Method of managing waste paper recycling information and waste paper recycling system

The waste paper recycling system addresses the need to quantify environmental contributions by using a management server and recycling device to track and notify users of their recycling efforts, thereby enhancing user engagement in environmental activities.

JP2025088079APending Publication Date: 2025-06-11SEIKO EPSON CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023202529
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-30
Publication Date
2025-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional sheet manufacturing systems lack a mechanism to quantify the environmental contribution of users through waste paper recycling, which is increasingly important with growing social environmental awareness and the development of systems like carbon credit systems.

Method used

A waste paper recycling system that includes a management server, a waste paper recycling device, and a shredder. The shredder measures the amount of paper pieces generated during shredding and transmits this information to the management server. The waste paper recycling device regenerates the shredded paper into sheets and measures the generation amount, which is also transmitted to the management server. The management server generates user notification information based on this data and transmits it to users.

Benefits of technology

Enables users to quantitatively understand their environmental contribution through waste paper recycling, promoting participation in environmental improvement activities and motivating users to engage more actively in recycling efforts.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To allow a user to quantitatively grasp how much the user contributes to an environment through recycling of waste paper.SOLUTION: A method of managing waste paper recycling information is a method in a waste paper recycling system that includes a management server, a waste paper recycling apparatus, and a shredder. The shredder measures the amount of paper fragments produced when shredding waste paper, and transmits the paper fragment amount to the management server. The waste paper recycling apparatus recycles the paper fragments produced by the shredder into sheets, measures the amount of the sheets produced through the recycling, and transmits the amount of the produced sheets to the management server. The management server receives the paper fragment amount and the produced amount, generates, on the basis of at least one of the paper fragment amount or the produced amount, user notification information, and transmits the user notification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for managing waste paper recycling information and a waste paper recycling system.

Background Art

[0002] A sheet manufacturing system for recycling waste paper is known. The sheet manufacturing system described in Patent Document 1 includes a first device, a second device, and an analysis server. The first device is a crushing and defibering device that performs crushing and the like on waste paper. The second device is a sheet manufacturing device that manufactures sheets. The analysis server collects and stores information on the operation history of the first device and the second device. The administrator of the analysis server determines whether the arrangement of the first device and the second device is appropriate based on the information collected by the analysis server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, with the improvement of social environmental awareness and the progress of the construction of systems related to environmental activities such as the carbon credit system, there has been a need to quantitatively grasp the extent to which users contribute to the environment through waste paper recycling. However, the conventional sheet manufacturing system does not have a mechanism that can provide a solution to such needs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The method for managing waste paper recycling information of the present disclosure is a method for managing waste paper recycling information in a waste paper recycling system including a management server, a waste paper recycling device, and a shredder. The shredder measures the amount of paper pieces generated when shredding waste paper, transmits the amount of paper pieces to the management server, the waste paper recycling device regenerates the paper pieces generated by the shredder into sheets, measures the generation amount of the regenerated sheets, and transmits the generation amount of the sheets to the management server. The management server receives the amount of paper pieces and the generation amount, generates user notification information based on at least one of the amount of paper pieces and the generation amount, and transmits the user notification information.

[0006] The waste paper recycling system of the present disclosure is a waste paper recycling system including a management server, a waste paper recycling device communicatively connected to the management server via a network, and a shredder connected to the management server via the network. The shredder includes a shredding unit that shreds waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces, a weighing sensor that measures the amount of the plurality of paper pieces, and a first communication unit that transmits the amount of paper pieces to the management server. The waste paper recycling device includes a papermaking unit that regenerates the plurality of paper pieces generated by the shredder into sheets, a counter that measures the generation amount of the sheets, and a second communication unit that transmits the generation amount to the management server. The management server includes a third communication unit that receives the amount of paper pieces and the generation amount, and a control unit that generates user notification information based on at least one of the amount of paper pieces and the generation amount. The third communication unit transmits the user notification information to at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a waste paper recycling system 1. The waste paper recycling system 1 includes a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, a waste paper shredder 200, and a waste paper recycling management server 300. The waste paper recycling system 1 may include a terminal device 400. The waste paper recycling system 1 may include a plurality of sheet manufacturing apparatuses 100, a plurality of waste paper shredders 200, and a plurality of terminal devices 400. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the waste paper shredder 200, the waste paper recycling management server 300, and the terminal device 400 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication network NW. The communication network NW corresponds to an example of a network.

