Carrier and Heat Treatment Device

Abstract

To provide a carrier and heat treatment equipment which enable treatment capacities thereof to be easily improved, and enable non-uniformity of heat treatment thereof to be suppressed.SOLUTION: A carrier 3 is used for conveying a direct treatment target 9 or an indirect treatment target 94 in a continuous heat treatment furnace 2 recovering carbon fibers from the direct treatment target 9 or the indirect treatment target 94. The continuous heat treatment furnace 2 has a furnace space R performing heat treatment on the direct treatment target 9 or the indirect treatment target 94 which are made of carbo fiber-reinforced resin. The carrier 3 comprises a pedestal portion 30 on which a case 93 stored with the direct treatment target 9 or the indirect treatment target 94 is rotatably mounted, and a power conversion portion 31 converting a part of driving force necessary for moving the carrier 3 itself in the furnace space R, into rotative force of the direct treatment target 9 or the case 93.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier used in a continuous heat treatment furnace that recovers carbon fibers from a workpiece, and to a heat treatment device including a continuous heat treatment furnace and a carrier. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a recycled carbon fiber manufacturing apparatus equipped with a batch-type carbonization furnace and a continuous furnace. The carbonization furnace converts a portion of the matrix component of the carbon fiber reinforced resin into fixed carbon and deposits it on the surface of the carbon fiber. The continuous furnace heats the carbon fiber with the fixed carbon deposited thereon while transporting it on a mesh belt. The continuous furnace removes a portion of the deposited fixed carbon from the carbon fiber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-64219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The manufacturing apparatus described in the document uses a carbonization furnace and a continuous furnace to perform a two-stage heat treatment on carbon fiber reinforced resin. However, the carbonization furnace is a batch type. As a result, the carbonization furnace is likely to become a bottleneck in the treatment process. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus described in the document makes it difficult to improve processing capacity. Furthermore, in the continuous furnace, the workpiece (carbon fiber with fixed carbon attached) is heated while being transported while being placed stationary on a mesh belt. During this process, the position of the workpiece does not change. As a result, uneven heating of the workpiece is likely to occur. In other words, the heat treatment is likely to be non-uniform. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a carrier and heat treatment apparatus that can easily improve processing capacity and suppress non-uniform heat treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a carrier used to transport carbon fiber-reinforced resin (CFRP) workpieces in a continuous heat treatment furnace having an internal space for heat treatment of the workpieces and recovering carbon fiber from the workpieces. The carrier includes a pedestal on which the workpieces are placed, either directly or indirectly. The workpieces are either directly placed on the pedestal or indirectly placed in a case. The pedestal rotatably supports the directly treated workpieces or the case. The motive force of the carrier itself as it moves through the furnace is converted into torque for the directly treated workpiece or the case. Here, "made of CFRP" refers to a material containing at least carbon fiber and resin, i.e., carbon fiber (reinforcement) added to a matrix resin.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the heat treatment device of the present invention is a heat treatment device comprising the carrier and the continuous heat treatment furnace, wherein the continuous heat treatment furnace has a contact portion with which the power conversion unit contacts when the carrier moves within the furnace space, and the power conversion unit converts a portion of the propulsion force into the rotational force by contacting the contact portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The carrier of the present invention is used to transport the workpiece (directly or indirectly treated workpiece) in a continuous heat treatment furnace. Therefore, it is easier to improve the treatment capacity compared to a batch-type heat treatment furnace. Furthermore, the carrier of the present invention is equipped with a power conversion unit. Therefore, a portion of the carrier's own propulsion force can be directly converted into the rotational force of the workpiece or the case. In other words, the workpiece can be heat-treated while directly rotating the workpiece or the case in the furnace space of the continuous heat treatment furnace. Therefore, the heat treatment of the workpiece can be promoted. Furthermore, non-uniformity of the heat treatment can be suppressed.

[0008] The heat treatment device of the present invention includes a continuous heat treatment furnace. Therefore, compared to a heat treatment device including a batch-type heat treatment furnace, the heat treatment capacity can be more easily improved. Furthermore, the continuous heat treatment furnace of the heat treatment device of the present invention includes an abutment portion. Therefore, by abutting the power conversion portion of the carrier to the abutment portion during carrier movement, a portion of the carrier's propulsion force can be directly converted into rotational force for the workpiece or the case. In other words, the workpiece (directly or indirectly) can be heat-treated while rotating the workpiece or the case in the furnace space of the continuous heat treatment furnace. This facilitates the heat treatment of the workpiece. Furthermore, non-uniformity in the heat treatment can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in the left-right direction (furnace length direction) as seen from above the heat treatment apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carrier of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the carrier. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(A) is a front view of the carrier in the first stage of transfer, Fig. 6(B) is a front view of the carrier in the second stage of transfer, and Fig. 6(C) is a front view of the carrier in the third stage of transfer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of the second embodiment taken along the left-right direction as seen from the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of the third embodiment taken along the left-right direction as seen from the front side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front part of the carrier of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11]Fig. 11(A) is a left-right cross-sectional view of a carrier according to another embodiment (part 1) as seen from the front side. Fig. 11(B) is a left-right cross-sectional view of a carrier according to another embodiment (part 2) as seen from the front side. Fig. 11(C) is a left-right cross-sectional view of a carrier according to another embodiment (part 3) as seen from the front side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the carrier and heat treatment device of the present invention will be described.

