Patent Description:
A takeout jig for taking a silicon rod out of a reactor is known as a conventional technique. For example, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a takeout jig which includes: a tubular member for housing a silicon rod therein; and an air bag which is disposed in the tubular member and which holds the silicon rod within the tubular member by pressing the lateral surface of the silicon rod. Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a takeout jig which includes a hand part provided with a plurality of clamps gripping a single silicon rod.

However, with the takeout jig disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, the silicon rod is contacted much by the tubular member and the air bag. Therefore, there is an issue in that, when the silicon rod is taken out of the reactor, shaking of the tubular member may cause damage to the silicon rod. There is also an issue in that, if the silicon rod is contacted much, a polycrystalline silicon rod is contaminated. An object of an aspect of the present invention is to sufficiently reduce the contact with the silicon rod and to reduce damage to the silicon rod.

In order to attain the above object, a takeout jig in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a support part which is configured to be pulled up to take out a silicon rod including one or more straight barrel portions and which is configured to support the silicon rod by clamping one or more end portions of the silicon rod; one or more first cords which are connected to the support part, which are equal in number to or greater in number than the silicon rod, and which are configured to pull up the support part; and one or more second cords which are connected to the one or more first cords and which are configured to hold the silicon rod by wrapping around the silicon rod.

A takeout method in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: connecting, to a support part, one or more first cords which are configured to pull up the support part and which are equal in number to or greater in number than a silicon rod including one or more straight barrel portions, the support part being used to support the silicon rod so as to take out the silicon rod; pulling up the support part; supporting the silicon rod by clamping one or more end portions of the silicon rod with the support part; and holding the silicon rod by wrapping one or more second cords around the silicon rod, the one or more second cords being connected to the one or more first cords.

A method of producing a silicon rod in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: obtaining a silicon rod including one or more straight barrel portions by allowing silicon to be deposited on a silicon filament by passing electric current through the silicon filament in a reactor which includes at least a pair of electrodes and which is supplied with a source gas for silicon deposition, the silicon filament being connected to the pair of electrodes at both ends thereof; connecting, to a support part, one or more first cords which are configured to pull up the support part and which are equal in number to or greater in number than a silicon rod, the support part being used to support the silicon rod so as to take the silicon rod out of the reactor; pulling up the support part; supporting the silicon rod by clamping one or more end portions of the silicon rod with the support part; and holding the silicon rod by wrapping one or more second cords around the silicon rod, the one or more second cords being connected to the one or more first cords.

An aspect of the present invention makes it possible to sufficiently reduce the contact with a silicon rod and reduce damage to the silicon rod.

The following description will discuss a configuration of a takeout jig <NUM>, a method of taking out a silicon rod <NUM>, and a method of producing the silicon rod <NUM>, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of the takeout jig <NUM> in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a detailed configuration of a support part <NUM> included in the takeout jig <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Note that a reactor <NUM> is composed of a base where the silicon rod <NUM> is to be disposed and a lid which is detachably attached to the base; however, <FIG> illustrates the base of the reactor <NUM> but does not illustrate the lid of the reactor <NUM>. The reactor <NUM> is not illustrated in <FIG>.

Assume that, in <FIG>, a direction along which straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> are arranged is X direction, a direction along which two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the support part <NUM> are arranged is Y direction, and a direction from the support part <NUM> to the silicon rod <NUM> is Z direction. The Z direction is an upward direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are orthogonal to each other. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in <FIG> are the same as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in <FIG>, respectively.

The takeout jig <NUM> is for use in taking the silicon rod <NUM> out of the reactor <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the takeout jig <NUM> includes the support part <NUM>, first cords <NUM>, second cords <NUM>, fixing members <NUM>, a first cord connecting part <NUM>, and third cords <NUM>. The silicon rod <NUM> to be taken out of the reactor <NUM> has a letter U shape made up of two straight barrel portions <NUM> united at their top. Specifically, top ends of the two straight barrel portions <NUM> are coupled to each other with a bridging portion <NUM> therebetween.

The reactor <NUM> includes at least a pair of electrodes <NUM>. A source gas for silicon deposition is supplied into the reactor <NUM> under the conditions in which the lid of the reactor <NUM> is attached to the base of the reactor <NUM>. In such a case, electric current is passed through a silicon filament <NUM> connected to the electrodes <NUM> at the opposite ends thereof to allow silicon to be deposited on the silicon filament <NUM>, thereby obtaining the silicon rod <NUM> including the straight barrel portions <NUM> and the bridging portion <NUM> (the step of obtaining a silicon rod).

