GB821976A - Improvements in or relating to a machine for positioning rectilinear-edged thin elements, for example, radiator fins - Google Patents

Abstract

821,976. Making radiators. USINES CHAUSSON S.A., DES. June 28, 1957 [July 18, 1956], No. 20538/57. Class 83 (2). [Also in Group XXX] A machine for positioning thin rectilinearedged elements, e.g. fins of cooling radiators at regular predetermined intervals, includes a supporting frame carrying at least one member formed as a screw and arranged to be rotatively driven about the axis of the thread thereof, there being movable means for carrying the elements and for engaging them in the thread. Radiator fins 14 assembled on a carriage 5 are engaged by rotating screws 23, 24, 25 having variable pitch threads 34 and constant pitch threads 31 which space the fins apart by the required amount corresponding to the pitch of the threads 31. When sufficient fins for charging a magazine have been taken by the screws, the first fin actuates a micro-switch to stop a motor 45 which drives the screws, through a chain 43 and chain wheels 35, 36, 37. While passing along the screws the fins are guided by a shutter 51 in its closed position. The shutter in opening about pivots 46, 47 rotates halfshells 59 and 60 which have grooves 63 corresponding with the pitch of the screw 31 so that the grooves engage the edges of the fins and form a guide, the fins being discharged, by pushing manually or mechanically in the direction f2, into a magazine adapted to receive and maintain them in spaced relation. If the fins are not quite perpendicular to the screw-axis when the motor stops, a spring-loaded pin 3, mounted on a flywheel 38 fixed to the screw 23, is withdrawn from the loose chain wheel 37 enabling the screw 23 to be rotated slightly to bring the fins into alignment. The fins may be supplied to the screws by a gravity-actuated carriage which is locked for loading by a pawl actuated by a lever. Guide plates 12 retain the fins in position on the carriage. Alternatively, an endless belt or conveyer may be used to carry the fins to the screws. The space between screws 23 and 24 may be varied to suit different sizes of fin.