JP2010170463A - Connecting cable for communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce cost or size of a motor-operated valve controller or the like, while considering the requests of both a user who uses communication with a computer device and a user who does not use the communication with a computer device. <P>SOLUTION: A connecting cable for communication 1 includes: a first connector 2 connectable to a personal computer 30; a second connector 3 connectable to a motor-operated valve controller 28; and a cable 4 for electrically connecting the first and second connectors 2 and 3. The connecting cable for communication 1 allows signal communication between the personal computer 30 and the motor-operated valve controller 28. The first connector 2 incorporates a compact print substrate 7a on which a signal conversion circuit 7, for converting a signal input by one of the personal computer 30 and the motor-operated valve controller 28 into a format suitable for the other to output the conversion result, is formed. The first connector 2 includes a housing 6 and a pin connection part 5 connectable to an input/output pin of the personal computer 30. The compact print substrate 7a is located inside the housing 6, and electrically connects the pin connection part 5 and the cable 4 via the signal conversion circuit 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication connection cable that enables signal communication between different devices, and more particularly to a communication connection cable that connects a motor-driven valve control device, a temperature control device, and a computer device.

  Conventionally, in a motorized valve controller used in a refrigeration cycle, data such as the refrigerant temperature, the valve opening of the motorized valve, and the operating state of the motorized valve are monitored and logged by a personal computer, and further various types of temperature setting, etc. A signal conversion circuit for personal computer communication is installed in order to enable setting work from the personal computer side.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, such an electric valve controller includes a microprocessor 51, an inlet temperature detection circuit 52, an outlet temperature detection circuit 53, an electric valve drive circuit 54, an input circuit 55, and a display circuit. 56, a display driver circuit 57, a memory circuit (EEPROM) 58, a power supply circuit 59, a signal input / output circuit 60 for inputting / outputting various signals such as a start signal, a signal conversion circuit 61, and the like. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Among these configurations, the microprocessor 51 to the signal input / output circuit 60 are circuit configurations for controlling the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (circulation refrigerant flow rate adjustment valve) in the refrigeration cycle. The circuit 61 is an interface circuit for performing signal communication with the personal computer 62 through the connection cable 61a.

JP 2008-286464 A

  As described above, in the case of the motor-operated valve controller provided with the signal conversion circuit 61, the cost of that amount will be added to the cost of the motor-operated valve controller. The operation by the electric valve controller 50 may be preferred exclusively. For such users, the signal conversion circuit 61 is not necessary, and it is difficult to say that the configuration is suitable for cost. Further, in order to mount the signal conversion circuit 61 on the printed circuit board, it is necessary to secure an installation space for the signal conversion circuit 61 on the circuit board, which increases the size of the printed circuit board and prevents the motorized valve controller 50 from being downsized. There is also the problem of being.

  It is possible to arrange the signal conversion circuit 61 between the printed circuit board and a PC communication connector (not shown) without arranging the signal conversion circuit 61 on the printed circuit board. Is still an unnecessary configuration, and also requires a dedicated device for the signal conversion circuit and a space for arranging it, and thus there are problems such as high costs and an increase in the size of the device as described above. .

  An electric valve control device other than the electric valve controller (such as an electric valve driver that does not have a temperature detection function and drives an electric valve based on an input control signal) or a temperature control device (a compressor based on the detected temperature) And electronic thermostats for controlling heaters and the like) have the same problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the problems in the above-described conventional technology, and considers the demands of both users who use communication with computer devices and users who do not use it, and motor-driven valve control devices Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication connection cable that can reduce the cost and size of a temperature control device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first communication connection cable according to the present invention includes a first connector connectable to a computer device, a second connector connectable to a motor-operated valve control device, A communication connection cable that enables signal communication between the computer device and the motor-operated valve control device, wherein the first connector is connected to the computer device. Alternatively, a circuit board on which a signal conversion circuit for converting a signal input from one of the motor-operated valve control devices into a format suitable for the other of the computer device or the motor-operated valve control device is formed is built in. .

  The second communication connection cable according to the present invention includes a first connector connectable to a computer device, a second connector connectable to a temperature control device, and the first and second connectors electrically. A communication connection cable that enables signal communication between the computer device and the temperature control device, wherein the first connector is connected to either the computer device or the temperature control device. A circuit board on which a signal conversion circuit for converting an input signal into a format suitable for the other of the computer device or the temperature control device and outputting the signal is built in.

  According to the present invention, since the circuit board on which the signal conversion circuit is formed is built in the first connector, the motor-operated valve control device or the temperature control device can be provided without providing the signal conversion circuit in the motor-operated valve control device or the temperature control device. The temperature control device and the computer device can be connected. This makes it possible to reduce the cost and size of the motor-operated valve control device and the temperature control device while taking into consideration the demands of both users who use communication with the computer device and users who do not use it.