[0011] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view in the left-right direction (furnace length direction) as seen from above the heat treatment apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view in the II-II direction of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view in the III-III direction of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the carrier of this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the carrier. Note that FIG. 1 corresponds to the cross-sectional view in the II direction of FIG. 2. For ease of explanation, FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the direct treatment object 9 in the front-rear direction (furnace width direction, perpendicular to the furnace length direction).

[0012] [Configuration of direct processed object] First, the structure of the direct treatment object, which is the treatment target of the heat treatment apparatus of this embodiment, will be described. The direct treatment object 9 is a high-pressure (e.g., approximately 70 MPa) hydrogen tank mounted on a fuel cell vehicle. The direct treatment object 9 is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (hereinafter referred to as "CFRP") and has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the direct treatment object 9 includes a cylindrical wall portion 90, a first end wall portion 91, and a second end wall portion 92. The cylindrical wall portion 90 has a cylindrical shape (a perfect circular cylindrical shape) extending in the front-rear direction. The first end wall portion 91 seals an opening at the front end (one end in the furnace width direction) of the cylindrical wall portion 90. A first opening 910 is formed at the radial center of the first end wall portion 91. The second end wall portion 92 seals an opening at the rear end (the other end in the furnace width direction) of the cylindrical wall portion 90. A second opening 920 is formed at the radial center of the second end wall portion 92.

[0013] The directly treated object 9 has an inner layer and an outer layer (not shown). The inner layer is exposed to the internal space of the directly treated object 9. The inner layer is made of resin (e.g., polyamide). The outer layer is laminated on the outside of the inner layer. The outer layer is made of CFRP. The outer layer contains a matrix resin (e.g., epoxy resin) and carbon fiber.

[0014] [Configuration of heat treatment equipment] Next, the configuration of the heat treatment apparatus of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heat treatment apparatus 1 includes a roller hearth kiln 2 and a plurality of carriers 3. The roller hearth kiln 2 is included in the concept of the "continuous heat treatment furnace" of the present invention.

[0015] (Roller Hearth Kiln 2) The roller hearth kiln 2 directly applies a predetermined heat treatment to the object 9 to recover carbon fiber from the object 9. The roller hearth kiln 2 is capable of continuously heat treating a plurality of carriers 3, i.e., the object 9. The roller hearth kiln 2 comprises a housing 20, a plurality of burners 21, a plurality of mixed gas supply pipes 22, a plurality of exhaust pipes 23, a plurality of transport rollers 24, and a pair of front and rear transport roller support members 25. The transport rollers 24 are included in the concept of the "contact portion" of the present invention.

[0016] The housing 20 forms the outer shell of the roller hearth kiln 2. The housing 20 has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The housing 20 includes a furnace shell and heat insulating material (not shown). The heat insulating material is arranged inside the furnace shell. An internal furnace space R is defined inside the housing 20. The internal furnace space R extends in the left-right direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3 , fuel gas (e.g., propane gas) and air are supplied to burner 21. The downstream end of burner 21 opens into furnace space R. Burner 21 is capable of heating furnace space R. Superheated steam and atmospheric gas (e.g., nitrogen) are supplied to mixed gas supply pipe 22. The downstream end of mixed gas supply pipe 22 opens into furnace space R. Mixed gas supply pipe 22 is capable of supplying mixed gas (gas containing superheated steam and atmospheric gas) to furnace space R. The upstream end of exhaust pipe 23 opens into furnace space R. The downstream end of exhaust pipe 23 communicates with external equipment (burner, dust collector, fan) not shown. The fan sets a pressure gradient (more specifically, a pressure gradient in which the pressure drops from the upstream side (furnace space R side) to the downstream side (external equipment side)) between furnace space R and the external equipment. The exhaust pipe 23 is capable of discharging exhaust gas from the furnace space R.

[0018] The transport rollers 24 are laid in the furnace space R over the entire length in the left-right direction. The transport rollers 24 extend in the front-rear direction. The cross section of the transport rollers 24 in the direction perpendicular to their axes (radial direction) is a perfect circle. As shown in FIG. 4, the transport rollers 24 can be rotated around their own rotation axis A1 by a drive device (e.g., a motor) outside the furnace. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a transport path L extending in the left-right direction is formed by a plurality of transport rollers 24 lined up in the left-right direction.

[0019] 1 and 3, a pair of front and rear transport roller support members 25 are arranged on the outer surface of the front wall (one end wall in the furnace width direction) and the outer surface of the rear wall (the other end wall in the furnace width direction) of the housing 20. The pair of transport roller support members 25 rotatably support both front and rear ends of the multiple transport rollers 24.

[0020] (Career 3) The carrier 3 is used to directly transport the workpiece 9 in the roller hearth kiln 2. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the carrier 3 includes a base 30 and a gear 31. The gear 31 is included in the concept of the "power conversion unit" of the present invention.

[0021] The base unit 30 includes a base plate 300, four roller support pieces 301, a pair of left and right rollers 302, and a pair of front and rear stoppers 303. The base plate 300 is placed on a plurality of transport rollers 24 (i.e., transport path L). The four roller support pieces 301 are arranged on the top surface of the base plate 300. The four roller support pieces 301 are arranged on the top surface of the base plate 300, with one front and rear pair on the left side and one front and rear pair on the right side.

