Continuous processing furnace

Abstract

To provide a continuous processing furnace superior in energy efficiency and improving stability of the atmosphere.SOLUTION: A continuous processing furnace 10 which continuously transports and processes a processed material S includes: an entrance 1; an exit 2; and a transportation device 3 that transports the processed material S from the entrance 1 to the exit 2. A transport route 31 of the transportation device 3 is inclined upward from the entrance 1 toward a first middle part 311 located between the entrance 1 and the exit 2 and is inclined downward from a second middle part 312 to the exit 2, the second middle part being located between the entrance 1 and the exit 2, and being identical with the first middle part 311 or located on a side of the exit 2 relative to the first middle part 311.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous processing furnace for continuously conveying and processing a material to be processed.

Background Art

[0002] As a continuous processing furnace for continuously conveying and processing a material to be processed, conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a configuration in which the conveying path along which the material to be processed is conveyed is horizontal has been disclosed. Further, as shown in Patent Document 2, a configuration in which a one-way inclination (inclined downward toward the outlet) is provided in the conveying path has also been disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in a continuous processing furnace, energy loss and disturbance of the atmosphere due to the inflow of outside air from the inlet and outlet and the discharge of high-temperature air inside the furnace are problems. For example, in Patent Document 1, measures are taken to make the vertical length of the inlet as small as possible, but further measures for the inflow and outflow of air at the inlet and outlet are necessary. Further, in Patent Document 2, since the outlet is at a higher position than the inlet, the high-temperature air inside the furnace is likely to be discharged from the outlet, and correspondingly, the low-temperature outside air is likely to flow into the furnace, resulting in a large energy loss inside the furnace and a problem that the temperature inside the furnace is difficult to stabilize.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a continuous processing furnace that further reduces the inflow and outflow of air at the inlet and outlet, has better energy efficiency, and improves the stability of the atmosphere.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention is a continuous processing furnace for continuously conveying and processing a material to be processed, an inlet, an outlet, and a conveying device for conveying the material to be processed from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the conveying path of the conveying device is inclined upward from the inlet toward a first intermediate portion located between the inlet and the outlet, and is inclined downward from a second intermediate portion, which is located between the inlet and the outlet and coincides with the first intermediate portion or is located on the outlet side of the first intermediate portion, toward the outlet.

[0007] According to the above configuration, since the conveying path is inclined upward from the inlet toward the first intermediate portion and inclined downward from the second intermediate portion toward the outlet, the vertical positions of the inlet and the outlet can be lowered with respect to the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion. As a result, the high-temperature air in the furnace is less likely to be discharged outside the furnace, and the air outside the furnace is less likely to enter the furnace, making it easier to stabilize the temperature and atmosphere in the furnace.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a continuous processing furnace with more excellent energy efficiency and improved atmosphere stability.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a continuous processing furnace 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the continuous processing furnace 10 includes an inlet 1 for loading a workpiece S into the continuous processing furnace 10, an outlet 2 for unloading the workpiece S from the continuous processing furnace 10, and a conveying device 3 for conveying the workpiece S from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2.

[0011] The conveying device 3 includes a conveying path (rail) 31 on which the workpiece S is placed, and a conveyor 32 for moving the workpiece S on the conveying path 31. The conveyor 32 has a plurality of claws 321 at equal intervals, and by operating the conveyor 32 while supporting the workpiece S with the claws 321, the workpiece S is rotated and moved on the conveying path 31.

[0012] The conveying path 31 has a first intermediate portion 311 and a second intermediate portion 312 between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2. The conveying path 31 is inclined upward from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311, and is inclined downward from the second intermediate portion 312 toward the outlet 2. In the present embodiment, the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 coincide. Here, the inclined path from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311 is referred to as a first inclined path 4, and the inclined path from the second intermediate portion 312 toward the outlet 2 is referred to as a second inclined path 5.

