Patent ID: 12246387

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures show a device1for displacing at least one assembly2,2′ between a provisioning zone3and a working zone4of at least one process chamber5of a process chamber apparatus6for soldering, in particular for reflow soldering, the assemblies2,2′. Here, a soldering process is carried out on the assembly2,2′ consisting of at least two assembly component elements (not shown) by the action of thermal energy in the interior of the process chamber5, which leads to a materially bonded connection of the assembly elements. At the provisioning zone3, the at least one assembly2,2′ is held and/or supported by a supporting device11. In particular, the at least one assembly2,2′ can rest on the supporting device11due to gravity.

The device1comprises at least one displacement device7, which can be moved or changed in its position and/or orientation. The at least one assembly2,2′ is set into a displacement movement9at least in sections by means of a force8(cf. arrow), in particular a pushing force, which is transmitted and/or generated by the displacement device7, in particular directly, and which acts on the assembly2,2′, cf.FIG.7. In other words, the at least one assembly2,2′ carries out a displacement movement9at least in sections as a result of the application of force by the displacement device7, so that the assembly2,2′ can be displaced, for example, from a provisioning zone3on the supporting device side to a working zone4on the process chamber apparatus side and/or vice versa. Through the contact of the displacement device7, at least one assembly2,2′ can be pushed on to carry out the displacement movement9. With the pushing of the assemblies2,2′ by the displacement device7, a displacement of the at least one assembly2,2′ takes place, for example, the displacement device7can be in direct contact with a first assembly2′ and the first assembly2′ can be in direct contact with a further assembly2, so that both assemblies2,2′ are moved simultaneously, at least in sections, for carrying out the displacement movement9. In other words, the further assembly2can be moved, in particular pushed, at least in sections via the action of the displacement device9on the first assembly2′ and the action of the first assembly2′ on the further assembly2.

The supporting device11can comprise at least one bearing means10,10′, cf.FIG.1. In embodiments, the supporting device11comprises at least two bearing means10,10′. The at least one assembly2,2′ can be arranged or is arranged on the at least one bearing means10,10′, in particular directly, at least in sections, such as predominantly, during the displacement movement9. For example, the assemblies2,2′ rest on the bearing means10during a predominant section during the displacement movement9. By means of the at least one bearing means10,10′, the at least one assembly2,2′ can be mounted on the supporting device11so as to be movable at least in the direction of the displacement movement9. In other words, a bearing means10,10′ can be configured in such a way that an assembly2,2′ arranged on or resting on the bearing means10,10′ has a reduced resistance (sliding resistance) when pressurized in the direction of the displacement movement9. For example, the bearing means10,10′ can be configured at least in sections, in particular completely, as a sliding surface on which the at least one assembly2,2′ can be moved during the displacement movement9of the assembly2,2′. In some embodiments, the at least one bearing means10,10′ is formed as a rolling bearing (e.g. roller and/or ball bearing) or as a bearing means10,10′ formed as a rolling element.

In embodiments, the device1is configured, in a first section12(cf.FIGS.2,3) of the displacement movement9, to effect a displacement of the at least one assembly2,2′ at least by a movement of a supporting means13, in particular of a bearing means10, of the supporting device11, which supports the at least one assembly2,2′ at least in sections, and, in a further section14(cf.FIG.7) of the displacement movement9, a displacement of the at least one assembly2,2′ is carried out at least by the action of the force8, in particular a pushing force, acting on the at least one assembly2,2′ by means of the displacement device7. In the embodiment according toFIG.1, a first section12of the displacement movement9is shown, in which the displacement device7is placed at a distance from the assemblies2,2′. Consequently, in this state no force8, in particular no pushing force, is applied by the displacement device7to the at least one assembly2. The displacement movement9takes place in this section12, in particular exclusively, due to a movement of the supporting means13of the supporting device11, which are here exemplarily formed as bearing means10,10′. The bearing means10,10′ are, for example, connected to a connecting member22and are mounted on the supporting device11in such a way that the bearing means10,10′ with the connecting member22perform a common relative movement to the supporting device11or to a base body40of the supporting device11. Due to the fact that the at least one assembly2,2′ rests on the at least one bearing means10,10′, the at least one assembly2,2′ is selectively displaced by the relative movement of the supporting means13with respect to the base body40of the supporting device11, or a section12of the displacement movement9of the assembly2,2′ is thereby carried out.

At least one restraining means15can be arranged or formed in and/or on and/or near or directly adjacent to the supporting device11. In embodiments, the at least one restraining means15is arranged at an end region, in particular at the end facing the process chamber apparatus6, of the supporting device11. The at least one restraining means15can thereby be used as a temporary assembly stop or as a temporary board stop, wherein the at least one restraining means15is movable between a blocking position16(seeFIGS.1,12) and a release position17(seeFIG.7). In the blocking position16, a movement of at least one assembly2carried by the supporting device11in the direction of the displacement movement9is inhibited or blocked. In the release position17, a movement of at least one assembly2carried by the supporting device11in the direction of the displacement movement9can be released.

For example, the position of the restraining means15can be seen fromFIG.8; these are configured, for example, in such a way that they project into the width of the receiving tracks29,29′ for receiving the assemblies2,2′ and temporarily restrain them from further movement by contact with the assemblies2,2′. The restraining means15can comprise a contact body, in particular a plate-like contact body, which can be moved in its height, e.g. by means of an actuating cylinder, cf.FIG.12. The surface of the contact body, in particular a plate-like contact body, can be used at least in sections as a supporting region18for at least temporary support of the assemblies2,2′.

Thus it is possible that the at least one restraining means15is configured in the blocking position16to prevent at least one assembly2moved on the supporting device11in the displacement direction9from being transported further, in particular from being transported into a working zone4of the process chamber apparatus6. For this purpose, the restraining means15can be configured, for example, as a vertically movable contact body (cf. arrow43) which, upon assuming a positioning at the level of the assemblies2,2′, inhibits their further movement or acts as a stop for these assemblies2,2′. Thus, it is possible that despite continuous movement of the bearing means10,10′ along the annular path38or the relative movement of the bearing means10,10′ and the connecting member22relative to the base body40of the supporting device11, the at least one assembly2,2′ remains stationary relative to the position, in particular of the base body40, of the supporting device11and a rolling movement or a rotational movement25of the bearing means10,10′ relative to the base body40of the supporting device11is prevented. A rotational movement25of the bearing means10,10′ results due to the relative movement in response to the retention of the at least one assembly2,2′ by the restraining means15.

The restraining means15may alternatively or additionally comprise a supporting region18, which is suitable for at least temporarily supporting at least one assembly2moved during at least one section of the displacement movement9. A support here means that at least part of the weight force of the at least one assembly2is supported at least partially on the supporting region18. In other words, the supporting region18can be considered, for example, as an extension of the supporting means13, in particular the bearing means10,10′, of the supporting device11. In embodiments, the restraining means15is arranged or formed in such a way that the restraining means15at least or exclusively in the release position17reduces or shortens, by means of its supporting region18, a distance to be passed by the at least one assembly2,2′ of (a) an interruption of a contact region of the assembly2,2′ with the supporting device11and the process chamber5or (b) a gap19between the supporting device11and the process chamber5.

In embodiments, the device1is configured to move the at least one assembly2in at least one section of the displacement movement9by means of a superimposed action of a force8acting on the at least one assembly2through the displacement device7and a movement of the supporting means13carrying the at least one assembly2, in particular at least one bearing means10,10′, of the supporting device11. Here, for example, in the case of rotatably mounted bearing means10,10′, it may result that the bearing means10,10′ rotate about their respective axis of rotation20at a lower speed (rotational speed) than in the case of non-movement of the bearing means10,10′ and the connecting member22with respect to their common relative movement relative to the supporting device11, in particular to the base body40of the supporting device11. In other words, the displacement device7can push the assemblies2,2′ resting on the bearing means10,10′, whereby the effective movement component starting from the displacement device7is reduced by the movement of the bearing means10,10′ already taking place along the member-conditioned relative movement or ring movement, whereby the amount of the force8applied to the assembly by the displacement device7can be reduced and/or controlled. Thus, for example, it can be provided that during the bringing into contact of the displacement device7with an assembly2,2′ and/or during the bringing into contact of two assemblies2,2′ with each other, due to the action of the displacement device7on one of the two assemblies2,2′, by an adaptation and/or execution of an annular movement or a relative movement of the supporting means13, in particular of the bearing means10,10′, the amount of force can act reduced in comparison with the amount of the force8during the displacement movement9after the bringing into contact.

