Guide device

Abstract

To suppress damage to a metal pipe in a process which unwinds the metal pipe from a level wound coil.SOLUTION: A guide device (10) comprises a support member (20), and a guide member (30). The support member (20) is provided inside a level wound coil (90) in a posture in which a central axis (91) becomes a vertical direction. The guide member (30) is connected to the support member (20). A metal pipe (95) unwound to the inside of the level wound coil (90) is inserted into the guide member (30). The guide member (30) can move in a circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a guide device for guiding a metal tube unwound from a level wound coil. [Background technology]

[0002] Metal pipes such as copper pipes for refrigerant piping are sometimes traded in the form of level-wound coils. A level-wound coil is a cylindrical coil formed by winding metal pipes in an aligned manner in multiple layers. When using metal pipes that have been delivered in the form of level-wound coils, it is necessary to unwind the metal pipes from the level-wound coils.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for unwinding a metal tube from a level wound coil. In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the level wound coil is placed with its central axis in the up-down direction, and the metal tube is unwound from the inner circumference of the level wound coil.

[0004] When unwinding the metal tube from the level wound coil, multiple turns of the metal tube may come off the level wound coil at once. If this happens, the parts of the metal tube that have come off the level wound coil may become entangled and may be damaged.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for preventing damage to a metal tube during the process of unwinding the metal tube from a level wound coil. In this method, the metal tube unwound from the level wound coil is inserted into a cylindrical weight member.

[0006] In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, part of the force pulling the metal tube upward after being unwound from the level wound coil is offset by gravity acting on the weight member. Also, part of the gravity acting on the weight member acts in a direction to pull the metal tube toward the inner circumference of the level wound coil. This prevents a portion of the metal tube over multiple turns from coming off the level wound coil at once, reducing the possibility of the metal tube being damaged by this phenomenon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-231348 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the speed at which the metal tube is unwound from the level wound coil increases, the speed at which the metal tube unwound from the level wound coil moves upward increases, and the weight member may be lifted upward along with the upward moving metal tube. If the lifted weight member falls and hits the metal tube, the metal tube may be dented or bent.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce damage to a metal tube during the process of unwinding the metal tube from a level wound coil. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a guide device (10) that guides a metal tube (95) unwound from a level wound coil (90) in an orientation with a central axis (91) in the vertical direction, and includes a support member (20) provided inside the level wound coil (90), and a guide member (30) connected to the support member (20) and through which the metal tube (95) unwound inside the level wound coil (90) is inserted, the guide member (30) being positioned radially outside the level wound coil (90) relative to the support member (20) and freely moving in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90).

[0011] In a first embodiment, a guide device (10) includes a guide member (30) and a support member (20). A metal tube (95) that is unwound around a level wound coil (90) is inserted into the guide member (30). In the process of unwinding the metal tube (95) from the level wound coil (90), a portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) moves in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90). The guide member (30) moves in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90) following the movement of the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90).

[0012] In the first embodiment, the guide member (30) is located radially outward of the level wound coil (90) with respect to the support member (20). The guide member (30) is connected to the support member (20). Therefore, even if the speed at which the metal tube (95) is unwound from the level wound coil (90) is increased and the upward movement speed of the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) is relatively high, the upward movement of the guide member (30) through which the metal tube (95) is inserted is restricted. As a result, damage to the metal tube (95) caused by the guide member (30) moving upward together with the metal tube (95) dropping is suppressed.

[0013] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the structure of the first aspect, wherein the guide member (30) is movable in a radial direction of the level wound coil (90).

[0014] In the second embodiment, in the process of unwinding the metal tube (95) from the level wound coil (90), the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) moves radially outward from the level wound coil (90). The guide member (30) moves radially outward from the level wound coil (90) following the movement of the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90).

[0015] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the second aspect, further comprising an expandable connecting member (40) that connects the guide member (30) to the support member (20).

[0016] In the third embodiment, the connecting member (40) expands and contracts, thereby allowing the guide member (30) to move in the radial direction of the level wound coil (90).

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the third aspect, wherein the connecting member (40) comprises a linear member (41) having one end attached to the guide member (30), and a winder (42) to which the other end of the linear member (41) is attached and which winds and feeds the linear member (41).

