Fin stack device and method for manufacturing stacked body of fins

Abstract

Provided are a fin stack device 210, and a method for manufacturing a stacked body of fins, with which it is possible to inhibit stacking pins from tilting.　A fin stack device 210 according to the present disclosure is used for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of stacked bodies 130 formed by vertically stacking a plurality of strip-form fins 102 in which holes are formed, the fin stack device 210 comprising: a stacking table 42 on the upper surface of which the stacked bodies 130 are placed; stacking pins 50 provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the stacking table 42, the stacking pins 50 being passed through the holes in the fins 102 and guiding the stacking of the fins 102 such that the plurality of stacked bodies 130 are lined up next to each other, on the upper surface of the stacking table 42, with gaps 60 provided therebetween in the short-side direction of the fins 102 constituting the stacked bodies 130; and fin support bodies 310 that are provided in the gaps 60 and that support the stacked bodies 130 in the horizontal direction. The fin support bodies 310 are rod-form and are arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction or along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 constituting the stacked bodies 130.

Description

Fin stack device and method for manufacturing fin stack

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fin stack apparatus for use in manufacturing heat exchangers and a method for manufacturing a stack of fins.

[0002] Fin stacking refers to stacking manufactured fins to form a laminate. A known fin stack device stacks the manufactured fins by inserting them into stacking pins. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fin manufacturing device equipped with a fin stack device having a suction transport mechanism that sucks and transports fins, and stacking pins that hold the fins. In the fin stack device of Patent Document 1, the suction transport mechanism transports the fins sucked and held to the position of the stacking pins, and then the suction transport mechanism is released and the stacking pins are passed through holes formed in the fins to stack the fins and form a laminate.

[0003] WO2019 / 198471 publication

[0004] The device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that as the number of stacked fins increases, the shape of the stack formed by the stacked fins becomes easily distorted, causing the lamination pins to tilt. When the lamination pins tilt, the positions of the tips of the lamination pins and the holes in the fins that the lamination pins pass through become misaligned, which can make it impossible for the device of Patent Document 1 to stack the fins properly.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fin stack device and a method for manufacturing a fin stack that can suppress tilting of the stacking pins.

[0006] The fin stack device according to the present disclosure is a fin stack device for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of stacks formed by stacking a plurality of strip-shaped fins each having a hole formed therein in the vertical direction, and includes a stacking table on which the stacks are placed, stacking pins that protrude from the upper surface of the stacking table and pass through the holes in the fins to guide the stacking of the fins so that the plurality of stacks are aligned on the upper surface of the stacking table with gaps in the short direction of the fins that make up the stack, and a fin support that is provided in the gaps and supports the stack in the horizontal direction. The fin support is rod-shaped and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins that make up the stack or at an angle to the horizontal direction.

[0007] The method for manufacturing a fin stack according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a fin stack that simultaneously produces a plurality of stacks formed by stacking a plurality of strip-shaped fins, each having a hole formed therein, in a vertical direction, and includes: a dropping step in which a plurality of fins are dropped from above onto a plurality of stacking pins that protrude from the upper surface of a stacking table so that the stacking pins pass through the holes in the fins; and a stacking step in which a rod-shaped fin support is used to support a portion of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins that make up the stack, and the dropped fins are stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table while the fins are aligned by the fin support. The stacks are formed in plurality on the upper surface of the stacking table simultaneously, and are arranged in parallel with gaps in the short direction of the fins that make up the stack, and the fin supports are positioned in the gaps and along the longitudinal direction of the fins that make up the stack, or at an angle to the horizontal direction.

[0008] According to the fin stack device and the method for manufacturing a fin stack according to the present disclosure, tilting of the stacking pins can be suppressed.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a fin manufacturing apparatus including a fin stack apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view of a metal strip pressed by the fin manufacturing apparatus including the fin stack apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a top view of two rows of metal strips pressed by the fin manufacturing apparatus including the fin stack apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger including fins stacked by the fin stack apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating fins stacked by the fin stack apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin stack apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first variation of the fin stack apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second variation of the fin stack apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin stack apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first variation of the fin stack apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first variation of the fin stack apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin stack apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin stack apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin stack apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a fin stack device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the fin stack device according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a fin stack device according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a fixing portion included in the fin stack device according to the present disclosure.

[0010] An example of a fin stack device and a method for manufacturing a fin stack according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure relates to a fin stack device that includes rod-shaped fin supports that support stacks of fins in gaps between stacks of multiple fins arranged in parallel. Furthermore, embodiment 1 of the present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing stacks of fins using the fin stack device.

[0012] <Fin Manufacturing Apparatus> A fin manufacturing apparatus 1 that is equipped with a fin stack apparatus 210 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure and that manufactures fins and fin stacks will be described using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of the fin manufacturing apparatus 1. In Fig. 1, the operations of feed pins 15 and 34 of feed device 14 and feed device 33 are indicated by outline arrows.

[0013] The fin manufacturing apparatus 1 is an apparatus for manufacturing heat exchangers, which manufactures fins 102 for heat exchangers and stacks a plurality of manufactured fins 102 to form a laminate 130. The fins 102 are manufactured by pressing a thin metal plate 110 into a metal strip 120 and cutting the metal strip 120 to a product width and product length.

[0014] 1, the fin manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a press unit 10 that presses a metal sheet 110 to produce a plurality of metal strips 120, a buffer unit 20 that stores the metal strips 120 transported from the press unit 10, and a stack unit 30 that cuts the metal strips 120 transported from the buffer unit 20 to form fins 102 and stacks the formed fins 102 to form a laminate 130. The press unit 10, buffer unit 20, and stack unit 30 are arranged in this order in the transport direction in which the metal sheet 110 is transported.

[0015] First, a description will be given of the press unit 10. The press unit 10 is a group of devices that press a metal sheet 110 such as aluminum or steel in a progressive manner.

[0016] The press section 10 includes an NC (Numerical Control) feeder 11 that supplies a metal sheet 110, which is the material for the fin, and a press device 12 that forms a metal strip 120 by feeding the metal sheet 110 in sequence and pressing it.

[0017] The NC feeder 11 is disposed in the press section 10 on the upstream side of the conveying direction in which the sheet metal 110 is conveyed. The NC feeder 11 feeds the sheet metal 110 progressively to the press device 12, intermittently feeding the sheet metal 110. Specifically, the NC feeder 11 intermittently feeds the sheet metal 110 to the press device 12 by a moving body that grips the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet metal 110, repeating a gripping operation, a feed movement, a release operation, and a return movement. The sheet metal 110 has a rectangular thin plate shape, and is fed by the moving body along the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal 110. Here, the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal 110 is the rightward direction in FIG. 1 , which is the conveying direction.

[0018] The press device 12 includes a device for processing the supplied metal sheet 110 into a metal strip 120 and a conveying device. In detail, the press device 12 includes a die device 13 that presses the metal sheet 110 to produce the metal strip 120, and a feed device 14 that conveys the metal strip 120.

[0019] The die device 13 includes a die that forms the thin metal sheet 110 into a metal strip 120 having two fins 102 partially connected in the width direction. Fig. 2 shows the metal strip 120 formed by the die. In Fig. 2, the fins 102 formed from the metal strip 120 through a manufacturing process described below are indicated by dotted lines.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , the mold of the mold device 13 forms elongated holes 103 a, openings 104, cut-up slits 105, pilot holes 106, and cutting lines 107 in the sheet metal 110 intermittently fed from the NC feeder 11. The elongated holes 103 a have an oval shape formed by the cutout portions 103 of the two fins 102 facing each other. The shapes of the cutout portions 103, openings 104, cut-up slits 105, and pilot holes 106 will be described later. A plurality of cutting lines 107 are formed discontinuously in the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal 110. The discontinuous cutting lines 107 formed in the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal 110 form uncut portions 108 that are partially uncut in the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal 110, i.e., the conveyance direction, and between the cutting lines 107.

[0021] The metal strip 120 formed by the mold of the mold device 13 has a shape in which the two fins 102 are partially connected in the width direction by an uncut portion 108 formed in the center of the width direction, with the cutout portions 103 of the two fins 102 facing each other. More precisely, the metal strip 120 has a shape in which two metal strips 120a having the same width as the fins 102, which are the finished product, are partially connected in the width direction. Here, the width refers to the short side of the metal sheet 110. The width direction refers to the short side direction of the metal sheet 110, which is the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in a horizontal plane.

[0022] The die device 13 may press the metal sheet 110 so that multiple metal strips 120 are aligned in the short direction of the metal sheet 110. Figure 3 shows two rows of metal strips 120 formed by the die. As shown in Figure 3, the die of the die device 13 may form two rows of metal strips 120 from the metal sheet 110. In this case, four rows of metal strips 120a with a product width are formed from the metal sheet 110, and four or more fins 102 are formed. The metal strips 120 formed by the die for the metal sheet 110 may be two or more rows, and multiple metal strips 120 and multiple fins 102 are formed at one time.

[0023] The metal strip 120 press-formed by the die device 13 is transported by the feed device 14 to the downstream buffer section 20. The fin 102, which is the finished product, has an eccentric center of gravity due to the position of the cutout portion 103. Therefore, if the fin 102 is transported in the shape of the fin 102, there is a concern that the metal strip 120 will bend and warp, causing the transport to stop. As shown in Figure 2, by forming the two fins 102 in a shape that is partially connected in the width direction, the metal strip 120 is transported by the die device 13 to the downstream buffer section 20 with reduced curvature and warping during transport.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the feed device 14 includes feed pins 15 that are movable upstream or downstream in the conveyance direction. The feed pins 15 have an outer diameter that allows them to be inserted into holes formed in the metal strip 120, such as the elongated holes 103a, the openings 104, or the pilot holes 106. The feed device 14 inserts the feed pins 15 into the holes formed in the metal strip 120 to feed the metal strip 120 forward and supply the metal strip 120 to the buffer unit 20. The operation of the feed device 14 to feed the metal strip 120 is linked to the operation of the mold device 13 to process the metal strip 120.

[0025] Next, a description will be given of the buffer unit 20. The buffer unit 20 is a group of devices that store the metal strips 120 and adjust the supply and discharge of the metal strips 120 between the press unit 10 and the stack unit 30.

[0026] The buffer unit 20 is disposed downstream of the press device 12. The buffer unit 20 includes an intermediate buffer unit 21 that stores the metal strip 120, and a feed roller 22 that transports the metal strip 120.

[0027] 1 , the intermediate buffer unit 21 is a unit that slackens the metal strip 120 by its own weight. As a result, the intermediate buffer unit 21 stores the metal strip 120 between the press unit 10 and the stack unit 30. The intermediate buffer unit 21 supplies the stored metal strip 120 to the feed rollers 22.

[0028] The feed roller 22 has feed pins 23 arranged in the circumferential direction of the roller. The feed roller 22 inserts the feed pins 23 into holes formed in the metal strip 120 and continues to rotate. In this way, the feed roller 22 transports the metal strip 120. The feed roller 22 supplies the metal strip 120 to the stack unit 30 located downstream.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of the stacking unit 30. The stacking unit 30 is a group of devices that form the metal strips 120 transferred from the buffer unit 20 into fins 102 and stack them.

[0030] The stacking section 30 includes an uncut portion cutting device 31 that cuts the uncut portion 108 of the metal strip 120 to form a metal strip 120a of the product width, a cut-off device 32 that cuts the metal strip 120a of the product width to a certain length to form fins 102, a feed device 33 that transports the metal strip 120, and a fin stack device 210 that stacks the fins 102 to form a laminate 130.