[0022] Each of the pair of left and right rollers 302 extends in the front-rear direction. The cross section of the roller 302 taken in the direction perpendicular to its axis is a perfect circle. The object to be directly processed 9 is placed on the pair of left and right rollers 302. As shown in FIG. 5, the roller 302 comprises a roller main body 302a and multiple large diameter portions 302b. The multiple large diameter portions 302b are annularly mounted on the roller main body 302a and spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction. The large diameter portions 302b have an outer diameter larger than that of the roller main body 302a. The object to be directly processed 9 is rotatably placed on the multiple large diameter portions 302b.

[0023] The left roller 302 is rotatably supported by a pair of front and rear roller support pieces 301 on the left side. The right roller 302 is rotatably supported by a pair of front and rear roller support pieces 301 on the right side. As shown in Fig. 4, the roller 302 can rotate around its own rotation axis A2. As the roller 302 rotates, the workpiece 9 can directly rotate around its own rotation axis A3.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 5, a pair of front and rear stoppers 303 are arranged on the upper surface of the base plate 300. The object to be directly processed 9 is arranged between the pair of front and rear stoppers 303. The pair of front and rear stoppers 303 can restrict the object to be directly processed 9 from moving (playing) in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the rotation axes A2 and A3 shown in Fig. 4).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the gear 31 is disposed at the front end (one axial end) of the left roller 302 of the pair of left and right rollers 302. The gear 31 is disposed on a rotation axis A2. The left roller 302 is rotatable in conjunction with the gear 31. The gear 31 has a plurality of teeth 310. The plurality of teeth 310 are arranged in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, of the plurality of teeth 310, the downward-facing teeth 310 protrude downward from the base plate 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the downward-facing teeth 310 and the conveying roller 24 overlap when viewed from the left side.

[0026] [Movement of heat treatment equipment] Next, the operation of the heat treatment device of this embodiment when recovering carbon fibers directly from the object to be treated will be described.

[0027] (Roller Hearth Kiln 2 Movement) First, the movement of the roller hearth kiln 2 will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the control device (not shown) of the roller hearth kiln 2 uses a drive device to rotate the multiple transport rollers 24 around their respective rotation axes A1. Next, the control device continuously loads the multiple carriers 3 one by one from a loading table (not shown) located on the left side of the housing 20 into the furnace space R. The carriers 3 move from the left side (upstream) to the right side (downstream), switching between the multiple transport rollers 24 in order. That is, the carriers 3 are transported along the transport path L from left to right. Note that, as shown in Figure 4, the workpieces 9 on the carriers 3 rotate around their own rotation axis A3 during transport. The movement of the carriers 3 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device supplies a mixed gas (a gas containing superheated steam and atmospheric gas) to the furnace space R via the mixed gas supply pipe 22. The outer surface 900 of the directly treated object 9 is entirely exposed to the mixed gas supplied from the mixed gas supply pipe 22. On the other hand, the inside of the directly treated object 9 is in communication with the outside of the directly treated object 9 (furnace space R) via a first opening 910 and a second opening 920. The mixed gas flows into the inside of the directly treated object 9 mainly via the first opening 910. Therefore, the inner surface 901 of the directly treated object 9 is entirely exposed to the mixed gas. In addition, the control device heats the furnace space R using the burner 21 in accordance with a predetermined heating program (such as a heating temperature pattern).

[0029] The resin of the directly treated object 9 (the resin of the inner and outer layers) is hydrolyzed and thermally decomposed (hereinafter collectively referred to as "decomposition") by the moisture and heat of the superheated steam and the heat of the furnace space R. The decomposition causes the resin to be broken down into smaller molecules and gasified. That is, in the furnace space R, the CFRP of the outer layer of the directly treated object 9 is separated into flammable gas (exhaust gas) G and carbon fibers.

[0030] Of these, the combustible gas G is transferred to the outside furnace equipment via the exhaust pipe 23. The combustible gas G generated directly from the inner surface 901 of the workpiece 9 flows into the exhaust pipe 23 mainly via the second opening 920. On the other hand, the carbon fibers remain on the carrier 3. The carrier 3 on which the carbon fibers are placed is carried out to a carrying-out table (not shown) arranged on the right side of the housing 20.

[0031] In this way, in the roller hearth kiln 2, the direct treatment object 9 placed on the carrier 3 is subjected to heat treatment in a predetermined atmosphere (a gas atmosphere containing superheated steam and atmospheric gas), thereby recovering carbon fibers directly from the direct treatment object 9.

[0032] (Career 3 Movement) Next, the movement of the carrier 3 will be described. When moving along the transport path L, the carrier 3 directly rotates the workpiece 9. FIG. 6(A) shows a front view of the carrier of this embodiment in the first transport stage. FIG. 6(B) shows a front view of the carrier in the second transport stage. FIG. 6(C) shows a front view of the carrier in the third transport stage. For ease of explanation, in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C), any three of the multiple transport rollers 24 are defined as transport rollers 24a, 24b, and 24c from left to right. Similarly, any three of the multiple toothed portions 310 are defined as toothed portions 310a, 310b, and 310c from front to rear in the rotation direction of the gear 31 (clockwise in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C)).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6A, the tooth portion 310a protrudes downward from the base plate 300. Therefore, as the carrier 3 moves, the tooth portion 310a contacts the transport roller 24a from the left side. Here, the transport roller 24a is immobile in the left-right direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, as the carrier 3 moves and the gear 31 passes over the transport roller 24a, the tooth portion 310a engages with the transport roller 24a. Therefore, the gear 31 rotates around the rotation axis A2 by a predetermined angle. As the gear 31 rotates, the left roller 302 rotates around the rotation axis A2 by a predetermined angle. As the left roller 302 rotates, the workpiece 9 rotates around its own rotation axis A3 by a predetermined angle. Furthermore, as the gear 31 rotates, the tooth portion 310b enters the gap between the transport rollers 24a and 24b.