The at least one bearing means10,10′, can be rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation20, in particular oriented perpendicular to the displacement movement9. This axis of rotation20can, for example, be oriented parallel to the main extension plane of the supporting device11and/or to the main extension plane to the at least one assembly2,2′ supported on the supporting device11. In embodiments, at least one component of the displacement movement9of the at least one assembly2,2′ arranged on a bearing means10,10′ can lead to a rotational movement21or to a rolling movement about the rotational axis20of the at least one rotatably mounted bearing means10as a result of the action of the displacement device7on the at least one assembly2,2′, cf.FIG.7. The action of the displacement device7can in this case comprise pressurization of the assembly2,2′ in the direction of the displacement movement9.

It is further apparent that the rotational movement21during the action of the force8acting on the at least one assembly2by the displacement device7, occurs in a different rotational direction than the rotational movement25of the bearing means10,10′ which occurs during the restraint of the at least one assembly2,2′ by the restraining means15located in the restraining position, cf.FIGS.1and7.

At least two bearing means10,10′ can be connected via a connecting member22, for example via a connecting member22configured as a conveyor belt or as a chain, and can be moved at least in sections in the direction of the displacement movement9, in particular driven by a motor. In embodiments, at least two bearing means10,10′ perform an at least sectionally linear transport movement in the direction of the displacement movement9, in which an assembly2,2′ arranged on these bearing means10,10′ performs at least one component of a, in particular linear, displacement movement9. The connecting member22is movably mounted on the supporting device11via a bearing. The bearing arrangement enables a ring-like or annular movement, in particular following a closed ring, of the connecting member22and thus also of the bearing means10,10′ attached to the connecting member22. For example, a conveyor belt-like connecting member22is visible fromFIG.12, on which a plurality of respective rotatably mounted bearing means10,10′ are arranged. The drive wheel44can be used to drive the connecting member22and the bearing means10,10′. The connecting member22is deflected at the end regions of the supporting device11via deflection means configured, for example, as sprockets.

The at least one displacement device7can, for example, comprise at least one displacement element24movably mounted on a holding body23on the displacement device side for at least temporary contact with at least one assembly2, the displacement element24being movable at least in sections parallel and/or perpendicular to the displacement movement9. Here, the displacement element24can be movably mounted or displaceable relative to the holding body23. The holding body23is a component of the displacement device7and can be configured, for example, as a holding frame.

As can be seen by way of example in the embodiment ofFIG.5, the displacement device7comprises a base body which forms the interface of the displacement device7with the rest of the supporting device11. For example, the base body is connected to the base body40of the supporting device11, in particular in a planar manner. Furthermore, the displacement device7comprises column bodies45which support the holding body23in a movable or displaceable manner relative to the base body and/or relative to the base body40. The holding body23comprises a pull-out body46which allows a displacement element24movably mounted thereon and/or a cross member41movably mounted thereon to move into a position laterally relative to the base body and/or base body40.

By means of an in particular linear movement or by means of a, in particular linear, movement of the crosshead41, the at least one displacement device7can carry out an in particular linear displacement movement9on the at least one assembly2,2′. In embodiments, the displacement device7comprises a plurality of displacement elements24which are connected to the crosshead41in a non-positive and/or positive manner, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner. This makes it possible to replace the connecting elements24that are in direct contact with the assemblies2in a simple and convenient manner. For example, at least two, in particular three, displacement elements24are arranged on the crosshead41—as can be seen in the embodiment shown inFIG.12. Alternatively or additionally, at least one displacement element24, such as exactly one displacement element24, can be associated with each receiving track29,29′ of the supporting device11. It can also be provided, for example, that in different receiving tracks29,29′, displacement elements24respectively associated therewith can be moved or are movable independently of one another. This can make it possible, for example, for assemblies2,2′ arranged in different receiving tracks29,29′ of the supporting device11to be moved independently of one another by a specific movement of the corresponding displacement elements24.