The source gas for silicon deposition supplied into the reactor <NUM> is, for example, gas of a silane compound such as trichlorosilane or monosilane. The opposite ends of the silicon filament <NUM> are composed of filament holding members <NUM> made of carbon. The present invention is not limited in application to cases where the silicon deposited on the silicon filament <NUM> is polycrystalline silicon, but can also be applied to cases where the silicon deposited on the silicon filament <NUM> is monocrystalline silicon.

The support part <NUM> is pulled up to take out the silicon rod <NUM>, and supports the silicon rod <NUM> by clamping end portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> (the step of supporting the silicon rod). The support part <NUM> is used to support the silicon rod <NUM>. The support part <NUM> is made of, for example, a resin. The resin is not particularly limited. A polyamide resin, a polyester resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyolefin resin, and/or the like can be used. In <FIG>, the part enclosed by dotted line L1 is a plan view of the support part <NUM>, and the part enclosed by dotted line L2 is an elevational view of the support part <NUM>.

As illustrated in the part enclosed by the dotted line L1 in <FIG>, the support part <NUM> has two openings <NUM> within which the respective two end portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> in the letter U shape fit when two end portions <NUM> are clamped with the support part <NUM>. The two openings <NUM> each have a shape whose longitudinal direction is identical to a direction along which the two end portions <NUM> are arranged (X direction).

With the above configuration, it is possible to easily fit, within the respective two openings <NUM>, the two end portions <NUM> of any of various silicon rods <NUM> which vary in the distance between the two end portions <NUM>. This eliminates the need for preparing a plurality of takeout jigs which vary in the distance between the two openings <NUM>, and makes it possible to improve the performance of taking out the silicon rod <NUM>. Note that the two openings <NUM> need only have sizes that allow two end portions <NUM> of various silicon rods <NUM> to fit in the respective two openings <NUM>, regardless of a varying distance between two end portions <NUM>.

The support part <NUM> is comprised of the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM>, which clamp the two end portions <NUM> therebetween. Under the conditions in which the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> clamp the two end portions <NUM> therebetween, one of the fixing members <NUM> is fitted on the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> at one end thereof in the X direction, and the other of the fixing members <NUM> is fitted on the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> at the other end thereof in the opposite direction to the X direction.

With this, the two fixing members <NUM> are placed such that the two fixing members <NUM> externally surround the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM>, and fix the distance between the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM>. With the configuration, since the distance between the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> is fixed with the fixing members <NUM>, it is possible to fix the silicon rod <NUM> to the support part <NUM>.

Furthermore, since the distance between the two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> is fixed with the fixing members <NUM>, recesses in the plate part <NUM> and recesses in the plate part <NUM> are positioned so as to face each other. The recesses form the openings <NUM>. The two plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> each have two holes <NUM> for passage of a first cord <NUM>. That is, the support part <NUM> has four holes <NUM>.

As illustrated in the part enclosed by the dotted line L1 in <FIG>, the openings <NUM> are each formed of straight lines corresponding to the portion indicated by line SL and semicircles corresponding to the portion indicated by line SC, when seen from the opposite direction to the Z direction. That is, the two openings <NUM> are each formed of two straight lines and two semicircles. Note that the two openings <NUM> may each be formed of an oval whose longitudinal direction is the X direction. Areas to which a force in the Z direction is applied to the silicon rod <NUM> when the silicon rod <NUM> is pulled up are the two end portions <NUM>.

Each of the two openings <NUM> formed in the support part <NUM> at least has a portion that tapers with increasing distance from a first surface <NUM> (located on the side where the silicon rod <NUM> is supported) of the support part <NUM> and decreasing distance from a second surface <NUM> (located on the opposite side of the support part <NUM> from the first surface <NUM>) of the support part <NUM>. For example, each of the two openings <NUM> has a sloping surface <NUM> which forms the portion that tapers with increasing distance from the first surface <NUM> and decreasing distance from the second surface <NUM>. In the part enclosed by the dotted line L2 in <FIG>, each of the openings <NUM> is formed only of the sloping surface <NUM>; however, each of the openings <NUM> may have a shape in which a part of the opening <NUM> tapers with increasing distance from the first surface <NUM> and decreasing distance from the second surface <NUM>.

