Soldering device

Abstract

This invention provides a soldering apparatus that enables easy and simple temperature correction of a soldering iron using a soldering iron tip temperature measuring device. [Solution] A soldering apparatus comprising: a soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit equipped with a sensor connection line with a connection connector at its tip that outputs a corrected temperature signal detected by a corrected temperature sensor; a soldering iron equipped with a vibration sensor, a soldering iron tip temperature sensor, a soldering iron connection line that outputs a vibration signal and a soldering iron tip temperature signal and supplies power to a heating unit; and a control unit that controls the heating unit based on a vibration detection signal input from the vibration sensor and a temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor, wherein the control unit controls the soldering iron to enter temperature correction mode when the connection connector of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit is connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a soldering apparatus, and more particularly to temperature correction of a soldering iron.

Background Art

[0002] When soldering between terminals of an electronic circuit board using jumper wires or the like, it is important to manage the temperature of the tip of the soldering iron, and for this purpose, the tip temperature is measured by a temperature measuring device. As a conventional tip temperature measuring device for a soldering iron, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] The tip temperature measuring device described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that two dissimilar metal materials forming a thermocouple are arranged apart from each other, and the dissimilar metal materials are brought into electrical contact by the tip of the soldering iron to detect the tip temperature.

[0004] However, the tip temperature measuring device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the operation for measurement is difficult because the tip of the soldering iron needs to be brought into contact with both of the spaced dissimilar metal materials. Accordingly, a tip temperature measuring device using a temperature sensor has been conceived, in which a sensor chip made of a metal material with high wettability to solder is used as a member to be brought into contact with the tip, the sensor chip is mounted on a support made of a metal strip, and a temperature measuring junction of a thermocouple is joined to the sensor chip.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when applying the aforementioned soldering tip temperature measuring device to a station-type soldering machine in which the soldering iron and the main unit including the control unit are separated, conventionally, there was a problem in that a time-consuming operation was required, which involved connecting the soldering tip temperature measuring device to the main unit, making the main unit recognize the connection of the soldering tip temperature measuring device, then operating the soldering iron or the main unit to change to temperature compensation mode, pressing the soldering iron against the soldering tip temperature measuring device to perform temperature compensation, and then disconnecting the soldering tip temperature measuring device from the main unit before operating the soldering iron or the main unit to set it to soldering mode.

[0007] This invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a soldering apparatus that enables easy temperature correction of a soldering iron using a soldering iron tip temperature measuring device with simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the soldering apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention proposes the following means. (1) A soldering apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises: a soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit comprising: a correction temperature sensor having a sensor chip to which the soldering iron tip is made into contact; a thermocouple having a temperature measuring junction joined to the sensor chip; and a strip-shaped wire mesh support having the sensor chip and being kept in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction; a sensor connection line having a connection connector at its tip that outputs a correction temperature signal detected by the correction temperature sensor; a soldering iron comprising: a vibration sensor; a heating unit for heating the soldering iron tip; a soldering iron tip temperature sensor for detecting 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 also 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. A soldering apparatus having the following: The control body controls the soldering iron to enter temperature compensation mode when the connection connector of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit is connected.

[0009] (2) Aspect 2 of the present invention is the soldering apparatus of aspect 1, wherein in the temperature compensation mode, when a vibration detection signal is input from the vibration sensor of the soldering iron, the control unit displays a vibration detection.

[0010] (3) A third aspect of the present invention is the soldering apparatus of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the connection connector is connected to the control body by a magnet.

[0011] (4) A fourth aspect of the present invention is the soldering apparatus of the third aspect, wherein the control unit has a short-circuit detection function for detecting a short circuit in the connection connector.

[0012] (5) Embodiment 5 of the present invention is a soldering apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the control unit records the history of the correction temperature signal, and when the correction temperature signal exceeds a preset value, it displays a message prompting the replacement of the soldering iron tip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a soldering apparatus that enables easy temperature correction of a soldering iron using a soldering iron tip temperature measuring device with simple operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a soldering apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the entire soldering iron. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing a corrected temperature sensor. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing how to create a corrected temperature sensor. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, a soldering apparatus as one embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Note that the embodiments shown below are specifically described for a better understanding of the gist of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In addition, the drawings used in the following description may, for convenience, show main parts in an enlarged manner to make the features of the present invention easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios and the like of each component are not necessarily the same as the actual ones.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a soldering apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The soldering apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a control main body 101, a soldering iron 102 and a tip temperature measurement unit 103, which are connected to the control main body 101 via a wired connection such as a cable. The soldering iron 102 is connected to the control main body 101 via an iron connection wire 104, and the tip temperature measurement unit 103 is connected to the control main body 101 via a sensor connection wire 105.

