Heat treatment system

Abstract

To provide a technique which can suppress foreign matters from entering saggers.SOLUTION: A heat treatment system comprises: a heat treatment furnace which has a carry-in port and a carry-out port and has an internal space through which plural saggers are conveyed from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port; and a return line which is arranged at the outside of the heat treatment furnace and conveys the saggers from the carry-out port to the carry-in port. The return line comprises a first mounting part which can mount the saggers. The heat treatment system comprises: a movement apparatus which moves the first mounting part; and a first separation part which separates a first space to be disposed with the first mounting part and a second space to be disposed with the movement apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a continuous firing system. The continuous firing system includes a continuous firing furnace that fires an object to be processed in a sagger, and a circulation line that circulates the sagger with respect to the continuous firing furnace. The circulation line includes a conveying device that conveys the sagger and a hood. The hood isolates a circulation space extending from the carry-out port to the carry-in port of the continuous firing furnace from the external space. In the circulation space, a removal device that removes a lid from the sagger and a reversing device that reverses the sagger are arranged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the removal device or the reversing device operates, foreign matters such as wear powder may be generated. In the above heat treatment system, since the removal device and the reversing device are arranged in the circulation space, the generated foreign matters may enter the sagger.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology capable of suppressing foreign matters from entering the sagger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, a heat treatment system includes a heat treatment furnace having a carry-in port and a carry-out port, and an internal space in which a plurality of crucibles are conveyed from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port, and a return line disposed outside the heat treatment furnace for sending the plurality of crucibles from the carry-out port to the carry-in port. The return line includes a first placement portion on which the crucibles can be placed. The heat treatment system includes a moving device for moving the first placement portion, and a first isolation portion for isolating a first space in which the first placement portion is disposed and a second space in which the moving device is disposed.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the moving device is disposed in a second space different from the first space in which the crucibles are disposed. Therefore, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated from the moving device by driving the moving device, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the first space. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the crucible.

[0008] In a seventh aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, a heat treatment system includes a heat treatment furnace having a carry-in port and a carry-out port, and an internal space in which a plurality of crucibles are conveyed from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port, a return line disposed outside the heat treatment furnace for sending the plurality of crucibles from the carry-out port to the carry-in port, and an operating device for performing a predetermined operation on the crucibles on the return line. The return line includes a placement portion on which the crucibles can be placed. The heat treatment system includes an isolation portion for isolating a first space in which the placement portion is disposed and a second space different from the first space. The operating device includes a cylinder rod that moves forward and backward with respect to the crucible, and a cylinder body disposed in the second space, slidably supporting the cylinder rod, and driving the cylinder rod. A part of the cylinder rod is disposed in the first space.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the cylinder body is disposed in a second space different from the first space where the sagger is disposed. Therefore, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated from the cylinder body due to the operation of the cylinder body, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the first space. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the sagger.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0011] List the main features of the embodiments described below. Note that the technical elements described below are each independent technical elements, which exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing.

[0012] In a second aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in the above first aspect, the first isolation part is fixed to the first placement part and is a casing that covers the first placement part. The moving device is fixed to the casing and is a lifter that raises and lowers the casing. According to the above configuration, the first placement part and the crucible on the first placement part are covered by the casing (first isolation part), and the lifter is arranged outside the casing. Therefore, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated from the lifter, it is possible to suppress the generated foreign matters from entering the inside of the casing. Thereby, it is possible to suppress foreign matters from entering the crucible.

[0013] In a third aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in the above second aspect, the first placement parts are arranged side by side in a first direction and include a plurality of rollers that enable the crucible to move in the first direction. The casing includes a main body extending in the first direction, an inlet arranged at one end of the main body in the first direction, an outlet arranged at the other end of the main body in the first direction, an inlet shutter capable of opening and closing the inlet, and an outlet shutter capable of opening and closing the outlet. According to the above configuration, by closing the inlet with the inlet shutter and closing the outlet with the outlet shutter, it is possible to suppress foreign matters from entering the inside of the casing. Thereby, it is possible to suppress foreign matters from entering the crucible.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the return line further includes a second placement portion on which the sagger can be placed. The heat treatment system further includes an operating device that performs a predetermined operation on the sagger placed on the second placement portion, and a second isolation portion. The operating device includes a cylinder rod that moves forward and backward with respect to the sagger, and a cylinder body that slidably supports the cylinder rod and drives the cylinder rod. The second isolation portion isolates a third space in which a part of the cylinder rod is disposed from a fourth space in which the cylinder body is disposed. According to the above configuration, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated from the cylinder body when the cylinder body drives the cylinder rod, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the third space. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the sagger.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in the fourth aspect described above, the heat treatment system further includes a rod cover that is disposed in the third space and at least partially covers the cylinder rod. Foreign matters such as wear powder generated from the cylinder body may pass through the gap between the cylinder body and the cylinder rod. According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters that have passed through the gap between the cylinder body and the cylinder rod from flowing out to the outside of the rod cover. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the foreign matters from entering the sagger.

