Control system for a multi-station heating apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a control system for a multi-station heating device, including a touch screen, a microcontroller module, at least one signal conversion module, and multiple pressing stations. The microcontroller module is bidirectionally connected to the touch screen; at least one signal conversion module is bidirectionally connected to the microcontroller module; each pressing station includes a sensing module for generating status signals and an execution module for receiving control commands, and at least one signal conversion module is electrically connected to both the sensing module and the execution module. This control system employs a unique architecture combining a microcontroller module, a signal conversion module, and a touch screen, allowing for convenient parameter setting on the touch screen. This significantly reduces the hardware cost and development difficulty of the device, and it possesses strong replicability, greatly saving the design and development time required for equipment expansion. Furthermore, in the event of a fault, it can quickly locate the problem area, greatly improving maintenance efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of assembly and manufacturing, and more particularly to a control system for a multi-station heating device. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-station heating and pressing equipment plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process of 3C products. During production, it is necessary to constantly monitor the temperature and pressing time at each station to ensure product quality.

[0003] Currently, commonly used multi-station heating equipment mainly uses programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for centralized control. However, a single PLC system is expensive, and as the number of stations increases, the number of PLC modules required also increases. Furthermore, acquiring temperature data necessitates additional expansion modules, leading to a sharp rise in total cost. At the same time, as standardized products, PLCs typically have fixed interfaces, which greatly inconveniences field wiring for multi-station systems, resulting in messy and difficult-to-maintain wiring.

[0004] In addition, some devices require the use of a host computer, which is not only more expensive, but also requires the development of additional host computer software, increasing development costs and time.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a control system for multi-station heating equipment that is low-cost, easy to wire, has stable communication, and is easy to expand is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-wire, stable-communication, and easily expandable multi-station heating equipment control system.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a control system for a multi-station heating device, comprising: touchscreen; The microcontroller module is bidirectionally connected to the touchscreen. At least one signal conversion module is bidirectionally data-connected to the microcontroller module; Multiple pressing stations, each pressing station including a sensing module for generating status signals and an execution module for receiving control commands, wherein at least one signal switching module is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module respectively; The microcontroller module is configured to: receive control commands from the touch screen and output control commands to the pressing station through the signal conversion module to control its operation; and receive the status signal, transmit it back through the signal conversion module, and send the station status to the touch screen for display.

[0008] As a further improvement of this application, each of the pressing stations includes a pressing module, the pressing module including a first pressing part and a second pressing part, the first pressing part and the second pressing part together enclose a pressing cavity, and the product to be tested is pressed in the pressing cavity; The execution module includes a heater and a driver. The driver drives the first pressing part to press towards the second pressing part, and the heater heats the second pressing part.

[0009] As a further improvement to this application, each of the pressing stations also includes a temperature controller; The execution module includes a first switch connected in series with the heater; The sensing module includes a first temperature sensor connected to the temperature controller. The temperature controller is configured to control the on / off state of the first switch based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, so as to maintain the temperature of the heater within a preset operating temperature range.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the sensing module also includes a second temperature sensor connected to the microcontroller module; The microcontroller module is configured to interrupt the power supply to the heater when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a safety threshold.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the control system further includes an external temperature sensor, and the microcontroller module is configured to calibrate all the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor through the external temperature sensor; The calibration of the sensing module at each of the pressing stations includes: acquiring the reference temperature of the external temperature sensor, and calibrating and compensating the measurement readings of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor based on the deviation between the reference temperature and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

[0012] As a further improvement of this application, the sensing module further includes a detection sensor, which is configured to detect whether the product under test is placed in place, and the microcontroller module is configured to control the driver to drive the first pressing part and the second pressing part to press together only when the product under test is placed in place.

[0013] As a further improvement of this application, each of the signal conversion modules includes an IO expansion chip. The microcontroller module is communicatively connected to each of the IO expansion chips through an IIC bus interface. Each of the IO expansion chips is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module of each of the pressing stations to expand the input / output interface of the microcontroller module.

[0014] As a further improvement to this application, the master-slave communication relationship between the microcontroller module and the touch screen can be configured to switch. When the microcontroller module acts as the host, it reads the status signal of the pressing station and sends the status data corresponding to the status signal to the touch screen. When the touchscreen acts as the host, it sends setting data to the microcontroller module.

