JP2008286464A - Valve control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a valve control device capable of easily setting a valve opening when the control of the valve opening is stopped, and easily coping with various uses and use environments. <P>SOLUTION: A changing means for changing a predetermined valve opening stored in advance is disposed in this valve control device determining the deviation between a controlled variable and a target value on the basis of outputs of sensors 6, 7 detecting the controlled variable in controlling the valve opening, determining a manipulated variable on the basis of the deviation, outputting the same to an actuator 4a driving a valve 4, and further outputting a signal corresponding to the predetermined valve opening stored in advance within a range of full-opening to a full-closing of the valve, when it receives a signal indicating the stop of the control of the valve opening to control the valve opening. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a valve control device, and more particularly to a device for controlling a valve opening degree of an electric valve or the like using an actuator such as a pulse motor.

The electric valve has various uses such as being used as an expansion valve for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. In controlling the valve opening of such a motorized valve, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control based on a signal obtained by performing a proportional integral derivative (PID) operation on a deviation between a set superheat degree and an actual superheat degree. Techniques to do this are disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3550 211

  As described above, the motor-operated valve is used as an expansion valve for the refrigeration cycle to control the degree of superheat. For example, when the motor-operated valve is used as an expansion valve for an air conditioner, power is supplied to the air conditioner. However, when the air conditioner operation switch is OFF (the air conditioner is waiting for start-up and operation is stopped), or the air conditioner power switch is turned on and the air conditioner starts operation. When the room temperature reaches the set temperature (temporarily stopped temperature control), the refrigeration cycle is overheated while performing a defrosting operation to remove frost attached to the evaporator. When the output of the sensor attached to detect the degree of abnormality is abnormal, the control of the valve opening is stopped so that the predetermined valve opening (for example, fully open) is reached according to the application. It is required to maintain the valve opening.

  For example, in the case of an expansion valve provided in an air conditioner or the like, when temperature control is temporarily stopped during operation of the refrigeration cycle, during operation of the refrigeration cycle, or temporarily during operation of the refrigeration cycle. When the compressor is stopped, such as when performing a defrosting operation, it may be required to fully open the expansion valve in order to quickly equalize the pressure in the refrigeration cycle. On the other hand, in the case of an expansion valve provided in a refrigerator such as a showcase or a refrigerator, when the compressor is stopped as described above, the refrigerant from the condenser flows into the evaporator and the like. In order to prevent the inside from being warmed, it may be required to fully close the expansion valve. Even when the temperature sensor for detecting the degree of superheat is abnormal and the operation of the refrigeration cycle is stopped, if the expansion valve is fully closed, a differential pressure may remain in the system. It may be desirable to have the valve open.

  By the way, in the technique described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 or the like, it is determined whether or not the start switch is operated, and when there is an operation, an operation for setting the initial opening degree of the electric proportional expansion valve is performed. For this purpose, a signal corresponding to the initial opening is sent to the valve drive unit to operate the electric proportional expansion valve.

  On the other hand, when the air conditioner or the like has stopped operating, such as when there is no operation of the start switch, the control of the valve opening is also stopped, so that the expansion valve or the like has a predetermined valve opening, The valve opening was maintained. However, conventionally, this valve opening could not be changed and was fixed, so it was necessary to respond appropriately at the time of design according to the use and usage environment of the motorized valve. Various problems have arisen, such as the need to change the design of the device and the degree of freedom in selecting the control device on the side where the motorized valve is used.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and can easily set the valve opening when the control of the valve opening of a motor operated valve or the like is stopped. An object of the present invention is to provide a valve control device that can easily cope with various uses and usage environments.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention controls the opening of the valve by outputting a signal to an actuator that drives the valve, and when receiving a signal indicating control stop of the valve opening, In the valve control device for outputting a signal corresponding to a predetermined valve opening preset in the range from fully closed to fully open to the actuator, a change means for changing the preset predetermined valve opening is provided. It is characterized by that.

  And according to this invention, when the signal which shows the control stop of valve opening was received, in order to provide the change means for changing the predetermined valve opening set beforehand, control of valve opening was stopped It is possible to easily change the setting of the valve opening at the time, and to provide a valve control device that can easily cope with various applications and use environments.

  In the valve control device, when the valve is being used in a refrigeration cycle system, the refrigeration cycle system is waiting for start-up when the valve is being used in the refrigeration cycle system. It can be a signal indicating that the vehicle is stopped. This makes it possible to easily change the setting of the stop opening of the valve when the refrigeration cycle system is on standby and the operation is stopped.

  Further, in the valve control device, a signal indicating that the valve opening degree is stopped is temporarily transmitted to the refrigeration cycle system during operation of the refrigeration cycle system when the valve is used in the refrigeration cycle system. It can be used as a signal indicating that the temperature control by is not performed, and the setting change of the stop opening degree of the valve when the temperature control is not temporarily performed can be easily performed.

  Further, in the valve control device, when the valve is used in the refrigeration cycle system, a signal indicating that the valve opening is stopped is temporarily displayed during operation of the refrigeration cycle system. It is possible to use a signal indicating that the defrosting operation is being performed, and it is possible to easily change the setting of the stop opening degree of the valve during the defrosting operation.

  Further, the present invention obtains a deviation between the control amount and the target value based on at least an output of a sensor that detects the control amount, obtains an operation amount based on the deviation, and drives the valve using the operation amount. Output to the actuator to control the opening of the valve, and when the output of the sensor is abnormal, the valve is set to a predetermined valve opening in a range from fully closed to fully opened. The valve control device for outputting a corresponding signal to the actuator includes a changing means for changing the preset predetermined valve opening. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the setting change of the valve opening degree at the time of abnormality of a sensor can be performed easily, and the valve control apparatus which can respond easily also to various uses and use environments can be provided.

