Soldering apparatus

Abstract

A soldering apparatus is provided, which enables easy temperature correction of an iron using an iron tip temperature measuring apparatus with simple operation, the soldering apparatus having: an iron tip temperature measuring section provided with a sensor connection line having a connector at a tip end, which outputs a correction temperature signal detected by a correction temperature sensor; an iron provided with a vibration sensor, an iron tip temperature sensor, and an iron connection line that outputs a vibration signal and an iron tip temperature signal and supplies power to a heating section; and a control main section provided with a control section that controls the heating section based on a vibration detection signal input from the vibration sensor and a temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor, which controls the iron to enter a temperature correction mode if the connector of the iron tip temperature measuring section is connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a soldering apparatus, and more specifically, to the temperature calibration of a soldering iron. Background Technology

[0002] When using jumpers or similar devices to perform soft soldering between terminals on electronic circuit boards, it is important to manage the temperature of the soldering iron tip. Therefore, a temperature measuring device is used to measure the temperature of the soldering iron tip.

[0003] As a conventional soldering iron tip temperature measuring device, such as the device described in known Patent Document 1.

[0004] The soldering tip temperature measuring device described in Patent Document 1 separates two different types of metal materials that form a thermocouple, and makes these different types of metal materials into electrical contact through the soldering tip, thereby detecting the temperature of the soldering tip.

[0005] However, the soldering tip temperature measuring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the soldering tip to contact two different types of metal materials, which presents a technical problem of operational difficulty in measurement. Therefore, a soldering tip temperature measuring device is considered, which uses a sensor plate made of a metal material with high wettability to solder as the component for contacting the soldering tip, mounts the sensor plate on a support body made of a metal strip, and uses a temperature sensor with a thermocouple temperature measuring contact bonded to the sensor plate.

[0006] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-144452 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve However, when the above-mentioned soldering tip temperature measuring device is applied to a station-type soft soldering device, for example, where the soldering iron and the main body containing the control unit are separate, there is a technical problem that requires the following cumbersome operation: after connecting the soldering tip temperature measuring device to the main body, the main body needs to recognize the connection of the soldering tip temperature measuring device, then operate the soldering iron or the main body to switch to temperature calibration mode, then press the soldering iron to the soldering tip temperature measuring device to perform temperature calibration, and then after disconnecting the soldering tip temperature measuring device from the main body, it is necessary to operate the soldering iron or the main body to set it to soft soldering mode.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a soft soldering device that can easily perform temperature calibration of a soldering iron using a soldering iron tip temperature measuring device through simple operation.

[0008] Solution to the above technical problems To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the following solution is proposed in a soft soldering apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] (1) The soft soldering apparatus of Scheme 1 of the present invention comprises: a soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit, comprising: a calibration temperature sensor having a sensor plate that contacts the soldering iron tip, a thermocouple with a temperature measuring contact connected to the sensor plate, and a metal mesh support body in the shape of a strip having the sensor plate and being kept in a tensioned state along the long side direction; and a sensor connection line that outputs a calibration temperature signal detected by the calibration temperature sensor and has a connector at its front end; a soldering iron comprising: a vibration sensor, a heating unit that heats the soldering iron tip, a soldering iron tip temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the soldering iron tip, and a soldering iron connection line that outputs a vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor and a soldering iron tip temperature signal detected by the soldering iron tip temperature sensor and supplies power to the heating unit; and a control unit comprising: a control unit that controls the heating unit based on a vibration detection signal input from the vibration sensor via the soldering iron connection line and a temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor via the sensor connection line, wherein if the connector of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit is connected, the control unit controls the soldering iron to enter a temperature calibration mode.

[0010] (2) In the second embodiment of the present invention, in the soft soldering device of the first embodiment, if the control body receives a vibration detection signal from the vibration sensor of the soldering iron in the temperature correction mode, the vibration detection is displayed.

