

[0132] The respective method steps of the method and examples thereof according to the third aspect of the invention (for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system with the aid of an adjusting device) can alternatively also be regarded as process steps of applications of an adjusting device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0133] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system, which is carried out using a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, comprises the following steps:

[0134] Step A) Coupling a coupling device of an adjusting device of the maintenance system to an adjusting connection of the expansion valve, so that a tool tip of a control element of the adjusting device comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device,

[0135] Step B) Receiving and providing input information by an operator via an operating device of the maintenance system, wherein the input information comprises at least one valve type of the expansion valve, a refrigerant type, and a target temperature, and wherein step B occurs after, simultaneously with, or before step A, and

[0136] Step C) Connecting at least one pressure sensor of a sensor system of the maintenance system and one temperature sensor of the sensor system to an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system, wherein step C occurs after, simultaneously with, or before step A and step B, and

[0137] Step D) Measuring at least one saturation vapor pressure with the pressure sensor and an evaporator outlet temperature with the temperature sensor and providing at least these measured values as measurement information via the sensor system, wherein step D occurs after step C.

[0138] If the adjusting device used in this method has an internal determination device, the following steps E1 to E3 are carried out successively after steps A to D:

[0139] Step E1) Receiving and providing the measurement information and the input information by means of a communication device of an interface device of the adjusting device, and

[0140] Step E2) Determining angle information on the basis of the measurement information and input information by the internal determination device by means of a defined determination rule, and

[0141] Step E3) Providing the angle information.

[0142] If the maintenance system used in this method has a determination device, the following steps E4 to E6 are alternatively carried out successively after steps A to D:

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

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

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

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

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

[0148] As mentioned above, in this method, as well as in the following examples thereof, a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, or one of the examples or refinements thereof, is used (insofar as this or these have all the parts or components required in the respective method). The maintenance system again comprises an adjusting device according to the first aspect of the invention or one of the examples or refinements thereof. Accordingly, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations explained in relation to the first or second aspect of the invention in the previous sections are also transferable to corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations from the sections relating to the fourth aspect of the invention and examples thereof. Accordingly, reference is made, for example, with regard to the terminology “coming into an operative connection,”“providing,”“actuating,” etc., to the previous explanations of corresponding terms, parts, and features of the first or second aspect of the invention, their examples, and refinements.

[0149] An optimization of the adjusting of a preload device of a thermostatic expansion valve is largely automated by the method and carried out reliably and precisely. By combining elements from the first three aspects of the invention, they can work together advantageously in this aspect.

[0150] In an example of the method, the following steps are carried out after completion of step F:

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

[0152] Step H) Repeating the method steps starting from step D.

[0153] This example serves the purpose of initiating a new optimization loop after the HVAC system has had an opportunity to reach a new equilibrium state. Thus, the adjustment of the preload device can be improved even further. This example is thus equivalent to the corresponding example of the method according to the third aspect of the invention. The explanations made with regard to the corresponding example of the third aspect are also to be applied accordingly to this example.

[0154] Thus, here as well, the time period can correspond to a predefined, constant value, for example, 7 to 15 minutes, or the length of the time period can be calculated and set using a calculation formula based on the angle information from one of steps E3 or E6, or using the measurement information from step D and the input information from step B. Thus, the time period can be set very easily and quickly.

[0155] Alternatively, however, a dynamically adapted time period can also be used here by carrying out in particular the following substeps in step G:

[0156] Step G1) Providing initial measurement information by the sensor system, and

[0157] Step G2) Waiting for a first period of time Z1, and

[0158] Step G3) Providing second measurement information by the sensor system, and

[0159] Step G4) If the second measurement information substantially agrees with the first measurement information, continuing with step H, otherwise repeating the steps starting from step D2).

[0160] Any number of optimization loops can be performed automatically due to this example, and thus a very precise optimization of the thermostatic expansion valve adjustment can be achieved with little effort on the part of the operator of the maintenance system.

[0161] The respective method steps of the method and examples thereof according to the fourth aspect of the invention (for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system with the aid of a maintenance system) can alternatively also be regarded as process steps of applications of a maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0162] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a maintenance system for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system comprises at least one sensor system, a determination device, an operating device, and a display device.

[0163] The maintenance system is designed to record and provide at least one piece of measurement information with the sensor system and to receive and provide at least one piece of input information by an operator via the operating device. Furthermore, the maintenance system is designed to determine angle information with the determination device on the basis of the measurement information and the input information and to display a visualization of the angle information with the display device.

[0164] In an example of the maintenance system, the visualization can comprise at least one display of an angle value and a direction of rotation, which are based on the angle information. The angle value can be displayed here in degrees (e.g., “90°”) or as a multiple or fraction of full revolutions (e.g., “one and a half revolutions”). The direction of rotation can be indicated in words (e.g., “clockwise,”“CW” for “clockwise”) or by pictograms.

