Abstract:
Apparatus especially useful for centering an electronic component on a surface for subsequent pickup and placement on a circuit board. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws which are driven in unison toward and away from each other by a lead screw or similar mechanism, each of the jaws having a part adapted to engage a respective side of a component to be positioned. The engagement part of each jaw is resiliently loaded such as by a spring or air cylinder and is in a normally outward position. The jaws are pre-aligned so that they drive in unison toward a predetermined center line. A component place between the jaws is contacted by the engagement parts of the jaws when the jaws move toward each other, and is moved into alignment on the center line. The jaws over-travel the aligned position against the spring pressure of the jaws, this spring pressure providing an intended over-travel force which prevents excessive force on the component by the engaged jaws. The over-travel also allows acceptance of a range of component sizes for the same jaw configuration.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for vapor conservation and control for use with vapor phase soldering, degreasing, or similar systems having a tank into which work is introduced and removed. The air present above the processing vapor zone is drawn from the processing tank and cooled to condense the vapor, and the remaining air is then returned to the tank above the area of withdrawal. A negative pressure is preferably created at the tank entrance such that air flow is into the tank to prevent emission of vapor and pollutants from the tank into the atmosphere.
Abstract:
An infrared (IR) heater array apparatus that provides focused lines of IR radiation for soldering integrated circuit components or devices, especially fine pitch integrated circuit devices (FPD), in aligned combination with printed circuit boards. The apparatus is configured for concentric mounting in combination with the placement head of placement apparatus wherein FPDs and other IC devices may be bonded to the circuit board while the device is held in place by the placement apparatus. One preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes an array of IR lamps and associated lamp envelopes and lenses, together with control apparatus for operating the IR lamps and aligning the focused IR radiation generated thereby. The radiation generated by the IR lamps is configured to provide a desired line pattern of energy which is directed onto the leads of a device being soldered. The perimeter of the energy pattern is programmably alterable to suit particular device lead sizes and configurations.
Abstract:
A contact heater for soldering and desoldering electronic components that is heated by hot air supplied into a cavity of the contact heater. A thermally conductive heating blade is used to contact an area to be heated, while a heat shield protects adjacent electronic components from external heat generated by the contact heater.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for vapor conservation and control for use with vapor phase soldering, degreasing, or similar systems having an open tank containing the vapor into which work is introduced and removed. The present invention comprises apparatus associated with the tank and operative to create a counter-convection flow which opposes the outward convection flow of vapor from the open tank. The process vapor is substantially retained within the tank while maintaining an open central channel for work entry and removal. The counter-convection flow is produced by establishment of a temperature differential by cooling and/or heating means disposed to cause a convection flow in a downward direction which opposes the normal upward flow of vapor from the tank.
Abstract:
A continuous vapor processing system for vapor phase soldering, degreasing, or similar processes wherein a product is moved into and out of a vessel in a continuous manner via open conduits or channels while preventing escape of vapor from the processing tank and the conduits.
Abstract:
A placement apparatus for placing and mounting circuit components or devices in aligned combination with circuit boards. The apparatus includes an imaging system, a first stage moveable in first and second opposite directions between first and second predetermined positions, for positioning the circuit board onto which the component is to be placed within a field of view of the imaging system. A second stage, for holding the circuit component, is movably coupled to the first stage. The apparatus further includes a component pick-up system disposed about the first stage for picking up the circuit component from the second stage and placing the circuit component in a predetermined position on the first stage. The imaging system is coupled to a graphical user interface system for providing a position indicator on a monitor screen, wherein the position indicator identifies the location of a particular feature of the circuit board or the circuit component.
Abstract:
An infrared (IR) heater array apparatus that provides focused lines of IR radiation for soldering integrated circuit components or devices, especially fine pitch integrated circuit devices (FPD), in aligned combination with printed circuit boards. The apparatus is configured for concentric mounting in combination with the placement head of placement apparatus wherein FPDs and other IC devices may be bonded to the circuit board while the device is held in place by the placement apparatus. One preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a rectangular frame member having four radiation slits, a rectangular array of four IR lamps and associated lamp envelopes mounted in combination outside the frame member, X and Y pairs of reflecting members rotatably mounted within the frame member, and control subsystems for operating the IR lamps and aligning the focused IR radiation generated thereby. The radiation generated by the IR lamps is convergingly reflected by the associated lamp envelopes to pass through the radiation slits toward the rotational axis of the X and Y pairs of reflecting members. The X and Y pairs of reflecting members are rotationally oriented to reflect IR radiation onto the bonding sites to effect bonding of the FPD to the circuit board.
Abstract:
A solder leveling system for use in vapor phase soldering of printed wiring boards. A transport system operating in a near-horizontal mode moves the board to be solder coated through a vapor zone in a chamber having a solder pot which has a throat in line with the plane of the transport system. The near-horizontal movement through the vapor and into and out of the solder pot prevents solder sag and permits control of the thickness of solder deposited on the opposing board surfaces. Leveling nozzles are positioned in a vapor-filled chamber astride the transport system between the solder pot and the chamber throat. Perpendicular nozzle offset distance from the board and nozzle angle are adjustable. Preferably one nozzle projects a stream normal to the board, with the other nozzle projecting a grazing stream for clearing through holes. A nozzle flow rate corresponding to a predetermined energy threshold provides reliable hole clearing. Preferably the chamber throat is cooled for vapor containment, forming one of three cooling zones for vapor containment, vapor leveling, and condensation. In the preferred solder pot, as the board enters the sloping throat, solders spills over a weir into a reservoir from whence it is pumped into a standpipe which charges the sloping throat. Preferably solder is added to the pot through a drop tube having a lower end immersed in the solder to provide a unique vapor seal and means for determining the level of solder. A preferred transport system utilizes a spring loaded carrier providing easy loading and unloading of the boards.