Suction recovery system

Abstract

To suppress disturbance of gas in a heat treatment chamber.SOLUTION: A suction recovery system includes: a conveyance device for conveying a sagger in a conveyance direction; a heat treatment chamber having a carry-in port and a carry-out port where a sagger is conveyed from the carry-in port to the carry-out port; a suction chamber arranged on the downstream side of the carry-out port, where the sagger conveyed from the carry-out port passes; a suction nozzle arranged in the suction chamber for sucking and recovering a material to be treated in the sagger; a first partition body arranged between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber, which switches the states between a communication state in which the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are communicated with each other and a non-communication state in which the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are not communicated; a substitution chamber arranged on the downstream side of the suction chamber, where the sagger passing through the suction chamber passes; and a second partition body arranged between the suction chamber and the substitution chamber, which switches the states between a communication state in which the suction chamber and the substitution chamber are communicated with each other and a non-communication state in which the suction chamber and the substitution chamber are not communicated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a suction recovery system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a suction recovery system. The suction recovery system includes a heat treatment chamber, a suction recovery chamber disposed at the outlet of the heat treatment chamber, and a suction nozzle that suctions the workpiece in the crucible within the suction recovery chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=X]] In the above suction recovery system, the suction recovery chamber communicates with the heat treatment chamber. In this state, when the suction nozzle suctions the workpiece in the crucible, the heat treatment chamber is depressurized. As a result, the gas in the heat treatment chamber is disturbed.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology capable of suppressing the disturbance of the gas in the heat treatment chamber.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Note: In the translation of , the correct Japanese patent number "特開2011 - 236463号公報" is translated as "Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-236463". There seems to be an error in the original provided English translation "特開2011-236463号公報" which is actually in Japanese. I have corrected it to the proper English translation. Also, there is an "X" added in the translation for the missing or incorrect tag in the original for better readability in the context of the translation process. If this is not allowed, please let me know and I can adjust accordingly.In a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the suction recovery system includes a conveying device for conveying saggers in a conveying direction, an inlet, and an outlet, and comprises a heat treatment chamber through which the saggers are conveyed from the inlet toward the outlet, a suction chamber located downstream of the outlet and through which the saggers being discharged from the outlet pass, a suction nozzle located in the suction chamber for suctioning and recovering the material to be treated in the saggers, a first partition located between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber for switching between a communication state in which the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are in communication and a non-communication state in which the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are not in communication, a replacement chamber located downstream of the suction chamber and through which the saggers passing through the suction chamber pass, and a second partition located between the suction chamber and the replacement chamber for switching between a communication state in which the suction chamber and the replacement chamber are in communication and a non-communication state in which the suction chamber and the replacement chamber are not in communication.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the first partition is switched to a non-communicating state where the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are not connected, communication between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber is cut off. In this state, even if the suction nozzle sucks the material to be treated in the sagger inside the suction chamber, the pressure in the heat treatment chamber is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress turbulence of the gas in the heat treatment chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery system of the embodiment, viewed from the right side. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery system of the embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the replacement section on the entrance side when the primary partition is in the communication position in the suction chamber of the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the replacement section on the entrance side when the secondary partition is in the communication position in the suction chamber of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the step-breaking section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram of the step-breaking section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment when the lifting device body is raised. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the step-breaking section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment, when the lifting device body is descending while the upper saggar is being gripped by the gripping device body. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the step-breaking section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment when the lifting device body is raised. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the suction and recovery section in the suction and recovery system of the embodiment when the first partition is in a non-communicating position. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery device of the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the outlet-side replacement section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment when the second partition is in a non-communicating position. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the outlet-side replacement section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment when the third partition is in a non-communicating position. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the step-breaking section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment when the lifting device body is descending. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the suction recovery section in the suction recovery system of the embodiment.

[0009] The main features of the embodiments described below are listed below. Note that the technical elements described below are independent technical elements that exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing.

[0010] In a second aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first aspect described above, the suction recovery system includes an orientation adjustment chamber located between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber, through which the sagger being discharged from the outlet passes, and an orientation adjustment device for adjusting the orientation of the sagger within the orientation adjustment chamber. The first partition is located between the orientation adjustment chamber and the suction chamber. With the above configuration, the suction nozzle sucks the material to be processed inside the sagger when the orientation of the sagger is adjusted. This allows for efficient suction of the material to be processed. Furthermore, even in a configuration where the orientation adjustment chamber is located between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber, the first partition can be switched to a non-communicating state where the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are not in communication, thereby suppressing turbulence of the gas in the heat treatment chamber.

