Heat treatment system

Abstract

To provide a heat treatment system that can efficiently transport the lids of heat-treated containers. [Solution] The heat treatment unit 10 is capable of heat treating the workpiece 8. The heat treatment transport conveyor 20 is provided to pass through the heat treatment unit 10 and transports the container 3 containing the workpiece 8 and the lid 6 attached to the container 3. Multiple lid transport conveyors 40 are provided in the vertical direction and transport the lids 6 of the containers 3 containing the workpiece 8 that have been heat treated in the heat treatment unit 10. The lifting lifter 80 is capable of raising and lowering the lids 6 between the multiple lid transport conveyors 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat treatment system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heat treatment system that separately conveys a container for accommodating a workpiece heat-treated in a heat treatment unit and a lid is known. For example, in the heat treatment system of Patent Document 1, in a heat treatment conveyor passing through a heat treatment unit, one (one stage) container and one lid in the vertical direction are conveyed in a state where one (one row) is arranged in the width direction of the conveyor. In a lid conveyor that conveys the lid removed from the container that has passed through the heat treatment unit, one lid is conveyed in a state where one (one row) is arranged in the width direction of the conveyor. In a container conveyor that conveys the container from which the lid has been removed after passing through the heat treatment unit, one container is conveyed in a state where one (one row) is arranged in the width direction of the conveyor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the heat treatment system of Patent Document 1, since only one lid conveyor is provided for one heat treatment unit, the number of lids that can be conveyed within a predetermined time is small, which is inefficient.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat treatment system capable of efficiently conveying the lid of a container after heat treatment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The heat treatment system according to the present invention comprises a heat treatment unit (10), a heat treatment conveyor (20), a lid conveyor (40), and a lifting lifter (80). The heat treatment unit is capable of heat treating the object to be treated (8). The heat treatment conveyor is provided to pass through the heat treatment unit and transports a container (3) containing the object to be treated and a lid (6) attached to the container.

[0007] Multiple lid conveying belts are installed vertically to transport the lids of containers that hold heat-treated materials in the heat treatment area. The lifting lifter can raise and lower the lids between the multiple lid conveying belts.

[0008] In this invention, multiple lid conveying conveyors are provided. Therefore, lids can be conveyed efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a heat treatment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing a lid transport conveyor for a heat treatment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] (A) is a view of the container and lid being transported by the heat treatment transport conveyor of the heat treatment system according to this embodiment, viewed from the transport direction; (B) is a view of (A) from the direction of arrow B; and (C) is a cross-sectional view of (A) along line CC. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing a portion of a heat treatment system, including a post-treatment transport conveyor, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing a portion of a heat treatment system, including a pre-treatment transport conveyor, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the lid removal mechanism of a heat treatment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a lifting mechanism for a heat treatment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a view from the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10]View of the lid conveyor of the heat treatment system according to an embodiment as seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. [Figure 11] View of FIG. 10 as seen from the direction of arrow XI. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] View showing another lifting lifter of the heat treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] View of FIG. 13 as seen from the direction of arrow XIV. [Figure 15] View showing the end on the lid attachment mechanism side of the lid conveyor of the heat treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] View of FIG. 15 as seen from the direction of arrow XVI. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] View showing the lid attachment mechanism of the heat treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] Cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a heat treatment system according to an embodiment will be described based on the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same constituent parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] (One Embodiment) A heat treatment system according to an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The heat treatment system 1 includes a heat treatment unit 10 and a conveying system 2. The heat treatment unit 10 is for heat-treating a workpiece 8 to be described later, and is, for example, a firing furnace. The conveying system 2 is provided so as to pass through the heat treatment unit 10 and can convey a container 3 or the like containing the workpiece 8.

[0012] The transfer system 2 includes a heat treatment transfer conveyor 20, a post-treatment transfer conveyor 30, a lid transfer conveyor 40, a container transfer conveyor 50, a pre-treatment transfer conveyor 60, a lid removal mechanism section 71, a lid attachment mechanism section 72, a lifting lifter 80, a lid alignment mechanism section 90, etc. In the present embodiment, a plurality of each of the heat treatment section 10, the heat treatment transfer conveyor 20, the post-treatment transfer conveyor 30, the lid transfer conveyor 40, the container transfer conveyor 50, and the pre-treatment transfer conveyor 60 are provided.

[0013] For example, three heat treatment sections 10 are provided. For the sake of convenience, each heat treatment section 10 is referred to as heat treatment sections 11, 12, and 13. For example, three heat treatment transfer conveyors 20 are provided. For the sake of convenience, each heat treatment transfer conveyor 20 is referred to as heat treatment transfer conveyors 21, 22, and 23. For example, four post-treatment transfer conveyors 30 are provided. For the sake of convenience, each post-treatment transfer conveyor 30 is referred to as post-treatment transfer conveyors 31, 32, 33, and 34. For example, two lid transfer conveyors 40 are provided. For the sake of convenience, each lid transfer conveyor 40 is referred to as lid transfer conveyors 41 and 42. For example, four container transfer conveyors 50 are provided. For the sake of convenience, each container transfer conveyor 50 is referred to as container transfer conveyors 51, 52, 53, and 54. For example, four pre-treatment transfer conveyors 60 are provided. For the sake of convenience, each pre-treatment transfer conveyor 60 is referred to as pre-treatment transfer conveyors 61, 62, 63, and 64. In the present embodiment, the heat treatment section 10, the heat treatment transfer conveyor 20, and the lid transfer conveyor 40 are set to a length of about 60 m, for example.

