DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING AN INERT GAS TO A WAVE SOLDERING INSTALLATION

The invention relates to a device (1) for supplying inert gas in order to protect the surface (13) of a solder bath (12) in a wave soldering installation (11) against oxidation. The device (1) is in the form of a cover (2) which can be arranged above at least one partial region (14) of the solder bath (12), wherein at least two heat exchangers (3a; 3b; 3c) which are immersed in the solder bath (12) are fitted underneath the cover (2), and each of these heat exchangers has an inlet (4a; 4b; 4c), through which the inert gas is fed in, and an outlet (5a; 5b; 5c) above the cover (2). Heat-resistant, releasable connecting elements (6) can be used to connect the outlets (5a; 5b; 5c) above the cover (2) to at least two inert gas connections (15) of the wave soldering installation (11). The heat exchangers (3a; 3b; 3c) are designed and dimensioned in such a manner that they can be immersed substantially completely in the solder bath (12) next to other components (16) of the wave soldering installation (11). The device (1) is distinguished in that it heats the inert gas virtually to the temperature of the solder bath (12) without additional external heating elements, and thus preheats regions to be soldered before a first solder wave (21) and prevents cooling from occurring between two solder waves (21). In addition, the solidification of solder splashes on components of the inert gas distribution system is prevented. The invention can display its advantages particularly when lead-free solder is used and when soldering printed circuit boards (18) which are equipped with components on both sides. L'invention porte sur un dispositif (1) destiné à fournir un gaz inerte servant à protéger de l'oxydation la surface (13) d'un bain de soudure (12) utilisé dans une installation de soudure à la vague (11). Le dispositif (1) présente la forme d'un couvercle (2) qui peut être agencé au-dessus d'au moins une région partielle (14) du bain de soudure (12), au moins deux échangeurs de chaleur (3a ; 3b ; 3c) qui sont immergés dans le bain de soudure (12) étant montés au-dessous du couvercle (2), et chacun de ces échangeurs de chaleur ayant une entrée (4a ; 4b ; 4c) à travers laquelle le gaz inerte est introduit, et une sortie (5a ; 5b ; 5c) prévue au-dessus du couvercle (2). Des éléments de liaison amovible, résistants à la chaleur (6), peuvent être utilisés pour relier les sorties (5a ; 5b ; 5c) prévues au-dessus du couvercle (2) à au moins deux raccordements de gaz inerte (15) d