  In the valve control device, the valve can be an expansion valve in the refrigeration cycle system or a flow control valve in the hot gas bypass circuit of the refrigeration cycle system, and the setting change of the stop opening degree of the expansion valve or the flow control valve Can be easily performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily change the setting of the valve opening when the control of the valve opening is stopped, and it can easily cope with various applications, use environments, and the like. It becomes possible to do.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a case where the valve control device according to the present invention is used as a device for controlling an electric valve arranged in a refrigeration cycle system will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration cycle system equipped with an electric valve control device according to the present invention. The system 1 includes a compressor 2, a condenser 3, a condenser fan 3a, an expansion valve (electric valve) 4, and the like. The evaporator 5, the evaporator fan 5a, the inlet temperature sensor 6 for detecting the refrigerant temperature Tin at the inlet of the evaporator 5, the outlet temperature sensor 7 for detecting the refrigerant temperature Tout at the outlet of the evaporator 5, An electric valve control device 8 that takes in detection signals from the inlet temperature sensor 6 and the outlet temperature sensor 7 to control the valve opening degree of the expansion valve 4, a temperature sensor 26a for detecting the temperature of the chamber 26, and a temperature sensor 26a. A temperature control device 25 that controls the compressor 2, the condenser fan 3a, and the evaporator fan 5a is provided so that the detected temperature matches the target temperature of the chamber 26.

  The compressor 2, the condenser 3, the expansion valve 4, and the evaporator 5 are connected by a pipe 9, and the refrigerant circulates between them. Here, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe 9 is controlled by adjusting the valve opening degree of the expansion valve 4.

  The compressor 2 compresses the refrigerant in a low-pressure gas state supplied from the evaporator 5, converts the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas, and supplies it to the condenser 3 through the pipe 9.

  The condenser 3 condenses the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant supplied from the compressor 2, converts it into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, takes away the heat of condensation, and releases the taken-out heat to the outside by the ventilation of the condenser fan 3a. .

  The expansion valve 4 changes the high-pressure liquid refrigerant supplied from the condenser 3 to a low-pressure state. The expansion valve 4 includes a pulse motor 4a (see FIG. 2) that is driven in accordance with a drive signal from the electric valve control device 8, and the expansion valve 4 is opened when the pulse motor 4a rotates according to the pulse signal. Adjust the degree.

  The evaporator 5 is provided to evaporate (vaporize) the refrigerant in a low-pressure liquid state, and the refrigerant takes heat of vaporization from the surroundings by being evaporated and is heated. The air around the evaporator 5 cooled by the heat taken away at this time is discharged by the ventilation of the evaporator fan 5a, and the temperature of the chamber 26 is adjusted.

  The inlet temperature sensor 6 is, for example, a thermistor having negative temperature-resistance characteristics, and detects the temperature Tin of the refrigerant at the inlet of the evaporator 5, that is, the refrigerant in the liquid state.

  The outlet temperature sensor 7 is a thermistor having negative temperature-resistance characteristics, for example, and detects the temperature Tout of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator 5, that is, the gaseous refrigerant.

  The electric valve control device 8 controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 4 when the refrigeration cycle system 1 is operated. At this time, the superheat degree Tsh of the refrigerant in the evaporator 5 (detected temperature Tout of the outlet temperature sensor 7−detected temperature Tin of the inlet temperature sensor 6) is obtained, and the expansion valve 4 is opened by PID control based on this superheat degree. The drive signal is supplied to the pulse motor 4a incorporated in the expansion valve 4 so as to obtain the degree of opening. The motor-operated valve control device 8 also has a function of monitoring abnormalities of the inlet temperature sensor 6 and the outlet temperature sensor 7, and when the outputs of the temperature sensors 6 and 7 are abnormal, an alarm signal is sent to the temperature control device 25. Output to.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the motor-operated valve control device 8 includes a microprocessor 11, an inlet temperature detection circuit 12, an outlet temperature detection circuit 13, a motorized valve drive circuit 14, an input circuit 15, and a display circuit 16. , A display driver circuit 17, a storage circuit (EEPROM) 18, a power supply circuit 19, a startup input circuit 20, a thermo input circuit 21, a defrost input circuit 22, and an alarm output circuit 23.

  The inlet temperature detection circuit 12 is a resistance-voltage conversion circuit that converts the resistance value of the inlet temperature sensor 6 into a DC voltage signal and supplies it to the microprocessor 11, and corresponds to the refrigerant temperature Tin at the inlet of the evaporator 5. An electrical signal (inlet temperature signal) is supplied to the microprocessor 11.

  The outlet temperature detection circuit 13 is a resistance-voltage conversion circuit that converts the resistance value of the outlet temperature sensor 7 into a DC voltage signal and supplies the DC voltage signal to the microprocessor 11, and corresponds to the refrigerant temperature Tout at the outlet of the evaporator 5. An electrical signal (outlet temperature signal) is supplied to the microprocessor 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the input circuit 15 includes four tact switches 15a to 15d (up switch 15a, down switch 15b, set switch 15c, enter switch 15d), and ON / OFF of the tact switches 15a to 15d. The OFF state is output to the microprocessor 11. For example, the input circuit 15 uses the target value of the superheat degree Tsh of the evaporator 5, the upper limit opening degree and the lower limit opening degree of the expansion valve 4 (for example, when the motor operated valve is used in 100 pulses to 400 pulses, the upper limit opening degree is 400 pulses The lower limit opening is set to 100 pulses), P (proportional), I (integral), and D (derivative) constants when performing PID control, the expansion valve 4 when the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in a stopped state, etc. A set value such as a valve opening degree (hereinafter referred to as “stop opening degree”) when the valve opening degree is in a control stop state is input. The setting value input operation using the input circuit 15 will be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display circuit 16 includes a temperature display element 16a, a valve opening display element 16b, and an LED 16c for displaying the display items of both the display elements 16a and 16b. The temperature display element 16a switches and displays the refrigerant temperature Tin at the inlet of the evaporator 5, the refrigerant temperature Tout at the outlet, and the superheat degree Tsh (= Tout−Tin), and is set when changing the set value. Display the value. Further, the valve opening display element 16b displays the current opening of the expansion valve 4 by the number of pulses from the fully closed state, and when changing the set value, as described later, the set value number and the symbol Is displayed.

