Automatic cleaning device for soldering head of soldering machine and cleaning method of automatic cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of soldering machine welding heads, and discloses a soldering machine welding head automatic cleaning device and a cleaning method thereof.The soldering machine welding head automatic cleaning device comprises a driving motor and a fixed carrier plate used for supporting the driving motor, a cleaning box is fixedly arranged above the driving motor, and high-temperature cleaning cotton is arranged in the cleaning box; an output shaft of the driving motor penetrates through the cleaning box and is connected with the bottom of high-temperature cleaning cotton, the outer wall of the high-temperature cleaning cotton abuts against the inner wall of the cleaning box, and a cleaning hole for a welding head to be inserted in is formed in the high-temperature cleaning cotton along the axis of the driving motor. The driving motor is used for driving the high-temperature cleaning cotton to rotate, the welding head is inserted into the cleaning hole, pollutants such as an oxide layer, carbides and residual tin slag on the surface of the welding head can be removed through the rotary wiping effect, damage to a welding head coating caused by a traditional steel brush cleaning mode is avoided, the service life of the welding head is prolonged, and the electrical connection reliability and the yield of products are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of soldering machine tips, and in particular to an automatic cleaning device and cleaning method for soldering machine tips. Background Technology

[0002] In the automated soldering process of the electronics manufacturing industry, automatic soldering machines are one of the core pieces of equipment. Their working principle involves melting solder wire through electric heating, and then applying the molten solder to the terminals on the printed circuit board through their soldering tip (or soldering iron tip).

[0003] Under continuous high-temperature operation, the metal material on the surface of the solder head reacts with oxygen in the air to form an oxide layer. This oxide layer reduces the thermal conductivity of the solder head, leading to difficulty in soldering and cold solder joints. Furthermore, the flux contained in the solder wire evaporates and decomposes at high temperatures, leaving hard carbides and residual solder dross on the surface of the solder head. These carbides and solder dross contaminate subsequent solder joints, resulting in defects such as poor solder joint gloss, spikes, and bridging, directly affecting the electrical connection reliability and yield of the product.

[0004] Currently, the most widely used cleaning method in automated soldering equipment is the mechanical steel brush cleaning device. This device typically consists of a high-speed rotating motor driving a brush disc made of metal bristles (usually stainless steel or copper wire). During cleaning, the soldering machine controls the soldering head to be inserted downwards into the rotating steel brush. Contaminants are removed by mechanically scraping the surface of the soldering head through the bristles. However, the soft copper substrate and fragile anti-oxidation plating on the surface of the soldering head come into direct and intense friction with the much harder metal bristles. This inevitably leads to the rapid scratching, wear, and even peeling of the plating. Once the plating is damaged, the internal copper substrate will be exposed to high temperatures and flux corrosion, accelerating oxidation and erosion, forming pits, and greatly shortening the service life of the soldering head. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To ensure that the soldering head surface is reduced during the cleaning process, an automatic soldering head cleaning device and its cleaning method for a soldering machine are provided.

[0006] The above-mentioned objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: An automatic cleaning device for soldering machine soldering heads includes a drive motor and a fixed carrier plate for supporting the drive motor. A cleaning box is fixedly provided above the drive motor. High-temperature cleaning cotton is provided inside the cleaning box. The output shaft of the drive motor passes through the cleaning box and is connected to the bottom of the high-temperature cleaning cotton. The outer wall of the high-temperature cleaning cotton abuts against the inner wall of the cleaning box. The high-temperature cleaning cotton has cleaning holes along the axis of the drive motor for the soldering head to be inserted.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, a drive motor is used to rotate a high-temperature cleaning cotton. The solder head is inserted into the cleaning hole, and the oxide layer, carbides, residual solder dross and other contaminants on the surface of the solder head can be removed through the rotation and wiping action. This avoids the damage to the solder head plating caused by the traditional steel brush cleaning method, extends the service life of the solder head, and improves the electrical connection reliability and yield of the product.

[0008] Preferably, the cross-section of the cleaning hole in the vertical direction gradually decreases from top to bottom.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when using an automatic cleaning device to clean the welding head, the structure of the cleaning hole, which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, can better adapt to the shape of the welding head. This allows the welding head to make closer contact with the high-temperature cleaning cotton after being inserted into the cleaning hole, enhancing the rotational wiping effect, more effectively removing contaminants from the surface of the welding head, and improving the cleaning effect.

[0010] Preferably, the device also includes the motor carrier plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the fixed carrier plate, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the top of the drive motor. The fixed carrier plate has mounting holes for the bottom of the drive motor to be inserted into.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution and adding a motor carrier plate, the installation rigidity and stability of the drive motor are greatly enhanced. This enables the drive motor to be positioned in the axial and radial directions, effectively preventing vibration or displacement that may occur during start-up, shutdown, and rotation. This ensures stable rotation of the high-temperature cleaning cotton, thereby achieving a uniform and reliable cleaning effect.

[0012] Preferably, the motor carrier plate has a rotating carrier plate on the side facing away from the drive motor. The top of the rotating carrier plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the adjustment box. The output shaft of the drive motor passes through the motor carrier plate and the rotating carrier plate in sequence and is inserted into the cleaning box. A rotary bearing located between the motor carrier plate and the rotating carrier plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the output shaft of the drive motor. A limit hole is opened on the side wall of the rotating carrier plate, and a limit screw that abuts against the outer wall of the rotary bearing is threaded into the limit hole.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotating carrier plate is fixedly connected to the adjustment box. The rotating carrier plate is fixed to the outer wall of the rotating bearing by a limiting screw. The rotating carrier plate can be quickly disassembled and assembled by adjusting the limiting screw, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning box is covered with a splash guard to suppress particulate matter splashing.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the anti-splash box can effectively block contaminants such as high-temperature solder dross and flux particles that are thrown out during the rotation and wiping process, preventing contaminants from splashing onto surrounding components or equipment rails, avoiding possible pollution or equipment wear, and significantly improving the cleanliness of the equipment and the reliability of the working environment.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a suspended carrier plate located below the fixed carrier plate, and the top of the suspended carrier plate is connected to the bottom of the fixed carrier plate.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the suspension carrier plate, as an independent mounting base plate, allows the entire cleaning device to be conveniently fixed on various models of automatic soldering machines as a complete, pre-assembled functional module. Furthermore, the connection between the suspension carrier plate and the fixed carrier plate forms an open wiring cavity, where the power lines of the drive motor and the signal lines connected to the control unit can be neatly arranged, avoiding messy and exposed cables.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a control unit, which includes a relay for receiving a start signal from the soldering machine and controlling the start and stop of the drive motor.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the control signal of the soldering machine is received by the relay, realizing the fully automatic linkage between the cleaning process and the soldering machine's workflow. The cleaning can be automatically started the moment the soldering head moves into place and automatically stopped after completion, without the need for manual intervention. This greatly improves production efficiency and ensures the consistency and timeliness of cleaning operations.

[0020] Preferably, the control unit further includes a motor speed controller, which adjusts the speed of the drive motor in real time.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the motor speed controller provides adjustable cleaning parameters. For light pollution, a lower speed can be used to save energy and reduce wear on the cleaning cotton. For heavy pollution or stubborn stains, a higher speed can be used to improve cleaning power, so as to adapt to different welding head pollution levels and cleaning requirements, thereby improving cleaning effect and targeting.

