Patent ID: 9694436
Date: 2017-07-04
CPC Classifications: B23K

Claim:
1. A system for performing a solder reflow process comprising a plurality of stations within one system frame comprising: a first station for coating flux on a substrate; a second station for reflowing the flux on the substrate; a third station for removing the flux and cleaning the substrate; and an automated transfer device for transferring the substrate from one station to another station; wherein the second station includes a circular shaped reflow device that has multiple spaces to provide a temperature profile for reflowing the flux in a controlled low oxygen environment; wherein the reflow device includes a housing that defines a hollow interior, the housing including a door for both loading and unloading the substrate from the reflow device, the housing being divided into a first substrate space in which the substrate is in a first position; a second substrate space in which the substrate is in a second position; third substrate space in which the substrate is in a third position; and a fourth substrate space in which the substrate is in a fourth position, wherein the first substrate space is located behind the door such that the first position defines an initial loading and unloading position; wherein the first substrate space is selectively sealed off from the second, third and fourth substrates spaces with a controllable mechanism to prevent air from flowing between the first substrate space and the other substrate spaces; and wherein the controllable mechanism comprises a pair of shutters that move between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position, the shutters seal the first substrate space from the rest of the interior of the housing, thereby allowing the door to be opened or closed without introducing air into the rest of the interior including the other substrate spaces.