JP6284015B2

JP6284015B2 - Method for drying ceramic honeycomb molded body

Info

Publication number: JP6284015B2
Application number: JP2014055436A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 岡崎　俊二; 俊二岡崎
Original assignee: Hitachi Metals Ltd
Current assignee: Proterial Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-25
Filing date: 2014-03-18
Publication date: 2018-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-18
Also published as: JP2014208458A

Description

本発明は、セラミックハニカム構造体の製造における、セラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥方法に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a method for drying a ceramic honeycomb formed body in the production of a ceramic honeycomb structure.

自動車などのエンジンから排出される排気ガスに含まれる有害物質の削減のための触媒コンバータや、デイーゼルエンジンからの排気ガス中に含まれる黒鉛微粒子などを捕集する排気ガス浄化フィルタとして、セラミックハニカム構造体が使用されている。
このようなセラミックハニカム構造体は次のように製造される。例えば、コーディエライト化原料からなるセラミックス原料と、成形助剤、水、必要に応じて造孔剤を混合、混練してセラミック坏土とする。次に、この坏土を押出スクリューまたはプランジャーによりハニカム構造体成形用の金型を通じて押出成形して、ハニカム構造を有するセラミックハニカム成形体とする。図１は、このセラミックハニカム成形体１の模式図を示し、(a)はセラミックハニカム成形体１の正面図、(b)は一部を断面で示した側面図であり、セラミックハニカム成形体１は、隔壁12に囲まれた流路13を有している。押出成形されたセラミックハニカム成形体１は、乾燥してセラミックハニカム成形体１中の水分などが除去され、さらにトンネル炉または単独炉などの焼成炉で焼成してセラミックハニカム構造体となる。
上述したセラミックハニカム構造体の製造方法において、セラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥には、マイクロ波を利用した乾燥方法が行われるようになってきている。 Ceramic honeycomb structure as a catalytic converter for reducing harmful substances contained in exhaust gas emitted from engines such as automobiles, and as an exhaust gas purification filter for collecting graphite fine particles contained in exhaust gas from diesel engines The body is used.
Such a ceramic honeycomb structure is manufactured as follows. For example, a ceramic raw material composed of a cordierite forming raw material, a forming aid, water, and a pore forming agent as necessary are mixed and kneaded to obtain a ceramic clay. Next, this clay is extruded through a die for forming a honeycomb structure with an extrusion screw or a plunger to obtain a ceramic honeycomb formed body having a honeycomb structure. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1, (a) is a front view of the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1, and (b) is a side view partially showing a cross section. Has a flow path 13 surrounded by a partition wall 12. The extruded ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is dried to remove moisture and the like in the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 and further fired in a firing furnace such as a tunnel furnace or a single furnace to form a ceramic honeycomb structure.
In the above-described method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure, a drying method using a microwave has been performed to dry a ceramic honeycomb formed body.

例えば、特許文献１には、複数個のセラミックハニカム成形体（被乾燥体）間の距離をマイクロ波の波長の３／４以上として乾燥を行うことが開示されている。複数個のセラミックハニカム成形体間の距離をマイクロ波の波長の３／４以上として乾燥を行うことで、同一の空間内にて複数個のセラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥する場合において、できるだけ高い生産性を維持しながら、全てのセラミックハニカム成形体を均一に乾燥することができるとしている。 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that drying is performed with a distance between a plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies (objects to be dried) set to 3/4 or more of the wavelength of the microwave. Productivity is as high as possible when drying a plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies in the same space by performing drying with the distance between the plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies being 3/4 or more of the microwave wavelength. All ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be uniformly dried while maintaining the above.

特開２００５−１３８２８８号公報JP 2005-138288 A

しかしながら、外径が150mm以上、長さ200mm以上のような大口径かつ長尺な大型のセラミックハニカム成形体の場合、特許文献１に記載された発明を用いてセラミックハニカム成形体をマイクロ波で乾燥した場合、セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面に亘る全体が均一に乾燥され難い場合があった。そのような場合、セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面の間で乾燥むらが生じ、乾燥後にセラミックハニカム成形体に変形やワレが生じる場合があった。 However, in the case of a large-sized large ceramic honeycomb molded body having an outer diameter of 150 mm or more and a length of 200 mm or more, the ceramic honeycomb molded body is dried by microwaves using the invention described in Patent Document 1. In this case, the whole of the ceramic honeycomb formed body from one end surface to the other end surface may not be uniformly dried. In such a case, uneven drying occurs between one end face of the ceramic honeycomb formed body and the other end face, and the ceramic honeycomb formed body may be deformed or cracked after drying.

したがって、本発明は、外径が150mm以上、長さ200mm以上のような大口径かつ長尺な大型のセラミックハニカム成形体をマイクロ波で乾燥する場合においても、乾燥後にセラミックハニカム成形体に変形やワレが生じ難いセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥方法を提供することにある。 Therefore, in the present invention, even when a large-sized and long large ceramic honeycomb molded body having an outer diameter of 150 mm or more and a length of 200 mm or more is dried by microwaves, the ceramic honeycomb molded body is deformed after drying. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for drying a ceramic honeycomb formed body which is not easily cracked.

本発明者は、マイクロ波により同一空間内に複数のセラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥する場合に、各セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面に亘る全体の乾燥状態のばらつきを解消する目的で、セラミックハニカム成形体が載置された載置台のセラミックハニカム成形体に当接する載置面の位置関係に着目して検討を重ねた。その結果、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体が載置されている載置台の載置面の鉛直方向の位置が異なる状態で乾燥を行うことで、セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面に亘り全体が均一に乾燥され易くなることを見い出した。そして、乾燥後のセラミックハニカム成形体に乾燥の不均一に伴う変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるとの知見を得て、本発明に想到した。 The present inventor intends to eliminate the variation in the entire dry state from one end face to the other end face of each ceramic honeycomb formed body when drying a plurality of ceramic honeycomb formed bodies in the same space by microwaves. Further, investigations were made by paying attention to the positional relationship of the mounting surface contacting the ceramic honeycomb molded body of the mounting table on which the ceramic honeycomb molded body was mounted. As a result, drying is performed in a state where the vertical positions of the mounting surfaces of the mounting tables on which the adjacent ceramic honeycomb molded bodies are mounted differ from each other to the other end face of the ceramic honeycomb molded body. It was found that the whole was easily dried uniformly. The inventors have obtained the knowledge that a ceramic honeycomb formed body with less deformation and cracking due to non-uniform drying can be obtained in the dried ceramic honeycomb formed body, and the present invention has been conceived.