[0018] In the fourth embodiment, the connecting member (40) includes a linear member (41) and a winder (42). When the winder (42) winds the linear member (41), the length of the connecting member (40) is shortened, and the guide member (30) moves radially inward of the level wound coil (90). When the winder (42) unwinds the linear member (41), the length of the connecting member (40) is lengthened, and the guide member (30) moves radially outward of the level wound coil (90).

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the fourth aspect, wherein the winder (42) constantly applies tension to the linear member (41).

[0020] In the fifth embodiment, tension is constantly applied to the linear member 41. Therefore, the linear member 41 is kept in a taut state regardless of the position of the guide member 30. In addition, the portion of the metal tube 95 inserted into the guide member 30 is pulled out radially inward of the level wound coil 90 by the tension of the linear member 41 acting via the guide member 30.

[0021] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, wherein the guide member (30) is movable in the vertical direction.

[0022] In the process of unwinding the metal tube (95) from the level wound coil (90), the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) moves in the direction of the central axis (up and down) of the level wound coil (90). In the sixth embodiment, the guide member (30) moves in the up and down direction following the movement of the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90).

[0023] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the sixth aspect, further comprising a flexible connecting member (40) that connects the guide member (30) to the support member (20).

[0024] In the seventh aspect, the connecting member (40) is bent, thereby allowing the guide member (30) to move in the vertical direction.

[0025] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the seventh aspect, wherein the connecting member (40) includes a linear member (41) one end of which is attached to the guide member (30).

[0026] In the eighth aspect, the flexibility of the connecting member (40) is ensured by bending the linear member (41).

[0027] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the guide member (30) is a sheet-like member curved so as to wrap the metal pipe (95).

[0028] In the ninth embodiment, a metal pipe (95) is inserted into a guide member (30) which is a curved sheet-like member.

[0029] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the guide member (30) is a cylindrical member.

[0030] In the tenth aspect, a metal pipe (95) is inserted into a guide member (30) which is a cylindrical member.

[0031] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the tenth aspect, wherein the guide member (30) is formed in a truncated cone shape having a small diameter end (31) and a large diameter end (32), and the metal tube (95) is arranged to pass from the small diameter end (31) toward the large diameter end (32).

[0032] In the eleventh embodiment, the metal pipe (95) passing through the truncated cone-shaped guide member (30) moves from the small diameter end (31) to the large diameter end (32) of the guide member (30). Therefore, the metal pipe (95) bends more gently when passing through the guide member (30) than when the guide member (30) is cylindrical with both ends having the same diameter.

[0033] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the support member (20) includes a rod-shaped pillar member (22) extending in the vertical direction, and an arm member (23) extending laterally from the pillar member (22) and rotatable around the central axis of the pillar member (22), and the guide member (30) is connected to the arm member (23).

[0034] In the twelfth aspect, the support member (20) includes a pillar member (22) and an arm member (23). The guide member (30) is connected to the arm member (23). The guide member (30) is movable in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90) by the arm member (23) rotating about the central axis of the pillar member (22). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a level wound coil. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a level wound coil. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the guide device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the guide device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the guide device in use. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the guide device in use. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the guide device and the level wound coil in use. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a plan view showing the guide device and the level wound coil in use. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a plan view showing the guide device and the level wound coil in use. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the front of the guide device in use and a cross section of the level wound coil. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the front of the guide device in use and a cross section of the level wound coil. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the front of the guide device in use and a cross section of the level wound coil. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the front of the guide device in use and a cross section of the level wound coil. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the level wound coil showing the portion where the metal tube is detached from the level wound coil. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a guide member of the first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a guide device and a level wound coil of a first modified example in a used state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a guide device of the second modified example in a usage state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of a guide device of the second modified example in a usage state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The guide device 10 of this embodiment will be described below. The guide device 10 is used to prevent damage to the metal tube 95 unwound from the level wound coil 90.

[0037] -Level wound coil- The level wound coil (90) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] The level wound coil (90) is composed of a single long metal tube (95). The metal tube (95) constituting the level wound coil (90) is, for example, a heat transfer tube for a heat exchanger. Typically, a heat transfer tube for a heat exchanger is a copper tube (a metal tube made of copper or a copper alloy) or an aluminum tube (a metal tube made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy). However, the heat transfer tube for a heat exchanger is not limited to a copper tube or an aluminum tube, and may be a metal tube made of a metal other than these.