[0034] 6(C), when the carrier 3 continues to move, the tooth portion 310b collides with the transport roller 24b, causing the gear 31 and the left roller 302 to rotate, and the object to be processed 9 to rotate directly by a predetermined angle. Similarly, when the carrier 3 continues to move, the tooth portion 310c collides with the transport roller 24c, causing the gear 31 and the left roller 302 to rotate, and the object to be processed 9 to rotate directly by a predetermined angle.

[0035] In this way, as the carrier 3 moves, the teeth 310a to 310c collide with the transport rollers 24a to 25c in sequence, and a rotational driving force is transmitted directly to the object 9 via the gear 31 and the left roller 302.

[0036] [Action and effect] Next, the effects of the carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the carrier 3 of this embodiment is used to directly transport the workpiece 9 in a roller hearth kiln 2, i.e., a continuous heat treatment furnace. Therefore, compared to when the carrier 3 is used in a batch-type heat treatment furnace, it is easier to improve the processing capacity (e.g., the amount of processing per unit time (1 second, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.)). Also, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C), the carrier 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a gear 31. Therefore, part of the propulsion force of the carrier 3 itself (the linear force from left to right) can be directly converted into a rotational force for the workpiece 9. In other words, the workpiece 9 can be directly heat-treated while being directly rotated. This directly promotes the heat treatment of the workpiece 9. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress non-uniformity in the heat treatment.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the heat treatment apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a roller hearth kiln 2, i.e., a continuous heat treatment furnace. Therefore, compared to a heat treatment apparatus including a batch-type heat treatment furnace, the heat treatment capacity can be more easily improved. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C), the roller hearth kiln 2 includes a transport roller 24. Therefore, by bringing the teeth 310 of the gear 31 into contact with the transport roller 24 during the movement of the carrier 3, in other words, by engaging the gear 31 with the transport path L, a portion of the propulsive force of the carrier 3 can be converted into a rotational force for the gear 31 and thus directly to the workpiece 9. In other words, the workpiece 9 can be directly heat-treated while being directly rotated. This directly promotes the heat treatment of the workpiece 9. Furthermore, non-uniformity in the heat treatment can be suppressed.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(C), the object to be directly processed 9 is placed on a pair of left and right rollers 302. Therefore, the weight of the object to be directly processed 9 can be utilized to rotatably support the object to be directly processed 9. Furthermore, the carrier can be shared for a plurality of types of object to be directly processed 9 of different sizes (however, the object to be directly processed 9 can be placed on the pair of left and right rollers 302 and does not come into contact with the base plate 300).

[0039] 5, the base 30 has a pair of front and rear stoppers 303. Therefore, when the carrier 3 moves while rotating the directly processed object 9, it is possible to prevent the directly processed object 9 from shifting in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the rotation axes A2 and A3 shown in FIG. 4).

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5, the direct treatment object 9 is made of CFRP and has a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, since the direct treatment object 9 is a tank for high-pressure hydrogen, it has a large wall thickness and is provided with an inner layer made of resin. If such a direct treatment object 9 is transported while being placed stationary on the carrier 3 (if the direct treatment object 9 is transported without being rotated), the heat treatment is particularly likely to be non-uniform. The reason for this will be explained below.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII direction in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, in the directly processed object 9, the first opening 910 and the second opening 920 are located above the lower end of the inner surface 901. Therefore, when the directly processed object 9 is placed stationary on the carrier 3 and transported, liquid O (e.g., oil, as shown in an exaggerated manner in FIGS. 3 and 7) accumulates inside the directly processed object 9 due to melting and decomposition of the resin in the inner and outer layers (mainly the inner layer). Therefore, an immersed portion 901a immersed in liquid O appears at the lower part of the inner surface 901 of the directly processed object 9.

[0042] Here, when the object to be directly treated 9 is placed on the carrier 3, the immersed portion 901a (the lower portion of the inner surface 901) of the inner surface 901 of the object to be directly treated 9 remains unchanged. Therefore, only the resin near the immersed portion 901a is difficult to decompose locally. This causes variations in the heat treatment. For this reason, when the object to be directly treated 9 is placed on the carrier 3 and transported, the heat treatment is particularly likely to be non-uniform.

[0043] In this regard, the carrier 3 of this embodiment allows the direct treatment object 9 to rotate during heat treatment. When the direct treatment object 9 rotates, the inner surface 901 of the direct treatment object 9 naturally rotates as well. On the other hand, the liquid O remains at the lower part inside the direct treatment object 9 due to its own weight. That is, the immersed portion 901a remains at the lower part inside the direct treatment object 9. Therefore, as the direct treatment object 9 rotates, the position of the immersed portion 901a on the inner surface 901 changes relatively. That is, as the direct treatment object 9 rotates, any part of the inner surface 901 periodically enters and exits the liquid O. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the heat treatment across the entire surface of the inner surface 901. This suppresses non-uniformity in the heat treatment of the direct treatment object 9. In this way, with the carrier 3 of this embodiment, even for a workpiece 9 that is prone to non-uniform heat treatment (for example, a workpiece made of CFRP, having a cylindrical shape, and having an inner layer made of resin), non-uniform heat treatment can be suppressed.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, multiple carriers 3 are lined up in the left-right direction and continuously pass through the furnace space R. This allows the roller hearth kiln 2 to continuously heat-treat a large number of direct workpieces 9, thereby improving processing capacity.