具体的に本発明は、複数のセラミックハニカム成形体を、載置台に載置し、マイクロ波を照射して、前記セラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥させる方法において、前記載置台の前記セラミックハニカム成形体に当接する載置面が、隣接する載置台の載置面の鉛直方向位置と異なることを特徴とする。 Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for placing a plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies on a mounting table, irradiating microwaves and drying the ceramic honeycomb molded body, to the ceramic honeycomb molded body of the mounting table. The placement surface that abuts is different from the vertical position of the placement surface of the adjacent placement table.

本発明において、前記複数のセラミックハニカム成形体は、前記セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が、前記載置台の載置面に対して略垂直に載置されることが好ましい。 In the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of ceramic honeycomb formed bodies are mounted so that a flow path direction of the ceramic honeycomb formed body is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting table.

本発明において、隣接する載置台の載置面の鉛直方向位置が、前記マイクロ波の波長の1/400以上異なることが好ましい。 In the present invention, it is preferable that the vertical position of the mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table differs by 1/400 or more of the wavelength of the microwave.

本発明において、前記マイクロ波を照射する際に、前記載置台が移動することが好ましい。 In this invention, when irradiating the said microwave, it is preferable that the above-mentioned mounting base moves.

本発明において、前記セラミックハニカム成形体が、前記載置台が移動する方向に沿って載置されることが好ましい。 In the present invention, it is preferable that the ceramic honeycomb formed body is mounted along a direction in which the mounting table moves.

本発明において、隣接する載置台の載置面の鉛直方向位置が、前記載置台が移動する方向に漸次変化するように配置されたことが好ましい。 In the present invention, it is preferable that the vertical positions of the mounting surfaces of adjacent mounting tables are arranged so as to gradually change in the direction in which the mounting table moves.

本発明によれば、外径が150mm以上、長さ200mm以上のような大口径かつ長尺な大型のセラミックハニカム成形体をマイクロ波で乾燥する場合においても、乾燥後にセラミックハニカム成形体に変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥方法を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, even when a large ceramic honeycomb molded body having a large diameter such as an outer diameter of 150 mm or more and a length of 200 mm or more is dried by microwaves, the ceramic honeycomb molded body is deformed after drying. A method for drying a ceramic honeycomb formed body with less cracking can be provided.

本発明に係るセラミックハニカム成形体を示した模式図。The schematic diagram which showed the ceramic honeycomb molded object which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係るマイクロ波乾燥機内を示した模式図。The schematic diagram which showed the inside of the microwave dryer which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係るマイクロ波乾燥機内を示した模式図。The schematic diagram which showed the inside of the microwave dryer which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る載置台を示した模式図。The schematic diagram which showed the mounting base which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る載置台の移動方向示した模式図。The schematic diagram which showed the moving direction of the mounting base which concerns on this invention.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を具体的に説明するが、本発明は以下の実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で、当業者の通常の知識に基づいて、適宜設計の変更、改良等が加えられることが理解されるべきである。 Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and is based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that design changes and improvements can be made as appropriate.

本発明のセラミックハニカム構造体の製造方法について説明する。
まず、少なくともセラミックスからなる骨材原料と有機バインダー、水、必要に応じて造孔材、潤滑剤等を混合する。骨材原料としては、コーディエライト化原料、ムライト、炭化珪素、窒化珪素、アルミナ、酸化チタン、チタン酸アルミニウムからなる群より選択された少なくとも１種の成分を含むことができる。 A method for manufacturing the ceramic honeycomb structure of the present invention will be described.
First, at least an aggregate material made of ceramics, an organic binder, water, and a pore former, a lubricant, and the like are mixed as necessary. The aggregate raw material can include at least one component selected from the group consisting of cordierite forming raw material, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, alumina, titanium oxide, and aluminum titanate.

有機バインダーは、押出成形後の成形体でゲル状となり、成形体の強度を維持する添加剤である。有機バインダーとしては、例えば、メチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロポキシルメチルセルロース、カルボキシルメチルセルロース、ヒドロキシエチルセルロース、ポリビニルアルコール等を用いることができる。 The organic binder is an additive that becomes a gel in the molded body after extrusion and maintains the strength of the molded body. As the organic binder, for example, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropoxylmethylcellulose, carboxylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and the like can be used.

造孔材は、成形体を焼成する際に焼失することにより気孔が形成され、気孔率を増大させる添加剤である。造孔材としては、例えば、小麦粉、澱粉粉、グラファイト、セラミックバルーン、ポリエチレン、ポリスチレン、ポリプロピレン、ナイロン、ポリエステル、アクリル、フェノール、発泡済発泡樹脂、未発泡発泡樹脂等の、１種類或いは１種類以上を組み合わせて使用することができる。 The pore former is an additive that increases the porosity by forming pores by burning out when the molded body is fired. Examples of the pore former include one kind or one or more kinds such as wheat flour, starch powder, graphite, ceramic balloon, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, acrylic, phenol, foamed foamed resin, and unfoamed foamed resin. Can be used in combination.

次に、混合された混合物を混練して坏土とし、押出成形用金型を通じて、焼成後に外径が150mm以上、壁厚が0.1〜0.5mm、セル密度が100〜900セル/平方インチとなるハニカム形状に押出成形する。 Next, the mixed mixture is kneaded to form a clay, and after firing, the outer diameter is 150 mm or more, the wall thickness is 0.1 to 0.5 mm, and the cell density is 100 to 900 cells / in 2 after firing. Extruded into a honeycomb shape.