[0015] As a further improvement of this application, the microcontroller module is configured to: when receiving control instructions or data from the touch screen, first cache the instructions or data in the memory, and then read and execute them from the memory in subsequent control cycles, so as to achieve separate execution of data reception and data processing; The microcontroller module includes a non-volatile memory unit; the microcontroller module is configured to save the operating parameters or historical test data of the pressing station to the non-volatile memory unit to achieve data retention even when power is lost.

[0016] As a further improvement of this application, the touch screen is provided with a workstation management interface; the microcontroller module responds to the operation instructions of the workstation management interface to individually enable or disable any one of the plurality of pressing workstations, so as to realize independent enabling or disabling control of the heaters of each pressing workstation.

[0017] Compared with commonly used technologies, this application has the following advantages: The control system adopts a unique architecture combining a microcontroller module, a signal conversion module, and a touch screen, achieving: (1) The cost of a microcontroller is much lower than that of a PLC, and there is no need to write complex host computer software. The monitoring interface can be designed using the configuration software that comes with the touch screen. Operators can intuitively monitor the real-time status data of all workstations on the touch screen and easily set parameters, which significantly reduces the hardware cost and development difficulty of the equipment. (2) The signal conversion module serves as a bridge between the microcontroller and numerous pressing stations. When additional stations are needed, there is no need to replace the core microcontroller module. The system expansion can be easily achieved by simply adding the corresponding signal conversion module. It has strong replicability and greatly saves the design and development time required for equipment capacity expansion. (3) The signal lines of multiple pressing stations are connected to the corresponding signal conversion module in several groups, and then the signal conversion modules are connected to a single microcontroller module. This hierarchical structure makes the wiring layout of the whole system clear and beautiful, and can quickly locate the problem area when a fault occurs, which greatly improves the maintenance efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a structural block diagram of the control system of a multi-station heating device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the control system of a multi-station heating device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one pressing station according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the oblique top view of the first pressing part above the pressing station according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the oblique bottom view of the first pressing part above the pressing station according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a circuit control diagram of each pressing station according to an embodiment of this application; Among them, 100 is the control system of the multi-station heating equipment; 10 is the touch screen; 20 is the single-chip microcomputer module; 30 is the signal conversion module; 40 is the pressing station; 41 is the sensing module; 411 is the first temperature sensor; 412 is the second temperature sensor; 42 is the execution module; 421 is the driver; 422 is the heater; 4221 is the power supply; 423 is the first switch; 424 is the main switch; 43 is the pressing module; 431 is the first pressing part; 432 is the second pressing part; and 50 is the temperature controller. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] It should be understood that terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under” used herein to indicate spatial relative position are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms “spatial relative position” may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0021] One embodiment of this application provides a multi-station heating equipment control system that is low-cost, easy to wire, has stable communication, and is easy to expand.

[0022] The control system 100 of the multi-station heating equipment in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, it includes a touch screen 10, a microcontroller module 20, at least one signal conversion module 30, and multiple pressing stations 40.

[0023] The microcontroller module 20 is the core of the entire control system, responsible for overall logic operations, data processing, and communication management. It establishes a bidirectional data connection with the touchscreen 10 through a communication interface, and also with the signal conversion module 30.

[0024] The signal conversion module 30 serves as a bridge between the microcontroller module 20 and the multiple pressing stations 40. Each pressing station 40 includes a sensing module 41 for generating its own status signal and an execution module 42 for receiving control commands and executing corresponding actions. The signal lines of both modules are electrically connected to the signal conversion module 30.

[0025] During system operation, the microcontroller module 20 receives user commands from the touchscreen 10, such as commands to start or stop a certain workstation. It also receives status signals transmitted from the sensor modules 41 of each pressing workstation 40 via the signal conversion module 30. After processing this information, the microcontroller module 20 sends precise control commands to the execution module 42 of the corresponding pressing workstation 40 through the signal conversion module 30 to drive its operation. Simultaneously, the microcontroller module 20 sends the real-time operating status of each workstation, such as working time and number of tests, to the touchscreen 10 for centralized display, thereby achieving comprehensive monitoring and management of the entire multi-workstation equipment.

[0026] The touchscreen 10 features a human-machine interface that dynamically and intuitively displays the current status and relevant test data of each pressing station 40. It also provides operators with a convenient entry point for parameter settings and function control. For example, operators can view information such as pressing time and number of tests for all stations on the touchscreen 10, and can set heating parameters and test procedures.