[0011] In a third aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the second aspect described above, the conveying device conveys the plurality of saggers in the conveying direction while they are stacked. The suction recovery system is located between the posture adjustment chamber and the suction chamber and includes a de-stacking chamber through which the plurality of saggers being discharged from the posture adjustment chamber passes, and a de-stacking device in the de-stacking chamber that separates the stacked plurality of saggers into an unstacked state. With the above configuration, even in a configuration in which the plurality of saggers are conveyed in a stacked state, turbulence of the gas in the heat treatment chamber can be suppressed.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in the above-described third aspect, the step separation device includes a gripping device body that grips the sagger and a gripping actuator that operates the gripping device body. The gripping actuator is disposed outside the step separation chamber. According to the above configuration, when the gripping actuator operates the gripping device body, wear powder may be generated from the gripping actuator. Since the gripping actuator is disposed outside the step separation chamber, it is possible to suppress the wear powder from mixing into the workpiece in the sagger.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in the above-described third or fourth aspect, the step separation device includes a lifting device body that raises and lowers the plurality of stacked saggers, a lifting actuator that operates the lifting device body, and a gripping device body that grips one of the plurality of stacked saggers. The lifting actuator is disposed outside the step separation chamber. According to the above configuration, when the lifting actuator operates the lifting device body, wear powder may be generated from the lifting actuator. Since the lifting actuator is disposed outside the step separation chamber, it is possible to suppress the wear powder from mixing into the workpiece in the sagger.

[0014] In a sixth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in any one of the above-described third or fifth aspects, the first partition body is disposed between the step separation chamber and the suction chamber. When the suction chamber and the heat treatment chamber communicate with each other through the posture adjustment chamber and the step separation chamber, when the suction nozzle sucks the workpiece in the sagger in the suction chamber, the heat treatment chamber is depressurized. According to the above configuration, even when the suction nozzle sucks the workpiece in the sagger in the suction chamber, it is possible to suppress the heat treatment chamber from being depressurized. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the gas in the heat treatment chamber from being disturbed.

[0015] In a seventh aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, the suction nozzle is immovable in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The suction recovery system further includes a sagger moving device that moves the sagger in the left-right direction relative to the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle recovers the material to be processed from the sagger. Compared to a configuration in which the suction nozzle is moved in the left-right direction relative to the sagger, this configuration makes it easier to ensure a seal inside the suction chamber and suppresses the complexity of the suction recovery system.

[0016] In an eighth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the seventh aspect described above, the suction recovery system further comprises a lifting device for raising and lowering the sagger within the suction chamber. The sagger moving device moves the sagger in the left-right direction relative to the suction nozzle while the sagger is lifted by the lifting device. With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the movement of the sagger in the transport direction when the material to be processed in the sagger is being recovered.

[0017] In a ninth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to eighth aspects described above, the suction recovery system is located outside the suction chamber and further comprises a first actuator for operating the first partition. With this configuration, when the first actuator operates the first partition, wear particles may be generated from the first actuator. Since the first actuator is located outside the suction chamber, it is possible to prevent the wear particles from mixing with the workpiece in the sagger.

[0018] In a tenth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to ninth aspects described above, the suction recovery system is located outside the displacement chamber and further comprises a second actuator for operating the second partition. With this configuration, when the second actuator operates the second partition, wear particles may be generated from the second actuator. Since the second actuator is located outside the suction chamber, it is possible to prevent the wear particles from mixing with the workpiece in the sagger.

[0019] (Examples) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the suction recovery system 2 comprises a transport device 10 and a furnace body 12.

[0020] The conveying device 10 is located both inside and outside the furnace body 12. The conveying device 10 is equipped with a plurality of rollers 14, each supported at both ends so as to be rotatable. As the plurality of rollers 14 rotate, the saggers 4 on the rollers 14 are conveyed inside the furnace body 12 in the conveying direction D1. Hereinafter, the conveying direction D1 will be referred to as the forward direction, the opposite direction will be referred to as the backward direction, the direction perpendicular to the forward direction in the horizontal plane will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the forward and left-right directions will be referred to as the upward direction. In this embodiment, two saggers 4 are placed on the plurality of rollers 14 in a state where they are stacked vertically and are then transported into the furnace body 12 (see Figure 1). Alternatively, the two saggers 4 that are stacked vertically are placed on the plurality of rollers 14 in a state where they are aligned horizontally (see Figure 2). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, the two saggers 4 that are stacked vertically are removed from the furnace body 12 after being separated from each other.

[0021] The furnace body 12 includes an inlet-side replacement section 16, a heat treatment section 18, an attitude adjustment section 20, a step-breaking section 22, a suction and recovery section 24, and an outlet-side replacement section 26. The inlet-side replacement section 16, the heat treatment section 18, the attitude adjustment section 20, the step-breaking section 22, the suction and recovery section 24, and the outlet-side replacement section 26 are arranged in order in the transport direction D1.

[0022] The inlet-side replacement section 16 has an inlet-side replacement chamber 36 inside. The inlet-side replacement section 16 replaces the gas in the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 from air to ambient gas, or replaces the gas in the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 from ambient gas to air. The inlet-side replacement chamber 36 is in communication with the outside of the furnace body 12. The sagger 4 is brought into the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 from the outside of the furnace body 12 and passes through the inlet-side replacement chamber 36.