[0031] The uncut portion cutting device 31 is disposed downstream of the feed rollers 22 and includes a cutting blade 31a. The uncut portion cutting device 31 cuts the uncut portion 108 of the metal strip 120 conveyed from the feed rollers 22, and separates the metal strip 120 into metal strips 120a of the product width.

[0032] The cut-off device 32 is disposed downstream of the uncut portion cutting device 31 and includes a cutting blade 32 a. The cut-off device 32 cuts the metal strip 120 a having the product width, which has been separated into product widths by the uncut portion cutting device 31, into the product length of the fins 102, thereby forming the fins 102.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , the feeding device 33 includes feed pins 34 that can move upstream or downstream in the conveying direction. The feeding device 33 inserts the feed pins 34 into holes formed in the metal strip 120 to convey the product-width metal strip 120a downstream. The product-width metal strip 120a, which is waiting upstream of the cutting blade 32a of the cutoff device 32, is conveyed downstream. When the conveyed length of the product-width metal strip 120a becomes equal to the product length, the product-width metal strip 120a is cut to the product length by the cutting blade 32a of the cutoff device 32 to form the fin 102. The feeding device 33 conveys the fin 102 to the downstream fin stack device 210 with the feed pins 34 still inserted in the holes of the formed fin 102.

[0034] In the present disclosure, the metal strip 120 is first cut to the product width to form the product-width metal strip 120a, and then the product-width metal strip 120a is cut to the product length to form the fins 102. However, the metal strip 120 may be cut to the product length, and then the product-length metal strip 120a may be cut to the product width. That is, the uncut portion cutting device 31 may be disposed downstream of the cutoff device 32 in the conveying direction. For example, the uncut portion cutting device 31 may cut the metal strip 120 to the product width immediately before the metal strip 120 is conveyed to the fin stack device 210 to manufacture the fins 102. In this case, the metal strip 120 can be conveyed in a stable state, and the metal strip 120 is less likely to bend, warp, or twist.

[0035] The fins 102 transported by the feed device 33 are adsorbed by a suction conveyance mechanism (not shown) of the fin stack device 210. The operation of the feed device 33 to feed the product-width metal strip 120a and the fins 102 is linked to the operation of the feed rollers 22 to feed the metal strip 120. The feed device 33 also transports the multiple product-width metal strips 120a and multiple fins 102 to the suction conveyance mechanism while lining up the multiple product-width metal strips 120a in the short direction of the fins 102.

[0036] The fin stack device 210 is a device that stacks manufactured fins 102 in the vertical direction to form the stack 130. Before describing the configuration of the fin stack device 210, the heat exchanger 100 including the stack 130 of fins 102 stacked by the fin stack device 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] <Heat Exchanger> As shown in FIG. 4, the heat exchanger 100 includes a stack 130 of fins 102 stacked by a fin stack device 210, and a flat tube 101 that penetrates the multiple fins 102 that make up the stack 130 in the stacking direction.

[0038] The cross section of the flat tube 101 is an oval shape, that is, a shape obtained by connecting two circles of the same diameter with a tangent line. A fluid flow path is formed inside the flat tube 101.

[0039] As described above, the fins 102 are formed from rectangular parallelepiped metal sheet 110 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the fins 102 are rectangular thin sheets, i.e., strip-shaped, and are stacked at regular intervals to form a stack 130. Each fin 102 has a plurality of cutouts 103 into which flat tubes 101 are inserted. The shape of the fins 102 will be described using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a plan view of one fin 102. Note that in FIG. 5, the position of the center of gravity is indicated by a dashed line.

[0040] 5, the shape of the cutouts 103 formed in the fins 102 is a U-shaped groove shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the cross-sectional shape of the flat tubes 101. A raised portion (not shown) is formed in the straight portion of the U-shaped groove of the cutouts 103. The fins 102 are stacked at a fixed interval with the raised portion of the cutouts 103 abutting against adjacent fins 102.

[0041] 5, openings 104 are formed near the long sides of the strip-shaped fins 102. The openings 104 are formed by cutting and raising a thin metal plate. The fins 102 are stacked at regular intervals, with the raised portions of the openings 104 abutting against adjacent fins 102.

[0042] Furthermore, the fins 102 have a plurality of cut-and-raised slits 105 formed by cutting and raising a thin plate. The cut-and-raised slits 105 have openings in the short direction of the fins 102, i.e., in the direction of gas flow through the heat exchanger 100. The cut-and-raised slits 105 divide and renew the temperature boundary layer on the surface of the fins 102. As a result, the cut-and-raised slits 105 improve the heat exchange efficiency between the fins 102 and the gas flowing between the plurality of fins 102.

[0043] A plurality of pilot holes 106 are formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the fin 102. The pilot holes 106 are locations into which the aforementioned feed pins 15, 23, 34 (see FIG. 1) used to transport the fins or the lamination pins 50 (see FIG. 1) used to laminate the fins are inserted.

[0044] The heat exchanger 100 having the above configuration is produced by inserting flat tubes 101 into the cutouts 103 of fins 102 stacked at intervals, and brazing the flat tubes 101 to the fins 102. The heat exchanger 100 transfers heat from a fluid flowing through the flat tubes 101 to the fins 102, and exchanges the heat transferred to the fins 102 with gas passing between the stacked fins 102.

[0045] As an example of the heat exchanger 100 including fins 102 stacked by the fin stack device and fin stack manufacturing method according to the present disclosure, one including flat tubes 101 has been described. However, the heat exchanger 100 including fins 102 stacked by the fin stack device and fin stack manufacturing method according to the present disclosure may include circular tubes instead of the flat tubes 101.

[0046] <Fin stack device of first embodiment> Next, the configuration of a fin stack device 210 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, which forms the stack 130 of fins 102 that constitutes the heat exchanger 100, will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 210. Figure 6(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 210, and Figure 6(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 6(a).

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the fin stack device 210 includes an adsorption and transport mechanism (not shown) that adsorbs and transports the manufactured fins 102 and further detaches the fins 102, a housing section 40 that receives the detached fins 102 and holds the stack 130, stacking pins 50 that pass through holes formed in the detached fins 102 to guide the stacking of the fins 102, and a fin support body 310 that supports the stack 130.

[0048] The suction transport mechanism suctions and holds the upper surfaces of the manufactured fins 102. The suction transport mechanism, while still holding the fins 102, moves to above the lamination table 42 and lamination pins 50, and detaches the fins 102 from the lamination table 42 and lamination pins 50. After releasing the suction, the suction transport mechanism returns to its original position and suctions the fins 102 again. The suction transport mechanism stacks the fins 102 by repeating this operation. The suction transport mechanism suctions, transports, and detaches the multiple fins 102 while the multiple fins 102 are aligned in the short direction of the fins 102.

[0049] The housing 40 is provided below the suction transport mechanism and is composed of a bottom plate 41, a stacking table 42 on which the stack 130 is placed, and a side wall 43 that surrounds the outer periphery of the stacking table 42 and the stack 130 placed on the top surface of the stacking table 42.

[0050] The lamination table 42 is disposed below the position where the suction transport mechanism attaches and detaches the fins 102. The lamination table 42 receives the fins 102 detached by the suction transport mechanism. The suction transport mechanism repeats the above operation, stacking the multiple fins 102 vertically, and a stack 130 formed by the multiple fins 102 is placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42. Because the suction transport mechanism attaches and detaches the multiple fins 102 arranged side by side in the short-side direction of the fins 102, the multiple stacks 130 are placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 so that they are arranged side by side in the short-side direction of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130.

[0051] A plurality of lamination pins 50 are provided protruding from the upper surface of the lamination table 42. The lamination pins 50 are inserted into holes, for example, pilot holes 106, formed in the fins 102 by a suction transport mechanism. The lamination pins 50 are passed through the pilot holes 106 of the plurality of fins 102 as the suction transport mechanism repeats the above operation. The plurality of fins 102 fall while being guided by the lamination pins 50, and are stacked on the upper surface of the lamination table 42. Note that the holes in the fins 102 through which the lamination pins 50 are passed are not limited to the pilot holes 106, and may be any holes having an outer diameter that allows the lamination pins 50 to be inserted. For example, the lamination pins 50 may be passed through the cutouts 103 or the openings 104.

[0052] The lamination pins 50 are arranged on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 at intervals longer than the width of the fins 102 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction in a horizontal plane. The lamination pins 50 are arranged at intervals longer than the width of the fins 102 in order to guide the fins 102, which are attached and detached by the suction transport mechanism while aligned in the short-side direction of the fins 102, so that they are aligned with gaps in the short-side direction of the fins 102. As shown in FIG. 6B , the fins 102 attached and detached by the suction transport mechanism fall while being guided by the lamination pins 50, and are aligned with gaps 60 in the short-side direction of the fins 102 on the upper surface of the lamination table 42. The suction transport mechanism repeats the above operation, so that a stack 130 formed by stacking a plurality of fins 102 is placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 with a plurality of fins 102 aligned with gaps 60 in the short-side direction of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130, guided by the lamination pins 50.

[0053] The fin support 310 is provided in the gap 60 between the parallel stacks 130, and horizontally supports the stack 130, which is made up of a plurality of fins 102. Specifically, the fin support 310 is arranged so as to come into contact with the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 in the event that a deviation occurs in the drop position of the stacked fins 102 guided by the stacking pins 50. By coming into contact with the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130, the fin support 310 applies a horizontal force to support the stack 130, which is made up of a plurality of fins 102, aligning the fins 102 in the vertical direction and preventing the shape of the stack 130 from being distorted.

[0054] 1 and 6 , the fin support 310 is rod-shaped, is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, and supports a part of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130, including the long sides of the fins 102. The rod-shaped fin support 310 extending in the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 has its ends fixed by fasteners 44 provided on the side walls 43.

[0055] Furthermore, the fin supports 310 are arranged at the same height in the multiple gaps 60 between the multiple stacks 130 arranged in parallel. In other words, of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 including the long sides of the fins 102, the first fin support 310a supporting one vertical surface 131a and the second fin support 310b supporting the other vertical surface 131b are arranged so as to support parts of the two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at the same height.

[0056] While Fig. 6 shows an example in which one fin support 310 is provided in each gap 60, multiple fin supports 310 may be provided in each gap 60 as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 shows a fin stack device 211 in Modification 1, and Fig. 8 shows a fin stack device 212 in Modification 2. Although Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show an example in which four fin supports 310 are provided in each gap 60, the number of fin supports 310 is not limited to this.

[0057] 7, multiple fin supports 310 may be installed at intervals in the vertical direction in each gap 60. In this case, the number of fin supports 310 supporting the stack 130 in the horizontal direction increases, so that the stack 130 can be supported in the horizontal direction more stably.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8 , multiple fin supports 310 may be installed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction in each gap 60. In this case, vertical deflection of the fin supports 310 is less likely to occur, improving the long-term reliability of the fin supports 310. As shown in FIG. 6 , when a rod-shaped fin support 310 is installed horizontally and its end is fixed by fasteners 44 provided on the side wall 43, the fin support 310 is likely to deflect in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 8 , by installing multiple fin supports 310 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction in each gap 60, the vertical length, i.e., the height, of the fin support 310 can be increased, thereby improving the bending rigidity of the fin support 310 in the vertical direction.

