CA1215270A - Fuel operated soldering iron - Google Patents
Fuel operated soldering ironInfo
- Publication number
- CA1215270A CA1215270A CA000479480A CA479480A CA1215270A CA 1215270 A CA1215270 A CA 1215270A CA 000479480 A CA000479480 A CA 000479480A CA 479480 A CA479480 A CA 479480A CA 1215270 A CA1215270 A CA 1215270A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- soldering iron
- fuel
- soldering
- combustion chamber
- combustor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K3/00—Tools, devices, or special appurtenances for soldering, e.g. brazing, or unsoldering, not specially adapted for particular methods
- B23K3/02—Soldering irons; Bits
- B23K3/021—Flame-heated soldering irons
- B23K3/023—Flame-heated soldering irons using a liquid fuel
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Spray-Type Burners (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The specification describes a soldering iron in which the soldering element tip is heated by virtue of heat generated by the combustion of a gas/air mixture in close proximity to the element. Upon initial ignition of the mixture a flame is directed onto the element which provides almost instant heat to the soldering tip. Since the air/gas mixture is passed through a catalytic combustor which is heated by the flame, the combustor eventually begins to burn. As the catalytic material is heated more and more of the air/gas mixture is consumed by combustion within the combustor until eventually the flame is extinguished and the soldering iron is heated solely by flameless combustion within the combustor.
The specification describes a soldering iron in which the soldering element tip is heated by virtue of heat generated by the combustion of a gas/air mixture in close proximity to the element. Upon initial ignition of the mixture a flame is directed onto the element which provides almost instant heat to the soldering tip. Since the air/gas mixture is passed through a catalytic combustor which is heated by the flame, the combustor eventually begins to burn. As the catalytic material is heated more and more of the air/gas mixture is consumed by combustion within the combustor until eventually the flame is extinguished and the soldering iron is heated solely by flameless combustion within the combustor.
Description
527~
This invention relates to a soldering iron and, more particularly, to a portable, gas powered soldering iron. Conventional, resistance-heated soldering irons have known limitations such as: heat-up time, inconvenient electrical cord, limited heating capacity, inductive properties and potential spark generation.
In the present invention a soldering iron is provided which is small and convenient to use yet having variable heat capabilities, virtually instant heat, fully portable and spark-free which is essential when used to solder ICs. The soldering iron of the present invention has a soldering element tip which is initially heated by a gas-burning flame and subsequently by a gas fed ca-talytic combustor. The flow of gas to the combustion zone may be regulated so as to provide control of the heat generated at the element tip.
According to a broad aspect of the presen-t invention there is provided a gas powered, pencil-shaped, soldering iron suitable for positioning a pocket of an article of clothing. The gas powered soldering iron comprises a fuel reservoir having a nozzle secured thereto with conduit means. Control means is attached to the reservoir to control fuel flowing therefrom into the conduit means. Venturi means is secured in front of the conduit means and spaced therefrom whereby fuel from the conduit means is focused in an axial opening of the venturi means and mixed with air internally of the soldering iron. A combustion chamber is disposed at the end of a transfer tube which is adapted to caxry a jet-stream of fuel/air mixture to the combustion chamber. A catal ~ic -: ' '7~
combustor of porous material is disposed in the combustion chamber. The combus-tor is adapted to burn in combination with the air/fuel mixture. A soldering element is attached to the combustion chamber and arranged to be hea-ted by combus-tion in the combustion chamber. Focusing means is associated with -the combustion chamber to focus the flame onto an end of the soldering element during initial combustion, and wherein the flame gradually extinguishes as the catalytic combustor begins to burn.
The soldering iron will now be described in greater detail wi-th reference to the appended illustrations wherein:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the soldering iron;
Figure 2 illustrates the combustion chamber;
- la -5Z7~
Figure 3 is an expanded view of the vaporizer-control valve handle;
Figure 4 is an expanded view of the combustor;
Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment wherein the cap is retractable, and Figure 6 shows an alternate handle co~figuration.
