Control system, control method, and method for manufacturing solid body

Abstract

This control system comprises: a reception signal acquiring unit 101 that acquires a reception signal indicating that a transporting device 10 has received an object 30; a device selecting unit 102 that, when the reception signal acquiring unit 101 has acquired the reception signal, selects an empty heating device from among a plurality of heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C … as a selected heated device; a movement instructing unit 103 that instructs the transporting device 10 to move to the position of the selected heated device; a standby signal acquiring unit 104 that acquires a standby signal indicating that the transporting device 10 is standing by at the position of the selected heated device; and a loading instructing unit 105 that, when the standby signal acquiring unit 104 has acquired the standby signal, instructs the selected heated device to open a door 21A thereof and instructs the transporting device 10 to load the object 30 into the selected heating device.

Description

Control System, Control Method, and Method for Manufacturing a Solid

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system, a control method, and a method for manufacturing a solid.

[0002] In the manufacturing process of a product, the product or the raw material of the product may be heated (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 7450313, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7450312, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7270800

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a control device capable of efficiently heating an object with a heating device.

[0005] The control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a control system configured to control a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, and includes a reception signal acquisition unit that acquires a reception signal indicating that the transport device has received an object, and a device selection unit that selects an available heating device as a selected heating device from among the plurality of heating devices when the reception signal acquisition unit acquires the reception signal, a movement instruction unit that instructs the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device, a standby signal acquisition unit that acquires a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device, and a loading instruction unit that instructs the selected heating device to open the door and instructs the transport device to load the object into the selected heating device when the standby signal acquisition unit acquires the standby signal, a loading signal acquisition unit that acquires a loading signal indicating that the transport device has loaded the object into the selected heating device, a heating instruction unit that instructs the selected heating device to close the door and heat the object when the loading signal acquisition unit acquires the loading signal, a heating completion signal acquisition unit that acquires a heating completion signal indicating that the heating of the object in the selected heating device has been completed, and an unloading instruction unit that instructs the selected heating device to open the door and instructs the transport device to unload the object from the selected heating device when the heating completion signal acquisition unit acquires the heating completion signal.

[0006] In the control system described above, each of the multiple heating devices may have an aerosol sensor, and when the aerosol sensor detects an aerosol, and subsequently no longer detects an aerosol or when the amount of aerosol falls below a predetermined level, a heating completion signal may be issued.

[0007] In the control system described above, the aerosol may be smoke or vapor.

[0008] In the control system described above, the object may contain oil or water.

[0009] In the control system described above, the object may further contain a metal or a metal compound.

[0010] In the control system described above, each of the multiple heating devices may be equipped with an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves into its interior.

[0011] In the control system described above, the conveying device may receive the object from the processing device.

[0012] In the control system described above, the processing device may be a molding machine.

[0013] In the control system described above, the molding machine may be a briquette machine.

[0014] The control system described above may further include a processing completion signal acquisition unit that acquires a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of an object has been completed by the processing device, and a receiving instruction unit that, when the processing completion signal acquisition unit acquires a processing completion signal, instructs the conveying device to receive the object from the processing device.

[0015] In the control system described above, when the processing completion signal acquisition unit acquires a processing completion signal, the movement instruction unit may instruct the conveying device to move to the position of the processing device.

[0016] In the control system described above, when the input signal acquisition unit acquires an input signal, the movement instruction unit may instruct the conveying device to move to the position of the processing device.

[0017] In the control system described above, when the heating completion signal acquisition unit acquires a heating completion signal, the movement instruction unit may instruct the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0018] The control system described above may further include a container status confirmation unit that acquires a container status signal indicating that there is space in the container to place an object. If the container status confirmation unit acquires a container status signal, the movement instruction unit may instruct the transport device to move the object that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container.

[0019] In the control system described above, the heating instruction unit may transmit heating conditions based on the composition of the object to the selected heating device.

[0020] A method for controlling a transport device and a plurality of heating devices according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: obtaining a receipt signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; selecting an available heating device from among the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device when the receipt signal is obtained; instructing the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; obtaining a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object into the selected heating device when the standby signal is obtained; obtaining a loading signal indicating that the transport device has transported the object into the selected heating device; instructing the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object when the loading signal is obtained; obtaining a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object inside the selected heating device is complete; and instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object out of the selected heating device when the heating completion signal is obtained.

[0021] In the control method described above, after receiving the input signal, the process of receiving the input signal, selecting an available heating device as the selected heating device, instructing to move, receiving the standby signal, and instructing to input the input may be repeated until an instruction is given to unload the object.

[0022] In the control method described above, each of the multiple heating devices may have an aerosol sensor, and when the aerosol sensor detects an aerosol, and subsequently no longer detects an aerosol or when the amount of aerosol falls below a predetermined amount, a heating completion signal may be issued.

[0023] In the control method described above, the aerosol may be smoke or vapor.

[0024] In the control method described above, the object may contain oil or water.

[0025] In the control method described above, the object may further contain a metal or a metal compound.

[0026] In the control method described above, each of the multiple heating devices may be equipped with an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves into its interior.

[0027] In the control method described above, the conveying device may receive the object from the processing device.

[0028] In the control method described above, the processing device may be a molding machine.

[0029] In the control method described above, the molding machine may be a briquette machine.

[0030] The above control method may further include obtaining a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of the object has been completed by the processing device, and, upon obtaining the processing completion signal, instructing the conveying device to receive the object from the processing device.

[0031] In the control method described above, when a processing completion signal is received, the transport device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0032] In the control method described above, when an input signal is received, the conveying device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0033] In the control method described above, when a heating completion signal is received, the transport device may be instructed to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0034] The control method described above may further include obtaining a container status signal indicating that there is space in the container to place an object, and if a container status signal is obtained, the transport device may be instructed to move the object that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container.

[0035] In the control method described above, heating conditions based on the composition of the object may be transmitted to the selected heating device.

[0036] A method for manufacturing a solid according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a conveying device receiving an object; the conveying device transmitting a reception signal to a control system indicating that it has received the object; the control system acquiring the reception signal and selecting an available heating device from among a plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device; the control system instructing the conveying device to move to the position of the selected heating device; the conveying device transmitting a standby signal to the control system indicating that it is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; the control system instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the conveying device to transport the object into the selected heating device; the conveying device transmitting a transport signal to the control system indicating that it has transported the object into the selected heating device; the control system instructing the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object; the selected heating device solidifying the object by heating; the selected heating device transmitting a heating completion signal to the control system indicating that the heating of the object is complete; and the control system instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the conveying device to transport the object out of the selected heating device.

[0037] In the above-described method for producing a solid, the impurities present in the target object may decrease as the target object solidifies by heating with the selected heating device.

[0038] In the above method for producing the solid, the impurity may be oil or water.

[0039] In the above-described method for producing a solid, the oxide film present on the object may decrease as the object is solidified by heating using the selected heating device.

[0040] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, after transmitting a carry-in signal to the control system, until an instruction to carry out the object is given, the following operations may be repeated: transmitting a reception signal to the control system, selecting an available heating device as the selected heating device, instructing to move, transmitting a standby signal to the control system, and instructing to carry in.

[0041] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, each of the plurality of heating devices has an aerosol sensor. If the aerosol sensor detects an aerosol and then stops detecting the aerosol or the amount of the aerosol becomes less than a predetermined amount, a heating completion signal may be issued.

[0042] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, the aerosol may be smoke or vapor.

[0043] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, the object may further contain a metal or a metal compound.

[0044] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, each of the plurality of heating devices may be provided with an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves inside.

[0045] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, the transfer device may receive the object from the processing device.

[0046] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, the processing device may be a molding machine.

[0047] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, the molding machine may be a briquetting machine.

[0048] The above method for manufacturing a solid may further include obtaining a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of the object by the processing device is completed, and when the processing completion signal is obtained, instructing the transfer device to receive the object from the processing device.

[0049] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, when the processing completion signal is obtained, the transfer device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0050] In the above method for manufacturing a solid, when the carry-in signal is obtained, the transfer device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0051] In the above-described method for manufacturing solids, when a heating completion signal is received, the transport device may be instructed to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0052] The above method for manufacturing a solid further includes obtaining a container state signal indicating that there is space in the container to place the object, and if a container state signal is obtained, the conveying device may be instructed to move the object that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container.

[0053] In the above-described method for manufacturing a solid, heating conditions based on the composition of the object may be transmitted to the selective heating device.

[0054] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, and is a program for causing a computer to execute a method including: obtaining a receipt signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; if a receipt signal is obtained, selecting an available heating device from among the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device; instructing the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; obtaining a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; if a standby signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object into the selected heating device; obtaining a loading signal indicating that the transport device has transported the object into the selected heating device; if a loading signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object; obtaining a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object inside the selected heating device is complete; and if a heating completion signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object out of the selected heating device.

[0055] In the method by which the above program is executed by the computer, after receiving an incoming signal, the process of receiving a receiving signal, selecting an available heating device as the selected heating device, instructing the computer to move, receiving a standby signal, and instructing the computer to bring in the object may be repeated until the computer is instructed to unload the object.

[0056] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, each of the multiple heating devices may have an aerosol sensor, and when the aerosol sensor detects an aerosol, and subsequently no longer detects an aerosol or when the amount of aerosol falls below a predetermined level, a heating completion signal may be issued.

[0057] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, the aerosol may be smoke or vapor.

[0058] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, the object may contain oil or water.

[0059] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, the object may further include a metal or a metallic compound.

[0060] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, each of the multiple heating devices may be equipped with an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves into its interior.

[0061] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, the conveying device may receive the object from the processing device.

[0062] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, the processing device may be a molding machine.

[0063] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, the molding machine may be a briquette machine.

[0064] The method by which the above program is executed by the computer may further include obtaining a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of the object has been completed by the processing device, and, upon obtaining the processing completion signal, instructing the conveying device to receive the object from the processing device.

[0065] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, when a processing completion signal is received, the conveying device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0066] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, when an input signal is received, the conveying device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0067] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, when a heating completion signal is received, the transport device may be instructed to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0068] The method by which the above program is instructed to be executed by the computer further includes obtaining a container status signal indicating that there is space in the container to place an object, and if a container status signal is obtained, the conveying device may be instructed to move the object that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container.

[0069] In the method by which the above program is executed by a computer, heating conditions based on the composition of the object may be transmitted to the selected heating device.

[0070] A computer-readable recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention is a recording medium on which a program is recorded causing a computer to execute a method for controlling a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, and is a recording medium on which a program is recorded causing the computer to execute a method including: obtaining a reception signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; if a reception signal is obtained, selecting an available heating device from among the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device; instructing the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; obtaining a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; if a standby signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object into the selected heating device; obtaining an entry signal indicating that the transport device has transported the object into the selected heating device; if an entry signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object; obtaining a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object has been completed inside the selected heating device; and if a heating completion signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object out of the selected heating device.

[0071] In the method by which a program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer, after receiving an incoming signal, the process of receiving a receiving signal, selecting an available heating device as the selected heating device, instructing to move, receiving a standby signal, and instructing to bring in the object may be repeated until the computer instructs to unload the object.

[0072] In a method for causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, each of the multiple heating devices may have an aerosol sensor, and when the aerosol sensor detects an aerosol, and subsequently no longer detects an aerosol or when the amount of aerosol falls below a predetermined level, a heating completion signal may be issued.

[0073] In the method by which a program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer, the aerosol may be smoke or vapor.

[0074] In the method by which a program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer, the object may contain oil or water.

[0075] In a method for causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, the object may further include a metal or a metallic compound.

[0076] In a method for causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, each of the multiple heating devices may be equipped with an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves into its interior.

[0077] In the method by which a program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer, the conveying device may receive the object from the processing device.

[0078] In the method of causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, the processing device may be a molding machine.

[0079] In the method by which a program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer, the molding machine may be a briquette machine.

[0080] The method by which the program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer may further include obtaining a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of the object has been completed by the processing device, and, upon obtaining the processing completion signal, instructing the conveying device to receive the object from the processing device.

[0081] In the method of causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, when a processing completion signal is received, the conveying device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0082] In the method of causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, if an input signal is received, the conveying device may be instructed to move to the position of the processing device.

[0083] In the method of causing a computer to execute a program recorded on the above recording medium, when a heating completion signal is received, the transport device may be instructed to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0084] The method by which the program recorded on the above recording medium causes a computer to execute further includes obtaining a container status signal indicating that there is space in the container to place an object, and if a container status signal is obtained, the transport device may be instructed to move the object that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container.

[0085] In the method by which a program recorded on the above recording medium is executed by a computer, heating conditions based on the composition of the object may be transmitted to the selected heating device.

[0086] A recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention is a recording medium that records a program for controlling a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, and the recording medium records a program for causing a computer to execute a method including: acquiring a reception signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; selecting an available heating device from among the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device when the reception signal is acquired; instructing the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; acquiring a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object into the selected heating device when the standby signal is acquired; acquiring an arrival signal indicating that the transport device has transported the object into the selected heating device; instructing the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object when the arrival signal is acquired; acquiring a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object has been completed inside the selected heating device; and instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object out of the selected heating device when the heating completion signal is acquired.

[0087] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device that can efficiently heat an object using a heating device.

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the control system according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the interior of the heating device according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the interior of the heating device according to the embodiment, viewed from direction A-A in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the interior of the heating device according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the method according to the embodiment. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the method according to the embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the data acquisition system according to the embodiment.

[0089] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic. Therefore, specific dimensions and other details should be determined by referring to the following description. It should also be noted that there are parts where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ between drawings.

[0090] As shown in Figure 1, the control system 100 according to the embodiment, which is configured to control a transport device 10 and a plurality of heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C..., includes a receiving signal acquisition unit 101 that acquires a receiving signal indicating that the transport device 10 has received an object 30, a device selection unit 102 that, when the receiving signal acquisition unit 101 acquires a receiving signal, selects an available heating device from the plurality of heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... as the selected heating device, and a movement instruction unit 103 that instructs the transport device 10 to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0091] Furthermore, the control system 100 according to this embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 2, a standby signal acquisition unit 104 that acquires a standby signal indicating that the transport device 10 is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; a loading instruction unit 105 that, when the standby signal acquisition unit 104 acquires a standby signal, instructs the selected heating device to open the door 21A and instructs the transport device 10 to load the object 30 into the selected heating device, as shown in Figures 3 and 4; and a loading signal acquisition unit 106 that acquires a loading signal indicating that the transport device 10 has loaded the object 30 into the selected heating device. When the loading signal acquisition unit 106 acquires a loading signal, the movement instruction unit 103 may instruct the transport device 10 to move to the position of the processing device 40 that processes the object 30.

[0092] Furthermore, the control system 100 according to this embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 5, a heating instruction unit 107 that, when the input signal acquisition unit 106 acquires an input signal, instructs the selected heating device to close the door 21A and heat the object 30; a heating completion signal acquisition unit 108 that acquires a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object 30 has been completed within the selected heating device; and an unloading instruction unit 109 that, when the heating completion signal acquisition unit 108 acquires a heating completion signal, instructs the selected heating device to open the door 21A and instructs the transport device 10 to unload the object 30 from within the selected heating device. The heating instruction unit 107 may also transmit heating conditions based on the composition of the object 30 to the selected heating device. When the heating completion signal acquisition unit 108 acquires a heating completion signal, the movement instruction unit 103 may instruct the transport device 10 to move to the position of the selected heating device.

[0093] Furthermore, the control system 100 according to this embodiment may include a processing completion signal acquisition unit 110 that acquires a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of the object 30 has been completed in the processing device 40, and a receiving instruction unit 111 that, when the processing completion signal acquisition unit 110 acquires a processing completion signal, instructs the conveying device 10 to receive the object 30 from the processing device 40. When the processing completion signal acquisition unit 110 acquires a processing completion signal, the moving instruction unit 103 may instruct the conveying device 10 to move to the position of the processing device 40.

[0094] Furthermore, the control system 100 according to the embodiment may further include a container state confirmation unit 112 that acquires a container state signal indicating that there is space to place the object 30 in the container 60 configured to contain the object 30 after it has been heated. When the container state confirmation unit 112 acquires a container state signal, as shown in Figure 6, the movement instruction unit 103 may instruct the transport device 10 to move the object 30 that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container 60.

[0095] The control system 100 is, for example, a computer and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or FPGA (field-programmable gate array), and volatile and / or non-volatile storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and hard disk. However, the storage devices may be located outside the computer or at a location away from the computer.

[0096] The receiving signal acquisition unit 101, the device selection unit 102, the movement instruction unit 103, the standby signal acquisition unit 104, the loading instruction unit 105, the loading signal acquisition unit 106, the heating instruction unit 107, the heating completion signal acquisition unit 108, the unloading instruction unit 109, the processing completion signal acquisition unit 110, the receiving instruction unit 111, and the container status confirmation unit 112 are realized in a computer by the processor executing a program stored in a memory device.

[0097] Alternatively, the device selection unit 102, movement instruction unit 103, standby signal acquisition unit 104, loading instruction unit 105, loading signal acquisition unit 106, heating instruction unit 107, heating completion signal acquisition unit 108, unloading instruction unit 109, processing completion signal acquisition unit 110, receiving instruction unit 111, and container status confirmation unit 112 may be implemented by hardware such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0098] The control system 100, the conveying device 10, the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, ..., and the container 60 may be electrically connected via wired or wireless means, and may be able to send and receive electrical signals to and from each other. The control system 100, the conveying device 10, the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, ..., and the container 60 may be located at separate locations. Alternatively, the control system 100, the conveying device 10, the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, ..., and the container 60 may be located adjacent to each other. The control system 100 may be located inside any of the conveying device 10, the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, ..., and the container 60.

[0099] The object 30 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, an industrial material, an industrial product, a food ingredient, or a food product. The object 30 is also called a workpiece. The shape of the object 30 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a disc, a cylinder, or a prismatic shape. The hardness of the object 30 is not particularly limited and may be hard or brittle within the range that it can be transported by the transport device 10. The material of the object 30 is not particularly limited and may be a metal, a nonmetallic inorganic substance, or an organic substance. The object 30 may be a metal briquette obtained by compressing a metallic material. The material of the object 30 may contain a pure metal or a metallic compound such as an alloy. Examples of metals include iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), and cobalt (Co).

[0100] The sintering temperature of iron (Fe) is, for example, 1200°C. The melting point of iron (Fe) is 1538°C. The sintering temperature of nickel (Ni) is, for example, 1200°C. The melting point of nickel (Ni) is 1495°C. The sintering temperature of copper (Cu) is, for example, 800°C. The melting point of copper (Cu) is 1085°C. The sintering temperature of gold (Au) is, for example, 800°C. The melting point of gold (Au) is 1064°C. The sintering temperature of silver (Ag) is, for example, 750°C. The melting point of silver (Ag) is 962°C. The sintering temperature of aluminum (Al) is, for example, 500°C. The melting point of aluminum (Al) is 660°C. The sintering temperature of cobalt (Co) is, for example, 1100°C. The melting point of cobalt (Co) is 1455°C.

[0101] The material of object 30 may contain one type of metal or multiple types of metals. Examples of metal compounds include, but are not limited to, alloys composed of multiple metal elements, alloys composed of a metal element and a nonmetal element, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal chlorides, metal carbides, metal borides, and metal sulfides. The metal powder may contain, for example, silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), carbon (C), boron (B), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), niobium (Nb), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), and sulfur (S) as alloying components.

[0102] The object 30 may contain impurities. If the object 30 is a metal briquette, the object 30 may contain impurities such as oil, lubricants, organic compounds, aqueous solutions, and water. The impurities may be volatile. Oxides such as oxide films may be formed on the object 30.

[0103] The transport device 10 may be, for example, a transport robot. The transport device 10 may be able to move in any direction on the floor, for example. Alternatively, the transport device 10 may be able to move along rails or guides. The rails or guides may be set on the floor or suspended from the ceiling. The transport device 10 may include, for example, a gripping device 11 configured to grip an object 30. The gripping device 11 is also called a robot hand or end effector. The transport device 10 may include, for example, a moving device 12 connected to the gripping device 11 and configured to move the gripping device 11. The moving device 12 is movable in three dimensions and can move the gripping device 11 to any location. The moving device 12 may include a robot arm and a manipulator. The moving device 12 may include an arm of a vertical robot, an arm of a SCARA robot, an arm of a parallel link robot, and an arm of a Cartesian robot.

[0104] The conveying device 10 receives the object 30 from a processing device 40 that processes the object 30. An example of the processing device 40 is a briquetting machine. The briquetting machine may be a molding machine, a compressor, or a solidifying machine. The processing device 40 processes the material to manufacture the object 30. The processing device 40, for example, applies pressure to the material to manufacture the object 30, which is a molded body. The shape and size of the material are not limited. The material is, for example, a metallic material. The metallic material is, for example, a metal piece. The metal piece may be, for example, a metal slice, a metal fragment, a metal chip, metal shavings, or metal powder. The pressure that the processing device 40 applies to the material is not limited, but for example, it may be 1 MPa or more, 100 MPa or more, or 200 MPa or more, and 2000 MPa or less, 1900 MPa or less, or 1800 MPa or less. Pressurization methods include uniaxial molding, cold isostatic pressing (CIP) molding, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) molding, and roller pressing.

[0105] The means by which each of the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... heats the object 30 are not particularly limited. The heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... heat the object 30 by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves, for example. The heated object 30 is then sintered or melted and solidified, for example. If the object 30 contains volatile impurities, when the object 30 is heated, the impurities vaporize. This reduces the amount of impurities in the object 30, or removes the impurities from the object 30. If the object 30 contains oxides such as an oxide film, when the object 30 is heated, the oxides vaporize, or are reduced. This reduces the amount of oxides in the object 30, or removes the oxides from the object 30.

[0106] Electromagnetic waves are, for example, millimeter waves and microwaves. Millimeter waves are, for example, electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Microwaves are, for example, electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 300 MHz to 30 GHz. Each of the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. may be equipped with a pressurizing section that applies pressure to the object 30. The pressurizing section may apply pressure to the object 30 at least one of the following times: before irradiating the object 30 with electromagnetic waves, while irradiating the object 30 with electromagnetic waves, and after irradiating the object 30 with electromagnetic waves.

[0107] Each heating device 20A, 20B, 20C... comprises a chamber and doors 21A, 21B, 21C... provided in the chamber. When an object 30 is placed inside the chamber, the doors 21A, 21B, 21C... are opened. When the object 30 is heated inside the chamber, the doors 21A, 21B, 21C... are closed. When the object 30 is removed from the chamber, the doors 21A, 21B, 21C... are opened.

[0108] For example, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., have the same configuration. The configuration of heating device 20A will be described below. Heating device 20A includes, for example, a chamber 22A, an electromagnetic wave irradiation device 50A that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the chamber 22A, and a stage 23A provided in the chamber 22A for placing the object 30. The chamber 22A is provided with a window 61A for allowing electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 50A to pass through. Heating device 20A may also include a drive device 24A configured to rotate the stage 23A. By rotating the stage 23A, it is possible to irradiate the object 30 with electromagnetic waves uniformly. A promoter 25A that promotes heating of the object 30 may be placed on the stage 23A, and the object 30 may be placed on the stage 23A via the promoter 25A.

[0109] The heating device 20A may include a promoter 26A that contacts the upper surface of the object 30, as shown in Figure 9. The promoter 26A is configured to be movable up and down within the chamber 22A. The promoter 26A is connected, for example, to a shaft 27A. When the stage 23A rotates, the promoter 26A rotates passively via the frictional force between the upper surface of the stage 23A and the lower surface of the promoter 25A, the frictional force between the upper surface of the promoter 25A and the lower surface of the object 30, and the frictional force between the upper surface of the object 30 and the lower surface of the promoter 26A.

[0110] The promoters 25A and 26A may contain an insulating material that has higher electromagnetic wave permeability than the object 30 and absorbs electromagnetic waves to a lower degree than the object 30. The insulating material has a melting point higher than the melting point of the object 30. Because the insulating material absorbs electromagnetic waves to a low degree, it generates less heat even when irradiated with electromagnetic waves, thus exhibiting an insulating effect. Furthermore, because the insulating material has a higher melting point than the object 30, its shape remains stable even when irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Therefore, even while the object 30 irradiated with electromagnetic waves is sintering or melting, the promoters 25A and 26A containing the insulating material can maintain their shape.

[0111] The insulating material may contain metal oxides or metalloid oxides. Examples of metal and metalloid oxides include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon oxide (SiO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), and titanium oxide (TiO₂). For example, the melting point of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) is 2072°C. The melting point of silicon oxide (SiO₂) is 1710°C. The melting point of magnesium oxide (MgO) is 2852°C. The insulating material may also be a compound of these.

[0112] The promoters 25A and 26A may include an absorbing material that absorbs electromagnetic waves at a temperature range that is at least partially lower than the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves. The absorbing material has a melting point higher than the melting point of the object 30. At least partially of the temperature range in which the absorbing material absorbs electromagnetic waves is lower than the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves. If the object 30 contains a metal, the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves is, for example, 300°C to 1200°C, 450°C to 1100°C, or 600°C to 800°C. The temperature range in which the absorbing material absorbs electromagnetic waves is, for example, 100°C to 1000°C, 250°C to 900°C, or 400°C to 600°C.

[0113] Preferably, at least a portion of the temperature range in which the absorbing material absorbs electromagnetic waves overlaps with the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves. Since the absorbing material absorbs electromagnetic waves at a temperature range that is at least partially lower than the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves, it generates heat faster than the object 30. Therefore, the absorbing material can heat the object 30 before it reaches the temperature range in which it absorbs electromagnetic waves. Consequently, if the promoters 25A and 26A contain the absorbing material, the temperature of the object 30 reaches the temperature range in which it absorbs electromagnetic waves more quickly, and the heating time of the object 30 can be shortened. In addition, since the absorbing material absorbs electromagnetic waves at a temperature range that is at least partially lower than the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves, it is possible to suppress the promoters 25A and 26A from being heated more than necessary. Therefore, even while the object 30 irradiated with electromagnetic waves is sintering or melting, the promoters 25A and 26A containing the absorbing material can maintain their shape.

[0114] The absorbing material includes, for example, a carbon material. Examples of carbon materials include, but are not limited to, carbon black, amorphous carbon, graphite, silicon carbide, carbon resin, and metal carbides. The absorbing material may also include the object 30 to be sintered or melted solidified, which absorbs electromagnetic waves at a temperature range at least partially lower than the temperature range in which the object 30 absorbs electromagnetic waves, metal nitrides, metal oxides, and metal borides. The absorbing material may also be compounds of these materials. It is preferable that the absorbing material does not contain volatile components. By not containing volatile components, it is possible to avoid the absorption of electromagnetic waves by volatile components.

[0115] Promoters 25A and 26A may contain a reducing material that reduces the target substance 30. The reducing material has a melting point higher than the melting point of the target substance 30. Examples of reducing materials include carbon and silicon carbide. A carbon material used as an absorbent material can also function as a reducing material.

[0116] Promoters 25A and 26A may consist solely of insulating materials, solely of absorbent materials, solely of reducing materials, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the properties and functions of insulating materials, absorbent materials, and reducing materials may overlap. For example, a carbon material can function as both an absorbent and a reducing material.

[0117] The heating device 20A includes, for example, an aerosol sensor 51A configured to detect aerosols in the chamber 22A. Aerosols are, for example, smoke and vapor. The smoke may be oil fumes. The vapor may be water vapor. Aerosols are generated, for example, when the object 30 is heated and the volatile substances contained in the object 30 vaporize. The aerosol sensor 51A measures the aerosols, for example, by irradiating light into the chamber 22A and measuring the amount of light transmitted. Alternatively, the aerosol sensor 51A measures the aerosols by irradiating light into the chamber 22A and measuring the scattering of light. When the aerosol sensor 51A detects aerosols of a predetermined concentration, and then no more aerosols are detected or the amount of aerosols falls below a predetermined amount, it can be considered that the vaporization of the volatile substances contained in the object 30 is complete and the sintering and solidification of the object 30 is complete. The predetermined amount of aerosols can be set based on the amount of volatile substances that the object 30 is allowed to contain. A predetermined amount of aerosol can be a predetermined concentration of aerosol.

[0118] The heating device 20A includes, for example, a fire sensor 52A configured to detect fire, flames, and sparks in the chamber 22A. Fire, flames, and sparks occur, for example, when the object 30 is overheated. The heating device 20A also includes, for example, temperature sensors 53A, 54A, and 55A configured to detect the temperature in the chamber 22A. The temperature sensors 53A, 54A, and 55A may be radiation thermometers. When the temperature sensors 53A, 54A, and 55A detect that the object 30 has reached a predetermined temperature, or when they detect that the object 30 has reached a predetermined temperature and a predetermined time has elapsed, the sintering and solidification of the object 30 can be considered complete.

[0119] The heating device 20A may include an atmosphere control device 56 for controlling the atmosphere inside the chamber 22A. The atmosphere control device 56 may, for example, create an inert gas atmosphere inside the chamber 22A. Examples of inert gases include argon (Ar) and helium (He). The atmosphere control device 56 may, for example, create a neutral gas atmosphere inside the chamber 22A. Examples of neutral gases include nitrogen (N2), dry hydrogen (H2), and ammonia (NH3). The atmosphere control device 56 may, for example, create a reducing gas atmosphere inside the chamber 22A. Examples of reducing gases include hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbon gases (CH4, C3H8, C4H8). 10 Examples include the following. By making the atmosphere inside the chamber 22A reducing, it is possible to reduce oxides that the object 30 may contain.

[0120] Next, using the flowcharts in Figures 10 and 11, we will explain how to control the transport device 10 and the multiple heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. according to the embodiment, how to operate the transport device 10 and the multiple heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and how to manufacture a solid.

[0121] In step S101, the processing device 40 transmits a processing completion signal to the control system 100 indicating that the processing of the object 30 is complete. The processing completion signal acquisition unit 110 of the control system 100 receives the processing completion signal. In step S102, the receiving instruction unit 111 of the control system 100 transmits a receiving instruction signal to the transport device 10 instructing it to receive the object 30 from the processing device 40. The transport device 10 receives the receiving instruction signal. If the transport device 10 is not at the location of the processing device 40, the movement instruction unit 103 of the control system 100 instructs the transport device 10 to move to the location of the processing device 40. The location of the processing device 40 includes the vicinity of the processing device 40, for example, in front of the processing device 40. In step S103, the transport device 10 receives the object 30 from the processing device 40. The transport device 10 transmits a receiving signal to the control system 100 indicating that it has received the object 30. The receiving signal acquisition unit 101 of the control system 100 receives the receiving signal.

[0122] In step S104, the device selection unit 102 of the control system 100 transmits a status confirmation signal to each of the multiple heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... to confirm whether they are in operation or idle. Each of the multiple heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... receives the status confirmation signal. Each of the multiple heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... transmits a status notification signal to the device selection unit 102 of the control system 100 to notify it whether it is in operation or idle. The device selection unit 102 of the control system 100 receives the status notification signal.

[0123] In step S105, the device selection unit 102 of the control system 100 selects an available heating device from among the multiple heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C... as the selected heating device. If there are multiple available heating devices, the device selection unit 102 of the control system 100 may select the available heating device that results in the shortest travel distance for the conveying device 10 as the selected heating device. Here, we will explain an example in which the device selection unit 102 of the control system 100 selects heating device 20A as the selected heating device.

[0124] In step S106, the movement instruction unit 103 of the control system 100 transmits a movement instruction signal to the transport device 10 to move to the position of the selected heating device. The transport device 10 receives the movement instruction signal. The transport device 10 moves to the position of the heating device 20A, which is the selected heating device. The position of the heating device 20A includes the vicinity of the heating device 20A, for example, in front of the heating device 20A. The transport device 10 transmits a standby signal to the control system 100 indicating that it is waiting at the position of the selected heating device. The standby signal acquisition unit 104 of the control system 100 receives the standby signal. In step S107, the loading instruction unit 105 of the control system 100 transmits an open door instruction signal to the selected heating device to open the door 21A. The selected heating device receives the open door instruction signal and opens the door 21A.

[0125] In step S108, the loading instruction unit 105 of the control system 100 transmits a loading instruction signal to the transport device 10, instructing it to load the object 30 into the selected heating device with the door 21A open. The transport device 10 receives the loading instruction signal and loads the object 30 into the selected heating device. The transport device 10 transmits a loading signal to the control system 100 indicating that the object 30 has been loaded into the selected heating device. The loading signal acquisition unit 106 of the control system 100 receives the loading signal.

[0126] While the processing device 40 is processing multiple objects 30, the loop from steps S101 to S108 may be repeated, and the multiple objects 30 may be sequentially loaded into available heating devices. The loop from steps S101 to S108 may be performed in parallel with steps S109 to S113, which will be described later. Therefore, after performing step S108, the process may proceed to step S109 in parallel with repeating the loop from steps S101 to S108.

[0127] In step S109, the heating instruction unit 107 of the control system 100 transmits a heating instruction signal to the selected heating device to instruct it to close the door 21A and heat the object 30. The selected heating device receives the heating instruction signal. The heating instruction unit 107 may also transmit heating conditions to the selected heating device based on the composition of the object 30. The heating conditions may be set based on, for example, the material of the object 30. The heating conditions may be set based on, for example, the melting point and sintering temperature of the material of the object 30. The heating conditions may be set based on, for example, the amount of impurities present in the object 30. The heating conditions may include atmospheric conditions inside the chamber of the selected heating device. The selected heating device closes the door 21A. In step S110, the selected heating device heats the object 30 inside. If the selected heating device has received heating conditions, it heats the object 30 according to the heating conditions. If the heating conditions include atmospheric conditions, the atmosphere control device 56 of the selected heating device controls the atmosphere inside the chamber of the selected heating device according to the atmospheric conditions.

[0128] If the fire sensor 52A of the selected heating device does not detect fire, flames, or sparks due to abnormal heating of the object 30 in step S111, the process proceeds to step S112. If the fire sensor 52A of the selected heating device detects fire, flames, or sparks due to abnormal heating of the object 30 in step S111, the process proceeds to step S201 to determine whether the number of times fire, flames, or sparks have been detected is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. If the number of times fire, flames, or sparks have been detected is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the selected heating device terminates heating of the object 30. If the number of times fire, flames, or sparks have been detected is not greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the selected heating device temporarily suspends heating of the object 30 in step S202. The process then returns to step S110.

[0129] In step S112, if impurities are attached to the object 30, or if the object 30 contains impurities, heating causes the impurities to vaporize from the object 30, generating an aerosol. The aerosol sensor 51A of the selected heating device detects the aerosol, and if it subsequently stops detecting aerosols or if the amount of aerosol falls below a predetermined level, the process proceeds to step S113. If the aerosol sensor 51A of the selected heating device has never detected an aerosol, or if it continues to detect aerosols, the process returns to step S110, and the selected heating device continues heating the object 30. In step S113, the selected heating device terminates the heating and solidification of the object 30. The selected heating device transmits a heating completion signal to the control system 100 indicating that heating of the object 30 is complete. The heating completion signal acquisition unit 108 of the control system 100 receives the heating completion signal.

[0130] In step S114, the unloading instruction unit 109 of the control system 100 sends an open door instruction signal to the selected heating device to open the door 21A. The selected heating device receives the open door instruction signal and opens the door 21A. In step S115, the unloading instruction unit 109 of the control system 100 sends an unloading instruction signal to the transport device 10 to unload the object 30 from inside the selected heating device. The transport device 10 receives the unloading instruction signal and unloads the object 30 from the selected heating device with the door 21A open. If the transport device 10 is not at the location of the selected heating device, the movement instruction unit 103 of the control system 100 instructs the transport device 10 to move to the location of the selected heating device. Furthermore, if the conveying device 10 is performing the loop from step S101 to S108, the conveying device 10 may perform the loop from step S101 to S108 once, then temporarily interrupt the loop from step S101 to S108 and perform step S115.

[0131] In step S116, the discharge instruction unit 109 of the control system 100 sends a door-close instruction signal to the selected heating device to close the door 21A. The selected heating device receives the door-close instruction signal and closes the door 21A. In step S117, the container status confirmation unit 112 of the control system 100 sends a container status confirmation signal to confirm whether there is space in the container 60 to put the object 30. The container 60 receives the container status confirmation signal. If there is space to put the object 30, the container 60 sends a container status notification signal to the control system 100 indicating that there is space to put the object 30. The container status confirmation unit 112 of the control system 100 receives the container status notification signal.

[0132] In step S118, the movement instruction unit 103 of the control system 100 instructs the conveying device 10 to move the object 30, which has been removed from the selected heating device, to the container 60. The conveying device 10 moves to the position of the container 60. The position of the container 60 includes the vicinity of the container 60, for example, in front of the container 60. The conveying device 10 places the object 30 into the container 60.

[0133] The data acquisition system 200 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12 includes a pre-heating object data acquisition unit 201 that collects data on the object 30 before it is heated by the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. The data on the object 30 before heating includes, for example, the weight, shape, temperature, strength, raw material components, raw material particle size, components mixed in the raw material, raw material supplier, and raw material arrival date of the object 30 before heating.

[0134] The weight of the object 30 before heating is measured, for example, by a mass meter installed in the processing device 40, conveying device 10, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., or nearby thereto, and transmitted to the pre-heating object data acquisition unit 201. An example of a mass meter is a load cell.

[0135] The shape of the object 30 before heating is measured by the processing device 40, the conveying device 10, the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., or by a shape measuring machine located near them, and transmitted to the pre-heating object data acquisition unit 201. Examples of shape include height, width, and surface roughness. Examples of shape measuring machines include laser sensors and cameras.

[0136] The temperature of the object 30 before heating is measured by thermometers installed in the processing device 40, conveying device 10, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., or in their vicinity, and transmitted to the pre-heating object data collection unit 201. Examples of thermometers include radiation thermometers and thermocouples.

[0137] The strength of the object 30 before heating is measured by a strength measuring instrument provided in the vicinity of the processing device 40, the conveying device 10, the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the pre-heating object data collection unit 201. An example of a strength measuring instrument is a torque sensor. For example, in a mechanism for gripping the object 30, if a ball screw is driven by a motor to clamp the object 30 in the gripping part, the rotational torque of the motor may be detected.

[0138] The data acquisition system 200 according to the embodiment includes a heating data acquisition unit 202 that collects heating data in heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. The heating data includes, for example, the arrangement of the object 30 inside the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., the time change in the temperature of the object 30, the time change in the temperature of the door, the heating time, the intensity of electromagnetic waves, the time change in the components of the ambient gas, the time change in the concentration of the ambient gas, the time change in the components of the exhaust gas, the time change in the concentration of the exhaust gas, the time change in the concentration of the aerosol, whether or not ignition occurred, and the time of ignition.

[0139] The arrangement of the object 30 within the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. is measured, for example, by position sensors provided in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data acquisition unit 202. An example of a position sensor is a laser sensor.

[0140] The time-dependent changes in the temperature of the object 30 inside the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., the time-dependent changes in the temperature of the door, and the time-dependent changes in the temperature of the exhaust gas are measured, for example, by thermometers installed in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data acquisition unit 202. Examples of thermometers include radiation thermometers and thermocouples.

[0141] The heating time in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. is measured, for example, by an electromagnetic wave irradiation device provided in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data acquisition unit 202. The intensity of the electromagnetic waves in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. is measured, for example, by an electromagnetic wave detector provided in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data acquisition unit 202.

[0142] The time-dependent changes in the atmospheric gas components, atmospheric gas concentration, exhaust gas components, and exhaust gas concentration within the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. are measured, for example, by gas sensors installed in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data acquisition unit 202.

[0143] The time-dependent change in aerosol concentration within the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. is measured, for example, by aerosol sensors provided in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data acquisition unit 202.

[0144] The presence or absence of ignition within the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and the duration of ignition are measured, for example, by fire sensors installed in the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., and transmitted to the heating data collection unit 202.

[0145] The data acquisition system 200 according to the embodiment includes a post-heating object data acquisition unit 203 that collects data on the object 30 after it has been heated by the heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc. The data on the object 30 after heating includes, for example, the weight, shape, temperature, strength, and processing lot number of the object 30 after heating. A processing lot is, for example, a collection of multiple objects 30 that have been heated over a certain period of time. Alternatively, a processing lot may be a collection of a certain number of objects 30.

[0146] The weight of the object 30 after heating is measured, for example, by a mass meter installed in the conveying device 10, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., container 60, or nearby thereto, and transmitted to the post-heating object data acquisition unit 203. An example of a mass meter is a load cell.

[0147] The shape of the object 30 after heating is measured by the conveying device 10, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., container 60, or a shape measuring device installed near them, and transmitted to the post-heating object data acquisition unit 203. Examples of shape include height, width, and surface roughness. Examples of shape measuring devices include laser sensors and cameras.

[0148] The temperature of the object 30 after heating is measured by thermometers installed in the transport device 10, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., container 60, or nearby, and transmitted to the post-heating object data collection unit 203. Examples of thermometers include radiation thermometers and thermocouples.

[0149] The strength of the object 30 after heating is measured by the conveying device 10, heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., container 60, or strength measuring instruments provided near these devices, and transmitted to the post-heating object data collection unit 203. An example of a strength measuring instrument is a torque sensor.

[0150] The data acquisition system 200 according to the embodiment includes a linking unit 204 that links an identifier of an object 30 heated by heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C, etc., with data collected by at least one of the pre-heating object data acquisition unit 201, the heating data acquisition unit 202, and the post-heating object data acquisition unit 203. By linking the identifier of the object 30 with this data, it is possible to guarantee the quality of the object 30 or to use the data to search for the cause of a defect if a defect occurs in the object 30.

[0151] As described above, the present invention has been described by embodiments, but the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. For example, in step S112 of the method for controlling the transport device 10 and a plurality of heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C..., the operation method of the transport device 10 and a plurality of heating devices 20A, 20B, 20C..., and the method for manufacturing a solid, as described using the flowcharts of Figures 10 and 11, instead of detecting an aerosol, or in addition to detecting an aerosol, the temperature of the object 30 may be detected by temperature sensors 53A, 54A, 55A, and if it is detected that the object 30 has reached a predetermined temperature, or that a predetermined time has elapsed since the object 30 reached a predetermined temperature, the process may proceed to step S113, and if the object 30 has not reached a predetermined temperature, the process may return to step S110. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, forms, and operating techniques should become apparent to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the present invention encompasses various embodiments and the like that are not described herein.

[0152] 10...Conveying device, 11...Gripping device, 12...Moving device, 20A, 20B, 20C...Heating device, 21A, 21B, 21C...Door, 22A...Chamber, 23A...Stage, 24A...Drive device, 25A, 26A...Promoter, 27A...Shaft, 30...Object, 40...Processing device, 50A...Electromagnetic wave irradiation device, 51A...Aerosol sensor, 52A...Fire sensor, 53A, 54A, 55A...Temperature sensor, 60...Container, 61A...Window, 100...Control system, 10 1...Receive signal acquisition unit, 102...Device selection unit, 103...Movement instruction unit, 104...Standby signal acquisition unit, 105...Loading instruction unit, 106...Loading signal acquisition unit, 107...Heating instruction unit, 108...Heating completion signal acquisition unit, 109...Loading instruction unit, 110...Processing completion signal acquisition unit, 111...Receive instruction unit, 112...Container status confirmation unit, 200...Data acquisition system, 201...Pre-heating target data acquisition unit, 202...Heating data acquisition unit, 203...Post-heating target data acquisition unit, 204...Linking unit

Claims

1. A control system configured to control a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, comprising: a receiving signal acquisition unit that acquires a receiving signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; a device selection unit that, when the receiving signal acquisition unit acquires the receiving signal, selects an available heating device from the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device; a movement instruction unit that instructs the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; a waiting signal acquisition unit that acquires a waiting signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; a loading instruction unit that, when the waiting signal acquisition unit acquires the waiting signal, instructs the selected heating device to open its door and instructs the transport device to load the object into the selected heating device; a loading signal acquisition unit that acquires a loading signal indicating that the transport device has loaded the object into the selected heating device; and a heating instruction unit that, when the loading signal acquisition unit acquires the loading signal, instructs the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object. A control system comprising: a heating completion signal acquisition unit that acquires a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object has been completed within the selected heating device; and a discharge instruction unit that, when the heating completion signal acquisition unit acquires the heating completion signal, instructs the selected heating device to open its door and instructs the transport device to discharge the object from within the selected heating device.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heating devices has an aerosol sensor, and when the aerosol sensor detects an aerosol, and thereafter no longer detects an aerosol or when the amount of aerosol falls below a predetermined amount, the heating completion signal is issued.

3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol is smoke or vapor.

4. The control system according to claim 3, wherein the object includes oil or water.

5. The control system according to claim 4, wherein the object further comprises a metal or a metal compound.

6. The control system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heating devices is equipped with an irradiation device that irradiates electromagnetic waves into its interior.

7. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the conveying device receives the object from the processing device.

8. The control system according to claim 7, wherein the processing apparatus is a molding machine.

9. The control system according to claim 8, wherein the molding machine is a briquette machine.

10. The control system according to claim 7, further comprising: a processing completion signal acquisition unit that acquires a processing completion signal indicating that the processing of the object has been completed by the processing apparatus; and a receiving instruction unit that, when the processing completion signal acquisition unit acquires the processing completion signal, instructs the conveying device to receive the object from the processing apparatus.

11. The control system according to claim 10, wherein when the processing completion signal acquisition unit acquires the processing completion signal, the movement instruction unit instructs the transport device to move to the position of the processing device.

12. The control system according to claim 7, wherein when the input signal acquisition unit acquires the input signal, the movement instruction unit instructs the transport device to move to the position of the processing device.

13. The control system according to claim 1, wherein when the heating completion signal acquisition unit acquires the heating completion signal, the movement instruction unit instructs the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device.

14. The control system according to claim 1, further comprising a container state confirmation unit that acquires a container state signal indicating that there is space in the container to place the object, wherein when the container state confirmation unit acquires the container state signal, the movement instruction unit instructs the transport device to move the object that has been removed from the selected heating device into the container.

15. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the heating instruction unit transmits heating conditions based on the composition of the object to the selected heating device.

16. A method for controlling a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, comprising: obtaining a reception signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; selecting an available heating device from the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device when the reception signal is obtained; instructing the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; obtaining a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to transport the object into the selected heating device when the standby signal is obtained; obtaining a loading signal indicating that the transport device has transported the object into the selected heating device; instructing the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object when the loading signal is obtained; and obtaining a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object in the selected heating device has been completed. A method comprising: when the heating completion signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to unload the object from inside the selected heating device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, after receiving the delivery signal, the receiving signal is repeatedly obtained, the available heating device is selected as the selected heating device, the device is instructed to move, the standby signal is obtained, and the device is instructed to deliver the object, until the device is instructed to deliver the object.

18. The conveying device receives the object; the conveying device transmits a receipt signal to the control system indicating that it has received the object; the control system receives the receipt signal and selects an available heating device from among a plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device; the control system instructs the conveying device to move to the position of the selected heating device; the conveying device transmits a standby signal to the control system indicating that it is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; the control system instructs the selected heating device to open its door and instructs the conveying device to transport the object into the selected heating device; the conveying device transmits a transport signal to the control system indicating that it has transported the object into the selected heating device; the control system instructs the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object; the selected heating device solidifies the object by heating; and the selected heating device transmits a heating completion signal to the control system indicating that the heating of the object is complete. A method for manufacturing a solid, comprising: the control system instructing the selected heating device to open its door; and the transport device instructing the transport device to transport the object out of the selected heating device.

19. The method for producing a solid according to claim 18, wherein the selected heating device solidifies the object by heating, and the impurities contained in the object are reduced.

20. The method for producing a solid according to claim 19, wherein the impurity is oil or water.

21. The method for producing a solid according to claim 18, wherein the oxide film present on the object is reduced when the selected heating device solidifies the object by heating.

22. The method according to claim 18, wherein, after transmitting the loading signal to the control system, the receiving signal is transmitted to the control system, the available heating device is selected as the selected heating device, the device is instructed to move, the standby signal is transmitted to the control system, and the device is instructed to load is repeated until the device is instructed to load the object.

23. A recording medium storing a program for controlling a transport device and a plurality of heating devices, wherein the computer shall: acquire a reception signal indicating that the transport device has received an object; when the reception signal is acquired, select an available heating device from the plurality of heating devices as the selected heating device; instruct the transport device to move to the position of the selected heating device; acquire a standby signal indicating that the transport device is waiting at the position of the selected heating device; when the standby signal is acquired, instruct the selected heating device to open its door and instruct the transport device to transport the object into the selected heating device; acquire a loading signal indicating that the transport device has transported the object into the selected heating device; when the loading signal is acquired, instruct the selected heating device to close its door and heat the object; and acquire a heating completion signal indicating that heating of the object in the selected heating device has been completed. A recording medium that records a program for causing a method to be executed that includes, when the heating completion signal is obtained, instructing the selected heating device to open its door and instructing the transport device to unload the object from inside the selected heating device.

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