次に、押出成形されたセラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥させる。乾燥方法について具体的な１例として図２、図３を基に説明する。図２、図３は、マイクロ波乾燥機2内にセラミックハニカム成形体1が載置台(31〜36)に載置された状態を示している。そして、(a)はその正面からの模式図、(b)はその上面からの模式図、(c)は(b)において、Ａ点から矢印方向に載置台(31〜36)の外周に沿って再びＡ点に至る正面、右側面、背面、左側面の形状を示した展開模式図である。
マイクロ波乾燥機2の内部には、複数のセラミックハニカム成形体1を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を構成する載置基台3が配置されている。そして、その載置台(31〜36)は、セラミックハニカム成形体1を載置することができる載置面(310〜360)を有しており、図２(c)、図３(c)に示すように、各載置面(310〜360)は、隣接する載置面(310〜360)と鉛直方向に間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）を有しており、隣接する載置面の鉛直方向の位置が異なっている。ここで、載置面(310〜360)は、図２(c)、図３(c)に示すように、載置基台3が載置台(31〜36)を一体で構成した構造として、載置面(310〜360)を形成する場合、図２(g)、図３(d)、図３(e)に示すように、載置基台3が載置台(31〜36)を一体で構成し、載置台(31〜36)の一部もしくは全部の上面に、分離可能な第２の載置台30(30-31〜30-36)を配置する構造として、載置面(310〜360)を形成する場合のいずれともすることができる。 Next, the extruded ceramic honeycomb formed body is dried. A specific example of the drying method will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 show a state in which the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is placed on the placing table (31 to 36) in the microwave dryer 2. FIG. And (a) is a schematic diagram from the front, (b) is a schematic diagram from the upper surface, (c) is a schematic diagram from (b), along the outer periphery of the mounting table (31 to 36) from point A in the direction of the arrow. It is the expansion | deployment schematic diagram which showed the shape of the front, right side, back surface, and left side which reach point A again.
Inside the microwave dryer 2, a placing base 3 constituting a placing table (31 to 36) on which a plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies 1 can be placed is disposed. The mounting table (31 to 36) has a mounting surface (310 to 360) on which the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 can be mounted. FIGS. 2 (c) and 3 (c) As shown, each mounting surface (310 to 360) has a distance (H1 to H6) in the vertical direction from the adjacent mounting surface (310 to 360), and the vertical direction of the adjacent mounting surface is The position is different. Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 3 (c), the mounting surface (310 to 360) has a structure in which the mounting base 3 is configured integrally with the mounting table (31 to 36). When forming the mounting surfaces (310 to 360), as shown in FIGS. 2 (g), 3 (d) and 3 (e), the mounting base 3 is integrated with the mounting tables (31 to 36). As a structure in which the separable second mounting table 30 (30-31 to 30-36) is disposed on a part or all of the upper surface of the mounting table (31 to 36), the mounting surface (310 to 360).

図２(g)、図３(d)、図３(e)に示すように、載置基台3が載置台(31〜36)を一体で構成し、載置台(31〜36)の一部もしくは全部の上面に、分離可能な第２の載置台30(30-31〜30-36)を配置する構造として、載置面(310〜360)を形成した場合、第２の載置台30は、セラミックハニカム成形体1を、第２の載置台30に載置する際や、第２の載置台30から取り出し、次の工程にセラミックハニカム成形体を移動させる際に、セラミックハニカム成形体が変形するのを防止することができる。また、第２の載置台30の鉛直方向厚さは、全てが同一でも良く、異なっていても良く、また、隣接する載置台での載置面と鉛直方向に間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）を有して、隣接する載置面の鉛直方向の位置が異なっていれば、同じ厚さであっても良い。第２の載置台30は、載置台(31〜36)と同材質のものを用いても良いが、載置台(31〜36)への載置や載置台(31〜36)からの取り出し時に、セラミックハニカム成形体が破損し難い材質であることが好ましく、セラミックス、特に焼成後のセラミックハニカム構造体と同材質であることが好ましい。さらに、ハニカム状であることが好ましく、焼成後のセラミックハニカム構造体を、その流路と略直角に任意の長さで切断して作製されたセラミックハニカム構造体であることがさらに好ましい。 As shown in FIGS. 2 (g), 3 (d), and 3 (e), the mounting base 3 integrally constitutes the mounting bases (31 to 36), and one of the mounting bases (31 to 36). In the case where the mounting surface (310-360) is formed as a structure in which the separable second mounting table 30 (30-31 to 30-36) is arranged on the upper surface of all or part, the second mounting table 30 When the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is placed on the second mounting table 30 or removed from the second mounting table 30 and moved to the next step, the ceramic honeycomb formed body is It is possible to prevent deformation. Further, the vertical thickness of the second mounting table 30 may be all the same or different, and there is an interval (H1 to H6) in the vertical direction from the mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table. And as long as the position of the vertical direction of an adjacent mounting surface differs, the same thickness may be sufficient. The second mounting table 30 may be made of the same material as the mounting table (31 to 36), but when mounted on the mounting table (31 to 36) or taken out from the mounting table (31 to 36). The ceramic honeycomb formed body is preferably made of a material that is not easily damaged, and is preferably made of the same material as the ceramic, particularly the fired ceramic honeycomb structure. Further, it is preferably in the form of a honeycomb, and more preferably a ceramic honeycomb structure produced by cutting the fired ceramic honeycomb structure at an arbitrary length substantially perpendicular to the flow path.

ここで、図２、図３の場合、載置面は６箇所有しているが、複数のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置することが可能であれば、６箇所である必要は無く、マイクロ波乾燥機の能力や生産効率を考慮して、２箇所以上で任意に設定することができる。 Here, in the case of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there are six placement surfaces. However, if it is possible to place a plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies, there is no need for six places. In consideration of the capacity and production efficiency of the dryer, it can be arbitrarily set at two or more locations.

また、図２(a)(b)に示すように、セラミックハニカム成形体を流路方向が載置面に略水平となるように載置した際、セラミックハニカム成形体を安定して載置できるように、載置面(31〜36)には、図２(d)(e)(f)に示すように、固定部材41を配置しても良い。図２(d)は、図２(c)の展開模式図で固定部材41が配置された状態を示し、図２(e)(f)はその上面からの模式図である。この固定部材41は、図２(e)に示すように、セラミックハニカム成形体の外周面形状と略同形状の面41aを有しており、セラミックハニカム成形体の全長に亘って、配置しても良く、セラミックハニカム成形体を安定して載置できれば、図２(f)に示すように、セラミックハニカム成形体の一部のみに配置しても良い。固定部材41は、セラミックハニカム成形体を安定して載置でき、乾燥時の熱による変形やマイクロ波の照射で悪影響を生じないものであれば如何なる材質を用いることができるが、ウレタン、スポンジ、発泡体、ゴム、木、樹脂、セラミックス等がセラミックハニカム成形体の外周部の破損を防止できる点で好ましい。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), when the ceramic honeycomb molded body is placed so that the flow channel direction is substantially horizontal to the placement surface, the ceramic honeycomb molded body can be stably placed. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2D, 2E, and 2F, the fixing member 41 may be disposed on the placement surfaces 31-36. FIG. 2 (d) shows a state in which the fixing member 41 is arranged in the developed schematic view of FIG. 2 (c), and FIGS. 2 (e) and 2 (f) are schematic views from above. As shown in FIG. 2 (e), the fixing member 41 has a surface 41a having substantially the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb molded body, and is disposed over the entire length of the ceramic honeycomb molded body. As long as the ceramic honeycomb formed body can be stably placed, the ceramic honeycomb formed body may be disposed only on a part of the ceramic honeycomb formed body as shown in FIG. As the fixing member 41, any material can be used as long as it can stably place the ceramic honeycomb formed body and does not adversely affect the deformation due to heat and microwave irradiation during drying, but urethane, sponge, Foam, rubber, wood, resin, ceramics and the like are preferable in that damage to the outer peripheral portion of the ceramic honeycomb formed body can be prevented.

次いで、載置台(31〜36)の各載置面(310〜360)にセラミックハニカム成形体1を載置して、マイクロ波を照射して、セラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥させる。 Next, the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is mounted on each mounting surface (310 to 360) of the mounting table (31 to 36), and microwave irradiation is performed to dry the ceramic honeycomb formed body.

ここで、各載置面(310〜360)にセラミックハニカム成形体1を載置する際、図３に示すように、セラミックハニカム成形体1は、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が、前記載置台の載置面に対して略垂直に載置されることが好ましい。外径が150mm以上、長さ200mm以上のような大口径かつ長尺な大型のセラミックハニカム成形体の場合、セラミックハニカム成形体の自重で変形し易くなる。しかし、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が、載置台の載置面に対して略垂直に載置されると、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向を載置台の載置面に対して略水平に載置した場合と比べて、セラミックハニカム成形体は自重で変形し難くなるので好ましい。そして、載置台に載置されたセラミックハニカム成形体1の一方の端面15aから他方の端面15bに亘り全体が均一に乾燥され易くなり、乾燥後にセラミックハニカム成形体に変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができる。特に外径が200mm以上、長さ250mm以上のような大口径かつ長尺な大型のセラミックハニカム成形体の場合にその効果は顕著である。 Here, when the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is mounted on each mounting surface (310 to 360), as shown in FIG. 3, the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 has the flow channel direction of the ceramic honeycomb formed body described above. It is preferable that the substrate is mounted substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting table. In the case of a large ceramic honeycomb formed body having a large diameter and an outer diameter of 150 mm or more and a length of 200 mm or more, the ceramic honeycomb formed body is easily deformed by its own weight. However, when the flow path direction of the ceramic honeycomb molded body is mounted substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting table, the flow path direction of the ceramic honeycomb molded body is approximately horizontal to the mounting surface of the mounting table. Compared to the case where the ceramic honeycomb molded body is placed on the ceramic honeycomb molded body, it is preferable because the ceramic honeycomb molded body is difficult to be deformed by its own weight. The ceramic honeycomb molded body 1 placed on the mounting table is easily dried uniformly from one end surface 15a to the other end surface 15b, and the ceramic honeycomb molded body is less likely to be deformed or cracked after drying. A honeycomb formed body can be obtained. In particular, the effect is remarkable in the case of a large ceramic honeycomb formed body having a large diameter and a long diameter of 200 mm or more and a length of 250 mm or more.

本発明において、隣接する載置台の載置面の鉛直方向の位置が異なるが、鉛直方向に異なる位置は、マイクロ波の波長の1/400以上異なることで、セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面に亘り全体がより均一に乾燥され易くなり、変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるので好ましい。さらに好ましくは、マイクロ波の波長の1/40以上であり、さらに好ましくは、1/20以上、さらに1/5以上である。尚、マイクロ波の波長の2倍を超えると、乾燥装置が大型化し製造コストが増大するデメリットがあるので、マイクロ波の波長の2倍以下であることが好ましい。より好ましくは、1.5倍以下であり、さらに好ましくは1.2倍以下である。 In the present invention, the vertical position of the mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table is different, but the position that is different in the vertical direction is different from one end face of the ceramic honeycomb molded body by being different by 1/400 or more of the wavelength of the microwave. The entire end face is more easily dried over the other end face, and a ceramic honeycomb formed body with less deformation and cracking can be obtained, which is preferable. More preferably, it is 1/40 or more of the wavelength of the microwave, more preferably 1/20 or more, and further preferably 1/5 or more. When the wavelength exceeds twice the wavelength of the microwave, there is a demerit that the drying apparatus becomes large and the manufacturing cost increases, so that the wavelength is preferably not more than twice the wavelength of the microwave. More preferably, it is 1.5 times or less, and further preferably 1.2 times or less.

また、隣接する載置台に載置されるセラミックハニカム成形体は、その外面での最小間隔がマイクロ波の波長の1/4倍以上2倍以下であると、セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面に亘り全体がより均一に乾燥され易くなり、変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるので好ましい。さらに好ましくはマイクロ波の波長の1/2倍以上7/4倍以下であり、さらに好ましくは、マイクロ波の波長の3/4倍以上3/2倍以下である Further, the ceramic honeycomb formed body placed on the adjacent mounting table has a minimum interval of 1/4 to 2 times the microwave wavelength from one end face of the ceramic honeycomb formed body. The entire end face is more easily dried over the other end face, and a ceramic honeycomb formed body with less deformation and cracking can be obtained, which is preferable. More preferably, it is not less than 1/2 times and not more than 7/4 times the wavelength of the microwave, and more preferably not less than 3/4 times and not more than 3/2 times the wavelength of the microwave

また、本発明において、高湿度雰囲気でマイクロ波を照射してセラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥させると、セラミックハニカム成形体の一方の端面から他方の端面に亘り全体がより均一に乾燥され易くなり、変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるので好ましい。高湿度雰囲気は、湿度が70％以上であることが好ましい。また、マイクロ波を照射中に、70℃以上の熱風を当てても良い。 Further, in the present invention, when the ceramic honeycomb formed body is dried by irradiating microwaves in a high humidity atmosphere, the whole of the ceramic honeycomb formed body is more easily dried from one end surface to the other end surface. This is preferable because a ceramic honeycomb formed body with less cracking and cracking can be obtained. The high humidity atmosphere preferably has a humidity of 70% or more. Further, hot air of 70 ° C. or higher may be applied during the microwave irradiation.