[0017] [Soldering Iron] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the entire soldering iron. The soldering iron 102 includes a main body 1, a heat generating portion 2, and an iron connection wire 104. The iron main body 1 is also a gripping portion gripped by a user, and is a rod-shaped portion having a predetermined thickness. The heat generating portion 2 is provided at one end (tip) of the iron main body 1, and the iron connection wire 104 is provided at the other end (rear end).

[0018] As described above, the heat generating portion 2 incorporates a heater 2b, and is a metal rod-shaped body that generates heat when heated by the heater 2b. This heat generating portion 2 is a so-called iron tip, and is mounted on the tip side of the main body 1 concentrically with the iron main body 1. One end of such a heat generating portion 2 forms a tip portion 2a.

[0019] In the heat generating part 2, the tip portion 2a that comes into contact with solder or the electrodes of electronic components wears and deteriorates as the soldering iron 102 continues to be used. For this reason, the heat generating part 2 is detachably attached to the iron main body part 1. That is, the rear end side of the heat generating part 2 is detachably attached to the front end side of the iron main body part 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the tip portion 2a is a portion that protrudes thinly from the tip of the heat generating part 2. This tip portion 2a comes into contact with the solder adjacent to the electrode of the electronic component, thereby raising the temperature of the solid solder to its melting point or higher to melt it. Thereby, for example, the electrode of the electronic component is electrically and mechanically joined to the pattern wiring or the like on the printed wiring board.

[0021] The heat generating part 2 is provided with a heater 2b and a tip temperature sensor 2c. The heater 2b is a heating unit that is provided inside the heat generating part 2 and heats the tip portion 2a with a drive current supplied from the control main body 101 via the iron connection line 104. More specifically, the heater 2b is a ceramic heater in which a conductive heating element such as tungsten is coated with ceramic, and heats the tip portion 2a from the inside. Such a heater 2b can cause the tip portion 2a to generate heat with good responsiveness.

[0022] The tip temperature sensor 2c is disposed inside the heat generating part 2 in proximity to the heater 2b, and detects the temperature of the tip portion 2a. The tip temperature sensor 2c outputs a temperature detection signal indicating the temperature of the tip portion 2a, and the signal is input to the control main body 101 via the iron connection line 104. Note that such a temperature detection signal is a voltage signal that indicates the temperature of the tip portion 2a but has a relatively small amplitude, and thus may be amplified by an amplifier circuit or the like provided in the control main body 101.

[0023] The iron main body part 1 is provided with a vibration sensor 1a. The vibration sensor 1a is a sensor that detects vibration applied to the main body part 1. Well-known vibration sensors include contact type and non-contact type sensors. This vibration sensor 1a is a mechanical (contact type) sensor, and detects the strength of vibration based on how many times ON-OFF switching occurs within a fixed period of time.

[0024] Such a vibration sensor 1a outputs an electrical signal indicating the strength of the vibration as a vibration detection signal to the control unit 101 via the soldering iron connection wire 104. In addition to a mechanical (contact type) sensor, the vibration sensor 1a may also employ other types of sensors, such as acceleration detection type sensors, and output a vibration detection signal based on a threshold value set for the input voltage.

[0025] The soldering iron connection line 104 consists of a coaxial cable or the like, which includes a power line that supplies drive current from the control unit 101 to the heater 2b, and signal lines that propagate the temperature detection signal output from the soldering iron tip temperature sensor 2c and the vibration detection signal output from the vibration sensor 1a.

[0026] [Tip temperature measurement section] Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit. The soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103 is an external soldering iron tip temperature measurement device used when correcting the temperature of the soldering iron 102.

[0027] The soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 consists of a soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, a correction temperature sensor 20, and a sensor connection wire 105 having a connection connector 105a at one end that engages with the control body 101. The soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10 is provided with a measuring unit 12 and a sensor reset switch 17 for resetting the correction temperature sensor 20 on the surface (top surface) of a case (housing) 11 made of, for example, a metal molded product or a resin molded product.