  The LED 16c of the display circuit 16 is provided to display items displayed on the temperature display element 16a and the like, the operation state of the motor-operated valve control device 8, and the like, and six LEDs from “superheat” to “alarm” Is provided. Each LED of “superheat degree”, “inlet” and “exit” is provided to indicate display items of the temperature display element 16a. When the superheat degree is displayed on the temperature display element 16a, “superheat degree” is displayed. When the inlet temperature is displayed on the temperature display element 16a, the “inlet” LED is displayed. When the outlet temperature is displayed on the temperature display element 16a, the “outlet” LED is displayed. Each lights up. This temperature display can be switched by operating the up switch 15a and the down switch 15b. The “setting” LED is lit when the motor-operated valve control device 8 is in the setting mode. The “operation” LED is lit when the activation signal sent from the temperature control device 25 to the motor-operated valve control device 8 is ON. The “alarm” LED blinks when the output data of the inlet temperature sensor 6 and the outlet temperature sensor 7 is abnormal.

  Here, the entire flow of the input (change) operation of each set value using the input circuit 15 and the display circuit 16 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the temperature (5.0) is displayed on the temperature display element 16a and the current valve opening (248) is displayed on the valve opening display element 16b, the set switch 15c is pressed. Then, the setting mode is entered, the temperature display element 16a shifts from the normal temperature display mode to the set value display mode, and the valve opening degree display element 16b switches from the present valve opening degree display to the setting item display. . The set value displayed on the temperature display element 16a can be increased / decreased by pressing the up switch 15a or the down switch 15b, and the displayed set value is updated by pressing the enter switch 15d. It is updated and stored as a set value. On the other hand, for example, as shown in Table 1, there are seven setting items, and a set value number and a symbol are displayed on the valve opening degree display element 16b, such as “1SH”. This setting item is switched to the next item sequentially by pressing the set switch 15c in the setting mode. When the setting switch 15c is pressed while the setting item 7 is displayed, the setting mode is exited. Return to the temperature display and valve opening display states.

  Next, a specific flow of the operation of changing each set value using the input circuit 15 and the display circuit 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 focusing on FIG.

  When the temperature is displayed on the temperature display element 16a (step S1), it is determined whether or not the set switch 15c is pressed in step S2, and if it is pressed, the temperature display element 16a is determined in step S3. The setting value is displayed on the display mode, and the setting mode is entered.

  Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the up switch 15a has been pressed. If it has been pressed, it is determined in step S5 whether or not the display value of the temperature display element 16a is the maximum set value. judge. As a result of the determination, if the display value is not the maximum set value, 1 is added to the display value in step S6, and the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, when the display value is the maximum set value, the process returns to step S4.

  Returning to step S4, it is determined whether or not the up switch 15a has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the operations of steps S5 to S6 are repeated. If it is determined in step S4 that the up switch 15a has not been pressed, it is determined in step S7 whether or not the down switch 15b has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the display value is displayed in step S8. Is the minimum value of the set value. If the display value is not the minimum value of the set value, 1 is decremented to the display value in step S9, and the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, when the display value is the minimum value of the set value, the process directly returns to step S4.

  If it is determined in step S7 that the down switch 15b has not been pressed, it is determined in step S10 whether or not the enter switch 15d has been pressed. The display value is updated as the set value, and the updated set value is stored in the storage circuit 18 of FIG. 2, and the process returns to step S4.

  If the enter switch 15d is not pressed in step S10, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the set switch 15c is pressed. If it is determined that the set switch 15d is not pressed, the process returns to step S4.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the set switch 15c has been pressed, it is determined in step S13 whether or not to end the setting. Specifically, if the set switch 15c is pressed while the “stop opening” of the setting item 7 is displayed in step S12, it is determined in step S13 that the setting mode has ended, and the process proceeds to step S1. Return. On the other hand, if the set switch 15c is pressed while an item other than the “stop opening” of the setting item 7 is selected in step S12, the next set value is set to the temperature display element 16a in step S14. And return to step S4 to repeat the above operation.

  The display driver circuit 17 in FIG. 2 amplifies the signal from the microprocessor 11 and outputs the amplified signal to the display circuit 16. The storage circuit 18 stores the set value and the like for backup.

  The electric valve drive circuit 14 is provided to amplify a drive control signal from the microprocessor 11 and output a drive pulse to a pulse motor (stepping motor) 4a built in the expansion valve 4, and a driver IC (Integrated Circuit). ) (Drive signal amplifier circuit) 14a and the like.

  The microprocessor 11 includes an A / D converter 11a, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11b, a ROM 11c, a RAM 11d, a timer 11e, an I / O (11f), and the like. The ROM 11c is a non-volatile storage for storing an operation program for executing control of a valve opening by a PID control operation, which will be described later, an operation program for stopping the valve at the stop opening when the control of the valve opening is stopped, a display control program, and the like. Memory. The RAM 11d functions as a work memory for the CPU 11b. The CPU 11b interprets and executes a program stored in the ROM 11c. The timer 11e is provided to perform interrupt processing and the like, and the I / O (11f) is provided to exchange data between the CPU 11b and other devices.

