Grease supply unit and conveying heating device

Abstract

Provided is a lubricating grease supply unit and a conveyance heating device capable of preventing dripping of lubricating grease and generation of metal chips. The lubricating grease supply unit supplies lubricating grease to a conveyance chain provided with rollers and chain plate sections and chain plate sections with fittings on both sides of the rollers, the chain plate sections with fittings having fittings for conveying conveyed objects, and is characterized by one or more idlers that come into contact with the rollers of the conveyance chain and one or more nozzles that supply lubricating grease to the outer peripheral surfaces of the idlers, wherein the lubricating grease supplied to the idlers is supplied to the conveyance chain by transfer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a grease supply unit for supplying grease to a chain and a conveying and heating device having the grease supply unit. Background Technology

[0002] In conveyor chains, such as roller chains, proper lubrication via oil injection is crucial. Inadequate lubrication can sometimes lead to shortened lifespan or increased noise due to component wear. For example, in reflow soldering equipment, conveyor chains are used to transport electronic components or printed circuit boards. A reflow soldering equipment includes a reflow oven to which the object to be heated, such as a printed circuit board, is supplied by the conveyor chain. The reflow oven is, for example, configured with multiple heating furnaces (heating furnaces) arranged sequentially along a conveyor path from the inlet to the outlet, corresponding to multiple zones. These zones function as heating zones, cooling zones, etc., depending on their purpose.

[0003] In the heating zone, hot air is blown onto the substrate to melt the solder in the solder composition, thus soldering the electrodes of the printed circuit board to the electronic components. In the reflow soldering apparatus, the heating temperature is controlled according to the desired temperature distribution, thereby performing the desired soldering. In such a reflow soldering apparatus, tiny metal shavings are generated due to friction between the conveyor chain and sprockets, and friction between the conveyor chain and the guide section. It is necessary to prevent these metal shavings from adhering to the printed circuit board, requiring proper lubrication. However, it is undesirable for lubricant to adhere to the printed circuit board, which is the object being heated, during lubrication.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an oil supply device capable of uniformly and reliably supplying oil to a chain. In Patent Document 1, lubricating oil flows through an oil supply hole in the upper track onto the upper surface of the upper key member. The lubricating oil flowing onto the upper surface of the upper key member is transferred from the upper surface to the side portion and supplied to the end of the chain bushing. The lubricating oil supplied to the end of the bushing enters between the upper key member and the bushing through a gap, spreading and covering the entire upper circumferential surface of the bushing. This reduces the frictional resistance between the chain sliding on the lower surface of the upper key member and the upper key member. Furthermore, it reduces the frictional resistance between the chain sliding on the upper surface of the lower key member and the lower key member. Thus, in Patent Document 1, oil is supplied to the chain by means of a transfer member.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure for automatically supplying lubricating oil to the chain without stopping the equipment. Specifically, in a reflow oven comprising a supply unit for supplying oil to the chain and a tank for supplying oil to the supply unit, a stopcock is provided in the tank for adjusting the amount of oil supplied. The supply unit supplies oil using capillary action, ensuring that the distance between the supply unit and the chain is less than the length of oil droplets formed on the lower surface of the supply unit due to the balance of gravity and surface tension, and that there is a gap between the supply unit and the chain where they do not contact each other, thus supplying oil to the chain in a continuous manner. Patent Document 2 employs a structure that includes a chain cleaning unit.

[0006] Patent document 3 describes an automatic lubricant supply device: In a reflow soldering apparatus having a conveying section for transporting printed circuit boards via a chain with bushings (pins), by arranging an lubrication supply device at any position in the conveying section for supplying lubricant only to the chain rollers, lubrication can be automatically supplied to the bushinged chain without causing lubricant to adhere to the printed circuit board. Furthermore, automatic lubrication can be performed during the transport of the printed circuit board, reducing the frequency of lubrication operations. That is, it prevents situations where lubricant drips onto the bushing of the bushinged chain, or adheres to the end face of the printed circuit board, thereby damaging the quality of the printed circuit board.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4993015

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3801765

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 3577203 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0013] In the apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, oil (grease) is used. In the case of reflow soldering equipment, continuous operation at high temperatures leads to poor durability due to deterioration caused by slippage and volatilization due to high temperatures, especially with low-viscosity oil. In contrast, grease has high viscosity and therefore superior durability compared to oil. Furthermore, it offers the advantage of capturing generated metal shavings, preventing grease from adhering to the printed circuit board. On the other hand, it is necessary to prevent the supplied grease from adhering to the pins and then to the printed circuit board, which is the object being heated.

