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US 4,493,449 AGranted
Soldering tool for a robot
AssigneeRockwell International Corporation
InventorWilliam J. Kleiman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A soldering apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a positioning robot arm. A soldering iron and a supply of solder are combined on an accessory tool and additionally the robot has the capability of periodically cleaning the soldering iron to maintain a high degree of repetitive quality. Additionally the time to accomplish repetitive soldering functions is significantly reduced.
Claims12
A soldering tool for a robot comprising:
- a. a frame assembly for mounting said tool to said robot;
- b. means for providing heat to a specified location on a workpiece, said heating means attached to said frame assembly;
- c. means for guiding solder to said specified location upon command mounted on said frame assembly;
- d. means for cleaning said heating means in cooperation with said robot;
- and
- e. means for interconnection to said robot wherein said robot is for providing temperature control, timing control, and position control for said tool.
3 more elements
An automatic soldering apparatus comprising:
- a. an electronic control unit;
- b. a frame assembly for housing said control unit;
- c. movable arm means attached to said frame and operable to move to positions and at times controlled by said control unit;
- d. a soldering tool mounted on said arm and having a heating capability in cooperation with a means for providing solder, wherein said control unit locates said tool and times the heating duration and separately determines the time for providing solder, whereby the heating duration is a function of the workpiece mass and solder melt temperature, and the time for providing solder is a function of the workpiece heatsink capability;
- and means for cleaning said soldering tool additionally controlled by said control unit.
2 more elements
A soldering apparatus comprising:
- a. a robot having a moveable arm;
- b. an accessory frame member mounted on said arm;
- c. a soldering iron hingedly mounted on said accessory frame member and in electrical communication with said robot;
- d. an air actuated cylinder mounted upon said accessory frame member, operable to move said soldering iron upon said hinged mounting, said cylinder in pneumatic communication with said robot;
- and
- e. a solder guide mechanism for providing solder to a desired location upon command mounted upon said accessory frame member.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.