Micronization device

Abstract

The invention provides a micronization device capable of smoothly discharging generated micronized materials from a discharge port. The micronization device is characterized by being provided with: a housing having a supply port to which a raw material containing fibers is supplied, and a discharge port from which a micronized material obtained by micronizing the raw material is discharged; a rotor that is rotatably provided in the housing and has a plurality of blades disposed radially from a rotation axis; a filter member which is provided in the housing so as to cover the outer periphery of the rotor, and at least a portion of which is configured from a screen; and a rectifying member located in an annular space between the filter member and the inner peripheral surface of the housing and protruding toward the discharge port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a miniaturization device. Background Technology

[0002] A sheet manufacturing apparatus is known, comprising a coarse shredding section for coarsely shredding waste paper, a defiberizing section for defiberizing the small sheet-like coarse shredders obtained by the coarse shredding section, a stacking section for stacking the defiberized material obtained by the defiberizing section on a flat surface, a heating and pressing section for heating and pressing the stacked sheet, a cutting section for cutting the sheet obtained by the heating and pressing section into a predetermined shape, and a sheet recycling section for recycling the obtained sheet.

[0003] As the defibering section in the aforementioned sheet manufacturing apparatus, a miniaturization device as described in Patent Document 1 can be used, for example. The miniaturization device described in Patent Document 1 includes: a frame having a supply port and a discharge port; a rotating section having defibering blades and rotating within the frame; and a screen disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating section. Material supplied from the supply port is defibered by the defibering blades, thereby generating a defiberized material, i.e., a miniaturized material.

[0004] However, in the miniaturization apparatus described in Patent Document 1, depending on factors such as the degree of miniaturization, the amount of miniaturized material, and the gas flow rate within the frame, miniaturized material may become trapped at various points within the frame, particularly near the discharge port. If this trapping occurs near the discharge port, smooth discharge of the miniaturized material from the debonding section becomes difficult. Consequently, the apparatus may frequently stop, reducing production efficiency or negatively impacting the quality of the sheet.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-18828 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The miniaturization apparatus of the present invention comprises: a housing having a supply port for supplying a raw material containing fibers and a discharge port for discharging a miniaturized product obtained by miniaturizing the raw material; a rotor rotatably disposed within the housing and having a plurality of blades arranged radially from a rotation axis; a filter component disposed within the housing to cover the outer periphery of the rotor and at least a portion thereof being composed of a screen; and a rectifier component located within an annular space between the filter component and the inner peripheral surface of the housing and protruding toward the discharge port. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an outline of a sheet manufacturing apparatus equipped with the miniaturization device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the miniaturized device shown.

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the rotor of the miniaturized device shown.

[0010] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA in the diagram.

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 2 BB line section view.

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view near the outlet.

[0013] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the discharge port of the miniaturized device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the miniaturization device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, the miniaturization device of the present invention will be described in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] First Implementation Method

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an outline of a sheet manufacturing apparatus equipped with the miniaturization device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the miniaturized device shown. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the rotor of the miniaturized device shown. Figure 4 for Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA in the diagram. Figure 5 for Figure 2 BB line section view. Figure 6 for Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view near the outlet.

[0018] Furthermore, in the following explanation, sometimes... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The upper side is referred to as "upper," "above," or "above," and the lower side is referred to as "lower," "below," or "below." Furthermore, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram; the positional relationships, orientations, and sizes of the various parts of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 are not limited to those shown in the diagram. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In this context, the direction in which the coarse fragments M2, defiberized material M3, first screened material M4-1, second screened material M4-2, first sheet M5, finely divided material M6, mixture M7, second sheet M8, and thin sheet S are conveyed, i.e., the direction indicated by the arrow, is called the conveying direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the thin sheet S is conveyed is also referred to as the conveying direction. Figure 1 The top side of the arrow mark in the diagram is called the "downstream side" in the conveying direction, and... Figure 1 The base end of the arrow mark in the diagram is called the "upstream side" in the conveying direction. In addition, in each diagram, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are set. In each axis, the direction pointed to by the arrow mark is called the + side, and its opposite side is called the - side.

[0019] Figure 1 The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown is, for example, a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 that produces sheets S from raw material M1, such as waste paper, which is used photocopy paper.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a raw material supply unit 11, a coarse crushing unit 12, a micro-refining device 13 (an example of the micro-refining device of the present invention), a screening unit 14, a first sheet forming unit 15, a fine crushing unit 16, a mixing unit 17, a dispersing unit 18, a second sheet forming unit 19, a forming unit 20, a cutting unit 21, a material preparation unit 22, and a recycling unit 27.

[0021] Furthermore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes humidification sections 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236. Additionally, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes blowers 173, 261, 262, and 263.

[0022] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the raw material supply process, the coarse crushing process, the micronization process, the screening process, the first sheet forming process, the dividing process, the mixing process, the disassembly process, the second sheet forming process, the sheet forming process, and the cutting process are performed in this order.

[0023] The structure of each part will be explained below.

[0024] The raw material supply section 11 is a part that performs the raw material supply process of supplying raw material M1 to the coarse crushing section 12. The raw material M1 is a sheet-like material composed of fibrous material containing cellulose fibers. Furthermore, the cellulose fiber can be any fiber with cellulose as its main component and in a fibrous form; in addition to cellulose, it can also be a fiber containing hemicellulose or lignin. The raw material M1 can be in the form of woven fabric, non-woven fabric, etc. Moreover, the raw material M1 can be, for example, recycled paper (YUPO paper, a registered trademark) produced by defiberizing waste paper, or it may not be recycled paper.

[0025] The coarse crushing section 12 is a section that performs a coarse crushing process in which the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply section 11 is coarsely crushed in a gaseous environment such as the atmosphere. The coarse crushing section 12 has a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and a chute 122.

[0026] A pair of coarse crushing blades 121 rotate in opposite directions, thereby coarsely crushing, i.e., cutting, the raw material M1 into coarse fragments M2. The shape and size of the coarse fragments M2 are preferably suitable for the micronization process in the micronization device 13. Examples of shapes for the coarse fragments M2 include small pieces with a square planar shape, rectangular pieces, and especially long strips. In the following description, the coarse fragments M2 will also be referred to as small pieces.

