Separating device for heat exchanger fin

Abstract

To separate a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a laminated state of a large number of heat exchanger fins, without deforming the fins.SOLUTION: A device 10 for separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins 40 from a fin laminate body 30, includes: a disposing unit 12 that disposes the fin laminate body such that a direction of lamination faces in a horizontal direction; a separation unit 16 disposed above the fin laminate body 30 and extending in a length direction of the heat exchanger fins 40; a moving device 20 that moves the separation unit 16 in the direction of the lamination of the fin laminate body 30; a first claw 50; a plurality of second claws 52; and a control unit 80. The control unit 80 first causes the first claw 50 to widen an interval of an upper part of an empty space 55 between heat exchanger fins 40, then gradually causes the second claw 52 to enter the empty space 55 to drive the moving device 20, and separates a predetermined number of the heat exchanger fins 40 from the remaining fin laminate body 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A heat exchanger such as a cooler is configured by inserting a heat exchange tube through which a heat medium flows into stacked fins. As fins for a heat exchanger, there are fins for a round tube in which a plurality of through holes for inserting a round heat exchange tube are formed, and fins for a flat tube in which a flat tube having a flat shape is used as the heat exchange tube. A plurality of these fins for a heat exchanger are stacked to form a heat exchanger.

[0003] Hereinafter, a conventional technique in which fins for a flat tube are stacked as an example of fins for a heat exchanger will be shown. For example, in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2016 / 125309), after fins for a flat tube manufactured by a fin manufacturing apparatus for a flat tube are stacked on a stacking apparatus, a plurality of stacked fins for a flat tube are taken out from the stacking apparatus while maintaining the stacked state. An apparatus is disclosed.

[0004] Further, in Cited Document 2 (International Publication No. 2016 / 203593), a flat tube insertion apparatus for inserting a flat tube into a notch of a fin stack in which a predetermined number of fins for a flat tube are stacked is disclosed. And in this flat tube insertion apparatus, a fin stack in which a plurality of fins for a flat tube are horizontally stacked in the plate thickness direction (arranged so that the width direction of the fins for a flat tube faces the vertical direction) is arranged in a longitudinal direction. It is disclosed that a fin stack arrangement portion is provided in which a guide body that is long in the stacking direction is inserted so as to communicate with the notches of the plurality of fins for a flat tube with respect to at least one of the plurality of aligned notches.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 125309 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 203593 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] As in Patent Document 1, after taking out a large number of fins for flat tubes stacked in the stacking device of the fin manufacturing apparatus for flat tubes, before arranging a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes in the fin stack arrangement part provided in the flat tube insertion apparatus of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to separate a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes required for the heat exchanger from the large number of fins for flat tubes.

[0007] When separating a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a fin stack in which a large number of heat exchanger fins are stacked in this way, it is conceivable to insert and separate some member between adjacent heat exchanger fins and heat exchanger fins.

[0008] On the other hand, in recent years, the fins for heat exchangers have been made thinner and have extremely low rigidity. In order to separate a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from a fin stack in which a large number of heat exchanger fins with such low rigidity are stacked, if a plurality of some members are inserted between adjacent heat exchanger fins and heat exchanger fins, the heat exchanger fins may be deformed.

[0009] Further, when the heat exchanger fins 40 with low rigidity as described above are stacked to form the fin stack 30, as shown in FIG. 15, there is also a possibility of generating undulations with unevenness in the stacking direction. When separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from a fin laminate having such undulations, even if a plurality of members are inserted into the gaps between adjacent fins for a heat exchanger along the length direction of the fins for a heat exchanger, it is difficult to insert the plurality of members because the gaps are undulated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] Therefore, the present invention is made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an apparatus for separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from a state in which a large number of fins for a heat exchanger are laminated without deforming the fins for a heat exchanger.

[0011] According to the apparatus for separating fins for a heat exchanger according to the present invention, it is an apparatus for separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from a fin laminate in which a plurality of fins for a heat exchanger are laminated in the plate thickness direction, and includes an arranging unit for arranging the fin laminate with the lamination direction facing horizontally, a separating unit arranged above the fin laminate arranged in the arranging unit and extending in the length direction of the fins for a heat exchanger, which is a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction in the horizontal plane, a moving device for moving the separating unit in the lamination direction of the fin laminate, a first claw provided on the separating unit, movable in the length direction and vertically movable of the fins for a heat exchanger, for widening the upper interval of the gaps between predetermined fins for a heat exchanger, a plurality of second claws provided on the separating unit, vertically movable, and entering the gaps in which the upper interval is widened by the first claw, and a control unit. The control unit causes the first claw to enter the upper part of the gap between a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger and the remaining fins for a heat exchanger in the fin laminate to widen the upper interval of the gap, moves the first claw in the length direction of the fins for a heat exchanger in a state where the first claw has entered the upper part of the gap, widens the upper interval of the gap in the length direction of the fins for a flat tube, sequentially causes the second claws to enter the gaps in which the upper interval is widened by the first claw, and drives the moving device to press the fins for a heat exchanger by each of the second claws to separate a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from the remaining fins for a heat exchanger.

[0012] By adopting this configuration, first, the first claw moves along the length direction of the fin for the flat tube in the upper part of the gap between the fins for the heat exchanger and spreads it, and then the second claw sequentially enters the gap with the upper part widened. Therefore, the second claw can enter without deforming the fins for the heat exchanger with low rigidity. Further, even when there is a warp in the fin stack, since the first claw moves along the warp in the length direction in the upper part of the gap between the fins for the heat exchanger, the warp can be corrected to some extent and the subsequent entry of the second claw can be facilitated.

[0013] Further, it may be provided with a plurality of third claws that are provided in the separation unit and can move up and down. After the second claw is sequentially inserted into the gap with the upper interval widened by the first claw, the control unit drives the moving device to press the fins for the heat exchanger by the second claw to widen the interval of the gap, then raises each second claw, inserts each third claw into the gap widened by each second claw, and drives the moving device to press the fins for the heat exchanger by each third claw to separate a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fins for the heat exchanger. According to this configuration, the first claw widens the interval at the upper part of the gap to facilitate the entry of the second claw, the second claw widens the interval of the gap, and further the third claw presses a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger. Therefore, a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger can be separated from the remaining fin stack without deforming the fins for the heat exchanger.

[0014] Further, a sensor for detecting each fin for the heat exchanger constituting the fin stack is provided in the separation unit. The control unit drives the moving device to detect each fin for the heat exchanger one by one from one end of the fin stack by the sensor and detect the position where the number reaches a preset predetermined number. When moving the first claw in the length direction of the fin for the heat exchanger, even when the fin stack is warped, the control unit controls the moving device so that the first claw always exists at the position where the number reaches the predetermined number. According to this configuration, while always adjusting the position of the first claw in accordance with the undulations of the fin stack, the first claw can be moved along the length direction of the fins for the flat tube. Therefore, even when the undulations of the fin stack are large, the interval between the upper parts of the gaps between the fins for the flat tube can be surely widened without deforming the fins for the flat tube.

[0015] Further, the fin for the heat exchanger is a fin for a flat tube in which a plurality of notches cut from one side in the width direction to the other side are formed in the length direction, and the arrangement portion is two or more guide bodies extending in the stacking direction that are inserted into two or more of the plurality of notches of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. The control portion may be characterized in that after moving the first claw above the guide body, the first claw is made to enter the upper part of the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the flat tube and the remaining fins for the flat tube in the fin stack. According to this configuration, when the first claw descends to a location where no guide body is provided, the fins for the flat tube will be deformed by the pressing force of the first claw. However, when the first claw descends to a location where a guide body is provided, the pressing force of the first claw is received by the guide body, and it is possible to prevent the fins for the flat tube from being deformed.