  To the microprocessor 11, an analog inlet temperature signal output from the inlet temperature detection circuit 12, an analog outlet temperature signal output from the outlet temperature detection circuit 13, a start input circuit 20, a thermo input circuit 21, and a defrost input circuit 22. Each signal from is input. The microprocessor 11 converts the inlet temperature signal and the outlet temperature signal into digital signals by the A / D converter 11a and fetches them, and fetches signals from the start input circuit 20 and the like via the I / O (11f). Further, when the input temperature or the outlet temperature value taken in by the A / D converter 11a is abnormal, the microprocessor 11 sends an alarm output circuit 23 composed of a relay or the like via the I / O (11f). A signal is output to notify the temperature control device 25 that there is an abnormality.

  The power supply circuit 19 is provided to supply operating power to each part in the motor-operated valve control device 8.

  The start input circuit 20 receives a signal from the temperature control device 25 shown in FIG. 1 indicating whether the refrigeration cycle system 1 is stopped in the start standby state or whether the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in operation (hereinafter, “ Provided to input a microprocessor 11 to the microprocessor 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the activation input circuit 20 is connected to a relay 40 provided inside the temperature control device 25. The temperature control device 25 closes the contact of the relay 40 during the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1, and opens the contact of the relay 40 when the operation is stopped while the refrigeration cycle system 1 is on standby. Control the behavior. By doing in this way, the driving | running state of the refrigerating-cycle system 1 is transmitted to the starting input circuit 20 via the signal wire | line 20b.

In the start input circuit 20, when the relay 40 is closed, the light emitting element of the photocoupler 20a emits light, and the light receiving element of the photocoupler 20a receives the light, and a current flows to the output side of the photocoupler 20a. At that time, the input level of the microprocessor 11 becomes L ₀ , whereby the microprocessor 11 can recognize that the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in operation. On the other hand, when the relay 40 is opened, the light emitting element of the photocoupler 20a does not emit light and the light receiving element of the photocoupler 20a does not receive light, so that no current flows to the output side of the photocoupler 20a, and the input level of the microprocessor 11 is Become _Hi . As a result, the microprocessor 11 can recognize that the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in the start standby state and is in the operation stop state.

  The thermo input circuit 21 of FIG. 2 indicates whether or not the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 has been temporarily stopped in order to temporarily stop the temperature control by the refrigeration cycle system 1 from the temperature control device 25. (Hereinafter referred to as “thermo signal”) is input to the microprocessor 11 and is configured in the same manner as the activation input circuit 20. When the operating state of the refrigeration cycle system 1 is transmitted to the thermo input circuit 21, the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in operation and controls the temperature in the chamber 26 when the relay of the temperature control device 25 is closed. When the relay is opened, the detected temperature in the chamber 26 becomes the target temperature, and the refrigeration cycle system 1 temporarily stops operating.

  Moreover, since the defrost input circuit 22 performs the defrost operation temporarily during the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 from the temperature control device 25, whether or not the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 is temporarily stopped. Is provided to input to the microprocessor 11 and is configured in the same manner as the activation input circuit 20. In transmitting the operation state of the refrigeration cycle system 1 to the defrost input circuit 22, when the relay of the temperature control device 25 is closed, the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in the defrost operation, and the refrigeration cycle system 1 A state where the operation is stopped is shown, and when the relay is opened, a defrosting operation is not performed, and a state where the refrigeration cycle system 1 is operating for the purpose of controlling the temperature in the chamber 26 is shown.

  Next, operation | movement of the refrigerating cycle system 1 which has the said structure is demonstrated, referring FIG.

  The compressor 2 compresses the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, converts it into a high-pressure gas, and supplies it to the condenser 3. The condenser 3 condenses the refrigerant in the high-pressure gas state supplied from the compressor 2 and converts it into a refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid state, deprives the heat of condensation, and releases the deprived heat by blowing air from the condenser fan 3a. This heat is used for heating and heating as needed, or is discarded. The expansion valve 4 adjusts the valve opening according to the drive signal from the electric valve control device 8, and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 4 changes from a high pressure state to a low pressure state. The evaporator 5 evaporates (vaporizes) the refrigerant in a low-pressure liquid state. At this time, the refrigerant takes heat of vaporization from the surroundings and is heated. The surroundings are cooled by the deprived heat, and the cooled air is released by the ventilation of the evaporator fan 5a. This series of operations is repeated, and the refrigeration, refrigeration or cooling state is maintained by continuously or intermittently depriving the evaporator 5 of heat.

  When the refrigeration cycle system 1 is used for an air conditioner or the like, as described above, when the refrigeration cycle system 1 is in a stopped state or when the outputs of the inlet temperature sensor 6 and the outlet temperature sensor 7 are When an abnormality occurs, it is required to keep the expansion valve 4 at a predetermined valve opening (stop opening) and to maintain this stop opening. Therefore, the stop opening is set using the input circuit 15 and the display circuit 16. The operation for setting the stop opening is as described in connection with FIG. 4. When “7SV” is displayed on the valve opening display element 16b, the up switch 15a and the down switch 15b are operated, When the valve opening displayed on the temperature display element 16a reaches a desired value, the enter switch 15d is pressed. In the following description, the case where the stop opening is set to fully open by this setting operation will be described as an example.

  Next, regarding the control operation performed by the motor-operated valve control device 8 of the refrigeration cycle system 1 described above, the operation of the microprocessor 11 constituting the main part of the motor-operated valve control device 8 with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6. The explanation will be focused on. During the control operation, the microprocessor 11 uses the timer 11e to perform the interrupt process shown in FIG. 6 at a predetermined cycle, for example, at intervals of 1 second.

  After starting the interrupt process, in step S21 in FIG. 6, the CPU 11b determines the state of the start signal from the start input circuit 20, and when the start input is OFF, that is, the power is supplied to the air conditioner or the like. If the operation switch of the air conditioner or the like is OFF (the refrigeration cycle is waiting for start-up, the operation is stopped and the compressor 2 is stopped), the stop switch is opened in step S30. The calculation is terminated with the degree as the target opening.