[0022] An automatic cleaning method for soldering machine tips, using any of the aforementioned automatic soldering machine tip cleaning devices, includes the following steps: controlling the soldering tip to move above the anti-spatter box; controlling the soldering tip to move downwards so that its working surface inserts into the cleaning hole and contacts the high-temperature cleaning cotton; sending a start signal to the control unit to start the drive motor to drive the high-temperature cleaning cotton to rotate, thereby removing contaminants from the surface of the soldering tip through rotational wiping; after cleaning is completed, controlling the soldering tip to move upwards away from the cleaning box, and controlling the drive motor to stop operating.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, a cleaning device including a drive motor, a fixed carrier plate, a cleaning box, and high-temperature cleaning cotton is used. This device, along with steps such as controlling the movement of the welding head, contacting the high-temperature cleaning cotton, starting the drive motor to rotate the high-temperature cleaning cotton for wiping and cleaning, and removing the welding head and stopping the motor after cleaning, systematically achieves an efficient, non-destructive, and clean operation process. While ensuring cleaning quality, the welding head is transformed from a consumable part into a long-life component, thereby significantly reducing the maintenance cost and downtime of production equipment and improving overall production efficiency and product yield.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The high-temperature cleaning cotton wipes the surface of the solder head while rotating, which can effectively remove all contaminants such as oxides, flux carbides and residual solder dross. At the same time, it completely avoids the scratching, wear and peeling of the copper solder head and its fragile plating by the metal brush bristles, turning the solder head from a consumable that needs to be replaced into a durable part with an ultra-long service life. 2. The motor carrier plate enhances the mounting rigidity and stability of the drive motor, enabling the positioning of the drive motor in the axial and radial directions, and effectively preventing vibration or displacement that may occur during the start-up, shutdown and rotation of the drive motor; 3. The rotating carrier plate is fixed to the outer wall of the rotating bearing by a limiting screw, thus fixing the rotating carrier plate and the adjusting box. The rotating carrier plate can be quickly disassembled and assembled by adjusting the limiting screw, thereby improving maintenance efficiency. Attached image description: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads. Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of an automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads. Figure 3 An exploded view of the area between the rotating carrier plate and the motor carrier plate; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic cleaning device for the soldering head of a soldering machine.

[0025] Reference numerals: 1. Drive motor; 11. Output shaft; 12. Rotary bearing; 2. Fixed carrier plate; 21. Mounting hole; 3. Suspension carrier plate; 4. Motor carrier plate; 5. Rotating carrier plate; 51. Positioning hole; 52. Limiting hole; 53. Limiting screw; 6. Cleaning box; 61. High-temperature cleaning cotton; 611. Cleaning hole; 7. Anti-splash box; 8. Control unit; 81. Relay; 82. Motor speed controller. Detailed implementation method: The following section provides a more detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams: Example 1 As attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2As shown, an automatic cleaning device for soldering machine solder heads includes a drive motor 1, a fixed carrier plate 2, a suspension carrier plate 3, and a motor carrier plate 4. The drive motor 1 is the power source of the entire device. Common drive motors 1 include DC motors and AC motors. Here, a DC motor is used because it has advantages such as good speed regulation performance and large starting torque. The fixed carrier plate 2 is a plate-shaped structure and is used to support the drive motor 1. The fixed carrier plate 2 has mounting holes 21 for the bottom of the drive motor 1 to be inserted.

[0026] The suspended carrier plate 3 is located below the fixed carrier plate 2. The suspended carrier plate 3 is Z-shaped. The top of the suspended carrier plate 3 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the fixed carrier plate 2 by bolts and threads. The suspended carrier plate 3 can be made of metal. The suspended carrier plate 3 is installed on the soldering equipment used for cleaning the soldering head. The connection between the suspended carrier plate 3 and the fixed carrier plate 2 forms an open wiring cavity, in which the power cord of the drive motor 1 and other components can be neatly arranged.

[0027] The motor carrier plate 4 is L-shaped. One end of the motor carrier plate 4 is connected to the fixed carrier plate 2 by bolt thread, and the other end of the motor carrier plate 4 is connected to the top of the drive motor 1 by bolt thread. The motor carrier plate 4 can fix the drive motor 1 in the mounting hole 21, thereby enabling the drive motor 1 to be positioned in the axial and radial directions, effectively preventing vibration or displacement that may occur during the start-up, shutdown and rotation of the drive motor 1.

[0028] As attached Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the motor carrier plate 4 is also provided with a rotating carrier plate 5 and a cleaning box 6 on the side facing away from the fixed carrier plate 2. The cleaning box 6 is cylindrical in shape and has an open cavity structure inside. The rotating carrier plate 5 is plate-shaped and is located on the side of the adjustment box facing the motor carrier plate 4. The rotating carrier plate 5 is connected to the bottom wall of the adjustment box by bolt threads.

[0029] The output shaft 11 of the drive motor 1 passes through the motor carrier plate 4, the rotating carrier plate 5, and the cleaning box 6 in sequence and is located inside the cleaning box 6. A rotating bearing 12 is fixedly connected to the outer circumferential wall of the output shaft 11 of the drive motor 1. The rotating carrier plate 5 has a positioning hole 51 along the axis of the output shaft 11 of the drive motor 1. The rotating bearing 12 is located inside the positioning hole 51. The outer circumferential wall of the rotating bearing 12 abuts against the inner circumferential wall of the positioning hole 51. The rotating carrier plate 5 has two limiting holes 52 in the radial direction of the positioning hole 51. The inner circumferential wall of the limiting hole 52 is threaded. Limiting screws 53 are threaded into the two limiting holes 52 respectively. The ends of the two limiting screws 53 abut against the outer wall of the rotating bearing 12. This achieves the fixation of the rotating carrier plate 5 on the side of the motor carrier plate 4 away from the fixed carrier plate 2.

[0030] The cleaning box 6 contains a high-temperature cleaning cotton 61, which is made of a high-temperature resistant and soft fiber material. The high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 has good adsorption and flexibility, and can effectively remove contaminants from the surface of the welding head without damaging the coating. The high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 is cylindrical and fits the internal space of the cleaning box 6. The outer wall of the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 abuts against the inner wall of the cleaning box 6, and the bottom of the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the output shaft 11 of the drive motor 1, so that the output shaft 11 of the drive motor 1 can drive the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 to rotate inside the cleaning box 6.

[0031] The high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 has a cleaning hole 611 for inserting the welding head along the axis of the drive motor 1. The cross-section of the cleaning hole 611 gradually decreases from top to bottom in the vertical direction, which can better adapt to the shape of the welding head. This allows the welding head to have a closer contact with the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 after being inserted into the cleaning hole 611, thus enhancing the rotational wiping effect.

[0032] The cleaning box 6 is covered with a splash guard 7 to suppress particulate matter splashing. The splash guard 7 is cylindrical and coaxial with the cleaning box 6. The splash guard 7 is located on top of the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61. This can effectively block the high-temperature solder dross, flux particles and other contaminants that are thrown out during the rotation and wiping process, and prevent contaminants from splashing onto surrounding components or equipment rails.

[0033] As attached Figure 1 As shown, an automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads also includes a control unit 8 installed on the soldering equipment. The control unit 8 includes a relay 81 and a motor speed controller 82. Both the relay 81 and the motor speed controller 82 are electrically connected to the drive motor 1. The relay 81 can be used to receive the start signal from the soldering machine and control the start and stop of the drive motor 1. The relay 81 is generally composed of an electromagnetic system, a contact system, etc. When the start signal from the soldering machine is received, the electromagnetic system generates magnetic force, attracts the contacts, and thus starts the drive motor 1. When the stop signal is received, the magnetic force of the electromagnetic system disappears, the contacts open, and the drive motor 1 stops running. By receiving the control signal from the soldering machine through the relay 81, the fully automatic linkage between the cleaning process and the soldering machine's workflow is realized.

[0034] The motor speed controller 82 can be a frequency converter, which can adjust the speed of the drive motor 1 in real time. For light pollution, a lower speed can be used to save energy and reduce the wear of the cleaning cotton. For heavy pollution or stubborn stains, a higher speed can be used to improve the cleaning power, so as to adapt to different welding head pollution levels and cleaning requirements.

[0035] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the soldering machine needs to clean the soldering head, it first moves the soldering head above the anti-spatter box 7 and aligns it with the cleaning hole 611. The soldering head moves downward and inserts into the cleaning hole 611 of the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61. Due to its special structure, which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, the soldering head and the cleaning cotton form an adaptive and tight contact. At this time, the soldering machine sends a start signal to the control unit 8, and the relay 81 turns on the drive motor 1. The drive motor 1 drives the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 to rotate at high speed through the output shaft 11. During the rotation, the soft high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 wipes the surface of the soldering head in all directions, effectively removing oxides, carbides and residual solder dross. At the same time, the motor speed controller 82 can adjust the speed according to the degree of contamination. After cleaning, the soldering head moves up and resets, the relay 81 cuts off the power, and the motor stops running, completing the entire automated cleaning process.

[0036] Example 2 As attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 4 As shown in Embodiment 2 of this application, an automatic cleaning method for soldering machine heads includes the following steps: S1, control the soldering head to move above the anti-splash box 7. This step can be achieved by the robotic arm of the soldering machine. The robotic arm is generally composed of multiple joints and drive devices, which can accurately move the soldering head above the anti-splash box 7.

