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 from a state in which a plurality of heat exchanger fins are stacked without deformation. The control unit (80) drives the moving device (20) to move the separation unit (16) from one end in the stacking direction of the fin stack (30) to the other end, stores the positions of a predetermined number of preset heat exchanger fins (40), and controls the separation unit (16) in a state where the moving device (20) is driven to move the separation unit (16) toward the one end. When the small claw member (50) corresponding to the storage position reaches the storage position, the small claw member vertical movement device (72) is driven so that the small claw member (50) enters the gap (55) of the storage position.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

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

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

[0005] The following describes the prior art showing an example in which flat tube fins are stacked as heat exchanger fins.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2016 / 125309) discloses a device in which, after flat tube fins manufactured by a flat tube fin manufacturing device are stacked on a stacking device, the stacked plurality of 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 that inserts flat tubes into notch portions of a fin stack formed by stacking a predetermined number of flat tube fins.

[0008] Furthermore, 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, which is configured by inserting a long guide body in the stacking direction into at least one of a plurality of notch portions arranged along the length direction so that the 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 the plate thickness direction along the horizontal direction (configured 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 of a stacking device of a fin manufacturing device for flat tubes stacked, before arranging a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes in a fin laminate arranging portion provided in a flat tube inserting device of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to separate a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes required for a heat exchanger from the plurality of fins for flat tubes.

[0015] In such a case of separating a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers from a 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, fins for heat exchangers have been seeking to be thinner-walled, resulting in fins with extremely low rigidity.

[0017] In order to separate a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers from a 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 a fin laminate 30 is formed by laminating 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 of separating a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers from a 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 reliably separating a predetermined number of fins for heat exchangers even in a case where undulations are particularly generated in a fin laminate formed by laminating a plurality of fins for heat exchangers.

[0022] A separating device for heat exchanger fins according to the present invention, a separating device for heat exchanger fins, 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 configuration unit that configures the fin laminate with the lamination direction facing the horizontal direction; a separating unit that is disposed at a position above the fin laminate disposed in the configuration unit and extends in the length direction of the heat exchanger fin, and 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 plurality of small claw members that are provided on the separating unit and have a thickness narrower than the interval between the gaps of the heat exchanger fins; a plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices that are provided on the separating unit and cause each of the small claw members to enter the gaps between the predetermined heat exchanger fins; a plurality of sensors that are provided one by one corresponding to each of the small claw members and can detect one by one the heat exchanger fins constituting the fin laminate; and a control unit. The control unit controls in the following manner: driving the moving device to move the separating unit from one end of the fin laminate in the lamination direction to the other end direction. During the movement of the separating unit, when each of the sensors detects a heat exchanger fin one by one from one end of the fin laminate and detects a position that becomes a predetermined number set in advance, the position is stored in advance. After all of the sensors detect positions that become the predetermined number, in a state where the moving device is driven to move the separating unit to the side of one end, when the small claw member corresponding to the stored position reaches the stored position, the small claw member vertical movement device is driven to cause the small claw member to enter the gap between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins at the stored position and the remaining fin laminate. By the movement of the separating unit, each of the small claw members presses the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin laminate.

[0023] The function of this structure is as follows.

[0024] When separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a fin laminate having undulations, the positions of the gaps between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, which are the separation positions, are different in the stacking direction due to the undulations. Therefore, while moving the separation unit in the stacking direction, counting the number of heat exchanger fins and detecting the positions of the gaps between the heat exchanger fins for the small claw members to enter, the small claw members can enter at the detected positions. Thus, even if undulations occur, a plurality of small claw members can reliably enter the gaps between the predetermined heat exchanger fins to widen the gap intervals.