[0009] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the waste paper shredder 200 included in the waste paper recycling system 1 are, as an example, distributed and arranged in a plurality of companies. The waste paper recycling management server 300 is managed by an administrator of the waste paper recycling system 1. The terminal device 400 is arranged in the company where the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is arranged and the company where the waste paper shredder 200 is arranged.

[0010] The waste paper recycling system 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows, as an example, a system composed of a plurality of companies. The plurality of companies includes a first company A1, a second company A2, and a third company A3. The first company A1 owns a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and a first terminal device 400a. The second company A2 owns a first waste paper shredder 200a and a second terminal device 400b. The third company A3 owns a second waste paper shredder 200b and a third waste paper shredder 200c. The first waste paper shredder 200a, the second waste paper shredder 200b, and the third waste paper shredder 200c are included in the plurality of waste paper shredders 200. The first terminal device 400a and the second terminal device 400b are included in the plurality of terminal devices 400.

[0011] The waste paper recycling system 1 shown in FIG. 1 functions by the participation of the first company A1, the second company A2, the third company A3, and the administrator. The first company A1, the second company A2, the third company A3, and the administrator carry out environmental improvement activities using the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0012] The parties involved in the environmental improvement activities using the waste paper recycling system 1 are not limited to three companies. The environmental improvement activities are carried out by one or more companies. The parties involved in the environmental improvement activities using the waste paper recycling system 1 are not limited to companies. The parties involved in the environmental improvement activities may be schools, government offices, or a combination of schools, government offices, and companies. Each device included in the waste paper recycling system 1 may be distributed among a plurality of scattered offices and workplaces within one company. The parties involved in the environmental improvement activities using the waste paper recycling system 1 are set as appropriate.

[0013] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 regenerates the sheet P using the paper pieces C as raw materials. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 regenerates the paper pieces C into the sheet P by manufacturing the sheet P using the paper pieces C generated by the waste paper shredder 200. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is communicatively connected to the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 corresponds to an example of a waste paper recycling apparatus.

[0014] The waste paper shredder 200 shreds waste paper. The waste paper shredder 200 generates a plurality of paper pieces C by shredding the waste paper. The generated paper pieces C are collected in the collection bag G. The waste paper shredder 200 is communicatively connected to the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The waste paper shredder 200 corresponds to an example of a shredder.

[0015] The first waste paper shredder 200a, the second waste paper shredder 200b, and the third waste paper shredder 200c included in the plurality of waste paper shredders 200 shred waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces C. The first waste paper shredder 200a, the second waste paper shredder 200b, and the third waste paper shredder 200c may have the same shredding mechanism or may have different shredding mechanisms. The structure of the first waste paper shredder 200a, the second waste paper shredder 200b, and the third waste paper shredder 200c is not limited as long as they are configured to be able to transmit various information to the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The various information includes the amount of paper pieces C generated by the waste paper shredder 200.

[0016] The waste paper recycling management server 300 performs various data processes. The waste paper recycling management server 300 is communicatively connected to the waste paper shredder 200 and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via the communication network NW. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives various information from the waste paper shredder 200 and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The waste paper recycling management server 300 may be communicatively connected to the terminal device 400 via the communication network NW. The waste paper recycling management server 300 performs analysis using the various information. The waste paper recycling management server 300 generates environment-related information as an analysis result. The environment-related information will be described later. The waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the analysis result to the waste paper shredder 200 and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The waste paper recycling management server 300 may transmit the analysis result to the terminal device 400. The waste paper recycling management server 300 corresponds to an example of a management server.