[0045] 3, superheated steam is supplied to the furnace space R via the mixed gas supply pipe 22. This makes it possible to directly promote the decomposition of the resin in the object 9 to be treated.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, a single object to be directly treated 9 can be placed entirely on the carrier 3. This allows the object to be directly treated 9 to be heat-treated without cutting the object to be directly treated 9 before the heat treatment. This allows carbon fibers to be collected while maintaining the fiber orientation of the carbon fibers in the object to be directly treated 9. Furthermore, carbon fibers with long fiber lengths can be collected. In particular, since the object to be directly treated 9 is a high-pressure hydrogen tank, it is sturdy and difficult to cut. Therefore, it is suitable for heat treatment using the carrier 3 and heat treatment device 1 of this embodiment.

[0047] 3, superheated steam and atmospheric gas are supplied as a mixed gas from a mixed gas supply pipe 22 to the furnace space R. That is, the superheated steam and atmospheric gas are supplied from the same direction to the furnace space R. Therefore, the superheated steam and the atmospheric gas are unlikely to interfere with each other's airflow.

[0048] As shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(C), the transport rollers 24 of the roller hearth kiln 2 have the purpose of "rotating the gear 31" in addition to their original purpose of "transporting the carrier 3." This reduces the number of parts compared to when a component for "rotating the gear 31" is provided separately from the transport rollers 24. This also simplifies the structure of the heat treatment apparatus 1. Furthermore, an existing roller hearth kiln 2 can be easily converted into the "continuous heat treatment furnace" of the present invention.

[0049] 4 and 5, the object 9 to be directly treated is placed on the plurality of large diameter portions 302b, not on the roller body 302a. This reduces the contact area between the outer surface 900 of the object 9 to be directly treated and the roller 302. This promotes the decomposition of resin from the outer surface 900.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first opening 910 is closer to the mixed gas supply pipe 22 than the second opening 920. Therefore, the mixed gas can be preferentially introduced directly into the workpiece 9 through the first opening 910. Furthermore, the second opening 920 is closer to the exhaust pipe 23 than the first opening 910. Therefore, the combustible gas G can be preferentially discharged directly from the workpiece 9 through the second opening 920. Furthermore, the mixed gas supply pipe 22 and the first opening 910, and the exhaust pipe 23 and the second opening 920 are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the flow direction of the gas (mixed gas, combustible gas G) can be set directly within the workpiece 9 from the first opening 910 toward the second opening 920. Furthermore, in the furnace space R, the workpiece 9 is directly heat-treated in a low-oxygen atmosphere. Therefore, the carbon fiber is less likely to oxidize.

[0051] Second Embodiment The difference between the carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment and the carrier and heat treatment device of the first embodiment is that scraps are transported by the carrier, rather than directly transporting the workpiece. This section will mainly explain the difference. Figure 8 shows a left-right cross-sectional view of the carrier of this embodiment as seen from the front. Note that parts corresponding to those in Figure 7 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8 , the transported object 8 includes a case 93 and a plurality of scrap materials 94. The scrap materials 94 are included in the concept of an "indirectly processed object" of the present invention. The case 93 is placed on a pair of left and right rollers 302. The case 93 is rotated by a gear 31. The case 93 is made of metal. The case 93 includes a cylindrical wall portion 930, a first end wall portion (not shown), and a second end wall portion 932. The cylindrical wall portion 930 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The first end wall portion seals the front end opening of the cylindrical wall portion 930. A first opening portion is formed at the radial center of the first end wall portion. The second end wall portion 932 seals the rear end opening of the cylindrical wall portion 930. A second opening portion 932a is formed at the radial center of the second end wall portion 932. The scrap materials 94 are made of CFRP. The scrap material 94 is housed inside the case 93 .

[0053] During heat treatment, the carrier 3 is transported within the furnace space R by the transport rollers 24. A portion of the propulsion force of the carrier 3 is converted into rotational force via the gear 31. The rotational force drives the left roller 302 to rotate. The case 93 and the right roller 302 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the left roller 302. The scrap material 94 within the case 93 oscillates within the case 93 in response to the rotation of the case 93.

[0054] The carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment and the carrier and heat treatment device of the first embodiment have similar effects with respect to the common configuration. According to the transported object 8 of this embodiment, the case 93 can be reused after processing the scrap material 94. As in the transported object 8 of this embodiment, only the case 93 may rotate in conjunction with the rollers 302.

[0055] According to the carrier 3 and heat treatment device 1 of this embodiment, the case 93 and carrier 3 can perform heat treatment on the scrap 94 while oscillating the scrap 94 within the rotating case 93, just like a batch rotary kiln. This makes it possible to prevent uneven heat treatment within any case 93. Furthermore, the roller hearth kiln 2 can continuously heat treat a large amount of multiple transported objects 8, i.e., scrap 94. In this way, the heat treatment device 1 of this embodiment combines the effects of both a batch rotary kiln (case 93 and carrier 3) and the roller hearth kiln 2.

[0056] Furthermore, the rotational performance of the case 93 (such as rotation speed and total number of rotations in the furnace space R) is determined by the shape of the carrier 3 (for example, the shape of the gear 31), the shape and number of the transport rollers 24 of the roller hearth kiln 2, etc. In this regard, all carriers 3 have the same shape. Furthermore, all carriers 3 pass through the same roller hearth kiln 2. Therefore, the rotational performance of the case 93 can be made consistent among all cases 93. Therefore, non-uniformity in the heat treatment can be suppressed in all cases 93.