  If the start input is ON in step S21, that is, if the operation switch such as an air conditioner is ON, the state of the thermo signal from the thermo input circuit 21 is determined in step S22, and the thermo input is OFF. That is, the room temperature of the chamber 26 controlled by the temperature control device 25 reaches the set temperature, the refrigeration cycle system 1 temporarily stops the temperature control in the chamber 26, and the compressor 2 stops. If so, the calculation is terminated in step S30 with the stop opening as the target opening.

  In step S22, if the thermo input is ON, that is, if the room temperature or the like of the chamber 26 has not reached the set temperature, the refrigeration cycle system 1 is operating and the compressor 2 is operating, step S23 The state of the defrost signal from the defrost input circuit 22 is determined. As a result of the determination, when the defrost input is ON, that is, when the refrigeration cycle system 1 is performing the defrost operation, the refrigeration cycle system 1 temporarily stops operation, and the compressor 2 stops. Therefore, in step S30, the calculation is terminated with the stop opening as the target opening.

  In step S23, when the defrost input is OFF, that is, when the defrost operation is not performed, the CPU 11b outputs the inlet temperature sensor 6 via the inlet temperature detection circuit 12 and the A / D converter 11a. The inlet temperature signal is captured and the captured data is stored in the RAM 11d (step S24).

  The CPU 11b determines whether or not the stored inlet temperature data is abnormal by determining whether or not the inlet temperature data stored in the RAM 11d is within a predetermined range (step S25). If the inlet temperature data is abnormal, the calculation is terminated in step S30 with the stop opening as the target opening.

  When the inlet temperature data is normal, the CPU 11b switches the input of the A / D converter 11a from the inlet temperature signal input port to the outlet temperature signal input port, and switches the outlet temperature detection circuit 13 and the A / D converter 11a. The outlet temperature signal output from the outlet temperature sensor 7 is taken in via the CPU 11, and the fetched data is stored in the RAM 11d (step S26).

  The CPU 11b determines whether or not the stored outlet temperature data is abnormal by determining whether or not the outlet temperature data stored in the RAM 11d is within a predetermined range (step S27). If the outlet temperature data is abnormal, the calculation is terminated in step S30 with the stop opening as the target opening.

If the outlet temperature data is normal, then the current superheat degree Tsh = Tout−Tin is calculated and stored in the RAM 11d, and the current superheat degree deviation e (t) = Ts−Tsh (Ts: superheat). The target value of degree Tsh), and based on the past series of deviations e, proportional band PB, integration time T _I , derivative time T _D , this time the valve is opened by PID (proportional / integral / derivative) calculation according to the following formula The operation amount m (t) is calculated (step S28), the target opening is set from the calculation result, and the calculation is terminated (step S29). Here, K _P is a proportional gain.

  Thus, after the target opening of the valve to be reached by the expansion valve 4 is set and the target opening is stored in the RAM 11d, the microprocessor 11 sets the target opening of the expansion valve 4 stored in the RAM 11d. The expansion valve 4 is controlled by supplying a drive signal from the driver IC 14a of the electric valve drive circuit 14 to the pulse motor 4a.

  If it is determined in step S25 and step S27 that the inlet temperature data or / and the outlet temperature data are abnormal, an alarm signal is sent from the motor-operated valve control device 8 to the temperature control device 25 via the alarm output circuit 23. The temperature controller 25 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 and stops the operation of the compressor 2.

  Next, an example of the operation of the expansion valve 4 controlled by the motor-operated valve control device 8 of the refrigeration cycle system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the case where the stop opening of the expansion valve 4 is set to fully open will be described as an example. The relationship between the opening degree of the expansion valve 4 and the drive pulse (phase switching signal) supplied to the pulse motor 4a is set to 0 pulse when fully closed and 500 pulse when fully opened, for example.

  First, the start input, the thermo input, and the defrost input are in an OFF state, that is, when the refrigeration cycle system 1 is stopped in the start standby state, and a temperature abnormality is not detected ((A) in the figure). ), The valve opening of the expansion valve 4 is fully open (stop opening S).

  Here, when the start input and the thermo input are turned on ((B) in the figure), since the refrigeration cycle system 1 starts operation, the valve opening degree of the expansion valve 4 is controlled by the PID calculation and is in a fully open state. Is gradually closed ((C) in the figure), and finally becomes the opening degree D during operation.

  Thereafter, when the temperature in the chamber 26 reaches the set temperature and the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 is temporarily stopped, the operation of the compressor 2 is stopped and the thermo input is turned off ((D) in the figure). The valve opening of the expansion valve 4 is fully opened (stop opening S), and this state is maintained.

  Next, when the deviation between the temperature in the chamber 26 and the set temperature becomes large and the refrigeration cycle system 1 starts operation, the operation of the compressor 2 is started and the thermo input is turned ON ((E) in the figure). . Then, PID control is started again, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 4 is gradually closed from the fully opened state ((F) in the figure), and finally becomes the opening degree D during operation.

  Next, when the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 is temporarily stopped due to the start of the defrosting operation, the defrosting input is turned ON ((G) in the figure), and the valve opening of the expansion valve 4 is fully opened ( Stop opening S) and this state is maintained ((H) in the figure). After that, when the defrosting operation is completed, the refrigeration cycle system 1 starts operating again, and when the defrosting input is turned off ((I) in the figure), the PID control is started again, and the valve opening of the expansion valve 4 is The valve is gradually closed from the fully opened state ((J) in the figure), and finally becomes the opening degree D during operation.

