Separating device of fins for heat exchanger

Abstract

Provided is a heat exchanger fin separation device that separates a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins without deformation from a state in which a plurality of heat exchanger fins are stacked. A device (10) for separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins (40) from a fin laminated body (30) is provided with: an arrangement unit (12) for arranging the fin laminated body such that the lamination direction faces the horizontal direction; a separation unit (16) that is disposed above the fin stack and extends in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger fins; a moving device (20) that moves the separation unit in the lamination direction of the fin laminate; a first claw (50); a plurality of second claws (52); and a control unit (80) that initially widens the interval above the gap (55) between the heat exchanger fins by means of the first claw, and then causes the second claw to sequentially enter the gap and drive the moving device, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separating device for separating a plurality of stacked heat exchanger fins into a predetermined number. Background Art

[0002] A heat exchanger such as a cooler is constituted by inserting heat exchange tubes through which a heat medium flows into stacked fins.

[0003] As heat exchanger fins, there are heat exchanger fins for round tubes in which a plurality of through holes for inserting round heat exchange tubes are formed, and heat exchanger fins for flat tubes in which flat tubes having a flat shape are used as heat exchange tubes.

[0004] A plurality of these heat exchanger fins are stacked to constitute a heat exchanger.

[0005] The following describes the prior art which is an example of a heat exchanger using stacked heat exchanger fins for flat tubes.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2016 / 125309) discloses the following device: after stacking flat tube fins manufactured by a flat tube fin manufacturing device on a stacking device, a plurality of stacked flat tube fins are taken out from the stacking device while maintaining the stacked state.

[0007] In addition, Patent Document 2 (International Publication No. 2016 / 203593) discloses a flat tube insertion device for inserting a flat tube into a notch portion of a fin stack formed by stacking a predetermined number of flat tube fins.

[0008] In addition, the following is disclosed: in this flat tube insertion device, there is provided a fin stack body arranging portion for arranging a fin stack body, the fin stack body is formed by inserting a long guide body in a stacking direction into at least one of a plurality of notch portions arranged along a length direction so that notch portions of a plurality of flat tube fins communicate with each other, and the fin stack body is formed by stacking a plurality of flat tube fins in a horizontal direction in a plate thickness direction (arranged with the width direction of the flat tube fins facing the up and down directions).

[0009] Prior art documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 125309

[0012] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2016 / 203593 Summary of the Invention

[0013] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] As in Patent Document 1, after taking out a plurality of fins for flat tubes from the stacking device of the fin manufacturing device for flat tubes stacked on the flat tube, before arranging a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes in the fin laminate arranging portion provided in the flat tube inserting device of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to separate a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes required for the heat exchanger from the plurality of fins for flat tubes.

[0015] In such a case where a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers are separated from the fin laminate formed by laminating a plurality of fins for heat exchangers, it is conceivable to insert some members between adjacent fins for heat exchangers to separate them.

[0016] On the other hand, in recent years, the fins for heat exchangers have been seeking to be thinner, and the fins have become extremely low in rigidity.

[0017] In order to separate a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers from the fin laminate formed by laminating a plurality of fins for heat exchangers with such low rigidity, if a plurality of certain members are inserted between adjacent fins for heat exchangers, the fins for heat exchangers may be deformed.

[0018] In addition, if the fin laminate 30 is formed by laminating the fins 40 for heat exchangers with low rigidity as described above, there is also a possibility of generating undulations having irregularities in the stacking direction as Figure 15 such.

[0019] In such a case where a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers are separated from the fin laminate having undulations, even if a plurality of members are to be inserted into the gaps between adjacent fins for heat exchangers along the length direction of the fins for heat exchangers, the gaps will meander, and thus it is difficult to insert a plurality of members.

[0020] Solution to the problem

[0021] Therefore, the present invention has been completed to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a device for separating a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers without deformation from a state where a plurality of fins for heat exchangers are laminated.

[0022] The separating device for heat exchanger fins according to the present invention is characterized in that the separating device for heat exchanger fins is a device for separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a fin laminate formed by laminating a plurality of heat exchanger fins in the plate thickness direction. The separating device for heat exchanger fins includes: a placing part that places the fin laminate with the lamination direction facing the horizontal direction; a separating unit that is arranged at a position above the fin laminate placed in the placing part and extends in the length direction of the heat exchanger fin, where the length direction of the heat exchanger fin is a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction in the horizontal plane; a moving device that moves the separating unit in the lamination direction of the fin laminate; a first claw that is provided on the separating unit, can move in the length direction of the heat exchanger fin and can move up and down, and is used to widen the upper interval of the gap between predetermined heat exchanger fins; a plurality of second claws that are provided on the separating unit, can move up and down, and enter the gap whose upper interval is widened by the first claw; and a control part that controls in the following manner: making the first claw enter the upper part of the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining heat exchanger fins in the fin laminate to widen the upper interval of the gap, moving the first claw in the length direction of the heat exchanger fin in the state where the first claw enters the upper part of the gap to widen the upper interval of the gap in the length direction of the heat exchanger fin, making the second claws enter the gap whose upper interval is widened by the first claw in sequence, driving the moving device and using each of the second claws to push the heat exchanger fins, so as to separate a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining heat exchanger fins.

[0023] By adopting this structure, first, the first claw moves along the length direction of the fins for flat tubes to widen the upper part of the gap between the heat exchanger fins, and makes the second claws enter the widened upper gap in sequence. Therefore, even for heat exchanger fins with relatively low rigidity, the second claws can enter without being deformed. In addition, even when there are undulations in the fin laminate, the first claw also moves along the undulations in the length direction at the upper part of the gap between the heat exchanger fins. Therefore, the undulations can be corrected to a certain extent, making it easier for the subsequent second claws to enter.

[0024] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the separating device for the heat exchanger fins includes a plurality of third claws provided on the separating unit and capable of moving up and down. The control unit controls in the following manner: after the second claws are sequentially inserted into the gaps whose upper intervals are widened by the first claws, after driving the moving device to push the heat exchanger fins with the second claws to widen the intervals of the gaps, the second claws are lifted, the third claws are inserted into the gaps widened by the second claws, the moving device is driven, and the heat exchanger fins are pushed with the third claws to separate a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining heat exchanger fins.

[0025] According to this structure, the first claws are used to widen the upper intervals of the gaps to facilitate the entry of the second claws, the second claws are used to widen the intervals of the gaps, and further the third claws are used to push a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins. Therefore, a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins can be separated from the remaining fin stack without deforming the heat exchanger fins.

[0026] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that a sensor for individually detecting the heat exchanger fins constituting the fin stack is provided on the separating unit. The control unit controls in the following manner: the moving device is driven to individually detect the heat exchanger fins from one end of the fin stack with the sensor to detect the positions that become a predetermined number set in advance. When the first claws are moved in the length direction of the heat exchanger fins, even when the fin stack undulates, the moving device is driven while the first claws always exist at the positions that become the predetermined number.

[0027] According to this structure, the position of the first claws can be continuously adjusted according to the undulation of the fin stack while the first claws are moved along the length direction of the flat tube fins. Therefore, even when the undulation of the fin stack is large, the upper intervals between the flat tube fins can be reliably widened without deforming the flat tube fins.

[0028] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the heat exchanger fins are flat tube fins formed with a plurality of notch portions in the length direction, and the notch portions are formed by cutting from one side in the width direction to the other side. The arranging portion is two or more guiding bodies extending in the stacking direction and inserting into two or more of the notch portions of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. The control unit moves the first claws above the guiding bodies and then makes the first claws enter the upper part of the gap between a predetermined number of flat tube fins and the remaining flat tube fins in the fin stack.

[0029] According to this structure, if the first claw descends to a part where no guiding body is provided, the fins of the flat tube will deform due to the pressing force of the first claw. However, if the first claw descends at a part where a guiding body is provided, the pressing force of the first claw is borne by the guiding body, and deformation of the fins of the flat tube can be prevented.

[0030] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the fins for the heat exchanger are fins for a flat tube formed with a plurality of notch portions in the length direction, the notch portions being formed by cutting from one side in the width direction toward the other side, and the arranging portion is two or more guiding bodies extending in the stacking direction that hold the fin stack by inserting into two or more of the notch portions of the fin stack. The first claw is moved in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube to widen the upper part of the gap inside the two guiding bodies arranged at both ends in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube, and then the first claw is moved in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube to widen the upper part of the gap outside the two guiding bodies.

[0031] The function of this structure is as follows. That is, for the fin stack outside the guiding bodies located at both ends among the plurality of guiding bodies, only one side is held by the guiding body, so there is a greater possibility of large undulations. Also, the end portions of the fins for the flat tube are not held by the guiding body, so it is difficult for the first claw to enter.

[0032] Therefore, by adopting the above structure, the interval of the upper part of the gap between the fins for the flat tube inside the guiding bodies initially located at both ends is widened. Thus, the undulations can be corrected to a certain extent, and the interval of the upper part of the gap between the fins for the flat tube outside the guiding bodies located at both ends later can be reliably widened.

[0033] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the first claw is formed in a two-cone shape, the direction in which the vertices of the two cones are connected to each other faces the stacking direction of the fin stack, and it is set to be able to freely rotate around the straight line connecting the vertices of the two cones.

[0034] According to this structure, the first claw rotates while moving in the length direction of the fins for the heat exchanger. Therefore, the contact resistance between the first claw and the fins for the heat exchanger in contact can be reduced, the movement of the first claw can be carried out smoothly, and deformation of the fins for the heat exchanger can be prevented.

[0035] Alternatively, it is characterized in that the tip portions of each of the second claws and each of the third claws are formed into two or more strands.

[0036] According to this structure, the contact resistance between the second claw and the third claw and the fins for the heat exchanger during entry can be reduced, and smooth entry can be performed to prevent deformation of the fins for the heat exchanger.

[0037] Effects of the Invention

[0038] According to the present invention, when separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a state where a plurality of heat exchanger fins are stacked, the heat exchanger fins can be separated without being deformed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B is a top view of the heat exchanger fin.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the separating device for heat exchanger fins of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 is a side view of the separating device for heat exchanger fins.

[0042] Figure 4 is a front view of the separating device for heat exchanger fins.

[0043] Figure 5 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of.

[0044] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged view of.

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the first claw.

[0046] Figures 8A to 8C is an explanatory view showing the structure and operation of the first claw.

[0047] Figures 9A to 9C is an explanatory view showing the structure and operation of the second claw.

[0048] Figures 10A to 10C is an explanatory view showing the structure and operation of the third claw.

[0049] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the control system.

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic explanatory view showing a second embodiment of the control method.

[0051] Figure 13 is a schematic explanatory view showing a third embodiment of the control method.

[0052] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the first claw.

[0053] Figure 15It is a plan view of a fin laminate having undulations with concavities and convexities in the stacking direction. Detailed Embodiment

[0054] (Structure of fins for heat exchanger)

[0055] First, based on Figure 1A and Figure 1B the fins 40 for a heat exchanger will be described.

[0056] Among the fins for a heat exchanger, there are the following fins for a heat exchanger: fins 46 for a round tube having through holes 44 formed therein for inserting a heat exchange tube of a round tube as shown in Figure 1A ; and fins 40 for a flat tube having a plurality of notch portions 42 formed therein at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction for inserting a flat tube (not shown) as a heat exchange tube as shown in Figure 1B . The notch portion 42 has a structure formed by cutting from one side in the width direction of the fin 40 for a flat tube toward the other side.

[0057] In the following embodiments, as an example of the fins for a heat exchanger, the fins 40 for a flat tube will be described.

[0058] The fins 40 for a flat tube manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus for fins 40 for a flat tube are in a state where a plurality of them are stacked, and this is referred to as a fin laminate 30.

[0059] The separating device 10 of the present invention is a device for arranging the fin laminate 30 to separate a predetermined number of fins 40 for a flat tube required for a heat exchanger from the fin laminate 30.

[0060] (Structure of the entire device)

[0061] Next, based on Figures 2 to 7 the separating device 10 will be described. Here, with respect to the stacking direction of the fin laminate, the left side of the paper surface is set as the front, the right side of the paper surface is set as the rear, and the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the fin laminate in the horizontal plane is set as the longitudinal direction of the fin for a flat tube.

[0062] The separating device 10 includes: a base 14 on which a plurality of guides 12 are arranged; and a separating unit 16 arranged above the base 14.

[0063] The fin laminate 30 held by the guides 12 is composed of a plurality of fins 40 for a flat tube stacked in the plate thickness direction. In addition, in Figure 2 and Figure 5 the illustration of the case where a plurality of fins 40 for a flat tube are stacked on the upper surface of the fin laminate 30 is omitted.

[0064] The fin stack 30 is arranged such that the opening side of the notch portion 42 of each fin 40 for flat tubes faces downward, and the guide body 12 is inserted into the notch portion 42 and held at the base portion 14.

[0065] The guide body 12 is a long plate-like member along the stacking direction of the fin stack 30 (hereinafter, there are cases where it is simply referred to as the stacking direction). Its thickness (width in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes) is formed to be slightly narrower than the width of the notch portion 42 (width in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes), and it can easily enter the notch portion 42 of the fin stack 30.

[0066] In the present embodiment, six guide bodies 12 are arranged at equal intervals on the upper surface of the base portion 14. That is, the fin stack 30 is held at the base portion 14 by six guide bodies 12.

[0067] However, the number of the guide bodies 12 is not limited to six.

[0068] Guiding members 22 for supporting the separating unit 16 so as to be movable in the stacking direction are respectively arranged near both ends in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes on the upper surface portion of the base portion 14.

[0069] At both ends in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes of the separating unit 16, holding portions 24 for holding the guiding members 22 are provided, and the separating unit 16 is arranged so as to be movable along the stacking direction on the upper surface of the base portion 14.

[0070] In addition, a moving device 20 for moving the separating unit 16 in the stacking direction is provided outside either one of the two guiding members 22 on the upper surface portion of the base portion 14 (on the end side in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes).

[0071] The moving device 20 in the present embodiment employs a ball screw. The ball screw has: a screw rod 28; a motor 26 that rotates the screw rod 28; and a nut portion 32 that linearly moves by the rotation of the screw rod 28, and the nut portion 32 is fixed to the separating unit 16.

[0072] However, as the moving device 20, it is not limited to a ball screw, and a cylinder or the like can also be employed.

[0073] In the separating unit 16, a plurality of various claw members are respectively provided.

[0074] The claw members respectively have different thicknesses (lengths in the stacking direction), different lengths in the up-and-down direction, and different angles of the tip portions.

[0075] Starting from the claw member with a shorter vertical length among the multiple claw members, the intervals between the gaps of the predetermined flat tube fins 40 in the fin stack 30 are widened in sequence, and the claw member with the longest vertical length finally enters the gaps between the flat tube fins 40 and presses a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40, separating from the remaining flat tube fins 40.

[0076] In the present embodiment, as the multiple claw members, three types of claw members, namely the first claw 50, the second claw 52, and the third claw 54, are provided.

[0077] As Figure 7 shown, the first claw 50 is mounted on a first claw vertical movement device 63 provided on a first plate 60 in a manner capable of vertical movement. The first claw vertical movement device 63 is mounted on the front side of the first plate 60 and is composed of a linear motion device such as a cylinder.

[0078] The first plate 60 is arranged on the front side of the separation unit 16 and is provided in a manner capable of moving in the length direction of the flat tube fins 40 by a first claw moving device 62.

[0079] The first claw moving device 62 in the present embodiment employs a ball screw. The ball screw has: a screw rod 64; a motor 65 that rotates the screw rod 64; and a nut portion 66 that linearly moves by the rotation of the screw rod 64, and the nut portion 66 is fixed to the first plate 60.

[0080] However, as the first claw moving device 62, it is not limited to a ball screw, and a cylinder or the like can also be employed.

[0081] A sensor 36 is provided near the first claw 50 on the first plate 60. The sensor 36 is composed of a sensing head 36a and an amplifier 36b, and the sensor 36 can detect the flat tube fins 40 one by one and count a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40.

[0082] In addition, the installation position of the sensor 36 is not limited to the vicinity of the first claw 50.

[0083] For example, multiple sensors 36 can also be installed on the first plate 60 located above each guide body 12.

[0084] Each second claw 52 is respectively mounted on a second plate 70. The second plate 70 is mounted on a second claw vertical movement device 72, and the second claw vertical movement device 72 is driven to move the second plate 70 vertically.

[0085] The second claw vertical movement device 72 is composed of a linear motion device such as a cylinder. The main body portion 72a is mounted on a third plate 74 described later, and the second plate 70 is mounted at the lower end of the rod portion 72b. Therefore, the second plate 70 can move vertically independently even when the third plate 74 does not operate.

[0086] The third claws 54 are attached to the third plate 74 . The third plate 74 is a member elongated along the longitudinal direction of the flat tube fin 40 , and a plurality of third claws 54 are arranged on the lower end surface of the third plate 74 .

[0087] The third plate 74 is provided so as to be movable up and down by the third claw vertical movement device 76. A plurality of third claw vertical movement devices 76 are arranged on the rear side of the third plate 74, and move the third plate 74 up and down relative to the separation unit 16.

[0088] (Structure and Movement of Each Claw Member)

[0089] The following is based on Figures 8A to 10C The separation sequence using the first claw 50 , the second claw 52 , and the third claw 54 will be described.

[0090] exist Figures 8A to 8C 2 shows a step of lowering the first claw to widen the upper portion of the gap 55 between the flat tube fins 40 at a predetermined position in the fin stack 30 .

[0091] The first claw 50 has a sharp tip portion 50 b at the lower end thereof, which is formed to extend downward from the block-shaped main body portion 50 a .

[0092] Compared with the second claw 52 and the third claw 54 , the tip portion 50 b has the largest angle θ1 (angle viewed from the longitudinal end of the flat tube fin 40 ), the largest thickness t1 (length in the stacking direction), and the shortest length h1 in the vertical direction.

[0093] The first claw 50 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube fin 40 by the first claw moving device 62, but the movement of the first claw 50 in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube fin 40 can be stopped at a position above the guide body 12, so that the first claw 50 is lowered toward the guide body 12. If the first claw 50 is lowered at a position where the guide body 12 does not exist, the flat tube fin 40 abutting against the first claw 50 may be deformed, and if the first claw 50 is lowered at a position where the guide body 12 exists, the rigidity of the guide body 12 can be used to prevent the deformation of the flat tube fin 40.

[0094] like Figure 8B As shown, when the tip portion 50 b of the first claw 50 enters the gap 55 , the interval of the upper portion of the gap 55 is widened.

[0095] Then, if Figure 8CAs shown, while keeping the state where the tip 50b of the first claw 50 enters the gap 55 unchanged, the first claw 50 is moved along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube. Thus, by moving the first claw 50 along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube, the interval at the upper part of the gap 55 can be widened along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0096] In Figures 9A to 9C the following process is shown: the second claw 52 enters the part where the interval of the upper part of the gap 55 is widened by the first claw 50 to widen the overall interval of the gap 55.

[0097] The thickness t2 (length in the stacking direction) of the second claw 52 is thinner than that of the first claw 50 and the third claw 54, and is a thickness such that it can enter the part where the interval of the upper part of the gap 55 is widened. In addition, the length h2 in the vertical direction of the second claw 52 is about half of the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for the flat tube, is longer than the length of the first claw 50 and shorter than the length of the third claw 54.

[0098] Furthermore, the tip of the second claw 52 is slightly tapered, but generally has a thickness approximately the same as the plate thickness.

[0099] As Figure 9B shown, the second claw 52 enters the part where the interval of the upper part of the gap 55 is widened by the first claw 50. The second claw 52 enters the gap 55 until about half of the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0100] Next, as Figure 9C shown, the second claw 52 is moved along the stacking direction. Then, the interval of the gap 55 can be further widened.

[0101] In Figures 10A to 10C the following process is shown: the third claw 54 enters the part where the interval of the gap 55 is widened by the second claw 52, and a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube are completely separated from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0102] The thickness t3 (length in the stacking direction) of the third claw 54 is thicker than that of the second claw 52, but is a thickness such that it can enter within the entire vertical range of the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the second claw 52.

[0103] In addition, the length h3 in the vertical direction of the third claw 54 is the same as the length in the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for the flat tube or is longer than the length in the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for the flat tube, and is longer than the first claw 50 and the second claw 52.

[0104] In addition, the angle θ3 of the tip of the third claw 54 (the angle observed from the longitudinal end of the fin 40 for flat tubes) is smaller than the angle θ1 of the tip of the first claw 50 and becomes sharp.

[0105] As Figure 10B shown, the third claw 54 is inserted into the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the second claw 52. The insertion of the third claw 54 into the gap 55 spans the entire width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for flat tubes.

[0106] Next, as Figure 10C shown, the third claw 54 is moved along the stacking direction. Thereby, a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes can be separated from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0107] In addition, unlike the first claw 50, the third claw 54 is provided at a position deviated upward with respect to the guide body 12. The reason is that if the guide body 12 exists when the third claw 54 is lowered, the guide body 12 becomes an obstacle and the third claw 54 cannot be further lowered.

[0108] (First Embodiment of Control Method)

[0109] Next, the control of the control unit 80 will be described based on Figure 11 this.

[0110] In the separating device 10, there is a control unit 80 that controls the operation of the entire device. The control unit 80 includes a CPU and a memory composed of a ROM and a RAM, and controls each structure of the separating device 10 based on a preset operation program. The number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor 36 is input to the control unit 80, and the control unit 80 outputs control signals to the moving device 20, the first claw moving device 62, the first claw vertical movement device 63, the second claw vertical movement device 72, and the third claw vertical movement device 76.

[0111] In addition, as described above, the sensor 36 for detecting the fin 40 for flat tubes is provided near the first claw 50 or on the first plate 60 above each guide body 12. By moving the separating unit 16 using the moving device 20, the amplifier 36b counts the fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor head 36a, and inputs the counted number to the control unit 80.

[0112] First, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 to the frontmost side in the stacking direction.

[0113] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 to the rear side in the stacking direction while confirming the number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor 36.

[0114] The control unit 80 controls the moving device 20 while confirming the number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor 36, so that the tip 50b of the first claw 50 is positioned above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for flat tubes of a predetermined number and the fins 40 for flat tubes located at a position behind the fins 40 for flat tubes of the predetermined number.

[0115] Next, the control unit 80 drives the first claw vertical movement device 63 to lower the first claw 50, so that the tip 50b of the first claw 50 enters the upper part of the gap 55 between the fins 40 for flat tubes of a predetermined number and the fins 40 for flat tubes located at a position behind the fins 40 for flat tubes of the predetermined number, thereby widening the interval in the upper part of the gap 55.

[0116] Next, the control unit 80 drives the first claw movement device 62 in a state where the tip 50b of the first claw 50 has entered the upper part of the gap 55, so that the first claw 50 moves along the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0117] If the first claw 50 moves along the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes to widen the interval in the upper part of the gap 55, the control unit 80 drives the second claw vertical movement device 72 to lower the second claw 52, so that the second claw 52 enters the gap 55 whose upper interval has been widened by the first claw 50.

[0118] During the period when the first claw 50 moves along the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes, the control unit 80 drives the second claw vertical movement device 72 corresponding to the second claw 52 at the position passed by the first claw 50 to lower the second claw 52, so that the second claw 52 enters the gap 55 whose upper interval has been widened by the first claw 50.

[0119] After the last second claw 52 has entered the gap 55, the control unit 80 stops the first claw movement device 62, drives the first claw vertical movement device 63 to raise the first claw 50, and separates the tip 50b of the first claw 50 from the gap 55.

[0120] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20, and while keeping the state where the second claw 52 has entered the gap 55 unchanged, uses the second claw 52 to push the fins 40 for flat tubes forward in the stacking direction to widen the gap 55.

[0121] Next, the control unit 80 drives the second claw vertical movement device 72 to raise the second claw 52 and separate the second claw 52 from the gap 55.

[0122] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16, so that the third claw 54 is positioned above the gap 55 whose interval has been widened by the second claw 52.

[0123] Next, the control unit 80 drives the third claw vertical movement device 76 to lower the third claw 54 so that the third claw 54 enters the gap 55.

[0124] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20. While keeping the state where the third claw 54 enters the gap 55 unchanged, the control unit 80 presses the fin 40 for flat tubes forward in the stacking direction using the third claw 54, separating a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0125] By controlling the above actions, when separating a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes from the fin stack 30, the control unit 80 can reliably separate the fins 40 for flat tubes without deforming the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0126] In addition, in the first embodiment of the above control method, a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes are separated forward in the stacking direction, but it may also be configured to separate a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes backward in the stacking direction. This also applies to the second and third embodiments of the control method described later.

[0127] (Second Embodiment of the Control Method)

[0128] In Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the control method. In addition, the position of the first claw 50 shown by a dashed line represents an example of a case where the moving device 20 is not driven and only the first claw moving device 62 is moved. In addition, in the present embodiment, the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw 54 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the descriptions of the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw 54 are omitted.

[0129] In the first embodiment of the above control method, when the first claw 50 moves in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes, the moving device 20 is not driven and the separating unit 16 is fixed in its original position.

[0130] However, when the undulation of the fin stack 30 is large, the movement of the first claw 50 in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes becomes difficult, and the fin 40 for flat tubes may also be deformed.

[0131] Therefore, in the second embodiment of the control method, the control unit 80 drives the first claw moving device 62 while driving the moving device 20, causing the first claw 50 to move along the undulation, so that the interval above the gap 55 can be reliably widened without deforming the fin 40 for flat tubes.

[0132] A sensor 36 is provided on the first plate 60 near the first claw 50 or above each guide member 12. Therefore, the control unit 80 can always grasp the position of the gap 55 using the sensor 36.

[0133] The control unit 80 also drives the mobile device 20 and controls the movement of the first claw 50 in the stacking direction so that when the first claw moving device 62 is driven to move the first claw 50 along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube, the position of the gap 55 is always detected simultaneously and the first claw 50 is always located in the gap 55.

[0134] Therefore, the first claw 50 can move along the undulation of the gap 55 in the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0135] (The third embodiment of the control method)

[0136] In Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the control method. In addition, in the present embodiment, the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the descriptions of the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw are omitted.

[0137] For the fin stack 30 located outside the outermost guide bodies 12a among the plurality of guide bodies 12 that hold the fin stack 30, only one side is held by the guide body 12, so there is a high possibility of large undulations. In addition, the end portion of the fin 40 for the flat tube is not held by the guide body 12, so it is difficult for the first claw 50 to enter.

[0138] Therefore, the control unit 80 controls in the following manner: driving the first claw moving device 62 to widen the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the inside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends initially.

[0139] After widening the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the inside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends, the control unit 80 controls the first claw moving device 62 so that the first claw 50 is located in the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the outside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends, and widens the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the outside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends.

[0140] In addition, when widening the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the outside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends, the control unit 80 needs to control in such a way that the first claw 50 moves from the inside to the outside of the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends.

[0141] According to the third embodiment of such a control method, since the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the inside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends initially is widened, the undulation can be corrected to a certain extent, and the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube that are closer to the outside than the outermost guide bodies 12a at the two ends later can be reliably widened.

[0142] Furthermore, a plurality of embodiments of the control method described above may be combined and implemented.

[0143] (Second Embodiment of the First Claw)

[0144] exist Figure 14 A second embodiment of the first claw is shown in . In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0145] The first claw 50 of the above-described first embodiment has a shape in which a sharp tip portion 50 b protrudes downward from a block-shaped main body portion 50 a .

[0146] On the other hand, the first claw 90 of the second embodiment is formed into two cones, and the direction in which the vertices of the two cones are connected to each other is oriented in the stacking direction. In addition, a rotation axis 92 is arranged with the axial direction oriented in the straight line direction (i.e., the stacking direction) in which the vertices of the two cones are connected to each other, and the first claw 90 can freely rotate around the rotation axis 92 as the rotation center.

[0147] The rotating shaft 92 is provided on a shaft mounting block 94, and the shaft mounting block 94 is mounted to the first claw vertical motion device 63 in a manner capable of vertical movement. The first claw vertical motion device 63 is mounted on the front side of the first plate 60 and is composed of a direct-acting device such as a cylinder.

[0148] In this way, by adopting the first claw 90 that can rotate freely relative to the rotating shaft 92, after the first claw 90 enters the gap 55 between the flat tube fins 40, when the first claw 90 is moved in the length direction of the flat tube fins 40, the first claw 90 rotates while moving, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the first claw 90 and the flat tube fins 40 it contacts, and preventing deformation of the flat tube fins 40.

[0149] According to the above embodiment, three types of claw members are used and sequentially inserted into the gaps between the flat tube fins to separate a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 from the remaining fin stack 30 . However, the claw members are not limited to three types.

