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WO2000009922A1 - Regulateur electronique pour vanne modulatrice - Google Patents

Regulateur electronique pour vanne modulatrice Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000009922A1
WO2000009922A1 PCT/US1998/016717 US9816717W WO0009922A1 WO 2000009922 A1 WO2000009922 A1 WO 2000009922A1 US 9816717 W US9816717 W US 9816717W WO 0009922 A1 WO0009922 A1 WO 0009922A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
motor
microcontroller
valve plug
solenoid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1998/016717
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel K. Stege
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Erie Manufacturing Co
Original Assignee
Erie Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Erie Manufacturing Co filed Critical Erie Manufacturing Co
Priority to PCT/US1998/016717 priority Critical patent/WO2000009922A1/fr
Publication of WO2000009922A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000009922A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
    • F16K37/0058—Optical means, e.g. light transmission, observation ports
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F16K31/04—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor
    • F16K31/046—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor with electric means, e.g. electric switches, to control the motor or to control a clutch between the valve and the motor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a modulating valve for controlling the flow of a heating or cooling liquid. More particularly, the invention is a microprocessor driven controller for controlling the position of a valve plug member in a modulating valve.
  • a pneumatically controlled modulating valve is used to regulate the flow of the heating or cooling liquid throughout the system.
  • These modulating valves are controlled by a source of varying air pressure supplied to a diaphragm in the modulating valve to control the position of the valve plug member within the valve body. By changing the amount of air pressure applied to the modulating valve, the position of the valve plug can be controlled, thus regulating the flow of heating or cooling liquid through the system.
  • this method of controlling the flow of liquid through a valve has been effective for many years, it requires a source of pneumatic pressure to be piped throughout a building in order to provide control for the various modulating valves.
  • the described modulating valve has several drawbacks.
  • the potentiometer included in the valve must be a very accurate device and must be factory pre-set, since the range of resistance of the potentiometer between the completely open and completely closed valve position must be precisely known. Presetting the potentiometer adds to both the cost and production time of a modulating valve.
  • modulating valves include a clutch assembly and return spring which allows the valve to return to a specific state, either completely open or completely closed, upon power or pressure loss to the valve.
  • the clutch assembly is operated by an electric solenoid which must be activated to engage a series of gears, thereby allowing an electric motor in the valve to move the valve plug member.
  • the solenoid Upon power loss, it is desirable that the solenoid disengage the gear assembly, thereby allowing the return spring to either completely open or completely close the valve depending upon the system requirements.
  • additional circuitry must be included in the valve controller, such that the solenoid can be deactivated upon power loss. This additional circuitry increases the cost and design complexity of the modulating valve.
  • the present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems and provides a method and a control circuit for controlling the position of the valve plug member in a modulating valve.
  • the invention provides a microprocessor based control circuit which monitors and controls the position of the valve plug member within a modular valve body based on a setpoint signal received from an external temperature controller.
  • the apparatus of the invention accurately monitors the position of the valve plug member, such that the valve can be opened, closed or adjusted dependent upon the setpoint signal received from the external temperature controller.
  • the valve control circuit of the invention consists of a power supply section which converts the line voltage into a variety of usable voltage values for the remaining components of the valve control circuit.
  • the valve control circuit includes a microcontroller which is used to operate the remaining components of the control circuit.
  • the microcontroller is configured such that an input range selection signal can be selectively applied by the user to select the type of input that will be received by the microcontroller, so that the microcontroller is able to receive a setpoint input signal which is either voltage or current based.
  • the microcontroller Upon receiving the input range selection signal, the microcontroller receives a setpoint signal from an external temperature controller, which can be either a voltage or a current.
  • the microcontroller determines the position of the setpoint signal within the selected input range to calculate a setpoint value based on the proportion of the setpoint with regard to the selected input range.
  • the modulating valve of the invention includes a photosensor positioned to monitor the number of revolutions of the motor clutch of a bi-directional driving motor.
  • the motor clutch includes a reflective section, such that as the bi-directional motor is operated, the photosensor is able to accurately count the number of revolutions of the motor clutch.
  • the microcontroller self-calibrates itself by operating the valve between a completely closed and a completely open position. Through the photosensor, the microcontroller counts the number of motor revolutions needed to go between the completely closed and completely open positions. After the self-calibration is complete, the number of revolutions required for the complete valve stroke is stored in the microcontroller.