また、マイクロ波を照射して、セラミックハニカム成形体を乾燥させる際、セラミックハニカム成形体を載置した載置台が、略水平方向に移動することで、セラミックハニカム成形体の全体にマイクロ波がムラなく作用し、変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるので好ましい。
セラミックハニカム成形体を載置した載置台は、載置基台3の中心を軸に回転すると、セラミックハニカム成形体の全体にマイクロ波がムラなく作用し、変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるのでより好ましい。
セラミックハニカム成形体を載置した載置台が移動する際、載置台に載置されたセラミックハニカム成形体の載置面での速度が0.01〜1.0m/sであることが好ましい。さらに好ましくは、0.02〜0.8m/sであり、より好ましくは、0.03〜0.6m/sである。 In addition, when the ceramic honeycomb molded body is dried by irradiating microwaves, the mounting table on which the ceramic honeycomb molded body is mounted moves in a substantially horizontal direction, so that the microwave is unevenly formed on the entire ceramic honeycomb molded body. This is preferable because a ceramic honeycomb formed body can be obtained which acts without any deformation and cracks.
When the mounting table on which the ceramic honeycomb molded body is mounted rotates around the center of the mounting base 3, the ceramic honeycomb molded body acts uniformly on the entire ceramic honeycomb molded body, and deformation and cracking are less likely to occur. Since a body can be obtained, it is more preferable.
When the mounting table on which the ceramic honeycomb molded body is mounted moves, the speed on the mounting surface of the ceramic honeycomb molded body mounted on the mounting table is preferably 0.01 to 1.0 m / s. More preferably, it is 0.02-0.8 m / s, More preferably, it is 0.03-0.6 m / s.

また、前記セラミックハニカム成形体が、前記載置台が移動する方向に沿って載置されることで、セラミックハニカム成形体の全体にマイクロ波がよりムラなく作用し、変形やワレの発生がより少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるので好ましい。ここで、セラミックハニカム成形体が、前記載置台が移動する方向に沿って載置されるとは、例えば、図５(a)(b)に示すように、載置台(31〜36)が直線状に移動する場合には、移動する方向Ｘに沿って直線状にセラミックハニカム成形体1が載置された状態をいう。また、図５(c)に示すように、載置台(31〜36)が円弧状に移動する場合には、移動する方向Ｘに沿って円弧状にセラミックハニカム成形体1が載置された状態をいう。 Further, since the ceramic honeycomb formed body is placed along the direction in which the mounting table moves, microwaves act more uniformly on the entire ceramic honeycomb formed body, and deformation and cracking are less generated. A ceramic honeycomb formed body can be obtained, which is preferable. Here, the ceramic honeycomb molded body is placed along the moving direction of the mounting table, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the mounting table (31 to 36) is a straight line. In the case of moving in a shape, it means a state in which the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is placed linearly along the moving direction X. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the mounting table (31 to 36) moves in an arc shape, the ceramic honeycomb formed body 1 is placed in an arc shape along the moving direction X. Say.

また、隣接する載置台の載置面の鉛直方向の位置が、載置台が移動する方向に漸次変化するように配置されていると、セラミックハニカム成形体の全体にマイクロ波が十分に照射され、より一層変形やワレの発生が少ないセラミックハニカム成形体を得ることができるので好ましい。
ここで、隣接する載置台の載置面の鉛直方向の位置が、載置台が移動する方向に漸次変化するように配置されているとは、例えば、図４に示すように、載置台(31〜36)の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）が、載置台(31〜36)が移動する方向Ｘに対して順に異なっていることを言う。 Further, if the vertical position of the mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table is arranged so as to gradually change in the direction in which the mounting table moves, the entire ceramic honeycomb molded body is sufficiently irradiated with microwaves, This is preferable because a ceramic honeycomb molded body with less deformation and cracking can be obtained.
Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the vertical position of the mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table is arranged so as to gradually change in the moving direction of the mounting table. To 36) in the vertical direction (H1 to H6) between each mounting surface (310 to 360) and the adjacent mounting surface is sequentially different with respect to the direction X in which the mounting table (31 to 36) moves. Say that.

上記したように、セラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥が終了した後は、焼成を行い、セラミックハニカム構造体とする。 As described above, after the ceramic honeycomb formed body has been dried, firing is performed to obtain a ceramic honeycomb structure.

（実施例１）
まず、図１に示すセラミックハニカム成形体を以下のように作製した。
カオリン、タルク、シリカ、アルミナ粉末を調整し、化学組成が51質量％のSiO₂、35質量％のAl₂O₃、及び14質量％のMgOを含むコージェライト生成原料粉末を得た。このコージェライト生成原料粉末100質量部に対して、8質量部のバインダー（メチルセルロース及びヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロース）、潤滑剤を添加し、乾式で十分混合した後、水を添加して混練し、可塑性のあるセラミック杯土を作製した。
次いで、ハニカム成形用押出金型を用いて、焼成後に外径200mm、全長250mm、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmの形状となるセラミックハニカム成形体60個を押出し成形した。
次に図２(a)〜(e)に示す、マイクロ波乾燥機2で乾燥を行う。マイクロ波乾燥機2内の載置基台3は、直径1200mmの円形状で、図２(b)に示すように、6個のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を有し、その載置台の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）を表１に示した値とした。ここで、載置台の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）は、図２(c)に示すように、Ｈ1は、載置面310と図２(c)の紙面において右側に隣接する載置面320との鉛直方向の間隔を示し、同様に、Ｈ2、Ｈ3、Ｈ4、Ｈ5、Ｈ6は、それぞれ載置面320、330、340、350、360と、図２(c)の紙面において右側に隣接する載置面330、340、350、360、310との鉛直方向の間隔を示す。そして、任意の載置面に対して、図２(c)の紙面において右側に隣接する載置面が、鉛直下向きに位置する場合には、その間隔にマイナス（−）を付して示した。
また、各載置面（310〜360）には、図２(e)に示すような、セラミックハニカム成形体の外周面形状と略同形状の面41aを有し、セラミックハニカム成形体の全長と略同一の長さの樹脂製固定部材41を左右各２個配置した。
そして、６箇所の載置面（310〜360）それぞれに、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が載置台に略水平となるように載置した。この時、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体の外面での最小間隔Ｌが表１に示す値となるように載置した。そして、湿度75%の雰囲気でマイクロ波（2450MHz、波長122mm）を30分間照射して乾燥を行った。この乾燥を10回行い、合計で60個のセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥を行った。 Example 1
First, the ceramic honeycomb formed body shown in FIG. 1 was produced as follows.
Kaolin, talc, silica, and alumina powder were prepared to obtain a cordierite-producing raw material powder having a chemical composition of 51 mass% SiO ₂ , 35 mass% Al ₂ O ₃ , and 14 mass% MgO. To 100 parts by mass of the cordierite-producing raw material powder, 8 parts by mass of binder (methylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) and a lubricant are added, and after thoroughly mixing in a dry process, water is added and kneaded to provide plasticity. A ceramic clay was made.
Next, 60 honeycomb honeycomb molded bodies having an outer diameter of 200 mm, a total length of 250 mm, a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm after extrusion were extruded using a honeycomb forming extrusion mold.
Next, it dries with the microwave dryer 2 shown to Fig.2 (a)-(e). The mounting base 3 in the microwave dryer 2 has a circular shape with a diameter of 1200 mm, and a mounting base (31 to 36) on which six ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be placed as shown in FIG. 2 (b). The vertical intervals (H1 to H6) between the respective mounting surfaces (310 to 360) of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surfaces (310 to 360) were set to the values shown in Table 1. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the vertical distance (H1 to H6) between each mounting surface (310 to 360) of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surface (310 to 360) is H1. Indicates the vertical spacing between the mounting surface 310 and the mounting surface 320 adjacent to the right side in the paper of FIG. 2 (c). Similarly, H2, H3, H4, H5, and H6 are the mounting surfaces, respectively. The vertical intervals between 320, 330, 340, 350, and 360 and the mounting surfaces 330, 340, 350, 360, and 310 adjacent to the right side in the paper surface of FIG. When the placement surface adjacent to the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 2 (c) is positioned vertically downward with respect to an arbitrary placement surface, the interval is indicated by a minus (−). .
Each mounting surface (310 to 360) has a surface 41a having substantially the same shape as the outer peripheral surface shape of the ceramic honeycomb molded body as shown in FIG. Two resin fixing members 41 having substantially the same length were arranged on each of the left and right sides.
And it mounted so that the flow-path direction of a ceramic honeycomb molded object might become substantially horizontal on a mounting base in each of six mounting surfaces (310-360). At this time, the ceramic honeycomb body was placed so that the minimum distance L on the outer surface of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb molded body was a value shown in Table 1. Then, drying was performed by irradiation with microwaves (2450 MHz, wavelength 122 mm) for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 75% humidity. This drying was performed 10 times, and a total of 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies were dried.