[0011] (3) In the third embodiment of the present invention, in the soft soldering device of embodiment 1 or 2, the connector is connected to the control body part by a magnet.

[0012] (4) In the present invention, in the soft soldering device of the present invention, the control main body has a short circuit detection function to detect short circuits at the connector.

[0013] (5) Solution 5 of the present invention is that, in any of the soft soldering apparatuses of solutions 1 to 4, the control body records the historical record of the calibration temperature signal, and if the calibration temperature signal exceeds a preset value, a display is made to prompt the soldering iron tip to be replaced.

[0014] Invention Effects According to the present invention, a soldering apparatus is provided that enables easy temperature calibration of a soldering iron using a soldering tip temperature measuring device through simple operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating a soldering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the soldering iron as a whole.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram showing the temperature measuring section of the soldering iron tip.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the calibration of a temperature sensor.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an illustrative diagram showing the fabrication of a calibrated temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following describes a soldering apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are provided for the purpose of better understanding the spirit of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention unless specifically specified. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings used in the following description, for ease of understanding of the features of the invention, some parts that would be considered key components are sometimes shown enlarged; the dimensions and proportions of the constituent elements may not be identical to the actual dimensions.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating a soldering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The soldering apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes: a control main unit 101, a soldering iron 102 wired to the control main unit 101 via a cable or wire, and a soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103. The soldering iron 102 is connected to the control main unit 101 via a soldering iron connecting wire 104, and the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 is connected to the control main unit 101 via a sensor connecting wire 105.

[0023] [iron] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the soldering iron as a whole.

[0024] The soldering iron 102 has a main body 1, a heating element 2, and a soldering iron connecting wire 104.

[0025] The soldering iron body 1 is also the handle for the user to hold, and is a rod-shaped part with a specified thickness. A heating element 2 is provided at one end (front end) of the soldering iron body 1, and a soldering iron connecting wire 104 is provided at the other end (rear end).

[0026] As described above, the heating element 2 has a built-in heater 2b, which is a metal rod-shaped body that heats up by being heated by the heater 2b. This heating element 2 is a so-called soldering tip, which is concentrically mounted on the front end side of the main body 1. One end of such a heating element 2 forms the front end portion 2a.

[0027] As the soldering iron 102 continues to be used, the front end 2a of the heating element 2, which contacts the solder or the electrode of the electronic component, will wear and deteriorate. Therefore, the heating element 2 is detachably mounted to the soldering iron body 1. That is, the rear end of the heating element 2 is detachably mounted to the front end of the soldering iron body 1.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the front end portion 2a is a portion that protrudes elongately from the front end of the heating part 2. This front end portion 2a contacts the solder of the electrode near the electronic component, causing the solid solder to heat up above its melting point and melt. Thus, for example, the electrode of the electronic component is electrically bonded and mechanically bonded to the pattern wiring on the printed circuit board.

[0029] In the heating element 2, a heater 2b and a soldering iron tip temperature sensor 2c are formed.

[0030] The heater 2b is a heating unit located inside the heating section 2, which heats the front end portion 2a by a drive current supplied from the control main unit 101 via the soldering iron connection wire 104. More specifically, the heater 2b is a ceramic heater made by coating a conductive heating element such as tungsten with ceramic, and heats the front end portion 2a from the inside. Such a heater 2b enables the front end portion 2a to heat up responsively.

[0031] The soldering tip temperature sensor 2c is disposed inside the heating element 2, close to the heater 2b, and detects the temperature of the tip 2a. This soldering tip temperature sensor 2c outputs a temperature detection signal indicating the temperature of the tip 2a, which is input to the control unit 101 via the soldering iron connection cable 104. Furthermore, since this temperature detection signal is a voltage signal with a small amplitude indicating the temperature of the tip 2a, it can be amplified by an amplifier circuit or the like provided in the control unit 101.