  • the microcontroller After receiving the setpoint signal, the microcontroller compares the current position of the valve plug member with the setpoint signal and operates the bidirectional motor in the required direction. As the motor moves the valve plug member, the photosensor counts the number of revolutions of the motor until the valve plug member assumes the proper position based on the proportion of the input setpoint signal with relation to the selected input range.
  • the valve control circuit includes a solenoid control circuit to operate a solenoid clutch.
  • the microcontroller After a brief delay following initial power supply to the valve, the microcontroller enables and activates the solenoid to engage the solenoid clutch, such that the motor is able to position the valve plug member.
  • the microcontroller Upon power loss to the valve, the microcontroller releases the solenoid after a time delay to disengage the solenoid clutch, thereby allowing a return spring to return the valve plug to either a completely open or a completely closed position.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modulating valve having a solenoid clutch assembly incorporating the valve control circuit of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1 showing the optical sensor of the modulating valve of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig 3. is a detailed circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment of the valve control circuit incorporated into the modulating valve of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart detailing the basic operating steps performed by the valve control circuit of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 1 shows a modulating valve 10 having an inlet passage 12 and a discharge passage 14.
  • Modulating valve 10 has an internal plug member (not shown) for controlling fluid flow therethrough.
  • An example of such a valve and plug member is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/922,637, now issued as U.S. Patent No. 5,397,098, incorporated herein by reference.
  • Fluid flow through the modulating valve 10 is controlled by a bi-directional motor 16 which moves the plug member of valve 10 between its various positions, in a manner as is known.
  • motor 16 is dis- engageable from the plug member of modulating valve 10 by a clutch assembly including a solenoid 18, the operation of which will be described in detail below.
  • Bidirectional motor 16 has motor leads 20 which are connected to a valve control circuit contained on a circuit board 22, the operation of which will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the valve control circuit is connected to an external temperature controller for controlling fluid flow through the valve.
  • the solenoid 18 is a magnetically held solenoid, such as for example Model No. TDS-K06B-22, sold by Takahashi Electric Company, and has circuit leads 24 connected to a solenoid control circuit contained on circuit board 22, the operation of which will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the magnetic solenoid 18 contains a permanent magnet which holds the solenoid in either an activated or a deactivated position, as is known. To move the magnetic solenoid 18 to an activated position, a forward source of electricity is applied to the solenoid 18. Once the electricity has been supplied, the permanent magnet in the solenoid 18 holds the solenoid 18 in an activated state indefinitely without further supply of electric power.
  • the solenoid control circuit is also mounted upon the circuit board 22 which is securely held within the valve controller housing 26 of valve 10 in a manner as is known.
  • Bi-directional motor 16 provides output power through an output shaft to a drive gear (not shown) to drive the drive gear in either a valve open direction or a valve closed direction.
  • the bi-directional motor 16 drives a gear train 28.
  • Gear train 28 engages an actuator shaft (not shown) which extends downwardly into the body of valve 10, shown at 29, to move the valve plug member in the valve 10 in either the valve open direction or the valve closed direction depending upon the system requirements.
  • the gear train 28 is disengageably connected to the motor 16 by a dropout gear assembly 30 mounted to an extendable and retractable plunger 32 of solenoid 18. While the solenoid 18 is in an activated state, the dropout gear assembly 30 is engaged with gear train 28 to allow the bi-directional motor 16 to move the valve stem through the gear train 28. While the solenoid 18 is deactivated, the dropout gear assembly 30 is disengaged from the gear train 28 such that the bi-directional motor 16 is unable to move the valve stem.
  • valve 10 When power is lost or cut off to valve 10, either during normal power downs or during abnormal outages, it is desirable that the modulating valve 10 assume a predetermined position - either completely opened or completely closed.
  • valve 10 incudes a return spring for biasing its plug member toward either the closed or open position, depending upon the particular valve construction. In this manner, the plug member of valve 10 automatically assumes the position toward which it is biased when the plunger 32 of solenoid 18 is extended to disengage drop-out gear assembly 30 from the gear train 28.
