Wave solder finger detection system and method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 2026089040000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, and an apparatus and method for assisting a process of soldering metal to an integrated circuit board. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a wave soldering machine having a finger conveyor configured with a finger detection system for detecting fingers that are out of place or out of specification.
Background Art
[0002] In the manufacture of printed circuit boards, electronic components can be mounted on the printed circuit boards by a process known as "wave soldering". In a conventional wave soldering machine, a conveyor moves a printed circuit board (sometimes referred to as a "PCB") through a flux application station, a preheating station, and finally a wave soldering station on an inclined path. In the wave soldering station, a wave of solder is ejected upward (by a pump) through a wave soldering nozzle and contacts the portion of the printed circuit board to be soldered.
[0003] In some embodiments, the conveyor embodies a finger conveyor system comprising a plurality of fingers configured to support the printed circuit board. It is not uncommon for the fingers to become misaligned or jammed during operation of the finger conveyor system. Further, fingers that are improperly set or calibrated may malfunction during operation. Such defects may damage the printed circuit board or its support, such as a tray, or damage the conveyor system, including other fingers of the conveyor system.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wave soldering machine for performing wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the wave soldering machine comprises a housing and a wave soldering station coupled to the housing. The wave soldering station is configured to create (generate) solder waves used to perform wave soldering operations on the printed circuit board. The wave soldering machine further comprises a finger conveyor system coupled to the housing and configured to deliver the printed circuit board through the housing to the wave soldering station. The finger conveyor system comprises at least one chain conveyor having a chain having a plurality of fingers configured to support the edges of the printed circuit board. The finger conveyor system further comprises a finger detection system positioned in close proximity to the at least one chain conveyor. The finger detection system comprises a tension roller assembly configured to engage with each of the plurality of fingers. The tension roller assembly is further configured to move in response to engagement with a finger in a non-operating position. The finger conveyor system further comprises a sensor configured to detect the movement of the tension roller assembly to a non-operating position.
[0005] Embodiments of a wave soldering system may further include configuring at least one chain conveyor to include a first chain conveyor having a first chain with a first plurality of fingers configured to support the edge of a printed circuit board, and a second chain conveyor having a second plurality of fingers configured to support the opposite edge of the printed circuit board. A finger detection system may be associated with (attached to) each chain conveyor. The first chain conveyor may be separated from the second chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may include a chain running on a sprocket provided at the end of the chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may further include a plurality of fingers connected to the chain for transporting the printed circuit board through the frame of the 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 configured to be fixed to the housing, and a bottom flange configured to pivotally support a tension roller assembly and to support a sensor. A tension roller assembly comprises a roller bracket, a tension roller, a support column, and a spring, which can be configured to bias the tension roller to a first position away from a non-operating position. The roller bracket may comprise a top tab configured to be secured to the top flange of the bracket via a spring, and a bottom tab configured to support the tension roller. The roller bracket may further comprise an intermediate (center) portion having a cylindrical portion (tube portion) configured to slide over the support column to allow the roller bracket to pivot relative to the bracket. Under the tension of the spring, the tension roller can typically be positioned in a first position where the intermediate portion of the roller bracket engages with the edge of the top flange of the bracket. The tension roller can be configured to move to a second position where it pivots away from the bracket. A sensor can be coupled to a controller.The sensor can be configured to detect the movement of the tension roller to a second position and generate a signal to the controller. The finger detection system may further include an engagement plate configured to engage with a finger among a plurality of fingers when the tension roller is in the first position.
[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a finger conveyor system for a wave soldering machine configured to perform a wave soldering operation on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the finger conveyor system comprises at least one chain conveyor having a chain having a plurality of fingers configured to support the edges of a printed circuit board, and a finger detection system positioned in close proximity to the at least one chain conveyor. The finger detection system comprises a tension roller assembly configured to engage with each of the plurality of fingers. The tension roller assembly may be further configured to move in response to engagement with a finger in a non-operating position. The finger detection system further comprises a sensor configured to detect the movement of the tension roller assembly to a non-operating position.
