Fiber body forming device and control method of fiber body forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides a fiber body forming device and a control method for the fiber body forming device with excellent convenience. The fiber body forming device is characterized by comprising: an accumulation section having a discharge section and an accumulation member, wherein the discharge section discharges a material containing fibers and the accumulation member accumulates the material discharged from the discharge section; a sheet substrate supply section that supplies a sheet substrate vertically below the discharge section; and a control section that controls the operation of the accumulation section and the sheet substrate supply section, wherein the control section selectively controls the operation of the accumulation section and the sheet substrate supply section by executing a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the material is accumulated on the accumulation member, and the second mode is a mode in which the sheet substrate is supplied vertically below the discharge section and accumulated on the sheet substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber body forming device and a control method of the fiber body forming device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, fiber-body forming devices that utilize a dry method that minimizes the use of water have been proposed. Dry-method fiber-body forming devices typically have the following structure: a defibration unit that defibrates the raw material; an accumulation unit that accumulates the defibrated material produced by the defibration unit; and a shaping unit that shapes the accumulated material into a sheet.

[0003] In order to impart desired functions to the manufactured sheet, it is conceivable to adopt a structure as described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a sheet having desired functions is manufactured by supplying a nonwoven fabric and depositing glass fibers on the nonwoven fabric to form the nonwoven fabric.

[0004] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 is a dedicated device for manufacturing functional sheets and therefore cannot cope with the method of simply manufacturing the above-mentioned deposited material into a sheet shape, thereby lacking in convenience.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-132843 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The fiber body forming device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a stacking section, which has a discharge section and a stacking component, the discharge section discharges a material containing fibers, and the stacking component stacks the material discharged from the discharge section; a sheet substrate supply section, which supplies a sheet substrate vertically below the discharge section; and a control section, which controls the operation of the stacking section and the sheet substrate supply section, the control section controlling the operation of the stacking section and the sheet substrate supply section by selectively executing a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the material is stacked on the stacking component, and the second mode is a mode in which the sheet substrate is supplied vertically below the discharge section and the material is stacked on the sheet substrate.

[0007] The control method of the fiber body forming device of the present invention is characterized in that the fiber body forming device comprises: a stacking section, which has a discharge section and a stacking component, the discharge section discharges a material containing fibers, and the stacking component stacks the material discharged from the discharge section; a sheet substrate supply section, which supplies a sheet substrate vertically below the discharge section. In the control method of the fiber body forming device, the operation of the stacking section and the sheet substrate supply section is controlled by selectively executing a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the material is stacked on the stacking component, and the second mode is a mode in which the sheet substrate is supplied vertically below the discharge section and the material is stacked on the sheet substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 To express Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the various parts of the fiber body forming device.

[0010] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic configuration of a deposition unit and its surroundings included in the fiber body forming apparatus, and is a diagram showing a state in which the first mode is being executed.

[0011] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic configuration of a deposition unit and its surroundings included in the fiber body forming apparatus, and is a diagram showing a state in which the second mode is being executed.

[0012] Figure 5 To express Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sheet base material supply unit included in the fiber body forming apparatus shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 6 To pass Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet produced by the first mode of the fiber body forming apparatus shown.

[0014] Figure 7 To pass Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet produced by the second mode of the fiber body forming apparatus shown.

[0015] Figure 8 For use in Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation executed by the control unit shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 9This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control operation executed by the control unit included in the second embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the second embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the second embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the fiber body forming device of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0020] First embodiment

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention. Figure 2 To express Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the various parts of the fiber body forming device. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic configuration of a deposition unit and its surroundings included in the fiber body forming apparatus, and is a diagram showing a state in which the first mode is being executed. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic configuration of a deposition unit and its surroundings included in the fiber body forming apparatus, and is a diagram showing a state in which the second mode is being executed. Figure 5 To express Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sheet base material supply unit included in the fiber body forming apparatus shown in FIG. Figure 6 To pass Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet produced by the first mode of the fiber body forming apparatus shown. Figure 7 To pass Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet produced by the second mode of the fiber body forming apparatus shown. Figure 8 For use in Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation executed by the control unit shown in FIG.

[0022] In addition, in the following, for the convenience of explanation, Figures 2 to 5 As shown in FIG, three mutually orthogonal axes are set as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. In addition, the xy plane including the x-axis and y-axis becomes horizontal, and the z-axis becomes vertical. In addition, the direction pointed by the arrow mark of each axis is called "+", and the opposite direction is called "-". In addition, Figures 1 to 4The upper side of is referred to as “upper” or “above”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower” or “below”.

[0023] In addition, in this specification, "horizontal" includes not only a completely horizontal state but also a state tilted within a range of ±5° relative to the horizontal. Similarly, in this specification, "vertical" includes not only a completely vertical state but also a state tilted within a range of ±5° relative to the vertical.

[0024] in addition, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram that is easy to understand in order to explain a series of processes from raw material M1 to manufacturing sheet S. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the positional relationship of each part of the fiber body forming apparatus 100 is different from the actual positional relationship. First, the overall structure of the fiber body forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0025] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the fiber body forming device 100 includes a raw material supply unit 11, a crushing unit 12, a defibration unit 13, a screening unit 14, a first web forming unit 15, a finely divided unit 16, a mixing unit 17, a disassembling unit 18, a second web forming unit 19, a heating and pressing unit 20, a cutting unit 21, a discharge unit 22, a sheet base material supply unit 3, a recovery unit 27, a control unit 28, and a housing 50. In addition, the disassembling unit 18 and the second web forming unit 19 constitute an accumulation unit 30. Among these various parts, the parts other than the raw material supply unit 11, the discharge unit 22, and the sheet base material supply unit 3 are as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the controller 28 is housed in the housing 50. The controller 28 may be housed inside the housing 50 or provided outside the housing 50.