[0017] The used paper recycling management server 300 manages various information received from the used paper shredder 200 and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The used paper recycling management server 300 manages the analysis results obtained by performing analysis using the various information. The used paper recycling management server 300 manages the various information and the analysis results as system-related information. The system-related information includes environment-related information. The used paper recycling system 1 is managed based on the system-related information. The used paper recycling management server 300 performs storage, processing, distribution, deletion, etc. of various management data included in the system-related information.

[0018] The terminal device 400 displays various information. The terminal device 400 is composed of a notebook personal computer, a desktop personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The terminal device 400 displays various information when an application is executed. The application may be a web application operating on a web browser or a dedicated application. The terminal device 400 notifies various information to users of the used paper shredder 200, users of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, etc. by displaying the various information. The terminal device 400 corresponds to an example of a communication terminal.

[0019] The first terminal device 400a and the second terminal device 400b included in the plurality of terminal devices 400 each display various information. In the first terminal device 400a and the second terminal device 400b, the same application operates to display the various information. The same information or different information may be displayed on the first terminal device 400a and the second terminal device 400b, respectively.

[0020] The collection bag G can transportably store a plurality of pieces of paper C generated by the waste paper shredder 200. The collection bag G stores the amount of pieces of paper C measured by the mass sensor 229 provided in the waste paper shredder 200. The mass sensor 229 will be described later. The user of the waste paper shredder 200 may transfer the plurality of pieces of paper C generated by the waste paper shredder 200 from the storage box 223 to the collection bag G. The user of the waste paper shredder 200 may directly store the plurality of pieces of paper C in the collection bag G in the waste paper shredder 200 by attaching the collection bag G to the storage box 223. The collection bag G containing the plurality of pieces of paper C is transported by the carrier B.

[0021] The carrier B transports the collection bag G containing the plurality of pieces of paper C to the first company A1. The first company A1 owns the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. In the waste paper recycling system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the first carrier B1 and the second carrier B2 each transport the collection bag G to the first company A1. The first carrier B1 transports the collection bag G of the second company A2 to the first company A1. The second carrier B2 transports the collection bag G of the third company A3 to the first company A1. The first company A1 acquires the collection bag G of the second company A2 via the first carrier B1. The first company A1 acquires the collection bag G of the third company A3 via the second carrier B2. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first company A1 regenerates the sheet P using the plurality of pieces of paper C stored in the acquired collection bag G.

[0022] In the waste paper recycling system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the first carrier B1 and the second carrier B2 transport the collection bag G to the first company A1, but it is not limited to this. The first carrier B1 or the second carrier B2 may transport the collection bag G of the second company A2 and the collection bag G of the third company A3 to the first company A1. The transportation form of the collection bag G is set as appropriate.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 regenerates pieces of paper C such as waste paper into sheets in a dry method. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is not limited to being dry and may be wet. Here, the dry method is a method of regenerating the sheet without performing the regeneration of the sheet P in a liquid and performing the regeneration of the sheet in the air such as the atmosphere.

[0024] Figure 2 shows coordinate axes orthogonal to each other as the X1 axis, Y1 axis, and Z1 axis, respectively. The direction pointed by the arrow corresponding to each axis is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is the - direction. The Z1 axis is a virtual axis along the vertical direction, where the +Z1 direction indicates upward and the -Z1 direction indicates downward. The -Z1 direction is the direction in which gravity acts. Inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the front in the conveyance direction of raw materials, web W, and sheet P, etc. may be indicated as downstream, and the front in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction may be indicated as upstream. For the sake of illustration, the sizes of each member are different from the actual ones.

[0025] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a first unit group 101, a second unit group 102, and a third unit group 103. The first unit group 101, the second unit group 102, and the third unit group 103 are supported by a frame (not shown). Figure 2 shows the direction in which the piece of paper C, sheet P, slit piece S, and unnecessary end materials, etc. move with white arrows.

[0026] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 regenerates the sheet P from the piece of paper C. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, when viewed from the side in the -X1 direction, the first unit group 101, the third unit group 103, and the second unit group 102 are arranged from the -Y1 direction toward the +Y1 direction.

