Sealing device and rotary kiln

Abstract

To improve the sealing performance of a sealing member. [Solution] The sealing device 50 includes a base 51, a plurality of sealing members 61-64, and an annular restraining member 60. The base 51 is attached around the insertion hole of a non-rotating body. The base 51 houses the sealing members 61-64 so that a portion of each protrudes radially inward. The plurality of sealing members 61-64 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating body. When the plurality of sealing members 61-64 are connected in the circumferential direction of the rotating body, they form an annular connection around the rotating body. The annular restraining member 60 is attached along the outer peripheral surfaces 61c-64c of the plurality of sealing members 61-64. The annular restraining member 60 restrains the plurality of sealing members 61-64 while being pressed radially inward.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sealing device and a rotary kiln. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-256288 discloses a sealing device for a rotary kiln that seals between a rotating drum and a heating chamber. The sealing device disclosed in this publication includes a fixed ring and a seal plate. The fixed ring protrudes from the heating chamber in the direction of the rotary drum's rotation axis so as to be disposed around the rotary drum. The fixed ring is equipped with a seal member. One side of the seal plate slides against the seal member, and the other side slides against the outer surface of the rotary drum. The seal plate is composed of a combination of multiple seal plate segments divided in the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple seal plate segments is provided with an independent biasing means that biases it in the radial direction of the rotary drum. The biasing force of the biasing means that biases it in the anti-gravity direction is greater than the biasing force of the biasing means that biases it in the gravity direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-256288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A sealing device that seals the boundary between the rotating body and the non-rotating body of a rotary kiln needs to follow the movement of the rotating body relative to the non-rotating body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sealing device disclosed herein seals the boundary between a rotating body and a non-rotating body. The rotating body includes a cylindrical heating pipe having a transport space formed therein through which the workpiece is transported. The non-rotating body has an insertion hole through which the rotating body is inserted. The sealing device includes a base, multiple seal members, and an annular restraining member. The base is attached to the periphery of the insertion hole of the non-rotating body. The base houses the seal members so that portions of the seal members protrude radially inward. The multiple seal members are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating body. When the multiple seal members are connected circumferentially around the rotating body, they form an annular connection around the rotating body. The annular restraining member is attached along the outer peripheral surfaces of the multiple seal members. The annular restraining member restrains the multiple seal members while being pressed radially inward. Such a sealing device is easy to follow the movement of the rotating body relative to the non-rotating body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a rotary kiln 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing device 50. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a rotary kiln 101 according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, components and parts that perform the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in each drawing do not reflect the actual dimensional relationships.

[0008] 1 is a schematic diagram of a rotary kiln 1. In the figure, the direction in which the material to be treated A is transported is indicated by a white arrow.

[0009] <Rotary Kiln 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary kiln 1 includes a heating tube 10, a furnace body 20, ducts 73 and 76, a drive mechanism 30, and a sealing device 50. In the rotary kiln 1, a powdered material A to be treated can be fired. The material A is treated in the heating tube 10 provided inside the furnace body 20. Examples of the powdered material A to be treated include ceramic powder, barium titanate, metal powder, and ferrite powder. The material A to be treated in the rotary kiln 1 is not limited to a powder, but can be in various shapes such as granules or blocks.

[0010] <Heating tube 10> The heating tube 10 is a substantially cylindrical tube. The heating tube 10 is appropriately referred to as a "furnace tube" or the like. A transport space 10a is formed inside the heating tube 10, through which the workpiece A is transported. The heating tube 10 is driven to rotate around a rotation axis set along the transport direction by a drive mechanism 30, which will be described later. The dimensions of the heating tube 10, such as the length and diameter, can be set appropriately depending on the processing conditions of the workpiece A. The heating tube 10 is a cylindrical tube so that a cylindrical transport space 10a is formed inside, but a flange or the like may be provided, and the heating tube 10 does not have to be a perfect cylinder in detail. The upstream end (first end 11) of the heating tube 10 is closed. The downstream end (second end 12) of the heating tube 10 is open, and an opening 12a is formed.

[0011] The heating tube 10 is required to have a required corrosion resistance depending on the material to be heated and the atmospheric gas used during heating. The heating tube 10 is made of metal, and stainless steel (e.g., SUS316) can be used. Depending on the application, the heating tube 10 may be made of ceramic or pure nickel. The heating tube 10 may have a double-tube structure, for example, with an inner tube made of ceramic and an outer tube made of metal. The heating tube 10 may be provided with a gas supply pipe for supplying atmospheric gas when treating the workpiece A. The heating tube 10 is inserted into the furnace body 20. The heating tube 10 protrudes from the furnace body 20 on the upstream and downstream sides in the conveying direction.

[0012] A material supply unit 70 is connected to a first end 11 of the heating tube 10. The material supply unit 70 is a portion that supplies the workpiece A into the heating tube 10. In this embodiment, the material supply unit 70 has a hopper 71 and a screw feeder 72. The hopper 71 accommodates the workpiece A before firing. The workpiece A before firing is supplied into the heating tube 10 by the screw feeder 72. Note that the workpiece A before firing may also be supplied into the heating tube 10 by a vibrating feeder. The discharge port of the screw feeder 72 is inserted into the conveying space 10a from the first end 11 of the heating tube 10. The first end 11 of the heating tube 10, through which the screw feeder 72 is inserted, is covered by a duct 73 for dust collection. The first end 11 of the heating tube 10, through which the screw feeder 72 is inserted, is inserted into an insertion hole formed in a front surface 73c of the duct 73. An exhaust device 73a is connected to the duct 73 via an exhaust port 73b. Although not particularly limited, the exhaust device 73a may be a vacuum pump, an exhaust fan, etc. The exhaust device 73a exhausts gas generated in the transfer space 10a of the heating tube 10 when the workpiece A is treated.

[0013] The workpiece A sintered in the heating tube 10 is discharged from the opening 12a on the second end 12 side of the heating tube 10. The opening 12a is provided in a portion of the heating tube 10 that protrudes from the furnace body 20, which will be described later. The second end 12 side of the heating tube 10 is covered by a recovery unit 75. The recovery unit 75 includes a duct 76 and an exhaust port 77. The duct 76 is a substantially rectangular container that covers the opening 12a on the second end 12 side of the heating tube 10. An atmospheric gas supply unit 75a is connected to the duct 76 via an atmospheric gas port 75b. The atmospheric gas supply unit 75a is not particularly limited as long as it can supply atmospheric gas into the heating tube 10. A gas cylinder, a gas supply device, or the like can be used as the atmospheric gas supply unit 75a. The atmospheric gas supplied from the atmospheric gas supply unit 75a is appropriately selected depending on the workpiece A. Although not particularly limited, nitrogen, oxygen, or the like can be used as the atmospheric gas. The discharge port 77 is provided at the bottom of the duct 76. The second end 12 of the heating pipe 10 is inserted into an insertion hole 76a1 (see FIG. 2) formed in the rear wall 76a of the duct 76. This connects the opening 12a of the heating pipe 10 to the recovery section 75. The material A to be treated, which has been discharged from the opening 12a on the second end 12 side of the heating pipe 10 to the recovery section 75, is appropriately discharged and recovered from the discharge port of the recovery section 75.