[0007] Embodiments of the finger conveyor system may further include configuring at least one chain conveyor to include a first chain conveyor having a first chain with a first plurality of fingers configured to support the edge of a printed circuit board, and a second chain conveyor having a second plurality of fingers configured to support the opposite edge of the printed circuit board. A finger detection system may be associated with each chain conveyor. The first chain conveyor may be separated from the second chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may include a chain running on a sprocket provided at the end of the chain conveyor. Each chain conveyor may further include a plurality of fingers connected to the chain for transporting printed circuit boards 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 configured to be fixed to the housing, and a bottom flange configured to pivotally support a tension roller assembly and to support a sensor. A tension roller assembly comprises a roller bracket, a tension roller, a support column, and a spring, which can be configured to bias the tension roller to a first position away from a non-operating position. The roller bracket may comprise a top tab configured to be secured to the top flange of the bracket via a spring, and a bottom tab configured to support the tension roller. The roller bracket may further comprise an intermediate portion having a cylindrical portion configured to slide over the support column to allow the roller bracket to pivot relative to the bracket. Under the tension of the spring, the tension roller can typically be positioned in a first position where the intermediate portion of the roller bracket engages with the edge of the top flange of the bracket. The tension roller can be configured to move to a second position where it pivots away from the bracket. A sensor can be coupled to a controller.The sensor can be configured to detect the movement of the tension roller to a second position and generate a signal to the controller. The finger detection system may further include an engagement plate configured to engage with a finger among a plurality of fingers when the tension roller is in the first position.
[0008] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for detecting a finger in a non-operating position of a finger conveyor system in a wave soldering machine configured to perform a wave soldering operation on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting the edge of a printed circuit board using at least one chain conveyor having a chain having a plurality of fingers, and detecting whether a finger of the plurality of fingers is in a non-operating position using a tension roller assembly configured to engage with each of the plurality of fingers, wherein the tension roller assembly is further configured to move in response to engagement with a finger in the non-operating position.
[0009] Embodiments of this method may further include detecting whether a finger among a plurality of fingers is in a non-operating position by detecting the movement of the tension roller assembly to a non-operating position. At least one chain conveyor may include a first chain conveyor having a first chain with a first plurality of fingers configured to support the edge of a printed circuit board, and a second chain conveyor having a second chain with a second plurality of fingers configured to support the opposite edge of the printed circuit board. The finger detection system may be associated with each chain conveyor. The tension roller assembly may include a roller bracket, a tension roller, a support column, and a spring, which may be configured to bias the tension roller to a first position separated from the non-operating position. Detecting the movement of the tension roller assembly can be achieved by a sensor coupled to a controller. The sensor may be configured to detect the movement of the tension roller to a second position and generate a signal to the controller.
[0010] The attached drawings are not intended to be drawn to exact scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in various figures is represented by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not all components are labeled in all drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a wave soldering machine. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a wave soldering machine with its casing removed to reveal its internal components. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view of a finger conveyor system for a wave soldering machine, illustrating a finger detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]This is an exploded perspective view of a chain conveyor in a finger conveyor system, showing the finger detection system separated from the chain conveyor. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the finger detection system. [Figure 6] This is an end view of a chain conveyor showing the tension roller of the finger detection system engaged with a finger at the operational position of the chain conveyor. [Figure 7] This is an end view similar to Figure 6, showing the tension roller of the finger detection system engaged with the displaced finger of the chain conveyor. [Figure 8] This is an end view of a chain conveyor showing the fingers supporting the printed circuit board and the displaced fingers of the chain conveyor. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a top view of the chain conveyor. [Figure 10] This is a top view similar to Figure 9, showing the tension roller engaged with the displaced fingers of the chain conveyor. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the tension roller. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0012] This disclosure is not limited to the structural and arrangement details of the components shown in the following description or drawings, which may be used for applications. Other embodiments of this disclosure are possible and can be implemented or performed in various ways. The terms and technical terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and their variations herein is intended to include additional items, along with the items listed above and their equivalents.
[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a finger detection system configured to detect and identify fingers in a finger conveyor system that are misaligned or improperly installed (which may be described as being in a non-operating position).
[0014] For illustrative purposes, with reference to Figure 1, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with respect to a wave soldering machine, generally shown as 10, used for applying solder to printed circuit boards 12. The wave soldering machine 10 is one of several machines in a printed circuit board manufacturing / 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. A conveyor 16 is arranged to deliver 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 moves along an inclined path (e.g., 6 degrees to the horizontal) along the conveyor 16 through a tunnel 18, which includes a flux application station generally shown as 20 and a preheating station generally shown as 22, to prepare the printed circuit board for wave soldering. Once prepared (i.e., flux-applied and heated), the printed circuit board 12 moves to a wave soldering station, generally indicated as 24, which applies solder material to the printed circuit board. A controller 26 is provided to automate the operation of several stations of the wave soldering machine 10, including, but not limited to, a flux-applying station 20, a preheating station 22, and a wave soldering station 24, in known ways.
