Drying apparatus

Abstract

To provide a drying device capable of saving energy.SOLUTION: A drying device according to one embodiment includes a furnace body, a conveyor, a heater, and a first shielding device. The furnace body is provided with a drying chamber, a transfer chamber provided between the drying chamber and the outside, a connection port through which the drying chamber and the transfer chamber communicate with each other, and an opening through which the transfer chamber communicates with the outside and which is located below the connection port, and includes a side wall on which the opening opens, and a ceiling surface provided at an upper end of the transfer chamber. The conveyor extends through the drying chamber, the connection port, the conveyance chamber, and the opening, and conveys an object. The heater heats the drying chamber. The first shielding device includes a first barrier located above the opening in the transfer chamber, is connected to the side wall, and partitions a first space above the first barrier and a second space below the first barrier in the transfer chamber by the first barrier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a drying device. [Background technology]

[0002] The drying device transports objects by a conveyor and dries the objects in a heated drying chamber. For example, the drying chamber is located above an inlet through which the objects are brought in and an outlet through which the objects are brought out. The conveyor raises or lowers the objects obliquely between the drying chamber and the inlet and between the drying chamber and the outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-145248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since the conveyor transports the objects, openings such as the inlet and outlet are left open, which can result in wasted energy as hot air from the drying chamber escapes through the openings.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drying device that can save energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A drying apparatus according to one embodiment includes a furnace body, a conveyor, a heater, and a first shielding device. The furnace body includes a drying chamber, a transfer chamber disposed between the drying chamber and the outside, a connection port connecting the drying chamber to the transfer chamber, and an opening communicating the transfer chamber with the outside and positioned below the connection port. The furnace body includes a sidewall through which the opening opens, and a ceiling surface disposed at the upper end of the transfer chamber and positioned above the opening. The conveyor extends through the drying chamber, the connection port, the transfer chamber, and the opening and is configured to transport an object. The heater is configured to heat the drying chamber. The first shielding device includes a first barrier located above the opening and below the ceiling surface in the transfer chamber, and is connected to the sidewall. The first barrier separates a first space above the first barrier from a second space below the first barrier in the transfer chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a drying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the drying device of the first embodiment taken along line F2-F2 in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view showing the loading chamber of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary front view showing the loading chamber of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the first shielding device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the second shielding device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary front view showing the second shielding device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view showing a first shielding device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is an exemplary front view showing the loading chamber according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary front view showing the loading chamber according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, vertically upward is basically defined as upward, and vertically downward is basically defined as downward. In addition, in this specification, components according to the embodiment and their descriptions may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] In the following description, "suppress" is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or influence from occurring, or reducing the severity of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the following description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a drying apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment. The drying apparatus 10 is called, for example, a mountain-shaped drying oven or a mountain-shaped oven. The drying apparatus 10 is installed, for example, in a coating line, and dries a coated object to be dried O. The object to be dried O is an example of an object.

[0011] As shown in each drawing, for convenience, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are defined in this specification. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis is aligned along the width of the drying apparatus 10. The Y-axis is aligned along the depth of the drying apparatus 10. The Z-axis is aligned along the height of the drying apparatus 10.

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, and includes the +X direction indicated by the X axis arrow and the -X direction opposite to the X axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y axis arrow and the -Y direction opposite to the Y axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, and includes the +Z direction (upward) indicated by the Z axis arrow and the -Z direction (downward) opposite to the Z axis arrow.

[0013] The drying apparatus 10 has a furnace body 11, a heater 12, a circulation duct 13, an exhaust duct 14, a conveyor 15, two first shielding devices 16, and two second shielding devices 17. Note that the number of first shielding devices 16 and second shielding devices 17 is not limited to this example. The furnace body 11 may also be referred to as a housing or a building. The conveyor 15 may also be referred to as a transport path.

[0014] Fig. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the drying apparatus 10 of the first embodiment taken along line F2-F2 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the furnace body 11 is provided with a drying chamber 21, two transfer chambers 22, two connection ports 23, and two openings 24. Note that the numbers of the transfer chambers 22, connection ports 23, and openings 24 are not limited to this example.

[0015] One of the two transfer chambers 22 may be referred to as a loading chamber 22i. The other of the two transfer chambers 22 may be referred to as a loading chamber 22o. One of the two openings 24 may be referred to as a loading entrance 24i. The other of the two openings 24 may be referred to as a loading exit 24o.

[0016] The drying chamber 21, the transfer chamber 22, and the connection port 23 are provided inside the furnace body 11. Each of the two transfer chambers 22 is provided between the drying chamber 21 and the outside of the furnace body 11. One of the connection ports 23 connects the drying chamber 21 to the carry-in chamber 22i. The other connection port 23 connects the drying chamber 21 to the carry-out chamber 22o. In other words, the connection port 23 connects the drying chamber 21 to the transfer chamber 22.

[0017] The loading entrance 24i connects the loading chamber 22i to the outside of the furnace body 11. The unloading exit 24o connects the unloading chamber 22o to the outside of the furnace body 11. In other words, the opening 24 connects the transfer chamber 22 to the outside of the furnace body 11. Note that, for example, another building may be provided outside the furnace body 11.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the furnace body 11 has a first floor 31, a second floor 32, a ceiling 33, two boundary walls 34 and 35, and two staircases 36. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the furnace body 11 has a plurality of side walls 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48. However, the furnace body 11 is not limited to this example.

