486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（丨） [發明背景] 1. 發明領域 本發明係槪括關於一種供控制及監視加熱器溫度之系 統，且尤指一種運用多個控制單元之加熱器控制系統，該 等控制單元係構成以提供在多個管路(piping)系統加熱器之 各者的電子式溫度與功率控制且係串聯連接及安裝至該等 管路系統加熱器。 2. 相關技藝之敘述 加熱器之使用係遍及半導體製造、化學及製藥處理、 塑料製造、食品處理、及其他產業以加熱管路系統，以控 制各種生產與廢料處理。典型而言，管路系統之溫度係必 須保持於某一溫度範圍內，以達成期望的生產結果(例如有 利於期望的化學反應）及/或使得於管路系統之維護爲最小 化，該系統之維護可係由管路系統中之副產物累積或者自 腐飩或類似者之管路系統惡化所引起。舉例而言，於半_ 體製造工業中，諸如於授與Hauschulz等人的美國專利第 5,7H，738號所揭示者之可撓絕緣加熱器，其係沿著管路長 度及自一反應室或生產室之下游的管路構件所串聯安裝， 以維持所傳輸之流出蒸氣於一特定溫度範圍內。沿著管路 系統長度之此溫度控制係作用以使得最小化於管路內壁與; 管路構件上的化學反應副產物之冷凝(縮合）、昇華、及 固化，其若保留未作檢查，最後可能將要求淸潔或者甚至 更換管路系統構件。 於諸多產業應用中，對於管路之可接受的溫度範圍係 4 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁} 裝--------訂---------· 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（y) 嚴格或小，即在一設定點之小度數內，且有時候該設定點 溫度係相當高，即在攝氏180度以上。於半導體製造工業 中，通常由化學汽相沉積（CVD)所達成之銅沉積係已經成 爲於積體電路製造中之最爲重要及迅速增長面積之一者。 銅CVD副產物之流出管理係需有嚴格的溫度控制，諸如於 一設定點之加減攝氏5度內。於另一個製造應用中，氮化 鈦CVD係涉及高溫(即約攝氏200度)且要求保持約爲攝氏 1〇度之嚴格的溫度範圍於一反應室下游管路與構件，以防 止或使得冷凝於該管路與構件外壁上的氯化氨鹽副產物爲 最少。銅CVD與諸多其他製程係說明對於一種準確及響應 的加熱器控制系統之要求，其允許使用者可得到且保持管 路構件的溫度在使用者可選擇之範圍內。 管路系統加熱器被運用之產業環境係要求加熱器控制 系統需滿足其他重大的設計需求。加熱器係經常被置放於 小的管路構件(諸如2英吋或更小直徑管路），在介於相鄰 管路構件與結構之間係僅有很小或者並無餘隙。是以，較 佳爲控制或限制該加熱器控制系統構件之尺寸。因爲保持 於管路系統中的溫度之重要性，加熱器控制系統係較佳爲 構成以提供使用者在使用期間之操作資訊，諸如該加熱器 是否係打開或關掉、以及該加熱器是否係於指定溫度範圍 內。再者，加熱器之使用者所要求的是，該等加熱器與任 何關連的控制設備係需爲簡單以裝設、係需足夠耐久以供 工業使用、且係需容易以維修及/或更換。誠然，該等加熱 器與加熱器控制系統係必須構成以符合其將應用至特定產 5 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 脖衣—— ·111111. 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（，） 業之任何與所有的安全規範(例如電氣與火災安全規範）。 目前被運甩以提供加熱器控制之一個處理方式係使用 電子-機械式溫度控制器，其係裝設於各個加熱器上。關於 管線加熱器，此等電子-機械式溫度控制器係典型爲疾快動 作式（snap-action)自動調溫器（thermostat)或徐緩動作式 (creep-action)自動調溫器，其一般係均爲尺寸小巧且相當 便宜。不幸的是，如同熟悉加熱領域之人士所將瞭解者， 運用疾快動作式或徐緩動作式自動調溫器之溫度控制器係 一般具有單一固定的溫度設定點且僅提供受限制之溫度控 制。 關於此方面，大部份的疾快動作式之電子-機械式溫度 控制器係具有攝氏15度或者更大的滯定帶(deadband)，其 對於上文討論之銅CVD以及對於需有嚴格溫度控制之其他 製程係不可接受，因爲其僅提供於一固定溫度設定點左右 之攝氏15度或者更大溫度範圍的溫度控制。反之，徐緩動 作式自動調溫器係提供較爲嚴格之初始溫度控制但是接著 係隨著其於時間漂移而變爲不準確，且亦具有短的服務壽 命，其歸因於發生在其切換接點之間的高位準電弧。以此 二種型式之自動調溫器，一小巧的電子-機械式溫度控制器 係必須構成且裝設爲使得存有與該管線加熱器的作用加熱 器表面之密切的熱接觸以適當作用。爲此目的，一般實務 係將電子_機械式溫度控制器永久嵌入於管線加熱器內，而 當該自動調溫器係失效或者需作維修時，該整個加熱器與 控制器係必須作更換且典型爲被廢棄。大部份的電子-機械 6 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ' " · U—裝·-------訂---------— t (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（4) 式溫度控制器之另一個問題係在於，其提供很少或並無於 使用期間之操作資訊，且若欲找出一未作用的加熱器’操 作或維修人員係必須用其手碰觸該等加熱器各者以判定其 是否爲溫熱且因而假定其爲操作中。此外，此等加熱器之 使用者係經常離開而並無該加熱器之實際操作溫度上的準 確資訊。 加熱器控制之另一個處理方式係運用電子式溫度控制 器，其係定位在離該等加熱器之遠端處，且係經由多數電 氣電力線路與電子式感測器線路而與所附接之熱電偶爲互 相通訊。儘管標準電子式溫度控制器當與熱電偶結合時係 提供該加熱器之改良控制以及較嚴格的溫度範圍，其係相 當耗費成本及麻煩以裝設之。每一控制器之高成本係導致 許多使用者將數個加熱器連結於一區域(zone)或管路部份 ，且將該整個區域置放在單一控制器之控制下。不幸的是 ，此舉係造成所有的加熱器被設定爲單一溫度，誠然，控 制之準確度係隨該區域之整體尺寸而減低。一區域係典型 爲包含一個主控加熱器與一或多個從屬加熱器。由單一電 子式控制器所使用之溫度感測器係位在靠近或連接至主控 加熱器，且在管路系統中之此單一點所感測的溫度係驅動 對於該區域中的所有加熱器之加熱器控制。然而，在該等 從屬加熱器位置各者之熱負載與溫度要求係可能且經常爲 不同。相較於主控加熱器，該等從屬加熱器亦可能運轉爲 較熱或較冷，導致遍及於管路系統或區域中的溫度控制之 減低的準確度或嚴格性。 7 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21〇 X 297公釐） ----,—U—4^ 裝-----.—訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（< ) 單一控制器之使用以操作區域係亦可能產生安全問題 。舉例而言，若主控加熱器係失效而變冷或爲低溫’控制 器係典型爲操作或控制其他適當操作中的加熱器而運轉且 過熱該管路系統之其餘部份。換言之，該等從屬加熱器係 並未於該區域內被適當控制且熱失控而造成燒毀保險絲及/ 或火災，其引起顯著之停機時間或於製造設施內之安全危 險。 此外，該等控制器係相當大(例如48毫米乘以96毫米 乘以100毫米），且必須係位在遠離該等加熱器之處，歸因 於典型產業設定內之空間與安裝限制。各個控制器之尺寸 係成爲於實務上之更多問題，因爲一保護籠(cage)係經常 置放繞於該控制器以保護靈敏的電子構件可免於來自實際 及高溫來源的不慎損壞。再者，位在遠端的控制器之裝設 與維護係因爲必須行進介於各個控制器與由控制器所控制 的各個加熱器之間的接線數目而有問題。此等接線係槪括 包括一電源供應器線路與一溫度感測器線路，電源供應器 線路係供自該等控制器所提供交流電力至各個加熱器，溫 度感測器線路係連接控制器至熱電偶或其他溫度感測裝置 。針對安全與維護之目的，此等接線係經常爲綑綁在一起 ，使得其更爲堅硬以供維修人員所施行於單一加熱器或控 制器。此外，由遠端位置所附接至多個加熱器之多個控制 器的使用係產生於管路系統中的“鼠窩”接線，使得此等 加熱器控制系統之維護、升級、與故障檢修對於操作及維 修人員而言係爲耗時且困難。 8 ^紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) m n-· I— H·· II ϋ 一 口' I «ϋ ·ϋ ρ 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 ____ B7 五、發明說明（b) 是以，仍然存有對於一種改良式加熱器控制系統之需 要，提供加熱器之增強控制及監視，該等加熱器係使用以 供維持管路系統之溫度於一使用者選定溫度範圍內。 [發明槪論] 本發明之一個目的係提出一種加熱器控制系統，其具 有增強之溫度控制，即可保持一組加熱器中的各個加熱器 於一溫度設定點左右之嚴格的溫度範圍內。 本發明之一個相關目的係提出一種加熱器控制系統， 其具有在各個加熱器或對於加熱器之使用者可調整的溫度 設定點。 本發明之另一個相關目的係提出一種加熱器控制系統 ，其提供使用者具有改良之加熱器監視及檢修故障的能力 〇 本發明之另一個目的係提出一種加熱器控制系統，其 係簡單、具成本效益、且安全以裝設並維護於典型工業環 境中，典型工業環境係槪括加諸重大的空間限制於另外設 備之裝設。 本發明之其他目的、優點、與新穎特徵係部份將敘述 於以下說明中，且部份將對於熟悉該技藝人士在詳閱下文 時變得顯明或者藉著本發明之實施所得知。該等目的與優 點係可藉由隨附申請專利範圍中特定指出者之手段及組合 所實行及達到。 欲達成前述與其他目的並且根據本發明之目的，如同 於其所實施及廣義所述者，槪括包含一交流電源之一種加 9 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） *---U----裝---- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ^ « — — — — — — I— · 486734 A7 _____ B7 五、發明說明·（ q ) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 熱器控制系統係提出，該交流電源係於單一電力線路上而 提供交流電力至其係直接連接至裝設於管路與管路構件上 的加熱器之多個附屬加熱器控制器。該等附屬加熱器控制 器係以雛菊花環(daisy chain)或串列方式連接且係構成以供 易於裝設及維護，藉著允許插塞至加熱器(例如標準可撓、 捲纏之管路加熱器)及至電力線路。因爲各個控制器之尺寸 係極爲重要，歸因於諸多產業環境中所存在的間隔限制， 該等控制器係設計爲以其係可易於安裝在加熱器上之小的 形式因數(例如約爲50毫米乘以25毫米乘以75毫米)而容 納於單一殼體內。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 根據本發明之一個層面，該等控制器係設計爲整合準 確之電子式溫度感測以及電力傳送控制。關於此方面，本 發明之一較佳實施例係包括電子構件與電路以提供通/斷式 控制或者比例-積分-微分式(PID)溫度控制，藉由電子式切 換該加熱器之加熱器元件操作所有效控制。該等構件係槪 括包括一溫度感測器與一零電壓開關，諸如熱敏電阻器之 溫度感測器係定位靠近加熱器表面以供感測溫度，具有一 個三端開關（triac)之零電壓開關係供快速控制加熱器操作 而並無基於所感測溫度之電弧發生。此電子式溫度感測與 控制係允許溫度被保持爲約於一溫度設定點左右之攝氏4 至5度內或甚至更爲嚴格者。除了電子式溫度感測與控制 之外，各個控制器均包括由輸入交流電力所供電之其本身 的直流電源供應器，其作用爲以直流電力激能該控制器之 電子構件。典型的直流電壓範圍係由3至24伏特.，且係較 10 ^紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 _____ B7 五、發明說明（又） 佳爲保持於約5伏特至約12伏特之範圍內。電氣隔離係提 供介於較高電壓的交流線路與較低電壓的電路之間。極爲 重要的是，於各個控制器內的局部或內部直流電源供應器 、電子式溫度感測、電子式控制、與至加熱器的電子式交 流電力切換之此整合與結合係以該控制器殼體整體尺寸之 僅爲最少的增加所達成。 如可理解者，本發明之一個關鍵特徵係發明人之判定 哪些特徵爲該等附屬加熱器控制器所需以符合產業使用者 需要、以及此等特徵係可如何設有上述與其他構件於該等 附屬加熱器控制器中並且使得空間需求爲最小。明確而言 ，重要的是適當判定出欲內建多少智能於該等附屬加熱器 控制器中、以及欲保留或委派多少智能至系統管理裝置(諸 如監督及監視電腦與裝置以及類似者）。實際上，在本發明 之前，於控制器產業中之一般設計潮流係已經增加內建於 電子式溫度控制器之控制特徵的數目與範圍，且此設計潮 流係經常被稱爲特徵匐匍徐行(creep)。槪括而言，附加控 制特徵係需有更多的支援電子電路、輸入裝置(諸如開關與 按鈕）、以及輸出顯示器。此等添加的支援元件係增加該控 制器之尺寸並於裝設時係佔有更多空間，且無法解決先前 技術的遠端溫度控制器所固有之重大的纜線問題(即“鼠窩 (rat’s nest)”問題）。反之，本發明人係已經審慎設計出本 發明之加熱器控制系統，以限制或者限定可在各個遠端附 屬控制器所設定之選項與操作特徵的數目。注意，本發明 之加熱器控制系統係保留操作人員經常所期望的多個或所 11 ^紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ----·---U----裝--------訂------------Γ (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 _ B7 五、發明說明（？） 有複雜控制選項，但是該等設定之調整係較佳爲在監督或 監視電腦或裝置處（即在系統階層處）所達成。因此，由系 統之觀點而言，本發明之加熱器控制系統係能夠包括整個 範圍之控制特徵而無需負擔附加的空間(即無需增加安裝於 管路加熱器上的控制器尺寸），藉著縮窄各個附屬控制器之 作用範疇至其跟隨的加熱器之管理且仰賴於系統監督或監 視裝置以提供更完整範圍之控制特徵。 根據本發明之另一個層面，該等控制器係適以供在各 個控制器與所連接加熱器之溫度調整及控制。此舉允許所 使用之加熱器控制系統提供沿著其可用於諸多處理應用之 一管路系統長度之使用者可選擇且（於許多情形下）不同的 溫度，並克服其係使用單一個位在遠端的控制器以供一起 被連接於一區域中的多個加熱器(即其對於連接至該位在遠 端的控制器之所有加熱器均提供相同溫度設定點）之先前技 術裝置的問題。於一個實施例中，該等控制器之各者均包 括供局部設定溫度之機構。於此方面，一較佳實施例係包 括一個八位置指撥開關(dip switch)，其係藉著將控制器殼 體由加熱器及交流電力與通訊線路所移出或“拔出”而可 接取。該指撥開關係允許設定一特定溫度設定點，且接著 該控制器係操作以提供PID或另一調整型式之控制以保持 加熱器在基於所感測溫度之一溫度範圍(諸如於溫度設定點 各側之攝氏5度）內。除了溫度設定點的局部控制之外’該 加熱器控制系統之另一實施例係經由在一監視站之一使用 者介面而提供溫度設定點之遠端設定。於此實施例中’使 12 $張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ' ----*— U—裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 _ B7 五、發明說明（丨σ) 用者係可由單一遠端位置所快速改變在各個控制器處之溫 度設定點。 根據一個相關層面’本發明之加熱器控制系統係提供 該等控制器與加熱器各者的操作狀態之有效監視。較佳而 言，該等控制器包括於加熱器殻體上的視覺顯示器，以供 指示局部操作狀態。於一實施例中，三個發光二極體 (LED)係使用以顯示一於溫度範圍內之狀態、一在溫度範 圍以下之狀態、與一在溫度範圍以上之狀態。於另一實施 例中，該等控制器與加熱器之監視係藉著納入具有一 LED 顯示器之基站而於遠端達成，該LED顯示器指出於線路上 之任何加熱器何時係在溫度範圍以下、所有加熱器何時係 均在溫度範圍內、以及於線路上之任何加熱器何時係在溫 度範圍以上。更爲複雜之遠端監視係提供於另一實施例， 其包括一監視站，其具有備有一監視器之一使用者介面， 該監視器係可使用以顯示由該加熱器控制系統所控制之所 有或部份的加熱器。除了視覺顯示的狀態指示器之外，聽 覺警報係納入於某些系統中以快速警戒操作人員該偏離溫 度範圍之發生。 由本發明之加熱器控制系統與關連組合以及操作加熱 器控制系統步驟方法的特定實施例之以下詳細說明與圖式 ，本發明之其他特徵與優點係將更爲顯明。 [圖式簡單說明] 隨附圖式係納入且構成說明書一部份，說明本發明之 較佳實施例，並連同說明以供解說本發明之主旨。圖式中： 13 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） *---^----裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（丨丨） 第—圖係本發明之一加熱器控制系統的功能方塊圖， 其係可使用一組管路加熱器。 第二圖係第一圖之加熱器控制系統之一控制器及所連 接加熱器的功能電氣方塊圖。 第三圖係第二圖之控制器及所連接加熱器的電氣槪要 第四圖係本發明之另一加熱器控制系統的功能方塊圖 ，包括一監視站’其與具有基站及附屬加熱器控制器之三 個管路加熱器系統爲連通。 第五圖係第四圖之該等基站及控制器及所互連加熱器 之一者的功能電氣方塊圖。 第六圖係第四圖之該等控制器之一者的立體圖，其係 連接或插至一管路加熱器，以說明控制器之小巧尺寸與形 狀。 第七圖係第六圖之控制器與加熱器的側視圖。 第八圖係第六與七圖之控制器與加熱器的端視圖。 第九圖係第七與八圖之控制器的立體圖，該控制器係 由加熱器板與連接器所拔開而顯示出八位置指撥開關，其 係使用於一個控制器實施例中以利於設定在各個控制器之 一溫度設定點。 [元件符號說明] 10加熱器控制系統 12 管路(pipe) 14交流(AC)電源供應器 14 ^紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 裝 -----訂---------· 486734 A7 B7_ 五、發明說明（β) 16、20、24、28、32、36 弓丨線 18、 22、26、30、34、38 控制器 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 19、 23、27、31、35、39 加熱器 40加熱器元件 41加熱器表面 42直流(DC)電源供應器 43、44、47、49、51、54 弓[線 46溫度感測器 48感測放大器 50窗式(window)比較器 52交流電力切換裝置 70加熱器控制系統 72監視站 74使用者介面 76中央處理單元(CPU) 78記憶體 80通訊璋 81、82、83通訊線路 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 84、 86、88管路加熱器控制系統 85、 87、89 管路 90交流電源供應器 91線路 92基站 94、98、102 線路 15 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 486734 A7 B7_ 五、發明說明（θ ) 96、 100、104 附屬（satellilte)控制器 97、 101、105 加熱器 106接地故障中斷器 108斷路器 110直流電源供應器 112數位輸入及輸出(I/O) 114操作狀態顯示器 116數位輸入及輸出裝置 118警報狀態電驛(繼電器） 120、122、124、128、131、132 引線 126加熱器元件 127加熱器表面 130光耦合零電壓開關 134微處理器 136類比/數位(A/D)轉換器 138引線 140八位置指撥開關(dip switch) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 141線路 142溫度感測器 144感測放大器 146顯示器 148控制器殻體 150電力/通訊插座 152安裝墊/加熱器板 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（外） [較佳實施例詳細說明] 理解本發明之上述簡單槪要之後，詳細討論其納入本 發明多個獨特的特徵之加熱器控制系統的二個特定實施例 ，將可有助於瞭解本發明。該等實施例各者係納入電子式 溫度控制在各個加熱器處’以提供各個加熱器的溫度之準 確控制(例如約在一溫度設定點之攝氏2度上下），同時亦 克服電力與通訊電纜問題。以下討論係將起始於一加熱器 控制系統之特徵的詳細說明，該加熱器控制系統係可用以 控制串聯裝設(諸如於一管路線路上）的多個加熱器。加熱 器控制系統之此第一實施例係尤其包括特徵爲，允許在各 個加熱器處係選擇一溫度設定點，且允許利用單一交流 (AC)電源以供電或驅動於各個控制器中所附接的交流加熱 器與直流電子電路。接著，將討論一加熱器控制系統之第 二實施例，其包括第一加熱器控制系統之某些特徵(諸如在 各個加熱器處之一獨特的溫度設定點），但加入可有利於其 使用在更爲複雜的加熱器配置之諸多其他特徵。關於此方 面，此第二實施例係包括可允許多個加熱器系統以及於各 個加熱器系統中的個別加熱器之遠端監視。正如將可由下 文說明而變爲淸楚者，該二加熱器控制系統係均相當適合 使用以控制管路系統之加熱。淸楚的是，誠然，本發明於 觀念上係範圍足夠廣大以使用於諸多其他的加熱器控制應 用（其係令人合意以控制多個加熱器之操作）’且雖未詳細 敘述之此等其他應用係均意欲納入於本發明之範疇內。 參考第一、二與三圖，根據本發明之一加熱器控制系 $1^尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ----·---^----0 S--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注音？