Sheet manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a sheet manufacturing apparatus capable of improving humidification efficiency. A sheet manufacturing apparatus (100) is provided with: a defibrating unit for defibrating a material to form fibers; a fiber accumulation unit (18) that accumulates fibers to form a second web; a pressing part for pressing the second material sheet to form a thin sheet; and a humidification mechanism (10) that supplies humidified air (E1) to the fiber accumulation unit (18), the fiber accumulation unit (18) being provided with a rotating unit that stirs the fibers supplied from the defibrating unit, a housing (3) that houses the rotating unit, and a mesh belt (191) that is provided below the housing (3) and that conveys the second web in the conveyance direction. A second web is formed on the mesh belt (191) by stacking fibers on the mesh belt (191). The humidification mechanism (10) has a downstream nozzle (602) that is provided downstream of the fiber stacking unit (18) in the conveyance direction and supplies humidified air (E1) to the fiber stacking unit (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thin film manufacturing device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure of a sheet manufacturing device that forms a sheet by depositing defibrated material in a molding (fiber depositing section) disposed in a frame. In order to prevent the fibers from drying and becoming charged in the molding, the entire interior of the frame is humidified.

[0003] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, a large amount of water is required to humidify the entire interior of the housing, and there is a problem that the humidification efficiency is poor.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-84394 Summary of the invention

[0005] The sheet manufacturing device comprises: a defibration section that defibrates a material to form fibers; a fiber accumulation section that accumulates the fibers to form a web; a pressurizing section that presses the web to form a sheet; and a humidifying mechanism that supplies humidified air to the fiber accumulation section, the fiber accumulation section comprising a rotating section that stirs the fibers supplied from the defibration section, a shell that accommodates the rotating section, and a conveyor belt that is arranged below the shell and conveys the web in a conveying direction, the web being formed on the conveyor belt by accumulating the fibers on the conveyor belt, and the humidifying mechanism having a nozzle that is arranged on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the fiber accumulation section and supplies the humidified air to the fiber accumulation section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the fiber accumulation part.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the fiber accumulation part.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the fiber accumulation part.

[0010] Figure 5A It is a top view showing the structure of the upstream side nozzle.

[0011] Figure 5B It is a plan view showing the structure of the opening portion of the upstream nozzle.

[0012] Fig. 6A It is a top view showing the structure of the downstream side nozzle.

[0013] Figure 6B It is a top view showing the structure of the opening portion of the downstream nozzle.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the upstream side of the casing.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the upstream side of the casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] First, in reference Figure 1 At the same time, the structure of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is described.

[0017] In the following drawings, three mutually orthogonal axes are set as X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis for description. In addition, the direction along the X-axis is set as "X direction", the direction along the Y-axis is set as "Y direction", and the direction along the Z-axis is set as "Z direction", and the direction pointed by the arrow mark is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is set as the - direction. In addition, the +Z direction is sometimes referred to as "up" or "above" or "surface side", and the -Z direction is sometimes referred to as "down" or "below" or "back side", and the situation of observing from the +Z direction and the -Z direction is also referred to as top view or in a top-down manner. In addition, the surface on the + side of the Z direction is set as the "upper surface" or "surface", and the surface on the - side of the Z direction on the opposite side is set as the "lower surface" or "back side" for description. In addition, in Figure 1 In the diagram, the left side (-X direction) is referred to as the "upstream side", and the right side (+X direction) is referred to as the "downstream side".

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the sheet manufacturing device 100 is, for example, a device that is preferably used to manufacture new paper by defibrillating used waste paper such as confidential paper as a raw material in a dry manner, and then pressurizing, heating, and cutting it. By mixing various additives into the fiberized raw material, the bonding strength or whiteness of the paper product can be improved according to the application, or color, fragrance, flame retardant and other functions can be added. In addition, by controlling the density, thickness, and shape of the paper to shape it, it is possible to manufacture various thicknesses and sizes of paper for applications such as A4 or A3 office paper and business card paper.

[0019] like Figure 1As shown, the sheet manufacturing device 100 includes a raw material supply section 11, a coarse crushing section 12, a defibration section 13, a screening section 14, a first sheet forming section 15, a fine segmentation section 16, a mixing section 17, a fiber stacking section 18, a second sheet forming section 19, a sheet forming section 20, a cutting section 21, a material preparation section 22 and a recovery section 27.

[0020] Furthermore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes humidifying units 231 , 232 , 233 , 234 , 235 , and 236 for the purpose of humidifying the raw material or the space in which the raw material moves.

[0021] In this embodiment, the humidifying units 231, 232, 233, and 234 are composed of vaporizing or warm air vaporizing humidifiers. That is, the humidifying units 231, 232, 233, and 234 have filters (not shown) that moisten water, and supply humidified air with increased humidity by passing air through the filters. In addition, the humidifying units 231, 232, 233, and 234 may also have a heater (not shown) that effectively increases the temperature of the humidified air.

[0022] In addition, in this embodiment, the humidifying part 235 and the humidifying part 236 are comprised by the ultrasonic humidifier. That is, the humidifying parts 235 and 236 have a vibration part (illustration omitted) which atomizes water, and supply the mist produced|generated by the vibration part.

[0023] The raw material supply unit 11 supplies the raw material M1 to the crushing unit 12. The raw material for the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 to manufacture the sheet may be any raw material containing fibers, for example, paper, pulp, pulp sheets, cloth including nonwoven fabrics, or fabrics. In the present embodiment, a structure in which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 uses waste paper as a raw material is exemplified. The raw material supply unit 11 may be configured to include, for example, a stacker for stacking waste paper and an automatic feeding device for feeding waste paper from the stacker to the crushing unit 12.