[0165] Furthermore, the visualization in this example can comprise an animation. In this case, at least one exemplary preload device and a tool that comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device can be shown or pictured. Furthermore, a rotational movement of the tool can be animated in particular, which is matched to the angle value and the direction of rotation, which are determined by the angle information.

[0166] In particular, the display device can be designed as a screen on a mobile device, such as, for example, a cell phone, a tablet, or on a digital manifold. Furthermore, the display device can be designed in particular as a touch screen and can be designed together with the operating device as one device or a part.

[0167] With the help of the visualization by the display device, an intended adjustment of the preload device can be clearly displayed for an operator. In particular, this enables the operator to manually adjust or move the adjusting element of the preload device. The visualization can therefore be used in this context as an animated work instruction.

[0168] In an example, the sensor system can comprise at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. In this way, a saturation vapor pressure can be measured with the pressure sensor and an evaporator outlet temperature with the temperature sensor, so that the overheating of the HVAC system can be determined. As already explained in previous sections, superheating can be used to assess whether a thermostatic expansion valve is optimally adjusted. In this example, the superheating can therefore be used to reliably determine the angle information.

[0169] The sensor system of the maintenance system can comprise a digital manifold. The digital manifold has at least one integrated pressure sensor, which can be used as a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure at the outlet of the evaporator of the HVAC system, for example, in conjunction with the above-mentioned example. Furthermore, the digital manifold can be connected by wire or wirelessly to a temperature sensor of the sensor system, in particular for the purpose of recording the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator. As a central point, the digital manifold can therefore collect all measured values and provide them in summarized form as measurement information. Furthermore, the determination device and / or the operating device and / or the display device can be integrated into the digital manifold. In particular, the determination device, the operating device, and the display device can all be integrated into the digital manifold.

[0170] This integration into the digital manifold achieves a high level of operating convenience, simple handling, and high functionality. The digital manifold is designed in particular as a digital manifold gauge.

[0171] The maintenance system can be designed to perform one or more of the methods according to the following fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the maintenance system then has at least all those features or components that are necessary for carrying out the respective method.

[0172] The examples and refinements of the maintenance system mentioned in the foregoing can be combined in particular with one another in any way, insofar as they are not logically mutually exclusive.

[0173] The maintenance system according to this aspect of the invention substantially corresponds to an example of the maintenance system according to the second aspect of the invention, with the difference that it does not have an adjusting device according to this aspect. An adjustment to the preload device of the thermostatic expansion valve must therefore be made manually herein, for example, with a screwdriver or other suitable tool by an operator of the maintenance system. Nevertheless, all examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations explained in the previous sections in relation to the second aspect of the invention can also be transferred to corresponding examples, definitions, terms, features, elements, and explanations from the sections relating to the fifth aspect of the invention and examples thereof.

[0174] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0175] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

[0176] FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary thermostatic expansion valve in a cross section;

[0177] FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary maintenance system;

[0178] FIG. 3 schematically shows an exemplary adjusting device in a cross section;

[0179] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary adjusting device in a cross section;

[0180] FIG. 5 schematically shows an exemplary control element in a cross section;

[0181] FIG. 6 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device in a cross section;

[0182] FIG. 7 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device in a cross section;

[0183] FIG. 8 schematically shows an exemplary coupling attachment in a side view;

[0184] FIG. 9 schematically shows the coupling attachment from FIG. 8 in a cross section through the plane IX indicated in FIG. 8;

[0185] FIG. 10 schematically shows the coupling attachment from FIG. 8 in a cross section through the plane X indicated in FIG. 8;

[0186] FIG. 11 schematically shows the coupling attachment from FIG. 8 in a cross section through the plane XI indicated in FIG. 8;

[0187] FIG. 12 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device in a cross section;

[0188] FIG. 13 schematically shows an exemplary adjusting device in a perspective view;

[0189] FIG. 14 schematically shows the adjusting device from FIG. 13 in a side view;

[0190] FIG. 15 schematically shows an exemplary adjusting device in a side view;

[0191] FIG. 16 schematically shows an exemplary adjusting element and an exemplary tool tip in different angular positions in relation to each other;

[0192] FIG. 17 schematically shows an exemplary adjusting element and an exemplary tool tip in different positions in relation to each other;

[0193] FIG. 18 schematically shows an exemplary control element and an exemplary drive;

[0194] FIG. 19 schematically shows an exemplary maintenance system;

[0195] FIG. 20 schematically shows an exemplary measuring system;

[0196] FIG. 21 schematically shows an exemplary maintenance system;

[0197] FIG. 22 schematically shows an exemplary visualization;

[0198] FIG. 23 schematically shows an exemplary visualization;