事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（β) 統10係顯示爲可使用以供控制多個加熱器之操作，歸因於 本發明之特徵，該等加熱器係可如同第一圖所示爲雛菊花 環式連結在一起，以有效沿著管路12之長度而加熱該管路 12至所期望的溫度。槪括而言，加熱器控制系統10係包 括一交流電源或供應器14，其提供用於加熱器控制系統10 之交流電流(典型而言，針對安全理由係爲12安培或更小 者）。因爲對於裝設及維修之改良安全性與容易度而言，用 以供應電力至加熱器控制系統1〇之中的控制器與加熱器所 使用之接線或線路數目係較佳爲最小化或甚至（如圖所示) 保持爲單一電力線路，加熱器控制系統10提供電力控制於 各個控制器中。 由此觀之，交流電源供應器14係於引線16提供交流 電流至第一控制器18，其係與類似控制器22、26、30、34 、及38爲串聯成雛菊花環式在一起’以控制加熱該管路 12。第二與三圖係分別說明控制器18以及其與加熱器19 之連接的電氣方塊圖與電氣槪略圖(誠然’第二與三圖係亦 分別代表其他的控制器22、26、30、34、與38以及對應 的加熱器23、27、31、35、與39)。第三圖之槪略圖係可 使用以得到本發明功能之電路型式示範者’但是其他電路 與構件係均可容易代替且係均在本發明之涵蓋內。加熱器 19係可爲任何典型的管路加熱器設計’諸如於授與 Hauschulz等人之美國專利第5,714,738號所述者’且係顯 示爲含有其典型爲操作於交流電流之一加熱器元件40。欲 允許控制器18、22、26、30、34、與38爲雛菊花環式連 18 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 x 297公爱） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 裝--------訂---------^9— 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（山） 接在一起並將電子電路操作於直流電流而提供交流電流至 加熱器19、23、27、31、35、與39，乃係運用第二與三圖 之電氣架構。 由引線16所進入控制器18之交流電力係允許通過控 制器18至出口引線20以至下一個控制器22。注意，雖然 加熱器19、23、27、31、35、與39係爲了便於說明而呈 現爲串聯接線，典型而言，各個加熱器19、23、27、31、 35、與39係爲並聯接線，其係供應以可在交流電源供應器 14所得到的全電壓。該控制器係包括一直流電源供應器42 ，其取得於引線43與44所接收的交流電流而經由VCC所 指出之引線以供應電力至控制電子電路。以此方式，係可 利用單一交流電源14以操作多個19、23、27、31、35、 與39，單一交流電源14具有其係可插塞或者連接之單一 串的電力引線16、20、24、28、32、36。 根據本發明之另一個重大特徵，電子式溫度控制係納 入於各個控制器18、22、26、30、34、與38而並非提供 在一個多通道遙控器。如上所論，電子式溫度控制係爲重 要以供達成於一使用者指定溫度設定點左右之嚴格的溫度 範圍，且於一較佳實施例中，各個加熱器19、23、27、31 、35、與39係控制於一溫度設定點之約攝氏5度內且較佳 爲約攝氏2度內。明顯的是，該使用以達成此等功能之電 子式溫度控制架構係可選擇以提供多種控制，諸如通斷式 (on-off)調節、比例式（“P”，proportional)調節、比例-微 分式（“PD”，proportional-derivative)調節、比例-積分-微 19 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） *1 ^ ^--------tr---------^__w. (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（、Ί) 分式（“PID”，proportional_integrated-derivative)調節、或 自動調準調節，視該加熱器控制系統10之使用者的需求而 定。 如第二與三圖所示，通斷式之電子式溫度控制係納入 於控制器18，且於一較佳實施例中，允許溫度設定點係藉 著改變被施加至感測放大器48之參考電壓VREF的値所設 定。可使用於本發明以改變VREF之一種方法係運用其包括 一可調整電壓計之一種電阻性分壓器，設定VREF之此種與 其他方法係爲熟悉電子式溫度控制器設計技術之人士所易 於瞭解，且係視爲本發明之一部份。通斷式控制之功能性 係藉由納入其係定位鄰近於加熱器表面41之一溫度感測器 46所達成，溫度感測器46係提供一輸出訊號於引線47。 溫度感測器46係可爲諸如J、K、S、R、T型熱電偶、熱 電阻電路、或熱敏電阻器之多種感測器任何者，其具有選 擇以適合該應用之一溫度範圍，諸如用於半導體製造工業 之攝氏20至230度。於一較佳實施例中，溫度感測器46 係一熱敏電阻器，其係一電阻橋式電路之一部份，該電阻 橋式電路係提供於引線47之一輸出電壓訊號至感測放大器 48，其比較所接收的訊號與參考電壓Vref，並傳送一致動 訊號至交流電力切換裝置52。 感測放大器48係允許由使用者所輸入及調整一溫度設 定點，較佳爲具有攝氏1度之解析度。切換裝置52包括一 零電壓開關與三端開關（三極交流開關）(triac)，以基於溫度 感測器46之輸出訊號而準確且快速切換該加熱器元件40 20 ^紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公楚） —.—^^--------^--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（β) 之通與斷情形。切換裝置52之構件係共同作用以提供介於 高電壓交流線路16、20與較敏感的低電壓(例如約5伏特) 電子電路之間的高度電氣隔離，以改善電氣安全性。相對 於先前技術之裝置所使用的電子-機械式開關而言，切換裝 置52係亦極爲快速，並使得發生於電子-機械式開關之電 弧與接點耗蝕的問題爲最小化。此外，藉著獨立調整供應 至其個別的感測放大器48之輸入的參考電壓VREF，一獨 特的溫度設定點係可設定在各個控制器18、22、26、30、 34、與38，因而允許該加熱器控制系統1〇可較佳控制該 管路12之溫度。舉例而言，可令人滿意的是沿著管路長度 而逐漸升高或降低該管路12之溫度，此係可由本發明所易 於達成。 根據本發明之另一個特徵，各個加熱器19、23、27、 31、35、與39之操作係視覺指示於各個控制器18、22、 26、30、34、與38，以允許操作與維護人員監視該加熱器 控制系統1〇以及更換或修護故障之控制器。由此觀之，以 本發明之特徵’此單一控制器之更換係可藉著簡單拔出故 障之控制器並插塞入一個替代者所易於達成，如同結合第 六至九圖所將更爲完整討論者。參考第二與三圖，加熱器 19之作用與加熱器表面41之目前溫度係以一窗式比較器 50所監視，窗式比較器50係經由引線49而監視感測放大 器48之輸出。三個發光二極體(LED)之一系統係使用以外 部顯示該加熱器19之作用。雖然係可使用諸多顏色及較小 或較大數目的訊號，於所述實施例中，一藍色LED係使用 21 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 x 297公釐） ----.---^----0 S--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 486734 A7 B7 ----- 五、發明說明（) 以顯示（當照亮時)該加熱器表面41係在溫度設定點（或溫 度範圍)以下，一綠色LED係使用以顯示該加熱器表面41 係在溫度範圍內，且一紅色LED係使用以顯示該加熱器表 面41係在溫度範圍以上。以此方式，加熱器控制系統1〇 之操作係可由人員以視覺檢查所快速監視。 於另一個實施例（未顯示），射頻(RF)通訊係經由交流 電力線路16、20、24、28、32、與36所傳送，以允許遠 端監視該等加熱器19、23、27、31、35、與39之操作。 於此實施例中，射頻訊號係以射頻音調產生器或類似者所 產生，並係運用X-10規範或替代通訊規範而沿著交流電力 線路16、20、24、28、32、與36所傳送，且係以在遠端 位置之一射頻訊號解碼器（未顯示）或類似裝置所監視，以 判別哪個加熱器19、23、27、31、35、與39係正操作於 所期望溫度範圍之內或之外。 儘管加熱器控制系統10提供優於先前技術裝置之諸多 優點，其提供受限之遠端監視能力，且並未必須探討有關 將加熱器控制系統整合於較爲複雜的工業設定之所有問題 。欲探討此等其他需求，一種加熱器控制系統70係顯示於 第四圖，其允許使用者遠端監視以及(於某些情形下）遠端 操作多個加熱器系統。 如第四圖所示，加熱器控制系統70係槪括包括一監視 站72，其具有一使用者介面74、中央處理單元(CPU)76、 記憶體78、與通訊埠80，使用者介面74即係一監視器（ 具有或不具有觸控螢幕能力）、鍵盤、滑鼠、與其他周邊電 22 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ----訂--------- 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 _______ B7 五、發明說明（/) 腦介面設備，CPU 76係與使用者介面74以及記憶體78 爲連通’記憶體78係可含有供使用以監視及控制加熱器與 加熱器控制器之軟體、具有用於各種處理之溫度“方案，，的 資料庫、與其他溫度與維護資訊，通訊埠8〇係供接收及傳 送數位資料。監視站72係分別以通訊線路81、82、與83 而連接至管路85、87、與89之上的管路加熱器控制系統 84、86、與88。於操作期間，監視站72係允許在遠端位 置處之使用者快速監視於加熱器控制系統84、86、與88 中之各個加熱器的溫度，且於某些實施例中，可經由通訊 線路81、82、與83而傳送命令以改變個別加熱器的溫度 設定或者其他控制操作(例如將加熱器打開或關掉）。以此 方式，單一監視站72係可使用以控制及監視極大量之加熱 器與加熱器系統(雖然爲易於說明而僅於圖式中顯示出三者 )。欲更爲完整理解該監視站72之操作與使用，其與單一 管路加熱器控制系統86之整合係將關連於控制系統86之 構件說明而詳細討論。誠然，將由以下討論所瞭解的是， 控制系統86係可由加熱器控制系統70所分離而使用，因 爲其提供優於加熱器控制系統10之有用的優點。 如同加熱器控制系統10，較佳而言，管路加熱器控制 系統86係運用最少量之引線、接線、及/或線路而提供控 制與供應電力至多個控制器與加熱器，以避免先前技術的 控制系統所普遍具有之鼠窩問題。由此觀之，參考第四與 五圖，管路加熱器控制系統86係包括一基站92，其經由 通訊線路82而與監視站72爲連通，且接收於線路91之來 23 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐) 裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7486734 Printed by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (丨) [Background of the Invention] 1. Field of the Invention The present invention encompasses a system for controlling and monitoring the temperature of a heater, and especially an application A heater control system for a plurality of control units configured to provide electronic temperature and power control of each of a plurality of piping system heaters and connected in series and installed to such pipes System heater. 2. Description of related technologies The use of heaters is used in semiconductor manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical processing, plastic manufacturing, food processing, and other industries to heat piping systems to control various production and waste disposal. Typically, the temperature of the piping system must be maintained within a certain temperature range to achieve the desired production results (for example, to facilitate the desired chemical reaction) and / or to minimize the maintenance of the piping system. The system Maintenance can be caused by the accumulation of by-products in the piping system or the deterioration of the piping system due to decay or the like. For example, in the semi-conductor manufacturing industry, such as the flexible insulated heater disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,7H, 738 to Hauschulz et al. The piping components downstream of the chamber or production chamber are installed in series to maintain the transmitted effluent vapor within a specific temperature range. This temperature control system along the length of the piping system acts to minimize the condensation (condensation), sublimation, and solidification of by-products of chemical reactions on the piping components and chemical reaction by-products on the piping components. It may eventually require cleaning or even replacement of the piping system components. In many industrial applications, the acceptable temperature range for the pipeline is 4 (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page). -------- Order --------- · This paper size is in accordance with China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (y) Strict or small, that is, within a small degree of a set point, and sometimes the temperature of the set point The system is quite high, that is, above 180 degrees Celsius. In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, the copper deposition system usually achieved by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has become one of the most important and rapidly growing areas in integrated circuit manufacturing. The effluent management of copper CVD by-products requires strict temperature control, such as within a set point plus or minus 5 degrees Celsius. In another manufacturing application, titanium nitride CVD involves high temperatures (ie, about 200 degrees Celsius) And it is required to maintain a strict temperature range of about 10 degrees Celsius in the pipelines and components downstream of a reaction chamber to prevent or minimize condensation of ammonia chloride salt byproducts on the outer walls of the pipelines and components to a minimum. Copper CVD and Many other processes explain how accurate and The requirements of the heater control system allow the user to obtain and maintain the temperature of the piping components within the user-selectable range. The industrial environment in which the piping system heater is used requires the heater control system to meet other significant requirements Design requirements. Heaters are often placed in small piping components (such as 2-inch or smaller diameter piping) with little or no space between adjacent piping components and structures. Therefore, it is preferable to control or limit the size of the components of the heater control system. Because of the importance of maintaining the temperature in the piping system, the heater control system is preferably configured to provide users with Operational information, such as whether the heater is on or off, and whether the heater is within a specified temperature range. Furthermore, what the user of the heater requires is that the heater is connected to any associated control equipment. It must be simple to install, durable enough for industrial use, and easy to repair and / or replace. Admittedly, these heaters and heater control systems must be Constituted to meet its specific application 5 paper sizes Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Neckwear-· 111111. Economy Printed by the Ministry of Intellectual Property Bureau employee consumer cooperative 486734 Printed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs Intellectual