[0014] Here, we define xyz coordinates for the space in which the heat treatment system 1 is installed. The x-axis, y-axis, and xy-plane are aligned horizontally. The z-axis, zx-plane, and zy-plane are aligned vertically. As shown in Figure 1, the heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13 are arranged in parallel along the x-axis. The heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13 are all set to the same length, for example. The heat treatment conveyor belts 21, 22, and 23 are arranged in parallel so as to pass through the heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13, i.e., along the x-axis. The heat treatment conveyor belts 21, 22, and 23 are set to be longer than the heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13. The heat treatment conveyor belt 21 is set to be longer than the heat treatment conveyor belt 22. The heat treatment conveyor belt 23 is set to be shorter than the heat treatment conveyor belt 22. The post-processing conveyor belts 31, 32, 33, and 34 are arranged along the y-axis. The lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 are installed so as to be aligned along the x-axis and vertically, i.e., along the z-axis (see Figures 1 and 2). The lid conveying conveyor 41 is set to the same length as, for example, the heat treatment conveying conveyor 22. The lid conveying conveyor 42 is set to be shorter than the lid conveying conveyor 41 and the heat treatment conveying conveyors 21, 22, and 23. The container conveying conveyors 51 and 52 are installed in parallel along the x-axis. The container conveying conveyors 53 and 54 are installed in parallel along the x-axis. The pre-processing conveying conveyors 61, 62, 63, and 64 are installed along the y-axis.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the heat treatment conveyor 20 includes a support section 205, a roller support section 206, and conveyor rollers 200. The roller support section 206 is supported by the support section 205 installed on the floor 9. The roller support section 206 is provided on both sides of the heat treatment conveyor 20 in the width direction (y-axis direction) along the length direction (x-axis direction). The conveyor rollers 200 have a rotating shaft 201 and support wheels 202. The rotating shaft 201 is formed in a rod shape from, for example, metal, and both ends are rotatably supported by the roller support section 206. The support wheels 202 are formed in an annular shape from, for example, a ceramic material such as alumina, and a plurality of them are provided along the length direction (y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 201. A plurality of conveyor rollers 200 are provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the heat treatment conveyor 20. The conveyor rollers 200 are rotatable in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0016] The heat treatment conveyor 20 conveys a multi-tiered container 7 with a lid, consisting of multiple containers 3 stacked vertically and a single lid 6 attached to the upper vertical side thereof, by rotating the conveyor rollers 200. The containers 3 are formed in the shape of a rectangular box, with a bottom wall at the bottom and an opening at the top, and are made of a ceramic material such as alumina. The dimensions of the containers 3 are, for example, approximately 33 cm in length, 33 cm in width, and 10 cm in height. The containers 3 have notches 5 at the top of their four side walls 4 (see Figures 3(A) and (C)). The lid 6 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, made of a ceramic material such as alumina. The dimensions of the lid 6 are, for example, approximately 32.5 cm in length, 32.5 cm in width, and 1 cm in height (thickness).

[0017] The container 3 contains the material to be processed 8. The material to be processed 8 is, for example, a mixture of a lithium-containing compound and a transition metal compound, or an electrode material for a lithium-ion battery, and is contained in container 3 in a powdered state that has been compressed under a predetermined pressure. Here, the height of the upper end surface of the material to be processed 8 in container 3 is set to be lower than the lower end of the notch 5.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3(A) and (C), two containers 3 are stacked in one lidded multi-tiered container 7. As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), the heat treatment conveyor 20 transports multiple lidded multi-tiered containers 7 arranged in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the heat treatment conveyor 20. In this embodiment, the heat treatment conveyor 20 transports four lidded multi-tiered containers 7 arranged in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the heat treatment conveyor 20, that is, 4 rows and 2 tiers of lidded containers. The transport direction of the lidded multi-tiered containers 7 on the heat treatment conveyor 20 is the +x direction. Here, "+x direction" means the positive direction on the x axis (the same applies to "+y direction" and "+z direction" below). Also, "-x direction" means the negative direction on the x axis (the same applies to "-y direction" and "-z direction" below).

[0019] The heat treatment unit 10 includes a furnace body 100 and a heater (not shown). The furnace body 100 is formed in a tunnel shape using insulating material such as heat-resistant bricks or ceramic boards, and a casing that encloses the insulating material. The heater is installed inside the furnace body 100. The heat treatment conveyor belt 20 is installed so that all parts except both ends are located inside the heat treatment unit 10. The lidded multi-stage container 7, which is transported by the heat treatment conveyor belt 20, is brought into the furnace body 100 from the furnace body inlet 101, heated by the heater, and discharged from the furnace body outlet 102. As the lidded multi-stage container 7 passes through the heat treatment unit 10, the workpiece 8 inside the container 3 is heated by the heater in the heat treatment unit 10.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the post-processing conveyors 31, 32, and 33 are each connected at their +y-direction ends to the +x-direction ends of the heat treatment conveyors 21, 22, and 23. The -y-direction end of the post-processing conveyor 31 is connected to the central part of the post-processing conveyor 32 by a connecting conveyor 35. The -y-direction end of the post-processing conveyor 33 is connected to the central part of the post-processing conveyor 32 by a connecting conveyor 36. The +y-direction end of the post-processing conveyor 34 is connected to the -y-direction part of the post-processing conveyor 32 by a connecting conveyor 37.

[0021] The multi-tiered containers 7 with lids containing the workpieces 8 that have been heat-treated in the heat treatment sections 11, 12, and 13 are transported from the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23 to the post-treatment transport conveyors 31, 32, and 33. The multi-tiered containers 7 with lids transported to the post-treatment transport conveyors 31, 32, and 33 are transported in the -y direction in a line of four along the y-axis. The connecting conveyor 35 transports the multi-tiered containers 7 that have been transported to the -y direction end of the post-treatment transport conveyor 31 to the post-treatment transport conveyor 32. The connecting conveyor 36 transports the multi-tiered containers 7 that have been transported to the -y direction end of the post-treatment transport conveyor 33 to the post-treatment transport conveyor 32. In this way, the post-treatment transport conveyors 31, 32, and 33 transport the containers 3 containing the workpieces 8 after heat treatment in the heat treatment section 10, and the lids 6 attached to those containers 3, in the -y direction.