[0023] The heat treatment unit 18 has a heat treatment chamber 30 inside. The heat treatment chamber 30 is filled with an atmospheric gas. The atmospheric gas is, for example, nitrogen gas. The heat treatment chamber 30 is located downstream in the transport direction D1 from the inlet-side replacement chamber 36. The heat treatment chamber 30 uses a heater (not shown) to sinter, i.e., heat treat, the material to be treated 6 filled in the sagger 4. The material to be treated 6 is, for example, raw material for ceramic capacitors or positive and negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. The heat treatment chamber 30 has an inlet 32 ​​located at one end in the front-rear direction and an outlet 34 located at the other end in the front-rear direction. The heat treatment chamber 30 is in communication with the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 via the inlet 32. The sagger 4 discharged from the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 passes through the heat treatment chamber 30. Multiple saggars 4 are stacked and lined up horizontally as they move in the transport direction D1 from the entrance 32 to the exit 34 within the heat treatment chamber 30. The heat treatment chamber 30 is equipped with a gas supply pipe (not shown) for supplying atmospheric gas into the heat treatment chamber 30. By supplying atmospheric gas into the heat treatment chamber 30 from the gas supply pipe, the gas generated when the workpiece 6 is heat-treated is swept away from the workpiece 6. Sweeping away the gas generated from the workpiece 6 promotes the firing of the workpiece 6. The heat treatment chamber 30 is also equipped with an exhaust port for exhausting the gas inside the heat treatment chamber 30. Therefore, the atmospheric gas supplied into the heat treatment chamber 30 from the gas supply pipe flows within the heat treatment chamber 30 and is exhausted outside the heat treatment chamber 30 from the exhaust port. The smooth flow of gas within the heat treatment chamber 30 allows for efficient firing of the workpiece 6.

[0024] The posture adjustment unit 20 has a posture adjustment chamber 40 inside. The posture adjustment chamber 40 is filled with atmospheric gas. The posture adjustment chamber 40 is located downstream of the heat treatment chamber 30 in the transport direction D1. The posture adjustment chamber 40 is in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 via the outlet 34. The saggars 4 discharged from the outlet 34 pass through the posture adjustment chamber 40.

[0025] The step-breaking section 22 has a step-breaking chamber 44 inside. The step-breaking chamber 44 is filled with atmospheric gas. The step-breaking chamber 44 is located downstream of the posture adjustment chamber 40 in the transport direction D1. Therefore, the posture adjustment chamber 40 is located between the heat treatment chamber 30 and the step-breaking chamber 44. The step-breaking chamber 44 is in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 via the posture adjustment chamber 40. The saggars 4 that have been discharged from the posture adjustment chamber 40 pass through the step-breaking chamber 44.

[0026] The suction recovery unit 24 has a suction chamber 48 inside. The suction chamber 48 is filled with atmospheric gas. The suction chamber 48 is located downstream of the disassembly chamber 44 in the transport direction D1. Therefore, the disassembly chamber 44 is located between the posture adjustment chamber 40 and the suction chamber 48. The suction chamber 48 is in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 via the disassembly chamber 44 and the posture adjustment chamber 40. The saggars 4 that have been discharged from the disassembly chamber 44 pass through the suction chamber 48.

[0027] The outlet-side replacement section 26 has an outlet-side replacement chamber 52 inside. The outlet-side replacement section 26 replaces the gas in the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 from the ambient gas to air, or replaces the gas in the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 from air to the ambient gas. The outlet-side replacement chamber 52 is located downstream of the suction chamber 48 in the transport direction D1. Therefore, the suction chamber 48 is located between the step-breaking chamber 44 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52. The outlet-side replacement chamber 52 is in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 via the suction chamber 48, the step-breaking chamber 44, and the attitude adjustment chamber 40. The saggars 4 discharged from the suction chamber 48 pass through the outlet-side replacement chamber 52. The downstream end of the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 in the transport direction D1 is in communication with the outside of the furnace body 12. The sagger 4 is transported out of the furnace body 12 from the downstream end of the transport direction D1 in the discharge side replacement chamber 52.

[0028] The suction recovery system 2 includes a primary partitioning device 56, a secondary partitioning device 58, a posture adjustment device 60, a stopper device 62, a step-breaking device 64, a first partitioning device 66, a suction recovery device 68, a sagger moving device 70 (see Figure 2), a lifting device 72, a second partitioning device 74, and a third partitioning device 76.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the primary partitioning device 56 comprises a primary partition body 56a and a primary actuator 56b.

[0030] The primary partition 56a is positioned between the space outside the furnace body 12 and the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 (the boundary). The primary actuator 56b is positioned outside the furnace body 12. Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the primary actuator 56b due to its operation, the entry of these wear particles into the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 is suppressed. The primary actuator 56b operates the primary partition 56a. The primary partition 56a switches between a non-communicating position and a communicating position due to the operation of the primary actuator 56b. When the primary partition 56a is in the non-communicating position, it blocks communication between the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the space outside the furnace body 12. In this state, the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 is not in communication with the space outside the furnace body 12. As shown in Figure 3, when the primary partition 56a is in the communication position, the lower end of the primary partition 56a is positioned above the upper end of the sagger 4 located on the upper level of the roller 14. In this state, the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the space outside the furnace body 12 are in communication. Therefore, by switching between the non-communication position and the communication position, the primary partition 56a switches between a non-communication state in which the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the space outside the furnace body 12 are not in communication, and a communication state in which the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the space outside the furnace body 12 are in communication.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the secondary partitioning device 58 comprises a secondary partition body 58a and a secondary actuator 58b.

