Sheet manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a sheet manufacturing apparatus, and the problem is that the re-operation after the operation of the apparatus is stopped may require time due to the abnormality of sheet conveying. A sheet manufacturing apparatus (1) is provided with: a sheet forming unit (70) that forms a sheet; and a conveyance unit (80) that conveys the sheet along the conveyance path. The conveyance unit (80) has: a plurality of conveyance rollers that convey the sheet; a sheet sensor (850) that detects an abnormality occurring in the conveyance unit (80) accompanying conveyance of the sheet; a cover (811) arranged above the conveying path and capable of rotating around a rotating shaft (812); and a drive motor (872) that rotates the cover (811), the cover (811) being moved between an open position (Pk) at which the upper part of the conveyance path is open and a closed position (Ph) at which the upper part of the conveyance path is covered, and the cover (811) being rotated by the drive motor (872) when the sheet sensor (850) detects an abnormality occurring in association with conveyance of the sheet, and the cover (811) being moved between an open position (Pk) at which the upper part of the conveyance path is closed and a closed position (Ph) at which the upper part of the conveyance path is closed. Thus, the cover (811) is moved from the closed position (Ph) to the open position (Pk).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sheet manufacturing apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a sheet manufacturing apparatus provided with a defibrating section, a web forming section, a sheet forming section, a cutter section, and a control section is disclosed. The defibrating section defibrates a raw material containing fibers in the atmosphere. The web forming section forms a web by causing defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating section to be accumulated. The sheet forming section forms a sheet from the web formed by the web forming section. The cutter section cuts the sheet formed by the sheet forming section into a size set in advance. The control section rationalizes the order and timing of stopping the operation of each section in the case where the operation of the apparatus is stopped.

[0003] In the sheet manufacturing apparatus of Patent Literature 1, the structures of each section that undertakes each process of defibrating, accumulating, sheet forming, sheet cutting, and the like are interlocked with each other. For example, when the operation of the apparatus is stopped due to the occurrence of a transport failure of defibrated material, a web, a sheet, and the like, even in the case where the order and timing of stopping the operation of each section are rationalized, a material or a semi-finished product of which the residual amount is unknown can remain in each section. Therefore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus of Patent Literature 1, there is a possibility that a time is required for the restart of the operation of the apparatus after the operation of the apparatus is stopped due to an abnormality in the transport of a sheet and the like. Further, in the restart of the operation of the apparatus after the operation of the apparatus is stopped, there is a possibility that the response of a service person is required.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: WO2018 / 043030 SUMMARY

[0005] A sheet manufacturing apparatus is provided with a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet by compressing a material containing fibers after the material is accumulated, a transport unit that transports the sheet along a transport path, the transport unit having a plurality of transport rollers that transport the sheet, an abnormality detection sensor that detects an abnormality that occurs in the transport unit in association with the transport of the sheet, a cover that is provided above the transport path and is rotatable about an axis of a rotation shaft, and a drive motor that rotates to cause the cover to rotate, the cover moving between an open position in which the above of the transport path is open and a closed position in which the above of the transport path is covered, the cover being caused to move from the closed position to the open position by causing the drive motor to be rotated in the case where the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality that occurs in association with the transport of the sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A schematic view for showing the structure of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 A schematic view for showing the structure of the conveying unit.

[0008] Figure 3 A schematic view for showing the structure of the upstream conveying unit.

[0009] Figure 4 A schematic view for showing the structure of the opening mechanism.

[0010] Figure 5 A flowchart for showing each step of the opening operation.

[0011] Figure 6 A schematic view for showing the opening operation of the upstream conveying unit and the function of the sheet retreat portion.

[0012] Figure 7 A schematic view for showing the structure of the opening mechanism.

[0013] Figure 8 A schematic view for showing the structure of the opening mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following embodiments, as the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present application, a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 that recycles waste paper or the like, which is a material containing fibers, into a sheet in a dry manner is exemplified. Hereinafter, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present application is not limited to the dry type, and can be of the wet type. In the present specification, the dry type means a method that is not performed in a liquid, but is performed in air such as atmosphere.

[0015] In each drawing, the same reference signs are attached to the same components, and overlapping description will be omitted. In the present specification, "the same", "identical", and "simultaneous" in the case described do not mean only the case of being completely the same. For example, in the present specification, the case described as "the same", "identical", and "simultaneous" includes the case of being the same taking into account measurement error. Further, for example, the case described as "the same", "identical", and "simultaneous" in the present specification includes the case of being the same taking into account manufacturing variation of components.

[0016] The case described as "the same", "identical", and "simultaneous" in the present specification includes the case of being the same within a range that does not impair the function. Therefore, for example, "the sizes of both are the same" means the case of the sizes of both being within ±5% of the size of one side, particularly preferably within ±3%, taking into account measurement error and manufacturing variation of components.

[0017] In the drawings, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, directions along these axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is designated as "+" and the negative direction is designated as "-." Direction symbols are used, and the direction indicated by the arrow in each drawing is designated as the + direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow is designated as the - direction.

[0018] The Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, with the +Z direction pointing vertically upward and the -Z direction pointing vertically downward. The plane containing the X-axis and the Y-axis is referred to as the XY plane, the plane containing the X-axis and the Z-axis is referred to as the XZ plane, and the plane containing the Y-axis and the Z-axis is referred to as the YZ plane. The XY plane is a horizontal plane. The three spatial axes (X, Y, and Z), which have no positive or negative directions, are referred to as the X, Y, and Z axes for the purpose of explanation.

[0019] The X-axis direction is the horizontal direction along the installation surface, which is the horizontal plane on which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is installed. The Y-axis direction is the horizontal direction along the installation surface on which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is installed. The Z-axis direction is the normal direction relative to the installation surface on which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is installed and is the height direction of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0020] In the following description, the +Z direction may be referred to as "upward," and the -Z direction may be referred to as "downward." In the following description, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the destination of the conveyance direction of the raw material, web W, and sheets P1, P2, P3, etc. may be referred to as "downstream," and the direction traced back in the conveyance direction may be referred to as "upstream." For ease of illustration, the sizes of various components may differ from actual dimensions.

[0021] 1. Implementation Method 1

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a first unit group 101, a second unit group 102, and a third unit group 103. The first unit group 101, the second unit group 102, and the third unit group 103 are supported by a frame (not shown).

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the directions in which the paper pieces C, the sheet P3, the cut pieces S, and unnecessary end materials etc. are moved are shown by blank arrows. In the following description, an aggregate of the paper pieces C consisting of a plurality of paper pieces C is also simply referred to as a paper piece C.

[0024] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures the sheet P3 from the paper sheet C that is a material containing fibers such as old paper. The paper sheet C is one example of a raw material. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the first unit group 101, the third unit group 103, and the second unit group 102 are arranged in the +Y direction from the -Y direction in side view from the -X direction.

[0025] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can manufacture the sheet P3 from the paper sheet C, and thus can reduce the amount of paper sheet C discarded by recycling the paper sheet C. Therefore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as the goal 12 “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”.