[0059] The cross-sectional shape of the fin support 310 is preferably circular. Note that, as long as the fin support 310 can contact the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130, the cross-sectional shape of the fin support 310 is not limited to circular, and may be elliptical or polygonal. When the cross-sectional shape of the fin support 310 is circular, the distance between the outer periphery of the fin support 310, which is the portion of the fin support 310 that contacts the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130, and the central axis of the fin support 310 is constant. In contrast, when the cross-sectional shape of the fin support 310 is elliptical or polygonal, the distance between the outer periphery of the fin support 310 and the central axis of the fin support 310 is not constant. For this reason, a fin support 310 with a circular cross-sectional shape is desirable, since it does not require phase alignment to adjust the distance between the fin support 310 and the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 when installing the fin support 310.

[0060] While FIG. 6 shows an example in which the fin support 310 is fixed at its ends by fasteners 44 provided on the sidewalls 43, the fin support 310 may be configured to be movable up and down. In this case, the fasteners 44 are provided with a fastener drive mechanism (not shown) that moves the fin support 310 and fasteners 44 up and down. By configuring the fin support 310 to be movable up and down, even if the product height of the stack 130 changes, the installation height of the fin support 310 can be changed to correspond to the changed product height. The product height refers to the stack height h of the fins 102 in the heat exchanger 100 shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] <Operation of Fin Stack Device of First Embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the fin stack device 210 of the fin manufacturing apparatus 1. In explaining the operation of the fin stack device 210, the description will focus on the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of the fins 102. Here, the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of the fins 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The method for manufacturing the stack 130 of the fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step.

[0062] The dropping step is a step in which a plurality of fins 102 are dropped from above so that the stacking pins 50 pass through the holes formed in the fins 102 .

[0063] First, the suction transport mechanism that has sucked the upper surface of the manufactured fin 102 stops suction above the lamination pins 50 that protrude from the upper surface of the lamination table 42, and detaches the fin 102. The fin 102 drops from the suction transport mechanism, and the lower lamination pins 50 pass through holes, such as pilot holes 106, formed in the fin 102. Then, the fin 102 lands on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 under the guidance of the lamination pins 50.

[0064] The holes in the fins 102 through which the lamination pins 50 are passed are not limited to the pilot holes 106, but may be any holes having an outer diameter that allows the lamination pins 50 to be inserted. For example, the lamination pins 50 may be passed through the cutouts 103 or the openings 104.

[0065] Here, the suction and transport mechanism attaches and detaches the multiple fins 102 formed from the thin metal plate 110 in a state where they are aligned in the short-side direction of the fins 102. Below the suction and transport mechanism that attaches and detaches the multiple fins 102, multiple stacking pins 50 are provided in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, at intervals longer than the width of the fins 102. The detached multiple fins 102 fall while being guided by the stacking pins 50, and land on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 in a state where they are aligned in the short-side direction of the fins 102 with gaps 60 provided therebetween.

[0066] The stacking process is a process in which a stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping process, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a portion of the vertical surface including the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130 with a fin support.

[0067] The fins 102 manufactured next are successively placed and stacked on the fins 102 that have landed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42, thereby forming a laminate 130. Since the multiple fins 102 are placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 in a state where they are arranged in parallel with gaps 60 provided in the short-side direction of the fins 102, multiple laminates 130 are simultaneously formed in a state where the fins 102 that make up the laminate 130 are arranged in parallel with gaps 60 provided in the short-side direction of the fins 102.

[0068] Fin supports 310 are provided in the gaps 60 between the multiple stacks 130 formed in parallel on the top surface of the stacking table 42. If the number of stacked fins 102 increases and the fins 102 fall in a misaligned position, the fin supports 310 come into contact with a portion of the vertical surface 131 including the long side of the fin 102 that constitutes the stack 130, and apply a horizontal force to the misaligned fin 102. The fins 102 are pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the fin supports 310, thereby aligning them.

[0069] The position where the fin support 310 supports the stack 130 in the horizontal direction is part of a vertical plane 131 that includes the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, and therefore the area where friction occurs between the fin support 310 and the stack 130 is small. Therefore, the fin support 310 aligns the fins 102 while suppressing catching due to friction when the fins 102 are dropped, and stacks the dropped fins 102 on the top surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130.

[0070] In this way, the fin stack device 210 drops the manufactured fins 102 and passes them through the stacking pins 50, and aligns the fins 102 using the fin support 310 while stacking them on the upper surface of the stacking table 42, thereby forming a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0071] <Operations and Effects of First Embodiment> Next, operations and effects of the fin stack device 210 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0072] When the manufactured fins 102 are stacked to form the laminate 130, the shape of the laminate 130 formed by stacking the fins 102 becomes more likely to collapse as the number of stacked fins 102 increases. If the shape of the laminate 130 becomes distorted, the inner periphery of the hole in the fin 102 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the lamination pin 50 due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity of the laminate 130, and a horizontal force is applied to the laminate 130, which may cause the lamination pin 50 to tilt. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5 , fins into which flat tubes are inserted have an eccentric center of gravity, and the position of the center of gravity is misaligned with the position of the hole through which the lamination pin 50 passes, making the lamination pin 50 prone to tilt. Furthermore, even in fins into which circular tubes are inserted, the lamination pin 50 is prone to tilt if the hole through which the lamination pin 50 passes, formed in the fin, is misaligned from the center of the fin. If the stacking pins 50 are tilted, the positions of the tips of the stacking pins 50 and the holes in the fins 102 through which the stacking pins 50 are passed will be misaligned, making it impossible to stack the fins 102 properly.

[0073] The fin stack device 210 in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a laminate 130 formed by stacking multiple strip-shaped fins 102 with holes formed therein vertically, and the fin stack device 210 simultaneously manufactures multiple laminates 130 and includes a lamination table 42 on whose upper surface the laminate 130 is placed, lamination pins 50 that protrude from the upper surface of the lamination table 42 and pass through the holes in the fins 102 to guide the lamination of the fins 102 so that the multiple laminates 130 are aligned on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 with gaps 60 in the short direction of the fins 102 that make up the laminate 130, and a fin support 310 that is provided in the gaps 60 and supports the laminate 130 horizontally.

[0074] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 simultaneously, the stack 130 being formed by stacking a plurality of strip-shaped fins 102 having holes formed therein in the vertical direction, the method including: a dropping step of dropping a plurality of fins 102 from above onto a plurality of lamination pins 50 provided to protrude from the upper surface of a lamination table 42 so that the lamination pins 50 pass through the holes in the fins 102; and a stacking step of supporting a portion of a vertical surface 131 including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with a fin support 310, and stacking the dropped plurality of fins 102 on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 while aligning the fins 102 with the fin support 310. Here, a plurality of stacks 130 are simultaneously formed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42, and are arranged in parallel with each other with gaps 60 provided in the short direction of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130, and the fin supports 310 are disposed in the gaps 60.

[0075] According to the fin stack device 210 and the manufacturing method for the stack 130 of fins 102 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin support 310 supports the stack 130, aligns the fins 102 that constitute the stack 130, and prevents the shape of the stack 130 from being distorted, thereby preventing tilting of the stacking pins 50. As a result, the fin stack device 210 and the manufacturing method for the stack 130 of fins 102 prevent stacking errors of the fins 102 and make it possible to stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 210 and the manufacturing method for the stack 130 of fins 102, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0076] The fin support 310 supports a portion of the vertical surface 131 including the long sides of the fins 102 that constitute the stack 130. Therefore, the contact area between the fin support 310 and the stack 130 is small, and friction occurring between the fin support 310 and the stack 130 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the fin stack device 210 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the stack 130 can be supported in the horizontal direction while suppressing catching due to friction when the fins 102 are dropped. In other words, by using the fin support 310 to support the stack 130 in the horizontal direction while suppressing catching due to friction when the fins 102 are dropped, tilt of the stacking pins 50 can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, the fin supports 310 are provided in the gaps 60 between the plurality of stacks 130 formed in parallel on the upper surface of the lamination stand 42, and support the vertical surfaces 131 of each stack 130. That is, the fin supports 310 suppress deformation of the shape of each stack 130 and tilting of the stacking pins 50, so that the stacks 130 do not interfere with adjacent stacks 130. Therefore, according to the fin stack device 210 and the method for manufacturing the stacks 130 of the fins 102 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, even when a plurality of stacks 130 are manufactured simultaneously, interference between adjacent stacks 130 does not occur, and tilting of the stacking pins 50 can be reliably suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, the fin support 310 does not have a power source and has a simple configuration in which rod-shaped members are fixed. Therefore, according to the fin stack device 210 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, tilting of the stacking pins 50 can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0079] Embodiment 2. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 210 was described that includes fin supports 310 arranged at the same height in the gaps 60 between the parallel stacks 130. In the second embodiment, a fin stack device 220 will be described that includes fin supports 320 arranged at different heights in the gaps 60 between the parallel stacks 130. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Below, a fin stack device 220 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the second embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 220.

[0080] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Second Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 220 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 220. FIG. 9(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 220, and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 9(a). Note that FIG. 9 shows the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the short-side direction. Here, the transport direction is the direction in which the fins 102 are transported, and is synonymous with the longitudinal direction of the fins 102. The short-side direction is the short-side direction of the fins 102.

[0081] 9 , the fin supports 320 are arranged at different heights in a plurality of gaps 60 between a plurality of parallel stacks 130. In particular, of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 including the long sides of the fins 102, a first fin support 320a supporting one vertical surface 131a and a second fin support 320b supporting the other vertical surface 131b are arranged so as to support portions of the two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights.

[0082] It is sufficient that the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b are arranged so as to support portions of two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights. Therefore, in each of the plurality of gaps 60, the plurality of fin supports 320 may all be arranged at different heights. Also, in each of the plurality of gaps 60, the fin supports 320 may be arranged randomly at multiple placement positions at different heights. Furthermore, in each of the plurality of gaps 60, the plurality of fin supports 320 may be arranged sequentially at multiple placement positions at different heights.

[0083] A fin stack device 221 according to a first modification of the second embodiment, in which a plurality of fin supports 320 are alternately arranged at two positions of different heights in each of a plurality of gaps 60, will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 221. Fig. 10(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 221, and Fig. 10(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 10(a). Note that Fig. 10 shows the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction.

[0084] 10 , the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b are arranged to support portions of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, and are arranged so that the heights at which they support portions of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 in the multiple gaps 60 alternate. In detail, the first fin support 320a is on the forward side in the short direction of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, and the second fin support 320b is on the reverse side in the short direction of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130. The first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b are provided at different heights, and are arranged so that the heights alternate along the forward direction of the short direction of the fins 102.

[0085] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Second Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221, the description will focus on the stacking process using the fin support body 320, which is one of the steps in the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0086] As described above, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The stacking step is a step in which the stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping step, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a part of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with the fin support body 320.

[0087] 9 and 10 , the fin support 320 includes a first fin support 320a that supports one vertical surface 131a of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130, and a second fin support 320b that supports the other vertical surface 131b. The first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b are arranged so as to support parts of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights in the multiple gaps 60 between the multiple stacks 130 arranged in parallel.

[0088] During the stacking process, if the number of stacked fins 102 increases and a deviation in the dropped position of the fins 102 occurs, the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b come into contact with parts of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, applying a horizontal force to the misaligned fin 102. In other words, at different times during dropping or stacking, at least one fin support 320, the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b, comes into contact with one of the two long sides of the fin 102, applying a horizontal force to one of the misaligned fins 102. The fin 102 is pushed back by the horizontal force from at least one fin support 320, the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b. If excessive horizontal force is applied from one fin support 320 and the fin 102 shifts in the opposite direction, the other fin support 320, which is positioned at a different height from the first fin support 320, comes into contact with the other of the two long sides of the fin 102, and a horizontal force is again applied to the fin 102, thereby aligning the fin 102.