[0032] The secondary partition 58a is located inside the furnace body 12. The secondary partition 58a is located between the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the heat treatment chamber 30 (at the boundary). The secondary actuator 58b is located outside the furnace body 12. Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the secondary actuator 58b due to its operation, the entry of these wear particles into the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the heat treatment chamber 30 is suppressed. The secondary actuator 58b operates the secondary partition 58a. The secondary partition 58a switches between a non-communicating position and a communicating position due to the operation of the secondary actuator 58b. When the secondary partition 58a is in the non-communicating position, it blocks communication between the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the heat treatment chamber 30. In this state, the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 is not in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30. As shown in Figure 4, when the secondary partition 58a is in the communication position, the lower end of the secondary partition 58a is positioned above the upper end of the sagger 4 located on the upper level of the roller 14. In this state, the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the heat treatment chamber 30 are in communication. Therefore, by switching between the non-communication position and the communication position, the secondary partition 58a switches between a non-communication state in which the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the heat treatment chamber 30 are not in communication and a communication state in which the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 and the heat treatment chamber 30 are in communication.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the posture adjustment device 60 is located in the posture adjustment unit 20. The posture adjustment device 60 comprises a plurality of (two in this embodiment) posture adjustment bodies 80 and an actuator 82.

[0034] The attitude adjustment body 80 is located inside the attitude adjustment chamber 40. Two attitude adjustment bodies 80 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The actuator 82 is located outside the attitude adjustment chamber 40 (furnace body 12). Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the drive unit or sliding unit of the actuator 82 due to the operation of the actuator 82, the entry of the wear particles into the attitude adjustment chamber 40 is suppressed. For example, if a fluid pressure cylinder is used as the actuator 82, the cylinder is located outside the furnace body 12, and the tip of the driven piston rod is connected to the attitude adjustment body 80 inside the furnace body 12. By arranging it in this way, the sliding unit of the cylinder and piston rod is located outside the furnace body 12, and the entry of wear particles generated from the sliding unit into the attitude adjustment chamber 40 is suppressed. The actuator 82 moves the attitude adjustment body 80 in the vertical direction. The attitude adjustment body 80 switches between an adjusted position and a non-adjusted position by the operation of the actuator 82. When the attitude adjustment body 80 is in the adjusted position, the upper end of the attitude adjustment body 80 is located above the roller 14. In this state, the posture adjustment body 80 comes into contact with the crate 4, which is moving in the transport direction D1. When the crate 4 comes into contact with the posture adjustment body 80, the posture of the crate 4 is adjusted to a predetermined posture. When the posture adjustment body 80 is in the non-adjusted position, the upper end of the posture adjustment body 80 is positioned below the roller 14. In this state, the crate 4 does not come into contact with the posture adjustment body 80.

[0035] The stopper device 62 is located in the step-breaking section 22. The stopper device 62 comprises a plurality of (two in this embodiment) stoppers 84 and an actuator 86.

[0036] The stoppers 84 are located in the step-breaking chamber 44. Two stoppers 84 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The actuator 86 is located outside the step-breaking chamber 44 (furnace body 12). Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the actuator 86 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the step-breaking chamber 44. The actuator 86 moves the stoppers 84 in the vertical direction. The stoppers 84 switch between a stopped position and a non-stopping position due to the operation of the actuator 86. When the stopper 84 is in the stopped position, the upper end of the stopper 84 is located above the roller 14. In this state, the stopper 84 comes into contact with the crate 4 moving in the conveying direction D1. This causes the crate 4 to stop. Also, as shown in Figure 5, when the stopper 84 is in the non-stopping position, the upper end of the stopper 84 is located below the roller 14.

[0037] The step-breaking device 64 is located in the step-breaking section 22. The step-breaking device 64 comprises a lifting device body 90, a lifting actuator 92, a gripping device body 94, and a gripping actuator 96.

[0038] The lifting device body 90 is located in the step-breaking chamber 44. The lifting device body 90 is located upstream of the stopper 84 in the transport direction D1. The lifting actuator 92 is located outside the step-breaking chamber 44 (furnace body 12). Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the lifting actuator 92 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the step-breaking chamber 44. The lifting actuator 92 moves the lifting device body 90 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 6, when the lifting device body 90 moves above the roller 14, the multiple saggers 4 that are in contact with the stopper 84 are placed on the lifting device body 90 in a stacked state and rise. Also, as shown in Figure 7, when the lifting device body 90 moves below the roller 14, the saggers 4 that were placed on the lifting device body 90 descend and are placed on the roller 14.

[0039] The gripping device body 94 is located in the step-breaking chamber 44. The gripping device body 94 comprises a first clamp 100 and a second clamp 102. The first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 are located on the upper part of the step-breaking section 22. The first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0040] The gripping actuator 96 is located outside the step-breaking chamber 44 (furnace body 12). Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the gripping actuator 96 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the step-breaking chamber 44. The gripping actuator 96 comprises a first gripping actuator 104 and a second gripping actuator 106. The first gripping actuator 104 operates the first clamp 100, and the second gripping actuator 106 operates the second clamp 102. As a result, the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 move in the forward and backward directions so as to move closer to each other, and also move in the forward and backward directions so as to move away from each other. When the stacked saggers 4 are raised by the lifting device body 90, and the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 move closer to each other, the sagger 4 located on the upper level is gripped by the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, when the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 move away from each other, the sagger 4 located on the upper level is released from the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the first partition device 66 comprises a first partition body 108 and a first actuator 110.

[0042] The first partition 108 is located inside the furnace body 12. The first partition 108 is located between the step-breaking chamber 44 and the suction chamber 48 (at the boundary). The first actuator 110 is located outside the furnace body 12. Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the first actuator 110 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the step-breaking chamber 44 and the suction chamber 48. The first actuator 110 operates the first partition 108. The first partition 108 switches between a non-communicating position and a communicating position due to the operation of the first actuator 110. When the first partition 108 is in the non-communicating position, it blocks communication between the step-breaking chamber 44 and the suction chamber 48. In this state, the suction chamber 48 is not in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 via the step-breaking chamber 44 and the attitude adjustment chamber 40. As shown in Figure 9, when the first partition 108 is in the communication position, the lower end of the first partition 108 is positioned above the upper end of the crest 4 located on the upper level of the roller 14. In this state, the step-breaking chamber 44 and the suction chamber 48 are in communication. Therefore, the suction chamber 48 is in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 via the step-breaking chamber 44 and the posture adjustment chamber 40. Thus, by switching the first partition 108 between the non-communication position and the communication position, the heat treatment chamber 30 and the suction chamber 48 are not in communication, and the heat treatment chamber 30 and the suction chamber 48 are in communication.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the suction recovery device 68 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) suction nozzles 112, a bag filter 114, a heat exchanger 116, a fan 118, and a filter 120.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the suction nozzle 112 is located in the suction chamber 48. The suction nozzle 112 is fixed to the suction recovery unit 24. The suction nozzle 112 is immovable in the forward / backward, up / down, and left / right directions. The suction nozzle 112 is located above the roller 14. The suction nozzle 112 sucks gas from the suction chamber 48 through the operation of the fan 118 (see Figure 10). As a result, when the suction nozzle 112 is positioned directly above the sagger 4, the material to be processed 6 in the sagger 4 is sucked into the suction nozzle 112 along with the gas.

[0045] As shown in Figure 10, the bag filter 114, heat exchanger 116, fan 118, and filter 120 are located outside the furnace body 12. The bag filter 114 is connected to the suction nozzle 112. The bag filter 114 captures the material to be processed 6 (see Figure 1) that is sucked into the suction nozzle 112. This allows the material to be processed 6 to be recovered.

[0046] The heat exchanger 116 is connected to the bag filter 114. The heat exchanger 116 cools the gas that has passed through the bag filter 114 by allowing the refrigerant to flow through it.

[0047] The fan 118 is connected to the heat exchanger 116. The fan 118 generates a gas flow within the suction recovery device 68. The fan 118 draws the gas into the filter 120.

[0048] The filter 120 is positioned between the fan 118 and the suction chamber 48. The filter 120 removes foreign matter from the gas discharged from the fan 118. As a result, gas free of foreign matter is sent to the suction chamber 48.

[0049] As shown in Figure 11, the saggar moving device 70 comprises a first moving device body 124, a second moving device body 126, a first moving actuator 128, and a second moving actuator 130.

[0050] The first mobile device body 124 and the second mobile device body 126 are located within the suction chamber 48. The first mobile device body 124 and the second mobile device body 126 are facing each other in the left-right direction. The first mobile device body 124 is located to the left of the saggar 4. The second mobile device body 126 is located to the right of the saggar 4.

[0051] The first moving actuator 128 and the second moving actuator 130 are located outside the suction chamber 48 (furnace body 12). Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the first moving actuator 128 and the second moving actuator 130, the entry of these particles into the suction chamber 48 is suppressed. The first moving actuator 128 moves the first moving device body 124 in the left-right direction. The second moving actuator 130 moves the second moving device body 126 in the left-right direction. As the first moving device body 124 and the second moving device body 126 move in the left-right direction, the sagger 4 moves in the left-right direction relative to the suction nozzle 112.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, the lifting device 72 is located in the suction recovery unit 24. The lifting device 72 comprises a lifting device body 134 and a lifting actuator 136.