[0025] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the separating device for the heat exchanger fins includes: a plurality of large claw members provided on the separation unit, the length of the gaps into which the plurality of large claw members enter between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin laminate being longer than the length of the gaps into which each of the small claw members enter between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin laminate; and one or more large claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separation unit to cause each of the large claw members to enter the gaps between the predetermined flat tube fins. The control unit controls as follows: after the small claw members push a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins through the movement of the separation unit to widen the gap, driving each of the small claw member vertical movement devices to raise each of the small claw members from the gap, driving the movement device to move each of the large claw members to the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin laminate, driving the one or more large claw member vertical movement devices to cause each of the large claw members to enter the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin laminate, and driving the movement device to cause each of the large claw members to push a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin laminate.

[0026] According to this structure, when it is difficult to move only with the small claw members, the large claw members can reliably separate a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin laminate.

[0027] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the heat exchanger fin is a flat tube fin 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, the arranging portion being two or more guides extending in the stacking direction that insert into two or more of the notch portions of the fin laminate to hold the fin laminate, and the small claw members entering the gap above the guides.

[0028] According to this structure, if the small claw member descends to a position where no guiding body is provided, the fins of the flat tube may be deformed due to the pressing force of the small claw member. If the small claw member descends to a position where a guiding body is provided, the pressing force of the small claw member is borne by the guiding body, and deformation of the fins of the flat tube can be prevented.

[0029] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that the tip portions of the respective small claw members are formed in two branches.

[0030] According to this structure, the contact resistance with the fins for the heat exchanger during insertion can be reduced, and smooth insertion can be performed to prevent deformation of the fins for the heat exchanger.

[0031] Alternatively, it may be characterized in that each of the large claw members is formed such that the tip portion is divided into two or more branches.

[0032] According to this structure, the contact resistance with the fins for the heat exchanger during insertion can be reduced, and smooth insertion can be performed to prevent deformation of the fins for the heat exchanger.

[0033] The separating device for heat exchanger fins according to the present invention, a separating device for heat exchanger fins, 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 placement 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 placement part and extends in the length direction of the heat exchanger fins, where the length direction of the heat exchanger fins 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 plurality of small claw members that are provided on the separating unit and have a thickness narrower than the interval between the gaps between the heat exchanger fins; a plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices that are provided on the separating unit and cause each of the small claw members to enter the gaps between predetermined heat exchanger fins; a plurality of individual moving devices that are provided on the separating unit and move each of the small claw members in the lamination direction; a plurality of sensors that are provided one by one corresponding to each of the small claw members and can detect one by one the heat exchanger fins constituting the fin laminate; and a control unit. The control unit controls in the following manner: drives the moving device to move the separating unit from one end of the fin laminate in the lamination direction to the other end direction. During the movement of the separating unit, when each of the sensors detects a heat exchanger fin one by one from one end of the fin laminate and detects a position that becomes a predetermined number set in advance, stores this position in advance. After all of the sensors detect positions that become the predetermined number, stops the driving of the moving device, drives each of the individual moving devices to move each of the small claw members to the stored position. When each of the small claw members reaches the stored position, drives the small claw member vertical movement device to cause the small claw members to enter the gap between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins at the stored position and the remaining fin laminate, and drives the moving device, and each of the small claw members presses the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin laminate.

[0034] The function of this structure is as follows.

[0035] When separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a fin laminate having undulations, the positions of the gaps between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, which are the separation positions, are different in the stacking direction due to the undulations. Therefore, while moving the separation unit in the stacking direction, the number of heat exchanger fins is counted to detect the position of the gap between the heat exchanger fins for the small claw member to enter, and the small claw member is moved to the detected position, enabling the small claw member to enter the gap at this position. Thus, even if undulations occur, multiple small claw members can reliably enter the gaps between the predetermined heat exchanger fins to widen the gap spacing.

[0036] Effects of the Invention

[0037] According to the present invention, even when undulations particularly occur in a fin laminate formed by laminating multiple heat exchanger fins, when separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, the heat exchanger fins can be reliably separated without deformation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B is a top view of the heat exchanger fin.

[0039] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the heat exchanger fin separating device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 is a side view of the heat exchanger fin separating device.

[0041] Figure 4 is a front view of the heat exchanger fin separating device.

[0042] Figure 5 is a rear view of the heat exchanger fin separating device.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the small claw member.