[0089] In this way, the fins 102 come into contact with the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b at different times during the dropping or stacking, and a horizontal force is applied to the fins 102. The fins 102 are aligned by being pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b, which are positioned at different heights, at different times during the dropping or stacking.

[0090] As shown in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first fin support 310a and the second fin support 310b support the stack 130 at the same height, the fin support 310 simultaneously contacts both of the two long sides of one fin 102 that constitutes the stack 130. On the other hand, as shown in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b support the stack 130 at different heights, the fin support 320 contacts the two long sides of one fin 102 that constitutes the stack 130 at different times.

[0091] When the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b support the stack 130 at different heights, the fins 102 come into contact with the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b at different times during dropping or stacking, respectively. This reduces the contact area between the fin support 320 and the fins 102 at a specific time, compared to when the heights are the same. The reduced contact area between the fin support 320 and the fins 102 at a specific time reduces friction between the fin support 320 and the fins 102, reducing the likelihood of the fins 102 getting caught on the fin support 320. Therefore, the fin support 320 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure stacks the dropped fins 102 on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130, while aligning the fins 102 and suppressing catching due to friction when the fins 102 are dropped.

[0092] Furthermore, when the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b support the stack 130 at different heights, the fins 102 come into contact with the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b at different times during dropping or stacking, and therefore there is a horizontal range of motion for the fins 102 when they come into contact with the fin support 320. Due to the horizontal range of motion when they come into contact with the fin support 320, the fins 102 tend to move in the opposite direction from their original misalignment when they come into contact with the fin support 320, and the phenomenon of the fins 102 getting caught on the fin support 320 is unlikely to occur.

[0093] In this way, the fin stack device 220 drops the manufactured fins 102 and passes them through the stacking pins 50, and while the fin support 320 prevents the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when they are dropped, the fins 102 are aligned and stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 to form a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0094] <Function and effect of embodiment 2> Next, the functions and effects of the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221 according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221 will be described.

[0095] Fin stack device 220 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes fin supports 320 that are provided in gaps 60 between a plurality of stacks 130 arranged in parallel, and that support portions of vertical surfaces 131 of stacks 130 that include long sides of strip-shaped fins 102. Fin supports 320 include a first fin support 320a that supports one vertical surface 131a of two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of stack 130, and a second fin support 320b that supports the other vertical surface 131b, and first fin support 320a and second fin support 320b are arranged to support portions of vertical surfaces 131 of stack 130 at different heights.

[0096] Fin stack device 221 in embodiment 2 of the present disclosure also includes first fin support 320a and second fin support 320b, similar to fin stack device 220. First fin support 320a and second fin support 320b are arranged to support portions of vertical surface 131 of stack body 130 at different heights, and are arranged such that the heights at which portions of vertical surface 131 of stack body 130 are supported in multiple gaps 60 alternate.

[0097] The first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b provided in the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221 are arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, and therefore at a specific timing, they come into contact with only one of the two long sides of one of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130. For this reason, when the heights at which the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b support the stack 130 are different, the contact area between the fin support 320 and the fin 102 at a specific timing is reduced compared to when the heights are the same, and friction generated between the fin support 310 and the fin 102 is reduced, thereby reducing the phenomenon in which the fin 102 gets caught on the fin support 320.

[0098] Furthermore, the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b provided in the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221 come into contact with the two long sides of the fin 102 at different times during dropping or stacking. Therefore, when the fin support 320 and the fin 102 come into contact with each other, the fin 102 has a horizontal range of motion on the side opposite the point of contact with the fin support 320, and the fin 102 can move in the direction opposite the point of contact with the fin support 320, thereby reducing the phenomenon in which the fin 102 gets caught on the fin support 320.

[0099] Therefore, according to the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221, the first fin support 320a and the second fin support 320b, which support portions of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, can improve the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped. In other words, the fin support 320 improves the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped, and supports the stack 130 in the horizontal direction without interfering with the drop of the fins 102, thereby suppressing tilt of the stacking pins 50. As a result, according to the fin stack device 221 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221, it is possible to suppress stacking errors of the fins 102 and stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221, and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 220 and the fin stack device 221, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0100] Embodiment 3. In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 220 was described that includes rod-shaped fin supports 320 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 that constitute the stacks 130 in the multiple gaps 60 between the multiple stacks 130 arranged in parallel. In the third embodiment, a fin stack device 230 is described that includes rod-shaped fin supports 330 that are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Note that in the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Below, a fin stack device 230 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the third embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 230.

[0101] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Third Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 230 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 230. Fig. 11(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 230, and Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line A-A in Fig. 11(a). Note that Fig. 11 shows the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction.

[0102] 11 , the fin support 330 is rod-shaped and is disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal direction. Specifically, the fin support 330 is disposed so as to contact the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 at an angle relative to the horizontal direction in the event that a deviation occurs in the drop position of the stacked fins 102 guided by the stacking pins 50. In other words, one fin support 330 is disposed so as to contact a portion of the long sides of the multiple fins 102 that constitute the stack 130. The horizontal positions of the contact points between the multiple stacked fins 102 and the fin support 330 differ for each fin 102.

[0103] The rod-shaped fin support 330 is disposed at an angle to the horizontal direction, and has its ends fixed by fasteners 44 provided on the side walls 43 .

[0104] A plurality of fin supports 330 may be provided in each gap 60. Furthermore, a plurality of fin supports 330 may be arranged so as to intersect with each other.

[0105] A fin stack device 231 according to a first modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The fin stack device 231 includes two rod-shaped fin supports 330 that are arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and the two fin supports 330 are arranged so as to intersect with each other. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 231. Fig. 12(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 231, and Fig. 12(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 12(a). Note that Fig. 12 shows the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 12, the fin stack device 231 is rod-shaped and includes two fin supports 330 that are arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and the two fin supports 330 are arranged so as to intersect with each other.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 12 , the intersection 331 where two fin supports 330 intersect is desirably the same width as one fin support 330. For example, by joining two fin supports 330 so that one fin support 330 penetrates the other fin support 330 and intersects with the other fin support 330, the width of the intersection 331 of the two fin supports 330 and the width of one fin support 330 are made the same. Here, the width refers to the length of the fin support 330 in the short direction of the fin 102. When the width of the intersection 331 of the two fin supports 330 and the width of one fin support 330 are the same, the two fin supports 330 can contact parts of the long sides of a misaligned fin 102 and support it horizontally. In other words, the fin 102 is supported by contacting the fin supports 330 at a maximum of two points on the long sides of the fin 102. In this case, the number of fin supports 330 that support the fins 102 that make up the stack 130 in the horizontal direction increases, so that the stack 130 can be supported in the horizontal direction more stably.

[0108] Note that the intersection 331 where the two fin supports 330 intersect does not have to have the same width as one fin support 330. In other words, the two fin supports 330 may be arranged separately so as to intersect without being joined together. In this case, the width of the two fin supports 330 is equal to or shorter than the length of the gap 60 in the short direction.

[0109] 12 shows an example in which two fin supports 330 are arranged so as to intersect with each other, but three or more fin supports may be arranged so as to intersect with each other. In other words, a fin stack device may be provided which includes a plurality of rod-shaped fin supports 330 arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, and in which the plurality of fin supports 330 are arranged so as to intersect with each other.

[0110] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Third Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231, the description will focus on the stacking process using the fin support body 330, which is one of the steps in the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0111] As described above, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The stacking step is a step in which the stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping step, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a part of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with the fin support body 330.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 11 , the fin supports 330 are rod-shaped and are arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction. During the stacking process, if the number of stacked fins 102 increases and a deviation occurs in the drop position of the fins 102, the fin supports 330, which are inclined relative to the horizontal direction, come into contact with a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 and apply a horizontal force to the misaligned fins 102. In other words, one fin support 330 comes into contact with a portion of the long sides of the multiple fins 102 that make up the stack 130 and applies a horizontal force to the misaligned fins 102. The fins 102 stacked in the vertical direction each receive a horizontal force from the fin supports 330 at a different horizontal position. The fins 102 are aligned by being pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the fin supports 330 applied to a portion of the long sides of the fins 102.

[0113] 12 , when two fin supports 330 are arranged to intersect with each other and an intersection 331 where the two fin supports 330 intersect has the same width as one fin support 330, one misaligned fin 102 will have the two fin supports 330 in contact with the long sides of the fin 102, applying a horizontal force to the fin 102. The fin 102 will be pushed back and supported by the horizontal forces from the fin supports 330 applied to a maximum of two points on the long sides of the fin 102, thereby aligning the fin 102.

[0114] As shown in the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure, when the stack 130 is supported in the horizontal direction by rod-shaped fin supports 310, 320 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102, the fin supports 310, 320 are arranged parallel to the fins 102, and therefore the fin supports 310, 320 come into contact with the long sides of the misaligned fins 102. On the other hand, as shown in the third embodiment of the present disclosure, when the stack 130 is supported in the horizontal direction by rod-shaped fin supports 330 arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, the fin supports 330 come into contact with part of the long sides of the misaligned fins 102. When the rod-shaped fin supports 330 are arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction, the contact area between the fin supports 330 and the fins 102 is reduced compared to when the rod-shaped fin supports 310, 320 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102. When the contact area between the fin support 330 and the fins 102 is reduced, friction between the fin support 330 and the fins 102 is reduced, and the phenomenon of the fins 102 getting caught on the fin support 330 is reduced. Therefore, the fin support 330 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure stacks the dropped fins 102 on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130, while aligning the fins 102 and suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped.

[0115] In this way, the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231 drop the manufactured fins 102 and pass them through the stacking pins 50, and while the fin support body 330 prevents the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when they are dropped, the fins 102 are aligned and stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 to form a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0116] <Functions and Effects of Third Embodiment> Next, the functions and effects of the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231 will be described.

[0117] Fin stack device 230 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes fin supports 330 that are provided in gaps 60 between a plurality of stacks 130 arranged in parallel, and that support a portion of vertical surface 131 of stack 130 that includes the long sides of strip-shaped fins 102. Fin supports 330 are rod-shaped and are arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction.

[0118] Fin stack device 231 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes fin supports 330 that are rod-shaped and arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, similar to fin stack device 230. Fin stack device 231 includes a plurality of fin supports 330, which are arranged so as to intersect with one another.

[0119] The fin supports 330 provided in the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231 are arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, and therefore each of the multiple fins 102 constituting the stack 130 comes into contact with a part of the long side of the fin 102. For this reason, when the rod-shaped fin supports 330 are arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, the contact area between the fin supports 330 and the fins 102 is reduced compared to when the rod-shaped fin supports 310, 320 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102, and friction generated between the fin supports 330 and the fins 102 is reduced, so that the phenomenon of the fins 102 getting caught on the fin supports 330 can be reduced.

[0120] Therefore, according to the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231 of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231, the fin support body 330 arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction can improve the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped. In other words, the fin support body 320 improves the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped, and supports the stack 130 in the horizontal direction without interfering with the drop of the fins 102, thereby suppressing tilt of the stacking pins 50. As a result, according to the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231, and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231, it is possible to suppress stacking errors of the fins 102 and stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231, and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 230 and the fin stack device 231, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0121] Furthermore, because the fin supports 330 are arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction, each fin support 330 supports a portion of the long sides of the multiple fins 102 that make up the stack 130. Therefore, according to the fin stack device 230 and fin stack device 231 of the third embodiment of the present disclosure and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 230 and fin stack device 231, the fin supports 330 can support the fins 102 that are stacked with a small number of fin supports 330 and can support the stack 130 in the horizontal direction. In other words, the material cost of the fin supports 330 can be reduced, and tilting of the stacking pins 50 can be suppressed at low cost.