[0032] A vibration sensor 1a is formed on the main body 1 of the soldering iron. The vibration sensor 1a is a sensor that detects the vibration applied to the main body 1. Known vibration sensors include contact and non-contact types, while the vibration sensor 1a is a mechanical (contact type) sensor that detects the intensity of vibration based on the number of times the on-off state is changed within a certain time.

[0033] Such a vibration sensor 1a outputs an electrical signal indicating the intensity of vibration as a vibration detection signal to the control unit 101 via the soldering iron connection wire 104. In addition to mechanical (contact type) sensors, the vibration sensor 1a can also be other types of sensors such as acceleration detection type, and it has a structure that outputs a vibration detection signal by setting a threshold value for the input voltage.

[0034] The soldering iron connection cable 104 is composed of a coaxial cable, etc., and includes: a power line that supplies drive current from the control unit 101 to the heater 2b, and a signal line that transmits the temperature detection signal output from the soldering iron tip temperature sensor 2c and the vibration detection signal output from the vibration sensor 1a, etc.

[0035] [Soldering Iron Tip Temperature Measurement Section] Figure 3 , Figure 4 This is a structural diagram showing the temperature measuring section of the soldering iron tip.

[0036] The soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 is an externally connected soldering iron tip temperature measuring device used for temperature calibration of the soldering iron 102.

[0037] The soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 consists of a soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, a calibration temperature sensor 20, and a sensor connection cable 105 having a connector 105a at one end that engages with the control body 101. In the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, for example on the surface (upper surface) of the outer shell (housing) 11 made of metal molded material or resin molded material, a measuring unit 12 and a sensor reset switch 17 for resetting the calibration temperature sensor 20 are provided.

[0038] The measuring section 12 is surrounded by an annular anti-splash wall 15. The anti-splash wall 15 is a raised wall in the shape of a dam that is provided to prevent solder or flux from scattering to the outside of the measuring section 12 when the front end 2a of the soldering iron 102 is in contact with the calibration temperature sensor 20 provided on the measuring section 12 to measure (calibrate) the temperature of the soldering iron tip. It also serves to protect the calibration temperature sensor 20.

[0039] On the inner bottom surface of the measuring section 12 surrounded by the anti-scattering wall 15, two support pins 21 and 22 are erected parallel to each other and spaced apart. Of the two support pins, the one farther from the operating section 13 serves as the fixed support pin 21, and the one closer to the operating section 13 serves as the movable support pin 22. The movable support pin 22 is configured to move freely in the direction of adjusting the distance between the pair of support pins 21 and 22 (i.e., along the straight line connecting the two support pins 21 and 22).

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), the inner bottom surface of the measuring part 12 is formed by a flat bottom wall 109, and the base end 21b of the support pin 21 on the fixed side is embedded in and fixed to the bottom wall 109. Furthermore, a pin support part 37 for the tension rod 30 assembled to the housing 11 is provided at the base end 22b of the support pin 22 on the movable side. This tension rod 30 is a component made of resin molded material separate from the housing 11.

[0041] On the bottom wall 109 of the measuring section 12 of the housing 11, there is a lower movable gap 18 and an upper movable space 19, so that the pin support 37 of the tension rod 30 can move along the moving direction of the support pin 22 on the movable side. The lower movable gap 18 is covered by a sliding wall 38 to prevent the pin support 37 from falling out of the movable gap 18 and to prevent solder or flux from entering the interior of the housing 11 through the movable gap 18. In addition, the entrance of the movable space 19 is covered by a rubber gasket 40 fitted with the support pin 22 to prevent solder or flux from entering the interior of the housing 11 through the movable space 19.