[0044] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the large claw member.

[0045] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the control system.

[0046] Figures 9A to 9C is an explanatory view showing the operation of the small claw member.

[0047] Figures 10A to 10C is the following Figure 9C explanatory view showing the operation of the small claw member.

[0048] Figure 11This is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the pawl member according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the up-and-down movement device of the pawl member according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of the control system according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Figures 14A to 14C This is an explanatory view showing the operation of the pawl member according to the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15 This is a top view of a fin laminate having undulations with concavities and convexities in the stacking direction. Detailed Embodiments

[0053] (Structure of Fins for Heat Exchanger)

[0054] First, based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B the fins for heat exchanger will be described.

[0055] Among the fins for heat exchanger, there are fins for heat exchanger such as Figure 1A a fin for a circular tube 46 in which a through hole 44 for inserting a heat exchange tube of a circular tube is formed as shown; and a fin for a flat tube 40 in which a plurality of notch portions 42 for inserting a flat tube (not shown) as a heat exchange tube are formed at predetermined intervals along the length direction as shown in Figure 1B . The notch portion 42 has a structure formed by cutting from one side to the other side in the width direction of the fin for a flat tube 40.

[0056] In the following embodiments, as an example of the fins for heat exchanger, the fin for a flat tube 40 will be described.

[0057] The fin for a flat tube 40 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus of the fin for a flat tube becomes a state in which a plurality of them are stacked, and this is called a fin laminate 30.

[0058] The separating device 10 of the present invention is a device for arranging the fin laminate 30 and separating a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes 40 required for the heat exchanger from the fin laminate 30.

[0059] (Structure of the Entire Device According to the First Embodiment)

[0060] 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 length direction of the fin for a flat tube.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The fin stack 30 held by the guides 12 is formed by laminating a plurality of flat tube fins 40 in the plate thickness direction. In addition, Figure 2 the illustration in which a plurality of flat tube fins 40 are laminated on the upper surface of the fin stack 30 is omitted.

[0063] The fin stack 30 is arranged such that the opening side of the notch portion 42 of each flat tube fin 40 faces downward, and the guide 12 is inserted into the notch portion 42 and held on the base 14.

[0064] The guide 12 is a long plate-shaped member along the lamination direction of the fin stack 30 (hereinafter, there are cases where it is simply referred to as the lamination direction). Its thickness (width in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40) is formed to be slightly narrower than the width of the notch portion 42 (width in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40), and it can easily enter the notch portion 42 of the fin stack 30.

[0065] In the present embodiment, six guides 12 are arranged at equal intervals on the upper surface of the base 14. That is, the fin stack 30 is held on the base 14 by six guides 12.

[0066] However, the number of guides 12 is not limited to six.

[0067] Guide members 22 for supporting the separating unit 16 so as to be movable in the lamination direction are respectively arranged near both ends in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40 on the upper surface portion of the base 14.

[0068] At both ends in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40 of the separating unit 16, there are provided holding portions 24 for holding the guide members 22, and the separating unit 16 is arranged so as to be movable along the lamination direction on the upper surface of the base 14.

[0069] In addition, in Figures 2 to 7 it is illustrated that the holding portion 24 is separated from the separating unit 16, but actually there is a fixing member for fixing the holding portion 24 to the separating unit 16, and the fixing member is omitted from the illustration.

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

[0071] In this embodiment, the moving device 20 employs a ball screw. The ball screw includes: 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 separation 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] A plurality of small claw members 50 and a plurality of large claw members 52 are provided in the separation unit 16.

[0074] The small claw member 50 has a thickness narrower than the interval of the gaps 55 between the fins 40 of the flat tube, and the length in the vertical direction is formed shorter than the length in the width direction (the vertical direction in the drawing) of the fins 40 of the flat tube.

[0075] A plurality of small claw members 50 are provided along the length direction of the fins 40 of the flat tube.

[0076] The small claw member 50 has a function of entering the gap 55 between the fins 40 of the flat tube earlier than the large claw member 52 and widening the interval of the gap 55.

