Apparatus for manufacturing sheet, power change-over device

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for manufacturing sheet suppressing cost increase, and easy to downsize, and a power change-over device.SOLUTION: An apparatus 1 for manufacturing a sheet includes: a treatment roller 72; a first treatment part 231 for cleaning the treatment roller 72; a second treatment part 220 for separating the first treatment part 231 from the treatment roller 72; a driving part 542 for driving the first treatment part 231 and the second treatment part 220; and a gear G3 existing among the driving part 542, the first treatment part 231, and the second treatment part 220, where the gear G3 has an input gear 301 capable of inputting a driving force from the driving part 542, an input shaft 303 rotating by engaging with the input gear 301, and a first gear 311 and a second gear 312 having the input shaft 303 as a rotating axis, a driving force in a first rotating direction is output from the input shaft 303 through the first gear 311 to the first treatment part 231, and a driving force in a second rotating direction is output from the input shaft 303 through the second gear 312 to the second treatment part 220.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet manufacturing apparatus and a power switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus for producing a sheet or the like by compression molding a web containing paper-derived fibers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning mechanism for removing paper powder adhering to a calendar roller used for molding. The mechanism cleans the calendar roller in a fiber structure production apparatus by rotating a cleaning felt roller and bringing it into contact with the calendar roller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-156155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, when a mechanism for separating the felt roller from the calendar roller is provided, it is difficult to suppress the increase in costs due to the additional installation of a motor for driving the mechanism, etc. Also, there is a problem that the additional installation of the motor tends to be an obstacle to miniaturization of the device.

[0005] Specifically, if the felt roller is constantly in contact with the calendar roller, the surface of the felt roller is likely to wear or deform. For this reason, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for separating the felt roller from the calendar roller. However, providing the mechanism requires a motor for driving the mechanism in addition to a drive motor for rotating the felt roller. This can lead to an increase in cost and an increase in the size of the device. In other words, there has been a demand for a sheet manufacturing device that is provided with a mechanism for separating the cleaning roller, suppresses cost increases, and is easy to miniaturize. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sheet manufacturing apparatus has a processing roller that processes a web containing fibers, a first processing unit that contacts the processing roller to clean it, a second processing unit that moves the first processing unit away from the processing roller, a drive unit that drives the first processing unit and the second processing unit, and a power switching unit interposed between the drive unit and the first processing unit and the second processing unit, wherein the power switching unit has an input gear to which a driving force in a first rotation direction and a driving force in a second rotation direction can be input from the drive unit, an input shaft that rotates in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction in conjunction with the input gear, and a first gear and a second gear whose rotating shaft is the input shaft, and wherein the driving force in the first rotation direction is output from the input shaft via the first gear to the first processing unit, and the driving force in the second rotation direction is output from the input shaft via the second gear to the second processing unit.

[0007] The power switching device has an input gear to which a driving force in a first rotational direction and a driving force in a second rotational direction can be input, an input shaft that rotates in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction in conjunction with the input gear, and a first gear and a second gear that use the input shaft as a rotating shaft, wherein the first gear and the second gear are equipped with one-way clutches, and the one-way clutch of the first gear transmits only the driving force in the first rotational direction from the input shaft, and the one-way clutch of the second gear transmits only the driving force in the second rotational direction from the input shaft. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a molding unit and a cleaning unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cleaning section of the first cleaning device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a cleaning section of the first cleaning device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cleaning section of a second cleaning device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a cleaning section of the second cleaning device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view showing the configuration and arrangement of a fourth processing unit and the like. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a gear group and the like of the second cleaning device. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a power switching unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a transmission path of a driving force to the first processing unit and the like. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a transmission path of a driving force to a second processing unit and the like. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the principle of the striking action of the second cleaning device. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the cleaning function of a cleaning unit of the second cleaning device. [Figure 14]FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the cleaning function of a cleaning unit of the second cleaning device. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the cleaning function of a cleaning unit of the second cleaning device. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the cleaning function of a cleaning unit of the second cleaning device. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the cleaning function of a cleaning section of the second cleaning device. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the cleaning function of a cleaning unit of the second cleaning device. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the attitude of the cleaning part in the second cleaning device when it is separated from the cleaning part. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a position of the cleaning part in the first cleaning device when it is separated from the cleaning part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In the following embodiment, a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 that recycles pieces of paper such as waste paper in a dry manner is exemplified and will be described with reference to the drawings. The sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a dry manner and may be a wet manner. In this specification, the dry manner means that the operation is not carried out in a liquid but in air such as the atmosphere.

[0010] In each of the following figures, XYZ axes are attached as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, the direction indicated by each arrow is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is the - direction. The Z axis is an imaginary axis along the vertical direction, with the +Z direction being the upward direction and the -Z direction being the downward direction. The -Z direction is the direction in which gravity acts. In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the side ahead in the conveying direction of the raw material, web, sheet, etc. is sometimes referred to as the downstream side, and the side going upstream in the conveying direction is sometimes referred to as the upstream side. For convenience of illustration, the sizes of each component are made different from the actual size.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has 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). In Fig. 1, the directions in which waste paper C, sheets P3, slit pieces S, unnecessary scraps, etc. move are indicated by outlined arrows.

[0012] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a sheet P3 from waste paper C. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, a first unit group 101, a third unit group 103, and a second unit group 102 are arranged from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction in a side view from the -X direction.

[0013] The waste paper C is transported from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 via a pipe 21 that crosses inside the third unit group 103. The waste paper C is then defibrated and turned into fibers in the second unit group 102, and made into a mixture containing a binder and the like. The mixture is transported to the third unit group 103 via a pipe 24. The mixture is made into a web W in the third unit group 103, and is then formed into a belt-shaped sheet P1. The belt-shaped sheet P1 is cut in the first unit group 101 to become a sheet P3.

[0014] The first unit group 101 has a buffer tank 13, a constant quantity supply unit 15, a junction unit 17, and a pipe 21. In the first unit group 101, these components are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. The first unit group 101 also has a first cutting unit 81, a second cutting unit 82, a tray 91, and a shredding unit 95. The first cutting unit 81 and the second cutting unit 82 cut the strip-shaped sheet P1 into a sheet P3 of a predetermined shape. The first unit group 101 also 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 each of a first humidifying unit 65 and a second humidifying unit 66, which will be described later, through a water supply pipe (not shown).

[0015] Waste paper C is fed into the buffer tank 13 from the raw material feed port 11. The waste paper C contains fibers such as cellulose, and is, for example, pieces of shredded waste paper. Humidified air is supplied to the inside of the buffer tank 13 from the second humidifier 66 provided in the third unit group 103.

[0016] The waste paper C to be defibrated is temporarily stored in the buffer tank 13, and then transported to the fixed-quantity supply unit 15 in accordance with the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may be equipped with a shredder upstream of the buffer tank 13 that shreds the waste paper C and the like.

[0017] The fixed-quantity supply unit 15 has a weighing device 15a and a supply mechanism (not shown). The weighing device 15a weighs the mass of the waste paper C. The supply mechanism supplies the waste paper C weighed by the weighing device 15a to the downstream junction 17. That is, the fixed-quantity supply unit 15 weighs the waste paper C by a predetermined mass using the weighing device 15a, and supplies the waste paper C to the downstream junction 17 using the supply mechanism.

[0018] The weighing device 15a may be a digital or analog weighing mechanism. Specifically, the weighing device 15a may be a physical sensor such as a load cell, a spring balance, or a balance. In this embodiment, a load cell is used as the weighing device 15a. The predetermined mass of the waste paper C measured by the weighing device 15a is, for example, from several grams to several tens of grams.

[0019] The feeding mechanism may be a known technique such as a vibration feeder, etc. The feeding mechanism may be included in the weighing device 15a.