Property Bureau employee consumer cooperative A7 B7 V. Invention Description (,) Any and all safety regulations of the industry (such as electrical and fire safety regulations). Currently being dumped One way to provide heater control is to use an electro-mechanical temperature controller that is mounted on each heater. Regarding pipeline heaters, these electro-mechanical temperature controllers are typically fast-acting (Snap-action) thermostats or creep-action thermostats are generally small and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, as will be understood by those familiar with the heating field, temperature controllers that use fast-acting or slow-acting thermostats generally have a single fixed temperature setpoint and provide only limited temperature control. In this regard, most of the fast-acting electronic-mechanical temperature controllers have a deadband of 15 degrees Celsius or greater. It is suitable for the copper CVD discussed above and for the need for strict temperature. Other processes controlled are unacceptable because they only provide temperature control at a temperature range of 15 degrees Celsius or greater around a fixed temperature set point. Conversely, the slow-acting thermostat provides stricter initial temperature control but then becomes inaccurate as it drifts over time, and also has a short service life, which is attributed to its switching connection High level arc between points. With these two types of thermostats, a compact electronic-mechanical temperature controller must be constructed and installed so that there is close thermal contact with the surface of the working heater of the line heater for proper functioning. To this end, the general practice is to permanently embed the electronic_mechanical temperature controller in the pipeline heater, and when the thermostat system fails or needs to be repaired, the entire heater and controller system must be replaced and Typically abandoned. Most of the electronic-mechanical 6 paper sizes are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) '" · U— 装 · ------- Order ------- --- t (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention Another problem of the (4) temperature controller is that it provides There is little or no operational information during use, and to find an inactive heater, the operating or maintenance personnel must touch each of these heaters with their hands to determine whether they are warm and therefore It is assumed to be in operation. In addition, the users of these heaters often leave without accurate information on the actual operating temperature of the heater. Another approach to heater control is the use of electronic temperature controllers, which are located remotely from the heaters and are connected to the attached via most electrical power lines and electronic sensor lines Thermocouples communicate with each other. Although standard electronic temperature controllers provide improved control of the heater and tighter temperature ranges when combined with thermocouples, they are costly and cumbersome to install. The high cost of each controller has led many users to connect several heaters to a zone or pipe section and place the entire zone under the control of a single controller. Unfortunately, this resulted in all heaters being set to a single temperature. True, the accuracy of the control decreases with the overall size of the area. A zone system typically consists of a master heater and one or more slave heaters. The temperature sensor used by a single electronic controller is located near or connected to the main control heater, and the temperature sensed at this single point in the piping system drives all the heaters in the area. Heater control. However, the thermal load and temperature requirements at each of these slave heater locations are likely and often different. These slave heaters may also operate hotter or colder than the master heater, resulting in reduced accuracy or stringency of temperature control throughout the piping system or area. 7 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (21〇X 297 mm) ----, — U—4 ^ Packing -----.— Order --------- ( Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 486734 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the invention ( <) The use of a single controller to operate the area may also cause safety issues. For example, if the main control heater fails and becomes cold or cold, the controller is typically operated to control or control other properly operating heaters and overheats the rest of the piping system. In other words, these subordinate heaters are not properly controlled in the area and thermal runaway has caused fuses and / or fires to burn, which can cause significant downtime or safety hazards in manufacturing facilities. In addition, these controllers are quite large (e.g. 48mm by 96mm by 100mm) and must be located away from these heaters due to space and installation restrictions within typical industry settings. The size of each controller becomes a more practical issue, because a protection cage is often placed around the controller to protect sensitive electronic components from accidental damage from actual and high temperature sources. Furthermore, the installation and maintenance of remotely located controllers are problematic because of the number of wires that must be routed between each controller and each heater controlled by the controller. These wiring systems include a power supply circuit and a temperature sensor circuit. The power supply circuit is used to provide AC power from the controllers to each heater. The temperature sensor circuit is connected to the controller to Thermocouple or other temperature sensing device. For safety and maintenance purposes, these wiring systems are often bundled together, making them more rigid for maintenance personnel to implement on a single heater or controller. In addition, the use of multiple controllers attached to multiple heaters from remote locations results in "rat nest" wiring in the piping system, making maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting of these heater control systems Operation and maintenance are time consuming and difficult. 8 ^ The paper size is in accordance with Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) m n- · I— H ·· II ϋ Bite 'I «ϋ · ρ ρ Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 ____ B7 V. Description of the Invention (b) Therefore, there is still a need for an improved heater control system to provide enhanced control and monitoring of the heater. The heater is used to maintain the temperature of the piping system within a temperature range selected by the user. [Invention theory] An object of the present invention is to provide a heater control system with enhanced temperature control, which can keep each heater in a group of heaters within a strict temperature range around a temperature set point. A related object of the present invention is to provide a heater control system having a temperature set point adjustable at each heater or for a user of the heater. Another related object of the present invention is to provide a heater control system that provides users with improved heater monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heater control system that is simple, It is cost-effective and safe to install and maintain in a typical industrial environment, which includes significant space restrictions to the installation of additional equipment. Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will be described in the following description, and some of them will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following details or be learned through the implementation of the present invention. These objectives and advantages can be achieved and achieved by means and combinations of those specified in the scope of the accompanying patent application. In order to achieve the foregoing and other purposes and according to the purpose of the present invention, as implemented and broadly described, including a type including an AC power supply plus 9 paper sizes applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 (Mm) * --- U ---- install ---- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) ^ «— — — — — — I — · 486734 A7 _____ B7 V. Description of the invention · (Q) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) The heater control system is proposed. The AC power supply is on a single power line and provides AC power to it. It is directly connected to the pipeline and pipeline components. Heaters with multiple attached heater controllers. These auxiliary heater controllers are connected in a daisy chain or daisy chain and are constructed for easy installation and maintenance. By allowing plugging to the heater (such as a standard flexible, coiled pipe) Heater) and to power lines. Because the size of each controller is extremely important, due to the spacing limitations that exist in many industrial environments, these controllers are designed with a small form factor (e.g., about 50) that can be easily installed on a heater. Millimeters by 25 millimeters by 75 millimeters) in a single housing. Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs According to one aspect of the present invention, these controllers are designed to integrate accurate electronic temperature sensing and power transmission control. In this regard, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes electronic components and circuits to provide on / off control or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control, and the heater element of the heater is switched electronically Effectively controlled by operation. These components include a temperature sensor and a zero-voltage switch. Temperature sensors such as thermistors are positioned close to the surface of the heater for temperature sensing and have a three-terminal zero switch. The voltage on relationship is used to quickly control heater operation without the occurrence of an arc based on the sensed temperature. This electronic temperature sensing and control system allows the temperature to be maintained within 4 to 5 degrees Celsius or even more stringent around a temperature set point. In addition to electronic temperature sensing and control, each controller includes its own DC power supply that is powered by input AC power, and its function is to excite the controller's electronic components with DC power. The typical DC voltage range is from 3 to 24 volts, and is more than 10 ^ paper size applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm). Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 _____ B7 5. Description of the invention (again) It is preferably kept in a range of about 5 volts to about 12 volts. Electrical isolation is provided between the higher voltage AC line and the lower voltage circuit. It is extremely important that the integration and combination of local or internal DC power supply, electronic temperature sensing, electronic control, and electronic AC power switching to the heater in each controller is based on the controller case. Only a minimal increase in overall body size was achieved. As can be understood, one of the key features of the present invention is the inventor's determination of which features are required by the auxiliary heater controllers to meet the needs of industrial users, and how these features can be provided with the above and other components. Wait for the auxiliary heater controller and minimize space requirements. To be clear, it is important to properly determine how much intelligence is to be built into these auxiliary heater controllers, and how much intelligence is to be retained or delegated to system management devices (such as monitoring and monitoring computers and devices, and the like). In fact, prior to the present invention, the general design flow in the controller industry has increased the number and range of control features built into electronic temperature controllers, and this design flow is often referred to as feature creep). In a nutshell, additional control features require more supporting electronics, input devices (such as switches and buttons), and output displays. These added supporting components increase the size of the controller and occupy more space during installation, and cannot solve the significant cable problems inherent in the remote temperature controllers of the prior art (that is, "rat's nest) "question). In contrast, the inventors have carefully designed the heater control system of the present invention to limit or limit the number of options and operating features that can be set at each remote attached controller. Note that the heater control system of the present invention retains multiple or all 11 ^ often desired by the operator. ^ The paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) ---- · --- U ---- Equipment -------- Order ------------ Γ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 486734 A7 _ B7 5. Description of the Invention (?) There are complex control options, but adjustments to these settings are preferably made at the point of supervision or monitoring of the computer or device (ie at the system level). Therefore, from the point of view of the system, the heater control system of the present invention can include the entire range of control features without burdening additional space (that is, without increasing the size of the controller installed on the pipeline heater). Narrow the scope of each subsidiary controller to the management of the heaters that it follows and rely on system supervision or monitoring devices to provide a more complete range of control features. According to another aspect of the invention, the controllers are adapted to adjust and control the temperature of each controller and the connected heater. This allows the heater control system used to provide a user-selectable and (in many cases) different temperatures along the length of one of its piping systems that can be used for many processing applications, and overcomes its use of a single location Problems with a remote controller for a prior art device that is connected to multiple heaters in an area together (i.e. it provides the same temperature set point for all heaters connected to the remote controller) . In one embodiment, each of the controllers includes a mechanism for locally setting the temperature. In this regard, a preferred embodiment includes an eight-position dip switch that is accessible by removing or "pulling" the controller housing from the heater and AC power and communication lines. . The finger-off relationship allows a specific temperature set point to be set, and then the controller is operated to provide PID or another adjustment type of control to maintain the heater in a temperature range based on the sensed temperature, such as at each temperature set point. 5 degrees Celsius on the side). In addition to local control of the temperature set point, another embodiment of the heater control system provides remote setting of the temperature set point via a user interface at one of the monitoring stations. In this embodiment, 'Make the 12 $ Zhang scale applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm)' ---- * — U— 装 -------- Order ---- ----- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 _ B7 V. Description of the invention (丨 σ) The user can be quickly accessed by a single remote location Change the temperature setpoint at each controller. According to a related aspect, the heater control system of the present invention provides effective monitoring of the operating status of each of these controllers and heaters. Preferably, the controllers include a visual display on the heater housing for indicating local operating conditions. In one embodiment, three light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used to display a state within a temperature range, a state below a temperature range, and a state above a temperature range. In another embodiment, the monitoring of the controllers and heaters is achieved remotely by incorporating a base station with an LED display that indicates when any heater on the line is below the temperature range, When are all heaters within the temperature range, and when are any heaters on the line above the temperature range. A more sophisticated remote monitoring system is provided in another embodiment, which includes a monitoring station having a user interface with a monitor that can be used to display information controlled by the heater control system. All or part of the heater. In addition to visually displayed status indicators, audible alarms are incorporated into certain systems to quickly alert operators to the occurrence of temperature deviations. From the following detailed description and drawings of the specific embodiment of the heater control system and associated combination of the present invention and the method of operating the heater control system, the other features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent. [Brief description of the drawings] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, explaining the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description for explaining the gist of the present invention. In the drawings: 13 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) * --- ^ ---- installation -------- order ------- -(Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, printed 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (丨 丨) Figure-The function of the heater control system of the invention Block diagram of a set of pipeline heaters. The second diagram is a functional electrical block diagram of a controller of the heater control system of the first diagram and the connected heater. The third diagram is the second diagram of the controller and the electrical requirements of the connected heater. The fourth diagram is a functional block diagram of another heater control system of the present invention, including a monitoring station with a base station and an auxiliary heater. The controller's three pipeline heater systems are in communication. The fifth diagram is a functional electrical block diagram of one of the base stations and controllers and one of the interconnected heaters of the fourth diagram. The sixth figure is a perspective view of one of the controllers in the fourth figure, which is connected or inserted into a pipeline heater to illustrate the compact size and shape of the controller. The seventh diagram is a side view of the controller and the heater of the sixth diagram. The eighth figure is an end view of the controller and the heater of the sixth and seventh figures. The ninth figure is a perspective view of the controller of the seventh and eighth figures. The controller is an eight-position dial switch that is pulled out by the heater board and the connector. It is used in a controller embodiment to facilitate setting. Temperature setpoint at one of each controller. [Description of component symbols] 10 Heater control system 12 Pipe 14 AC