[0014] As described above, the atmospheric gas port 76b is provided in the duct 76 on the discharge side of the workpiece A. The exhaust port 73b is provided in the duct 73 on the supply side of the workpiece A. However, without being limited to this configuration, the atmospheric gas port may be provided in the duct 76 on the supply side of the workpiece A, and the exhaust port may be provided in the duct 73 on the discharge side of the workpiece A.

[0015] <Furnace body 20> The furnace body 20 covers the periphery of the heating pipe 10. In the conveying direction, the furnace body 20 is shorter than the heating pipe 10, and the heating pipe 10 is inserted into the furnace body 20. An interval is provided between the outer peripheral surface 13 of the heating pipe 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the furnace body 20. A heating space (conveying space) 20a is formed between the furnace body 20 and the heating pipe 10. In other words, heating spaces 20a are formed above, below, and to the left and right of the heating pipe 10.

[0016] The furnace body 20 may be made of heat-resistant and heat-insulating materials. The furnace body 20 may be made of, but is not limited to, firebricks, firebrick blocks, castable refractories, ceramic fiber boards, or other heat-insulating materials. The furnace body 20 has a rear wall 21, a front wall 22, a pair of side walls 23, a bottom wall 25, and a ceiling wall 26. The thickness of each furnace wall is set to a required thickness that sufficiently insulates the heating space 20a from heat. A partition 27 may be provided inside the furnace body 20 to divide the heating space 20a into multiple spaces along the conveying direction. The furnace body 20 may be surrounded by a metal (e.g., iron) outer wall.

[0017] The bottom wall 25 and the side wall 23 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The width of the bottom wall 25 is larger than the outer diameter of the heating tube 10. A pair of side walls 23 rise from the left and right ends of the bottom wall 25. A ceiling wall 26 is placed on the upper ends of the pair of side walls 23. The ceiling wall 26 is semicircular (arch-shaped). The shape of the ceiling wall 26 is not particularly limited, and may be formed horizontally (parallel to the bottom wall 25). A heating device 40 is provided on the side wall 23.

[0018] The heating devices 40 are provided in the heating space 20a and heat the heating pipe 10. The heating devices 40 are provided above and below the heating pipe 10 so as to be lined up intermittently along the conveying direction. As the heating device, for example, a cylindrical ceramic heater, a metal sheath heater, a plate-shaped panel heater, or the like can be used.

[0019] The heating device 40 is not limited to an electric heater, as long as it is provided in the heating space 20a and can heat the heating pipe 10. The type, shape, arrangement, etc. of the heating device 40 are not particularly limited and can be selected according to the heating conditions, etc. The number, output, etc. of the heating devices 40 can be set appropriately according to the processing conditions of the workpiece A. By changing the number, output, etc. of the heating devices, it is possible to process the workpiece A under different processing conditions along the conveying direction. Furthermore, the heating device 40 may be a burner that mixes fuel gas and combustion air and burns them to heat the heating space.

[0020] Although not shown, a temperature sensor is provided in the heating space 20a. A thermocouple, an infrared thermometer, or the like can be used as the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the heating space 20a in which the heating device 40 is provided. The output of the heating device 40 can be controlled according to the temperature of the heating space 20a. In this way, the heating space 20a is heated to a preset temperature.

[0021] When a burner is used as the heating device 40, an exhaust duct for exhausting gas from the heating space 20a may be provided on the ceiling wall 26 of the furnace body 20. An exhaust device may be connected to the exhaust duct. Examples of the exhaust device include a vacuum pump and an exhaust fan. A heat exchanger, a bag filter, etc. may be connected between the exhaust duct and the exhaust device.

[0022] The rear wall 21 and the front wall 22 face each other in the front-rear direction. Through holes 21a and 22a are formed in the rear wall 21 and the front wall 22, respectively. The through holes 21a and 22a are substantially circular holes that correspond to the outer diameter of the heating pipe 10. The heating pipe 10 is inserted into the through holes 21a and 22a.

[0023] <Drive mechanism 30> The drive mechanism 30 drives and rotates the heating tube 10 relative to the furnace body 20. As shown in FIG. 1 , the drive mechanism 30 is provided outside the furnace body 20. In this embodiment, the furnace body 20 is fixed. The drive mechanism 30 rotates only the heating tube 10 out of the furnace body 20 and the heating tube 10. The drive mechanism 30 drives and rotates the heating tube 10 around the cylindrical axis of the heating tube 10 as the rotation axis. The drive mechanism 30 is provided outside the furnace body 20.

[0024] The drive mechanism 30 includes a sprocket 31, a pair of tires 32 and 33, and rollers 34 and 35. The sprocket 31 is attached in front of the tire 32 along the outer circumferential surface. A chain (not shown) is wound around the sprocket 31. The chain is driven by a drive device (not shown). The driving force of the drive device is transmitted to the heating tube 10 via the chain and the sprocket 31. The pair of tires 32 and 33 are annular and attached along the outer circumferential surface 13 of the heating tube 10. The tire 32 is attached to the first end 11 side of the heating tube 10. The tire 33 is attached to the second end 12 side of the heating tube 10. The tires 32 and 33 are rotatably supported by the rollers 34 and 35. The heating tube 10 rotates on the rollers 34 and 35 via the tires 32 and 33.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the rotation axis of the heating pipe 10 is drawn horizontally, but in reality, a gradient of a predetermined angle can be set. The heating pipe 10 is arranged so that the first end 11 side is higher than the second end 12 side. As the heating pipe 10 rotates, the workpiece A is transported downward. From this perspective, the heating pipe 10 may be installed with a gradient of, for example, about 0.5 to 1 degree. A gradient of about 0.5 to 1 degree makes it difficult for the powdered material to slip off, and the powdered material is easily transported at an appropriate speed according to the rotation of the heating pipe 10. Therefore, by adjusting the rotation speed of the heating pipe 10, the residence time of the material in the heating pipe 10 can be adjusted. The gradient angle is not limited to the above, and an appropriate angle, for example, an angle of about 0.3 to 5 degrees, may be selected. The configuration of the heating pipe 10 is not limited to the above-described form unless otherwise specified. For example, blades may be provided spirally on the inner circumferential surface of the heating pipe 10 so that the workpiece A is sent from the first end 11 side to the second end 12 side as the heating pipe 10 rotates. In this case, the workpiece A is sent by the blades as the heating pipe 10 rotates, so the heating pipe 10 does not need to have a slope.

[0026] In a rotary kiln equipped with a rotating body (in this embodiment, a heating tube) that is driven to rotate relative to a non-rotating body such as a furnace body or duct, a gap must be provided at the boundary between the rotating body and the non-rotating body to allow the rotating body to rotate. There is a concern that outside air may flow in or out through this gap. This may result in improper processing of the workpiece, affecting the quality of the processed workpiece. Furthermore, from the perspective of the installation environment and safety of the rotary kiln, it is preferable to minimize the flow of gas into and out of the rotary kiln. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the gap between the furnace body and the heating tube (the diameter of the furnace body's through-hole). However, the rotating body thermally expands during the heat treatment of the workpiece. Therefore, a gap must be established between the rotating body and the non-rotating body that takes thermal expansion into account.