The crosshead41can span or overlap at least one receiving track29,29′, such as all receiving tracks29,29′, of the supporting device11. In particular, the crosshead41can be placed at the lateral end regions of the supporting device11and/or be movably mounted on a holding body23and/or on a pull-out body46of the supporting device11.

As shown schematically inFIGS.2to7, starting from the displacement device7, a targeted movement of at least one assembly2in the provisioning zone3as well as in the working zone4can take place. The displacement element24of the displacement device7can, for example, be movably arranged or configured on the supporting device11in such a way that the displacement element24or at least one component of the displacement device7can pass over at least one assembly2arranged on the supporting device11, such as at least two assemblies2,2′ arranged on the supporting device11. For this purpose, the displacement element24or at least one component of the displacement device7can be placed in a first position (cf.FIG.2) at the level of the at least one assembly2,2′ arranged on the supporting device11and, starting from this position, can be moved into a relatively higher or lower position, for example by a movement component oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane, relative to the at least one assembly2arranged on the supporting device11. This can be achieved by moving the displacement element24vertically upwards or downwards relative to a stationary assembly2,2′ (not shown) or by moving the means supporting the assembly2,2′ (e.g. supporting device11) vertically upwards or downwards at least partially relative to a displacement element24stationary at least at its height. Finally, for example, both the displacement element24and the means of the supporting device11carrying the assembly2,2′ can each perform a movement that results in the displacement element24and the assembly2,2′ moving out of a common plane.

In this position of the displacement element24, which is moved out of the main extension plane of the at least one assembly2, the displacement element24or at least a component of the displacement device7can pass over or under the assembly2. After the displacement element24has bridged over/passed over (or passed under) the assembly2in a direction parallel to the intended displacement movement9of the assembly2, cf.FIG.4, the displacement element24is arranged at an end section of the provisioning zone3facing the process chamber5. Starting from this position of the displacement element24, the holding body23and/or a pull-out body46movably mounted on the holding body23can be pulled-out, at least in sections, into a pull-out position27projecting at least into the working zone4, cf.FIG.5. In embodiments, it can be provided that the holding body23and/or a pull-out body46movably mounted on the holding body23projects into the interior of the process chamber5at least predominantly, such as completely. In other words, the holding body23and/or a pull-out body46mounted thereon can, for example, be moved or pulled out, such as motor-driven, between a first covering position (cf.FIG.4) in which it is at least predominantly, in particular completely, in coverage (top view) with the base body40and/or with the supporting device11and a second pull-out position27(cf.FIG.5) positioned laterally offset with respect to the base body40and/or with respect to the supporting device11. By temporarily projecting the holding body23and/or the pull-out body46, which is mounted on the holding body23such that it can be pulled out, into the working zone4of the process chamber apparatus6, the potential range of movement of the displacement element24or at least one component of the displacement device7into the working zone4is temporarily extended. InFIG.7, a pushing out of the assemblies2,2′ placed in the process chamber5is shown, wherein these assemblies2,2′ are displaced to a collection zone35via a transfer opening33′ arranged or formed at the end of the process chamber5facing away from the supporting device11. This results in the process chamber5being emptied.

In deviation from a complete traversal of a group of assemblies2, the displacement element24can also selectively traverse individual assemblies2and thus move them individually into the working zone4. Alternatively or additionally, the displacement element24may move individual assemblies2of a group of assemblies2arranged within the working zone4out of the working zone4of the process chamber apparatus6by moving the displacement element24accordingly. In this case, the displacement element24can selectively move next to an assembly2to be moved, in particular an isolated assembly2, and move it in or out.