[0057] Third Embodiment The carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment differ from the carrier and heat treatment device of the second embodiment in the configuration of the case, rollers, etc. Here, the differences will be mainly described.

[0058] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier of this embodiment taken in the left-right direction as seen from the front. Portions corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are designated by the same reference numerals. The case 93 includes a cylindrical wall portion 930, a first end wall portion (not shown), a second end wall portion 932, and a pair of front and rear flange portions 933. The cylindrical wall portion 930 has a hexagonal cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The pair of front and rear flange portions 933 protrude radially outward from both the front and rear ends of the cylindrical wall portion 930. The outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 933 has a perfect circular shape when viewed from the front. The pair of front and rear stoppers 303 (see FIG. 4) are not provided on the base portion 30.

[0059] The carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment and the carrier and heat treatment device of the second embodiment have similar effects in the parts that share the same configuration. If the back and forth rattle of the transported object 8 is within an acceptable range, stoppers are not required, as in the carrier 3 of this embodiment. The number of stoppers to be arranged is not limited. They may be single (only on the front or rear side) or multiple (only on the front and rear sides). Similarly, stoppers are not required for the carrier 3 for directly transporting the object 9 to be processed. Furthermore, the number of stoppers to be arranged is not particularly limited.

[0060] The shape of the cylindrical wall portion 930 of the case 93 is not particularly limited. It may be a circular (perfect circle, ellipse) cylindrical shape, a polygonal (triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc.) cylindrical shape, or a shape that is an appropriate combination of these shapes. Similarly, the shape of the cylindrical wall portion of the directly processed object 9 is not particularly limited.

[0061] Like the transported object 8 of this embodiment, the case 93 may have a perfectly circular flange portion 933. In this way, regardless of the shape of the cylindrical wall portion 930 of the case 93, the case 93 (specifically, the pair of front and rear flange portions 933) can be rotatably placed on the pair of left and right rollers 302. Similarly, the object 9 to be directly processed may also have a flange portion.

[0062] Like the carrier 3 of this embodiment, the roller 302 does not have to have the large diameter portion 302b (see FIG. 4). That is, the case 93 may be placed on a pair of left and right roller bodies 302a. Similarly, the workpiece 9 may also be placed directly on a pair of left and right roller bodies 302a.

[0063] <Fourth embodiment> The carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment differ from the carrier and heat treatment device of the first embodiment in that the position of the stopper is switchable. Here, the difference will be mainly described.

[0064] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the front part of the carrier of this embodiment. Note that parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5 are indicated by the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 10, a pair of left and right mounting portions (bosses) 303a protrude from the underside of the stopper 303. Meanwhile, a pair of left and right mounting targets (recesses) 300a, a pair of left and right mounting targets (recesses) 300b, and a pair of left and right mounting targets (recesses) 300c are recessed from the front to the rear at the front end of the base plate 300. The pair of left and right mounting portions 303a can be selectively inserted into the pair of left and right mounting targets 300a to 300c.

[0065] The carrier and heat treatment device of this embodiment and the carrier and heat treatment device of the first embodiment have similar functions and effects with respect to the common configurations. According to the carrier 3 of this embodiment, the forward and backward position of the stopper 303 can be changed directly depending on the size (forward and backward length, etc.) and shape of the workpiece 9 by changing the insertion destination (mounting portions 300a to 300c) of the attachment portion 303a. In this way, the position of the stopper 303 may be changeable relative to the base plate 300. Alternatively, the stopper 303 may be fixed to the base plate 300 (see FIG. 5). Similarly, the position of the stopper of the carrier 3 for the transported object 8 may also be changeable relative to the base plate. Alternatively, the stopper may be fixed to the base plate.

[0066] <Other> The carrier and the heat treatment device according to the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and improvements that can be made by those skilled in the art are also possible.

[0067] 11(A) to 11(C) show cross-sectional views of the carriers of other embodiments (Nos. 1 to 3) as viewed from the front in the left-right direction. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4. The carriers shown in FIGS. 11(A) to 11(C) may also be used to transport a transported object 8 (a case 93 containing scrap material 94).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11(A), a gear 31 may be attached to the front end of each of a pair of left and right rollers 302. When the left gear 31 abuts against the transport roller 24, a rotational force is transmitted directly to the workpiece 9 via the left roller 302. Similarly, when the right gear 31 abuts against the transport roller 24, a rotational force is transmitted directly to the workpiece 9 via the right roller 302. Here, the pair of left and right gears 31 alternately abut against the transport roller 24 as the carrier 3 moves. Therefore, a rotational force is transmitted directly to the workpiece 9 from the pair of left and right gears 31 alternately. In this way, according to the carrier 3 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right gears 31 can be used to directly rotate the workpiece 9.

[0069] It is to be noted that a gear 31 may be attached to each of the front and rear ends of the left or right roller 302 (two gears 31 may be arranged). Of course, a gear 31 may be attached to each of the front and rear ends of the left and right roller 302 (four gears 31 may be arranged). In this way, the position and number of gears 31 are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the shape of the gears 31 (the number of tooth portions 310 arranged, tooth depth, tip diameter, root diameter, pitch, module, etc.) is not particularly limited.

