Wave soldering claw detection system and method

Abstract

A crest soldering machine includes a crest soldering station configured to generate solder waves for performing a crest soldering operation on a printed circuit board. The wave soldering machine further includes a claw conveyor system configured to convey the printed circuit board to the wave soldering station. The claw conveyor system includes at least one chain conveyor including a chain having a plurality of claws configured to support an edge of a printed circuit board. The claw conveyor system further includes a claw detection system having a tension roller assembly configured to engage each claw of the plurality of claws. The tension roller assembly is further configured to move in response to engaging the claw in the inoperative position. The claw conveyor system further includes a sensor configured to detect movement of the tension roller assembly to the inoperative position.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field This disclosure generally relates to equipment and methods for manufacturing printed circuit boards and for assisting in the process of soldering metal to integrated circuit boards, and more specifically to a wave soldering machine having a finger conveyor equipped with a finger detection system to detect finger deviations or non-conforming fingers. 2. Background Technology In the fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic components are mounted onto the PCB using a process known as "wave soldering." In a typical wave soldering machine, the PCB (sometimes called a "PCB") moves along an inclined path via a conveyor, passing through a flux handling station, a preheating station, and finally the wave soldering station. At the wave soldering station, a wave of solder is propelled (by a pump) through the wave soldering nozzles upwards and contacts the portions of the PCB to be soldered.

[0002] In some embodiments, the conveyor is implemented as a claw conveyor system comprising a plurality of claws configured to support the printed circuit board. Misalignment or jamming of the claws is not uncommon during operation of the claw conveyor system. Furthermore, improperly set or calibrated claws may malfunction during operation. Such defects may cause damage to the printed circuit board or its supports (e.g., trays), or damage to the conveyor system itself, including the other claws within the conveyor system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a wave soldering machine for performing wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the wave soldering machine includes a housing and a wave soldering station coupled to the housing. The wave soldering station is configured to generate a solder wave for performing wave soldering operations on the printed circuit board. The wave soldering machine further includes a finger conveyor system coupled to the housing and configured to convey the printed circuit board through the housing to the wave soldering station. The finger conveyor system includes at least one chain conveyor including a chain having a plurality of fingers configured to support an edge of the printed circuit board. The finger conveyor system further includes a finger detection system positioned adjacent to the at least one chain conveyor. The finger detection system includes a tension roller assembly configured to engage each of the plurality of fingers. The tension roller assembly is further configured to move in response to engaging a finger in a non-operating position. The finger conveyor system further includes a sensor configured to detect movement of the tension roller assembly to a non-operating position.

[0004] Embodiments of the wave soldering system may further include configuring the at least one chain conveyor to include a first chain conveyor and a second chain conveyor. The first chain conveyor has a first chain with a first plurality of claws configured to support an edge of a printed circuit board, and the second chain conveyor has a second chain with a second plurality of claws configured to support an opposite edge of the printed circuit board. A claw detection system may be associated with each chain conveyor. The first chain conveyor may be spaced apart from the second chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may include a chain that runs on a sprocket disposed at an end of the chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may further include a plurality of claws connected to the chain to convey the printed circuit board through the frame of the wave soldering machine. The claw detection system may include a bracket configured to be coupled to a housing. The bracket may include a top flange and a bottom flange, the top flange being configured to be secured to the housing, and the bottom flange being configured to pivotally support a tension roller assembly and a sensor. The tension roller assembly may include a roller support, a tension roller, a column, and a spring, which are configured to bias the tension roller into a first position spaced apart from a non-operating position. The roller support may include a top tab and a bottom tab, the top tab being configured to be spring-loaded to a top flange of the support, and the bottom tab being configured to support the tension roller. The roller support may further include an intermediate portion having a cylindrical portion configured to slide on the column to allow the roller support to pivot relative to the support. The tension roller, under spring tension, can typically be positioned in the first position where the intermediate portion of the roller support engages the edge of the top flange of the support. The tension roller may be configured to achieve a second position where it pivots away from the support. A sensor may be coupled to a controller. The sensor may be configured to detect movement of the tension roller to the second position and generate a signal to the controller. The claw detection system may further include an engagement plate configured to engage one of the plurality of claws when the tension roller is in the first position.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a finger conveyor system for a wave soldering machine configured to perform wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the finger conveyor system includes at least one chain conveyor and a finger detection system. The at least one chain conveyor includes a chain having a plurality of fingers configured to support an edge of the printed circuit board, and the finger detection system is positioned adjacent to the at least one chain conveyor. The finger detection system includes a tension roller assembly configured to engage each of the plurality of fingers. The tension roller assembly may be further configured to move in response to engagement of a finger in a non-operating position. The finger detection system further includes a sensor configured to detect movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position.