The two end portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> have curved surfaces; therefore, with the above configuration, the silicon rod <NUM> can be easily fitted into the support part <NUM>. This makes it possible to cause the silicon rod <NUM> to be firmly supported by the support part <NUM>. Furthermore, for example, in a case where the support part <NUM> is made of a resin, the formation of the sloping portion having the tapering shape makes it possible to reduce the area of contact between the silicon rod <NUM> and the support part <NUM>. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, the amount of the support part <NUM> lost in wear. As a result, it is possible to prevent or reduce the contamination of silicon with impurities.

With regard to the silicon rod <NUM> to be taken out, a support part <NUM> having a sloping surface <NUM> sloping at a larger angle θ to the second surface <NUM> may be prepared for a silicon rod <NUM> having smaller-diameter straight barrel portions <NUM>. This makes it possible to cause the silicon rod <NUM> to be more firmly supported by the support part <NUM>. Note that the openings <NUM> may have, instead of the sloping surface <NUM>, a curved surface having a portion that has the shape that tapers with increasing distance from the first surface <NUM> and decreasing distance from the second surface <NUM>.

The first cords <NUM> are configured to pull up the support part <NUM>. The first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM>, and are equal in number to or greater in number than the silicon rod(s) <NUM>. For example, in a case where one silicon rod <NUM> is to be taken out, one or more first cords <NUM> are present. It is particularly preferable that the first cords <NUM> be equal in number or greater in number than the straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod(s) <NUM>. For example, in a case of a silicon rod in a letter U shape having two straight barrel portions, one or more first cord need to be present, and preferably two or more first cords are present.

The upper limit of the number of the first cords <NUM> is preferably four times the number of the straight barrel portions <NUM>, more preferably twice the number of the straight barrel portions <NUM>, even more preferably equal to the number of the straight barrel portions <NUM>, in terms of operation efficiency, operation stability, and a reduction in the area of contact.

The first cords <NUM>, second cords <NUM>, and third cords <NUM> are each preferably made of a resin. The resin is not particularly limited. A polyamide resin, a polyester resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyolefin resin, and/or the like can be used.

In the case of <FIG>, there is one silicon rod <NUM> to be taken out, the silicon rod <NUM> has two straight barrel portions <NUM>, and there are two first cords <NUM>. When the silicon rod <NUM> is taken out of the reactor <NUM>, the first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part <NUM> (the step of connecting one or more first cords to a support part). The first cords <NUM> are located outside the silicon rod <NUM> in the direction along which the straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> are arranged. The first cords <NUM> each extend parallel to the Z direction.

Assume here that the first cord connecting part <NUM> has the following four holes (which are not illustrated): a first hole, a second hole, a third hole, and a fourth hole. With regard to one of the first cords <NUM>, a first end of that first cord <NUM> is passed through the first hole, and is attached to the portion of the first cord <NUM> between the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM> by tying a knot. With this, the first end of the first cord <NUM> is connected to the first cord connecting part <NUM>.

A second end, which is the opposite end of the first cord <NUM> from the first end, is passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part <NUM>, and is passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part <NUM>. The second end is passed through the second hole and attached to the portion of the first cord <NUM> between the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM> by tying a knot. With this, the first cord <NUM> is connected to the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM>.

Similar to the one of the first cords <NUM>, the other of the first cords <NUM> is also passed through the third hole and the fourth hole, is passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part <NUM> and one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part <NUM>, and is thereby connected to the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM>. Thus, in a case where there is one silicon rod <NUM> (there are two straight barrel portions <NUM>) and there are two first cords <NUM>, the two first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM> in the above described manner.

For another example, assume a case where there is one silicon rod <NUM>, the silicon rod <NUM> has two straight barrel portions <NUM>, and there are four first cords <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Assume here that the first cords <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM> are connected in the same manner as described earlier. In such a case, a first end of each of the four first cords <NUM> is connected to the first cord connecting part <NUM>. A second end, which is the opposite end of the first cord <NUM> from the first end, may be passed through any of the holes <NUM> in the plate parts <NUM> and <NUM> and connected to the portion of the first cord <NUM> between the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM>. With this, the four first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM> in the foregoing manner.

The manner in which the first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM> is not limited to the foregoing manner. Specifically, the number of the first cords <NUM>, a method of connecting the first cords <NUM> and the support part <NUM>, a method of connecting the first cords <NUM> and the first cord connecting part <NUM>, and the like may be changed as appropriate, provide that the silicon rod <NUM> can be taken out. The same applies to the manner in which the third cords <NUM> are connected to the first cord connecting part <NUM>.