[0122] Fourth Embodiment In the third embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 230 including rod-shaped fin supports 330 in the multiple gaps 60 between the multiple stacks 130 arranged in parallel was described. In the fourth embodiment, a fin stack device 240 including a plate-shaped fin support 340 having a convex portion will be described. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Below, a fin stack device 240 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 240.

[0123] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Fourth Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 240 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 240. Fig. 13(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 240, and Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line A-A in Fig. 13(a). Note that Fig. 13 shows the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction.

[0124] 13 , the fin support 340 is plate-shaped and has a protrusion 340 a. The fin support 340 is arranged so that the protrusion 340 a supports a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. In detail, the fin support 340 is arranged so that the protrusion 340 a comes into contact with a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 when the falling position of the fins 102 stacked by the guidance of the stacking pins 50 shifts.

[0125] The plate-shaped fin support 340 has its ends fixed by fasteners 44a provided on the upper surface of the lamination table 42. Because the fin support 340 is plate-shaped, it can stand upright in the gap 60 without being fixed by the fasteners 44a. Furthermore, because the fin support 340 is plate-shaped, it has high bending rigidity in the vertical direction.

[0126] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Fourth Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 240 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 240, the description will focus on the stacking process using the fin support body 340, which is one of the steps in the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0127] As described above, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The stacking step is a step in which the stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping step, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a part of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with the protrusions 340a provided on the plate-shaped fin support body 340.

[0128] 13 , the fin support 330 is plate-shaped with a protrusion 340a, and the protrusion 340a is arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. During the stacking process, if the number of stacked fins 102 increases and a deviation occurs in the position where the fins 102 fall, the protrusion 340a of the fin support 340 comes into contact with a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 and applies a horizontal force to the misaligned fins 102. The fins 102 are pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the protrusion 340a of the fin support 340, thereby aligning them.

[0129] The position where the convex portion 340a of the fin support 340 supports the stack 130 in the horizontal direction is part of the vertical plane 131 that includes the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, and therefore the area where friction occurs between the fin support 310 and the stack 130 is small. Therefore, the convex portion 340a of the fin support 340 prevents the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when they are dropped, and aligns the fins 102, stacking the dropped multiple fins 102 on the top surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130.

[0130] In this way, the plate-shaped fin support 340 having the convex portion 340a drops the manufactured fins 102 and passes them through the stacking pins 50, and the fins 102 are aligned by the convex portion 340a of the fin support 340 while being stacked on the upper surface of the stacking base 42, thereby forming a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0131] <Operations and Effects of Fourth Embodiment> Next, operations and effects of the fin stack device 240 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 240 will be described.

[0132] Fin stack device 240 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure includes fin supports 340 that are provided in gaps 60 between a plurality of stacks 130 arranged in parallel, and that support portions of vertical surfaces 131 of stacks 130 that include long sides of strip-shaped fins 102. Fin supports 340 are plate-shaped and have protrusions 340a that support portions of vertical surfaces 131 of stacks 130.

[0133] According to the fin stack device 240 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 240 of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the convex portions 340a of the fin supports 340 support the stack 130, aligning the fins 102 that constitute the stack 130 and preventing the shape of the stack 130 from being distorted, thereby preventing tilting of the stacking pins 50. As a result, the fin stack device 210 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 prevent stacking errors of the fins 102 and make it possible to stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 240 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 240, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0134] The fin support 340 is plate-shaped, and its ends are fixed by fasteners 44a provided on the upper surface of the stacking table 42. Therefore, the fin support 340 has high rigidity in the vertical direction and is less likely to deflect in the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the fin stack device 240 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 240 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin support 340 has long-term reliability, making it possible to stably improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0135] Fifth Embodiment. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 210 was described in which the stack 130 placed on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 was supported horizontally by the fin support 310. In the fifth embodiment, a fin stack device 250 is described in which the stacking table 42 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and the fins 102 located at the top of the stack 130 placed on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 are supported horizontally by the fin support 350. Note that in the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted. Below, the fin stack device 250 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 250.

[0136] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Fifth Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 250 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 250. FIG. 14(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 250, and FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line A-A in FIG. 14(a). Note that FIG. 14 depicts the conveying direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction. Also, in FIG. 14, the movement direction of the stacking table 42 is indicated by an outline arrow.

[0137] 14, the fin stack device 250 includes a stacking table 42 that is movable in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism 70. The drive mechanism 70 includes a fork 71 that holds the stacking table 42 and moves it in the vertical direction, a motor 72 that supplies power for moving the fork 71 in the vertical direction, and a guide unit 73 that guides the movement of the fork 71 in the vertical direction.

[0138] Furthermore, the fin stack device 250 includes a control mechanism (not shown) that controls the vertical movement of the lamination table 42. The control mechanism controls the operation of the drive mechanism 70 so that the fins 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 are maintained at a constant height from the floor. The control mechanism may use a sensor (not shown) to detect the position of the fins 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42. The control mechanism may also control the drive mechanism 70 to lower the lamination table 42 a predetermined distance after a predetermined number of fins 102 have fallen.

[0139] The stacking table 42 is lowered by the drive mechanism 70 and the control mechanism so that the fins 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the upper surface are maintained at a constant height from the floor surface.

[0140] The lamination base 42 has holes through which the lamination pins 50 pass, and the lamination pins 50 are provided so as to penetrate the lamination base 42 .

[0141] The fin support 350 is disposed above the position of the upper surface of the lamination table 42 when the lamination table 42 is positioned at the upper limit of the movable height of the lamination table 42. Specifically, the fin support 350 is disposed so as to support a part of the vertical surface 131 of the laminate 130 placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42, which moves in the vertical direction.

[0142] 14 , the fin support 350 is preferably positioned near the height of the fins 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the upper surface of the stacking table 42. The fins 102 stacked under the guidance of the stacking pins 50 are most likely to become misaligned when the stacking pins 50 are passed through the holes formed in the fins 102, and further, the stacking pins are more likely to tilt toward the upper part. Therefore, it is preferable that the fin support 350 supports the upper part of the stack 130.

[0143] 14 , like the fin support 310 of the first embodiment, the fin support 350 is rod-shaped, is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 that constitute the stack 130, and supports a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 that includes the long sides of the fins 102. In detail, the fin support 350 includes a first fin support 350a that supports one vertical surface 131a of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 that include the long sides of the fins 102, and a second fin support 350b that supports the other vertical surface 131b, and the first fin support 350a and the second fin support 350b are arranged to support a portion of the two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at the same height.

[0144] 14 shows an example in which the fin support 350 has the same shape and arrangement as the fin support 310 of embodiment 1, but the fin support 350 may also have the same shape and arrangement as the fin support 320 of embodiment 2. That is, the first fin support 350a and the second fin support 350b may be arranged to support portions of two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights. Furthermore, similar to the fin support 320 shown in FIG. 10, the first fin support 350a and the second fin support 350b may be arranged to support portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, and may be arranged so that the heights at which the fin support supports portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 in the multiple gaps 60 alternate.

[0145] Although FIG. 14 shows an example in which one fin support 350 is provided in each gap 60, a plurality of fin supports 350 may be provided in each gap 60.

[0146] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Fifth Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 250 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 250, the description will focus on the operation of the stacking table 42, which is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction, in the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0147] As described above, the manufacturing method for the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The dropping step is a step in which a plurality of fins 102 are dropped from above so that the stacking pins 50 pass through holes formed in the fins 102. The stacking step is a step in which the dropping step is repeated to form the stack 130 of fins 102, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a portion of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130 with the fin support 350.

[0148] First, immediately after the fin stack device 250 starts operating, that is, when the first dropping step is performed without any manufactured fins being placed on the lamination table 42, the lamination table 42 is positioned above the lamination pins 50. When the fin 102 drops from the suction and transport mechanism, the fin 102 lands on the upper surface of the lamination table 42 positioned above the lamination pins 50, guided by the lamination pins 50 below.

[0149] 14 , as the dropping process is repeated, the fins 102 dropped from the suction and transport mechanism are sequentially stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table 42. At this time, the stacking table 42 is lowered by the drive mechanism 70 and the control mechanism so that the fins 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the upper surface are maintained at a constant height from the floor. Here, the control mechanism may detect the position of the fins 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 using a sensor (not shown). Furthermore, the control mechanism may control the drive mechanism 70 to lower the stacking table 42 a predetermined distance after a predetermined number of fins 102 have fallen.

[0150] 14, the fin support 350 is positioned above the position of the upper surface of the stacking table 42 when the stacking table 42 is positioned at the upper limit of its movable height. If a deviation occurs in the falling position of the fins 102 being stacked sequentially, the fin support 350 comes into contact with a part of the vertical surface 131 including the long side of the fin 102 that constitutes the stack 130, and applies a horizontal force to the misaligned fin 102. The fins 102 are pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the fin support 350, thereby aligning them.

[0151] The fins 102 aligned by the fin support 350 are lowered by the stacking table 42, which is movable in the vertical direction. At the same time, the next manufactured fins 102 are successively placed on top of the aligned fins 102 and stacked, and aligned by the fin support 350. In this way, the manufactured fins 102 are repeatedly dropped from the suction transport mechanism, aligned by the fin support 350, and lowered in the aligned state by the stacking table 42, thereby forming the stack 130.

[0152] 14 , when the fin support 350 is positioned near the height of the uppermost fin 102 of the stack 130 placed on the upper surface of the lamination table 42, the fin support 350 applies a horizontal force to the fin 102 immediately after the lamination pin 50 is passed through the hole formed in the fin 102. The fin 102 is prone to misalignment immediately after the lamination pin 50 is passed through, but is supported and pushed back by the horizontal force from the fin support 350, thereby aligning it.

[0153] In this way, the fin stack device 221 drops the manufactured fins 102 and passes them through the stacking pins 50, and moves the stacking table 42 up and down so that the fins 102 of the stack 130 located at the top of the multiple stacks 130 placed on the top surface are kept at a constant height from the floor, while aligning the fins 102 using the fin support 350 positioned above the top surface of the stacking table 42 and stacking them on the top surface of the stacking table 42, thereby forming a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0154] <Operations and Effects of Fifth Embodiment> Next, operations and effects of the fin stack device 250 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 250 will be described.

[0155] A fin stack device 250 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stacking table 42 on which a stack 130 is placed; stacking pins 50 that protrude from the top surface of the stacking table 42, pass through holes in the fins 102, and guide the stacking of the fins 102 so that the multiple stacks 130 are aligned on the top surface of the stacking table 42 with gaps in the short direction of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130; and a fin support 350 that is positioned in the gap and supports the stack 130. The stacking table 42 is vertically movable by a drive mechanism 70, and is configured to be moved vertically by a control mechanism so that the fin 102 of the uppermost stack 130 among the multiple stacks 130 placed on the top surface is maintained at a constant height from the floor. The stacking pins 50 penetrate the stacking table 42. The fin support 350 is positioned higher than the maximum height at which the stacking table 42 can be moved.

[0156] According to the fin stack device 250 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 250 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin supports 350 support the stack 130 above the stacking pins 50, aligning the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, and the aligned fins 102 can be lowered by the stacking table 42 while still aligned, so that the stack 130 can be supported in the horizontal direction with a small number of fin supports 350. In other words, the material cost of the fin supports 330 can be reduced, and tilting of the stacking pins 50 can be suppressed at low cost.