[0026] The paper sheet C is transported from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 via the pipe 21 that crosses the third unit group 103. Then, the paper sheet C becomes fibers by being defibered or the like in the second unit group 102, and is set to a mixture containing a binding material or the like. The mixture is transported to the third unit group 103 via the pipe 24. The mixture is set to the web W in the third unit group 103, and is formed into the sheet P1 in a band shape. The sheet P1 in the band shape is cut into the sheet P3 in the first unit group 101.

[0027] The first unit group 101 includes a raw material supply apparatus 13, a measurement unit 15, a merging unit 17, and a pipe 21. These structures are arranged in the above order from the upstream toward the downstream in the first unit group 101. In addition, the first unit group 101 further includes a downstream-side transport unit 82 of the transport unit 80, a tray 191, and a chopping unit 913.

[0028] The downstream-side transport unit 82 has a first cutting unit 832 and a second cutting unit 834. The first cutting unit 832 cuts the sheet P1 in a band shape into a single sheet P2. The second cutting unit 834 cuts the single sheet P2 into the sheet P3 in a predetermined shape. The first cutting unit 832 and the second cutting unit 834 are one example of a cutter.

[0029] The first unit group 101 has a water supply unit 67. The water supply unit 67 is a water storage tank. The water supply unit 67 supplies water for humidification to the first humidification unit 65 and the second humidification unit 66 described later, respectively, through a water supply pipe not shown.

[0030] The raw material supply apparatus 13 stores the paper sheet C that is a raw material of the sheet P3, and supplies it to the downstream. The raw material supply apparatus 13 has a raw material drop port 131, a storage unit 132, and a discharge unit 140.

[0031] The paper sheet C is fed from the raw material feed port 131 to the storage section 132. The paper sheet C contains fibers such as cellulose, and is, for example, a shredded waste paper. The humidified air is supplied from the second humidifying section 66 of the third unit group 103 to the inside of the storage section 132.

[0032] After the paper sheet C is temporarily stored in the storage section 132, it is transported to the measuring section 15 via the discharge section 140. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 can also be provided with a paper shredder that shreds the paper sheet C or the like at the upstream side of the storage section 132.

[0033] The measuring section 15 has a sensor 15a and a supply mechanism not shown. The sensor 15a measures the mass of the paper sheet C. The supply mechanism supplies the paper sheet C measured by the sensor 15a to the downstream merging section 17. That is, the measuring section 15 measures the paper sheet C by the sensor 15a by a predetermined mass each time, and supplies it to the downstream merging section 17 using the supply mechanism.

[0034] As the sensor 15a, any measuring mechanism of digital and analog types can be applied. Specifically, as the sensor 15a, a physical sensor such as a load cell, and a spring scale or a balance scale or the like can be listed. In the present embodiment, a load cell is applied as the sensor 15a. The predetermined mass of the paper sheet C measured by the sensor 15a is, for example, several g to several tens of g or so.

[0035] As the supply mechanism, a feed gate or the like that can be opened and closed can be applied. The supply mechanism can also be a structure included in the sensor 15a.

[0036] The measurement and supply of the paper sheet C in the measuring section 15 are batch processes. That is, the supply of the paper sheet C from the measuring section 15 to the merging section 17 is intermittently performed. The measuring section 15 can have a plurality of combinations of the sensor 15a and the supply mechanism, or can operate a plurality of sensors 15a at different times to improve the efficiency of measurement and supply.

[0037] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 has two sensors 15a, and supply mechanisms attached to each of the sensors 15a. Thereby, the paper sheet C is alternately transported from the two sets of sensors 15a and supply mechanisms to the merging section 17.

[0038] In the merging section 17, the shredded pieces of the cuttings sheet S supplied from the shredding section 913 are merged with the paper sheet C supplied from the measuring section 15 to be mixed. The cuttings sheet S and the shredding section 913 will be described later. The paper sheet C mixed with the shredded pieces flows from the merging section 17 to the pipe 21.

[0039] The pipe 21 conveys the paper sheet C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by the air current of suction generated by the downstream defibrating section 30.

[0040] The second unit group 102 has a defibrating section 31, a separating section 32, a pipe 23, a mixing section 33, and a pipe 24 as a dry defibrating machine. These structures are arranged in the above order from the upstream toward the downstream in the second unit group 102. The second unit group 102 also has a pipe 25 connected to the separating section 32, a recovery section 35, a compressor 38, and a power supply section 39.

[0041] The paper sheet C conveyed from the pipe 21 flows into the defibrating section 31. The defibrating section 31 defibrates the paper sheet C supplied from the measuring section 15 in a dry manner to be fibers. For the defibrating section 31, a defibrating mechanism using a rotor that rotates, or the like, can be applied.

[0042] Since the defibrating section 31 of the present embodiment defibrates the paper sheet C in a dry manner to be fibers, the amount of water used and the amount of drainage can be reduced compared to a wet defibrating method in which defibrating is performed in water. Therefore, the defibrating section 31 of the present embodiment can contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as Goal 6 "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all". The defibrating section 31 of the present embodiment can contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as Goal 14 "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, in a sustainable manner".

[0043] According to the defibrating section 31 of the present embodiment, since drying of the defibrated product is not required, the amount of carbon dioxide generated in the process of defibrating the paper sheet C can be reduced. Therefore, the defibrating section 31 of the present embodiment can contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as Goal 13 "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts".

[0044] As the defibrating section 31, for example, the following structure can be cited. The defibrating section 31 has a stator and a rotor. The stator has an inner side surface that is substantially cylindrical. The rotor is provided inside the stator and rotates along the inner side surface of the stator. The pieces of the paper sheet C are sandwiched between the inner side surface of the stator and the rotor and are defibrated by the shearing force generated therebetween. Thus, for the paper sheet C, the fibers included in the paper sheet that are entangled together are disentangled. The paper sheet C is defibrated to be fibers and is conveyed to the separating section 32.

[0045] The separation section 32 classifies the fiber after defibration. In detail, the separation section 32 removes components included in the fiber that are not needed for the manufacture of the sheet P3. Specifically, the separation section 32 classifies longer fibers and shorter fibers. Since the shorter fibers sometimes cause the strength of the sheet P3 to decrease, they are classified by the separation section 32. Further, the separation section 32 classifies and excludes color materials and additives and the like included in the paper sheet C. For the separation section 32, a publicly known technique such as a disc mesh method can be applied.

[0046] The inside of the separation section 32 is supplied with air after humidification from the second humidification section 66 of the third unit group 103.

[0047] The shorter fibers and the like among the fiber after defibration are excluded and transported to the mixing section 33 via the pipe 23. The unnecessary parts such as the shorter fibers or the color materials are discharged to the recovery section 35 via the pipe 25.

[0048] The mixing section 33 mixes the binder material and the like with the defibrated material in the air to be a mixture. Although not illustrated, the mixing section 33 has a flow path in which the defibrated material is transported, a fan, a hopper, a supply pipe, and a valve.

[0049] The hopper communicates with the flow path of the defibrated material via the supply pipe. The valve is provided on the supply pipe between the hopper and the flow path. The hopper supplies the binder material such as starch to the flow path. The valve adjusts the quality of the binder material supplied from the hopper to the flow path. Thereby, the mixing ratio of the fiber and the binder material is adjusted.

[0050] The mixing section 33 can have the same structure for supplying the color material or the additive and the like in addition to the above structure for supplying the binder material.