Further assume a case where the bridging portion <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> was broken during the deposition of the silicon rod <NUM> in the reactor <NUM>. In such a case, a silicon rod has a letter I shape composed of a straight barrel portion <NUM>. That is, there is one silicon rod, and the silicon rod has one straight barrel portion. In such a case, one first cord <NUM> is sufficient for the takeout jig <NUM>, and the one silicon rod having a letter I shape can be taken out using the takeout jig <NUM>.

A second cord <NUM> is connected to one of the first cords <NUM>, and holds the silicon rod <NUM> by wrapping around the silicon rod <NUM>. Two or more second cords <NUM> may be provided. The second cords <NUM> are attached to the first cords <NUM> by tying a knot, and wrap around the straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM>. When the silicon rod <NUM> is taken out of the reactor <NUM>, the second cords <NUM> are wrapped around the silicon rod <NUM>, thereby holding the silicon rod <NUM> (the step of holding the silicon rod).

The first cord connecting part <NUM> is located higher than the silicon rod <NUM> and has, connected thereto, a plurality of the first cords <NUM> such that the plurality of first cords <NUM> are each parallel to the longitudinal direction of the straight barrel portions <NUM>. In other words, the first cord connecting part <NUM> is located downstream of the silicon rod <NUM> in the Z direction. Furthermore, since the plurality of first cords <NUM> are connected to the first cord connecting part <NUM>, the plurality of first cords <NUM> are each parallel to the Z direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the straight barrel portions <NUM>.

With the above configuration, the takeout jig <NUM> includes the first cord connecting part <NUM>, and is therefore capable of stably carrying the silicon rod <NUM>. Furthermore, since the second cords <NUM> and the like are easy to knot, operations are easy to perform. Specifically, since the silicon rod <NUM> would be pulled up and moved by a crane (not illustrated), the presence of the first cord connecting part <NUM> in the takeout jig <NUM> makes it possible to stably carry the silicon rod <NUM>. The presence of the first cord connecting part <NUM> in the takeout jig <NUM> also makes it possible to prevent the entanglement of the first cords <NUM> and second cords <NUM>. This makes it possible to improve operation efficiency and shorten the operation time.

The first cord connecting part <NUM> has the third cords <NUM> connected thereto. When the silicon rod <NUM> is taken out of the reactor <NUM>, the support part <NUM> is pulled up by pulling one or more third cords <NUM> up with a crane under the conditions in which the silicon rod <NUM> is supported by the support part <NUM> (the step of pulling up the support part). Note that the takeout jig <NUM> does not need to include the third cords <NUM>. In such a case, the first cords <NUM> are connected to the first cord connecting part <NUM>, and the support part <NUM> is pulled up by pulling up the first cords <NUM> with a crane at a position higher than the first cord connecting part <NUM>.

With regard to the number of second cords, an appropriate number can be selected as appropriate according to the size of the silicon rod <NUM>. In particular, in terms of operation efficiency, operation stability, and a reduction in the area of contact, the number of second cords is preferably not less than the number of first cords and not more than ten times the number of first cords, more preferably not less than the number of first cords and not more than five times the number of first cords.

As such, the silicon rod <NUM> makes contact with the support part <NUM> and the second cords <NUM>, and the support part <NUM> makes contact with the end portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM>. Only small parts of the end portions <NUM> are used as raw materials. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the contact with the silicon rod <NUM>. Furthermore, since the silicon rod <NUM> is held by the second cords <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the shaking of the silicon rod <NUM> that would occur when the support part <NUM> is pulled up. This makes it possible to reduce damage to the silicon rod <NUM>. Furthermore, it is possible to safely perform the operation of taking out the silicon rod <NUM> in a short time.

When the silicon rod <NUM> is taken out of the reactor <NUM>, a protective member <NUM> for protection of the silicon rod <NUM> is preferably used, as illustrated in <FIG>. That is, it is preferable that there be a plurality of second cords <NUM> and that at least one of the second cords <NUM> hold the silicon rod <NUM> with the protective member <NUM> between the second cord(s) <NUM> and the silicon rod <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the manner in which, in the takeout jig <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, second cords <NUM> hold the silicon rod <NUM> with protective members <NUM> between the second cords <NUM> and the silicon rod <NUM>. Details are discussed below.

