A cable connector soldering tool
The automated welding of cable connector soldering fixtures has solved the problem of unstable welding quality in optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies, achieving an efficient and stable welding process and reducing production costs and labor intensity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522548733.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-01
AI Technical Summary
In the existing process of welding optical-electric hybrid cable assemblies, the welding quality is unstable, and the reliance on manual operation leads to high labor intensity, high production costs, difficulty in increasing production capacity, and poor welding consistency.
The cable connector soldering fixture, including a soldering module, a solder breaker, a fiber optic connector fixture, and a temperature controller, is used to achieve precise positioning and automated soldering through a servo screw module, reducing defects such as cold solder joints and empty solder joints, and improving solder joint quality and production efficiency.
It achieves stability and reliability in solder quality, reduces labor intensity, lowers labor costs, improves production efficiency and soldering consistency, and shortens soldering time by approximately 20%.
Smart Images
Figure CN224927149U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cable manufacturing technology, and in particular to a cable connector soldering fixture. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous evolution of fiber optic access technology, FTTR (Fiber to the Room), as a solution for high-speed coverage throughout the house, has undergone continuous iterative upgrades in its system architecture and key components. In the FTTR deployment system, the hybrid fiber-optic cable assembly, as a core component that simultaneously carries data transmission and power supply, plays an irreplaceable role. On the one hand, the hybrid fiber-optic cable assembly provides a high-speed, low-loss data transmission channel for the FTTR system, ensuring the communication performance of end-side equipment; on the other hand, this component also undertakes the function of providing stable power supply to each node device of the FTTR, playing a crucial role in ensuring system reliability.
[0003] Despite continuous technological advancements in hybrid optoelectronic cable assemblies and their applications in FTTR scenarios, several practical challenges remain. Currently, related manufacturing technologies within the industry are still in a phase of continuous improvement, and overall technological maturity needs further enhancement. For example, in the connector processing stage, the soldering connection process for hybrid optoelectronic cable assemblies generally relies on manual operation. The quality of solder joint formation is significantly affected by the operator's skills, experience, and condition, resulting in limited soldering consistency and, to some extent, increasing production costs.
[0004] Taking a 1.8×4.2mm hybrid optical cable assembly as an example, its small connector structure and compact conductor spacing place high demands on welding precision and stability. In modern manufacturing processes, soldering remains an indispensable connection method, but traditional manual soldering methods have significant shortcomings: (1) High labor intensity: Manual soldering requires operators to hold tools for a long time in high temperature and dusty environments. The efficiency of operation is significantly affected by physical fatigue, and the production capacity is difficult to increase significantly. (2) Unstable welding quality: Manual soldering inevitably involves subjective differences in operation. Key dimensions such as the width and height of the solder joint are easily deviated from the standard due to fluctuations in hand movements. The incidence of defects such as cold solder joints and empty solder joints is relatively high, thus affecting the overall consistency and reliability of the product.
[0005] In view of the above problems, there is an urgent need for an automated welding solution for the joints of optoelectronic hybrid cable assemblies to improve the stability of welding quality and meet the needs of mass production and large-scale production. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Therefore, this utility model provides a cable connector soldering fixture, which improves soldering quality and efficiency.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a cable connector soldering fixture, comprising: The soldering module includes an X-axis linear module, a Z-axis linear module connected thereto, and a soldering tip connected to the drive end of the Z-axis linear module. A solder breaking machine is located next to the soldering module and is used to form holes on the surface of the solder wire and then send it to the soldering iron tip through the solder outlet tube. A fiber optic connector fixture is disposed below the soldering iron tip. The fiber optic connector fixture includes a positioning plate and a plurality of positioning grooves evenly spaced on the positioning plate, suitable for positioning and accommodating cable connectors. The positioning grooves are provided with front and rear steps that correspond to the front and rear stops of the cable connectors.
[0008] In one embodiment of this utility model, the X-axis linear module and the Z-axis linear module are respectively adopted as servo screw modules.
[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, a tooling tray is also included, which is supported below the fiber optic connector tooling.
[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the optical fiber connector fixture is provided in two sets.