[0014] When applying grease, the grease is applied to both the upper and lower surfaces (both sides) of the chain plate. However, applying grease to the rollers held by the chain plate also causes grease to drip. Furthermore, if grease is simply dripped, it will not adhere sufficiently to the chain, requiring a process to spread the grease after dripping. Additionally, because the chain is clamped by metal guides to restrict its forward movement, metal shavings may be generated from the upper and lower surfaces due to contact between the chain and the metal guides.

[0015] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a grease supply unit and a conveying heating device that can prevent grease from dripping and metal shavings from being generated.

[0016] Solution for solving the problem

[0017] This invention relates to a grease supply unit that supplies grease to a conveyor chain. The conveyor chain includes rollers, chain plate portions located on both sides of the rollers, and chain plate portions with fittings. The chain plate portions with fittings have fittings for conveying the conveyed object. The grease supply unit comprises:

[0018] One or more idler wheels, the one or more idler wheels contacting the rollers of the conveyor chain; and

[0019] One or more nozzles supply grease to the outer circumferential surface of the idler wheel.

[0020] In this process, grease is supplied to the idler wheel via a transfer process.

[0021] In addition, the present invention is a conveying heating device, which includes a heating device and a conveying chain. The heating device is equipped with one or more heating furnaces, configured to blow hot air onto the object to be heated through the heating furnaces, and the conveying chain transports the workpiece into the heating device.

[0022] The conveyor chain has rollers, chain plate portions located on both sides of the rollers, and chain plate portions with fittings, wherein the chain plate portions with fittings have fittings for conveying the conveyed items.

[0023] The conveying heating device is equipped with a grease supply unit that supplies grease to the conveying chain.

[0024] The grease supply unit includes:

[0025] One or more idler wheels, the one or more idler wheels contacting the rollers of the conveyor chain; and

[0026] One or more nozzles supply grease to the outer circumferential surface of the idler wheel.

[0027] In this process, grease is supplied to the idler wheel via a transfer process.

[0028] The effects of the invention

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, a transfer method using an idler wheel is employed, thus enabling sufficient application of grease to the designated area and allowing for simultaneous application and spreading of the grease. Furthermore, it offers the advantage that since the idler wheel remains in constant contact with the chain, and the chain drives along the idler wheel, the grease will not adhere to areas outside the designated area. Moreover, it eliminates the need for metal guides to restrict the position of the conveyor chain, thereby suppressing the generation of metal shavings. Furthermore, the effects described herein are not necessarily limiting and may include any effects described in this disclosure. Additionally, the invention is not to be construed as limited by the effects exemplified in the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a reflow soldering apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a graph showing an example of temperature distribution during reflow soldering.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the chain guide section.

[0033] Figure 4 This is the main view used in the description of the conveyor chain.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view of a grease supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of an idler wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of an idler wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the system structure of one embodiment of the grease supply control unit.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the mounting positions of the components of one embodiment of the grease supply control unit relative to the reflow soldering apparatus.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of one embodiment of the grease supply control unit.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the system structure of another embodiment of the grease supply control unit.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the detection of the amount of grease in a container that serves as a grease supply vessel.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the mounting positions of the components of another embodiment of the grease supply control unit relative to the reflow soldering apparatus.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of another embodiment of the grease supply control unit.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] 101: Reflow soldering unit; 103: Conveyor chain; W: Workpiece; 11: Grease supply system; 12a, 12b: Grease supply unit; 13: Grease supply control unit; 14: Chain guide; 24: Base plate retaining pin; 36a: Chain plate with accessories; 36b: Chain plate; 50a, 50b: Idler wheel; 51a, 51b: Nozzle; 54: Circular plate; 61: PLC; 63: Encoder unit; 72: Injector; 73, 83: Dispenser; 82: Can. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Furthermore, the description will proceed in the following order.

[0047] <1. An example of a reflow soldering unit>

[0048] <2. Grease Supply Unit>

[0049] <3. Grease Supply Control Section>

[0050] <4. Variations>

[0051] Furthermore, the embodiment described below is a preferred example of the present invention, with various technically preferred limitations added. However, unless otherwise specified in the following description, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0052] <1. An example of a reflow soldering unit>

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic structure of a conventional reflow soldering apparatus 101 to which the present invention can be applied is shown. The reflow soldering apparatus 101 includes: a reflow oven 102; a conveyor chain 103 that carries a heated object, such as a printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a workpiece) with surface-mount electronic components mounted on both sides, through the reflow oven 102; rotating bodies (idler wheels, sprockets, etc.) 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d that define the movement path of the conveyor chain 103; and an outer plate 106. Furthermore, in Figure 1In the image, only one of the two parallel conveyor chains, conveyor chain 103, is shown.