[0039] The level wound coil (90) is formed by winding a metal tube (95) with a circular cross section into a ring shape. The shape of the level wound coil (90) is a thick-walled cylinder as a whole. In the level wound coil (90), the metal tube (95) is aligned in the radial direction of the level wound coil (90) and in the direction of the central axis (91) (up and down direction) (see FIG. 2).

[0040] -Guide device configuration- The guide device (10) of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0041] The guide device 10 includes a support member 20, a guide member 30, and a connecting member 40. The guide member 30 is connected to the support member 20 via the connecting member 40.

[0042] <Support Member> The support member (20) includes a base plate (21), a support member (22), and a pair of arm members (23).

[0043] The base plate (21) is a relatively thick rectangular plate-like member.

[0044] The support member (22) is a column-shaped member. The support member (22) is provided in an upright position on the base plate (21). The axis of the support member (22) is substantially perpendicular to the base plate (21). The support member (22) is fixed to the base plate (21) in an immovable state.

[0045] Each arm member (23) is a plate-shaped member. Each arm member (23) is attached near the upper end of the support member (22) and extends laterally from the support member (22). Each arm member (23) is attached to the support member (22) so as to be freely rotatable. Each arm member (23) is disposed at a fixed interval in the axial direction of the support member (22). Each arm member (23) is substantially parallel to each other.

[0046] <Guide member> The guide member (30) is a curved flexible plate-like member. The tip portion of the guide member (30) is curved in an arc shape. The shape of the guide member (30) seen from the front (the shape shown in Figs. 4 and 5) is a shape that tapers from the curved tip portion toward the flat base end portion. The material of the guide member (30) is a material that is less hard than the metal pipe (95), such as a resin.

[0047] The metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) is inserted into the arc-shaped curved tip of the guide member (30) (see Figures 5 and 6). The guide member (30) is curved so as to wrap around the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90).

[0048] <Connecting member> The connecting member (40) includes a linear member (41) and a winder (42).

[0049] The linear member (41) is a thread-like member made by twisting together thin wires made of metal or resin. The linear member (41) is flexible. One end of the linear member (41) is connected to the flat base end portion of the guide member (30). The other end of the linear member (41) is connected to the winder (42).

[0050] The winder (42) is a reel that winds and unwinds the linear member (41). The winder (42) is attached to the arm member (23) of the support member (20). The winder (42) is configured to constantly generate a force in the direction of winding the linear member (41) by the action of a built-in spring or the like. Due to the function of this winder (42), tension is always applied to the linear member (41) connected to the winder (42).

[0051] When the winder (42) winds up the linear member (41), the portion of the linear member (41) that is not wound around the winder (42) becomes shorter. On the other hand, when the winder (42) unwinds the linear member (41), the portion of the linear member (41) that is not wound around the winder (42) becomes longer. Thus, the winding and unwinding of the linear member (41) by the winder (42) causes the connecting member (40) to expand and contract.

[0052] Moreover, the linear members (41) constituting the connecting member (40) are soft thread-like members and have flexibility, so that the connecting member (40) having such linear members (41) has flexibility.

[0053] As described above, the linear member (41) is flexible. Therefore, when the metal pipe (95) is not inserted through the guide member (30), the linear member (41) hangs down (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when the guide device (10) is in use, the metal pipe (95) is inserted through the guide member (30), and the linear member (41) extends laterally (diagonally downward, diagonally upward, or horizontally) (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In this use state, the guide member (30) connected to the linear member (41) is located outside the support member (20) with respect to the axis of the support member (20).

[0054] -Operation of the guide device- 7, the guide device (10) is provided inside the level wound coil (90) that is oriented with its central axis (91) in the vertical direction. The guide device (10) is provided at a position where the axis of the support member (22) roughly coincides with the central axis (91) of the level wound coil (90).

[0055] The metal tube (95) unwound inward from the level wound coil (90) is inserted into the guide member (30) of the guide device (10). After passing through the guide device (10), the metal tube (95) is pulled upward and sent to a processing device that processes the metal tube (95).

[0056] An example of a processing device for processing the metal tube (95) is a hairpin bender. The hairpin bender is a device that bends the metal tube (95), which is a heat transfer tube, into a hairpin shape (in other words, a U-shape with a long straight portion). The hairpin bender performs a process of cutting and bending the metal tube (95) supplied from the level wound coil (90). The metal tube (95) is intermittently (e.g., every 10 seconds) supplied to the hairpin bender from the level wound coil (90) every time this process is completed.