[0013] A first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 with respect to the horizontal direction is equal to a second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5 with respect to the horizontal direction, and the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 are located at the horizontal center between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2. Therefore, the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 are the same.

[0014] The workpiece S has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and the first inclined path 4 and the second inclined path 5 have an inclination angle sufficient for the workpiece S to roll naturally. The first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 and the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5 are usually 5 degrees or more, and preferably about 5 to 10 degrees.

[0015] Above the conveyance path 31, an upper wall 6 that constitutes the ceiling of the continuous processing furnace 10 is provided. In the front portion 61 facing the first inclined path 4, the upper wall 6 is inclined upward from the inlet 1 side toward the first intermediate portion 311 side so as to correspond to the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4. Further, in the rear portion 62 facing the second inclined path 5, the upper wall 6 is inclined downward from the second intermediate portion 312 side toward the outlet 2 side so as to correspond to the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5. The inclination angle θ3 of the front portion 61 with respect to the horizontal direction is substantially equal to the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4, and the inclination angle θ4 of the rear portion 62 with respect to the horizontal direction is substantially equal to the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5. Here, since the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 is equal to the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5, the inclination angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 are substantially equal. The inclination angle θ3 of the front portion 61 and the inclination angle θ4 of the rear portion 62 are usually 5 degrees or more, and preferably about 5 to 10 degrees.

[0016] The vertical distance (inlet opening height) H1 of the inlet 1 is defined by the upper end of the conveyance path 31 and the lower end of the front portion 61 of the upper wall 6 at the inlet 1. The vertical distance H1 of the inlet 1 is slightly larger than the height of the claw 321 of the conveyor 32 and the height of the workpiece S to be processed. Also, the vertical distance (outlet opening height) H2 of the outlet 2 is defined by the upper end of the conveyance path 31 and the lower end of the rear portion 62 of the upper wall 6 at the outlet 2. The vertical distance H2 of the outlet 2 is also slightly larger than the height of the claw 321 of the conveyor 32 and the height of the workpiece S to be processed. That is, at the inlet 1 and the outlet 2, the vertical distances H1 and H2 are sized such that the claw 321 of the conveyor 32 and the workpiece S supported between the claws 321 can pass through.

[0017] Above the transfer path 31 and below the upper wall 6, a burner 7 for heat-treating the workpiece S and a cooler (such as a cooling tube) 8 for cooling the workpiece S are arranged. In the continuous treatment furnace 10, after the workpiece S is heat-treated by the burner 7, it is then cooled by the cooler 8. Generally, the burner 7 is arranged below the front portion 61, and the cooler 8 is arranged below the rear portion 62. Note that the second intermediate portion 312 is located at a position corresponding to the cooler 8 in the vertical direction. That is, when the workpiece S is transferred on the second inclined path 5, the workpiece S is cooled by the cooler 8. And when the first intermediate portion 311 coincides with the second intermediate portion 312, the first intermediate portion 311 is also located at a position corresponding to the cooler 8 in the vertical direction.

[0018] (Treatment of Workpiece S by Continuous Treatment Furnace 10) The workpiece S is carried into the continuous treatment furnace 10 from the inlet 1. The workpiece S is placed on the transfer path 31 and supported by the claws 321 of the conveyor 32. Since the first inclined path 4 slopes upward from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311, when the workpiece S is conveyed from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311 by the conveyor 32, on the rear side (inlet side) of the workpiece S, the workpiece S always rolls forward along the first inclined path 4 while contacting the claws 321 of the conveyor 32. The rotational speed of the workpiece S on the transfer path 31 becomes constant with the moving speed of the conveyor 32 as the circumferential speed. Since the burner 7 is arranged above the first inclined path 4, the workpiece S is heated by the burner 7 in a state where the rotational speed is constant, and the workpiece S is uniformly heat-treated.