[0027] Furthermore, the touchscreen 10, as a human-computer interaction terminal, provides a graphical operating interface. Compared with traditional buttons and indicator lights, the information display is more concentrated and richer, and the operation is more intuitive and convenient. It can also replace the expensive host computer in traditional solutions, significantly reducing the hardware cost of the device while achieving powerful monitoring functions, and eliminating the need for complex host computer software development, thus shortening the development cycle.

[0028] The microcontroller module 20 is responsible for executing all control logic and data processing tasks. In this embodiment, a high-performance microcontroller such as the STM32 series can be selected as the main control chip. Its high clock frequency of up to 72MHz ensures rapid response and real-time processing of massive amounts of data from multiple workstations, guaranteeing the synchronization and accuracy of control. One end of the microcontroller module 20 is connected to each signal conversion module 30, and the other end is connected to the touch screen 10, forming the control center of the entire system.

[0029] This embodiment uses a microcontroller module 20 as the core controller, which significantly reduces costs compared to a PLC controller. Furthermore, the microcontroller module 20 has inherent flexibility and convenience in processing various digital signals (such as temperature signals), eliminating the need for expensive expansion modules like those in a PLC, thus further controlling costs and simplifying system hardware design.

[0030] The signal conversion module 30 plays a crucial role in connecting the microcontroller module 20 and the numerous pressing stations 40. On one hand, the signal conversion module 30 expands the input / output (I / O) interface capabilities of the microcontroller module 20; on the other hand, it standardizes and manages the signal wiring of all stations.

[0031] Regarding the expansion of the input / output (I / O) interface capabilities of the microcontroller module 20, in this embodiment, the microcontroller module 20 can be connected to each signal adapter module 30 via a single 10-pin gray ribbon cable, for example... Figure 2 As shown, one microcontroller module 20 simultaneously controls eight signal conversion modules 30, and one signal conversion module 30 can manage all signals from, for example, ten pressing stations 40. Therefore, one microcontroller module 20 can manage 80 pressing stations 40 simultaneously through the signal conversion modules 30. Furthermore, when adding stations, the operator does not need to modify the core microcontroller module 20; simply connecting a signal conversion module 30 or adding a new signal conversion module 30 allows access to more new stations. This "plug-and-play" expansion method gives the system strong replicability and flexibility, greatly saving time and costs associated with equipment modifications due to changes in production capacity.

[0032] For the standardized management of signal wiring across all workstations, all signal lines at each workstation are systematically connected to an independent signal conversion module 30 area. For example... Figure 2 The 80 laminating stations are divided into 8 groups of 40, with the signal lines of every 10 laminating stations 40 located within a single area. For example, every 10 laminating stations 40 form a layer, and each layer corresponds to a signal conversion module 30, totaling 8 layers. This design results in clear, aesthetically pleasing wiring, convenient installation, and allows for quick location of specific modules and ports during equipment maintenance, significantly improving maintainability. When adding new laminating stations 40, the layout can continue with the 9th and 10th layers, without affecting the overall layout due to the increase in the number of stations.

[0033] The pressing station 40 is the working unit that performs specific heating and pressing tasks. The sensing module 41 is responsible for collecting the status information of the pressing station 40 itself, such as whether a product is placed in and temperature information, and converting this information into electrical signals. The execution module 42 contains components that implement specific actions, such as a drive cylinder and a heater 422. It is responsible for receiving instructions from the microcontroller module 20 and converting them into physical actions.

[0034] This control system enables efficient parallel and independent control of multiple pressing stations 40. The microcontroller module 20 can simultaneously monitor the status of all stations and independently issue control commands to each station based on its specific conditions. This centralized management and decentralized execution model not only ensures the consistency and synchronization of multi-station production but also improves overall production efficiency.

[0035] In one embodiment, each pressing station 40 includes a pressing module 43, such as Figure 3-5 As shown, the pressing module 43 includes a first pressing part 431 and a second pressing part 432. The first pressing part 431 and the second pressing part 432 enclose a pressing cavity, and the product to be tested is pressed in the pressing cavity.

[0036] The execution module 42 includes a heater 422 and a driver 421. The driver 421 drives the first pressing part 431 to press towards the second pressing part 432, and the heater 422 heats the second pressing part 432.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the first pressing part 431 can be a product carrier for carrying the product to be tested, and it has a product contour groove that matches the shape of the product to be tested and a positioning post for precise positioning.