[0077] The tip portion of each small claw member 50 is formed into two branches. Thus, when the small claw member 50 enters the gap 55 between the fins 40 of the flat tube, the contact resistance with the fins 40 of the flat tube can be reduced, and smooth entry can be performed to prevent deformation of the fins 40 of the flat tube.

[0078] The large claw member 52 is formed thicker than the small claw member 50 and the length in the vertical direction is formed longer than the length in the vertical direction of the small claw member 50. However, even if the length in the vertical direction of the large claw member 52 is not longer than the length in the vertical direction of the small claw member 50, it is sufficient as long as the length of entering the gap between a predetermined number of fins 40 of the flat tube and the remaining fin laminate 30 is longer. In such a case, it is only necessary to operate the large claw member vertical movement device 76 described later so that the length of the large claw member 52 entering is longer than the length of the small claw member 50 entering.

[0079] The large claw member 52 is provided over the entire length direction of the fins 40 of the flat tube, enters the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the small claw member 50, and presses a predetermined number of fins 40 of the flat tube to separate a predetermined number of fins 40 of the flat tube from the remaining fin laminate 30.

[0080] In addition, the large claw member 52 can be formed of one member over the entire length direction of the fins 40 of the flat tube, or can be continuously arranged by a plurality of members over the entire length direction of the fins 40 of the flat tube.

[0081] In the present embodiment, one large claw member 52 is formed such that the tip portion has a comb shape with two or more strands. Thus, when the large claw member 52 enters the gap 55 between the fins 40 for flat tubes, the contact resistance with the fins 40 for flat tubes can be reduced, and smooth entry can be performed to prevent deformation of the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0082] The small claw members 50 are respectively attached to the first plate 70. The first plate 70 is attached to the up-and-down movement device 72 for the small claw members, and the up-and-down movement device 72 for the small claw members is driven to move the first plate 70 up and down.

[0083] The up-and-down movement device 72 for the small claw members is constituted by a linear motion device such as a cylinder. The main body portion 72a is attached to the front portion of the separation unit 16, and the first plate 70 is attached to the lower end of the rod portion 72b.

[0084] In addition, a plurality of up-and-down movement devices 72 for the small claw members are attached to the long second plate 75 along the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0085] The second plate 75 is provided in the separation unit 16 so as to be movable in the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes. At one end of the second plate 75 in the length direction, a second plate movement device 79 is provided, and the second plate 75 can be moved in the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes by driving the second plate movement device 79.

[0086] The second plate movement device 79 can be a cylinder or the like, but is not limited to a cylinder, and other linear motion devices such as a ball screw can also be used.

[0087] A sensor 36 is provided near the small claw member 50 on the first plate 70. However, the installation position of the sensor 36 is not limited to near the small claw member 50, and it may be provided in a manner corresponding to each small claw member 50.

[0088] The sensor 36 can detect the fins 40 for flat tubes one by one and count the number of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0089] A plurality of sensors 36 are also attached to the second plate 75 and move as the second plate 75 moves in the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0090] When each sensor 36 detects the fins 40 for flat tubes one by one and counts the number of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, it is performed above the guide body 12. Since the small claw member 50 needs to enter the gap 55 from above the guide body 12, each sensor 36 accurately grasps the positions of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes located above the guide body 12.

[0091] Further, after the sensor 36 detects the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes above the guide body 12, the second plate moving device 79 moves the second plate so that the claw member 50 is located above the guide body 12.

[0092] In addition, if the claw member 50 descends at a position where the guide body 12 does not exist, the fin 40 for flat tubes in contact with the claw member 50 may be deformed. However, if the claw member 50 descends 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 fin 40 for flat tubes.

[0093] The large claw member 52 is attached to the third plate 74 on the rear surface portion of the separation unit 16. The third plate 74 is a long member along the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes, and a plurality of large claw members 52 are arranged at the lower end of the third plate 74.