[0019] When the material to be processed S reaches the first intermediate part 311 and is conveyed from the first intermediate part 311 and the second intermediate part 312 toward the outlet 2, since the second inclined path 5 inclines downward from the second intermediate part 312 toward the outlet 2, on the front side (outlet side) of the material to be processed S, the material to be processed S always rolls and advances along the second inclined path 5 while being in contact with the claws 321 of the conveyor 32, and the rotational speed of the material to be processed S on the conveying path 31 becomes constant with the moving speed of the conveyor 32 as the peripheral speed. Since the cooler 8 is arranged above the second inclined path 5, the material to be processed S is cooled by the cooler 8 in a state where the rotational speed is constant, and the material to be processed S is cooled uniformly.

[0020] Then, the material to be processed S is carried out of the continuous processing furnace 10 from the outlet 2. Here, since the vertical position of the inlet 1 and the vertical position of the outlet 2 are the same, no chimney effect occurs between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 in the continuous processing furnace 10, and the effect that the high-temperature air in the continuous processing furnace 10 is easily discharged to the outside of the continuous processing furnace 10 does not occur.

[0021] Note that the vertical distance H1 between the conveying path 31 and the front part 61 of the upper wall 6 at the inlet 1 is slightly larger than the height of the claws 321 of the conveyor 32 and the height of the material to be processed S. Also, the first inclined path 4 inclines upward from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate part 311, that is, the vertical position of the inlet 1 is lower than that of the first intermediate part 311. As a result, the high-temperature air in the continuous processing furnace 10 is difficult to be discharged to the outside from the inlet 1, and the low-temperature outside air is difficult to penetrate into the continuous processing furnace 10 from the inlet 1.

[0022] Similarly, the vertical distance H2 between the conveying path 31 and the rear part 62 of the upper wall 6 at the outlet 2 is slightly larger than the height of the claws 321 of the conveyor 32 and the height of the material to be processed S. Also, the second inclined path 5 inclines downward from the second intermediate part 312 toward the outlet 2, that is, the vertical position of the outlet 2 is lower than that of the second intermediate part 312. As a result, the high-temperature air in the continuous processing furnace 10 is difficult to be discharged to the outside from the outlet 2, and the low-temperature outside air is difficult to penetrate into the continuous processing furnace 10 from the outlet 2.

[0023] According to the continuous processing furnace 10 with the above structure, the following effects can be achieved.

[0024] (1) Since the conveyance path 31 is inclined upward from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311 and inclined downward from the second intermediate portion 312 toward the outlet 2, the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 can be lowered. As a result, the high-temperature air inside the furnace is less likely to be discharged outside the furnace, and the low-temperature air outside the furnace is less likely to enter the furnace, making it easier to stabilize the temperature and atmosphere inside the furnace.

[0025] (2) When the cylindrical workpiece S is conveyed from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2 while being rotated, the rotation speed of the workpiece S will temporarily change when the workpiece S is transferred from the first inclined path 4 inclined upward to the second inclined path 5 inclined downward. Here, the second intermediate portion 312 is located at a position corresponding to the cooler 8 in the vertical direction. That is, when the workpiece S is conveyed along the second inclined path 5, the workpiece S is cooled by the cooler 8. Therefore, by performing the heat treatment of the workpiece S at the time of transferring the workpiece S from the first inclined path 4 to the second inclined path 5 as a cooling treatment instead of a heating treatment, the influence on the heat treatment due to the rotational change of the workpiece S can be mitigated.

[0026] (3) Since the upper wall 6 is inclined downward toward the inlet 1 in the vicinity of the inlet 1 and inclined downward toward the outlet 2 in the vicinity of the outlet 2, the high-temperature air inside the furnace is less likely to be discharged outside the furnace, and the air outside the furnace is less likely to enter the furnace, making it easier to stabilize the temperature and atmosphere inside the furnace.

[0027] (4) By making the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 the same as the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5, the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 coincide, so that the discharge of the high-temperature air inside the continuous processing furnace 10 to the outside of the furnace can be suppressed, and the intrusion of the air outside the furnace into the furnace can also be suppressed.