power supply 14 ^ Paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the back Note for this page, please fill out this page.) ----- Order --------- 486734 A7 B7_ V. Description of the invention (β) 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 Bow 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38 controller (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39 heater 40 heater element 41 heater surface 42 direct current (DC) Power Supply 43, 44, 47, 49, 51, 54 Bow [Line 46 Temperature Sensor 48 Sense Amplifier 50 Window Comparator 52 AC Power Switching Device 70 Heater Control System 72 Monitoring Station 74 Users Interface 76 Central Processing Unit (CPU) 78 Memory 80 Communication 璋 81, 82, 83 Communication Lines Printed by Employees' Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 84, 86, 88 Pipe heater control system 85, 87, 89 Pipe 90 AC power supply 91 line 92 base station 94, 98, 102 line 15 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 210 X 297 mm) 486734 A7 B7_ V. Description of the invention (θ) 96, 100, 104 Satellite controller 97, 101, 105 Heater 106 Ground fault interrupter 108 Circuit breaker 110 DC power supply 112 Digital input And output (I / O) 114 operating status display 116 digital input and output device 118 alarm status relay (relay) 120, 122, 124, 128, 131, 132 lead 126 heater element 127 heater surface 130 optical coupling zero voltage Switch 134 Microprocessor 136 Analog / Digital (A / D) converter 138 Lead 140 140-position dip switch Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 141 line 142 temperature sensor 144 sense amplifier 146 display 148 controller housing 150 power / communication socket 152 mounting pad / heater board This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) 486734 Printed by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (outside) [Detailed description of the preferred embodiment] After understanding the above-mentioned simple summary of the present invention, the details A discussion of two specific embodiments of a heater control system incorporating many unique features of the present invention will help to understand the present invention. Each of these embodiments incorporates electronic temperature control at each heater to provide accurate control of the temperature of each heater (eg, about 2 degrees Celsius above a temperature set point), while also overcoming power and communication cables problem. The following discussion will begin with a detailed description of the characteristics of a heater control system that can be used to control multiple heaters installed in series, such as on a pipeline. This first embodiment of the heater control system includes, among other features, allowing a temperature set point to be selected at each heater, and allowing a single alternating current (AC) power source to be used to power or drive each controller. AC heater and DC electronic circuit. Next, a second embodiment of a heater control system will be discussed, which includes certain features of the first heater control system (such as a unique temperature set point at each heater), but the addition may facilitate its use Many other features in more complex heater configurations. In this regard, this second embodiment includes remote monitoring that allows multiple heater systems and individual heaters in each heater system. As will become apparent from the description below, these two heater control systems are quite suitable for controlling the heating of the piping system. It is clear that, of course, the present invention is conceptually broad enough to be used in many other heater control applications (which are desirable to control the operation of multiple heaters) ', although not described in detail Other applications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. With reference to the first, second and third drawings, the heater control system according to one of the present invention is compliant with the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) at $ 1 ^ scale ---- · ----- ^ ---- 0 S -------- Order --------- (Please read the note on the back? Matters before filling out this page) Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau Employee Consumer Cooperative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 B7 V. Invention Explanation (β) system 10 is shown as usable for controlling the operation of multiple heaters. Due to the features of the present invention, these heaters can be connected together in a daisy wreath as shown in the first figure. The pipe 12 is effectively heated along the length of the pipe 12 to a desired temperature. In other words, the heater control system 10 includes an AC power supply or power supply 14 that provides an AC current for the heater control system 10 (typically, 12 amps or less for safety reasons). Because for improved safety and ease of installation and maintenance, the number of wires or lines used to supply power to the controller and heater in the heater control system 10 is preferably minimized or even (As shown) Maintaining a single power line, the heater control system 10 provides power control in each controller. From this point of view, the AC power supply 14 is provided at the lead 16 to provide an AC current to the first controller 18, which is connected in series with similar controllers 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38 to form a daisy wreath. Control heating the pipeline 12. The second and third diagrams are the electrical block diagrams and schematic diagrams illustrating the controller 18 and its connection to the heater 19 (admittedly, the second and third diagrams also represent other controllers 22, 26, 30, and 34, respectively). , And 38 and corresponding heaters 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39). The schematic diagram of the third figure is a model of a circuit type that can be used to obtain the functions of the present invention, but other circuits and components can be easily replaced and are all covered by the present invention. The heater 19 can be designed for any typical in-line heater 'such as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,714,738 to Hauschulz et al.' And is shown to contain one of its heater elements 40 typically operating on alternating current. . To allow the controllers 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38 to be 18 daisy wreaths. This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 x 297 public love) (Please read the precautions on the back before (Fill in this page) -------- Order --------- ^ 9— Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (Mountain) Operating the electronic circuit at a direct current to provide an alternating current to the heaters 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39 is the electrical architecture using the second and third figures. The AC power entering the controller 18 through the lead 16 allows the controller 18 to pass through the outlet lead 20 to the next controller 22. Note that although the heaters 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39 are connected in series for convenience of description, typically, the heaters 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39 are connected in parallel. It is supplied with the full voltage available at the AC power supply 14. The controller includes a DC power supply 42 which obtains the AC current received by the leads 43 and 44 and supplies power to the control electronics via the leads indicated by VCC. In this way, a single AC power source 14 can be used to operate multiple 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39. The single AC power source 14 has a single string of power leads 16, 20, which can be plugged or connected, 24, 28, 32, 36. According to another important feature of the present invention, the electronic temperature control system is incorporated in each of the controllers 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38 instead of being provided in a multi-channel remote control. As discussed above, electronic temperature control is important for achieving a strict temperature range around a user-specified temperature set point, and in a preferred embodiment, each heater 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, Series 39 is controlled within about 5 degrees Celsius and preferably within about 2 degrees Celsius at a temperature set point. Obviously, the electronic temperature control architecture used to achieve these functions can be selected to provide a variety of controls, such as on-off adjustment, proportional adjustment ("P"), proportional-derivative ("PD", propertional-derivative) adjustment, proportional-integral-micro 19 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) * 1 ^ ^ -------- tr --------- ^ __ w. (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (, Ί) Fraction (" PID ", propertional_integrated-derivative) adjustment, or automatic alignment adjustment, depends on the needs of the user of the heater control system 10. As shown in the second and third figures, the on-off electronic temperature control system is incorporated into the controller 18, and in a preferred embodiment, the temperature set point is allowed to be applied to the reference of the sense amplifier 48 by changing Set by 値 of voltage VREF. One method that can be used in the present invention to change VREF is to use a resistive voltage divider that includes an adjustable voltmeter. This and other methods of setting VREF are easy for those familiar with electronic temperature controller design techniques. It is understood and considered as part of the present invention. The functionality of the on-off control is achieved by incorporating a temperature sensor 46 positioned adjacent to the heater surface 41. The temperature sensor 46 provides an output signal to the lead 47. The temperature sensor 46 can be any of a variety of sensors such as J, K, S, R, T-type thermocouples, thermistor circuits, or thermistors, which have a temperature range selected to suit the application , Such as 20 to 230 degrees Celsius used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 46 is a thermistor, which is part of a resistance bridge circuit. The resistance bridge circuit provides an output voltage signal from one of the leads 47 to the sensing circuit. The amplifier 48 compares the received signal with the reference voltage Vref, and transmits a consistent motion signal to the AC power switching device 52. The sense amplifier 48 allows a temperature set point to be entered and adjusted by the user, and preferably has a resolution of 1 degree Celsius. The switching device 52 includes a zero-voltage switch and a three-terminal switch (triac) to accurately and quickly switch the heater element 40 20 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 46 20 ^ Paper size applies to Chinese national standards (CNS) A4 Specification (210 X 297 Gongchu) —.