乾燥が完了した60個のセラミックハニカム成形体について、変形とワレの発生について評価を行った。
セラミックハニカム成形体の変形は、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路に変形が発生した成形体の数が
１個以下であったものを◎、
２個〜３個であったものを○、
４個〜５個であったものを△、
６個以上であったものを×
として評価した。
また、ワレの発生については、ワレが発生した成形体の数割合が
１個以下であったものを◎、
２個〜３個であったものを○、
４個〜５個であったものを△、
６個以上であったものを×
として評価した。それらの結果を表１に示す。 The 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies that had been dried were evaluated for deformation and cracking.
The deformation of the ceramic honeycomb formed body is ◎, in which the number of formed bodies in which the deformation occurred in the flow path of the ceramic honeycomb formed body is 1 or less.
○, what was 2 to 3
△, what was 4-5
What was more than 6 ×
As evaluated.
In addition, regarding the occurrence of cracks, ◎, where the ratio of the number of moldings cracked was 1 or less
○, what was 2 to 3
△, what was 4-5
What was more than 6 ×
As evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

（実施例２）
カオリン、タルク、シリカ、アルミナ粉末を調整し、化学組成が51質量％のSiO₂、35質量％のAl₂O₃、及び14質量％のMgOを含むコージェライト生成原料粉末を得た。このコージェライト生成原料粉末100質量部に対して、8質量部のバインダー（メチルセルロース及びヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロース）、潤滑剤、及び7.0質量部の造孔材（平均粒子径40μmの発泡済み樹脂）を添加し、乾式で十分混合した後、水を添加して混練し、可塑性のあるセラミック杯土を作製した。
次いで、ハニカム成形用押出金型を用いて、外径300mm、全長400mm、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmの形状を有するセラミックハニカム成形体60個を押出し成形した。
次に図３(a)〜(d)に示す、マイクロ波乾燥機2で乾燥を行う。マイクロ波乾燥機2内の載置基台3は、直径1200mmの円形状で、図３(b)に示すように、6個のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を有し、その載置台の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）を表１に示した値とした。
また、載置台(31〜36)には、図３(d)に示すような、第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)を配置する。第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)は、本実施例で作製されるセラミックハニカム構造体と同材質のコーディエライトで、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmのハニカム状を有しており、鉛直方向の厚さは、全て20mmとした。
そして、６箇所の第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)の各載置面(310〜360)それぞれに、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が載置台の載置面に略垂直となるように載置した。この時、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体の外面での最小間隔Ｌが表１に示す値となるように配置した。そして、湿度75%の雰囲気で、マイクロ波（2450MHz、波長122mm）を30分間照射して乾燥を行った。この乾燥を10回行い、合計で60個のセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥を行った。そして、実施例１と同様に評価を行った結果を表１に示す。 (Example 2)
Kaolin, talc, silica, and alumina powder were prepared to obtain a cordierite-producing raw material powder having a chemical composition of 51 mass% SiO ₂ , 35 mass% Al ₂ O ₃ , and 14 mass% MgO. To 100 parts by mass of this cordierite-producing raw material powder, 8 parts by mass of binder (methylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), lubricant, and 7.0 parts by mass of pore former (foamed resin having an average particle diameter of 40 μm) are added. After thoroughly mixing in a dry process, water was added and kneaded to prepare a plastic ceramic clay.
Next, 60 ceramic honeycomb molded bodies having an outer diameter of 300 mm, a total length of 400 mm, a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm were extruded using a honeycomb molding extrusion mold.
Next, it dries with the microwave dryer 2 shown to Fig.3 (a)-(d). The mounting base 3 in the microwave dryer 2 has a circular shape with a diameter of 1200 mm, and a mounting base (31 to 36) on which six ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be placed as shown in FIG. 3 (b). The vertical intervals (H1 to H6) between the respective mounting surfaces (310 to 360) of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surfaces (310 to 360) were set to the values shown in Table 1.
In addition, second mounting tables (30-31 to 30-36) as shown in FIG. 3D are arranged on the mounting tables (31 to 36). The second mounting table (30-31 to 30-36) is cordierite made of the same material as the ceramic honeycomb structure manufactured in this example, and has a honeycomb shape with a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm. The thickness in the vertical direction was all 20 mm.
The flow direction of the ceramic honeycomb molded body is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting table on each of the mounting surfaces (310 to 360) of the six second mounting tables (30-31 to 30-36). It mounted so that it might become. At this time, they were arranged so that the minimum distance L on the outer surface of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb formed body was a value shown in Table 1. Then, drying was performed by irradiation with microwaves (2450 MHz, wavelength 122 mm) for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 75% humidity. This drying was performed 10 times, and a total of 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies were dried. Table 1 shows the results of evaluation in the same manner as in Example 1.

（実施例３〜１５）
実施例２と同様にして坏土を作製し、ハニカム成形用押出金型を用いて、外径300mm、全長400mm、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmの形状を有するセラミックハニカム成形体60個を押出し成形した。
次に図３(a)〜(d)に示す、マイクロ波乾燥機2で乾燥を行う。マイクロ波乾燥機2内の載置基台3は、直径1200mmの円形状で、図３(b)に示すように、6個のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を有し、その載置台の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）を表１に示した値とした。
また、載置台(31〜36)には、実施例２と同様に、第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)を配置した。
そして、６箇所の第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)の各載置面（310〜360）それぞれに、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が載置台の載置面に略垂直となるように載置した。この時、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体の外面での最小間隔Ｌが表１に示す値となるように配置した。そして、湿度80%の雰囲気で、マイクロ波（2450MHz、波長122mm）を30分間照射した。
マイクロ波の照射中、第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)は、セラミックハニカム成形体の載置面位置での速度が表１に示す値となるように載置基台3の中心を軸に回転させながら乾燥を行った。この乾燥を10回行い、合計で60個のセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥を行った。
そして、実施例１と同様に評価を行った結果を表１に示す。 (Examples 3 to 15)
A clay was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, and 60 ceramic honeycomb molded bodies having an outer diameter of 300 mm, a total length of 400 mm, a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm were obtained using an extrusion mold for honeycomb molding. Extruded.
Next, it dries with the microwave dryer 2 shown to Fig.3 (a)-(d). The mounting base 3 in the microwave dryer 2 has a circular shape with a diameter of 1200 mm, and a mounting base (31 to 36) on which six ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be placed as shown in FIG. 3 (b). The vertical intervals (H1 to H6) between the respective mounting surfaces (310 to 360) of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surfaces (310 to 360) were set to the values shown in Table 1.
Moreover, the 2nd mounting base (30-31-30-36) was arrange | positioned similarly to Example 2 at the mounting base (31-36).
The flow direction of the ceramic honeycomb molded body is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting table on each of the mounting surfaces (310 to 360) of the six second mounting tables (30-31 to 30-36). It mounted so that it might become. At this time, they were arranged so that the minimum distance L on the outer surface of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb formed body was a value shown in Table 1. Then, microwaves (2450 MHz, wavelength 122 mm) were irradiated for 30 minutes in an atmosphere with a humidity of 80%.
During the microwave irradiation, the second mounting table (30-31 to 30-36) is placed on the mounting base 3 so that the velocity at the mounting surface position of the ceramic honeycomb molded body becomes the value shown in Table 1. Drying was performed while rotating around the center. This drying was performed 10 times, and a total of 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies were dried.
Table 1 shows the results of evaluation in the same manner as in Example 1.

（実施例１６）
実施例２と同様にして坏土を作製し、ハニカム成形用押出金型を用いて、外径300mm、全長400mm、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmの形状を有するセラミックハニカム成形体60個を押出し成形した。
次に図３(a)〜(c)(e)に示す、マイクロ波乾燥機2で乾燥を行う。マイクロ波乾燥機2内の載置基台3は、直径1200mmの平坦な円形状で、6個のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を有し、図３(e)に示すように、平坦な載置台(31〜36)の上面に第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)を配置する。そして、第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）が、表１に示した値となるように、種々の厚さの第２の載置台(30-31〜30-36)を使用した。
そして、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が載置台の載置面に略垂直となるように載置した。この時、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体の外面での最小間隔Ｌが表１に示す値となるように配置した。そして、湿度80%の雰囲気で、マイクロ波（2450MHz、波長122mm）を30分間照射した。
マイクロ波の照射中、載置基台3は、セラミックハニカム成形体の載置面位置での速度が表１に示す値となるように載置基台3の中心を軸に回転させながら乾燥を行った。この乾燥を10回行い、合計で60個のセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥を行った。
そして、実施例１と同様に評価を行った結果を表１に示す。 (Example 16)
A clay was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, and 60 ceramic honeycomb molded bodies having an outer diameter of 300 mm, a total length of 400 mm, a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm were obtained using an extrusion mold for honeycomb molding. Extruded.
Next, drying is performed with a microwave dryer 2 shown in FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (c) (e). The mounting base 3 in the microwave dryer 2 has a flat circular shape with a diameter of 1200 mm and has mounting bases (31 to 36) on which six ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be placed. ), The second mounting table (30-31 to 30-36) is arranged on the upper surface of the flat mounting table (31 to 36). And the space | interval (H1-H6) of the perpendicular direction of each mounting surface (310-360) and the adjacent mounting surface (310-360) of a 2nd mounting base (30-31-30-36) is as follows. The second mounting tables (30-31 to 30-36) having various thicknesses were used so that the values shown in Table 1 were obtained.
And it mounted so that the flow-path direction of a ceramic honeycomb molded object might become substantially perpendicular | vertical to the mounting surface of a mounting base. At this time, they were arranged so that the minimum distance L on the outer surface of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb formed body was a value shown in Table 1. Then, microwaves (2450 MHz, wavelength 122 mm) were irradiated for 30 minutes in an atmosphere with a humidity of 80%.
During the microwave irradiation, the mounting base 3 is dried while rotating around the center of the mounting base 3 so that the speed at the mounting surface position of the ceramic honeycomb molded body becomes the value shown in Table 1. went. This drying was performed 10 times, and a total of 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies were dried.
Table 1 shows the results of evaluation in the same manner as in Example 1.

（実施例１７）
実施例１と同様にして坏土を作製し、ハニカム成形用押出金型を用いて、外径120mm、全長150mm、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmの形状を有するセラミックハニカム成形体60個を押出し成形した。
次に図２に示す、マイクロ波乾燥機2で乾燥を行う。マイクロ波乾燥機2内の載置基台3は、直径1200mmの円形状で、図２に示すように、6個のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を有し、その載置台の各載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）を表１に示した値とした。
また、各載置面(310〜360)には、実施例１と同様にセラミックハニカム成形体の全長と略同一の長さの樹脂製固定部材41を左右各２個配置した。
そして、６箇所の載置面（310〜360）それぞれに、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が載置台の載置面に略水平となるように載置した。この時、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体の外面での最小間隔Ｌが表１に示す値となるように配置した。そして、湿度80%の雰囲気で、マイクロ波（2450MHz、波長122mm）を30分間照射して乾燥を行った。この乾燥を10回行い、合計で60個のセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥を行った。
そして、実施例１と同様に評価を行った結果を表１に示す。 (Example 17)
A clay was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and 60 ceramic honeycomb molded bodies having an outer diameter of 120 mm, a total length of 150 mm, a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm were obtained using a honeycomb forming extrusion die. Extruded.
Next, it dries with the microwave dryer 2 shown in FIG. The mounting base 3 in the microwave dryer 2 has a circular shape with a diameter of 1200 mm and has mounting bases (31 to 36) on which six ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be placed as shown in FIG. The vertical intervals (H1 to H6) between the mounting surfaces (310 to 360) of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surfaces (310 to 360) were set to the values shown in Table 1.
In addition, on each mounting surface (310 to 360), two resin fixing members 41 each having a length substantially the same as the entire length of the ceramic honeycomb molded body were arranged in the same manner as in Example 1.
And it mounted so that the flow-path direction of a ceramic honeycomb molded object might become substantially horizontal to the mounting surface of a mounting base on each of the six mounting surfaces (310-360). At this time, they were arranged so that the minimum distance L on the outer surface of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb formed body was a value shown in Table 1. Then, drying was performed by irradiation with microwaves (2450 MHz, wavelength 122 mm) for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 80% humidity. This drying was performed 10 times, and a total of 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies were dried.
Table 1 shows the results of evaluation in the same manner as in Example 1.

（比較例１）
実施例２と同様にして坏土を作製し、ハニカム成形用押出金型を用いて、外径300mm、全長400mm、隔壁厚さ0.35mm、セルピッチ1.6mmの形状を有するセラミックハニカム成形体60個を押出し成形した。
次に図３に示す、マイクロ波乾燥機2で乾燥を行う。マイクロ波乾燥機2内の載置基台3は、直径1200mmの円形状で、図３に示すように、6個のセラミックハニカム成形体を載置可能な載置台(31〜36)を有し、その載置台の載置面(310〜360)と隣接する載置面(310〜360)との鉛直方向の間隔（Ｈ1〜Ｈ6）は0とした。
そして、６箇所の載置面(310〜360)それぞれに、セラミックハニカム成形体の流路方向が載置台の載置面に略垂直となるように載置した。この時、隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体の外面での最小間隔Ｌが表１に示す値となるように配置した。そして、湿度70%の雰囲気で、マイクロ波（2450MHz、波長122mm）を30分間照射して乾燥を行った。この乾燥を10回行い、合計で60個のセラミックハニカム成形体の乾燥を行った。
そして、実施例１と同様に評価を行った結果を表１に示す。 (Comparative Example 1)
A clay was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, and 60 ceramic honeycomb molded bodies having an outer diameter of 300 mm, a total length of 400 mm, a partition wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a cell pitch of 1.6 mm were obtained using an extrusion mold for honeycomb molding. Extruded.
Next, it dries with the microwave dryer 2 shown in FIG. The mounting base 3 in the microwave dryer 2 has a circular shape with a diameter of 1200 mm and has mounting bases (31 to 36) on which six ceramic honeycomb molded bodies can be placed as shown in FIG. The vertical distance (H1 to H6) between the mounting surface (310 to 360) of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surface (310 to 360) was set to zero.
And it mounted so that the flow-path direction of a ceramic honeycomb molded object may become substantially perpendicular | vertical to the mounting surface of a mounting base on each of the six mounting surfaces (310-360). At this time, they were arranged so that the minimum distance L on the outer surface of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb formed body was a value shown in Table 1. Then, drying was performed by irradiation with microwaves (2450 MHz, wavelength 122 mm) for 30 minutes in an atmosphere of 70% humidity. This drying was performed 10 times, and a total of 60 ceramic honeycomb formed bodies were dried.
Table 1 shows the results of evaluation in the same manner as in Example 1.

表１に示すように、本発明の実施例１〜１７のセラミックハニカム成形体は、乾燥後において変形やワレの発生が少ないことがわかる。一方、比較例１のセラミックハニカム成形体は、乾燥後の変形やワレの発生が多かったことがわかる。
As shown in Table 1, it can be seen that the ceramic honeycomb formed bodies of Examples 1 to 17 of the present invention have less deformation and cracking after drying. On the other hand, it can be seen that the ceramic honeycomb formed body of Comparative Example 1 was frequently deformed and cracked after drying.

1：セラミックハニカム成形体
12：隔壁
13：流路
15a：一方の端面
15b：他方の端面
2：マイクロ波乾燥機
3：載置基台
30、30-31、30-32、30-33、30-34、30-35、30-36：第２の載置台
31、32、33、34、35、36：載置台
310、320、330、340、350、360：載置面
41、42：固定部材
Ｈ1、Ｈ2、Ｈ3、Ｈ4、Ｈ5、Ｈ6：載置台の各載置面と隣接する載置面との鉛直方向の間隔
Ｌ：隣接するセラミックハニカム成形体外面での最小間隔

1: Ceramic honeycomb molded body
12: Bulkhead
13: Flow path
15a: One end face
15b: The other end face
2: Microwave dryer
3: Mounting base
30, 30-31, 30-32, 30-33, 30-34, 30-35, 30-36: Second mounting table
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36: mounting table
310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360: Placement surface
41, 42: Fixing members H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6: Vertical distance between each mounting surface of the mounting table and the adjacent mounting surface L: Minimum distance between the outer surfaces of the adjacent ceramic honeycomb molded bodies

Claims

In the method of placing a plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies on a mounting table, irradiating microwaves, and drying the ceramic honeycomb molded body, the mounting surface contacting the ceramic honeycomb molded body of the mounting table described above, A method for drying a ceramic honeycomb molded body, wherein the method is different from a vertical position of a mounting surface of an adjacent mounting table.

2. The ceramic honeycomb according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ceramic honeycomb molded bodies are mounted so that a flow path direction of the ceramic honeycomb molded body is substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface of the mounting table. A method for drying the molded body.

The method for drying a ceramic honeycomb molded body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a vertical position of a mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table is different by 1/400 or more of a wavelength of the microwave.

The method for drying a ceramic honeycomb formed body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting table moves when the microwave is irradiated.

The method for drying a ceramic honeycomb molded body according to claim 4, wherein the ceramic honeycomb molded body is placed along a direction in which the mounting table moves.

The ceramic according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a vertical position of a mounting surface of the adjacent mounting table is arranged so as to gradually change in a direction in which the mounting table moves. A method for drying a honeycomb formed body.