[0011] In one embodiment of this utility model, a soldering iron tip cleaning box is provided on the side of the fiber optic connector tooling.
[0012] In one embodiment of this utility model, a temperature controller electrically connected to the soldering iron tip is also included.
[0013] In one embodiment of this utility model, a handheld programmable controller electrically connected to the soldering module and the solder breaking machine is also included.
[0014] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art: This utility model discloses a cable connector soldering fixture. By setting up a soldering module, a solder breaker, and using a fiber optic connector fixture for precise workpiece positioning, it effectively reduces common welding defects such as cold solder joints, empty solder joints, and misaligned solder joints, resulting in more stable and reliable solder quality. Key indicators such as solder joint strength, appearance, and sealing performance all meet high standards. Automated operation and a reasonable process cycle significantly shorten the soldering time per piece. Compared with traditional manual soldering methods, under the same soldering task conditions, this automatic soldering machine can shorten the soldering time by approximately 20%. Simultaneously, the equipment has the ability to operate continuously and stably, unaffected by factors such as manual breaks, effectively reducing ineffective downtime and further improving overall production efficiency.
[0015] This invention replaces a large number of repetitive manual soldering operations, significantly reducing the labor intensity of solderers and decreasing reliance on highly skilled solderers. Enterprises can correspondingly reduce their manpower investment and allocate human resources to higher value-added production processes, thereby reducing overall labor costs and improving economic efficiency and market competitiveness. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cable connector soldering fixture of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fiber optic connector tooling of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning groove of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cable connector and the positioning groove of this utility model.
[0021] Explanation of reference numerals on the accompanying drawings: 1. Soldering iron tip; 2. Soldering module; 3. Solder breaking machine; 4. Temperature controller; 5. Tooling pallets; 6. Soldering iron tip cleaning box; 7. Handheld programmable controller; 8. Fiber optic connector tooling; 81. Positioning plate; 82. Positioning groove; 83. Front step; 84. Rear step; 85. Primary extension step; 86. Secondary extension step; 9. Cable connector; 91. Front locking position; 92. Rear locking position. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0023] In this utility model, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this utility model, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0024] In this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc. are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this utility model, if "first" or "second" is used, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.
[0025] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific content of the technical solution.
[0026] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a cable connector soldering fixture, comprising: Soldering module 2 includes an X-axis linear module, a Z-axis linear module connected thereto, and a soldering iron tip 1 connected to the drive end of the Z-axis linear module; The solder breaking machine 3 is located next to the solder module 2 and is used to form holes on the surface of the solder wire and then send it to the soldering iron tip 1 through the solder outlet tube; The fiber optic connector fixture 8 is disposed below the soldering iron tip 1. The fiber optic connector fixture 8 includes a positioning plate 81 and a plurality of positioning grooves 82 evenly spaced on the positioning plate 81, which are suitable for positioning and accommodating the cable connector 9. The positioning grooves 82 are provided with a front step 83 and a rear step 84 that correspond to the front end locking position 91 and the rear end stopping position 92 of the cable connector 9.
[0027] With the above settings, the soldering module 2 is used to fix the soldering iron tip 1, and the solder breaking machine 3 delivers the solder wire to the soldering iron tip 1 through the solder feeding tube. Under the drive of the X-axis linear module and the Z-axis linear module, the soldering module 2 performs spatial positioning and movement according to the preset program, and works with the fiber optic connector fixture 8 to achieve batch precision point-to-point soldering operations.
[0028] In one embodiment, the X-axis linear module and the Z-axis linear module are both servo lead screw modules. The soldering module 2 operates in a vertical soldering manner. The up-and-down reciprocating motion of the soldering iron tip 1 is controlled by the servo motor built into the Z-axis linear module according to programmed parameters, achieving precise adjustment of the soldering height. The X-axis linear module and the Z-axis linear module achieve linked movement in the forward-backward and left-right directions under the drive of the set control program, which is used to cooperate with the soldering iron tip 1 to accurately position it to each solder point in the plane, thereby ensuring the consistency and repeatability of the solder point position.
[0029] In one embodiment, the device further includes a tooling tray 5, which is supported below the fiber optic connector tooling 8.