— ^^ -------- ^ --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Ministry of Economy Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau's Consumer Cooperatives 486734 A7 B7 V. The Opening and Closing of Invention Note (β). The components of the switching device 52 work together to provide a high degree of electrical isolation between the high voltage AC lines 16, 20 and the more sensitive low voltage (e.g., about 5 volt) electronic circuits to improve electrical safety. Compared to the electro-mechanical switches used in the prior art devices, the switching device 52 series is also extremely fast and minimizes the problems of arc and contact wear of the electro-mechanical switches. In addition, by independently adjusting the reference voltage VREF supplied to the input of its individual sense amplifier 48, a unique temperature set point can be set at each controller 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38, thus allowing The heater control system 10 can preferably control the temperature of the pipeline 12. For example, it may be desirable to gradually increase or decrease the temperature of the pipeline 12 along the length of the pipeline, which is easily achieved by the present invention. According to another feature of the present invention, the operation of each heater 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39 is visually indicated on each controller 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38 to allow operation and maintenance. Personnel monitor the heater control system 10 and replace or repair faulty controllers. From this point of view, the feature of the present invention, 'The replacement of this single controller can be easily achieved by simply unplugging the faulty controller and plugging in a substitute, as will be more complicated in conjunction with the sixth to ninth diagrams. Full discusser. Referring to the second and third figures, the function of the heater 19 and the current temperature of the heater surface 41 are monitored by a windowed comparator 50 which monitors the output of the sense amplifier 48 via a lead 49. One of the three light emitting diodes (LEDs) is used to display the function of the heater 19 externally. Although many colors and smaller or larger numbers of signals can be used, in the embodiment described, a blue LED uses 21 paper sizes that are applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 x 297 mm)- ---.--- ^ ---- 0 S -------- Order --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 486734 A7 B7- --- V. Description of the invention () To show (when illuminated) that the heater surface 41 is below the temperature set point (or temperature range), a green LED is used to show that the heater surface 41 is in the temperature range And a red LED is used to indicate that the heater surface 41 is above the temperature range. In this way, the operation of the heater control system 10 can be quickly monitored by personnel with a visual inspection. In another embodiment (not shown), radio frequency (RF) communication is transmitted via AC power lines 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 to allow remote monitoring of such heaters 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39 operations. In this embodiment, the radio frequency signal is generated by a radio frequency tone generator or the like, and the X-10 standard or the alternative communication standard is used along the AC power lines 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36. Transmitted, and monitored by a radio frequency signal decoder (not shown) or similar device at a remote location to determine which heaters 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39 are operating in the desired temperature range Inside or outside. Although the heater control system 10 provides many advantages over prior art devices, it provides limited remote monitoring capabilities, and it is not necessary to explore all issues related to integrating the heater control system into more complex industrial settings. To explore these other needs, a heater control system 70 is shown in Figure 4, which allows the user to remotely monitor and (in some cases) remotely operate multiple heater systems. As shown in the fourth figure, the heater control system 70 includes a monitoring station 72 having a user interface 74, a central processing unit (CPU) 76, a memory 78, and a communication port 80, and the user interface 74 It is a monitor (with or without touch screen capability), keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals. 22 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (please read the back first) Please note this page and fill in this page) ---- Order --------- Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the Employee Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by 486734 A7 _______ B7 (/) Brain interface device, CPU 76 is in communication with user interface 74 and memory 78. Memory 78 can contain software for monitoring and controlling heaters and heater controllers, and has various functions for processing. Temperature “program,” database, and other temperature and maintenance information. Communication port 80 is used to receive and transmit digital data. Monitoring station 72 is connected to pipelines 85 and 87 via communication lines 81, 82, and 83, respectively. , And the pipeline above 89 Heater control systems 84, 86, and 88. During operation, monitoring station 72 allows a user at a remote location to quickly monitor the temperature of each heater in heater control systems 84, 86, and 88, and In some embodiments, commands may be transmitted via communication lines 81, 82, and 83 to change the temperature setting of an individual heater or other control operations (such as turning the heater on or off). In this way, a single monitoring station The 72 series can be used to control and monitor a very large number of heaters and heater systems (though only three are shown in the figure for ease of explanation). For a more complete understanding of the operation and use of the monitoring station 72, its and The integration of the single pipe heater control system 86 will be discussed in detail in connection with the description of the components of the control system 86. Indeed, as will be understood from the following discussion, the control system 86 can be used separately from the heater control system 70 because It provides useful advantages over the heater control system 10. As with the heater control system 10, preferably, the pipeline heater control system 86 uses the least amount of lead, connection , And / or circuits to provide control and supply power to multiple controllers and heaters to avoid rat nest problems commonly found in control systems of the prior art. From this perspective, refer to Figures 4 and 5 for pipeline heaters The control system 86 includes a base station 92, which communicates with the monitoring station 72 via the communication line 82, and is received from the line 91. 23 This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm). -------- Order --------- (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) 486734 Printed by A7, Employee Consumer Cooperatives, Bureau of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Economic Affairs