[0015] Referring to Figure 2, the flux application station 20 is configured to apply flux to the printed circuit board 12 as it moves along the conveyor 16 through the tunnel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10. The preheating station 22 includes several preheaters (e.g., preheaters 22a, 22b, and 22c) which are designed to gradually raise the temperature of the printed circuit board 12 as it moves along the conveyor 16 through the tunnel 18 to prepare it for the wave soldering process. As shown in the figure and as will be described in more detail later, the wave soldering station 24 includes a wave soldering nozzle assembly that is in fluid communication with a solder material reservoir. A pump is provided in the reservoir to deliver the molten solder material from the reservoir to the wave soldering nozzle assembly. Once soldered, the printed circuit board 12 moves from the wave soldering machine 10 via the conveyor 16 to another station on the production line, such as a pick-and-place machine.
[0016] In some embodiments, the wave soldering machine 10 may further include a flux control system, generally shown as 28, which removes volatile contaminants from the tunnel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10. As shown in Figure 2, the flux control system 28 is located below the preheating station 22. In one embodiment, the flux control system 28 is supported by a housing 14 within the wave soldering machine 10 and is in fluid communication with the tunnel 18, which is schematically shown in Figure 2. The flux control system 28 is configured to receive contaminated gas from the tunnel 18, process the gas, and return clean gas to the tunnel 18. The flux control system 28 is particularly configured to remove volatile contaminants from the gas, especially in an inert atmosphere.
[0017] Referring to Figure 3, a portion of the finger conveyor system, generally indicated as 30, is shown supporting the printed circuit board 12. The finger conveyor system 30 functions as a conveyor 16 located within the wave soldering machine 10. The finger conveyor system 30 supports the opposing side edges of the printed circuit board 12 and is configured to move the printed circuit board 12 through the tunnel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10 to the flux application station 20, the preheating station 22, and the soldering station 24. In one embodiment, the finger conveyor system 30 comprises two chain conveyors, generally indicated as 32a and 32b, each embodying an endless chain configured to move through the tunnel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10 to transport 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, the chain conveyor 32a may be referred to as the first chain conveyor, and the chain conveyor 32b may be referred to as the second chain conveyor.
[0018] As shown in the figure, each chain conveyor 32a, 32b has a chain 34 running on a sprocket 36 located at one end of the chain conveyor. The opposite end of each chain conveyor 32a, 32b also has a similar sprocket 36. The chain 34 is powered to move around the sprocket 36 by a motor coupled to one of the sprockets 36 of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b. The motor is coupled 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 moves during operation.
[0019] Referring further to FIG. 4, each of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b is provided with fingers indicated at 38, the fingers being connected to the chain 34 for transporting the printed circuit board 12 through the tunnel 18 of the wave soldering machine 10. The fingers 38 are fixed to the chain 34 such that the fingers 38 are spaced close to each other, and each finger 38 is fixed to a link 40 of the chain 34. In one embodiment, each finger 38 comprises an elongated body having a top bent portion 42 extending in one direction from the elongated body and a bottom foot portion 44 extending in the opposite direction from the body. As shown, the bottom foot portion 44 embodies two feet. Two small openings are formed inside the top bent portion 42. Each opening is configured to receive a pin of the link 40 of the chain 34 for fixing the finger 38 to the chain 34 of the chain conveyors 32a, 32b. The bottom foot portion 44 of the finger 38 is configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board 12 in the manner shown in FIG. 3. Each finger 38 can be manufactured from a suitable metal such as stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy.
[0020] Referring further to Figure 5, each chain conveyor 32a, 32b further comprises a finger detection system generally indicated as 50, which is fixed to a frame member 52 of the housing 14 of the wave soldering machine 10. Referring further to Figure 4, each finger detection system 50 comprises a bracket generally indicated as 54, which is molded to secure the components of the finger detection system 50. The bracket 54 comprises a horizontal top flange 56, which is fixed to the frame member 52 of the housing 14 by appropriate fasteners 58, such as small screw fasteners. The bracket 54 further comprises a vertical middle section 60 and a horizontal bottom flange 62, which supports a tension roller assembly generally indicated as 64 and a sensor 66. A relatively large opening 68 is further formed inside the bottom flange 62, which is provided for fixing the sensor 66 to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54. The sensor 66 may be fixed to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 by any suitable method. The bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 further supports a cylindrical support column 70 that extends vertically upward from the bottom flange 62. In one embodiment, the top flange 56 extends in one direction from the intermediate portion 60, and the bottom flange 62 extends in the opposite direction from the intermediate portion 60.
