Abstract A wire cutting method and apparatus are disclosed for use with a reflow wiring machine for interconnecting selected areas on printed circuit boards. The wire cutting apparatus functions to sever the insulated wire utilized by the reflow wiring machine after a solder joint has been completed. The wire cutting apparatus includes a shaft having a knife edge at its lower extremity positioned adjacent a reflow foot or capillary through which the insulated wire is passed. A knife actuator is connected to the shaft to lower the knife edge into contact with the wire between the solder joint and the reflow foot to sever the wire against the board surface. This results in the formation of a small wire tail located beyond the solder joint and a small wire tail extending below the reflow foot for the initiation of the next solder joint.
In combination: capillary means for handling, locating and soldering wire at selected solder reflow areas on a printed circuit board; and wire cutting means for severing a wire against the surface of said printed circuit board adjacent a wire solder joint, said wire cutting means comprising a knife edge reciprocably mounted adjacent said capillary means, said knife edge extending to the surface of said printed circuit board at its lowermost travel, and means for reciprocating said knife edge adjacent said capillary means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
In combination: capillary means for handling, locating and soldering wire at selected solder reflow areas on a printed circuit board; and wire cutting means for severing a wire against the surface of said printed circuit board adjacent a wire solder joint, said wire cutting means comprising a knife edge reciprocably mounted adjacent said capillary means, said knife edge extending to the surface of said printed circuit board at its lowermost travel, and means for reciprocating said knife edge adjacent said capillary means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said knife edge reciprocating means includes a cylindrical shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 2 further comprising actuator means for actuating said reciprocating means, said actuator means comprising a motor connected to said cylindrical shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 3 further including programmed actuator control means for automatically controlling the energizing of said actuator means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein said programmed actuator control means further includes means for automatically controlling the movement of said capillary means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 1 further including spring-biased wire tensioning means for maintaining the solder wire under tension as it passes through the capillary means.