  When it is determined that the inlet temperature or the outlet temperature or both are abnormal during operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 ((K) in the figure), the valve opening of the expansion valve 4 is fully open (stop opening S). This state is maintained ((L) in the figure). At the same time, an alarm signal is transmitted from the electric valve control device 8 to the temperature control device 25, and the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 is stopped. Thereafter, when the temperature abnormal state is resolved ((M) in the figure), transmission of the alarm signal from the motor-operated valve control device 8 is canceled, and the refrigeration cycle system 1 starts operation again. Then, PID control is started again, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 4 is gradually closed from the fully opened state (N in the figure), and finally becomes the opening degree D during operation.

  Finally, when the refrigeration cycle system 1 returns to the start standby state and stops operation, the start input and the thermo input are turned off ((O) in the figure), and the valve opening of the expansion valve 4 is fully open (stop opening). S).

  As described above, in the above embodiment, the valve opening degree (stop opening degree S) is fully opened when the control of the opening degree of the expansion valve 4 is stopped, such as when the start input is OFF. However, the stop opening S is not limited to full opening, but can also be set to full closing via the input circuit 15, and can be set to various opening degrees in the range from full closing to full opening. You can also

  In the above embodiment, the stop opening S is set to fully open in all cases when the start input is OFF, the thermo input is OFF and the defrost input is ON, the temperature of the inlet temperature sensor 6 and the outlet temperature sensor 7 is abnormal. However, it is also possible to set a different stop opening S in each case as follows.

  In each case other than during the valve opening control operation, the interrupt calculation processing when the set value of each stop opening is changed will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. The stop opening in each case other than during the valve opening control operation is set to a different stop opening 1 to 4 using the input circuit 15 and the display circuit 16 of the motor-operated valve control device 8. Further, the set stop openings 1 to 4 are stored in the storage circuit 18 of the electric valve control device 8.

  After starting the interrupt process, in step S41 in FIG. 8, the CPU 11b determines the state of the start signal from the start input circuit 20, and when the start input is OFF, the stop opening 1 is set to the target opening in step S42. The calculation ends as a degree.

  If the start input is ON in step S41, the state of the thermo signal from the thermo input circuit 21 is determined in step S43. If the thermo input is OFF, the target stop opening 2 is set in step S44. The calculation is terminated as the opening.

  In step S43, if the thermo input is ON, the state of the defrost signal from the defrost input circuit 22 is determined in step S45. If the defrost input is ON, the stop opening is determined in step S46. The calculation is terminated with 3 as the target opening.

  In step S45, when the defrost input is OFF, the CPU 11b takes in the inlet temperature signal output from the inlet temperature sensor 6 via the inlet temperature detection circuit 12 and the A / D converter 11a, and stores the fetched data in the RAM 11d. (Step S47).

  The CPU 11b determines whether or not the stored inlet temperature data is abnormal by determining whether or not the inlet temperature data stored in the RAM 11d is within a predetermined range (step S48). If the inlet temperature data is abnormal, the calculation is terminated in step S49 with the stop opening 4 as the target opening.

  When the inlet temperature data is normal, the CPU 11b switches the input of the A / D converter 11a from the inlet temperature signal input port to the outlet temperature signal input port, and switches the outlet temperature detection circuit 13 and the A / D converter 11a. The outlet temperature signal output from the outlet temperature sensor 7 is taken in via the CPU 11, and the fetched data is stored in the RAM 11d (step S50).

  The CPU 11b determines whether or not the stored outlet temperature data is abnormal by determining whether or not the outlet temperature data stored in the RAM 11d is within a predetermined range (step S51). If the outlet temperature data is abnormal, similarly to the case where the inlet temperature data is abnormal, the calculation is terminated in step S49 with the stop opening 4 as the target opening.

If the outlet temperature data is normal, then the current superheat degree Tsh = Tout−Tin is calculated to obtain the current superheat degree deviation e (t) = Ts−Tsh. proportional band PB, integration time T _I, based on the derivative time T _D, PID (proportional-integral-derivative) using the above formula to calculate the operation amount of the current valve opening degree m (t) in the calculation (step S52 ), The target opening is set from the calculation result, and the calculation is terminated (step S53).

  Thus, after the target opening of the valve to be reached by the expansion valve 4 is set and the target opening is stored in the RAM 11d, the microprocessor 11 sets the target opening of the expansion valve 4 stored in the RAM 11d. The expansion valve 4 is controlled by supplying a drive signal from the driver IC 14a of the electric valve drive circuit 14 to the pulse motor 4a. In this way, by setting a plurality of stop openings 1 to 4 corresponding to each case, for example, the stop opening S when the start input is OFF is fully opened, and the stop opening when the thermo input is OFF S is fully closed, and the stop opening S when the defrost input is ON is maintained at different stop openings S so that the valve opening is 50% (the drive pulse supplied to the pulse motor 4a is 250 pulses). Is possible.

  If it is determined in step S48 and step S51 that the inlet temperature data or / and the outlet temperature data are abnormal, an alarm signal is sent from the motor-operated valve control device 8 to the temperature control device 25 via the alarm output circuit 23. The temperature controller 25 stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 1 and stops the operation of the compressor 2.

  Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, the motor-operated valve control device according to the present invention is applied to a flow control valve of a hot gas bypass circuit of a refrigeration cycle system used when performing precision air conditioning or the like. Will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the refrigeration cycle system 30 includes a compressor 2, a condenser 3, a condenser fan 3a, an expansion valve 35, an evaporator 5, an evaporator fan 5a, a flow control valve ( (Motorized valve) 32, motorized valve control device 8, temperature sensor 26a, and temperature control device 25, and in addition to the basic configuration shown in FIG. 1, a hot which connects the outlet of the compressor 2 to the inlet of the evaporator 5 A gas bypass pipe 33 is provided, and a hot gas cycle 34 that returns from the outlet side of the compressor 2 to the inlet side of the compressor 2 through the flow rate control valve 32 and the evaporator 5 is configured. Here, the expansion valve 35 is a mechanical expansion valve or capillary, and the motor-operated valve control device 8 takes in a detection signal or the like of the temperature sensor 31 that detects the blow-out temperature of the evaporator 5 and controls the valve of the flow control valve 32. Control the opening.