[0038] like Figure 3-5 As shown, the second pressing part 432 is positioned above and opposite to the first pressing part 431. When the two are closed, they together form a pressing cavity for heating and pressing the product. In this embodiment, the product carrier can be a 3C electronic product, such as a watch. Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the process, the first pressing part 431 and the second pressing part 432 can enclose a pressing cavity that matches the outline of the watch. When the second pressing part 432 presses against the first pressing part 431, the watch dial is pressed against the watch frame, and the dial is firmly bonded to the watch frame by heating.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the driver 421 can be a cylinder. When the microcontroller module 20 issues a pressing command, it controls the solenoid valve to make the cylinder move, driving the product carrier, which is the first pressing part 431, to move upward (or driving the second pressing part 432 to press downward), thus completing the pressing action.

[0040] like Figure 4-6 As shown, heater 422 is a device that provides a heat source. Heater 422 can be composed of a copper block with high thermal conductivity and a heating rod embedded therein. When the microcontroller module 20 issues a heating command, current passes through the heating rod to generate heat, which is then evenly transferred through the copper block to heat the second pressing part 432, thereby transferring the heat to the product under test during pressing.

[0041] In one embodiment, each pressing station 40 also includes a temperature controller 50, which in this embodiment may be an industrial-grade PID temperature controller specifically responsible for performing high-precision temperature regulation tasks.

[0042] The execution module 42 includes a first switch 423 connected in series with the heater 422. This switch can be a relay or a solid-state relay (SSR). It is connected in series with the heater 422 (e.g., a heating rod) and directly controls the on / off of the power supply 4221 of the heater 422.

[0043] like Figure 5-6 As shown, the sensing module 41 includes a first temperature sensor 411 connected to the temperature controller 50. The temperature controller 50 is configured to control the on / off state of the first switch 423 based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 411, so as to maintain the temperature of the heater 422 within a preset operating temperature range.

[0044] The first temperature sensor 411 can be a thermocouple with fast response speed and wide temperature measurement range. The signal output terminal of the thermocouple is directly connected to the temperature controller 50.

[0045] During operation, the operator first presets a working temperature value (e.g., 50°C) on the temperature controller 50 (temperature gauge). The temperature controller 50 continuously reads temperature data from the first temperature sensor 411 (thermocouple) and compares it with the preset value. Through a PID control algorithm, it automatically and frequently controls the on / off state of the first switch 423. When the temperature is lower than the set value, the first switch 423 is closed to initiate heating; when the temperature is higher than the set value, the first switch 423 is opened to stop heating. This process repeats until the temperature of the heater 422 is maintained very precisely within the preset working temperature range (e.g., ±2°C).

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5-6 As shown, the sensing module 41 also includes a second temperature sensor 412 connected to the microcontroller module 20. The second temperature sensor 412 can be a high-precision digital temperature sensor. Unlike the first temperature sensor 411, the signal output terminal of this sensor is directly connected to the microcontroller module 20.

[0047] The microcontroller module 20 is configured to interrupt the power supply to the heater 422 when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 412 exceeds the safety threshold.

[0048] The operator can set a safety threshold for the microcontroller module 20 that is higher than the normal operating temperature through the touch screen 10. For example, if the operating temperature is 50°C, the safety threshold is 60°C.

[0049] During normal operation of the control system, the microcontroller module 20 continuously monitors the temperature of the heater 422 via the second temperature sensor 412, but does not interfere with the normal heating process managed by the temperature controller 50. However, in the event of an anomaly, such as a malfunction of the temperature controller 50 or the first switch 423, causing the heater 422 to continue heating uncontrollably and its temperature to rise uncontrollably, the microcontroller module 20 will immediately determine that the system has entered an over-temperature danger state when it detects that the reading of the second temperature sensor 412 exceeds the preset 60°C safety threshold. At this time, the microcontroller module 20 will immediately execute a preset safety protection program, forcibly interrupting the power supply to the heater 422. This interruption can be achieved by disconnecting a main switch 424 connected in series in the main circuit, such as... Figure 6 As shown; alternatively, the power supply to the temperature controller 50 can be cut off to disable it, thereby achieving dual temperature detection and providing a redundant safety protection mechanism.

[0050] This embodiment can effectively prevent serious accidents such as equipment overheating, product scrapping, or even fire caused by a single fault point in the main temperature control circuit, greatly improving the safety and reliability of the entire heating equipment.