[0057] <Circumferential movement of guide member> As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, in the process of unwinding the metal tube (95) from the level wound coil (90), the portion of the metal tube (95) that detaches from the level wound coil (90) moves in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90) (counterclockwise in Figures 8A and 8B).

[0058] Meanwhile, in the guide device 10, the guide member 30 is connected to the arm member 23, which is rotatable relative to the support member 22, via the connecting member 40. Therefore, the guide member 30 moves in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil 90 (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8A and 8B ) following the movement of the portion of the metal tube 95 that is detached from the level wound coil 90.

[0059] <Up and down movement of guide member> As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in the process of unwinding the metal tube (95) from the level wound coil (90), the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) moves in the direction of the central axis (91) of the level wound coil (90) (in Figures 9A and 9B, from bottom to top).

[0060] Meanwhile, in the guide device 10, the guide member 30 is connected to the arm member 23 of the support member 20 via a flexible linear member 41. Therefore, the guide member 30 moves in the direction of the central axis 91 of the level wound coil 90 (the up and down direction in FIGS. 9A and 9B ) following the movement of the portion of the metal tube 95 that is detached from the level wound coil 90.

[0061] <Radial movement of guide member> As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, in the process of unwinding the metal tube (95) from the level wound coil (90), the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) moves radially outward (away from the central axis (91)) of the level wound coil (90).

[0062] On the other hand, in the guide device (10), when the winder (42) winds and unwinds the linear member (41), the length of the portion of the linear member (41) that is not wound around the winder (42) changes, and the distance from the support member (22) to the guide member (30) changes accordingly. Therefore, the guide member (30) moves in a direction away from the central axis (91) of the level wound coil (90) in response to the movement of the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90).

[0063] Furthermore, in the guide device (10), the winder (42) constantly applies tension to the linear member (41). Therefore, the linear member (41) connected to the guide member (30) is kept in a taut state regardless of the position of the guide member (30).

[0064] -Guide device dimensions- As shown in Fig. 11, when the metal tube (95) located at the lower stage of the level wound coil (90) is pulled out, the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) is pulled up obliquely upward. At that time, if the peeling angle θ shown in Fig. 11 is large, the part of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) is pressed against the part of the metal tube (95) adjacent to the part above that part, and the metal tube (95) may be crushed (specifically, the metal tube may be plastically deformed and its cross-sectional shape may no longer be circular). In addition, the part of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) may be pulled by the part of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90), and the part of the metal tube (95) adjacent to the part above that part may also be detached from the level wound coil (90).

[0065] Therefore, the dimensions of the guide device 10 of this embodiment are determined so that the peel-off angle θ is kept at 21 degrees or less (θ≦21°). The peel-off angle θ is the inclination angle of the portion of the metal tube 95 that is unwound from the level wound coil 90 with respect to the horizontal direction. Examples of the dimensions of the guide device 10 determined in this manner include the position of the arm member 23 in the vertical direction and the distance from the axis of the support member 22 to the guide member 30.

[0066] -Features of the embodiment (1)- In the guide device (10) of this embodiment, the guide member (30) is located radially outward of the level wound coil (90) with respect to the support member (20). The guide member (30) is connected to the support member (20). Therefore, even if the speed at which the metal tube (95) is unwound from the level wound coil (90) increases and the moving speed of the metal tube (95) being unwound from the level wound coil (90) and pulled upward is relatively high, the upward movement of the guide member (30) through which the metal tube (95) is inserted is restricted. As a result, damage to the metal tube (95) caused by the guide member (30) moving upward together with the metal tube (95) dropping is suppressed.

[0067] In this manner, by using the guide device 10 of the present embodiment, the moving speed of the metal tube 95 when unwinding the metal tube 95 from the level wound coil 90 can be set to a relatively high speed (e.g., about 2 m / sec) while preventing damage to the metal tube 95. Therefore, by using the guide device 10 of the present embodiment, the time required to manufacture an article made of the metal tube 95 unwound from the level wound coil 90 can be shortened. Note that an example of an article made of this metal tube is a hairpin tube manufactured by bending a heat transfer tube, which is a metal tube.

[0068] -Features of the embodiment (2)- In the guide device (10) of this embodiment, the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) is inserted into the guide member (30) (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). Meanwhile, in the guide device (10), the winder (42) constantly applies tension to the linear member (41), so that a force constantly acts on the guide member (30) connected to the linear member (41) in a direction pulling it toward the winder (42). Therefore, the guide member (30) applies a force to the portion of the metal tube (95) inserted into the guide member (30) in a direction pulling it toward the central axis (91) of the level wound coil (90).