[0094] The third plate 74 is arranged so as to be able to move up and down by the large claw member vertical movement device 76. The large claw member vertical movement device 76 is arranged on the rear side of the third plate 74 and moves the third plate 74 up and down relative to the separation unit 16.

[0095] (Control method of the first embodiment)

[0096] Next, the control of the control unit 80 will be described based on Figures 8 to 10C FIG. is a block diagram of the control system. Figure 8 FIG.

[0097] In the separation device 10, there is provided 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 separation 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 second plate moving device 79, the claw member vertical movement device 72, and the large claw member vertical movement device 76.

[0098] Hereinafter, the separation sequence using the claw member 50 and the large claw member 52 will be described.

[0099] In Figures 9A to 10C FIG., an example in which six claw members 50 are arranged is shown, and they are designated as 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f from the upper part of the drawing. In addition, sensors arranged near each of the claw members 50a to 50f are designated as 36a to 36f.

[0100] In addition, in Figures 9A to 10C FIG., Figure 9A the separation unit 16 is omitted hereinafter.

[0101] In addition, inFigures 9A to 10C In the case where the small claw member 50 is above the gap 55 between a predetermined number of finned flat tubes 40 and the finned flat tubes 40 located behind the predetermined number of finned flat tubes 40, the quadrilateral representing the small claw member 50 is shaded. In the case where the small claw member further enters the gap 55, the quadrilateral representing the small claw member is blackened and shown in the figure.

[0102] In addition, in Figures 9A to 10C the gaps 55 between the finned flat tubes 40 in the separated positions are shown shaded.

[0103] First, as in Figure 9A this, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 toward one end side (the front end in the stacking direction) of the fin stack 30.

[0104] And the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 from one end side of the fin stack 30 toward the other end side (from the front side to the rear side in the stacking direction).

[0105] At this time, the sensors 36a to 36f detect the number of finned flat tubes 40. The control unit 80 counts the number of finned flat tubes 40 detected by the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0106] In Figure 9B it shows the case where the sensor 36b first detects a predetermined number of finned flat tubes 40 and the small claw member 50b is above the gap 55 between the predetermined number of finned flat tubes 40 and the finned flat tubes 40 located behind it. The control unit 80 stores this position.

[0107] In addition, the sensors 36a to 36f are arranged at positions closer to the front side than the respective small claw members 50a to 50f. This position can be set arbitrarily. However, for example, if they are arranged at a position that is half the length of the gap between the finned flat tubes 40 in the front direction relative to the respective small claw members 50a to 50f, then when the sensors 36a to 36f detect a predetermined number of finned flat tubes 40, the corresponding small claw members 50a to 50f are above the gap 55 between the predetermined number of finned flat tubes 40 and the finned flat tubes 40 located behind them.

[0108] However, when the sensors 36a to 36f are arranged at positions closer to the front side than the respective small claw members 50a to 50f, when separated by any distance, the distances between the sensors 36a to 36f and the respective small claw members 50a to 50f are pre-stored in the control unit 80. When the control unit 80 controls the moving device 20, the moving device 20 is controlled by subtracting the pre-stored distance between the sensor and the small claw member from the positions detected by the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0109] In addition, when the sensors 36a to 36f count the number of fins 40 for the flat tube, when the portion where the fins 40 for the flat tube exist is detected as on (ON) and the portion where the fins 40 for the flat tube do not exist (i.e., the gap 55) is detected as off (OFF), when the sensors 36a to 36f that detect a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube are off, that is, the position of the corresponding gap 55 is detected. Therefore, in this case, the sensors 36a to 36f and the respective small claw members 50a to 50f can also be arranged at the same position in the stacking direction.

[0110] In Figure 9C shows a case where the sensor 36a and the sensor 36c respectively detect a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube and the small claw members 50a and 50c are located above the gap 55. The control unit 80 stores this position.

[0111] Next, in Figure 10A shows a case where the sensors 36d and 36e respectively detect a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube and the small claw members 50d and 50e are located above the gap 55. The control unit 80 stores its position.

[0112] Thus, the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube are stored for all the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0113] After the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube are stored for all the sensors 36a to 36f, the control unit 80 controls the moving device 20 to stop the movement of the separation unit 16.

[0114] And, the control unit 80 drives the small claw member vertical movement device 72 of the small claw members 50d and 50e located at the last detected position to make the small claw members 50d and 50e enter the gap 55.

[0115] Therefore, among the plurality of small claw members 50a to 50f, the small claw member that first enters the gap 55 is the small claw member located at the upstream side convex portion in the direction of the undulation toward the separation of a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube (the one end side direction (front side in the stacking direction) of the fin stack 30).

[0116] Thereafter, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 toward one end side of the fin stack 30 (toward the front side in the stacking direction) in the direction opposite to the direction in which it has just moved.

[0117] At this time, the pawl members 50d and 50e that first enter the gap push a predetermined number of finned tubes 40 for flat tubes in the moving direction of the separating unit 16 (i.e., the direction toward one end side of the fin stack 30 (the front side in the stacking direction)). Since the pawl members 50d and 50e push the undulating convex portions, the undulating convex portions are corrected and gradually become linear.

[0118] Contrary to the detection order of the positions of the predetermined number of finned tubes 40 detected by the respective sensors 36a to 36f just now, the control unit 80 stops the moving device 20 when it reaches the subsequently detected position, and causes the pawl members 50 at the corresponding positions to enter the gap 55.

[0119] In Figure 10B , the pawl members 50a, 50c, and 50f reach the position of the gap 55 detected just now. At this position, the control unit 80 stops the moving device 20 and drives the pawl member vertical movement device 72 of the pawl members 50a, 50c, and 50f to cause the pawl members 50a, 50c, and 50f to enter the gap 55.

[0120] In addition, at this moment, the undulation of the portion pushed by the correcting pawl members 50d and 50e is corrected.

[0121] In Figure 10C , the situation where the last pawl member 50b enters the gap 55 is shown. In this state, the undulation of the predetermined number of finned tubes 40 for flat tubes is eliminated.

[0122] Next, the control unit 80 drives the pawl member vertical movement device 72 of all the pawl members 50a to 50f to raise all the pawl members 50a to 50f from the gap 55.

[0123] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the large pawl member 52 toward the position of the gap 55.

[0124] Thereafter, the control unit 80 drives the large pawl member vertical movement device 76 to cause the large pawl member 52 to enter the gap 55.

[0125] And, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 toward one end side of the fin stack 30 (toward the front side in the stacking direction), and uses the large pawl member 52 to push a predetermined number of finned tubes 40 for flat tubes, and separates them from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0126] In the above Figures 9A to 10CIn [the figure], in order to be visually easy to understand, a diagram with extremely large undulations is shown, but in reality, such large undulations are not generated.

[0127] (Structure of the entire device of the second embodiment)

[0128] Next, based on Figures 11 to 12 A second embodiment of the separation device will be described.

[0129] In addition, there are cases where components identical to those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0130] In the present embodiment, each claw member 50 is provided so as to be able to move independently in the stacking direction.

[0131] The claw member 50 is attached to the first plate 70 that moves up and down by the claw member vertical movement device 72. The claw member vertical movement device 72 is attached to the individual movement device 84 so as to be able to move in the stacking direction. As the individual movement device 84, an electric cylinder or the like can be used, but it is not limited to an electric cylinder, and other linear motion devices can also be used.

[0132] The individual movement device 84 of the claw member vertical movement device 72 is arranged behind the stacking direction from the hole portion 82a that penetrates in the front-rear direction of the hole plate 82 disposed on the front surface side of the second plate 75, and the claw member vertical movement device 72 can be moved relative to the hole plate 82 in the stacking direction.

[0133] In addition, a second hole plate 86 protruding forward in the stacking direction is attached to the hole plate 82. A hole portion 86a penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the second hole plate 86, and the claw member vertical movement device 72 is accommodated in the hole portion 86a. The claw member vertical movement device 72 can move in the stacking direction within the range of the hole portion 86a.