[0030] In one embodiment, the fiber optic connector fixture 8 is provided in two sets. The fixture tray 5 is preferably provided as two pieces, left and right, which can realize the alternating switching of the left and right workstations: when one fixture is in the automatic soldering operation state, the other fixture can simultaneously complete the clamping preparation of the connector to be soldered, thereby realizing continuous rotation operation and improving the production cycle.
[0031] In one embodiment, a soldering iron tip cleaning box 6 is provided beside the fiber optic connector fixture 8. The soldering iron tip cleaning box 6 is used to periodically clean the surface of the soldering iron tip 1, effectively removing oxides and residual solder from the soldering iron tip 1, restoring the surface of the soldering iron tip 1 to a clean state, maintaining good soldering ability, and extending the service life of the soldering iron tip 1.
[0032] In one embodiment, the system further includes a temperature controller 4 electrically connected to the soldering iron tip 1, and a handheld programmable controller 7 electrically connected to the soldering module 2 and the solder breaker 3. The temperature controller 4 operates within a temperature range of 200℃ to 500℃, and features high and low temperature alarms, intelligent sleep mode, and temperature compensation. It offers high temperature control accuracy and stability, ensuring the soldering iron tip 1 operates stably within the set temperature range for extended periods, thus facilitating consistent solder quality control. The handheld programmable controller 7 is used to set and manage the operating parameters of the automatic soldering machine. It can store over 200 programming programs, allowing for the retrieval of corresponding parameters for different types of connector soldering processes, enabling rapid switching and reuse of multiple soldering operations.
[0033] It should be noted that the solder breaker 3 adopts an existing structure, containing a coiled solder hanging column on which the solder wire is wound. Through the internal gear mechanism of the solder breaker 3, regular holes are formed on the surface of the solder wire. This effectively eliminates solder splattering during high-temperature soldering and improves solder wettability and spreadability without compromising the original flow characteristics of the solder wire, thereby improving solder quality. The broken solder wire is then fed to the soldering iron tip 1 via a solder tube for solder feeding. The solder feeding length and mode are set using a handheld programmer.
[0034] In one embodiment, each positioning plate 81 of the fiber optic connector fixture 8 is provided with 10 connector positioning slots 82 for limiting and positioning the connectors to be welded, achieving solder joint alignment and uniform spacing in batches. The positioning plate 81 is 10mm thick. Figure 4 (L9). The structural dimension from the front locking position 91 to the rear stop position 92 of the connector is a length of 28mm. Figure 2 Middle L1), width 8.3mm ( Figure 2 (Middle L2), Height 6mm) Figure 4 L3), with an embedded length of 28mm in the fiber optic connector fixture 8 ( Figure 3 (Middle L4), width 10mm ( Figure 3 (Middle L5), Height 4mm) Figure 4 The positioning groove 82 of L6 in the middle realizes reliable placement and constraint positioning of the joint to be welded.
[0035] In addition, the positioning groove 82 extends outward from the front step 83 in sequence with a first-level extension step 85 and a second-level extension step 86, which are used to accommodate the extension part of the cable connector 9 at the front end locking position 91.
[0036] After fixing the soldering position of each connector at the starting point, the fiber optic connector fixture 8 moves 4.5mm to the right. Figure 2 Set the first solder joint at L7, then continue to the right at intervals of 10mm. Figure 2 The next solder joint is placed at L8, and the joints are arranged in a cyclical pattern with 4.5mm and 10mm intervals to form a regular array. This arrangement method allows for the unified setting of the X-axis position of the automatic soldering station via a programmable controller, while an appropriate soldering height is set in the Z-axis direction. After saving the corresponding parameters, it can be used for multiple batches of soldering, ensuring the standardization and stability of solder position and soldering posture.