It is possible that the holding body23or a pull-out body46movably mounted on the holding body23is configured to be actively or passively extendable or configured such that it can be pushed out actively or passively. In other words, the holding body23or a pull-out body46can be configured in such a way that at least parts of these are configured to be movable, in particular horizontally, or can be moved. For example, the holding body23itself or a pull-out body46movably mounted on the holding body23may be arranged to perform a movement, in particular an exclusively linear movement. For example, the holding body23and/or the pull-out body46is configured to be telescopic at least, such as predominantly, such as completely, in sections.

The movement of the at least one assembly2,2′ in a transition region between the process chamber5and the collection zone35and/or in the collection zone35or within the collection carrier36can, for example, be effected at least partially by the action of the displacement device7, in particular by contact with the displacement element24. It is possible that the movement of the at least one assembly2in the transition region between the process chamber5and the collection zone35and/or within the collection zone35or within the collection carrier36can be or is carried out at least in sections, in particular exclusively via a movement means (not shown) associated with the collecting device34.

The fact that the holding body23and/or the pull-out body46, which is mounted so as to be extendable on the holding body23, only temporarily protrudes into the working zone4of the process chamber5or can also be moved out of it again makes it possible for the process chamber5or the transfer openings33,33′ of the at least one process chamber5,5′ to be closed by a closure means42. In other words, a displacement device7arranged on the supporting device11can be moved out of the process chamber5and thus an obstacle for closing the transfer opening33can be removed.

After the process chamber5has been emptied, at least one component of the displacement device7or the at least one displacement element24can be positioned in front of and in the plane of the at least one assembly2,2′ arranged on the supporting device11, as viewed in the direction of movement9. For this purpose, the component of the supporting device11carrying the assembly2,2′ in the provisioning zone3can be moved upwards again from the lower position, so that the assembly2,2′ is again level (in a common/overlapping plane area) with the displacement element24, cf. position inFIG.2. Starting from this position, at least one component of the displacement device7or the at least one displacement element24can serve as a pusher or as a means for applying a pushing force to this assembly2,2′ and finally carry out a displacement or a pushing of the assembly2,2′ into the process chamber5, cf.FIG.7.

The holding body23, in particular configured as a holding frame, can for example be movably attached or fastened to a base body of the displacement device7and/or to a base body40of the supporting device11. In embodiments, the holding body23is movable at least in sections perpendicularly and/or parallel (a) to a main extension plane of the holding body23and/or (b) to a main extension plane of the base body and/or of the base body40and/or (c) to a main extension plane of the supporting device11. Perpendicular movability of the holding body23can be achieved, for example, by telescopic column bodies45supporting the holding body23relative to a base body and/or to a base body40. Alternatively, the holding body23can be movably attached to rigid or non-telescopic column bodies45in such a way that a vertical displacement of the holding body23relative to the base body and/or to the base body40is achieved.

The supporting device11can, for example, comprise wall bodies28running parallel to the displacement movement9and/or oriented parallel to one another, cf.FIGS.8and9. In this case, for example, a receiving track29,29′ for receiving at least one assembly2,2′, in particular a first group of assemblies2,2′, can be formed between two wall bodies28,28′. In embodiments, a distance30of the wall bodies28corresponds at least approximately to the length dimension or width dimension of the at least one assembly2,2′ present in the transverse direction to the displacement movement9. It may be provided that the bearing and/or supporting means10,10′,13for supporting the at least one assembly2,2′ are arranged or formed on the wall bodies28,28′. The wall bodies28,28′ can thus form a component of the supporting device11.

The supporting device11can, for example, have at least one receiving track29,29′ for supportingly receiving at least one assembly2,2′, the receiving track width or the distance30between two wall bodies28,28′ being variable, in particular variable by a motor. The distance30between the wall bodies28,28′ can be changed, for example, in the manner of a parallel displacement relative to one another and thus adapted to a possibly changing width of the assemblies2,2′. A receiving track29means here that a receiving channel, in particular a straight channel, is formed in which at least one assembly2,2′, such as at least two assemblies2,2′, can be received.