[0054] The reflow oven 102 is used to heat the workpiece W from above and below and then cool it after heating. The conveyor chain 103 is one of two conveyor chains arranged parallel to the conveying direction. For example, a roller chain is used as the conveyor chain 103. The outer plate 106 is a housing used to cover the entire structure.

[0055] After workpiece W is moved into reflow oven 102 from inlet 107, it is conveyed by conveyor chain 103 at a specified speed in the direction of the arrow (towards). Figure 1 The workpiece (W) is conveyed from left to right and is eventually removed from the outlet 108. Although not shown in the figure, a workpiece inlet device for inleting workpiece W is provided before the inlet 107, and a workpiece outlet device for outletting workpiece W is provided after the outlet 108.

[0056] The reflow oven 102 is divided into, for example, nine zones Z1 to Z9 along a conveying path from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108, arranged in an inline. Seven zones Z1 to Z7, starting from the inlet 107 side, are heating zones, and two zones Z8 and Z9, starting from the outlet 108 side, are cooling zones. Forced cooling units (not shown) are provided in conjunction with the cooling zones Z8 and Z9. Alternatively, other numbers of zones may be used. The multiple zones Z1 to Z9 control the temperature of the workpiece W according to the temperature distribution during reflow soldering. Each of the heating zones Z1 to Z7 has an upper heating unit and a lower heating unit, including a blower.

[0057] The temperature of the heated object is controlled by the multiple zones Z1 to Z9 mentioned above according to the temperature distribution during reflow soldering. Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of temperature distribution. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the surface temperature of the heated object, such as a printed circuit board with electronic components mounted on it. The initial zone is the heating section R1, where the temperature rises through heating. The next zone is the preheating section R2, where the temperature is roughly fixed. The next zone is the reflow soldering (main heating) section R3, and the final zone is the cooling section R4.

[0058] The heating section R1 is the period during which the substrate is heated from room temperature to the preheating section R2 (e.g., 150°C to 170°C). The preheating section R2 is used for processes such as isothermal heating to activate the flux, remove oxide films from the surfaces of the electrodes and solder powder, and eliminate uneven heating of the printed circuit board. The reflow soldering section R3 (e.g., peak temperature 220°C to 240°C) is the period during which the solder melts and bonding is completed. In the reflow soldering section R3, the temperature needs to be raised to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the solder. Even after the preheating section R2, there is uneven temperature rise; therefore, in the reflow soldering section R3, the temperature needs to be raised to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the solder. The final cooling section R4 is the period during which the printed circuit board is rapidly cooled and the solder composition is formed. Furthermore, in the case of lead-free solder, the temperature in the reflow section is even higher (e.g., 240°C to 260°C).

[0059] exist Figure 2 Curve 1 shows an example of the temperature distribution for lead-free solder. Curve 2 shows an example of the temperature distribution for Sn-Pb eutectic solder. Since the melting point of lead-free solder is higher than that of eutectic solder, the set temperatures for lead-free solder in the preheating section R2 and reflow section R3 are set to higher temperatures compared to eutectic solder.

[0060] exist Figure 1 In the reflow soldering apparatus shown, Figure 2 Temperature control of the heating section R1 is mainly handled by zones Z1 and Z2. Temperature control of the preheating section R2 is mainly handled by zones Z3, Z4, and Z5. Temperature control of the reflow soldering section R3 is handled by zones Z6 and Z7. Temperature control of the cooling section R4 is handled by zones Z8 and Z9.

[0061] <2. Grease Supply Unit>

[0062] A grease supply system 11 is provided at a position, for example, before the inlet 107 of the conveyor chain 103. The grease supply system 11 can be located outside the area where the workpiece W is being transported, even if it is not shown in the figure. The grease supply system 11 includes a grease supply section 12 and a grease supply control section 13. The grease supply section 12 includes a grease supply unit 12a that supplies grease to the workpiece mounting surface (upper surface) side 103a of the conveyor chain 103 and a grease supply unit 12b that supplies grease to the opposite (lower surface) side 103b of the workpiece mounting surface of the conveyor chain 103. These grease supply units 12a and 12b have the same structure.

[0063] Grease is supplied to grease supply units 12a and 12b via piping from the grease supply control unit 13, and grease is supplied to the conveyor chain 103 via grease supply units 12a and 12b. Furthermore, the grease supply unit 12 is not limited to a structure that supplies grease to both sides of the conveyor chain 103 as in this example; it can also be a structure that supplies grease to only one side of the conveyor chain 103. The grease supply control unit 13 stores a set amount of grease in a syringe, for example, and dispenses the grease from the syringe via a dispenser. Various types of dispensers can be used, such as those using pneumatic compression or those that extrude grease using an electric motor. Grease is supplied continuously or intermittently to one revolution of the conveyor chain 103 via the grease supply system 11. A similar grease supply system is provided for other conveyor chains (not shown).