[0070] 11(B), the heat treatment device 1 may include a carrier 3 and a mesh belt kiln 4. The mesh belt kiln 4 is included in the concept of the "continuous heat treatment furnace" of the present invention. The mesh belt kiln 4 includes a mesh belt 40 and a rack 41.

[0071] The mesh belt 40 moves from the left side (upstream side) to the right side (downstream side). The carrier 3 is placed on the mesh belt 40. Therefore, the carrier 3 moves together with the mesh belt 40.

[0072] The rack 41 is attached to the inner surface of the front wall of the housing 20 (see FIG. 1). The rack 41 has a plate shape extending in the left-right direction. The rack 41 is disposed above the gear 31. A plurality of teeth 410 are formed on the lower edge of the rack 41. The teeth 410 are included in the concept of the "contact portion" of the present invention. The plurality of teeth 410 are disposed on the trajectory of the teeth 310 of the gear 31 when the carrier 3 moves.

[0073] During heat treatment, when mesh belt 40, i.e., carrier 3, moves from left to right, gear 31 moves from left to right relative to rack 41. Here, teeth 410 of rack 41 and teeth 310 of gear 31 mesh with each other. Therefore, gear 31 rotates as carrier 3 moves. Therefore, left roller 302 rotates in conjunction with gear 31, and workpiece 9 and right roller 302 rotate directly in conjunction with left roller 302.

[0074] As in the heat treatment apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a mesh belt kiln 4 may be used as a continuous heat treatment furnace. Also, the contact portion (tooth portion 410) may be arranged independently from the conveying path (mesh belt 40).

[0075] As shown in Fig. 11(C), the heat treatment apparatus 1 may include a carrier 3 and a pusher kiln 5. The pusher kiln 5 is included in the concept of the "continuous heat treatment furnace" of the present invention. The pusher kiln 5 includes a skid rail 50 and a pusher 51.

[0076] The skid rail 50 is in the form of a plate extending in the left-right direction. The carrier 3 is placed on the skid rail 50 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. The skid rail 50 has a plurality of engagement holes 500 formed therein. The engagement holes 500 are included in the concept of "contact portion" of the present invention. The plurality of engagement holes 500 are arranged below the gear 31. The plurality of engagement holes 500 are arranged on the trajectory of the teeth portion 310 of the gear 31 when the carrier 3 moves. The pusher 51 is arranged on the left side (upstream side) of the carrier 3. The pusher 51 is capable of pressing the carrier 3 from the left side.

[0077] During heat treatment, when the pusher 51 pushes the carrier 3 into the furnace space R, the gear 31 moves from left to right relative to the skid rail 50. Here, the engagement hole 500 of the skid rail 50 and the teeth 310 of the gear 31 mesh with each other. Therefore, as the carrier 3 moves, the gear 31 rotates. Therefore, the left roller 302 rotates in conjunction with the gear 31, and the workpiece 9 and the right roller 302 rotate directly in conjunction with the left roller 302. As in the heat treatment device 1 of this embodiment, a pusher kiln 5 may be used as a continuous heat treatment furnace.

[0078] The positions and the number of pipes (burner 21, mixed gas supply pipe 22, exhaust pipe 23) shown in FIG. 3 are not particularly limited. For example, in FIG. 3, the mixed gas supply pipe 22 and the exhaust pipe 23 open into the furnace space R from opposite directions. However, the mixed gas supply pipe 22 and the exhaust pipe 23 may open into the furnace space R from the same direction. Also, in FIG. 3, superheated steam and atmospheric gas are mixed (mixed gas) and supplied to the furnace space R from the mixed gas supply pipe 22. However, the superheated steam and the atmospheric gas may be supplied separately to the furnace space R. Also, a small amount of oxygen may be supplied to the furnace space R. Alternatively, oxygen may not be supplied to the furnace space R. Also, when the furnace space R is set to a low-oxygen atmosphere, the oxygen concentration in the furnace space R is not particularly limited. For example, the oxygen concentration may be 4% by volume or less. The type of fuel gas for the burner 21 in FIG. 3 is not particularly limited. For example, city gas, liquefied petroleum gas, COG (coke oven gas), etc. may be used. The heat source for the furnace space R is not limited to the burner 21. An electric heater or the like may also be used. In other words, the roller hearth kiln 2 (continuous heat treatment furnace) may be an internally heated type or an externally heated type.

[0079] The number of directly processed objects 9 or cases 93 mounted on a single carrier 3 is not particularly limited. They may be one or more. For example, the base 30 shown in FIG. 5 may be extended in the front-rear direction, and multiple directly processed objects 9 may be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction on a pair of left and right rollers 302. Similarly, multiple cases 93 may be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction on a pair of left and right rollers 302. Furthermore, both directly processed objects 9 and cases 93 may be mounted on a pair of left and right rollers 302.

[0080] There are no particular limitations on the drive source for moving the carrier 3. For example, it may be the transport roller 24 (see FIG. 7) of the roller hearth kiln 2, the mesh belt 40 (see FIG. 11(B)), or the pusher 51 (see FIG. 11(C)). The carrier 3 may also be self-propelled.

[0081] The type of atmospheric gas is not particularly limited. For example, an inert gas such as argon or helium, or a surface-modifying gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide can be used as the atmospheric gas. When a surface-modifying gas is used as the atmospheric gas, the adhesion of the carbon fiber to the matrix resin can be improved when the recovered carbon fiber is reused. The atmospheric gas may contain multiple gases (for example, nitrogen and oxygen).