  • valve shown in Fig. 1 has been described as including a magnetic solenoid 18 and a return spring, the following description of the control circuit is equally applicable to a valve having an electromagnetic solenoid or to a valve without any type of solenoid and hence no return spring.
  • the position of the valve plug member in the modulating valve 10 is monitored by measuring the number of rotations of the output shaft of bi-directional motor 16, as indicated by the number of rotations of a motor clutch 36.
  • the motor clutch 36 is mounted to the motor output shaft, shown at 37.
  • the motor clutch 36 includes a series of teeth (not shown) that engage the drive gear to permit the motor 16 to drive the gear train 28 and move the valve plug.
  • the motor clutch 36 magnetically engages the motor output shaft 37, such that when the valve plug reaches its mechanical stops at either the completely open or completely closed position, the increased torque between the motor output shaft 37 and the motor clutch 36 causes the clutch to slip, preventing the motor 16 from stripping the teeth of the gears in the gear train 28.
  • the motor clutch 36 is rotating, the motor 16 is moving the valve plug in either the valve open or valve closed direction.
  • the motor clutch 36 includes a reflective section 38 along its outer circumference.
  • Reflective section 38 is preferably a portion of adhesive backed reflective tape having a length substantially less than the length of the outer circumference of the motor clutch 36, although other methods of creating a reflective section are contemplated by the inventor. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the reflective section 38 is approximately one-half the length of the outer circumference of the motor clutch 36.
  • the motor clutch 36 is constructed of a relatively non-reflective material compared to the reflective section 38, such that as the motor clutch 36 rotates as indicated by arrow 40, a fixed-position photosensor 42 detects the passage of the reflective section past the photosensor 42.
  • the photosensor 42 is mounted to circuit board 22 and is connected to a valve control circuit 44 incorporated into circuit board 22 and which is shown in detail in Fig. 3.
  • a valve control circuit 44 incorporated into circuit board 22 and which is shown in detail in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 3 shows the valve control circuit 44 mounted to the circuit board 22 that provides the necessary control for the modulating valve 10.
  • the valve control circuit 44 includes a power supply section generally designated by reference numeral 46.
  • the power supply section 46 is connected to an external source of power, such as the 24 volts AC available at pin 47 of a terminal block 49 in the preferred embodiment.
  • Terminal block 49 is mounted to circuit board 22 and provides a convenient point of connection between the valve control circuit 44 and external components, such as a power supply and a temperature controller.
  • the power supply section 46 includes a plurality of output terminals including a line output 48, a line DC output 50, an intermediate DC output 52 (VCC) and a low DC output 54 (VDD). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, VCC is approximately 6.1 volts while VDD is approximately 5.4 volts.
  • the power supply section 46 includes a transient suppressor (varistor) 56, diode 58 and capacitor 60 which combine to rectify the AC line voltage 48 to generate a constant line DC output 50.
  • This constant line DC output 50 is scaled down and regulated by transistor 62, resistor 64 and zener diode 66 to generate the intermediate DC voltage output 52 (VCC).
  • This intermediate DC voltage output 52 (VCC) is reduced by the voltage drop across diode 68 to generate the low DC voltage output 54 (VDD).
  • Capacitor 70 is connected between the low DC voltage output 54 and ground to stabilize the output 54.
  • the power supply section 46 thus provides four separate voltage values which can be used throughout the remaining portion of the valve control circuit 44.
  • the valve control circuit 44 of the invention is centered around a programmable microcontroller 72.
  • the microcontroller 72 is Model No. TMP47P241 VN, sold by Toshiba.
  • Microcontroller 72 contains 28 pins, numbered 1-28 in Fig. 3, and can be programmed to perform a variety of functions.
  • the microcontroller 72 is programmed by using conventional C-programming language to perform the desired functions which will be described in detail below.
  • a voltage divider 74 consisting of resistor 76 and resistor 78.
  • Resistor 76 is connected to voltage output 50 such that the voltage output 50 is divided between the two resistors 76 and 78.
  • the voltage across resistor 78 is directly related to the line voltage 50, and hence line output 48, and is input into pin 2 of the microcontroller 72.
  • the microcontroller 72 compares the voltage value at pin 2 to a reference voltage supplied at pin 1.
  • the reference voltage at pin 1 is regulated by the a zener diode 80.