[0021] As described above, the finger detection system 50 includes a tension roller assembly 64 that is pivotally fixed to the bracket 54. As shown in the figure, 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 with a threaded opening 80 formed inside, which is configured to receive a fastener 82, such as a screw fastener, for fixing the spring 76 to the roller bracket 72. Specifically, the fastener 82 fixes one end of the spring 76 to the top tab 78 in the threaded opening 80, and another fastener 84, such as a screw fastener, is provided to fix the opposite end of the spring 76 to the threaded opening 86 formed in the top flange 56 of the bracket 54.
[0022] The roller bracket 72 further includes a vertical intermediate portion 88 and a horizontal bottom tab 90 having a screw opening 92 formed therein for receiving a fastener 94 such as a small screw fastener to fix the tension roller 74 to the roller bracket 72. The tension roller 74 is configured to rotate around the fastener 94 when fixed. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 is manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel and provides a smooth low friction surface that engages the finger 38 when the finger 38 moves across the tension roller 74.
[0023] The roller bracket 72 further includes a cylindrical portion 96 extending from the intermediate portion 88 of the roller bracket 72. The cylindrical portion 96 is configured to slide over the support column 70 to enable the roller bracket 72 to pivot relative to the bracket 54. When sliding over the support column 70, a screw nut 98 is provided and the cylindrical portion 96 is fixed on the support column 70 instead of the roller bracket 72. Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 under the tension of the spring 76 is normally configured to be disposed at a first position where the intermediate portion 88 of the roller bracket 72 engages the edge of the top flange 56 of the bracket 54. The tension roller assembly 64 is configured to reach a second inoperative position where the tension roller assembly 64 pivots away from the bracket 54, for example, when the tension roller 74 engages the finger 38 in the inoperative position, which will be described in more detail below.
[0024] As best shown in Figure 5, the finger detection system 50 further comprises a sensor 66 fixed to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54. In one embodiment, the sensor 66 may be an embodiment of a position sensor such as an absolute encoder. The sensor 66 is fixed to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 such that the sensor 66 is offset from the bottom of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 when the tension roller 74 is in a first biased position. The sensor 66 is configured to detect when the tension roller 74 is moved to a second non-operating position, at which point the tension roller 74 is positioned on the sensor 66 from another 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 the movement of the tension roller 74 to the second position, a signal is transmitted from the sensor 66 to the controller 26.
[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 66 can be fixed to the bottom flange 62 of the bracket 54 so that the sensor 66 aligns with the bottom of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 when the tension roller 74 is in a biased first position. The sensor 66 can be configured to detect when the tension roller 74 is moved to a second position, in which case the tension roller 74 is positioned away from the sensor 66 from another aligned position. The sensor 66 can be configured to detect the movement of the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 to the second position and to send a signal to the controller 26.
[0026] Referring again to Figure 4, the finger detection system 50 further comprises an engagement plate 100 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 made of a metal alloy such as brass and provide a smooth, low-friction surface to which each finger 38 engages when engaged by the tension rollers 74 of the tension roller assembly 64. The engagement plate 100 is fixed to the portion of the frame member 52 by fasteners 102 such as small screw fasteners. The engagement plate 100 can be manufactured from any suitable metal that provides a low-friction surface.
[0027] Referring to Figure 6, the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 of the finger detection system 50 is shown in a first position. As shown in the figure, the tension roller 74 engages with the finger 38 as the finger 38 moves across the engagement plate 100. The engagement plate 100 provides a resistance surface for the tension roller 74, and the tension roller 74 rotates when engaging with the finger 38. The tension roller 74 is configured to engage with each finger 38 of the chain conveyors 32a and 32b during the operation of the finger conveyor system 30.
[0028] Referring to Figure 7, if a displaced or misaligned finger 38 (sometimes called a non-working finger as described above) passes over the tension roller 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 of the finger detection system 50, the misaligned finger, indicated by 38a, engages with the tension roller 74, causing the tension roller 74 and the tension roller assembly 64 to move to a second position. When this movement occurs, the sensor 66 detects the movement of the tension roller assembly 64 to the second position, at which point 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, which can then notify the operator of the wave soldering machine 10 or the printed circuit board manufacturing line about the misaligned finger 38a.