[0051] In one embodiment, the control system further includes an external temperature sensor, and the microcontroller module 20 is configured to calibrate all the first temperature sensors 411 and the second temperature sensor 412 via the external temperature sensor.

[0052] The calibration of the sensing module 41 at each pressing station 40 includes: acquiring the reference temperature of the external temperature sensor, and calibrating and compensating the measurement readings of the first temperature sensor 411 or the second temperature sensor 412 based on the deviation between the reference temperature and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 411 or the second temperature sensor 412.

[0053] External temperature sensors can be used to correct drift caused by long-term operation or for factory calibration. An external sensor is typically a certified, high-precision handheld temperature calibrator or a standard temperature probe.

[0054] When the temperature measurement system of the equipment needs to be calibrated, the operator can place the probe of the external temperature sensor on the temperature measurement point of the pressing station 40. Then, the operator can access the calibration function interface via the touchscreen 10 and execute the calibration procedure, as follows: S10: Obtain reference temperature: The microcontroller module 20 reads and records the current temperature value from the external temperature sensor as the reference temperature for calibration.

[0055] S20: Obtain the measured temperature: At the same time, the microcontroller module 20 also records the temperature readings measured by the first temperature sensor 411 and the second temperature sensor 412 that are attached to the workstation at the current moment.

[0056] S30: Calculate and store the deviation: The microcontroller module 20 compares the readings of the first temperature sensor 411 and the second temperature sensor 412 with the reference temperature respectively, and calculates their respective deviation values ​​(or compensation values). Then, these deviation values ​​are stored in the non-volatile memory inside the microcontroller module 20.

[0057] S40: Application of Calibration Compensation: During subsequent normal operation, when the microcontroller module 20 displays or uses the reading of the second temperature sensor 412, it will automatically add the stored compensation value to achieve calibration compensation for the measured reading. Similarly, the operator can also manually adjust the compensation parameters in the temperature controller 50 based on this deviation value.

[0058] This embodiment eliminates measurement errors from the internal temperature sensors by comparing and compensating against a high-precision external benchmark, thus ensuring the accuracy and consistency of heating temperatures at multiple workstations.

[0059] In one embodiment, the sensing module 41 further includes a detection sensor configured to detect whether the product under test is placed in place, and the microcontroller module 20 is configured to control the driver 421 to drive the first pressing part 431 and the second pressing part 432 to press only when the product under test is placed in place.

[0060] The detection sensor can be a high-sensitivity fiber optic sensor used in conjunction with a fiber optic amplifier. When the product is placed in the product conformal slot, it blocks or reflects the light path of the fiber optic sensor, thereby generating a valid "product in place" signal. The signal from the detection sensor is connected to the microcontroller module 20. The internal logic of the microcontroller module 20 is configured with a necessary "precondition" check: it will only respond to the operator's start command and control the driver 421 (such as a cylinder) in the execution module 42 to perform the pressing action upon receiving the "product in place" signal from the detection sensor.

[0061] The specific workflow is as follows: The operator places the product to be tested into the first pressing section 431. After the detection sensor detects the product, the status indicator light on the workstation turns green, and simultaneously, a start-enabled flag inside the microcontroller module 20 is set to valid. At this time, the operator presses the start button, and the microcontroller module 20 determines that the flag is valid before driving the cylinder to move the first pressing section 431. Conversely, if no product is detected, even if the operator presses the start button, the microcontroller module 20 will ignore the instruction, and the driver 421 will not move. This protects the precision components of the pressing module 43 from wear or damage, while improving the automation level and safety of the production process.

[0062] In one embodiment, each signal conversion module 30 includes an IO expansion chip. The microcontroller module 20 communicates with each IO expansion chip through an IIC (Inter-Integrated Circuit) bus interface. Each IO expansion chip is electrically connected to the sensing module 41 and the execution module 42 of each pressing station 40 to expand the input and output interface of the microcontroller module 20.

[0063] The IIC bus is a high-efficiency serial communication protocol with a simple interface, requiring only two signal lines (SCL clock line and SDA data line) to achieve bidirectional data transmission between a master device and multiple slave devices. The microcontroller module 20, acting as the master device on the IIC bus, can precisely communicate with any I / O expansion chip connected to the bus via addressing, reading the status of its input ports or setting the level of its output ports.