  • zener diode 80 is a precision zener diode and provides a 5 volt reference signal with a tolerance of ⁇ 0.1 volt to pin 1 of microcontroller 72.
  • Microcontroller 72 compares the voltage at pin 2, which represents the voltage characteristic of power supply 46, with the reference voltage at pin 1. If the voltage at pin 2 is too low, such as for example during a brownout, the microcontroller 72 will not operate the valve 10.
  • the values of resistors 76 and 78 are selected to scale down the line voltage 50 to a value microcontroller 72 can measure.
  • the sensitivity of the valve control circuit 44 to low power supply can be modified by adjusting the software in the microcontroller 72. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller 72 will not begin to operate until the voltage at the line output 48 reaches 20 volts AC.
  • Pins 3 and 4 of microcontroller 72 are configured to receive one of two possible setpoint signals from an external temperature controller (not shown), through the terminal block 49.
  • the pair of setpoint signal inputs to microcontroller 72 (pins 3 and 4) increase the flexibility of the microcontroller 72 by permitting either one of two distinct types of temperature controllers to be connected without modification to the valve control circuit 44.
  • the first setpoint signal is a 0 to 10 volt input signal from a voltage-based temperature controller, as shown at terminal 82.
  • the 0 to 10 volt set- point signal present at terminal 82 is received from the external temperature controller and represents the amount the valve 10 needs to be opened based on system requirements.
  • a value of 0 volts at 82 may indicate that the valve 10 should be completely closed, while a maximum value of 10 volts indicates that the valve 10 should be completely open.
  • a 2.5 volt signal at 82 indicates the valve should be 25% open.
  • the voltage at output terminal 82 of terminal block 49 is scaled down by a pair of resistors 84 and 86, such that the voltage at terminal 82 is of a value that can be compared to the reference voltage at pin 1.
  • the resistors 84 and 86 are matched resistors such that the voltage value at terminal 82 is halved before it is connected to pin 3.
  • a second setpoint input signal represented at terminal 88 of terminal block 49 is a 4 to 20 mA setpoint signal from a second type of external temperature controller (not shown) which is current-based.
  • a 4 mA setpoint signal at terminal 88 may indicate the valve 10 should be completely closed, while the 20 mA setpoint signal indicates the valve should be completely open.
  • Current values at terminal 88 between the maximum and minimum indicate a valve position proportional to the current value at terminal 88.
  • the current value at terminal 88 is converted to a voltage by a pair of resistors 90 and 92, such that the voltage reaching pin 4 is less than the reference voltage.
  • the valve control circuit 44 is furnished with a jumper 94 to allow the user to select different operating ranges of the valve 10. For example, by selectively connecting pin 17 of microcontroller 72 to any one of the pins 2, 4, 6 or 8 of jumper 94, the user can select an input range to the microcontroller.
  • pin 2 represents a 0-10 volt range
  • pin 4 represents a 0 to 5 volt range
  • pin 6 represents a 5 to 10 volt range
  • pin 8 represents a 4 to 20 mA range. Therefore, the valve control circuit 44 can operate with a variety of external input devices connected to either terminal 82 or 88 of terminal block 49.
  • the valve control circuit 44 is furnished with a second jumper 96 to allow the valve action to be reversed.
  • the valve 10 opens upon receiving an increasing setpoint signal at 82 or 88.
  • pin 4 of jumper 96 is connected to pin 16 of microcontroller 72.
  • the jumpers 94 and 96 are coupled in a known manner to a series of resistors 98 connected between low DC output 54 (VDD) and the pins of each jumper 94,96.
  • jumper 94 has a valve open connection, pin 10, and a valve close connection, pin 12, such that the user can override the valve control circuit 44 to selectively open or close the valve 10.
  • a solenoid control circuit 100 which operates the magnetic solenoid 18 to perform the functions previously discussed.
  • a solenoid enable line 102 is connected to pin 9 of microcontroller 72.
  • the microcontroller 72 sends a signal out on pin 9 to the solenoid enable line 102, which is applied to the base of a transistor 104 through a resistor 106 to turn on transistor 104.
  • the microcontroller 72 supplies a high voltage at pin 7, which in turn is connected to a solenoid pull-in line 108.
  • This high voltage value at line 108 turns on a transistor 110 which, in turn, turns on a pair of transistors 112,114. In this manner, the supply voltage 48 is allowed to flow through a diode 116, through transistor 114, through solenoid 18 and finally through transistor 112, which results in activation of the solenoid 18 to retract plunger 32.
  • a solenoid release line 118 is connected to pin 8 of microcontroller 72 such that when the solenoid is to be released, the microcontroller 72 sends out a signal on pin 8 which, in turn, is applied to solenoid release line 118.
  • This high signal on line 118 turns on a transistor 120, which in turn turns on a transistor 122 through a resistor 124.
  • a transistor 125 is turned on through a resistor 126, which allows power to flow through the solenoid 18 in the reverse direction, thereby releasing the magnetically held solenoid 18.
  • the configuration of transistors 112, 114, 124 and 126 shown in solenoid control circuit 100 is commonly referred to as an H-bridge configuration and is well known. However, in previous solenoid control circuits without the microcontroller 72, the timing for the solenoid control circuit 100 had to be supplied by a complex analog circuit.
  • Bi-directional motor 16 is connected to pins 10 and 11 of the microcontroller 72 through a conventional motor control circuit 127.
  • Pin 10 of the microcontroller 72 is connected through a resistor 128 to a triac 129.
  • the high signal turns on triac 129 which, in turn, applies a signal through a motor lead 130 to operate the bi-directional motor 16 in a forward direction.
  • the microcontroller 72 sinks the high signal at pin 10 to ground.
  • a capacitor 131 and a resistor 132 are connected across triac 129. Therefore, by selectively allowing pin 10 to go high, microcontroller 72 can operate the motor 16 in a forward direction.
  • microcontroller 72 selectively allows pin 11 to go high which turns on a triac 134 through a resistor 136.
  • a signal is applied through a motor lead 138 to operate motor 16 in a reverse direction.
  • a capacitor 140 and a resistor 142 are connected across triac 134.
  • a capacitor 144 is connected between the two triacs 128 and 134.
  • the photosensor 42 is shown connected to pins 5 and 15 of microcontroller 72.
  • the photosensor 42 is a single component consisting of a light emitting diode 146 and a photoreceptor 148.
  • a light emitting diode 146 emits light
  • the light is reflected from the reflective strip 38 on the motor clutch 36 each time reflective strip 38 passes light emitting diode 146 upon rotation of motor output shaft 37, and the reflected light is received by the photoreceptor 148.
  • the photoreceptor 148 is connected between the intermediate power source 52 (VCC) and pin 5 of microcontroller 72.
  • a pull-down resistor 150 connects the emitter of the photoreceptor 148 to ground to determine the voltage applied to pin 5 of microcontroller 72. In this manner, as the reflective portion 38 of the motor clutch 36 passes in front of the photosensor 42, a pulse signal is sent to pin 5 of microcontroller 72. Microcontroller 72 thus can count the number of pulses at pin 5, which relates to the number of rotations of the motor clutch 36. The significance of this function will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • a series of indicator LED's 152, 154 and 156 are connected to intermediate power supply 52 (VCC) through a resistor bank 157.
  • LED 152 is a red LED and is connected to pin 12 of microcontroller 72 and is activated to indicate that the motor 16 is operating to close the valve 10.
  • LED 154 is preferably a green LED and is connected to pin 13 of microcontroller 72 and is activated to indicate that the motor 16 is operating to open the valve 10.
  • LED 156 is preferably a yellow LED and is connected to pin 18 of the microcontroller 72 and is activated to indicate the calibration status of microcontroller 72.
  • the microcontroller 72 is also able to operate the LED's 152, 154 and 156 in a variety of combinations to indicate particular functions of the microcontroller which will be described in detail below.
  • Shown at 158 is a conventional clock signal generator 158 which is connected between pins 20 and 21 of the microcontroller 72.
  • Clock signal generator 158 provides the required timing for the particular functions performed by the microcontroller 72.
  • a conventional reset circuit 159 consisting of a diode 160 and a capacitor 162 applies a voltage signal to the reset pin 22 on microcontroller 72 after an initial time delay created by the capacitor 162.
  • the initial low voltage upon power-up at the reset pin 22 holds the reset pin low which causes the microcontroller 72 to begin its internal programming at the start of the program, as indicated by the initialization step 170 in Fig. 4.
  • the microcontroller 72 outputs a signal at pin 18 which causes the yellow LED 156 to flash to indicate the microcontroller 72 is activated, as shown at step 172.
  • the power supply circuit 42 generates a series of voltages, as previously discussed.
  • the line DC voltage 50 is applied through the reference detector 74 to pin 2 of the microcontroller 72.
  • the voltage at pin 2 of microcontroller 72 is compared to the reference voltage applied to pin 1 as shown in step 174.
  • the microcontroller 72 enables the solenoid 18 in step 176 by outputting a signal at pin 9 which is connected to the solenoid enable line 102.
  • the microcontroller 72 activates the solenoid 18 by supplying a signal to solenoid pull-in terminal 108. This signal at terminal 108 causes the solenoid to be pulled in, which allows the dropout gear assembly 34 to engage the gear train 28, thereby allowing the motor 16 to move the valve plug member.
  • the microcontroller 72 After pulling in the solenoid 18 to permit engagement between the gear train 28 and the motor 16, the microcontroller 72 performs a self-calibration function. To self-calibrate, the microcontroller 72 first operates bi-directional motor 16 in the valve open direction for a brief period of time as indicated by step 178 in Fig. 4. As previously indicated, when the motor 16 is operated in the valve open direction, green LED 154 is activated and yellow LED 156 flashes. Next, the motor 16 is operated in the valve closed direction and the microcontroller monitors the operation of photosensor 42, as shown in step 180. The microcontroller 72 then sends out a signal at pin 11 to completely close the valve 10 by operating the motor 16 in a motor closed direction, as indicated by step 182. Once the valve 10 is completely closed, the microcontroller 72 sets the position count to 0.
  • the microcontroller 72 When the valve 10 has been completely closed, the microcontroller 72 sends out a signal to pin 10 which directs the motor 16 to operate in a valve open direction until the motor 16 has completely opened the valve 10 as indicated by step 184.
  • the microcontroller 72 counts the number of revolutions of motor clutch 36 through the photosensor 42, in the manner previously discussed. By counting the number of revolutions of motor clutch 36, the microcontroller 72 is able to determine the number of revolutions of the motor clutch 36 required for a full valve stroke between the completely closed and the completely open position. Through self-calibration, the microcontroller 72 is able to determine the valve span of the valve 10 without the need for a factory pre-set.
  • the microcontroller 72 can compare this count to a stored acceptable range which is preset in the microcontroller.
  • the allowable number of motor revolutions for full valve stroke for the valve shown in the preferred embodiment is between 450-700. If the actual number of revolutions needed for full valve stoke falls outside of this range, the microcontroller 72 will turn on yellow LED 156 to indicate a general valve failure. If during initial self-calibration the microcontroller 72 sends out a valve open signal at pin 10 but does not detect any motor rotation through the photosensor 42, the microcontroller 72 will also turn on all three LEDs to indicate a motor or circuit failure.
  • the microcontroller 72 checks to determine the type of input from the input selection jumper 94. First, the microcontroller 72 checks to see if the open or closed jumpers are on, as indicated by pins 10 and 12 of the jumper 94. If either of the pins 10 or 12 are on, the valve 10 should be moved to the completely opened or closed position as indicated by the jumper. If neither of the opened and closed jumpers are on, the microcontroller checks the input range selection as indicated by pins 2, 4, 6, and 8 of jumper 94 which are input into pin 17 of the microcontroller 72.
  • the microcontroller 72 internally selects the input to be at pin 4 of the microcontroller 72. Otherwise, the input will be a voltage, such that it will be received at pin 3 of the microcontroller 72.
  • the microcontroller 72 measures the setpoint input at either pin 3 or 4 depending upon the input range selected by jumper 94, as indicated by step 186 in Fig. 4. Specifically, the microcontroller 72 measures the set- point a number of times and averages the measurement to determine the desired position of the valve 10. After measuring the setpoint input, the microcontroller 72 checks the input from jumper 96 as applied to pin 16 of the microcontroller 72. If the input from jumper 96 indicates the valve should be direct acting, the minimum setpoint input will correspond to a completely closed valve, whereas a maximum input corresponds to a completely open valve. Likewise, if the reverse acting jumper is activated, the microcontroller 72 will interpret a low input to be a completely open valve, whereas a high input will be a completely closed valve.
  • Microcontroller 72 compares the desired set point to the current position of the valve 10 and calculates an error value at step 188. Immediately following self- calibration, the valve 10 will be in the completely open position. Based on the difference between the desired setpoint and the valve plug position, the microcontroller 72 either directs the motor 16 to open or close the valve 10 as shown at step 190. As the valve 10 opens or closes, the microcontroller 72 counts the number of rotations of motor clutch 36 through the photosensor 42 until the position of the valve 10 corresponds to the desired setpoint.
  • the microcontroller 72 will continue to update the current valve position, monitor the input at either pin 3 or 4 and operate the motor 16 in either a valve closed or a valve open direction, dependent upon the difference between the setpoint and the current position of the valve 10 as shown in step 192.
  • the microcontroller 72 will reset its zero position every time the valve 10 is required to completely close, thereby continuously adjusting the valve accuracy.
  • the microcontroller 72 can be programmed to reset its zero position at a set time interval. For instance, should the valve 10 continue to operate without completely closing, the microcontroller 72 will rezero the valve approximately every 10 days. Additionally, the microcontroller 72 is programmed to self-reset and recalibrate the rotational count required for the valve 10 to go between the completely open and completely closed position if the completely open position count of valve 10 decreases by more than 5% from the value determined during initial calibration.
  • the microcontroller 72 will output a signal at pin 8, after a time delay of about 3 seconds, which is connected to the solenoid release line 118.
  • a high voltage at line 118 releases the solenoid 18, which causes the drop out gear assembly 30 to be disengaged from the gear train 28. Therefore, upon power loss, the return spring included in the modulating valve 10 can return the valve 10 to either a completely open or a completely closed position.
  • valve control circuit 44 shown in Fig. 3, the modulating valve 10 does not need to be calibrated at the factory, thereby reducing the need for specific tolerances of the potentiometer which was necessary in prior control circuits. Additionally, the valve control circuit 44 has a self-calibrating function, such that the microcontroller 72 recalibrates itself periodically during normal usage. This self- calibration during normal usage can compensate for a variety of causes of degradation in the system, such as in the light emitting diode 146 or for a build-up of dirt film on the reflective strip 38 contained on the motor clutch 36. Additionally, the microcontroller 72 provides the required timing and signals to operate a solenoid clutch, thereby reducing the circuitry needed to perform such a function.
  • the microcontroller 72 is able to receive a variety of input signals such as a 0 to 10 volt input or a 4 to 20 mA input, thereby allowing the modulating valve 10 to be used with a variety of thermostats or similar devices.
  • the three LEDs 152, 154 and 156 can be operated by the microcontroller 72 to externally indicate the status of the valve 10.
  • the status of valve 10 is indicated as follows.
  • the red LED 152 is turned on continuously.
  • the green LED 154 is turned on continuously.
  • the red and green LEDs 152 and 154 are on as appropriate based on the motor 16 operation, and the yellow LED 156 is flashing.
  • the microcontroller 72 turns on the yellow LED 156 as indicated in step 194 of Fig. 4. If no motion is detected when attempting to open the valve during calibration, the red, green and yellow LEDs are on continuously.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un circuit de commande de vanne (44) qui permet de faire passer une vanne modulatrice (10) d'une position entièrement ouverte à une position entièrement fermée. Le circuit comprend un microcontrôleur (72) qui reçoit un signal d'entrée depuis un dispositif de réglage de température externe. Le microcontrôleur surveille et contrôle la position de la vanne modulatrice en déterminant d'abord le nombre de rotations du moteur d'entraînement bidirectionnel (16) requis pour faire passer la vanne d'une position entièrement ouverte à une position entièrement fermée. Après cette détermination du nombre de rotations pour un cycle de vanne complet, le microcontrôleur place la tige de vanne dans la position correcte suivant la valeur de consigne, par rapport à une gamme de valeurs d'entrée. Il place la tige de vanne en relation directe avec la proportion du signal de valeur de consigne d'entrée par rapport à la gamme voulue. Le circuit de commande de vanne modulatrice comporte aussi un circuit de commande à solénoïde capable d'engager et de désengager un embrayage à solénoïde (36), si bien que la vanne peut comprendre un ressort de rappel.
PCT/US1998/016717 1998-08-12 1998-08-12 Regulateur electronique pour vanne modulatrice Ceased WO2000009922A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/016717 WO2000009922A1 (fr) 1998-08-12 1998-08-12 Regulateur electronique pour vanne modulatrice

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/016717 WO2000009922A1 (fr) 1998-08-12 1998-08-12 Regulateur electronique pour vanne modulatrice

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000009922A1 true WO2000009922A1 (fr) 2000-02-24

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/016717 Ceased WO2000009922A1 (fr) 1998-08-12 1998-08-12 Regulateur electronique pour vanne modulatrice

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2000009922A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2824380A1 (fr) * 2001-05-03 2002-11-08 Sagem Procede de decrassage electronique d'une vanne commandee selon ce procede
EP1882436A1 (fr) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-30 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle avec un circuit hydraulique comportant une vanne de commutation
CN103672105A (zh) * 2013-12-23 2014-03-26 重庆川仪自动化股份有限公司 一种电动执行机构
WO2022130436A1 (fr) * 2020-12-16 2022-06-23 Acl S.R.L. Ensemble soupape à sécurité intégrée de siège à angle proportionnel

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2461867A1 (fr) * 1979-07-20 1981-02-06 Thomson Csf Dispositif de protection d'un organe de reglage de debit, notamment pour installation de chauffage, et installations de chauffage comportant un tel dispositif
US4364111A (en) * 1980-05-20 1982-12-14 Westran Corporation Electronically controlled valve actuator
DE3726885A1 (de) * 1987-08-12 1989-02-23 Siemens Ag Verfahren und anordnung zum ermitteln der stellweg-endlagen eines stellgliedes
EP0306159A2 (fr) * 1987-08-28 1989-03-08 Armitage Shanks Limited Soupape de réglage d'eau
US5076321A (en) * 1991-01-07 1991-12-31 Terry Paul E Flow sensitive fluid shutoff safety device
DE19652583C1 (de) * 1996-12-17 1997-11-20 Holter Gmbh & Co Elektrischer Stellantrieb für ein Ventil o. dgl.
WO1998013633A1 (fr) * 1996-09-26 1998-04-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Mecanisme de commande pour clapet de turbine

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2461867A1 (fr) * 1979-07-20 1981-02-06 Thomson Csf Dispositif de protection d'un organe de reglage de debit, notamment pour installation de chauffage, et installations de chauffage comportant un tel dispositif
US4364111A (en) * 1980-05-20 1982-12-14 Westran Corporation Electronically controlled valve actuator
DE3726885A1 (de) * 1987-08-12 1989-02-23 Siemens Ag Verfahren und anordnung zum ermitteln der stellweg-endlagen eines stellgliedes
EP0306159A2 (fr) * 1987-08-28 1989-03-08 Armitage Shanks Limited Soupape de réglage d'eau
US5076321A (en) * 1991-01-07 1991-12-31 Terry Paul E Flow sensitive fluid shutoff safety device
WO1998013633A1 (fr) * 1996-09-26 1998-04-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Mecanisme de commande pour clapet de turbine
DE19652583C1 (de) * 1996-12-17 1997-11-20 Holter Gmbh & Co Elektrischer Stellantrieb für ein Ventil o. dgl.

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2824380A1 (fr) * 2001-05-03 2002-11-08 Sagem Procede de decrassage electronique d'une vanne commandee selon ce procede
EP1882436A1 (fr) * 2006-07-25 2008-01-30 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Lave-vaisselle avec un circuit hydraulique comportant une vanne de commutation
CN103672105A (zh) * 2013-12-23 2014-03-26 重庆川仪自动化股份有限公司 一种电动执行机构
CN103672105B (zh) * 2013-12-23 2015-12-30 重庆川仪自动化股份有限公司 一种电动执行机构
WO2022130436A1 (fr) * 2020-12-16 2022-06-23 Acl S.R.L. Ensemble soupape à sécurité intégrée de siège à angle proportionnel

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