[0027] The present inventors have sought to provide a rotary kiln equipped with a heating tube having a larger diameter that can accommodate a larger amount of material to be treated, from the viewpoint of improving the treatment efficiency of the material to be treated. For example, the inner diameter of the heating tube can be set to approximately 1.3 m to 2.5 m (e.g., approximately 1.9 m). However, as the heating tube becomes larger, the dimensional tolerance of the heating tube also increases. When the heating tube rotates, the radial position of the heating tube may fluctuate. Therefore, at one point in the circumferential direction, the radial position of the sealing member fluctuates in a wavy manner relative to the rotation of the heating tube. To ensure sealing performance, the sealing member needs to follow the fluctuation in the radial position of the heating tube.

[0028] The rotary kiln 1 is equipped with a sealing device 50.

[0029] <Sealing device 50> The sealing device 50 is a device that seals the boundary between a rotating body and a non-rotating body. The sealing device 50 is provided at the boundary between a rotating body (the heated pipe 10 in this embodiment) and a non-rotating body (the ducts 73, 76 in this embodiment). The sealing device 50 is provided along the circumferential direction of the heated pipe 10. The sealing device 50 is annular and surrounds the heated pipe 10. In this embodiment, the boundary between the heated pipe 10 and the duct 76 is the portion where the heated pipe 10 is inserted into the ducts 73, 76. The sealing device 50 is attached to the ducts 73, 76 at the portion where the heated pipe 10 is inserted.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing device 50. FIG. 2 shows the sealing device 50 attached to the rear wall 76a of the duct 76. The sealing device 50 provided on the duct 73 side has a similar configuration, so a detailed description will be omitted. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. The first restraint member 60, the second restraint member 65, and the plate members 58 and 59 are not shown in FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing device 50 includes a base 51, a plurality of first seal members 61-64, and a first restraining member 60. The sealing device 50 also includes a biasing member 57. The sealing device 50 also includes a plurality of second seal members 66-69 and a second restraining member 65. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates the first seal member 61 of the plurality of first seal members 61-64 and the second seal member 66 of the plurality of second seal members 66-69. The first seal members 62-64 have the same configuration as the first seal member 61, and the second seal members 67-69 have the same configuration as the second seal member 66. For the configurations of the first seal members 62-64 and the second seal members 67-69, please refer to the descriptions of the first seal member 61 and the second seal member 66 as appropriate. Detailed descriptions of the configurations of the first seal members 62-64 and the second seal members 67-69 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0032] <Base 51> The base 51 is a member attached to the periphery of the insertion holes 73a1, 76a1 of the non-rotating bodies (the ducts 73, 76 in this embodiment). The base 51 is made of metal, and stainless steel (e.g., SUS304) can be used. The base 51 is attached to the outer surface of the rear wall 76a. The base 51 is a substantially annular member that is continuous in the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 76a1 so as to surround the insertion hole 76a1 of the rear wall 76a. In this embodiment, the base 51 is composed of multiple members. The base 51 includes, in order from the outer surface of the rear wall 76a, an inner plate 52, a first spacer 53, an intermediate plate 54, a second spacer 55, and an outer plate 56. The inner plate 52, the first spacer 53, the intermediate plate 54, the second spacer 55, and the outer plate 56 are arranged in this order from the outer surface of the rear wall 76a. The first spacer 53 is interposed between the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54. The second spacer 55 is interposed between the intermediate plate 54 and the outer plate 56. The inner plate 52 to the outer plate 56 are each a substantially annular member (see Figures 3 to 6). The inner plate 52 to the outer plate 56 are attached so that their centers are at substantially the same position. The outer diameters of the first spacer 53 to the outer plate 56 are substantially the same, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first spacer 53 to the outer plate 56 are aligned at substantially the same position. The inner peripheral surfaces of the first spacer 53 and the second spacer 55 are located radially outward of the inner peripheral surfaces of the inner plate 52, the intermediate plate 54, and the outer plate 56.

[0033] The inner plate 52 has the largest outer diameter among the plates 52 to 56. Although not particularly limited, the outer diameters of the plates 52 to 56 are substantially the same. Therefore, the inner plate 52 protrudes radially outward from the first spacer 53 relative to the outer plate 56. The protruding portion of the inner plate 52 is provided with through holes 52e (see FIG. 3) through which bolts (not shown) are inserted. A plurality of through holes are provided at intervals along the circumferential direction. The inner plate 52 is attached to the rear wall 76a with the bolts, with the front surface 52a facing the outer surface of the rear wall 76a. A step is formed on the rear surface 52b of the inner plate 52 so that the inner circumferential portion 52c of the inner plate 52 protrudes. The inner circumferential portion 52c is a portion extending from the inner circumferential surface 52d of the inner plate 52 to approximately the center. In other words, the inner circumferential portion 52c is thicker than portions outside the inner circumferential portion 52c. The outer diameter of the inner periphery portion 52c corresponds to the inner diameter of the first spacer 53. A front surface 53a of the first spacer 53 is in contact with a rear surface 52b of the inner plate 52. The first spacer 53 is positioned by the inner periphery portion 52c.

[0034] The first spacer 53 is attached to the inner plate 52 with its inner circumferential surface 53c positioned relative to the inner circumferential portion 52c of the inner plate 52. The inner circumferential surface 53c of the first spacer 53 is positioned radially outward from the inner circumferential surface 52d of the inner plate 52 by an amount corresponding to the radial dimension of the inner circumferential portion 52c of the inner plate 52. A front surface 54a of the intermediate plate 54 contacts a rear surface 53b of the first spacer 53.

[0035] Steps are formed on the front surface 54a and the rear surface 54b of the intermediate plate 54 so that an inner peripheral portion 54c of the intermediate plate 54 protrudes from both surfaces. One inner peripheral portion 54c is located from the inner peripheral surface 54d of the intermediate plate 54 to the inner peripheral surface 53c of the first spacer 53. The other inner peripheral portion 54c is located from the inner peripheral surface 54d of the intermediate plate 54 to the inner peripheral surface 55c of the second spacer 55. The inner peripheral portion 54c is thicker than a portion radially outward from the inner peripheral portion 54c. The outer diameter of the inner peripheral portion 54c corresponds to the inner diameters of the first spacer 53 and the second spacer 55. The inner peripheral portion 54c positions the intermediate plate 54 relative to the first spacer 53. The inner diameter of the intermediate plate 54 is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the inner plate 52. Note that the inner diameters of the intermediate plate 54 and the inner plate 52 do not have to be the same.

[0036] An inner peripheral surface 54d of the intermediate plate 54 is flush with an inner peripheral surface 52d of the inner plate 52 and protrudes relative to an inner peripheral surface 53c of the first spacer 53. A recess 51a is formed in the base 51, which is formed by the inner plate 52, the first spacer 53, and the intermediate plate 54. The recess 51a is recessed radially outward relative to the inner peripheral surface of the base 51 (inner peripheral surfaces 52d, 54d of the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54). A front surface 55a of the second spacer 55 contacts a rear surface 54b of the intermediate plate 54.

