Firing jig device

Abstract

A firing jig device according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of setters that are stacked in the vertical direction and on which objects to be fired are placed, the plurality of setters each including at least three setter penetrating openings penetrating the setter in the vertical direction; a plurality of spacers that retain the stacking interval between the setters, the plurality of spacers being disposed at least partially in the surroundings of corresponding setter penetrating openings as viewed in a plan view; and a plurality of inserts that are inserted into corresponding setter penetrating openings so as to restrict the lateral movement of the setters, the plurality of inserts being fabricated as components separate from the setters.

Description

Baking jig device

[0001] The present invention relates to a baking jig device.

[0002] A setter is known that is used to fire objects made of ceramic materials in a firing furnace. By stacking multiple setters with objects to be fired placed on their upper surfaces at intervals, the number of objects that can be fired at one time can be increased.

[0003] The setter includes a flat plate portion formed in a generally flat plate shape, with protrusions integrally formed at the corners or edges of the flat plate portion. By forming the protrusions so as to protrude from the flat plate portion, it is possible to stack multiple setters with gaps between them.

[0004] Patent No. 4068917 Patent No. 4181809

[0005] As described above, when the flat plate portion and the protruding portion of the setter are integrally manufactured, it is difficult to improve the yield during the manufacture of the setter.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a firing jig device that can improve the yield during the manufacturing of firing jig devices.

[0007] [1] The present invention may be a firing jig device that supports an object to be fired during firing, comprising: a plurality of setters that are stacked in the vertical direction and on which the object to be fired is placed, the plurality of setters each having at least three setter through openings that penetrate in the vertical direction; a plurality of spacers that maintain the stack spacing of the setters, the plurality of spacers being at least partially arranged around the corresponding setter through openings in a plan view; and a plurality of inserts that are inserted into the corresponding setter through openings to restrict lateral movement of the setters, the plurality of inserts being manufactured as separate parts from the setters.

[0008] [2] The present invention may also be the firing jig device described in [1], in which the spacer is manufactured as a separate part from the setter, the spacer includes a first abutment surface against which one of the two corresponding setters abuts, and a second abutment surface against which the other setter abuts, the first abutment surface extending inside the setter through opening in a plan view, and the insert extends in a direction from the first abutment surface of the spacer toward the setter abutting against the first abutment surface, and is manufactured integrally with the spacer to form a support member.

[0009] [3] The present invention may be a firing jig device as described in [2], in which a plurality of the support members are stacked in the vertical direction via the setter, an insertion space is formed in the support member extending in a direction from the second abutment surface toward the first abutment surface, the vertical length of the insert is longer than the thickness of the setter, and the insert of another support member arranged on the side of the second abutment surface of the support member is inserted into the insertion space of the support member.

[0010] [4] The present invention may be a firing jig device as described in [2] or [3], wherein the spacer includes a spacer main body portion including the first abutment surface and a spacer flange including the second abutment surface, the spacer flange protruding outward beyond the spacer main body portion in a planar view.

[0011] [5] The present invention may also be a firing jig device as described in [1], in which the spacer is integrally formed with at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the setter, the spacer includes a spacer through-opening communicating with the corresponding setter through-opening, and the insert is inserted through the corresponding spacer through-opening across a plurality of the setter through-openings.

[0012] [6] The present invention may also be a firing jig device as described in [5], in which the insert includes an insert main body inserted into the setter through opening, and an insert flange located at one end of the insert main body in the vertical direction, which protrudes outward beyond the insert main body in a planar view and abuts against the setter or the spacer.

[0013] [7] The present invention may also be the firing jig device described in [1], wherein the spacer includes a first abutment surface against which one of the two corresponding setters abuts, and a second abutment surface located opposite the first abutment surface, the first abutment surface extending inside the setter through opening in a plan view, the insert extends in a direction from the first abutment surface of the spacer toward the setter abutting against the first abutment surface, and is manufactured integrally with the spacer to form a support member, a plurality of the support members are stacked in the vertical direction, the insert includes a third abutment surface located opposite the spacer, and the second abutment surface of the support member is abutted by the third abutment surface of another support member arranged on the side of the second abutment surface of the support member.

[0014] [8] The present invention may also be a firing jig device as described in [7], wherein an insertion space extending in a direction from the second abutment surface toward the first abutment surface is formed in the support member, the insert includes a protrusion protruding from the third abutment surface to the opposite side of the spacer, and the protrusion of another support member arranged on the side of the second abutment surface of the support member is inserted into the insertion space of the support member.

[0015] [9] The present invention may be a firing jig device as described in [8], wherein the insertion space extends from the second abutment surface beyond the setter abutting the first abutment surface, and the insert includes a plurality of first communication holes extending laterally from the insertion space and communicating with the outside of the insert.

[0016]

[10] The present invention may be a baking jig device according to [8] or [9], wherein the spacer includes a plurality of second communication holes extending laterally from the insertion space and communicating with the outside of the spacer.