[0082] The type of object to be treated is not particularly limited. The object to be treated may be made of CFRP. When the entire object to be directly treated 9 is made of CFRP (see FIG. 7), the object to be directly treated 9 is not limited to a hydrogen tank. For example, the object to be directly treated 9 may be a hollow object having an internal space (such as a cylindrical object or a box-shaped object) other than a hydrogen tank. The object to be directly treated 9 may also be a mesh object having an internal space. The object to be directly treated 9 may also be a solid object without an internal space. The object to be directly treated 9 may be cut before heat treatment. The object to be directly treated 9 may contain at least a matrix resin and carbon fiber. Other components (e.g., metals) may also be contained. For example, steel reinforced with CFRP is also included in the concept of "carbon fiber reinforced resin" of the present invention. The matrix resin is not particularly limited to epoxy resin. It may be a thermosetting resin such as phenol, or a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate. The resin for the inner layer of the object to be directly treated 9 is not particularly limited to polyamide.

[0083] The type of indirectly treated object housed in the case 93 of FIG. 9 is not particularly limited. It may be something other than scrap material 94. For example, it may be a CFRP product, part, or scrap. The shape of the indirectly treated object is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a plate, column, or block. The indirectly treated object may be solid or hollow. The indirectly treated object may be cut before heat treatment. When multiple indirectly treated objects are housed in the case 93, the shapes of the multiple indirectly treated objects may be the same or different. The case 93 may be a mesh-like object with an internal space. The material of the case 93 is not particularly limited. The case 93 may be made of metal, ceramic, CFRP, or the like. If the case 93 itself is made of CFRP, carbon fibers can be collected from the indirectly treated object and the case 93.

[0084] In FIG. 2, heat treatment is continuously performed on a plurality of directly treated objects 9 of the same shape. However, the shapes of the plurality of directly treated objects 9 may be different from one another. The same applies to the case 93. Also, in FIG. 2, a plurality of carriers 3 are arranged continuously with no gaps in the left-right direction. However, there may be a gap between a pair of carriers 3 adjacent in the left-right direction.

[0085] The carrier of the present invention can be used independently of a continuous heat treatment furnace. For example, the carrier of the present invention can be used to transport an object (corresponding to a directly treated object 9 or an indirectly treated object) while rotating it, without heat treatment. For example, if the object is a liquid that solidifies when left standing (such as ready-mixed concrete), placing the object in a case and transporting it using a carrier makes it possible to transport the object while suppressing solidification. Similarly, if the object is a liquid that separates when left standing, placing the object in a case and transporting it using a carrier makes it possible to transport the object while suppressing separation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: heat treatment device, 2: roller hearth kiln (continuous heat treatment furnace), 20: housing, 21: burner, 22: mixed gas supply pipe, 23: exhaust pipe, 24: transport roller (contact portion), 24a to 24c: transport roller (contact portion), 25: transport roller support member, 3: carrier, 30: base portion, 300: base plate, 300a to 300c: mounted portion, 301: roller support piece, 302: roller, 302a: roller body, 302b: large diameter portion, 303: stopper, 303a: mounting portion, 31: gear (power conversion portion), 310: tooth portion, 310a to 310c: tooth portion, 4: mesh belt kiln (continuous heat treatment furnace) ), 40: mesh belt, 41: rack, 410: tooth portion (contact portion), 5: pusher kiln (continuous heat treatment furnace), 50: skid rail, 500: engagement hole (contact portion), 51: pusher, 8: conveyed object, 9: object to be directly treated, 90: cylindrical wall portion, 900: outer surface, 901: inner surface, 901a: immersion portion, 91: first end wall portion, 910: first opening, 92: second end wall portion, 920: second opening, 93: case, 930: cylindrical wall portion, 932: second end wall portion, 932a: second opening, 933: flange portion, 94: scrap material (object to be indirectly treated), A1 to A3: rotating shaft, G: flammable gas, L: conveying path, O: liquid, R: furnace space

Claims

1. A carrier is used to transport a workpiece made of carbon fiber reinforced resin in a continuous heat treatment furnace having an internal furnace space for subjecting the workpiece to heat treatment and recovering carbon fibers from the workpiece, the carrier having a base on which the workpiece is directly or indirectly placed, the object to be treated is a direct object to be treated that is placed directly on the base, or an indirect object to be treated that is housed in a case and indirectly placed on the base, the object to be directly processed or the case is rotatably placed on the base portion, A carrier characterized by comprising a power conversion unit that converts a part of the propulsive force when the carrier itself moves within the furnace space into a rotational force for the object to be directly processed or the case.

2. the base portion has a pair of rollers that are rotatable about their own rotation axis and on which the object to be processed or the case is placed, The carrier according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the pair of rollers rotates in conjunction with the power conversion unit, and the rotation of the roller rotates the object to be directly processed or the case.

3. The carrier according to claim 2 , wherein the base portion has a stopper that restricts movement of the object to be directly processed or the case in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

4. A heat treatment apparatus comprising the carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a continuous heat treatment furnace, the continuous heat treatment furnace has a contact portion with which the power conversion unit contacts when the carrier moves within the furnace space, The power conversion unit converts a part of the propulsive force into the rotational force by contacting the contact portion.

5. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of carriers pass through the furnace space continuously, thereby enabling the continuous heat treatment furnace to continuously heat-treat the plurality of directly treated objects or the plurality of indirectly treated objects.

6. 6. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein superheated steam is supplied to the furnace space.

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