[0199] FIG. 24 schematically shows an exemplary visualization; and

[0200] FIG. 25 schematically shows an exemplary visualization.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0201] FIG. 1 schematically shows a thermostatic expansion valve 2000 in a cross section. It has an inlet connection 2022 via which it can be connected to a condenser 8030 and supplied with a refrigerant. An output connection 2023 can in turn be connected to an evaporator 8010, to which the refrigerant can be delivered. A valve orifice 2025 is arranged between connections 2022 and 2023 and a valve tappet 2024 can be moved within the thermostatic expansion valve 2000 in such a way that a refrigerant flow through valve orifice 2025 is either released or shut off by a sealing engagement of valve tappet 2024 in valve orifice 2025. The movement of valve tappet 2024 is controlled, on the one hand, by a membrane 2026, the bottom side of which is subjected to the refrigerant pressure present at outlet connection 2023, and the upper side of which is subjected to a pressure transmission fluid, which is connected to a temperature sensor 2027 via a capillary line 2028. Temperature sensor 2027 is in thermal contact with evaporator 8010. If the temperature at evaporator 8010 rises, the pressure transmission fluid in temperature sensor 2027 heats up, expands as a result of the heating, and exerts a higher pressure on the top side of membrane 2026. From a certain temperature of evaporator 8010, the membrane is pressed downwards thereby, against the refrigerant pressure on its bottom side, and valve tappet 2024 releases the refrigerant flow through valve orifice 2025. This in turn can lead to a reduction in the temperature in evaporator 8010, so that the pressure on the top side of the membrane decreases again. The ratio of refrigerant pressure to evaporator temperature, at which the refrigerant flow is released, can also be manipulated via a preload device 2020, which exerts a compressive force on the membrane via a spiral spring. The preload force of preload device 2020 is adjusted via an adjusting element 2021, the position of which can be changed by screwing in or out via an adjusting connection 2010 using a tool.

[0202] With the aid of an adjusting device 1000 according to the first aspect of the invention and / or examples and refinements thereof, which are described in the preceding summary of the invention, the adjustment of adjusting element 2021 can be automated and facilitated, and moreover an adjustment can be made very precisely and reliably.

[0203] FIGS. 3 to 18 each show examples of adjusting device 1000 or examples of parts or components of adjusting device 1000.

[0204] Adjusting device 1000 comprises a drive 1010, a control element 1020, a coupling device 1030, and a control device 1040. Control element 1020 can be rotated about an axis 1021 by drive 1010. Coupling device 1030 is designed to couple releasably to adjusting connection 2010 of expansion valve 2000, so that a tool tip 1022 of control element 1020 comes into operative connection with adjusting element 2021 of preload device 2020 and a torque generated by drive 1010 or a rotary movement triggered by drive 1010 can be transmitted to adjusting element 2021 via control element 1020.

[0205] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3, 4, and 18 using various examples of adjusting device 1000, drive 1010 can comprise an actuator 1011, for example, an electric motor, a stepper motor or a servomotor, and a gear 1012. A torque or a rotary movement can be transmitted by means of the gear from actuator 1011 to control element 1020. Gear 1012 can have, for example, a planetary gear, as shown schematically in FIG. 18. Control element 1020 comprises a shaft 1029, which is mounted in one or more bearings 1028. So that the torque or the rotary movement can be effectively and completely transmitted from actuator 1011 by means of gear 1012 to control element 1020 and from control element 1020 by means of an operative connection through tool tip 1022 finally to adjusting element 2021, at least drive 1010, in particular specifically gear 1012 or a frame thereof, and also coupling device 1030 must both be rigidly held and / or fastened relative to the bearing or bearings 1028.

[0206] For this purpose, adjusting device 1000 can have a housing 1070, which protects its components and parts from environmental influences and damage and at the same time fixes drive 1010, bearing 1028, and coupling device 1030 in the necessary rigid position relative to one another. As shown as an example in FIGS. 3 and 4, a tool housing part 1071 can be provided here, which accommodates control element 1020 at least partially, and a drive housing part 1072, which accommodates drive 1010 at least partially.

[0207] If tool housing part 1071 and drive housing part 1072 are attached to each other and aligned in such a way that an imaginary connecting line 1073 between centers of gravity of the two housing parts, as shown schematically in FIG. 15, intersects with axis 1021 at an angle between 45° and 90°, a particularly compact, handy design can be achieved. As shown as an example in FIGS. 4 and 18, gear 1012 can comprise a bevel gear 1012′, so that a torque generated by actuator 1011 or a rotary movement generated by actuator 1011 can also be transmitted to control element 1020 in such a design.