[0157] Sixth Embodiment In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 210 was described that includes a fin support 310 that contacts a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 and supports that portion when a deviation occurs in the drop position of the fin 102. In the sixth embodiment, a fin stack device 260 is described that includes a fin support 360 that is provided with an air nozzle portion 361 that blows air onto a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 to align the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 when a deviation occurs in the drop position of the fin 102. Note that in the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of identical or corresponding parts are omitted. Below, a fin stack device 260 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment of the present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 260.

[0158] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Sixth Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 260 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 260. FIG. 15(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 260, and FIG. 15(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 15(a). Note that FIG. 15 depicts the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction. Here, the transport direction is the direction in which the fins 102 are transported, and is synonymous with the longitudinal direction of the fins 102. The lateral direction is the lateral direction of the fins 102.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 15 , the fin support 360 is rod-shaped and has an air nozzle portion 361. The air nozzle portion 361 is configured to align the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 by blowing air onto portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130. The fin support 360 is positioned so that the air nozzle portion 361 can blow air toward the portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130. More specifically, the fin support 360 is positioned so that, if a deviation occurs in the drop position of the stacked fins 102 due to the guidance of the stacking pins 50, the air nozzle portion 361 can blow air toward the portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130. By blowing air from the air nozzle portion 361 toward the portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130, the fin support 360 aligns the fins 102 in the vertical direction and prevents the shape of the stack 130 from being distorted.

[0160] The fin support 360 is disposed with a gap between it and the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. In other words, the fin support 360 is disposed in a position that does not contact the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 when there is no deviation in the drop position of the fins 102. The fin support 360 only needs to be able to align the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 and support the stack 130 by blowing air onto a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130, and does not need to contact a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 when there is a deviation in the drop position of the fins 102. The fin support 360 having the air nozzle portion 361 can align and support the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 by blowing air without contacting a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 when there is a deviation in the drop position of the fins 102, thereby improving the effect of suppressing catching due to friction when the fins 102 are free to fall.

[0161] The air nozzle portion 361 is connected to an air supply source 362 that supplies air to the air nozzle portion 361 via an air pipe (not shown). The air pipe is provided with a valve 363 that adjusts the amount of air supplied from the air supply source 362 to the air nozzle portion 361. When the valve 363 is open, air is supplied from the air supply source 362 to the air nozzle portion 361, and when the valve 363 is closed, air is not supplied from the air supply source 362 to the air nozzle portion 361. The valve 363 is connected to a control device 364 via a signal line (not shown), and opens and closes the valve 363 based on a control signal from the control device 364.

[0162] The control device 364 controls the air nozzle unit 361 to stop blowing air during a fall time required for the fin 102 to freely fall from the suction transport mechanism to the installation height of the fin support 360 after the fin 102 is detached by the suction transport mechanism, and controls the air nozzle unit 361 to start blowing air after the fall time has elapsed since the fin 102 is detached by the suction transport mechanism. In particular, the control device 364 controls the valve 363 to be closed during the fall time after the fin 102 is detached by the suction transport mechanism, and controls the air nozzle unit 361 to start blowing air after the fall time has elapsed. If the valve 363 is opened and air is blown while the fin 102 detached by the suction transport mechanism is free falling above the fin support 360, the detached and freely falling fin 102 will be subjected to an upward force by the air blown from the fin support 360, which may hinder the free fall of the fin 102. The control device 364 controls the air blowing to stop during the fall time after the fins 102 are detached by the suction and transport mechanism, and to start blowing air after the fall time has elapsed, thereby supporting the stack 130 without hindering the free fall of the fins 102. Here, the fall time may be a time that is determined in advance depending on the installation height of the fin support 360, or may be a time based on information detected by a sensor (not shown) provided at the installation height of the fin support 360. The fall time is a constant value when the installation height of the fin support 360 is fixed, and changes depending on the height when the fin support 360 is configured to be movable up and down.

[0163] As described above, the control device 364 controls the blowing of air onto a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 after the fall time has elapsed since the fin 102 was detached by the suction conveyance mechanism, that is, when the fin 102 reaches a height at which a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 is supported by the fin support 360. Preferably, after the fall time has elapsed since the fin 102 was detached by the suction conveyance mechanism, the control device 364 controls the valve 363 so that the blowing of air by the air nozzle unit 361 continues until the next fin 102 to be stacked is detached by the suction conveyance mechanism. By continuing to blow air after the fins 102 have been detached by the suction conveying mechanism and the fall time has elapsed until the next fin 102 to be stacked is detached by the suction conveying mechanism, the fins 102 that make up the stack 130 can be aligned vertically for a relatively longer period of time than if air were blown instantaneously after the fall time has elapsed since the fins 102 were detached by the suction conveying mechanism, and deformation of the stack 130 can be prevented.

[0164] Furthermore, the control device 364 continues to control the blowing of air toward the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 even when the fins 102 are stacked above the fin support body 360. In particular, the control device 364 continues to control the opening and closing of the valve 363 in accordance with a predetermined fall time, even when the fins 102 are stacked above the fin support body 360.

[0165] 15 shows an example in which the fin support 360 has the same shape and arrangement as the fin support 310 of embodiment 1, but the fin support 360 may also have the same shape and arrangement as the fin support 320 of embodiment 2. That is, the first fin support 360a and the second fin support 360b may be arranged to support portions of two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights. Furthermore, similar to the fin support 320 shown in FIG. 10 , the first fin support 360a and the second fin support 360b may be arranged to support portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, and may be arranged so that the heights at which the fin support supports portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 in the multiple gaps 60 alternate.

[0166] Although FIG. 15 shows an example in which one fin support 360 is provided in each gap 60, a plurality of fin supports 360 may be provided in each gap 60.

[0167] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Sixth Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 260 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 260, the description will focus on the stacking process using the fin support body 360, which is one of the steps in the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0168] As described above, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The stacking step is a step in which the stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping step, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a part of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with the fin support 360.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 15 , the fin support 360 is rod-shaped and includes an air nozzle unit 361 that blows air toward a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 to align the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. The air nozzle unit 361 blows air toward a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 by opening and closing a valve 363 based on a control signal from a control device 364. First, when the fin 102 is detached by the suction and conveyance mechanism, the control device 364 controls the valve 363 to be in a closed state until a predetermined fall time has elapsed since the detachment. While the valve 363 is in a closed state, air is not supplied from the air supply source 362 to the air nozzle unit 361. Next, after a predetermined fall time has elapsed since the fin 102 was detached by the suction and conveyance mechanism, the control device 364 controls the valve 363 to be in an open state. After opening the valve 363, the control device 364 continues to control the valve 363 to be open until the next fin 102 is attached or detached by the suction conveying mechanism. When the valve 363 is opened, air is supplied from the air supply source 362 to the air nozzle unit 361, and the air nozzle unit 361 blows the air toward a part of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130.

[0170] The control of the air blowing by the control device 364 is repeated the number of times the dropping process is performed. That is, the air blowing from the air nozzle portion 361 is repeated regardless of the misalignment status of the fins 102, and a horizontal force is applied to the stacked fins 102. Here, the horizontal force applied to the fins 102 by the air blowing increases as the distance between the fins 102 and the air nozzle portion 361 decreases. When the number of stacked fins 102 increases and the falling positions of the fins 102 become misaligned, the distance between the misaligned fins 102 and the air nozzle portion 361 becomes closer than the distance between the non-misaligned fins 102 and the air nozzle portion 361. Therefore, the misaligned fins 102 receive a larger horizontal force from the air blown from the air nozzle portion 361 than the non-misaligned fins 102, and are pushed back into alignment.

[0171] The position where the fin support 360 aligns the stack 130 by blowing air from the air nozzle portion 361 is a part of the vertical surface 131 that includes the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130. The horizontal force of the air may hinder the free fall of the fins 102, but by blowing air onto a part of the vertical surface 131, the fins 102 can be aligned without hindering the free fall as much as when air is blown onto the entire vertical surface 131.

[0172] Furthermore, when the air blown from the air nozzle portion 361 fails to completely push back the misaligned fin 102, the fin support 360 may come into contact with the long sides of the fin 102 and apply a horizontal force to the misaligned fin 102. When the fin support 360 comes into contact with the stack 130 to support and align the stack 130, the position at which the fin support 360 supports the stack 130 is a part of the vertical surface 131 that includes the long sides of the fins 102 that constitute the stack 130. In particular, the position at which the fin support 360 supports the stack 130 is a part of the vertical surface 131 in the up-down direction. Therefore, the fin support 360 that supports a part of the vertical surface 131 in the up-down direction has a smaller area where friction occurs between the fin support 360 and the stack 130 than when the fin support 360 supports the entire vertical surface 131. Therefore, the fin support 360 aligns the fins 102 while preventing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when they fall, and stacks the dropped fins 102 on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130.

[0173] In this way, the rod-shaped fin support 360 having the air nozzle portion 361 drops the manufactured fins 102 and passes them through the stacking pins 50, and the fins 102 are aligned by the air blown from the air nozzle portion 361 of the fin support 360 and stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table 42, thereby forming a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0174] <Operations and Effects of Sixth Embodiment> Next, operations and effects of the fin stack device 260 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 260 will be described.

[0175] Fin stack device 260 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure includes fin supports 360 that are provided in gaps 60 between a plurality of stacks 130 arranged in parallel, and that support portions of vertical surfaces 131 of stacks 130 that include long sides of strip-shaped fins 102. Fin supports 360 are rod-shaped, and include air nozzle portions 361 that blow air onto portions of vertical surfaces 131 of stacks 130 to align vertical surfaces 131 of stacks 130.

[0176] According to the fin stack device 260 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 260 of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 are aligned by air blown from the air nozzle portion 361 of the fin support body 360, and deformation of the stack 130 can be prevented, thereby preventing tilting of the stacking pins 50. As a result, the fin stack device 260 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 can prevent stacking errors of the fins 102 and stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 260 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 260, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0177] According to the fin stack device 260 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 260 of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 are aligned by air blown from the air nozzle portions 361 of the fin supports 360, thereby improving the effect of preventing the fins 102 from getting caught when dropped compared to a configuration in which the fins 102 and the fin supports 360 contact each other to align and support the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130. In other words, the fin supports 360 improve the effect of preventing the fins 102 from getting caught when dropped, and by aligning and supporting the stack 130 without interfering with the drop of the fins 102, tilting of the stacking pins 50 can be prevented. As a result, according to the fin stack device 260 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 260, it is possible to prevent stacking errors of the fins 102 and stack the fins 102 to the product height. That is, according to the fin stack device 260 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 260, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0178] Seventh Embodiment In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 210 including a rod-shaped fin support body 310 was described. In the seventh embodiment, a fin stack device 270 including a rod-shaped fin support body 370 that is fixed so as to be rotatable around a central axis as a rotation axis will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Below, the fin stack device 270 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 270.

[0179] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Seventh Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 270 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 270. FIG. 16(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 270, and FIG. 16(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 16(a). Note that FIG. 16 depicts the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction. Here, the transport direction refers to the direction in which the fins 102 are transported and is synonymous with the longitudinal direction of the fins 102. The lateral direction refers to the lateral direction of the fins 102. Also, in FIG. 16 , the movement of the fin support 370 is indicated by arrows.