DETAILE~ DESCRIPTION
As illustrated in Figure 1, the soldering iron of the present invention includes a fuel reservoir 15. The reservoir 15 shown as a hollow cylinder includes a filler-opening 16. The opening 16 is a spring-loaded, one-way valve which permits entry of the liquid fuel to the reservoir.
Although several types of liquid fuel may be used, it is contemplated by the present in~ention that the fuel is butane, or the like, which is readily available in containers for use in filling cigarette lighters in a manner well known in the art. Although not specifically described it is to be understood that reservoir 15 may be replaced by a throw-away type fuel cartridge available commercially.
The opposite end of the reservoir is provided with a wick 13 which serves to oonduct the fuel in a liquid state to opening 18. A regulator or control valve 19 is provided in opening 18 for the purpose of controlling the quantity of fuel which is permitted to flow out of the reservoir. The regulator valve acts as a vaporizer as is well known in the art and changes the fuel from a liquid state to a gaseous form. The amount of gaseous fuel exiting from the reservoir is regulated by the control valve which may be va`ried from a R~S~O
fully closed to a fully open position. The control valve is activated by handle 20 which extends to the outside of the soldering unit.
A nozzle 21 having a diameter of approximately 0.002" to 0.003" focuses the fuel passing through the control valve 19 into venturi 22. Venturi 22 formed of heat resistant material such as bakelite or the like, fits over end 23 of reservoir 15 and handle 20 of control valve 19 projects through a slot 2~ therein. Venturi 22 has a central axial opening 25 having a diameter between 0.05"
and 0.07" and, more particuarly, 0.06".
As the fuel flows through venturi opening 25 air is drawn into the stream where they mix prior to being injected into transfer tube 30. Transfer tube 30, made of low heat conducting material, directs the fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber 31. The combustion chamber 31, constructed of heat resistant and high heat conducting material, fits over the transfer tube 32. The opposite end 33 of the combustion chamber is cone shaped having 2Q openings 34 suitably located. The cone end 33 has an axial opening 35 therethrough, the opening being threaded so as to receive soldering element 36 therein. Soldering element 36 has at one end a threaded portion 37 adapted to threadably engage threaded opening 35. The opposite end 38 of soldering element 36 has a wedge or similar shaped tip which is parti-cularly suited for use in a soldering operation.
The combustion chamber 31 contains a catalytic combustor 40O The combustor 40 is made of high temperature material such as ceramic or asbestos in a cloth-like format ~;~lS;~7~
impregnated with a known catalytic materia], such as platinum or palladium. The combustor 40, being cloth-like, is porous thus permitting the gas~air mix~ure to flow through. In the present case the combustor is encased in a stainless wire mesh.
The outer surface of the venturi, the transfer tube and the combustion chamber, as shown in the illustration, are tubular, although it is understood that other shapes may be used. In the present case the outer surface of venturi 22 is provided with a step 41 which receives and holds by friction fit, cap 42. Cap 42, also tubular, covers the transfer tube, combustion chamber and element when not in use. The cap 42 also includes a flint and friction wheel 43 well known in the art as an igniter for cigarette lighters and the like. Since the soldering iron in a preferred embodiment is comparable in size to a fountain pen, it may conveniently be earried in a shirt or jaeket poeket. Aeeordingly, elip 44 may also be ineluded as part of cap 42.
The cap 42 illustrated in Figure 1 is intended to be removed to expose element tip 38 for soldering purposes.
It is also contemplated that the cap may be eonstrueted as shown in Figure 5 such as the main body 50 remains permanently attached to the unit and end 51 retraets telescopieally into the body 50 to expose the soldering element tip 38.
When it is desired to use the soldering iron aeeording to the present invention fuel is added to the reservoir if neeessary. With the eap attaehed to the unit, the control handle of the regulator valve is aetivated to permit flow of the fuel. The igniter is aetivated whieh 7~
results in combustion of the fuel~air mixture in the combustion chamber. Initially, the fuel/air mixture will burn and a flame will be observed. The flame is directed onto threaded end 37 of the soldering element which, being highly heat conductive, causes element tip 38 to be heated almost instantly. Gradually, the catalytic combustor is heated by the flame and it will begin to burn as is known in the art. As more and more of the catalytic combustor burns less of the gas/air mixture will pass through the lQ combustor and the flame will gradually extinguish. Eventually, the entire combustion is contained within the ca-talytic com-bustor. The cap may be removed shortly after ignition. It is to be noted that the cap has an exhaust opening 48 which prevents pressure buildup therein. After the cap is removed the tip is sufficiently hot to commence soldering.
As illustrated in the drawings, end 37 of element 36 is in direct contact with the catalytic combustor. Thus, after the flame is extinguished the element is heated by flameless combustion within the combustor. The element which is made of high temperature, heat conducting material, is heated by radiation and the heat is rapidly conducted to the wedge or tip. An element made of copper-chrome alloy and nickle plated has been used with success. The walls of the combustion chamber are also heated by conduction from the combustor and this heat, which reaches the cone end of the combustion chamber, is concentrated through the threaded opening directly to the soldering element. Thus, the element and, consequently, the tip, is heated through both the conduction and radiation. Openings in the cone end permit the exhaust created by combustion to escape.
~2~27~
By regulating the fuel flow by means of the control valve, the combustion temperature and the temperature of the soldering element may be varied. In practice, the combustor holds sufficient heat that the fuel valve may be shut off completely for a short period of time and will reignite when the fuel is turned on again. Additionally, it is easy to control combustion at a minimum level with the catalytic combustor.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the unit is cylindrical in shape comparable to a fountain pen or similar object. Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment wherein the handle and fuel reservoir combination are shaped like the handle of a conventional soldering gun. This embodi-ment is suited for larger soldering operations where higher heat a larger fuel capacity are desired.
This invention relates to a soldering iron and, more particularly, to a portable, gas powered soldering iron. Conventional, resistance-heated soldering irons have known limitations such as: heat-up time, inconvenient electrical cord, limited heating capacity, inductive properties and potential spark generation.
In the present invention a soldering iron is provided which is small and convenient to use yet having variable heat capabilities, virtually instant heat, fully portable and spark-free which is essential when used to solder ICs. The soldering iron of the present invention has a soldering element tip which is initially heated by a gas-burning flame and subsequently by a gas fed ca-talytic combustor. The flow of gas to the combustion zone may be regulated so as to provide control of the heat generated at the element tip.
According to a broad aspect of the presen-t invention there is provided a gas powered, pencil-shaped, soldering iron suitable for positioning a pocket of an article of clothing. The gas powered soldering iron comprises a fuel reservoir having a nozzle secured thereto with conduit means. Control means is attached to the reservoir to control fuel flowing therefrom into the conduit means. Venturi means is secured in front of the conduit means and spaced therefrom whereby fuel from the conduit means is focused in an axial opening of the venturi means and mixed with air internally of the soldering iron. A combustion chamber is disposed at the end of a transfer tube which is adapted to caxry a jet-stream of fuel/air mixture to the combustion chamber. A catal ~ic -: ' '7~
combustor of porous material is disposed in the combustion chamber. The combus-tor is adapted to burn in combination with the air/fuel mixture. A soldering element is attached to the combustion chamber and arranged to be hea-ted by combus-tion in the combustion chamber. Focusing means is associated with -the combustion chamber to focus the flame onto an end of the soldering element during initial combustion, and wherein the flame gradually extinguishes as the catalytic combustor begins to burn.
The soldering iron will now be described in greater detail wi-th reference to the appended illustrations wherein:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the soldering iron;
Figure 2 illustrates the combustion chamber;
- la -5Z7~
Figure 3 is an expanded view of the vaporizer-control valve handle;
Figure 4 is an expanded view of the combustor;
Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment wherein the cap is retractable, and Figure 6 shows an alternate handle co~figuration.
DETAILE~ DESCRIPTION
As illustrated in Figure 1, the soldering iron of the present invention includes a fuel reservoir 15. The reservoir 15 shown as a hollow cylinder includes a filler-opening 16. The opening 16 is a spring-loaded, one-way valve which permits entry of the liquid fuel to the reservoir.
Although several types of liquid fuel may be used, it is contemplated by the present in~ention that the fuel is butane, or the like, which is readily available in containers for use in filling cigarette lighters in a manner well known in the art. Although not specifically described it is to be understood that reservoir 15 may be replaced by a throw-away type fuel cartridge available commercially.
The opposite end of the reservoir is provided with a wick 13 which serves to oonduct the fuel in a liquid state to opening 18. A regulator or control valve 19 is provided in opening 18 for the purpose of controlling the quantity of fuel which is permitted to flow out of the reservoir. The regulator valve acts as a vaporizer as is well known in the art and changes the fuel from a liquid state to a gaseous form. The amount of gaseous fuel exiting from the reservoir is regulated by the control valve which may be va`ried from a R~S~O
fully closed to a fully open position. The control valve is activated by handle 20 which extends to the outside of the soldering unit.
A nozzle 21 having a diameter of approximately 0.002" to 0.003" focuses the fuel passing through the control valve 19 into venturi 22. Venturi 22 formed of heat resistant material such as bakelite or the like, fits over end 23 of reservoir 15 and handle 20 of control valve 19 projects through a slot 2~ therein. Venturi 22 has a central axial opening 25 having a diameter between 0.05"
and 0.07" and, more particuarly, 0.06".
As the fuel flows through venturi opening 25 air is drawn into the stream where they mix prior to being injected into transfer tube 30. Transfer tube 30, made of low heat conducting material, directs the fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber 31. The combustion chamber 31, constructed of heat resistant and high heat conducting material, fits over the transfer tube 32. The opposite end 33 of the combustion chamber is cone shaped having 2Q openings 34 suitably located. The cone end 33 has an axial opening 35 therethrough, the opening being threaded so as to receive soldering element 36 therein. Soldering element 36 has at one end a threaded portion 37 adapted to threadably engage threaded opening 35. The opposite end 38 of soldering element 36 has a wedge or similar shaped tip which is parti-cularly suited for use in a soldering operation.
The combustion chamber 31 contains a catalytic combustor 40O The combustor 40 is made of high temperature material such as ceramic or asbestos in a cloth-like format ~;~lS;~7~
impregnated with a known catalytic materia], such as platinum or palladium. The combustor 40, being cloth-like, is porous thus permitting the gas~air mix~ure to flow through. In the present case the combustor is encased in a stainless wire mesh.
The outer surface of the venturi, the transfer tube and the combustion chamber, as shown in the illustration, are tubular, although it is understood that other shapes may be used. In the present case the outer surface of venturi 22 is provided with a step 41 which receives and holds by friction fit, cap 42. Cap 42, also tubular, covers the transfer tube, combustion chamber and element when not in use. The cap 42 also includes a flint and friction wheel 43 well known in the art as an igniter for cigarette lighters and the like. Since the soldering iron in a preferred embodiment is comparable in size to a fountain pen, it may conveniently be earried in a shirt or jaeket poeket. Aeeordingly, elip 44 may also be ineluded as part of cap 42.
The cap 42 illustrated in Figure 1 is intended to be removed to expose element tip 38 for soldering purposes.
It is also contemplated that the cap may be eonstrueted as shown in Figure 5 such as the main body 50 remains permanently attached to the unit and end 51 retraets telescopieally into the body 50 to expose the soldering element tip 38.
When it is desired to use the soldering iron aeeording to the present invention fuel is added to the reservoir if neeessary. With the eap attaehed to the unit, the control handle of the regulator valve is aetivated to permit flow of the fuel. The igniter is aetivated whieh 7~
results in combustion of the fuel~air mixture in the combustion chamber. Initially, the fuel/air mixture will burn and a flame will be observed. The flame is directed onto threaded end 37 of the soldering element which, being highly heat conductive, causes element tip 38 to be heated almost instantly. Gradually, the catalytic combustor is heated by the flame and it will begin to burn as is known in the art. As more and more of the catalytic combustor burns less of the gas/air mixture will pass through the lQ combustor and the flame will gradually extinguish. Eventually, the entire combustion is contained within the ca-talytic com-bustor. The cap may be removed shortly after ignition. It is to be noted that the cap has an exhaust opening 48 which prevents pressure buildup therein. After the cap is removed the tip is sufficiently hot to commence soldering.
As illustrated in the drawings, end 37 of element 36 is in direct contact with the catalytic combustor. Thus, after the flame is extinguished the element is heated by flameless combustion within the combustor. The element which is made of high temperature, heat conducting material, is heated by radiation and the heat is rapidly conducted to the wedge or tip. An element made of copper-chrome alloy and nickle plated has been used with success. The walls of the combustion chamber are also heated by conduction from the combustor and this heat, which reaches the cone end of the combustion chamber, is concentrated through the threaded opening directly to the soldering element. Thus, the element and, consequently, the tip, is heated through both the conduction and radiation. Openings in the cone end permit the exhaust created by combustion to escape.
~2~27~
By regulating the fuel flow by means of the control valve, the combustion temperature and the temperature of the soldering element may be varied. In practice, the combustor holds sufficient heat that the fuel valve may be shut off completely for a short period of time and will reignite when the fuel is turned on again. Additionally, it is easy to control combustion at a minimum level with the catalytic combustor.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the unit is cylindrical in shape comparable to a fountain pen or similar object. Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment wherein the handle and fuel reservoir combination are shaped like the handle of a conventional soldering gun. This embodi-ment is suited for larger soldering operations where higher heat a larger fuel capacity are desired.
Claims (8)
1. A gas powered, pencil-shaped, soldering iron suitable for positioning in a pocket of an article of clothing, compris-ing a fuel reservoir, a nozzle secured to said reservoir and having conduit means, control means attached to said reservoir to control fuel flowing therefrom into said conduit means, venturi means secured in front of said conduit means and spaced therefrom whereby fuel from said conduit means is focused in an axial opening of said venturi means and mixed with air internally of said soldering iron, a combustion chamber, transfer tube adapted to carry a jet-stream of fuel/air mixture to said combustion chamber, a catalytic combustor of porous material in said combustion chamber, said combustor being adapted to burn in combination with said air/fuel mixture, and a soldering element attached to said combustion chamber and arranged to be heated by combus-tion in said combustion chamber, focusing means associated with said combustion chamber to focus said flame onto an end of said soldering element during initial combustion and wherein said flame gradually extinguishes as said catalytic combustor begins to burn.
2. The soldering iron of claim 1, further including a cap removably positioned over said combustion chamber and soldering element.
3. The soldering iron of claim 2, wherein said cap includes spark creating ignition means.
4. The soldering iron of claim 1, wherein said control means is capable of stopping the flow of fuel from said reservoir.
5. The soldering iron of claim 1, wherein said porous material is impregnated with platinum.
6. The soldering iron of claim 1, wherein said porous material is impregnated with palladium.
7. The soldering iron of claim 1, wherein said porous material is asbestos cloth.
8. The soldering iron of claim 1, wherein said porous material is ceramic cloth.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000479480A CA1215270A (en) | 1985-04-18 | 1985-04-18 | Fuel operated soldering iron |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000479480A CA1215270A (en) | 1985-04-18 | 1985-04-18 | Fuel operated soldering iron |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1215270A true CA1215270A (en) | 1986-12-16 |
Family
ID=4130302
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000479480A Expired CA1215270A (en) | 1985-04-18 | 1985-04-18 | Fuel operated soldering iron |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1215270A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5094611A (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1992-03-10 | Atomic Energy Of Canada Limited | Catalyst structures and burners for heat producing devices |
-
1985
- 1985-04-18 CA CA000479480A patent/CA1215270A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5094611A (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1992-03-10 | Atomic Energy Of Canada Limited | Catalyst structures and burners for heat producing devices |
| US5368475A (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1994-11-29 | Atomic Energy Of Canada Limited | Catalyst structures and burners for heat producing devices |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |