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 control unit 80 drives a moving device 20 to move a separation unit 16 from one end to the other end of a fin laminate body 30 in a direction of lamination thereof; stores positions of a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins 40 set in advance; and drives a small-claw member vertical movement device 72 to cause a small-claw member 50 to enter an empty space 55 at the stored position, when the small-claw member 50 corresponding to the stored position reaches while the moving device 20 is driven to move the separation unit 16 to a one-end side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separating device that separates 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 device for a flat tube are stacked on a stacking device, a device for taking out a plurality of stacked fins for a flat tube from the stacking device while maintaining the stacked state is disclosed.

[0004] Further, in Cited Document 2 (International Publication No. 2016 / 203593), a flat tube insertion device 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 device, 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 provided with a fin stack arrangement portion configured by inserting a guide body that is long in the stacking direction so as to communicate with the notches of the plurality of fins for a flat tube with respect to at least one of a plurality of notches arranged in the longitudinal direction.

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] After taking out a large number of fins for flat tubes stacked in the stacking device of the fin manufacturing apparatus for flat tubes as in Patent Document 1, before arranging a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes in the fin stack arrangement part provided in the flat tube insertion device of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to separate a predetermined number of fins for flat tubes required for the heat exchanger from the 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 are stacked as described above 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 has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an apparatus for surely separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger even when a fin laminate in which a large number of fins for a heat exchanger are laminated is particularly undulated.

[0011] According to the fin separation device for a heat exchanger according to the present invention, it is a device 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, and includes an arrangement unit for arranging the fin stack with the stacking direction facing horizontally, a separation unit arranged above the fin stack arranged in the arrangement unit and extending in the length direction of the fins for a 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 plurality of small claw members provided on the separation unit and having a thickness smaller than the interval between the gaps between the fins for a heat exchanger, a plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separation unit for causing each of the small claw members to enter the gap between a predetermined pair of fins for a heat exchanger, a plurality of sensors provided one by one corresponding to each of the small claw members and capable of detecting each fin for a heat exchanger constituting the fin stack one by one, and a control unit. The control unit drives the moving device to move the separation unit from one end in the stacking direction of the fin stack toward the other end, and during the movement of the separation unit, when each of the sensors detects fins for a heat exchanger one by one from one end of the fin stack and detects a position where a predetermined number is reached, it stores that position. After all of the sensors have detected the position where the predetermined number is reached, while driving the moving device to move the separation unit toward one end side, when the small claw member corresponding to the stored position reaches, the small claw member vertical movement device is driven to cause the small claw member to enter the gap between the predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger at the stored position and the remaining fin stack, and controls so that the separation of the predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from the remaining fin stack is achieved by pressing the predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger by the movement of the separation unit by each of the small claw members.

[0012] The operation of this configuration is as follows. When separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from a fin laminate having undulations, the positions of the gaps between the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger, which are the positions to be separated, are different in the stacking direction due to the undulations. Therefore, while moving the separation unit in the stacking direction, the number of fins for the heat exchanger is counted, the positions of the gaps between the fins for the heat exchanger for allowing the small claw members to enter are detected, and since the small claw members can enter at the detected positions, even if undulations occur, a plurality of small claw members can surely enter the gaps between the predetermined fins for the heat exchanger and widen the gap intervals.

[0013] Further, a plurality of large claw members provided on the separation unit and having a length that enters the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fin laminate, which is longer than that of each of the small claw members, and one or a plurality of large claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separation unit for causing each of the large claw members to enter the gap between the fins for the predetermined flat tube, are provided. The control unit drives each of the small claw member vertical movement devices after each of the small claw members presses a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger by the movement of the separation unit and the gap is widened, to raise each of the small claw members from the gap, drives the moving device to move each of the large claw members to the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fin laminate, drives the one or a plurality of large claw member vertical movement devices to cause each of the large claw members to enter the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fin laminate, and drives the moving device so that each of the large claw members presses a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger to control the separation of a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fin laminate. This may be characterized. According to this configuration, when it is difficult to move only with the small claw members, the large claw members can surely separate a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fin laminate.

[0014] Further, 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, 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, and the small claw member may be characterized by entering the gap above the guide body. According to this configuration, if the small claw member descends to a location where the guide body is not provided, the fin for the flat tube may be deformed by the pressing force of the small claw member. However, if the small claw member descends at a location where the guide body is provided, the pressing force of the small claw member is received by the guide body, and deformation of the fin for the flat tube can be prevented.

[0015] Further, each of the small claw members may be characterized in that the tip portion is bifurcated. According to this configuration, the contact resistance with the fin for the heat exchanger during entry can be reduced, and smooth entry can be executed to prevent deformation of the fin for the heat exchanger.

[0016] Further, each of the large claw members may be characterized in that the tip portion is divided into two or more branches. According to this configuration, the contact resistance with the fin for the heat exchanger during entry can be reduced, and smooth entry can be executed to prevent deformation of the fin for the heat exchanger.

[0017] According to the fin separating device for a heat exchanger of the present invention, it is a device 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: a placement unit for placing the fin stack with the stacking direction facing horizontally; a separating unit disposed above the fin stack disposed in the placement unit and extending in the length direction of the fins for a heat exchanger, which is a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction in the horizontal plane; a moving device for moving the separating unit in the stacking direction of the fin stack; a plurality of small claw members provided on the separating unit and having a thickness smaller than the interval between the gaps between the fins for a heat exchanger; a plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separating unit for causing each of the small claw members to enter the gap between a predetermined pair of fins for a heat exchanger; a plurality of individual movement devices provided on the separating unit for moving each of the small claw members in the stacking direction; a plurality of sensors provided one by one corresponding to each of the small claw members and capable of detecting each fin for a heat exchanger constituting the fin stack one by one; and a control unit. The control unit drives the moving device to move the separating unit from one end in the stacking direction of the fin stack toward the other end. During the movement of the separating unit, when each of the sensors detects a position where the fins for a heat exchanger are detected one by one from one end of the fin stack and reaches a preset predetermined number, the control unit stores that position. After all of the sensors have detected the position where the number reaches the predetermined number, the control unit stops driving the moving device, drives each of the individual movement devices to move each of the small claw members to the stored position, and 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 fins for a heat exchanger at the stored position and the remaining fin stack, and then drives the moving device to control so that the predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger are separated from the remaining fin stack by pressing the predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger by each of the small claw members.

[0018] The operation of this configuration is as follows. When separating a predetermined number of fins for a heat exchanger from a fin laminate having undulations, the positions of the gaps between the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger, which are the positions to be separated, are different in the stacking direction due to the undulations. Therefore, while moving the separation unit in the stacking direction, the number of fins for the heat exchanger is counted, the positions of the gaps between the fins for the heat exchanger for allowing the small claw members to enter are detected, the small claw members are moved to the detected positions, and since the small claw members can enter the gaps at those positions, even if undulations occur, a plurality of small claw members can surely enter the gaps between the predetermined fins for the heat exchanger and widen the interval of the gaps.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, even when undulations particularly occur in a fin laminate in which a large number of fins for a heat exchanger are stacked, when separating a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger, the fins for the heat exchanger can be surely separated without being deformed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

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Figure 10

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0022] The fins 40 for flat tubes manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus of the fins 40 for flat tubes are in a state where a plurality of them are stacked, 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 flat tubes required for the heat exchanger from the fin laminate 30.

[0023] (Configuration of the Entire Device in the First Embodiment) Next, the separation device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. Here, the left side of the paper surface is defined as the front in the stacking direction of the fin laminate, and the right side of the paper surface is defined as the rear. The direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the fin laminate in the horizontal plane is defined as the length direction of the fins for flat tubes.

[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 composed of a large number of fins 40 for flat tubes laminated in the plate thickness direction. In FIG. 2, illustration of the upper surface of the fin laminate 30 as if a plurality of fins 40 for flat tubes 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 flat tubes 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-like member along the stacking direction of the fin laminate 30 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as the stacking direction). Its thickness (width in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes) is formed slightly narrower than the width of the notch 42 (width in the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes), so that it can easily enter the notch 42 of the fin laminate 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 laminate 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] Guide members 22 for supporting the separation unit 16 movably in the stacking direction are respectively arranged near both ends in the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes on the upper surface portion of the base 14. Gripping portions 24 for gripping the guide members 22 are provided at both ends in the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes of the separation unit 16, and the separation unit 16 is provided to be movable in the stacking direction on the upper surface of the base 14. In FIGS. 2 to 7, the gripping portion 24 is shown as being separated from the separation unit 16. However, in reality, a fixing member for fixing the gripping portion 24 to the separation unit 16 is provided, and the fixing member is omitted in the drawings here.

[0027] In addition, on either the outside of one of the two guide members 22 on the upper surface portion of the base portion 14 (the end side in the length direction of the flat tube fins 40), a moving device 20 for moving the separation unit 16 in the stacking direction is provided. The moving device 20 in the present 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 small claw members 50 and a plurality of large claw members 52. The small claw member 50 has a thickness smaller than the interval of the gaps 55 between the flat tube fins 40, and the length in the vertical direction is formed shorter than the length in the width direction (vertical direction in the drawing) of the flat tube fins 40. A plurality of small claw members 50 are provided along the length direction of the flat tube fins 40. This small claw member 50 has a function of entering the gap 55 between the flat tube fins 40 before the large claw member 52 and widening the interval of the gap 55.

[0029] The tip of each small claw member 50 is formed in a bifurcated shape. Thereby, when the small claw member 50 enters the gap 55 between the flat tube fins 40, the contact resistance with the flat tube fins 40 can be reduced, and smooth entry can be executed to prevent deformation of the flat tube fins 40.

[0030] The large claw member 52 is thicker than the small claw member 50 and is formed to have a longer length in the vertical direction than the small claw member 50. However, even if the large claw member 52 does not have a longer length in the vertical direction than the small claw member 50, it is sufficient if the length that enters the gap between a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes and the remaining fin laminate 30 is long. In such a case, the large claw member 52 may be operated so that the large claw member vertical movement device 76, which will be described later, enters a longer length than the small claw member 50. The large claw member 52 is provided over the entire length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes, enters the gap 55 whose interval is widened by the small claw member 50, and presses a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes to separate the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes from the remaining fin laminate 30. Note that the large claw member 52 may be formed of a single member over the entire length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes, or a plurality of members may be continuously arranged over the entire length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the tip of a single large claw member 52 is formed in a bifurcated or more comb shape. Thereby, 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, smooth entry can be executed, and deformation of the fins 40 for flat tubes can be prevented.

[0032] The small claw members 50 are respectively attached to the first plate 70. The first plate 70 is attached to the small claw member vertical movement device 72, and the small claw member vertical movement device 72 drives to move the first plate 70 up and down. The small claw member vertical movement device 72 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.

[0033] In addition, the plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices 72 are attached to a long second plate 75 along the length direction of the fin 40 for flat tubes. The second plate 75 is provided in the separation unit 16 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes. A second plate moving device 79 is provided at one end of the second plate 75 in the longitudinal direction. By driving the second plate moving device 79, the second plate 75 can move in the longitudinal direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes. The second plate moving device 79 can employ an air cylinder or the like, but is not limited to an air cylinder, and other linear motion devices such as a ball screw can also be employed.

[0034] A sensor 36 is provided near the small claw member 50 of the first plate 70. However, the mounting position of the sensor 36 is not limited to the vicinity of the small claw member 50, and it may be provided so as to be able to correspond to each small claw member 50. The sensor 36 can detect the fins 40 for flat tubes one by one and count the number of fins 40 for flat tubes of a predetermined number. A plurality of sensors 36 are also attached to the second plate 75 and move along with the movement of the second plate 75 in the longitudinal direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0035] When each sensor 36 detects the fins 40 for flat tubes one by one and counts the number of fins 40 for flat tubes of a predetermined number, 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 position of the fins 40 for flat tubes of a predetermined number above the guide body 12. After the sensor 36 detects the position of the fins 40 for flat tubes of a predetermined number above the guide body 12, the second plate moving device 79 moves the second plate so that the small claw member 50 is positioned above the guide body 12. If the small claw member 50 descends at a position where the guide body 12 does not exist, the fins 40 for flat tubes in contact with the small claw member 50 may be deformed. However, if the small claw member 50 descends at a position where the guide body 12 exists, the rigidity of the guide body 12 can prevent the deformation of the fins 40 for flat tubes.

[0036] The large claw member 52 is attached to the third plate 74 on the rear surface of the separation unit 16. The third plate 74 is a long member along the length direction of the fins 40 for flat tubes, and a plurality of large claw members 52 are arranged at the lower end of the third plate 74. The third plate 74 is provided so as to be vertically movable by a 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 vertically with respect to the separation unit 16.

[0037] (Control method of the first embodiment) Subsequently, the control by the control unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control system. The separation 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 separation 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 second plate moving device 79, the small claw member vertical movement device 72, and the large claw member vertical movement device 76.

[0038] Hereinafter, the separation procedure using the small claw member 50 and the large claw member 52 will be described. In FIGS. 9 to 10, an example in which six small claw members 50 are arranged is illustrated, and they are denoted as 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f from above in the drawing. Also, the sensors arranged in the vicinity of each of the small claw members 50a to 50f are denoted as 36a to 36f.

[0039] In FIGS. 9 to 10, the separation unit 16 is omitted from FIG. 9(A) onward. In FIGS. 9 to 10, when the small claw member 50 is located above the gap 55 between a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 and the flat tube fins 40 located on the rear side thereof, the square indicating the small claw member 50 is hatched. When the small claw member enters the gap 55, the square indicating the small claw member is filled in and shown. In FIGS. 9 to 10, the gap 55 between the flat tube fins 40 at the separating position is shown shaded.

[0040] First, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 to one end side of the fin stack 30 (the end on the front side in the stacking direction). Then, 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 in the stacking direction toward the rear side). At this time, each of the sensors 36a to 36f detects the number of flat tube fins 40. The control unit 80 counts the number of flat tube fins 40 detected by each of the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0041] In FIG. 9(B), first, the sensor 36b detects a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40, and the position where the small claw member 50b is located above the gap 55 between the predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 and the flat tube fins 40 located on the rear side thereof is shown. The control unit 80 stores this position.

[0042] Each of the sensors 36a to 36f is arranged on the front side of each of the small claw members 50a to 50f. The position can be arbitrarily set. For example, if each of the sensors 36a to 36f is arranged forward by a length equal to half of the gap interval between the flat tube fins 40 from each of the small claw members 50a to 50f, when each of the sensors 36a to 36f detects a predetermined number of flat tube fins 40, the corresponding small claw members 50a to 50f will be located above the gap 55 between the predetermined number of flat tube fins 40 and the flat tube fins 40 located on the rear side thereof.

[0043] However, when each of the sensors 36a to 36f is arranged on the front side of each of the small claw members 50a to 50f and is at an arbitrary distance, the control unit 80 stores in advance the distances between each of the sensors 36a to 36f and each of the small claw members 50a to 50f. When the control unit 80 controls the moving device 20, the control unit 80 subtracts the stored distance between the sensor and the small claw member from the position detected by each of the sensors 36a to 36f to control the moving device 20.

[0044] In addition, when each of the sensors 36a to 36f counts the number of fins 40 for flat tubes, if the sensors detect the presence of the fins 40 for flat tubes as "on" and the absence (i.e., the gap 55) as "off", when each of the sensors 36a to 36f that detect a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes is "off", the position of the corresponding gap 55 is detected. Therefore, in this case, each of the sensors 36a to 36f and each of the small claw members 50a to 50f may be provided at the same position in the stacking direction.

[0045] In FIG. 9(C), it shows a state where the sensors 36a and 36c detect a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes respectively, and the small claw members 50a and 50c are located above the gap 55. The control unit 80 stores this position.

[0046] Subsequently, in FIG. 10(A), it shows a state where the sensors 36d and 36e detect a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes respectively, and the small claw members 50d and 50e are located above the gap 55. The control unit 80 stores this position. As a result, the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes are stored for all of the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0047] After the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes are stored for all of the sensors 36a to 36f, the control unit 80 controls the moving device 20 to stop the movement of the separation unit 16. Then, the control unit 80 drives the small claw member vertical movement devices 72 of the small claw members 50d and 50e, which are the positions detected last, to move the small claw members 50d and 50e into the gap 55. Therefore, among the plurality of claw members 50a to 50f, the claw member that first enters the gap 55 is a portion where the undulation is convex toward the upstream side in the direction of separating a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes (the one - end side direction of the fin laminate 30 (the front side in the lamination direction)).

[0048] Thereafter, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 toward the one - end side of the fin laminate 30 (toward the front side in the lamination direction), in the direction opposite to the direction in which it has moved until just now. At this time, the claw members 50d and 50e that first entered the gap press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes in the moving direction of the separation unit 16 (that is, the direction of the one - end side of the fin laminate 30 (the front side in the lamination direction)). Since the claw members 50d and 50e press the portion where the undulation is convex, the convex portion of the undulation is corrected and gradually becomes linear.

[0049] The control unit 80 stops the moving device 20 when it reaches the position detected later, in the reverse order of the detection order of the positions of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes detected by the sensors 36a to 36f just now, and causes the claw member 50 at the corresponding position to enter the gap 55.

[0050] In FIG. 10(B), the claw members 50a, 50c, and 50f have reached the position of the gap 55 detected just now. At this position, the control unit 80 stops the moving device 20 and drives the claw - member vertical movement device 72 of the claw members 50a, 50c, and 50f to cause the claw members 50a, 50c, and 50f to enter the gap 55. Note that at this time, the undulation of the portion pressed by the claw members 50d and 50e has been corrected.

[0051] FIG. 10(C) shows the state where the last claw member 50b has entered the gap 55. In this state, the undulation of the predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes has been eliminated.

[0052] Next, the control unit 80 drives the pawl member vertical movement devices 72 of all the pawl members 50a to 50f to raise all the pawl members 50a to 50f from the gap 55.

[0053] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the large pawl member 52 to the position of the gap 55. After that, 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. Then, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 toward one end side of the fin stack 30 (toward the front side in the stacking direction), and presses a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes by the large pawl member 52 to separate them from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0054] In FIGS. 9 to 10 described above, in order to make it visually easy to understand, the undulation is illustrated extremely large, but actually such a large undulation does not occur.

[0055] (Configuration of the entire device in the second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the separation device will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description may be omitted. In the present embodiment, each pawl member 50 is provided so as to be individually movable along the stacking direction.

[0056] The pawl member 50 is attached to a first plate 70 that moves up and down by a pawl member vertical movement device 72. The pawl member vertical movement device 72 is attached to an individual movement device 84 so as to be movable along the stacking direction. As the individual movement device 84, an electric cylinder or the like can be employed, but other linear motion devices can also be employed without being limited to the electric cylinder.

[0057] The individual moving device 84 of the small claw member vertical movement device 72 is arranged so as to extend rearward in the stacking direction from a hole 82a penetrating in the front-rear direction of the perforated plate 82 arranged on the front side of the second plate 75, and the small claw member vertical movement device 72 can be moved in the stacking direction with respect to the perforated plate 82. Further, a second perforated plate 86 protruding forward in the stacking direction is attached to the perforated plate 82. A hole 86a penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the second perforated plate 86, and the small claw member vertical movement device 72 is housed in this hole 86a. The small claw member vertical movement device 72 is movable in the stacking direction within the range of the hole 86a.

[0058] Also, the sensor 36 is attached to the front side of the second perforated plate 86. In this embodiment, since the sensor 36 is located on the front side in the stacking direction of the small claw member 50, both the sensor 36 and the small claw member 50 can be positioned above the guide body 12. Therefore, in this 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 moving device 79.

[0059] (Control method of the second embodiment) FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the control system of this embodiment. The separation device 10 of this embodiment 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 separation device 10 based on a preset operation program. The control unit 80 receives the number of flat tube fins 40 detected by the sensor 36 and 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.

[0060] Subsequently, the separation procedure according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. First, as shown in FIG. 14(A), the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 to one end side (the front end in the stacking direction) of the fin stack 30. Then, 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 in the stacking direction toward the rear side). 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.

[0061] In FIG. 14(B), first, the sensor 36b detects a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, and finally, the sensor 36d detects a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes. The control unit 80 stores the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes in all of the sensors 36a to 36f.

[0062] Then, as shown in FIG. 14(C), after all of the sensors 36a to 36f detect the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 so that the sensor 36b that first detected the position of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes is positioned near the position of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, and moves the separation unit 16 from the other end side of the fin stack 30 toward the one end side (from the rear side in the stacking direction toward the front side).

[0063] Then, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 14(C), the control unit 80 drives each individual moving device 84 to move each of the small claw members 50a to 50f to the positions of a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes, respectively.

[0064] Next, the control unit 80 drives the small claw member vertical movement devices 72 of each of the small claw members 50a to 50f to cause each of the small claw members 50a to 50f to enter the gap 55. The control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes by each of the small claw members 50a to 50f to widen the interval of the gap 55.

[0065] Next, the control unit 80 drives the small claw member vertical movement devices 72 of the small claw members 50a to 50f to raise all the small claw members 50a to 50f from the gap 55.

[0066] Next, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the large claw member 52 to the position of the gap 55. After that, the control unit 80 drives the large claw member vertical movement device 76 to cause the large claw member 52 to enter the gap 55. Then, the control unit 80 drives the moving device 20 to move the separation unit 16 toward one end side of the fin stack 30 (toward the front side in the stacking direction), and presses a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes by the large claw member 52 to separate them from the remaining fin stack 30.

[0067] As described above, according to the control method of the first embodiment, in order to move the separation unit 16 and cause the small claw member 50 to enter the predetermined gap 55, a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes can be pressed in order from the first-entering small claw member to widen the interval of the gap 55. According to the control method of the second embodiment, after each small claw member 50 enters the gap 55 individually, the separation unit 16 can be moved to press a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes to widen the interval of the gap 55. In either embodiment, a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes can be separated from the fin stack 30 with undulations.

[0068] In the two embodiments described above, a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes are separated using both the small claw member 50 and the large claw member 52. However, when a predetermined number of fins 40 for flat tubes can be separated using only the small claw member 50, it is not necessary to use the large claw member 52, and there may also be a configuration in which the large claw member 52 is not provided.

[0069] Furthermore, in the two embodiments described above, an example of the fin 40 for flat tubes as the fin for the heat exchanger has been described. However, the configuration of the present embodiment can also be adopted even when separating a predetermined number of fin heat exchangers 46 for round tubes from a fin stack 30 in which a plurality of fin heat exchangers 46 for round tubes are stacked. However, in the case of the fin heat exchanger 46 for round tubes, the guide body 12 is unnecessary, and the fin stack 30 in which the fin heat exchanger 46 for round tubes is stacked is arranged on the flat plate-shaped arrangement portion.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 10 Separation device 12 Guide body 14 Base 16 Separation unit 20 Moving device 22 Guide member 24 Gripping part 26 Motor 28 Shaft 30 Fin stack 32 Nut part 36 Sensor 40 Fin for flat tube 42 Notch 44 Through hole 46 Fin heat exchanger for round tube 50 Small claw member 52 Large claw member 55 Gap 70 First plate 72 Small claw member vertical movement device 72a Body part 72b Rod part 74 Third plate 75 Second plate 76 Large claw member vertical movement device 79 Second plate moving device 80 Control unit 82 Perforated plate 82a Hole part 84 Individual moving device 86 Perforated plate 86a Hole part

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: a placement unit for placing the fin stack with the stacking direction oriented horizontally; a separation unit disposed above the fin stack disposed in the placement 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 plurality of small claw members provided on the separation unit and having a thickness smaller than the interval between the gaps between the fins for the heat exchanger; a plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separation unit for causing each of the small claw members to enter the gap between predetermined fins for the heat exchanger; a plurality of sensors provided one by one corresponding to each of the small claw members and capable of detecting each fin for the heat exchanger constituting the fin stack one by one; a control unit, characterized in that: the control unit: drives the moving device to move the separation unit from one end in the stacking direction of the fin stack toward the other end; during the movement of the separation unit, when each sensor detects a fin for the heat exchanger one by one from one end of the fin stack and detects a position where the number reaches a preset predetermined number, stores that position; after all of the sensors have detected the position where the number reaches the predetermined number, while driving the moving device to move the separation unit to one end side, when the small claw member corresponding to the stored position reaches, drives the small claw member vertical movement device to cause the small claw member to enter the gap between the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger at the stored position and the remaining fin stack; controls so that the separation of the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fin stack is achieved by pressing the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger by the movement of the separation unit by each small claw member. A fin separation device for a heat exchanger.

2. a plurality of large claw members provided on the separation unit and having a length that enters the gap between the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fin stack, which is longer than that of each small claw member; one or a plurality of large claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separation unit for causing each of the large claw members to enter the gap between the fins for the flat tube; the control unit: After the movement of the separation unit presses each of the small claw members against a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and widens the gap, the vertical movement device of each small claw member is driven to raise each small claw member from the gap. The moving device is driven to move each of the large claw members to the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fin stack. The one or more large claw member vertical movement devices are driven to cause each of the large claw members to enter the gap between a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger and the remaining fin stack. The heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving device is driven to control so that each of the large claw members presses a predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger to separate the predetermined number of fins for the heat exchanger from the remaining fin stack.

3. The fin for the heat exchanger is a fin for a flat tube in which a plurality of notches cut from one side to the other side in the width direction are formed in the length direction. 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 heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the small claw member enters the gap above the guide body.

4. The heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the tip of each of the small claw members is formed in a bifurcated shape.

5. The heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the tip of each of the large claw members is formed by being divided into two or more branches.

6. 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, An arrangement portion for arranging the fin stack with the stacking direction oriented horizontally, A separation unit disposed above the fin stack disposed in the arrangement portion 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 plurality of small claw members provided on the separation unit and having a thickness smaller than the interval of the gaps between the fins for the heat exchanger, A plurality of small claw member vertical movement devices provided on the separation unit for causing each of the small claw members to enter the gap between the predetermined fins for the heat exchanger. A plurality of individual moving devices provided in the separation unit for moving each of the small claw members in the stacking direction; A plurality of sensors provided one by one corresponding to each of the small claw members and capable of detecting one heat exchanger fin constituting the fin stack one by one; A control unit, and comprising: The control unit: Drives the moving device to move the separation unit from one end in the stacking direction of the fin stack to the other end; During the movement of the separation unit, when each of the sensors detects a heat exchanger fin one by one from one end of the fin stack and detects a position where a predetermined number of fins is reached, the position is stored; After all of the sensors have detected the positions where the predetermined number of fins is reached, 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 position; When each of the small claw members reaches the stored position, the small claw member vertical movement device is driven to cause each of the small claw members to enter the gap between the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins at the stored position and the remaining fin stack; A fin separation device for a heat exchanger, characterized in that the moving device is driven to control each of the small claw members to press a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins so as to separate the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stack.

7. A plurality of large claw members provided in the separation unit and having a length that enters the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stack, which is longer than that of each of the small claw members; One or a plurality of large claw member vertical movement devices provided in the separation unit for causing each of the large claw members to enter the gap between the flat tubes for fins; and comprising: The control unit: Drives the moving device to press each of the small claw members against a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins to widen the gap, and then drives each of the small claw member vertical movement devices to raise each of the small claw members from the gap; Drives the moving device to move each of the large claw members to the gap between a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins and the remaining fin stack; Drives the one or a plurality of 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 stack; The heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the moving device is driven to control the pressing of each of the large claw members against a predetermined number of heat exchanger fins, so as to separate the predetermined number of heat exchanger fins from the remaining fin stack.

8. The heat exchanger fins are fins for flat tubes, in which a plurality of notches cut from one side to the other side in the width direction 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 heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the small claw member enters the gap above the guide body.

9. The heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the tip of each of the small claw members is bifurcated.

10. The heat exchanger fin separating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the tip of each of the large claw members is divided into two or more branches.

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