[0037] The second spacer 55 has substantially the same shape as the first spacer 53. The second spacer 55 is attached to the inner plate 52 with its inner circumferential surface 55c positioned relative to the inner circumferential portion 52c on the rear surface 54b side of the intermediate plate 54. The inner circumferential surface 55c of the second spacer 55 is located radially outward from the inner circumferential surface 54d of the intermediate plate 54 by an amount corresponding to the radial dimension of the inner circumferential portion 54c of the intermediate plate 54. The rear surface 55b of the second spacer 55 is in contact with the front surface 56a of the outer plate 56.

[0038] A step is formed on the front surface 56a of the outer plate 56 so that an inner peripheral portion 56c of the outer plate 56 protrudes. The inner peripheral portion 56c is a portion set from an inner peripheral surface 56d of the outer plate 56 to an inner peripheral surface 55c of the second spacer 55. The inner peripheral portion 56c is thicker than portions outside the inner peripheral portion 56c. The outer diameter of the inner peripheral portion 56c corresponds to the inner diameter of the second spacer 55. The inner peripheral portion 56c positions the outer plate 56 relative to the second spacer 55. The inner diameter of the outer plate 56 is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameters of the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54. Note that the inner diameter of the outer plate 56 may be different from the inner diameters of the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54. The rear surface 56b of the outer plate 56 is approximately flat.

[0039] An inner peripheral surface 56d of the outer plate 56 is flush with an inner peripheral surface 54d of the intermediate plate 54 and protrudes relative to an inner peripheral surface 55c of the second spacer 55. The inner diameter of the outer plate 56 and the inner diameter of the intermediate plate 54 may be different. A recess 51b is formed in the base 51, which is formed by the intermediate plate 54, the second spacer 55, and the outer plate 56. The recess 51b is recessed radially outward relative to the inner peripheral surface of the base 51 (inner peripheral surfaces 52d, 54d of the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54).

[0040] As described above, the recesses 51a, 51b are continuous in the circumferential direction of the base 51 and recessed radially outward. The recess 51a accommodates a plurality of first seal members 61-64. The recess 51b accommodates a plurality of second seal members 66-69. The thickness of each of the plurality of first seal members 61-64 is smaller than the distance between the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54. The thickness of each of the plurality of second seal members 66-69 is smaller than the distance between the intermediate plate 54 and the outer plate 56.

[0041] <Multiple first seal members 61 to 64> As shown in FIG. 3, the multiple first seal members 61-64 are connected in a circular ring shape when connected in the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple first seal members 61-64 is plate-shaped. Each of the multiple first seal members 61-64 is substantially arc-shaped. In this embodiment, the multiple first seal members 61-64 are composed of four members divided into four in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the central angle of the first seal members 61-64 is approximately 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the first seal members 61-64 have substantially the same shape.

[0042] In this embodiment, the plurality of seal members 61-64 are fastened from the radially outer side by a restraining member 60, which will be described later, so that the plurality of seal members 61-64 are connected in an annular shape. As a result, there are no gaps at the boundaries between the plurality of seal members 61-64, and the sealing performance between the members can be ensured. Note that the shape, central angle, number of divisions, etc. of the plurality of first seal members 61-64 are not limited to this form. The first seal member may be, for example, a circle divided into eight or twelve parts.

[0043] The first seal members 61-64 partially protrude radially inward from the base 51 while housed in the base 51. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surfaces 61b-64b of the first seal members 61-64 protrude radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface 52d of the inner plate 52. As shown in FIG. 2, a step 61a is provided in the portion of the first seal member 61 housed in the base 51. The step 61a is formed on the front surface 61d and the rear surface 61e of the first seal member 61. The front surface 61d and the rear surface 61e are substantially parallel. The step 61a is formed on the outer diameter side of the inner circumferential surfaces 52d, 54d of the inner plate 52 and the intermediate plate 54 of the base 51. The thickness of the portion protruding from the step 61a is thinner than the portion of the portion protruding from the base 51. A gap is formed between the base 51 and the portion protruding from the base 51.

[0044] An inner peripheral surface 61b of the first seal member 61 is approximately parallel to the outer peripheral surface 13 of the heat pipe 10. A groove 61c1 is formed in the outer peripheral surface 61c of the first seal member 61. In this embodiment, the cross section of the groove 61c1 when viewed along the circumferential direction of the heat pipe 10 is approximately semicircular. The shape of the groove 61c1 is not particularly limited. The groove 61c1 is formed in approximately the center of the outer peripheral surface 61c in the thickness direction of the first seal member 61. When the multiple first seal members 61 to 64 are connected in an annular shape, the grooves formed in the outer peripheral surfaces 61c to 64c are connected along the circumferential direction. The groove extends along the length direction of the outer peripheral surfaces 61c to 64c of the first seal members 61 to 64 (see FIG. 3). The first restraint member 60 is housed in the groove.

[0045] <First restraint member 60> The first restraining member 60 is an annular member that restrains the multiple first seal members 61-64 radially inward. The first restraining member 60 is housed in the base 51. In this embodiment, the first restraining member 60 is disposed in a space 51a1 formed between the first spacer 53 and outer circumferential surfaces 61c-64c (see FIG. 3) of the first seal members 61-64.

[0046] The first restraining member 60 is housed in the recess 51a together with the multiple first seal members 61-64. The first restraining member 60 is arranged along the outer peripheral surfaces 61c-64c of the first seal members 61-64 so as to restrain the multiple first seal members 61-64 from the outside. In this embodiment, the first restraining member 60 is arranged along a groove formed in the outer peripheral surfaces 61c-64c of the multiple first seal members 61-64, which are connected in an annular shape. This positions the first restraining member 60 relative to the first seal members 61-64.

[0047] The first restraint member 60 is an annular member having elasticity and flexibility. In this embodiment, a spring formed in an annular shape is used as the first restraint member 60. A coil spring with both ends connected (a so-called garter spring) may be used as the first restraint member 60. A coil spring with hooks provided on both ends may be used as the first restraint member 60. A coil spring with hooks provided on both ends can be used as the first restraint member 60 in a state where the hooks on both ends are hooked together to form a ring. Note that the first restraint member 60 is not limited to a spring. For example, a ring-shaped elastic member made of resin (e.g., rubber) may be used as the first restraint member 60. It is further desirable that the first restraint member 60 be provided with a mechanism for adjusting the tensile strength.

[0048] The length of the first restraint member 60 is shorter than the outer periphery of the multiple first seal members 61-64 that are connected in an annular shape. Therefore, the first restraint member 60 (a spring coil in this embodiment) is disposed along the outer periphery surfaces 61c-64c of the multiple first seal members 61-64 in a state stretched beyond its natural length. Therefore, the first restraint member 60 restrains the multiple first seal members 61-64 toward the inside in the radial direction. As a result, the inner periphery surfaces 61b-64b (see FIG. 3) of the first seal members 61-64 are pressed toward the outer periphery surface 13 of the heating tube 10.

[0049] In the embodiment described above, the sealing device 50 seals the boundary between a rotating body (in this embodiment, the heating pipe 10) and a non-rotating body (in this embodiment, the duct 76). The heating pipe 10 has a transfer space 10a formed therein, through which the workpiece A is transferred. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the heating pipe 10 is cylindrical. The duct 76 has an insertion hole 76a1 through which the heating pipe 10 is inserted. The sealing device 50 includes a base 51, a plurality of sealing members 61 to 64, and an annular restraining member 60. The base 51 is attached to the periphery of the insertion hole 76a1 of the duct 76. The base 51 accommodates the sealing members 61 to 64 so that portions of them protrude radially inward. The plurality of sealing members 61 to 64 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the heating pipe 10. When the plurality of sealing members 61 to 64 are connected in the circumferential direction of the heating pipe 10, they form an annular ring shape around the heating pipe 10. The annular restraining member 60 is attached along the outer circumferential surfaces 61c to 64c of the plurality of seal members 61 to 64. The annular restraining member 60 restrains the plurality of seal members 61 to 64 while being pressed radially inward.

[0050] According to the inventor's findings, a sealing device having multiple springs fixed to a non-rotating body and pressing a sealing member in the radial direction may have insufficient sealing performance in the gap between the rotating body and the non-rotating body. When the springs are fixed to the non-rotating body, the sealing members can only move around the heating tubes within the range in which the springs can expand and contract. In contrast, in the rotary kiln 1, the multiple sealing members 61 to 64 are constrained from the radially outer side by the annular restraining member 60. Because the restraining member 60 is not fixed to the non-rotating body (in this embodiment, the duct 76), even when the heating tube 10 moves in the radial direction relative to the duct 76, the multiple sealing members 61 to 64 move around the heating tube 10 and are unlikely to come off the outer circumferential surface 13 of the heating tube 10. In the rotary kiln 1, even when the diameter of the heating tube 10 is large, the gap between the heating tube 10 and the duct 76 is large and the heating tube 10 is prone to moving in the radial direction, the multiple sealing members 61 to 64 easily move around the heating tube 10. As a result, it is easy to maintain a seal between the heating pipe 10 and the duct 76. This effect can be more significantly exhibited in a rotary kiln equipped with a heating pipe with a large diameter.

[0051] Furthermore, even when the heating pipe 10 is rotationally driven relative to the duct 76 by the drive mechanism 30 and the heating pipe 10 is likely to move relative to the duct 76, the sealing members 61 to 64 of the sealing device 50 are likely to follow the heating pipe 10. As a result, the sealing performance between the heating pipe 10 and the duct 76 is likely to be maintained.

[0052] 2, in the embodiment described above, a recess 51a recessed radially inward is formed in the base 51. The first seal members 61-64 and the restraint member 60 are housed in the recess 51a. This improves the positional accuracy of the first seal members 61-64 and the restraint member 60, and can improve the sealing performance of the seal device 50.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , a step 61a is provided in a portion of the first seal member 61 that is housed in the base 51. The step 61a forms a gap between the portion of the first seal member 61 that protrudes from the base 51 and the base 51 (inner plate 52 in this embodiment) and the plate member 58. In other words, the portion that protrudes from the base 51 and the plate member 58 (hereinafter also referred to as the “protruding portion”) does not contact the base 51 or the plate member 58. The contact surface between the protruding portion and the base 51 and the plate member 58 is located outside the inner circumferential surface 52d. Over long-term use of the seal device 50, the rotation of the first seal member 61 relative to the base 51 or the like can cause wear to the contact surface of the first seal member 61 that contacts the base 51 or the like. The surface of the first seal member 61 that does not contact the base 51 or the like does not wear. In this embodiment, the portion (contact surface) of the first seal member 61 that may wear is located outside the protruding portion. In other words, the protruding portion of the first seal member 61 is provided with a so-called scraping allowance. This can prevent the protruding portion of the first seal member 61 from wearing out and becoming caught on the base 51. As a result, rotation of the first seal member 61 relative to the base 51 is not easily hindered, and the sealing performance of the seal device 50 is easily maintained.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sealing device 50 further includes a biasing member 57 that biases the first seal members 61-64 toward the non-rotating body (in this embodiment, the duct 76). The specific configuration of the biasing member 57 will be described later. By pressing the first seal members 61-64 toward the duct 76, the sealing performance between the first seal members 61-64 and the heating pipe 10, as well as the sealing performance between the first seal members 61-64 and the duct 76, can be improved.

[0055] The sealing device 50 of the rotary kiln 1 may include a plurality of second sealing members 66-69 in addition to a plurality of first sealing members 61-64. The plurality of second sealing members 66-69 may be provided at positions different from the plurality of first sealing members 61-64 in the conveying direction of the workpiece A.

[0056] <Multiple second seal members 66 to 69> As shown in FIG. 5, the second seal members 66-69, like the first seal members 61-64, are connected in a circular ring shape when connected in the circumferential direction. The second seal members 66-69 are arranged at intervals from the first seal members 61-64 in the conveying direction. The second seal members 66-69 have substantially the same shape as the first seal members 61-64, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that the shape, central angle, number of divisions, etc. of the second seal members 66-69 are not limited to these forms. The configuration of the second seal members 66-69 may be different from that of the first seal members 61-64.

[0057] When housed in the base 51, the second seal members 66-69 partially protrude radially inward from the base 51. A step 66a is provided in the portion of the second seal member 66 housed in the base 51 (see FIG. 2). The step 66a is formed on a front surface 66d and a rear surface 66e of the second seal member 66. Similar to the first seal members 61-64, the inner circumferential surfaces 66b-69b of the second seal members 66-69 protrude radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface 54d of the intermediate plate 54. A groove (groove 66c1 in the second seal member 66) is formed on the outer circumferential surfaces 66c-69c of the second seal members 66-69 to house the second restraining member 65. The position, shape, and other configurations of the second seal members 66-69 are similar to those of the first seal members 61-64, and therefore a detailed description of the configuration of the second seal members 66-69 will be omitted.

[0058] <Second restraint member 65> As shown in FIG. 2, the second restraining member 65 is an annular member that restrains the plurality of second seal members 66-69 radially inward. The second restraining member 65 is housed in the base 51. In this embodiment, the second restraining member 65 is disposed in a space 51b1 formed between the outer peripheral surfaces 66c-69c (see FIG. 5) of the second seal members 66-69 and the second spacer 55. The second restraining member 65 is housed in the recess 51b together with the plurality of second seal members 66-69. The second restraining member 65 is disposed along the outer peripheral surfaces 66c-69c of the second seal members 66-69 so as to restrain the plurality of second seal members 66-69 from the outside. The position, shape, and other configuration of the second restraining member 65 are similar to those of the first restraining member 60, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the plurality of first seal members 61 to 64 and the plurality of second seal members 66 to 69 are biased by a biasing member 57.

[0060] <Using member 57> The biasing member 57 is provided between the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69. In this embodiment, the biasing member 57 is a coil spring. The axis of the coil spring serving as the biasing member 57 faces the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69. One end of the biasing member 57 faces the first seal members 61-64, and the other end faces the second seal members 66-69. The biasing member 57 is provided between the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69 in a compressed state that is shorter than its natural length. As a result, the biasing member 57 biases the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69 in opposite directions.

[0061] In this embodiment, the urging member 57 is inserted into a through hole 54e formed in the intermediate plate 54. A cylindrical collar 57a, which is larger than the outer diameter of the urging member 57 and smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 54e, is inserted into the through hole 54e together with the urging member 57. The collar 57a is inserted into the through hole 54e while covering the periphery of the urging member 57.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 2, the biasing member 57 biases the first seal member 61 toward the inner plate 52, and biases the second seal member 66 toward the outer plate 56. The rear surface 52b of the inner plate 52 is pressed against the front surface 61d of the first seal member 61. This makes it difficult for gas inside the duct 76 to flow into the base 51. Also, the front surface 56a of the outer plate 56 is pressed against the rear surface 66e of the second seal member 66. This makes it difficult for gas outside the duct 76 to flow into the base 51. As a result, the sealing performance between the heating tube 10 and the duct 76 can be improved.

[0063] In this embodiment, a plate member 58 is provided between the biasing member 57 and the first seal members 61 to 64. A plate member 59 is provided between the biasing member 57 and the second seal members 66 to 69.

[0064] <Plate members 58, 59> The plate members 58, 59 are substantially annular members. In this embodiment, the plate members 58, 59 are made of metal. The inner diameters of the plate members 58, 59 are substantially the same as the inner diameters of the inner plate 52, the intermediate plate 54, and the outer plate 56. The outer diameters of the plate members 58, 59 are smaller than the inner diameters of the first spacer 53 and the second spacer 55. The plate member 58 is housed in the recess 51a. The plate member 58 is disposed between the first seal members 61-64 and the intermediate plate 54. The plate member 59 is housed in the recess 51b. The plate member 59 is disposed between the second seal members 66-69 and the intermediate plate 54. The plate members 58, 59 have recesses 58a, 59a formed in opposing positions across the through hole 54e. The diameters of the recesses 58a, 59a are substantially the same as the diameter of the through hole 54e. One ends of the biasing member 57 and the collar 57a are inserted into the recess 58a, and the other ends of the biasing member 57 and the collar 57a are inserted into the recess 59a. The biasing member 57 can be easily positioned by the recesses 58a and 59a.

[0065] The biasing member 57 is compressed by the plate members 58 and 59. As a result, the biasing member 57 biases the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69 via the plate members 58 and 59. The biasing member 57 presses the first seal members 61-64 against the base 51 (in this embodiment, the inner plate 52) via the plate member 58. The biasing member 57 presses the second seal members 66-69 against the base 51 (in this embodiment, the outer plate 56) via the plate member 59. As a result, the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69 are likely to be pressed uniformly by the biasing member 57. As a result, the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69 are likely to come into close contact with the base 51. As a result, the sealing performance within the base 51 can be improved.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, the base 51 is provided with a partition 54 that separates the space 51a1 in which the plurality of first seal members 61-64 are provided from the space 51b1 in which the plurality of second seal members 66-69 are provided. Here, the intermediate plate 54 corresponds to the partition 54. The partition 54 is formed with a through-hole 54e through which the biasing member 57 is inserted. With this configuration, the axis of the biasing member 57 is less likely to tilt relative to the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69. As a result, the biasing member 57 can stably bias the plurality of first seal members 61-64 and the plurality of second seal members 66-69 in opposite directions.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 4, the intermediate plate 54 has a plurality of through holes 54e formed in the circumferential direction. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the plurality of through holes 54e are formed at approximately equal intervals. A biasing member 57 and a collar 57a are inserted into each of the plurality of through holes 54e. This configuration makes it easy to stably bias the plurality of first seal members 61-64 and the plurality of second seal members 66-69.

[0068] The above-described sealing device 50 can be assembled and attached to the duct 76, for example, in the following manner. Note that bolt holes are formed in the inner plate 52 at positions B1 to B3. At positions B1 to B3, through holes 53e to 56e (see FIGS. 3 to 6) are formed from the first spacer 53 to the outer plate 56. Each component can be attached by inserting a bolt into the through hole and attaching the bolt to the bolt hole. Note that the positions at which each component is attached are not limited to positions B1 to B3.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, positions B1 to B3 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Positions B1 and B2 are set at four locations each. Positions B3 are set at eight locations. Positions B1 and B2 are alternately positioned between positions B3.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, first spacers 53 are attached to the inner plate 52 at four positions B1 with bolts (not shown).

[0071] First seal members 61 to 64 and first restraint member 60 are disposed at positions corresponding to recess 51a (see FIG. 2).

[0072] The intermediate plate 54 and the plate members 58 and 59 are temporarily fastened together with the biasing member 57 and the collar 57a. The temporary fastening is performed with the biasing member 57 and the collar 57a disposed in the through-hole 54e of the intermediate plate 54 and the recesses 58a and 59a of the plate members 58 and 59 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the biasing members 57 are provided at 32 locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The number of biasing members 57 is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 4, the temporary fastening is performed at four temporary fastening positions B4 in the circumferential direction. The temporary fastening position B4 is set radially inward from the positions B1 to B3 and at a position different from the positions B1 to B3 in the circumferential direction. Although not shown in detail, a through-hole is formed in the intermediate plate 54 and the plate members 58 and 59 at the temporary fastening position B4. By inserting bolts into the through holes, the first spacer 53, the intermediate plate 54, the second spacer 55 and the plate members 58, 59 can be temporarily fastened together.

[0073] With the first seal members 61 to 64 arranged at positions corresponding to the recesses 51a, the temporarily fixed first spacer 53, intermediate plate 54, second spacer 55, and plate members 58 and 59 are attached to the inner plate 52. After the first spacer 53, intermediate plate 54, second spacer 55, and plate members 58 and 59 are attached to the inner plate 52, the bolts used for the temporary fixing are removed.

[0074] 5, the intermediate plate 54 is attached to the inner plate 52 by bolts (not shown) at a position B2 different from the position B1. This attaches the plate members 58 and 59 to the inner plate 52 together with the intermediate plate 54.

[0075] Second seal members 66-69 and second restraint member 65 are placed at positions corresponding to recess 51b (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, the bolts used to temporarily fasten first spacer 53, intermediate plate 54, second spacer 55, and plate members 58, 59 are removed.

[0076] 6, at position B3, which is different from positions B1 and B2, the outer plate 56 is attached to the inner plate 52 by bolts (not shown). As a result, the plate members 58 and 59 are attached to the inner plate 52 together with the intermediate plate 54. As a result, the seal device 50 is formed, in which the inner plate 52, outer plate 56, first seal members 61-64, first restraint member 60, second seal members 66-69, and second restraint member 65 are integrated.

[0077] The sealing device 50 is attached to the duct 76 as shown in FIG. 2 by inserting bolts (not shown) into through holes 52e (see FIG. 3) formed in the inner plate 52.

[0078] The first spacer 53 and the second spacer 55 may be provided with ventilation ports 53f, 55f for introducing atmospheric gas into the furnace (see FIGS. 3 and 5). By introducing atmospheric gas from the ventilation ports 53f, 55f, the pressure inside the sealing device 50 (space 51a1 in FIG. 2) can be maintained higher than the pressure inside the heating tube 10. This can improve the sealing performance of the first sealing members 61-64 and the second sealing members 66-69 with respect to the heating tube 10.

