Heat Treatment System

By implementing multiple lid transport conveyors and an elevating lifter with stoppers, the heat treatment system addresses inefficiencies in lid transport, achieving improved efficiency and throughput.

JP7759464B1Active Publication Date: 2025-10-23NORITAKE MACHINE TECHNO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024187742
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-24
Publication Date
2025-10-23
Estimated Expiration
2044-10-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing heat treatment systems are inefficient in transporting container lids due to the provision of only one lid transport conveyor per heat treatment section, limiting the number of lids that can be transported within a given time.

Method used

The system includes multiple lid transport conveyors arranged vertically and an elevating lifter to efficiently transport lids, with stoppers on the conveyors to correct the inclination of the lids, ensuring smooth and efficient transport.

Benefits of technology

This configuration allows for increased efficiency in transporting lids post-heat treatment, enhancing the overall throughput of the system by utilizing multiple conveyors and correcting lid alignment.

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Abstract

A heat treatment system capable of efficiently transporting container lids after heat treatment is provided. [Solution] A heat treatment section 10 is capable of heat treating a workpiece 8. A heat treatment transport conveyor 20 is provided to pass through the heat treatment section 10 and transports a container 3 containing the workpiece 8 and a lid 6 attached to the container 3. A plurality of lid transport conveyors 40 are provided in the vertical direction and transport the lids 6 of the containers 3 containing the workpiece 8 that has been heat treated in the heat treatment section 10. An elevation lifter 80 is capable of raising and lowering the lids 6 between the plurality of lid transport conveyors 40.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, heat treatment systems are known that separately transport containers and lids that house workpieces that have been heat-treated in a heat treatment section. For example, in the heat treatment system of Patent Document 1, a heat treatment transport conveyor that passes through the heat treatment section transports one container and lid (one row) in the vertical direction, arranged in a single line across the width of the conveyor. A lid transport conveyor that transports lids removed from containers that have passed through the heat treatment section transports one lid (one row) arranged in a single line across the width of the conveyor. A container transport conveyor that transports containers that have passed through the heat treatment section and have had their lids removed transports one container (one row) arranged in a single line across the width of the conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-41508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the heat treatment system of Patent Document 1, only one lid transport conveyor is provided for each heat treatment section, so the number of lids that can be transported within a given time is small, making it inefficient.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat treatment system that can efficiently transport container lids after heat treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The heat treatment system according to the present invention includes a heat treatment section (10), a heat treatment transport conveyor (20), a lid transport conveyor (40), and an elevating lifter (80). The heat treatment section is capable of heat treating an object (8). The heat treatment transport conveyor is arranged to pass through the heat treatment section and transports a container (3) containing the object (8) and a lid (6) attached to the container.

[0007] The lid transport conveyors are provided in a plurality in the vertical direction and transport the lids of the containers that contain the workpieces that have been heat-treated in the heat treatment section. The lifter is capable of raising and lowering the lids between the plurality of lid transport conveyors.

[0008] In the present invention, a plurality of lid transport conveyors are provided, so that the lids can be transported efficiently. The first aspect of the present invention further comprises a stopper (91) provided on the lid transport conveyor, which contacts the lid at the front in the lid transport direction, thereby correcting the inclination of the lid relative to the width direction of the lid transport conveyor, and the lid transport conveyor is provided with a plurality of stoppers at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction so that the lower end of the stopper provided on the lid transport conveyor on the upper vertical side does not contact the lid transport conveyor on the lower vertical side. In a second aspect of the present invention, the lid transport conveyor further includes a stopper (91) that is provided on the lid transport conveyor and that contacts the lid at the front side in the lid transport direction, thereby correcting the inclination of the lid relative to the width direction of the lid transport conveyor, and a plurality of stoppers are provided in the lid transport direction. 。 [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a thermal processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lid transport conveyor of a thermal processing system according to an 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, seen 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]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a heat treatment system including a post-treatment conveyor according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a heat treatment system including a pre-treatment conveyor according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a lid removal mechanism of a thermal processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates a lifter of a thermal processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 8 as viewed in the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a view of a lid transport conveyor of a heat treatment system according to an embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 viewed from the direction of arrow XI. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of line XII-XII in Figure 10. [Figure 13] 10 illustrates another elevation lifter for a thermal processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 as viewed from the direction of arrow XIV. [Figure 15] 2 is a diagram showing an end of a lid transport conveyor on the lid attachment mechanism side of a heat treatment system according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 viewed from the direction of arrow XVI. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 illustrates a lid attachment mechanism of a thermal processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] Cross-sectional view of line XIX-XIX in Figure 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A heat treatment system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0011] (One embodiment) 1 and 2 show a heat treatment system according to one embodiment. The heat treatment system 1 includes a heat treatment section 10 and a transport system 2. The heat treatment section 10 is for heat treating a workpiece 8 (described later), and is, for example, a firing furnace. The transport system 2 is arranged to pass through the heat treatment section 10 and is capable of transporting a container 3 containing the workpiece 8, etc.