[0026] The raw material supply section 11, the coarse crushing section 12, the defibration section 13, the screening section 14, the first web forming section 15, the fine segmentation section 16, the mixing section 17, the disassembling section 18, the second web forming section 19, the heating and pressurizing section 20, the cutting section 21, the discharge section 22 and the recovery section 27 are respectively electrically connected to the control section 28 so that their operations are controlled.

[0027] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the fiber body forming apparatus 100 includes a humidifying section 231 , a humidifying section 232 , a humidifying section 233 , a humidifying section 234 , a humidifying section 235 , and a humidifying section 236 . In addition, the fiber body forming apparatus 100 includes a blower 261 , a blower 262 , and a blower 263 .

[0028] The humidifiers 231 to 236 and the blowers 261 to 263 are electrically connected to the control unit 28 so that their operations are controlled.

[0029] In addition, in the fiber body forming device 100, the raw material supply process, the first coarse crushing process, the defibration process, the screening process, the first sheet forming process, the splitting process, the mixing process, the disassembly process, the second sheet forming process, the heating and pressurizing process, the cutting process, and the discharge process are performed in sequence.

[0030] In addition, although the details will be described later, the fiber body forming device 100 can perform a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the second material sheet M8 is formed in the stacking unit 30 and the second material sheet M8 is formed into a sheet S. The second mode is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, in the stacking unit 30 , the second web M8 is stacked on the sheet base S1 and the stacked body is formed into a sheet S pattern.

[0031] The following describes the structure of each part.

[0032] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the raw material supply section 11 is a part that implements the raw material supply process of supplying raw material M1 to the coarse crushing section 12. As the raw material M1, it is a thin sheet material composed of a fibrous material containing cellulose fibers. In addition, the cellulose fibers can be any substance that has cellulose as a compound as the main component and is fibrous. In addition to cellulose, it can also be a substance containing hemicellulose and lignin. In addition, the raw material M1 is a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, etc., and its form is not limited. In addition, the raw material M1 can be, for example, recycled paper that is regenerated and manufactured by defiberizing waste paper, or YUPO paper (registered trademark) of synthetic paper, or it can be other than recycled paper. In addition, in the present embodiment, the raw material M1 is used or useless waste paper.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the raw material supply unit 11 is fixed to the side wall of the housing 50 on the -x axis side and is provided on the housing 50. The raw material M1 supplied by the raw material supply unit 11 is supplied into the housing 50 through an inlet (not shown) provided in the housing 50 and is fed to the coarse crushing unit 12. The feeding mechanism here is not particularly limited, and for example, a feeding roller or the like can be used.

[0034] The coarse crushing unit 12 is a portion that performs a first coarse crushing step of coarsely crushing the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 in a gas such as the atmosphere. The coarse crushing unit 12 includes a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and a chute 122 .

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 rotates about respective rotation axes. The coarse crushing blades 121 rotate in opposite directions, thereby coarsely crushing, or cutting, the material M1 between them into coarse fragments M2. The coarse fragments M2 preferably have a shape and size suitable for the defibration process in the defibration unit 13. For example, they are preferably small pieces with a side length of 100 mm or less, and more preferably, pieces of 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less.

[0036] The chute 122 is a funnel-shaped device disposed below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The chute 122 can receive the coarse fragments M2 that have been coarsely crushed by the coarse crushing blades 121 and dropped.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, a humidifying unit 231 is disposed above the chute 122, adjacent to the pair of coarse-crushing blades 121. The humidifying unit 231 humidifies the coarse fragments M2 within the chute 122. The humidifying unit 231 comprises a warm air vaporization humidifier having a filter (not shown) containing moisture. The humidifying unit 231 supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarse fragments M2 by passing air through the filter. Supplying humidified air to the coarse fragments M2 prevents the coarse fragments M2 from adhering to the chute 122 and other surfaces due to static electricity.

[0038] The chute 122 is connected to the defibrating unit 13 via a pipe 241. The coarse fragments M2 accumulated in the chute 122 pass through the pipe 241 and are transported to the defibrating unit 13.

[0039] The defibration section 13 is a section that implements the defibration process, in which the coarse fragments M2 are defibrated in a gaseous atmosphere, i.e., by a dry method. The defibration process in the defibration section 13 allows the coarse fragments M2 to be converted into a defibrated material M3. Here, "defibration" means breaking down the coarse fragments M2, which are composed of multiple fibers bonded together, into a single set of fibers. This broken material then becomes the defibrated material M3. The defibrated material M3 is in the form of a line or a ribbon. Furthermore, the defibrated material M3 may be entangled with each other to form a mass, a so-called "clump."

[0040] For example, in this embodiment, the defibrating unit 13 is composed of an impeller mixer having rotating blades that rotate at high speed and a bushing located around the rotating blades. The coarse fragments M2 flowing into the defibrating unit 13 are clamped between the rotating blades and the bushing and are defibrated.

[0041] The rotation of the rotating blades in the defibrating unit 13 generates a flow of air, i.e., an airflow, from the coarse crushing unit 12 toward the screening unit 14. This allows the coarse crushing pieces M2 to be drawn into the defibrating unit 13 through the pipe 241. After the defibration process, the defibrated material M3 can be discharged to the screening unit 14 via the pipe 242.

[0042] A blower 261 is provided midway along the tube 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generating device that generates an airflow toward the screening unit 14. This facilitates the delivery of the defibrated material M3 to the screening unit 14.

[0043] The screening unit 14 performs a screening process for the defibrated material M3, sorting it based on fiber length. In the screening unit 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into a first screened material M4-1 and a second screened material M4-2, which is larger than the first screened material M4-1. The first screened material M4-1 is of a size suitable for subsequent production of the sheet S. Its average length is preferably between 1 μm and 30 μm. Meanwhile, the second screened material M4-2 may contain, for example, inadequately defibrated material or excessively agglomerated defibrated fibers.

[0044] The screening unit 14 includes a drum unit 141 and a housing unit 142 that houses the drum unit 141 .

[0045] The drum 141 is a screen composed of a cylindrical mesh that rotates about its central axis. The defibrated material M3 flows into the drum 141. The rotation of the drum 141 causes the defibrated material M3 that is smaller than the mesh size of the mesh to be screened out as the first screened material M4-1, while the defibrated material M3 that is larger than the mesh size of the mesh to be screened out as the second screened material M4-2.

[0046] The first screened material M4 - 1 falls from the drum portion 141 .

[0047] Meanwhile, the second material M4-2 is fed into the tube 243 connected to the drum unit 141. The tube 243 is connected to the tube 241 on the side opposite to the drum unit 141, that is, on the upstream side. The second material M4-2, having passed through the tube 243, merges with the coarse fragments M2 within the tube 241 and flows into the defibrating unit 13 together with the coarse fragments M2. Thus, the second material M4-2 returns to the defibrating unit 13 and is defibrated together with the coarse fragments M2.

[0048] The first material M4-1 falling from the drum unit 141 is dispersed in the gas and falls toward the first web forming unit 15 located below the drum unit 141. The first web forming unit 15 is the part that performs the first web forming process of forming the first web M5 from the first material M4-1. The first web forming unit 15 includes a mesh belt 151, three tension rollers 152, and a suction unit 153.

[0049] The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt on which the first screened material M4-1 is accumulated. The mesh belt 151 is wound around three support rollers 152. The support rollers 152 are driven to rotate, thereby conveying the first screened material M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 downstream.

[0050] The first material M4-1 has a size that is larger than the mesh size of the mesh belt 151. This restricts the passage of the first material M4-1 through the mesh belt 151 and allows it to accumulate on the mesh belt 151. Furthermore, as the first material M4-1 accumulates on the mesh belt 151 and is conveyed downstream along with the mesh belt 151, it is formed into a layered first web M5.

[0051] In addition, the first screened material M4-1 may contain dust or dirt. Dust or dirt may be generated by crushing or defibration. Such dust or dirt will be recovered in the recovery unit 27 described below.

[0052] The suction unit 153 is a suction mechanism that sucks air from below the mesh belt 151. Thus, dust or dirt that has passed through the mesh belt 151 can be sucked together with the air.

[0053] Moreover, the suction part 153 is connected to the recovery part 27 via the pipe 244. The dust or the dirt sucked by the suction part 153 is recovered in the recovery part 27.

[0054] A pipe 245 is also connected to the recovery unit 27. A blower 262 is also provided midway along the pipe 245. The operation of the blower 262 generates suction force using the suction unit 153. This promotes the formation of the first web M5 on the mesh belt 151. The first web M5 becomes dust or dirt, which is removed. Furthermore, the dust or dirt is transported through the pipe 244 by the operation of the blower 262 and reaches the recovery unit 27.

[0055] The housing 142 is connected to the humidifier 232. The humidifier 232 is composed of a vaporization-type or ultrasonic-type humidifier. Thus, humidified air is supplied to the housing 142. This humidified air humidifies the first object M4-1, thereby preventing the first object M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing 142 due to static electricity.

[0056] A humidifier 235 is located downstream of the screening unit 14. The humidifier 235 comprises an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water in a mist. This supplies moisture to the first web M5, thereby regulating the moisture content of the first web M5. This regulation suppresses static electricity-induced adsorption of the first web M5 onto the mesh belt 151. This facilitates the first web M5's release from the mesh belt 151 at the point where it is folded back by the tension rollers 152.

[0057] The subdividing section 16 is located downstream of the humidifying section 235. This section performs the segmentation process of segmenting the first web M5 peeled from the mesh belt 151. The subdividing section 16 includes rotatably supported rotating blades 161 and a housing 162 that houses the rotating blades 161. The rotating rotating blades 161 segment the first web M5. The segmented first web M5 becomes subdivided pieces M6. The subdivided pieces M6 then fall within the housing 162.

[0058] The housing 162 is connected to the humidifying unit 233. The humidifying unit 233 is composed of a vaporization-type or ultrasonic-type humidifier. Thus, humidified air is supplied to the housing 162. This humidified air also prevents the fine particles M6 from adhering to the rotating blades 161 or the inner wall of the housing 162 due to static electricity.

[0059] A mixing section 17 is disposed downstream of the subdividing section 16 . The mixing section 17 is a section for performing a mixing process of mixing the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 . The mixing section 17 includes a resin supply section 171 , a pipe 172 , and a blower 173 .

[0060] The tube 172 is a flow passage that connects the housing portion 162 of the subdividing unit 16 and the housing portion 182 of the disassembling unit 18 and through which the mixture M7 of the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 passes.

[0061] A resin supply unit 171 is connected midway along the tube 172. The resin supply unit 171 includes a screw feeder 174. The screw feeder 174 is driven to rotate, thereby supplying resin P1 as powder or particles to the tube 172. The resin P1 supplied to the tube 172 is mixed with the fine particles M6 to form a mixture M7.

[0062] The resin P1 is a material that bonds the fibers together in a subsequent step. Although thermoplastic resins and curable resins can be used, thermoplastic resins are preferably used. Examples of thermoplastic resins include AS resin, ABS resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), modified polyolefins, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 6-12, and nylon 6-66. Liquid crystal polymers such as polyamide (nylon), polyphenylene ether, polyacetal, polyether, polyphenylene ether, polyether ether ketone, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyetherimide, aromatic polyester, styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans-polyisoprene, fluororubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc., and one or more selected from these substances can be used in combination. As the thermoplastic resin, polyester or a substance containing polyester is preferably used.

[0063] Furthermore, the substances supplied from the resin supply unit 171 may include, in addition to the resin P1, a colorant for coloring the fibers, an aggregation inhibitor for suppressing aggregation of the fibers or the resin P1, a flame retardant for making the fibers less flammable, a paper strengthening agent for increasing the paper strength of the sheet S, and the like. Alternatively, the resin supply unit 171 may supply a compounded substance containing the above substances in the resin P1 in advance.

[0064] A blower 173 is also provided midway along the tube 172, downstream of the resin supply section 171. The blower 173's rotating components, such as blades, mix the fine particles M6 with the resin P1. Furthermore, the blower 173 generates an airflow directed toward the disassembly section 18. This airflow stirs the fine particles M6 and the resin P1 within the tube 172. As a result, the mixture M7 flows into the disassembly section 18 with the fine particles M6 and the resin P1 uniformly dispersed. Furthermore, the fine particles M6 in the mixture M7 are disassembled as they pass through the tube 172, becoming smaller and more fibrous.

[0065] The disintegrating unit 18 is a part that performs a disintegrating step of disintegrating mutually entangled fibers in the mixture M7. The disintegrating unit 18 includes a drum unit 181 and a housing unit 182 that houses the drum unit 181.

[0066] The drum 181 is a screen composed of a cylindrical mesh that rotates about its central axis. The mixture M7 flows into the drum 181. The rotation of the drum 181 allows fibers in the mixture M7 that are smaller than the mesh size of the mesh to pass through the drum 181. At this point, the mixture M7 is disintegrated.

[0067] The housing 182 is connected to the humidifying unit 234. The humidifying unit 234 is composed of a vaporization-type or ultrasonic-type humidifier. Thus, humidified air is supplied to the housing 182. This humidified air humidifies the interior of the housing 182, thereby preventing the mixture M7 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing 182 due to static electricity.

[0068] The mixture M7, which has been disassembled in the roller unit 181, falls while being dispersed in the gas and falls toward the second web forming unit 19 located below the roller unit 181. The second web forming unit 19 is a portion that performs the second web forming step of forming the second web M8 from the mixture M7. The second web forming unit 19 includes a mesh belt 191, a suspension roller 192, and a suction unit 193.

[0069] The mesh belt 191 is an endless belt and serves as a stacking member for stacking the mixture M7. The mesh belt 191 is wound around four tension rollers 192. The rotation of the tension rollers 192 causes the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 to be conveyed downstream.

[0070] Furthermore, the vast majority of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is larger than the mesh size of the mesh belt 191. Therefore, the mixture M7 is limited from passing through the mesh belt 191, and can be deposited on the mesh belt 191. Furthermore, as the mixture M7 is deposited on the mesh belt 191 and conveyed downstream along with the mesh belt 191, it is formed into a layered second web M8.

[0071] The suction unit 193 is a suction mechanism that sucks air from below the mesh belt 191. This allows the mixture M7 to be sucked onto the mesh belt 191, thereby promoting the accumulation of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191.

[0072] A tube 246 is connected to the suction portion 193. A blower 263 is also provided midway along the tube 246. The operation of the blower 263 generates suction force within the suction portion 193. The blower 263 is electrically connected to the control unit 28, thereby controlling its operation.

[0073] The disassembling unit 18 and the second web forming unit 19 constitute an accumulation unit 30 for accumulating the defibrated material M3 generated by the defibrating unit 13 .

[0074] In addition, although the mesh belt 191 is described as an example of the stacking member in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a belt or plate-shaped member without holes may also be used.

[0075] A humidifier 236 is located downstream of the disassembling unit 18. This unit is comprised of an ultrasonic humidifier, similar to the humidifier 235. This unit supplies moisture to the second web M8, thereby regulating the moisture content of the second web M8. This regulation suppresses static electricity-induced adsorption of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191. This allows the second web M8 to be easily peeled from the mesh belt 191 at the point where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the tension rollers 192.

[0076] The total amount of moisture added to the humidifying sections 231 to 236 is preferably, for example, 0.5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the material before humidification.

[0077] A heating and pressing section 20 is disposed downstream of the second web forming section 19 . The heating and pressing section 20 performs a heating and pressing process for forming the sheet S from the second web M8 . The heating and pressing section 20 includes a pressing section 201 and a heating section 202 .

[0078] The pressurizing section 201 includes a pair of calendering rollers 203, and is capable of pressurizing the second web M8 between the calendering rollers 203 without heating. This increases the density of the second web M8. The degree of heating at this time is preferably such that the resin P1 does not melt, for example. The second web M8 is conveyed toward the heating section 202. One of the pair of calendering rollers 203 is a driving roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0079] The heating unit 202 includes a pair of heating rollers 204, which are capable of simultaneously heating and pressurizing the second web M8 between the heating rollers 204. This heating and pressurizing melts the resin P1 within the second web M8, bonding the fibers together via the melted resin P1. This forms a thin sheet S, which is then conveyed toward the cutting unit 21. Furthermore, one of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driving roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0080] A cutting section 21 is disposed downstream of the heating and pressing section 20 . The cutting section 21 is a section that performs a cutting process for cutting the sheet S. The cutting section 21 includes a first cutting section 211 and a second cutting section 212 .

[0081] The first cutting unit 211 is a member that cuts the sheet S in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the sheet S, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

[0082] The second cutting unit 212 is a unit that cuts the sheet S downstream of the first cutting unit 211 in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. This cutting process removes unnecessary excess portions from both ends of the sheet S, i.e., the ends in the +y-axis and -y-axis directions, thereby aligning the width of the sheet S. The excess portions removed by cutting are called "scraps."

[0083] The various components of the fiber body forming apparatus 100 described above are electrically connected to the control unit 28 . The operations of these various components are controlled by the control unit 28 .

[0084] The control unit 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 281 and a storage unit 282. The CPU 281 can execute various determinations and various commands, for example.

[0085] The storage unit 282 stores various programs such as a program for manufacturing the sheet S. The storage unit 282 also stores an operation program in the first mode and an operation program in the second mode, and the CPU 281 selectively reads and executes these programs.

[0086] The control unit 28 may be built into the fiber body forming apparatus 100 or provided on an external device such as an external computer. Furthermore, the connection between the external device and the fiber body forming apparatus 100 may be wired or wireless, and may be connected via a network such as the Internet.

[0087] In addition, the CPU 281 and the storage unit 282 may be integrated into one unit, for example, or the CPU 281 may be built into the fiber body forming device 100 and the storage unit 282 may be provided on an external device such as an external computer. Alternatively, the storage unit 282 may be built into the fiber body forming device 100 and the CPU 281 may be provided on an external device such as an external computer.

[0088] Next, use Figure 2 The positional relationship of each part of the fiber body forming device 100 will be described. Figure 2 As shown, the various parts of the aforementioned fiber body forming device 100 are housed in a housing 50. Figure 2 Only the main parts of the fiber body forming device 100 are shown in the figure, and other parts are omitted.

[0089] The material supply section 11 is located on the +y-side sidewall of the housing 50, offset from the -x-axis side. The discharge section 22 is located on the -x-side sidewall, offset from the +y-axis side. Material M1 discharged from the material supply section 11 enters the housing 50 from the +y-axis side and is supplied to the crushing section 12. The coarse fragments M2 generated by the crushing section 12 are conveyed toward the -y-axis side and defibrated by the defibration section 13. The defibrated material M3 generated by the defibration section 13 is conveyed toward the -y-axis side and accumulated in the screening section 14 and the first web forming section 15 to form the first web M5. The first web M5 is conveyed toward the +x-axis side and supplied to the subdividing section 16 to form subdivided materials M6. The subdivided materials M6 are conveyed toward the +x-axis side and formed into a mixture M7 by the mixing section 17. The mixture M7 is conveyed toward the disassembling unit 18 and the second web forming unit 19 on the +y-axis side, where it is formed into a second web M8. The second web M8 is conveyed toward the -x-axis side and formed into a sheet S by the heating and pressing unit 20. The sheet S is further conveyed toward the -x-axis side, cut into individual sheets S by the cutting unit 21, conveyed toward the -x-axis side, and discharged from the housing 50. The discharged sheets S are stored in the discharge unit 22.

[0090] In this manner, within the housing 50, the material M1 moves toward the +x-axis side, then folds back at a position on the +x-axis side within the housing 50 and moves toward the -x-axis side. In other words, the conveyance path of the material M1 is configured to fold back midway, thereby shortening the overall length of the fiber body forming apparatus 100, i.e., its length in the x-axis direction. Consequently, even in a room with limited space, for example, the number of locations where the fiber body forming apparatus 100 can be installed increases, making it easier to install the fiber body forming apparatus 100 in a variety of locations.

[0091] The accumulation unit 30 is provided immediately after the path turns back, in a position offset to the +y-axis side and the +x-axis side in the housing 50 . In other words, the accumulation unit 30 is provided near the side wall 50A on the +x-axis side of the housing 50 .

[0092] In this manner, the sheet substrate supply unit 3 inserts the sheet substrate S1 into the path along which the raw material M1 is conveyed, just before the stacking unit 30. This allows the second web M8 to be formed on the sheet substrate S1 immediately after the sheet substrate S1 is inserted into the sheet substrate supply unit 3. Consequently, the apparatus can be miniaturized without creating an unnecessary path for the sheet substrate S1 within the apparatus.

[0093] Furthermore, a sheet base material supply unit 3 is formed on the +x axis side of the side wall 50A on the +x axis side of the housing 50. The sheet base material supply unit 3 has a function of supplying the sheet base material S1 in the second mode.

[0094] like Figure 5As shown, the sheet substrate supply unit 3 includes a frame 301 provided on the +x-axis side of the side wall 50A, a loading unit 302 provided in the frame 301 and loaded with a base material of the sheet substrate S1, and a detection unit 303 for detecting the sheet substrate S1. The base material of the sheet substrate S1 is a long sheet substrate S1 wound into a roll shape, and its center is hollow.

[0095] The frame 301 has a supply port 304 that communicates with the introduction port 500 provided on the side wall 50A and supplies the sheet substrate S1. In addition, the frame 301 is provided with an opening and closing port (not shown) through which the base material of the sheet substrate S1 can be loaded or removed.

[0096] In the illustrated configuration, the loading portion 302 is constructed using a rod-shaped member that penetrates the center of the base material of the sheet substrate S1. However, the loading portion 302 is not limited to this configuration and may, for example, be a structure that supports the base material of the sheet substrate S1 only from the bottom, or a structure that penetrates the center of the base material of the sheet substrate S1 from both sides using two rod-shaped members.

[0097] The rod-shaped member may be rotated by a motor (not shown) to unwind the sheet substrate S1, or the rod-shaped member may be rotated so that the leading end of the sheet substrate S1 is unwound. Figure 1 The heat and press section 20 and other rollers shown in the figure hold and drag the roll to unwind.

[0098] In this manner, the sheet substrate S1 is wound into a roll. In the second mode, the sheet substrate supply unit 3 unwinds and supplies the roll-shaped sheet substrate S1. This allows the sheet substrate S1 to be stored in a smaller storage space and allows a larger amount of sheet substrate S1 to be unwound. This contributes to space conservation and reduces the frequency of replenishing the sheet substrate S1.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, the sheet substrate S1 includes a substrate layer 200 and a functional material 300 provided on one surface side of the substrate layer 200 .

[0100] The substrate layer 200 is, for example, a non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric constituting the substrate layer 200 is preferably composed of fibers having the same molecular structure as the fibers released from the disassembly section 18. Examples of the fibers contained in the sheet substrate S1 include cellulose fibers, rayon, cotton, lint, kapok, flax, hemp, ramie, and the like, and one or more of these materials can be used in combination. As the fibers contained in the substrate layer 200, cellulose fibers are preferably used. Cellulose fibers are easy to obtain and have excellent formability. As cellulose fibers, products derived from wood pulp are preferably used. Examples of wood pulp include virgin pulp, kraft pulp, bleached chemical thermomechanical pulp, synthetic pulp, pulp derived from waste paper or recycled paper, and the like, and one or more of these pulps can be used in combination.

[0101] Furthermore, the substrate layer 200 is breathable. "Breathability" refers to the property of air passing through its pores. The Garley seconds, which indicate air permeability in the Garley tester method, for the substrate layer 200 is preferably less than 30 seconds, and more preferably less than 15 seconds. Thus, when the suction unit 193 performs suction in the second mode, the mixture M7 can be effectively sucked through the thin substrate S1. Consequently, a good second web M8 can be formed on the thin substrate S1.

[0102] The thickness of the base material layer 200 is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 90 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0103] As the functional material 300, for example, a magnetic body can be used. Thus, the sheet S produced in the second mode can be used as security paper. Security paper is a paper that can be detected by a detection system having an excitation coil and a detection coil. An alternating current is passed through the excitation coil to generate an alternating magnetic field of several kHz, and when the sheet S is placed in the alternating magnetic field, the presence of the sheet S can be detected when the magnetization is reversed. Therefore, by arranging an excitation coil and a detection coil on a gate through which people or vehicles can pass, the sheet S passing through the gate can be detected. Therefore, the removal of the sheet S can be detected. For example, in a case where confidential information is printed on the sheet S, the leakage of the confidential information can be prevented.

[0104] Furthermore, the functional material 300 preferably exhibits a large Barkhausen effect. Specifically, the functional material 300 is made of FeCr, FeCo, FeNi, FeSiB, or FeCoCrSiB alloys. Since these materials exhibit a large Barkhausen effect even without post-processing to increase deformation, they can be appropriately used. Alternatively, post-processing can be used to increase deformation, thereby imparting a large Barkhausen effect. Furthermore, the functional material 300 can be either a filament obtained by cutting an amorphous ribbon or a glass-coated filament obtained by extracting the metal from a molten state along with glass and cooling it.

[0105] The functional material 300 is preferably in a longitudinally long linear shape such as a filament or a ribbon. By having a predetermined length relative to the cross-sectional area, the large Barkhausen effect can be easily exhibited.

[0106] Furthermore, the functional material 300 does not need to be a magnetic substance. For example, the functional material 300 can be a metal wire detectable by a metal detector, an RF (Radio Frequency) tag detectable by an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader / writer, or an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

[0107] Thus, the sheet substrate S1 includes a fiber-containing, air-permeable substrate layer 200 and a functional material 300 supported on the substrate layer 200. This allows the desired functionality to be imparted to the manufactured sheet S. Furthermore, due to the air-permeability, when the suction unit 193 performs suction in the second mode, the mixture M7 can be effectively sucked through the sheet substrate S1. Consequently, a well-formed second web M8 can be formed on the sheet substrate S1.

[0108] Furthermore, the functional material 300 is bonded to the surface, that is, one surface side, of the base material layer 200 . However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the functional material 300 may be buried in the base material layer 200 .

[0109] The base material of the sheet substrate S1 is a material formed by rolling the sheet substrate S1 so that the functional material 300 is positioned inside. Furthermore, the sheet substrate supply unit 3 supplies the sheet substrate S1 in an orientation such that the functional material 300 is positioned toward the disassembly unit 18. Specifically, the accumulation unit 30 accumulates the material mixture M7 so that the functional material 300 exposed on the surface of the sheet substrate S1 is covered. Thus, the second material M8 functions as a cover layer that conceals the functional material 300 after forming.

[0110] The detection unit 303 is a component that detects whether the base material of the sheet substrate S1 is loaded in the loading unit 302. The detection method of the detection unit 303 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a reflective or transmissive optical method, a pressure-sensitive method for detecting weight, an electrostatic capacitance method, a magnetic method, and a method implemented by current detection.

[0111] The detection unit 303 is electrically connected to the control unit 28 , and the detection result obtained by the detection unit 303 is sent to the control unit 28 .

[0112] Here, in the fiber body forming device 100, the first mode and the second mode can be selectively executed. The first mode is, Figure 3 As shown, the second material sheet M8 is formed in the stacking unit 30 and the second material sheet M8 is formed into a sheet S. The second mode is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, in the stacking section 30, the second material sheet M8 is stacked on the sheet base material S1, and the laminate is formed to form a sheet S. The sheet S produced in the first mode is a sheet recycled from the raw material M1 and can be reused for applications such as printing paper. On the other hand, the sheet S produced in the second mode is a sheet containing the functional material 300 as described above, and can be obtained as a security sheet or other sheet with a desired function. In this way, the fiber body forming device 100 has the advantages of both the first mode-specific device and the second mode-specific device. Therefore, it is more convenient.

[0113] The sheet substrate supply unit 3 also includes a loading unit 302 loaded with a sheet substrate S1, and a detection unit 303 for detecting whether a sheet substrate S1 is loaded in the loading unit 302. The control unit 28 selects between the first mode and the second mode based on the detection result of the detection unit 303. Thus, the first mode or the second mode can be appropriately selected and executed based on the presence or absence of a sheet substrate S1 in the sheet substrate supply unit 3.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 28 selects the second mode when the detection unit 303 detects that the sheet substrate S1 is loaded into the loading unit 302, and selects the first mode when the detection unit 303 does not detect that the sheet substrate S1 is loaded into the loading unit 302. Thus, the operator can select and execute the first mode or the second mode based on whether or not the sheet substrate S1 is loaded into the loading unit 302.

[0115] As described above, the fiber body forming apparatus 100 of the present invention comprises: an accumulation unit 30 having a disassembling unit 18 as a discharge unit, which discharges a mixture M7 as a material containing fibers; and a mesh belt 191 as an accumulation member. The disassembling unit 18 discharges a mixture M7 as a material containing fibers; and the mesh belt 191 accumulates the mixture M7 as the material discharged from the disassembling unit 18; a sheet substrate supply unit 3 that supplies a sheet substrate S1 vertically below the disassembling unit 18; and a control unit 28 that controls the operation of the accumulation unit 30 and the sheet substrate supply unit 3. The control unit 28 controls the operation of the accumulation unit 30 and the sheet substrate supply unit 3 by selectively executing a first mode in which the mixture M7 is accumulated on the mesh belt 191, and a second mode in which the sheet substrate S1 is supplied vertically below the disassembling unit 18 and the mixture M7 is accumulated on the sheet substrate S1. With this configuration, the fiber body forming apparatus 100 has the advantages of both being a device dedicated to the first mode and a device dedicated to the second mode. Therefore, since these modes can be selected, it is excellent in convenience.

[0116] In the second mode, the sheet substrate supply unit 3 supplies the sheet substrate S1 onto the mesh belt 191 serving as the stacking member. This allows the second web M8 to be stably supplied while supporting the sheet substrate S1. This improves the quality of the sheet S.

[0117] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which, in the second mode, the mesh belt 191 retreats and the second web M8 is supplied onto the sheet base material S1 being conveyed in mid-air.

[0118] Furthermore, the accumulation member is a mesh belt 191, and the accumulation section 30 includes a suction section 193. The suction section 193 is provided on the side of the mesh belt 191 opposite to the side on which the mixture M7 as the material is accumulated, and sucks the mixture M7 or the second web M8 through the mesh belt 191. Thus, the second web M8 can be well formed in both the first mode and the second mode.

[0119] Next, use Figure 8 An example of a control method of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0120] First, in step S101, it is determined whether the sheet substrate S1 is loaded. The determination in this step is performed based on the detection result of the detection unit 303. If it is determined in step S101 that the sheet substrate S1 is not loaded, the first mode is selected in step S102.

[0121] Next, in step S103 , the suction force of the suction unit 193 is determined. Specifically, the energizing condition for the blower 263 is set to the energizing condition of the first mode stored in advance in the storage unit 282 .

[0122] Next, in step S104 , the process is executed according to the conditions set in steps S102 and S103 .

[0123] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S101 that the sheet base material S1 is loaded, the second mode is selected in step S105.

[0124] Next, in step S106, the suction force of the suction unit 193 is determined. Specifically, the power supply conditions for the blower 263 are set to the power supply conditions for the second mode, which are pre-stored in the storage unit 282. In this step, the suction force in the second mode is set higher than that in the first mode. This allows suction to be performed while taking into account the reduced suction force on the dispersed mixture M7 due to the presence of the sheet substrate S1. Therefore, despite the presence of the sheet substrate S1 in the second mode, good suction can be performed, thereby improving the quality of the resulting sheet S.

[0125] In addition, although the case of changing the power supply condition to the blower 263 is described as an example of a means for adjusting the suction force of the suction part 193, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be a structure for adjusting the spacing distance of the suction part 193 relative to the mesh belt 191, or it can be a structure for narrowing or expanding the opening diameter of the suction port of the suction part 193.

[0126] Next, in step S107 , the process is executed according to the conditions set in steps S105 and S106 .

[0127] Next, in step S108 , it is determined whether the process is complete. The determination in this step is performed based on, for example, whether the number of produced sheets S has reached a predetermined number, whether the amount of supplied material M1 has reached a predetermined amount, or the like.

[0128] As described above, in the control method of the fiber body forming apparatus 100 of the present invention, the fiber body forming apparatus 100 includes: an accumulation unit 30 having a disassembling unit 18 as a discharge unit, and a mesh belt 191 as an accumulation member. The disassembling unit 18 discharges a mixture M7 as a material containing fibers, and the mesh belt 191 accumulates the mixture M7 as the material discharged from the disassembling unit 18; and a sheet substrate supply unit 3 that supplies a sheet substrate S1 vertically below the disassembling unit 18. In the control method of the fiber body forming apparatus 100, the operation of the accumulation unit 30 and the sheet substrate supply unit 3 is controlled to selectively execute a first mode in which the mixture M7 is accumulated on the mesh belt 191, and a second mode in which the sheet substrate S1 is supplied vertically below the disassembling unit 18 and accumulated on the sheet substrate S1. With this configuration, the fiber body forming apparatus 100 has the advantages of both being a device dedicated to the first mode and a device dedicated to the second mode. Therefore, since these modes can be selected, it is excellent in convenience.

[0129] Second embodiment

[0130] Figure 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control operation executed by the control unit included in the second embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the second embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention.

[0131] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the fiber body forming apparatus and the control method of the fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the description will focus on the differences from the aforementioned first embodiment, and description of the same matters will be omitted.

[0132] This embodiment is identical to the first embodiment, except for the difference in the control operation of the control unit. In this embodiment, the control unit 28 executes steps S201 to S208. Step S201 is identical to step S101 described in the first embodiment, step S203 is identical to step S103 described in the first embodiment, step S204 is identical to step S104 described in the first embodiment, step S206 is identical to step S106 described in the first embodiment, step S207 is identical to step S107 described in the first embodiment, and step S208 is identical to step S108 described in the first embodiment.

[0133] In this embodiment, the control unit 28 performs a control on the input operation unit (not shown) in step S202. Figure 10 The selection screen 500A shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. In addition, the control unit 28 performs a selection operation on the input operation unit (not shown) in step S205. Figure 11 The selection screen 500B shown is displayed.

[0134] The selection screen 500A displays a first mode selection button 501 for selecting the first mode and a second mode selection button 502 for selecting the second mode. In the selection screen 500A, only the first mode selection button 501 is enabled, while the second mode selection button 502 is disabled. This ensures that the first mode is always selected when the sheet substrate S1 is not loaded.

[0135] In addition, the display of the second mode selection button 502 may be omitted.

[0136] The selection screen 500B displays a first mode selection button 501 for selecting the first mode and a second mode selection button 502 for selecting the second mode. In the selection screen 500B, both the first mode selection button 501 and the second mode selection button 502 are enabled. Thus, even after the sheet substrate S1 is loaded, the operator can select both the first mode and the second mode.

[0137] The input operation unit is composed of, for example, a touch panel monitor. Figure 2 At any position on the outside of the housing 50 shown.

[0138] While the fiber body forming apparatus and the control method for a fiber body forming apparatus of the present invention have been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. The various components and steps constituting the fiber body forming apparatus and the control method for a fiber body forming apparatus can be replaced with any other configuration or step that can achieve the same function. Furthermore, any other configuration or step can be added.

[0139] Explanation of symbols

[0140] 3…sheet base material supply unit; 11…raw material supply unit; 12…crushing unit; 13…defibrating unit; 14…screening unit; 15…first sheet forming unit; 16…finely dividing unit; 17…mixing unit; 18…disassembling unit; 19…second sheet forming unit; 20…heating and pressing unit; 21…cutting unit; 22…discharging unit; 23…second crushing unit; 27…recovery unit; 28…control unit; 30…accumulating unit; 50…housing; 50A…side wall; 100…fiber body forming device; 121…crushing blade 122…chute; 141…roller; 142…housing; 151…mesh belt; 152…installation roller; 153…suction unit; 161…rotating blade; 162…housing; 171…resin supply unit; 172…pipe; 173…blower; 174…screw feeder; 181…roller; 182…housing; 191…mesh belt; 192…installation roller; 193…suction unit; 200…substrate layer; 201…pressing unit; 202…heating unit; 203…calendering roller; 204…heating roller; 211…first cutting unit; 212…second cutting unit; 231…humidifying unit; 232…humidifying unit; 233…humidifying unit; 234…humidifying unit; 235…humidifying unit; 236…humidifying unit; 241…tube; 242…tube; 243…tube; 244…tube; 245…tube; 246…tube; 261…blower; 262…blower; 263…blower; 281…CPU; 282…storage unit; 300…functional material; 301…housing; 302…loading section; 303…detection section; 304…supply port; 500…introduction port; 500A…selection screen; 500B…selection screen; 501…first mode selection button; 502…second mode selection button; M1…raw material; M2…coarse fragments; M3…defibrated material; M4-1…first screened material; M4-2…second screened material; M5…first sheet; M6…finely divided material; M7…mixture; M8…second sheet; S…sheet; S1…sheet substrate; P1…resin.

Claims

1. A fiber body forming device, characterized in that have: an accumulation section including a discharge section for discharging a material containing fibers and an accumulation member for accumulating the material discharged from the discharge section; a sheet substrate supply unit that supplies the sheet substrate vertically below the discharge unit; a control unit that controls the operations of the stacking unit and the sheet substrate supply unit, The control unit controls the operation of the stacking unit and the sheet substrate supply unit by selectively executing a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the material is stacked on the stacking unit, and the second mode is a mode in which the sheet substrate is supplied vertically below the discharge unit and the material is stacked on the sheet substrate. The sheet substrate supply unit includes: a loading unit loaded with the sheet substrate; a detection unit for detecting whether the sheet substrate is loaded in the loading unit, The control unit selects the first mode and the second mode according to the detection result of the detection unit.

2. The fiber body forming device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit selects the second mode when the detection unit detects the loading of the sheet base material into the loading unit, and selects the first mode when the detection unit does not detect the loading of the sheet base material into the loading unit.

3. The fiber body forming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sheet substrate is rolled up, In the second mode, the sheet base material supply unit unwinds and supplies the roll-shaped sheet base material.

4. The fiber body forming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the second mode, the sheet base material supply unit supplies the sheet base material onto the stacking member.

5. The fiber body forming device according to claim 1, wherein The stacking component is a mesh belt, The accumulation unit includes a suction unit provided on a surface of the mesh belt opposite to a surface on which the materials are accumulated, and sucking the materials via the mesh belt.

6. The fiber body forming device according to claim 1, wherein: The sheet base material supply unit throws the sheet base material in front of the stacking unit on a path where the material is conveyed.

7. The fiber body forming device according to claim 1, wherein: The sheet base material includes a base layer containing fibers and having air permeability, and a functional material supported on the base layer.

8. The fiber body forming device according to claim 7, wherein: The deposition unit deposits the material so as to cover the functional material exposed on the surface of the sheet base.

9. A method for controlling a fiber body forming device, characterized in that: The fiber body forming device comprises: an accumulation section including a discharge section for discharging a material containing fibers and an accumulation member for accumulating the material discharged from the discharge section; a sheet substrate supply unit that supplies the sheet substrate vertically below the discharge unit; Control Department, In the control method of the fiber body forming device, The control unit controls the operation of the stacking unit and the sheet substrate supply unit by selectively executing a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the material is stacked on the stacking unit, and the second mode is a mode in which the sheet substrate is supplied vertically below the discharge unit and the material is stacked on the sheet substrate. The sheet substrate supply unit includes: a loading unit loaded with the sheet substrate; a detection unit for detecting whether the sheet substrate is loaded in the loading unit, The control unit selects the first mode and the second mode according to the detection result of the detection unit.

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