[0051] The fan of the mixing section 33 mixes the binder material and the like in the air by the airflow generated thereby to be a mixture while transporting the defibrated material including the fiber to the downstream. The mixture flows from the mixing section 33 to the pipe 24.

[0052] The recovery section 35 has a filter not illustrated. The filter filters out the unnecessary parts such as the shorter fibers transported in the pipe 25 by the airflow.

[0053] The compressor 38 generates compressed air. In the above filter, there is a case where clogging occurs due to fine particles and the like in the unnecessary parts. The compressed air generated by the compressor 38 is blown to the filter, whereby the adhering particles can be blown away to clean the filter.

[0054] The power supply section 39 has a not-illustrated power supply device that supplies electric power to the control section 5 and the sheet manufacturing device 1. The power supply section 39 distributes the electric power supplied from the outside to each structure of the sheet manufacturing device 1.

[0055] Although not illustrated, the control section 5 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control section 5 has a storage section including a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. In the storage section, various programs that control the sheet manufacturing device 1 are stored.

[0056] The control section 5 can also include one or more processors that execute various processes in accordance with programs, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. The ASIC executes at least a part of the various processes.

[0057] The processor includes a CPU, and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores program codes or instructions that are configured in such a way that the CPU executes processes. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium includes all media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or a dedicated computer.

[0058] The control section 5 is electrically connected to each structure of the sheet forming unit 70 and the conveying unit 80, and the like described later, and comprehensively controls the operation of these structures. In particular, the control section 5 instructs each structure in the case where a conveying abnormality of the sheet P2 or the like in a single sheet form occurs on the conveying path. Details of the above-mentioned response will be described later.

[0059] The third unit group 103 causes a mixture of materials containing fibers to be accumulated and compressed to be shaped into a band-shaped sheet P1. The third unit group 103 has the accumulation section 50, the first conveying section 61, the second conveying section 62, the first humidifying section 65, the second humidifying section 66, the drain section 68, the sheet forming unit 70, the upstream conveying unit 81 of the conveying unit 80, and the sheet evacuation section EZ described later.

[0060] In the third unit group 103, the accumulation section 50, the first conveying section 61, the second conveying section 62, the first humidifying section 65, the sheet forming unit 70, and the upstream conveying unit 81 are arranged in this order from the upstream toward the downstream. The second humidifying section 66 is arranged below the first humidifying section 65.

[0061] The accumulation section 50 causes the mixture containing the classified fibers to accumulate in the air to be set as a web W. The accumulation section 50 has a drum member 53, a blade member 55 provided inside the drum member 53, a casing 51 that houses the drum member 53, and a suction section 59. The mixture is sucked from the pipe 24 into the inside of the drum member 53.

[0062] A first conveying section 61 is arranged below the accumulation section 50. The first conveying section 61 has a mesh belt 61a and five not-shown erection rollers that erect the mesh belt 61a. The suction section 59 opposes the drum member 53 across the mesh belt 61a in the direction along the Z axis.

[0063] The blade member 55 is inside the drum member 53 and is rotationally driven by a not-shown motor. The drum member 53 is a half-cylindrical sieve. A mesh having a function of a sieve is provided on the side of the drum member 53 that faces downward. The drum member 53 causes particles such as fibers or the mixture that are smaller than the size of the mesh openings of the mesh to pass from the inside to the outside.

[0064] The mixture is discharged to the outside of the drum member 53 while being stirred by the rotating blade member 55 inside the drum member 53. The inside of the drum member 53 is supplied with the air that has been humidified from a second humidifying section 66.

[0065] The suction section 59 is arranged below the drum member 53. The suction section 59 sucks the air inside the casing 51 through a plurality of holes of the mesh belt 61a. The plurality of holes of the mesh belt 61a pass the air and make it difficult for fibers or a binder material or the like included in the mixture to pass. Thus, the mixture that is discharged to the outside of the drum member 53 is sucked downward together with the air. The suction section 59 is a suction device such as a blower.

[0066] The mixture is dispersed in the air inside the casing 51 and is accumulated on the face above the mesh belt 61a by the gravity and the suction of the suction section 59 to become the web W.

[0067] The mesh belt 61a is a jointless belt and is erected by the five erection rollers. The mesh belt 61a is rotated counterclockwise in the Figure 1 by the revolution of the erection rollers. Thus, the mixture is continuously accumulated on the mesh belt 61a to form the web W. The web W contains a large amount of air and thus expands softly. The first conveying section 61 conveys the web W that is formed downward by the revolution of the mesh belt 61a.

[0068] The second conveying section 62 conveys the web W instead of the first conveying section 61 downstream of the first conveying section 61. The second conveying section 62 peels the web W from the upper face of the web belt 61a and conveys it toward the sheet forming unit 70. The second conveying section 62 is positioned above the conveying path of the web W and is disposed slightly upstream of the start of the return side of the web belt 61a. The +Y direction of the second conveying section 62 and the -Y direction of the web belt 61a partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0069] The second conveying section 62 has a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a suction mechanism, none of which is shown. The conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of holes through which air passes. The conveyor belt is supported by the plurality of rollers and is rotated by rotation of the rollers.

[0070] The second conveying section 62 causes the upper face of the web W to be adsorbed to the lower face of the conveyor belt by negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism. By rotating the conveyor belt in this state, the web W is adsorbed to the conveyor belt and conveyed downstream.

[0071] The first humidifying section 65 humidifies the web W containing fibers that is accumulated by the accumulation section 50 of the third unit group 103. Specifically, the first humidifying section 65 is, for example, a mist humidifier, and the web W conveyed by the second conveying section 62 from below is supplied with mist M to be humidified. The first humidifying section 65 is disposed below the second conveying section 62 and opposes the web W conveyed by the second conveying section 62 in the direction along the Z axis. For the first humidifying section 65, a humidifying device such as an ultrasonic type can be applied.

[0072] By humidifying the web W with the mist M, the function of the binding material that is starch is promoted, and the strength of the sheet P3 is improved. Furthermore, since the web W is humidified from below, it is possible to prevent the falling of water droplets generated by the mist to the web W. Also, since the web W is humidified from the side opposite to the contact face of the conveyor belt and the web W, it is possible to reduce the adhesion of the web W to the conveyor belt. The second conveying section 62 conveys the web W toward the sheet forming unit 70.

[0073] The sheet forming unit 70 forms the sheet P1 in a band shape by compressing the web W after the web W is provided as a mixture of materials containing fibers by being accumulated. The sheet forming unit 70 has processing rollers 71, 72. The processing rollers 71, 72 are paired and each has an electric heater built in to have a function of raising the temperature of the roller surface.

[0074] The processing rollers 71, 72 are each a substantially cylindrical member. The rotational axis of the processing roller 71 and the rotational axis of the processing roller 72 are arranged along the X axis. The processing roller 71 is arranged substantially above the conveyance path of the web W, and the processing roller 72 is arranged substantially below the conveyance path of the web W.

[0075] The processing rollers 71, 72 are rotationally driven by a stepping motor, not shown. The web W is sandwiched between the processing rollers 71, 72, and is fed downstream while being heated and pressurized. That is, the web W is continuously passed through the sheet-forming unit 70, and is press-formed while being heated. By using the processing rollers 71, 72 as a pair of forming members, heating and pressurizing of the web W can be efficiently performed.

[0076] The web W is passed through the sheet-forming unit 70, and is thereby reduced in the amount of air entrapped, from a state in which it is soft and contains much air, and is formed into a band-shaped sheet Pl by the fibers being bonded to each other by the bonding material. The band-shaped sheet Pl is conveyed to the first unit group 101 by the upstream conveyance unit 81.

[0077] The second humidifying section 66 is arranged below the first humidifying section 65. For the second humidifying section 66, a vaporization-type humidifying device can be applied. As the vaporization-type humidifying device, for example, a humidifying device that blows air to a nonwoven fabric or the like that is to be moistened to cause the moisture to vaporize, thereby generating humidified air can be cited.

[0078] The second humidifying section 66 humidifies a predetermined region of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The predetermined region refers to one or more of the storage section 132, the separation section 32, and the drum member 53 of the accumulation section 50. Specifically, humidified air is supplied from the second humidifying section 66 to the above-described regions via a plurality of pipes, not shown. The humidified air suppresses electrification of the sheet C or the fibers or the like in each of the above-described structures, thereby suppressing adhesion to the members caused by static electricity of these substances.

[0079] The drain section 68 is a drain tank. The drain section 68 is used in the first humidifying section 65 and the second humidifying section 66 or the like, and collects and stores the aged moisture. The drain section 68 can be detached from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 as needed, and the stored water is discarded.

[0080] The strip-shaped sheet P1 conveyed to the first unit assembly 101 passes through the conveying roller pair 821 (described later) of the downstream conveying unit 82 and reaches the first cutting unit 832. The first cutting unit 832 cuts the strip-shaped sheet P1 in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, for example, along the X-axis. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is cut into individual sheets P2 by the first cutting unit 832. The individual sheets P2 are conveyed from the first cutting unit 832 to the second cutting unit 834.

[0081] The second cutting unit 834 cuts the single sheet P2 in the conveying direction, for example, along the Y-axis. Specifically, the second cutting unit 834 cuts the single sheet P2 near both sides along the X-axis. The first cutting unit 832 and the second cutting unit 834 enable the produced sheet P3 to be sized uniformly. This results in the single sheet P2 being formed into a sheet P3 of a predetermined shape, such as A4 or A3 size.

[0082] When the single sheet P2 is cut into sheets P3 at the second cutting section 834, scraps S are produced as end materials. The scraps S are conveyed in the approximately -Y direction and reach the shredder section 913, which functions as a shredder. The shredder section 913 shreds the scraps S into shredded pieces and supplies them to the merging section 17. A mechanism for measuring the shredded pieces of the scraps S and supplying them to the merging section 17 may be provided between the shredder section 913 and the merging section 17.

[0083] The sheet P3 is conveyed substantially upward and accumulated on the tray 191. As described above, the sheet P3 is manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet P3 can be used as a substitute for copy paper or the like, for example.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveying unit 80 includes an upstream conveying unit 81, a downstream conveying unit 82, and a sheet sensor 850. The conveying unit 80 conveys a strip-shaped sheet P1, a single sheet P2, and a sheet P3 along the conveying paths of the sheets P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Therefore, the conveying unit 80 includes a plurality of conveying rollers, such as conveying roller pairs 813, 815, 821, and 823, arranged along the conveying direction of the sheets P1, P2, and P3, respectively. The conveying roller pairs 813, 815, 821, and 823 are driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown).

[0085] In the conveying unit 80 , a conveying roller pair 813 , a conveying roller pair 815 , a conveying roller pair 821 , a first cutting unit 832 , a conveying roller pair 823 , a sheet sensor 850 , and a second cutting unit 834 are arranged in this order from the sheet forming unit 70 toward the downstream.

[0086] The upstream-side conveying unit 81 includes a first conveying roller set 810 including a part of the plurality of conveying rollers described above, a cover 811, and an opening mechanism 860 (see FIG. 8). The first conveying roller set 810 includes a pair of conveying rollers 813, 815. The pair of conveying rollers 813 is composed of a pair of an upper roller 813a and a lower roller 813b. The pair of conveying rollers 815 is composed of a pair of an upper roller 815a and a lower roller 815b. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The cover 811 is disposed above the conveying path of the sheet P1 as shown in FIG. 8. The cover 811 is disposed so as to be able to move between an open position Pk in which the upper side of the conveying path is open and a closed position Ph in which the upper side of the conveying path is covered, by rotating about the axis of the rotation axis 812.

[0087] Since the sheet P1 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the upper roller 813a and the lower roller 813b and between the upper roller 815a and the lower roller 815b, the conveyability is improved. The pair of conveying rollers 815 is an example of the first conveying roller of the present application.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 811 is disposed above the conveying path of the sheet P1. The cover 811 is disposed so as to be able to move between an open position Pk in which the upper side of the conveying path is open and a closed position Ph in which the upper side of the conveying path is covered, by rotating about the axis of the rotation axis 812. Figure 2 Figure 3 The opening mechanism 860 is disposed so as to be able to move the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk. Details of the cover 811 and the opening mechanism 860 will be described later.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 811 is disposed above the conveying path of the sheet P1. The cover 811 is disposed so as to be able to move between an open position Pk in which the upper side of the conveying path is open and a closed position Ph in which the upper side of the conveying path is covered, by rotating about the axis of the rotation axis 812.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 811 is disposed above the conveying path of the sheet P1. The cover 811 is disposed so as to be able to move between an open position Pk in which the upper side of the conveying path is open and a closed position Ph in which the upper side of the conveying path is covered, by rotating about the axis of the rotation axis 812. Figure 2 The sheet sensor 850 is an example of the abnormality detection sensor of the present application, and detects an abnormality in the conveyance of the single sheet P2 in the conveying unit 80. In detail, the sheet sensor 850 is disposed above the conveying path of the single sheet P2 between the pair of conveying rollers 823 and the second cutting unit 834, and opposes the single sheet P2 conveyed on the conveying path in the up-and-down direction.

[0091]

[0092] ​​The sheet sensor 850 is, for example, an optical sensor, and measures reflected light of light self-illuminated, and transmits the detection result to the control section 5. The control section 5 judges the presence or absence of the sheet P2 in a single sheet shape, based on the reflectance of the reflected light with respect to the self-illuminated light. In addition, a reflection member that reflects the light irradiated by the sheet sensor 850 can be provided on the conveyance path of the sheet P2 in a single sheet shape opposite the sheet sensor 850.

[0093] Although not illustrated, a plurality of conveyance rollers described above are also arranged at the downstream of the second cutting section 834, and convey the sheet P3 toward the tray 191. The cut piece S is conveyed toward the cutting section 913 by the cut piece conveyance roller group 911.

[0094] Next, the cover 811 and the opening mechanism 860 provided in the upstream conveyance unit 81 will be described. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the opening mechanism 860 includes a lock mechanism 861 and an opening / closing mechanism 871. In a case where the sheet sensor 850 detects a conveyance abnormality of the sheet P2, that is, so-called jam, the opening mechanism is driven and controlled by the control section 5, and thereby performs an opening operation. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The opening operation will be described later.

[0095] In the opening operation, the upstream conveyance unit 81 is displaced from a normal state to an opening state. The normal state is a state of the upstream conveyance unit 81 in which the cover 811 is in the closed position Ph at the time of the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 to manufacture the sheet P3. The opening state is a state of the upstream conveyance unit 81 in which the cover 811 is in the opening position Pk. The opening operation will be described later.

[0096] In the following description of the Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figures 6 to 8 , unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that a state observed from the -X direction is described. In Figure 3 , a single-dot chain line indicates a conveyance path of the sheet P1 in a band shape along the conveyance direction, and a broken line indicates the cover 811 in the opening position Pk.

[0097] The cover 811 is a substantially trapezoidal three-dimensional member when observed from the -X direction. The upper side rollers 813a and 815a are arranged on the side corresponding to the lower base of the cover 811 in the -Z direction in the closed position Ph. In the above lower base, the upper side roller 813a is located at the end portion in the +Y direction, and the upper side roller 815a is located at the end portion in the -Y direction. The upper side roller 815a is provided on the cover 811. The upper side roller 813a is independent of the cover 811 although overlapping the cover 811 (see Fig. 17). Figure 6

[0098] ​The rotation shaft 812 is fixed near the end portion in the +Y direction in the upper bottom in the +Z direction of the cover 811. The shaft of the rotation shaft 812 is along the X axis. The cover 811 and the rotation shaft 812 fixed to the cover 811 are supported by a support member 851 (refer to FIG. 8) in a manner that the cover 811 and the rotation shaft 812 can rotate around the shaft of the rotation shaft 812. The support member 851 is provided on a frame that supports the third unit group 103. Figure 4 ) The support member 851 is provided on a frame that supports the third unit group 103.

[0099] The lock mechanism 861 switches between a locked state and a released state of the cover 811. The locked state of the cover 811 is a state in which the cover 811 cannot move from the closed position Ph. The released state of the cover 811 is a state in which the cover 811 can move between the closed position Ph and the open position Pk.

[0100] The lock mechanism 861 is constituted by a work shaft 814, a hook 816, a solenoid 817, and a fixed pin 863. The work shaft 814, the hook 816, and the solenoid 817 are provided on the cover 811. The fixed pin 863 is provided on the support member 851.

[0101] The work shaft 814 is fixed to the cover 811. The center axis of the work shaft 814 is along the X axis. The fixed pin 863 is fixed to the support member 851. The hook 816 is provided in a manner that the hook 816 can rotate around the shaft of the work shaft 814. The hook 816 is supported by the work shaft 814 in a manner that the hook 816 can move between a locked position Pf and a released position Pr.

[0102] The locked position Pf is a position at which a hook portion provided at one end of the hook 816 engages with the fixed pin 863. The released position Pr is a position at which the engagement of the hook portion of the hook 816 with the fixed pin 863 is released. In a normal state in which the cover 811 is in the closed position Ph, the hook 816 is in the locked position Pf.

[0103] The hook 816 is urged toward the locked position Pf by a force applying member not shown. The other end of the hook 816, which is the opposite side of the hook portion, is connected to a plunger of the solenoid 817. The hook 816 is rotated around the center axis of the work shaft 814 by moving the plunger by energizing the solenoid 817.

[0104] The hook 816 is rotated clockwise around the center axis of the work shaft 814 by driving the solenoid 817 by energization. Thus, the hook 816 moves from the locked position Pf to the released position Pr. In other words, the hook 816 is released from the engagement with the fixed pin 863 by being rotated. When the hook 816 is in the released position Pr, the cover 811 becomes in the released state in which the cover 811 can move from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk.

[0105] The hook 816 is rotated counterclockwise about the axis of the working shaft 814 by stopping energization to the solenoid 817. Thus, the hook 816 moves from the release position Pr to the lock position Pf. When the cover 811 is in the closed position Ph, the cover 811 is locked by the movement of the hook 816 from the release position Pr to the lock position Pf.

[0106] Further, an inclined outer side surface is provided on the hook portion of the hook 816 in the present embodiment. Thus, even when the cover 811 is moved from the open position Pk to the closed position Ph, the hook 816 is rotated clockwise by the contact of the outer side surface of the hook portion with the fixing pin 863 in the state where the hook 816 is in the lock position Pf. Further, the hook portion is engaged with the fixing pin 863 by the rotation counterclockwise by the urging force of the urging member, and the cover 811 is locked.

[0107] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the hook 816 can be in either the release position Pr or the lock position Pf in the state where the cover 811 is rotatable including the open position Pk.

[0108] The opening and closing mechanism 871 moves the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk. As shown in Figure 4 , the opening and closing mechanism 871 has a drive motor 872 and a transmission mechanism 873. The transmission mechanism 873 includes a gear set 874, a transmission gear 875, and a link portion 876.

[0109] The gear set 874, the transmission gear 875, and the link portion 876 that constitute the transmission mechanism 873 transmit the driving force of the drive motor 872 that is rotationally driven to the rotation shaft 812. For example, the drive motor 872 is provided to be rotationally driven counterclockwise (in the direction of the black arrow mark shown in Figure 4 ). Thus, the gear shaft 874 is rotated counterclockwise (in the direction of the black arrow mark shown in Figure 4 ), and the transmission gear 875 is rotated clockwise (in the direction of the black arrow mark shown in Figure 4 ).

[0110] The driving force of the drive motor 872 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 812 via the link portion 876 by the clockwise rotation of the transmission gear 875. Thus, the cover 811 is moved from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk by the clockwise rotation (in the direction of the black arrow mark shown in Figure 4 ) of the rotation shaft 812 (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 ).

[0111] The transmission gear 875 is provided on the rotation shaft 812 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the rotation shaft 812. The coupling portion 876 is provided between the transmission gear 875 and the rotation shaft 812 so as to transmit the rotation of the transmission gear 875 to the rotation shaft 812. The coupling portion 876 switches between a coupled state in which the transmission gear 875 rotates with the rotation shaft 812 and an uncoupled state in which the transmission gear 875 does not rotate with the rotation shaft 812.

[0112] When a torque that rotates counterclockwise (the direction of the arrow mark shown in white) about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts, the coupling portion 876 couples the transmission gear 875 to the rotation shaft 812. In the present embodiment, a torque that rotates counterclockwise about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts due to the weight of the cover 811. Figure 4 When a torque that rotates counterclockwise (the direction of the arrow mark shown in white) about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts, the coupling portion 876 couples the transmission gear 875 to the rotation shaft 812. In the present embodiment, a torque that rotates counterclockwise about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts due to the weight of the cover 811.

[0113] Therefore, by driving the drive motor 872, the transmission gear 875 and the rotation shaft 812 are in the coupled state even when the cover 811 is rotated from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk. Thus, the opening and closing mechanism 871 moves the cover 811 from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk by rotating the drive motor 872, as indicated by the black arrow mark shown in FIG. 6. Figure 4 Therefore, by driving the drive motor 872, the transmission gear 875 and the rotation shaft 812 are in the coupled state even when the cover 811 is rotated from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk. Thus, the opening and closing mechanism 871 moves the cover 811 from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk by rotating the drive motor 872, as indicated by the black arrow mark shown in FIG. 6.

[0114] A one-way hinge is employed for the coupling portion 876 in the present embodiment. The one-way hinge is a mechanism component that has the functions of a one-way clutch and a torque limiter. The one-way hinge has a set load torque in one direction of rotation and is in an idle state without a load in the other direction of rotation in the rotation about the axis of the rotation shaft 812.

[0115] In the present embodiment, when a torque that rotates counterclockwise about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts, the one-way hinge couples the rotation shaft 812 to the transmission gear 875. More specifically, when a torque that rotates counterclockwise about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts, which is smaller than the set load torque, the one-way hinge couples the transmission gear 875 to the rotation shaft 812.

[0116] When a torque that rotates counterclockwise about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 acts, which is equal to or larger than the set load torque, the one-way hinge idles to uncouple the transmission gear 875 from the rotation shaft 812. The set load torque in the present embodiment is larger than the torque that acts about the axis of the rotation shaft 812 due to the weight of the cover 811. The set load torque in the present embodiment is smaller than the torque about the rotation shaft 812 required to rotate the drive motor 872.

[0117] For example, when the cover 811 is in the open position Pk or a position between the open position Pk and the closed position Ph, a counterclockwise rotational torque acts around the axis of the rotation shaft 812 due to the weight of the cover 811. Therefore, when the cover 811 is in the open position Pk or a position between the open position Pk and the closed position Ph, the transmission gear 875 and the rotation shaft 812 are connected.

[0118] The set load torque of the one-way hinge described above is greater than the torque acting around the rotation axis 812 due to the weight of the cover 811. Therefore, when the cover 811 is in the open position Pk or a position between the open position Pk and the closed position Ph, the cover 811 does not rotate but maintains its position.

[0119] In other words, the one-way hinge restricts the rotation of the rotation shaft 812 toward the cover 811 and the rotation of the rotation shaft 812 in the direction of movement from the open position Pk to the closed position Ph around the axis of the rotation shaft 812. The one-way hinge is an example of the connection portion 876.

[0120] For example, Figure 7 As shown by the blank arrow, an operator manually moves cover 811 from open position Pk to closed position Ph. When cover 811 is in open position Pk, the weight of cover 811 exerts a counterclockwise torque around rotational shaft 812. Therefore, when cover 811 is in open position Pk, transmission gear 875 is coupled to rotational shaft 812.

[0121] The set load torque of the one-way hinge described above is smaller than the torque around the axis of rotation 812 required to rotate the drive motor 872. In this case, when the operator applies a force to the cover 811 so that the set load torque acts on the axis of rotation 812, the one-way hinge rotates idly, and the transmission gear 875 and the rotation shaft 812 become disconnected.

[0122] Thus, the operator can manually move the cover 811 from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk without rotating the transmission gear 875 , the gear train 874 , and the drive motor 872 .

[0123] For example, Figure 8 As shown by the blank arrow, the operator manually moves the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk. In this case, no counterclockwise torque is applied around the rotation axis 812. Therefore, the one-way hinge causes idle rotation, and the transmission gear 875 and the rotation axis 812 are disconnected.

[0124] Thus, the cover 811 can be moved from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk by the operator manually without rotating the transmission gear 875, the gear set 874, and the drive motor 872. In other words, the one-way hinge allows the rotation of the rotation shaft 812 toward the cover 811 and the rotation shaft 812 in the direction of movement from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk around the axis of the rotation shaft 812. The one-way hinge is an example of the linking portion 876.

[0125] In the displacement of the upstream transport unit 81 from the normal state to the open state in the opening operation, first, the locked state of the cover 811 is switched to the released state by driving the locking mechanism 861. Specifically, the hook portion of the catch 816 is released from the engagement with the fixing pin 863 by rotating the catch 816 from the locked position Pf to the released position Pr by driving the solenoid 817 of the locking mechanism 861.

[0126] Next, the cover 811 is moved from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk by driving the opening and closing mechanism 871. Specifically, the cover 811 is rotated around the axis of the rotation shaft 812 from the closed position Ph toward the open position Pk by driving the drive motor 872 of the opening and closing mechanism 871. When the cover 811 reaches the open position Pk, the driving of the drive motor 872 is stopped. Thus, the upstream transport unit 81 becomes the open state in which the cover 811 is positioned at the open position Pk.

[0127] The upstream transport unit 81 can be returned from the open state to the normal state manually by the operator. Specifically, the operator presses the end of the cover 811 in the -Y direction downward. Thus, the catch 816 is rotated to the locked position Pf in which the hook portion of the catch 816 is engaged with the fixing pin 863, thereby becoming the normal state in which the cover 811 is positioned at the closed position Ph.

[0128] In the open state, the end of the cover 811 in the -Y direction is lifted in the substantially +Z direction. Thus, in the normal state, a space connected to the transport path is generated in the +Z direction and the -Y direction of the region in which the upper roller 815a is arranged. The space is a sheet evacuation portion EZ. In the Figure 3 In the open state, the end of the cover 811 in the -Y direction is lifted in the substantially +Z direction. Thus, in the normal state, a space connected to the transport path is generated in the +Z direction and the -Y direction of the region in which the upper roller 815a is arranged. The space is a sheet evacuation portion EZ. In the

[0129] Next, the flow of the process performed by the control section 5 when the opening operation of the upstream transport unit 81 is performed in a case where a transport abnormality of the sheet P2 occurs will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5 In the open state, the end of the cover 811 in the -Y direction is lifted in the substantially +Z direction. Thus, in the normal state, a space connected to the transport path is generated in the +Z direction and the -Y direction of the region in which the upper roller 815a is arranged. The space is a sheet evacuation portion EZ. In theFigures 1 to 3 .

[0130] In step S1, the control section 5 causes the sheet sensor 850 to perform a detection operation of the single sheet P2. The detection operation of the sheet P2 performed by the sheet sensor 850 is performed all the time in a normal operation state in which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures the sheet P3. The detection result of the sheet sensor 850 is transmitted to the control section 5. When the process of step S1 is ended, the control section 5 causes the process to shift to step S2.

[0131] In step S2, the control section 5 judges the presence or absence of an abnormality in the sheet transport based on the detection result of the sheet sensor 850. Specifically, the control section 5 compares the detection result with the reflectance in the case where the single sheet P2 is not present or the reflectance in the case where the single sheet P2 is present, which are stored in itself. Thus, the control section 5 infers the presence or absence of the single sheet P2 on the transport path.

[0132] The control section 5 judges that a jam has occurred in the case where the single sheet P2 is not present, and judges that a jam has not occurred in the case where the single sheet P2 is present. In the case where a jam has occurred, step S2 becomes "Yes", and thus the control section 5 causes the process to shift to step S3. In the case where a jam has not occurred, step S2 becomes "No", and thus the control section 5 continues the detection operation of the sheet P2 performed by the sheet sensor 850 in step S1.

[0133] In step S3, the control section 5 causes each structure of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 to start an operation stop operation. At this time, the above each structure does not stop the operation at the same time, but stops the operation sequentially. Specifically, in the accumulation section 50 which is upstream compared with the sheet forming unit 70, the supply of the mixture as a material is stopped. On the other hand, the mixture and the web W remaining in the sheet forming unit 70 from the accumulation section 50, and thus the formation of the sheet P1 in the sheet forming unit 70 is continued.

[0134] Further, in the transport unit 80, the operation of the transport of the sheet P1 and the single sheet P2 of the second transport roller group 820 is stopped, and the operation of the transport of the sheet P3 is continued. Thus, since the material or the web W is consumed between the accumulation section 50 and the sheet forming unit 70, the remaining as a semi-finished product is reduced, and thus the labor and the time required for the re-operation can be saved. When the process of step S3 is ended, the control section 5 causes the process to shift to step S4.

[0135] In step S4, the control unit 5 opens the upstream conveyor unit 81. During the opening operation of the upstream conveyor unit 81, the control unit 5 first switches the locked state of the cover 811 to the unlocked state. Specifically, the control unit 5 controls the solenoid 817 of the locking mechanism 861 to rotate the hook 816 from the locked position Pf to the unlocked position Pr. This switches the locked state of the cover 811 to the unlocked state.

[0136] Next, the control unit 5 moves the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk. Specifically, the control unit 5 controls the drive motor 872 of the opening and closing mechanism 871 to move the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk. When the cover 811 reaches the open position Pk, the control unit 5 stops the drive motor 872. As a result, the upstream conveying unit 81 enters the open state with the cover 811 at the open position Pk. Upon completion of step S4, the control unit 5 proceeds to step S5.

[0137] In step S5, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the downstream conveying unit 82. This stops the operation of the second conveying roller group 820, the first cutting unit 832, and the second cutting unit 834. The process of step S5 may be executed simultaneously with the process of step S4.

[0138] While the process of step S5 is being executed, the strip-shaped sheet P1 is continuously formed in the sheet forming unit 70. When the upstream conveying unit 81 is opened, the strip-shaped sheet P1 formed by the sheet forming unit 70 is separated from the conveying path and moves to the sheet evacuation portion EZ.

[0139] Specifically, if Figure 6 As shown, since the sheet forming unit 70 continues to form the strip-shaped sheet P1, the strip-shaped sheet P1 is conveyed downstream from the sheet forming unit 70. The conveying roller pair 813 in the first conveying roller group 810 continues to convey the strip-shaped sheet P1 downstream. In contrast, the second conveying roller group 820 including the conveying roller pair 821 stops conveying the sheet P1 in step S5.

[0140] Therefore, the strip-shaped sheet P1 does not advance further than the conveying roller pair 821, but rises toward the sheet retreat EZ above the lower roller 815b. As the strip-shaped sheet P1 moves toward the sheet retreat EZ, the material or web W remaining in the sheet forming unit 70 and the like is consumed.

[0141] Further, since the transport of the sheet P1 or the sheet P2 to the occurrence site of the jam is stopped, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the jam situation. When the process of step S5 is ended, the control section 5 causes the process to shift to step S6.

[0142] Returning to Figure 5 In step S6, the control section 5 stops the forming operation of the sheet forming unit 70. At this time, after a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the second transport roller group 820 is stopped in step S5, the control section 5 stops the forming operation of the sheet P1 in the sheet forming unit 70.

[0143] The predetermined time is a time in which the semi-finished product and the material to be fed are consumed to be formed into the sheet P1 at the upstream of the upstream-side transport unit 81 including the sheet forming unit 70. The predetermined time is appropriately set according to the scale and the structure of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, for example, several tens of seconds or more and several minutes or less. According to the above structure, the response to the jam is performed, and the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is stopped.

[0144] As described above, according to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained.

[0145] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a sheet forming unit 70 that forms a sheet by compressing a material containing fibers after the material is accumulated. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 80 that transports the sheet along a transport path. The transport unit 80 has a plurality of transport rollers that transport the sheet. The transport unit 80 has a sheet sensor 850 that detects an abnormality that occurs in association with the transport of the sheet in the transport unit 80. The transport unit 80 has a cover 811 that is provided above the transport path and is rotatable about an axis of a rotation shaft 812, and a drive motor 872 that rotates to rotate the cover 811. The cover 811 moves between an open position Pk at which the upper side of the transport path is open and a closed position Ph at which the upper side of the transport path is covered. In a case where the sheet sensor 850 detects an abnormality that occurs in association with the transport of the sheet, the drive motor 872 is rotated to move the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk.

[0146] Thus, since the cover 811 moves to the open position Pk in the case where an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred, the user can quickly remove the sheet fed into the sheet retreat portion EZ, and thus the time and labor required for the reoperation of the device can be reduced. Thus, a sheet manufacturing device 1 that makes it easy to perform reoperation after an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred can be provided.

[0147] The sheet manufacturing device 1 further includes a fixed pin 863 and a hook 816 provided on the cover 811 and released from engagement with the fixed pin 863 by being rotated. The sheet manufacturing device 1 further includes a solenoid 817 connected to the hook 816 and driven to rotate the hook 816. The cover 811 is allowed to move from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk by releasing the engagement of the hook 816 with the fixed pin 863. In the case where the sheet sensor 850 detects an abnormality accompanying conveyance of the sheet, the hook 816 is released from engagement with the fixed pin 863 by driving the solenoid 817.

[0148] Thus, since the cover 811 moves to the open position Pk in the case where an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred, reoperation after an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred can be made easy to perform. Thus, a sheet manufacturing device 1 that makes it easy to perform reoperation after an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred can be provided.

[0149] The sheet manufacturing device 1 further includes a rotating shaft 812 mounted on the cover 811 and rotatably supported to rotate the cover 811 about a shaft, and a link portion 876 that restricts rotation of the rotating shaft 812 about the shaft. The link portion 876 allows rotation of the rotating shaft 812 when the cover 811 moves from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk, and restricts rotation of the rotating shaft 812 when the cover 811 moves from the open position Pk to the closed position Ph.

[0150] Thus, a sheet manufacturing device 1 that makes it easy to move the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk and makes it difficult for the cover 811 in the open position Pk to be inadvertently moved to the closed position Ph can be provided. Thus, a sheet manufacturing device 1 that makes it easy to perform reoperation after an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred can be provided.

[0151] The sheet manufacturing device 1 further includes a transmission gear 875 that transmits a driving force of a driving motor 872 to the rotating shaft 812, and the link portion 876 is a one-way hinge provided between the transmission gear 875 and the rotating shaft 812.

[0152] Accordingly, it is easy to implement a structure that easily moves the cover 811 from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk and makes it difficult for the cover 811 in the open position Pk to be moved to the closed position Ph by mistake. Thus, it is possible to provide a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 in which reoperation after an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred is easy to implement.

[0153] The plurality of conveyance rollers include the conveyance roller pair 815 and a conveyance roller pair 821 provided at a downstream side of the conveyance path compared to the conveyance roller pair 815. The conveyance unit 80 has an upstream side conveyance unit 81 provided with the conveyance roller pair 815 and a downstream side conveyance unit 82 provided with the conveyance roller pair 821. The cover 811 and the drive motor 872 are provided on the upstream side conveyance unit 81. Also, the conveyance roller pair 815 is composed of an upper side roller 815a and a lower side roller 815b that become a pair, and the upper side roller 815a is provided on the cover 811.

[0154] Accordingly, by moving the cover 811 to the open position Pk in the case where an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred, it is possible to stop the conveyance of the sheet by the conveyance roller pair 815. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time or labor required for reoperation. Thus, it is possible to provide a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 in which reoperation after an abnormality in sheet conveyance has occurred is easy to implement.

[0155] Although the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 related to the above-described embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is based on having the above-described structure, of course, a partial structure change or omission or the like within a range not departing from the gist of the present disclosure can be made. The above-described embodiment 1 and other embodiments described below can be implemented in combination with each other within a range not technically contradicting. Hereinafter, other embodiments are described.

[0156] In the above-described embodiment, the lock mechanism 861 can also not have the solenoid 817. For example, the lock mechanism 861 can have a gear that rotates to rotate the hook 816 around the axis of the working shaft 814, a motor, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor to the gear. In this case, the lock mechanism 861 of this embodiment can also use the drive motor 872 of the opening and closing mechanism 871 as the motor.

[0157] In the above-described embodiment, the lock mechanism 861 can also not switch the locked state and the released state of the cover 811 by engagement and disengagement of the hook 816 and the fixing pin 863. For example, the lock mechanism 861 can switch the locked state and the released state of the cover 811 by attraction and release of a magnetic yoke provided on the cover 811 and a magnet provided on the support member 851.

[0158] The lock mechanism 861 of this embodiment can also move the yoke between the locked position Pf and the released position Pr by driving the solenoid 817 connected to the yoke. The locked position Pf is a position where the yoke is attracted by the magnet, and is, for example, a position where the yoke is located vertically above the magnet and opposite the magnet. The released position Pr is a position where the yoke is not attracted by the magnet, and is, for example, a position where the yoke is located on the +Y direction side of the locked position Pf and not opposite the magnet.

[0159] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the cover 811 can also be moved from the closed position Ph to the open position Pk by the opening and closing mechanism 871, thereby moving the yoke in the locked position Pf to the released position Pr. In this case, the yoke is fixed to the cover 811, and the released position Pr is located above the locked position Pf. In this case, the lock mechanism 861 can also not have the solenoid 817.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the link portion 876 can also not be a one-way hinge. For example, it can be configured so that the operator can generate the torque around the shaft of the rotation axis 812 required to rotate the drive motor 872 by pressing the cover 811 in the open state. In this case, the link portion 876 can also be a one-way clutch. In this embodiment, the one-way clutch can be provided between the transmission gear 875 and the rotation axis 812 in a manner that enables transmission of the rotation of the transmission gear 875 to the rotation axis 812.

[0161] In this embodiment, when a counterclockwise torque is applied around the shaft of the rotation axis 812, the one-way clutch links the rotation axis 812 and the transmission gear 875. When a clockwise torque is applied around the shaft of the rotation axis 812, the one-way clutch links the transmission gear 875 and the rotation axis 812 by idling. In this case, the one-way clutch is one example of the link portion 876.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the link portion 876 can also not be provided between the transmission gear 875 and the rotation axis 812 as long as the driving force of the drive motor 872 can be transmitted to the rotation axis 812. In this case, the link portion 876 can be provided between the gears constituting the gear set 874, or between the gears constituting the gear set and the rotation axis of the gears.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism 871 can also not have the link portion 876 if the necessity for the operator to manually move the cover 811 to the closed position Ph is low. In this embodiment, the transmission gear 875 can be mounted on the rotation axis 812 in a manner that does not enable rotation around the shaft of the rotation axis 812.

[0164] Symbol explanation

[0165] 1 … sheet manufacturing apparatus; 5 … control section; 13 … raw material supply device; 15 … measurement section; 15a … sensor section; 17 … merging section; 21, 23, 24, 25 … pipe; 31 … defibrating section; 32 … separating section; 33 … mixing section; 35 … recovery section; 38 … compressor; 39 … power supply section; 50 … accumulation section; 51 … housing; 53 … roller member; 55 … blade member; 59 … suction section; 61 … first conveying section; 61a … mesh belt; 62 … second conveying section; 65 … first humidifying section; 66 … second humidifying section; 67 … water supply section; 68 … water discharge section; 70 … sheet forming unit; 71 … treatment roller; 72 … treatment roller; 80 … conveying unit; 81 … upstream side conveying unit; 82 … downstream side conveying unit; 101 … first unit group; 102 … second unit group; 103 … third unit group; 131 … raw material feeding port; 132 … storage section; 140 … discharge section; 191 … tray; 810 … first conveying roller group; 811 … cover; 812 … rotation shaft; 813, 815 … conveying roller pair; 813a, 815a … upper side roller; 813b, 815b … lower side roller; 814 … working shaft; 816 … hook; 817 … solenoid; 820 … second conveying roller group; 821 … conveying roller pair; 823 … conveying roller pair; 832 … first cutting section; 834 … second cutting section; 850 … sheet sensor; 851 … support member; 860 … opening mechanism; 861 … locking mechanism; 863 … fixing pin; 871 … opening and closing mechanism; 872 … drive motor; 873 … transmission mechanism; 874 … gear set; 875 … transmission gear; 876 … linking section; 911 … cut sheet conveying roller group; 913 … shredding section; C … paper sheet; EZ … sheet retreat section; M … mist; P1, P2, P3 … sheet; Pf … locking position; Ph … closing position; Pk … opening position; Pr … releasing position; S … cut sheet; S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 … step; W … material sheet.

Claims

1. A sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising: have: a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet by compressing a fiber-containing material after piling it; a conveying unit that conveys the sheet along a conveying path, The conveying unit has: a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the sheet; an abnormality detection sensor for detecting an abnormality occurring in the conveying unit while the sheet is being conveyed; a cover disposed above the conveying path and rotatable about an axis of rotation; a driving motor that is driven to rotate so as to cause the cover to rotate, The cover moves between an open position for opening the upper portion of the conveying path and a closed position for covering the upper portion of the conveying path. When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality occurring in conjunction with conveyance of the sheet, the drive motor is rotationally driven to move the cover from the closed position to the open position.

2. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Also features: Fixed pin; a hook provided on the cover and configured to release engagement with the fixing pin by rotating; a solenoid connected to the hook and configured to rotate the hook by being driven; By releasing the engagement between the hook and the fixing pin, the cover can be moved from the closed position to the open position. When the abnormality detection sensor detects an abnormality occurring in conjunction with the conveyance of the sheet, the solenoid is driven to release the engagement between the hook and the fixing pin.

3. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Also features: The rotating shaft is mounted on the cover and is rotatably supported so that the cover rotates around the shaft; a connecting portion that limits the rotation of the rotating shaft around the shaft, The coupling portion allows the rotation of the rotation shaft when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, and restricts the rotation of the rotation shaft when the cover moves from the open position to the closed position.

4. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein A transmission gear is further provided, which transmits the driving force of the driving motor to the rotating shaft. The connecting portion is a one-way hinge provided between the transmission gear and the rotating shaft.

5. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of conveying rollers include a first conveying roller and a second conveying roller, wherein the second conveying roller is provided on a downstream side of the first conveying roller on the conveying path. The conveying unit includes an upstream conveying unit provided with the first conveying roller and a downstream conveying unit provided with the second conveying roller. The cover and the drive motor are provided on the upstream conveying unit.

6. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The first conveying roller is composed of an upper roller and a lower roller forming a pair. The upper roller is provided on the cover.

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