[0064] An encoder unit is provided in the reflow soldering apparatus 101 to measure the travel distance of the conveyor chain 103. When the conveyor chain 103 reaches a predetermined travel distance, an alarm indicating that grease supply is required is generated. Upon receiving the alarm, a grease supply operation is performed. The amount of grease required for one grease supply is stored in, for example, a syringe in the grease supply control unit 13. Furthermore, an embodiment of the grease supply control unit 13 will be described later.

[0065] The consistency of the grease that can be used in the grease supply system 11 described above will be explained. The consistency of the grease is defined as a "JIS number (Japanese Industrial Standard Number)". In this invention, greases with a consistency ranging from JIS number 0 to 3, for example, a JIS number of 2, can be used. A JIS number 0 grease is characterized as "extremely soft," e.g., ketchup. A JIS number 1 grease is characterized as "soft," e.g., mayonnaise. A JIS number 2 grease is characterized as "normal," e.g., red bean paste. A JIS number 3 grease is characterized as "slightly firm," e.g., butter.

[0066] When the grease is too soft, the applied grease will sag from the conveyor chain or fail to capture metal shavings. On the other hand, when the grease is too hard, the grease supply control unit 13 will be unable to dispense the grease. Therefore, a grease with a consistency within the range described above is used.

[0067] exist Figure 1 In the reflow soldering apparatus 101 shown, a chain guide 14 is provided along the conveying path from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108. Figure 3A cross-section of the chain guide 14 is shown. For example, the cross-section of the track 21, orthogonal to the transport path, is shaped like the letter "ko," and has an upper track 25 and a lower track 26. The upper track 25 is located above the transport chain 103, and the lower track 26 is located below the transport chain 103. Chain guides 22 and 23 are mounted on the upper track 25 and the lower track 26. The chain guides 22 and 23 are, for example, stainless steel tracks extending along the chain transport direction, supporting the transport chain 103 by clamping it from above and below. The transport chain 103 has a substrate holding pin 24 for transporting a printed circuit board as a workpiece. The substrate holding pin 24 is an accessory added for transporting, and is shaped to correspond to the object being transported. For example, it can also be a plate-shaped accessory other than a pin.

[0068] An example of a conveyor chain 103 in one embodiment will be described. Figure 4 The units constituting the conveyor chain 103 are shown. Figure 4 In this design, 31 is a pin, 32a and 32b are inner chain plates, 33a and 33b are outer chain plates, 34 is a roller, and 35 is a chain plate with a base plate retaining pin 24. The roller 34 is rotatably mounted on the pin 31. The pin 31 is supported by two parallel, opposing inner chain plates 32a and 32b and two parallel, opposing outer chain plates 33a and 33b. Alternatively, the roller 34 can be a fixed, non-rotating component such as a cylindrical body.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the outer diameter of roller 34 is set to be smaller than the width of inner chain plates 32a, 32b and outer chain plates 33a, 33b. Figure 4 In the example, the widths of the inner link plates 32a and 32b and the outer link plates 33a and 33b are set to be equal, and the width of the link plate 35 with pins is set to be slightly larger than the widths of the inner link plates and the outer link plates.

[0070] Grease is supplied to the surface of roller 34. The grease enters the gap between pin 31 and roller 34 to ensure proper lubrication. However, there is a concern that the supplied grease may adhere to the substrate retaining pin 24 and also to the workpiece W; therefore, it is necessary to avoid grease adhering to the substrate retaining pin 24. Furthermore, the inner chain plate 32a, outer chain plate 33a, and chain plate 35 with pins are appropriately referred to as chain plate section 36a with fittings, and the inner chain plate 32b and outer chain plate 33b are appropriately referred to simply as chain plate section 36b. Additionally, fittings other than pins may also be provided.

[0071] Figure 5Enlarged views show portions of the grease supply units 12a and 12b. An idler wheel 50a is provided that rotates in contact with the workpiece-mounted surface of the conveyor chain 103, which moves in the direction of the arrow, and an idler wheel 50b is provided that rotates in contact with the surface opposite to the workpiece-mounted surface of the conveyor chain 103. The idler wheels 50a and 50b rotate upon receiving power from the conveyor chain 103 and are provided to limit the extension of the conveyor chain 103 or absorb its elongation. The idler wheels 50a and 50b are made of metal and are roller-shaped.