[0134] In addition, the sensor 36 is attached to the front surface side of the second hole plate 86.

[0135] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the sensor 36 is located on the front side in the stacking direction of the claw member 50, both the sensor 36 and the claw member 50 can be located above the guide body 12. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to move the second plate 75 in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40, and it is not necessary to provide the second plate movement device 79.

[0136] (Control method of the second embodiment)

[0137] In Figure 13 a block diagram of the control system of the present embodiment is shown.

[0138] In the separating device 10 of the present embodiment, a control unit 80 that controls the overall operation of the device is provided. 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 plurality of individual moving devices 84, the small claw member vertical movement device 72, and the large claw member vertical movement device 76.

[0139] Next, based on Figures 14A to 14C the separation sequence of the present embodiment will be described.

[0140] First, as Figure 14A shown, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 toward one end side (the end portion on the front side in the stacking direction) of the fin stack 30.

[0141] And, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 from one end side of the fin stack 30 toward the other end side (from the front side to the rear side in the stacking direction).

[0142] At this time, each of the sensors 36a to 36f detects the number of fins 40 for flat tubes. The control unit 80 counts the number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by each of the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0143] In Figure 14B , the sensor 36b first detects a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, and the sensor 36d last detects a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0144] The control unit 80 stores the positions of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes of all the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0145] And, as Figure 14C shown, after all the sensors 36a to 36f detect the positions of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 from the other end side of the fin stack 30 toward the one end side (from the rear side to the front side in the stacking direction) so that the sensor 36b at the position where the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes is first detected is located near the position of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0146] And, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 14C , the control unit 80 drives each of the individual moving devices 84 to move each of the small claw members 50a to 50f to the positions of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0147] Next, the control unit 80 drives the claw member vertical movement devices 72 of the respective claw members 50a to 50f to move the respective claw members 50a to 50f into the gap 55.

[0148] The control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 and uses the respective claw members 50a to 50f to press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, thereby widening the interval of the gap 55.

[0149] Next, the control unit 80 drives the claw member vertical movement devices 72 of the respective claw members 50a to 50f to raise all the claw members 50a to 50f from the gap 55.

[0150] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the large claw member 52 to the position of the gap 55.

[0151] After that, the control unit 80 drives the large claw member vertical movement device 76 to move the large claw member 52 into the gap 55.

[0152] Furthermore, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 toward one end side (toward the front side in the stacking direction) of the fin stack 30, and uses the large claw member 52 to press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, so as to separate a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0153] As described above, according to the control method of the first embodiment, while moving the separation unit 16, the claw members 50 are moved into the predetermined gap 55. Therefore, it is possible to press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes in sequence from the claw members that first enter, thereby widening the interval of the gap 55.

[0154] According to the control method of the second embodiment, after each claw member 50 enters the gap 55 individually, the separation unit 16 is moved to press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, thereby widening the interval of the gap 55.

[0155] In any of the embodiments, it is possible to separate a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes from the fin stack 30 having undulations.

[0156] In addition, in the above two embodiments, both the claw members 50 and the large claw member 52 are used to separate a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes. However, in the case where a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes can be separated only by using the claw members 50, there is no need to use the large claw member 52, and moreover, the structure in which the large claw member 52 is not provided is also possible.

[0157] Moreover, in the above two embodiments, as the fins for the heat exchanger, an example of the fins 40 for flat tubes is described.