The presence of the protective members <NUM> between the silicon rod <NUM> and the second cords <NUM> makes it possible to disperse a force concentrating on the second cords <NUM>, and possible to reduce cracking and breaking in the silicon rod <NUM>. It is particularly preferable that a second cord(s) <NUM> which holds the silicon rod <NUM> at a position higher than the other second cord(s) <NUM> hold the silicon rod <NUM> with the protective member(s) <NUM> between the second cord(s) <NUM> and the silicon rod <NUM>. The area where the second cord <NUM> at the highest position is located is an area subjected to the largest weight and force. In this area, the protective member <NUM> makes it possible to effectively reduce cracking and breaking in the silicon rod <NUM>.

The protective member <NUM> need only be in the form of cloth, and may be in the form of a mesh and in the form of cloth. The protective member <NUM> is preferably made of an organic polymeric material (resin). In a case where the protective member <NUM> is in the form of a mesh, the protective member <NUM> can be used even if the protective member <NUM> is made of a metal material, because the protective member <NUM> in the form of a mesh is capable of reducing the area of contact between the silicon rod <NUM> and the protective member <NUM>.

In a case where the protective member <NUM> is made of an organic polymeric material (resin), no or only a very few metal impurities attach themselves to the silicon rod <NUM> even if the silicon rod <NUM> makes contact with the protective member <NUM>. The organic polymeric material (resin) is not particularly limited. A polyamide resin, a polyester resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyurethane resin, an epoxy resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyolefin resin, and/or the like can be used.

The following description will discuss Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Note that, for convenience of description, members having functions identical to those described in Embodiment <NUM> are assigned identical referential numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of a takeout jig 1A in accordance with Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of a takeout jig 1B which is different from the takeout jig 1A illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the takeout jig 1A differs from the takeout jig <NUM> in that the takeout jig 1A does not include the first cord connecting part <NUM> or the third cords <NUM> and in the relationship between the first cords <NUM> and other members. With regard to one of the first cords <NUM>, a first end of that first cord <NUM> is pulled up with a crane (not illustrated). A second end, which is the opposite end of the first cord <NUM> from the first end, is passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part <NUM>, passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part <NUM>, and connected to the first end. With this, the first cord <NUM> is connected to the support part <NUM>.

In the same manner as the one of the first cords <NUM>, the other of the first cords <NUM> is also connected to the support part <NUM> and pulled up with the crane. In such a case, areas of connection CN1 between the first cords <NUM> and the support part <NUM> are located outside the silicon rod <NUM> in the direction along which the straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> are arranged. An area of connection CN2 between the first cords <NUM>, which is located higher than the silicon rod <NUM>, coincides with a middle position MP of the silicon rod <NUM> when seen from the opposite direction to the Z direction.

Therefore, in the takeout jig 1A, the direction of extension of the first cords <NUM> is not parallel to the Z direction but is at an angle to the direction parallel to the Z direction, as illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, in a case where there is one silicon rod <NUM> and there are two first cords <NUM>, the two first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part <NUM> and pulled up with a crane as described earlier.

On the other hand, the takeout jig 1B differs from the takeout jig <NUM> in that the takeout jig 1B does not include the first cord connecting part <NUM> or the third cords <NUM>, that the number of first cords <NUM> is different, and that the support part <NUM> is changed to a support part 20B, as illustrated in <FIG>. The support part 20B is composed of two plate parts 21B and 22B similar to the support part <NUM>.

The two plate parts 21B and 22B each have four holes <NUM> for passage of the first cords <NUM>. That is, the support part 20B has eight holes <NUM>. With regard to one of the first cords <NUM>, a first end of that first cord <NUM> is pulled up with a crane (not illustrated). A second end, which is the opposite end of the first cord <NUM> from the first end, is passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part 21B, passed through one of the holes <NUM> in the plate part 22B, and connected to the first end. With this, the first cord <NUM> is connected to the support part 20B.

In a similar manner to the one of the first cords <NUM>, the other three first cords <NUM> are also connected to the support part 20B and pulled up with the crane. In such a case, the outer two first cords <NUM> are located outside the silicon rod <NUM> in the direction along which the straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> are arranged. The inner two first cords <NUM> are located inside the silicon rod <NUM> in the direction along which the straight barrel portions <NUM> of the silicon rod <NUM> are arranged. That is, in a case where there is one silicon rod <NUM> and there are four first cords <NUM>, the four first cords <NUM> are connected to the support part 20B and pulled up with a crane as described earlier.

Aspects of the present invention can also be expressed as follows:
A takeout jig in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a support part which is configured to be pulled up to take out a silicon rod including one or more straight barrel portions and which is configured to support the silicon rod by clamping one or more end portions of the silicon rod; one or more first cords which are connected to the support part, which are equal in number to or greater in number than the silicon rod, and which are configured to pull up the support part; and one or more second cords which are connected to the one or more first cords and which are configured to hold the silicon rod by wrapping around the silicon rod.