[0180] 16 , the fin support 370 is rod-shaped and fixed so as to be rotatable around its central axis. More specifically, the fin support 370 is provided on the side wall 43, and its ends are fixed by fasteners 44b that fasten the ends of the fin support 370 so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the fin support 370. Here, the central axis of the fin support 370 is an axis that is perpendicular to the cross section of the fin support 370 and passes through the center of gravity of the cross section.

[0181] The fin support 370 receives a force when it comes into contact with the fin 102, and rotates around the central axis as the rotation axis. For example, when the fin support 370 comes into contact with a fin 102 that has shifted position, the fin support 370 receives a horizontal force and rotates. When the fin support 370 comes into contact with a fin 102 that has been detached by the suction transport mechanism and is falling freely, the fin support 370 receives a downward force and rotates. When the fin support 370 comes into contact with a fin 102 that is falling freely and shifting position, the fin support 370 receives a horizontal force and a downward force and rotates.

[0182] 16 , the fin support 370 is rod-shaped, similar to the fin support 310 of the first embodiment, and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130. The fin support 370 supports a portion of one of two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130, including the long sides of the fins 102. Specifically, the fin support 370 includes a first fin support 370a that supports only one vertical surface 131a of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130, including the long sides of the fins 102, and a second fin support 370b that supports only the other vertical surface 131b. One or more fin supports 370 are arranged in each gap 60. The widths of the first fin support 370a and the second fin support 370b are shorter than the length of the gap 60 in the short direction. The third fin support 370c is arranged in contact with or close to only one vertical surface 131a, and the fourth fin support 370d is arranged in contact with or close to only the other vertical surface 131b.

[0183] In addition, Figure 16 shows an example in which the first fin support 370a and the second fin support 370b are arranged to support portions of the two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at the same height, but they may also be arranged to support portions of the two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights.

[0184] Although FIG. 16 shows an example in which two fin supports 370 are provided in each gap 60, two or more fin supports 370 may be provided in each gap 60.

[0185] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Seventh Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 270 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 270, the description will focus on the stacking process using the fin support body 370, which is one of the steps in the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0186] As described above, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The stacking step is a step in which the stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping step, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a part of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with the fin support 370.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 16 , the fin support 370 is rod-shaped and fixed so as to be rotatable around its central axis. The fin support 370 is arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. During the stacking process, if the number of stacked fins 102 increases and a deviation occurs in the drop position of the fins 102, the fin support 370, which is rotatable around its central axis, comes into contact with a portion of the vertical surface 131 including the long side of the fin 102 constituting the stack 130, and applies a horizontal force to the misaligned fin 102. At the same time, the fin support 370 receives a horizontal or downward force from the misaligned fin 102 and rotates. The misaligned fin 102 is pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the rotating fin support 370, thereby aligning it.

[0188] When the rotating fin support 370 and the fins 102 come into contact, a kinetic friction force is generated between the fin support 370 and the fins 102. In contrast, when a non-rotating fin support, such as the fixed fin support 310 shown in embodiment 1, comes into contact with the fins 102, a static friction force is generated between the fin support 370 and the fins 102. Generally, the kinetic friction coefficient is smaller than the static friction coefficient, so the rotation of the fin support 370 can reduce friction when the fins 102 come into contact. Therefore, compared to a non-rotating fin support 370, the fin support 370 more effectively prevents the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when they fall, aligning the fins 102 while stacking the dropped fins 102 on the top surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130. Furthermore, the position where the fin support 370 supports the stack 130 is part of the vertical plane 131 including the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, so the area where friction occurs between the fin support 370 and the stack 130 is small.

[0189] In this way, the fin support 370, which is rod-shaped and fixed so as to be freely rotatable around its central axis, drops the manufactured fins 102 and passes them through the stacking pins 50, and the fins 102 are aligned by the fin support 370 while being stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table 42, thereby forming a stack 130 of fins 102.

[0190] <Operations and Effects of Seventh Embodiment> Next, operations and effects of the fin stack device 270 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 270 will be described.

[0191] A fin stack device 270 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fin support 370 that is provided in the gap 60 between a plurality of stacks 130 arranged in parallel, and that supports a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130, including the long sides of the strip-shaped fins 102. The fin support 370 is rod-shaped, fixed so as to be rotatable about its central axis as the axis of rotation, and supports a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130.

[0192] According to the fin stack device 270 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 270 of the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin support 370, which is rotatably fixed around a central axis as a rotation axis, rotates to support the fins 102, thereby reducing friction with the fins 102 and improving the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped. In other words, the fin support 370 improves the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped, and supports the stack 130 without interfering with the drop of the fins 102, thereby preventing the stacking pins 50 from tilting. As a result, according to the fin stack device 270 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 270, it is possible to suppress stacking errors of the fins 102 and stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 270 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 270, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0193] Furthermore, the fin support 370 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure supports a portion of one of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130, which includes the long sides of the fins 102. When one fin support 370 supports the two vertical surfaces 131 of two stacks 130 arranged in parallel with a gap 60 therebetween, if the fin support 370 receives forces simultaneously from the two vertical surfaces 131 of the two stacks 130, the rotation of the fin support 370 may become unstable, and the fin support 370 may not rotate even when it comes into contact with the fin 102. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 16 , in which the fin support 370 supports a portion of one of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130, which includes the long sides of the fins 102, the fin support 370 can rotate stably. Furthermore, when the fin support 370 rotating in one direction comes into contact with two vertical surfaces 131, the fin support 370 applies forces in different vertical directions to the two vertical surfaces 131, which may cause the fins 102 to tilt horizontally and become misaligned. According to the configuration shown in Fig. 16 in which the fin support 370 supports a portion of one of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 that includes the long side of the fin 102, the fin support 370 receives a horizontal or downward force when it comes into contact with one vertical surface 131, and rotates, applying a horizontal or downward force to the fin 102, thereby making it possible to support the fin 102 while allowing it to free fall in a stable trajectory.

[0194] While Fig. 16 shows an example in which the rotation direction of the fin support 370 is not limited, it is desirable that the fin support 370 rotate so that the portion in contact with the stack 130 moves downward, as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 shows a fin stack device 271 according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment. Although Fig. 17 shows an example in which two fin supports 370 are provided in each gap 60, the number of fin supports 370 is not limited to this.

[0195] 17 , the rotation direction of the fin support 370 may be controlled so that the portion in contact with the stack 130 moves downward. In other words, the rotation direction of the fin support 370 may be controlled so that the stack 130 receives a horizontal force and a downward force from the fin support 370.

[0196] The fin stack device 271 includes a motor 371 for rotating the fin support 370 around the central axis thereof as the rotation axis, and a control device 372 for controlling the rotation of the fin support 370. The control device 372 controls the direction of rotation of the fin support 370 so that the portion of the fin support 370 that is in contact with the stack 130 moves downward.

[0197] When the portion of the fin support 370 in contact with the stack 130 moves upward, the fins 102 in contact with the fin support 370 receive an upward force in addition to a horizontal force, preventing the fins 102 from free falling. According to the fin stack device 271 in the modified example of the seventh embodiment, the portion of the fin support 370 in contact with the stack 130 moves downward, so the stack 130 can be supported without preventing the fins 102 from falling. Furthermore, if the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 receive an upward force in addition to a horizontal force, the fins 102 will tilt during free fall, increasing the possibility that their falling position will shift. According to the fin stack device 271 in the modified example of the seventh embodiment, the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 each receive a downward force in addition to a horizontal force, so the fins 102 can fall on a stable trajectory.

[0198] Eighth Embodiment In the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, a fin stack device 270 including a fin support 370 fixed so as to be rotatable around a central axis serving as a rotation axis was described. In the eighth embodiment, a fin stack device 280 including a fin support 380 that is arranged so as to be vibrated in the horizontal direction by a vibration mechanism will be described. Note that in the eighth embodiment, the same components as those in the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Below, the fin stack device 280 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a stack 130 of fins 102 using this fin stack device 280.

[0199] <Configuration of Fin Stack Device According to Eighth Embodiment> The configuration of a fin stack device 280 according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 18 . FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the fin stack device 280. FIG. 18(a) is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fin stack device 280, and FIG. 18(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 18(a). Note that FIG. 18 depicts the transport direction (longitudinal direction) and the lateral direction. Here, the transport direction refers to the direction in which the fins 102 are transported, and is synonymous with the longitudinal direction of the fins 102. The lateral direction refers to the lateral direction of the fins 102.

[0200] 18 , the fin support 380 is rod-shaped, is provided so as to be vibrated in the horizontal direction by a vibration mechanism, and is arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. The vibration mechanism includes a motor 381 for vibrating the fin support 380 in the horizontal direction, and a control device 382 for controlling the vibration of the fin support 380. It is desirable that the control device 382 controls the fin support 380 to continue vibrating at all times while the fins 102 are free falling. Furthermore, for example, the amplitude of the fin support 380 is a maximum of 10 mm, and the vibration frequency is a maximum of 300 times / min.

[0201] 18 , like the fin support 310 of the first embodiment, the fin support 380 is rod-shaped, is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 that constitute the stack 130, and supports a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130 that includes the long sides of the fins 102. In detail, the fin support 380 includes a first fin support 380a that supports one vertical surface 131a of the two opposing vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 that include the long sides of the fins 102, and a second fin support 380b that supports the other vertical surface 131b, and the first fin support 380a and the second fin support 380b are arranged to support a portion of the two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at the same height.

[0202] 18 shows an example in which the fin support 380 has the same shape and arrangement as the fin support 310 of embodiment 1, but the fin support 380 may also have the same shape and arrangement as the fin support 320 of embodiment 2. That is, the first fin support 380a and the second fin support 380b may be arranged to support portions of two vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights. Furthermore, similar to the fin support 320 shown in FIG. 10 , the first fin support 380a and the second fin support 380b may be arranged to support portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 at different heights, and may be arranged so that the heights at which the fin supports support portions of the vertical surfaces 131 of the stack 130 in the multiple gaps 60 alternate.

[0203] Although FIG. 18 shows an example in which one fin support 380 is provided in each gap 60, a plurality of fin supports 380 may be provided in each gap 60.

[0204] <Operation of Fin Stack Device According to Eighth Embodiment> Next, the operation of the fin stack device 280 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In describing the operation of the fin stack device 280, the description will focus on the stacking process using the fin support body 380, which is one of the steps in the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0205] As described above, the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 includes a dropping step and a stacking step. The stacking step is a step in which the stack 130 of fins 102 is formed by repeating the dropping step, and the fins 102 are aligned by supporting a part of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 with the fin support 380.

[0206] 18 , the fin support 380 is rod-shaped, is provided so as to be vibrated horizontally by a vibration mechanism, and is arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface 131 of the stack 130. If the number of stacked fins 102 increases during the stacking process and a deviation occurs in the position where the fins 102 fall, the fin support 380, which is vibrated horizontally by the vibration mechanism, comes into contact with a portion of the vertical surface 131 including the long side of the fin 102 that constitutes the stack 130, and applies a horizontal force to the misaligned fin 102. The fins 102 are pushed back and supported by the horizontal force from the fin support 380 vibrating horizontally, thereby aligning them.

[0207] By vibrating the fin support 380 in the horizontal direction, the time that the fin support 380 is in contact with the fins 102 is shortened, thereby reducing friction with the fins 102. Therefore, the fin support 380 aligns the fins 102 while suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when they fall, and stacks the dropped fins 102 on the upper surface of the stacking table 42 to form the stack 130. Furthermore, the position where the fin support 380 supports the stack 130 is part of the vertical surface 131 that includes the long sides of the fins 102 that make up the stack 130, so the area where friction occurs between the fin support 380 and the stack 130 is small.