[0012] The transport system 2 includes a heat treatment transport conveyor 20, a post-treatment transport conveyor 30, a lid transport conveyor 40, a container transport conveyor 50, a pre-treatment transport conveyor 60, a lid removal mechanism 71, a lid attachment mechanism 72, a lifter 80, and a lid alignment mechanism 90. In this embodiment, multiple units of each of the heat treatment processing unit 10, heat treatment transport conveyor 20, post-treatment transport conveyor 30, lid transport conveyor 40, container transport conveyor 50, and pre-treatment transport conveyor 60 are provided.

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

[0014] Here, an xyz coordinate system is defined for the space in which the heat treatment system 1 is installed. The x-axis, y-axis, and xy plane are horizontal. The z-axis, zx plane, and zy plane are vertical. As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat treatment sections 11, 12, and 13 are arranged in parallel along the x-axis. For example, the heat treatment sections 11, 12, and 13 are all set to the same length. The heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23 are arranged in parallel along the x-axis so as to pass through the heat treatment sections 11, 12, and 13, respectively. The heat treatment transport conveyor 21, 22, and 23 are longer than the heat treatment sections 11, 12, and 13. The heat treatment transport conveyor 21 is longer than the heat treatment transport conveyor 22. The heat treatment transport conveyor 23 is shorter than the heat treatment transport conveyor 22. The post-treatment transport conveyors 31, 32, 33, and 34 are arranged along the y-axis. The lid transport conveyors 41, 42 are arranged along the x-axis and aligned vertically, i.e., in the z-axis direction (see Figures 1 and 2). The lid transport conveyor 41 is set to have the same length as the heat treatment transport conveyor 22, for example. The lid transport conveyor 42 is set to be shorter than the lid transport conveyor 41 and the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23. The container transport conveyors 51, 52 are arranged in parallel along the x-axis. The container transport conveyors 53, 54 are arranged in parallel along the x-axis. The pre-treatment transport conveyors 61, 62, 63, and 64 are arranged along the y-axis.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3 , the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 includes a support portion 205, a roller support portion 206, and transport rollers 200. The roller support portion 206 is supported by the support portion 205 installed on the floor 9. The roller support portions 206 are provided on both sides of the width direction (y-axis direction) of the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 so as to extend along the length direction (x-axis direction). The transport rollers 200 include a rotating shaft 201 and support wheels 202. The rotating shaft 201 is formed into a rod shape from, for example, metal, and both ends are rotatably supported by the roller support portions 206. The support wheels 202 are formed into an annular shape from, for example, a ceramic material such as alumina, and multiple support wheels 202 are provided along the length direction (y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 201. Multiple transport rollers 200 are provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the heat treatment transport conveyor 20. The transport rollers 200 can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0016] The heat treatment transport conveyor 20 rotates the transport rollers 200 to transport a lidded multi-tiered container 7, which consists of multiple containers 3 stacked vertically and one lid 6 attached vertically above the containers 3. The containers 3 are formed in the shape of a rectangular box, made of a ceramic material such as alumina, with a bottom wall at the bottom and an opening at the top. The containers 3 are, for example, approximately 33 cm long, 33 cm wide, and 10 cm high. The containers 3 have cutouts 5 at the top of the four side walls 4 (see Figures 3(A) and (C)). The lid 6 is, for example, formed in the shape of a rectangular plate made of a ceramic material such as alumina. The lid 6 is, for example, approximately 32.5 cm long, 32.5 cm wide, and 1 cm high (thickness).

[0017] The container 3 contains an object to be treated 8. The object to be treated 8 is, for example, a mixture of a lithium-containing compound and a transition metal compound, an electrode material for a lithium-ion battery, or the like, and is contained in the container 3 in a powder form that is compressed under a predetermined pressure. Here, the height of the upper end surface of the object to be treated 8 in the container 3 is set to a position lower than the lower end of the cutout portion 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 transport conveyor 20 transports multiple lidded multi-tiered containers 7 arranged in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the heat treatment transport conveyor 20. In this embodiment, the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 transports four lidded multi-tiered containers 7 arranged in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the heat treatment transport conveyor 20, i.e., four rows and two columns of lidded containers. The transport direction of the lidded multi-tiered containers 7 on the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 is the +x direction. Here, the "+x direction" refers to the positive direction on the x axis (the same applies to the "+y direction" and "+z direction" below). The "-x direction" refers to the negative direction on the x axis (the same applies to the "-y direction" and "-z direction" below).