五、發明說明（vU 自單一交流電源供應器90的交流電力。基站92包括一數 位輸入與輸出裝置116，其供傳送來自監視站72與基站92 之命令與資訊請求至附屬控制器96、100、104，並供接收 來自該等相同控制器96、100、104之數位訊號。於較佳實 施例中，此等通訊介面二者係均構成以在9600波特(baud) 之固定波特率下而運用EIA RS-232與RS-485規範。基站 92包括一選用式接地故障中斷器106與一 12安培之斷路 器108，以供提高控制系統86之操作安全性，且供於短路 或接地故障狀況之事件時將附屬控制器96、100、1〇4由交 流電源供應器90所隔離。此外，基站92包括一直流電源 供應器11〇(例如9伏特之直流電源供應器），用以提供對於 各個附屬控制器96、100、與104的電子式溫度控制構件 之直流電力。 於所述較佳實施例中，交流電力輸出、直流電力輸出 、與數位輸入/輸出(I/O)線路係均整合及/或納入於單一通 訊/電力線路94，其係通過至第一附屬控制器96。再者， 線路94係顯示如同於第四圖中之捲繞狀，因爲此舉係進而 加強裝設與維修之容易度，由於各個控制器96、100、與 1〇4的特定位置與介於其間的距離係可能隨著各個應用而 改變。藉著組合一捲繞狀線路94(以及線路98與102)與整 合電力及通訊線路至單一線路94(以及線路98與102)，控 制系統86係能夠易於達成其目標:使得系統複雜度最小化 、減小空間需求、以及提高裝設與更換之容易度(即各線路 94、98、102與控制器96、100、104係均可個別插塞至系 24 裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公爱） 486734V. Description of the invention (vU AC power from a single AC power supply 90. The base station 92 includes a digital input and output device 116 for transmitting commands and information requests from the monitoring station 72 and the base station 92 to the subsidiary controllers 96, 100 , 104, and for receiving digital signals from the same controllers 96, 100, 104. In a preferred embodiment, these communication interfaces are both configured to a fixed baud rate of 9600 baud The EIA RS-232 and RS-485 specifications are used below. The base station 92 includes an optional ground fault interrupter 106 and a 12 amp circuit breaker 108 to improve the operational safety of the control system 86, and for short circuit or grounding In the event of a fault condition, the auxiliary controllers 96, 100, and 104 are isolated by the AC power supply 90. In addition, the base station 92 includes a DC power supply 11 (for example, a 9 volt DC power supply) for Provides DC power to the electronic temperature control components of the auxiliary controllers 96, 100, and 104. In the preferred embodiment, AC power output, DC power output, and digital input / output (I / O) lines The road systems are integrated and / or incorporated into a single communication / power line 94, which is passed to the first subsidiary controller 96. Furthermore, the line 94 is shown as a coiled shape in the fourth figure, because this is further Enhance the ease of installation and maintenance, because the specific positions and distances between the controllers 96, 100, and 104 may vary with each application. By combining a coiled line 94 (and Lines 98 and 102) and integrated power and communication lines into a single line 94 (and lines 98 and 102), the control system 86 can easily achieve its goals: minimize system complexity, reduce space requirements, and improve installation and Ease of replacement (i.e. each line 94, 98, 102 and controller 96, 100, 104 series can be plugged individually to the system 24. -------- Order --------- ( Please read the notes on the back before filling this page.) This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 public love) 486734
五、發明說明（) 統 86) 〇 欲允許單一線路係由基站92所饋出，重要的是，電力 與通訊線路係通過各個附屬控制器96、100、與104，以允 許該等附屬控制器96、100、與104爲雛菊花環式連接在 一起。此在各個控制器96、100、與104處之電力與溫度 感測及控制整合係達成，如同於第五圖之功能方塊圖所示 〇 極爲重要的是，此控制功能之整合係允許該等附屬控 制器96、100、與104爲容納於第六至九圖所示之單一殼 體148。此外，殼體148之尺寸係保持爲相當小(即小於約 64毫米之寬度W、小於約32毫米之高度Η、以及小於約 70毫米之長度L)。於此示範實施例中，附屬控制器96與 殼體148係構成以供與一停泊(docking)埠爲配接，該停泊 璋係附接至繞於可撓管路加熱器97之一套件(wrap)。該停 泊埠係包括一可撓安裝墊152，其係顯示爲具有一加熱器 板。可撓安裝墊/加熱器板152係包括在各端之電力/通訊 插座15〇、溫度感測連接、以及至可分開的附屬控制器96 之電力連接器。極爲重要的是，經由停泊璋配置以整合該 附屬控制器96與加熱器97，係有利於除去2至4公尺之 電力與感測器電纜，且此電纜之除去係發生針對配置於加 熱器控制系統70中的每個附屬控制器96。插座150係允 許其與電力/通訊線路94與98之快速連接。控制器96及 其關連的殻體H8與安裝部位/加熱器板152係構成以供易 於裝設及維修，且極爲重要的是，可提供相對於現有溫度 25 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 署·裝---------訂--------- 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（Λ) 控制器（其經常僅提供溫度控制而未整合電力切換功能）之 極小的形式因數。 再次參考第五圖，控制器96係構成以於引線124接 收經由線路94之來自基站92的交流電力，引線124係導 引至加熱器97。加熱器97包括加熱器元件126，其操作於 引線124之交流電力，且係藉著光耦合零電壓開關13〇(亦 可易於使用其他電子式切換裝置)而經由引線128與131所 電子式控制(即導通及不導通）。控制器96係以引線120而 引入直流電力，其經由引線132而供電給微處理器134與 其他電子式構件。微處理器134係納入以提供於加熱器97 之溫度設定上的較佳控制，操作在控制器96之操作顯示， 操作該開關130以維持溫度於所期望之使用者可調整範圍 內，且提供與基站92(以及於某些情況下之與監視站72)的 數位通訊能力。 於操作期間，定位鄰近於加熱器表面127之溫度感測 器142(例如熱敏電阻器、熱電偶、或類似者)係響應於加熱 器表面127之溫度變化，且輸出於引線143上之一代表訊 號(諸如電壓訊號）。感測放大器144係放大此訊號，且傳 送一類比訊號至微處理器134,其包括一類比至數位轉換 器136。微處理器134係構成以處理數位訊號，以判定加 熱器表面127之溫度。接著，微處理器134判定該加熱器 表面127之溫度係是否於一溫度設定點左右之可接受的範 圍內。 根據本發明，控制器96係較佳適以允許使用者控制( 26 ^紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐) 一 . ^--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 486734 A7 B7 五、發明說明（Λ ) 即設定且稍後調整)該加熱器97所操作的溫度。典型而言 ，此係藉著設定一溫度設定點且於某些實施例中之於此設 定點左右的變化範圍所達成(或者於溫度設定點左右之溫度 帶係可由所運用之電子式溫度控制技術所固定，例如，若 通斷式控制係使用而在低溫設定下打開加熱器而在高溫設 定下關掉加熱器）。如第五與九圖所示，控制器96係包括 一個八位置指撥開關140，其允許使用者手動設定該溫度 設定點(例如藉著於該八位置指撥開關而設定二進制數目之 所期望的溫度）或者是遠端設定，其藉著設定該指撥開關 140之所有開關爲零或者其他指定遙控模式設定且接著自 監視站72經由數位通訊線路122而遠端通訊一溫度設定點 至微處理器134(該溫度設定點係儲存於微處理器134之記 憶體中）。如圖所示，藉著將控制器殻體148由加熱器97 之安裝部位152的停泊埠所拔出，係可見到該指撥開關 140 ° 於操作期間，微處理器134比較由溫度感測器142之 訊號所判定的溫度與經由線路141之八位置指撥開關140 的溫度設定値或者由監視站72所接收的溫度，以確認加熱 器表面127是否於可接受的溫度範圍內(舉例而言，諸如於 攝氏5度內或者較佳爲約於溫度設定點之攝氏2度內）。若 加熱器表面127之溫度係在可接受的溫度範圍以下，微處 理器134係作用以操作該開關130而操作加熱器97並且於 引線138與122將此低溫度傳達至基站92。 參考第五圖，基站92係可具有其本身之操作狀態顯示 27 本張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ----·—^----裝--------訂---------^_WI (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 _ 五、發明說明（X ) 器114及/或一警報狀態電驛118，其供致動在基站92或 在遠端位置之聽覺與視覺警報(例如其係可由一段距離外所 淸楚看見之一閃光燈）。於一較佳實施例中，操作狀態顯示 器114當加熱器97、101、或105之一者在其設定溫度範 圍以下時係“點亮”一藍色發光二極體(LED)，當加熱器 97、101、與105之所有者均在其設定溫度範圍內係點亮一 綠色LED，而當加熱器97、101、或105之一者在其設定 溫度範圍以上時係點亮一紅色LED。基站92係並行傳送 對於各個加熱器97、101、與105之溫度與操作資訊至監 視站72，在監視站72係可將該溫度與操作資訊顯示於使 用者介面74及/或儲存於記憶體78。 再次參考第五圖，微處理器134亦作用以操作一局部 顯示器146，其具有類似於針對基站92所討論者之三個顏 色的LED，其使得一使用者可快速以視覺監視於管路線路 中之該等加熱器各者。該LED顯示器146係於控制器殻體 M8之較上面的外部所淸楚可見(參閱第六圖）。微處理器 134係持續監視及比較該加熱器表面127的溫度，且一旦 該溫度係達到在溫度範圍內的一預定點時，微處理器134 係作用以操作該開關130而關掉加熱器97，將“於範圍內 ”之訊息傳達至基站92(且因而至該監視站），並操作控制 器96之顯示器146。接著，微處理器134係持續監視該加 熱器表面127的溫度，以傳達該溫度是否超過或在可接受 的範圍之外，並且當該溫度落至預設溫度範圍以下時係重 複上述操作。由微處理器134所運用之控制邏輯係可爲一 28 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） " 一 *-------裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 486734 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（>) 簡單的通/斷式控制、一種型式之PID(比例-積分-微分）控 制、以及其他控制函數。 於上述方式，各個加熱器97、101、與105之溫度係 可設定且保持於相當嚴格的溫度範圍(諸如攝氏1至2度之 範圍）內。極爲重要的是，一監視站72與可遠端程式設計 控制器96、100、104之運用係允許使用者建立並且迅速改 變該等加熱器97、101、與105之各者的溫度，以建立供 改變處理之相當複雜的方案。再者，加熱器控制系統70之 架構係允許使用者於遠端或局部監視各個控制器96、100 、104及加熱器97、101、105，以增強處理監視並且減少 耗費於故障檢修之時間。欲進一步維護，該等控制器96、 100、104之各者係設計爲允許使用者拔出單一個控制器96 、100、或104及/或其關連的電力/通訊線路94、98、102 並且插塞入替代者。 於操作期間，基站92係操作爲至少週期性(諸如每2 秒一次或者某些其他固定時間週期）調查所連接的控制器 96、100、104之狀態(例如溫度)與診斷資訊。欲監視該控 制器96之某些構件的壽命，一計數器機構或例行程式係可 納入於微處理器134,以追蹤其所操作之次數。舉例而言 ，電子-機械式電驛係典型具有固定之操作壽命，可爲有用 的是，包括對於各個電子-機械式電驛之一計數器，以計數 其所致動之次數。一旦係達到預設數目時，微處理器134 係送出此資訊至基站92，以建立對於控制器96之一維護 旗標。 29 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） *-------裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 486734 A7 五、發明說明（yp 由於上述方法與實施例之諸多修改及組合係對於熟悉 此技藝人士而言均將易於發生，並無意將本發明限制於以 上所顯示及說明之絲毫不差的結構與處理。舉例而言，於 第四圖中，一單獨的交流電源供應器與基站係顯示爲用於 各個管線’且此結構係選定以易於符合某些電氣安全規範 。誠然，所述之加熱器控制系統70係可修改爲包括一個單 一的父流電源與一個單一的基站，其共同提供交流電力至 多個控制系統84、86、與88。是以，將可採取作出對於所 有適合的修改與等效者，其係均歸屬在如同由隨附申請專 利範圍所界定者之本發明範疇內。使用於此說明書與隨附 申請專利範圍中的用語“包含（comprise，comprises， comprising) ” 以及“包括（include(s)，including)，，係欲 指明所述特徵或步驟之存在，但其並未排除一或多個其他 的特徵、步驟、或者其群組之存在或加入。 裝--------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 度 尺一張 一紙 格 規 4 )A S) N 、 (C 準 標 公 97V. Description of the invention (System 86) 〇 To allow a single line to be fed by the base station 92, it is important that the power and communication lines pass through each of the auxiliary controllers 96, 100, and 104 to allow such auxiliary controllers 96, 100, and 104 are daisy-chained together. The integration of power and temperature sensing and control at each controller 96, 100, and 104 is achieved, as shown in the functional block diagram of Figure 5. It is extremely important that the integration of this control function allows these The auxiliary controllers 96, 100, and 104 are accommodated in a single housing 148 shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. Further, the dimensions of the housing 148 are kept relatively small (i.e., a width W less than about 64 mm, a height Η less than about 32 mm, and a length L less than about 70 mm). In this exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary controller 96 and the housing 148 are configured to be mated with a docking port, which is attached to a kit around the flexible pipe heater 97 ( wrap). The mooring system includes a flexible mounting pad 152 shown as having a heater board. The flexible mounting pad / heater plate 152 includes a power / communication socket 15 at each end, a temperature sensing connection, and a power connector to a detachable accessory controller 96. It is extremely important that the auxiliary controller 96 and the heater 97 be integrated through the mooring configuration to facilitate the removal of 2 to 4 meters of power and sensor cables, and the removal of this cable is directed to the configuration of the heater Each subsidiary controller 96 in the control system 70. Socket 150 allows quick connection to power / communication lines 94 and 98. The controller 96 and its associated housing H8 and the installation site / heater plate 152 are configured for easy installation and maintenance, and it is extremely important that it can provide 25 relative to the existing temperature. This paper standard is applicable to Chinese national standards (CNS ) A4 size (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) Agency · Installation --------- Order --------- Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by employee consumer cooperatives Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by employee consumer cooperatives 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of invention (Λ) The controller (which often only provides temperature control without integrating power switching functions) has a very small form factor. Referring again to the fifth figure, the controller 96 is configured so that the lead 124 receives AC power from the base station 92 via the line 94, and the lead 124 is guided to the heater 97. The heater 97 includes a heater element 126, which operates on the AC power of the lead 124, and is electronically controlled via the leads 128 and 131 via an optically coupled zero-voltage switch 13 (and other electronic switching devices can be easily used) (Ie conductive and non-conductive). The controller 96 introduces DC power through the lead 120 and supplies power to the microprocessor 134 and