[0053] The lifting device body 134 is located inside the suction chamber 48. The lifting device body 134 is located directly below the suction nozzle 112. The lifting actuator 136 is located outside the suction chamber 48 (furnace body 12). Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the lifting actuator 136 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the suction chamber 48. The lifting actuator 136 moves the lifting device body 134 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 1, when the lifting device body 134 moves above the roller 14, the sagger 4 is placed on the lifting device body 134 and rises. Also, as shown in Figure 9, when the lifting device body 134 moves below the roller 14, the sagger 4 descends and is placed on the roller 14.

[0054] The second partition device 74 comprises a second partition body 140 and a second actuator 142.

[0055] The second partition 140 is located inside the furnace body 12. The second partition 140 is located between the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 (the boundary). The second actuator 142 is located outside the furnace body 12. Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the second actuator 142 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52. The second actuator 142 operates the second partition 140. The second partition 140 switches between a non-communicating position and a communicating position due to the operation of the second actuator 142. When the second partition 140 is in the non-communicating position, it blocks communication between the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52. In this state, the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 is not in communication with the suction chamber 48. As shown in Figure 12, when the second partition 140 is in the communication position, the lower end of the second partition 140 is positioned above the upper end of the crest 4 on the roller 14. In this state, the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 are in communication. Therefore, by switching between the non-communication position and the communication position, the second partition 140 switches between a non-communication state in which the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 are not in communication and a communication state in which the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 are in communication. The airtightness between the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 provided by the second partition 140 is higher than the airtightness between the step-breaking chamber 44 and the suction chamber 48 provided by the first partition 108 (see Figure 9).

[0056] The third partition device 76 comprises a third partition body 146 and a third actuator 148.

[0057] The third partition 146 is positioned between the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 and the space outside the furnace body 12 (the boundary). The third actuator 148 is positioned outside the furnace body 12. Therefore, even when wear particles are generated from the third actuator 148 due to its operation, the wear particles are prevented from entering the outlet-side replacement chamber 52. The third actuator 148 operates the third partition 146. The third partition 146 switches between a non-communicating position and a communicating position due to the operation of the third actuator 148. When the third partition 146 is in the non-communicating position, it blocks communication between the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 and the space outside the furnace body 12. In this state, the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 is not in communication with the space outside the furnace body 12. As shown in Figure 13, when the third partition 146 is in the communication position, the lower end of the third partition 146 is positioned above the upper end of the sagger 4 on the roller 14. In this state, the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 and the space outside the furnace body 12 are in communication. Therefore, the third partition 146 switches between a non-communication position and a communication position, thereby switching between a non-communication state in which the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 and the space outside the furnace body 12 are not in communication, and a communication state in which the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 and the space outside the furnace body 12 are in communication. The third partition 146 switches from the non-communication position to the communication position when the second partition 140 is in the non-communication position. The airtightness between the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 and the space outside the furnace body 12 provided by the third partition 146 is substantially the same as the airtightness between the suction chamber 48 and the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 provided by the second partition 140.

[0058] The process for transporting the saggars 4 is explained below. First, as shown in Figure 3, when the secondary partition 58a is in a non-communicating position, the primary partition 56a moves from the non-communicating position to the communicating position. Next, the multiple saggars 4, stacked and lined up in the left-right direction, are transported from outside the furnace body 12 into the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the primary partition 56a moves from the communicating position to the non-communicating position. Next, the gas in the inlet-side replacement chamber 36 is replaced from air to atmospheric gas.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the secondary partition 58a moves from a non-communicating position to a communicating position. Then, the multiple saggars 4, stacked and aligned in the left-right direction, are transported out of the entrance 32 to the heat treatment chamber 30 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the secondary partition 58a moves from a communicating position to a non-communicating position.

[0060] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the multiple saggers 4, stacked and aligned horizontally, move through the heat treatment chamber 30 from the entrance 32 to the exit 34 by the rotation of the roller 14. As a result, the material to be processed 6 filled in the saggers 4 is fired, that is, heat-treated. Next, the multiple saggers 4 are transported out of the exit 34 to the posture adjustment chamber 40.

[0061] Next, the multiple crates 4, stacked and aligned horizontally, move in the transport direction D1 within the posture adjustment chamber 40 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the multiple crates 4 come into contact with the posture adjustment body 80 located in the adjustment position. This adjusts the posture of the multiple crates 4 to a predetermined posture. Next, the posture adjustment body 80 moves from the adjustment position to the non-adjusted position. As a result, the multiple crates 4 are transported from the posture adjustment chamber 40 to the dismantling chamber 44. By controlling the timing of switching the position of the posture adjustment body 80, the multiple crates 4 are transported from the posture adjustment chamber 40 to the dismantling chamber 44 at predetermined time intervals.

[0062] Next, the multiple crates 4, stacked and aligned horizontally, move in the conveying direction D1 within the de-stacking chamber 44 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the multiple crates 4 come into contact with the stopper 84 located at the stopping position. This brings the multiple crates 4 to a stop. Then, as shown in Figure 5, the stopper 84 moves from the stopping position to the non-stopping position.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the lifting device body 90 rises above the roller 14. As a result, the multiple crates 4 are placed on the lifting device body 90 in a stacked and horizontally aligned state and are raised. Next, as shown in Figure 7, the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 move closer to each other. As a result, the multiple crates 4 located on the upper level are gripped by the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102. On the other hand, the multiple crates 4 located on the lower level are not gripped by the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102. Next, the lifting device body 90 descends below the roller 14. As a result, the multiple crates 4 located on the lower level are placed on the roller 14 in a horizontally aligned state. Next, the first partition body 108 moves from a non-communicating position to a communicating position. Next, the multiple crates 4 that have been separated are transported from the separation chamber 44 to the suction chamber 48 by the rotation of the roller 14. As described above, the multiple saggars 4 are separated from their stacked state to an unstacked state, and first, the lower saggars 4 are transported to the suction chamber 48. Next, the first partition 108 moves from the connected position to the disconnected position.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the lifting device body 90 rises up to the multiple crucibles 4 that are gripped by the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102. Next, the first clamp 100 and the second clamp 102 move away from each other. As a result, the multiple crucibles 4 are placed on the lifting device body 90. Next, as shown in Figure 14, the lifting device body 90 descends below the roller 14. As a result, the multiple crucibles 4 on the upper level that have been separated are placed on the roller 14 in a horizontally aligned position. Next, the first partition body 108 moves from the non-communicating position to the communicating position, with the second partition body 140 (see Figure 1) in the non-communicating position. Next, the multiple crucibles 4 are transported from the separation chamber 44 to the suction chamber 48 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the first partition body 108 moves from the communicating position to the non-communicating position.

[0065] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the multiple crates 4 are arranged side by side and move in the transport direction D1 within the suction chamber 48 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the multiple crates 4 stop directly below the suction nozzle 112 when the roller 14 stops. Next, the lifting device body 134 rises above the roller 14. As a result, the multiple crates 4 are placed on the lifting device body 134 and rise, bringing the surface of the workpiece 6 inside the crates 4 closer to the suction nozzle 112.

[0066] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the fan 118 (see Figure 8) operates. This causes the suction nozzle 112 to suck up and collect the material to be processed 6 in the sagger 4 along with the gas in the suction chamber 48. While the suction nozzle 112 is sucking up the material to be processed 6, the first partition 108 is positioned in a non-communicating position. Therefore, the suction chamber 48 is not in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 (see Figure 1). By suppressing the depressurization of the heat treatment chamber 30, turbulence of the gas (gas flow) in the heat treatment chamber 30 is suppressed.

[0067] While the suction nozzle 112 is sucking the material to be processed 6, the sagger moving device 70 and the lifting device 72 operate. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the first moving device body 124 moves to the right until it contacts the sagger 4, and then the second moving device body 126 moves to the right. Next, as shown in Figure 16, the first moving device body 124 moves to the right. This causes the sagger 4 to move to the right and contact the second moving device body 126. As a result, the suction nozzle 112 moves to the left relative to the sagger 4. Consequently, the surface of the material to be processed 6 inside the sagger 4 is sucked into the suction nozzle 112. Next, the lifting device body 134 rises slightly. This brings the surface of the material to be processed 6 inside the sagger 4 closer to the suction nozzle 112.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 17, the first moving device body 124 moves to the left. Then, as shown in Figure 18, the second moving device body 126 moves to the left. As a result, the sagger 4 moves to the left and comes into contact with the first moving device body 124. Consequently, the suction nozzle 112 moves to the right relative to the sagger 4. As a result, the surface of the workpiece 6 inside the sagger 4 is sucked into the suction nozzle 112. Next, the lifting device body 134 rises slightly. As a result, the surface of the workpiece 6 inside the sagger 4 approaches the suction nozzle 112. The operations of the sagger moving device 70 and the lifting device 72 described above are repeated, and all of the workpiece 6 inside the sagger 4 is sucked into the suction nozzle 112.

[0069] Next, the lifting device body 134 (see Figure 9) moves below the roller 14. As a result, multiple saggers 4 are placed on the roller 14. Next, as shown in Figure 12, the second partition body 140 moves from the non-communicating position to the communicating position while the third partition body 146 is in the non-communicating position. Next, the multiple saggers 4, lined up in the left-right direction, are discharged from the suction chamber 48 to the discharge side replacement chamber 52 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the second partition body 140 moves from the communicating position to the non-communicating position. Next, the gas in the discharge side replacement chamber 52 is replaced from the atmospheric gas to air.

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 13, the third partition 146 moves from the connected position to the disconnected position. Next, the multiple saggars 4, lined up in the left-right direction, are discharged from the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 to the outside of the furnace body 12 by the rotation of the roller 14. Next, the third partition 146 moves from the connected position to the disconnected position. Next, the gas in the outlet-side replacement chamber 52 is replaced from air to atmospheric gas.