[0079] The sealing device is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The configuration of the sealing device may be modified as follows, for example.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the base 51 is configured from a plurality of members (from the inner plate 52 to the outer plate 56) stacked along the thickness direction of the base 51 (the axial direction of the heating tube 10), but is not limited to this form. The base may be configured to be separable into a plurality of members in the circumferential direction. In this case, after a plurality of seal members are connected in an annular shape, the base divided into a plurality of members is fitted to the plurality of seal members from the outside in the radial direction. Thereafter, the integrated base and the plurality of seal members can be attached to a non-rotating body.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, the base 51 is a substantially annular member that is continuous in the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 76a1, but is not limited to this form. The shape of the base is not limited as long as it allows some of the multiple seal members to protrude radially inward. The base does not need to be continuous in an annular shape, and may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction so as to surround the periphery of the portion of the non-rotating body through which the heating pipe is inserted.

[0082] In the embodiment described above, the base 51 is provided with a plurality of first seal members 61-64 and a plurality of second seal members 66-69. However, this is not limiting, and the plurality of second seal members 66-69 do not necessarily have to be provided. Furthermore, a plurality of seal members may be further added so that the first seal members 61-64 and the second seal members 66-69 are spaced apart in the conveyance direction.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, the plurality of first seal members 61-64 and the plurality of second seal members 66-69 are pressed against the base 51 by the biasing member 57. However, without being limited to this embodiment, the plurality of first seal members 61-64 and the plurality of second seal members 66-69 may be pressed against the base 51 by a cylinder, a clamp, or the like.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the non-rotating bodies are the ducts 73, 76, and the rotating bodies are the heating pipes 10. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The sealing device 50 disclosed herein may be used to seal the boundaries between the through holes (insertion holes) 21a, 22a of the furnace body 20 and the heating pipes 10. In this case, the sealing device 50 can be used on at least one of the rear wall 21 and the front wall 22 of the furnace body 20 (preferably, on both the rear wall 21 and the front wall 22). This makes it easy to prevent gas from flowing in and out of the heating space 20a and the outside of the furnace body 20.

[0085] Furthermore, the rotating body is not necessarily limited to the heating pipe. The rotating body described in this specification includes the heating pipe, but may also include a rotating part that is integral with the heating pipe, such as a part attached to the heating pipe. The above-described sealing device can be applied to a boundary other than between the heating pipe and a non-rotating body (in the above-described embodiment, the duct or furnace body).

[0086] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a rotary kiln 101 according to another embodiment. Fig. 7 shows the configuration of the side of the rotary kiln 101 from which the material to be treated (not shown) is discharged. The configuration of the side from which the material to be treated is supplied can be the same as that of a known rotary kiln, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the rotary kiln 101 includes a heating tube 110, a furnace body 120, a duct 176, a drive mechanism 30, and a sealing device 50. The front end 112 of the heating tube 110 protrudes from the front wall of the furnace body 120. A drive mechanism 30 that rotates and drives the heating tube 110 is connected to the portion of the front end 112 of the heating tube 110 that protrudes from the front wall of the furnace body 120. The drive mechanism 30 is similar to the drive mechanism 30 of the rotary kiln 1 (see FIG. 1) described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. An opening 112a through which the treated material is discharged is formed at the front end 112 of the heating tube 110. The opening 112a is covered by a duct 176 that recovers the treated material. The duct 176 is a substantially rectangular container that covers the opening 112a of the heating tube 110. The front end 112 of the heating pipe 110 is inserted into a rear wall 176a of the duct 176. An outlet for discharging the collected material to be treated is formed in the lower part of the duct 176. The duct 176 may be provided with an atmospheric gas port, an exhaust port, etc. for adjusting the atmosphere inside the duct.

[0088] In this embodiment, an inner pipe 190 into which hot air is supplied is inserted into the heating pipe 110. The object to be treated transported inside the heating pipe 110 is also heated from the inside of the heating pipe 110 via the inner pipe 190. This improves the treatment efficiency of the object to be treated.

[0089] The inner pipe 190 is inserted into a hot air supply pipe 180 for supplying hot air, which is arranged forward of the heating pipe 110, the furnace body 120, and the duct 176. The inner pipe 190 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the heating pipe 110. An opening 191a is formed at a front end 191 of the inner pipe 190. The hot air supply pipe 180 is approximately cylindrical. A hot air supply device 181 is connected to the hot air supply pipe 180. For example, a gas burner, an oil burner, or the like can be used as the hot air supply device 181. Hot air is supplied to the inner pipe 190 from the opening 191a at the front end 191. The inner pipe 190 is attached to the heating pipe 110 and is configured to rotate integrally with the heating pipe 110. The hot air supply pipe 180 is fixed in front of the duct 176 and does not rotate integrally with the heating pipe 110. In addition, the inner pipe 190 may be provided with a thickened support portion 192 at the portion where the hot air supply pipe 180 is inserted in order to firmly support the sealing device 50.

[0090] The inner pipe 190 passes through the duct 176 and is inserted into the heating pipe 110. In this embodiment, a pipe 176c extending forward is provided in a front wall 176b of the duct 176. The inner pipe 190 is inserted into the pipe 176c. The pipe 176c is fixed to the duct 176 and does not rotate integrally with the heating pipe 110. Note that a thicker support portion 192 may be provided at the portion of the inner pipe 190 where the pipe 176c is inserted in order to more firmly support the sealing device 50.

[0091] A sealing device 50 is provided at the boundary between the hot air supply pipe 180 and the inner pipe 190 inserted into the hot air supply pipe 180. A sealing device 50 is also provided at the boundary between the pipe 176c and the inner pipe 190 inserted into the pipe 176c. The sealing device 50 is similar to that used in the rotary kiln 1 (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the inner pipe 190 is a rotating body that is rotated integrally with the heating pipe 110. The hot air supply pipe 180 and the pipe 176c are non-rotating bodies that have an insertion hole through which the inner pipe 190, which rotates integrally with the heating pipe 110, is inserted. By providing the sealing device 50 at the boundary between the hot air supply pipe 180 and the pipe 176c and the inner pipe 190, gas supplied from the hot air supply device 181 is less likely to leak to the outside.

[0092] Although not particularly limited, the pipe 176c and the hot air supply pipe 180 may be covered with a cover 193 to prevent the outflow of gas supplied from the hot air supply device 181 and the inflow of outside air into the transfer space 110a.

[0093] The position where the sealing device is used in the rotary kiln is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The sealing device disclosed herein can be used at the boundary between a rotating body including a heating tube and a non-rotating body through which the rotating body is inserted.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described in detail above using specific embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. As such, the technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the above-described embodiments. This specification includes the following disclosures.

[0095] Section 1: A sealing device that seals a boundary between a rotating body including a cylindrical heating tube formed with a transport space for transporting a workpiece therein and a non-rotating body having an insertion hole through which the rotating body is inserted, a plurality of seal members arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotor and connected in an annular shape around the rotor when they are continuous in the circumferential direction of the rotor; a base portion attached to the periphery of the insertion hole of the non-rotating body and accommodating the seal member so that a portion of the seal member protrudes radially inward; an annular restraining member attached along the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of seal members and pressed radially inward to restrain the plurality of seal members; Equipped with Sealing device.