For example, the supporting device11can be or is movable at right angles to the displacement movement9of the at least one assembly2,2′ for carrying out an orientation movement31, and in particular parallel to a main extension plane of the supporting device11.FIGS.8and9show two positions that can be assumed by executing an orientation movement31. In this case, by means of the orientation movement31, a first receiving track29of the supporting device11for receiving at least one assembly2,2′ and at least one second receiving track29′ of the supporting device11for receiving at least one further assembly2,2′ can optionally be moved to a corresponding orientation and/or position to a, in particular single-track, introduction zone32for introducing at least one assembly2to the supporting device11or into the provisioning zone3. In the position shown inFIG.8, the first receiving track29is positioned corresponding to the introduction zone32for receiving an assembly2from this introduction zone32. InFIG.9, the supporting device11is moved according to the orientation movement31in such a way that the further receiving track29′ of the supporting device11is positioned corresponding to the introduction zone32, so that an assembly2moving from the introduction zone32in the direction of the supporting device11is received in the further receiving track29′.

The introduction zone32may comprise an insertion device which is configured to move assemblies2from a location remote from the device1to the supporting device11or to bring them into or onto the supporting device11in such a way that a transfer of the assemblies2,2′ from the introduction zone32to the supporting device11, in particular into or onto a provisioning zone3of the supporting device11, can take place.

A process chamber apparatus6can, for example, be equipped with at least two process chambers5,5′ arranged one above the other, wherein the supporting device11, or at least components thereof, is or are vertically displaceable in such a way in such a way that at least one assembly2carried by the supporting device11can be optionally displaced or transferred into a first or a further process chamber5,5′ of the process chamber apparatus6, cf.FIG.1. For this purpose, the supporting device11or a component of the supporting device11comprising the bearing means10,10′ or the carrying means13can be vertically displaceable. In the embodiment of the device1shown inFIG.10, the device1comprises four process chambers5,5′ arranged one above the other, in particular congruently in plan view. The supporting device11can be moved vertically so that a transfer of an assembly between the supporting device11and the process chamber5,5′ can be carried out by moving to a predefined vertical position.

A process chamber apparatus6can, for example, be equipped with at least one process chamber5,5′, wherein at least one process chamber5,5′ comprises a first and a further transfer opening33,33′. The transfer openings33,33′ serve for passing through or moving at least one assembly2,2′ between (a) a working zone4on the process chamber side and (b1) a provisioning zone3on the supporting device side and/or (b2) a collection zone35on the collecting device side. The transfer openings33,33′ can be arranged or formed on two opposite side surfaces of the at least one, in particular cuboid, process chamber5. In embodiments, a first group of transfer openings33of respective process chambers5,5′ are arranged or formed on a first side surface of the process chambers5,5′ and a further group of further transfer openings33′ of respective process chambers5,5′ are arranged or formed on a further side surface of the process chambers5,5′, in particular opposite to the first side surface. In other words, the transfer openings33,33′ to the provisioning zone3or to the collection zone35of several, in particular all, process chambers5,5′ of a device1are arranged or formed on the same sides of the process chamber apparatus.

The transfer openings33,33′ of the process chambers5,5′ can each be closed or temporarily closed by means of closure means42. This is advantageous in order to enable targeted temperature control of an assembly2in an interior space or in the working zone4of a process chamber5,5′. Also, the energy expenditure for the temperature control of the interior space or the working zone4can be reduced and/or a higher accuracy can be achieved in the temperature control of the interior space or the working zone4of the process chamber5,5′ and/or the assembly2,2′ placed in the interior space.

As can be seen in particular fromFIG.10, the device1can comprise a collecting device34, wherein the collecting device34comprises a collection carrier36, which is movable, in particular horizontally and/or vertically, relative to the process chamber apparatus6, in order to receive at least one assembly2moved out of the at least one process chamber5,5′, such as directly. In embodiments, the collecting device34, in particular the collection carrier36, comprises a plurality of groups of receiving tracks37,37′,37″, such as arranged or formed one above the other and/or side by side. Thus, receiving tracks37,37′,37″ may be arranged or formed side by side and/or one above the other. This makes it possible to store or collect or temporarily receive a plurality of assemblies2,2′ using a small volume and/or taking up a small amount of space of the device1in a factory hall. The collection carrier36is movable in such a way that a defined receiving track37,37′,37″ can be selectively moved to or through a transfer opening33′ of a process chamber5,5′ in such a way that an assembly2,2′ is moved between the collection carrier-side receiving track37,37′,37″ and the working zone4of the process chamber5,5′. The collecting device34can be used as a storage of at least one assembly2,2′ and/or as a means changing an order of the moved assemblies2,2′ and/or as a cooling area for active and/or passive cooling of the at least one assembly2,2′. The collecting device can transfer the assemblies2,2′ received therein to a removal zone48of a removal device47adjacent to the device1. For this purpose, the collecting device34and/or the removal device47can optionally have means which allow the assemblies2,2′ to be displaced.