[0072] Nozzle 51a is supported by mounting plate 52a such that nozzle 51a is positioned above idler wheel 50a. Similarly, nozzle 51b is supported by mounting plate 52b such that nozzle 51b is positioned above idler wheel 50b. Grease is supplied to nozzles 51a and 51b from grease supply control unit 13 via grease supply pipe (not shown). Grease is sprayed from the tip of nozzle 51a onto the circumferential surface of idler wheel 50a, thereby applying grease to the circumferential surface of idler wheel 50a. Grease is sprayed from the tip of nozzle 51b onto the circumferential surface of idler wheel 50b, thereby applying grease to the circumferential surface of idler wheel 50b. The distance between the circumferential surface of idler wheel 50a and nozzle 51a, and the distance between the circumferential surface of idler wheel 50b and nozzle 51b, are adjusted to, for example, within the range of 0.8 (mm) to 1.2 (mm). When the gap is narrower than this, there is a risk of interference between idler wheel 50a and nozzle 51a, and between idler wheel 50b and nozzle 51b, or grease may easily accumulate. On the other hand, when the gap is larger than this, there is a concern that grease cannot be applied to the circumferential surfaces of idler wheels 50a and 50b. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, one grease supply unit is provided on one side of the conveyor chain 103, but two or more grease supply units may also be provided. Alternatively, a grease supply unit may be provided only on one side of the conveyor chain 103.

[0073] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure of idler wheel 50a is shown in more detail. Furthermore, the structure of idler wheel 50b is the same as that of idler wheel 50a. Idler wheel 50a has a circular plate 54 that is rotatably mounted on shaft 53 via bearing portion 55. (As shown...) Figure 6 As shown, the width of the circular plate 54 is set to be less than the interval between the chain plate portion 36a and the chain plate portion 36b with accessories of the conveyor chain 103, and the circumferential surface of the circular plate 54 rotates into contact with the circumferential surface of the roller 34 of the conveyor chain 103.

[0074] like Figure 7 As indicated by the middle arrow, the conveyor chain 103 moves forward, thereby causing the circular plate 54 of the idler wheel 50a to rotate counterclockwise. Grease is sprayed from above the circular plate 54 through a nozzle (not shown), and the grease is applied to the circumferential surface of the circular plate 54. The grease is then applied to the circumferential surface of the roller 34 of the conveyor chain 103 by the rotation of the circular plate 54.

[0075] In one embodiment of the invention, grease is transferred to the conveyor chain 103 via the idler wheel's circular plate 54, thus enabling simultaneous grease application and spreading processes. Furthermore, since the circular plate 54 remains in constant contact with the conveyor chain 103, and the conveyor chain 103 travels along the circular plate 54, grease does not adhere to areas other than the designated locations. Moreover, the travel path of the conveyor chain 103 is restricted by the circular plate 54 of the grease supply unit, thereby suppressing the generation of metal shavings through the grease supply unit.

[0076] <3. Grease Supply Control Section>

[0077] The grease supply control unit, which supplies grease to the aforementioned grease supply section, will be explained. Conventionally, operators apply grease to the conveyor chain after a specified period (e.g., approximately 3 months). However, if the operating conditions change within the specified period, the travel distance of the conveyor chain is not fixed, and the wear condition of the chain varies. That is, considering the differences in wear condition, the appropriate time for grease application differs for each device. Therefore, setting a uniform specified period makes it difficult to apply grease at the appropriate time.

[0078] The grease supply control unit described below determines the timing of grease application based on the actual cumulative travel distance of the conveyor chain, not on a given period. According to this method, grease can be applied at the appropriate time for each device.

[0079] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the system structure of one embodiment of the grease supply control unit. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the diagram, thick lines represent the path of air or grease, and solid lines represent the path of electrical signals. In the grease supply control unit, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 61 is installed as a control unit (sequencer). A PC (Personal Computer) and a display 62 are connected to the PLC 61.

[0080] The PLC 61 supplies the output of the encoder unit 63. The encoder unit 63 is an example of a travel distance detection unit for the conveyor chain 103. The encoder unit 63 includes, for example, a circular plate mounted on the drive shaft of the conveyor chain 103 and an optical sensor positioned close to the circular plate. The encoder unit 63 generates a travel distance signal (e.g., pulse count) proportional to the rotational speed of the drive shaft, i.e., the travel distance of the conveyor chain 103. The PLC 61 generates a coating preparation signal when the conveyor chain reaches a predetermined cumulative travel distance. The PLC 61 and the encoder unit 63 are housed inside the reflow soldering unit. The PC and display 62 are located at the top of the reflow soldering unit so that the operator can operate the PC while viewing the display screen.

[0081] The PLC 61 controls the reflow soldering unit according to the program set via the PC and display 62. It includes a grease application controller 71 controlled by the PLC 61. In addition to controlling the grease application controller 71, the PLC 61 also controls the overall system of the reflow soldering unit. This includes controlling the travel speed of the conveyor chain 103, the temperature of each zone, and the axial fans in each zone. One control process of the PLC 61 includes the control of grease supply.