[0017]

[11] The present invention may be a firing jig device according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the insert includes a third communication hole extending from the insertion space to the opposite side of the spacer and communicating with the outside of the insert.

[0018]

[12] The present invention may be a firing jig device as described in [7], wherein the spacer includes a first spacer portion including the first abutment surface, and a second spacer portion including the second abutment surface, the second spacer portion including an outer peripheral surface that is located more inward of the spacer than the outer peripheral surface of the first spacer portion in a planar view.

[0019]

[13] The present invention may be the firing jig device according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the planar shape of the setter through opening is a circular shape.

[0020]

[14] The present invention may be a firing jig device according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the planar shape of the setter is polygonal, cutouts are formed at the corners of the setter, and the cutouts cut out the setter through openings.

[0021]

[15] The present invention may be the firing jig device according to

[14] , wherein a stopper for retaining the insert in the setter through opening is provided between the setter through opening and the notch.

[0022] According to the present invention, the yield during manufacturing of firing jig devices can be improved.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a firing jig device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the firing jig device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a support member of the firing jig device shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) are cross-sectional views for explaining a method of assembling the firing jig device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a top view showing a modified setter through opening shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a top view showing another modified setter through opening shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified support member shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing another modified support member shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a firing jig device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10(a) is a top view showing another modified setter through opening shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of the setter through opening shown in FIG. 10(a). FIG. 11 is a top view showing another modified setter through opening shown in FIG. 1. Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the firing jig device shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a support member of a firing jig device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the support member shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the support member shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the support member shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 17 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the support member shown in Fig. 13.

[0024] Hereinafter, a firing jig device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings referred to in the following description, the scale and aspect ratios of the actual objects have been appropriately changed and exaggerated for the sake of convenience and ease of understanding.

[0025] (First embodiment) A firing jig device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The firing jig device is a device for supporting an object to be fired during firing.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the baking jig device 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of setters 10 and a plurality of support members 20. In the baking jig device 1 according to this embodiment, the setters 10 and the support members 20 are stacked alternately. The setters 10 and the support members 20 are stacked without being bonded with an adhesive or the like. The number of stacked setters 10 is arbitrary.

[0027] The setters 10 are stacked vertically at intervals. The setter 10 is generally formed in a flat plate shape and includes an upper surface 10a and a lower surface 10b. The object 2 to be fired is placed on the upper surface 10a of the setter 10. The planar shape of the setter 10 may be polygonal. For example, the planar shape of the setter 10 may be rectangular, but is not limited to a rectangular shape as long as it has at least three corners.

[0028] 1 and 2, the setter 10 includes at least three setter through openings 11. When the planar shape of the setter 10 is rectangular as shown in FIG. 2, the setter 10 may include four setter through openings 11. The setter through openings 11 are arranged at four corners 12 of the setter 10.

[0029] The planar shape of the setter through opening 11 may be circular. In a plan view, the setter through opening 11 has a closed shape, and the edge 11a of the setter through opening 11 is not connected to the outer edge 10c of the setter 10. The plan view means the case where the firing jig device 1 is viewed from above and below.

[0030] 1 and 3, the setter through-opening 11 extends from the upper surface 10a to the lower surface 10b, penetrating the setter 10 in the vertical direction. The vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 3 corresponds to the thickness direction of the setter 10.

[0031] 1 and 3, the support member 20 according to this embodiment includes a spacer 30 and an insert 40. The spacer 30 and the insert 40 are integrally manufactured as a single component to constitute the support member 20. The support member 20, which is made up of the spacer 30 and the insert 40, is manufactured as a separate component from the setter 10. For each setter through-opening 11, a plurality of support members 20 are stacked vertically with the setter 10 interposed therebetween.

[0032] The spacers 30 maintain the stacking intervals of the setters 10. The stacking interval is the interval formed between two setters 10 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, and the spacers 30 are interposed between these two setters 10. The lowest spacer 30 is placed on a stage 3 of a firing furnace (not shown) and maintains the interval between the lowest setter 10 and the stage 3.