[0016] In the sixth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, the contact portion of the first placement portion contacts the crucible and is made of a resin material or ceramics. When the crucible moves on the first placement portion, foreign matters such as wear powder may be generated from the first placement portion. In a configuration where the placement portion is made of a metal material, metal foreign matters are generated, and the quality of the object to be processed deteriorates when the metal foreign matters enter the crucible. In the above configuration, foreign matters such as wear powder made of resin or ceramics are generated from the contact portion of the first placement portion. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the first placement portion is made of a metal material, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of the object to be processed that occurs when foreign matters enter the crucible.

[0017] (Example) As shown in FIG. 1, the heat treatment system 2 includes a heat treatment furnace 10, an in-furnace transfer device 12, and a return line 14.

[0018] The heat treatment furnace 10 bakes, that is, heat-treats, the object to be processed 6 (see FIG. 2) filled in the crucible 4 by the heat generation of a heater (not shown). The object to be processed 6 is, for example, a raw material of a ceramic capacitor or a positive electrode material and a negative electrode material of a lithium ion battery.

[0019] The heat treatment furnace 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped heat insulating structure. The heat treatment furnace 10 has an internal space 16 inside. The heat treatment furnace 10 also has a carry-in port 18 disposed at one end of the heat treatment furnace 10 and a carry-out port 20 disposed at the other end of the heat treatment furnace 10. The internal space 16 communicates with the outside of the heat treatment furnace 10 through the carry-in port 18 and the carry-out port 20, respectively.

[0020] The in-furnace transfer device 12 is disposed in the internal space 16. The crucible 4 can be placed on the in-furnace transfer device 12. The in-furnace transfer device 12 conveys a plurality of crucibles 4 in the conveyance direction D1. As a result, the plurality of crucibles 4 are carried into the internal space 16 from the external space of the heat treatment furnace 10 through the carry-in port 18, conveyed in the internal space 16 from the carry-in port 18 toward the carry-out port 20, and then carried out from the internal space 16 to the external space of the heat treatment furnace 10 through the carry-out port 20.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the in-furnace transport device 12 is a conveyor 26 equipped with a plurality of rollers 24. Both ends of each roller 24 are rotatably supported. The sagger 4 is placed on the plurality of rollers 24. The plurality of rollers 24 are aligned in the transport direction D1. As the plurality of rollers 24 rotate, the sagger 4 moves on the conveyor 26 in the transport direction D1.

[0022] The roller 24 includes a non-contact portion 30 and one or more (two in this embodiment) contact portions 32. The non-contact portion 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The non-contact portion 30 is made of a metal material. This increases the strength of the roller 24. In a modified example, the non-contact portion 30 may be made of ceramics. The contact portion 32 covers a part of the outer circumferential surface of the non-contact portion 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the two contact portions 32 are spaced apart from each other. The contact portion 32 is made of a resin material or ceramics. The resin material is, for example, nylon, polyethylene, or polyether ether ketone. The ceramic is, for example, alumina or mullite. The material of the contact portion 32 is, for example, the same as the material of the non-contact portion 30. When the sagger 4 moves on the conveyor 26, the sagger 4 comes into contact with the contact portion 32, and foreign matter such as wear powder made of resin or ceramics may be generated from the roller 24. As compared with the case where the foreign matter is made of metal, even if the foreign matter gets mixed into the object to be treated 6 in the sagger 4, the quality of the object to be treated 6 is prevented from being deteriorated.

[0023] 1, the return line 14 is disposed outside the heat treatment furnace 10. The return line 14 transports the plurality of saggers 4 in a transport direction D1, thereby sending the saggers 4 from the discharge outlet 20 to the discharge inlet 18.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the return line 14 is a conveyor 38 equipped with a plurality of rollers 36, similar to the in-furnace transport device 12. Both ends of each roller 36 are rotatably supported. The saggers 4 are placed on the rollers 36. The rollers 36 are aligned in the transport direction D1. As the rollers 36 rotate, the saggers 4 move on the conveyor 38 in the transport direction D1.