[0042] The base end 22b of the movable side support pin 22 is embedded and fixed to the pin support portion 37 of the tension rod 30. The two support pins 21 and 22 on the fixed and movable sides have the same shape, with the front heads 21a and 22a formed into a conical shape. The mounting portions 48 and 49 at both ends of the calibration temperature sensor 20 are embedded and held in the constricted necks 21c and 22c below them. In addition, the base ends of the support pins 21 and 22 are electrically connected to a control device (not shown) via electrical connection portions 26 and 27. Furthermore, the inner bottom surface of the measuring portion 12 is covered with a heat insulation plate 12a made of aluminum or the like to protect the bottom wall 109 of the resin housing 11.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the tension rod 30 supporting the movable side support pin 22 has a rod operating portion 31 exposed on the side of the housing 11, and is mounted on the housing 11 via a rotating shaft 32 disposed between the rod operating portion 31 and the pin support portion 37, so that it can rotate in the plane in which the movable side support pin 22 moves. Furthermore, between the tension rod 30 and the housing 11, there is a pin 33 and an elongated hole 34 that are slidably engaged with each other to facilitate smooth rotation of the tension rod 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the tension rod 30 is forced in a rotational direction by the spring (force application unit) 35, thereby forcing the movable support pin 22 in a direction that increases the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 (arrow A direction). Therefore, when the rod operating part 31 is pressed in the direction of arrow B, the tension rod 30 overcomes the force of the spring 35 and rotates in the direction of arrow C, thereby forcing the movable support pin 22 to move in the direction of arrow D, overcoming the force of the spring 35.

[0045] Here, the tension rod 30, which has a pin support portion 37 and a rod operation portion 31, and the rotating shaft 32 that rotatably supports the tension rod 30, constitute a pin movement operation mechanism that moves the movable support pin 22 in a direction that reduces the distance between the support pins 21 and 22, in order to overcome the force of the spring 35.

[0046] The sensor connection line 105 is made of a coaxial cable or the like, and has a connector 105a at one end. It includes: a power line that supplies sensing current from the control unit 101 to the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103, and a signal line that transmits the temperature detection signal output from the calibration temperature sensor 20.

[0047] Furthermore, connector 105a can be any magnetic connector that has a magnet at the end and a contact for the aforementioned power line or signal line, and is connected to the control body 101 by magnetic force.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 4 A detailed explanation of the calibration temperature sensor is provided.

[0049] The calibration temperature sensor 20 detects the temperature of the soldering tip of the soldering iron 102 and outputs an electrical signal. It includes: a plate-shaped metal mesh support 41 (e.g., made of SUS mesh with a wire diameter of 0.02 to 0.2 mm and a mesh size of about 50 to 200); a sensor plate 42 made of metal (e.g., copper, iron, or other metals with high solder wettability) that contacts the front end 2a of the heating part (soldering tip) 2 of the soldering iron 102; a thermocouple 43 consisting of a pair of different types of metal wires 44 and 45 with temperature measuring contacts 46 attached to the sensor plate 42; and through-hole mounting portions 48 and 49 provided at both ends of the metal mesh support 41 so as to engage with a pair of support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering tip temperature measuring device body 10, respectively.

[0050] In the different types of metal wires 44 and 45 constituting the thermocouple 43, the portions beyond the two ends are covered by a sheath 47. For example... Figure 4 As shown in (c), a sensor plate 42 is disposed on the surface of the metal mesh support 41 at the center of its long side, and a temperature measuring contact 46 of a thermocouple 43 is disposed on its back side. In this state, electric welding (spot welding) is performed to integrally join the sensor plate 42, the metal mesh support 41, and the temperature measuring contact 46 of the thermocouple 43. The metal mesh support 41 is supported by the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10 through mounting portions 48 and 49 provided at both ends of its long side, thereby maintaining it in a taut state.

[0051] Next, the manufacturing method of the calibration temperature sensor 20 and the detailed structure of the mounting parts 48 and 49 at both ends will be explained.