[0019] 1, the first floor 31, the second floor 32, and the ceiling 33 are arranged so as to be approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. The first floor 31 is the floor of the transfer chamber 22. The second floor 32 is the floor of the drying chamber 21 and is located above the first floor 31. The ceiling 33 is the ceiling of the drying chamber 21 and the transfer chamber 22 and is located above the first floor 31 and the second floor 32.

[0020] In the drying chamber 21, the second floor 32 has a bottom surface 32a. The bottom surface 32a is provided at the lower end of the drying chamber 21. The bottom surface 32a is formed to be approximately flat and faces approximately in the +Z direction. However, the bottom surface 32a is not limited to this example and may be provided with irregularities. The boundary walls 34, 35 protrude from the bottom surface 32a of the second floor 32 in approximately the +Z direction.

[0021] One of two staircases 36 is disposed in each of the two transfer chambers 22. The staircase 36 extends obliquely from the first floor 31 toward the second floor 32. The two staircases 36 may be different from each other. The upper end of the staircase 36 may be located above the bottom surface 32a of the second floor 32, or may be located below the bottom surface 32a.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the side walls 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged so as to be approximately perpendicular to the X direction. The side walls 41 and 43 are located at the end of the furnace body 11 in the +X direction and are continuous with each other. The side walls 42 and 44 are located at the end of the furnace body 11 in the -X direction and are continuous with each other. The side walls 42 and 44 extend approximately in the Z direction between the first floor 31 and the ceiling 33. The side walls 41 and 43 extend approximately in the Z direction between the second floor 32 and the ceiling 33.

[0023] The side walls 45, 46, 47, and 48 are arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The side walls 45, 46, 47, and 48 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The side walls 47 and 48 are arranged between the two side walls 45 and 46.

[0024] The side wall 45 extends substantially in the X direction between the side wall 42 and the side wall 43. The side wall 46 extends substantially in the X direction between the side wall 41 and the side wall 44. Furthermore, the side walls 45 and 46 extend substantially in the Z direction between the first floor 31 and the ceiling 33, and also extend substantially in the Z direction between the second floor 32 and the ceiling 33.

[0025] The side wall 47 extends in approximately the -X direction from the boundary between the side wall 41 and the side wall 42 and is spaced apart from the side walls 43 and 44 in the +X direction. The side wall 48 extends in approximately the +X direction from the boundary between the side wall 43 and the side wall 44 and is spaced apart from the side walls 41 and 42 in the -X direction. Furthermore, the side walls 47 and 48 extend in approximately the Z direction between the first floor 31 and the ceiling 33. One staircase 36 is located between the two side walls 45 and 47. The other staircase 36 is located between the two side walls 46 and 48.

[0026] Boundary wall 34 extends substantially in the Y direction between side wall 45 and the end of side wall 47 in the -X direction. Boundary wall 35 extends substantially in the Y direction between side wall 46 and the end of side wall 48 in the +X direction.

[0027] 2, the second floor 32, the ceiling 33, and the side walls 41, 43, 45, and 46 define the drying chamber 21. The first floor 31, the ceiling 33, and the side walls 42, 45, and 47 define the loading chamber 22i. The first floor 31, the ceiling 33, and the side walls 44, 46, and 48 define the unloading chamber 22o.

[0028] The boundary walls 34, 35 are located at the boundary between the drying chamber 21 and the transfer chamber 22. The ceiling 33, the upper end of the boundary wall 34, and the side walls 45, 47 define one of the connection ports 23. The ceiling 33, the upper end of the boundary wall 35, and the side walls 46, 48 define the other connection port 23. In other words, the upper ends of the boundary walls 34, 35 define the lower end of the connection port 23.

[0029] 1, the drying chamber 21 is located above the first floor 31. In the Z direction, each of the two transfer chambers 22 is longer than the drying chamber 21. Each of the two transfer chambers 22 extends beyond the end of the first floor 31 substantially in the Z direction.

[0030] The loading opening 24i penetrates the side wall 42 substantially in the X direction. In other words, the loading opening 24i opens into the side wall 42. The unloading opening 24o penetrates the side wall 44 substantially in the X direction. In other words, the unloading opening 24o opens into the side wall 44.

[0031] The opening 24 is located near the first floor 31 and spaced apart from the ceiling 33. In other words, the opening 24 is closer to the first floor 31 than to the ceiling 33. The opening 24 is located below the connection port 23. In other words, the upper end of the opening 24 is located below the upper ends of the boundary walls 34 and 35.

[0032] The bottom surface 32a may be located below the upper end of the opening 24. However, the boundary walls 34 and 35 protrude upward from the bottom surface 32a. Therefore, the connection port 23 is located above the bottom surface 32a and above the opening 24.

[0033] In the transfer chamber 22, the ceiling 33 has a ceiling surface 33a. The ceiling surface 33a is provided at the upper end of the transfer chamber 22. The ceiling surface 33a is formed to be approximately flat and faces approximately in the -Z direction. However, the ceiling surface 33a is not limited to this example, and may be provided with irregularities. The ceiling surface 33a is located above the opening 24.

[0034] The heater 12 is, for example, a gas burner that burns LP gas. However, the heater 12 is not limited to this example. The heater 12 is located outside the furnace body 11. The heater 12 is provided with an air inlet 12a and an exhaust outlet 12b. The heater 12 heats the air drawn in through the air inlet 12a and releases it from the exhaust outlet 12b.

[0035] The circulation duct 13 has an inlet pipe 51, an outlet pipe 52, and connecting pipes 53 and 54. The inlet pipe 51 and the outlet pipe 52 are arranged in the drying chamber 21. The inlet pipe 51 is attached to the bottom surface 32a of the second floor 32. The outlet pipe 52 is attached to the ceiling 33.

[0036] A plurality of inlet ports 51a are provided in the inlet pipe 51. The plurality of inlet ports 51a are arranged at intervals from one another. A plurality of outlet ports 52a are provided in the outlet pipe 52. The plurality of outlet ports 52a are arranged at intervals from one another.

[0037] The connecting pipes 53 and 54 are located outside the furnace body 11. The connecting pipe 53 connects the inlet pipe 51 to the exhaust port 12b of the heater 12. The connecting pipe 54 connects the outlet pipe 52 to the air inlet port 12a of the heater 12.

[0038] The exhaust duct 14 is located outside the furnace body 11. The exhaust duct 14 is provided with a connection port 14a, two intake ports 14b, and an exhaust port 14c. The connection port 14a is connected to the outlet pipe 52. The two intake ports 14b open near the two openings 24. The exhaust port 14c communicates with the connection port 14a and the intake port 14b.

[0039] The conveyor 15 is, for example, a trolley conveyor. However, the conveyor 15 may be another type of conveyor such as a belt conveyor. The conveyor 15 has a rail 61 and a plurality of hangers 62.

[0040] The rail 61 extends through the loading entrance 24i, the loading chamber 22i, one connection port 23, the drying chamber 21, the other connection port 23, the unloading chamber 22o, and the unloading exit 24o. Therefore, the boundary walls 34, 35 are located below the conveyor 15 passing through the connection port 23. The rail 61 has two low portions 65, a high portion 66, and two inclined portions 67.

[0041] The two low portions 65 each extend substantially in the X direction through the opening 24 between the outside of the furnace body 11 and the transfer chamber 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the high portion 66 is disposed in the drying chamber 21 and extends in a serpentine manner. As shown in FIG. 1, the inclined portion 67 is disposed in the transfer chamber 22 and extends obliquely from both ends of the high portion 66 to the two low portions 65. That is, the height of the rail 61 changes in the transfer chamber 22.

[0042] The plurality of hangers 62 are attached to the rail 61 at intervals from each other. For example, the material to be dried O is hung on the hangers 62. The hangers 62 are moved along the rail 61 by a chain that circulates along the rail 61 or by another device. In this way, the conveyor 15 transports the material to be dried O so that it passes through the drying chamber 21.

[0043] In the drying device 10, hot air (hot air) emitted from the exhaust port 12b of the heater 12 flows into the inlet pipe 51 through the connecting pipe 53. The hot air flows into the drying chamber 21 from the multiple inlets 51a of the inlet pipe 51, thereby increasing the temperature of the drying chamber 21. That is, the heater 12 heats the drying chamber 21 through the connecting pipe 53 and the inlet pipe 51.

[0044] The air in the drying chamber 21 flows into the outlet pipe 52 through the outlet port 52a, and then flows into the air inlet 12a of the heater 12 through the connecting pipe 54. In this manner, air circulates between the heater 12 and the drying chamber 21.

[0045] The hot air in the drying chamber 21 flows through the connection port 23 into the transfer chamber 22 (the loading chamber 22i and the unloading chamber 22o). This also increases the temperature in the transfer chamber 22. Generally, high-temperature air flows upward more rapidly than low-temperature air. Therefore, in the transfer chamber 22, relatively high-temperature air gathers near the ceiling surface 33a, and relatively low-temperature air gathers near the first floor 31.

[0046] The inlet 51a of the inlet pipe 51 is located near the bottom surface 32a of the second floor 32. Therefore, the hot air flows into the drying chamber 21 near the bottom surface 32a. The boundary walls 34 and 35 restrict the hot air leaving the inlet 51a from flowing horizontally into the transfer chamber 22. Therefore, the hot air rises to the ceiling 33 in the drying chamber 21 and then spreads along the ceiling 33 into the transfer chamber 22.

[0047] Air in the transfer chamber 22 may flow out of the furnace body 11 through the opening 24. The air flowing out of the opening 24 is discharged from the intake port 14b to the exhaust duct 14. Furthermore, part of the air in the outlet pipe 52 is discharged from the connection port 14a to the exhaust duct 14. The exhaust air is discharged from the exhaust port 14c and purified, for example, by various devices.

[0048] The hanger 62 and the material to be dried O enter the carry-in chamber 22i through the carry-in entrance 24i from outside the furnace body 11. In the carry-in chamber 22i, the hanger 62 and the material to be dried O move along the inclined portion 67 and rise obliquely toward the drying chamber 21.

[0049] The hanger 62 and the object to be dried O snake along the high part 66 in the drying chamber 21. This allows the object to be dried O to be exposed to the hot air in the drying chamber 21, and for example, paint applied to the object to be dried O is dried.

[0050] After passing through the drying chamber 21, the hanger 62 and the material to be dried O move along the inclined portion 67 in the discharge chamber 22o, and descend obliquely toward the discharge outlet 24o. The hanger 62 and the material to be dried O pass through the discharge outlet 24o and exit to the outside of the furnace body 11. As a result, the dried material to be dried O is obtained.

[0051] FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view showing the loading chamber 22i of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary front view showing the loading chamber 22i of the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one of two first shielding devices 16 and one of two second shielding devices 17 are located in each of the two transfer chambers 22 (the loading chamber 22i and the unloading chamber 22o). The two first shielding devices 16 are formed substantially identically to each other and are arranged substantially mirror-symmetrically. The two second shielding devices 17 are also formed substantially identically to each other and are arranged substantially mirror-symmetrically. Therefore, the first shielding device 16 and the second shielding device 17 arranged in the loading chamber 22i will be described below.

[0052] 5 is an exemplary perspective view showing the first shielding device 16 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the first shielding device 16 has a first barrier 71, a first mounting portion 72, a first eyelet bolt 73, and a first wire 74.

[0053] The first barrier 71 is formed in a substantially quadrangular plate shape (rectangular parallelepiped shape) and is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. In other words, the first barrier 71 is disposed substantially horizontally. Note that the first barrier 71 may be inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0054] The first barrier 71 includes, for example, two metal plates arranged in the Z direction, a metal frame positioned between the two metal plates, and a heat insulating material provided inside the frame, so that the first barrier 71 can suppress heat conduction through the first barrier 71.

[0055] The first barrier wall 71 has two end faces 71a and 71b. The end face 71a is an example of a first end face. The end face 71b is an example of a second end face. The end face 71a is provided at the end of the first barrier wall 71 in the +X direction and faces the side wall 42. The end face 71b is located on the opposite side of the end face 71a.

[0056] The first mounting portion 72 is provided, for example, near an end surface 71a of the first barrier wall 71. The first mounting portion 72 connects the first barrier wall 71 to the side wall 42. For example, the first mounting portion 72 is attached to the side wall 42 by a bolt, or is integrated with the side wall 42. Note that the first mounting portion 72 is not limited to this example, and may be attached to the side wall 42 via another member.

[0057] The first eyelet bolt 73 is attached to the first barrier wall 71 near the end face 71b. One end of a first wire 74 is attached to the first eyelet bolt 73. The other end of the first wire 74 is attached to the side wall 47. In this way, the first barrier wall 71 is suspended from the side wall 47 by the first eyelet bolt 73 and the first wire 74, and can be prevented from falling.

[0058] 4, the first barrier wall 71 is located above the opening 24 and below the ceiling surface 33a in the transfer chamber 22. The first barrier wall 71 extends in approximately the −X direction from the side wall 42 or from the vicinity of the side wall 42. Furthermore, the first barrier wall 71 extends in approximately the Y direction between the vicinity of the side wall 45 and the vicinity of the side wall 47.

[0059] The first shielding device 16 separates the first upper space Su1 and the first lower space Sd1 by the first barrier 71. The first upper space Su1 is an example of a first space. The first lower space Sd1 is an example of a second space.

[0060] The first upper space Su1 is a space above the first barrier wall 71 in the transfer chamber 22. In other words, the first upper space Su1 is a space between the first barrier wall 71 and the ceiling surface 33a of the ceiling 33.

[0061] The first lower space Sd1 is a space below the first barrier wall 71 in the transfer chamber 22. In other words, the first lower space Sd1 is a space between the first barrier wall 71 and the first floor 31.

[0062] The opening 24 communicates with the first lower space Sd1. The lower portion 65 and the inclined portion 67 of the rail 61 partially extend through the first lower space Sd1. The end face 71b of the first barrier 71 is spaced apart from the inclined portion 67 of the rail 61 in the +X direction. The first barrier 71 is also spaced apart from the hanger 62 that moves along the inclined portion 67.

[0063] The distance L1 between the two end faces 71a, 71b of the first barrier 71 is longer than half the distance L2 between the ceiling surface 33a and the opening 24. In this embodiment, the distances L1 and L2 are set so that L1 > 1.5 (L2 / 2). The distance L1 is, for example, approximately 1.5 m. Furthermore, the distance L3 between the ceiling surface 33a and the first barrier 71 is longer than half the distance L2 between the opening 24 and the ceiling surface 33a. Note that the distances L1, L2, and L3 are not limited to this example.

[0064] Fig. 6 is an exemplary perspective view showing the second shielding device 17 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the second shielding device 17 has a second barrier 81, a second mounting portion 82, a second eyelet bolt 83, and a second wire 84. The second mounting portion 82 is an example of a mounting portion.

[0065] The second barrier 81 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The second barrier 81 has substantially the same structure as the first barrier 71, and can suppress heat conduction through the second barrier 81. Note that the second barrier 81 may be different from the first barrier 71.

[0066] Fig. 7 is an exemplary front view showing the second shading device 17 of the first embodiment. The second barrier 81 can move between a closed position Pc indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 7 and an open position Po indicated by a solid line in Fig. 7. Note that the second barrier 81 is not limited to this example.

[0067] In the closed position Pc, the plate-shaped second barrier 81 is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. In other words, in the closed position Pc, the second barrier 81 is disposed substantially horizontally. Note that the second barrier 81 may be inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0068] 6, the second barrier 81 has an upper surface 81a and four end surfaces 81b, 81c, 81d, and 81e. The end surface 81b is an example of a fourth end surface. The end surface 81c is an example of a third end surface.

[0069] The top surface 81a is a substantially rectangular flat surface. In the closed position Pc, the top surface 81a faces substantially in the +Z direction. In other words, the top surface 81a faces the ceiling surface 33a. The X and Y directions are directions along the top surface 81a.

[0070] The end surface 81b is provided at the end of the second barrier 81 in the -X direction and faces the drying chamber 21. The end surface 81c is located opposite the end surface 81b. In the closed position Pc, the end surface 81d is provided at the end of the second barrier 81 in the -Y direction and faces the side wall 45. The end surface 81e is located opposite the end surface 81d. In the closed position Pc, the end surface 81e is provided at the end of the second barrier 81 in the +Y direction and faces the side wall 47.

[0071] The second mounting portion 82 is connected to the second barrier 81. Furthermore, the second mounting portion 82 is attached to, for example, the boundary wall 34. As shown in FIG. 7 , the second mounting portion 82 has, for example, a frame 85, two claws 86, and a claw 87.

[0072] The frame 85 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (rectangular cylindrical shape). A passage space 88 extending substantially in the Z direction is provided inside the frame 85. In the closed position Pc, the second barrier 81 covers the frame 85 and closes the passage space 88. As shown in FIG. 6 , an end of the frame 85 in the −X direction is supported by an upper end of the boundary wall 34.

[0073] The claws 86 are located in the transfer chamber 22 and extend in the −Z direction from the frame 85. The two claws 86 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the claw 87 is located in the drying chamber 21 and extends in the −Z direction from the frame 85.

[0074] The boundary wall 34 is disposed between the claws 86 and 87. In this way, the second mounting portion 82 is removably mounted to the boundary wall 34. Note that the second mounting portion 82 may be mounted to the boundary wall 34 by other methods.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 7, the second barrier 81 of this embodiment is supported by a frame 85 at an end portion of the second barrier 81 in the +Y direction so as to be rotatable between a closed position Pc and an open position Po. For example, the second barrier 81 is attached to the frame 85 by a hinge or a wire near an end surface 81e. Note that the second barrier 81 is not limited to this example. The end portion of the second barrier 81 in the +Y direction may also be referred to as one side of the plate-shaped second barrier 81.

[0076] 6, the second eyelet bolt 83 is attached to the second barrier wall 81 near the end face 81c. One end of a second wire 84 is attached to the second eyelet bolt 83. The other end of the second wire 84 is attached to the side wall 47. In this way, the second barrier wall 81 is suspended from the side wall 47 by the second eyelet bolt 83 and the second wire 84, and can be prevented from falling.

[0077] The second barrier 81 located in the closed position Pc extends substantially in the +X direction from the boundary wall 34 or from the vicinity of the boundary wall 34. Furthermore, the second barrier 81 extends substantially in the Y direction between the vicinity of the side wall 45 and the vicinity of the side wall 47. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second barrier 81 is located in the transfer chamber 22 above the bottom surface 32a of the second floor 32 and below the ceiling surface 33a.

[0078] The length of the second barrier 81 in the X direction is, for example, approximately 1 m. That is, the second barrier 81 is shorter in the X direction than the first barrier 71. Note that the length of the second barrier 81 may be equal to or greater than the length of the first barrier 71.

[0079] 4, in the closed position Pc, the second shielding device 17 separates the second upper space Su2 and the second lower space Sd2 by the second barrier 81. The second upper space Su2 is an example of a third space. The second lower space Sd2 is an example of a fourth space.

[0080] The second upper space Su2 is a space above the second barrier wall 81 in the transfer chamber 22. In other words, the second upper space Su2 is a space between the second barrier wall 81 and the ceiling surface 33a of the ceiling 33.

[0081] The second lower space Sd2 is a space below the second barrier wall 81 in the transfer chamber 22. In other words, the second lower space Sd2 is a space between the second barrier wall 81 and the first floor 31. The second lower space Sd2 may be a space between the second barrier wall 81 and the staircase 36.

[0082] The connection port 23 communicates with the second upper space Su2. The high portion 66 and the inclined portion 67 of the rail 61 partially extend through the second upper space Su2. That is, the second barrier 81 is located below the conveyor 15.

[0083] In the closed position Pc, the end surface 81c of the second barrier 81 faces the side wall 42. Furthermore, the end surface 81c faces the conveyor 15. The end surface 81c is spaced apart from the inclined portion 67 of the rail 61 in the −X direction.

[0084] The second barrier wall 81 is spaced apart from the hanger 62 and the material to be dried O that move along the inclined portion 67. In other words, the second barrier wall 81 is spaced apart from the space through which the material to be dried O passes. The space through which the material to be dried O passes varies depending on the size of the material to be dried O.

[0085] The distance L4 between the second barrier 81 and the ceiling surface 33a in the closed position Pc is longer than the distance L3. That is, the first barrier 71 is located higher than the second barrier 81. For example, the first barrier 71 is located approximately 1 m higher than the second barrier 81. Note that the distances L3 and L4 are not limited to this example.

[0086] 7, in the open position Po, the second barrier 81 opens the passage space 88. That is, when the second barrier 81 is located in the open position Po, the second upper space Su2 and the second lower space Sd2 are communicated with each other through the passage space 88.

[0087] In the open position Po, the end face 81e of the second barrier 81 is located near the frame 85. On the other hand, the end face 81d of the second barrier 81 is spaced apart from the frame 85. Therefore, the position of the second eyelet bolt 83 changes between the closed position Pc and the open position Po. By reattaching the second wire 84 to the second eyelet bolt 83 in the open position Po, it is possible to prevent the second barrier 81 from moving independently from the open position Po to the closed position Pc.

[0088] As described above, the hot air in the drying chamber 21 spreads along the ceiling 33 through the connection port 23 into the transfer chamber 22. When the hot air flows into the first upper space Su1 near the side wall 42, it flows in the approximately −Z direction along the side wall 42. That is, the hot air moves toward the opening 24 along the side wall 42.

[0089] The first barrier wall 71 separates the first upper space Su1 into which the hot air flows and the first lower space Sd1 that communicates with the opening 24. Therefore, the first barrier wall 71 can prevent the hot air in the first upper space Su1 from flowing out into the first lower space Sd1.

[0090] When the hot air reaches the first barrier 71, it flows along the first barrier 71 toward the connection port 23. That is, the hot air swirls in the first upper space Su1, generating a vortex. The radius of the vortex is approximately half the distance L3 and is shorter than the distance L1 (the length of the first barrier 71). Therefore, the first barrier 71 can guide the hot air so that the hot air flows relatively straight toward the connection port 23.

[0091] The second barrier 81 is located below the first barrier 71. Therefore, the hot air flowing along the first barrier 71 toward the connection port 23 passes through the second upper space Su2. In other words, the second barrier 81 is located below the first barrier 71 so as to prevent the hot air from flowing into the second lower space Sd2.

[0092] On the other hand, the temperature of the drying chamber 21 is also relatively high near the bottom surface 32a of the second floor 32. Air near the bottom surface 32a may flow over the boundary wall 34 into the transfer chamber 22. However, this air flows into the second upper space Su2 separated by the second barrier wall 81. Because the high-temperature air flows upward, it is difficult for it to flow over the second barrier 81 into the second lower space Sd2.

[0093] As described above, the first barrier wall 71 and the second barrier wall 81 can prevent hot air from flowing into the first lower space Sd1 and the second lower space Sd2. Therefore, the high-temperature air is less likely to flow out through the opening 24 and tends to remain inside the furnace body 11.

[0094] The first barrier 71 of this embodiment is attached to the side wall 42 by a first attachment portion 72. A gap may be provided between the first barrier 71 and the side wall 42. However, the first barrier 71 is positioned so that hot air descending along the side wall 42 collides with the first barrier 71. The distance between the first barrier 71 and the side wall 42 is shorter than the distance L1.

[0095] For example, during maintenance and inspection of the drying device 10, a worker may enter the interior of the furnace body 11 through the opening 24. The worker can climb the stairs 36 and head to the drying chamber 21. The second barrier 81 in the closed position Pc blocks the path of the worker.

[0096] The worker rotates the second barrier 81 from the closed position Pc to the open position Po. This allows the second barrier 81 to move out of the worker's path. The worker can then enter the drying chamber 21, for example, by passing through the passage space 88 inside the frame 85 and climbing over the boundary wall 34.

[0097] In the drying apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the furnace body 11 is provided with the drying chamber 21, the connection port 23, the transfer chamber 22, and the opening 24. The transfer chamber 22 is provided between the drying chamber 21 and the outside of the furnace body 11. The connection port 23 connects the drying chamber 21 to the transfer chamber 22. The opening 24 connects the transfer chamber 22 to the outside and is located below the connection port 23. The furnace body 11 has a side wall 42 and a ceiling surface 33a. The opening 24 opens in the side wall 42. The ceiling surface 33a is provided at the upper end of the transfer chamber 22 and is located above the opening 24. The conveyor 15 extends through the drying chamber 21, the connection port 23, the transfer chamber 22, and the opening 24 and is configured to transport the material to be dried O. The heater 12 is configured to heat the drying chamber 21. The first shielding device 16 has a first barrier 71. The first barrier 71 is located above the opening 24 and below the ceiling surface 33a in the transfer chamber 22. The first shielding device 16 is connected to the side wall 42, and the first barrier 71 separates the transfer chamber 22 into a first upper space Su1 above the first barrier 71 and a first lower space Sd1 below the first barrier 71.

[0098] When the drying chamber 21 is heated by the heater 12, the temperature of the transfer chamber 22 also rises. The hot air in the transfer chamber 22 flows along the ceiling surface 33a toward the side wall 42 and may then flow downward along the side wall 42. However, the first shielding device 16 is connected to the side wall 42. Therefore, the first barrier wall 71 of the first shielding device 16 can prevent the hot air from above from traveling along the side wall 42 and reaching the opening 24 below. The hot air flows along the first barrier wall 71 toward the drying chamber 21 and circulates inside the furnace body 11. In other words, the drying device 10 can reduce exhaust heat. Therefore, the drying device 10 can prevent heat waste caused by the hot air escaping from the opening 24, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0099] The first barrier wall 71 has an end surface 71a facing the side wall 42 and an end surface 71b located on the opposite side to the end surface 71a. A distance L1 between the end surface 71a and the end surface 71b is longer than half the distance L3 between the ceiling surface 33a and the first barrier wall 71.

[0100] As described above, the hot air in the transfer chamber 22 flows along the ceiling surface 33a toward the sidewall 42, then downward along the sidewall 42, and further flows along the first barrier 71 toward the drying chamber 21. That is, a vortex of hot air is generated in the first upper space Su1 above the first barrier 71. Half of the distance L3 between the ceiling surface 33a and the first barrier 71 substantially corresponds to the radius of the vortex. That is, the first barrier 71 extends longer than the radius of the vortex. Therefore, the hot air completes its swirl while flowing along the first barrier 71, thereby eliminating its downward vector. Therefore, the first barrier 71 can prevent the hot air from overcoming the first barrier 71 and flowing downward, thereby more reliably directing the hot air toward the drying chamber 21. Furthermore, the drying device 10 can further reduce heat waste caused by the hot air escaping through the opening 24.

[0101] The distance L3 between the ceiling surface 33a and the first barrier wall 71 is longer than half the distance L2 between the opening 24 and the ceiling surface 33a. This reduces the volume between the opening 24 and the first barrier wall 71, thereby reducing the amount of air flowing out from the first lower space Sd1 below the first barrier wall 71 through the opening 24. Therefore, the drying device 10 can prevent heat from being wasted due to heated air flowing out through the opening 24, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0102] The boundary wall 34 is located below the conveyor 15 and at the boundary between the drying chamber 21 and the transfer chamber 22. The second shielding device 17 has a second barrier 81 located in the transfer chamber 22. The second shielding device 17 is attached to the boundary wall 34, and the second barrier 81 separates a second upper space Su2 above the second barrier 81 in the transfer chamber 22 from a second lower space Sd2 below the second barrier 81. The upper end of the boundary wall 34 defines the lower end of the connection port 23. The furnace body 11 further has a bottom surface 32a provided at the lower end of the drying chamber 21. The second barrier 81 is located above the bottom surface 32a and below the conveyor 15.

[0103] A portion of the hot air in the drying chamber 21 flows along the bottom surface 32a toward the transfer chamber 22 and may move, for example, along the boundary wall 34. The second shielding device 17 is connected to the boundary wall 34. Therefore, the second barrier 81 of the second shielding device 17 can prevent the hot air from overflowing the boundary wall 34 and flowing downward to the opening 24. Therefore, the drying device 10 can prevent heat from being wasted due to the hot air flowing out through the opening 24, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0104] The second shielding device 17 further has a second mounting portion 82 attached to the boundary wall 34. The second barrier 81 is supported by the second mounting portion 82 so as to be movable between a closed position Pc and an open position Po. In the closed position Pc, the second barrier 81 separates the second upper space Su2 from the second lower space Sd2. When the second barrier 81 is positioned in the open position Po, the second upper space Su2 and the second lower space Sd2 are communicated with each other.

[0105] For example, when a worker performs work inside the furnace body 11, the second barrier 81 is moved from the closed position Pc to the open position Po. This prevents the second barrier 81 from obstructing the passage of the worker.

[0106] The second barrier 81 has an upper surface 81a that faces the ceiling surface 33a in the closed position Pc. The second barrier 81 is supported by a second mounting portion 82 at an end portion in the +Y direction along the upper surface 81a so as to be rotatable between the closed position Pc and the open position Po. This allows the second barrier 81 to easily move between the closed position Pc and the open position Po.

[0107] The first barrier 71 is located above the second barrier 81. As described above, the hot air in the transfer chamber 22 flows along the ceiling surface 33a toward the side wall 42, flows downward along the side wall 42, and then flows along the first barrier 71 toward the drying chamber 21. The hot air that flows away from the first barrier 71 toward the drying chamber 21 passes through the second upper space Su2 above the second barrier 81. In other words, the second barrier 81 can prevent the hot air flowing from the first barrier 71 toward the drying chamber 21 from flowing downward, thereby more reliably flowing the hot air toward the drying chamber 21. Therefore, the drying device 10 can further reduce heat waste caused by the hot air escaping from the opening 24.

[0108] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. In the following description of the embodiments, components having the same functions as components already described are given the same reference numerals as the components already described, and further description may be omitted. Furthermore, components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0109] Fig. 8 is an exemplary perspective view showing a first shielding device 16 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the first shielding device 16 of the second embodiment has a first barrier 201 instead of the first barrier 71. The first barrier 201 is substantially the same as the first barrier 71, except for the points described below.

[0110] The first barrier wall 201 has two end faces 201a and 201b. The end face 201a is an example of a first end face. The end face 201b is an example of a second end face. The end face 201a is provided at the end of the first barrier wall 201 in the +X direction and faces the side wall 42. The end face 201b is located on the opposite side to the end face 201a.

[0111] A notch 205 is provided in the first barrier wall 201. The notch 205 is recessed from the end face 201b in approximately the +X direction. The inclined portion 67 of the rail 61 extends through the notch 205. The edge of the first barrier wall 201 that defines the notch 205 is spaced apart from the inclined portion 67 and also spaced apart from the hanger 62 that moves along the inclined portion 67.

[0112] The first eyelet bolt 73 is attached to the first barrier wall 201 near the notch 205. The first eyelet bolt 73 may be attached to the first barrier wall 201 near the end face 201b.

[0113] In the drying apparatus 10 of the second embodiment described above, the first barrier wall 201 is provided with the notch 205. The conveyor 15 extends through the notch 205. That is, the first barrier wall 201 can extend a long distance while avoiding the conveyor 15. Therefore, the drying apparatus 10 can further reduce the waste of heat caused by heated air flowing out through the opening 24.

[0114] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an exemplary front view showing the loading chamber 22i according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the first shielding device 16 also has a first barrier 201 in the third embodiment.

[0115] In the third embodiment, the first eyelet bolt 73 is attached to the first barrier wall 201 near the end face 201b. The first eyelet bolt 73 is spaced apart from the notch 205 in the +Y direction or the −Y direction, for example.

[0116] In the third embodiment, the drying apparatus 10 has a connecting wire 301 instead of the second wire 84 of the second shielding device 17. The connecting wire 301 connects the first eyelet bolt 73 and the second eyelet bolt 83. As a result, the first barrier 201 and the second barrier 81 are connected to each other by the first eyelet bolt 73, the second eyelet bolt 83, and the connecting wire 301. The connecting wire 301 is arranged so as to avoid the rail 61 and the hangers 62 and objects to be dried O that move along the rail 61.

[0117] The first barrier 201 and the second barrier 81 may be integrally formed and connected to each other. In this case, holes or notches are provided in the integrally formed first barrier 201 and second barrier 81. The rail 61 extends through the holes or notches.

[0118] In the drying apparatus 10 of the third embodiment described above, the first barrier 201 and the second barrier 81 are connected to each other. This allows, for example, one of the first barrier 201 and the second barrier 81 to support the other, thereby simplifying at least one of the first shielding device 16 and the second shielding device 17. Furthermore, the first barrier 201 and the second barrier 81 can be integrally extended to a long length. Therefore, the drying apparatus 10 can further reduce heat waste caused by heated air flowing out through the opening 24.

[0119] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an exemplary front view showing a loading chamber 22i according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the second shielding device 17 of the fourth embodiment has a second barrier 401 instead of the second barrier 81. The second barrier 401 is substantially the same as the second barrier 81, except for the points described below.

[0120] As indicated by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in Fig. 10, the second barrier 401 is extendable in the X direction. That is, the second barrier 401 is capable of changing the distance between the end face 81b of the second barrier 401 in the -X direction and the end face 81c of the second barrier 401 in the +X direction. For example, the second barrier 401 has a plurality of plates, and can extend and contract in the X direction by sliding the plurality of plates. Note that the second barrier 401 may be extendable by other methods.

[0121] In the drying apparatus 10 of the fourth embodiment described above, the second barrier 401 has an end face 81c facing the conveyor 15 and an end face 81b located opposite the end face 81c. The second barrier 401 is capable of changing the distance between the end face 81c and the end face 81b. This prevents the second barrier 401 from interfering with the conveyor 15 and the material to be dried O even if the position of the conveyor 15 or the size of the material to be dried O suspended from the conveyor 15 changes. Furthermore, by maximizing the extension of the second barrier 401 so as not to interfere with the conveyor 15 and the material to be dried O, the drying apparatus 10 can further prevent heat waste caused by heated air flowing out through the opening 24.

[0122] As described above, the first shielding device 16 and the second shielding device 17 are also disposed in the unloading chamber 22o. The first shielding device 16 and the second shielding device 17 in the unloading chamber 22o can be understood by switching the +X direction and the -X direction in the above description of the first shielding device 16 and the second shielding device 17 in the loading chamber 22i, reading boundary wall 34 as boundary wall 35, and reading side walls 42, 45, and 47 as side walls 44, 46, and 48.

[0123] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10...drying device, 11...furnace body, 12...heater, 15...conveyor, 16...first shielding device, 17...second shielding device, 21...drying chamber, 22...transport chamber, 23...connection port, 24...opening, 32a...bottom surface, 33a...ceiling surface, 34, 35...boundary wall, 42, 44...side wall, 71, 201...first barrier, 71a, 71b, 201a, 201b...end surface, 81, 401...second barrier, 81a...top surface, 81b, 81c...end surface, 82...second mounting portion, 205...notch, O...material to be dried, Su1...first upper space, Sd1...first lower space, Su2...second upper space, Sd2...second lower space, Pc...closed position, Po...open position.

Claims

1. a furnace body including a drying chamber, a transfer chamber provided between the drying chamber and the outside, a connection port connecting the drying chamber and the transfer chamber, and an opening connecting the transfer chamber to the outside and located below the connection port, the furnace body having a side wall through which the opening opens, and a ceiling surface provided at an upper end of the transfer chamber and located above the opening; a conveyor extending through the drying chamber, the connection port, the transport chamber, and the opening, and configured to transport objects; a heater configured to heat the drying chamber; a first shielding device having a first barrier located above the opening and below the ceiling surface in the transfer chamber, the first barrier being connected to the side wall, the first barrier separating a first space above the first barrier from a second space below the first barrier in the transfer chamber; A drying device comprising:

2. The first barrier is provided with a notch; the conveyor extends through the notch; The drying device of claim 1.

3. the first barrier has a first end surface facing the side wall and a second end surface located opposite the first end surface; a distance between the first end surface and the second end surface is longer than half a distance between the ceiling surface and the first barrier wall; The drying device of claim 1.

4. a distance between the ceiling surface and the first barrier is longer than half the distance between the opening and the ceiling surface; The drying device of claim 1.

5. a boundary wall located below the conveyor and at the boundary between the drying chamber and the transport chamber; a second shielding device having a second barrier located in the transfer chamber and attached to the boundary wall, the second barrier separating a third space above the second barrier from a fourth space below the second barrier in the transfer chamber; Further comprising: an upper end of the boundary wall defines a lower end of the connection port; The furnace body further has a bottom surface provided at a lower end of the drying chamber, the second barrier is located above the bottom surface and below the conveyor; 5. The drying device according to claim 1.

6. the second shielding device further comprises a mounting portion attached to the boundary wall; the second barrier is supported by the mounting portion so as to be movable between a closed position that separates the third space from the fourth space and an open position that allows the third space to communicate with the fourth space; The drying device of claim 5.

7. the first barrier and the second barrier are connected to each other; The drying device of claim 5.

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