[0028] The measuring section 12 is surrounded by an annular splash-proof wall 15. The splash-proof wall 15 is a raised, embankment-like wall that prevents solder and flux from splashing outside the measuring section 12 when the tip 2a of the soldering iron 102 is brought into contact with the correction temperature sensor 20 set in the measuring section 12 to measure (correct) the tip temperature, and it also serves to protect the correction temperature sensor 20.

[0029] On the inner bottom surface of the measuring section 12, which is enclosed by the splash-proof wall 15, two support pins 21 and 22 are erected parallel to each other and pointing upward, spaced apart from one another. Of the two support pins 21, the one further from the operating section 13 is designated as the fixed support pin 21, and the one closer to the operating section 13 is designated as the movable support pin 22. The movable support pin 22 is provided to be movable in a direction that adjusts the distance between the pair of support pins 21 and 22 (that is, in a direction along the straight line connecting the two support pins 21 and 22).

[0030] As shown in Figure 4(b), the inner bottom surface of the measuring section 12 is composed of a flat bottom wall 109, and the base end 21b of the fixed-side support pin 21 is inserted into and fixed to this bottom wall 109. In addition, the part that supports the base end 22b of the movable-side support pin 22 is assembled to the case 11. A pin support portion 37 of the tension lever 30 is provided. This tension lever 30 is a separate resin molded part from the case 11.

[0031] The bottom wall 109 of the measuring section 12 of case 11 is provided with a lower movable gap 18 and an upper movable space 19, which allow the pin support portion 37 of the tension lever 30 to move along the direction of movement of the movable support pin 22. The lower movable gap 18 is covered by a sliding wall 38 that prevents the pin support portion 37 from falling out of the movable gap 18, and prevents solder and flux from entering the interior of case 11 through the movable gap 18. In addition, the entrance to the movable space 19 is covered by a rubber washer 40 into which the support pin 22 is fitted, and prevents solder and flux from entering the interior of case 11 through the movable space 19.

[0032] The base end 22b of the movable support pin 22 is inserted into and fixed to the pin support portion 37 of the tension lever 30. The two support pins 21 and 22 on the fixed and movable sides are of the same shape, with the heads 21a and 22a at the tips formed in a conical shape, and the mounting portions 48 and 49 at both ends of the corrected temperature sensor 20 are fitted into and held in the constricted portions 21c and 22c below. 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. The inner bottom surface of the measuring section 12 is covered with a heat shield plate 12a made of aluminum or the like to protect the bottom wall 109 of the resin case 11.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3(a), the tension lever 30 that supports the movable support pin 22 has a lever operating portion 31 exposed on the side of the case 11, and is attached to the case 11 by a pivot shaft 32 positioned between the lever operating portion 31 and the pin support portion 37 so that it can rotate in the plane on which the movable support pin 22 moves. In addition, a pin 33 and an elongated hole 34 are provided between the tension lever 30 and the case 11, which slidably engage with each other in order to facilitate the rotation of the tension lever 30.

[0034] Furthermore, the tension lever 30 is biased in one rotational direction by a spring (biasing means) 35, thereby biasing the movable support pin 22 in the direction that increases the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 (arrow A direction). As a result, when the lever operating part 31 is pressed in the direction of arrow B, the tension lever 30 rotates in the direction of arrow C against the biasing force of the spring 35, and thereby the movable support pin 22 moves in the direction of arrow D against the biasing force of the spring 35.

[0035] Here, a tension lever 30 having a pin support portion 37 and a lever operating portion 31, and a pivot shaft 32 that rotatably supports the tension lever 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, against the biasing force of the spring 35.

[0036] The sensor connection line 105 is made up of a coaxial cable or the like, with a connection connector 105a formed at one end, and includes a power line that supplies sense current from the control main unit 101 to the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103, and a signal line that propagates the temperature detection signal output from the correction temperature sensor 20.

[0037] Furthermore, the connection connector 105a may be any magnetic connector that has a magnet at its end and contact pieces for the power lines and signal lines mentioned above, and is connected to the control body 101 by magnetic force.