  In the first or second communication connection cable, the first connector includes a housing and a pin connection portion connectable to an input / output pin of the computer device, and the circuit board is disposed in the housing. It is arranged and the pin connection part and the cable can be electrically connected via the signal conversion circuit.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost and size of the motor-operated valve control device and the temperature control device while considering the demands of both users who use communication with computer devices and users who do not use communication. It is possible to provide a communication connection cable that can be realized.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the refrigerating cycle using an electric valve controller. It is a figure which shows the connection cable for communication concerning this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a top view of the state which removed the upper housing. . It is the sectional view on the AA line of Fig.2 (a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional motor operated valve controller.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the communication connection cable of the present embodiment connects an electric valve controller that controls an electric valve (expansion valve) in the refrigeration cycle to a personal computer that is an example of a computer device. The configuration of the cycle will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the refrigeration cycle 20 includes a compressor 22, a condenser 23, an expansion valve (electric valve) 24, an evaporator 25, and an inlet for detecting a refrigerant temperature Tin at the inlet of the evaporator 25. The temperature sensor 26, the outlet temperature sensor 27 that detects the refrigerant temperature Tout at the outlet of the evaporator 25, and the electric motor that takes in the detection signals of the inlet temperature sensor 26 and the outlet temperature sensor 27 to control the valve opening degree of the expansion valve 24. And a valve controller 28.

  In the refrigeration cycle 20, the compressor 22 compresses the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, converts it into a high-pressure gas, and supplies it to the condenser 23. The condenser 23 condenses the refrigerant in the high-pressure gas state supplied from the compressor 22 and converts it into a refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid state. This heat is used for heating and heating as needed, or is discarded. The expansion valve 24 has its valve opening adjusted in accordance with a drive signal from the electric valve controller 28 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 24 changes from a high pressure state to a low pressure state. The evaporator 25 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 25a. This series of operations is repeated, and the refrigeration, refrigeration or cooling state is maintained by continuously or intermittently depriving the evaporator 25 of heat.

  The communication connection cable 1 according to the present invention is used between the printed circuit board 28a of the motor-operated valve controller 28 and the personal computer 30, and one end is connected to a plug 28b disposed on the printed circuit board 28a and the other end is connected. It is connected to a connection port 30 a provided in the personal computer 30.

  Next, a specific configuration of the communication connection cable 1 will be described. 2A and 2B show an example of a communication connection cable, where FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a front view, and FIG. 2C is a plan view with an upper housing removed. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the communication connection cable 1 includes a first connector 2 configured to be connectable to the connection port 30a of the personal computer 30, and a second connector configured to be connectable to the plug 28b of the printed circuit board 28a. The connector 3 is composed of a cable 4 that electrically connects the first and second connectors 2 and 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the first connector 2 includes a pin connection portion 5, a housing 6, a signal conversion circuit 7 disposed in the housing 6, and the first connector 2. The fixing screw 8 for fixing to the connection port 30a of the personal computer 30 is provided.

  The pin connection portion 5 corresponds to RS232-C (Recommended Standard 232 Ver.C, standard: EIA-574), which is one of the interface standards, as shown in FIG. Nine pin holes 5a into which pins (not shown) protruding from the connection port 30a can be inserted are provided. Inside each pin hole 5a, a connection terminal (not shown) made of a conductive material such as metal is disposed, and these connection terminals are all electrically connected to the signal conversion circuit 7.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.2 (c) and FIG. 3, the collar part 5b extended radially is provided in the outer periphery of the pin connection part 5, and the front-end | tip part of the fixing screw 8 is penetrated by this collar part 5b. Two holes 5c are formed (see FIG. 2B).

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the housing 6 includes two members that are divided into upper and lower parts, and includes an upper housing 6 a and a lower housing 6 b. As shown in FIG. 3, a front opening of the housing 6 is provided with a first opening 6c for exposing a front portion of the pin connection portion 5, and a pin connection is provided in the vicinity of the first opening 6c. An engagement groove 6e that engages with a part of the flange portion 5a of the portion 5 is provided.

  In addition, a second opening 6d for guiding one end of the cable 4 into the first connector 2 is provided at the rear part of the housing 6, and a cable is provided in the vicinity of the second opening 6d of the lower housing 6b. A semi-cylindrical recess 6f corresponding to the diameter of 4 is formed. In addition, the cable 4 is clamped by screwing the pressing member 6g to the lower housing 6b from above after being disposed on the semi-cylindrical recess 6f (see FIG. 2C).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, insertion holes 6 h through which a part of the fixing screw 8 is inserted are formed on both sides of the housing 6. These insertion holes 6h are constituted by semi-cylindrical recesses formed in each of the upper housing 6a and the lower housing 6b.

  The signal conversion circuit 7 is provided for electrically connecting the pin connector 5 and the cable 4 and converting a signal input from one of the personal computer 30 or the motor-operated valve controller 28 into a format that can be handled by the other. It is done. This signal conversion circuit 7 is for receiving the output data of the personal computer 30 by the motor-operated valve controller 28, or conversely, for receiving the output data of the motor-operated valve controller 28 by the personal computer 30, as shown in FIG. As shown, it is formed on a small printed circuit board 7 a having a size that can be arranged in the housing 6.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (c), the fixing screw 8 is composed of a large diameter portion 8a and a small diameter portion 8b, and a female screw (not provided) provided on the connection port 30a on the personal computer 30 side is provided at the tip of the small diameter portion 8b. A male screw 8c is formed which is screwed with the illustrated one.

