High frequency thermode driven device employing one-turn-secondary transformers

Abstract

A high frequency thermode-driven device for use in hotbar soldering has a unitary metal support frame which is used as part of .[.for.]. .Iadd.as part of .Iaddend.the secondaries of four individual transformers. The support frame also serves as the structural member to which the transformer and thermodes themselves are fastened. This is possible because the secondaries require only one turn; the upstanding ears of projections which extend radially outwardly from the support frame so as to protrude through the apertures in the transformer cores provide a source of voltage and become a secondary winding when connected to a load impedance, such as a thermode.

We claim: 
     
       1. A high-frequency device having a plurality of transformers, each transformer having a primary winding driven by a high-voltage source, said device comprising: a support member, said support member having a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly from a central portion, each of said projections having at least one pair of ears extending therefrom;   a plurality of transformer cores corresponding in number to the number of said projections, each of said ears protruding through an aperture of said corresponding transformer core outside of the primary winding; and   a plurality of thermodes corresponding in number to the number of said projections, each of said thermodes being electrically coupled to said corresponding projection;   wherein each of said projections acts as a one-turn-secondary winding for a corresponding primary winding.   
     
     
       2. A device as in claim 1, wherein said transformer core portions are of the double aperture type. 
     
     
       3. A device as in claim 1, wherein there are four said projections. 
     
     
       4. A device as in claim 1, wherein said support frame with said projections is substantially cross-shaped. 
     
     
       5. A device as in claim 1, wherein said primary windings are in the form of wound coils or cylinders. 
     
     
       6. A hotbar drive device having a high-frequency source and a plurality of transformers, said device comprising: a support frame, said support frame having a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly therefrom;   a pair of ears extending from each one of said projections;   a transformer core disposed on each of said projections, each transformer core having an aperture formed therein;   a primary winding inserted in each of the apertures in said transformer cores and coupled to said high-frequency source; and   a thermode holder having a thermode mounted thereon electrically connected to each of said pairs of ears;   wherein each said pair of ears protrudes through the aperture of the corresponding transformer core, surrounding the corresponding primary winding, to form a one-turn.Iadd.-.Iaddend.secondary winding. .Iadd.   
     
     
       7.  A high frequency device having a plurality of transformers, said device comprising: a support frame having a plurality of members extending therefrom;   a plurality of primary windings, each of said primary windings being associated with a corresponding configuration of said members,   a plurality of transformer cores, each of said transformer cores being associated with one of said primary windings; and   thermode means for applying a load impedance, said thermode means being electro-magnetically connected to said configuration of members thereby completing a secondary circuit;   said support frame and its configuration of members operating as a one-turn-secondary winding. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       8.  Apparatus for use in a automatic assembly machine comprising a substantially planar support frame of electrically conductive material and having a plurality of members extending perpendicularly therefrom;   a plurality of transformers, each of said transformers having a primary winding having a plurality of turns and a core associated with the primary winding;   each of said transformers further comprising a secondary winding, said secondary winding comprising a configuration of said perpendicularly extending members of said substantially planar support frame of electrically conductive material, each of said secondary windings for supporting said transformers and for completing a secondary circuit with a load impedance. .Iaddend. .Iadd.9. Apparatus according to claim 8   each of said secondary windings of said transformers comprising a single turn. .Iaddend. .Iadd.10. Apparatus according to claim 8   said load impedance comprises a thermode for use in soldering. .Iaddend. .Iadd.11. Apparatus according to claim 8   said primary winding being energized by electrical signals at frequencies   
     
     
        in excess of 1000 Hz. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12.  Apparatus according to claim 11 said primary winding being energized by electrical signals at frequencies greater that 5000 Hz. .Iaddend.