Lift-dip soldering apparatus, useful for selective soldering of circuit boards, has movable tool holder and/or movable loading carriage to allow safe, automatic tool replacement

摘要

Lift-dip soldering apparatus (a) has (a) a tool holder (1) which is movable to carry out movements for both the soldering process and the replacement of tools and/or (b) movable loading carriage(s) each having receiver(s) for dipping tool(s) and storage site(s) for upper tool(s). Independent claims are included for: (1) a lift-dip soldering method, involving moving a tool holder (1) for replacement of tools and for a soldering procedure, preferably using the same moving system (e.g. a bi- or triaxial system); and (2) a tool replacement method for lift-dip soldering in which (a) movable loading carriage(s), each provided with dipping tool(s) and/or upper tool(s)), are automatically transferred into a soldering station on tool replacement and/or (b) dipping tool(s) and/or upper tool(s) are transferred automatically from a welding station to a loading carriage.