  The second connector 3 is a receptacle-type connector that can be connected to the plug 28b on the printed circuit board 28a, and the second connector 3 has four pins (not shown) that can be inserted from the plug 28b. Pin contacts (not shown) are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the cable 4 is a communication cable in which four electric wires are bundled, and one end is connected to the signal conversion circuit 7 and the other end is a second connector. 3 is connected. Note that, when transmitting a signal, the transmission signal may fluctuate due to the influence of noise from the outside. Therefore, the length of the cable 4 is appropriately adjusted according to the degree of noise.

  When using the communication connection cable 1, the pin connector 5 is inserted into the connection port 30 a of the personal computer 30 on the first connector 2 side, and in this state, the fixing screw 8 is rotated to connect the first connector 2. Fix to PC 30. On the other hand, also on the second connector 3 side, the connector main body is inserted into the plug 28b on the printed board 28a, and the second connector 3 is connected to the motor-operated valve controller 28. The second connector 3 is not necessarily connected to the plug 28b on the printed circuit board 28a. For example, a connection plug is provided on a main body cover (not shown) of the motor-operated valve controller 28, and the second connector 3 is provided on the main body cover. You may make it connect with a plug.

  As a result, a signal can be exchanged between the motor-operated valve controller 28 and the personal computer 30. Thereafter, the data such as the refrigerant temperature of the refrigeration cycle, the valve opening degree, and the motor-operated valve operating state acquired by the motor-operated valve controller 28 are stored in the personal computer 30. Thus, various settings such as temperature setting can be performed by monitoring, logging, and operations from the personal computer 30 side.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the small printed circuit board 7 a on which the signal conversion circuit 7 is formed is built in the first connector 2, the signal conversion circuit is provided on the printed circuit board 28 a of the electric valve controller 28. Even if it is not formed, the personal computer 30 and the electric valve controller 28 can be connected. Thereby, the cost of the motor-operated valve controller 28 can be reduced in consideration of a user who does not use personal computer communication, and a communication function can be ensured in consideration of a user who uses personal computer communication.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to secure a space for arranging the signal conversion circuit on the printed circuit board 28a of the motor-operated valve controller 28. Therefore, the size of the printed circuit board 28a can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the electric valve controller 28.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the first connector 2 is made compatible with the RS-232C has been exemplified. However, when the communication connection cable 1 is used in a noisy environment, the influence of noise is compared. It may be made to correspond to RS-422, RS-485, etc. that are difficult to receive.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the communication connection cable that connects the first connector to the personal computer and connects the second connector to the motor-operated valve controller has been described. What is connected to the computer may be a computer device other than a personal computer, and what is connected to the second connector is a motorized valve control device (for example, a motorized valve driver) other than a motorized valve controller or a temperature control device (for example, an electronic thermostat). May be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication connection cable 2 1st connector 3 2nd connector 4 Cable 5 Pin connection part 5a Pin hole 5b Fence part 5c Hole 6 Housing 6a Upper housing 6b Lower housing 6c 1st opening part 6d 2nd opening part 6e Engaging groove 6f Semi-cylindrical recess 6g Holding member 6h Insertion hole 7 Signal conversion circuit 7a Small printed circuit board 8 Fixing screw 8a Large diameter portion 8b Small diameter portion 8c Male screw 20 Refrigeration cycle 22 Compressor 23 Condenser 23a Condenser fan 24 Expansion valve (Motorized valve)
25 Evaporator 25a Evaporator Fan 26 Inlet Temperature Sensor 27 Outlet Temperature Sensor 28 Motorized Valve Controller 28a Printed Circuit Board 28b Plug 30 Personal Computer (Computer Device)
30a connection port

Claims (3)

A first connector connectable to the computer device; a second connector connectable to the motor-operated valve control device; and a cable for electrically connecting the first and second connectors; A communication connection cable that enables signal communication between valve control devices,
The first connector is formed with a signal conversion circuit that converts a signal input from one of the computer device or the motor-operated valve control device into a format suitable for the other of the computer device or the motor-operated valve control device and outputs the signal. A communication connection cable characterized by a built-in circuit board. A first connector connectable to a computer device, a second connector connectable to a temperature control device, and a cable for electrically connecting the first and second connectors, the computer device and the temperature control A communication connection cable that enables signal communication between devices,
The first connector is a circuit board on which a signal conversion circuit for converting a signal input from one of the computer device or the temperature control device into a format suitable for the other of the computer device or the temperature control device and outputting the converted signal is formed. A communication connection cable characterized by a built-in cable. The first connector includes a housing and a pin connection portion connectable to an input / output pin of the computer device,
The communication connection cable according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is arranged in the housing and electrically connects the pin connection portion and the cable via the signal conversion circuit.

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