JP5341374B2 - Heat treatment equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat treatment apparatus used in a system configured to be managed by a host computer.

In the heat treatment apparatus, it is important to stabilize the temperature in the furnace at a desired temperature before the work is loaded. For example, in a vertical heat treatment apparatus such as a vertical diffusion furnace, the inside of the furnace is stabilized at a standby temperature lower than the process temperature before the work is carried in, and the furnace is heated to the process temperature when the heat treatment for the work is started. In many cases, the temperature of the inside is increased (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such a heat treatment apparatus, the temperature in the furnace is lowered from the process temperature to the standby temperature when the workpiece is unloaded. In addition, while maintaining the inside of the furnace at the standby temperature throughout the interval until the next workpiece was carried in, the system was ready for receiving the next workpiece.
JP 2004-22987 A JP 2001-1444025 A

  However, in the conventional heat treatment apparatus, as a result of maintaining the inside of the furnace at the standby temperature regardless of the interval between the discharge of the workpiece and the delivery of the next workpiece, when the interval becomes long, There is a problem that energy for maintaining the temperature at the standby temperature is wasted.

  On the other hand, if the inside of the furnace is not stable at the standby temperature when the next workpiece is loaded, a waiting time is required to stabilize the temperature in the furnace to the standby temperature before loading the next workpiece. There was a problem that the throughput deteriorated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a heat treatment apparatus that can save energy without hindering the processing for the next workpiece.

  The heat treatment apparatus according to the present invention is configured to be managed by a host computer. This heat treatment apparatus includes at least heat treatment means, communication means, and control means.

  The heat treatment means is configured to be set to a process temperature at the time of heat treatment on the workpiece, and to be set to a standby temperature lower than the process temperature at the time of loading and discharging the workpiece. Examples of the configuration of the heat treatment means include a configuration including a furnace body, a heater for heating the furnace body, and a controller for driving and controlling the heater. The temperature control for the heat treatment means is realized, for example, by controlling the heater while measuring the temperature of the furnace body, but is not limited thereto.

  The communication means is configured to be able to communicate with the host computer. For example, the communication means is configured to be connected to the host computer at a work discharge work period (for example, when work discharge is completed) or at an arbitrary timing during the interval. The timing at which the communication means connects to the host computer may be any timing for determining whether or not the power-saving temperature can be set, and is not limited to the above example. The communication means is configured to be able to execute HOST communication that is a production management tool of a factory, for example.

The control means is configured to acquire system process information from the host computer via the communication means and to control the heat treatment means based on the acquired process information. When the control means determines that the length of the interval until the start of processing for the next workpiece is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the process information, the control means sets the heat treatment means to a power saving temperature lower than the standby temperature for a predetermined time in the interval. Set. When the preset user set temperature is equal to or higher than the power saving temperature, the heat treatment means is changed to the power saving temperature for a predetermined time in the interval and set to the user set temperature.

  The predetermined time here means the length of a period during which the next heat treatment is not hindered even if the heat treatment means is set to the power saving temperature. When the control means acquires the process information of the system from the host computer, the waiting time until the start of processing for the next work becomes clear. For this reason, even if the temperature of the heat treatment means is lowered to a temperature equal to or lower than the standby temperature, it is easy to return the heat treatment means to the standby temperature without hindering the processing for the next workpiece. The power saving temperature and the predetermined time are preferably determined based on the time until the start of processing for the next workpiece and the time required to recover to the standby temperature.

  In this configuration, the control means acquires process information from the cost computer by utilizing the time management of the workpiece (heat treatment product) by the host computer. As a result, since the control means can grasp the length of the waiting time until the next process, it is possible to save energy in the heat treatment apparatus within a range that does not hinder the next process. For example, the standby temperature of the heater can be lowered to the minimum set temperature or room temperature on the heat treatment apparatus side. Furthermore, since it is grasped when the process for the next workpiece is started, it becomes possible to control the heat treatment so that the heat treatment means is stabilized at the standby temperature before the process for the next workpiece is performed. .

  With the above configuration, useless energy (for example, electric power or gas) in a manufacturing system such as a factory is reduced. In addition, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which can contribute to the prevention of global warming.

  According to the present invention, energy saving can be achieved without hindering the processing for the next workpiece.

  FIG. 1 shows a part of a manufacturing system to which a heat treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the heat treatment apparatus 10 is connected to a network 16 constructed in the manufacturing system. In this embodiment, the heat treatment apparatus 10 is a vertical heat treatment apparatus such as a vertical diffusion furnace, but the configuration of the heat treatment apparatus 10 is not limited to the vertical heat treatment apparatus.

  The heat treatment apparatus 10 includes at least a heat treatment unit 14, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 12. The heat treatment unit 14 is configured to perform heat treatment on the workpiece based on the setting content supplied from the control unit 13. The control unit 13 is configured to comprehensively control each component in the heat treatment apparatus 10. The communication unit 12 is configured to be connectable to the network 16, and is configured to control communication performed mainly with the host computer 18 via the network 16. The communication unit 12 is configured to be connected to the host computer 18 when the work discharge is completed. In this embodiment, an example of determining whether or not the power-saving temperature can be set when the workpiece discharge is completed will be described. However, this determination timing may be another timing in the workpiece discharging operation period, an arbitrary timing in the interval, or the like. good.

  The host computer 18 holds process information related to the manufacturing process in the manufacturing system (for example, whether a trouble has occurred, the progress status of each process, etc.), and is configured to control the manufacturing process in the manufacturing system in an integrated manner. According to the process information, for example, the progress state in the process apparatuses 102 and 104 arranged in the preceding stage of the heat treatment apparatus 10 is grasped. In short, the host computer 18 realizes standby time management by HOST communication in the manufacturing system.

  FIG. 2 shows an operation procedure of the control unit 13 of the heat treatment apparatus when the processing for the workpiece is completed. When the work unloading is completed, the control unit 13 acquires process information from the host computer 18 via the communication unit 12 (S1).

  Subsequently, the control unit 13 determines whether there is a next heat treatment to be performed continuously based on the acquired process information (S2). If there is a next heat treatment in the determination step of S2, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to the normal standby temperature (S6) and prepares to receive the next workpiece. On the other hand, when the next heat treatment does not exist in the determination step of S2, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the interval exceeds a predetermined time based on the process information (S3).

  In the determination step of S3, when the interval is less than the predetermined time, that is, when the interval is relatively short, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to a normal standby temperature (S6) and is ready to accept the next workpiece. Arrange.

  On the other hand, in the determination step of S3, when the interval is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, that is, when the interval is relatively long, the control unit 13 calculates an allowable power saving temperature based on the acquired process information (S4). ). The power saving temperature is, in principle, the lowest temperature among the temperatures at which the heat treatment unit 14 can be returned to the standby temperature before the next work is loaded. That is, the longer the interval, the lower the power-saving temperature can be set. In S4, the control unit 13 calculates the value of the power saving temperature based on the process information, and calculates the length of the power saving period that can be maintained at the power saving temperature.

  Subsequently, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to the power saving temperature for the power saving period obtained by the calculation (S5). When the power saving period elapses, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to a normal standby temperature (S6), and prepares to receive the next workpiece.

  FIG. 3A shows a temperature change when a power saving period is provided between the intervals. As shown in FIG. 3A, by setting the heat treatment unit 14 to a power saving temperature lower than the standby temperature during the power saving period, energy resources such as gas and power until the next work is carried in. It is possible to reduce consumption. Compared to the case where the heat treatment unit 14 is always maintained at the standby temperature regardless of the length of the interval, the amount of energy consumption corresponding to the hatched portion shown in FIG. Become. In practice, however, it is necessary to consider the energy required for raising the temperature from the power saving temperature to the standby temperature, but even if the amount is subtracted, it can be said that a sufficient amount of energy has been saved.

  Further, since temperature control is performed so that the heat treatment unit 14 is stabilized at the standby temperature until the next workpiece is carried in, the next heat treatment is hindered by saving power consumption and gas consumption. There is nothing.

  According to the above embodiment, useless energy (for example, electric power and gas) in a manufacturing system such as a factory is reduced. In addition, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which can contribute to the prevention of global warming.

  FIG. 4 shows another example of the operation procedure of the control unit 13 of the heat treatment apparatus when the processing for the workpiece is completed. The basic operation procedure is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 2 except that an option for maintaining the heat treatment unit 14 at the user set temperature during the power saving period is added.

  When the work unloading is completed, the control unit 13 acquires process information from the host computer 18 via the communication unit 12 (S11).

  Subsequently, the control unit 13 determines whether there is a next heat treatment to be performed continuously based on the acquired process information (S12). If there is a next heat treatment in the determination step of S12, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to a normal standby temperature (S19) and prepares to receive the next workpiece. On the other hand, when the next heat treatment does not exist in the determination step of S12, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the interval exceeds a predetermined time based on the process information (S13).

  In the determination step of S13, when the interval is less than the predetermined time, that is, when the interval is relatively short, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to a normal standby temperature (S19) and is ready to accept the next workpiece. Arrange.

  On the other hand, in the determination step of S13, when the interval is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, that is, when the interval is relatively long, the control unit 13 calculates an allowable power saving temperature based on the acquired process information (S14). ). The processing so far is almost the same as the processing in FIG.

  Subsequently, the control unit 13 determines whether or not a user set temperature exists (S15). Here, the user set temperature is a set temperature to be set in the interval, and is a set temperature input in advance by the user's request. For example, if the user dislikes lowering the furnace temperature more than necessary, the user set temperature is set higher, while if the user who can lower the furnace temperature to room temperature, the user set temperature is set lower. Is done.

  In the determination step of S15, when the user set temperature exists, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the user set temperature is equal to or higher than the allowable power saving temperature obtained in the step of S14 (S16). . In the determination step of S16, when the user set temperature is equal to or higher than the allowable temperature, the control unit 13 sets the user set temperature for a predetermined time (S17), and resets the standby temperature after the predetermined period has elapsed (S19). ). The period set to the user set temperature may be the same as the period set to the power saving temperature, or may be calculated separately based on the process information.

  On the other hand, in the determination step of S16, when the user set temperature is less than the allowable temperature, the control unit 13 sets the power saving temperature obtained in S14 for a predetermined time (S18). Here, the reason why the user set temperature is not adopted is that when the user set temperature is set, it may be difficult to stabilize the heat treatment section 14 at the standby temperature until the next heat treatment. Thereafter, after a predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 13 resets the heat treatment unit 14 to the standby temperature (S19).

  If there is no user set temperature in the determination step of S15, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to the power saving temperature for the power saving period obtained in the step of S14 (S18). When the power saving period elapses, the control unit 13 sets the heat treatment unit 14 to a normal standby temperature (S19), and stabilizes the heat treatment unit 14 at the standby temperature before receiving the next workpiece.

  By adopting the above configuration, there is an advantage that it is possible to save energy while respecting the user's intention without hindering the processing for the next workpiece.

  The above description of the embodiment is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the manufacturing system with which the heat processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement procedure of the control part of heat processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the temperature control by the control part of heat processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the operation | movement procedure of the control part of a heat processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10- Heat processing apparatus 12- Control part 14- Heat processing part 16- Network 18- Host apparatus 102,104- Process apparatus

Claims (2)

A heat treatment apparatus used in a system configured to be managed by a host computer,
A heat treatment means configured to be set to a process temperature at the time of heat treatment of the workpiece, and to be set to a standby temperature lower than the process temperature at the time of loading and unloading the workpiece;
Communication means capable of communicating with the host computer;
Control means configured to acquire process information of the system from the host computer via the communication means, and to control the heat treatment means based on the acquired process information;
With
When the control means determines that the length of the interval until the start of processing for the next workpiece is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the process information, the control means keeps the heat treatment means from the standby temperature for a predetermined time in the interval. A low power-saving temperature is set, and when the preset user-set temperature is equal to or higher than the power-saving temperature, the heat treatment means is set to the user-set temperature instead of the power-saving temperature for a predetermined time in the interval. Heat treatment equipment.   2. The heat treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the power-saving temperature and the predetermined time based on a length of the interval and a time required to recover to the standby temperature.

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