[0025] The roller 36 includes a non-contact portion 42 and one or more (two in this embodiment) contact portions 44. The configuration of the non-contact portion 42 is substantially the same as that of the non-contact portion 30. The configuration of the contact portion 44 is substantially the same as that of the contact portion 32. Specifically, the contact portion 44 covers a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 36. The crucible 4 comes into contact with the contact portion 44 when moving on the conveyor 38. Also, the material of the contact portion 44 is, for example, the same as that of the contact portion 32. Therefore, even when foreign matters such as wear powder made of resin or ceramics are generated from the contact portion 44 by transporting the crucible 4, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of the workpiece 6 due to the mixing of foreign matters as compared with the case where the foreign matters are made of metal.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat treatment system 2 includes a cooling device 50, a crushing device 52, a first lifter 54, a recovery device 56, a second lifter 58, a cleaning device 60, a crack detection device 62, a filling device 64, and a control device 66. The cooling device 50, the crushing device 52, the first lifter 54, the recovery device 56, the second lifter 58, the cleaning device 60, the crack detection device 62, and the filling device 64 are arranged on the return line 14 and are arranged in order from the upstream to the downstream of the return line 14 (i.e., in the transport direction D1).

[0027] The cooling device 50 is configured such that the crucible 4 can pass through the inside. The cooling device 50 cools the crucible 4 and the workpiece 6 (see FIG. 2) filled in the crucible 4 with a refrigerant (for example, air or water) flowing through a cooling pipe (not shown).

[0028] The crushing device 52 crushes the workpiece 6 (see FIG. 2) after firing filled in the crucible 4, for example, by piercing pins into the workpiece 6.

[0029] The first lifter 54 raises the crucible 4. In a modified example, the first lifter 54 may lower the crucible 4. The configuration of the first lifter 54 will be described in detail later.

[0030] The recovery device 56 turns the crucible 4 lifted by the first lifter 54 upside down vertically. As a result, the object to be processed 6 (see FIG. 2) is discharged from the crucible 4 and recovered.

[0031] The second lifter 58 lowers the crucible 4 after the object to be processed 6 has been discharged. In a modified example, the second lifter 58 may raise the crucible 4 after the object to be processed 6 has been discharged. The configuration of the second lifter 58 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The cleaning device 60 cleans the crucible 4. As a result, the object to be processed 6 remaining in the crucible 4 is removed from the crucible 4.

[0033] The crack detection device 62 detects the locations where the crucible 4 is cracked or chipped.

[0034] The filling device 64 fills the crucible 4 with the object to be processed 6.

[0035] The control device 66 controls the cooling device 50, the crushing device 52, the first lifter 54, the recovery device 56, the second lifter 58, the cleaning device 60, the crack detection device 62, and the filling device 64. Further, the control device 66 controls the heat treatment furnace 10, the in-furnace transfer device 12, the conveyor 26, and the conveyor 38.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, the first lifter 54 and the second lifter 58 will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first lifter 54 is substantially the same as the configuration of the second lifter 58. For this reason, the first lifter 54 and the second lifter 58 are collectively referred to as the lifter 70.

[0037] First, the detailed configuration of the conveyor 38 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the conveyor 38 includes a lifter conveyor 74, an upstream conveyor 76, and a downstream conveyor 78. A plurality of crucibles 4 can be placed on the lifter conveyor 74. The lifter conveyor 74 is lifted and lowered by a lifter 70. The upstream conveyor 76 is disposed upstream of the return line 14 from the lifter conveyor 74. The downstream conveyor 78 is disposed downstream of the return line 14 from the lifter conveyor 74. Each of the upstream conveyor 76 and the downstream conveyor 78 is surrounded by a conveyor cover 120 described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the vertical position of the downstream conveyor 78 is different from the vertical position of the upstream conveyor 76. Specifically, when the lifter 70 is the first lifter 54, the downstream conveyor 78 is disposed above the upstream conveyor 76. In a modified example, when the lifter 70 is the first lifter 54, the downstream conveyor 78 may be disposed below the upstream conveyor 76. Also, when the lifter 70 is the second lifter 58, the downstream conveyor 78 is disposed below the upstream conveyor 76. In a modified example, when the lifter 70 is the second lifter 58, the downstream conveyor 78 may be disposed above the upstream conveyor 76. Note that the vertical direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction D1.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lifter 70 includes a lifter portion 82 and a drive portion 84. The lifter portion 82 includes a chain 86. The lifter portion 82 raises and lowers a lifting object (for example, the lifter conveyor 74) when the chain 86 is driven. The drive portion 84 drives the chain 86. The drive portion 84 is controlled by the control device 66.

[0039] The heat treatment system 2 includes a casing 90, an inlet shutter drive device 92, and an outlet shutter drive device 94.

[0040] The casing 90 has a conveyor 74 for lifters and a storage space 98 for accommodating the crucibles 4 on the conveyor 74 for lifters. The casing 90 separates the storage space 98 from an external space 100 disposed outside the casing 90. A lifter 70 is disposed in the external space 100. The casing 90 includes a main body 104, an inlet 106, an outlet 108, an inlet shutter 110, and an outlet shutter 112.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the main body 104 is vertically movably attached to the lifter portion 82. As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 104 has a box shape extending in the conveying direction D1. The main body 104 rotatably supports both ends of each roller 36 of the conveyor 74 for lifters. As shown in FIG. 6, the roller 36 is driven by a roller driving device 116 via a transmission portion 114. The transmission portion 114 is disposed in the storage space 98. The transmission portion 114 is surrounded by a transmission portion cover 115. Thereby, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated by the driving of the transmission portion 114, it is suppressed that the foreign matters come out of the transmission portion cover 115. As a result, it is suppressed that the foreign matters enter the crucible 4. The roller driving device 116 is fixed to the main body 104. The roller driving device 116 is disposed in the external space 100. The roller driving device 116 is controlled by the control device 66. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the illustration of the roller driving device 116 is omitted.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the inlet 106 is disposed at one end of the main body 104 in the conveying direction D1.

[0043] The outlet 108 is disposed at the other end of the main body 104 in the conveying direction D1. The outlet 108 faces the inlet 106.

[0044] The inlet shutter 110 is disposed at the inlet 106. The inlet shutter 110 is attached to the main body 104 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The inlet shutter 110 moves between an open position (see FIG. 8) and a closed position. The inlet shutter 110 can open and close the inlet 106. As shown in FIG. 8, the inlet shutter 110 opens the inlet 106 when it is in the open position. As shown in FIG. 7, the inlet shutter 110 closes the inlet 106 when it is in the closed position. Thereby, the accommodation space 98 does not communicate with the external space 100 through the inlet 106.

[0045] The outlet shutter 112 is disposed at the outlet 108. The outlet shutter 112 is attached to the main body 104 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The outlet shutter 112 moves between an open position (see FIG. 9) and a closed position. The outlet shutter 112 can open and close the outlet 108. As shown in FIG. 9, the outlet shutter 112 opens the outlet 108 when it is in the open position. As shown in FIG. 7, the outlet shutter 112 closes the outlet 108 when it is in the closed position. Thereby, the accommodation space 98 does not communicate with the external space 100 through the outlet 108.

[0046] The inlet shutter driving device 92 and the outlet shutter driving device 94 are fixed to the main body 104. The inlet shutter driving device 92 and the outlet shutter driving device 94 are disposed in the external space 100 isolated from the accommodation space 98. The inlet shutter driving device 92 moves the inlet shutter 110 between the open position and the closed position when the outlet shutter 112 is in the closed position. For this reason, the inlet shutter 110 opens the inlet 106 when the outlet shutter 112 closes the outlet 108. The outlet shutter driving device 94 moves the outlet shutter 112 between the open position and the closed position when the inlet shutter 110 is in the closed position. For this reason, the outlet shutter 112 opens the outlet 108 when the inlet shutter 110 closes the inlet 106.

[0047] A method for conveying the sagger 4 from the upstream conveyor 76 to the downstream conveyor 78 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 8, with the casing 90 facing the conveyor cover 120 surrounding the upstream conveyor 76 in the conveying direction D1, the inlet shutter driving device 92 moves the inlet shutter 110 from the closed position to the open position. Also, the shutter 117 is attached to the conveyor cover 120 so as to be able to open and close the outlet 120a of the conveyor cover 120 surrounding the upstream conveyor 76. When the inlet shutter 110 moves to the open position, the shutter 117 opens the outlet 120a of the conveyor cover 120. As a result, the accommodation space 98 communicates with the space inside the conveyor cover 120 (i.e., the conveyor space 130 described later) through the inlet 106 of the casing 90. Next, with the inlet shutter 110 in the open position, the rollers 36 of the upstream conveyor 76 and the rollers 36 of the lifter conveyor 74 rotate. Thereby, the plurality of saggers 4 move from the upstream conveyor 76 onto the lifter conveyor 74 and are arranged in the accommodation space 98. Next, the inlet shutter driving device 92 moves the inlet shutter 110 from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the accommodation space 98 no longer communicates with the external space 100 or the space inside the conveyor cover 120 through the inlet 106 of the casing 90. Also, when the inlet shutter 110 moves to the closed position, the shutter 117 closes the outlet 120a of the conveyor cover 120.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 84 drives the chain 86. The casing 90, together with the lifter conveyor 74 and the plurality of cassettes 4, rises (or descends) to the position of the downstream conveyor 78 (see FIG. 9). Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the exit shutter drive device 94 moves the exit shutter 112 from the closed position to the open position. Also, the shutter 118 is attached to the conveyor cover 120 so as to be able to open and close the inlet 120b of the conveyor cover 120 surrounding the downstream conveyor 78. The shutter 118 opens the inlet 120b of the conveyor cover 120 when the exit shutter 112 moves to the open position. Thereby, the accommodation space 98 communicates with the space inside the conveyor cover 120 (i.e., the conveyor space 130 described later) via the exit 108 of the casing 90. Next, the roller 36 of the lifter conveyor 74 and the roller 36 of the downstream conveyor 78 rotate. Thereby, the plurality of cassettes 4 move from above the lifter conveyor 74 onto the downstream conveyor 78 and are arranged in the space inside the conveyor cover 120. Finally, the exit shutter drive device 94 moves the exit shutter 112 from the open position to the closed position. Thereby, the accommodation space 98 no longer communicates with the external space 100 or the space inside the conveyor cover 120 via the exit 108 of the casing 90. Also, the shutter 118 closes the inlet 120b of the conveyor cover 120 when the exit shutter 112 moves to the closed position.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, the heat treatment system 2 further includes a conveyor cover 120, a pair of cylinders 122, a cylinder drive device 124, a cylinder body cover 126, and a rod cover 128.

[0050] The conveyor cover 120 is arranged so as to surround each of the upstream conveyor 76 and the downstream conveyor 78. The conveyor cover 120 has a tunnel shape extending in the conveying direction D1. The conveyor cover 120 has a conveyor space 130 in which the upstream conveyor 76 and the downstream conveyor 78 are arranged. The conveyor space 130 corresponds to the space inside the conveyor cover 120. The conveyor cover 120 isolates the conveyor space 130 from the external space 100 arranged outside the conveyor cover 120.

[0051] A pair of cylinders 122 adjusts the posture of the sagger 4. The pair of cylinders 122 is arranged, for example, on the upstream side of the return line 14 from each of the crusher 52, the first lifter 54, the recovery device 56, the second lifter 58, the cleaning device 60, the crack detection device 62, and the filling device 64. Further, the pair of cylinders 122 is arranged in the vicinity of each of the crusher 52, the first lifter 54, the recovery device 56, the second lifter 58, the cleaning device 60, the crack detection device 62, and the filling device 64. Thereby, the sagger 4 is sent to the crusher 52, the first lifter 54, the recovery device 56, the second lifter 58, the cleaning device 60, the crack detection device 62, and the filling device 64 in a state where its posture is adjusted.

[0052] The pair of cylinders 122 are arranged facing each other in the left - right direction. The left - right direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction D1 and the up - down direction. The sagger 4 passes between the pair of cylinders 122.

[0053] The cylinder 122 is, for example, an air cylinder. In a modified example, the cylinder 122 may be a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder 122 includes a cylinder body 136 and a cylinder rod 138.

[0054] The cylinder body 136 is fixed to the conveyor cover 120. The cylinder body 136 is arranged in the external space 100. The cylinder body 136 has an air supply - exhaust port 142. The air supply - exhaust port 142 is arranged in the external space 100. The cylinder drive device 124 supplies air into the cylinder body 136 or exhausts air from the cylinder body 136 through the air supply - exhaust port 142. The cylinder drive device 124 is arranged in the external space 100. The cylinder drive device 124 is controlled by the control device 66.

[0055] The cylinder rod 138 is slidably supported by the cylinder body 136. The cylinder rod 138 penetrates through the conveyor cover 120. A part (tip portion) of the cylinder rod 138 is disposed in the conveyor space 130. The cylinder rod 138 moves in the axial direction of the cylinder body 136 and moves forward and backward with respect to the sagger 4 by air being supplied into the cylinder body 136 through the air supply and exhaust port 142 and exhausted from the cylinder body 136.

[0056] The cylinder body cover 126 is fixed to the conveyor cover 120. The cylinder body cover 126 is disposed in the external space 100. The cylinder body cover 126 covers the entire cylinder body 136. Therefore, the cylinder body 136 is disposed in the space between the cylinder body cover 126 and the conveyor cover 120. By providing the cylinder body cover 126, entry of foreign matter such as dust into the conveyor space 130 from the gap between the cylinder body 136 and the conveyor cover 120 is suppressed.

[0057] The rod cover 128 is fixed to the conveyor cover 120. The rod cover 128 is disposed in the conveyor space 130. The rod cover 128 covers a part (on the cylinder body 136 side) of the cylinder rod 138. Therefore, a part of the cylinder rod 138 is disposed in the space between the rod cover 128 and the conveyor cover 120. By providing the rod cover 128, entry of foreign matter that has entered from the gap between the cylinder rod 138 and the conveyor cover 120 into the workpiece 6 in the sagger 4 is suppressed.

[0058] The return line 14 further includes a roller driving device 146. The roller driving device 146 rotates the rollers 36 of the upstream conveyor 76 and the rollers 36 of the downstream conveyor 78. The roller driving device 146 includes a roller driving unit 148 and a transmission unit 150.

[0059] The roller driving unit 148 is disposed in the external space 100. The roller driving unit 148 is controlled by the control device 66.

[0060] The transmission unit 150 is disposed in the conveyor space 130. The transmission unit 150 is surrounded by a transmission unit cover 152. Thereby, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated by the driving of the transmission unit 150, the foreign matters are suppressed from coming out of the outside of the transmission unit cover 152. As a result, the foreign matters are suppressed from entering the sagger 4. The transmission unit 150 is connected to the roller driving unit 148. When the roller driving unit 148 is driven, the transmission unit 150 rotates the roller 36.

[0061] A method for adjusting the posture of the sagger 4 will be described. First, the roller driving unit 148 is driven, and the transmission unit 150 rotates the roller 36. When the roller 36 rotates, the sagger 4 moves on the return line 14 (specifically, on the upstream conveyor 76 or the downstream conveyor 78). When the sagger 4 is disposed between the pair of cylinders 122, the roller driving unit 148 stops. Thereby, the rotation of the roller 36 stops. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the cylinder driving device 124 supplies air to the cylinder 122 through the air supply / exhaust port 142. Thereby, the cylinder rod 138 advances (moves) so as to approach the sagger 4. For this reason, the sagger 4 is sandwiched between the pair of cylinder rods 138. As a result, the posture of the sagger 4 is adjusted to a predetermined posture. Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the cylinder driving device 124 exhausts air from the cylinder 122 through the air supply / exhaust port 142. Thereby, the cylinder rod 138 retreats (moves) so as to separate from the sagger 4. Finally, the roller driving unit 148 is driven, and the transmission unit 150 rotates the roller 36. When the roller 36 rotates, the sagger 4 moves on the return line 14 (specifically, on the upstream conveyor 76 or the downstream conveyor 78). Thereby, the sagger 4 with the adjusted posture is sent to the crushing device 52, the first lifter 54, the recovery device 56, the second lifter 58, the cleaning device 60, the crack detection device 62, and the filling device 64.

[0062] (Effect) In the above-described embodiment, the lifter conveyor 74 on which the sagger 4 is placed is disposed in the accommodation space 98 within the casing 90, and the lifter 70 that moves the lifter conveyor 74 is disposed in the external space 100. Since the accommodation space 98 and the external space 100 are isolated, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated by the driving of the lifter 70, it is possible to suppress the entry of the foreign matters into the accommodation space 98. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matters into the sagger 4.

[0063] Further, the upstream conveyor 76 and the downstream conveyor 78 on which the sagger 4 is placed are disposed in the conveyor space 130, and the conveyor space 130 and the external space 100 are isolated by the conveyor cover 120. In the cylinder 122 that adjusts the posture of the sagger 4, the cylinder body 136 is disposed in the external space 100, and a part of the cylinder rod 138 is disposed in the conveyor space 130. Therefore, even if foreign matters such as wear powder are generated from the cylinder body 136 when the cylinder body 136 drives the cylinder rod 138, it is possible to suppress the entry of the foreign matters into the conveyor space 130. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matters into the sagger 4.

[0064] (Corresponding relationship) The lifter conveyor 74 is an example of the "first placement part". The lifter 70 is an example of the "moving device". The casing 90 is an example of the "isolating part". The upstream conveyor 76 is an example of the "second placement part" and the "placement part". The downstream conveyor 78 is an example of the "second placement part" and the "placement part". The cylinder 122 is an example of the "operating device". The conveyor cover 120 is an example of the "first isolating part" and the "second isolating part". The conveyor space 130 is an example of the "first space" and the "third space". The external space 100 is an example of the "second space" and the "fourth space".

[0065] (Modification example) In one embodiment, the conveyors 26 and 38 may be chain conveyors including chains.

[0066] In one embodiment, the cylinder 122 may be a pusher that pushes out the sagger 4.

[0067] The specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. However, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Further, the technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings achieves multiple purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of these purposes itself has technical utility.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 2: Heat treatment system 4: Sagger 6: Workpiece 10: Heat treatment furnace 14: Return line 36: Roller 38: Conveyor 42: Non-contact part 44: Contact part 54: First lifter 58: Second lifter 70: Lifter 74: Lifter conveyor 76: Upstream conveyor 78: Downstream conveyor 90: Casing 98: Accommodation space 100: External space 104: Main body 106: Entrance 108: Exit 110: Entrance shutter 112: Exit shutter 120: Conveyor cover 122: Cylinder 124: Cylinder drive device 126: Cylinder main body cover 128: Rod cover 130: Conveyor space 136: Cylinder body 138: Cylinder rod D1: Conveying direction

Claims

1. A heat treatment system, comprising: a heat treatment furnace having a loading port and an unloading port, and having an internal space in which a plurality of cassettes are conveyed from the loading port toward the unloading port; a return line disposed outside the heat treatment furnace for sending the plurality of cassettes from the unloading port to the loading port; the return line including a first placement portion on which the cassette can be placed; the heat treatment system further comprising: a moving device for moving the first placement portion; a first isolation portion for isolating a first space in which the first placement portion is disposed and a second space in which the moving device is disposed.

2. The first isolation portion is a casing fixed to the first placement portion and covering the first placement portion; the moving device is a lifter fixed to the casing for lifting and lowering the casing. The heat treatment system according to Claim 1.

3. The first placement portion includes a plurality of rollers arranged side by side in a first direction and enabling the cassette to move in the first direction; the casing includes: a main body extending in the first direction; an inlet disposed at one end of the main body in the first direction; an outlet disposed at the other end of the main body in the first direction; an inlet shutter capable of opening and closing the inlet; an outlet shutter capable of opening and closing the outlet. The heat treatment system according to Claim 2.

4. The return line further includes a second placement portion on which the cassette can be placed; the heat treatment system further comprising: an operating device for performing a predetermined operation on the cassette placed on the second placement portion; a second isolation portion; the operating device including: a cylinder rod that moves forward and backward with respect to the cassette; a cylinder body that slidably supports the cylinder rod and drives the cylinder rod. The second isolation portion isolates a third space in which a part of the cylinder rod is disposed and a fourth space in which the cylinder body is disposed. The heat treatment system according to Claim 1.

5. The heat treatment system according to Claim 4, further comprising a rod cover disposed in the third space and at least partially covering the cylinder rod.

6. The contact portion of the first placement portion contacts the cassette and is made of a resin material or ceramics. The heat treatment system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. A heat treatment system, having a loading port and an unloading port, and a heat treatment furnace having an internal space in which a plurality of cassettes are conveyed from the loading port toward the unloading port; a return line that is disposed outside the heat treatment furnace and sends the plurality of cassettes from the unloading port to the loading port; an operating device that performs a predetermined operation on the cassettes on the return line, and the return line includes a placement portion on which the cassettes can be placed; the heat treatment system includes a partition portion that separates a first space in which the placement portion is disposed and a second space different from the first space; the operating device includes a cylinder rod that moves forward and backward with respect to the cassette, and a part of the cylinder rod is disposed in the first space, and a cylinder body that is disposed in the second space, slidably supports the cylinder rod, and drives the cylinder rod. A heat treatment system.

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