[0024] The coarse crushing section 12 uses a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 to cut (coarsely crush) the raw material M1 supplied through the raw material supply section 11 to form coarse fragments M2. The coarse crushing blades 121 cut the raw material in a gas such as the atmosphere (air). The coarse crushing section 12, for example, includes a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 that clamp the raw material and cut it, a chute 122, and a drive unit that rotates the coarse crushing blades 121, and can be set to the same structure as a so-called pulverizer. The shape and size of the coarse fragments M2 are any shape and size as long as they are suitable for the defibration process in the defibration section 13. For example, the coarse crushing section 12 cuts the raw material into paper pieces with a size of 1 cm to several cm square or less.

[0025] The chute 122 is disposed below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and is, for example, a funnel-shaped member. Thus, the chute 122 can receive the coarse fragments M2 that are coarsely crushed by the coarse crushing blades 121 and fall down.

[0026] Furthermore, a humidifying unit 231 is disposed above the chute 122 adjacent to the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The humidifying unit 231 is a member for humidifying the coarse fragments M2 in the chute 122. By supplying humidified air to the coarse fragments M2, it is possible to suppress the coarse fragments M2 from adhering to the chute 122 or the like due to static electricity.

[0027] The chute 122 is connected to the defibrating unit 13 via a pipe 241. The coarse fragments M2 collected in the chute 122 pass through the pipe 241 and are transported to the defibrating unit 13.

[0028] The defibration unit 13 defibrates the coarse pieces M2 cut by the coarse crushing unit 12 to produce defibrated material M3. Here, "defibration" means that the coarse pieces M2 formed by a plurality of fibers are broken down into individual fibers. The defibration unit 13 also has the function of separating the resin particles, ink, toner, anti-seepage agent and other substances attached to the raw material from the fibers.

[0029] The material that has passed through the defibration section 13 is called a defibrated material M3. The defibrated material M3 may contain, in addition to the defibrated fibers, resin particles (resin for bonding multiple fibers to each other) separated from the fibers when the fibers are defibrated, ink, colorants such as toners, or additives such as anti-seepage agents and paper strength enhancers. The defibrated material is in the shape of a string or a ribbon. The defibrated material may exist in a state where it is not entangled with other defibrated fibers (independent state), or in a state where it is entangled with other defibrated materials and becomes a block.

[0030] The defibration section 13 performs defibration in a dry manner. Here, a method of performing defibration and other treatments in a gas such as the atmosphere (air) rather than in a liquid is referred to as a dry method. In the present embodiment, the defibration section 13 is configured to use an impeller mill. Specifically, the defibration section 13 includes a rotor (not shown) that rotates at a high speed, and a bushing (not shown) located on the outer periphery of the rotor. The coarse fragments cut by the coarse crushing section 12 are sandwiched between the rotor and the bushing of the defibration section 13 and are defibrated. The defibration section 13 generates an airflow by the rotation of the rotor. Through the airflow, the defibration section 13 sucks the coarse fragments M2 as a raw material from the tube 241, and is able to transport the defibrated material M3. The defibrated material M3 is sent to the tube 242 and is transported to the screening section 14 via the tube 242.

[0031] In this way, the defibrated material M3 generated by the defibration unit 13 is transported from the defibration unit 13 to the screening unit 14 by the airflow generated by the defibration unit 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a defibration unit blower 261 as an airflow generating device, and the defibrated material M3 is transported to the screening unit 14 by the airflow generated by the defibration unit blower 261. The defibration unit blower 261 is mounted on the pipe 242, and sucks the defibrated material M3 from the defibration unit 13 together with the air, thereby sending air to the screening unit 14.

[0032] The screening unit 14 screens the defibrated material M3 according to the length of the fibers. In the screening unit 14, the defibrated material M3 is screened into a first screened material M4-1 and a second screened material M4-2 that is larger than the first screened material M4-1. The first screened material M4-1 is a material of a size suitable for the subsequent manufacture of the sheet S. The average length of the first screened material M4-1 is preferably greater than 1 μm and less than 30 μm. On the other hand, the second screened material M4-2, for example, includes a material that is insufficiently defibrated or a material in which the defibrated fibers are excessively agglomerated with each other.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the screening unit 14 includes a drum unit 141 and a casing unit 142 that houses the drum unit 141 .

[0034] The drum part 141 is a screen composed of a cylindrical mesh body and rotates around its central axis. The defibrated material M3 flows into the drum part 141. Moreover, as the drum part 141 rotates, the defibrated material M3 that is smaller than the mesh opening of the mesh is screened into the first screened material M4-1, and the defibrated material M3 that is larger than the mesh opening of the mesh is screened into the second screened material M4-2.

[0035] The first screened material M4-1 falls from the drum section 141. On the other hand, the second screened material M4-2 is sent to the tube 243 connected to the drum section 141. The tube 241 is connected to the side of the tube 243 opposite to the drum section 141, that is, the upstream side. The second screened material M4-2 passing through the tube 243 merges with the coarse fragments M2 in the tube 241 and flows into the defibration section 13 together with the coarse fragments M2. Thus, the second screened material M4-2 returns to the defibration section 13 and is defibrated together with the coarse fragments M2. In addition, the first screened material M4-1 from the drum section 141 falls while being dispersed in the gas, and falls to the first web forming section 15 located below the drum section 141.

[0036] The first web forming unit 15 forms a first web M5 from the first screened material M4 - 1 . The first web forming unit 15 includes a mesh belt 151 , three tension rollers 152 , and a suction unit 153 .

[0037] 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 suspension rollers 152. The suspension rollers 152 are driven to rotate, so that the first screened material M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 is conveyed to the downstream side.

[0038] The first screened object M4-1 has a size larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 151. Therefore, the first screened object M4-1 is restricted from passing through the mesh belt 151, and can be accumulated on the mesh belt 151. In addition, since the first screened object M4-1 is transported to the downstream side along with the mesh belt 151 while being accumulated on the mesh belt 151, it is formed as a layered first material sheet M5.

[0039] In addition, the first screening material M4-1 may contain dust or dirt. Dust or dirt may be generated by, for example, crushing or defibration. Such dust or dirt will be recovered by the recovery unit 27 described later.

[0040] 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. In addition, the suction unit 153 is connected to the recovery unit 27 via the pipe 244. The dust or dirt sucked by the suction unit 153 is recovered by the recovery unit 27.

[0041] The recovery part 27 is also connected to a pipe 245. In addition, a blower 262 is provided in the middle of the pipe 245. The operation of the blower 262 can generate a suction force in the suction part 153. Thus, the formation of the first sheet M5 on the mesh belt 151 can be promoted. The first sheet M5 becomes a sheet from which dust or dirt is removed. In addition, dust or dirt passes through the pipe 244 and reaches the recovery part 27 by the operation of the blower 262.

[0042] The housing 142 is connected to the humidifying unit 232. The humidifying unit 232 is composed of a vaporizing humidifier similar to the humidifying unit 231. Thus, humidified air is supplied to the housing 142. The first object M4-1 can be humidified by the humidified air, and thus, the first object M4-1 can be prevented from being attached to the inner wall of the housing 142 due to static electricity.

[0043] A humidifier 235 is disposed at the downstream side of the screening unit 14. The humidifier 235 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water in the form of mist. Thus, water can be supplied to the first material sheet M5, and the moisture content of the first material sheet M5 can be adjusted. Through this adjustment, the adsorption of the first material sheet M5 to the mesh belt 151 caused by static electricity can be suppressed. As a result, the first material sheet M5 can be easily peeled off from the mesh belt 151 at the position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the installation roller 152.

[0044] The subdividing section 16 is arranged at the downstream side of the humidifying section 235. The subdividing section 16 divides the first material sheet M5 peeled off from the mesh belt 151. The subdividing section 16 has a propeller 161 supported in a rotatable manner and a housing section 162 for housing the propeller 161. Moreover, the first material sheet M5 can be divided by the rotating propeller 161. The divided first material sheet M5 becomes a subdivided body M6. In addition, the subdivided body M6 descends in the housing section 162.

[0045] The housing 162 is connected to the humidifying section 233. The humidifying section 233 is composed of a vaporizing humidifier similar to the humidifying section 231. Thus, humidified air is supplied to the housing 162. The humidified air can also suppress the situation where the fine particles M6 are attached to the propeller 161 or the inner wall of the housing 162 due to static electricity.

[0046] In addition, the first screened material M4-1 discharged from the screening unit 14 can be directly supplied to the mixing unit 17. In this case, the first web forming unit 15 and the subdividing unit 16 do not need to be provided.

[0047] A mixing section 17 is disposed downstream of the subdividing section 16 . The mixing section 17 mixes the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 . The mixing section 17 includes a bonding material supply section 171 , a pipe 172 , and a blower 173 .

[0048] The pipe 172 is a flow passage that connects the cover portion 162 of the subdividing portion 16 and the housing 3 of the fiber stacking portion 18 and through which the mixture M7 of the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 passes.

[0049] A binder supply unit 171 is connected to the middle of the tube 172. The binder supply unit 171 has a screw feeder 174. The screw feeder 174 is driven to rotate, so that the resin P1 can be supplied to the tube 172 as powder or particles. The resin P1 supplied to the tube 172 is mixed with the fine particles M6 to form a mixture M7.

[0050] The resin P1 is a substance for bonding the fibers together, and although thermoplastic resins, curable resins, etc. can be used, thermoplastic resins are preferably used. Examples of the thermoplastic resins include AS resins, ABS resins, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), modified polyolefins, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 6-12, and nylon 6-66, polyphenylene ethers, polyacetals, polyethers, and polyphenylene ethers. oxide), polyetheretherketone, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyetherimide, liquid crystal polymers such as aromatic polyester, styrene series, polyolefin series, polyvinyl chloride series, polyurethane series, polyester series, polyamide series, polybutadiene series, trans-polyisoprene series, fluororubber series, chlorinated polyethylene series and other thermoplastic elastomers, and one or more selected from these substances can be used in combination. As the thermoplastic resin, polyester fiber or a resin containing polyester fiber is preferably used.

[0051] In addition, as the material supplied from the binding material supply unit 171, in addition to the resin P1, for example, a colorant for coloring the fiber, an aggregation inhibitor for suppressing the aggregation of the fiber or the aggregation of the resin P1, a flame retardant for making the fiber and the like less flammable, a paper strength reinforcing agent for enhancing the paper strength of the sheet S, etc. may be included. Alternatively, a material in which the above-mentioned material is preliminarily included in the resin P1 and compounded may be supplied from the binding material supply unit 171. Furthermore, a binding material composed of starch may be supplied from the binding material supply unit 171 instead of the resin P1.

[0052] In addition, a blower 173 is provided in the middle of the tube 172 and on the downstream side compared with the bonding material supply part 171. The fine particles M6 and the resin P1 are mixed by the action of the rotating parts such as the blades of the blower 173. In addition, the blower 173 can generate an airflow toward the fiber accumulation part 18. The fine particles M6 and the resin P1 can be stirred in the tube 172 by the airflow. As a result, the mixture M7 can flow into the fiber accumulation part 18 in a state where the fine particles M6 and the resin P1 are evenly dispersed. In addition, the fine particles M6 in the mixture M7 are disassembled in the process of passing through the tube 172, and become finer fibers.

[0053] The fiber stacking section 18 disassembles the fibers entangled with each other in the fiber-containing material, that is, the mixture M7, and disperses them in the gas. The structure of the fiber stacking section 18 will be described in detail later. The mixture M7 dispersed in the gas by the fiber stacking section 18 falls and falls to the second web forming section 19 located below.

[0054] The second web forming section 19 is a section for performing a second web forming step of forming the second web M8 from the mixture M7 . The fiber stacking section 18 also includes a mesh belt 191 as a conveyor belt, a tension roller 192 , and a suction section 193 .

[0055] The mesh belt 191 is an endless belt on which the mixture M7 is accumulated. The mesh belt 191 is wound around four suspension rollers 192. The suspension rollers 192 are driven to rotate, so that the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is conveyed to the downstream side.

[0056] Furthermore, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 191. Thus, the mixture M7 is restricted from passing through the mesh belt 191, and can be deposited on the mesh belt 191. Furthermore, since the mixture M7 is deposited on the mesh belt 191 and is transported to the downstream side along with the mesh belt 191, it is formed into a layered second web M8.

[0057] The suction unit 193 is a suction mechanism that sucks air from below the mesh belt 191. As a result, the mixture M7 can be sucked onto the mesh belt 191, thereby promoting the accumulation of the mixture M7 onto the mesh belt 191.

[0058] The suction part 193 is connected to a tube 246. In addition, a blower 263 is provided in the middle of the tube 246. The blower 263 operates to generate a suction force in the suction part 193.

[0059] A humidifying unit 236 is disposed at the downstream side of the fiber stacking unit 18. The humidifying unit 236 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier similar to the humidifying unit 235. Thus, moisture can be supplied to the second web M8, and thereby the moisture content of the second web M8 can be adjusted. By this adjustment, the adsorption of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 caused by static electricity can be suppressed. Thus, the second web M8 can be easily peeled off from the mesh belt 191 at the position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the installation roller 192.

[0060] The sheet forming section 20 is disposed downstream of the second web forming section 19 . The sheet forming section 20 forms a sheet S from the second web M8 . The sheet forming section 20 includes a pressurizing section 201 and a heating section 202 .

[0061] The pressurizing section 201 has a pair of calendering rollers 203, and can pressurize the second material M8 between the calendering rollers 203 without heating. As a result, the density of the second material M8 can be increased. In addition, as the degree of heating at this time, for example, it is preferred that the resin P1 is not melted. And the second material M8 is conveyed toward the heating section 202. In addition, one of the pair of calendering rollers 203 is a driving roller driven by the operation of a motor not shown in the figure, and the other is a driven roller.

[0062] The heating section 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and can pressurize the second web M8 while heating it between the heating rollers 204. The heating and pressurizing melt the resin P1 in the second web M8, and the fibers are bonded together via the melted resin P1. Thus, a thin sheet S can be formed. The thin sheet S is conveyed toward the cutting section 21. In addition, one of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driving roller driven by the operation of a motor not shown, and the other is a driven roller.

[0063] A cutting unit 21 is disposed on the downstream side of the sheet forming unit 20 . The cutting unit 21 cuts the sheet S. The cutting unit 21 includes a first shear 211 and a second shear 212 .

[0064] The first shear 211 is a member that cuts the sheet S in a direction intersecting, particularly orthogonal to, the conveying direction of the sheet S. The second shear 212 is a member that cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S on the downstream side of the first shear 211. This cutting is a process of removing useless portions at both ends of the sheet S, i.e., ends in the +Y axis direction and the -Y axis direction, to make the width of the sheet S uniform, and the portions that are cut and removed are called so-called "scraps".

[0065] The cutting by the first shear 211 and the second shear 212 can obtain a sheet S of a desired shape and size. The sheet S is further conveyed to the downstream side and stored in the stock preparation unit 22 .

[0066] Each of the components of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). The operations of each of the components are controlled by the control unit.

[0067] Next, in reference Figures 2 to 4 At the same time, the structure of the fiber accumulation part 18 is demonstrated.

[0068] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the fiber accumulation unit 18 includes a housing 3 , a storage unit 4 located in the housing 3 and dispersing the stored mixture M7 , a supply unit 5 that supplies the mixture M7 to the storage unit 4 , and a rotating unit 6 provided in the storage unit 4 .

[0069] The housing 3 has a cylindrical case body 31. The case body 31 has four side walls 311. The case body 31 accommodates the storage section 4 in a space S1 surrounded by the side walls 311, and covers a portion between the storage section 4 and the mesh belt 191.

[0070] The housing body 31 has a lower opening 312 facing the mesh belt 191 and an upper opening 313 on the opposite side. The lower opening 312 is a discharge port for discharging the mixture M7 dispersed from the storage unit 4. The upper opening 313 is covered by the top plate 41 of the storage unit 4.

[0071] In addition, a pair of sealing rollers 7 for pressing the second material sheet M8 is provided at the downstream side of the lower opening 312. Each sealing roller 7 is arranged across the mesh belt 191. In addition, a sealing member 8 for sealing between the mesh belt 191 and the housing body 31 is provided at the edge of the opening of the lower opening 312 and at a portion where the sealing roller 7 is not provided. Through these sealing rollers 7 and the sealing member 8, air can flow in from the connecting port 412 as described later without damaging the suction force of the suction portion 193. Moreover, since a small amount of pressure is applied to the second material sheet M8 by the sealing roller 7, it is possible to prevent the second material sheet M8 from being scattered.

[0072] In this way, the fiber accumulation part 18 covers the space S1 as a part between the storage part 4 and the mesh belt 191, and has a housing 3 provided with a lower opening 312 at a position facing the mesh belt 191. Thus, an airflow toward the lower side can be effectively formed in the space S1 by the suction force of the suction part 193. Therefore, the accumulation of the mixture M7 dispersed from the storage part 4 to the mesh belt 191 can be promoted.

[0073] The mesh belt 191 conveys the second material sheet M8 in the conveying direction along the X direction. In addition, an upstream nozzle 601 is arranged at the upstream side of the conveying direction in the housing 3. A downstream nozzle 602 as a nozzle is arranged at the downstream side of the conveying direction in the housing 3. The humidifying unit 234 (see Figure 1 ).

[0074] The storage section 4 includes a top plate 41 that closes the upper opening 313 of the housing 3 , a pair of side walls 42 provided on the lower side of the top plate 41 , and a porous screen 43 having a plurality of openings.

[0075] The top plate 41 has a supply port 411 and a plurality of communication ports 412 that are provided throughout the thickness direction thereof. The supply port 411 is communicated with the supply portion 5 and is a portion through which the mixture M7 passes. In addition, the supply port 411 is in the shape of an elongated strip extending in the Y-axis direction and is provided at a substantially central portion in the X-axis direction in the top plate 41. A pair of side walls 42 are in the shape of an elongated strip extending in the Y-axis direction and are disposed opposite to each other on the lower surface of the top plate 41 with the supply port 411 therebetween.

[0076] The porous screen 43 is in a semi-cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction and protruding toward the -Z-axis direction. That is, the porous screen 43 is in an arc shape at any position in the Y-axis direction when the cross section with the Y-axis as the normal line is observed. Thus, the mixture M7 can be moved smoothly in the storage section 4, so that it can be stirred well. In addition, the porous screen 43 is connected to each side wall 42, and the space divided by the porous screen 43, each side wall 42 and the top plate 41 functions as a storage space S2 for storing the mixture M7.

[0077] In the storage section 4, the +Y axis side and the -Y axis side of the storage space S2 are blocked by walls (not shown). Each wall supports a rotating section 6 described later in a rotatable manner.

[0078] The porous screen 43 can be, for example, a mesh body or a plate having a large number of through holes. Thus, the mixture M7 in the storage section 4 is released and dispersed to the outside of the storage space S2 via the porous screen 43. In addition, by appropriately setting the mesh opening size or the size of the through holes of the porous screen 43, the mixture M7 having a desired fiber length can be preferentially dispersed and deposited on the mesh belt 191.

[0079] In such a storage part 4, the top plate 41 and the side wall 42 function as a holding part 40 for holding the porous screen 43. By providing the communication port 412 in the holding part 40, air can be directly introduced into the storage part 4 without passing through the porous screen 43.

[0080] The supply portion 5 is a port provided above the top plate 41. The supply portion 5 includes a port body 51 and a connection portion 52 provided on the port body 51.

[0081] The port body 51 is in a box shape having a quadrilateral opening 511 at the bottom. The opening 511 is in a narrow and long quadrilateral shape having a size sufficient to include the supply port 411 of the top plate 41. The port body 51 is provided at the upper portion of the top plate 41 in a manner that communicates with the supply port 411 of the top plate 41 via the opening 511. Thus, the mixture M7 can be supplied into the storage portion 4 via the supply portion 5.

[0082] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the port body 51 is roughly triangular when viewed from the X-axis direction. Therefore, when viewed along a cross section with the Z-axis as the normal, the port body 51 becomes wider as it approaches the lower side (-Z-axis direction). That is, the area of ​​the inner cavity of the port body 51 gradually increases as it approaches the storage portion 4.

[0083] Furthermore, a connection portion 52 is provided at the upper portion of the side wall 512 on the -X axis side of the port body 51. The connection portion 52 is a portion formed to protrude in a cylindrical shape in the -X axis direction, and a pipe 172 through which the mixture M7 flows is connected thereto.

[0084] The mixture M7 flowing down from the tube 172 first flows into the port body 51 via the connection portion 52. Moreover, when flowing into the port body 51, the mixture M7 hits the side wall 513 opposite to the side wall 512, or is transported to the vicinity of the side wall 513 by the airflow. At this time, the mixture M7 is disassembled to some extent and tends to move downward. Thus, even if lumps are generated in the mixture M7, it is possible to prevent the mixture M7 from being supplied to the storage portion 4 in a state where it is maintained. Then, the mixture M7 is supplied to the storage portion 4 via the opening 511 and the supply port 411.

[0085] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, when the mixture M7 flows into the storage section 4, as described above, since it flows downward along the side wall 513, it flows into the storage section 4 closer to the +X axis side than the rotation axis O. As described later, since the rotating section 6 is a structure that rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the +Y axis side, the mixture M7 that flows into the storage section 4 will follow the airflow along the rotation direction of the rotating section 6. That is, the supply section 5 supplies the mixture M7 as a material along the rotation direction of the rotating section 6. As a result, it is possible to reduce the situation where the mixture M7 is retained in the storage section 4 or the situation where the mixture M7 is rolled up to the supply section 5 side, and it can be smoothly disassembled in the storage section 4.

[0086] The rotating part 6 has the following function, that is, by rotating in the storage part 4, the mixture M7 supplied to the storage part 4 is stirred and disassembled, and the dispersion function from the porous screen 43 is promoted. The rotating part 6 has four blades 61. The blade 61 is composed of a long plate extending in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the ends of the long sides of one side of each blade 61 are connected to each other and the connected part is rotated as the rotation center, that is, the rotation axis O. In the present embodiment, the cross section of the rotating part 6 with the rotation axis O as the normal line is cross-shaped. That is, each blade 61 is connected in a manner of equal intervals in the rotation direction.

[0087] The rotating unit 6 is connected to a rotational drive source (not shown), and the operation of the rotational drive source is controlled by a control unit. In the present embodiment, the rotating unit 6 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y axis side.

[0088] By the rotation of the rotating part 6, each blade 61 stirs and disassembles the mixture M7 in the storage part 4, and at the same time, presses an appropriate amount of the mixture M7 onto the porous screen 43. Thus, it is possible to prevent the mixture M7 from clogging the porous screen 43, and to disperse the mixture M7 from the entire area of ​​the porous screen 43 without any omission.

[0089] The rotating unit 6 rotates with the blades 61 separated from the side wall 42 and the porous screen 43. This prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the mixture M7 between the blades 61 and the porous screen 43, thereby achieving better dispersion.

[0090] In addition, if Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is provided with an upstream nozzle 601 as one of the humidifying means 10 at the upstream side in the conveying direction in the housing 3. A downstream nozzle 602 as one of the humidifying means 10 is provided at the downstream side in the conveying direction in the housing 3. The humidifying means 10 supplies humidified air to the fiber accumulation part 18.

[0091] Specifically, the upstream nozzle 601 is disposed adjacent to the side wall 311 on the upstream side in the conveying direction with respect to the housing 3. The downstream nozzle 602 is disposed adjacent to the side wall 311 on the downstream side in the conveying direction with respect to the housing 3.

[0092] Since the nozzles 601 and 602 are arranged adjacent to the side wall 311 in this manner, most of the humidified air E1 can be supplied to the second web M8 side, thereby humidifying the second web M8 or the fibers.

[0093] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the upstream nozzle 601 and the downstream nozzle 602 are internally connected via a pipe 603. The upstream nozzle 601 and the downstream nozzle 602 are connected to, for example, a vaporizing humidifying unit 234 as one of the humidifying mechanisms 10 (see Figure 1 ) That is, the humidified air E1 is supplied to the upstream nozzle 601 and the downstream nozzle 602 via the humidifying unit 234 .

[0094] The upstream nozzle 601 has an opening 601a for supplying the humidified air E1. The downstream nozzle 602 similarly has an opening 602a for supplying the humidified air E1. Figure 4 As shown, the suction unit 193 is arranged below the fiber stacking unit 18 as described above. Therefore, the humidified air E1 supplied from the nozzles 601 and 602 is sucked by the suction unit 193 and supplied to the inside of the fiber stacking unit 18 or between the fiber stacking unit 18 and the mesh belt 191, or to the second web M8.

[0095] The humidified air E1 can humidify the second web M8. In addition, the humidified air E1 can suppress the mixture M7 dispersed inside the fiber accumulation part 18 from being attached to the inner wall due to static electricity.

[0096] Furthermore, the opening 601a of the upstream nozzle 601 is arranged adjacent to the lower end of the side wall 311 and opposite to the mesh belt 191. In this way, since the opening 601a of the upstream nozzle 601 is arranged, the humidified air E1 can be directly supplied to the second web M8 on the mesh belt 191, thereby preventing the second web M8 from drying out.

[0097] As described above, a pair of sealing rollers 7 for holding down the second web M8 is disposed adjacent to the side wall 311 on the downstream side of the side wall 311 in the conveying direction. The opening 602a of the downstream nozzle 602 is disposed to face the pair of sealing rollers 7 .

[0098] Since the opening 602 a of the downstream nozzle 602 is arranged to face the pair of sealing rollers 7 in this manner, the humidified air E1 can be directly supplied to the sealing rollers 7 , and charging of the sealing rollers 7 can be suppressed.

[0099] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 6 , an optical sensor 630 is disposed on the downstream side in the conveying direction with respect to the downstream nozzle 602 and above the sealing roller 7. The optical sensor 630 measures the thickness of the second web M8.

[0100] The humidified air E1 supplied from the downstream nozzle 602 is divided into the humidified air E1 that hits the sealing roller 7 and flows toward the fiber accumulation portion 18, i.e., the suction portion 193, and the humidified air E2 that hits the sealing roller 7 and flows toward the downstream side. Therefore, the humidified air E2 can function as an air curtain, thereby suppressing the scattered fibers from adhering to the optical sensor 630. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the optical sensor 630 can be improved.

[0101] As described above, since the upstream nozzle 601 is arranged on the upstream side relative to the fiber accumulation part 18, and the downstream nozzle 602 is arranged on the downstream side relative to the fiber accumulation part 18, the humidified air E1 can be supplied to the second web M8 or the fiber accumulation part 18, so that the situation of fiber charging can be suppressed. In addition, by supplying the humidified air E1 to the second web M8 from the nozzles 601 and 602, the amount of water used can be reduced compared with the case of humidifying the entire periphery of the fiber accumulation part 18. In other words, the humidification efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the humidified air E1 is supplied to the second web M8 from the nozzles 601 and 602, the humidified air E1 can be uniformly fed to the second web M8, so that the fibers can be uniformly humidified.

[0102] Next, in reference Figure 5A , Figure 5B At the same time, the structure of the upstream side nozzle 601 is explained.

[0103] like Figure 5A As shown, the upstream nozzle 601 has a shape in which the width gradually widens from the upper side to the lower side when viewed from the upstream side of the conveying direction. The upstream nozzle 601 is provided with an opening 601a at the lower side. The lower side of the upstream nozzle 601, i.e., the length W2 of the opening 601a, has a width that is approximately the same as the width of the mesh belt 191.

[0104] like Figure 5B As shown, the upstream nozzle 601 has a rectangular opening 601a when viewed from the bottom, that is, from the mesh belt 191. The opening 601a has a length W2 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction that is longer than a length W1 in the conveying direction, that is, the opening 601a has a structure in which the length W1 in the conveying direction is smaller than the length W2 in the direction intersecting the conveying direction.

[0105] Since the length W2 in the direction intersecting the conveying direction is long, the upstream nozzle 601 can cover the entire width direction of the mesh belt 191, that is, the entire width of the second web M8, thereby supplying humidified air to the entire second web M8.

[0106] Next, in reference Fig. 6A , Figure 6B At the same time, the structure of the downstream side nozzle 602 is described.

[0107] like Fig. 6AAs shown, the downstream nozzle 602 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the downstream side of the conveying direction. The downstream nozzle 602 is provided with an opening 602a at the lower side. The lower side of the downstream nozzle 602, that is, the length W12 of the opening 602a has a width that is approximately the same as the width of the mesh belt 191.

[0108] like Figure 6B As shown, the downstream nozzle 602 has a rectangular opening 602a when viewed from the bottom, that is, from the mesh belt 191. The opening 602a has a length W12 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction that is longer than a length W11 in the conveying direction, that is, the opening 602a has a structure in which the length W11 in the conveying direction is smaller than the length W12 in the direction intersecting the conveying direction.

[0109] Since the length W12 in the direction intersecting the conveying direction is long, the downstream nozzle 602 can cover the entire width direction of the mesh belt 191, that is, the entire width of the second web M8, so that the humidified air E1 can be supplied to the entire second web M8.

[0110] As described above, the sheet manufacturing device 100 of the present embodiment is the following sheet manufacturing device 100, which comprises: a defibration section 13, which defibrates the material to form fibers; a fiber stacking section 18, which stacks the fibers to form a second sheet M8; a pressurizing section 201, which pressurizes the second sheet M8 to form a sheet S; a humidifying mechanism 10, which supplies humidified air E1 to the fiber stacking section 18, and the fiber stacking section 18 has a humidifying mechanism 10 for supplying humidified air E1 supplied from the defibration section 13. A rotating part 6 for stirring the supplied fibers, a shell 3 for storing the rotating part 6, and a mesh belt 191 which is arranged below the shell 3 and transports the second material sheet M8 in the conveying direction. The fibers are stacked on the mesh belt 191, thereby forming the second material sheet M8 on the mesh belt 191. The humidifying mechanism 10 has a downstream nozzle 602, and the downstream nozzle 602 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the fiber stacking part 18, and supplies humidified air E1 to the fiber stacking part 18.

[0111] According to this structure, since the downstream nozzle 602 is arranged at the downstream side of the fiber accumulation part 18, the humidified air E1 can be supplied in the direction of the second web M8 or the fiber accumulation part 18, so that the situation of fiber charging can be suppressed. In addition, by supplying the humidified air E1 from the downstream nozzle 602 to the gap between the fiber accumulation part 18 and the mesh belt 191, the amount of water used can be reduced compared with the case of humidifying the entire periphery of the fiber accumulation part 18. In other words, the humidification efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the humidified air E1 is supplied from the downstream nozzle 602, the humidified air E1 can be uniformly fed to the second web M8, so that the fibers can be uniformly humidified.

[0112] In addition, for example, when the downstream side nozzle 602 is not configured, although it is possible to dry the fibers in the fiber stacking section 18 by sucking in dried external air from the gap between the fiber stacking section 18 and the mesh belt 191, in the present embodiment, since the downstream side nozzle 602 for supplying humidified air E1 is configured at the entrance and exit of the gap between the fiber stacking section 18 and the mesh belt 191, the occurrence of drying in the fiber stacking section 18 can be suppressed.

[0113] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the downstream nozzle 602 is disposed adjacent to the side wall 311 of the housing 3 at the downstream side in the conveying direction relative to the housing 3. According to this structure, since the downstream nozzle 602 is disposed adjacent to the side wall 311 of the housing 3, most of the humidified air E1 can be supplied in the direction of the second web M8 or the fiber accumulation portion 18, so that the second web M8 or the fibers can be humidified.

[0114] In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is preferred that the downstream nozzle 602 has a rectangular opening 602a, and the length W11 of the opening 602a in the conveying direction is smaller than the length W12 in the direction intersecting the conveying direction. According to this structure, the length in the direction intersecting the conveying direction can be made longer, in other words, the entire width direction of the second web M8 can be covered by the downstream nozzle 602, so that the humidified air E1 can be supplied to the entire second web M8.

[0115] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is preferable that a sealing roller 7 is provided at the downstream side in the conveying direction relative to the housing 3, the sealing roller 7 is provided in a manner adjacent to the side wall 311 of the housing 3, and presses the second web M8, and the opening 602a of the downstream nozzle 602 is arranged in a manner opposite to the sealing roller 7. According to this structure, since the opening 602a of the downstream nozzle 602 is arranged in a manner opposite to the sealing roller 7, the humidified air E1 can be directly supplied to the sealing roller 7, so that the sealing roller 7 can be suppressed from being charged due to friction with the second web M8.

[0116] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, it is preferable to have an optical sensor 630 for measuring the thickness of the second web M8, and the optical sensor 630 is located at the downstream side of the downstream nozzle 602 in the conveying direction and above the sealing roller 7. According to this configuration, since the optical sensor 630 is arranged at the above position, the humidified air E1 supplied from the downstream nozzle 602 can function as an air curtain, thereby suppressing the adhesion of fibers to the optical sensor 630.

[0117] Hereinafter, modified examples of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0118] As described above, the upstream side wall 311 of the side wall 311 constituting the housing 3 may also have Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 Shape as shown. Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower end of the casing 3 on the upstream side. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the lower end of the casing 3 on the upstream side.

[0119] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, at the lower end of the side wall 311 on the upstream side of the side wall 311 constituting the housing 3, an eave 311A ​​is provided so as to face the opening 601a of the upstream nozzle 601. The end 311A1 of the eave 311A ​​is of such length that it overlaps a part of the upstream nozzle 601 disposed adjacent thereto when viewed from above. In addition, the length of the eave 311A ​​in the direction intersecting the conveying direction is substantially equal to the length W2 of the upstream nozzle 601.

[0120] In this way, since the eaves 311A ​​is provided in a manner opposite to the opening 601a of the upstream nozzle 601, the humidified air E1 from the opening 601a can be supplied in the direction of the second web M8 after hitting the eaves 311A, thereby making it possible to uniformly supply the humidified air E1 to the second web M8 compared to the case where the humidified air E1 is violently supplied directly from the opening 601a to the second web M8. In addition, the second web M8 accumulated on the mesh belt 191 can be prevented from rolling up or wind ripples can be formed on the second web M8.

[0121] Explanation of symbols

[0122] 3…housing; 4…storage section; 5…supply section; 6…rotation section; 7…sealing roller; 8…sealing member; 10…humidification mechanism; 11…raw material supply section; 12…coarse crushing section; 13…fibering section; 14…screening section; 15…first web forming section; 16…finely dividing section; 17…mixing section; 18…fiber stacking section; 19…second web forming section; 20…sheet forming section; 21…cutting section; 22…material preparation section; 27…recovering section; 31…cover body; 40…holding part; 41…top plate; 42…side wall; 43…porous screen; 51…port body; 52…connecting part; 61…blade; 100…sheet manufacturing device; 121…crushing blade; 122…chute; 141…roller part; 142…housing part; 151…mesh belt; 152…installation roller; 153…suction part; 161…propeller; 162…housing part; 171…bonding material supply part; 172…pipe; 173… Blower; 174…screw feeder; 191…mesh belt as conveyor belt; 192…installation roller; 193…suction unit; 201…pressing unit; 202…heating unit; 203…calendering roller; 204…heating roller; 211…first shear; 212…second shear; 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236…humidifying unit; 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246…tube; 261…fiberization Blower; 262, 263…blower; 311…side wall; 311A…eaves; 311A1…end; 312…lower opening; 313…upper opening; 411…supply port; 412…connecting port; 511…opening; 512…side wall; 513…side wall; 601…upstream nozzle; 601a…opening; 602…downstream nozzle as a nozzle; 602a…opening; 603…piping; 630…optical sensor.

Claims

1. A sheet manufacturing device, comprising: a defibration section that defibrates the material to form fibers; a fiber stacking section that stacks the fibers to form a web; a pressurizing unit for pressurizing the material sheet to form it into a thin sheet; a humidifying mechanism for supplying humidified air to the fiber accumulation portion, The fiber accumulation section includes a rotating section for stirring the fibers supplied from the defibrating section, a housing for housing the rotating section, and a conveyor belt disposed below the housing for conveying the web in a conveying direction, wherein the web is formed on the conveyor belt by accumulating the fibers on the conveyor belt. The humidifying mechanism includes a nozzle that is provided on a downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the fiber accumulation portion and supplies the humidified air to the fiber accumulation portion.

2. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle is disposed adjacent to a side wall of the casing at a downstream side in the conveying direction relative to the casing.

3. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle has a rectangular opening. The length of the opening in the conveying direction is smaller than the length in a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

4. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: A sealing roller is provided on the downstream side of the housing in the conveying direction, the sealing roller being arranged adjacent to the side wall of the housing and pressing the web. The opening of the nozzle is arranged to face the sealing roller.

5. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: having an optical sensor, the optical sensor measuring the thickness of the web, The optical sensor is located on the downstream side of the nozzle in the conveying direction and above the sealing roller.

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