[0082] The grease application controller 71, externally mounted on the reflow soldering equipment, includes a syringe 72 and a dispenser (air dispenser) 73. The syringe 72 is filled with, for example, the amount of grease required to apply grease to both sides of one side of the conveyor chain 103. Air and power, such as commercial power 74, can be supplied to the grease application controller 71, and the grease in the syringe 72 is dispensed from nozzles 51a and 51b by the air pressure from the dispenser 73. Furthermore, the amount of grease required for a single application is set to correspond to the total length of the conveyor chain 103, or to the amount required for the longest of the multiple lengths of the conveyor chain 103.

[0083] The dispenser 73 has a built-in timer, which allows control of the dispensing time. The amount of grease dispensed from the syringe 72 to nozzles 51a and 51b is expressed as (air pressure × dispensing time). Furthermore, even with the same air pressure and dispensing time, the dispensing amount varies depending on the consistency of the grease. Additionally, a start switch is provided in the dispenser 73. When the start switch is pressed, air is supplied to the syringe 72, and the air supply is stopped by the timer after a set time. Furthermore, the dispenser 73 can also be controlled to turn on / off via the timer function of the PLC 61.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the mounting positions of the various components of the grease supply control unit relative to the reflow soldering unit 101. (Regarding...) Figure 1The corresponding parts of the reflow soldering unit are marked with the same reference markings. However, the conveying direction is set to be the same as... Figure 1 Conversely, towards Figure 9 During observation, the workpiece is transported from right to left. An encoder unit 63, including a circular plate and a photodetector, is provided for the drive sprocket 109 of the transport chain 103.

[0085] The PLC 61, housed in the control box 110, is supplied with a travel distance signal from the encoder unit 63, and the travel distance is accumulated to calculate the cumulative travel distance. A PC and display 62 are installed on the inlet side of the reflow soldering unit. A distributor 73 is also installed on the inlet side. Power is supplied to the distributor 73 via the control box 110. Air is supplied to the distributor 73, and the air from the distributor 73 is supplied to the injector 72. Grease ejected from the injector 72 is supplied to the nozzles of the grease supply units 12a and 12b.

[0086] The processing of one embodiment of the grease supply control unit described above will be explained. As an example, it is set to apply grease according to the cumulative travel distance X (m) of the conveyor chain 103. The cumulative travel distance X (m) is calculated by the following formula.

[0087] X(m) = Conveying speed of the conveyor chain × Operating time × Number of operating days

[0088] The conveyor chain speed, operating time, and operating days are values ​​corresponding to the user operating the reflow soldering unit, and these values ​​are preset via PC and display 62. Furthermore, the cumulative travel distance X (m) corresponds to the number of pulses measured by encoder unit 63, therefore the cumulative travel distance X (m) is set as the number of pulses. As a specific example, X = 14400m and the number of pulses = approximately 6 million.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates the processing performed under the control of PLC 61.

[0090] Step S1: Accumulate the travel distance signal from encoder unit 63. When it is determined that the accumulated travel distance has reached the value corresponding to the set X (m), generate a grease application alarm as a coating preparation signal. The alarm sounds, and a message such as "Please perform grease application" is displayed on the screen of PC and monitor 62.

[0091] Step S2: Clear the grease application alarm. This can be done, for example, by the operator pressing the reset button. When cleared, the counting action for the travel distance used in the next application cycle restarts.

[0092] Step S3: Prepare for grease application. This involves placing the grease-filled syringe 72 at the designated location and connecting and setting it to the dispenser 73 of the grease application controller 71. The dispenser 73 is set to parameters such as air pressure and air supply time.

[0093] Step S4: Manually turn on the switch of the distributor 73 of the grease application controller 71, and the built-in timer will start.

[0094] Step S5: Begin applying grease.

[0095] Step S6: When the time set by the timer built into the dispenser 73 has elapsed, the grease application is complete. This is indicated by, for example, a buzzer. Alternatively, a message indicating completion can be displayed on the screen of the PC and monitor 62.

[0096] Step S7: Determine the cumulative travel distance based on the travel distance signal output from encoder unit 63. When it is determined that the cumulative travel distance reaches the set X (m), the process moves to step S1. The above-described processing is performed after step S1.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the grease supply control unit described above, the timing of grease application is determined based on the actual cumulative travel distance of the conveyor chain 103, thus enabling grease application at an appropriate time.

[0098] Other embodiments of the grease supply control unit will be described. These other embodiments are the same as the first embodiment in determining the timing of grease application based on the actual cumulative travel distance of the conveyor chain 103. Furthermore, these other embodiments automate the control processes for grease replenishment and grease application.