[0052] The perforated mounting portions 48 and 49 at both ends of the calibration temperature sensor 20 are composed of the following parts: a circular perforated fixing plate 50 made of resin (e.g., acrylic), with protrusions 50a joined to both ends of the metal mesh support 41 by heat fusion; a metal washer 51 made of metal (e.g., SUS), overlapping the perforated fixing plate 50, with the ends of the metal wires 44 and 45 of the thermocouple 43 electrically welded to the washer; a cylindrical nickel-plated metal eyelet 52, penetrating the through hole of the washer 51 and the through hole of the perforated fixing plate 50, riveting the washer 51 and the perforated fixing plate 50; and heat shrink tubes 53 and 54, which are installed to cover the heat-fused portion of the perforated fixing plate 50. Furthermore, the heat shrink tubes 53 and 54 on both sides are distinguished by color to prevent the calibration temperature sensor 20 from being installed backwards on the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10.

[0053] In the case of manufacturing this calibration temperature sensor 20, such as Figure 5 As shown, a metal mesh support 41 and a perforated fixing plate 50 are prepared and joined together by heat fusion. Furthermore, the metal mesh support 41, sensor piece 42, and temperature-sensing contact 46 of thermocouple 43 are joined by electric welding. Additionally, the ends of the metal wires 44 and 45 of thermocouple 43 are electric welded to washer 51, and washer 51 and perforated fixing plate 50 are riveted together using eyelets 52. Finally, heat-shrink tubing 53 and 54 is used to cover the heat-fused portion of perforated fixing plate 50, and then heated to shrink the heat-shrink tubing 53 and 54. Through these steps, the temperature sensor 20 is calibrated.

[0054] With the calibration temperature sensor 20 installed on the main body 10 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device, press the lever operating part 31 of the tension lever 30 as shown by arrow B, causing the movable support pin 22 to move inward (in the direction of arrow D), thus engaging the through holes 52 of the mounting parts 48 and 49 at both ends of the calibration temperature sensor 20 with the support pins 21 and 22. Next, if the lever operating part 31 is released in this state, the movable support pin 22 moves in the direction of increasing the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 (in the direction of arrow A) by the force of the spring 35, maintaining the calibration temperature sensor 20 while applying tension to the metal mesh support body 41.

[0055] In the calibration temperature sensor 20 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring section 103, a sensor piece (a metal piece with high wettability to solder) 42 is mounted on a metal mesh support 41 and is connected to the temperature measuring contact 46 of the thermocouple 43. Therefore, the loss of heat through the component supporting the sensor piece 42 can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0056] That is, compared with a metal plate with the same cross-sectional dimensions or with slits made in a metal plate to reduce the actual cross-sectional area, a metal mesh can reduce the actual cross-sectional area of ​​the heat loss path, and thus can reduce the heat dissipation of the sensor piece 42 passing through the metal mesh support 41.

[0057] Therefore, the temperature of the soldering iron tip can be measured with high precision via the sensor chip 42 and the thermocouple 43.

[0058] Furthermore, since the strip-shaped metal mesh is used as the support for the sensor piece 42, the sensor piece 42 can be held in a stable position, and the soldering iron tip can easily contact the small sensor piece 42. This makes measurement easier.

[0059] Furthermore, since the sensor chip 42, the temperature measuring contact 46 of the thermocouple 43, and the metal mesh support 41 are integrally joined by electric welding, the strength and integrity of the main parts of the sensor can be improved, and the temperature of the sensor chip 42 can be measured with high accuracy.

[0060] Furthermore, at both ends of the metal mesh support 41, there are through-hole mounting portions 48 and 49 that respectively engage with a pair of support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10. Therefore, by simply fitting these mounting portions 48 and 49 into the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, the calibration temperature sensor 20 can be easily installed on the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, and the calibration temperature sensor 20 can be easily replaced.