[0029] Referring to Figure 8, the displaced finger 38a is shown in its state before reaching the finger detection system 50. As shown, the other fingers 38 are configured to support the printed circuit board 12 in a roughly horizontal position (e.g., 6 degrees to the horizontal), and the bottom feet 44 of the fingers 38 support the bottom edge of the printed circuit board 12. The displaced finger 38a is shown to be misaligned with respect to the other fingers 38.
[0030] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the finger detection system 50 in Figure 9 is shown engaged with the finger 38 as it crosses the finger detection system 50. In some situations, the tension rollers 74 of the tension roller assembly 64 of the finger detection system 50 engage with each finger 38, and in some cases, can return a finger 38 that is slightly misaligned relative to other fingers 38 to its proper position. As shown, the tension rollers 74 engage with the finger 38, and the engagement plate 100 provides resistance to the finger 38.
[0031] Figure 10 shows the finger detection system 50 engaged with the displaced finger 38a, causing 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 and generate a signal to the controller 26. As 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 also shows the movement of the tension roller 74 and tension roller assembly 64 to the second position.
[0032] A method for detecting a finger 38a that has deviated from its proper position in the finger conveyor system 30 is further disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting the edge of a printed circuit board 12 using chain conveyors 32a, 32b, each having a chain 34 having a plurality of fingers 38. Specifically, the printed circuit board 12 is supported by the bottom foot portions 44 of the fingers 38. The method further includes detecting whether the fingers 38 are in a non-operating position, for example, whether there is a displaced finger 38a, using tension rollers 74 of a tension roller assembly 64 of a finger detection system 50, wherein the tension rollers 74 are configured to engage with each finger 38 of the fingers 38 of the finger conveyor system 30. The tension roller assembly 64 is further configured to move in response to engagement with a displaced finger 38a finger located in a non-operating position.
[0033] In some embodiments, detecting whether the displaced finger 38a is in a non-operating position further includes using a sensor 66 to detect movement of the tension roller 74 and the tension roller assembly 64 to a non-operating position. The sensor 66 is coupled to a controller 26 and is configured to detect movement of the tension roller 74 to a second position and generate a signal to the controller 26.
[0034] Various controllers can perform the various operations discussed above. For example, as discussed above, a controller such as controller 26 can, among other operations, control components of the wave soldering machine 10, including the wave soldering station 24 and the finger conveyor system 30. Using data stored in associated memory and / or storage, the controller can execute one or more instructions stored in one or more non-temporary computer-readable media that the controller may have and / or be coupled with, thereby manipulating the data. In some examples, the controller may include one or more processors or other types of controllers. In one example, the controller is or includes at least one processor. In another example, the controller uses, in addition to or instead of a general-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit tuned to perform a particular operation to perform at least some of the operations discussed above. As these examples illustrate, the examples provided herein can perform the operations described herein using many specific combinations of hardware and software, and this disclosure is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software components. Examples of the present disclosure may include computer program products configured to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations discussed above. These computer program products may be, or include, one or more controllers and / or processors configured to perform instructions for the methods, processes, and / or operations discussed above.
[0035] While several aspects of at least one embodiment of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that various modifications, changes, and improvements will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art. Such modifications, changes, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the above descriptions and drawings are merely illustrative.
Claims
1. A wave soldering machine that performs wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board, Housing and A wave soldering station coupled to the housing, configured to generate solder waves used to perform the wave soldering operation on the printed circuit board, A finger conveyor system coupled to the housing, configured to deliver printed circuit boards to the wave soldering station through the housing, Equipped with, The aforementioned finger conveyor system is A chain conveyor comprising at least one chain having a chain with multiple fingers, wherein the fingers are configured to support the edges of the printed circuit board, A finger detection system positioned in close proximity to at least one of the chain conveyors, Equipped with, The aforementioned finger detection system is A tension roller assembly configured to engage with each of the fingers of the plurality of fingers, further configured to move in response to engagement with the fingers in a non-operating position, A sensor configured to detect the movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position, Equipped with, Wave soldering machine.
2. The wave soldering machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one chain conveyor includes a first chain conveyor having a first chain having a first plurality of first fingers, the first plurality of fingers configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board, and a second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of second fingers, the second plurality of fingers configured to support the opposite edge of the printed circuit board, the finger detection system being associated with each chain conveyor.
3. The wave soldering machine according to claim 2, wherein each chain conveyor is provided with a chain that runs on a sprocket provided at the end of the chain conveyor.