[0099] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the system structure of another embodiment of the grease supply control unit. Similar to one embodiment, in the grease supply control unit, for example, a PLC 61 is provided as a control unit (sequencer), a PC and a display 62 are connected to the PLC 61, and a travel distance signal is supplied to the PLC 61 from the encoder unit 63. Furthermore, in... Figure 11 In the diagram, thick lines represent the path of air or grease, while solid lines represent the path of electrical signals.

[0100] It also includes a color detection sensor (e.g., a color fiber sensor) 64 for determining the color of the applied grease, and the judgment output of the color detection sensor 64 is supplied to the PLC 61. The color detection sensor 64 is configured to determine the degree of deterioration of the grease in the conveyor chain based on its color. If the grease deteriorates further, the color detection sensor 64 detects that the grease has turned brown and outputs the detection result to the PLC 61.

[0101] In other embodiments, the grease application controller is located inside the reflow soldering apparatus. The grease application controller includes a tank 82 serving as a grease supply container, a dispenser 83, and a laser sensor 85 serving as a grease quantity detection unit to detect the amount of grease in the tank 82. The grease application controller supplies air and a power supply 84 to the dispenser 83. Grease is stored in the tank 82. The grease in the tank 82 is sprayed out through nozzles 51a and 51b by the pressure of the air from the dispenser 83. Power is supplied to the dispenser 83, which is controlled by a PLC 61, allowing the timer of the PLC 61 to control the grease spraying time from the dispenser 83. The amount of grease sprayed from the tank 82 to nozzles 51a and 51b is expressed as (air pressure × spraying time). Furthermore, the spraying amount varies depending on the consistency of the grease.

[0102] like Figure 12 A and Figure 12 As shown in Figure B, laser sensor 85 detects the level of the grease in container 82. Laser sensor 85 measures the distance to the grease level in container 82. The upper limit of the grease level (…). Figure 12 A) and lower limit ( Figure 12 (B) is set. When the liquid level reaches the lower limit, a notification (message display and / or sound) prompting the replenishment of grease is sent via PC and display 62, and grease is replenished via the filler. Grease can be automatically replenished from the grease reservoir, or it can be replaced along with the grease-filled container.

[0103] Furthermore, the amount of grease dispensed is calculated based on the change in the liquid level in tank 82. The amount dispensed is calculated based on the measurement value of laser sensor 85 during grease application, and the air pressure of distributor 83 is controlled in a way that makes the dispensed amount a set value. For example, if the dispensed amount is low, PLC 61 controls distributor 83 to increase the pressure of distributor 83.

[0104] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the mounting positions of the various components of the grease supply control unit relative to the reflow soldering unit 101. (Regarding...) Figure 1The corresponding parts of the reflow soldering unit are marked with the same reference markings. However, the conveying direction is set to be the same as... Figure 1 Conversely, towards Figure 13 During observation, the workpiece is transported from right to left. An encoder unit 63, including a circular plate and a photodetector, is provided for the drive sprocket 109 of the transport chain 103.

[0105] The PLC 61, housed in control box 110, is supplied with travel distance signals from encoder unit 63. A PC and display 62 are installed at the loading port of the reflow soldering unit. A distributor 83 is also installed at the loading port. Commercial power is supplied to distributor 83 from control box 110. Air is supplied to distributor 83 and then to tank 82. The air pressure is used to supply grease sprayed from tank 82 to the nozzles of grease supply units 12a and 12b.

[0106] The processing of another embodiment of the grease supply control unit described above will be explained. Similar to one embodiment, grease is applied whenever the drive distance reaches a set value X (m). See reference... Figure 14 The flowchart illustrates the processing performed under the control of PLC61.

[0107] Step S11: The length of the conveyor chain 103 is set via PC and display 62. As a result, the grease application time is set.

[0108] Step S12: Conduct grease application communication. Notification is given in advance via PC and display 62 (message display and / or audio).

[0109] Step S13: Generate a grease application alarm as a signal to prepare for application. An alarm sounds, and a message such as "Please apply grease" is displayed on the screen of the PC and monitor 62.

[0110] Step S14: The distributor 83 is turned on by a control signal from PLC 61 to the distributor 83, and the grease application timer is started. Furthermore, this action may be performed, for example, under the condition that a control signal is issued to indicate that the device is cooling down after operation has ended.

[0111] Step S15: Automatic grease application begins.

[0112] Step S16: During the grease application process, the pressure of the dispenser 83 is reset to an appropriate value based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 85.

[0113] Step S17: The grease application timer in PLC 61 reaches 0, and grease application stops.

[0114] Step S18: Grease application is complete. This is indicated by a message and / or a buzzer. The accumulated travel distance (pulse count) is reset, thus restarting the counting operation of the travel distance signal from encoder unit 63.