[0071] (effect) In the above embodiment, while the suction nozzle 112 is sucking the workpiece 6, the first partition 108 is positioned in a non-communicating position. Therefore, the suction chamber 48 is not in communication with the heat treatment chamber 30 (see Figure 1). This prevents the heat treatment chamber 30 from being depressurized. As a result, turbulence of the gas in the heat treatment chamber 30 can be suppressed.

[0072] (Correspondence) The outlet-side replacement chamber 52 is an example of a "replacement chamber".

[0073] (modified version) In one embodiment, the furnace body 12 may not include at least one of the posture adjustment unit 20 and the step-breaking unit 22.

[0074] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle 112 may be movable in the left-right direction. In this configuration, the suction nozzle 112 moves in the left-right direction to suck up and collect the material to be processed 6 in the sagger 4. Furthermore, the suction and collection system 2 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a sagger moving device 70.

[0075] In one embodiment of the suction recovery system 2, the multiple saggers 4 may be brought into the heat treatment chamber 30 from the entrance 32 without being stacked vertically (i.e., in a single layer).

[0076] In one embodiment of the suction recovery system 2, the multiple saggers 4 may be brought into the heat treatment chamber 30 from the entrance 32 in a state where they are not aligned in the left-right direction (i.e., in a single line).

[0077] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples described above. Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated herein or in the drawings achieves multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 2: Suction and recovery system 4: Sagger 6: Items to be processed 10: Conveying device 12:Furnace body 30: Heat Treatment Room 32: Loading entrance 34: Exit 40: Posture adjustment room 44: Dismantling Room 48:Suction chamber 52:Exchange room on export side 60: Posture adjustment device 62: Stopper device 64: Step-breaking device 66: First partition device 68: Suction and recovery device 70: Sagger Transfer Device 72: Lifting device 74: Second partition device 76: Third partition device 90: Lifting device body 92: Lifting actuator 94: Gripping device body 96: Gripping Actuator 108: First partition 110: First actuator 112: Suction nozzle 124: Main body of the first mobile device 126: Second mobile device main body 128: First movable actuator 130: Second movable actuator 134: Lifting device body 136: Lifting Actuator 140: Second partition 142: Second actuator 146: Third partition 148: Third Actuator D1: Conveying direction

Claims

1. A conveying device that transports the saggar in the transport direction, A heat treatment chamber having an entrance and an exit, through which the saggers are transported from the entrance to the exit, A suction chamber is located downstream of the aforementioned discharge port, through which the saggers being discharged from the aforementioned discharge port pass, A suction nozzle is located in the suction chamber and is used to suck up and collect the material to be processed in the sagger. A first partition body is positioned between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber, and switches between a communication state in which the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are in communication and a non-communication state in which the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber are not in communication. A displacement chamber is located downstream of the aforementioned suction chamber, through which the sagger that passes through the suction chamber passes, A suction recovery system comprising a second partition body disposed between the suction chamber and the replacement chamber, which switches between a communication state in which the suction chamber and the replacement chamber are in communication and a non-communication state in which the suction chamber and the replacement chamber are not in communication.

2. A posture adjustment chamber is located between the heat treatment chamber and the suction chamber, through which the sagger being discharged from the outlet passes, The system includes a posture adjustment device for adjusting the posture of the sagger within the posture adjustment chamber, The suction recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the first partition is positioned between the posture adjustment chamber and the suction chamber.

3. The conveying device conveys the multiple saggers in the conveying direction while the multiple saggers are stacked on top of each other. The aforementioned suction recovery system is A dismantling chamber is located between the posture adjustment chamber and the suction chamber, through which the multiple saggers being transported out of the posture adjustment chamber pass, The suction recovery system according to claim 2, further comprising a disassembly device for disassembling the stacked plurality of saggars in the aforementioned disassembly chamber to a state in which the plurality of saggars are not stacked.

4. The aforementioned step-breaking device is A gripping device body for gripping the aforementioned sagger, The device includes a gripping actuator for operating the main body of the gripping device, The suction recovery system according to claim 3, wherein the gripping actuator is located outside the step-breaking chamber.

5. The aforementioned step-breaking device is A lifting device body for raising and lowering the stacked multiple saggars, A lifting actuator for operating the lifting device body, It comprises a gripping device body for gripping one of the stacked saggars, The suction recovery system according to claim 3, wherein the lifting actuator is located outside the step-breaking chamber.

6. The suction recovery system according to claim 3, wherein the first partition is positioned between the step-breaking chamber and the suction chamber.

7. The suction nozzle is immovable in the left-right direction perpendicular to the transport direction, The suction recovery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a sagger moving device that moves the sagger in the left-right direction relative to the suction nozzle when the suction nozzle recovers the material to be processed from the sagger.

8. The suction chamber is further equipped with a lifting device for raising and lowering the sagger, The saggar moving device moves the saggar in the left-right direction relative to the suction nozzle while the saggar is lifted by the lifting device, according to claim 7 of the suction recovery system.

9. The suction recovery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first actuator located outside the suction chamber for operating the first partition body.

10. The suction recovery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second actuator located outside the displacement chamber for operating the second partition body.

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