[0016] Further, the fin for the heat exchanger is a fin for a flat tube in which a plurality of notches cut from one side in the width direction to the other side are formed in the length direction, and the arrangement portion is two or more guide bodies extending in the stacking direction that are inserted into two or more of the plurality of notches of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. Among the two or more guide bodies, the first claw is moved in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube so as to widen the upper part of the gap inside the two guide bodies arranged at both ends in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube, and then the first claw is moved in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube so as to widen the upper part of the gap outside the two guide bodies. This may be characterized. The operation of this configuration is as follows. That is, among the plurality of provided guide bodies, the fin stack located outside the guide bodies positioned at both ends has a large undulation because it is held by the guide body on only one side, and since the ends of the fins for the flat tube are not held by the guide body, it is difficult to insert the first claw. Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, first, in order to widen the interval at the upper part of the gap between the fins for the flat tube located inside the guide bodies positioned at both ends, the undulation can be corrected to a certain extent, and then the interval at the upper part of the gap between the fins for the flat tube located outside the guide bodies positioned at both ends can be surely widened.

[0017] Further, the first claw may be formed in a double-conical shape, the direction connecting the vertices of both cones is oriented in the stacking direction of the fin stack, and it may be provided so as to be freely rotatable about a straight line connecting the vertices of both cones as the rotation center. According to this configuration, since the first claw moves in the length direction of the fins for the heat exchanger while rotating, the contact resistance between the first claw and the fins for the heat exchanger that the first claw contacts can be reduced, the movement of the first claw can be performed smoothly, and deformation of the fins for the heat exchanger can be prevented.

[0018] Also, each of the second claws and each of the third claws may be characterized in that the tip portion is formed into two or more branches. According to this configuration, the contact resistance between the fins for the heat exchanger when the second claw and the third claw enter can be reduced, and smooth entry can be executed to prevent deformation of the fins for the heat exchanger.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, when separating a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from a state where a large number of fins for the heat exchanger are stacked, the fins for the heat exchanger can be separated without being deformed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] (Configuration of Fins for Heat Exchanger) First, the fins 40 for a heat exchanger will be described with reference to FIG. 1. For the fins for a heat exchanger, as shown in Fig. 1(A), there is a fin 46 for a round tube heat exchanger in which a through hole 44 for inserting a round heat exchange tube is formed, and as shown in Fig. 1(B), there is a fin 40 for a flat tube in which a plurality of notches 42 for inserting a flat tube (not shown) as a heat exchange tube are formed at predetermined intervals along the length direction. The notch 42 is configured to be notched from one side to the other side in the width direction of the fin 40 for a flat tube. In the following embodiments, the fin 40 for a flat tube will be described as an example of the fins for a heat exchanger.

[0022] The fins 40 for a flat tube manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus for the fins 40 for a flat tube are in a state where a plurality of them are laminated, and this is referred to as a fin laminate 30. The separation device 10 according to the present invention is a device for arranging the fin laminate 30 and separating a predetermined number of fins 40 for a flat tube required for a heat exchanger from the fin laminate 30.

[0023] (Configuration of the entire device) Subsequently, the separation device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 7. Here, regarding the stacking direction of the fin laminate, the left side of the paper surface is taken as the front and the right side of the paper surface is taken as the rear, and the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the fin laminate in the horizontal plane is taken as the length direction of the fin 40 for a flat tube.

[0024] The separation device 10 includes a base 14 on which a plurality of guide bodies 12 are arranged, and a separation unit 16 arranged above the base 14. The fin laminate 30 held by the guide body 12 is configured by laminating a large number of fins 40 for a flat tube in the plate thickness direction. Note that in Figs. 2 and 5, illustration of the upper surface of the fin laminate 30 as if a plurality of fins 40 for a flat tube are laminated is omitted.

[0025] The fin laminate 30 is arranged such that the opening side of the notch 42 of each fin 40 for a flat tube faces downward, and the guide body 12 is inserted into the notch 42 and held by the base 14. The guide body 12 is a long plate-shaped member along the stacking direction of the fin stack 30 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as the stacking direction), and its thickness (the width in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40) is formed slightly narrower than the width of the notch 42 (the width in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40), and it can easily enter the notch 42 of the fin stack 30. In this embodiment, six guide bodies 12 are arranged on the upper surface of the base 14 at equal intervals. That is, the fin stack 30 is held by the base 14 by six guide bodies 12. However, the number of guide bodies 12 is not limited to six.