[0019] The heat treatment section 10 has a furnace body 100 and a heater (not shown). The furnace body 100 is formed into a tunnel shape by an insulating material such as heat-resistant bricks or ceramic boards, and a casing that encases the insulating material. The heater is provided inside the furnace body 100. The heat treatment transport conveyor 20 is provided so that all portions thereof except for both ends are located within the heat treatment section 10. The lidded multi-tiered container 7 transported by the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 is carried into the furnace body 100 through the furnace body entrance 101, heated by the heater, and carried out through the furnace body exit 102. As the lidded multi-tiered container 7 passes through the heat treatment section 10, the workpieces 8 in the containers 3 are heat-treated by the heater of the heat treatment section 10.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, the +y-direction ends of the post-treatment conveyors 31, 32, and 33 are connected to the +x-direction ends of the heat treatment conveyors 21, 22, and 23, respectively. The -y-direction end of the post-treatment conveyor 31 and the center of the post-treatment conveyor 32 are connected by a connecting conveyor 35. The -y-direction end of the post-treatment conveyor 33 and the center of the post-treatment conveyor 32 are connected by a connecting conveyor 36. The +y-direction end of the post-treatment conveyor 34 and the -y-direction portion of the post-treatment conveyor 32 are connected by a connecting conveyor 37.

[0021] Lidded multi-tiered containers 7 containing workpieces 8 heat-treated in heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13 are transported from heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23 to post-treatment transport conveyors 31, 32, and 33. The lidded multi-tiered containers 7 transported by the post-treatment transport conveyors 31, 32, and 33 are transported in the -y direction with four containers lined up in the y-axis direction. A connecting conveyor 35 transports the lidded multi-tiered containers 7 transported to the -y-direction end of the post-treatment transport conveyor 31 to the post-treatment transport conveyor 32. A connecting conveyor 36 transports the lidded multi-tiered containers 7 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 heat-treated in heat treatment unit 10 and the lids 6 attached to those containers 3 in the -y direction.

[0022] The end of the lid transport conveyor 41 on the +x direction side is connected between the connecting conveyors 35, 36 and the connecting conveyor 37 of the post-treatment transport conveyor 32. The lid removal mechanism 71 is provided at the connection between the post-treatment transport conveyor 32 and the lid transport conveyor 41. The lid removal mechanism 71 is capable of removing the lid 6 from the container 3 (lidded multi-tiered container 7) transported by the post-treatment transport conveyor 32 and transporting it to the lid transport conveyor 41.

[0023] The lid transport conveyor 41 transports the lids 6 in the -x direction after being removed by the lid removal mechanism 71. The lid transport conveyor 41 transports the lids 6 arranged in pairs in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyor 41.

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

[0025] Of the containers 3 from which the lids 6 have been removed by the lid removal mechanism 71, some are transported to the end of the post-treatment transfer conveyor 32 on the -y direction side, and some are transported by the connecting conveyor 37 to the post-treatment transfer conveyor 34.

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

[0027] The container transport conveyors 51, 52 transport containers 3 in the -x direction that have been transported to the -y-direction ends of the post-treatment transport conveyors 32, 34. The container transport conveyors 51, 52 transport containers 3 arranged one at a time in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the container transport conveyors 51, 52. The container transport conveyors 51, 52 are provided with de-stacking mechanisms 141, 142, respectively. The de-stacking mechanisms 141, 142 are capable of de-stacking two stacks of containers 3 transported by the container transport conveyors 51, 52 into one stack. Therefore, on the +x-direction side of the de-stacking mechanisms 141, 142, the containers 3 are transported in a two-tiered state, and on the -x-direction side of the de-stacking mechanisms 141, 142, the containers 3 are transported in a single stack.

[0028] 1, a treatment object recovery section 150 and a treatment object filling section 160 are provided between the ends of the container transport conveyors 51 and 52 on the -x direction side and the ends of the container transport conveyors 53 and 54 on the +x direction side. The treatment object recovery section 150 drops and recovers the treated treatment object 8 contained in the container 3 by, for example, turning the container 3 transported by the container transport conveyors 51 and 52 upside down. The recovered treated treatment object 8 is, for example, pulverized and used as a material for electrodes of lithium-ion batteries, etc.

[0029] The material to be treated filling section 160 fills the container 3 emptied in the material to be treated recovery section 150 with the material to be treated 8 before treatment. The material to be treated filling section 160 fills the container 3 with, for example, a mixture of a powdered lithium-containing compound and a transition metal compound, and compresses it from above in the vertical direction with a predetermined pressure.

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

[0031] 5, the +y-direction ends of the pre-treatment conveyors 61, 62, and 63 are connected to the −x-direction ends of the heat treatment conveyors 21, 22, and 23, respectively. The −y-direction end of the pre-treatment conveyor 61 and the center of the pre-treatment conveyor 62 are connected by a connecting conveyor 65. The −y-direction end of the pre-treatment conveyor 63 and the center of the pre-treatment conveyor 62 are connected by a connecting conveyor 66. The +y-direction end of the pre-treatment conveyor 64 and the −y-direction portion of the pre-treatment conveyor 62 are connected by a connecting conveyor 67.

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

[0033] The pre-treatment transport conveyors 62, 64 transport in the +y direction the containers 3 that have been filled with pre-treatment objects 8 in the object filling section 160, stacked in two layers, and transported to the ends of the container transport conveyors 53, 54 on the -x direction side. The containers 3 that have been transported to the ends of the pre-treatment transport conveyor 64 on the +y direction side are transported to the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62 by the connecting conveyor 67.

[0034] The lifter 82 is provided at the end of the lid transport conveyor 42 on the -x direction side. The lifter 82 can move (lower) the lids 6 that have been transported to the end of the lid transport conveyor 42 on the -x direction side vertically downward and transport them to the lid transport conveyor 41.

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

[0036] The containers 3 (lidded multi-tiered containers 7) with lids 6 attached by the lid attachment mechanism 72 are transported in the +y direction with four of them lined up in the y-axis direction on the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62. Some of the lidded multi-tiered containers 7 transported by the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62 are transported to the end of the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62 on the -y direction side, some are transported to the pre-treatment transport conveyor 61 by the connecting conveyor 65, and some are transported to the pre-treatment transport conveyor 63 by the connecting conveyor 66.

[0037] The lidded multi-tiered containers 7 transported to the ends of the pre-treatment transport conveyors 61, 62, and 63 on the +y-direction side are transported to the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23, respectively. The lidded multi-tiered containers 7 containing the untreated objects 8 transported to the heat treatment transport conveyors 21, 22, and 23 are heated in the heat treatment units 11, 12, and 13. In this way, in the heat treatment system 1, the untreated objects 8 are filled into the containers 3 by the object filling unit 160, the objects 8 are heat-treated by passing them through the heat treatment unit 10 by the transport system 2, and the treated objects 8 are recovered from the containers 3 by the object recovery unit 150, and the process is repeated to efficiently and continuously obtain the treated objects 8.

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

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the lid removal mechanism 71 includes a container lifter 73, a lid lifter 74, a first support unit 701, a second support unit 702, rails 77, a drive unit 78, a support unit 705, and the like. As shown in FIG. 6 , the post-processing transport conveyor 32 includes a transport roller 300. The transport roller 300 includes a rotating shaft 301 and a support wheel 302. The configurations of the rotating shaft 301 and the support wheel 302 are similar to those of the rotating shaft 201 and the support wheel 202. For example, two support wheels 302 are provided in the length direction (x-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 301. A plurality of transport rollers 300 are provided at predetermined intervals in the length direction (y-axis direction) of the post-processing transport conveyor 32. The transport rollers 300 can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0040] The container lifter 73 is provided between the transport rollers 300 adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction so as to be movable vertically upward or downward (in the z-axis direction) by a driving 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 main body 751 and a claw portion support 752. The claw portion main body 751 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and is provided along the zy plane. The claw portion support 752 is formed to protrude horizontally (x-axis direction) from the lower end of the claw portion main body 751. Two claw portions 75 are provided with a predetermined gap 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 toward or away from each other. The pressing portion 76 is formed in a long plate shape. Two pressing portions 76 are provided with a predetermined gap in the y-axis direction along the x-axis. The pressing portions 76 are movable back and forth in the vertical direction (z-axis direction).

[0042] Rail 77 is formed in a rod shape, and both ends are supported by support parts 705. Two rails 77 are provided along the x-axis and at a predetermined interval in the y-axis direction. First support part 701 is provided on one of the two rails 77. First support part 701 can be moved back and forth in the x-axis direction along rail 77 by drive part 78 supported on the upper end of support part 705.

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

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lid conveying conveyor 41 has a support portion 405, a roller support portion 406, conveying rollers 400, etc. The roller support portion 406 is supported by the support portion 405 installed on the floor 9. The roller support portion 406 is provided on both sides of the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyor 41 so as to extend along the length direction (x-axis direction). The conveying roller 400 has a rotating shaft 401 and support wheels 402. The configurations of the rotating shaft 401 and support wheels 402 are the same as those 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. A plurality of 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 be rotated in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

[0045] The lid lifter 74 is provided between the transport rollers 400 adjacent to each other in the x-axis direction so as to be movable vertically upward or downward (in the z-axis direction) by a driving device (not shown).

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

[0047] When the post-processing transfer conveyor 32 transfers the lidded multi-tiered container 7 to a position vertically above the container lifter 73, the container lifter 73 moves vertically upward from its initial position. As a result, the lidded multi-tiered container 7 moves vertically upward while being supported by the upper end of the container lifter 73 (see FIG. 6). Next, when the two claws 75 of the first support portion 701 and the second support portion 702 move toward each other, the claw supports 752 enter the gap between the lids 6 and the cutouts 5 of the two lidded multi-tiered containers 7 aligned in the y-axis direction from both sides in the x-axis direction. Next, when the pressing portion 76 moves vertically downward, both ends of the lids 6 in the x-axis direction are supported by the claw supports 752 from the vertically lower side, and the upper surface in the vertical direction is pressed down by the pressing portion 76. Subsequently, when the container lifter 73 moves vertically downward, the containers 3 stacked in two layers also move vertically downward, and the lids 6 are removed from the containers 3.

[0048] Next, when the first support portion 701 and the second support portion 702 move in the -x direction along the rails 77, the lid lifter 74 moves vertically upward and supports the lids 6 from below in the vertical direction (see FIG. 7). Next, the pressing portion 76 moves vertically upward, and the two claw portions 75 of the first support portion 701 and the second support portion 702 move away from each other, so that the two lids 6 are supported by the upper end of the lid lifter 74. Next, when the lid lifter 74 moves vertically downward, the two lids 6 are supported by the support wheels 402 of the transport rollers 400. Through the above operations, the removal of the lids 6 from the lidded multi-tiered containers 7 transported by the post-treatment transport conveyor 32 and the transport of the lids 6 to the lid transport conveyor 41 are completed.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the lift lifter 81 includes a lift rail 83, a movable roller support portion 85, and conveying rollers 800. The lift rails 83 are, for example, columnar, and are installed vertically on the floor 9. The movable roller support portions 85 are provided on both sides of the lift lifter 81 in the y-axis direction and along the x-axis direction. The movable roller support portions 85 are supported by the lift rails 83 and are movable vertically upward or downward (in the z-axis direction) along the lift rails 83 by a drive device (not shown). The conveying rollers 800 include a rotating shaft 801 and support wheels 802. The configurations of the rotating shaft 801 and the support wheels 802 are similar to those of the rotating shaft 201 and the support wheels 202. For example, four support wheels 802 are provided along the length of the rotating shaft 801 (in the y-axis direction). A plurality of conveying rollers 800 are provided at predetermined intervals in the x-axis direction of the movable roller support portion 85. The transport roller 800 can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a driving device (not shown).

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, guides 95 are provided on the lid transport conveyors 41, 42 and the lifter 81. The guides 95 are provided near the roller support parts 406 on both sides of the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyors 41, 42, and near the movable roller support parts 85 on both sides of the y-axis direction of the 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 around a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction (z-axis direction). A plurality of guide rollers 951 are provided in the length direction (x-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyors 41, 42.

[0051] Nine guide rollers 951 are provided on each side of the lifter 81 in the y-axis direction, lined up in the x-axis direction near the movable roller support portion 85. Of the nine guide rollers 951, two guide rollers 951 located on both sides in the x-axis direction are positioned closer to the movable roller support portion 85 than the other seven guide rollers 951. That is, the rotation axes of the other seven guide rollers 951 are perpendicular to a line L1 along the x-axis direction, and the rotation axes of the two guide rollers 951 located on both sides in the x-axis direction are spaced away from the line L1 toward the movable roller support portion 85. The rotation axes of the guide rollers 951 of the guides 95 provided on the lid transport conveyors 41 and 42 are perpendicular to the line L1.

[0052] The lid transport conveyors 41, 42 transport lids 6 arranged in pairs in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyors 41, 42 (see Figure 9). In the lid transport conveyors 41, 42 and the lifter 81, the distance in the y-axis direction between guide rollers 951 whose rotation axes are perpendicular to the line L1 is set to, for example, approximately 68 cm. The lid transport conveyors 41, 42 and the lifter 81 transport lids 6 arranged in pairs in the y-axis direction in the -x direction. The guide rollers 951 rotate when they come into contact with the outer edge of the lid 6, and can guide the transport of the lid 6. When two lids 6 arranged in the y-axis direction abut each other and are centered in the y-axis direction (see Figure 9), a gap of approximately 1.5 cm is formed between the guide rollers 951 and the lids 6 on both sides of the two lids 6 in the y-axis direction.

[0053] The lid transport conveyor 41 is divided into a +x direction side and a -x direction side with respect to the lifting lifter 81 (see FIG. 8). Two lids 6 transported in the -x direction by the lid transport conveyor 41 located on the +x direction side with respect to the lifting lifter 81 are transported to the transport rollers 800 of the lifting lifter 81 located at the same height as the transport rollers 400 of the lid transport conveyor 41. Here, when the movable roller support part 85 moves vertically upward, the two lids 6 are transported to the lid transport conveyor 42 by the rotation of the transport rollers 800. On the other hand, when the movable roller support part 85 does not move vertically upward, the two lids 6 are transported to the lid transport conveyor 41 on the -x direction side with respect to the lifting lifter 81 by the rotation of the transport rollers 800.

[0054] In this embodiment, of the nine guide rollers 951 arranged in the x-axis direction near the movable roller support part 85 on both sides of the lifter 81 in the y-axis direction, two guide rollers 951 located on both sides in the x-axis direction are positioned closer to the movable roller support part 85 than the other seven guide rollers 951. Therefore, when two lids 6 transported by the lid transport conveyor 41 are transported to the transport rollers 800 of the lifter 81, it is possible to prevent the front faces of the lids 6 in the transport direction from colliding with the guide rollers 951 and impeding transport. This allows the lids 6 to be transported smoothly to the transport rollers 800.

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

[0056] When the lids 6 are conveyed by the lid conveying conveyors 41, 42, the stoppers 91 move vertically upward from an initial position below the conveying rollers 400. As a result, the stopper rollers 912 come into contact with the lids 6 at the front (-x direction side) of the lids 6 in the conveying direction (-x direction) (see FIGS. 10 and 11). This makes the front surface of the lids 6 in the conveying direction parallel to the y-axis direction, correcting the inclination of the lids 6 relative to the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid conveying conveyors 41, 42 (see FIG. 11). After coming into contact with the lids 6, the stoppers 91 descend and return to their initial position. Because the stopper rollers 912 are rotatable, wear or damage to the contact portions between the lids 6 and the stopper rollers 912 can be suppressed when the stoppers 91 descend.

[0057] The guides 95 are provided over the entire range in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyors 41, 42, except for the positions where the stoppers 91 are provided. The guides 95 guide the transport of the lids 6 on the lid transport conveyors 41, 42, and can prevent the lids 6 from shifting significantly in the y-axis direction and from tilting significantly relative to the y-axis direction.

[0058] 13 and 14, the lifter 82 is provided on the -x side of the -x end of the lid transport conveyor 42. The lid transport conveyor 41 is divided into a +x side and a -x side with respect to the lifter 82. The configuration of the lifter 82 is the same as the configuration of the lifter 81.

[0059] Two lids 6 transported in the -x direction by the lid transport conveyor 42 located on the +x side of the lifting lifter 82 are transported to the transport rollers 800 of the lifting lifter 82 located at the same height as the transport rollers 400 of the lid transport conveyor 42. When the lids 6 are transported to the transport rollers 800, the movable roller support part 85 moves vertically downward so that the transport rollers 800 are at the same height as the transport rollers 400 of the lid transport conveyor 41. The lids 6 are then transported to the lid transport conveyor 41 on the -x side of the lifting lifter 82 by the rotation of the transport rollers 800. Meanwhile, two lids 6 transported in the -x direction by the lid transport conveyor 41 located on the +x side of the lifting lifter 82 are transported to the transport rollers 800 of the lifting lifter 82 located at the same height as the transport rollers 400 of the lid transport conveyor 41. Thereafter, the lid 6 is transported by the rotation of the transport roller 800 to the lid transport conveyor 41 on the −x direction side of the lifter 82.

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

[0061] The roller-equipped lid lifter 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the width-aligning section 92 in the length direction (x-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyor 41 (see Figures 15 and 16). The roller-equipped lid lifter 93 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 between adjacent transport rollers 400 in the x-axis direction so as to be movable vertically upward or downward (in the z-axis direction) by a drive device (not shown). The first lifter roller support section 941 is provided on the opposite side of the transport roller 400 from the second lifter roller support section 942 in the x-axis direction.

[0062] The lifter roller 932 is formed in a circular ring shape from a ceramic material such as alumina, and is rotatably provided at the upper end of the first lifter roller support portion 941 and the second lifter roller support portion 942. Here, the lifter roller 932 is provided so that the rotation axis 201 is along the x-axis direction. A plurality of lifter rollers 932 are provided in the first lifter roller support portion 941 and the second lifter roller support portion 942 in the y-axis direction.

[0063] When the lids 6 are transported by the lid transport conveyor 41, the stopper 91 moves vertically upward from an initial position below the transport rollers 400. As a result, the stopper rollers 912 come into contact with the lids 6 at the front (-x direction side) of the lids 6 in the transport direction (-x direction). This makes the front surface of the lids 6 in the transport direction parallel to the y-axis direction, correcting the inclination of the lids 6 relative to the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyor 41. Next, when the roller-equipped lid lifter 93 moves vertically upward, the lids 6 move from the vertically downward side to a position corresponding to the clamping portion 921 while being supported by the lifter rollers 932.

[0064] Next, when the width-shifting drive unit 923 drives the two clamping units 921 to move closer to each other, the two lids 6 arranged in the y-axis direction are clamped by the two clamping units 921 from both sides in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyor 41. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the lids 6 in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the lid transport conveyor 41. When the two lids 6 arranged in the y-axis direction are clamped by the two clamping units 921, the lifter roller 932 that abuts against the lower surface of the lid 6 in the vertical direction rotates. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the lids 6 while suppressing wear or damage caused by sliding between the lifter roller 932 and the lids 6 in the y-axis direction.

[0065] Next, when the width-shifting drive unit 923 drives the two clamping units 921 to move away from each other, the roller-equipped lid lifter 93 moves vertically downward, and the two lids 6 are placed on the conveying rollers 400. The stopper 91 and width-shifting unit 92 of the lid alignment mechanism 90 correct the tilt in the y-axis direction, and the two lids 6, now aligned by adjusting their positions in the y-axis direction, are conveyed to the downstream lid attachment mechanism 72.

[0066] 18 and 19, like the lid removal mechanism 71, the lid attachment mechanism 72 has a container lifter 73, a lid lifter 74, a first support portion 701, a second support portion 702, rails 77, a drive portion 78, a support portion 705, etc. The configurations of the container lifter 73, the lid lifter 74, the first support portion 701, the second support portion 702, rails 77, the drive portion 78, and the support portion 705 are the same as those in the lid removal mechanism 71.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 18, the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62 has transport rollers 600. The transport rollers 600 have a rotating shaft 601 and support wheels 602. The configurations of the rotating shaft 601 and the support wheels 602 are similar to those of the rotating shaft 201 and the support wheels 202. For example, two support wheels 602 are provided in the length direction (x-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 601. A plurality of transport rollers 600 are provided at predetermined intervals in the length direction (y-axis direction) of the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62. The transport rollers 600 can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a drive device (not shown).

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

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

[0070] Next, the first support member 701 and the second support member 702 move in the -x direction along the rails 77 and are positioned vertically above the container lifter 73. When the two-tiered containers 3 containing the unprocessed objects 8 are transported by the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62 to a position vertically above the container lifter 73, the container lifter 73 moves vertically upward from its initial position. As a result, the two-tiered containers 3 move vertically upward while being supported by the upper end of the container lifter 73. Next, the pressing member 76 moves vertically upward, and the two claws 75 of the first support member 701 and the second support member 702 move away from each other, so that the lids 6 are attached to the upper ends of the two-tiered containers 3 (lidded multi-tiered containers 7). Next, when the container lifter 73 moves vertically downward, the two lidded multi-tiered containers 7 are supported by the support wheels 602 of the transport roller 600. By the above operations, the attachment of the lids 6 to the containers 3 being transported by the pre-treatment transport conveyor 62 is completed.

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

[0072] A plurality of lid transport conveyors 40 are provided in the vertical direction and transport the lids 6 of the containers 3 containing the workpieces 8 that have been heat-treated in the heat treatment section 10. The lifting lifter 80 can raise and lower the lids 6 between the plurality of lid transport conveyors 40.

[0073] In this embodiment, multiple lid transport conveyors 40 are provided. Therefore, the lids 6 can be transported efficiently. Furthermore, by providing multiple lid transport conveyors 40 in the vertical direction, it is possible to reduce the installation space of the heat treatment system 1.

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

[0075] Therefore, a large number of lids 6 can be stocked on the multiple lid transport conveyors 40 installed in the vertical direction. This increases the number of lids 6 that can be stocked in the event of a malfunction, saving time for recovery work. In addition, by installing the lid transport conveyors 40 and the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 in parallel, the installation space for the heat treatment system 1 can be saved.

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

[0077] Plate-shaped lids 6 may become distorted when heated in the heat treatment section 10. Therefore, if a distorted lid 6 is transported by the lid transport conveyor 40, the lid 6 may meander along the transport path or tilt with respect to the width direction of the lid transport conveyor 40. In this embodiment, since stopper 91 is provided, even if the lid 6 tilts along the transport path, the tilt of the lid 6 can be corrected.

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

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

[0080] Also, (5) this embodiment further includes guides 95. The guides 95 are provided on both sides of the lid transport conveyor 40 in the width direction, and are capable of guiding the transport of the lids 6. Therefore, the lids 6 can be transported smoothly on the lid transport conveyor 40 while suppressing meandering of the lids 6.

[0081] Furthermore, (6) in this embodiment, the heat treatment transport conveyor 20 transports a lidded multi-tiered container 7, which is made up of multiple containers 3 stacked vertically and one lid 6 attached vertically above the containers 3. Therefore, a predetermined amount or more of workpieces 8 can be efficiently heat-treated in one heat treatment section 10.

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

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

[0084] Furthermore, (8) in this embodiment, a plurality of heat treatment units 10 and heat treatment transport conveyors 20 are provided in parallel. Therefore, a large number of workpieces 8 can be efficiently heat-treated in one heat treatment system 1. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of heat treatment units 10 and heat treatment transport conveyors 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 a plurality of lid transport conveyors 40 are provided, the large number of lids 6 can be transported efficiently.

[0086] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, an example in which two lid transport conveyors are provided is shown, but in other embodiments, three or more lid transport conveyors may be provided depending on the number of lids to be transported within a given time period.

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

[0088] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which a plurality of stoppers were provided in the lid conveyance direction, but in other embodiments, a plurality of stoppers may not be provided in the lid conveyance direction.

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

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the heat treatment transport conveyor transports a multi-tiered container with lids, which is composed of multiple containers stacked vertically and one lid attached vertically above the containers. In contrast, in other embodiments, the heat treatment transport conveyor may transport a container with lids, which is composed of one container and one lid attached vertically above the container.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the heat treatment conveyor conveys a plurality of lidded multi-tiered containers arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveyor. However, in other embodiments, the heat treatment conveyor may convey a single lidded multi-tiered container or a lidded container arranged in the width direction of the heat treatment conveyor.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which three heat treatment sections and three heat treatment transport conveyors are provided is shown, but in other embodiments, one, two, four or more heat treatment sections and three heat treatment transport conveyors may be provided depending on the amount of workpieces to be treated.

[0093] In other embodiments, the length of the heat treatment section may be changed as appropriate depending on the amount of workpieces to be treated and other conditions, etc. The lengths of the heat treatment transport conveyor and the lid transport conveyor may also be changed as appropriate depending on the length of the heat treatment section.

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

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the components and parts of the heat treatment system are arranged along the axial directions of the xyz coordinate system, but in other embodiments, the components and parts of the heat treatment system do not necessarily have to be arranged along the axial directions of the xyz coordinate system.

[0096] As such, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 heat treatment system, 3 container, 6 lid, 8 treatment object, 10 heat treatment section, 20 heat treatment transport conveyor, 40 lid transport conveyor, 80 lifter

Claims

1. a heat treatment section (10) capable of heat treating an object to be treated (8); a heat treatment transport conveyor (20) that is arranged 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; a plurality of lid transport conveyors (40) provided in a vertical direction, for transporting the lids of the containers containing the objects to be treated that have been heat-treated in the heat treatment section; a lifting lifter (80) capable of lifting and lowering the lids between the plurality of lid transport conveyors; a stopper (91) provided on the lid transport conveyor and contacting the lid at the front side in the transport direction of the lid, thereby correcting the inclination of the lid with respect to the width direction of the lid transport conveyor; A heat treatment system in which the lid transport conveyors are arranged at multiple positions vertically at a predetermined interval so that the lower ends of the stoppers provided on the lid transport conveyor on the upper side in the vertical direction do not come into contact with the lid transport conveyor on the lower side in the vertical direction.

2. The heat treatment system described in claim 1, wherein the lid transport conveyors are provided with a plurality of stoppers spaced apart vertically so that the lower ends of the stoppers provided on the vertically upper lid transport conveyor do not come into contact with the lids transported by the vertically lower lid transport conveyor.

3. 3. The heat treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the lid transport conveyor is arranged parallel to the heat treatment transport conveyor and has substantially the same length as the heat treatment transport conveyor.

4. The heat treatment system according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the stoppers are provided in a direction in which the lids are transported.

5. 3. The heat treatment system according to claim 1, further comprising guides (95) provided on both sides in the width direction of the lid transport conveyor, capable of guiding the transport of the lids.

6. The heat treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat treatment transport conveyor transports a lidded multi-tiered container (7) consisting of multiple containers stacked vertically and one lid attached vertically above the containers.

7. The heat treatment system according to claim 6 , wherein the heat treatment transport conveyor transports the lidded multi-tiered containers arranged in a plurality of stages in the width direction of the heat treatment transport conveyor.

8. 3. The heat treatment system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the heat treatment sections and a plurality of the heat treatment transport conveyors are provided in parallel.

9. a heat treatment section (10) capable of heat treating an object to be treated (8); a heat treatment transport conveyor (20) that is arranged 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; a plurality of lid transport conveyors (40) provided in a vertical direction, for transporting the lids of the containers containing the objects to be treated that have been heat-treated in the heat treatment section; a lifting lifter (80) capable of lifting and lowering the lids between the plurality of lid transport conveyors; a stopper (91) provided on the lid transport conveyor and contacting the lid at the front side in the transport direction of the lid, thereby correcting the inclination of the lid with respect to the width direction of the lid transport conveyor; A heat treatment system in which a plurality of the stoppers are provided in the direction of transport of the lids.

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