[0028] (5) The upper wall 6 is inclined upward so as to correspond to the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 in the portion facing the first inclined path 4, and is inclined downward so as to correspond to the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5 in the portion facing the second inclined path 5. Therefore, the vertical distance between the conveyance path 31 and the upper wall 6 is constant from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2, further suppressing the discharge of the high-temperature air in the furnace to the outside of the furnace, and further suppressing the intrusion of the air outside the furnace into the furnace.

[0029] In the above embodiment, the upper wall 6 is inclined upward so as to correspond to the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 in the portion facing the first inclined path 4, and is inclined downward so as to correspond to the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5 in the portion facing the second inclined path 5. However, the upper wall 6 may be inclined downward only in the vicinity of the inlet 1 toward the inlet 1 and inclined downward only in the vicinity of the outlet 2 toward the outlet 2. Further, a space portion protruding upward may be formed in the upper wall 6 so that the burner 7 and the cooler 8 can be easily arranged, and the burner 7 and the cooler 8 may be arranged in the space portion. Further, the upper wall 6 may be parallel to the horizontal plane regardless of the shape of the conveyance path 31. By making the upper wall 6 horizontal, the overall shape of the continuous processing furnace 10 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the continuous processing furnace 10 can be reduced.

[0030] In the above embodiment, the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 is equal to the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5, and since the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 are at the horizontal center between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2, the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 are the same. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4 and the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5 may be different, and the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 may be located somewhere between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 instead of at the horizontal center between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2. Even with such a configuration, compared with the case where the conveying path 31 is provided with an inclination in one direction (for example, inclined downward toward the outlet), the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 can be made closer, but it is more preferable that the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 coincide. In FIG. 2, the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5 is made larger than the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4, and the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 are located on the outlet 2 side from the horizontal center between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2. And the inclination angle θ3 of the front portion 61 of the upper wall 6 with respect to the horizontal direction is approximately equal to the first inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined path 4, and the inclination angle θ4 of the rear portion 62 with respect to the horizontal direction is approximately equal to the second inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined path 5.

[0031] (Another Embodiment) In the above embodiment, the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 coincide, but the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312 do not have to coincide.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the continuous processing furnace 10 in another embodiment according to the present invention, in which the second intermediate portion 312 is provided on the outlet 2 side with respect to the first intermediate portion 311. In another embodiment, the shape of the conveying path 31 and the shape of the upper wall 6 are different from those in the above embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those in the above embodiment. For this reason, in the description of another embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in the above embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the conveyance path 31 has a first intermediate portion 311 and a second intermediate portion 312 between the inlet 1 and the outlet 2. And a horizontal path 313 is provided between the first intermediate portion 311 and the second intermediate portion 312. The conveyance path 31 is inclined upward from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311, a horizontal path 313 extending horizontally from the first intermediate portion 311 toward the second intermediate portion 312 is provided, and it is inclined downward from the second intermediate portion 312 toward the outlet 2. The inclined path from the inlet 1 toward the first intermediate portion 311 is referred to as the first inclined path 41, and the inclined path from the second intermediate portion 312 toward the outlet 2 is referred to as the second inclined path 51.

[0034] The inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41 with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51 with respect to the horizontal direction. However, the horizontal distance X1 of the first inclined path 41 is longer than the horizontal distance X2 of the second inclined path 51, and as a result, the vertical positions of the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 are the same.

[0035] The material to be processed S has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and the first inclined path 41 and the second inclined path 51 have an inclination angle sufficient for the material to be processed S to roll naturally. The inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41 and the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51 are usually 5 degrees or more, and preferably, the inclination angle θ11 is about 5 to 7 degrees, and the inclination angle θ21 is about 7 to 10 degrees.