[0037] S2, after the welding head moves above the anti-splash box 7, the robotic arm controls the welding head to move downwards, the welding head passes through the anti-splash box 7, the welding head enters the cleaning box 6 and is inserted into the cleaning hole 611, so that the working surface of the welding head comes into contact with the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61. During this process, it is important to control the downward speed and distance to ensure that the welding head and the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 are in full contact, but without causing excessive compression to the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61.

[0038] S3, after the soldering head comes into contact with the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61, the soldering machine sends a start signal to the control unit 8. After receiving the signal, the relay 81 in the control unit 8 starts the drive motor 1. The drive motor 1 drives the high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 to rotate. The rotating high-temperature cleaning cotton 61 rubs against the surface of the soldering head, thereby removing contaminants such as oxide layer, carbides and residual solder dross from the surface of the soldering head. At the same time, the motor speed controller 82 can adjust the speed of the drive motor 1 in real time according to the cleaning needs to achieve the best cleaning effect.

[0039] S4. When the cleaning time reaches the set value, it indicates that the welding head has been cleaned. At this time, the robotic arm controls the welding head to move up and leave the cleaning box 6. At the same time, after the relay 81 in the control unit 8 receives the stop signal, it controls the drive motor 1 to stop running, thus completing the entire cleaning process.

[0040] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of this application and is not intended to limit it. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads, characterized in that, The device includes a drive motor (1) and a fixed carrier plate (2) for supporting the drive motor (1). A cleaning box (6) is fixedly provided above the drive motor (1). A high-temperature cleaning cotton (61) is provided inside the cleaning box (6). The output shaft (11) of the drive motor (1) passes through the cleaning box (6) and is connected to the bottom of the high-temperature cleaning cotton (61). The outer wall of the high-temperature cleaning cotton (61) abuts against the inner wall of the cleaning box (6). The high-temperature cleaning cotton (61) has a cleaning hole (611) for inserting a welding head along the axis of the drive motor (1).

2. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the cleaning hole (611) in the vertical direction gradually decreases from top to bottom.

3. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a motor carrier plate (4), one end of which is fixedly connected to a fixed carrier plate (2), and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the top of a drive motor (1). The fixed carrier plate (2) has a mounting hole (21) for the bottom of the drive motor (1) to be inserted.

4. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 3, characterized in that, The motor carrier plate (4) has a rotating carrier plate (5) on the side facing away from the drive motor (1). The top of the rotating carrier plate (5) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the adjustment box. The output shaft (11) of the drive motor (1) passes through the motor carrier plate (4) and the rotating carrier plate (5) in sequence and is inserted into the cleaning box (6). A rotating bearing (12) located between the motor carrier plate (4) and the rotating carrier plate (5) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the output shaft (11) of the drive motor (1). A limiting hole (52) is opened on the side wall of the rotating carrier plate (5). A limiting screw (53) that abuts against the outer wall of the rotating bearing (12) is threaded into the limiting hole (52).

5. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning box (6) is covered with a splash shield (7) to suppress particulate matter splashing.

6. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a suspension plate (3) located below the fixed plate (2), and the top of the suspension plate (3) is connected to the bottom of the fixed plate (2).

7. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit (8), which includes a relay (81) for receiving a start signal from the soldering machine and controlling the start and stop of the drive motor (1).

8. The automatic cleaning device for soldering machine heads according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit (8) also includes a motor speed controller (82), which adjusts the speed of the drive motor (1) in real time.

9. An automatic cleaning method for soldering machine tips, using the automatic cleaning device for soldering machine tips according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Control the welding head to move above the anti-spatter box (7); Control the welding head to move downwards, so that its working surface is inserted into the cleaning hole (611) and in contact with the high-temperature cleaning cotton (61); Send a start signal to the control unit (8) to start the drive motor (1) to drive the high temperature cleaning cotton (61) to rotate, and remove contaminants from the surface of the welding head through rotation and wiping. After cleaning is completed, control the welding head to move away from the cleaning box (6) and control the drive motor (1) to stop running.

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