[0037] The specific operating procedure is as follows: This soldering fixture is suitable for soldering the connectors of a 1.8*4.2mm optoelectronic hybrid cable assembly. First, select a straight-line soldering tip 1 and install it on the soldering module 2. The soldering end of the soldering tip 1 has a size of 2mm × 3mm. Set the operating temperature of the temperature controller 4 to 350℃. Install two dedicated optoelectronic connector fixing fixtures on the left and right fixture trays 5 respectively. Based on the solder joint distribution of the dedicated optoelectronic connector fixing fixtures, call the pre-programmed X-axis, Z-axis, and soldering tip 1 height parameters. Start the calibration program through the programming settings for fine-tuning and correction. After confirming that the starting positions of the two connector fixtures are correct, save the parameters and reset the equipment.
[0038] Next, a 1.0mm diameter coil of solder wire is loaded into the solder breaker 3's solder post. The solder wire is then passed through the guide rollers, and the pressure rollers are adjusted to create a pressure effect of approximately 0.9mm on the solder wire. The solder wire is then fed into the solder breaker blade gear mechanism, with the meshing depth of the solder breaker gears set to approximately 0.7mm to create holes in the surface of the solder wire. The solder wire is then threaded through the solder feed tube and guided to the solder outlet near the soldering iron tip 1, forming a complete solder feed channel.
[0039] The solder ejection length is set to 3.5mm using a handheld programmer, and the ejection method is set to a two-stage ejection: the first stage ejects 2mm of solder and temporarily stores it at the end of the soldering tip 1. Then, the soldering tip 1 moves with the soldering module 2 to the target solder joint position, and upon reaching the solder joint, the second stage ejects 2.5mm of solder, with the solder dwell time set to 2 seconds. Simultaneously, based on the position of the connector solder joint array, the coordinates of each solder joint on the X and Z axes are positioned to ensure that each solder joint can be accurately soldered.
[0040] Two fiber optic connector fixtures 8, each with its connector to be soldered, are fixed onto the left and right fixture trays 5, respectively. After pressing the start button, the soldering tip 1, according to the programmed settings, sequentially solders each joint on the first dedicated optoelectronic connector fixture from left to right, completing the first soldering task. Pressing the start button again causes the soldering tip 1 to automatically move to the second dedicated optoelectronic connector fixture, similarly following the preset path from left to right to complete the soldering of all joints. After soldering both fixtures is complete, the soldering tip 1 automatically returns to the soldering tip cleaning box 6 for cleaning, removing residual tin oxide and solder slag. While the automatic soldering machine is soldering the second fixture, the soldered connectors on the first fixture can be removed and replaced with new connectors to be soldered, enabling alternating left and right workstations and continuous operation without stopping the machine.
[0041] By combining the soldering module 2, the solder breaker 3, and the fiber optic connector fixture 8, and by adjusting the angle of the soldering iron tip 1, the soldering temperature, and the programming parameters, it can adapt to the soldering process requirements of various connectors with different specifications and structures, and achieve mass production, standardization, and stability.
[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A soldering fixture for cable connectors, characterized in that, include: The soldering module (2) includes an X-axis linear module, a Z-axis linear module connected thereto, and a soldering tip (1) connected to the drive end of the Z-axis linear module. The solder breaking machine (3) is located next to the soldering module (2) and is used to form holes on the surface of the solder wire and then send it to the soldering iron tip (1) through the solder outlet tube; The fiber optic connector fixture (8) is located below the soldering iron tip (1). The fiber optic connector fixture (8) includes a positioning plate (81) and a plurality of positioning grooves (82) evenly spaced on the positioning plate (81) for positioning and accommodating the cable connector (9). The positioning groove (82) is provided with a front step (83) and a rear step (84) that correspond to the front end locking position (91) and the rear end stopping position (92) of the cable connector (9).
2. The cable connector soldering fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-axis linear module and the Z-axis linear module are respectively equipped with servo lead screw modules.
3. The cable connector soldering fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tooling tray (5), which is supported under the fiber optic connector tooling (8).
4. The cable connector soldering fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector fixture (8) is provided in two sets.
5. The cable connector soldering fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, A soldering iron tip cleaning box (6) is provided on the side of the fiber optic connector fixture (8).
6. The cable connector soldering fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature controller (4) electrically connected to the soldering iron tip (1).
7. The cable connector soldering fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a handheld programmable controller (7) electrically connected to the soldering module (2) and the solder breaking machine (3).