[0208] In order to be able to come into an operative connection with different screw drive profiles that can be provided on adjusting element 2021, control element 1020 can have a bit holder 1023 and a bit 1024 arranged interchangeably therein, which forms tool tip 1022. In FIG. 3, bit 1024 is held in a fixed position within bit holder 1023 and bit holder 1023 is mounted so as to be axially displaceable relative to shaft 1029. In this case, a preload element 1025 exerts a force on an element rigidly connected to bit holder 1023, so that bit holder 1023, and bit 1024 accommodated in it, are preloaded in a distal end position 1026 in the absence of a counterforce. Due to the axial displaceability, tool tip 1022, therefore, for example, bit 1024, during the movement of adjusting element 2021 can follow it in its axial displacement; it can be ensured due to preload element 1025 that tool tip 1022 is always pressed against adjusting element 2021 and that the active connection does not break.

[0209] FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of control element 1020, which differs in particular from that in FIG. 4 in that bit holder 1023 is integrated directly into shaft 1029 and cannot be displaced relative to it. Only bit 1024 is mounted axially displaceably within bit holder 1023.

[0210] The example of the control element 1020 shown in FIG. 18 is similar to that shown in FIG. 5. Two different bits 1024 are shown here, which can be inserted interchangeably into bit holder 1023. Bit holder 1023 also has a window on the side with a millimeter scale. The axial position of bit 1024 can be read directly in this way.

[0211] The coupling device 1030 can be designed so that it can be coupled to various types of adjusting connections. FIGS. 6 to 14 show various examples of coupling device 1030, which can fulfill this feature.

[0212] FIG. 6 schematically shows an exemplary coupling device 1030, which has a chuck 1038. In the half of the image above axle 1021, chuck 1038 is not tightened and a clamping ring 1038′ provided therein is relaxed. In the half of the image below axle 1021, however, chuck 1038 is tightened, which axially compresses clamping ring 1038′. The axial compression reduces the inside diameter of clamping ring 1038′. In this way, an adjusting connection 2010, which was inserted into chuck 1038 when it was not tightened, can be gripped and a coupling between adjusting device 1000 and adjusting connection 2010 can be established.

[0213] The coupling device 1030 can have an attachment coupling 1031 to which a coupling attachment 1032 can be interchangeably connected. FIG. 7 schematically shows such an example, wherein the coupling attachment 1032 is designed here as a union nut, which can be screwed with an internal thread 1037 onto a thread provided on adjusting connection 2010. Attachment coupling 1031 comprises a collar 1033 and a contact surface 1034 on the front side, i.e., facing adjusting connection 2010. The contact surface is configured to be pressed against the union nut on adjusting connection 2010 when it is tightened, so that a rigid coupling of adjusting device 1000 to adjusting connection 2010 is made possible. Furthermore, coupling attachment 1032 designed as a union nut comprises a lateral slot 1035, thanks to which it can be removed laterally from attachment coupling 1031, in particular without the need for a tool. Slot 1035 also has a guide groove 1036, which is designed to grip around collar 1033. As a result, the union nut cannot slip on the attachment coupling.

[0214] FIGS. 8 to 11 show an example of coupling attachment 1032 from FIG. 7, which is designed as a union nut, in various views: in FIG. 8 in a side view with a viewing direction perpendicular to lateral slot 1035, in FIG. 9 in a cross section through the sectional plane IX shown in FIG. 8, in FIG. 10 in a cross section through the sectional plane X shown in FIG. 8, and in FIG. 11 in a cross section through the sectional plane XI shown in FIG. 8. An appropriately designed coupling attachment 1032 can be manufactured easily and cost-effectively for many different thread types and sizes and can be flexibly connected to adjusting device 1000.

[0215] The coupling device 1030 can also comprise a locking clamp 1039′, by means of which adjusting connection 2010 can be gripped and held rigidly relative to the adjusting device. For example, locking clamp 1039′ is connected to housing 1070 of adjusting device 1000 by an arm 1039. FIGS. 12 to 14 schematically show a corresponding design. Locking clamp 1039′ comprises two clamping jaws, which can be moved against each other via a screw. As shown in the figures, the screw can have external threads with different directions of rotation along an upper and a lower screw section so that the clamping jaws can be moved uniformly towards and away from each other. Locking clamp 1039′ can be held and positioned by arm 1039 in such a way that an adjusting connection 2010 gripped by it is always aligned concentrically with axis 1021 of control element 1020.

[0216] According to the invention, control device 1040 of adjusting device 1000 is configured to actuate drive 1010, i.e., for example, to control, monitor, trigger, or regulate it in such a way that control element 1020 rotates through a defined angle of rotation.

[0217] Moreover, adjusting device 1000 can have further mainly electronic elements, such as, for example, a torque measuring device 1013, a position measuring device 1027, an angle measuring device 1027′, an interface device 1050, which can comprise a communication device 1051 and / or an operating device 1052, an internal determination device 1041, and a power supply device. With regard to the respective purpose and the respective function of these elements, reference is made at this point to the corresponding explanations in the preceding summary of the invention. The elements are drawn schematically simplified as two functional blocks with dashed frame lines in FIG. 4. In particular, they can be advantageously used in the context of various methods explained in the context of the third and fourth aspect of the invention in the summary of the invention to facilitate, automate, and make more reliable the adjustment of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000 using adjusting device 1000.