[0027] The size of the coarse fragment M2 is preferably a small piece with an average side length of 100 mm or less, more preferably a small piece with a side length of 3 mm or more and 70 mm or less. The shape of the small piece can also be other than a square or rectangle. Furthermore, the thickness is preferably 0.07 mm or more and 0.10 mm or less.

[0028] The chute 122 is a device disposed below a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and is, for example, funnel-shaped. Thus, the chute 122 can receive the coarse fragments M2 that are coarsened and fall through the coarse crushing blades 121.

[0029] Furthermore, a humidifying unit 231 is arranged above the chute 122, adjacent to a pair of coarse cutting blades 121. The humidifying unit 231 is a component that humidifies the coarse fragments M2 within the chute 122. This humidifying unit 231 is constructed from an vaporization-type or warm air vaporization-type humidifier, which has a filter containing moisture and supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarse fragments M2 by allowing air to pass through the filter. 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.

[0030] The chute 122 is connected to the upstream side of the miniaturization device 13 via the tube body 6. That is, the downstream end of the tube body 6 is connected to... Figure 2 The miniaturization device 13 shown is connected to the supply port 311. The coarse fragments M2 collected in the chute 122 are conveyed to the miniaturization device 13 through the tube 6.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the micronization apparatus 13 is part of a micronization process that performs micronization in a gas environment, i.e., in a dry manner, to micronize the coarse fragments M2. Through the micronization process in this micronization apparatus 13, micronized products can be generated from the coarse fragments M2. Micronization refers to processes such as defiberization and coarse crushing that finely cut and subdivide the raw material; in this embodiment, defiberization will be described as the process. That is, the micronization apparatus 13 performs a defiberization process on the coarse fragments M2 as raw material, thereby generating a defiberized product M3 as a micronized product.

[0032] "Defiberization" refers to the process of breaking down a coarse fragment M2, composed of multiple bonded fibers, into individual fibers. This disassembled material then becomes defiber material M3. Defiber material M3 can be linear or ribbon-like. Furthermore, defiber material M3 can also exist in a state where they are intertwined and form clumps, i.e., a so-called "clump."

[0033] Furthermore, the micronization device 13 can generate an airflow, i.e., an airflow, from the coarse crushing section 12 toward the screening section 14 by the operation of the blower 261 (described later) and the rotation of the rotor 5. As a result, the coarse crushing material M2 can be introduced from the tube 6 to the upstream side of the micronization device 13, and after micronization, the defiberized material M3 can be sent to the screening section 14 via the tube 242.

[0034] A pipe 242 is connected to the outlet 321 on the downstream side of the micronization device 13. A blower 261, for example, consisting of a turbine fan, is installed midway through the pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generating device that generates airflow toward the screening section 14. This allows for the smooth introduction of coarse fragments M2 into the micronization device 13 and the smooth discharge of the desiccant M3 into the screening section 14. As will be described later, although the micronization device 13 is structurally designed to smoothly facilitate the passage and micronization of coarse fragments M2 as raw material, the operation of the blower 261 located on the downstream side of the micronization device 13 promotes the passage and micronization of coarse fragments M2 within the micronization device 13. Alternatively, the blower 261 can also be located on the upstream side of the micronization device 13.

[0035] The screening unit 14 is a part that performs a screening process to screen the defiberized material M3 according to the fiber length. In the screening unit 14, the defiberized material M3 is screened into a first screening material M4-1 and a second screening material M4-2, which has a larger fiber length than the first screening material M4-1. The first screening material M4-1 is a screening material of a size suitable for the subsequent manufacturing of the sheet S. On the other hand, the second screening material M4-2 includes, for example, substances that are not sufficiently defiberized or substances in which the defibered fibers are excessively aggregated together.

[0036] The screening section 14 has a roller section 141 and a cover section 142 for housing the roller section 141.

[0037] The drum section 141 is a sieve consisting of a cylindrical mesh that rotates around its central axis. Defiber material M3 flows into this drum section 141. Furthermore, by rotating the drum section 141, defiber material M3 smaller than the mesh opening is screened out as first screening material M4-1, while defiber material M3 larger than the mesh opening is screened out as second screening material M4-2. First screening material M4-1 falls from the drum section 141.

[0038] On the other hand, the second screened material M4-2 is fed into the tube 243 connected to the roller section 141. The end of the tube 243 opposite to the roller section 141, i.e., the downstream end, is connected to the middle of the tube body 6. The second screened material M4-2 passing through the tube 243 merges with the coarse fragments M2 inside the tube body 6 and flows into the micronization device 13 together with the coarse fragments M2. Thus, the second screened material M4-2 returns to the micronization device 13 and is micronized together with the coarse fragments M2.

[0039] Furthermore, the first screened material M4-1, falling from the roller section 141, is dispersed in the gas and falls onto the first sheet forming section 15 located below the roller section 141. The first sheet forming section 15 is the part that performs the first sheet forming process of forming the first sheet M5 from the first screened material M4-1. The first sheet forming section 15 includes a mesh belt 151, three support rollers 152, and a suction section 153.

[0040] The mesh belt 151 is a seamless belt for stacking the first screened material M4-1. The mesh belt 151 is wound on three support rollers 152. Moreover, the first screened material M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 is conveyed downstream by the rotation drive of the support rollers 152.

[0041] The first screened material M4-1 is the size above the mesh opening of the mesh belt 151. Thus, the passage of the first screened material M4-1 through the mesh belt 151 is restricted, allowing it to accumulate on the mesh belt 151. Furthermore, since the first screened material M4-1 is conveyed downstream along with the mesh belt 151 while accumulating on it, it is formed into a layered first sheet M5.

[0042] Furthermore, dust or other contaminants may be mixed into the first screening material M4-1. Dust or other contaminants may sometimes be generated due to coarse crushing or fiber debonding. Moreover, such dust or other contaminants will be recycled to the recycling section 27, which will be described later.

[0043] The suction unit 153 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the mesh belt 151. This allows it to draw in dust or particulate matter that has passed through the mesh belt 151 along with the air.

[0044] Furthermore, the suction unit 153 is connected to the recovery unit 27 via the pipe 244. Dust or particles sucked up by the suction unit 153 are recovered into the recovery unit 27.