[0006] Embodiments of the finger conveyor system may further include: configuring the at least one chain conveyor to include a first chain conveyor and a second chain conveyor, the first chain conveyor having a first chain with a first plurality of fingers configured to support an edge of a printed circuit board, and the second chain conveyor having a second chain with a second plurality of fingers configured to support an opposite edge of the printed circuit board. A finger detection system may be associated with each chain conveyor. The first chain conveyor may be spaced apart from the second chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may include a chain that runs on a sprocket disposed at an end of the chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may further include a plurality of fingers connected to the chain to convey the printed circuit board through the frame of a wave soldering machine. The finger detection system may include a bracket configured to be coupled to a housing. The bracket may include a top flange and a bottom flange, the top flange being configured to be secured to the housing, and the bottom flange being configured to pivotally support a tension roller assembly and a sensor. The tension roller assembly may include a roller support, a tension roller, a column, and a spring, which are configured to bias the tension roller into a first position spaced apart from a non-operating position. The roller support may include a top tab and a bottom tab, the top tab being configured to be spring-loaded to a top flange of the support, and the bottom tab being configured to support the tension roller. The roller support may further include an intermediate portion having a cylindrical portion configured to slide on the column to allow the roller support to pivot relative to the support. The tension roller, under spring tension, can typically be positioned in the first position where the intermediate portion of the roller support engages the edge of the top flange of the support. The tension roller may be configured to achieve a second position where it pivots away from the support. A sensor may be coupled to a controller. The sensor may be configured to detect movement of the tension roller to the second position and generate a signal to the controller. The claw detection system may further include an engagement plate configured to engage one of the plurality of claws when the tension roller is in the first position.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for detecting that the claws of a claw conveyor system within a wave soldering machine are in a non-operating position, the wave soldering machine being configured to perform wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the method includes: supporting an edge of the printed circuit board with at least one chain conveyor comprising a chain having a plurality of claws; and detecting whether a claw among the plurality of claws is in a non-operating position using a tension roller assembly configured to engage each of the plurality of claws, the tension roller assembly being further configured to move in response to engaging a claw in a non-operating position.

[0008] Embodiments of the method may further include detecting whether one of the plurality of claws is in a non-operating position by sensing movement of the tension roller assembly to a non-operating position. The at least one chain conveyor may include: a first chain conveyor having a first chain having a first plurality of claws configured to support an edge of a printed circuit board; and a second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of claws configured to support an opposite edge of the printed circuit board. A claw detection system may be associated with each chain conveyor. The tension roller assembly may include roller supports, a tension roller, a column, and springs configured to bias the tension roller at a first position spaced apart from the non-operating position. Sensing movement of the tension roller assembly may be achieved by a sensor coupled to a controller. The sensor may be configured to detect movement of the tension roller of the tension roller assembly to a second position and generate a signal to the controller. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in different figures is indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in each figure. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is a 3D view of a wave soldering machine; Figure 2 This is a side elevation view of a wave soldering machine, with the outer packaging removed to expose the internal components of the wave soldering machine; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a part of the finger conveyor system of a wave soldering machine, illustrating a finger detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the chain conveyor of the finger conveyor system, showing the finger detection system spaced apart from the chain conveyor; Figure 5 This refers to the exploded 3D view of the claw detection system; Figure 6 This is an end view of a chain conveyor, showing the tension roller of the finger detection system engaging the finger in an operable position on the chain conveyor. Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 6 The end view shows the displaced finger of the tension roller engaging the chain conveyor in the finger detection system; Figure 8 This is an end view of a chain conveyor, showing the claws supporting the printed circuit board and the shifting claws of the chain conveyor. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows a top view of the chain conveyor. Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 9 A top-down plan view showing the shifting grippers of the tension roller engaging chain conveyor; and Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the tension roller. Detailed Implementation