With the above configuration, the silicon rod makes contact with the support part and the second cord(s), and the support part makes contact with the end portion(s) of the silicon rod. Only small part(s) of the end portion(s) are used as raw materials. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the contact with the silicon rod. Furthermore, since the silicon rod is held by the second cord(s), it is possible to reduce the shaking of the silicon rod that would occur when the support part is pulled up. This makes it possible to reduce damage to the silicon rod.

The silicon rod to be taken out may have a letter U shape made up of two of the straight barrel portions united at their top; the support part may have two openings within which respective two of the end portions of the silicon rod in the letter U shape fit when the two end portions are clamped with the support part; and the two openings may each have a shape whose longitudinal direction is identical to a direction along which the two end portions are arranged.

With the above configuration, it is possible to easily fit, within the respective two openings, the two end portions of any of various silicon rods which vary in the distance between the two end portions. This eliminates the need for preparing a plurality of takeout jigs which vary in the distance between the two openings, and makes it possible to improve the performance of taking out the silicon rod.

Each of the two openings may be formed in the support part such that each of the two openings at least has a portion that tapers with increasing distance from a first surface of the support part and decreasing distance from a second surface of the support part, the first surface being located on a side where the silicon rod is supported, the second surface being located on an opposite side of the support part from the first surface.

The two end portions of the silicon rod have curved surfaces; therefore, with the above configuration, the silicon rod can be easily fitted into the support part. This makes it possible to cause the silicon rod to be firmly supported by the support part. Furthermore, for example, in a case where the support part is made of a resin, the formation of the sloping portion having the tapering shape makes it possible to reduce the area of contact between the silicon rod and the support part. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, the amount of the support part lost in wear. As a result, it is possible to prevent or reduce the contamination of silicon with impurities.

The support part may be composed of two plate parts configured to clamp the one or more end portions therebetween; and the takeout jig may further include a fixing member configured to fix a distance between the two plate parts. With the configuration, the distance between the two plate parts is fixed by the fixing member; therefore, it is possible to fix the silicon rod to the support part.

The takeout jig may further include a first cord connecting part which is located higher than the silicon rod and to which a plurality of the first cords are connected such that each of the plurality of first cords is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the one or more straight barrel portions.

With the above configuration, the takeout jig includes the first cord connecting part, and is therefore capable of stably carrying the silicon rod. Furthermore, since the second cord(s) and the like are easy to knot, operations are easy to perform. Specifically, since the silicon rod would be pulled up and moved by a crane, the presence of the first cord connecting part in the takeout jig makes it possible to stably carry the silicon rod. The presence of the first cord connecting part in the takeout jig also makes it possible to prevent the entanglement of the first cord(s) and second cord(s). This makes it possible to improve operation efficiency and shorten the operation time.

The takeout jig may include a plurality of the second cords, and at least one of the plurality of second cords may hold the silicon rod with a protective member between the at least one of the plurality of second cords and the silicon rod.

With the above configuration, the presence of the protective member between the silicon rod and the second cord makes it possible to disperse a force concentrating on the second cord, and possible to reduce cracking and breaking in the silicon rod. It is particularly preferable that a second cord which holds the silicon rod at a position higher than the other second cord(s) hold the silicon rod with the protective member between the second cord and the silicon rod. The area where the second cord at the highest position is located is an area subjected to the largest weight and force. In this area, the protective member makes it possible to effectively reduce cracking and breaking in the silicon rod.

The protective member need only be in the form of cloth, and may be in the form of a mesh and in the form of cloth. The protective member is preferably made of an organic polymeric material (resin). In a case where the protective member is in the form of a mesh, the protective member can be used even if the protective member is made of a metal material, because the protective member in the form of a mesh is capable of reducing the area of contact between the silicon rod and the protective member. In a case where the protective member is made of an organic polymeric material, no or only a very few metal impurities attach themselves to the silicon rod even if the silicon rod makes contact with the protective member.

Claim 1:
A takeout jig comprising:
- a support part which is configured to be pulled up to take out a silicon rod including one or more straight barrel portions and which is configured to support the silicon rod by clamping one or more end portions of the silicon rod;
- one or more first cords which are connected to the support part, which are equal in number to or greater in number than the silicon rod, and which are configured to pull up the support part; and
- one or more second cords which are connected to the one or more first cords and which are configured to hold the silicon rod by wrapping around the silicon rod.