[0045] A pipe 245 is also connected to the recovery section 27. Furthermore, a blower 262 is installed midway along the pipe 245. The operation of this blower 262 generates suction force using the suction section 153. This promotes the formation of the first material sheet M5 on the mesh belt 151. This first material sheet M5 becomes a substance from which dust or other contaminants have been removed. Furthermore, dust or contaminants pass through the pipe 244 and reach the recovery section 27 through the operation of the blower 262.

[0046] The housing 142 is connected to the humidification unit 232. The humidification unit 232 is a vapor-type humidifier. Humidifying air is supplied inside the housing 142. This humidifying air humidifies the first filter material M4-1, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the first filter material M4-1 to the inner wall of the housing 142 due to static electricity.

[0047] A humidification section 235 is disposed downstream of the screening section 14. The humidification section 235 is an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water in a mist form. This allows water to be supplied to the first sheet M5, thereby regulating the moisture content of the first sheet M5. This regulation suppresses the adhesion of the first sheet M5 to the mesh belt 151 caused by static electricity. Consequently, the first sheet M5 is easily peeled off the mesh belt 151 at the position where it folds back due to the support roller 152.

[0048] A subdivision section 16 is disposed downstream of the humidification section 235. The subdivision section 16 is a part that performs a segmentation process to segment the first sheet M5 peeled off from the conveyor belt 151. The subdivision section 16 has a rotating blade 161 supported in a rotatable manner and a cover section 162 for housing the rotating blade 161. Moreover, the first sheet M5 can be segmented by the rotating blade 161. The segmented first sheet M5 becomes a subdivision body M6. Furthermore, the subdivision body M6 falls inside the cover section 162.

[0049] The housing 162 is connected to the humidification unit 233. The humidification unit 233 is a vaporization type humidifier. As a result, humidified air is supplied inside the housing 162. With this humidified air, it is also possible to suppress the situation where the subdivided element M6 adheres to the rotating blade 161 or the inner wall of the housing 162 due to static electricity.

[0050] A mixing section 17 is disposed downstream of the subdivision section 16. The mixing section 17 is a part that performs a mixing process to mix the subdivision M6 with additives. The mixing section 17 includes an additive supply section 171, a pipe 172, and a blower 173.

[0051] Pipe 172 is a flow channel that connects the housing 162 of the subdivision section 16 to the housing 182 of the dispersion section 18 and allows the mixture M7 of the subdivision M6 and the additive to pass through.

[0052] An additive supply section 171 is connected midway through the pipe 172. The additive supply section 171 has a housing section 170 containing the additive and a screw feeder 174 disposed within the housing section 170. By rotating the screw feeder 174, the additive within the housing section 170 can be extruded from the housing section 170 and supplied into the pipe 172. The additive supplied into the pipe 172 is mixed with the fine particles M6 to form a mixture M7.

[0053] Here, the additives supplied from the additive supply section 171 may include, for example, binders that bind fibers together, colorants that color fibers, agglomeration inhibitors that inhibit fiber aggregation, flame retardants that make fibers less flammable, and paper strength enhancers that increase the paper strength of the sheet S. One or more of these additives can be used in combination. In the following description, the case where the additive is binder P1 will be used as an example. By including a binder that binds fibers together in the additive, the strength of the sheet S can be improved.

[0054] Binder P1 can include, for example, ingredients derived from natural sources such as starch, dextrin, glycogen, amylose, hyaluronic acid, kudzu root, konjac, potato starch, etherified starch, esterified starch, natural gums, cellulose-derived gums, seaweed, and animal protein, or polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylamide. While one or more of these binders can be used, ingredients derived from natural sources are preferred, and starch is more preferably used. Furthermore, various thermoplastic resins such as polyolefins, acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, and polyamides, as well as various thermoplastic elastomers, can also be used.

[0055] Furthermore, a blower 173 is provided midway through the pipe 172, downstream of the additive supply section 171. The rotating parts, such as blades, of the blower 173 promote the mixing of the fine particles M6 and the binder P1. The blower 173 also generates an airflow toward the dispersion section 18. This airflow agitates the fine particles M6 and the binder P1 within the pipe 172. As a result, the mixture M7 is conveyed to the dispersion section 18 while the fine particles M6 and the binder P1 are uniformly dispersed. Furthermore, the fine particles M6 in the mixture M7 are broken down as they pass through the pipe 172, becoming finer fibers.

[0056] Additionally, although not shown, the blower 173 is electrically connected to the control device 28, thereby controlling its operation. Furthermore, by adjusting the airflow of the blower 173, the amount of air supplied to the drum 181 can be regulated.

[0057] In addition, although not shown, the end of the tube 172 on the roller 181 side branches into two forks, and the branches are respectively connected to the inlet (not shown) formed on the end face of the roller 181.

[0058] Figure 1 The dispersion section 18 shown is the part that performs the disassembly process of separating the intertwined fibers in the mixture M7 to release them. The dispersion section 18 has a roller 181 for introducing and releasing the mixture M7 as the de-fiber material, and a cover 182 for housing the roller 181.

[0059] The drum 181 is a sieve consisting of a cylindrical mesh that rotates around its central axis. By rotating the drum 181, fibers and other materials smaller than the mesh openings of the mesh in the mixture M7 can pass through it. At this time, the mixture M7 is broken down and released along with air. In other words, the drum 181 functions as a discharge section for releasing fibrous materials.

[0060] The roller 181 is connected to a drive source (not shown) and rotates by a rotational force output from the drive source. This drive source is electrically connected to a control device 28, thereby controlling its operation.

[0061] Furthermore, the housing 182 is connected to the humidification unit 234. The humidification unit 234 is constructed as a vaporizing humidifier. Thus, humidifying air is supplied inside the housing 182. Through this humidifying air, the inside of the housing 182 can be humidified, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the mixture M7 to the inner wall of the housing 182 due to static electricity.

[0062] Furthermore, the mixture M7 released by the roller 181 falls while dispersed in the gas and lands on the second sheet forming section 19 located below the roller 181. The second sheet forming section 19 is the part that performs the second sheet forming process of stacking the mixture M7 to form a second sheet M8 as a stack. The second sheet forming section 19 includes a mesh belt 191, a support roller 192, and a suction section 193.

[0063] The mesh belt 191 is a screen component and, in the illustrated structure, is composed of a seamless belt. Furthermore, a mixture M7, dispersed and released by the dispersion section 18, is deposited on the mesh belt 191. The mesh belt 191 is wound around four support rollers 192. Driven by the rotation of the support rollers 192, the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is conveyed downstream.

[0064] Furthermore, although the structure shown in the figure uses a mesh belt 191 as an example of a screen component, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may also be a flat plate structure.

[0065] Furthermore, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is above the size of the mesh opening of the mesh belt 191. This restricts the passage of the mixture M7 through the mesh belt 191, thus allowing it to accumulate on the mesh belt 191. Moreover, since the mixture M7 is conveyed downstream along with the mesh belt 191 while accumulating on it, it is formed into a layered second sheet M8.

[0066] The suction section 193 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the mesh belt 191. As a result, the mixture M7 can be drawn onto the mesh belt 191, thereby promoting the accumulation of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191.

[0067] A pipe 246 is connected to the suction section 193. Furthermore, a blower 263 is installed midway along the pipe 246. The operation of the blower 263 generates suction force using the suction section 193.

[0068] A humidification section 236 is disposed downstream of the dispersion section 18. The humidification section 236 is constructed using the same ultrasonic humidifier as the humidification section 235. This allows moisture to be supplied to the second sheet M8, thereby regulating the moisture content of the second sheet M8. This regulation suppresses the adhesion of the second sheet M8 to the mesh belt 191 caused by static electricity. Consequently, the second sheet M8 is easily peeled off the mesh belt 191 at the position where it folds back due to the support roller 192.

[0069] In addition, the total amount of water added to the humidification sections 231 to 236 is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less relative to 100 parts by mass of the material before humidification.

[0070] A forming section 20 is disposed downstream of the second sheet forming section 19. The forming section 20 is the part that performs the sheet forming process of forming a sheet S from the second sheet M8. The forming section 20 has a pressure section 201 and a heating section 202.

[0071] The pressing section 201 has a pair of calendering rollers 203, and is capable of pressing the second sheet M8 between the calendering rollers 203 without heating. This increases the density of the second sheet M8. Furthermore, the degree of heating, in the case of heating, is preferably such that the binder P1 does not melt. The second sheet M8 is then conveyed toward the heating section 202. One of the pair of calendering rollers 203 is a driving roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0072] The heating unit 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and is capable of heating and pressurizing the second sheet M8 between the heating rollers 204. Through this heating and pressurization, the adhesive P1 is melted within the second sheet M8, thereby bonding the fibers together via the molten adhesive P1. This forms a sheet S. The sheet S is then conveyed toward the cutting unit 21. Furthermore, one of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driving roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0073] A cutting section 21 is disposed downstream of the forming section 20. The cutting section 21 is the part that performs the cutting process of cutting the sheet S. The cutting section 21 has a first shear 211 and a second shear 212.

[0074] The first shear 211 is a component that cuts the sheet S in a direction that intersects with, and particularly in a direction that is orthogonal to, the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0075] The second shearer 212 is a component downstream of the first shearer 211 that cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S. This cutting is a process of removing unwanted portions from both ends of the sheet S in the width direction to make the width of the sheet S neat.

[0076] By cutting with the first shear 211 and the second shear 212, a sheet S of the desired shape and size can be obtained. The sheet S is then further conveyed downstream and stored in the preparation section 22.

[0077] The various parts of this sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 are electrically connected to the control device 28. Furthermore, the operation of these various parts is controlled by the control device 28.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 28 includes a control unit 281, a storage unit 282, and a communication unit 283.

[0079] The control unit 281 has at least one processor to execute various programs stored in the storage unit 282. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. Furthermore, the control unit 281 has functions such as controlling the drive of various parts of the sheet manufacturing apparatus associated with sheet manufacturing, including controlling the drive of the blower 261 in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and various other functions such as drive control of the motor M, which will be described later.

[0080] The control unit 281 controls the energization of the blower 261 and the motor M, thereby driving the blower 261 and the motor M to rotate at predetermined times and at predetermined speeds. Furthermore, the blower 261 and the motor M are preferably driven in a manner that substantially overlaps their operating times. This facilitates the smooth passage of raw materials within the micronization device 13 and promotes effective micronization processing.

[0081] The storage unit 282 stores, for example, programs related to sheet manufacturing. Regarding the miniaturization of raw materials achieved by the miniaturization device 13, it stores programs related to the working sequence, including the operating timing and rotation speed of the blower 261 and the motor M.

[0082] The communication unit 283 is configured, for example, by an I / O interface, and performs communication with various parts of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Furthermore, the communication unit 283 may, for example, have the function of communicating with a computer or server (not shown) via a network.

[0083] The control device 28 can be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or installed on an external device such as a computer. Furthermore, the control unit 281 and the storage unit 282 can be integrated as a single unit, or the control unit 281 can be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the storage unit 282 can be installed on an external device such as a computer, or the storage unit 282 can be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the control unit 281 can be installed on an external device such as a computer.

[0084] Next, the structure of the miniaturization device 13 will be described.

[0085] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the micronization device 13 is a device for micronizing the coarse fragments M2, which are supplied as raw materials. In the micronization device 13 provided on the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, although the second screening material M4-2 is mixed with the coarse fragments M2 as the introduced raw material, the amount of the second screening material M4-2 in the raw material is small compared with the coarse fragments M2. Therefore, the coarse fragments M2 will be described as the introduced raw material below.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the miniaturization device 13 includes a housing 3, a filter component 4 disposed inside the housing 3, a rotor 5 disposed inside the housing 3 in a rotatable manner, and a motor M that drives the rotor 5 to rotate. Coarse fragments M2 introduced into the interior of the housing 3 are de-fibrinated as they pass between the outer periphery of the rotating rotor 5 and the filter component 4, thereby becoming defibrinated material M3.

[0087] The rotor 5 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and can also be configured to switch the rotation direction. In this embodiment, using... Figure 3 The arrow markings in the diagram indicate the direction of rotation of rotor 5.

[0088] The housing 3 has a supply port 311 for supplying coarse fragments M2 and a discharge port 321 for discharging the generated defiber material M3 out of the housing 3. The housing 3 is a box-shaped component with an internal space S0 for housing the filter component 4 and the rotor 5.

[0089] The outer shape of shell 3 is rectangular. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, the housing 3 has a front sidewall portion 31 located on the +X axis side, a back sidewall portion 32 located on the -X axis side, an upper sidewall portion 33 located on the +Z axis side, a lower sidewall portion 34 located on the -Z axis side, a sidewall portion 35 located on the +Y axis side, and a sidewall portion 36 located on the -Y axis side.

[0090] A supply port 311, consisting of a through hole, is provided on the front side wall portion 31. The supply port 311 is formed at a position that is eccentric relative to the shaft 50 described later. The downstream end of the tube 6 is connected to the supply port 311. Thus, coarse fragments M2 flowing down in the tube 6 are supplied into the housing 3.

[0091] A discharge port 321, consisting of a through hole, is provided on the lower side wall 34. The upstream end of the tube 242 is inserted into and connected to the discharge port 321. As a result, the defiber material M3 generated by the micronization device 13 is conveyed downstream, i.e., to the screening section 14, via the tube 242.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the front sidewall 31 and the back sidewall 32 support the shaft 50 of the rotor 5 in a rotatable manner via bearings 71 and 72. Through holes are provided on the front sidewall 31 and the back sidewall 32, and the shaft 50 of the rotor 5 is inserted into each through hole. The rotation axis O of the shaft 50 is arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis.

[0093] The end of the shaft 50 on the back sidewall 32 side protrudes towards the -X axis side compared to the back sidewall 32, and a motor M is connected to this protruding part. The rotational force output by the motor M causes the shaft 50 to rotate, thereby enabling the rotor 5 to rotate.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotor 5 has a shaft 50, a plurality of plate-shaped tooth-forming members 52 fixed on the outer periphery of the shaft 50 and arranged along the X-axis, and a fixing plate 53. By rotating the rotor 5 within the internal space S0, an airflow is formed toward the supply port 311, the outer periphery of each tooth-forming member 52, and the discharge port 321. Accompanying this, coarse fragments M2 and defiberized material M3 are conveyed from upstream to downstream within the micronization device 13.

[0095] The tooth-forming member 52 is a plate with protrusions 520 forming the blade 521 provided on its outer periphery. The tooth-forming members 52, arranged along the X-axis, are inserted through the shaft 50 with their main surfaces engaged with each other. The protrusions 520 are arranged radially, that is, at equal intervals along the circumference of the shaft 50. Thirteen protrusions 520 are provided in one tooth-forming member 52. However, this structure is not limited to this. The number of protrusions 520 can be from 1 to 12, or even more than 14.

[0096] Each tooth-forming component 52 is arranged with its protrusions 520 overlapping along the rotation axis O. The overlapping protrusions 520 form a blade 521. The blade 521 is located at the outer periphery when viewed as a whole of the rotor 51. In other words, multiple blades 521 are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor 5 at predetermined intervals. The blades 521 are further separated from the filter component 4 disposed on their outer periphery by a predetermined distance, thereby rotating relative to the filter component 4 in a non-contact manner.

[0097] The fixing plate 53 is arranged concentrically with each tooth forming member 52 on the +X axis side. Each tooth forming member 52 is fixed to the fixing plate 53 by fixing members such as bolts and screws (not shown).

[0098] According to this structure, the supplied coarse fragments M2 enter the gap between each tooth-forming component 52 and the filter component 4, and are de-fired by the rotational force of each blade 521. In addition, the rotation of the rotor 5 cooperates with the operation of the blower 261 to form an airflow that passes sequentially through the supply port 311, the space inside the internal space S0 that is closer to the filter component 4, the annular space S1, and the discharge port 321.

[0099] The rotational speed of rotor 5 during defibering is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 1,000 rpm or more and 300,000 rpm or less, more preferably 3,000 rpm or more and 15,000 rpm or less. This allows for better defibering of coarse fragments M2.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, the filter component 4 is composed of a cylindrical part and has a rigid body portion 40 in the shape of a curved plate on the -Z axis side. A flow-rectifying component 8, described later, is provided on this rigid body portion 40. The portion of the filter component 4 other than the rigid body portion 40 is composed of a mesh portion, i.e., a screen 41. The edge portion of the filter component 4 on the -X axis side is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 3, i.e., the inner surface of the back side wall portion 32. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the filter component 4 is fixed at a predetermined distance relative to the inner surface of the housing 3. Thus, an annular space S1 is formed between the filter component 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 3, allowing fibers passing through the screen 41 to flow toward the discharge port 321.

[0101] The mesh openings of the screen 41 are only wide enough for fully defibered fibers to pass through. If the defibering is insufficient, the coarse fragments M2 will not pass through the screen 41, but will be located in the inner side of the internal space S0 compared to the filter component 4, i.e., the side of the blade 521, and will be defibered between the rotating blade 521 and the filter component 4 until they are fully defibered.

[0102] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the fibers that have been fully de-fired and thus broken down into individual fibers, namely the de-fibrated material M3, pass through the screen 41 of the filter component 4 together with the air and are transferred to the annular space S1, which is the space between the inner circumferential surface of the filter component 4 and the housing 3.

[0103] The annular space S1 is annular, particularly circular, when viewed from the X-axis direction. The annular space S1 communicates with the outlet 321 in its lower portion. The annular space S1 is a space that spans the entire circumference of the filter component 4. However, it is not limited to this structure; the annular space S1 may also be a portion of the circumference, for example, with the upper portion interrupted.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, during the defibering of coarse fragments M2, in the annular space S1, when viewed axially from the rotation axis O of the rotor 5, a first airflow A1 flows clockwise (right-handed) within the annular space S1, and a second airflow A2 flows counterclockwise (left-handed) within the annular space S1. These first airflows A1 and second airflows A2 converge near the discharge port 321 and are discharged from the discharge port 321 after merging. The defibered material M3, having passed through various parts of the screen 41, converges near the discharge port 321 along the flow of the first airflow A1 or the second airflow A2, and is discharged from the discharge port 321 after merging, and is conveyed downstream within the pipe 242.

[0105] Thus, the miniaturization device 13 has a first airflow A1 and a second airflow A2 flowing in opposite directions within the annular space S1, and a confluence portion 200 for the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 to merge, and the defiber material M3 contained in the airflow after merging at the confluence portion 200 is discharged from the outlet 321 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0106] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the miniaturization device 13 has a rectifier 8, which is disposed in the annular space S1 and protrudes toward the outlet 321. That is, the rectifier 8 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid body portion 40 of the filter component 4 in a manner that protrudes toward the outlet 321. The rigid body portion 40 functions as a support for the rectifier 8.

[0107] The rectifier 8 has the function of rectifying the airflow near the outlet 321 of the annular space S1 to form a good airflow toward the outlet 321. To explain more specifically, although the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 merge and flow toward the outlet 321 at the confluence 200 in the lower part of the annular space S1, the rectifier 8 causes the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 to change direction downwards just before reaching the confluence 200, thereby reducing the resistance and loss caused by the merging and ensuring smooth merging. Furthermore, the merged airflow can flow toward the outlet 321 without significantly reducing its velocity. This prevents the debonded material M3 from stagnating near the outlet 321, thus ensuring smooth discharge of the debonded material M3 from the outlet 321. Therefore, the amount of debonded material M3 discharged from the miniaturization device 13 per unit time can be stabilized. As a result, the quality of the sheet S can be improved in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 equipped with the micronization device 13. In addition, since the micronization device 13 stops due to the retention or blockage of the defiber material M3, the frequency of maintenance is reduced, thus preventing a decrease in the production efficiency of the defiber material M3 (micronization material), especially a decrease in the production efficiency of the sheet S.

[0108] In this embodiment, since the rectifier 8 is provided on the confluence section 200, the confluence of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 can be carried out smoothly and reasonably, thereby optimizing the direction of the confluenced airflow and ensuring the flow rate. That is, in the confluence section 200, where the stagnation of the unraveled material M3 is relatively likely to occur, the stagnation of the unraveled material M3 can be prevented, thereby ensuring the smooth discharge of the unraveled material M3 from the discharge port 321.

[0109] like Figure 6 As shown, the rectifier 8 is a block-shaped component with a triangular cross-section, cut by a surface with the rotation axis O as the normal. The rectifier 8 has a first rectifier surface 81, a second rectifier surface 82, and a top 83. Alternatively, the interior of the rectifier 8 may be a cavity.

[0110] The first rectifying surface 81 is located downstream of the first airflow A1, i.e., on the +Y axis side, and rectifyes the first airflow A1. The first rectifying surface 81 is formed by a plane that is inclined relative to the Y-axis and the Z-axis. The first airflow A1 is redirected in its forward path (flow direction) toward the outlet 321 by the first rectifying surface 81, thereby flowing smoothly toward the outlet 321.

[0111] The second rectifying surface 82 is located downstream of the second airflow A2, i.e., on the -Y axis side, and rectifyes the second airflow A2. The second rectifying surface 82 is formed by a plane that is inclined relative to the Y-axis and Z-axis and symmetrical to the first rectifying surface 81 relative to the XZ plane passing through the top 83. The second airflow A2 is redirected towards the outlet 321 by the second rectifying surface 82, thereby flowing smoothly toward the outlet 321.

[0112] However, it is not limited to this structure. At least one of the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 may also be formed by a curved surface (a curved convex surface or a curved concave surface).

[0113] The top 83 is located at the boundary between the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82, and is composed of a sharp portion (blade) protruding downwards. The sharp portion of the top 83 extends along the X-axis, thereby forming a blade. Alternatively, the top 83 can be tilted in any direction relative to the X-axis. Furthermore, the top 83 may not be sharp; that is, the top 83 can be either rounded or flat.

[0114] The top 83 overlaps with the outlet 321 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In other words, the top 83 is positioned circumferentially with the outlet 321 in the annular space S1. This allows the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2, whose paths have been altered by the flow straightening component 8, to flow more reliably towards the outlet 321. Consequently, the debonded material M3 can be discharged more smoothly from the outlet 321.

[0115] Thus, the top 83 is positioned circumferentially in the annular space S1, coinciding with the outlet 321. This allows for smoother discharge of the de-fiber material M3 from the outlet 321.

[0116] Furthermore, the position of the top 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 can also be offset from the outlet 321. That is, the top 83 can also be viewed from the Z-axis direction without overlapping with the outlet 321.

[0117] Furthermore, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the top 83 overlaps with the central axis O1 of the outlet 321. In other words, the position of the top 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 coincides with the central axis O1 of the outlet 321. As a result, the unwound material M3 can be discharged from the outlet 321 more smoothly.

[0118] Furthermore, the position of the top 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 can also be offset from the central axis O1 of the outlet 321. That is, the top 83 can also be viewed from the Z-axis direction without overlapping with the central axis O1 of the outlet 321.

[0119] Furthermore, although not shown, the length of the rectifying component 8 in the X-axis direction is the same as the length of the filter component 4 in the X-axis direction. That is, the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 are formed over the entire area of ​​the filter component 4 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 can be rectified more effectively.

[0120] The length of the rectifier component 8 in the X-axis direction is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more, of the length of the filter component 4 in the X-axis direction. This allows for effective rectification of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2.

[0121] The first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 are both rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and have the same size. That is, the lengths of the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 in the X-axis direction are the same at any point along the Z-axis. This allows for a stable rectification effect.

[0122] Additionally, the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 may also have portions with different lengths in the X-axis direction. For example, the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 may also have a shape in which the length in the X-axis direction decreases as it approaches the -Z-axis side.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, the tilt angle θ1 of the first rectifying surface 81 relative to the Y-axis is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10° or more and 80° or less, more preferably 20° or more and 70° or less. This allows for more effective rectification of the first airflow A1.

[0124] In addition, when the first rectifying surface 81 is a curved surface, the midpoint between the maximum and minimum tilt angles is set as the tilt angle θ1.

[0125] The tilt angle θ2 of the second rectifying surface 82 relative to the Y-axis is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10° or more and 80° or less, more preferably 20° or more and 70° or less. This allows for more effective rectification of the second airflow A2.

[0126] In addition, when the second rectifying surface 82 is a curved surface, the midpoint between the maximum and minimum tilt angles is set as the tilt angle θ2.

[0127] In the rectifying component 8, the tilt angle θ1 and the tilt angle θ2 are the same. This allows for a well-balanced and equal rectification of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2. However, this structure is not limited to this; the tilt angles θ1 and θ2 can also be different. In this case, it is preferable to appropriately set the tilt angles θ1 and θ2 considering factors such as the balance of the flow rates of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2, and the shape of the annular space S1.

[0128] When the protrusion height of the top 83 from the filter component 4 is set to L1, and the average radial length of the rotor 5 in the annular space S1 is set to L2, although L1 / L2 is not particularly limited, it is preferably 0.4 or more and less than 1.0, more preferably 0.5 or more and less than 0.8. This allows for more reasonable and effective rectification of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2.

[0129] Thus, when the protrusion height of the top 83 from the filter component 4 is set to L1, and the average radial length of the rotor 5 in the annular space S1 is set to L2, L1 / L2 is preferably 0.4 or more and less than 1.0. This allows for more rational and effective rectification of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2.

[0130] As described above, the micronization device 13 includes: a housing 3 having a supply port 311 for supplying coarse fragments M2, an example of a raw material containing fibers, and a discharge port 321 for discharging de-fiber material M3, an example of a micronized product obtained by micronizing the coarse fragments M2; a rotor 5 rotatably disposed within the housing 3 and having a plurality of blades 521 arranged radially from the rotation axis O; a filter component 4 disposed within the housing 3 to cover the outer periphery of the rotor 5, and at least a portion of which is composed of a screen 41; and a rectifier 8 located within an annular space S1 between the filter component 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 3, and protruding toward the discharge port 321. This prevents the de-fiber material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, thereby smoothly discharging the de-fiber material M3 from the discharge port 321. As a result, the micronization process can continue smoothly and stably. Furthermore, with such a miniaturization device 13 in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, high-quality sheets S can be manufactured stably and efficiently.

[0131] Furthermore, although the structure of the annular space S1 being continuously connected throughout its circumference has been described, this invention is not limited to this; the annular space S1 may also be partially blocked. That is, partially interrupted C-shaped spaces, etc., are also included in the annular space. For example, the annular space S1 can be partially blocked. Figure 5 The upper middle part is designated as the blocked section.

[0132] In addition, the annular space S1 may not be circular; it may be elliptical or have a portion with sharp edges.

[0133] The miniaturization device 13 has a confluence section 200, which, when viewed axially from the rotation axis O of the rotor 5, allows a first airflow A1 flowing clockwise in the annular space S1 to merge with a second airflow A2 flowing counterclockwise in the annular space S1. A rectifier 8 is provided at the confluence section 200. Therefore, at the confluence section 200, where the entrapment of the debonded material M3 is relatively prone to occur, the entrapment of the debonded material M3 can be prevented. As a result, the discharge of the debonded material M3 from the discharge port 321 can be carried out smoothly.

[0134] In addition, in the annular space S1, the flow velocity and flow rate of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 can be non-uniform, and it can also be a structure in which the airflow flows only in one direction.

[0135] The rectifying component 8 has a first rectifying surface 81 for rectifying the first airflow A1, a second rectifying surface 82 for rectifying the second airflow A2, and a top 83 disposed between the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82. This allows for the efficient rectification of both the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2. Consequently, the merging of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 can proceed smoothly and efficiently, enabling the unwound material M3 to be discharged smoothly from the outlet 321.

[0136] Furthermore, although the structure of the rectifier 8 having two rectifier surfaces, namely the first rectifier surface 81 and the second rectifier surface 82, has been described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of rectifier surfaces may be one or more.

[0137] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the filter component 4 is cylindrical, and the portion of the filter component 4 other than the rigid portion 40 where the flow rectifying component 8 is located is composed of a screen 41. This ensures sufficient passage of the de-fiber material M3 and allows for stable placement of the flow rectifying component 8, thereby enabling efficient and stable airflow rectification achieved by the flow rectifying component 8.

[0138] Alternatively, the filter component 4 may be entirely composed of a screen 41. Furthermore, the filter component 4 may also be configured to be wholly or partially composed of a frame-shaped component or a porous component having the same function as the screen 41.

[0139] Second Implementation Method

[0140] Figure 7This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the discharge port of the miniaturized device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] The following is in reference Figure 7 While describing the second embodiment of the miniaturization device of the present invention, the following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and omit the description of the commonalities.

[0142] like Figure 7 As shown, in the miniaturization device 13 of this embodiment, the upper edge of the outlet 321 is chamfered or has an additional rounded corner. That is, the outlet 321 has an increasing portion 322 at its upper end that gradually increases in inner diameter as it approaches the +Z axis, and an inner diameter constant portion 323 located on the -Z axis side compared to the increasing portion 322 and having a constant inner diameter.

[0143] The rate of increase of the inner diameter of the increasing portion 322 increases as it approaches the +Z axis, and the inner surface of the increasing portion 322 becomes a curved surface. However, this structure is not limited to this one; the rate of increase of the inner diameter of the increasing portion 322 can be constant or decrease as it approaches the +Z axis.

[0144] By providing the amplification section 322, the narrowing of the annular space S1 near the outlet 321 caused by the presence of the rectifier 8 can be prevented or mitigated, thereby allowing the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2, rectified by the rectifier 8, to merge smoothly without reducing their flow velocity. Furthermore, by providing the amplification section 322, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2, rectified by the rectifier 8, can be guided along the inner periphery of the amplification section 322 and flow into the outlet 321. Through the synergistic effect of these actions, the retention of the de-fiber material M3 near the outlet 321 can be more effectively prevented, thus allowing the de-fiber material M3 to be discharged more smoothly from the outlet 321.

[0145] Furthermore, when the inner diameter of the constant inner diameter portion 323 is set to d and the length of the increasing portion 322 in the Z-axis direction is set to L3, L3 / d is preferably 0.01 or more and 1.5 or less, more preferably 0.1 or more and 0.9 or less. This ensures that the formation area of ​​the increasing portion 322 is adequately secured, thereby enabling the aforementioned effects to be performed more reliably.

[0146] Thus, the edge of the discharge port 321 is chamfered or rounded. This more effectively prevents the unwound material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, allowing it to be discharged more smoothly. As a result, the micro-refining process can continue more smoothly and stably. Furthermore, with such a micro-refining device 13 in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, high-quality sheets S can be manufactured more stably and efficiently.

[0147] Third Implementation Method

[0148] Figure 8 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the discharge port of the miniaturized device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] The following is in reference Figure 8 While describing the third embodiment of the miniaturization device of the present invention, the following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and omit the description of the commonalities.

[0150] like Figure 8 As shown, in the miniaturization device 13 of this embodiment, the radial length of the rotor 5 increases as it approaches the -Z axis side of the annular space S1. That is, compared with the side opposite to the discharge port 321 across the rotation axis O, the radial length of the rotor 5 in the annular space S1 is longer on the discharge port 321 side. Hereinafter, it will be explained in detail.

[0151] The annular space S1 is located at the position of the rotation axis O in the Z-axis direction, i.e. Figure 8 The space is divided into two parts by the dotted line. The space on the side of the outlet 321 is designated as an annular space S1A, and the space on the side opposite to the outlet, separated by the rotation axis O, is designated as an annular space S1B.

[0152] The maximum radial length of rotor 5 in annular space S1A is longer than the maximum radial length of rotor 5 in annular space S1B.

[0153] Furthermore, the average radial length of rotor 5 in annular space S1A is longer than the average radial length of rotor 5 in annular space S1B.

[0154] In this embodiment, by setting the filter component 4 and the rotor 5 to be offset towards the upper side of the internal space S0 of the housing 3, a structure is formed having annular spaces S1A and S1B with different radial lengths as described above for the rotor 5.

[0155] With this structure, since the annular space S1A near the discharge port 321 is relatively large, even if clumps (small pieces of fibers entangled together) are formed in the de-fiber material M3 that has passed through the filter component 4, they can be discharged from the discharge port 321 along with the clumps. Therefore, it is possible to further and more effectively prevent the de-fiber material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, thereby allowing the de-fiber material M3 to be discharged from the discharge port 321 more smoothly.

[0156] Thus, the radial length of the rotor 5 in the annular space S1 (in this embodiment, both the maximum and average values) is longer on the discharge port 321 side than on the side opposite to the discharge port 321 across the rotation axis O. This further effectively prevents the debonded material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, thereby allowing for smoother discharge of the debonded material M3 from the discharge port 321. As a result, the micro-refining process can continue more smoothly and stably. Furthermore, with such a micro-refining device 13 in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, high-quality sheets S can be manufactured more stably and efficiently.

[0157] While the miniaturization device of the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the various parts constituting the miniaturization device can be replaced with any structure that can perform the same function. Furthermore, any structure may be added to the miniaturization device.

[0158] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the raw material supply unit 11 and the coarse crushing unit 12 may be omitted. In this case, the sheet manufacturing apparatus has a coarse fragment supply unit for supplying coarse fragments instead of the raw material supply unit 11 and the coarse crushing unit 12.

[0159] Symbol Explanation

[0160] 3…shell; 4…filter assembly; 5…rotor; 6…pipe; 8…rectifier assembly; 11…raw material supply section; 12…coarse crushing section; 13…micro-refining device; 14…screening section; 15…first sheet forming section; 16…fine section; 17…mixing section; 18…dispersing section; 19…second sheet forming section; 20…forming section; 21…cutting section; 22…material preparation section; 27…recovery section; 28…control device; 31…front sidewall; 32…back sidewall; 33…upper sidewall; 34…lower sidewall; 35…sidewall; 36…sidewall; 40…rigid body; 41…screen; 50…shaft; 51… Rotor; 52…tooth forming component; 53…fixed plate; 71…bearing; 72…bearing; 81…first rectifying surface; 82…second rectifying surface; 83…top; 100…sheet manufacturing device; 121…coarse crushing blade; 122…groove; 141…roller section; 142…cover section; 151…mesh belt; 152…supporting roller; 153…suction section; 161…rotating blade; 162…cover section; 170…cover section; 171…additive supply section; 172…pipe; 173…blower; 174…screw feeder; 181…roller; 182…cover; 191…mesh belt; 192…supporting roller; 19 3…Suction section; 200…Confluence section; 201…Pressure section; 202…Heating section; 203…Caulking roll; 204…Heating roll; 211…First shear; 212…Second shear; 231…Humidification section; 232…Humidification section; 233…Humidification section; 234…Humidification section; 235…Humidification section; 236…Humidification section; 242…Pipe; 243…Pipe; 244…Pipe; 245…Pipe; 246…Pipe; 261…Blower; 262…Blower; 263…Blower; 281…Control section; 282…Storage section; 283…Communication section; 311…Supply port; 321…Discharge port; 322… …gradually increasing section; 323…constant inner diameter section; 520…protrusion; 521…blade; A1…first airflow; A2…second airflow; M…motor; M1…raw material; M2…coarse fragments; M3…de-fiber material; M4-1…first screening material; M4-2…second screening material; M5…first sheet; M6…subdivided material; M7…mixture; M8…second sheet; L1…protrusion height; L2…average length; O…rotation axis; O1…central axis; P1…adhesive; S…sheet; S0…internal space; S1…annular space; S1A…annular space; S1B…annular space; θ1…tilt angle; θ2…tilt angle.

Claims

1. A miniaturized device, characterized in that, have: The housing has a supply port for supplying a raw material containing fibers and an outlet for discharging a micronized product obtained by micronizing the raw material. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing and has a plurality of blades arranged radially from the axis of rotation; A filter component is disposed within the housing in such a manner as to cover the outer periphery of the rotor, and at least a portion thereof is constituted by a screen. A rectifier component is located within an annular space between the filter component and the inner circumferential surface of the housing, and protrudes toward the outlet.

2. The miniaturization device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It has a confluence section, which, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotor's rotation axis, allows a first airflow flowing clockwise in the annular space to merge with a second airflow flowing counterclockwise in the annular space. The rectifier is located at the confluence.

3. The miniaturization device as described in claim 2, wherein, The rectifying component has a first rectifying surface for rectifying the first airflow, a second rectifying surface for rectifying the second airflow, and a top disposed between the first rectifying surface and the second rectifying surface.

4. The miniaturization device as described in claim 3, wherein, The top is positioned circumferentially in the annular space, coinciding with the outlet.

5. The miniaturization device as described in claim 4, wherein, When the protrusion height from the filter component at the top is set as L1 and the average radial length of the rotor in the annular space is set as L2, L1 / L2 is greater than 0.4 and less than 1.

0.

6. The miniaturization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The filter component is cylindrical, and the portion of the filter component other than the portion where the rectifier is located is formed by the screen.

7. The miniaturization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The edges of the outlet are chamfered or rounded.

8. The miniaturization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Compared to the side opposite to the outlet across the rotation axis, the rotor in the annular space has a longer radial length on the outlet side.

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