[0020] The weighing and supply of the waste paper C in the quantitative supply unit 15 is a batch process. That is, the supply of the waste paper C from the quantitative supply unit 15 to the junction 17 is performed intermittently. The quantitative supply unit 15 may have a plurality of weighing devices 15a, and the weighing efficiency may be improved by operating the plurality of weighing devices 15a at staggered times.

[0021] At the junction 17, the waste paper C supplied from the quantitative supply unit 15 is joined and mixed with the fine pieces of the slit pieces S supplied from the shredding unit 95. The slit pieces S and the shredding unit 95 will be described later. The waste paper C mixed with the fine pieces flows from the junction 17 into the pipe 21.

[0022] The pipe 21 conveys the waste paper C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by an air current generated by a blower (not shown).

[0023] The second unit group 102 has a defibrating unit 31, which is a dry type defibrator, a separating unit 32, a piping 23, a mixing unit 33, and a piping 24. In the second unit group 102, these components are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. The second unit group 102 also has a piping 25 connected to the separating unit 32, a collecting unit 35, a compressor 38, and a power supply unit 39.

[0024] The waste paper C transported through the piping 21 flows into the defibrating unit 31. The defibrating unit 31 defibrates the waste paper C supplied from the quantitative supply unit 15 into fibers in a dry manner. A known defibrating mechanism can be applied to the defibrating unit 31.

[0025] The defibrating unit 31 may have the following configuration, for example. The defibrating unit 31 includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotor is installed inside the stator and rotates along the inner surface of the stator. Small pieces of waste paper C are sandwiched between the inner surface of the stator and the rotor, and are defibrated by the shear force generated between them. This causes the tangled fibers contained in the pieces of waste paper C to be untangled. The waste paper C is turned into fibers and transported to the separation unit 32.

[0026] The separation unit 32 separates the defibrated fibers. More specifically, the separation unit 32 removes components contained in the fibers that are unnecessary for the production of the sheet P3. Specifically, the separation unit 32 separates relatively long fibers from relatively short fibers. Relatively short fibers are separated in the separation unit 32 because they may cause a decrease in the strength of the sheet P3. The separation unit 32 also separates and removes coloring materials, additives, and the like contained in the waste paper C. A known technology such as a disk mesh method can be applied to the separation unit 32.

[0027] Humidified air is supplied to the inside of the separation section 32 from the second humidifying section 66 of the third unit group 103.

[0028] The defibrated fibers, from which relatively short fibers and the like are removed, are transported to a mixer 33 via a pipe 23. Unnecessary materials such as relatively short fibers and coloring materials are discharged to a recovery section 35 via a pipe 25.

[0029] The mixer 33 mixes the fibers with a binder and the like in the air to produce a mixture. Although not shown, the mixer 33 includes a flow path through which the fibers are transported, a fan, a hopper, a supply pipe, and a valve.

[0030] The hopper communicates with the fiber flow path via a supply pipe. A valve is provided in the supply pipe between the hopper and the flow path. The hopper supplies a binder such as starch into the flow path. The valve adjusts the mass of the binder supplied from the hopper to the flow path. This adjusts the mixture ratio of the fiber and the binder.

[0031] The mixing section 33 may have a similar configuration for supplying a coloring material, an additive, and the like, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration for supplying the binder.

[0032] The fan of the mixer 33 generates an air current that transports the fibers downstream while mixing the fibers with the binder and other materials in the air to form a mixture. The mixture flows from the mixer 33 into the pipe 24.

[0033] The collecting section 35 includes a filter (not shown) that filters out unnecessary materials such as relatively short fibers transported through the pipe 25 by the air current.

[0034] The compressor 38 generates compressed air. The filter may become clogged with fine particles of unwanted matter. The compressed air generated by the compressor 38 can be blown against the filter to blow off the particles adhering thereto, thereby cleaning the filter.

[0035] The power supply unit 39 has a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the control unit 5 and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The power supply unit 39 distributes power supplied from an external source to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit 5 is electrically connected to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 and performs integrated control of the operation of these components.

[0036] The third unit group 103 piles up the mixture containing fibers, compresses it, and forms it into a belt-shaped sheet P1, which is recycled paper. The third unit group 103 has a pile-up unit 50, a first conveyor unit 61, a second conveyor unit 62, a first humidifier unit 65, a second humidifier unit 66, a drainage unit 68, a forming unit 70, and cleaning units 41 and 42.

[0037] In the third unit group 103, from upstream to downstream, the deposition section 50, the first conveying section 61, the second conveying section 62, the first humidifying section 65, the forming section 70, and the cleaning sections 41 and 42 are arranged in the above order. The second humidifying section 66 is arranged below the first humidifying section 65.

[0038] The deposition unit 50 deposits the mixture containing the separated fibers in the air to generate a web W. The deposition unit 50 has a drum member 53, a blade member 55 installed in the drum member 53, a housing 51 that houses the drum member 53, and a suction unit 59. The mixture is taken into the inside of the drum member 53 from the piping 24.

[0039] A first transport unit 61 is disposed below the deposition unit 50. The first transport unit 61 has a mesh belt 61a and five tension rollers (not shown) that tension the mesh belt 61a. The suction unit 59 faces the drum member 53 with the mesh belt 61a therebetween in the direction along the Z axis.

[0040] The blade member 55 is located inside the drum member 53 and is rotated by a motor (not shown). The drum member 53 is a semi-cylindrical sieve. A mesh functioning as a sieve is provided on the downward-facing side of the drum member 53. The drum member 53 allows particles such as fibers and mixtures that are smaller than the size of the mesh openings of the sieve to pass from the inside to the outside.

[0041] The mixture is discharged to the outside of the drum member 53 while being agitated by the rotating blade member 55 inside the drum member 53. Humidified air is supplied from a second humidifying section 66 to the inside of the drum member 53.

[0042] The suction unit 59 is disposed below the drum member 53. The suction unit 59 sucks air from inside the housing 51 through a plurality of holes in the mesh belt 61a. The plurality of holes in the mesh belt 61a allow air to pass through but prevent fibers and binders contained in the mixture from passing through. As a result, the mixture discharged to the outside of the drum member 53 is sucked downward together with the air. The suction unit 59 is a known suction device such as a blower.

[0043] The mixture is dispersed in the air within the housing 51 and is deposited on the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a by gravity and the suction of the suction section 59 to become the web W.

[0044] The mesh belt 61a is an endless belt that is stretched around five tension rollers. The mesh belt 61a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 due to the rotation of the tension rollers. As a result, the mixture is continuously deposited on the mesh belt 61a, and a web W is formed. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and inflated. The first conveying section 61 conveys the formed web W downstream by the rotation of the mesh belt 61a.

[0045] The second conveying section 62 is downstream of the first conveying section 61 and conveys the web W in place of the first conveying section 61. The second conveying section 62 peels the web W from the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a and conveys it toward the forming section 70. The second conveying section 62 is disposed above the conveying path of the web W and slightly upstream of the starting point of the return side of the mesh belt 61a. The +Y direction of the second conveying section 62 and the -Y direction of the mesh belt 61a partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0046] The second conveyor 62 includes a transport belt, a plurality of rollers, and a suction mechanism (not shown). The transport belt has a plurality of holes for allowing air to pass through. The transport belt is stretched around a plurality of rollers and rotates with the rotation of the rollers.

[0047] In the second conveying section 62, the upper surface of the web W is attracted to the lower surface of the transport belt by the negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism. When the transport belt rotates in this state, the web W is attracted to the transport belt and conveyed downstream.