[0022] The +x-direction end of the lid transport conveyor 41 is connected to the connecting conveyors 35, 36 and 37 of the post-processing transport conveyor 32. The lid removal mechanism 71 is provided at the connection point between the post-processing transport conveyor 32 and the lid transport conveyor 41. The lid removal mechanism 71 can remove the lid 6 from the container 3 (multi-stage container 7 with lid) being transported by the post-processing transport conveyor 32 and transport it to the lid transport conveyor 41.

[0023] The lid conveying conveyor 41 transports the lid 6, which has been removed by the lid removal mechanism 71, in the -x direction. The lid conveying conveyor 41 transports the lid 6 in a state where two lids 6 are arranged in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41.

[0024] Two lifting lifters 80 are provided in the heat treatment system 1 (see Figure 1). For convenience, these lifting lifters 81 and 82 will be referred to as lifting lifters 81 and 82. Lifting lifter 81 is located at the +x-direction end of the lid conveying conveyor 42, which is positioned vertically above the lid conveying conveyor 41. Lifting lifter 81 can move (raise) the lids 6 being conveyed by the lid conveying conveyor 41 vertically upward and transport them to the lid conveying conveyor 42. The lid conveying conveyor 42 transports the lids 6 lifted by the lifting lifter 81 in the -x direction.

[0025] After the lid 6 is removed by the lid removal mechanism 71, part of the container 3 is transported to the -y-direction end of the post-processing transport conveyor 32, and part of it is transported to the post-processing transport conveyor 34 by the connecting conveyor 37.

[0026] The -y-direction end of the post-processing conveyor 32 is connected to the +x-direction end of the container conveyor 51. The -y-direction end of the post-processing conveyor 34 is connected to the +x-direction end of the container conveyor 52.

[0027] The container transport conveyors 51 and 52 transport the containers 3 that have been transported to the -y-direction end of the post-processing transport conveyors 32 and 34 in the -x direction. The container transport conveyors 51 and 52 transport one container 3 positioned in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the container transport conveyors 51 and 52. The container transport conveyors 51 and 52 are each provided with a stacking mechanism 141 and 142. The stacking mechanism 141 and 142 can stack two containers 3 transported by the container transport conveyors 51 and 52 into one container. Therefore, on the +x direction side relative to the stacking mechanism 141 and 142, the containers 3 are transported in a two-tiered state, and on the -x direction side relative to the stacking mechanism 141 and 142, the containers 3 are transported in a single-tiered state.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, a material recovery unit 150 and a material filling unit 160 are provided between the -x-direction ends of the container conveying conveyors 51 and 52 and the +x-direction ends of the container conveying conveyors 53 and 54. The material recovery unit 150 recovers the processed material 8 contained in the containers 3 by, for example, inverting the containers 3 that have been transported by the container conveying conveyors 51 and 52, causing the processed material 8 to fall out. The recovered processed material 8 is then crushed and used as a material for lithium-ion battery electrodes, etc.

[0029] The material to be processed filling unit 160 fills the container 3, which has been emptied by the material to be processed recovery unit 150, with the material to be processed 8 before processing. The material to be processed filling unit 160 fills the container 3 with, for example, a mixture of powdered lithium-containing compound and transition metal compound, and compacts it from the vertically upward side with a predetermined pressure.

[0030] The container transport conveyors 53 and 54 transport the containers 3, which have been filled with the material to be processed 8 in the material to be processed filling section 160, in the -x direction. The container transport conveyors 53 and 54 are each provided with stacking mechanisms 171 and 172. The stacking mechanisms 171 and 172 can stack the single-layer containers 3 transported by the container transport conveyors 53 and 54 into two layers. Therefore, on the +x direction side relative to the stacking mechanisms 171 and 172, the containers 3 are transported in a single layer, while on the -x direction side relative to the stacking mechanisms 171 and 172, the containers 3 are transported in a two-layer stack.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the pre-processing transport conveyors 61, 62, and 63 are each connected at their +y-direction ends to the -x-direction ends of the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23. The -y-direction end of the pre-processing transport conveyor 61 is connected to the central part of the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 by a connecting conveyor 65. The -y-direction end of the pre-processing transport conveyor 63 is connected to the central part of the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 by a connecting conveyor 66. The +y-direction end of the pre-processing transport conveyor 64 is connected to the -y-direction part of the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 by a connecting conveyor 67.

[0032] The -y-direction end of the pre-processing conveyor 62 is connected to the -x-direction end of the container conveyor 53. The -y-direction end of the pre-processing conveyor 64 is connected to the -x-direction end of the container conveyor 54.

[0033] The pre-processing transport conveyors 62 and 64 transport the containers 3, which have been filled with the materials to be processed 8 in the material filling section 160 and stacked in two layers, to the -x end of the container transport conveyors 53 and 54 in the +y direction. The containers 3 that have been transported to the +y end of the pre-processing transport conveyor 64 are then transported to the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 by the connecting conveyor 67.

[0034] The lifting lifter 82 is located at the -x-direction end of the lid conveying conveyor 42. The lifting lifter 82 can move (lower) the lid 6, which has been conveyed to the -x-direction end of the lid conveying conveyor 42, vertically downwards and transport it to the lid conveying conveyor 41.

[0035] The -x-direction end of the lid transport conveyor 41 is connected to the connecting conveyors 65, 66 and 67 of the pre-processing transport conveyor 62. The lid attachment mechanism 72 is provided at the connection point between the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 and the lid transport conveyor 41. The lid attachment mechanism 72 can attach the lid 6, which has been transported to the -x-direction end of the lid transport conveyor 41, to the container 3 being transported by the pre-processing transport conveyor 62.

[0036] The containers 3 (multi-tiered containers with lids 7) with lids 6 attached by the lid attachment mechanism 72 are transported in the +y direction on the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 in a line of four along the y-axis. Of the multi-tiered containers with lids 7 transported on the pre-processing transport conveyor 62, some are transported to the -y direction end of the pre-processing transport conveyor 62, some are transported to the pre-processing transport conveyor 61 by the connecting conveyor 65, and some are transported to the pre-processing transport conveyor 63 by the connecting conveyor 66.

[0037] The lidded multi-stage containers 7, transported to the +y-direction ends of the pre-processing transport conveyors 61, 62, and 63, are then transported to the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23, respectively. The lidded multi-stage containers 7 containing the unprocessed materials 8, transported to the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23, are heated by the heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13. In this way, the heat treatment system 1 efficiently and continuously obtains processed materials 8 by repeatedly filling the containers 3 with the unprocessed materials 8 in the material filling unit 160, passing the material 8 through the heat treatment unit 10 in the transport system 2 for heat treatment, and recovering the processed materials 8 from the containers 3 in the material recovery unit 150.

[0038] Next, we will describe in detail each part of the heat treatment system 1.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lid removal mechanism 71 includes a container lifter 73, a lid lifter 74, a first support part 701, a second support part 702, a rail 77, a drive part 78, a support part 705, etc. As shown in Figure 6, the post-processing transport conveyor 32 has transport rollers 300. The transport rollers 300 have a rotating shaft 301 and support wheels 302. The configuration of the rotating shaft 301 and support wheels 302 is the same as the configuration of the rotating shaft 201 and support wheels 202. For example, two support wheels 302 are provided in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 301. Multiple transport rollers 300 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the post-processing transport conveyor 32. The transport rollers 300 can rotate in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0040] The container lifter 73 is mounted between adjacent conveying rollers 300 in the y-axis direction and is movable vertically upward or downward (z-axis direction) by a drive device (not shown).

[0041] The first support portion 701 has a claw portion 75 and a pressing portion 76. The claw portion 75 has a claw portion body 751 and a claw portion support 752. The claw portion body 751 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and is provided to lie along the zy-plane. The claw portion support 752 is formed to protrude horizontally (in the x-axis direction) from the lower end of the claw portion body 751. Two claw portions 75 are provided at a predetermined distance in the x-axis direction so that the claw portion supports 752 face each other in the x-axis direction. The two claw portions 75 are movable in the x-axis direction so as to move closer to each other or further away from each other. The pressing portion 76 is formed in the shape of a long plate. Two pressing portions 76 are provided at a predetermined distance in the y-axis direction along the x-axis. The pressing portion 76 is reciprocating in the vertical direction (z-axis direction).

[0042] The rail 77 is formed in a rod shape, with both ends supported by support portions 705. Two rails 77 are provided along the x-axis and spaced apart in the y-axis direction. The first support portion 701 is provided on one of the two rails 77. The first support portion 701 is reciprocally movable along the rail 77 in the x-axis direction by a drive unit 78 supported at the upper end of the support portion 705.

[0043] The second support section 702 is provided on the other of the two rails 77 and is capable of reciprocating along the rail 77 in the x-axis direction by a drive unit 78. The second support section 702 has the same configuration as the first support section 701, so its description is omitted.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lid conveying conveyor 41 includes a support section 405, a roller support section 406, and conveying rollers 400. The roller support section 406 is supported by the support section 405 installed on the floor 9. The roller support section 406 is provided on both sides of the lid conveying conveyor 41 in the width direction (y-axis direction) along the length direction (x-axis direction). The conveying rollers 400 have a rotating shaft 401 and support wheels 402. The configuration of the rotating shaft 401 and support wheels 402 is the same as that of the rotating shaft 201 and support wheels 202. For example, four support wheels 402 are provided along the length direction (y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 401. Multiple conveying rollers 400 are provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41. The conveying rollers 400 can rotate in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0045] The lid lifter 74 is mounted between adjacent conveyor rollers 400 in the x-axis direction and is movable vertically upward or downward (z-axis direction) by a drive device (not shown).

[0046] Next, the operation of the lid removal mechanism 71 will be described.

[0047] After processing, the multi-tiered container with a lid 7 is transported by the conveyor belt 32 to a position above the container lifter 73 in the vertical direction, causing the container lifter 73 to move vertically upward from its initial position. As a result, the multi-tiered container with a lid 7 moves vertically upward while being supported by the upper end of the container lifter 73 (see Figure 6). Subsequently, as the two claw portions 75 of the first support portion 701 and the second support portion 702 move closer to each other, the claw portion supports 752 are inserted from both sides in the x-axis direction between the lids 6 and notches 5 of the two multi-tiered containers with lids 7 aligned in the y-axis direction. Next, as the pressing portion 76 moves vertically downward, the lid 6 is supported at both ends in the x-axis direction by the claw portion supports 752 from the vertically downward side, and its vertically upward surface is pressed down by the pressing portion 76. Next, when the container lifter 73 moves vertically downward, the two stacked containers 3 also move vertically downward, and the lids 6 are removed from the containers 3.

[0048] Next, as the first support section 701 and the second support section 702 move along the rail 77 in the -x direction, the lid lifter 74 moves vertically upward, supporting the lid 6 from vertically downward (see Figure 7). Subsequently, as the pressing section 76 moves vertically upward, and the two claw sections 75 of the first support section 701 and the second support section 702 move away from each other, the two lids 6 are supported by the upper end of the lid lifter 74. Subsequently, as the lid lifter 74 moves vertically downward, the two lids 6 are supported by the support wheels 402 of the transport roller 400. With these operations, the removal of the lid 6 from the multi-tiered container 7 with a lid, which is transported by the post-processing transport conveyor 32, and the transport of the lid 6 to the lid transport conveyor 41 are completed.

[0049] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lifting lifter 81 includes a lifting rail 83, a movable roller support section 85, and a transport roller 800. The lifting rail 83 is formed, for example, in a columnar shape and multiple rails are installed on the floor 9 along the vertical direction. The movable roller support section 85 is provided on both sides of the lifting lifter 81 in the y-axis direction, along the x-axis direction. The movable roller support section 85 is supported by the lifting rail 83 and is provided to be movable along the lifting rail 83 in the vertical direction, either upward or downward (z-axis direction), by a drive device (not shown). The transport roller 800 has a rotating shaft 801 and support wheels 802. The configuration of the rotating shaft 801 and support wheels 802 is the same as the configuration of the rotating shaft 201 and support wheels 202. For example, four support wheels 802 are provided in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 801. Multiple transport rollers 800 are provided at predetermined intervals in the x-axis direction of the movable roller support section 85. The transport roller 800 is rotatable in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, guides 95 are provided on the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 and the lifting lifter 81. The guides 95 are provided near the roller support parts 406 on both sides in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42, and near the movable roller support parts 85 on both sides in the y-axis direction of the lifting lifter 81. The guides 95 have guide rollers 951. The guide rollers 951 are formed in an annular shape from a ceramic material such as alumina, and are rotatable about an axis of rotation along the vertical direction (z-axis direction). Multiple guide rollers 951 are provided along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42.

[0051] Nine guide rollers 951 are provided on each side of the lifting lifter 81 in the y-axis direction, near the movable roller support 85, and aligned in the x-axis direction. Of the nine guide rollers 951, the two guide rollers 951 located on both sides in the x-axis direction are positioned offset towards the movable roller support 85 side compared to the other seven guide rollers 951. That is, the rotation axes of the other seven guide rollers 951 are perpendicular to the straight line L1 along the x-axis direction, while the rotation axes of the two guide rollers 951 located on both sides in the x-axis direction are offset from the straight line L1 towards the movable roller support 85 side. Note that the rotation axes of the guide rollers 951 of the guides 95 provided on the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 are perpendicular to the straight line L1.

[0052] The lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 convey the lids 6 in a state where two lids 6 are arranged in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 (see Figure 9). In the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 and the lifting lifter 81, the distance in the y-axis direction of the guide roller 951 whose rotation axis is perpendicular to the straight line L1 is set to, for example, approximately 68 cm. The lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42 and the lifting lifter 81 convey the lids 6 in a state where two lids 6 are arranged in the y-axis direction in the -x direction. The guide roller 951 rotates when it comes into contact with the outer edge of the lid 6, and is able to guide the conveyance of the lid 6. When the two lids 6 arranged in the y-axis direction are in contact with each other and are located at the center in the y-axis direction (see Figure 9), a gap of approximately 1.5 cm is formed between the guide roller 951 and the lids 6 on both sides in the y-axis direction of the two lids 6.

[0053] The lid conveying conveyor 41 is divided into a +x direction side and a -x direction side relative to the lifting lifter 81 (see Figure 8). The two lids 6 that have been conveyed in the -x direction by the lid conveying conveyor 41 located on the +x direction side relative to the lifting lifter 81 are conveyed to the conveying rollers 800 of the lifting lifter 81, which are located at the same height as the conveying rollers 400 of the lid conveying conveyor 41. Here, if the movable roller support part 85 moves vertically upward, the two lids 6 are conveyed to the lid conveying conveyor 42 by the rotation of the conveying rollers 800. On the other hand, if the movable roller support part 85 does not move vertically upward, the two lids 6 are conveyed to the lid conveying conveyor 41 on the -x direction side relative to the lifting lifter 81 by the rotation of the conveying rollers 800.

[0054] In this embodiment, of the nine guide rollers 951 arranged in the x-axis direction near the movable roller support section 85 on both sides of the lifting lifter 81 in the y-axis direction, two guide rollers 951 located on both sides in the x-axis direction are positioned offset toward the movable roller support section 85 relative to the other seven guide rollers 951. Therefore, when two lids 6 transported by the lid transport conveyor 41 are transported to the transport roller 800 of the lifting lifter 81, it is possible to suppress the collision of the front surface of the lids 6 in the transport direction with the guide rollers 951, which would hinder transport. As a result, the lids 6 can be smoothly transported to the transport roller 800.

[0055] The lid alignment mechanism 90 includes a stopper 91, a width adjustment section 92, a lid lifter with rollers 93, etc. As shown in Figures 10-12, the stopper 91 is provided on the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42. Multiple stoppers 91 are provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42. The stopper 91 includes a stopper roller support section 911 and a stopper roller 912. The stopper roller support section 911 is provided so as to be movable vertically upward or downward (z-axis direction) by a drive device (not shown) between adjacent conveying rollers 400 in the x-axis direction. The stopper roller 912 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a ceramic material such as alumina and is rotatably provided at the upper end of the stopper roller support section 911. Here, the stopper roller 912 is provided so as to have its axis of rotation along the y-axis direction. Multiple stopper rollers 912 are provided in the y-axis direction.

[0056] When the lid 6 is transported by the lid transport conveyors 41 and 42, the stopper 91 moves from its initial position vertically below the transport roller 400 to vertically above it. As a result, the stopper roller 912 contacts the lid 6 on the front side (-x direction side) of the lid 6 in the transport direction (-x direction) (see Figures 10 and 11). This makes the front surface of the lid 6 in the transport direction parallel to the y-axis direction, correcting the inclination of the lid 6 with respect to the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyors 41 and 42 (see Figure 11). After contacting the lid 6, the stopper 91 descends and returns to its initial position. Because the stopper roller 912 is rotatably mounted, wear or damage to the contact area between the lid 6 and the stopper roller 912 can be suppressed when the stopper 91 descends.

[0057] The guides 95 are provided along the entire length (x-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42, except for the position where the stoppers 91 are installed. The guides 95 guide the conveying of the lids 6 on the lid conveying conveyors 41 and 42, and suppress significant displacement of the lids 6 in the y-axis direction and significant tilting of the lids 6 with respect to the y-axis direction.

[0058] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the lifting lifter 82 is provided on the -x side relative to the -x end of the lid conveying conveyor 42. The lid conveying conveyor 41 is divided into a +x side and a -x side relative to the lifting lifter 82. The configuration of the lifting lifter 82 is the same as that of the lifting lifter 81.

[0059] Two lids 6, which have been transported in the -x direction by the lid conveying conveyor 42 located on the +x side relative to the lifting lifter 82, are transported to the conveying roller 800 of the lifting lifter 82, which is located at the same height as the conveying roller 400 of the lid conveying conveyor 42. When the lids 6 are transported to the conveying roller 800, the movable roller support 85 moves vertically downward so that the conveying roller 800 is at the same height as the conveying roller 400 of the lid conveying conveyor 41. Subsequently, the lids 6 are transported to the lid conveying conveyor 41 on the -x side relative to the lifting lifter 82 by the rotation of the conveying roller 800. On the other hand, two lids 6, which have been transported in the -x direction by the lid conveying conveyor 41 located on the +x side relative to the lifting lifter 82, are transported to the conveying roller 800 of the lifting lifter 82, which is located at the same height as the conveying roller 400 of the lid conveying conveyor 41. Subsequently, the lid 6 is transported by the rotation of the transport roller 800 to the lid transport conveyor 41 on the -x direction side relative to the lifting lifter 82.

[0060] As shown in Figures 15-17, the width-adjusting section 92 is provided on the -x side relative to the stopper 91 provided near the -x side end of the lid conveying conveyor 41. The width-adjusting section 92 has a clamping section 921, a clamping section support 922, and a width-adjusting drive unit 923. The clamping section 921 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. The clamping section 921 is provided so as to be aligned with the zx plane near the roller support sections 406 on both sides in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41. The clamping section support 922 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rod, with one end connected to the surface of the clamping section 921 on the roller support section 406 side. The width-adjusting drive unit 923 is provided on the other end side of the clamping section support 922, and by driving the clamping section support 922 in the y-axis direction, the two clamping sections 921 can be driven to move closer to each other or further away from each other in the y-axis direction.

[0061] The lid lifter 93 with rollers is positioned in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41, corresponding to the width adjustment section 92 (see Figures 15 and 16). The lid lifter 93 with rollers has a lifter roller support section 931 and a lifter roller 932. The lifter roller support section 931 has a first lifter roller support section 941 and a second lifter roller support section 942. The first lifter roller support section 941 and the second lifter roller support section 942 are provided so as to be movable vertically upward or downward (z-axis direction) by a drive device (not shown) between adjacent conveying rollers 400 in the x-axis direction. The first lifter roller support section 941 is provided in the x-axis direction on the opposite side of the conveying roller 400 from the second lifter roller support section 942.

[0062] The lifter roller 932 is formed in an annular shape from a ceramic material such as alumina, and is rotatably mounted at the upper ends of the first lifter roller support portion 941 and the second lifter roller support portion 942. Here, the lifter roller 932 is mounted so that its rotation axis 201 is aligned with the x-axis direction. Multiple lifter rollers 932 are provided in the y-axis direction at the first lifter roller support portion 941 and the second lifter roller support portion 942.

[0063] When the lid 6 is transported by the lid transport conveyor 41, the stopper 91 moves from its initial position vertically below the transport roller 400 to vertically above. As a result, the stopper roller 912 comes into contact with the lid 6 on the front side (-x direction side) of the lid 6 in the transport direction (-x direction). This makes the front surface of the lid 6 in the transport direction parallel to the y-axis direction, correcting the inclination of the lid 6 with respect to the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyor 41. Subsequently, when the lid lifter 93 with rollers moves vertically upward, the lid 6 moves to a position corresponding to the clamping portion 921 while being supported by the lifter roller 932 from the vertically below.

[0064] Next, the width-shifting drive unit 923 drives the two clamping parts 921 to move closer to each other, so that the two lids 6 arranged in the y-axis direction are clamped by the two clamping parts 921 from both sides in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41. This allows the position of the lids 6 in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41 to be adjusted. When the two lids 6 arranged in the y-axis direction are clamped by the two clamping parts 921, the lifter roller 932 that contacts the vertically lower surface of the lid 6 rotates. This allows the position of the lids 6 to be adjusted while suppressing wear or damage caused by sliding between the lifter roller 932 and the lids 6 in the y-axis direction.

[0065] Next, the width-shifting drive unit 923 drives the two clamping parts 921 to move away from each other, causing the roller-equipped lid lifter 93 to move vertically downward, and the two lids 6 are positioned on the transport roller 400. The stopper 91 and width-shifting part 92 of the lid alignment mechanism unit 90 correct the tilt with respect to the y-axis direction, and the two lids 6, aligned by adjusting their position in the y-axis direction, are then transported to the downstream lid mounting mechanism unit 72.

[0066] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lid mounting mechanism 72, like the lid removal mechanism 71, includes a container lifter 73, a lid lifter 74, a first support part 701, a second support part 702, a rail 77, a drive part 78, a support part 705, etc. The configuration of the container lifter 73, lid lifter 74, first support part 701, second support part 702, rail 77, drive part 78, and support part 705 is the same as the configuration of the lid removal mechanism 71.

[0067] As shown in Figure 18, the pre-processing conveyor 62 has conveyor rollers 600. The conveyor rollers 600 have a rotating shaft 601 and support wheels 602. The configuration of the rotating shaft 601 and support wheels 602 is the same as that of the rotating shaft 201 and support wheels 202. For example, two support wheels 602 are provided in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 601. Multiple conveyor rollers 600 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the pre-processing conveyor 62. The conveyor rollers 600 can rotate in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0068] Next, the operation of the lid mounting mechanism 72 will be described.

[0069] When the two lids 6 aligned by the lid alignment mechanism 90 are transported by the lid conveying conveyor 41 to a position above the lid lifter 74 in the vertical direction, the lid lifter 74 moves upward vertically from its initial position. As a result, the two lids 6 move upward vertically while being supported by the upper ends of the lid lifter 74 (see Figures 18 and 19). Subsequently, as the two claw portions 75 of the first support portion 701 and the second support portion 702 move closer to each other, the claw portion supports 752 enter the vertically downward side of the lower surfaces of the two lids 6 aligned in the y-axis direction from both sides in the x-axis direction. Subsequently, as the pressing portion 76 moves downward vertically, the lids 6 are supported at both ends in the x-axis direction by the claw portion supports 752 from the vertically downward side, and their vertically upward surfaces are pressed down by the pressing portion 76. Next, as the lid lifter 74 moves vertically downward, the upper end of the lid lifter 74 becomes separated from the lid 6.

[0070] Next, the first support section 701 and the second support section 702 move along the rail 77 in the -x direction, and are positioned above the container lifter 73 in the vertical direction. When the two-tiered container 3 containing the unprocessed material 8 is transported by the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 to the position above the container lifter 73 in the vertical direction, the container lifter 73 moves upward in the vertical direction from its initial position. As a result, the two-tiered container 3 moves upward in the vertical direction while being supported by the upper end of the container lifter 73. Next, the pressing section 76 moves upward in the vertical direction, and the two claw sections 75 of the first support section 701 and the second support section 702 move away from each other, so that the lid 6 is attached to the upper end of the two-tiered container 3 (multi-tiered container with lid 7). Next, when the container lifter 73 moves downward in the vertical direction, the two multi-tiered containers with lids 7 are supported by the support wheels 602 of the transport roller 600. With the above operation, the attachment of the lid 6 to the container 3 being transported by the pre-processing transport conveyor 62 is completed.

[0071] As described above, (1) this embodiment comprises a heat treatment unit 10, a heat treatment conveyor belt 20, a lid conveyor belt 40, and a lifting lifter 80. The heat treatment unit 10 is capable of heat treating the workpiece 8. The heat treatment conveyor belt 20 is provided to pass through the heat treatment unit 10 and transports the container 3 containing the workpiece 8 and the lid 6 attached to the container 3.

[0072] Multiple lid conveying conveyors 40 are provided in the vertical direction and convey the lids 6 of the containers 3 that contain the processed objects 8 that have been heat-treated in the heat treatment unit 10. The lifting lifter 80 can raise and lower the lids 6 between the multiple lid conveying conveyors 40.

[0073] In this embodiment, multiple lid conveying conveyors 40 are provided. Therefore, the lids 6 can be conveyed efficiently. In addition, by providing multiple lid conveying conveyors 40 in a vertical direction, the installation space of the heat treatment system 1 can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, (2) in this embodiment, the lid conveying conveyor 40 is provided to be parallel to the heat treatment conveying conveyor 20 and to be approximately the same length as the heat treatment conveying conveyor 20.

[0075] Therefore, multiple lid conveying conveyors 40, which are provided in the vertical direction, can store a large number of lids 6. This increases the number of lids 6 that can be held in stock in the event of a malfunction, thus saving time for recovery work. In addition, by providing the lid conveying conveyors 40 and the heat treatment conveying conveyors 20 in parallel, the installation space for the heat treatment system 1 can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, (3) this embodiment further includes a stopper 91. The stopper 91 is provided on the lid conveying conveyor 40 and contacts the lid 6 on the front side in the conveying direction of the lid 6, thereby correcting the inclination of the lid 6 with respect to the width direction of the lid conveying conveyor 40.

[0077] The plate-shaped lid 6 may warp when heated in the heat treatment unit 10. Therefore, if a warped lid 6 is transported on the lid transport conveyor 40, the lid 6 may meander along the transport path or tilt relative to the width direction of the lid transport conveyor 40. In this embodiment, a stopper 91 is provided, so even if the lid 6 tilts along the transport path, the tilt of the lid 6 can be corrected.

[0078] Furthermore, (4) in this embodiment, multiple stoppers 91 are provided in the direction of transport of the lid 6. Therefore, the tilt of the lid 6 can be corrected multiple times along the transport path of the lid 6.

[0079] In this embodiment, the lid conveying conveyor 40 is provided parallel to the heat treatment conveying conveyor 20 and is approximately the same length as the heat treatment conveying conveyor 20. As a result, the conveying path of the lid conveying conveyor 40 becomes relatively long, and there is a risk that the lid 6 may meander or tilt along the conveying path. In this embodiment, since multiple stoppers 91 are provided in the conveying direction of the lid 6, the tilt of the lid 6 can be corrected even at the final end of the conveying path of the lid conveying conveyor 40.

[0080] Furthermore, (5) this embodiment further includes guides 95. The guides 95 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the lid conveying conveyor 40 and can guide the conveying of the lids 6. As a result, the lids 6 can be conveyed smoothly on the lid conveying conveyor 40 while suppressing meandering of the lids 6.

[0081] Furthermore, (6) in this embodiment, the heat treatment conveyor 20 transports a multi-tiered container 7 with a lid, which consists of multiple containers 3 stacked vertically and one lid 6 attached to the upper vertical side thereof. Therefore, a predetermined amount or more of workpieces 8 can be efficiently heat-treated in a single heat treatment unit 10.

[0082] Furthermore, (7) in this embodiment, the heat treatment conveyor 20 transports multiple lidded multi-stage containers 7 arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveyor 20. Therefore, a predetermined amount or more of workpieces 8 can be heat treated more efficiently in a single heat treatment unit 10.

[0083] In this embodiment, since multiple lids 6 are arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveyor 20, one heat treatment conveyor 20 will transport a large number of lids 6. In this embodiment, since multiple lid transport conveyors 40 are provided, a large number of lids 6 can be transported efficiently.

[0084] Furthermore, (8) in this embodiment, multiple heat treatment units 10 and heat treatment conveyor belts 20 are provided in parallel. Therefore, a large number of workpieces 8 can be efficiently heat-treated in a single heat treatment system 1. In addition, by providing multiple heat treatment units 10 and heat treatment conveyor belts 20 in parallel, the installation space of the heat treatment system 1 can be reduced.

[0085] In this embodiment, it is necessary to transport a large number of lids 6 on the lid transport conveyor 40, but since multiple lid transport conveyors 40 are provided, a large number of lids 6 can be transported efficiently.

[0086] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which two lid conveying conveyors are provided. In contrast, in other embodiments, three or more lid conveying conveyors may be provided depending on the number of lids to be conveyed within a predetermined time.

[0087] In other embodiments, the lid conveying conveyor does not have to be installed parallel to the heat treatment conveying conveyor. Also, the lid conveying conveyor does not have to be installed to be approximately the same length as the heat treatment conveying conveyor.

[0088] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment showed an example in which multiple stoppers are provided in the direction of lid transport. In contrast, in other embodiments, multiple stoppers may not be provided in the direction of lid transport.

[0089] In other embodiments, the heat treatment system may not include a stopper. In other embodiments, the heat treatment system may not include a guide.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the heat treatment conveying conveyor transports a multi-tiered container with a lid, consisting of multiple containers stacked vertically and one lid attached to the vertically upper side thereof. In contrast, in another embodiment, the heat treatment conveying conveyor may transport a container with a lid, consisting of one container and one lid attached to the vertically upper side thereof.

[0091] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the heat treatment conveyor transports multiple lidded multi-tiered containers arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveyor. In contrast, in other embodiments, the heat treatment conveyor may transport a single lidded multi-tiered container or a lidded container arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveyor.

[0092] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment showed an example in which three heat treatment units and three heat treatment conveyor belts were provided. In contrast, in other embodiments, one, two, or four or more heat treatment units and heat treatment conveyor belts may be provided depending on the amount of material to be processed.

[0093] In other embodiments, the length of the heat treatment section may be appropriately changed depending on the amount of material to be treated and other conditions. The lengths of the heat treatment conveyor and the lid conveyor may also be appropriately changed according to the length of the heat treatment section.

[0094] In other embodiments, the dimensions of the container and lid may be appropriately changed depending on the amount of material to be processed and other conditions.

[0095] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment shows an example in which each component or part of the heat treatment system is arranged along the axes in the xyz coordinate system. In contrast, in other embodiments, each component or part of the heat treatment system does not have to be arranged along the axes in the xyz coordinate system.

[0096] Thus, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1 Heat treatment system, 3 containers, 6 lids, 8 workpieces, 10 heat treatment section, 20 heat treatment conveyor, 40 lid conveyor, 80 lifting lifter

Claims

1. A heat treatment unit (10) capable of heat treating the workpiece (8), A heat treatment conveyor (20) is provided to pass through the heat treatment section and transports a container (3) containing the object to be treated, and a lid (6) attached to the container. Multiple lid conveying conveyors (40) are provided in the vertical direction for transporting the lids of the containers that contain the heat-treated objects in the heat treatment section, A lifting lifter (80) capable of raising and lowering the lid between multiple lid conveying conveyors, A heat treatment system equipped with the following features.

2. The heat treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the lid conveying conveyor is provided parallel to the heat treatment conveying conveyor and has substantially the same length as the heat treatment conveying conveyor.

3. The heat treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a stopper (91) provided on the lid conveying conveyor, which contacts the lid on the front side in the conveying direction of the lid, thereby correcting the inclination of the lid with respect to the width direction of the lid conveying conveyor.

4. The heat treatment system according to claim 3, wherein the stoppers are provided in a plurality in the direction of transport of the lid.

5. The heat treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising guides (95) provided on both sides in the width direction of the lid conveying conveyor, which are capable of guiding the conveyance of the lid.

6. The heat treatment conveying conveyor transports a multi-tiered container (7) with a lid, which consists of a plurality of containers stacked vertically and one lid attached to the upper vertical side thereof, according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The heat treatment system according to claim 6, wherein the heat treatment conveying conveyor transports the multiple lidded multi-stage containers arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveying conveyor.

8. The heat treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the heat treatment unit and the heat treatment conveying conveyor are provided in parallel.

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