[0033] 2, the spacers 30 are disposed at least partially around the corresponding setter through openings 11 in a plan view. The spacers 30 according to this embodiment are disposed over the entire circumference of the corresponding setter through openings 11. The spacers 30 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the portion of the spacer 30 where the insertion space 50 described below is formed may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3 , the spacer 30 according to this embodiment includes a first abutment surface 31 against which one of the two corresponding setters 10 abuts, and a second abutment surface 32 against which the other setter 10 abuts. The lower surface 10b of the setter 10 disposed above the spacer 30 abuts against the first abutment surface 31. The upper surface 10a of the setter 10 disposed below the spacer 30 abuts against the second abutment surface 32. The second abutment surface 32 is located on the opposite side of the first abutment surface 31, and in this embodiment, the second abutment surface 32 is located below the first abutment surface 31. The first abutment surface 31 faces upward, and the second abutment surface 32 faces downward, opposite the first abutment surface 31. The first abutment surface 31 abuts against a portion of the lower surface 10b of the upper setter 10 around the setter through-opening 11. The second contact surface 32 contacts the upper surface 10a of the lower setter 10 at a portion around the setter through-opening 11. The distance between the first contact surface 31 and the second contact surface 32 is equal to the thickness of the spacer 30, which in this embodiment is equal to the stacking interval of the setters 10. The stacking interval of the setters 10 is determined by the spacer 30.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first contact surface 31 extends inward of the setter through opening 11 in plan view. More specifically, the first contact surface 31 extends inward of the setter through opening 11 beyond the edge 11a (see FIG. 2 ) of the setter through opening 11 in plan view, and a portion of the first contact surface 31 is exposed to the setter through opening 11.

[0036] The inserts 40 are inserted into the corresponding setter through openings 11 and restrict lateral movement of the setter 10. The inserts 40 according to this embodiment are formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the diameter d2 of the inserts 40 in a plan view may be smaller than the diameter d1 of the setter through openings 11. The difference between the diameter d2 of the inserts 40 and the diameter d1 of the setter through openings 11 may be set appropriately taking into consideration the thermal expansion of the setter 10 and the inserts 40, the processing accuracy, the ease of assembly of the firing jig device 1, the allowable amount of lateral movement of the setter 10, and the like.

[0037] The insert 40 according to this embodiment extends from the first abutment surface 31 described above in a direction toward the setter 10 that abuts against the first abutment surface 31, and is manufactured integrally with the spacer 30. The insert 40 is disposed above the spacer 30, and extends upward from the first abutment surface 31 of the spacer 30. In other words, the support members 20 are stacked so that the insert 40 is disposed above the spacer 30.

[0038] In this embodiment, the vertical length of the insert 40 is longer than the thickness of the setter 10. The vertical length of the insert 40 is the distance along the vertical direction from the first abutment surface 31 to the upper surface of the insert 40. The insert 40 may extend upward beyond the setter 10 abutting against the first abutment surface 31. In this case, the insert 40 of another support member 20 arranged on the side of the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20 is inserted into the insertion space 50 described below. More specifically, the insert 40 of a lower support member 20 is inserted into the insertion space 50 of the upper support member 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, an insertion space 50 is formed in the support member 20. The insertion space 50 is located on the second abutment surface 32 and extends from the second abutment surface 32 toward the first abutment surface 31. In this embodiment, the insertion space 50 extends upward from the second abutment surface 32 but does not extend to the first abutment surface 31. The insertion space 50 according to this embodiment is formed concavely in the second abutment surface 32. The planar shape of the insertion space 50 may be circular. The diameter d3 of the insertion space 50 may be equal to the diameter d1 of the setter through opening 11. Alternatively, the diameter d3 of the insertion space 50 may be different from the diameter d1 of the setter through opening 11 as long as the insert 40 can be properly inserted therein. In this case, the diameter d3 of the insertion space 50 may be larger than the diameter d2 of the insert 40. The difference between the diameter d3 of the insertion space 50 and the diameter d2 of the insert 40 may be set appropriately taking into consideration the thermal expansion of the spacer 30 and the insert 40, the processing accuracy, the assembly ease of the firing jig device 1, and the allowable lateral movement of the setter 10, etc.

[0040] The setter 10 and the support member 20 described above may be made of a ceramic material. Examples of ceramic materials include alumina, mullite, zirconia, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, cordierite, and yttrium oxide. The setter 10 and the support member 20 are obtained by kneading fine powder of the ceramic material with a binder, forming the mixture, and then firing the mixture in a firing furnace. The fired setter 10 and the support member 20 may be at least partially machined. The ceramic material used for the setter 10 and the support member 20 may be the same.

[0041] Next, a method for assembling the firing jig device 1 according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] 4( a), four support members 20 are placed on a stage 3 in a firing furnace. The four support members 20 are arranged at positions corresponding to the setter through-openings 11 provided in the setter 10.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 4(b), the first setter 10 is supported by four support members 20 placed on the stage 3. In this case, the inserts 40 of the support members 20 are inserted into the setter through-openings 11, and the lower surface 10b of the setter 10 is brought into contact with the first contact surface 31 (see Figure 3) of the spacer 30. The object 2 to be fired may be placed on the upper surface 10a of the setter 10 after the setter 10 is supported by the support members 20. However, the object 2 to be fired may be placed on the upper surface 10a of the setter 10 in advance before the setter 10 is supported by the support members 20.

[0044] Next, as shown in Fig. 4(c), four support members 20 are placed on the setter 10. The four support members 20 are arranged at positions corresponding to the setter through-openings 11 provided in the setter 10, and the inserts 40 of the lower support member 20 are inserted into the insertion spaces 50.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 4( d ), the second setter 10 is supported by the four support members 20 placed on the setter 10 in the same manner as the first setter 10 .