[0208] <Operations and Effects of Eighth Embodiment> Next, operations and effects of the fin stack device 280 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 280 will be described.

[0209] Fin stack device 280 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure includes fin supports 380 that are provided in gaps 60 between a plurality of stacks 130 arranged in parallel, and that support a portion of vertical surface 131 of stack 130 including the long sides of strip-shaped fins 102. Fin supports 380 are rod-shaped and are provided so as to be vibrated in the horizontal direction by a vibration mechanism, and fin supports 380 support a portion of vertical surface 131 of stack 130.

[0210] According to the fin stack device 280 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 280 of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin support 380 supports the stack 130, aligning the fins 102 that make up the stack 130 and preventing the shape of the stack 130 from being distorted, thereby preventing tilting of the stacking pins 50. As a result, the fin stack device 280 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 prevent stacking errors of the fins 102 and make it possible to stack the fins 102 to the product height. In other words, according to the fin stack device 280 and the method for manufacturing the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 280, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0211] According to the fin stack device 280 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 280 of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, the fin support 380, which is provided so as to be vibrated horizontally by a vibration mechanism, supports the fins 102 while vibrating, thereby reducing friction with the fins 102 and improving the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped. In other words, the fin support 380 improves the effect of suppressing the fins 102 from getting caught due to friction when dropped, and supports the stack 130 without interfering with the drop of the fins 102, thereby preventing the stacking pins 50 from tilting. As a result, the fin stack device 280 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 280 reduce stacking errors of the fins 102 and enable the fins 102 to be stacked to the product height. In other words, the fin stack device 280 and the manufacturing method of the stack 130 of fins 102 using the fin stack device 280 improve the productivity of the stack 130 of fins 102.

[0212] In each of the above-described embodiments except for the fourth embodiment, an example has been described in which the ends of the fin supports 310, 320, 330, 350, 360, 370, and 380 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the fin support 310) are fixed by fasteners 44 and 44b provided on the sidewall 43. The fin support 310 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 102 constituting the stack 130 or at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, and the location where the ends are fixed is not limited to the sidewall 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 19 , the fin support 310 may be fixed by hanging. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19 , the fin support 310 may be fixed by a fastener 440 serving as a hanging fixture. The hanging fixture 440 is composed of an attachment portion 440a and a main body portion 440b. The attachment portion 440a is a rod-shaped member arranged to span the widthwise direction above an upper frame portion 45 provided at the upper end of the sidewall 43. The main body portion 440b is a flat plate-like member that extends downward from the attachment portion 440a and secures the fin support 310. The main body portion 440b may have holes for securing the fin support 310, or the main body portion 440b and the fin support 310 may be secured with screws or the like. While FIG. 19 illustrates an example in which the ends of multiple fin supports 310 are secured by one attachment portion 440a and one main body portion 440b, this is not limiting. For example, the end of one fin support 310 may be secured by one attachment portion 440a and one main body portion 440b. The end of multiple fin supports 310 may be secured by one attachment portion 440a and multiple main body portions 440b.

[0213] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, appropriate combinations, modifications, or omissions of the embodiments are also within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure.

[0214] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0215] (Supplementary Note 1) A fin stack device that simultaneously manufactures a plurality of stacks formed by stacking a plurality of band-shaped fins with holes formed therein in the vertical direction, comprising: a stacking table on whose upper surface the stacks are placed; stacking pins that protrude from the upper surface of the stacking table and pass through the holes in the fins to guide the stacking of the fins so that the plurality of stacks are arranged side by side on the upper surface of the stacking table with gaps in the short direction of the fins that constitute the stack; and a fin support that is provided in the gaps and supports the stack in the horizontal direction, wherein the fin support is rod-shaped and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins that constitute the stack or at an angle to the horizontal direction. (Supplementary Note 2) The fin stack device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the fin support supports a portion of the vertical surface of the stack including the long sides of the band-shaped fins. (Supplementary Note 3) The fin stack device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the fin support includes a first fin support that supports one of the two opposing vertical surfaces of the stack, and a second fin support that supports the other vertical surface, and the first fin support and the second fin support are arranged to support part of the vertical surface of the stack at the same or different heights. (Supplementary Note 4) The fin stack device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the first fin support and the second fin support are arranged to support part of the vertical surface of the stack at different heights, and are arranged so that the heights at which they support part of the vertical surface of the stack in the plurality of gaps alternate. (Appendix 5) A fin stack device described in any one of Appendices 2 to 4, wherein the stacking table is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism, and the fins of the uppermost stack of the multiple stacks placed on its upper surface are moved in the vertical direction by a control mechanism so as to be maintained at a constant height from the floor, the stacking pins are arranged to pass through the stacking table, and the fin support is positioned higher than the position when the stacking table is at the upper limit of the height to which it can be moved.(Appendix 6) A method for manufacturing a fin stack, which simultaneously produces a plurality of stacks formed by stacking a plurality of strip-shaped fins, each having a hole formed therein, in the vertical direction, the method comprising: a dropping step of dropping a plurality of the fins from above onto a plurality of stacking pins protruding from the upper surface of a stacking table so that the stacking pins pass through the holes in the fins; and a stacking step of supporting a portion of the vertical plane including the long sides of the fins constituting the stack with a rod-shaped fin support, and stacking the dropped plurality of fins on the upper surface of the stacking table while aligning the fins with the fin support; wherein the stacks are simultaneously formed in plurality on the upper surface of the stacking table, and are arranged in parallel with each other with gaps provided in the short direction of the fins constituting the stack, and the fin support is arranged in the gaps, and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins constituting the stack, or at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction. (Supplementary Note 7) The fin stack device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, wherein the fin support is rod-shaped and is provided with an air nozzle unit that blows air onto a portion of the vertical surface of the stack to align the vertical surface of the stack. (Supplementary Note 8) The fin stack device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, wherein the fin support is rod-shaped and fixed so as to be rotatable about a central axis as a rotation axis. (Supplementary Note 9) The fin stack device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, wherein the fin support is rod-shaped and is provided so as to be vibrated in a horizontal direction by a vibration mechanism.

[0216] 1 Fin manufacturing apparatus 10 Press section 11 NC feeder 12 Press device 13 Die device 14 Feeding device 15 Feed pin 20 Buffer section 21 Intermediate buffer section 22 Feed roller 23 Feed pin 30 Stacking section 31 Uncut portion cutting device 31a Cutting blade 32 Cut-off device 32a Cutting blade 33 Feeding device 34 Feed pin 40 Housing section 41 Bottom plate 42 Stacking table 43 Side wall 44, 44a, 44b, 440 Fixing tool 50 Stacking pin 60 Gap 70 Drive mechanism 71 Fork 72 Motor 73 Guide section 100 Heat exchanger 101 Flat tube 102 Fin 103 Cutout section 103a Slot 104 Opening 105 Cut-raising slit 106 Pilot hole 107 Cutting line 108 Uncut portion 110 Thin metal plate 120 Metal strip 120a Metal strip of product width 130 Laminated body 131 Vertical surface 131a One vertical surface 131b Other vertical surface 210, 211, 212 Fin stack device according to embodiment 1 220, 221 Fin stack device according to embodiment 2 230, 231 Fin stack device according to embodiment 3 240 Fin stack device according to embodiment 4 250 Fin stack device according to embodiment 5 260 Fin stack device according to embodiment 6 270 Fin stack device according to embodiment 7 280 Fin stack device according to embodiment 8 310 Fin support according to embodiment 1 320 Fin support according to embodiment 2 330 Fin support according to embodiment 3 340 Fin support according to embodiment 4 340a Convex portion 350 Fin support according to embodiment 5 360 Fin support according to embodiment 6 361 Air nozzle section 362 Air supply source 363 Valve 364 Control device 370 Fin support according to embodiment 7 371 Motor 372 Control device 380 Fin support according to embodiment 8 381 Motor 382 Control device

Claims

1. In a fin stacking apparatus that manufactures multiple laminates formed by stacking multiple strip-shaped fins with holes in them in a vertical direction, A stacking stand on which the aforementioned stacked body is placed, A stacking pin is provided protruding from the upper surface of the stacking base, and is passed through the holes of the fins to guide the stacking of the fins so that a plurality of the stacked bodies are arranged in parallel on the upper surface of the stacking base with gaps in the short direction of the fins that constitute the stacked bodies, A fin support provided in the gap and supporting the laminate in the horizontal direction, Equipped with, The fin support is rod-shaped and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins constituting the laminate, or at an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction. Fin stack device.

2. The fin support supports a portion of the vertical surface of the laminate, including the long side of the strip-shaped fin. The fin stack device according to claim 1.

3. The fin support includes a first fin support that supports one of the two opposing vertical surfaces of the laminate, and a second fin support that supports the other vertical surface. The first fin support and the second fin support are arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface of the laminate at the same or different heights. The fin stack device according to claim 2.

4. The first fin support and the second fin support are arranged to support a portion of the vertical surface of the laminate at different heights, and are arranged so that the heights at which they support a portion of the vertical surface of the laminate alternate in a plurality of gaps. The fin stack device according to claim 3.

5. The stacking platform is provided so as to be movable vertically by a drive mechanism, and is configured such that the fins of the uppermost of the multiple stacked bodies placed on its upper surface are moved vertically by a control mechanism so as to be kept at a constant height from the floor surface. The aforementioned stacking pins are provided to penetrate the stacking base, The fin support is positioned above the position where the stacking platform is at the upper limit of its movable height. The fin stack device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. A method for manufacturing a fin laminate, which involves stacking multiple strip-shaped fins with holes formed in them in a vertical direction to produce multiple laminates, A dropping step in which multiple fins are dropped from above so that the stacking pins, which are provided protruding from the upper surface of the stacking base, pass through the holes in the fins, The laminate comprises a stacking step in which a portion of the vertical plane including the long side of the fins constituting the laminate is supported by a rod-shaped fin support, and the fins are aligned by the fin support while the multiple fins that have fallen freely are stacked on the upper surface of the stacking stand, Multiple laminates are formed on the upper surface of the stacking base, and are arranged in parallel with gaps between them in the short direction of the fins constituting the laminate. The fin support is positioned in the gap and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins constituting the laminate, or at an angle to the horizontal direction. A method for manufacturing a stack of fins.

7. The fin support is rod-shaped and is provided with an air nozzle portion that blows air onto a part of the vertical surface of the laminate to align the vertical surface of the laminate. The fin stack device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

8. The fin support is rod-shaped and fixed so as to be rotatable with its central axis as the axis of rotation. The fin stack device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

9. The fin support is rod-shaped and is provided to vibrate horizontally by a vibration mechanism. The fin stack device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

10. A fin stacking apparatus for manufacturing multiple laminates formed by stacking multiple strip-shaped fins with holes in them in a vertical direction, A stacking stand on which the aforementioned stacked body is placed, A stacking pin is provided protruding from the upper surface of the stacking base, and guides the stacking of the fins by passing through the holes in the fins, such that a plurality of the stacked bodies are arranged in parallel on the upper surface of the stacking base with gaps in the short direction of the fins that constitute the stacked bodies, A fin support provided in the gap and supporting the laminate in the horizontal direction, Equipped with, The fin support is plate-shaped with a protrusion, and the protrusion supports a part of the vertical surface of the laminate. Fin stack device.

11. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger, comprising the method for manufacturing a fin laminate as described in Claim 6, The process involves inserting a tube into a notch formed in the fin that constitutes the laminate, A step of joining the fin and the tube, Equipped with, A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger.