Heat treatment system

Abstract

Disclosed is a technique capable of increasing the throughput of a saggar in a heat treatment system. A heat treatment system includes a heat treatment furnace, a return line, and a treatment unit. The return line is provided with: a first processing line; a second processing line disposed in parallel with the first processing line; an inlet line connected to the first processing line and the second processing line and disposed upstream of the return line from the first processing line and the second processing line; and an exit line connected to the first processing line and the second processing line and disposed downstream of the return line from the first processing line and the second processing line. The processing part is provided with a first processing device and a second processing device, wherein the first processing device is used for processing the saggar on the first processing line, and the second processing device is used for processing the saggar on the second processing line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a heat treatment system. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a heat treatment system. The heat treatment system comprises: a heat treatment furnace, a return line, and a processing device. The heat treatment furnace has an internal space, in which a plurality of saggers are transported from an input port to an output port. The return line is arranged outside the heat treatment furnace, and transports a plurality of saggers from the output port to the input port. The processing device is arranged on the return line, and processes the saggers on the return line.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7041300 Summary of the invention

[0006] In the above-mentioned heat treatment system, the return line is a single line. Therefore, there is a bottleneck in the processing of the sagger by the processing device on the return line, and it is difficult to increase the processing capacity of the sagger in the heat treatment system.

[0007] This specification discloses a technology capable of increasing the processing capacity of a sagger in a heat treatment system.

[0008] In the first scheme of the technology disclosed in this specification, a heat treatment system comprises: a heat treatment furnace having an input port and an output port, and having an internal space, in which a plurality of saggers are transported from the input port toward the output port; a return line, which is arranged outside the heat treatment furnace and transports the plurality of saggers from the output port to the input port; and a processing unit, which is arranged on the return line and processes the saggers on the return line. The return line comprises: a first processing line, which transports the saggers; a second processing line, which is arranged in parallel with the first processing line and transports the saggers; an inlet line, which is connected to the first processing line and the second processing line and is arranged upstream of the return line than the first processing line and the second processing line; and an outlet line, which is connected to the first processing line and the second processing line and is arranged downstream of the return line than the first processing line and the second processing line. The processing section includes: a first processing device that processes the saggers on the first processing line; and a second processing device that processes the saggers on the second processing line.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned structure, the sagger moving on the return line is processed on the first processing line by the first processing device, or is processed on the second processing line by the second processing device. Therefore, when the processing capacity of the sagger in the heat treatment furnace is increased, the sagger can also be sent from the output port of the heat treatment furnace to the input port via the return line. Accordingly, the processing capacity of the sagger in the heat treatment system can be increased. In addition, the sagger is processed on the first processing line and the second processing line. In contrast, in the structure in which the sagger is processed by separating from the first processing line (second processing line), the sagger is separated from the first processing line (second processing line), and after the sagger is processed, it is necessary to return it to the first processing line (second processing line). Accordingly, the transportation of the sagger on the return line requires time. According to the above-mentioned structure, compared with the structure in which the sagger is processed by separating from the first processing line (second processing line), the time required for the transportation of the sagger on the return line can be shortened. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the heat treatment system of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the recovery section of the first embodiment before the sagger is gripped by the gripping section.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a situation in which a sagger is gripped by a gripping unit in the recovery unit of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a recovery section of the first embodiment in which a sagger is arranged in a surrounding wall portion and an inlet and an outlet are open.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a recovery section of the first embodiment in which a sagger is arranged in a surrounding wall portion and an inlet and an outlet are closed.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a case where the sagger is arranged just above the downstream lifting part in the recovery part of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the recovery section of the first embodiment when the downstream lifting section is lowered.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning unit of the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the filling unit of the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.10 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the surface flattening portion of the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig.11This is a schematic diagram of a non-branch line, a branch line, and a processing unit in the heat treatment system of the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of a non-branch line, a branch line, and a processing unit in the heat treatment system of the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of a heat treatment system according to a second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of a heat treatment system according to a third embodiment.

[0024] Explanation of symbols

[0025] 2: heat treatment system, 4: sagger, 4A: sagger, 4B: sagger, 4a: opening, 6: treated object, 10: heat treatment furnace, 12: return line, 12a: non-branch line, 12b: branch line, 14: internal space, 16: input port, 18: output port, 22: stack release device, 24: cooling device, 26: crushing device, 28: first elevator, 30: recovery unit, 32: second elevator, 34: cleaning unit, 36: filling unit, 38: surface leveling unit, 40: stacking device, 42: processing unit, 43: recovery container, 44: recovery device, 45: track unit, 46: base, 47: gripping unit, 48: surrounding wall unit, 48a: entrance, 48b: exit, 49: entrance cover, 50: exit Mouth covering portion, 51: upstream lifting portion, 52: downstream lifting portion, 54: cleaning device, 56: turning portion, 58: ejecting portion, 62: filling device, 64: storage portion, 64a: discharge port, 66: supply portion, 70: surface leveling device, 72: shaft portion, 74: blade portion, 80: inlet line, 82: outlet line, 86: first processing line, 86a: first upstream connecting portion, 86b: first downstream connecting portion, 88: second processing line, 88a: second upstream connecting portion, 88b: second downstream connecting portion, 92: processing device, 92a: first processing device, 92b: second processing device, 112: parallel line, AX1: rotary axis, AX2: rotary axis, AX3: rotating axis, D1: conveying direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The main features of the embodiments described below are listed in advance. It should be noted that the technical elements described below are independent technical elements, which can exert technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application.

[0027] A second aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification is based on the above-mentioned first aspect, wherein the first processing line is arranged substantially parallel to the second processing line. According to the above configuration, compared with a configuration in which the first processing line is arranged substantially orthogonal to the second processing line, an increase in the size of the return line can be suppressed.

[0028] The third scheme of the technology disclosed in this specification is based on the above-mentioned second scheme, and the first processing line is respectively arranged approximately orthogonally with respect to the inlet line and the outlet line. The second processing line is respectively arranged approximately orthogonally with respect to the inlet line and the outlet line. According to the above-mentioned structure, the inlet line is approximately parallel to the outlet line. Therefore, the direction of the sagger moving on the inlet line can be made the same as the direction of the sagger moving on the outlet line. That is, the sagger on the inlet line and the sagger on the outlet line can be moved in the same direction (for example, from the outlet toward the inlet).

[0029] The fourth solution of the technology disclosed in this specification is based on the second or third solution described above, and the length of the first processing line is substantially the same as the length of the second processing line. According to the above configuration, the moving distance of the sagger moving on the first processing line is substantially the same as the moving distance of the sagger moving on the second processing line. Accordingly, the time required for the sagger to move on the first processing line can be substantially the same as the time required for the sagger to move on the second processing line.

[0030] The fifth scheme of the technology disclosed in this specification is based on any one of the first to fourth schemes mentioned above, and the first processing device and the second processing device are respectively selected from a group including a recovery device that flips the sagger and recovers the processed object in the sagger, a cleaning device that cleans the sagger, a filling device that fills the processed object in the sagger, and a surface leveling device that makes the surface of the processed object in the sagger flat. Usually, the time required for recovering the processed object, the time required for cleaning the sagger, the time required for filling the processed object in the sagger, and the time required for making the surface of the processed object in the sagger flat are longer than the time for only transporting the sagger. By shortening these times, the processing capacity of the sagger in the heat treatment system can be increased. According to the above configuration, the first processing device and the second processing device are respectively selected from a recovery device, a cleaning device, a filling device, and a surface leveling device, so the processing capacity of the sagger in the heat treatment system can be further increased.

[0031] (First embodiment)

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat treatment system 2 includes a heat treatment furnace 10 and a return line 12 .

[0033] The heat treatment furnace 10 is used to heat the workpiece 6 (see Figure 5 ) is sintered, that is, heat treated. The processed object 6 is, for example, a raw material for a ceramic capacitor, and a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material for a lithium ion battery.

[0034] The heat treatment furnace 10 is a heat-insulating structure of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The heat treatment furnace 10 has an internal space 14 inside. In addition, the heat treatment furnace 10 has: an input port 16 arranged at one end of the heat treatment furnace 10, and an output port 18 arranged at the other end of the heat treatment furnace 10. The internal space 14 is connected to the outside of the heat treatment furnace 10 via the input port 16 and the output port 18, respectively. A plurality of saggers 4 are stacked in the height direction (up and down direction) and arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 (for example, stacked in 2 layers in the height direction and 6 side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction D1) and are transported in the internal space 14 along the conveying direction D1 by a roller type (not shown). Thus, a plurality of saggers 4 are transported from the input port 16 toward the output port 18.

[0035] The return line 12 is disposed outside the heat treatment furnace 10 . The return line 12 conveys the plurality of saggers 4 along the conveying direction D1 by rollers (not shown). Thus, the plurality of saggers 4 are conveyed from the output port 18 to the input port 16 .

[0036] The return line 12 includes: a plurality of (two in this embodiment) non-branch lines 12a, and one or more (one in this embodiment) branch lines 12b. The non-branch line 12a is one line that is not branched. The branch line 12b is a plurality of lines branched from the non-branch line 12a. The non-branch line 12a and the branch line 12b are arranged alternately. The input port 16 and the output port 18 of the heat treatment furnace 10 are respectively connected to the non-branch line 12a. The non-branch line 12a and the branch line 12b are described in detail below.

[0037] The heat treatment system 2 includes a stack release device 22, a cooling device 24, a crushing device 26, a first elevator 28, a recovery unit 30, a second elevator 32, a cleaning unit 34, a filling unit 36, a surface leveling unit 38, and a stacking device 40. The stack release device 22, the cooling device 24, the crushing device 26, the first elevator 28, the recovery unit 30, the second elevator 32, the cleaning unit 34, the filling unit 36, the surface leveling unit 38, and the stacking device 40 are arranged on the return line 12. The stack release device 22, the cooling device 24, the crushing device 26, the first elevator 28, the recovery unit 30, the second elevator 32, the cleaning unit 34, the filling unit 36, the surface leveling unit 38, and the stacking device 40 are arranged in order from the upstream to the downstream of the return line 12. The stack release device 22, the cooling device 24, the crushing device 26, and the first elevator 28 are arranged on the non-branch line 12a located on the most upstream side of the two non-branch lines 12a. The second lift 32, the cleaning unit 34, the filling unit 36, the surface leveling unit 38, and the stacking device 40 are arranged in the non-branch line 12a located at the most downstream side of the two non-branch lines 12a. The recovery unit 30 is arranged in the branch line 12b. Hereinafter, the recovery unit 30 may be referred to as the processing unit 42.

[0038] After the plurality of saggers 4 are output from the output port 18, the stack release device 22 releases the plurality of saggers 4 stacked in the vertical direction to a state where the plurality of saggers 4 are not stacked. Thus, the saggers 4 are arranged in a row in the conveying direction D1. The vertical direction is substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction D1. Figure 1 It can be seen that the saggers 4 transported in the heat treatment furnace 10 along the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 are transported to the stack release device 22 in a state where they are not arranged side by side in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction D1 (i.e., in a state where they are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction D1).

[0039] The cooling device 24 is configured such that the sagger 4 can pass through the inside. The cooling device 24 cools the sagger 4 and the processed object 6 (see FIG. 1 ) filled in the sagger 4 by air or water flowing in a cooling pipe (not shown). Fig.10 ) for cooling. Figure 1 As shown, in the cooling device 24, a plurality of saggers 4 are transported in a state of being arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1 (for example, in a state of being arranged in 6 rows in the horizontal direction). By transporting the saggers 4 in a state of being arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, the transport speed of the saggers 4 in the cooling device 24 can be reduced, so that the processed objects 6 in the saggers 4 can be fully cooled.

[0040] The crushing device 26 is configured to, for example, crush the material 6 (see Fig.10 ) and the processed object 6 is broken into pieces. It should be noted that Figure 1 As shown, the saggers 4 conveyed from the cooling device 24 to the crushing device 26 are conveyed in a state of being arranged in a row in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 , and the saggers 4 are processed one by one by the crushing device 26 .

[0041] The first elevator 28 raises the sagger 4. After the saggers 4 are processed one by one by the crushing device 26, they are transported to the first elevator 28. Therefore, the first elevator 28 raises the saggers 4 one by one.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the recovery unit 30 recovers the processed material 6 in the sagger 4 into the recovery container 43. The recovery unit 30 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) recovery devices 44. The number of the plurality of recovery devices 44 is the same as the number of the branch line 12b (refer to Figure 1 ) has the same number of lines. The plurality of recovery devices 44 process the saggers 4 one by one (ie, recover the processed objects 6).

[0043] The collecting device 44 includes a rail portion 45, a base portion 46, a gripping portion 47, a surrounding wall portion 48, an inlet cover portion 49, an outlet cover portion 50, an upstream lift portion 51, and a downstream lift portion 52. The rail portion 45 extends in the conveying direction D1.

[0044] The base 46 is movably attached to the rail 45. The base 46 is guided by the rail 45 and moves on the rail 45 in the conveying direction D1.

[0045] The gripping portion 47 is mounted on the base 46. The gripping portion 47 grips the sagger 4 by clamping it. The gripping portion 47 can rotate around the rotation axis AX1. The rotation axis AX1 is along a direction ( Figure 2 The holding portion 47 rotates while holding the sagger 4, thereby turning the sagger 4 upside down.

[0046] The surrounding wall portion 48 is arranged on the upper side of the recovery container 43. It should be noted that the recovery container 43 and the surrounding wall portion 48 are arranged between the two non-branching lines 12a. The surrounding wall portion 48 has a roughly box shape with an opening on the lower side. The lower end of the surrounding wall portion 48 is opposite to the upper end opening of the recovery container 43. The surrounding wall portion 48 has an inlet 48a and an outlet 48b. The inlet 48a and the outlet 48b are side by side in the conveying direction D1. In the conveying direction D1, the inlet 48a and the outlet 48b are opposite. The sagger 4 and the holding portion 47 can pass through the inlet 48a and the outlet 48b.

[0047] The inlet cover portion 49 is rotatably attached to the surrounding wall portion 48. The inlet cover portion 49 opens and closes the inlet 48a by rotating.

[0048] The outlet cover portion 50 is rotatably attached to the surrounding wall portion 48. The outlet cover portion 50 opens and closes the outlet 48b by rotating.

[0049] The upstream lifting part 51 is disposed on the non-branch line 12 a on the upstream side of the two non-branch lines 12 a. The upstream lifting part 51 can be raised and lowered. The sagger 4 can be placed on the upstream lifting part 51.

[0050] The downstream lifting part 52 is disposed on the non-branching line 12a on the downstream side of the two non-branching lines 12a. The downstream lifting part 52 can be raised and lowered. The sagger 4 can be placed on the downstream lifting part 52.

[0051] When the processed object 6 in the sagger 4 is recovered, first, Figure 3 As shown, the upstream lifting unit 51 is raised in a state where the sagger 4 is placed on the non-branching line 12a on the upstream side of the two non-branching lines 12a, with the upper end being located above the non-branching line 12a. The sagger 4 is lifted by being placed on the upstream lifting unit 51. Next, the gripping unit 47 grips the lifted sagger 4.

[0052] Next, if Figure 4 As shown, the base 46 moves together with the gripping portion 47 in the conveying direction D1 and stops just above the surrounding wall portion 48. As a result, the sagger 4 moves along the conveying direction D1. Since the entrance covering portion 49 opens the entrance 48a, the sagger 4 passes through the entrance 48a and enters the surrounding wall portion 48. In addition, simultaneously with the movement of the base 46, the upstream lifting portion 51 is lowered in a manner such that the upper end is located at a position lower than the non-branch line 12a.

[0053] Next, if Figure 5 As shown, the inlet covering portion 49 closes the inlet 48a by rotating. In addition, the outlet covering portion 50 closes the outlet 48b by rotating. The rotation of the inlet covering portion 49 and the rotation of the outlet covering portion 50 are performed simultaneously. Next, the holding portion 47 rotates 180 degrees around the rotation axis AX1. As a result, the sagger 4 is turned upside down, and the opening 4a of the sagger 4 faces the lower side. As a result, the processed object 6 in the sagger 4 is discharged from the sagger 4 and recovered in the recovery container 43. In addition, since the inlet 48a and the outlet 48b are closed, the scattering of the processed object 6 from the inlet 48a and the outlet 48b to the outside of the surrounding wall portion 48 is suppressed.

[0054] Next, if Figure 6As shown, the holding portion 47 rotates 180 degrees around the rotation axis AX1. As a result, the sagger 4 is turned upside down, and the opening 4a of the sagger 4 faces the upper side. Next, the entrance covering portion 49 opens the entrance 48a by rotating. In addition, the outlet covering portion 50 opens the outlet 48b by rotating. The rotation of the entrance covering portion 49 and the rotation of the outlet covering portion 50 are performed simultaneously. Next, the base 46 moves along the conveying direction D1 together with the holding portion 47, and stops directly above the non-branching line 12a on the downstream side of the two non-branching lines 12a. As a result, the sagger 4 passes through the outlet 48b and comes to the outside of the surrounding wall portion 48, and moves directly above the non-branching line 12a. At this time, the upper end of the downstream lifting portion 52 is located at a position higher than the non-branching line 12a. In addition, at the same time as the movement of the base 46, the upstream lifting portion 51 rises in a manner in which the upper end is located at a position higher than the non-branching line 12a.

[0055] Next, if Figure 7 As shown, the holding portion 47 releases the holding of the sagger 4. Thus, the sagger 4 is placed on the downstream lifting portion 52. Next, the downstream lifting portion 52 is lowered in a manner such that the upper end is located at a position lower than the non-branch line 12a. Thus, the sagger 4 is placed on the non-branch line 12a. Finally, the base 46 moves together with the holding portion 47 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction D1, and stops directly above the non-branch line 12a on the upstream side of the two non-branch lines 12a. Thereafter, the recovery device 44 repeatedly performs the above-mentioned actions. Thus, the sagger 4 delivered by the first elevator 28 is processed in sequence.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the second elevator 32 lowers the sagger 4. The saggers 4 processed by the plurality of recovery devices 44 are sent to the second elevator 32 one by one in sequence.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, the cleaning unit 34 cleans the sagger 4. The cleaning unit 34 includes a cleaning device 54. Figure 1 As shown, the second elevator 32 lowers the saggers 4 one by one, so the cleaning device 54 cleans the saggers 4 one by one.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the cleaning device 54 includes a reversing unit 56 and a discharge unit 58. The reversing unit 56 grips the sagger 4 by clamping the front surface and the rear surface of the sagger 4. The reversing unit 56 turns the sagger 4 upside down by rotating around the rotation axis AX2.

[0059] The ejection unit 58 is disposed at a position vertically opposed to the sagger 4 turned over by the turning unit 56. The ejection unit 58 ejects gas upward toward the opening 4a of the sagger 4. Thus, the processed object 6 (see FIG. 1 ) remaining inside the sagger 4 is Fig.10 ) is removed from the sagger 4.

[0060] like Fig. 9 As shown, the filling unit 36 ​​fills the processed object 6 (i.e., the processed object 6 before heat treatment) into the sagger 4. The filling unit 36 ​​includes a filling device 62. Since the saggers 4 are processed one by one by the cleaning device 54, the filling device 62 also fills the processed object 6 into the sagger 4 one by one.

[0061] The filling device 62 includes a storage unit 64 and a supply unit 66. The storage unit 64 stores the workpiece 6 before heat treatment that is filled in the sagger 4.

[0062] The supply unit 66 is connected to the discharge port 64a of the storage unit 64. The supply unit 66 controls the opening and closing of the discharge port 64a, and supplies a predetermined amount of the processed objects in the storage unit 64 from the opening 4a of the sagger 4 to the inside of the sagger 4. Thus, the processed objects 6 are filled in the sagger 4.

[0063] like Fig.10 As shown, the surface leveling unit 38 makes the surface of the processed object 6 filled in the sagger 4 flat. The surface leveling unit 38 includes a surface leveling device 70. The saggers 4 are processed one by one by the filling device 62, so the surface leveling device 70 also processes the processed objects in the sagger 4 one by one.

[0064] The surface leveling device 70 includes a shaft portion 72 and a blade portion 74. The shaft portion 72 rotates around a rotation axis AX3.

[0065] The blade portion 74 is connected to the front end of the shaft portion 72. The blade portion 74 rotates around the rotation axis AX3 together with the shaft portion 72. Thus, the surface of the processed object 6 filled in the sagger 4 is flattened by the blade portion 74.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the stacking device 40 stacks the plurality of saggers 4 in the vertical direction. Thereafter, the stacked plurality of saggers 4 are transported to the input port 16. Figure 1 As shown, the saggers 4 processed by the surface leveling device 70 are transported to the stacking device 40 in a state of being arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1 , and are stacked in the height direction (vertical direction) by the stacking device 40 .

[0067] The non-branch line 12a and the branch line 12b are described. Fig.11As shown, the non-branch line 12a includes an inlet line 80 and an outlet line 82. The inlet line 80 is arranged upstream of the return line 12 than the branch line 12b. The width of the inlet line 80 in the width direction is, for example, greater than the width of the sagger 4 and less than twice the width of the sagger 4. Therefore, it is impossible to arrange a plurality of saggers 4 in the width direction and move them on the inlet line 80. It should be noted that the width direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 and the up-down direction.

[0068] The outlet line 82 is arranged downstream of the return line 12 than the branch line 12b. The outlet line 82 is arranged downstream of the return line 12 than the inlet line 80. The outlet line 82 is arranged substantially parallel to the inlet line 80. The conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the outlet line 82 is substantially parallel to the conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the inlet line 80. The outlet line 82 is offset relative to the inlet line 80. The width of the outlet line 82 in the width direction is substantially the same as the width of the inlet line 80 in the width direction.

[0069] The branch line 12b includes a first processing line 86 and a second processing line 88. The first processing line 86 and the second processing line 88 are arranged in parallel.

[0070] The first processing line 86 is connected to the first upstream connection part 86a of the inlet line 80. The inlet line 80 is arranged to be upstream of the first processing line 86. The first processing line 86 is connected to the first downstream connection part 86b of the outlet line 82. The outlet line 82 is arranged to be downstream of the first processing line 86. The recovery container 43 is arranged on the first processing line 86. The first processing line 86 is arranged approximately orthogonal to the inlet line 80 and the outlet line 82. The conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the first processing line 86 is approximately orthogonal to the conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the inlet line 80 and the conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the outlet line 82. The width of the first processing line 86 in the width direction is, for example, greater than the width of the sagger 4 and less than 2 times the width of the sagger 4. Therefore, it is impossible to arrange a plurality of saggers 4 in the width direction and move them on the first processing line 86. The width of the first processing line 86 in the width direction is, for example, approximately the same as the width of the inlet line 80 in the width direction.

[0071] The second processing line 88 is connected to the second upstream connection part 88a of the inlet line 80. The second upstream connection part 88a is configured to be downstream of the inlet line 80 than the first upstream connection part 86a. The second processing line 88 is connected to the second downstream connection part 88b of the outlet line 82. The second downstream connection part 88b is configured to be downstream of the outlet line 82 than the first downstream connection part 86b. The recovery container 43 is arranged in the second processing line 88. The second processing line 88 is approximately orthogonal to the inlet line 80 and the outlet line 82, respectively. The second processing line 88 is arranged approximately parallel to the first processing line 86. Thus, compared with the configuration in which the second processing line 88 is approximately orthogonal to the first processing line 86, the enlargement of the return line 12 is suppressed. The conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the second processing line 88 is the same as the conveying direction D1 of the sagger 4 moving on the first processing line 86. The second processing line 88 is offset relative to the first processing line 86. The width of the second processing line 88 in the width direction is approximately the same as the width of the first processing line 86 in the width direction. The length of the second processing line 88 in the conveying direction D1 is the same as the length of the first processing line 86 in the conveying direction D1. Therefore, the distance of the sagger 4 moving on the second processing line 88 is substantially the same as the distance of the sagger 4 moving on the first processing line 86. Thus, the time required for the sagger 4 to move on the second processing line 88 is substantially the same as the time required for the sagger 4 to move on the first processing line 86. It should be noted that the average moving speed of the sagger 4 moving on the second processing line 88 is substantially the same as the average moving speed of the sagger 4 moving on the first processing line 86.

[0072] The processing unit 42 is arranged on the branch line 12b. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the processing unit 42 corresponds to the recovery unit 30. The processing unit 42 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) processing devices 92. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the processing device 92 corresponds to the recovery device 44. Hereinafter, one of the two processing devices 92 is referred to as a first processing device 92a, and the other of the two processing devices 92 is referred to as a second processing device 92b.

[0073] The first processing device 92a is disposed in the first processing line 86. The first processing device 92a processes the sagger 4 on the first processing line 86. Thus, the processed objects 6 are recovered from the sagger 4.

[0074] The second processing device 92b is disposed on the second processing line 88. The second processing device 92b processes the saggers 4 on the second processing line 88.

[0075] The process of moving a plurality of saggers 4 from the inlet line 80 to the outlet line 82 is described. First, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) saggers 4 move along the conveying direction D1 on the inlet line 80. Hereinafter, one of the two saggers 4A is referred to as a sagger 4A, and the other of the two saggers 4A is referred to as a sagger 4B. The sagger 4A passes through the first upstream connection portion 86a and moves to the second upstream connection portion 88a. The sagger 4B moves to the first upstream connection portion 86a.

[0076] Next, the sagger 4B passes through the gripping portion 47 (see Figure 2 ) moves along the conveying direction D1 on the first processing line 86 to just above the recovery container 43. Next, the sagger 4B is turned upside down so that the processed objects 6 in the sagger 4B are recovered in the recovery container 43. Next, as Fig.12 As shown, the sagger 4B is moved to the first downstream connection part 86b along the conveying direction D1 on the first processing line 86 by the movement of the holding part 47 of the recovery device 44 as the first processing device 92a. In addition, before the sagger 4B moves to the first downstream connection part 86b, the sagger 4 on the inlet line 80 moves to the first upstream connection part 86a.

[0077] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown, the sagger 4A passes through the holding portion 47 (refer to Figure 2 ) moves along the conveying direction D1 on the second processing line 88 to just above the recovery container 43. Next, the sagger 4A is turned upside down so that the processed object 6 in the sagger 4A is recovered in the recovery container 43. Next, the sagger 4A moves along the conveying direction D1 to the second downstream connection part 88b on the second processing line 88 by the movement of the holding part 47 of the recovery device 44 as the second processing device 92b. In addition, before the sagger 4A moves to the second downstream connection part 88b, the sagger 4 on the inlet line 80 moves to the second upstream connection part 88a.

[0078] In this embodiment, the sagger 4B moves on the first processing line 86, and the sagger 4A also moves on the second processing line 88. In addition, the sagger 4B is turned upside down, and the sagger 4A is also turned upside down. That is, the two saggers 4 are processed simultaneously by each processing device 92.

[0079] Finally, the sagger 4B moved from the first processing line 86 and the sagger 4A moved from the second processing line 88 move in the conveying direction D1 on the outlet line 82 .

[0080] (Effect)

[0081] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing device 92 is configured in each processing line of the first processing line 86 and the second processing line 88. Therefore, even if the processing of the processing device 92 takes time, it is processed by a plurality of processing devices 92 configured in the first processing line 86 and the second processing line 88. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the processing device 92 from reaching a bottleneck, so that a large number of saggers 4 can be processed. As a result, even when the processing amount of the saggers 4 processed in the heat treatment furnace 10 is increased, the saggers 4 can be sent from the output port 18 of the heat treatment furnace 10 to the input port 16 via the return line 12. Thus, the processing amount of the saggers 4 in the heat treatment system 2 can be increased.

[0082] (Second embodiment)

[0083] Reference Fig.13 , the second embodiment is described. In the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment are described. Fig.13 As shown, the return line 12 also includes a parallel line 112. The parallel line 112 is connected to the non-branch line 12a on the downstream side of the two non-branch lines 12a. The parallel line 112 is connected in parallel to the non-branch line 12a on the downstream side. The sagger 4 lowered by the second elevator 32 is alternately transported by the non-branch line 12a and the parallel line 112.

[0084] The cleaning unit 34 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) cleaning devices 54. One cleaning device 54 is disposed on the non-branch line 12a, and the other cleaning device 54 is disposed on the parallel line 112.

[0085] The filling section 36 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) filling devices 62. One filling device 62 is disposed on the non-branch line 12a, and the other filling device 62 is disposed on the parallel line 112.

[0086] The surface leveling section 38 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) surface leveling devices 70 . One surface leveling device 70 is disposed on the non-branch line 12 a , and the other surface leveling device 70 is disposed on the parallel line 112 .

[0087] In this embodiment, the cleaning device 54 , the filling device 62 , and the surface leveling device 70 are arranged in sequence on the non-branch line 12 a . In addition, the cleaning device 54 , the filling device 62 , and the surface leveling device 70 are arranged in sequence on the parallel line 112 .

[0088] (Third Embodiment)

[0089] Reference Fig.14 , the third embodiment is described. In the third embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment are described. Fig.14As shown, the return line 12 includes five non-branch lines 12a and four branch lines 12b. The non-branch lines 12a and the branch lines 12b are arranged alternately.

[0090] The recovery section 30 is arranged at the branch line 12b on the most upstream side among the four branch lines 12b. The cleaning section 34 is arranged at the branch line 12b on the downstream side than the branch line 12b on which the recovery section 30 is arranged. The filling section 36 is arranged at the branch line 12b on the downstream side than the branch line 12b on which the cleaning section 34 is arranged. The surface leveling section 38 is arranged at the branch line 12b on the downstream side than the branch line 12b on which the filling section 36 is arranged. The recovery section 30, the cleaning section 34, the filling section 36, and the surface leveling section 38 correspond to the processing section 42.

[0091] The cleaning section 34 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) cleaning devices 54. The cleaning device 54 corresponds to the processing device 92. The number of the plurality of cleaning devices 54 is the same as the number of the plurality of lines provided by the branch line 12b. The plurality of cleaning devices 54 processes the saggers 4 one by one. One cleaning device 54 (i.e., the first processing device 92a) is arranged on the first processing line 86, and another cleaning device 54 (i.e., the second processing device 92b) is arranged on the second processing line 88.

[0092] The filling section 36 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) filling devices 62. The filling device 62 corresponds to the processing device 92. The number of the plurality of filling devices 62 is the same as the number of the plurality of lines provided by the branch line 12b. The plurality of filling devices 62 processes the saggers 4 one by one. One filling device 62 (i.e., the first processing device 92a) is arranged on the first processing line 86, and another filling device 62 (i.e., the second processing device 92b) is arranged on the second processing line 88.

[0093] The surface leveling section 38 is provided with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) surface leveling devices 70. The surface leveling device 70 corresponds to the processing device 92. The number of the plurality of surface leveling devices 70 is the same as the number of the plurality of lines provided by the branch line 12b. The plurality of surface leveling devices 70 processes the saggers 4 one by one. One surface leveling device 70 (i.e., the first processing device 92a) is arranged on the first processing line 86, and another surface leveling device 70 (i.e., the second processing device 92b) is arranged on the second processing line 88.

[0094] (Variation Example)

[0095] The branch line 12b according to one embodiment may include three or more processing lines.

[0096] The specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification are described in detail above, however, these specific examples are only examples and do not limit the claims. The technology described in the claims includes technologies obtained by various deformations and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exert technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations recorded in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technology illustrated in this specification or the drawings achieves multiple purposes at the same time, and the technology that achieves one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.

Claims

1. A heat treatment system comprising: A heat treatment furnace having an input port and an output port, and having an internal space in which a plurality of saggers are transported from the input port toward the output port; A return line, which is arranged outside the heat treatment furnace and transports the plurality of saggers from the output port to the input port; as well as a processing unit, which is arranged on the return line and processes the sagger on the return line, The return line has: a first processing line, which transports the sagger; a second processing line, which is arranged in parallel with the first processing line and transports the sagger; an inlet line connected to the first processing line and the second processing line and arranged upstream of the return line than the first processing line and the second processing line; as well as an outlet line connected to the first processing line and the second processing line and arranged downstream of the return line than the first processing line and the second processing line, The processing unit comprises: a first processing device, which processes the saggers on the first processing line; as well as A second processing device processes the saggers on the second processing line.

2. The heat treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The first processing line is arranged substantially parallel to the second processing line.

3. The heat treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: The first processing line is arranged substantially orthogonal to the inlet line and the outlet line, respectively. The second processing line is arranged substantially orthogonal to the inlet line and the outlet line.

4. The heat treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: The length of the first processing line is substantially the same as the length of the second processing line.

5. The heat treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first processing device and the second processing device are respectively selected from the group including a recovery device for turning the sagger over to recover the processed objects in the sagger, a cleaning device for cleaning the sagger, a filling device for filling the sagger with the processed objects, and a surface leveling device for leveling the surface of the processed objects in the sagger.

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