[0061] Furthermore, the two ends of the metal mesh support 41 are not joined to a metal object, but rather to a resin perforated fixing plate 50 with low thermal conductivity. This reduces heat loss through the two ends of the metal mesh support 41 to the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering tip temperature measuring device body 10. Moreover, since the conductive path from the thermocouple 43 to the soldering tip temperature measuring device body 10 is ensured by a washer 51 overlapping the perforated fixing plate 50, and by riveting the washer 51 and the hole 52 of the fixing plate 50, stable measurement is guaranteed.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the soldering tip temperature measuring section 103 of the above structure, since at least one of the pair of support pins 21, 22 is configured to move freely in the direction of adjusting the distance between the pair of support pins 21, 22, the through mounting portions 48, 49 of the calibration temperature sensor 20 are fitted into each support pin 21, 22 when the distance between the support pins 21, 22 is reduced. In this state, by adjusting in the direction of increasing the distance between the support pins 21, 22, the metal mesh support body 41 of the calibration temperature sensor 20 can be easily kept in a taut state (a state with tension), and the sensor piece 42 can be stably supported.

[0063] Furthermore, by operating the lever operating part 31 of the tension lever 30 constituting the pin movement operating mechanism, the perforated mounting parts 48 and 49 of the calibration temperature sensor 20 are fitted into each of the support pins 21 and 22 in a state where the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 is reduced. In this state, by stopping the operation of the lever operating part 31, the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 can be adjusted in the direction of increasing due to the action of the spring 35. This allows the metal mesh support body 41 of the calibration temperature sensor 20 to be easily kept in a tensioned state, and the sensor piece 42 can be stably supported.

[0064] [Control Main Unit] The control unit 101 controls the soldering iron 102 via the soldering iron connection cable 104, and during temperature calibration, it is connected to the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 via the sensor connection cable 105.

[0065] The control unit 101 includes, for example, a generally rectangular shell 101a and an operation unit 61a disposed on one side (the front side when disposed) of the shell 101a.

[0066] The operation unit 61a is a part that accepts various setting operations from the user and displays (prompts) the setting status to the user, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a setting key 61b, a down key 61c, an up key 61d, a heating lamp 61e, a display window 61f, and a lock key 61g. That is, the user can set the function of the soldering device 100 by operating the operation unit 61a, and confirm the function setting based on the information displayed on the operation unit 61a.

[0067] The setting key 61b is used to switch between function settings (setting items). For multiple setting items, pressing the setting key 61b cycles through the setting items. Setting items include temperature settings and various parameters; any setting item can be selected based on the number of times the setting key 61b is pressed.

[0068] The down arrow key 61c is an operation key that reduces the value (setting value) of the setting item selected by the setting key 61b. Since the amount of change in the setting value that is reduced by pressing the down arrow key 61c once is preset for each setting item, the user can reduce the setting value by an amount corresponding to the number of times the down arrow key 61c is pressed.

[0069] The up arrow key 61d is an operation key that increases the value (setting value) of the setting item selected by the setting key 61b. Since the amount of change in the setting value that is increased by pressing the up arrow key 61d once is preset for each setting item, the user can increase the setting value by an amount corresponding to the number of times the up arrow key 61d is pressed.

[0070] The heating lamp 61e is an LED (light-emitting diode) that indicates the heating state of the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102. The heating lamp 61e is a light-emitting element that indicates the heating state (energized state) of the heating element 2. For example, when the heating lamp 61e is lit, it indicates that the heating element 2 is being heated by the heater 2b; when the heating lamp 61e is off, it indicates that the heater 2b is not energized and the heating element 2 is not being heated.

[0071] Display window 61f is a display that shows the aforementioned set values, such as an LCD liquid crystal display screen. Furthermore, display window 61f visually displays the determined state of the set values ​​by intermittently flashing the set values ​​at a predetermined period, or by alternately displaying two set values ​​at a predetermined period.

[0072] The lock key 61g is an operation key that disables the operation of any key, such as the setting key 61b, the down key 61c, the up key 61d, etc. For example, by pressing the lock key 61g to lock it, the control unit 101 can be switched to the operation mode, and operations other than detecting the temperature of the soldering tip of the soldering iron 102 by the calibration temperature sensor 20 cannot be performed.