[0158] However, even when separating the fin stack 30 formed by laminating a predetermined number of fin heat exchangers 46 for circular tubes from the fin heat exchangers 46 for circular tubes, the structure of the present embodiment can be adopted. However, in the case of the fin heat exchanger 46 for circular tubes, the guide body 12 is not required, and the fin stack 30 formed by laminating the fin heat exchangers 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 plurality of small claw members provided in the separation unit and having a thickness narrower than the interval between the gaps between the heat exchanger fins; A plurality of small claw member up-and-down movement devices, the plurality of small claw member up-and-down movement devices being arranged in the separation unit, so that each of the small claw members enters into a predetermined gap between the heat exchanger fins; a plurality of sensors, each of which is provided corresponding to each of the small claw members and can detect each of the heat exchanger fins constituting the fin stack; and Control Department, The control unit performs control in the following manner: The moving device is driven to move the separation unit from one end portion of the stacking direction of the fin stack toward the other end portion thereof, When each of the sensors detects the heat exchanger fins one by one from one end of the fin stack body during the movement of the separation unit and detects a predetermined number of positions, the positions are stored in advance. After all the sensors detect that the predetermined number of positions have been reached, the moving device is driven to move the separation unit toward one end side, and when the small claw member corresponding to the stored position reaches the stored position, the small claw member up and down movement device is driven to make the small claw member enter the gap between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins at the stored position and the remaining fin stacks. By the movement of the separation unit, each of the small claw members presses a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stacks.

2. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger fin separation device comprises: A plurality of large claw members, the plurality of large claw members being provided in the separation unit, the plurality of large claw members entering into the gaps between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks by a length longer than the length of each of the small claw members entering into the gaps between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks; as well as One or more large claw member up-and-down movement devices, which are arranged in the separation unit, so that each of the large claw members enters the predetermined gap between the flat tube fins, The control unit performs control in the following manner: After each of the small claw members pushes a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins by the movement of the separation unit to widen the gap, each of the small claw member vertical movement devices is driven to raise each of the small claw members from the gap, The moving device is driven to move each of the large claw members toward the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks, The one or more large claw member vertical movement devices are driven to make each of the large claw members enter the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks, The moving device is driven so that each of the large claw members presses a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stacks.

3. 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 small claw member enters the gap above the guide body.

4. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tip of each of the small claw members is formed into two branches.

5. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the large claw members is formed in such a way that the top end portion is divided into two or more branches.

6. 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 plurality of small claw members provided in the separation unit and having a thickness narrower than the interval between the gaps between the heat exchanger fins; A plurality of small claw member up-and-down movement devices, the plurality of small claw member up-and-down movement devices being arranged in the separation unit, so that each of the small claw members enters into a predetermined gap between the heat exchanger fins; a plurality of separate moving devices, which are provided in the separation unit and move each of the small claw members in the stacking direction; a plurality of sensors, each of which is provided corresponding to each of the small claw members and can detect each of the heat exchanger fins constituting the fin stack; and Control Department, The control unit performs control in the following manner: The moving device is driven to move the separation unit from one end portion of the stacking direction of the fin stack toward the other end portion thereof, When each of the sensors detects the heat exchanger fins one by one from one end of the fin stack body during the movement of the separation unit and detects a predetermined number of positions, the positions are stored in advance. After all the sensors have detected the predetermined number of positions, the driving of the moving device is stopped, and each of the individual moving devices is driven to move each of the small claw members to the stored positions. When each of the small claw members reaches the stored position, the small claw member up-and-down moving device is driven to make the small claw member enter the gap between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks at the stored position, The moving device is driven so that each of the small claw members presses a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stacks.

7. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heat exchanger fin separation device comprises: A plurality of large claw members, the plurality of large claw members being provided in the separation unit, the plurality of large claw members entering into the gaps between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks by a length longer than the length of each of the small claw members entering into the gaps between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks; as well as One or more large claw member up-and-down movement devices, which are arranged in the separation unit, so that each of the large claw members enters the predetermined gap between the flat tube fins, The control unit performs control in the following manner: After the moving device is driven so that each of the small claw members pushes a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins to widen the gap, the small claw member vertical movement device is driven so that each of the small claw members rises from the gap. The moving device is driven to move each of the large claw members toward the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks, The one or more large claw member vertical movement devices are driven to make each of the large claw members enter the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stacks, The moving device is driven so that each of the large claw members presses a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, thereby separating the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stacks.

8. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 6 or 7, 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 small claw member enters the gap above the guide body.

9. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The tip of each of the small claw members is formed into two branches.

10. The heat exchanger fin separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the large claw members is formed in such a way that the top end portion is divided into two or more branches.

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