[0046] In this way, by alternately stacking the support members 20 and the setters 10, a firing jig device 1 is obtained in which a plurality of setters 10 are stacked with spaces between them. With the firing jig device 1 assembled, the objects 2 to be fired placed on each setter 10 can be fired at once. After firing, the setters 10 and support members 20 can be easily removed by reversing the assembly procedure described above. The removed setters 10 and support members 20 can be used again to assemble the firing jig device 1.

[0047] As described above, according to this embodiment, the spacers 30 that maintain the stack spacing of the setters 10 are at least partially disposed around the corresponding setter through-openings 11 of the setters 10 in a plan view. Inserts 40 are inserted into the setter through-openings 11, restricting lateral movement of the setters 10. The inserts 40 are manufactured as separate parts from the setters 10. This simplifies the shapes of the setters 10 and the inserts 40, and prevents the setters 10 and the inserts 40 from being damaged during manufacturing. This improves the manufacturing yield of the setters 10 and the inserts 40.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an insert 40 is inserted into the setter through-hole 11 of the setter 10. This restricts the lateral movement of the setter 10, preventing the setter 10 from shifting laterally. This reduces temperature variations within the firing furnace, allowing the firing of the objects 2 to be fired more uniformly. As a result, the objects 2 can be fired with consistent quality, and fuel consumption during firing can be improved.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the spacer 30 is manufactured as a separate part from the setter 10 and includes a first abutment surface 31 against which one of the two corresponding setters 10 abuts. The first abutment surface 31 extends inward of the spacer 30 so as to be exposed to the setter through-opening 11 in a plan view. The insert 40 extends from the first abutment surface 31 in a direction toward the setter 10 abutting against the first abutment surface 31 and is manufactured integrally with the spacer 30 to form the support member 20. This simplifies the shapes of the setter 10 and the spacer 30, and prevents the setter 10 and the spacer 30 from being damaged during manufacturing. Furthermore, the integration of the spacer 30 and the insert 40 facilitates the assembly of the setter 10 and the support member 20.

[0050] According to this embodiment, multiple support members 20 are stacked in the vertical direction via the setters 10. An insertion space 50 extends from the second abutment surface 32 of the spacer 30 toward the first abutment surface 31, and the insert 40 of another support member 20 arranged on the side of the second abutment surface 32 is inserted into the insertion space 50. The vertical length of the insert 40 is longer than the thickness of the setter 10. This allows the insert 40 to be inserted from the lower surface 10b of the setter 10 into the setter through-hole 11 and protrude from the upper surface 10a. Therefore, when the setter 10 moves laterally, the insert 40 can abut against the wall surface (corresponding to the edge 11a in a plan view) of the setter through-hole 11 over the entire vertical range of the setter 10. As a result, lateral displacement of the setter 10 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the insert 40 protruding from the upper surface 10a of the setter 10 prevents the support member 20 arranged above from shifting laterally. This makes it possible to prevent the support member 20 from shifting laterally, and further to prevent the setter 10 from shifting laterally.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the planar shape of the setter through opening 11 is circular, which allows the planar shape of the setter through opening 11 to be a closed shape, effectively preventing the setter 10 from shifting laterally.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the planar shape of the setter through opening 11 is described as a circular shape. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the setter through opening 11 may be cut out by a notch 13 formed in a corner 12 of the setter 10.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , a notch 13 is formed in a corner 12 of the setter 10. The notch 13 has a shape obtained by cutting out a portion of the corner 12 of the setter 10 closer to the vertex 12a of the corner 12 than the setter through opening 11. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the notch 13 is defined by two edges 13a parallel to the outer edge 10c of the setter 10, and the planar shape of the notch 13 is square. A portion of the square-shaped notch 13 cuts out the circular setter through opening 11, and the setter through opening 11 communicates with the notch 13. As a result, the planar shape of the setter through opening 11 shown in FIG. 5 is not closed. In this case, the support member 20 composed of the spacer 30 and the insert 40 does not need to be cut out. Furthermore, the planar shape of the setter 10 does not have to be rectangular, and may be any polygonal shape as long as it has corners 12.

[0054] In this way, by cutting out the setter through opening 11 by the cutout portion 13, it is possible to remove the portion of the corner 12 of the setter 10 that is closer to the apex 12a than the setter through opening 11, which is prone to breakage during manufacturing or use. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent breakage of the setter 10.