[0073] This locked state can be unlocked, for example, by entering a password set by the administrator, and the system will switch to a management mode that enables the operation of the setting key 61b, down key 61c, up key 61d, etc. This function of the locking key 61g prevents accidental changes to settings due to operator error or malicious intent.

[0074] Inside the control unit 101, there is a built-in microcomputer (control unit) 63 consisting of a CPU, memory, etc., and the aforementioned operation unit 61a is connected to such microcomputer 63.

[0075] Furthermore, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 is connected to a connection detection sensor 106, which detects when the connector 105a of the sensor connection cable 105 extending from the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 is connected to the control unit 101. Such a connection detection sensor 106 only needs to be formed near the connector (not shown) on the receiving side of the control unit 101, which engages with the connector 105a of the sensor connection cable 105 by magnetic force.

[0076] Furthermore, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 has a short-circuit detection function that detects short circuits in the portion of the connector 105a that engages with the sensor connection line 105. This short-circuit detection can be achieved by forming a short-circuit sensor (not shown).

[0077] Furthermore, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 has a vibration display function. If it receives a vibration detection signal output from the vibration sensor 1a formed on the main body 1 of the soldering iron 102 connected via the soldering iron connection wire 104, it displays on the display window 61f that the soldering iron 102 is vibrating, i.e., hand tremors are occurring.

[0078] The soldering apparatus 100 of this embodiment, which has the structure described above, is operated in the normal mode of performing normal soldering operations, with the soldering tip temperature measuring unit 103 removed from the control body 101 (the connector 105a is disconnected).

[0079] First, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 starts to supply drive current to the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102 until the temperature of the tip 2a detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c (soldering tip temperature) is equal to the temperature set value set by the operation unit 61a. Then, the drive current is continuously output to the heating element 2. If the temperature set value is reached, the drive current is cut off.

[0080] In this normal mode, the user performs soldering operations using a soldering iron 102 with the tip temperature set to a preset temperature. During this soldering operation, since the front end 2a of the heating element 2 contacts the solder or the electrode of the electronic component, the actual soldering tip temperature changes from the preset temperature to a lower temperature as the soldering operation progresses.

[0081] If the temperature of the tip 2a (soldering tip temperature) detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c drops below the set temperature, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 will start supplying drive current to the heating part 2 of the soldering iron 102 again until the temperature of the tip 2a (soldering tip temperature) detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c reaches the set temperature value.

[0082] By controlling the on-off state of the drive current based on the soldering tip temperature signal output from the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c, the temperature of the front end 2a (soldering tip temperature) is maintained at a preset temperature, enabling soft soldering operations to be performed at the optimal temperature.

[0083] On the other hand, before using such a soldering device 100 to perform normal soldering operations, for example, before daily use, the soldering iron 102 should be calibrated.

[0084] The calibration operation is performed by connecting the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103 to the control unit 101. That is, by connecting the connector 105a magnet of the sensor connection cable 105 to the control unit 101, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101 switches to temperature correction mode (calibration mode) if it detects the connection detection signal output from the connection detection sensor 106.

[0085] Then, the operator presses the front end 2a of the heating part 2 of the soldering iron 102 onto the calibration temperature sensor 20 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring part 103, thereby detecting the temperature of the front end 2a of the soldering iron 102 (soldering iron tip temperature).

[0086] Then, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101, which receives the signal (correction temperature signal) of the soldering tip temperature output from the correction temperature sensor 20, compares the value of the temperature detection signal (soldering tip temperature) representing the temperature of the front end 2a output from the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c of the soldering iron 102 with the value of the correction temperature signal, and corrects the temperature deviation of the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c.

[0087] After switching to this temperature correction mode (calibration mode), if the user does not hold the soldering iron 102 stably, a vibration detection signal is output from the vibration sensor 1a formed on the main body 1. If the microcomputer (control unit) 63 receives the vibration detection signal, it displays on the display window 61f that the soldering iron 102 is vibrating, that is, hand tremors have occurred, thereby prompting the user to hold the soldering iron 102 stably.