[0150] For example, the third claw 54 may not be provided, and after the first claw 50 widens the upper part of the gap 55, the second claw 52 is made to enter the gap 55, and the second claw 52 is driven by the moving device 20 to push a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 and separate the predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0151] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the flat tube fin 40 is described as an example of the heat exchanger fin.

[0152] However, even when separating the fin laminate 30 formed by laminating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins 46 for circular tubes from the fin laminate 30 formed by laminating multiple heat exchanger fins 46 for circular tubes, the structures of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be adopted. However, in the case of the heat exchanger fin 46 for circular tubes, there is no need for the guide body 12, and the fin laminate 30 formed by laminating the heat exchanger fins 46 for circular tubes is disposed in the flat-shaped arrangement portion.

Claims

1. A fin separation device for a heat exchanger, characterized in that: The heat exchanger fin separation device is a device for separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a fin stack formed by stacking a plurality of heat exchanger fins in a plate thickness direction. The heat exchanger fin separation device comprises: an arrangement portion for arranging the fin stack in such a manner that the stacking direction faces the horizontal direction; A separation unit is arranged above the fin stack arranged in the arrangement portion and extends in the length direction of the heat exchanger fin, the length direction of the heat exchanger fin being a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction in a horizontal plane; a moving device that moves the separation unit in a stacking direction of the fin stack; a first claw provided in the separation unit, movable in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger fin and movable up and down, for widening the upper interval of the predetermined gap between the heat exchanger fins; a plurality of second claws, which are provided in the separation unit and are capable of moving up and down and enter the gap widened by the first claws at the upper portion; and Control Department, The control unit performs control in the following manner: The first claw is caused to enter the upper portion of the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins in the fin stack and the remaining heat exchanger fins to widen the interval of the upper portion of the gap, The first claw is moved in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger fin in a state where the first claw enters the upper portion of the gap to widen the interval of the upper portion of the gap in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger fin. The second claw is sequentially inserted into the gap in the upper portion widened by the first claw. The moving device is driven to press the heat exchanger fins with the second claws, so that a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins are separated from the remaining heat exchanger fins.

2. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger fin separation device includes a plurality of third claws, and the plurality of third claws are provided on the separation unit and can move up and down. The control unit performs control in the following manner: After the second claws are sequentially inserted into the gaps in the upper portion widened by the first claws, the moving device is driven to press the heat exchanger fins with the second claws to widen the gaps, and then the second claws are raised. Each of the third claws is made to enter the gap widened by each of the second claws, The moving device is driven to press the heat exchanger fins with the third claws, so that a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins are separated from the remaining heat exchanger fins.

3. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The separation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting each of the heat exchanger fins constituting the fin stack. The control unit performs control in the following manner: The moving device is driven to detect the heat exchanger fins one by one from one end of the fin stack body by the sensor until a predetermined number of fins are detected. When the first claw is moved in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger fin, even when the fin stack is undulating, the first claw is always present at the predetermined number of positions while the moving device is driven.

4. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat exchanger fin is a flat tube fin having a plurality of notches formed in the length direction, wherein the notches are formed by cutting from one side toward the other side in the width direction. The arrangement portion is two or more guides extending in the stacking direction and inserted into two or more of the plurality of notches of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. The control unit moves the first claw upward from the guide body and then causes the first claw to enter an upper portion of a gap between a predetermined number of flat tube fins and the remaining flat tube fins in the fin stack.

5. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat exchanger fin is a flat tube fin having a plurality of notches formed in the length direction, wherein the notches are formed by cutting from one side toward the other side in the width direction. The arrangement portion is two or more guides extending in the stacking direction and inserted into two or more of the plurality of notches of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. The first claw is moved in the length direction of the flat tube fin to widen the upper portion of the gap which is located inside two guide bodies arranged at both ends of the flat tube fin in the length direction of the two or more guide bodies. Thereafter, the first claw is moved in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube fin to widen the upper portion of the gap on the outer side of the two guide bodies.

6. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first claw is formed in the shape of two cones, the direction in which the apexes of the two cones are connected is oriented in the stacking direction of the fin stack, and is rotatable about a straight line connecting the apexes of the two cones as a rotation center.

7. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tip of each of the second claws and each of the third claws is formed into two or more branches.

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