[0115] Step S19: Determine whether the grease level in the canister 82 is below the lower limit, based on the result detected by the laser sensor 85. If the grease level in the canister 82 is below the lower limit, initiate a grease replenishment notification (either by sound or visual display). Grease replenishment can be done manually or automatically.

[0116] Step S20: The process involves determining the accumulated travel distance based on the travel distance signal output from the encoder unit 63, and determining the grease color using the color detection sensor 64. When the accumulated travel distance is determined to be the set distance, an alarm is generated as a coating preparation signal, and the process proceeds to step S12 (grease coating communication). The above-described process is performed after step S12. Furthermore, if the grease color is detected to be a color that needs to be replaced, the process proceeds to step S12 (grease coating communication) even before the accumulated travel distance reaches the set value.

[0117] According to other embodiments of the grease supply control unit described above, the timing of grease application is determined based on the actual cumulative travel distance of the conveyor chain 103 or the change in the color of the grease, thus enabling grease application at the appropriate time. Furthermore, it has the advantage of automating the grease application process.

[0118] <4. Variations>

[0119] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but are not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible. For example, the present invention is not limited to reflow soldering of printed circuit boards, but can also be applied to reflow soldering of flexible substrates, substrates obtained by bonding rigid substrates to flexible substrates, and rigid-flexible substrates obtained by combining them. In addition, the present invention can be applied to reflow soldering apparatuses where the heating furnace is a single zone. Furthermore, it is not limited to reflow soldering apparatuses, but can also be applied to heating apparatuses for resin curing, etc. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to grease supply apparatuses for supplying grease to conveyor chains of devices other than conveying heating apparatuses. In addition, the structures, methods, processes, shapes, materials, and values ​​listed in the above embodiments are merely examples, and different structures, methods, processes, shapes, materials, and values ​​can be used as needed. Furthermore, the structures, methods, processes, shapes, materials, and values ​​of the above embodiments can be combined with each other as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A grease supply unit that supplies grease to a conveyor chain, the conveyor chain being provided with rollers, chain plate portions located on both sides of the rollers, and chain plate portions with fittings, the chain plate portions with fittings having fittings for conveying conveyed objects, the grease supply unit being characterized in that it comprises: One or more idler wheels, the outer peripheral surfaces of which are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers of the conveyor chain; and One or more nozzles supply grease to the outer circumferential surface of the idler wheel. in, The grease supplied to the idler wheel is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the rollers of the conveyor chain by rotating the idler wheel, so as to transfer the grease supplied to the idler wheel onto the conveyor chain.

2. The grease supply unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes an idler wheel and a nozzle for supplying grease to the upper surface of the conveyor chain via transfer, and an idler wheel and a nozzle for supplying grease to the lower surface of the conveyor chain via transfer.

3. The grease supply unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The grease in question is a grease with a consistency that falls within the range of Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) numbers 0 to 3.

4. A conveying heating device, comprising a heating device and a conveying chain, wherein the heating device is equipped with one or more heating furnaces configured to blow hot air onto a workpiece through the heating furnaces, and the conveying chain conveys a workpiece into the heating device, characterized in that... The conveyor chain has rollers, chain plate portions located on both sides of the rollers, and chain plate portions with fittings, the chain plate portions with fittings having fittings for conveying the conveyed items. The conveying heating device is equipped with a grease supply unit that supplies grease to the conveying chain. The grease supply unit includes: One or more idler wheels, the outer peripheral surfaces of which are in contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers of the conveyor chain; and One or more nozzles supply grease to the outer circumferential surface of the idler wheel. in, The grease supplied to the idler wheel is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the rollers of the conveyor chain by rotating the idler wheel, so as to transfer the grease supplied to the idler wheel onto the conveyor chain.

5. A conveying heating device, comprising a heating device and a conveying chain, wherein the heating device is equipped with one or more heating furnaces, configured to blow hot air onto a workpiece through the heating furnaces, and the conveying chain conveys a workpiece into the heating device, the conveying heating device being characterized by comprising: A distance detection unit that detects the travel distance of the conveyor chain; The color detection unit detects the color of the grease. A control unit, which is supplied with a travel distance signal from the detection unit and a grease color determination from the color detection unit; and A grease supply unit supplies grease to the conveyor chain. in, When the conveyor chain reaches a specified cumulative travel distance, the control unit generates a coating preparation signal to the grease supply unit. Furthermore, when the color of the grease becomes the color that needs to be changed, the control unit also generates the coating preparation signal to the grease supply unit.

6. The conveying and heating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The grease supply unit includes: One or more idler wheels, the one or more idler wheels contacting the rollers of the conveyor chain; and One or more nozzles supply grease to the outer circumferential surface of the idler wheel. The grease supplied to the idler wheel is applied to the conveyor chain via a transfer process.

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