Abstract: An apparatus for bending single or multiple stacked flat sections of finned heat exchanger coil into a predetermined configuration having one, two or three generally 90 degree bends. The coil is moved along a support table to a bending station by a gripper mechanism engaged with the rear end of the coil. A portion of the coil forward of the position to be bent is clamped against an anvil by a clamping pad. A hold-down assembly prevents another portion of the coil rearward of the bend portion from raising off the support table as the anvil and clamping pad are rotated by a supporting spindle to bend the coil to the desired angle. The gripper mechanism is accelerated linearly forwardly in coordinated movement with the rotational acceleration of the spindle to prevent distortion of the coil fins by crowding material into the bend. The gripper mechanism is moved linearly along the support table by a controlled ball screw drive mechanism.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 13, 1987
Date of Patent:
May 23, 1989
Assignee:
Tru-Cut Die Corp.
Inventors:
Richard E. Gano, David A. Gano, Heinz-Siegfried Garbe