[0064] Whether controlling signals from dozens or hundreds of workstations, the microcontroller module 20 only requires two dedicated I / O pins (SCL and SDA). With fewer pins, it does not require complex parallel bus connections, making wiring simpler and allowing for easy replacement and expansion of the signal conversion module 30.

[0065] In one embodiment, the master-slave communication relationship between the microcontroller module 20 and the touchscreen 10 can be configured to switch between two modes: Mode 1: When the microcontroller module 20 acts as the master, it reads the status signal of the pressing station 40 and sends the status data corresponding to the status signal to the touch screen 10. At this time, the microcontroller module 20 actively initiates communication and periodically reads the real-time status signals of all pressing stations 40 from each signal transfer module 30. After processing and integration, it actively writes these status data into the preset display address of the touch screen 10. The touch screen 10 acts as the slave, passively receiving these data and refreshing the interface display.

[0066] Mode 2: When the touchscreen 10 acts as the host, it sends setting data to the microcontroller module 20. Mode 2 is activated when the operator sets parameters or issues control commands on the touchscreen 10. At this time, the touchscreen 10 will actively initiate communication, packaging and sending the new data set by the operator (such as new heating temperature, pressing time, etc.) to the microcontroller module 20. The microcontroller module 20, acting as a slave, is responsible for receiving these setting data and performing corresponding storage and processing.

[0067] By defining clear leading parties for different communication tasks, potential data conflicts and communication bus contention are avoided, ensuring that data streams can still be transmitted stably and reliably even in complex situations with many workstations and frequent data interactions, thus guaranteeing the robustness of the entire control system.

[0068] In one embodiment, the microcontroller module 20 is configured to: when receiving control commands or data from the touch screen 10, first cache the commands or data in the memory, and then read and execute them from the memory in subsequent control cycles, so as to achieve separate execution of data reception and data processing.

[0069] This embodiment separates data reception and data processing. A memory (data buffer) is designed into the software program of the microcontroller module 20. When the microcontroller module 20 receives new control commands or setting data from the touchscreen 10, it does not immediately interrupt the currently executing core control task (such as real-time temperature monitoring). Instead, it quickly stores this new data in the data buffer. Then, when it needs to process this new data, it reads the data from the data buffer, parses and executes it, thus ensuring the real-time performance of the core tasks of the microcontroller module 20.

[0070] This embodiment avoids program blocking caused by waiting for or processing external communication data, ensuring that the monitoring and control of each workstation status always has the highest priority and the fastest response speed, thus guaranteeing the stability of program operation.

[0071] The microcontroller module 20 in this embodiment includes a non-volatile memory unit; the microcontroller module 20 is configured to save the operating parameters or historical test data of the pressing station 40 to the non-volatile memory unit so as to achieve data retention after power failure.

[0072] The non-volatile memory cell can be a serial EEPROM chip, such as the M24512-RMN6TP. The microcontroller module 20 is configured to write this information to the EEPROM chip when critical data changes (such as when the user modifies settings parameters) or periodically (such as when saving historical test data), thereby providing strong data reliability assurance.

[0073] Since EEPROM can retain data for a long time after the device is powered off, this embodiment can ensure that all important operating parameters, calibration data, and historical production records will not be lost due to unexpected power outages or normal shutdowns. When the device is powered on again, the microcontroller module 20 can automatically restore the previous working state and configuration from this unit, realizing the "breakpoint resume" function and enhancing the robustness of the system.

[0074] In one embodiment, the touch screen 10 is provided with a workstation management interface; the microcontroller module 20 responds to the operation instructions of the workstation management interface to individually enable or disable any one of the multiple pressing workstations 40, so as to realize independent enable or disable control of the heaters 50 of each pressing workstation 40.

[0075] The workstation management interface visually displays the layout of all layers or workstations of the equipment. Each workstation or layer has a virtual control switch (e.g., a button or toggle switch) in its corresponding display area. Operators can click these switches to send individual enable or disable control commands to the microcontroller module 20 for any one or more pressing workstations 40. Upon receiving these commands, the microcontroller module 20 parses them and performs independent enable or disable control on the target workstation. For example, when an operator disables the heating function of a workstation or layer of workstations on the workstation management interface, the microcontroller module 20 will stop sending heating commands to the heaters 50 of all corresponding pressing workstations 40 and can cut off the main switch 424 of these pressing workstations. This allows for dynamic and real-time adjustment of the number of workstations participating in the work based on changes in the production plan, such as stopping some workstations or allowing only others to operate, making production scheduling more flexible and efficient.