[0026] On the upper surface portion of the base 14, near both ends in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40, guide members 22 for movably supporting the separation unit 16 in the stacking direction are respectively arranged. At both ends in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40 of the separation unit 16, gripping portions 24 for gripping the guide members 22 are provided, and the separation unit 16 is provided so as to be movable in the stacking direction on the upper surface of the base 14.

[0027] Also, on the outside of either one of the two guide members 22 on the upper surface portion of the base 14 (the end side in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40), a moving device 20 for moving the separation unit 16 in the stacking direction is provided. The moving device 20 in this embodiment employs a ball screw. The ball screw has a screw shaft 28, a motor 26 for rotating the screw shaft 28, and a nut portion 32 that linearly moves by the rotation of the screw shaft 28, and the nut portion 32 is fixed to the separation unit 16. However, the moving device 20 is not limited to a ball screw, and a cylinder or the like may be employed.

[0028] The separation unit 16 is provided with a plurality of claw members of a plurality of different types, respectively. The claw members have different thicknesses (lengths in the stacking direction), different lengths in the vertical direction, and different angles of the tip portions. Among the plurality of types of claw members, they enter the gaps between the fins 40 for the flat tube of the fin laminate 30 in order from the claw member with the shortest vertical length, widen the interval of the gaps, and finally the claw member with the longest vertical length enters the gaps between the fins 40 for the flat tube, presses a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube, and separates them from the remaining fins 40 for the flat tube.

[0029] In this embodiment, as the plurality of types of claw members, three types of claw members, namely, the first claw 50, the second claw 52, and the third claw 54, are provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the first claw 50 is vertically movably attached to a first claw vertical movement device 63 provided on a first plate 60. The first claw vertical movement device 63 is attached to the front side of the first plate 60 and is constituted by a linear motion device such as a cylinder.

[0030] The first plate 60 is disposed on the front side of the separation unit 16 and is movably provided in the length direction of the fins 40 for the flat tube by a first claw movement device 62. The first claw movement device 62 in this embodiment employs a ball screw. The ball screw has a screw shaft 64, a motor 65 for rotating the screw shaft 64, and a nut portion 66 that linearly moves by the rotation of the screw shaft 64, and the nut portion 66 is fixed to the first plate 60. However, the first claw movement device 62 is not limited to a ball screw, and a cylinder or the like may be employed.

[0031] A sensor 36 is provided near the first claw 50 of the first plate 60. The sensor 36 is composed of a sensor head 36a and an amplifier 36b, and the sensor 36 can detect the fins 40 for the flat tube one by one and count a predetermined number of fins 40 for the flat tube.

[0032] Note that the attachment position of the sensor 36 is not limited to the vicinity of the first claw 50. For example, a plurality of sensors 36 may be attached to the first plate 60 above each guide body 12.

[0033] Each second claw 52 is attached to a second plate 70 respectively. The second plate 70 is attached to a second claw vertical movement device 72, and the second claw vertical movement device 72 drives to move the second plate 70 vertically. The second claw vertical movement device 72 is constituted by a linear motion device such as a cylinder. The main body portion 72a is attached to a third plate 74 described later, and the second plate 70 is attached to the lower end of the rod portion 72b. Therefore, the second plate 70 can move vertically independently even when the third plate 74 is not operating.

[0034] The third claw 54 is attached to the third plate 74. The third plate 74 is a long member along the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tube, and a plurality of third claws 54 are arranged on the lower end surface of the third plate 74. The third plate 74 is provided so as to be vertically movable by a third claw vertical movement device 76. A plurality of third claw vertical movement devices 76 are arranged on the rear side of the third plate 74, and the third plate 74 is moved vertically with respect to the separation unit 16.

[0035] (Configuration and Operation of Each Claw Member) Hereinafter, the separation procedure using the first claw 50, the second claw 52, and the third claw 54 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a step of lowering the first claw to widen the upper part of the gap 55 between the fins 40 for flat tubes at a predetermined position in the fin laminate 30. The first claw 50 has a pointed tip portion 50b with a sharp lower end formed downward from a block-shaped main body portion 50a. Compared with the second claw 52 and the third claw 54, the angle θ1 (the angle seen from the end portion in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tube) of the tip portion 50b is the largest, the thickness t1 (the length in the stacking direction) is the thickest, and the vertical length h1 is the shortest.

[0037] The first claw 50 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube by the first claw moving device 62. However, the movement of the first claw 50 in the longitudinal direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube stops at the upper position of the guide body 12, and the first claw 50 descends toward the guide body 12. If the first claw 50 descends at a position where the guide body 12 does not exist, the fin 40 for the flat tube in contact with the first claw 50 may be deformed. However, if the first claw 50 descends at a position where the guide body 12 exists, the rigidity of the guide body 12 can prevent the deformation of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8(B), when the tip portion 50b of the first claw 50 enters the gap 55, the interval above this gap 55 is widened. Next, as shown in FIG. 8(C), while the tip portion 50b of the first claw 50 is kept entering the gap 55, it is moved along the longitudinal direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube. In this way, by moving the first claw 50 along the longitudinal direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube, the interval above the gap 55 can be widened along the longitudinal direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0039] FIG. 9 shows the process of expanding the entire interval of the gap 55 by causing the second claw 52 to enter the location where the interval above the gap 55 is widened by the first claw 50. The second claw 52 is thinner in thickness t2 (length in the stacking direction) than the first claw 50 and the third claw 54, and has a thickness that allows it to enter the location where the interval above the gap 55 is widened. Also, the vertical length h2 of the second claw 52 is about half the length in the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for the flat tube, is longer than the first claw 50, and is shorter than the third claw 54. Note that the tip portion of the second claw 52 is slightly tapered but has a thickness approximately the same as the plate thickness.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 9(B), the second claw 52 is caused to enter the location where the interval above the gap 55 is widened by the first claw 50. The entry of the second claw 52 into the gap 55 is up to about half of the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for the flat tube. Next, as shown in FIG. 9(C), the second claw 52 is moved along the stacking direction. Then, the interval of the gap 55 can be further widened.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows a step of inserting the third claw 54 into a portion where the interval of the gap 55 is widened by the second claw 52, and completely separating a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes from the remaining fin stack 30. The third claw 54 is thicker than the first claw 50 and the second claw 52 in terms of the thickness t3 (the length in the stacking direction), but has a thickness that allows it to enter the entire vertical direction of the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the second claw 52. Also, the vertical length h3 of the third claw 54 is approximately the same as or longer than the length in the width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for flat tubes, and is longer than the first claw 50 and the second claw 52. Note that the angle θ3 of the tip of the third claw 54 (the angle viewed from the end in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes) is smaller and sharper than the angle θ1 of the tip of the first claw 50.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10(B), the third claw 54 is inserted into the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the second claw 52. The entry of the third claw 54 into the gap 55 extends over the entire width direction (vertical direction) of the fin 40 for flat tubes. Next, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the third claw 54 is moved along the stacking direction. Thereby, a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes can be separated from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0043] Note that, unlike the first claw 50, the third claw 54 is provided at a position outside the upper part of the guide body 12. This is because if the guide body 12 is present when the third claw 54 is lowered, the guide body 12 will get in the way and it cannot be lowered further.

[0044] (First Embodiment of the Control Method) Subsequently, the control by the control unit 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The separating device 10 is provided with 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 component of the separating device 10 based on a preset operation program. The control unit 80 receives the number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor 36, and outputs a control signal to the moving device 20, the first claw moving device 62, the first claw vertical moving device 63, the second claw vertical moving device 72, and the third claw vertical moving device 76.

[0045] Also, as described above, a sensor 36 for detecting the fins 40 for flat tubes is provided near the first claw 50 or above each guide body 12 of the first plate 60. As the separating unit 16 moves by the moving device 20, the amplifier 36b counts the fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor head 36a, and the counted number is input to the control unit 80.

[0046] First, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 to the most forward side in the stacking direction. Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separating unit 16 to the rear side in the stacking direction while checking the number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor 36. While checking the number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensor 36, the control unit 80 controls the moving device 20 so that the tip 50b of the first claw 50 is positioned above the gap 55 between a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes and the fins 40 for flat tubes located behind the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0047] Next, the control unit 80 drives the first claw vertical moving device 63 to lower the first claw 50, and enters the tip 50b of the first claw 50 into the upper part of the gap 55 between a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes and the fins 40 for flat tubes located behind the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes to widen the interval in the upper part of the gap 55.

[0048] Next, with the tip 50b of the first claw 50 entering the upper part of the gap 55, the control unit 80 drives the first claw moving device 62 to move the first claw 50 along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0049] When the first claw 50 moves along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube and the interval in the upper part of the gap 55 is widened, the control unit 80 drives the second claw vertical movement device 72 to lower the second claw 52 and make the second claw 52 enter the gap 55 whose upper interval is widened by the first claw 50.

[0050] While the first claw 50 is moving along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube, the control unit 80 drives the second claw vertical movement device 72 corresponding to the second claw 52 located at the position passed by the first claw 50 to lower the second claw 52 and make the second claw 52 enter the gap 55 whose upper interval is widened by the first claw 50.

[0051] After the last second claw 52 enters the gap 55, the control unit 80 stops the first claw moving device 62, drives the first claw vertical movement device 63 to raise the first claw 50, and separates the tip 50b of the first claw 50 from the gap 55.

[0052] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to press the fin 40 for the flat tube forward in the stacking direction by the second claw 52 and widen the gap 55 while the second claw 52 remains in the state of entering the gap 55.

[0053] Next, the control unit 80 drives the second claw vertical movement device 72 to raise the second claw 52 and separate the second claw 52 from the gap 55.

[0054] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 so that the third claw 54 is positioned above the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the second claw 52.

[0055] Next, the control unit 80 drives the third claw vertical movement device 76 to lower the third claw 54 and make the third claw 54 enter the gap 55.

[0056] Next, while driving the moving device 20 with the third claw 54 entering the gap 55, the control unit 80 presses the flat tube fin 40 forward in the stacking direction with the third claw 54, and separates a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0057] By controlling the operations described above, the control unit 80 can reliably separate a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 from the fin stack 30 without deforming the flat tube fins 40.

[0058] In the first embodiment of the control method described above, a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 are separated forward in the stacking direction. However, a configuration in which a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 are separated backward in the stacking direction may also be used. This is the same for the second and third embodiments of the control method described later.

[0059] (Second Embodiment of Control Method) A schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the control method is shown in FIG. 12. The position of the first claw 50 shown by the dashed line shows an example in the case where only the first claw moving device 62 is moved without driving the moving device 26. In this embodiment, the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw 54 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description of the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw 54 is omitted.

[0060] In the first embodiment of the control method described above, when the first claw 50 moves in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40, the moving device 20 is not driven and the separation unit 16 is fixed at the same position. However, when the undulation of the fin stack 30 is large, it becomes difficult for the first claw 50 to move in the length direction of the flat tube fin 40, and the flat tube fin 40 may be deformed. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the control method, while driving the first claw moving device 62, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 26 to move the first claw 50 along the undulation, so that the interval above the gap 55 can be reliably widened without deforming the flat tube fin 40.

[0061] Since the sensor 36 is provided near the first claw 50 or above each guide 12 of the first plate 60, the control unit 80 can always grasp the position of the gap 55 by the sensor 36. When the control unit 80 drives the first claw moving device 62 to move the first claw 50 along the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube, at the same time, the control unit 80 constantly detects the position of the gap 55 and drives the moving device 26 so that the first claw 50 is always positioned in the gap 55, and also controls the movement of the first claw 50 in the stacking direction. Therefore, the first claw 50 can move along the undulation of the gap 55 in the length direction of the fin 40 for the flat tube.

[0062] (Third Embodiment of the Control Method) A schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the control method is shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the descriptions of the operations of the second claw 52 and the third claw are omitted. Among the plurality of guide bodies 12 that hold the fin stack 30, the fin stack 30 outside the guide bodies 12a located at both ends has a large undulation because it is held by the guide body 12 on only one side, and it is difficult to insert the first claw 50 because the ends of the fins 40 for the flat tube are not held by the guide body 12.

[0063] Therefore, the control unit 80 drives the first claw moving device 62 and first controls the first claw 50 to widen the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube inside the guide bodies 12a located at both ends. After the control unit 80 widens the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube inside the guide bodies 12a at both ends, the control unit 80 controls the first claw moving device 62 so that the first claw 50 is positioned in the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube outside the guide bodies 12a at both ends, and widens the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube outside the guide bodies 12a at both ends. In addition, when widening the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube outside the guide bodies 12a at both ends, the control unit 80 needs to control the first claw 50 to move from the inside to the outside of the guide bodies 12a at both ends.

[0064] According to the third embodiment of such a control method, first, in order to widen the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube inside the guide bodies 12a located at both ends, the undulation can be corrected to a certain extent, and then the interval above the gap 55 between the fins 40 for the flat tube outside the guide bodies 12a located at both ends can be surely widened.

[0065] In addition, the plurality of embodiments of the control method described above may be implemented in combination.

[0066] (Second Embodiment of the First Claw) The second embodiment of the first claw is shown in FIG. 14. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. The first claw 50 of the first embodiment described above had a shape in which a sharp tip portion 50b protruded downward from a block-shaped main body portion 50a. On the other hand, the first claw 90 of the second embodiment is formed in a double conical shape, and the direction connecting the vertices of the two cones is oriented in the stacking direction. And a rotation axis 92 whose axial direction is oriented in the linear direction connecting the vertices of the two cones (that is, the stacking direction) is arranged, and the first claw 90 can freely rotate around the rotation axis 92.

[0067] The rotation axis 92 is provided on the shaft mounting block 94, and the shaft mounting block 94 is mounted on the first claw vertical movement device 63 so as to be vertically movable. The first claw vertical movement device 63 is mounted on the front side of the first plate 60 and is constituted by a linear motion device such as a cylinder.

[0068] Thus, by adopting the first claw 90 that rotates freely with respect to the rotation axis 92, after the first claw 90 enters the gap 55 between the fins 40 for flat tubes, when the first claw 90 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes, the first claw 90 moves while rotating. Therefore, the contact resistance between the first claw 90 and the fins 40 for flat tubes that come into contact can be reduced, and deformation of the fins 40 for flat tubes can be prevented.

[0069] According to the above-described embodiments, three types of claw members are used to sequentially enter the gaps between the fins for flat tubes, and a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes are separated from the remaining fin stack 30. However, the claw members are not limited to three types. For example, without providing the third claw 54, after the first claw 50 widens the upper part of the gap 55, the second claw 52 enters the gap 55, and the second claw 52 presses a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes by driving the moving device 20 to separate them from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0070] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of the fin 40 for flat tubes has been described as the fin for the heat exchanger. However, even when separating a predetermined number of fins 46 for heat exchangers for round tubes from a fin stack 30 in which a plurality of fins 46 for heat exchangers for round tubes are laminated, the configurations of the first and second embodiments can be adopted. However, in the case of the fins 46 for heat exchangers for round tubes, the guide body 12 is unnecessary, and the fin stack 30 in which the fins 46 for heat exchangers for round tubes are laminated is arranged on the flat plate-shaped arrangement portion.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 10 Separation device 12 Guide body 14 Base 16 Separation unit 20 Moving device 22 Guide member 24 Gripping portion 26 Motor 28 Screw shaft 30 Fin stack 32 Nut part 36 Sensor 36a Sensor head 36b Amplifier 40 Fins for flat tube 42 Notch 46 Fins for heat exchanger for round tube 50 First claw 50a Body part 50b Tip part 52 Second claw 54 Third claw 55 Gap 60 First plate 62 First claw moving device 63 First claw vertical movement device 64 Screw shaft 65 Motor 66 Nut part 70 Second plate 72 Second claw vertical movement device 72a Body part 72b Rod part 74 Third plate 76 Third claw vertical movement device 80 Control unit 90 First claw 92 Rotation shaft 94 Shaft mounting block

Claims

1. An apparatus for separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from a fin stack in which a plurality of fins for a heat exchanger are stacked in the plate thickness direction, comprising: an arrangement unit for arranging the fin stack with the stacking direction facing horizontally; a separation unit disposed above the fin stack disposed in the arrangement unit and extending in the length direction of the fins for the heat exchanger, which is a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction in the horizontal plane; a moving device for moving the separation unit in the stacking direction of the fin stack; a first claw provided on the separation unit, movable in the length direction and vertically movable of the fins for the heat exchanger, for widening the upper interval between gaps between predetermined fins for the heat exchanger; a plurality of second claws provided on the separation unit, vertically movable, and entering the gap in which the upper interval is widened by the first claw; a control unit; The control unit: causes the first claw to enter the upper part of the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fins for the heat exchanger in the fin stack to widen the upper interval of the gap; while the first claw is in the state of entering the upper part of the gap, moves the first claw in the length direction of the fins for the heat exchanger to widen the upper interval of the gap in the length direction of the fins for the flat tube; sequentially causes the second claws to enter the gap in which the upper interval is widened by the first claw; drives the moving device to press the fins for the heat exchanger by each of the second claws to control the separation of a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fins for the heat exchanger. A fin separation device for a heat exchanger, characterized by the above.

2. Comprising a plurality of third claws provided on the separation unit and vertically movable; The control unit: after sequentially causing the second claws to enter the gap in which the upper interval is widened by the first claw, drives the moving device to press the fins for the heat exchanger by the second claws to widen the interval of the gap, and then raises each of the second claws; causes each of the third claws to enter the gap widened by each of the second claws; drives the moving device to press the fins for the heat exchanger by each of the third claws to control the separation of a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fins for the heat exchanger. The fin separation device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The separation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting each fin for the heat exchanger constituting the fin stack; The control unit: Drive the moving device, detect each fin for the heat exchanger one by one from one end of the fin stack by the sensor, and detect the position where the number of fins reaches a preset number. When moving the first claw in the length direction of the fin for the heat exchanger, even if the fin stack is wavy, control is performed so that the first claw always exists at the position where the number of fins reaches the preset number while driving the moving device. The fin separating device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The fin for the heat exchanger is a fin for a flat tube in which a plurality of notches notched from one side in the width direction to the other side are formed in the length direction. The arranging portion is two or more guide bodies extending in the stacking direction, which are inserted into two or more of the plurality of notches of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. The control unit is characterized in that after moving the first claw above the guide body, the first claw is made to enter the upper part of the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the flat tube and the remaining fins for the flat tube in the fin stack. The fin separating device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The fin for the heat exchanger is a fin for a flat tube in which a plurality of notches notched from one side in the width direction to the other side are formed in the length direction. The arranging portion is two or more guide bodies extending in the stacking direction, which are inserted into two or more of the plurality of notches of the fin stack to hold the fin stack. Among the two or more guide bodies, move the first claw in the length direction of the fin for the flat tube so as to widen the upper part of the gap inside the two guide bodies arranged at both ends in the length direction of the fin for the flat tube. Thereafter, move the first claw in the length direction of the fin for the flat tube so as to widen the upper part of the gap outside the two guide bodies. The fin separating device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The first claw Is formed in a double conical shape, the direction connecting the vertices of the two cones is oriented in the stacking direction of the fin stack, and is provided so as to be freely rotatable about a straight line connecting the vertices of the two cones. The fin separating device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. Each of the second claws and each of the third claws is characterized in that the tip portion is formed in a bifurcated or more shape. The fin separating device for a heat exchanger according to claim 2.

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