[0069] In this manner, in the guide device (10) of the present embodiment, the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) is pulled toward the inside of the level wound coil (90) by the guide member (30). Therefore, the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90) is pulled toward the inside of the level wound coil (90) without getting caught on the portion of the metal tube (95) adjacent to the upper side of that portion.

[0070] As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a problem occurring in which the portion of the metal tube (95) detaching from the level wound coil (90) is crushed, or in which the portion of the metal tube (95) detaching from the level wound coil (90) is dragged along with the metal tube (95) of the adjacent upper stage to be detached from the level wound coil (90).

[0071] -Features of the embodiment (3)- In the guide device 10 of this embodiment, the guide member 30 through which the metal tube 95 is inserted is connected to the support member 20 via the connecting member 40 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, in the process of pulling the metal tube 95 unwound from the level wound coil 90 upward and sending it to another processing device, the upward movement of the portion of the metal tube 95 unwound from the level wound coil 90 that is relatively close to the level wound coil 90 is restricted by the guide member 30.

[0072] When the upward movement of the portion of the metal tube (95) that is relatively close to the level wound coil (90) after being unwound from the level wound coil (90) is restricted, the upward force acting on the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detaching from the level wound coil (90) is reduced. Therefore, the upward force acting on the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detaching from the level wound coil (90) can be kept small, and the portion can be prevented from being crushed.

[0073] -Features of the embodiment (4)- In a processing step of a metal tube (95) using the guide device (10) of this embodiment, the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) is intermittently supplied to a processing device for the next step. In this case, the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) alternately moves and stops. At the moment when the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) starts to move, a force in the pulling direction acts on the metal tube (95) with an impact. Therefore, at the moment when the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) starts to move, the metal tube (95) may hit the guide member (30) of the guide device (10) hard and be crushed.

[0074] In contrast, in the guide device (10) of the present embodiment, the guide member (30) through which the metal tube (95) is inserted is connected to the support member (20) via the connecting member (40) composed of the linear member (41) and the winder (42). When the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) starts to move, the metal tube (95) is pressed against the guide member (30), and the winder (42) sends out the linear member (41), causing the guide member (30) to move, thereby reducing the force pressing the metal tube (95) against the guide member (30). As a result, when the metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) starts to move, the metal tube (95) can be prevented from hitting the guide member (30) and being crushed.

[0075] Moreover, in the guide device 10 of the present embodiment, the winder 42 constantly applies tension to the linear member 41. Therefore, even if the metal tube 95 hits the guide member 30 when the metal tube 95 is unwound from the level wound coil 90 and starts to move, excessive movement of the guide member 30 can be prevented.

[0076] -Modifications of the embodiment- The following modified examples may be applied to the guide device 10 of this embodiment. Note that the following modified examples may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the guide device 10 is not impaired.

[0077] First Modified Example In the guide device (10) of the present embodiment, the guide member (30) may be a cylindrical member as shown in FIG.

[0078] The guide member (30) of this modified example is a resin member formed into a somewhat thick cylindrical shape. The guide member (30) is formed into a truncated cone shape as a whole. One end of the guide member (30) is a small diameter end (31) and the other end is a large diameter end (32).

[0079] 13, in the guide device (10) of this modified example, one end of a linear member (41) is connected to a side portion of a guide member (30). A metal tube (95) unwound from a level wound coil (90) is inserted into the guide member (30) of this modified example from the small diameter end (31) to the large diameter end (32) thereof.

[0080] 13, the guide member (30) moves counterclockwise in accordance with the movement of the portion of the metal tube (95) that is detached from the level wound coil (90). Therefore, the metal tube (95) that is unwound from the level wound coil (90) moves from the small diameter end (31) to the large diameter end (32) of the guide member (30).

[0081] The metal tube (95) unwound from the level wound coil (90) passes through the guide member (30) and is then pulled upward. On the other hand, in the guide member (30) of this modified example, the large diameter end (32) is located on the outlet side in the moving direction of the metal tube (95). Therefore, the amount of deformation of the metal tube (95) as it passes through the guide member (30) can be reduced compared to when the guide member (30) is cylindrical and has a constant diameter.

[0082] <Second Modification> In the guide device (10) of this embodiment, the connecting member (40) may be composed of an extendable rod (43) and a holding block (44).

[0083] As shown in Fig. 14, the holding block (44) is attached to the arm member (23) of the support member (20). The base end of the telescopic rod (43) is connected to the holding block (44). The guide member (30) is connected to the tip end of the telescopic rod (43). The telescopic rod (43) is rotatable about the base end connected to the holding block (44). When the telescopic rod (43) moves about the base end, the guide member (30) moves up and down accordingly.

[0084] The telescopic rod (43) is a rod-shaped member that can extend and retract. This telescopic rod (43) is a member with a telescopic structure formed by combining multiple cylindrical members. As shown in FIG. 15, when the length of the telescopic rod (43) changes, the distance from the holding block (44) to the guide member (30) changes. The telescopic rod (43) has a built-in spring that generates a force in a direction that contracts the telescopic rod (43). In the extended state, the telescopic rod (43) applies a force to the guide member (30) in a direction that pulls the guide member (30) toward the holding block (44).

[0085] <Third Modification> In the support member 20 of the guide device 10 of this embodiment, the arm member 23 is rotatably attached to the post member 22, but the structure of the support member 20 is not limited to this structure.

[0086] For example, the arm member 23 may be fixed to the support member 22, and the support member 22 may be rotatably attached to the base plate 21. The support member 22 may also be composed of an upper part and a lower part, and the upper part and the lower part may be connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other. In this case, the arm member 23 is fixed to the upper part of the support member 22, and the lower part of the support member 22 is fixed to the base plate 21.

[0087] <Fourth Modification> In the guide device 10 of this embodiment, the connecting member 40 may be an elastic, stretchable rubber band-like member. In this case, the guide member 30 is connected to one end of the connecting member 40, and the other end of the connecting member 40 is connected to the arm member 23.

[0088] Fifth Modification In the guide device 10 of this embodiment, the support member 20 may include only one arm member 23. Also, in the guide device 10 of this embodiment, the arm member 23 may be omitted. In this case, the connecting member 40 is directly attached to the strut member 22 of the support member 20.

[0089] Although the embodiment and the modified examples have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements of the above embodiment, modified examples, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0090] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a guide device that guides a metal tube unwound from a level wound coil. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Guide device 20 Support member 22 Support member 23 Arm member 30 Guide member 31 Small diameter end 32 Large diameter end 40 Connecting member 41 Linear members 42 Winder 90 Level Wound Coil 91 Center axis 95 Metal tube

Claims

1. A guide device (10) for guiding a metal tube (95) unwound from a level-wound coil (90) in an orientation in which a central axis (91) is in a vertical direction, comprising: a support member (20) provided inside the level wound coil (90); a guide member (30) connected to the support member (20) and through which the metal tube (95) unwound inside the level wound coil (90) is inserted, The guide member (30) is located radially outward of the level wound coil (90) with respect to the support member (20) and is movable in the circumferential direction of the level wound coil (90). Guide device.

2. The guide member (30) is movable in the radial direction of the level wound coil (90). The guide device according to claim 1 .

3. a stretchable connecting member (40) for connecting the guide member (30) to the support member (20); The guide device according to claim 2 .

4. The connecting member (40) is a linear member (41) having one end attached to the guide member (30); a winder (42) to which the other end of the linear member (41) is attached and which winds and unwinds the linear member (41). The guide device according to claim 3.

5. The winder (42) constantly applies tension to the linear member (41). The guide device according to claim 4.

6. The guide member (30) is movable in the vertical direction. A guide device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A flexible connecting member (40) is provided to connect the guide member (30) to the support member (20). The guide device according to claim 6.

8. The connecting member (40) includes a linear member (41) having one end attached to the guide member (30). The guide device according to claim 7.

9. The guide member (30) is a sheet-like member curved so as to wrap around the metal pipe (95). A guide member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The guide member (30) is a cylindrical member. A guide member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The guide member (30) is formed in a truncated cone shape having a small diameter end (31) and a large diameter end (32), and is provided so that the metal pipe (95) passes through from the small diameter end (31) to the large diameter end (32). The guide device according to claim 10.

12. The support member (20) is a rod-shaped support member (22) extending in the vertical direction; an arm member (23) extending laterally from the support member (22) and rotatable about a central axis of the support member (22); The guide member (30) is connected to the arm member (23). A guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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