[0076] Compared with commonly used technologies, this embodiment has the following advantages: This control system adopts a unique architecture combining a microcontroller module 20, a signal conversion module 30, and a touch screen 10, achieving the following: (1) The cost of a microcontroller is much lower than that of a PLC, and there is no need to write complex host computer software. The monitoring interface can be designed using the configuration software that comes with the touch screen 10. Operators can intuitively monitor the real-time status data of all workstations on the touch screen 10 and easily set parameters, which significantly reduces the hardware cost and development difficulty of the equipment. (2) The signal conversion module 30 serves as a bridge between the microcontroller and the numerous pressing stations 40. When it is necessary to add stations, there is no need to replace the core microcontroller module 20. The system expansion can be easily achieved by simply adding the signal conversion module 30. It has strong replicability and greatly saves the design and development time required for equipment capacity expansion. (3) The signal lines of multiple pressing stations 40 are connected to the corresponding signal conversion module 30 in several groups, and then the signal conversion modules 30 are connected to a single microcontroller module 20. This hierarchical structure makes the wiring layout of the whole system clear and beautiful, and can quickly locate the problem area when a fault occurs, which greatly improves the maintenance efficiency.

[0077] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0078] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent implementation methods or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the art of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control system for a multi-station heating device, characterized in that, include: touchscreen; The microcontroller module is bidirectionally connected to the touchscreen. At least one signal conversion module is bidirectionally data-connected to the microcontroller module; Multiple pressing stations, each pressing station including a sensing module for generating status signals and an execution module for receiving control commands, wherein at least one signal switching module is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module respectively; The microcontroller module is configured to: receive control commands from the touch screen and output control commands to the pressing station through the signal conversion module to control its operation; and receive the status signal, transmit it back through the signal conversion module, and send the station status to the touch screen for display.

2. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the pressing stations includes a pressing module, which includes a first pressing part and a second pressing part. The first pressing part and the second pressing part together enclose a pressing cavity, and the product to be tested is pressed in the pressing cavity. The execution module includes a heater and a driver. The driver drives the first pressing part to press towards the second pressing part, and the heater heats the second pressing part.

3. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the pressing stations also includes a temperature controller; The execution module includes a first switch connected in series with the heater; The sensing module includes a first temperature sensor connected to the temperature controller. The temperature controller is configured to control the on / off state of the first switch based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, so as to maintain the temperature of the heater within a preset operating temperature range.

4. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing module also includes a second temperature sensor connected to the microcontroller module; The microcontroller module is configured to interrupt the power supply to the heater when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a safety threshold.

5. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control system also includes an external temperature sensor, and the microcontroller module is configured to calibrate all the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor through the external temperature sensor. The calibration of the sensing module at each of the pressing stations includes: acquiring the reference temperature of the external temperature sensor, and calibrating and compensating the measurement readings of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor based on the deviation between the reference temperature and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

6. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing module further includes a detection sensor, which is configured to detect whether the product under test is placed in place. The microcontroller module is configured to control the driver to drive the first pressing part and the second pressing part to press together only when the product under test is placed in place.

7. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the signal conversion modules includes an I / O expansion chip. The microcontroller module communicates with each of the I / O expansion chips via an IIC bus interface. Each of the I / O expansion chips is electrically connected to the sensing module and the execution module of each of the pressing stations to expand the input / output interface of the microcontroller module.

8. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The master-slave communication relationship between the microcontroller module and the touch screen can be configured to switch. When the microcontroller module acts as the host, it reads the status signal of the pressing station and sends the status data corresponding to the status signal to the touch screen. When the touchscreen acts as the host, it sends setting data to the microcontroller module.

9. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The microcontroller module is configured to: when receiving control commands or data from the touch screen, first cache the commands or data in the memory, and then read and execute them from the memory in subsequent control cycles, so as to achieve separate execution of data reception and data processing; The microcontroller module includes a non-volatile memory unit; the microcontroller module is configured to save the operating parameters or historical test data of the pressing station to the non-volatile memory unit to achieve data retention even when power is lost.

10. The control system of the multi-station heating equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch screen is equipped with a workstation management interface; the microcontroller module responds to the operation commands of the workstation management interface to individually enable or disable any one of the multiple pressing workstations, so as to independently enable or disable the heaters of each pressing workstation.

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