[0036] Above the transfer path 31, an upper wall 60 that forms the ceiling of the continuous processing furnace 10 is provided. In the front portion 601 facing the first inclined path 41, the upper wall 60 is inclined upward from the inlet 1 side toward the first intermediate portion 311 side so as to correspond to the inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41. Further, in the rear portion 602 facing the second inclined path 51, the upper wall 60 is inclined downward from the second intermediate portion 312 side toward the outlet 2 side so as to correspond to the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51. The inclination angle θ31 of the front portion 601 with respect to the horizontal direction is substantially equal to the inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41, and the inclination angle θ41 of the rear portion 602 with respect to the horizontal direction is substantially equal to the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51. And the intermediate portion 603 of the upper wall 60 facing the horizontal path 313 is horizontal. Here, since the inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41 is smaller than the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51, the inclination angle θ31 of the front portion 601 is smaller than the inclination angle θ41 of the rear portion 602. The inclination angle θ31 of the front portion 601 and the inclination angle θ41 of the rear portion 602 are usually 5 degrees or more, and preferably, the inclination angle θ31 is about 5 to 7 degrees, and the inclination angle θ41 is about 7 to 10 degrees.

[0037] According to the above configuration, by making the second inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51 larger than the first inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41, when the cylindrical workpiece S is conveyed from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2 while being rotated in the transfer path 31, the workpiece S can be smoothly transferred from the first inclined path 41 inclined upward to the second inclined path 51 inclined downward. Further, by providing the horizontal path 313 between the first inclined path 41 and the second inclined path 51, the transfer of the workpiece S from the first inclined path 41 to the second inclined path 51 can be performed more smoothly.

[0038] The upper wall 6 slopes upward corresponding to the first inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41 in the portion facing the first inclined path 41, and slopes downward corresponding to the second inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51 in the portion facing the second inclined path 51. The intermediate portion 603 facing the horizontal path 313 is horizontal. As a result, the vertical distance between the conveyance path 31 and the upper wall 6 is constant from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2, further suppressing the discharge of high-temperature air in the furnace to the outside of the furnace, and further suppressing the intrusion of outside air into the furnace.

[0039] In the above-described another embodiment, the upper wall 60 slopes upward corresponding to the inclination angle θ11 of the first inclined path 41 in the portion facing the first inclined path 41, and slopes downward corresponding to the inclination angle θ21 of the second inclined path 51 in the portion facing the second inclined path 51. However, the continuous processing furnace 10 may have a different form from the another embodiment and the upper wall 60. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a continuous processing furnace 10 having a different form from the another embodiment and the upper wall. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper wall 60 may include an inlet vicinity portion 604 that slopes downward toward the inlet 1 only in the vicinity of the inlet 1, an outlet vicinity portion 605 that slopes downward toward the outlet 2 only in the vicinity of the outlet 2, and an intermediate portion 606 between the inlet vicinity portion 604 and the outlet vicinity portion 605. In this case, the intermediate portion 606 is horizontal.

[0040] Further, a space portion protruding upward is formed in the upper wall 60 so that the burner 7 and the cooler 8 can be easily arranged, and the burner 7 and the cooler 8 may be arranged in the space portion. The upper wall 60 may be parallel to the horizontal plane regardless of the shape of the conveyance path 31. By making the upper wall 6 horizontal, the overall shape of the continuous processing furnace 10 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the continuous processing furnace 10 can be reduced.

[0041] Summarizing the present invention and the embodiments, it is as follows.

[0042] (1) One embodiment of the present invention is a continuous processing furnace for continuously conveying and processing a workpiece, an inlet, an outlet, A conveying device for conveying the workpiece from the inlet to the outlet, and the like. The conveying path of the conveying device is inclined upward from the inlet toward a first intermediate portion located between the inlet and the outlet, and is located between the inlet and the outlet, and is inclined downward from a second intermediate portion that coincides with the first intermediate portion or is located on the outlet side of the first intermediate portion toward the outlet.