[0038] Next, the corrected temperature sensor will be described in detail with reference to Figure 4. The corrected temperature sensor 20 detects the tip temperature of the soldering iron 102 and outputs an electrical signal. It comprises a strip-shaped wire mesh support 41 (for example, made of SUS mesh with a wire diameter of 0.02 to 0.2 mm and a mesh size of approximately 50 to 200), a metal sensor chip 42 (for example, a metal with high solder wettability such as nickel silver or iron) that contacts the tip 2a of the heating element (soldering tip) 2 of the soldering iron 102, a thermocouple 43 consisting of a pair of different metal wires 44 and 45 with a temperature measuring junction 46 joined to the sensor chip 42, and perforated mounting portions 48 and 49 provided at both ends of the wire mesh support 41 so as to fit onto a pair of support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10.

[0039] The dissimilar metal wires 44 and 45 constituting the thermocouple 43 are covered by sleeves 47 at all ends except for the ends. As shown in Figure 4(c), a sensor chip 42 is placed on the surface of the wire mesh support 41 in the longitudinal center, and the temperature measuring junction 46 of the thermocouple 43 is placed on the back surface. The sensor chip 42, the wire mesh support 41, and the temperature measuring junction 46 of the thermocouple 43 are then joined together by electric welding (spot welding). The wire mesh support 41 is supported by support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10 by mounting parts 48 and 49 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction, thereby maintaining a taut state.

[0040] Next, we will describe how to make the corrected temperature sensor 20 and the detailed configuration of the mounting parts 48 and 49 at both ends. The perforated mounting portions 48 and 49 at both ends of the corrected temperature sensor 20 consist of a circular perforated fixing plate 50 made of resin (e.g., acrylic) with protruding portions 50a joined to both ends of a wire mesh support 41 by heat welding; a metal washer 51 made of stainless steel (e.g., SUS) which is superimposed on the perforated fixing plate 50 and has the ends of the metal conductors 44 and 45 of the thermocouple 43 joined by electric welding; a cylindrical nickel-plated metal eyelet 52 which passes through the through-holes of the washer 51 and the perforated fixing plate 50 to crimp the washer 51 and the perforated fixing plate 50 together; and heat shrink tubing 53 and 54 which is fitted to cover the heat-welded portion of the perforated fixing plate 50. The heat shrink tubing 53 and 54 on both sides are color-coded to prevent the corrected temperature sensor 20 from being incorrectly attached to the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10.

[0041] To manufacture this corrected temperature sensor 20, as shown in Figure 5, a wire mesh support 41 and a perforated fixing plate 50 are prepared and joined by heat welding. The wire mesh support 41, the sensor chip 42, and the temperature measuring junction 46 of the thermocouple 43 are joined by electric welding. The ends of the metal conductors 44 and 45 of the thermocouple 43 are electric welded to a washer 51, and the washer 51 and the perforated fixing plate 50 are crimped together with an eyelet 52. Finally, the heat-welded portion of the perforated fixing plate 50 is covered with heat-shrink tubing 53 and 54, and heated to shrink the heat-shrink tubing 53 and 54. The corrected temperature sensor 20 is thus completed.

[0042] To attach the corrected temperature sensor 20 to the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, the lever operating part 31 of the tension lever 30 is pressed as shown by arrow B, bringing the movable support pin 22 inward (in the direction of arrow D), and the through holes of the eyelets 52 of the mounting parts 48 and 49 at both ends of the corrected temperature sensor 20 are fitted onto the support pins 21 and 22. Next, when the lever operating part 31 is released in this state, the force of the spring 35 moves the movable support pin 22 in the direction that increases the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 (in the direction of arrow A), and the corrected temperature sensor 20 is held in place with tension applied to the wire mesh support 41.

[0043] In the correction temperature sensor 20 of the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103, a sensor chip (a metal chip with high wettability to solder) 42 is mounted on a wire mesh support 41 and joined to the temperature measuring junction 46 of a thermocouple 43. This minimizes heat loss through the member supporting the sensor chip 42. In other words, the wire mesh can reduce the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the heat escape path compared to a metal plate with the same external dimensions or a metal plate with slits cut into it to reduce the effective cross-sectional area. Therefore, the amount of heat dissipated by the sensor chip 42 through the wire mesh support 41 can be reduced. Consequently, the temperature of the soldering iron tip can be accurately measured by the thermocouple 43 via the sensor chip 42.

[0044] Furthermore, since a strip of wire mesh is used as a support for the sensor chip 42, the sensor chip 42 can be held in a stable position, and the soldering iron tip can be easily brought into contact with the small sensor chip 42. This makes measurement easier.

[0045] Furthermore, since the sensor chip 42, the temperature measuring junction 46 of the thermocouple 43, and the wire mesh support 41 are integrally joined by electric welding, the strength and integrity of the sensor's main components can be enhanced, allowing for accurate temperature measurement of the sensor chip 42.

[0046] Furthermore, since perforated mounting portions 48 and 49 are provided at both ends of the wire mesh support 41, which fit onto a pair of support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, the correction temperature sensor 20 can be easily set on the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10 simply by fitting these mounting portions 48 and 49 onto the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10, and the correction temperature sensor 20 can also be easily replaced.

[0047] Furthermore, since both ends of the wire mesh support 41 are not made of metal but are joined to perforated fixing plates 50 made of resin with low thermal conductivity, the amount of heat escaping to the support pins 21 and 22 of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10 through both ends of the wire mesh support 41 can be reduced. In addition, the electrical path from the thermocouple 43 to the soldering iron tip temperature measuring device body 10 is secured via a washer 51 placed on the perforated fixing plate 50 and an eyelet 52 that crimps the washer 51 and the fixing plate 50, thus ensuring stable measurement.

[0048] Furthermore, with the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit 103 configured as described above, at least one of the pair of support pins 21 and 22 is provided to be movable in a direction that adjusts the distance between the pair of support pins 21 and 22. Therefore, by fitting the perforated mounting portions 48 and 49 of the correction temperature sensor 20 onto each support pin 21 and 22 with the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 shortened, and then adjusting the distance between the support pins 21 and 22 to widen it, the wire mesh support 41 of the correction temperature sensor 20 can be easily kept taut (tensioned), and the sensor chip 42 can be stably supported.

[0049] Furthermore, by operating the lever operating part 31 of the tension lever 30 that constitutes the pin movement operation mechanism to shorten the distance between the support pins 21 and 22, the perforated mounting parts 48 and 49 of the correction temperature sensor 20 are fitted onto each of the support pins 21 and 22, and then 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 the distance due to the action of the spring 35. This makes it easy to keep the wire mesh support 41 of the correction temperature sensor 20 in a taut state (a state with tension), and the sensor chip 42 can be stably supported.

[0050] [Control Unit] The control unit 101 controls the soldering iron 102 via the soldering iron connection wire 104, and when temperature correction is required, the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103 is connected via the sensor connection wire 105. The control unit 101 comprises, for example, a roughly rectangular housing 101a and an operating unit 61a provided on one side of the housing 101a (the front side when installed).

[0051] The control unit 61a accepts various setting operations from the user and displays (presents) the setting status to the user. As shown in Figure 1, it is equipped with a setting key 61b, a down key 61c, an up key 61d, a heat lamp 61e, a display window 61f, and a lock key 61g. In other words, the user sets the functions of the soldering device 100 by operating the control unit 61a and confirms the function settings based on the information displayed on the control unit 61a.

[0052] The setting key 61b is an operation key used to switch between function settings (setting items). Each time the setting key 61b is pressed, it cycles through the multiple setting items. The setting items include temperature settings and various parameters, and one of these setting items can be selected depending on the number of times the setting key 61b is pressed.

[0053] The down key 61c is an operation key used to decrease the value (setting value) of the setting item selected with the setting key 61b. The amount by which the setting value decreases with a single press of the down key 61c is predetermined for each setting item, and the user can decrease the setting value by a certain amount depending on the number of times the down key 61c is pressed.

[0054] The up key 61d is an operation key that increases the value (setting value) of the setting item selected with the setting key 61b. The amount of change in the setting value that increases with each press of the up key 61d is predetermined for each setting item, and the user can increase the setting value by an amount corresponding to the number of times the up key 61d is pressed.

[0055] The heat lamp 61e is an LED (light-emitting diode) that indicates the heating state of the heating element 2 of the connected soldering iron 102. The heat lamp 61e is a light-emitting element that indicates that the heating element 2 is in a heated state (powered on). For example, when the heat lamp 61e is lit, it indicates that the heating element 2 is being heated by the heater 2b, and when the heat lamp 61e is off, it indicates that the heater 2b is not powered and the heating element 2 is not being heated.

[0056] The display window 61f is a display that shows the above-mentioned setting values, and is composed of, for example, an LCD liquid crystal display. In addition, this display window 61f visually displays the confirmed status of the setting values ​​by intermittently flashing the setting values ​​at a predetermined interval, or by alternately displaying two setting values ​​at a predetermined interval.

[0057] The lock key 61g is an operation key that disables the operation of any key, such as the setting key 61b, down key 61c, and up key 61d. For example, by pressing the lock key 61g to lock it, the control unit 101 switches to work mode, and operations other than the detection of the soldering iron tip temperature of the soldering iron 102 by the corrective temperature sensor 20 can be prevented.

[0058] This locked state can be released, for example, by entering a PIN set by the administrator, and the system can be switched to management mode, which enables the operation of the setting key 61b, down key 61c, up key 61d, etc. This function of the lock key 61g prevents settings from being unexpectedly changed due to user error or intentionally changed by malicious actors.

[0059] The control unit 101 has a built-in microcontroller (control unit) 63 consisting of a CPU and memory, and the aforementioned operation unit 61a is connected to this microcontroller 63.

[0060] Furthermore, a connection detection sensor 106 is connected to this microcontroller (control unit) 63 to detect when the connection connector 105a of the sensor connection wire 105 extending from the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103 is connected to the control main unit 101. This connection detection sensor 106 only needs to be formed near the receiving connector (not shown) of the control main unit 101, which engages with the connection connector 105a of the sensor connection wire 105 by magnetic force.

[0061] Furthermore, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 has a short-circuit detection function that detects a short circuit in the portion of the sensor connection line 105 that engages with the connection connector 105a. This short-circuit detection can be achieved by forming a short-circuit sensor (not shown).

[0062] Furthermore, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 has a vibration display function that, upon receiving 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 line 104, displays in the display window 61f that the soldering iron 102 is vibrating, i.e., that hand tremors are occurring.

[0063] In the normal mode of performing a regular soldering operation, the soldering apparatus 100 of this embodiment, having the configuration described above, is operated with the soldering tip temperature measuring unit 103 removed from the control main unit 101 (the connection of the connection connector 105a is disconnected).

[0064] First, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 starts supplying drive current to the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102, and continues outputting drive current to the heating element 2 until the temperature of the tip 2a (soldering tip temperature) detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c becomes equal to the temperature set value set by the operation of the operation unit 61a, and then cuts off the drive current once the temperature set value is reached.

[0065] In this normal mode, the user performs soldering work using a soldering iron 102 with the tip temperature set to the set temperature. During this soldering work, the tip 2a of the heating element 2 comes into contact with the solder and the electrodes of the electronic components, so the actual tip temperature fluctuates from the set temperature to a lower temperature as the soldering work progresses.

[0066] When the temperature of the tip 2a (soldering tip temperature) detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c falls below the set temperature, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 starts supplying drive current to the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102 again, and supplies drive current until the temperature of the tip 2a (soldering tip temperature) detected by the soldering tip temperature sensor 2c reaches the set temperature.

[0067] 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 tip 2a (soldering tip temperature) is maintained at a preset temperature, allowing soldering work to be performed at the optimal temperature.

[0068] On the other hand, prior to normal soldering work using such a soldering device 100, for example, a calibration procedure is performed on the soldering iron 102 before daily use. Calibration is performed by connecting the soldering tip temperature measurement unit 103 to the control unit 101. Specifically, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101 detects a connection detection signal output from the connection detection sensor 106 by magnetically connecting the connection connector 105a of the sensor connection line 105 to the control unit 101, and then switches to temperature correction mode (calibration mode).

[0069] Then, the operator presses the tip 2a of the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102 against the correction temperature sensor 20 of the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103, thereby detecting the temperature of the tip 2a of the soldering iron 102 (soldering iron tip temperature).

[0070] Then, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101, which receives the soldering iron tip temperature signal (correction temperature signal) output from the correction temperature sensor 20, compares the value of the temperature detection signal indicating the temperature of the tip 2a (soldering iron tip temperature) output from the soldering iron 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 iron tip temperature sensor 2c.

[0071] After switching to this temperature compensation 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. When the microcontroller (control unit) 63 receives the vibration detection signal, it displays on the display window 61f that the soldering iron 102 is vibrating, i.e., that hand tremors are occurring, prompting the user to hold the soldering iron 102 stably.

[0072] Furthermore, when the connection connector 105a of the sensor connection line 105 is magnetically connected to the control main unit 101, if a short-circuit detection signal is input from the short-circuit sensor (not shown), the microcontroller (control unit) 63 cuts off the power supply and displays a short-circuit warning in the display window 61f. Since the connection connector 105a is a magnetic connector, magnetic materials such as tiny iron fragments or clips may be attracted to it, prompting the removal of such attracted foreign objects.

[0073] Once this temperature correction (calibration) is complete and the soldering tip temperature measurement unit 103 is removed from the control unit 101, the connection detection signal output from the connection detection sensor 106 is turned off. As a result, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101 detects that the soldering tip temperature measurement unit 103 has been removed, cancels the temperature correction mode (calibration mode), and returns to the normal mode described above.

[0074] As described above, with the soldering apparatus 100 of this embodiment, for example, at the start of daily soldering work, simply connecting the soldering tip temperature measuring unit 103 to the control main unit 101 will cause the system to switch to temperature correction mode upon detection of the connection. After pressing the soldering iron 102 against the soldering tip temperature measuring unit 103 to measure the temperature, simply removing the soldering tip temperature measuring unit 103 from the control main unit 101 will cause the system to switch back to normal mode (soldering mode) with temperature correction performed. This makes it possible to easily and quickly perform temperature correction (calibration) of the soldering iron 102 with simple operations, without having to go through the complicated process of unlocking the operation unit 61a and then inputting a mode change.

[0075] Furthermore, by connecting the control unit 101 and the soldering iron tip temperature measurement unit 103 with a wired sensor connection line 105, there is no concern about receiving an incorrect correction temperature signal due to, for example, radio interference from wireless connections or diffuse reflection from infrared connections, making it possible to perform accurate temperature correction (calibration) without errors. In addition, by connecting with a wired sensor connection line 105, malicious interference, such as intentionally receiving an incorrect correction temperature signal wirelessly, can be prevented.

[0076] Furthermore, the microcontroller (control unit) 63 of the control unit 101 can store a history of temperature correction values ​​obtained in temperature correction mode (calibration mode) in memory, and if the temperature correction value exceeds a preset temperature range, it can display a message in the display window 61f prompting the user to replace the heating element 2 of the soldering iron 102. This allows for proper maintenance of the heating element 2 and enables soldering work to be performed at the correct temperature at all times.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, 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, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1. Main body 2 Heat-generating part 2a Tip 2b Heater 10 Soldering iron tip temperature measuring device main unit 12 Measuring part 20. Correction temperature sensor 100 soldering machines 101 Control Unit 102 Soldering iron 103 Iron tip temperature measurement section 104 Soldering iron connection wire 105 Sensor connection wire

Claims

1. A soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit comprising: a correction temperature sensor having a sensor chip to which the soldering iron tip is made to contact; a thermocouple with a temperature measuring junction joined to the sensor chip; a strip-shaped wire mesh support having the sensor chip and being kept taut along its longitudinal direction; and a sensor connection wire having a connection connector at its tip that outputs a correction temperature signal detected by the correction temperature sensor; A soldering iron comprising: a vibration sensor; a heating unit for heating the soldering iron tip; a soldering iron tip temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the soldering iron tip; and a soldering iron connection wire that outputs the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor and the soldering iron tip temperature signal detected by the soldering iron tip temperature sensor, and also supplies power to the heating unit; 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 soldering iron tip temperature sensor via the sensor connection line, A soldering apparatus having, The control unit controls the soldering iron to enter temperature compensation mode when the connection connector of the soldering iron tip temperature measuring unit is connected, in a soldering device.

2. The soldering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, in the temperature compensation mode, displays a vibration detection signal when a vibration detection signal is input from the vibration sensor of the soldering iron.

3. The soldering apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection connector is connected to the control body by a magnet.

4. The soldering apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit has a short-circuit detection function for detecting a short circuit in the connection connector.

5. The soldering apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit records the history of the correction temperature signal, and when the correction temperature signal exceeds a preset value, it displays a message prompting the replacement of the soldering iron tip.

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