  The compressor 2, the condenser 3, the expansion valve 35, and the evaporator 5 are connected by a pipe 9, and the compressor 2, the flow control valve 32, and the evaporator 5 are hot gas bypass pipes. 33 and the pipe 9 are connected, and the refrigerant circulates between them. That is, the refrigerant from the compressor 2 is divided into the pipe 9 and the hot gas bypass pipe 33, and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the hot gas bypass pipe 33 is controlled by adjusting the valve opening degree of the flow control valve 32.

  The compressor 2, the condenser 3, and the condenser fan 3 a have the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1, and thus detailed description is omitted, but the compressor 2 is supplied from the evaporator 5. The refrigerant in a low-pressure gas state is compressed, converted into a high-pressure and high-temperature gas, supplied to the condenser 3, and also supplied to the evaporator 5 through the hot gas bypass pipe 33.

  As described above, the expansion valve 35 is not a motorized type like the expansion valve 4 of FIG. 1, and a mechanical valve or capillary is used and is not controlled by the motorized valve control device 8.

  The evaporator 5 is provided to evaporate (vaporize) the refrigerant in a low-pressure liquid state, and the refrigerant takes heat of vaporization from the surroundings by being evaporated and is heated. The surroundings are cooled by the deprived heat, and the cooled air is released by the ventilation of the evaporator fan 5a. The evaporator 5 is supplied with high-pressure and high-temperature gas from the compressor 2 via the flow rate control valve 32, and the evaporator 5 is heated. Thus, precise control is performed by simultaneously performing cooling and heating and adjusting the heating amount for the cooling at that time by the flow rate control valve 32.

  The temperature sensor 31 is, for example, a thermistor having a negative temperature-resistance characteristic, and detects a blowing temperature (hereinafter referred to as “blowing temperature”) T of the evaporator 5.

  Since the motor-operated valve control device 8 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 2, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 9, only the configuration different from that of the above embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, based on the deviation between the blowing temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 31 and the set temperature, the opening degree of the flow control valve 32 is obtained by PID calculation, and the pulse motor is obtained so that the obtained opening degree is obtained. A drive signal is supplied to 4a.

  The basic configuration of the input circuit 15 and the display circuit 16 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but in this embodiment, instead of the superheat degree Tsh of the evaporator 5 as a setting item, The blowing temperature T is set using the input circuit 15. The display circuit 16 also displays the blowout temperature T instead of the superheat degree Tsh, and displays the valve opening degree of the flow control valve 32 instead of the valve opening degree of the expansion valve 4.

  Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle system 30 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  The compressor 2 compresses the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, converts it into a high-pressure gas, and supplies it to the condenser 3. The condenser 3 condenses the refrigerant in the high-pressure gas state supplied from the compressor 2 and converts it into a refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid state, deprives the heat of condensation, and releases the deprived heat by blowing air from the condenser fan 3a. This heat is used for heating and heating as needed, or is discarded. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 35 changes from a high pressure state to a low pressure state. The evaporator 5 evaporates (vaporizes) the refrigerant in a low-pressure liquid state. At this time, the refrigerant takes heat of vaporization from the surroundings and is heated. The surroundings are cooled by the deprived heat, and the air cooled by the ventilation of the evaporator fan 5a is released.

  On the other hand, the refrigerant from the compressor 2 flows into the evaporator 5 through the flow control valve 32 by the hot gas cycle 34. Thereby, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 5 is heated, and the blowout temperature T can be finely adjusted by adjusting the valve opening degree of the flow control valve 32. This series of operations is repeated, and heat is continuously or intermittently taken away by the evaporator 5, and the blowing temperature T is kept constant, and the temperature of the object to be frozen, refrigerated or cooled can be precisely adjusted and maintained. it can.

  Next, regarding the control operation performed by the motor-operated valve control device 8 of the refrigeration cycle system 30 described above, the operation of the microprocessor 11 constituting the main part of the motor-operated valve control device 8 with reference to FIGS. 2, 9 and 10. The explanation will be focused on. During the control operation, the microprocessor 11 uses the timer 11e to perform the interrupt process shown in FIG. 10 at a predetermined cycle, for example, at intervals of 1 second. In the following description, the case where the input circuit 15 and the display circuit 16 are used and the stop opening degree of the flow control valve 32 is set to fully open will be described as an example.

  After starting the interrupt process, in step S61 in FIG. 10, the CPU 11b determines the state of the activation signal from the activation input circuit 20, and when the activation input is OFF, the stop opening is set to the target opening in step S68. To end the calculation.

  If the start input is ON in step S61, the state of the thermo signal from the thermo input circuit 21 is determined in step S62. If the thermo input is OFF, the stop opening is set to the target opening in step S68. The calculation ends as a degree.

  In step S62, if the thermo input is ON, the state of the defrost signal from the defrost input circuit 22 is determined in step S63. If the defrost input is ON, the stop opening is determined in step S68. The calculation ends with the target opening.

  In step S63, when the defrost input is OFF, that is, when the refrigeration cycle system 30 is not performing the defrost operation, the CPU 11b outputs the blowing temperature output from the temperature sensor 31 via the A / D converter 11a. The signal is captured and the captured data is stored in the RAM 11d (step S64).

  The CPU 11b determines whether or not the stored blowing temperature data is abnormal by determining whether or not the blowing temperature data stored in the RAM 11d is within a predetermined range (step S65). If the blowing temperature data is abnormal, the calculation is terminated in step S68 with the stop opening as the target opening.