[0088] Furthermore, when the magnet of connector 105a of sensor connection cable 105 is connected to control unit 101, if a short-circuit detection signal is input from short-circuit sensor (not shown), microcomputer (control unit) 63 cuts off the power supply and displays a short-circuit warning on display window 61f. Since connector 105a is a magnetic connector, it may sometimes attract magnetic objects, such as tiny iron pieces or clips, prompting the removal of such attracted foreign objects.

[0089] If such temperature correction (calibration) is completed and the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 is removed from the control unit 101, the connection detection signal output from the connection detection sensor 106 becomes disconnected. As a result, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101 detects that the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 has been removed, cancels the temperature correction mode (calibration mode), and switches to the above-mentioned normal mode.

[0090] As described above, according to the soldering apparatus 100 of this embodiment, for example, at the start of each day's soldering operation, simply connecting the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 to the control unit 101 will switch to the temperature correction mode by detecting the connection. After pressing the soldering iron 102 onto the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 to measure the temperature, simply removing the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 from the control unit 101 will switch to the normal mode (soldering mode) in the state after temperature correction.

[0091] Therefore, without having to spend time and effort on unlocking the operation unit 61a and then inputting mode changes, the temperature calibration of the soldering iron 102 can be performed easily and quickly with simple operation.

[0092] Furthermore, by using a wired sensor connection cable 105 to connect the control unit 101 and the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103, there is no concern about receiving incorrect calibration temperature signals due to factors such as radio wave interference caused by wireless connections or diffuse reflection caused by infrared connections, enabling error-free and accurate temperature calibration. Moreover, by using a wired sensor connection cable 105, malicious interference such as intentionally causing the receiver to receive incorrect calibration temperature signals wirelessly can be prevented.

[0093] Furthermore, the microcomputer (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101 stores the history of temperature correction values ​​obtained through the temperature correction mode (calibration mode) in a memory or the like. When the temperature correction value becomes greater than the preset temperature range, it can also display a prompt to replace the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102 on the display window 61f. As a result, the heating element 2 can be properly maintained, thereby enabling soft soldering operations to be performed at an accurate temperature at all times.

[0094] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0095] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Main body 2 Heating section 2a Front end 2b Heater 10 Soldering iron tip temperature measuring device main body 12 Measurement Department 20. Calibrate the temperature sensor 100 Soft soldering device 101 Control Main Unit 102 Soldering Iron 103 Soldering Iron Tip Temperature Measurement Section 104 Soldering Iron Connector Cable 105 Sensor connection cable.

Claims

1. A soft soldering device, characterized in that, have: The soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit includes: a calibration temperature sensor having a sensor plate that contacts the soldering iron tip, a thermocouple with a temperature measuring contact connected to the sensor plate, and a metal mesh support body in the shape of a strip having the sensor plate and being kept in a tensioned state along the long side; and a sensor connection line that outputs a calibration temperature signal detected by the calibration temperature sensor and has a connector at the front end. A soldering iron includes: a vibration sensor; a heating element for heating the soldering tip; a soldering tip temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the soldering tip; and a soldering iron connection cable that outputs a vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor and a soldering tip temperature signal detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor, and supplies power to the heating element. as well as The control unit includes a control unit that controls the heating unit based on a vibration detection signal input from the vibration sensor via the soldering iron connection wire and a temperature detection signal input from the soldering iron tip temperature sensor via the sensor connection wire. If the connector of the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit is connected, the control unit controls the soldering iron to enter the temperature calibration mode.

2. The soldering apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the temperature correction mode, if a vibration detection signal is input from the vibration sensor of the soldering iron, the control unit will display the vibration detection.

3. The soldering apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector is connected to the control body via a magnet.

4. The soldering apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit has a short-circuit detection function to detect short circuits at the connector.

5. The soldering apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit records the historical data of the calibration temperature signal. If the calibration temperature signal exceeds a preset value, it displays a prompt to replace the soldering iron tip.

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