[0096] Section 2: Item 2. The sealing device according to item 1, further comprising a biasing member that biases the sealing member toward the non-rotating body.

[0097] Section 3: The second seal member further includes a plurality of second seal members each of which partially protrudes radially inward from the base when housed in the base and which are connected in an annular shape when connected in the circumferential direction, Item 3. The sealing device according to item 2, wherein the biasing member biases the sealing member and the second sealing member in opposite directions.

[0098] Section 4: Item 4. The sealing device according to item 3, wherein the biasing member biases the sealing member and the second sealing member via a plate member.

[0099] Section 5: a partition is provided in the base portion to separate a space in which the plurality of seal members are provided from a space in which the plurality of second seal members are provided; Item 5. The sealing device according to item 3 or 4, wherein the partition has a through hole through which the biasing member is inserted.

[0100] Item 6: The base portion has a recess formed therein that is recessed radially outward, 6. The sealing device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of sealing members and the restraining member are housed in the recess.

[0101] Section 7: Item 7. The sealing device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein a step is provided in the portion of the sealing member that is housed in the base portion so that a gap is formed between the portion that protrudes from the base portion and the base portion.

[0102] Section 8: a cylindrical heating pipe having a transport space formed therein through which the workpiece is transported; a furnace body that covers the periphery of the heating pipe and forms a heating space between the heating pipe and the furnace body; a duct covering one end of the heating tube outside the furnace body; Sealing device Equipped with 8. A rotary kiln, wherein the sealing device is the sealing device described in any one of items 1 to 7.

[0103] Section 9: Item 9. The rotary kiln according to item 8, wherein the non-rotating body of the sealing device is the duct, and the rotating body is the heating pipe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Rotary kiln 10 heating tube 10a Transfer space 11 1st end 12 2nd end 12a opening 13 Outer surface 20 Furnace body 20a heating space 21 Back wall 21a,22a through hole 22 Front wall 23 Side wall 25 Bottom Wall 26 Ceiling Wall 30 Drive mechanism 31 sprocket 32,33 Tires 34,35 Laura 40 Heating device 50 Sealing device 51 Base 51a, 51b recess 51a1,51b1 Space 52 Inner plate 52a front 52b Rear 52c Inner circumference 52d Inner surface 52e through hole 53 First spacer 53a front 53b Rear 53c Inner surface 53e Through hole 53f Ventilation port 54 Intermediate plate 54a front 54b Rear 54c Inner circumference 54d Inner surface 54e through hole 55 Second spacer 55a front 55b Rear 55c Inner surface 55e through hole 55f Ventilation port 56 Outer Panel 56a front 56b Rear 56c Inner circumference 56d Inner surface 56e through hole 57 biasing member 57a Color 58,59 Plate members 58a, 59a Recess 60 First restraining member 61 to 64 First sealing member 61a Step 61b~64b Inner surface 61c~64c outer surface 61c1 Groove 61d front 61e rear 65 Second restraining member 66-69 Second sealing member 66a Step 66b~69b Inner surface 66c~69c outer surface 66c1 Groove 66d front 66e rear 70 Material supply section 71 Hopper 72 Screw feeder 73 Duct 73a Exhaust system 73b Exhaust port 75 Collection Department 76 Duct 76a Back wall 76a1 Insertion hole 77 Outlet 101 Rotary Kiln 110 Heating tube 110a Transfer space 112 Front end 112a aperture 120 Furnace body 176 Duct 176a Back wall 176b front wall 176c Piping 180 Hot air supply pipe 181 Hot air supply equipment 190 Inner tube 191 Front end 191a aperture 192 Support part 193 Cover A. Processing object B1~B3 position B4 Temporary fixing position

Claims

1. A sealing device that seals a boundary between a rotating body including a cylindrical heating tube formed with a transport space in which a workpiece is transported, and a non-rotating body having an insertion hole through which the rotating body is inserted, a plurality of seal members arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotor and connected in an annular shape around the rotor when they are continuous in the circumferential direction of the rotor; a base portion attached to the periphery of the insertion hole of the non-rotating body and accommodating the seal member so that a portion of the seal member protrudes radially inward; an annular restraining member attached along the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of seal members and restraining the plurality of seal members while being pressed radially inward; a biasing member that biases the seal member toward the non-rotating body; a plurality of second seal members each of which partially protrudes radially inward from the base when housed in the base and which are connected in an annular shape when connected in the circumferential direction; Equipped with The biasing member biases the seal member and the second seal member in opposite directions. Sealing device.

2. A sealing device that seals a boundary between a rotating body including a cylindrical heating tube formed with a transport space in which a workpiece is transported, and a non-rotating body having an insertion hole through which the rotating body is inserted, a plurality of seal members arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotor and connected in an annular shape around the rotor when they are continuous in the circumferential direction of the rotor; a base portion attached to the periphery of the insertion hole of the non-rotating body and accommodating the seal member so that a portion of the seal member protrudes radially inward; an annular restraining member attached along the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of seal members and pressed radially inward to restrain the plurality of seal members; Equipped with A step is provided in a portion of the sealing member that is accommodated in the base portion so that a gap is formed between the portion that protrudes from the base portion and the base portion. Sealing device.

3. A sealing device that seals a boundary between a rotating body including a cylindrical heating tube formed with a transport space in which a workpiece is transported, and a non-rotating body having an insertion hole through which the rotating body is inserted, a plurality of seal members arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotor and connected in an annular shape around the rotor when they are continuous in the circumferential direction of the rotor; a base portion attached to the periphery of the insertion hole of the non-rotating body and accommodating the seal member so that a portion of the seal member protrudes radially inward; an annular restraining member attached along the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of seal members and restraining the plurality of seal members while being pressed radially inward; a biasing member that biases the seal member toward the non-rotating body; Equipped with the biasing member is a coil spring that presses the seal member toward the non-rotating body; Sealing device.

4. The seal device according to claim 2 , further comprising a biasing member that biases the seal member toward the non-rotating body.

5. a plurality of second seal members each of which partially protrudes radially inward from the base when housed in the base and which are connected in an annular shape when connected in the circumferential direction; The seal device according to claim 4 , wherein the biasing member biases the seal member and the second seal member in opposite directions.

6. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the biasing member biases the seal member and the second seal member via a plate member.

7. a partition is provided in the base portion to separate a space in which the plurality of seal members are provided from a space in which the plurality of second seal members are provided, The seal device according to claim 6, wherein the partition has a through hole through which the biasing member is inserted.

8. The base portion has a recess formed therein that is recessed radially outward, The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of sealing members and the restraining member are housed in the recess.

9. A sealing device as described in any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, wherein a step is provided in the portion of the sealing member that is housed in the base so that a gap is formed between the portion that protrudes from the base and the base.

10. a cylindrical heating pipe having a transport space formed therein through which the workpiece is transported; a furnace body that covers the periphery of the heating pipe and forms a heating space between the heating pipe and the furnace body; a duct covering one end of the heating tube outside the furnace body; Sealing device Equipped with A rotary kiln, wherein the sealing device is the sealing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The rotary kiln according to claim 10, wherein the non-rotating body of the sealing device is the duct and the rotating body is the heating pipe.

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