other electronic components via the lead 132. The microprocessor 134 is incorporated to provide better control on the temperature setting of the heater 97. The operation is displayed on the operation of the controller 96. The switch 130 is operated to maintain the temperature within the desired user adjustable range, and provides Digital communication capability with base station 92 (and in some cases with monitoring station 72). During operation, a temperature sensor 142 (such as a thermistor, thermocouple, or the like) positioned adjacent to the heater surface 127 is responsive to the temperature change of the heater surface 127 and is output on one of the leads 143 Signal (such as a voltage signal). The sense amplifier 144 amplifies the signal and sends an analog signal to the microprocessor 134, which includes an analog-to-digital converter 136. The microprocessor 134 is configured to process digital signals to determine the temperature of the heater surface 127. The microprocessor 134 then determines whether the temperature of the heater surface 127 is within an acceptable range around a temperature set point. According to the present invention, the controller 96 is preferably adapted to allow the user to control (26 ^ paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm). I. ^ -------- Order- -------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 486734 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (Λ) is set and adjusted later) The heating The temperature at which the device 97 operates. Typically, this is achieved by setting a temperature set point and in some embodiments a range of changes around this set point (or the temperature band around the temperature set point can be controlled by the electronic temperature used) The technology is fixed, for example, if the on-off control system is used, the heater is turned on at a low temperature setting and the heater is turned off at a high temperature setting). As shown in the fifth and ninth figures, the controller 96 includes an eight-position dial switch 140 that allows the user to manually set the temperature set point (e.g., by setting the binary number of desired temperatures by the eight-position dial switch). ) Or remote setting, by setting all switches of the DIP switch 140 to zero or other specified remote control mode settings and then remotely communicating a temperature set point from the monitoring station 72 to the microprocessor 134 via the digital communication line 122 (The temperature set point is stored in the memory of the microprocessor 134). As shown in the figure, by pulling out the controller housing 148 from the docking port of the installation portion 152 of the heater 97, it can be seen that the dial switch 140 ° is in operation. The microprocessor 134 compares the temperature sensor The temperature determined by the signal 142 and the temperature setting of the eight-position dial switch 140 via the line 141 or the temperature received by the monitoring station 72 to confirm whether the heater surface 127 is within an acceptable temperature range (for example, (Such as within 5 degrees Celsius or preferably within about 2 degrees Celsius of the temperature set point). If the temperature of the heater surface 127 is below an acceptable temperature range, the microprocessor 134 acts to operate the switch 130 and operates the heater 97 and communicates this low temperature to the base station 92 via the leads 138 and 122. Referring to the fifth figure, the base station 92 may have its own operating status display. 27 This standard is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm). ------ Order --------- ^ _ WI (Please read the notes on the back before filling in this page) 486734 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 _ V. Description of the invention ( X) a device 114 and / or an alarm status relay 118 for actuating an audible and visual alarm at the base station 92 or at a remote location (for example, it is a flashlight that can be seen from a distance). In a preferred embodiment, the operating status display 114 "lights up" a blue light emitting diode (LED) when one of the heaters 97, 101, or 105 is below its set temperature range. The owners of 97, 101, and 105 all light up a green LED within their set temperature range, and light up a red LED when one of the heaters 97, 101, or 105 is above their set temperature range. The base station 92 transmits the temperature and operation information of each heater 97, 101, and 105 to the monitoring station 72 in parallel. At the monitoring station 72, the temperature and operation information can be displayed on the user interface 74 and / or stored in the memory. 78. Referring again to the fifth figure, the microprocessor 134 also functions to operate a local display 146, which has three color LEDs similar to those discussed for the base station 92, which enables a user to quickly visually monitor the pipeline circuit Each of these heaters. The LED display 146 is clearly visible from the upper part of the controller housing M8 (see FIG. 6). The microprocessor 134 continuously monitors and compares the temperature of the heater surface 127, and once the temperature reaches a predetermined point within the temperature range, the microprocessor 134 functions to operate the switch 130 and turn off the heater 97 To communicate the message "within range" to the base station 92 (and thus to the monitoring station), and operate the display 146 of the controller 96. The microprocessor 134 then continuously monitors the temperature of the heater surface 127 to communicate whether the temperature exceeds or is outside an acceptable range, and repeats the above operation when the temperature falls below a preset temperature range. The control logic used by the microprocessor 134 can be a 28-paper size applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) " a * ------- installation ---- ---- Order --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 486734 Printed by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (>) Simple On / off control, one type of PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control, and other control functions. In the above manner, the temperature of each of the heaters 97, 101, and 105 can be set and maintained within a relatively strict temperature range (such as a range of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius). It is extremely important that the use of a monitoring station 72 and remotely programmable controllers 96, 100, 104 allows the user to establish and quickly change the temperature of each of these heaters 97, 101, and 105 to establish A fairly complex solution for change. Furthermore, the architecture of the heater control system 70 allows the user to remotely or locally monitor the various controllers 96, 100, 104 and heaters 97, 101, 105 to enhance process monitoring and reduce the time spent troubleshooting. For further maintenance, each of these controllers 96, 100, 104 is designed to allow the user to unplug a single controller 96, 100, or 104 and / or its associated power / communication lines 94, 98, 102 and Plug into a substitute. During operation, the base station 92 is operated to investigate the status (eg, temperature) and diagnostic information of the connected controllers 96, 100, 104 at least periodically (such as every 2 seconds or some other fixed time period). To monitor the life of certain components of the controller 96, a counter mechanism or routine may be incorporated into the microprocessor 134 to track the number of times it is operated. For example, an electronic-mechanical relay system typically has a fixed operating life. It may be useful to include a counter for each of the electronic-mechanical relays to count the number of times it is actuated. Once the preset number is reached, the microprocessor 134 sends this information to the base station 92 to establish a maintenance flag for one of the controllers 96. 29 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) * ------- installed -------- order --------- (please first Read the notes on the reverse side and fill out this page) 486734 A7 V. Description of the invention (yp As many modifications and combinations of the above methods and embodiments are prone to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the above The exact structure and processing shown and explained. For example, in the fourth figure, a separate AC power supply and base station are shown for each pipeline 'and this structure is selected to easily conform to some Electrical safety specifications. It is true that the heater control system 70 can be modified to include a single parent power source and a single base station that collectively provide AC power to multiple control systems 84, 86, and 88. Therefore, All appropriate modifications and equivalents may be taken which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the accompanying patent application. The term "includes" used in this specification and the scope of the accompanying patent application includes (Comprise, c omprises, comprising) and "include (s), including" are intended to indicate the existence of the stated feature or step, but they do not exclude the existence of one or more other features, steps, or groups thereof Or add. Install -------- Order --------- (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page.) The staff of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Consumer Cooperatives, has a stamp system. Paper grid gauge 4) AS) N, (C standard standard 97