[0055] 5 , a stopper 14 is provided between the setter through opening 11 and the notch 13 to hold the insert 40 in the setter through opening 11. That is, the dimension w of the communication port 15 that connects the setter through opening 11 and the notch 13 is smaller than the diameter d1 of the setter through opening 11 and smaller than the diameter d2 of the insert 40. As a result, the portions on both sides of the communication port 15 function as stoppers 14, and can prevent the insert 40 from moving relatively from the setter through opening 11 to the notch 13. The communication port 15 is an opening between the stoppers 14.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 6, the edge 13a of the cutout 13 forms an angle of 45° with respect to the outer edge 10c of the setter 10, and the planar shape of the cutout 13 is triangular. A portion of the triangular cutout 13 cuts out the circular setter through opening 11, and the setter through opening 11 communicates with the cutout 13. As a result, the planar shape of the setter through opening 11 is not closed. In the example shown in Figure 6, a stopper 14 is provided between the setter through opening 11 and the cutout 13 to hold the insert 40 in the setter through opening 11, and the setter through opening 11 and the cutout 13 communicate with each other via a communication port 15.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the support members 20 are stacked via the setters 10 so that the inserts 40 constituting the support members 20 are positioned above the spacers 30. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the support members 20 may be stacked via the setters 10 so that the inserts 40 are positioned below the spacers 30. That is, the support members 20 may be inverted vertically relative to the support members 20 shown in FIG. 3 . In this case, the first abutment surface 31 of the spacer 30 is positioned below the second abutment surface 32. The upper surface 10a of the setter 10 positioned below the spacers 30 abuts against the first abutment surface 31. The lower surface 10b of the setter 10 positioned above the spacers 30 abuts against the second abutment surface 32.

[0058] 8, the spacer 30 may include a spacer main body 33 including the first abutment surface 31 and a spacer flange 34 including the second abutment surface 32. The spacer flange 34 protrudes outward from the spacer main body 33. This increases the area of ​​the second abutment surface 32, stabilizing the spacer 30. Therefore, the setter 10 can be stably supported on the spacer 30.

[0059] Second Embodiment Next, a baking jig device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] The second embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12 differs mainly in that the spacer is integrally formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the setter, and other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8. In Figures 9 to 12, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The spacer 30 according to this embodiment is integrally formed with at least one of the upper surface 10a and the lower surface 10b of the setter 10. The spacer 30 shown in Fig. 9 is integrally formed with the upper surface 10a of the setter 10. The spacer 30 is integrally formed with the setter 10 so as to protrude upward from the upper surface 10a of the setter 10. The lower surface 10b of the setter 10 arranged above abuts against the first abutment surface 31 of the spacer 30.

[0062] The spacers 30 may be arranged around the entire periphery of the setter through opening 11 in plan view. The planar shape of the setter through opening 11 may be circular, as shown in FIG.

[0063] The spacer 30 includes a spacer through opening 35 communicating with the corresponding setter through opening 11. The planar shape of the spacer through opening 35 may be circular, similar to the setter through opening 11. The spacer 30 according to this embodiment is formed in a ring shape in plan view. The diameter d4 of the spacer through opening 35 may be equal to the diameter d1 of the setter through opening 11. In this case, the spacer through opening 35 and the setter through opening 11 may overlap or coincide in plan view. The spacer through opening 35 and the setter through opening 11 may form a continuous through opening.

[0064] The inserts 40 are inserted through the corresponding spacer through openings 35 and across the corresponding plurality of setter through openings 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , one insert 40 is inserted into a plurality of setter through openings 11 and a plurality of spacer through openings 35 that are alternately arranged in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 9 , one insert 40 may be inserted into all of the setter through openings 11 and all of the spacer through openings 35 that overlap in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the vertical length of the insert 40 is equal to the distance from the lower surface 10 b of the lowest setter 10 to the first abutment surface 31 of the highest spacer 30, but it may be different from this distance. The insert 40 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the spacer 30 is integrally formed with at least one of the upper surface 10a and the lower surface 10b of the setter 10, and the spacer 30 includes spacer through-openings 35 that communicate with the corresponding setter through-openings 11 in a plan view. The inserts 40 are inserted through the corresponding spacer through-openings 35 and across the multiple setter through-openings 11. This allows a single insert 40 to restrict the lateral movement of the multiple setters 10, thereby preventing the setters 10 from shifting laterally. This reduces temperature variations within the firing furnace and allows the firing of the objects 2 to be fired more uniformly. As a result, the objects 2 can be fired with consistent quality and fuel efficiency during firing can be improved.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the spacer 30 is integrated with the upper surface 10a of the setter 10. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the spacer 30 may be integrally formed with the lower surface 10b of the setter 10. Alternatively, for example, although not shown, the spacer 30 may include a first spacer integrated portion integrally formed with the upper surface 10a of the setter 10 and a second spacer integrated portion integrally formed with the lower surface 10b of the setter 10.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the planar shape of the setter through opening 11 is circular (see FIG. 2). However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the setter through opening 11 may be cut out by a notch 13 formed in a corner 12 of the setter 10.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 10( a), the setter through opening 11 is cut out by a notch 13 formed in a corner 12 of the setter 10, similar to the notch 13 shown in FIG. 5. This notch 13 cuts out not only the setter through opening 11 but also the spacer 30. As shown in FIG. 10( b), the spacer 30 is manufactured integrally with the setter 10, similar to the spacer 30 shown in FIG. 9. A stopper 16 is provided between the setter through opening 11 and the notch 13, similar to the stopper 14 shown in FIG. 5. In the example shown in FIG. 10( a), the portion of the spacer 30 between the spacer through opening 35 and the notch 13 in a plan view also serves as the stopper 16. The stopper 16 shown in FIG. 10( a) is formed in the setter 10 and the spacer 30.

[0069] In the example shown in Fig. 11 , the setter through opening 11 is cut out by a notch 13 formed in a corner 12 of the setter 10, similar to the notch 13 shown in Fig. 6 . This notch 13 cuts out not only the setter through opening 11 but also the spacer 30. The spacer 30 is manufactured integrally with the setter 10, similar to the spacer 30 shown in Fig. 9 . As in the example shown in Fig. 10( a), a stopper 16 is formed between the setter through opening 11 and the notch 13.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the insert 40 is generally cylindrical. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the insert 40 may include an insert body 41 inserted into the setter through-hole 11 and an insert flange 42 located at one end of the insert body 41 in the vertical direction. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the insert flange 42 is located at the upper end of the insert body 41. The insert body 41 is cylindrical. The insert flange 42 protrudes outward from the insert body 41 in a plan view. The insert flange 42 abuts against a spacer 30 integrally formed with the uppermost setter 10. This allows the setter 10 to be pressed from above, further preventing the setter 10 from shifting laterally. In this case, the lower surface of the insert body 41 may abut against the stage 3, or may be spaced apart from the stage 3 without abutting against it. In the latter case, the vertical length of the insert body 41 is shorter than the distance from the lower surface 10b of the lowest setter 10 to the first abutment surface 31 of the highest spacer 30. The planar shape of the insert flange 42 may be circular, and in this case, the diameter of the insert flange 42 may be larger than the diameter d1 of the setter through opening 11 (see FIG. 9) and may be larger than the diameter d4 of the spacer through opening 35 (see FIG. 9).

[0071] 12, the insert flange 42 is located at the upper end of the insert body 41. However, the insert flange 42 may be located at the lower end of the insert body 41. In this case, the insert flange 42 is placed on the stage 3 and can abut against the lower surface 10b of the lowest setter 10. In this case, a gap can be formed between the lowest setter 10 and the stage 3.

[0072] Third Embodiment Next, a baking jig device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] The third embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 17 differs mainly in that a plurality of support members are stacked in the vertical direction, and other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8. In Figures 13 to 17, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0074] 13 , the support members 20 according to this embodiment are stacked vertically without a setter 10 in between. The second abutment surface 32 of the spacer 30 of a support member 20 is in contact not with the lower setter 10 but with a third abutment surface 43 (described later) of the support member 20 arranged on the side of the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20. More specifically, the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20 is in contact with the third abutment surface 43 of the lower support member 20.

[0075] 13 , the insert 40 includes a third abutment surface 43. The third abutment surface 43 is located on the opposite side from the spacer 30 and the opposite side from the second abutment surface 32. The second abutment surface 32 of the upper support member 20 abuts against the third abutment surface 43.

[0076] More specifically, the insert 40 includes an insert body 41 and a protrusion 44. The insert body 41 extends upward from the first abutment surface 31 of the spacer 30. If an insertion space 50 (described later) extends into the insert body 41, the insert body 41 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The insert body 41 includes the third abutment surface 43 described above. The third abutment surface 43 corresponds to the upper surface of the insert body 41. The protrusion 44 protrudes from the third abutment surface 43 toward the opposite side to the spacer 30. More specifically, the protrusion 44 protrudes upward from the third abutment surface 43. In this embodiment, the stacking spacing of the setter 10 is determined by the thickness of the spacer 30 and the thickness (or height) of the insert body 41. The thickness of the spacer 30 is equal to the distance between the first abutment surface 31 and the second abutment surface 32, and the thickness of the insert body 41 is equal to the distance between the first abutment surface 31 and the third abutment surface 43. The value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the setter 10 from the sum of the thickness of the spacer 30 and the thickness of the insert body 41 is equal to the stacking interval of the setter 10.

[0077] The insertion space 50 extends upward from the second abutment surface 32. The insertion space 50 may extend upward beyond the first abutment surface 31, or may extend upward beyond the setter 10 abutting against the first abutment surface 31. The insertion space 50 may extend up to the vicinity of the third abutment surface 43. However, as long as the protrusion 44 can be inserted into the insertion space 50, the insertion space 50 does not have to extend beyond the setter 10 abutting against the first abutment surface 31, or may not extend beyond the first abutment surface 31.