[0048] The first humidifying section 65 humidifies the web W including fibers deposited in the depositing section 50 of the third unit group 103. In detail, the first humidifying section 65 is, for example, a mist type humidifier, and humidifies the web W transported by the second transport section 62 by supplying mist M from below. The first humidifying section 65 is disposed below the second transport section 62 and faces the web W transported by the second transport section 62 in the direction along the Z axis. A known humidifying device, for example, an ultrasonic type, can be used as the first humidifying section 65.

[0049] Moisturizing the web W with the mist M promotes the function of the starch as a binder, improving the strength of the sheet P3. In addition, since the web W is humidified from below, drops of the mist are prevented from falling onto the web W. Furthermore, since the web W is humidified from the opposite side of the contact surface between the transport belt and the web W, sticking of the web W to the transport belt is reduced. The second transport section 62 transports the web W to the forming section 70.

[0050] The forming section 70 has processing rollers 71 and 72. The processing rollers 71 and 72 process the web W containing fibers and form it into a belt-shaped sheet P1. The processing rollers 71 and 72 form a pair, and each of them has an electric heater built-in and has the function of increasing the temperature of the roller surface.

[0051] The processing rollers 71 and 72 are each a substantially cylindrical member. The rotation axis of the processing roller 71 and the rotation axis of the processing roller 72 are arranged along the X-axis. With respect to the transport path of the web W, the processing roller 71 is arranged substantially above, and the processing roller 72 is arranged substantially below. Between the side surface of the processing roller 71 and the side surface of the processing roller 72, a gap is provided according to the thickness of the sheet P3 to be manufactured.

[0052] The processing rollers 71 and 72 are rotated by a stepping motor (not shown). The web W is sandwiched between the processing rollers 71 and 72 and sent downstream while being heated and pressurized. That is, the web W passes continuously through the forming section 70 and is press-formed while being heated. By using the processing rollers 71 and 72 as a pair of forming members, the web W can be efficiently heated and pressurized.

[0053] By passing through the forming section 70, the web W, which is in a soft state containing a relatively large amount of air, has the air contained therein reduced and the fibers are bound together by the binder, so that the web W is formed into a belt-shaped sheet P1. The belt-shaped sheet P1 is transported to the first unit group 101 by a transport roller (not shown).

[0054] Cleaning unit 41 corresponds to processing roller 71, and cleaning unit 42 corresponds to processing roller 72. Cleaning unit 41 and control unit 5 constitute a cleaning device 401, which will be described later. Cleaning unit 42 and control unit 5 constitute a cleaning device 402, which will be described later.

[0055] As described above, the processing rollers 71, 72 process the web W by clamping it between them. Therefore, paper dust and fibers derived from the waste paper C contained in the web W tend to adhere to the sides of the processing rollers 71, 72. If molding continues while the rollers are dirty with paper dust and the like, defects such as dirty or rough surfaces or reduced sheet strength may occur in the manufactured sheet P3. The cleaning unit 41 cleans the processing roller 71, and the cleaning unit 42 cleans the processing roller 72.

[0056] The second humidifier 66 is disposed below the first humidifier 65. A known evaporative humidifier can be used for the second humidifier 66. An example of an evaporative humidifier is one that blows air onto a moistened nonwoven fabric or the like to evaporate moisture and generate humidified air.

[0057] The second humidifying section 66 humidifies a predetermined area of ​​the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The predetermined area is one or more of the buffer tank 13, the separating section 32, and the inside of the drum member 53 of the stacking section 50. Specifically, humidified air is supplied to the above-mentioned area from the second humidifying section 66 through a plurality of pipes (not shown). In each of the above-mentioned configurations, the humidified air suppresses electrostatic charge on the waste paper C, fibers, etc., and suppresses adhesion of these materials to members due to static electricity.

[0058] The drainage unit 68 is a drainage tank. The drainage unit 68 is used in the first humidifying unit 65 and the second humidifying unit 66, etc., and collects and stores old moisture. The drainage unit 68 can be removed from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 as necessary, and the stored water can be discarded.

[0059] The strip-shaped sheet P1 transported to the first unit group 101 reaches the first cutting section 81. The first cutting section 81 cuts the strip-shaped sheet P1 in a direction intersecting the transport direction, for example, along the X-axis. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is cut into single sheets P2 at the first cutting section 81. The single sheets P2 are transported from the first cutting section 81 to the second cutting section 82.

[0060] The second cutting section 82 cuts the single sheet P2 in the conveying direction, for example, in the direction along the Y axis. More specifically, the second cutting section 82 cuts the vicinity of both sides of the single sheet P2 in the direction along the X axis. As a result, the single sheet P2 becomes a sheet P3 of a predetermined shape, for example, A4 size or A3 size.

[0061] When the second cutting section 82 cuts the single-cut sheets P2 into sheets P3, slit pieces S, which are scraps, are generated. The slit pieces S are transported in the approximately -Y direction to reach the shredding section 95, which is a shredder. The shredding section 95 shreds the slit pieces S into small pieces and supplies them to the junction 17. A mechanism for weighing the small pieces of the slit pieces S and supplying them to the junction 17 may be provided between the shredding section 95 and the junction 17.

[0062] The sheet P3 is conveyed substantially upward and accumulated on the tray 91. In this manner, the sheet P3 is manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet P3 can be used as a substitute for, for example, copy paper.

[0063] 2, the cleaning unit 41 is disposed slightly above the processing roller 71 in the -Y direction and along the processing roller 71. The cleaning unit 42 is disposed below the processing roller 72 and toward the -Y direction and along the processing roller 72.

[0064] The cleaning device 401 includes the above-mentioned control unit 5 and cleaning unit 41. The cleaning device 402 includes a control unit 5 and cleaning unit 42. Each of the cleaning devices 401 and 402 may have its own individual control unit.

[0065] In the direction along the X-axis, the length of the cleaning unit 41 is approximately equal to the length of the side surface of the processing roller 71. Similarly, the length of the cleaning unit 42 is approximately equal to the length of the processing roller 72.

[0066] 3, the cleaning unit 41 includes a first processing unit 131, a third processing unit 133, a blade unit 141, a second processing unit 120, a gear group 110, a paper powder collection unit 153, a support member 135, and a frame unit 115. The cleaning unit 41 also includes a fourth processing unit 144, which will be described later. Note that Fig. 3 also illustrates a drive unit 541, which is an electric motor included in the control unit 5.

[0067] The first processing section 131 cleans the processing roller 71. The third processing section 133 cleans the first processing section 131. The blade section 141 cleans the third processing section 133.

[0068] The first processing unit 131 is a roller-shaped member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the height direction of the cylinder is disposed along the X-axis. The first processing unit 131 is supported at both ends along the X-axis by support members 135, and rotates about a rotation axis along the X-axis. The rotation of the first processing unit 131 is driven by a drive unit 541.

[0069] The third processing unit 133 is a roller-shaped member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the height direction of the cylinder is along the X-axis, and the third processing unit 133 is arranged side by side with the first processing unit 131 in the direction along the Y-axis. Both ends of the third processing unit 133 along the X-axis are supported by support members 135, and the third processing unit 133 rotates about a rotation axis along the X-axis. The rotation of the third processing unit 133 is also driven by the drive unit 541.

[0070] The blade portion 141 extends along the side surface of the third processing section 133. The blade portion 141 is supported by a support member 135. The blade portion 141 is cleaned by a fourth processing section 144 (not shown).

[0071] The second processing section 120 separates the first processing section 131 from the processing roller 71. The second processing section 120 includes a shaft section 121 and cam members 123a and 123b. The shaft section 121 is a rod-shaped member disposed along the X-axis. The cam member 123a is attached to the shaft section 121 near the end in the +X direction, and the cam member 123b is attached to the shaft section 121 near the end in the -X direction.

[0072] The shaft portion 121 is supported by the frame portion 115, and rotates about a rotation axis along the X-axis. The -X direction end of the shaft portion 121 is directly connected to one of the gears in the gear group 110. When the gear group 110 is driven, the shaft portion 121 is rotationally driven. The cam members 123a and 123b rotate with the shaft portion 121 as the rotation center in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft portion 121.