It is possible that the collecting device34is configured in such a way that it surrounds at least in sections, such as predominantly, such as completely, the assemblies2,2′ received therein with a defined gas atmosphere, in particular an inert gas atmosphere. It is thus possible for the collecting device34to have a receiving volume which can be closed off at least temporarily in a gas-tight manner and in which a defined gas atmosphere, in particular an inert gas atmosphere, prevails and/or can be built up, so that the assemblies2,2′ received in this receiving volume are exposed to a corresponding gas atmosphere.

The process of supplying the assemblies2,2′ into the process chamber and the dwell time of the assemblies2,2′ in this process chamber as well as the control of an active cooling device in or on the collecting device for active cooling of the assemblies2,2′ located in the collecting device and/or the control of the collecting device for the defined dwell time of the assemblies in the collecting device for active or passive cooling of the assemblies2,2′ while these are accommodated in the collecting device34can be predefined. The collecting device34can comprise a cooling device (not shown) and/or a cooling device can be assigned to the collecting device34, so that an at least temporary active cooling of the assembly(s)2,2′ placed in the collecting device34can be carried out by means of the cooling device.

Thus, for example, it is possible that the cooling time of the assemblies2,2′ can be specifically influenced by the collecting device34and the sequence or a subsequent pick-up of assemblies2,2′ in this collecting device34. Provided that the number of receiving locations for assemblies2,2′ in the working zone4of the process chamber6is identical to that of the collecting device34, the heating duration can correspond to the cooling duration. For example, it is also possible to operate in a mode in which the collecting device has a surplus of holding locations for assemblies2,2′ compared to the process chamber6, so that this surplus, quasi as a disposition volume or buffer volume, can be used to selectively extend the dwell time for the assemblies2,2′ within the collecting device34compared to the dwell time within the working zone.

In the synopsis ofFIGS.2and3, it can be seen that a first assembly2, which is closer to the front in the direction of the displacement movement9or to the process chamber apparatus6than a further, adjacent assembly2′, remains in a waiting position due to the restraining means15located in the blocking position16, while the further, adjacent assembly2′ is transported further by means of a conveying action due to the movement of the supporting means13, in particular the bearing means10,10′, of the supporting device11. In this case, any bearing means10,10′ which support the first assembly2(here: directed counterclockwise) perform a rotational movement25about the axes of rotation20. Thus, during the other movement of the displacement device7, in particular of the displacement element24, a compact arrangement of the assemblies2,2′ on or on the supporting device11can be achieved even without the influence of the latter. InFIG.3, the relative movement of the at least two assemblies2,2′ is terminated so that they are arranged by, in particular, direct contact with each other. The rotational movement25when the restraining means15is effective (i.e. restraining means15in blocking position) can take place in the opposite direction to the rotational movement21during a permitted sliding movement by the displacement element24(i.e. restraining means15in release position).