  When the blowout temperature data is normal, the CPU 11b performs the same PID calculation as described above based on the deviation between the current blowout temperature T and the set value (target value) Ts', and the like. The operation amount m (t) is calculated, the target opening is set from the calculation result, and the calculation is terminated (step S67).

  Thus, after the target opening degree of the valve to be reached by the flow control valve 32 is set and the target opening degree is stored in the RAM 11d, the microprocessor 11 sets the target opening degree of the flow control valve 32 stored in the RAM 11d. A drive signal is supplied from the driver IC 14a of the electric valve drive circuit 14 to the pulse motor 4a to control the flow rate control valve 32 so that the opening degree is reached.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the blowout temperature data is abnormal, an alarm signal is sent from the motorized valve control device 8 to the temperature control device 25, and the temperature control device 25 operates the refrigeration cycle system 30. The operation is stopped and the operation of the compressor 2 is stopped.

  In this embodiment as well, the valve opening degree (stop opening degree S) when the control of the valve opening degree of the flow control valve 32 is stopped, such as when the start input is OFF, is fully opened. However, the stop opening degree S is not limited to full opening, but can be set to full closing or can be set to various opening degrees in a range from full opening to full opening. Also, different stop openings S can be set in each case when the start input is OFF, the thermo input is OFF, the defrost input is ON, and the temperature sensor 31 has a measured temperature abnormality.

  In both the above embodiments, the case where the control target according to the present invention is PID-controlled has been described as an example, but the control method may be P (proportional) control or PI (proportional integral) control. In the above embodiment, the pulse motor is exemplified as the actuator. However, the type of the actuator is not limited to the pulse motor, and may be a servo motor or the like. Moreover, although the case where the thermistor was used for the temperature sensors 6, 7, 31 was described, a temperature measuring resistor using platinum, copper, nickel, or the like, or a thermocouple can be used for these temperature sensors.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration using the tact switch as the input circuit 15 has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input circuit 15 may be configured using a dip switch or provided with a switch. Instead, it may be configured by setting means by communication. In the case where the input circuit 15 is configured by communication setting means, it is possible to input the input value while visually recognizing the set value on the transmission side. Therefore, it is not always necessary to provide the display circuit 16 in the motor-operated valve control device 8. .

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the refrigerating-cycle system using the valve control apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the detailed structural example of the valve control apparatus of FIG. 1, and its peripheral circuit. It is the schematic which shows the external appearance of the surface of the main body of the valve control apparatus concerning this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the setting value change operation | movement using the input device of the valve control apparatus concerning this invention. It is a circuit diagram for demonstrating structures, such as a starting input circuit of the valve control apparatus concerning this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the interrupt calculation operation | movement of the valve control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the operation example of the expansion valve controlled by the valve control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other example of the interrupt calculation operation | movement of the valve control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hot gas cycle of the refrigerating cycle system using the valve control apparatus concerning this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the interrupt calculation operation | movement of the valve control apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigeration cycle system 2 Compressor 3 Condenser 3a Condenser fan 4 Expansion valve 4a Pulse motor 5 Evaporator 5a Evaporator fan 6 Inlet temperature sensor 7 Outlet temperature sensor 8 Electric valve controller 9 Piping 11 Microprocessor 11a A / D conversion 11b CPU
11c ROM
11d RAM
11e Timer 11f I / O
12 Inlet temperature detection circuit 13 Outlet temperature detection circuit 14 Motorized valve drive circuit 14a Driver IC
15 Input circuit 15a Up switch 15b Down switch 15c Set switch 15d Enter switch 16 Display circuit 16a Temperature display element 16b Valve opening display element 16c LED
17 Display Driver Circuit 18 Storage Circuit 19 Power Supply Circuit 20 Start-up Input Circuit 20a Photocoupler 20b Signal Line 21 Thermo Input Circuit 22 Defrost Input Circuit 23 Alarm Output Circuit 25 Temperature Control Device 26 Room 26a Temperature Sensor 30 Refrigeration Cycle System 31 Temperature Sensor 32 Flow control valve 33 Hot gas bypass piping 34 Hot gas cycle 35 Expansion valve 40 Relay

Claims (6)

A signal is output to the actuator that drives the valve to control the opening of the valve. When a signal indicating the stop of control of the valve opening is received, a preset value is set in a range from fully closed to fully opened of the valve. In the valve control device that outputs a signal corresponding to the predetermined valve opening to the actuator,
A valve control device comprising a changing means for changing the preset predetermined valve opening.   The signal indicating the control stop of the valve opening is in a state where the refrigeration cycle system is waiting for start-up and the operation of the refrigeration cycle system is stopped when the valve is used in the refrigeration cycle system. The valve control device according to claim 1, wherein the valve control device is a signal indicating that it is present.   The signal indicating the control stop of the valve opening is temporarily not controlled by the refrigeration cycle system during operation of the refrigeration cycle system when the valve is used in the refrigeration cycle system. The valve control device according to claim 1, wherein the valve control device is a signal indicating this.   The signal indicating the control stop of the valve opening is that the refrigeration cycle system is temporarily defrosted during operation of the refrigeration cycle system when the valve is used in the refrigeration cycle system. The valve control device according to claim 1, wherein the valve control device indicates that the Based on at least the output of the sensor that detects the control amount, obtain a deviation between the control amount and the target value, obtain an operation amount based on the deviation, and output the operation amount to an actuator that drives the valve, When the output of the sensor is abnormal and controls the valve opening, a signal corresponding to a predetermined valve opening set in advance in a range from fully closed to fully open of the valve is sent to the actuator In the valve control device that outputs to
A valve control device comprising a changing means for changing the preset predetermined valve opening.   The valve control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the valve is an expansion valve in a refrigeration cycle system or a flow rate control valve in a hot gas bypass circuit of the refrigeration cycle system.

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