[0078] The protrusion 44 of the lower support member 20 arranged on the side of the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20 is inserted into the insertion space 50. When the planar shape of the insertion space 50 is circular, the protrusion 44 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the diameter d5 of the protrusion 44 may be smaller than the diameter d3 of the insertion space 50. The difference between the diameter d5 of the protrusion 44 and the diameter d3 of the insertion space 50 may be set appropriately taking into consideration the thermal expansion of the protrusion 44 and the spacer 30, the processing accuracy, the allowable amount of lateral movement of the support member 20, etc.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of support members 20 are stacked in the vertical direction, and the inserts 40 of the support members 20 include the third abutment surface 43 located on the opposite side from the spacer 30, and the third abutment surface 43 of the lower support member 20 abuts against the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20. This allows a plurality of support members 20 to be stacked in the vertical direction without the need for a setter 10. This makes it possible to easily assemble the setter 10 and the support members 20.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the third abutment surface 43 of the lower support member 20 abuts against the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20. This allows the load of the support member 20 to be borne by the lower support member 20, preventing the setter 10 from receiving the load of the support member 20. This prevents damage to the setter 10 and improves the reliability of the firing jig device 1. Furthermore, the number of stacked setters 10 can be increased, improving the productivity of the fired object 2.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the insertion space 50 extends from the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20 in a direction toward the first abutment surface 31, and the protrusion 44 protruding from the third abutment surface 43 of the insert 40 is inserted into the insertion space 50. This makes it possible to prevent the support member 20 from shifting laterally, thereby effectively preventing the setter 10 from shifting laterally.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , the insert 40 may include a plurality of first communication holes 45 extending laterally from the insertion space 50 and communicating with the outside of the insert 40. The first communication holes 45 may be formed in the cylindrical portion of the insert body 41 where the insertion space 50 is formed. The first communication holes 45 may be aligned vertically or circumferentially around the insert body 41. The first communication holes 45 may be aligned regularly or randomly. The cross-sectional shape of the first communication holes 45 is arbitrary, and may be a circle or a polygon such as a triangle or a rectangle. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first communication holes 45 may be a parallelogram. Including a plurality of first communication holes 45 in the insert 40 allows air to circulate between the outside of the insert 40 and the insertion space 50. This reduces temperature unevenness in the firing furnace and uniformly fires the firing object 2. As a result, the object 2 to be fired can be fired with stable quality, and fuel consumption during firing can be improved. For example, by forming the first communication hole 45 in a portion of the insert body 41 that is located above the setter 10 that is in contact with the first contact surface 31, air can be smoothly circulated between the outside of the insert 40 and the insertion space 50. Furthermore, by forming the first communication hole 45, the weight of the support member 20 can be reduced. Therefore, fuel consumption during firing can be improved, and thermal shock resistance can be improved.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 15 , the spacer 30 may include a plurality of second communication holes 36 extending laterally from the insertion space 50 and communicating with the outside of the spacer 30. The second communication holes 36 may be formed similarly to the first communication holes 45. The inclusion of the second communication holes 36 in the spacer 30 allows air to circulate between the outside of the spacer 30 and the insertion space 50. This reduces temperature variations within the firing furnace, allowing the firing of the objects 2 to be fired more uniformly. As a result, the objects 2 can be fired with consistent quality and fuel efficiency during firing can be improved. Furthermore, the formation of the second communication holes 36 allows the support member 20 to be lightweight. This improves fuel efficiency during firing and thermal shock resistance. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the insert 40 includes the first communication holes 45, but the first communication holes 45 may not be included.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 16 , the insert 40 may include a third communication hole 46 extending from the insertion space 50 toward the opposite side of the spacer 30 and communicating with the outside of the insert 40. The third communication hole 46 may extend upward from the insertion space 50 or may penetrate the protruding portion 44 of the insert 40. The planar shape of the third communication hole 46 may be circular. The inclusion of the third communication hole 46 in the insert 40 allows air to circulate through the insertion space 50 of each support member 20. This reduces temperature variations within the firing furnace and allows the objects to be fired to be fired more uniformly. As a result, the objects to be fired 2 can be fired with consistent quality and fuel efficiency during firing can be improved. Furthermore, the formation of the third communication hole 46 allows the support member 20 to be lightweight. This improves fuel efficiency during firing and thermal shock resistance. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the insert 40 may include the first communication hole 45, or the spacer 30 may include the second communication hole 36. Alternatively, in the example shown in Fig. 16, the insert 40 may include the first communication hole 45, and the spacer 30 may include the second communication hole 36.

[0085] 17 , the spacer 30 according to the present embodiment may include a first spacer portion 37 including the first abutment surface 31 and a second spacer portion 38 including the second abutment surface 32. The second spacer portion 38 is disposed below the first spacer portion 37. The second spacer portion 38 includes an outer peripheral surface 38a that is located more inward of the spacer 30 than the outer peripheral surface 37a of the first spacer portion 37 in a plan view. More specifically, the first spacer portion 37 and the second spacer portion 38 are each formed cylindrically, and the diameter d7 of the outer peripheral surface 38a of the second spacer portion 38 is smaller than the diameter d6 of the outer peripheral surface 37a of the first spacer portion 37. The diameter d7 of the outer peripheral surface 38a of the second spacer portion 38 may be equal to the diameter (or outer diameter) d2 of the insert body portion 41. The height of the second spacer portion 38 may be greater than the thickness (or height) of the first spacer portion 37. The insertion space 50 is formed in the second spacer portion 38 , the first spacer portion 37 and the insert body portion 41 .

[0086] 17 , the third abutment surface 43 of the lower support member 20 can abut against the second abutment surface 32 of the support member 20. This allows multiple support members 20 to be stacked vertically without the need for a setter 10. This makes it easier to assemble the setter 10 and the support members 20.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be embodied by modifying the components within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications (including combinations of modifications).

Claims

1. A firing jig device for supporting an object to be fired during firing, comprising: a plurality of setters stacked in the vertical direction on which the object to be fired is placed, the plurality of setters each including at least three setter through-holes penetrating in the vertical direction; a plurality of spacers for maintaining the stacking interval of the setters, the plurality of spacers being at least partially disposed around the corresponding setter through-holes in a plan view; and a plurality of inserts inserted into the corresponding setter through-holes to restrict lateral movement of the setters, the plurality of inserts being manufactured as separate parts from the setters.

2. The spacer is manufactured as a separate part from the setter, the spacer includes a first contact surface with which one of the corresponding two setters abuts and a second contact surface with which the other setter abuts, the first contact surface extends inside the setter through-hole in a plan view, and the insert extends in a direction from the first contact surface of the spacer toward the setter that abuts the first contact surface and is integrally manufactured with the spacer to form a support member. The firing jig device according to claim 1.

3. A plurality of the support members are stacked via the setters in the vertical direction, an insertion space extending in a direction from the second contact surface toward the first contact surface is formed in the support member, the vertical length of the insert is longer than the thickness of the setter, and the insert of another support member disposed on the second contact surface side of the support member is inserted into the insertion space of the support member. The firing jig device according to claim 2.

4. The spacer includes a spacer main body portion including the first contact surface and a spacer flange including the second contact surface, the spacer flange protruding outward from the spacer main body portion in a plan view. The firing jig device according to claim 2.

5. The spacer is integrally manufactured with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the setter, the spacer includes a spacer through-hole communicating with the corresponding setter through-hole, and the insert is inserted through the corresponding spacer through-hole across the plurality of setter through-holes. The firing jig device according to claim 1.

6. The insert includes an insert main body inserted into the setter through-hole, and an insert flange located at one end of the insert main body in the vertical direction, which protrudes outward from the insert main body in plan view and abuts against the setter or the spacer. The firing jig device according to claim 5.

7. The spacer includes a first contact surface against which one of the corresponding two setters abuts, and a second contact surface located on the side opposite to the first contact surface. The first contact surface extends inside the setter through-hole in plan view. The insert extends in a direction from the first contact surface of the spacer toward the setter that abuts against the first contact surface, and is integrally formed with the spacer to form a support member. A plurality of the support members are stacked in the vertical direction. The insert includes a third contact surface located on the side opposite to the spacer. The third contact surface of another support member disposed on the side of the second contact surface of the support member abuts against the second contact surface of the support member. The firing jig device according to claim 1.

8. An insertion space extending in a direction from the second contact surface toward the first contact surface is formed in the support member. The insert includes a protruding portion protruding from the third contact surface to the side opposite to the spacer. The protruding portion of another support member disposed on the side of the second contact surface of the support member is inserted into the insertion space of the support member. The firing jig device according to claim 7.

9. The insertion space extends from the second contact surface beyond the setter that abuts against the first contact surface. The insert includes a plurality of first communication holes extending laterally from the insertion space and communicating with the outside of the insert. The firing jig device according to claim 8.

10. The spacer includes a plurality of second communication holes extending laterally from the insertion space and communicating with the outside of the spacer. The firing jig device according to claim 8.

11. The insert includes a third communication hole extending from the insertion space to the side opposite to the spacer and communicating with the outside of the insert. The firing jig device according to claim 8.

12. The spacer includes a first spacer portion including the first contact surface and a second spacer portion including the second contact surface. The second spacer portion includes an outer peripheral surface located inside the spacer with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the first spacer portion in a plan view. The firing jig device according to claim 7 includes the above.

13. The planar shape of the setter through-opening is a circular shape. The firing jig device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 includes the above.

14. The planar shape of the setter is a polygonal shape, and a notch is formed at a corner of the setter. The notch cuts out the setter through-opening. The firing jig device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 includes the above.

15. A stopper for retaining the insert in the setter through-opening is provided between the setter through-opening and the notch. The firing jig device according to claim 14 includes the above.

Images