4. The wave soldering machine according to claim 3, wherein each chain conveyor further comprises a plurality of fingers connected to the chain for transporting the printed circuit board through the frame of the wave soldering machine.
5. The wave soldering machine according to claim 4, wherein the finger detection system comprises a bracket configured to be coupled to the housing.
6. The wave soldering machine according to claim 5, wherein the bracket comprises a top flange configured to be fixed to the housing and a bottom flange configured to pivotally support the tension roller assembly and to support the sensor.
7. The wave soldering machine according to claim 6, wherein the tension roller assembly comprises a roller bracket, a tension roller, a support column, and a spring, and the roller bracket, the tension roller, the support column, and the spring are configured to bias the tension roller to a first operating position, the first position being separated from the non-operating position.
8. The wave soldering machine according to claim 7, wherein the roller bracket comprises a top tab configured to be fixed to the top flange of the bracket via the spring, and a bottom tab configured to support the tension roller.
9. The wave soldering machine according to claim 8, wherein the roller bracket further comprises an intermediate portion having a cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion being configured to slide on the support column to allow the roller bracket to pivot relative to the bracket.
10. The wave soldering machine according to claim 7, wherein the tension roller, under the tension of the spring, is normally positioned in the first position where the middle portion of the roller bracket engages with the edge of the top flange of the bracket, and the tension roller is configured to reach a second position where it is swung away from the bracket.
11. The wave soldering machine according to claim 7, wherein the sensor is coupled to a controller and is configured to detect the movement of the tension roller to the second position and generate a signal to the controller.
12. The wave soldering machine according to claim 7, further comprising an engagement plate configured to engage with a finger among the plurality of fingers when the tension roller is in the first position.
13. A finger conveyor system for a wave soldering machine configured to perform wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board, A chain conveyor comprising at least one chain having multiple fingers, wherein at least one chain conveyor is configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board, A finger detection system positioned in close proximity to at least one of the chain conveyors, Equipped with, The aforementioned finger detection system is A tension roller assembly configured to engage with each of the fingers of the plurality of fingers, further configured to move in response to engagement with the fingers in a non-operating position, A sensor configured to detect the movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position, Equipped with, Finger conveyor system.
14. The finger conveyor system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one chain conveyor includes a first chain conveyor having a first chain having a first plurality of first fingers, the first plurality of fingers configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board, and a second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of second fingers, the second plurality of fingers configured to support the opposite edge of the printed circuit board, and the finger detection system is associated with each chain conveyor.
15. Each chain conveyor comprises a chain running on a sprocket provided at the end of the chain conveyor, each chain conveyor further comprises a plurality of fingers connected to the chain for transporting the printed circuit board through the frame of the wave soldering machine, the finger detection system comprises a bracket configured to be coupled to the housing, the bracket comprising a top flange configured to be fixed to the housing, and a bottom flange configured to pivotally support a tension roller assembly and to support the sensor, the tension roller assembly comprising a roller bracket, a tension roller, a support column, and a spring, the roller bracket, the tension roller, the support column, and the spring are configured to bias the tension roller to a first position, the first position being separated from the non-operating position, the finger conveyor system according to claim 14.
16. A method for detecting a finger of a finger conveyor system in a non-operating position within a wave soldering machine configured to perform wave soldering operations on a printed circuit board, The edge of the printed circuit board is supported using at least one chain conveyor equipped with a chain having multiple fingers, The detection of whether a finger among the plurality of fingers is in a non-operating position, using a tension roller assembly configured to engage with each of the plurality of fingers, wherein the tension roller assembly is further configured to move in response to engagement with the finger in the non-operating position. Methods that include...
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising detecting whether one of the plurality of fingers is in the non-operating position, by detecting movement of the tension roller assembly to the non-operating position.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the at least one chain conveyor includes a first chain conveyor having a first chain having a first plurality of first fingers, the first plurality of fingers configured to support the edge of the printed circuit board, and a second chain conveyor having a second chain having a second plurality of second fingers, the second plurality of fingers configured to support the opposite edge of the printed circuit board, and the finger detection system is associated with each chain conveyor.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the tension roller assembly comprises a roller bracket, a tension roller, a support column, and a spring, and the roller bracket, the tension roller, the support column, and the spring are configured to bias the tension roller to a first position separated from the non-operating position.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein detection of the movement of the tension roller assembly is achieved by a sensor coupled to a controller, the sensor being configured to detect the movement of the tension roller to the second position and generate a signal to the controller.