[0010] This disclosure is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Similarly, the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof throughout this document is intended to cover the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as other items.

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a claw detection system configured to detect and identify misaligned or incorrectly installed claws in a claw conveyor system, which may be referred to as being in a non-operating position.

[0012] For demonstration purposes, and for reference Figure 1 Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to a wave soldering machine, generally designated 10, used to perform solder coating on printed circuit boards 12. The wave soldering machine 10 is one of several machines on a printed circuit board production / assembly line. As shown, the wave soldering machine 10 includes a housing or frame 14 adapted to house the components of the wave soldering machine 10. This arrangement causes a conveyor 16 to transport the printed circuit boards to be processed by the wave soldering machine 10. Upon entering the wave soldering machine 10, each printed circuit board 12 travels along the conveyor 16 along an inclined path (e.g., at six degrees relative to the horizontal) through a channel 18 to prepare the printed circuit board for wave soldering. This channel includes a flux treatment station, generally designated 20, and a preheating station, generally designated 22. Once the preparation treatment (i.e., flux treatment and heating) is complete, the printed circuit board 12 proceeds to a wave soldering station, generally designated 24, to apply solder to the printed circuit board. The controller 26 is configured to automate the operation of several stations of the wave soldering machine 10 (including, but not limited to, flux handling station 20, preheating station 22 and wave soldering station 24) in a well-known manner.

[0013] refer to Figure 2Flux treatment station 20 is configured to apply flux to the printed circuit board 12 as it travels along conveyor 16 through channel 18 of wave soldering machine 10. Preheating station 22 includes several preheaters (e.g., preheaters 22a, 22b, and 22c) designed to progressively increase the temperature of the printed circuit board 12 as it travels along conveyor 16 through channel 18, preparing the printed circuit board 12 for wave soldering. As shown and described in more detail below, wave soldering station 24 includes a wave soldering nozzle assembly in fluid communication with a solder reservoir. A pump is disposed within the reservoir to deliver molten solder from the reservoir to the wave soldering nozzle assembly. Once soldering is complete, the printed circuit board 12 leaves wave soldering machine 10 via conveyor 16 to another station (e.g., a pick-and-place machine) on the production line.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wave soldering machine 10 may further include a flux management system, generally indicated by 28, for removing volatile contaminants from the channel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the flux management system 28 is positioned below the preheating station 22. In one embodiment, the flux management system 28 is supported by a housing 14 within the wave soldering machine 10 and is in fluid communication with the channel 18, which... Figure 2 The diagram is shown schematically. The flux management system 28 is configured to receive contaminated gas from channel 18, process the gas, and return clean gas to channel 18. The flux management system 28 is specifically configured to remove volatile contaminants from the gas, especially under an inert atmosphere.

[0015] refer to Figure 3 A portion of the finger conveyor system (generally indicated by 30) is shown as supporting the printed circuit board 12. The finger conveyor system 30 serves as a conveyor 16 disposed within the wave soldering machine 10. The finger conveyor system 30 is configured to support the opposing lateral edges of the printed circuit board 12 and move the printed circuit board 12 within the channel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10 to the flux handling station 20, the preheating station 22, and the soldering station 24. In one embodiment, the finger conveyor system 30 includes two chain conveyors (generally indicated by 32a and 32b), each implemented as a circular chain configured to move through the channel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10 to present the printed circuit board 12 to the wave soldering station 24. The chain conveyors 32a and 32b are spaced apart from each other and can be adjusted to accommodate the width of the printed circuit board 12. In some embodiments, chain conveyor 32a may be referred to as the first chain conveyor, and chain conveyor 32b may be referred to as the second chain conveyor.