[0073] The gear group 110 includes a plurality of gears (not shown). The plurality of gears are rotated by the driving of the driving unit 541, thereby rotating the shaft unit 121, the first processing unit 131, and the third processing unit 133. The gear group 110 and the driving unit 541 are installed at the end of the frame unit 115 in the -X direction.

[0074] The support member 135 includes a main body portion (not shown) along the XZ plane in a plan view from above, and support portions 135a and 135b protruding in the +Y direction from both ends of the main body portion along the X axis. The support portions 135a and 135b face each other in the direction along the X axis. The second processing unit 120, the first processing unit 131, the third processing unit 133, and the blade portion 141 are disposed between the support portions 135a and 135b. That is, the support portions 135a and 135b support the second processing unit 120, the first processing unit 131, the third processing unit 133, and the blade portion 141.

[0075] The support member 135 is capable of changing its position relative to the frame portion 115 while being supported by the frame portion 115. The change in position of the support member 135 will be described later.

[0076] The frame portion 115 is a substantially frame-shaped member in a plan view from above, and the support member 135 is disposed inside. With respect to the end portion in the -X direction of the frame portion 115, the gear group 110 is disposed in the -X direction, which is the outer side, and the drive unit 541 is disposed in the +X direction, which is the inner side. The drive unit 541 includes an output shaft. The output shaft extends in the -X direction while penetrating the frame portion 115, and is directly connected to one of the multiple gears of the gear group 110. The frame portion 115 is supported by a frame of the third unit group 103 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0077] The forward and reverse rotation directions of the drive unit 541 are controlled by the above-mentioned control unit 5. This switches between cleaning of the processing roller 71 by the first processing unit 131 and contact and separation of the first processing unit 131 with respect to the processing roller 71. The contact and separation of the first processing unit 131 will be described later.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 4, in the cleaning unit 41, the first processing unit 131 is disposed in contact with the processing roller 71 slightly above it in the -Y direction. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the first processing unit 131 is in contact with the processing roller 71 to clean the side surface of the processing roller 71. Here, in the description of Fig. 4, a state viewed from the side from the -X direction will be described unless otherwise specified.

[0079] As described above, the first processing section 131 cleans the processing roller 71. The first processing section 131 has a cleaning layer 131a on the outer periphery of the side surface. The cleaning layer 131a comes into contact with the side surface of the processing roller 71 to clean the side surface of the processing roller 71.

[0080] The cleaning layer 131a cleans off paper dust and the like adhering to the processing roller 71. Therefore, the cleaning ability of the first processing section 131 for the processing roller 71 is improved.

[0081] The cleaning layer 131a is made of a felt material. Therefore, paper dust and the like are easily caught in the cleaning layer 131a. Also, the cleaning layer 131a is easily adapted to conform to the shape of the side surface of the processing roller 71. As a result, the ability of the first processing unit 131 to clean the processing roller 71 is further improved.

[0082] The third processing section 133 forms a roller pair 130 with the first processing section 131, and cleans the first processing section 131. More specifically, the third processing section 133 has a brush-like surface layer 133a on the outer periphery of the side surface. In the surface layer 133a, a plurality of bristles are arranged substantially radially from the center of rotation. The cleaning layer 131a and the surface layer 133a of the first processing section 131 are arranged so as to overlap each other. As a result, the surface layer 133a comes into contact with the cleaning layer 131a of the first processing section 131 to clean the first processing section 131.

[0083] The surface layer 133a cleans the paper powder and the like that has been transferred from the processing roller 71 to the first processing section 131, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the first processing section 131. Therefore, the cleaning ability of the first processing section 131 for the processing roller 71 is easily maintained.

[0084] The processing roller 71, the first processing section 131, and the third processing section 133 rotate clockwise. In particular, the first processing section 131 rotates in the same direction as the processing roller 71, clockwise, while in contact with the processing roller 71, and cleans the processing roller 71. Therefore, the surfaces of the processing roller 71 and the first processing section 131 slide in opposite directions in the area where they contact each other. Therefore, paper dust and the like adhering to the surface of the processing roller 71 is easily scraped off and removed by the cleaning layer 131a of the first processing section 131. This further improves the cleaning ability of the first processing section 131 for the processing roller 71.

[0085] The blade portion 141 is disposed below the third processing unit 133. The blade portion 141 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and its main surface is along the XZ plane. The blade portion 141 comes into contact with the surface layer 133a of the third processing unit 133 to clean the surface layer 133a. In the direction along the X-axis, the length of the blade portion 141 is substantially equal to the length of the surface layer 133a of the third processing unit 133.

[0086] The blade portion 141 is supported by the support member 135 via the fixing member 143, and is disposed so that its upper end is embedded in the plurality of bristles of the surface layer 133a. The distance at which the blade portion 141 is embedded in the surface layer 133a is, for example, about 1 mm. A fourth processing section 144 is disposed in the approximately -Y direction of the blade portion 141.

[0087] The blade portion 141 cleans the paper dust and the like transferred from the first processing portion 131 in the third processing portion 133, thereby maintaining the cleanliness. Therefore, the cleaning ability of the first processing portion 131 and the third processing portion 133 for the processing roller 71 is easily maintained.

[0088] Support member 135 is supported by frame portion 115 to be rotatable about pivot shaft 137. Spring member 151 is disposed along the Z axis in the -Y direction of support member 135. An upper end of spring member 151 is fixed to support member 135, and a lower end is fixed to frame portion 115.

[0089] The support member 135 is biased by the spring member 151 in the counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis 137. Therefore, the first processing section 131 is brought into contact with the processing roller 71 by the biasing force of the spring member 151.

[0090] The second processing unit 120 is disposed in the -Y direction and faces the upper end of the support member 135 in the direction along the Y axis. The cam member 123a and the cam member 123b (not shown) rotate under the control of the control unit 5 to switch between contact and separation of the first processing unit 131 with respect to the processing roller 71.

[0091] This allows the first processing section 131 to be appropriately spaced from the processing roller 71. Compared to a case in which the first processing section 131 is constantly in contact with the processing roller 71, the occurrence of wear and deformation of the cleaning layer 131a in the first processing section 131 is suppressed. Note that the above-described processing of the web W is performed while the first processing section 131 is in contact with the processing roller 71.

[0092] Each of the cam members 123a and 123b has an asymmetric shape with respect to the shaft portion 121 which is the center of rotation, and has a protruding portion (not shown). When the first processing portion 131 is brought into contact with the processing roller 71, the protruding portion is moved in a direction substantially opposite to the upper end portion of the support member 135, so that the cam members 123a and 123b and the upper end of the support member 135 are separated from each other.

[0093] When the first processing section 131 is separated from the processing roller 71, the shaft section 121 rotates and the protruding section comes into contact with the upper end of the support member 135. Therefore, the protruding section urges the upper end in the substantially +Y direction, and the support member 135 rotates a certain distance in the clockwise direction. This causes the posture of the support member 135 to change, and the first processing section 131 is separated from the processing roller 71.

[0094] The paper powder collecting unit 153 is disposed below the third processing unit 133 and the blade unit 141. The paper powder collecting unit 153 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top, and mainly collects and stores paper powder and the like that falls from the third processing unit 133 and the blade unit 141. The paper powder and the like stored in the paper powder collecting unit 153 can be removed by removing the paper powder collecting unit 153 from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0095] 5, the cleaning unit 42 includes a first processing unit 231, a third processing unit 233, a blade unit 241, a second processing unit 220, a gear group 210, a paper powder collection unit 253, a support member 235, and a frame unit 215. The cleaning unit 42 also includes a fourth processing unit 244, which will be described later. Note that Fig. 5 also illustrates a drive unit 542, which is an electric motor included in the control unit 5.

[0096] The first processing section 231 cleans the processing roller 72. The third processing section 233 cleans the first processing section 231. The blade section 241 cleans the third processing section 233.

[0097] The first processing unit 231 is a roller-shaped member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the height direction of the cylinder is disposed along the X-axis. The first processing unit 231 is supported at both ends along the X-axis by support members 235, and rotates about a rotation axis along the X-axis. The rotation of the first processing unit 231 is driven by a drive unit 542.

[0098] The third processing unit 233 is a roller-shaped member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and the height direction of the cylinder is along the X-axis, and the third processing unit 233 is arranged side by side with the first processing unit 231 in the direction along the Z-axis. The third processing unit 233 is supported at both ends along the X-axis by support members 235, and rotates about a rotation axis along the X-axis. The rotation of the third processing unit 233 is also driven by the drive unit 542.

[0099] The blade portion 241 extends along the side surface of the third processing section 233. The blade portion 241 is supported by a support member 235. The blade portion 241 is cleaned by a fourth processing section 244 (not shown).

[0100] The second processing section 220 separates the first processing section 231 from the processing roller 72. The second processing section 220 includes a shaft section 221 and cam members 223a and 223b. The shaft section 221 is a rod-shaped member disposed along the X-axis. The cam member 223a is attached to the shaft section 221 near the end in the +X direction, and the cam member 223b is attached to the shaft section 221 near the end in the -X direction.

[0101] The shaft portion 221 is supported by the frame portion 215, and rotates about a rotation axis along the X-axis. An end portion of the shaft portion 221 in the -X direction is directly connected to one of the gears in the gear group 210. When the gear group 210 is driven, the shaft portion 221 is rotationally driven. The cam members 223a and 223b rotate around the shaft portion 221 in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft portion 221.

[0102] The gear group 210 includes a plurality of gears (not shown). The plurality of gears are rotated by the driving of the driving unit 542, thereby rotating the shaft portion 221, the first processing unit 231, and the third processing unit 233. The gear group 210 and the driving unit 542 are installed at the end of the frame portion 215 in the -X direction.

[0103] The support member 235 includes a main body portion (not shown) along the XZ plane in a plan view from above, and support portions 235a and 235b protruding upward from both ends of the main body portion in a direction along the X axis. The support portions 235a and 235b face each other in a direction along the X axis. The second processing unit 220, the first processing unit 231, the third processing unit 233, and the blade portion 241 are disposed between the support portions 235a and 235b. That is, the support portions 235a and 235b support the second processing unit 220, the first processing unit 231, the third processing unit 233, and the blade portion 241.

[0104] The support member 235 is capable of changing its position relative to the frame portion 215 while being supported by the frame portion 215. The change in position of the support member 235 will be described later.

[0105] The frame portion 215 is a substantially frame-shaped member in a plan view from above, and the support member 235 is disposed inside. With respect to the end portion in the -X direction of the frame portion 215, the gear group 210 is disposed in the -X direction, which is the outer side, and the drive unit 542 is disposed in the +X direction, which is the inner side. The drive unit 542 includes an output shaft. The output shaft extends in the -X direction through the frame portion 215 and is directly connected to one of the multiple gears of the gear group 210. The frame portion 215 is supported by a frame of the third unit group 103 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0106] The forward and reverse rotation directions of the drive unit 542 are controlled by the above-mentioned control unit 5. This switches between cleaning of the processing roller 72 by the first processing unit 231 and contact and separation of the first processing unit 231 with respect to the processing roller 72. Details of the switching between cleaning and contact and separation will be described later.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 6, in the cleaning unit 42, the first processing unit 231 is disposed in contact with the processing roller 72 slightly downward in the -Y direction. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the first processing unit 231 is in contact with the processing roller 72 and cleaning of the side surface of the processing roller 72 is performed. Here, in the description of Fig. 6, a state viewed from the side from the -X direction will be described unless otherwise specified.

[0108] As described above, the first processing unit 231 cleans the processing roller 72. More specifically, the first processing unit 231 has a cleaning layer 231a on the outer periphery of the side surface. The cleaning layer 231a comes into contact with the side surface of the processing roller 72 to clean the side surface of the processing roller 72.

[0109] The cleaning layer 231a cleans off paper dust and the like adhering to the processing roller 72. Therefore, the cleaning ability of the first processing section 231 for the processing roller 72 is improved.

[0110] The cleaning layer 231a is made of a felt material. Therefore, paper dust and the like are easily caught in the cleaning layer 231a. Also, the cleaning layer 231a is easily adapted to the shape of the side surface of the processing roller 72. As a result, the ability of the first processing unit 231 to clean the processing roller 72 is further improved.

[0111] The third processing section 233 forms a roller pair 230 with the first processing section 231, and cleans the first processing section 231. More specifically, the third processing section 233 has a brush-like surface layer 233a on the outer periphery of the side surface. In the surface layer 233a, a plurality of bristles are arranged in a substantially radial pattern from the center of rotation. The cleaning layer 231a and the surface layer 233a of the first processing section 231 are arranged so as to overlap each other. As a result, the surface layer 233a comes into contact with the cleaning layer 231a of the first processing section 231 to clean the first processing section 231.

[0112] The surface layer 233a cleans the paper powder and the like that has been transferred from the processing roller 72 to the first processing section 231, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the first processing section 231. Therefore, the cleaning ability of the first processing section 231 for the processing roller 72 is easily maintained.

[0113] The processing roller 72, the first processing section 231, and the third processing section 233 rotate counterclockwise. In particular, the first processing section 231 rotates counterclockwise, which is the same direction as the processing roller 72, while contacting the processing roller 72 to clean the processing roller 72. Therefore, the surfaces of the processing roller 72 and the first processing section 231 slide in opposite directions in the area where they contact each other. Therefore, paper dust and the like adhering to the surface of the processing roller 72 is easily scraped off and removed by the cleaning layer 231a of the first processing section 231. This further improves the cleaning ability of the first processing section 231 for the processing roller 72.

[0114] The blade portion 241 is disposed below the third processing section 233. The blade portion 241 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and its main surface is along the XZ plane. The blade portion 241 comes into contact with the surface layer 233a of the third processing section 233 to clean the surface layer 233a. In the direction along the X axis, the length of the blade portion 241 is substantially equal to the length of the surface layer 233a of the third processing section 233. The fourth processing section 244 is disposed approximately in the +Y direction of the blade portion 241.

[0115] The blade portion 241 is supported by the support member 235 via the fixing member 243, and is disposed so that its upper end is embedded in the plurality of bristles of the surface layer 233a. The distance by which the blade portion 241 is embedded in the surface layer 233a is, for example, about 1 mm.

[0116] The blade portion 241 cleans the paper dust and the like transferred from the first processing portion 231 in the third processing portion 233, thereby maintaining the cleanliness. Therefore, the cleaning ability of the first processing portion 231 and the third processing portion 233 for the processing roller 72 is easily maintained.

[0117] The support member 235 is supported by the frame portion 215 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 237 as a rotation center. A spring member 251 is disposed along the Y axis below the support member 235. An end of the spring member 251 in the -Y direction is fixed to the support member 235, and an end of the spring member 251 in the +Y direction is fixed to the frame portion 215.

[0118] The support member 235 is biased by the spring member 251 in the counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis 237. Therefore, the first processing section 231 is brought into contact with the processing roller 72 by the biasing force of the spring member 251.

[0119] The second processing unit 220 is disposed in the +Y direction and faces the direction along the Y axis with respect to the lower end of the support member 235. The cam member 223a and the cam member 223b (not shown) rotate under the control of the control unit 5 to switch between contact and separation of the first processing unit 231 with respect to the processing roller 72.

[0120] This allows the first processing unit 231 to be appropriately spaced from the processing roller 72. Compared to a case in which the first processing unit 231 is constantly in contact with the processing roller 72, the occurrence of wear and deformation of the cleaning layer 231a in the first processing unit 231 is suppressed. Note that the above-mentioned processing of the web W is performed while the first processing unit 231 is in contact with the processing roller 72.

[0121] Each of the cam members 223a and 223b has an asymmetric shape with respect to the shaft portion 221 which is the center of rotation, and has a protruding portion (not shown). When the first processing portion 231 is brought into contact with the processing roller 72, the protruding portion is positioned in a direction substantially opposite to the upper end portion of the support member 235, and the cam members 223a and 223b are spaced apart from the lower end portion of the support member 235.

[0122] When the first processing section 231 is separated from the processing roller 72, the shaft section 221 rotates and the protruding portion comes into contact with the upper end of the support member 235. Therefore, the protruding portion urges the upper end in the approximately -Y direction, and the support member 235 rotates a certain distance in the clockwise direction. This causes the posture of the support member 235 to change, and the first processing section 231 is separated from the processing roller 72.

[0123] The paper powder collecting unit 253 is disposed below the third processing unit 233 and the blade unit 241. The paper powder collecting unit 253 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top, and mainly collects and stores paper powder and the like that falls from the third processing unit 233 and the blade unit 241. The paper powder and the like stored in the paper powder collecting unit 253 can be removed by removing the paper powder collecting unit 253 from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0124] The configuration of the fourth processing section 244 of the cleaning section 42 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the cleaning sections 41 and 42 have the same basic configuration, although their layouts are different. Therefore, the cleaning section 42 will be described as a representative example, and a description of the fourth processing section 144 of the cleaning section 41 will be omitted.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 7, the fourth processing section 244 of the cleaning section 42 has a shaft section 244a, an arm section 244b, a striking section 244c, and a spring section 244d. Although not shown, the fourth processing section 244 also has a winding section and a lever section. The winding section is one of the multiple gears of the gear group 210 described above. Here, Fig. 7 shows a state in which the fourth processing section 244 is not performing a striking operation, which will be described later.

[0126] The shaft portion 244a extends along the X-axis and is supported by the frame portion 215 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the X-axis. An arm portion 244b and a spring portion 244d are fixed to the shaft portion 244a.

[0127] The arm portion 244b faces the fixed member 243 in the direction along the Y axis. A striking portion 244c is disposed at the upper end of the arm portion 244b.

[0128] Blade portion 241 is fixed to the upper end of fixed member 243 so as to protrude upward. Impact receiving portion 242 is provided in the +Y direction of blade portion 241. In other words, blade portion 241 is sandwiched between fixed member 243 and impact receiving portion 242. Impact receiving portion 242 is fixed to fixed member 243 at a position where it abuts against hitting portion 244c.

[0129] The hitting portion 244c is located at the upper end of the arm portion 244b, faces the -Y direction, and is disposed in contact with the impact receiving portion 242. In the hitting operation of the fourth processing portion 244, the hitting portion 244c moves away from the impact receiving portion 242 at an initial stage of the hitting operation by the fourth processing portion 244, and then hits and hits the impact receiving portion 242.

[0130] As a result, the impact of the impact of striking portion 244c is transmitted to blade portion 241 via impact receiving portion 242. The impact has the effect of knocking pieces of paper and the like adhering to blade portion 241 off of blade portion 241.

[0131] Since the impact is applied indirectly to the blade portion 241 by the impact receiving portion 242, damage or the like is less likely to occur in the blade portion 241. In addition, paper powder and the like adhering to the blade portion 241 is less likely to adhere to the striking portion 244c, and contamination of the striking portion 244c is suppressed.

[0132] The spring portion 244d is disposed so as to generate a biasing force with respect to the shaft portion 244a in a rotational direction with respect to the rotation axis of the shaft portion 244a. More specifically, the spring portion 244d is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and one end is fixed to the shaft portion 244a and the other end is fixed to the frame portion 215. As a result, the shaft portion 244a is biased counterclockwise in a side view from the -X direction, and the striking portion 244c is pressed against the impact receiving portion 242.

[0133] The configuration and operation of the gear group 210 and other components of the cleaning unit 42 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. The configuration and operation of the gear group 110 of the cleaning unit 41 are the same as those of the gear group 210. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the gear group 110 and other components of the cleaning unit 41 will not be described. Note that, in the description of Figures 8 and 10 to 12, a state viewed from the side from the -X direction will be described unless otherwise specified.

[0134] 8, the gear group 210 includes gears G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, and gears G14, G15, G16, G17 as the above-mentioned multiple gears. Gears G1 to G7, and gears G14 to G17 are arranged to mesh with each other in the above-mentioned order. Gear G1 is directly connected to the output shaft of the drive unit 542. Each gear of the gear group 210 rotates on a rotation axis along the X-axis.

[0135] The driving unit 542 rotates clockwise, which is a forward rotation, and counterclockwise, which is a reverse rotation, under the control of the control unit 5. The rotational driving force of the driving unit 542 is transmitted from the gear G1 to the gear G2. The gear G2 includes a gear (not shown) that meshes with the gear G3 in the +X direction of the gear that meshes with the gear G1. Therefore, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the gear G2 to the gear G3, and further transmitted from the gear G3 to the gear G4, the gear G5, the gear G6, and the gear G7 in sequence. The rotational driving force is also transmitted from the gear G3 to the gear G14, the gear G15, the gears G16 and G17 in sequence.

[0136] Although not shown, the -X direction end of the first processing section 231 is fixed to a gear G16, and the -X direction end of the third processing section 233 is fixed to a gear G17.

[0137] The gear G3 is an example of the power switching unit and the power switching device of the present invention. The gear G3 is interposed between the drive unit 542 and the first processing unit 231. The gear G3 is also interposed between the drive unit 542 and the second processing unit 220 (not shown).

[0138] The lever portion 244e of the fourth processing unit 244 is disposed in correspondence with the gear G5 which is a winding unit. The lever portion 244e comes into contact with and rides up a convex portion of the gear G5, which will be described later, and is thereby biased in the clockwise direction about the shaft portion 244a as the rotation axis.

[0139] 9, the gear G3 includes an input gear 301, a first gear 311, a second gear 312, and an input shaft 303. The input gear 301, the first gear 311, and the second gear 312 rotate around the input shaft 303 as a rotation axis. The rotation axis is along the X-axis. The input gear 301, the first gear 311, and the second gear 312 are arranged in the +X direction in the order of the first gear 311, the input gear 301, and the second gear 312.

[0140] The reference circle diameter of the input gear 301 is larger than the reference circle diameters of the first gear 311 and the second gear 312. The reference circle diameter of the first gear 311 and the reference circle diameter of the second gear 312 may be equal to or different from each other. The reference circle diameter of the input gear 301 is larger than the reference circle diameters of the first gear 311 and the second gear 312.

[0141] A driving force in a first rotation direction and a driving force in a second rotation direction can be input to the input gear 301 from the driving unit 542 via the above-mentioned gears G1 and G2. When viewed from the side in the -X direction, the first rotation direction is the clockwise direction, and the second rotation direction is the counterclockwise direction.

[0142] The input shaft 303 is directly connected to the input gear 301. Therefore, when the input gear 301 is driven by the drive unit 542 to rotate in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction, the input shaft 303 rotates in conjunction with the input gear 301 in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction.

[0143] The first gear 311 and the second gear 312 are provided with a one-way clutch. Therefore, the first gear 311 and the second gear 312 are selectively driven or stopped depending on the rotation direction of the input shaft 303.

[0144] Specifically, the one-way clutch of first gear 311 rotates first gear 311 in the first rotational direction only in response to the rotation of input shaft 303 in the first rotational direction. The one-way clutch of second gear 312 rotates second gear 312 in the second rotational direction only in response to the rotation of input shaft 303 in the second rotational direction. As a result, the driving force of drive unit 542 is selectively distributed by gear G3 according to the rotational direction of drive unit 542.

[0145] Known technologies such as a cam type, a sprag type, etc., can be used for the one-way clutch of the first gear 311 and the second gear 312. In this embodiment, a planetary gear type one-way clutch is used.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 10, when the driving unit 542 rotates forward, the gear G1 also rotates clockwise. The driving force of the rotation of the gear G1 rotates the gear G2 counterclockwise via the gear G2a. For the sake of convenience, the arrangement of the gears of the gear group 210 in the direction along the X-axis is different from the actual arrangement in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11.

[0147] The driving force of the rotation of gear G2 is transmitted from gear G2b to input gear 301 of gear G3, rotating input gear 301 in the first rotation direction, that is, clockwise. This causes input shaft 303 (not shown) to rotate in the first rotation direction as well. The driving force of the rotation of input shaft 303 in the first rotation direction rotates only first gear 311 in the first rotation direction.

[0148] As a result, the one-way clutch of the first gear 311 transmits only the rotational driving force in the first rotation direction from the input shaft 303 to the first processing unit 231 and the third processing unit 233. In addition, the second gear 312 (not shown) is in a free state and is not driven because the input shaft 303 rotates in the first rotation direction.

[0149] Gear G14 is disposed corresponding to the first gear 311. The rotational driving force of the first gear 311 is transmitted to gear G14, causing gear G14 to rotate counterclockwise. The rotational driving force of gear G14 is transmitted to gear G15a of gear G15, causing gear G15 to rotate clockwise. The rotational driving force of gear G15 is transmitted from gear G15b to gear G16 and gear G17.

[0150] As a result, the driving force in the first rotation direction input from the driving unit 542 to the input shaft 303 is output from the input shaft 303 to the first processing unit 231 and the third processing unit 233 via the first gear 311. As a result, the first processing unit 231 and the third processing unit 233 each rotate counterclockwise.

[0151] 11, when the driving unit 542 rotates in the reverse direction, the gear G1 also rotates counterclockwise. The driving force of the rotation of the gear G1 rotates the gear G2 clockwise via the gear G2a.

[0152] The driving force of the rotation of the gear G2 is transmitted from the gear G2b to the input gear 301 of the gear G3, rotating the input gear 301 in the second rotation direction, that is, counterclockwise. This causes the input shaft 303 (not shown) to rotate in the second rotation direction as well. The driving force of the rotation of the input shaft 303 in the second rotation direction rotates only the second gear 312.

[0153] As a result, the one-way clutch of the second gear 312 transmits only the rotational driving force from the input shaft 303 in the second rotational direction to the second processing section 220 and the fourth processing section 244. In addition, the first gear 311 (not shown) is in a free state and is not driven because the input shaft 303 rotates in the second rotational direction.

[0154] The gear G4 is disposed corresponding to the second gear 312. The rotational driving force of the second gear 312 is transmitted to the gear G4, causing the gear G4 to rotate clockwise. The rotational driving force of the gear G4 is transmitted to the gear G5, causing the gear G5 to rotate counterclockwise. The rotational driving force of the gear G5 operates the fourth processing unit 244 via the lever portion 244e. The impact operation caused by the operation of the fourth processing unit 244 will be described later.

[0155] The rotational driving force of gear G5 is transmitted to gear G6 to rotate the gear G6 clockwise, and the rotational driving force of gear G6 is transmitted to gear G7 to rotate the gear G7 counterclockwise.

[0156] As a result, the rotational driving force in the second rotation direction input from the drive unit 542 to the input shaft 303 is output from the input shaft 303 to the second processing unit 220 and the fourth processing unit 244 via the second gear 312. The rotational driving force transmitted to the gear G7 rotates the shaft unit 221 and the cam members 223a and 223b of the second processing unit 220 counterclockwise. The operation of the second processing unit 220 will be described later.

[0157] 12, the gear G5 has a protrusion G5a. The protrusion G5a is disposed in the -X direction of the gear G5. When viewed from the -X direction, the protrusion G5a protrudes in the radial direction of the gear G5 from the rotation axis of the gear G5.

[0158] In a plan view from above, the convex portion G5a is in a position where it intersects with and comes into contact with the tip of the lever portion 244e when the gear G5 rotates. When the gear G5 rotates counterclockwise, the tip of the lever portion 244e rides up on the convex portion G5a. This biases the lever portion 244e in a clockwise direction, and a rotational force in the clockwise direction acts on the shaft portion 244a. In other words, the gear G5 applies a compressive force to the spring portion 244d via the lever portion 244e.

[0159] Although a counterclockwise biasing force is applied to the shaft portion 244a by the spring portion 244d, the compressive force is stronger than the biasing force, so that the shaft portion 244a and the arm portion 244b rotate clockwise, and the striking portion 244c moves away from the impact force receiving portion 242.

[0160] Although not shown, when the gear G5 further rotates counterclockwise, the protrusion G5a and the tip of the lever portion 244e are separated. This eliminates the rotational force acting on the lever portion 244e and the shaft portion 244a by the protrusion G5a. Then, at the moment when the protrusion G5a and the lever portion 244e are separated, the shaft portion 244a quickly rotates counterclockwise due to the repulsive force of the spring portion 244d against the above-mentioned compression force. This causes the striking portion 244c to strike the impact receiving portion 242 and apply an impact to the blade portion 241. The above is the principle of the striking operation by the fourth processing portion 244.

[0161] The cleaning function of cleaning unit 42 will be described with reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 18. Cleaning units 41 and 42 have the same cleaning function, although they are arranged differently. Therefore, cleaning unit 42 will be described as a representative example, and a description of the cleaning function of cleaning unit 41 will be omitted. Note that in the description of Fig. 13 to Fig. 18, a state viewed from the side from the -X direction will be described unless otherwise specified.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 13, paper powder D may adhere to the side surface of the treatment roller 72 from the web W described above during operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0163] The cleaning layer 231a of the first processing section 231 abuts against the side surface of the processing roller 72. While the first processing section 231 abuts against the processing roller 72, the processing roller 72, the first processing section 231, and the third processing section 233 rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the cleaning layer 231a of the first processing section 231 is pressed against the side surface of the processing roller 72 by the biasing force of the spring member 251.

[0164] 14, the paper powder D adhering to the side surface of the processing roller 72 reaches the area where the processing roller 72 and the cleaning layer 231a come into contact with each other as the processing roller 72 rotates. Then, the first processing unit 231 comes into contact with the processing roller 72 while rotating, thereby cleaning the side surface of the processing roller 72. That is, the paper powder D adhering to the side surface of the processing roller 72 is caught up in the cleaning layer 231a and transferred to the first processing unit 231.

[0165] 15, the paper powder D transferred to the cleaning layer 231a is caught by the bristles of the surface layer 233a of the third processing section 233 and transferred to the third processing section 233. This cleans the cleaning layer 231a of the first processing section 231, and the cleaning ability of the first processing section 231 is maintained.

[0166] 16, the paper powder D transferred to the surface layer 233a of the third processing section 233 is scraped off by the blade portion 241 as the third processing section 233 rotates. This cleans the surface layer 233a of the third processing section 233, and the cleaning ability of the third processing section 233 for the first processing section 231 is maintained.

[0167] Here, if the amount of paper powder D adhering to the blade portion 241 increases, the cleaning ability of the blade portion 241 for the third processing section 233 decreases, and in turn the cleaning ability of the third processing section 233 to the first processing section 231 also decreases, which may result in a decrease in the cleanliness of the processing roller 72. In response to this, the paper powder D adhering to the blade portion 241 is removed by the impact of the striking operation described above, restoring the cleaning ability of the blade portion 241 and further restoring the cleaning ability of the third processing section 233.

[0168] That is, as shown in Fig. 17, the gear G5 is rotated to rotate the shaft portion 244a and the arm portion 244b clockwise by a certain distance. As a result, the striking portion 244c moves away from the impact receiving portion 242. Then, the gear G5 is further rotated, and as shown in Fig. 18, the shaft portion 244a and the arm portion 244b are instantly rotated counterclockwise by the repulsive force of the spring portion 244d. Therefore, the striking portion 244c strikes the impact receiving portion 242, and an impact is applied to the blade portion 241. As a result, the paper powder D adhering to the blade portion 241 falls and is collected in the paper powder collecting portion 253 (not shown).

[0169] As a result, the cleaning ability of the cleaning unit 42 for cleaning the processing roller 72 is maintained. As described above, the function of the cleaning unit 41 is the same as that of the cleaning unit 42. Therefore, like the cleaning unit 42, the cleaning ability of the cleaning unit 41 for cleaning the processing roller 71 is also maintained.

[0170] 17 and 18, the impact operation of the fourth processing section 244 is performed in a state where the processing roller 72 and the first processing section 231 are in contact with each other, but is not limited to this. It is preferable that the above-mentioned control section 5 applies an impact from the fourth processing section 244 to the blade section 241 while the first processing section 231 is separated from the processing roller 72.

[0171] The functions of the second processing units 120 and 220 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. In the description of Figures 19 and 20, unless otherwise specified, a state viewed from the side from the -X direction will be described.

[0172] To separate the first processing section 231 from the processing roller 72, the second processing section 220 is operated. Specifically, the posture of the support member 235 is changed by the second processing section 220 from the state shown in FIG. 6 described above, as shown in FIG. 19. More specifically, the shaft section 221 is rotated to bring the protruding portion of the cam member 223a into contact with the lower end of the support member 235 from the +Y direction. Although not shown, the cam member 223b works in conjunction with the cam member 223a and comes into contact with the lower end of the support member 235 corresponding to the cam member 223b from the +Y direction.

[0173] At this time, the lower ends of the support member 235 are biased substantially in the -Y direction by the contact of the cam members 223a and 223b. This biasing force is greater than the biasing force of the spring member 251. Therefore, the support member 235 rotates a certain distance in the clockwise direction around the rotation shaft 237. Then, the first processing section 231 moves away from the processing roller 72.

[0174] According to this, while processing of the web W is in progress, no impact is applied from the fourth processing section 244 to the blade section 241. Therefore, the impact applied to the fourth processing section 244 and vibrations such as the reaction force of the impact are not propagated to the processing roller 72, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in quality, such as thickness, of the belt-shaped sheet P1 formed from the web W.

[0175] Also in the cleaning unit 41, for the same reason, it is preferable that an impact is applied from the fourth processing unit 144 to the blade unit 141 while the first processing unit 131 is separated from the processing roller 71.

[0176] To separate the first processing section 131 from the processing roller 71, the second processing section 120 is operated. Specifically, the posture of the support member 135 is changed by the second processing section 120 from the state shown in FIG. 4 described above, as shown in FIG. 20. More specifically, the shaft section 121 is rotated to bring the protruding portion of the cam member 123a into contact with the upper end of the support member 135 from the +Y direction. Although not shown, the cam member 123b works in conjunction with the cam member 123a and comes into contact with the upper end of the support member 135 corresponding to the cam member 123b from the +Y direction.

[0177] At this time, the upper ends of the support member 135 are biased substantially in the +Y direction by the contact of the cam members 123a and 123b. This biasing force is greater than the biasing force of the spring member 151. Therefore, the support member 135 rotates a certain distance in the clockwise direction around the rotation shaft 137. Then, the first processing section 131 moves away from the processing roller 71.

[0178] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0179] It is possible to suppress an increase in cost and facilitate miniaturization while providing the second processing unit 220 that separates the first processing unit 231 from the processing roller 72. In particular, by rotating the driving unit 542 forward and backward, the driving force of the driving unit 542 is distributed to the first processing unit 231 and the second processing unit 220 by the gear G3, which is a power switching unit. Therefore, it is possible to drive the single driving unit 542 to clean the processing roller 72 and to separate the first processing unit 231 from the processing roller 72.

[0180] Similarly to the above, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and facilitate miniaturization while providing the second processing unit 120 that separates the first processing unit 131 from the processing roller 71. In detail, by rotating the driving unit 541 forward and backward, the driving force of the driving unit 541 is distributed to the first processing unit 131 and the second processing unit 120 by the gear G3, which is a power switching unit. Therefore, it is possible to drive the single driving unit 541 to clean the processing roller 71 and to separate the first processing unit 131 from the processing roller 71.

[0181] From the above, it is possible to provide a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 that includes the second processing units 120 and 220, suppresses an increase in cost, and is easily miniaturized.

[0182] Depending on the rotation direction of the driving force input to the input gear 301, the driving force is selectively transmitted to the first gear 311 and the second gear 312. That is, it is possible to drive either the first gear 311 or the second gear 312 by rotating the output shaft of the driving force source forward and backward. This eliminates the need to add a driving force source, making it easier to suppress cost increases and to miniaturize the device to which the power switching device is applied. Therefore, it is possible to provide a power switching device that suppresses cost increases and contributes to miniaturization. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1...sheet manufacturing apparatus, 5...control section, 71,72...processing roller, 120,220...second processing section, 131,231...first processing section, 133,233...third processing section, 141,241...blade section, 144,244...fourth processing section, 301...input gear, 303...input shaft, 311...first gear, 312...second gear, 541,542...drive section, G3...power switching section or gear as power switching device, W...web.

Claims

1. A treatment roller for treating the fibrous web; a first processing section that contacts and cleans the processing roller; a second processing section that separates the first processing section from the processing roller; A drive unit that drives the first processing unit and the second processing unit; a power switching unit interposed between the drive unit and the first processing unit and the second processing unit, The power switching unit is an input gear to which a driving force in a first rotation direction and a driving force in a second rotation direction can be input from the drive unit; an input shaft that rotates in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction in conjunction with the input gear; a first gear and a second gear having the input shaft as a rotation shaft, The driving force in the first rotation direction is output from the input shaft to the first processing unit via the first gear, The sheet manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the driving force in the second rotation direction is output from the input shaft to the second processing section via the second gear.

2. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit for controlling a rotation direction of the drive unit.

3. the first gear and the second gear include a one-way clutch; the one-way clutch of the first gear transmits only the driving force in the first rotation direction from the input shaft to the first processing unit, The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the one-way clutch of the second gear transmits only the driving force in the second rotation direction from the input shaft to the second processing section.

4. a third treatment section for cleaning the first treatment section; The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the driving force in the first rotation direction is also output from the input shaft to the third processing section via the first gear.

5. A blade unit that cleans the third processing unit; A fourth processing section that cleans the blade section, The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the driving force in the second rotation direction is also output from the input shaft to the fourth processing section via the second gear.

6. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first processing section rotates in the same direction as the processing roller while contacting the processing roller, thereby cleaning the processing roller.

7. an input gear to which a driving force in a first rotation direction and a driving force in a second rotation direction can be input; an input shaft that rotates in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction in conjunction with the input gear; a first gear and a second gear having the input shaft as a rotation shaft, the first gear and the second gear include a one-way clutch; the one-way clutch of the first gear transmits only the driving force in the first rotational direction from the input shaft, A power switching device, characterized in that the one-way clutch of the second gear transmits only the driving force in the second rotational direction from the input shaft.

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