[0043] According to the configuration (1), since the conveying path is inclined upward from the inlet toward the first intermediate portion and inclined downward from the second intermediate portion toward the outlet, the vertical positions of the inlet and the outlet can be lowered. As a result, the high-temperature air in the furnace is less likely to be discharged outside the furnace, and the air outside the furnace is less likely to enter the furnace, making it easier to stabilize the temperature and atmosphere in the furnace.

[0044] (2) In the configuration (1), the second inclination angle of the second inclined path from the second intermediate portion to the outlet with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than the first inclination angle of the first inclined path from the inlet to the first intermediate portion with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0045] According to the configuration (2), by making the second inclination angle of the second inclined path larger than the first inclination angle of the first inclined path, when conveying a cylindrical workpiece from the inlet to the outlet while rotating it in the conveying path, the workpiece can be smoothly transferred from the first inclined path inclined upward to the second inclined path inclined downward.

[0046] (3) In the configuration (1) or (2), the continuous processing furnace includes a heater for heating the workpiece and a cooler for cooling the heated workpiece, and the second intermediate portion is located at a position corresponding to the cooler in the vertical direction.

[0047] According to the above configuration (3), when a cylindrical workpiece is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet while being rotated, when the workpiece is transferred from the first inclined path that slopes upward to the second inclined path that slopes downward, the rotational speed of the workpiece temporarily changes. Therefore, at this time, instead of heat treatment, the heat treatment of the workpiece is performed as a cooling treatment, so that the influence of the heat treatment due to the rotational change of the workpiece can be mitigated.

[0048] (4) In any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), the continuous treatment furnace includes an upper wall above the conveying device. The upper wall slopes downward toward the inlet in the vicinity of the inlet, and slopes downward toward the outlet in the vicinity of the outlet.

[0049] According to the above configuration (4), by inclining the upper wall downward toward the inlet in the vicinity of the inlet and downward toward the outlet in the vicinity of the outlet, the high-temperature air in the furnace is less likely to be discharged outside the furnace, and the air outside the furnace is less likely to enter the furnace, making it easier to stabilize the temperature and atmosphere in the furnace.

[0050] Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims, various modifications and changes can also be made.

Industrial Applicability

[0051] In the present invention, since a continuous treatment furnace with more excellent energy efficiency and improved atmosphere stability can be provided, the industrial utility value is great.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 1 Inlet 2 Outlet 3 Conveying device 31 Conveying path 311 First intermediate part 312 Second intermediate part 313 Horizontal path 32 Conveyor 321 Claw 4 First inclined path 41 First inclined path 5 Second inclined path 51 Second inclined path 6 Upper wall 61 Front part, 62 Rear part 60 Upper wall 601 Front part, 602 Rear part, 603 Middle part 604 Near - entrance part, 605 Near - exit part, 606 Middle part 7 Burner 8 Cooler 10 Continuous processing furnace S Material to be processed

Claims

1. A continuous treatment furnace for continuously transporting and treating materials to be treated, The entrance and The exit, a conveying device that conveys the material to be treated from the inlet to the outlet, A continuous processing furnace, wherein the transport path of the transport device slopes upward from the entrance toward a first intermediate section located between the entrance and the exit, and slopes downward from a second intermediate section located between the entrance and the exit and coinciding with the first intermediate section or located closer to the exit than the first intermediate section, toward the exit.

2. 2. The continuous processing furnace according to claim 1, wherein a second inclination angle of the second ramp from the second intermediate section to the outlet with respect to a horizontal plane is greater than a first inclination angle of the first ramp from the inlet to the first intermediate section with respect to a horizontal plane.

3. The continuous treatment furnace as described in claim 1, which is equipped with a heater for heating the material to be treated and a cooler for cooling the heated material to be treated, and the second intermediate portion is located at a position corresponding to the cooler in the vertical direction.

4. The continuous processing furnace has an upper wall above the conveying device, 4. The continuous processing furnace according to claim 1, wherein the upper wall is inclined downward toward the inlet in the vicinity of the inlet, and is inclined downward toward the outlet in the vicinity of the outlet.

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