Soldering apparatus

#The present invention relates to soldering apparatus.

#Increasing miniaturisation of electronic components and associated increases in operating speeds and component numbers has rendered such components increasingly susceptible to damage by extraneous electrical influences including electrostatic charge, induced current by capacitance, leakage current from mains supply, switching current in temperature controlled soldering tools, mains supply transients etc.

#Much research has been devoted to the design of soldering tools and associated power supply units to isolate the soldering tip element from extraneous electrical influences. Developments to this end include screening the power supply with Faraday shields, switching the power supply at zero-cross over, incorporating static electricity dissipating materials in handles and power cords, and improving grounding of the soldering tool frame.

#A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

#FIG. 1 shows a partly cut-away view of a soldering tool incorporating the improved ground contacting formation of the present invention; and

#FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the formation embedded in the shank of the tip element remote from the soldering face.

#Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a soldering tool including handle portion 10, frame portion 11, barrel cover 12 and tip 13. Barrel cover 12 holds tip element 13 within frame 11 by rearward compression. Barrel 12 includes a threaded base 14 which engages threaded portion 15 of frame 11. Barrel 12 includes a reduced diameter portion 16 which engages flange 17 of tip element 13.

#Frame 11 includes a metal insert plug 18. Plug 18 has a conical spike formation 19. Spike formation 19 is adapted to embed itself in the rear face 20 of the shank of tip element 13 (refer FIG. 2). Plug 18 is substantially cylindrical and includes a fluted region 21 around its circumference. Fluted region 21 is adapted to provide a tight interference fit between insert plug 18 and frame 11. Fluted region 21 is adapted to firmly engage the side wall of cylindrical recess 22 in frame 11 to provide good electrical contact therebetween.

#Insert plug 18 may be any convenient length. The length of insert plug 18 will in general depend on the length of the shank of the tip element 13.