[0218] In an example of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, for which an adjusting device 1000 with a torque measuring device 1013 and an angle measuring device 1027′ is required, a position of tool tip 1022 within a drive profile of adjusting element 2021 is determined, so that an optionally present play between the drive profile of adjusting element 2021 and the profile of tool tip 1022 can be detected and taken into account in subsequent rotation steps. FIG. 16 shows a schematic example of the steps A1 and A2 involved in this method:

[0219] Here, the drive profile is designed as a slot and tool tip 1022 has a profile of a matching slotted screwdriver head. In the left part of the figure, tool tip 1022 engages in the drive profile of adjusting element 2021, but it can be seen that there is a certain amount of play between the edges of the drive profile and the side surfaces of tool tip 1022. In step A1, the control element is turned in a first direction, in this case clockwise. In the central part of the figure, it can be seen that the corners of tool tip 1022 abut the edges of the drive profile of adjusting element 2021. Therefore, a first torque limit value is exceeded, which is measured by torque measuring device 1013. The rotary movement of control element 1020 is stopped and the current angular position can be detected as the first angular position W1. In step A2, control element 1020 is then rotated in the opposite direction until the corners of tool tip 1022 collide again with the edges of adjusting element 2021. In this case, second angular position W2 is detected, or at least one change in the angular position dW between the two angular positions, as indicated in the right-hand part of the figure.

[0220] In an example of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, for which an adjusting device 1000 with a torque measuring device 1013, a position measuring device 1027, and an axially displaceably mounted tool tip 1022, which is preloaded in a distal end position 1026 by a preload element 1025, is necessary, a check is made as to whether tool tip 1022 has correctly come into operative connection with the adjusting element 2021, therefore, a profile of tool tip 1022 engages in a drive profile of adjusting element 2021, and / or an attempt is made to bring about the operative connection. FIG. 17 shows a schematic example of one of the steps A01 or A02 covered by this method:

[0221] Here, the drive profile is again designed as a slot and tool tip 1022 again has the profile of a matching slotted screwdriver head. In the left part of the figure, tool tip 1022 does not engage in the drive profile of adjusting element 2021, so that there is no operative connection between the two parts. In a step A01 or A02, control element 1020 is rotated so that the profiles lie on top of one another in a fitting manner and tool tip 1022 can snap into the drive profile of adjusting element 2021. Any resulting axial displacement dL of the tool head can be detected by means of the position measuring device.

[0222] With the aid of a maintenance system 7000 according to the second aspect of the invention and / or its examples and refinements described in the preceding summary of the invention, the adjustment of adjusting element 2021 can be automated and facilitated; moreover, an adjustment can be made very precisely and reliably.

[0223] FIGS. 2 and 19 each show examples of maintenance system 7000.

[0224] Maintenance system 7000 comprises an adjusting device 1000 according to the first aspect of the invention, a sensor system 7010, a determination device 7020, an operating device 7030, and a display device 7040.

[0225] An exemplary configuration of maintenance system 7000 is schematically shown in FIG. 2 when it is used to optimize the adjustment of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000. Thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is part of an HVAC system 8000, which also has an evaporator 8010, a compressor 8020, and a condenser 8030. Adjusting device 1000 is connected to adjusting connection 2010 of thermostatic expansion valve 2000 and tool tip 1022 is in operative connection with adjusting element 2021. With the aid of communication device 1051, adjusting device 1000 is in wireless communication with sensor system 7010, which is represented pictographically by simplified wave rings. Sensor system 7010 comprises a temperature sensor 7012 designed as a temperature clamp, which is mounted in the area of the output of evaporator 8010 in order to measure an evaporator output temperature there. Furthermore, sensor system 7010 comprises an digital manifold 7013, which has an internal pressure sensor 7011′. This is connected to the outlet of evaporator 8010 via a refrigerant hose in order to measure the saturation vapor pressure or suction pressure. Operating device 7030 is likewise integrated into digital manifold 7013 in the form of operating elements, as is display device 7040 in the form of a display. The measured data from sensors 7012 and 7011′ can be used in conjunction with other data, such as the type of refrigerant used, which can be received by an operator via operating device 7030, to calculate the overheating of the HVAC system. In conjunction with further information, which together form the input information, determination device 7020, which is likewise integrated into digital manifold 7013, can determine whether preload device 2020 of thermostatic expansion valve 2000 is already optimally adjusted or whether the adjustment should be changed. The result of this determination is then provided wirelessly to adjusting device 1000, in particular as angle information, so that adjusting device 1000 can automatically make an optional adjustment of adjusting element 2021.

[0226] FIG. 19 shows an example of maintenance system 7000. In this case, a further example of an digital manifold 7013 is provided, in which sensor system 7010, determination device 7020, operating device 7030, and display device 7040 are integrated. Furthermore, an external unit 6000, shown here in the form of a mobile telephone, is provided, which can also comprise a determination device 7020, operating device 7030, and display device 7040. External unit 6000, digital manifold 7013, and adjusting device 1000 are in wireless contact with each other via radio links and can exchange various data with each other, such as, for example, angle information, a measurement data record, or input information. External unit 6000 can additionally establish a connection to a cloud application, represented pictographically by a cloud here, via a mobile network.

[0227] FIG. 20 schematically shows an example of a measuring system 7000, which monitors process parameters, for example. In addition to pressure, temperature, and flow, this can also be a chemical measured variable.

[0228] In particular, measuring system 7000 can also be linked to valve actuators or dosing systems.

[0229] When monitoring the measurement information via sensors 7010, instructions can also be issued in at least two or more iterative steps in order to produce setpoint values. In addition to HVAC systems 8000, this can also be the particularly effective operation of a process along a pipe. For this purpose, a user is guided through the necessary steps with display device 7040 via a visualization. Actual values can be displayed interactively embedded in graphics. Depending on the specific system, component-oriented videos can also be loaded and displayed with the visualizations. The user is thus guided safely through the individual steps because he sees the respective components on display 7040 as they are in reality.

[0230] Particular safety is provided if measurement information is recorded and displayed during the visualization of the necessary steps and confirmations of individual steps are requested. On this basis, measuring system 7000 can determine the next steps using stored logic, software, and on the basis of determined historical data. To this end, in particular, measurement data is stored, compared, or retrieved in a storage cloud.

[0231] In addition to the display of analyses based on evaluations of measurement information, which are displayed dynamically or animated, a remaining residual optimization potential can also be displayed. Likewise, time for remaining steps or for a measurement can be displayed graphically and dynamically as the required remaining time, e.g., as a shrinking bar.

[0232] Via the step-by-step approach, even users without much experience can be introduced to the optimization of a complex or virtually unknown system component. In particular, the query between or during a respective visualization of measurement information or instructions is effective if confirmations of individual steps are therefore queried.

[0233] FIG. 21 shows an example of a maintenance system 7000 according to the fifth aspect of the invention. It therefore does not comprise an adjusting device 1000. With the aid of temperature sensors 7012 and one or more integrated pressure sensors 7011′, it is able to measure overheating of an HVAC system 8000, for example, and to determine angle information for the purpose of optimizing the adjusting of a thermostatic expansion valve 2000. The angle information can be visualized via display device 7040, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 22 and 23. However, other processes or work steps can also be visualized, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. Thus, FIG. 25, for example, shows a visualization of a filling or evacuation process. During the filling or evacuation process, refrigerant is removed from or filled into a refrigerant container 9010. A current weight of refrigerant container 9010 is monitored by a scale 7050 and a current fill level of refrigerant container 9010 derived from the weight is visualized.

[0234] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An adjusting device to adjust a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system, the adjusting device comprising:a drive;a control element that is rotatable about an axis via the drive;a coupler; anda controller,wherein the coupler is detachably coupled to an adjusting connection of the expansion valve so that a tool tip of the control element comes into operative connection with an adjusting element of the preload device and a torque generated by the drive or a rotation triggered by the drive is adapted to be transmitted via the control element to the adjusting element, andwherein the controller is configured to actuate the drive such that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation.

2. The adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising an interface configured to provide at least:one piece of measurement information and input information, and / orangle information,wherein the controller is configured to actuate the drive such that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation, which is determined in a direction and value by the angle information, andwherein, if the interface does not provide any angle information, the adjusting device further comprises an internal determination device which is configured to determine and provide the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and input information via a defined determination rule.

3. The adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein the interface comprises a communication device configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one external unit, in order at the least to:receive the measurement information from the external unit or from a sensor system or to send the measurement information to the external unit or to a determination device;receive the input information from the external unit or from an operating device, or to send the input information to the external unit or to a determination device; and / orreceive the angle information from the external unit or from the determination device.

4. The adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein the interface comprises an operating device configured to receive and provide at least:the measurement information;the input information;the angle information; and / oran action command by an operator.

5. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the drive comprises an actuator and a gear, wherein the control element comprises a bearing and a shaft that is rotatable about the axis via the bearing, wherein the drive is directly or indirectly rigidly mounted relative to the bearing, and wherein the coupler is directly or indirectly rigidly mounted relative to the bearing.

6. The adjusting device according to claim 5, wherein a housing is configured to rigidly mount the drive, the bearing, and the coupler relative to each other.

7. The adjusting device according to claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a tool housing part and a drive housing part, wherein the drive housing part is arranged relative to the tool housing part such that an imaginary connecting line, which runs through a center point or center of gravity of the drive housing part and a center point or center of gravity of the tool housing part, forms an angle between 45° and 90° with respect to the axis.

8. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupler is adapted to be coupled to different types of adjusting connections.

9. The adjusting device according to claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises a chuck, or wherein the coupler comprises an arm and a locking clamp that is supported by the arm.

10. The adjusting device according to claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises an attachment coupling that is adapted to be coupled to an exchangeable coupling attachment, wherein the coupling attachment is adapted to be replaced without tools, wherein the attachment coupling comprises a collar and a front contact surface, and wherein the exchangeable coupling attachment is designed as a union nut and has a lateral slot so that the coupling attachment is adapted to be pulled off and pushed onto the attachment coupling laterally.

11. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the control element comprises a bit holder, and wherein the tool tip is formed by a bit that is exchangeably received in the bit holder.

12. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the tool tip is directly or indirectly displaceably mounted, and wherein the control element comprises a preload element that preloads the tool tip directly or indirectly into a distal end position.

13. The adjusting device according to claim 12, further comprising a position measuring device that measures directly or indirectly and provides an axial position and / or an axial displacement of the tool tip.

14. The adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising a torque measuring device that measures directly or indirectly and provides a torque transmitted to the control element.

15. The adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising an angle measuring device that measures directly or indirectly and provides at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the control element.

16. The adjusting device according to claim 1,wherein the input information comprises at least:a valve type of the expansion valve;a refrigerant type; anda target temperature, and / orwherein the measurement information comprises at least:a saturated vapor temperature or a saturated vapor pressure within or at an outlet of an evaporator; andan evaporator outlet temperature.

17. A maintenance system to adjust a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system, the maintenance system comprising:a sensor system comprising at least one pressure sensor for measuring a pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system and a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at the outlet of the evaporator;an operating device;the adjusting device according to claim 1;an angle measuring device to measure directly or indirectly and to provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the control element; andan interface with a communication device,wherein the maintenance system records and provides at least a pressure and temperature at an outlet of the evaporator as measurement information with the sensor system,wherein the maintenance system is adapted to receive and provide at least one piece of input information by an operator via the operating device,wherein, to determine angle information, either:the maintenance system comprises a determination device to determine angle information with the determination device based on the measurement information and the input information via a defined determination rule, and the adjusting device receives and provides the angle information from the determination device via the communication device; orthe adjusting device comprises an internal determination device and receives the measurement information from the sensor system via the communication device and receives and provides the input information from the operating device, and the adjusting device determines and provides the angle information via the internal determination device based on the measurement information and the input information via a defined determination rule, andwherein the adjusting device actuates the drive via the controller and the angle measuring device such that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation that is determined in direction and value by the angle information.

18. The maintenance system according to claim 17, further comprising:a display device configured to display a visualization of the angle information, the visualization comprising a display of an angle value and a direction of rotation determined by the angle information, and / or to display an animation comprising a display of an exemplary preload device and a tool engaging therein, andwherein the animation shows a movement of the tool that is matched to the angle value and the direction of rotation, which are determined by the angle information.

19. The maintenance system according to claim 17, wherein the sensor system comprises a digital manifold, wherein the pressure sensor is designed as an integrated pressure sensor of the digital manifold, wherein the digital manifold is connected by wire or wirelessly to the temperature sensor to record the temperature at the outlet of the evaporator, and wherein the determination device and / or the operating device and / or the display device are integrated into the digital manifold.

20. A method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system via the adjusting device according to claim 1, the method comprising:(A) coupling the coupler of the adjusting device to the adjusting connection of the expansion valve so that a tool tip of the control element of the adjusting device comes into operative connection with the adjusting element of the preload device; and(B) providing measurement information and input information and / or angle information by an interface of the adjusting device, and (B′) if no angle information is provided in step B, determining the angle information on the basis of the measurement information and the input information by an internal determination device of the adjusting device via a defined determination rule, and(C) actuating, if the angle information contains an angle value not equal to zero, the drive of the adjusting device by the controller of the adjusting device so that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation, which is determined in direction and value by the angle information,wherein step B is performed after, substantially simultaneously with, or before step A, andwherein step C is carried out after steps A, B, and B′ have been completed.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the following substeps B1 or B2 is carried out in step B for providing the measurement information, input information, and / or angle information:(B1) receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information from an external unit by a communication device of the interface, and / or(B2) receiving and providing the angle information and / or the measurement information and / or the input information by an operator via an operating device of the interface.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the adjusting device further comprises:a torque measuring device to measure directly or indirectly and to provide a torque transmitted to the control element; andan angle measuring device to measure directly or indirectly and to provide at least one absolute angular position or a relative angular position change of the control element,wherein in step A, after the coupler has been coupled to the adjusting connection and the tool tip has come into operative connection with the adjusting element, the following additional substeps are carried out:(A1) actuating the drive so that the control element rotates in a first direction of rotation until a first torque limit value is exceeded, anddetecting and providing a first angular position, which the control element assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position and / or as a zero position for a detection, following in step A2, of a relative angular position change, and then(A2) actuating the drive so that the control element rotates opposite to a first direction of rotation until a first torque limit value is exceeded, anddetecting and providing a second angular position, which the control element assumes at this moment, as an absolute angular position, and / ordetecting and providing a relative change in angular position between the zero position and the second angular position as an angular position change,wherein the method is aborted if, in one of the steps A1 or A2, a rotation by an angle value of 360° is performed without the first torque limit value being reached, andwherein, if the first torque limit value is reached in both steps A1 and A2, the following steps are carried out in each case before the rotation determined by the angle information is carried out in step C:(A3) actuating the drive, if the angle information determines a rotation in the first direction of rotation, so that the control element assumes the first angular position, and(A4) actuating the drive, if the angle information determines a rotation opposite to the first direction, so that the control element assumes the second angular position W2.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the tool tip is directly or indirectly displaceably mounted, wherein the control element has a preload element that preloads the tool tip directly or indirectly into a distal end position, and the adjusting device further comprises:a torque measuring device to measure a torque transmitted to the control element directly or indirectly and to provide it to the controller; anda position measuring device to measure directly or indirectly an axial position and / or a displacement of the tool tip and to provide it to the controller, andwherein, in each case in step A, after the coupler is coupled to the adjusting connection and the tool tip has come into operative connection with the adjusting element, and before steps A1 and A2 are carried out, the following additional substeps are carried out:(A01) actuating the drive so that the control element rotates in a first direction of rotation until the first torque limit value is exceeded or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip or a rotation through a defined angle value is performed; and(A02) actuating the drive, if no displacement of the tool tip is detected in step A01 and the first torque limit value is not exceeded, so that the control element rotates opposite to the first direction of rotation until the first torque limit value is exceeded or the position measuring device detects a displacement of the tool tip or a rotation through the defined angle value is performed.

24. The method according to claim 20, wherein the following steps are carried out after step C has been completed:(D) waiting for a period of time, and(E) repeating the method steps starting from step B after completion of step D,wherein the following substeps are carried out in step D:(D1) providing initial measurement information, and(D2) waiting for a first period of time, and(D3) providing second measurement information, and(D4) continuing with step E if the second measurement information substantially agrees with the first measurement information, otherwise repeating the steps starting from step D2.

25. A method for adjusting a preload device of an expansion valve in an HVAC system via the maintenance system according to claim 17, the method comprising:(A) coupling the coupler of the adjusting device of the maintenance system to the adjusting connection of the expansion valve so that the tool tip of the control element of the adjusting device comes into operative connection with the adjusting element of the preload device;(B) receiving and providing input information by the operator via the operating device of the maintenance system, wherein the input information comprises at least one valve type of the expansion valve, a refrigerant type, and / or a target temperature, and wherein step B occurs after, simultaneously with, or before step A;(C) connecting at least one pressure sensor of the sensor system of the maintenance system and the temperature sensor of the sensor system to an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC system, wherein step C occurs after, substantially simultaneously with, or before step A and step B; andD) measuring at least one saturation vapor pressure with the pressure sensor and an evaporator outlet temperature with the temperature sensor and providing at least these measured values as measurement information via the sensor system, wherein step D occurs after step C,wherein the adjusting device has an internal determination device, andwherein the following steps E1 to E3 are carried out successively after steps A to D:(E1) receiving and providing the measurement information and the input information via the communication device of the interface of the adjusting device;(E2) determining angle information based on the measurement information and input information by the internal determination device via the defined determination rule; and(E3) providing the angle information, orwherein the maintenance system has a determination device and the following steps E4 to E6 are carried out successively after steps A to D:(E4) determining angle information based on the measurement information and input information by the determination device via the defined determination rule;E5) providing the angle information; andE6) receiving and providing the angle information via the communication device of the interface of the adjusting device, andperforming the following step after completion of steps A to D and steps E1 to E3 or E4 to E6:(F) actuating the drive, if the angle information contains an angle value not equal to zero, via the controller of the adjusting device so that the control element rotates through a defined angle of rotation, which is determined in direction and value by the angle information.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the following steps are carried out after step F has been completed:(G) waiting for a period of time; and(H) repeating the method steps starting from step D, wherein the following substeps are carried out in step G:(G1) providing initial measurement information by the sensor system;(G2) waiting for a first period of time;(G3) providing second measurement information by the sensor system; and(G4) continuing with step H, if the second measurement information substantially agrees with the first measurement information, otherwise repeating the steps starting from step G2.

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