[0016] As shown in the figure, each chain conveyor 32a, 32b includes a chain 34 that runs on sprockets 36 located at one end of the chain conveyor. The opposite ends of each chain conveyor 32a, 32b include similar sprockets 36. The chain 34 is powered by a motor connected to one of the sprockets 36 of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b to move around the sprocket 36. The motor is connected to a controller 26 to control the operation of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b, including but not limited to the speed at which the chain 34 travels during operation.

[0017] For further reference Figure 4 Each chain conveyor 32a, 32b includes claws (each claw denoted by 38) that are connected to a chain 34 to convey a printed circuit board 12 through a channel 18 of a wave soldering machine 10. These claws 38 are secured to the chain 34 such that they are spaced close to each other, with each claw 38 secured to a link 40 of the chain 34. In one embodiment, each claw 38 includes an elongated body having a top curved portion 42 extending from the elongated body in one direction and a bottom support portion 44 extending from the body in the opposite direction. As shown, the bottom support portion 44 is implemented as two legs. The top curved portion 42 has two small openings formed therein. Each opening is configured to receive a pin of a link 40 of the chain 34 to secure the claw 38 to the chain 34 of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b. The bottom support portion 44 of the claw 38 is configured to... Figure 3 The edges of the printed circuit board 12 are supported in the manner shown. Each claw 38 can be made of a suitable metal (such as stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy).

[0018] For further reference Figure 5 For each chain conveyor 32a, 32b, the finger conveyor system 30 further includes a finger detection system (generally indicated by 50) that is fixed to the frame member 52 of the housing 14 of the wave soldering machine 10. See also... Figure 4Each claw detection system 50 includes a bracket, generally indicated by 54, which is shaped to secure the claw detection system 50. The bracket 54 includes a horizontal top flange 56 secured to a frame member 52 of the housing 14 by suitable fasteners 58 (e.g., machine screws). The bracket 54 further includes a vertical intermediate portion 60 and a horizontal bottom flange 62 supporting a tension roller assembly (generally indicated by 64) and a sensor 66. The bottom flange 62 further includes a relatively large opening 68 formed therein, configured to secure the sensor 66 to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54. The sensor 66 can be secured to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 by any suitable means. The bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 further supports a cylindrical post 70 extending upward and vertically from the bottom flange 62. In one embodiment, the top flange 56 extends from the intermediate portion 60 in one direction, and the bottom flange 62 extends from the intermediate portion 60 in the opposite direction.

[0019] As indicated, the finger detection system 50 includes a tension roller assembly 64 pivotally fixed to a bracket 54. As shown, the tension roller assembly 64 includes several components, including a roller bracket 72, a tension roller 74, and a spring 76. The roller bracket 72 includes a horizontal top tab 78 having a threaded opening 80 formed therein, configured to receive a fastener 82 (e.g., a machine screw) to secure the spring 76 to the roller bracket 72. Specifically, the fastener 82 secures one end of the spring 76 to the threaded opening 80 of the top tab 78, and another fastener 84 (e.g., a machine screw) secures the opposite end of the spring 76 to the threaded opening 86 formed in the top flange 56 of the bracket 54.

[0020] The roller support 72 further includes a vertical intermediate portion 88 and a horizontal bottom tab 90 having a threaded opening 92 formed therein, which is configured to receive a fastener 94 (such as a machine screw fastener) to secure the tension roller 74 to the roller support 72. Once secured, the tension roller 74 is configured to rotate about the fastener 94. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 is made of metal (such as stainless steel) to provide a smooth, low-friction surface that engages the claws 38 as they move across the tension roller 74.

[0021] The roller support 72 further includes a cylindrical portion 96 extending from a central portion 88 of the roller support 72. The cylindrical portion 96 is configured to slide on the post 70, allowing the roller support 72 to pivot relative to the support 54. Once slid past the post 70, a threaded nut 98 is provided to secure the cylindrical portion 96 of the roller support 72 in place on the post 70. Return to Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 This arrangement allows the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 to be normally positioned in a first position under the tension of the spring 76, in which the middle portion 88 of the roller support 72 engages the edge of the top flange 56 of the support 54. The tension roller assembly 64 is configured to achieve a second non-operating position in which the tension roller assembly 64 pivots away from the support 54, for example, when the tension roller 74 engages the pawl 38 in the non-operating position, as will be described in more detail below.

[0022] like Figure 5 As best shown, the claw detection system 50 further includes a sensor 66 fixed to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54. In one embodiment, the sensor 66 may be implemented as a position sensor, such as an absolute encoder. The sensor 66 is fixed to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 such that when the tension roller 74 is in a biased first position, the sensor 66 is offset relative to the bottom of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64. The sensor 66 is configured to detect when the tension roller 74 moves to a second non-operating position, wherein the tension roller 74 is positioned above the sensor 66 from its original offset position. In one embodiment, the sensor 66 is coupled to or otherwise connected to the controller 26 such that when the sensor 66 detects that the tension roller 74 has moved to the second position, a signal is sent from the sensor 66 to the controller 26.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, sensor 66 may be fixed to the bottom flange 62 of bracket 54 such that when tension roller 74 is in a biased first position, sensor 66 is aligned with the bottom of tension roller 74 of tension roller assembly 64. Sensor 66 may be configured to detect when tension roller 74 moves to a second position, wherein tension roller 74 is positioned away from sensor 66 from its original aligned position. Sensor 66 may be configured to detect the movement of tension roller 74 of tension roller assembly 64 to the second position in order to send a signal to controller 26.

[0024] Return to reference Figure 4The finger detection system 50 further includes an engagement plate 100, which is fixed to a portion of the frame member 52 of the housing 14 of the wave soldering machine 10. In one embodiment, the engagement plate 100 may be implemented as a metal alloy (such as brass) that provides a smooth, low-friction surface on which each finger 38 engages when engaged by the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64. The engagement plate 100 is fixed to a portion of the frame member 52 by fasteners 102 (such as machine screws). The engagement plate 100 may be made of any suitable metal that provides a low-friction surface.

[0025] See Figure 6 The figure shows the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 of the gripper detection system 50 in a first position. As shown, the tension roller 74 engages the gripper 38 as it travels across the engagement plate 100. The engagement plate 100 provides a resistance surface for the tension roller 74, which rotates during engagement of the gripper 38. The tension roller 74 is configured to engage each gripper 38 of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b during operation of the gripper conveyor system 30.

[0026] refer to Figure 7 In the event that a misaligned or displaced gripper 38 (as indicated, sometimes referred to as a non-operating gripper) passes the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 of the gripper detection system 50, the displaced gripper (denoted as 38a) engages the tension roller 74 to move the tension roller 74 and the tension roller assembly 64 to a second position. When this movement occurs, a sensor 66 detects the movement of the tension roller assembly 64 to the second position, wherein the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 is positioned above the sensor 66 from its offset first position. The sensor 66 is configured to generate a signal to the controller 26 that can notify the operator of the wave soldering machine 10 or the printed circuit board production line that gripper 38a has been displaced.

[0027] refer to Figure 8 The figure shows a displaced claw 38a before reaching the claw detection system 50. As shown, the other claws 38 are configured to support the printed circuit board 12 in a generally horizontal position (e.g., at six degrees relative to the horizontal direction), with the bottom foot portion 44 of the claw 38 supporting the bottom edge of the printed circuit board 12. The displaced claw 38a is shown as misaligned relative to the other claws 38.

[0028] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9The finger detection system 50 is shown engaging finger 38 as it passes through the finger detection system 50. In some cases, the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 of the finger detection system 50 engages each finger 38, and in some cases, finger 38 that is slightly misaligned relative to other finger 38 can be reset. As shown, the tension roller 74 engages the finger 38, wherein the engagement plate 100 provides resistance to the finger 38.

[0029] Figure 10 The finger detection system 50 is shown engaging a displaced finger 38a, which causes the tension roller 74 and tension roller assembly 64 to pivot away from a first position to a second position. This movement causes the sensor 66 to detect the presence of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64, thereby generating a signal to the controller 26. Once the displaced finger 38a passes the finger detection system 50, the spring 76 causes the tension roller 74 and tension roller assembly 64 to pivot back to the first position. Figure 11 The movement of tension roller 74 and tension roller assembly 64 to the second position is also shown.

[0030] A method for detecting positional deviation of a finger 38a in a finger conveyor system 30 is further disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting the edge of a printed circuit board 12 with chain conveyors 32a, 32b, each of which includes a chain 34 having a plurality of fingers 38. Specifically, the printed circuit board 12 is supported by bottom foot portions 44 of the fingers 38. The method further includes detecting whether a finger 38 is in a non-operating position (e.g., a displaced finger 38a) using a tension roller 74 of a tension roller assembly 64 of a finger detection system 50, wherein the tension roller 74 is configured to engage each of the fingers 38 in the finger conveyor system 30. The tension roller assembly 64 is further configured to move in response to engaging a displaced finger 38a (a finger in a non-operating position).

[0031] In some embodiments, detecting whether the displaced claw 38a is in a non-operating position further includes sensing the movement of the tension roller 74 and the tension roller assembly 64 to the non-operating position using a sensor 66. The sensor 66 is coupled to the controller 26, wherein the sensor 66 is configured to detect the movement of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 to the second position and generate a signal to the controller 26.

[0032] Various controllers can perform a variety of different operations discussed above. For example, as discussed above, a controller (such as controller 26) can control components of wave soldering machine 10 (including wave soldering station 24 and finger conveyor system 30) and perform other operations. Using data stored in associated memory and / or storage devices, the controller can execute one or more instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media to which it may be included and / or coupled, which can produce manipulation data. In some examples, the controller may include one or more processors or other types of controllers. In one example, the controller is at least one processor or includes at least one processor. In another example, the controller uses an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to perform at least a portion of the operations discussed above, the ASIC being customized to perform specific operations, which may be performed outside of or in place of a general-purpose processor. As shown by these examples, examples of this disclosure can use many specific combinations of hardware and software to perform the operations described herein, and this disclosure is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software components. Examples of this disclosure may include computer program products configured to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations discussed above. The computer program product may be one or more controllers and / or processors, or include the one or more controllers and / or processors configured to execute instructions to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations discussed above.

[0033] Therefore, having described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this disclosure, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative.

Claims

1. A wave soldering machine for performing wave soldering operations on printed circuit boards, the wave soldering machine comprising: case; A wave soldering station, connected to the housing, configured to generate a solder wave for performing the wave soldering operation on the printed circuit board; as well as A gripper conveyor system, coupled to the housing and configured to transport printed circuit boards through the housing to the wave soldering station, the gripper conveyor system comprising... At least one chain conveyor, the at least one chain conveyor including a chain having a plurality of claws configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board, and A claw detection system, positioned near the at least one chain conveyor, includes... A tension roller assembly configured to engage each of the plurality of fingernails, the tension roller assembly being further configured to move in response to engagement of a fingernails in a non-operating position, and A sensor configured to detect movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position.

2. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one chain conveyor includes: A first chain conveyor, the first chain conveyor having a first chain, the first chain having a first plurality of claws, the first plurality of claws being configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board; and A second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of claws configured to support opposite edges of the printed circuit board, the claw detection system being associated with each chain conveyor.

3. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 2, wherein, Each chain conveyor includes a chain that runs on sprockets located at the ends of the chain conveyor.

4. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 3, wherein, Each chain conveyor further includes multiple claws connected to the chain to convey the printed circuit board through the frame of the wave soldering machine.

5. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 4, wherein, The claw detection system includes a bracket configured to be attached to the housing.

6. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 5, wherein, The bracket includes a top flange and a bottom flange, the top flange being configured to be secured to the housing, and the bottom flange being configured to pivotally support the tension roller assembly and support the sensor.

7. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 6, wherein, The tension roller assembly includes a roller support, a tension roller, a column, and a spring, the roller support, tension roller, column, and spring being configured to bias the tension roller into a first operating position, the first position being spaced apart from the non-operating position.

8. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The roller support includes a top tab and a bottom tab, the top tab being configured to be secured to the top flange of the support via the spring, and the bottom tab being configured to support the tension roller.

9. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 8, wherein, The roller support further includes an intermediate portion having a cylindrical portion configured to slide on the column so that the roller support can pivot relative to the support.

10. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The tension roller is typically positioned in the first position under the tension of the spring, in which the middle portion of the roller support engages the edge of the top flange of the support. The tension roller is then configured to achieve a second position in which the tension roller pivots away from the support.

11. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The sensor is connected to the controller and is configured to detect movement of the tension roller to the second position and generate a signal to the controller.

12. The wave soldering machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The finger detection system further includes a coupling plate configured to engage one of the plurality of fingers when the tension roller is in the first position.

13. A finger conveyor system for a wave soldering machine, the wave soldering machine being configured to perform wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board, the finger conveyor system comprising: At least one chain conveyor, the at least one chain conveyor including a chain having a plurality of claws configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board; as well as A claw detection system, positioned near the at least one chain conveyor, includes... A tension roller assembly configured to engage each of the plurality of fingernails, the tension roller assembly being further configured to move in response to engagement of a fingernails in a non-operating position, and A sensor configured to detect movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position.

14. The finger conveyor system as described in claim 13, wherein, The at least one chain conveyor includes: A first chain conveyor, the first chain conveyor having a first chain, the first chain having a first plurality of claws, the first plurality of claws being configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board; and A second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of claws configured to support opposite edges of the printed circuit board, the claw detection system being associated with each chain conveyor.

15. The finger conveyor system as claimed in claim 14, wherein, Each chain conveyor includes a chain running on sprockets located at the ends of the chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor further includes a plurality of claws connected to the chain to convey the printed circuit board through the frame of the wave soldering machine. The claw detection system includes a bracket configured to be coupled to the housing. The bracket includes a top flange configured to be fixed to the housing and a bottom flange configured to pivotally support a tension roller assembly and support the sensor. The tension roller assembly includes a roller bracket, a tension roller, a column, and a spring. The roller bracket, tension roller, column, and spring are configured to bias the tension roller in a first position, spaced apart from the non-operating position.

16. A method for detecting that the grippers of a gripper conveyor system within a wave soldering machine are in a non-operating position, the wave soldering machine being configured to perform wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board, the method comprising: The edge of the printed circuit board is supported by at least one chain conveyor, the at least one chain conveyor comprising a chain with multiple claws; as well as A tension roller assembly is used to detect whether one of the plurality of claws is in a non-operating position. The tension roller assembly is configured to engage each of the plurality of claws, and the tension roller assembly is further configured to move in response to engaging a claw in a non-operating position.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, Detecting whether one of the plurality of claws is in the non-operating position further includes sensing the movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The at least one chain conveyor includes: A first chain conveyor, the first chain conveyor having a first chain, the first chain having a first plurality of claws, the first plurality of claws being configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board; and A second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of claws configured to support opposite edges of the printed circuit board, the claw detection system being associated with each chain conveyor.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The tension roller assembly includes a roller support, a tension roller, a column, and a spring, the roller support, tension roller, column, and spring being configured to bias the tension roller at a first position, the first position being spaced apart from the non-operating position.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The movement of the tension roller assembly is sensed by a sensor coupled to the controller, the sensor being configured to detect the movement of the tension roller of the tension roller assembly to the second position and generate a signal to the controller.

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