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that at least as assemblies2,2′ do not directly contact each other, but between two assemblies2,2′ a displacement element24or a further movably supported element (not shown) may be moved or placed. In other words, the displacement element24can be positioned between two assemblies2,2′, the displacement element24being moved into the plane of the assembly2,2′ where it serves as a stop for at least one assembly2,2′. In this way, the further assembly2′ can be set in motion by means of the ring movement or the conveyor belt-like movement of the bearing means10,10′ and serve as a stop or restraining means for this further assembly2′ by means of the correspondingly arranged displacement element24. Thus, in addition to its displacement function by a pushing movement onto an assembly2,2′, the displacement element24additionally obtains a stopper function or stop function for forming an arrangement of assemblies2,2′ on gap, in particular within the provisioning zone3and/or the working zone4of the process chamber5and/or the collecting device34. In a next step, the ring movement or the conveyor belt-like movement of the bearing means10,10′ can be stopped, so that no further conveying of the further assembly2′ resulting from this movement takes place. Consequently, the displacement element24can thus be moved out of the intermediate space between the two assemblies2,2′, the intermediate space remaining. This has the advantage that mechanical interference or thermal interference due to any contact between the two assemblies2,2′ is prevented. Also, the existing intermediate space can be used for inserting or introducing the displacement element24in order to thus carry out a defined movement or a defined displacement of an individual assembly2,2′, in particular the further assembly2′.

An arrangement provided with a gap or an arrangement on gap of the assemblies2,2′ can serve for their placement (a) in or at the provisioning zone3, in particular in or at a supporting device11, and/or (b) in the working zone4of a process chamber5and/or (c) in or at a collecting device34, in particular in a collection carrier36and/or a receiving track37,37′,37″ of a collecting device34. Thus, the displacement element24can be moved in a targeted manner into the previously formed gaps or spaces between the assemblies2,2′ in order to subsequently move or displace at least one assembly2,2′ in a defined manner by pushing, starting from the positioning of the displacement element24in this gap.

It may be provided that the device1comprises at least two or more displacement elements24which are independently movably supported so that these multiple displacement elements24can each be used in a gap or for forming multiple gaps between multiple assemblies2,2′. Thus, each displacement element24can be used as an interspace-forming element for forming one interspace between a plurality of assemblies2,2′, respectively.

It is possible that the displacement device7is configured to displace (a) an assembly2,2′ arranged in a supporting device-side provisioning zone3into a process chamber-side working zone4and/or (b) an assembly2,2′ arranged in a working zone4on the process chamber side into a provisioning zone3on the supporting device side and/or (c) to move an assembly2,2′ arranged in a working zone4on the process chamber side into a collection zone35on the collecting device side and/or (d) to move an assembly2,2′ arranged in a collection zone35on the collecting device side into a working zone4on the process chamber side. In particular, at least one, in particular all, of the aforementioned movements of the at least one assembly2,2′ is carried out by contacting and applying a pushing force8to the at least one assembly2,2′ by means of the displacement device-side displacement element24.

The displacement device7can, for example, be configured in such a way that a movement of an assembly2,2′ (a) at and/or via a gap (19) between the provisioning zone3on the supporting device side and the working zone4on the process chamber side and/or (b) at and/or via a gap (19) between the working zone4on the process chamber side and the collection zone35on the collecting device side and/or (c) within the working zone4and/or (d) within the provisioning zone3, is effected exclusively by the action, such as directly contacting action, of the displacement device7or of the displacement element24.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it may be provided that (a) the displacement device7is at least partially aligned with the supporting device11and/or (b) the displacement element24is aligned with the holding body23and/or (c) the holding body23is aligned with the base body of the displacement device7and/or with the supporting device11, in particular to the base body40of the supporting device, and/or (d) the at least one bearing means10,10′ within the supporting device11and/or (e) the bearing means10,10′ is movable or movable by means of a motor about an axis of rotation20on the bearing means side and/or (f) a collecting device34is movable or movable by means of a motor. Here, for example, a motor can be used for a simultaneous or selective execution of at least two, in particular all, of said relative movements. Alternatively, at least for a part, in particular for all, of the said relative movements of components of the device1, in particular of components of the displacement device7, a separate motor can be used in each case, which can be controlled independently of further motors.

In addition to the device1, the present disclosure comprises a method for displacing at least one assembly2,2′ between a provisioning zone3and a working zone4, in particular an interior, of at least one process chamber5of a process chamber apparatus6for soldering, in particular for reflow soldering, of the at least one assembly2,2′, wherein the assembly2,2′ carries out a displacement movement9at least in sections by means of a force8, in particular a pushing force, which is transmitted or generated by a displacement device7, in particular directly, and acts on the assembly2, and is displaced.