[0027] The piece of paper C is conveyed from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 through the first pipe 21 that crosses inside the third unit group 103. The piece of paper C is defibrated, etc. in the second unit group 102 to become fibers and then becomes a mixture containing a binder, etc. The mixture is conveyed to the third unit group 103 through the third pipe 24. The mixture is formed into the web W in the third unit group 103 and then formed into the belt-like sheet P. The belt-like sheet P is cut in the first unit group 101 to become the sheet P.

[0028] The first unit group 101 includes a buffer tank 13, a metering supply unit 15, a confluence unit 17, and a first pipe 21. In the first unit group 101, the buffer tank 13, the metering supply unit 15, the confluence unit 17, and the first pipe 21 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream. The first unit group 101 includes a first cutting unit 81, a second cutting unit 82, a tray 91, and a crushing unit 95. The first cutting unit 81 and the second cutting unit 82 cut the strip-shaped sheet P into a sheet P with a predetermined shape. The first unit group 101 further includes a water supply unit 67. The water supply unit 67 is configured as a water storage tank as an example. The water supply unit 67 supplies humidifying water to each of a first humidifying unit 65 and a second humidifying unit 66 described later through a water supply pipe (not shown).

[0029] The paper pieces C are put into the buffer tank 13 from the raw material inlet 11. The paper pieces C contain fibers such as cellulose and are, for example, shredded waste paper pieces. Humidified air is supplied into the buffer tank 13 from the second humidifying unit 66 provided in the third unit group 103.

[0030] The paper pieces C to be defibrated are temporarily stored in the buffer tank 13 and then conveyed to the metering supply unit 15 according to the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 may be provided with a shredding mechanism for shredding the paper pieces C and the like upstream of the buffer tank 13.

[0031] The metering supply unit 15 includes a weighing device 15a and a supply mechanism (not shown). The weighing device 15a weighs the mass of the paper pieces C. The supply mechanism supplies the paper pieces C weighed by the weighing device 15a to the downstream confluence unit 17. The metering supply unit 15 weighs the paper pieces C to a predetermined mass by the weighing device 15a and supplies the paper pieces C of the predetermined mass to the downstream confluence unit 17 by the supply mechanism.

[0032] Digital and analog weighing mechanisms are applicable to the weighing device 15a. As the weighing device 15a, physical sensors such as load cells, spring scales, and balances are used. It is preferable that a load cell is used as the weighing device 15a. The predetermined mass at which the weighing device 15a weighs the paper pieces C is, for example, about several grams to several tens of grams.

[0033] Known technologies such as a vibratory feeder can be applied to the supply mechanism. The supply mechanism may be a configuration included in the meter 15a.

[0034] The weighing and supply of the paper pieces C in the metering supply unit 15 are batch processes. The supply of the paper pieces C from the metering supply unit 15 to the confluence unit 17 is carried out intermittently. The metering supply unit 15 may have a plurality of meters 15a. When the plurality of meters 15a operate with a predetermined time difference, the weighing efficiency is improved.

[0035] In the confluence unit 17, the shredded pieces of the slit pieces S supplied from the crushing unit 95 are confluent and mixed with the paper pieces C supplied from the metering supply unit 15. The slit pieces S and the crushing unit 95 will be described later. The paper pieces C mixed with the shredded pieces flow from the confluence unit 17 into the first pipe 21.

[0036] The first pipe 21 conveys the paper pieces C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by an air flow generated by a blower (not shown).

[0037] The second unit group 102 includes a defibrating unit 31 which is a dry defibrator, a separating unit 32, a second pipe 23, a mixing unit 33, and a third pipe 24. In the second unit group 102, the defibrating unit 31, the separating unit 32, the second pipe 23, the mixing unit 33, and the third pipe 24 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream. The second unit group 102 has a fourth pipe 25 connected to the separating unit 32, a recovery unit 35, a compressor 38, and a power supply unit 39.

[0038] The paper pieces C conveyed through the first pipe 21 flow into the defibrating unit 31. The defibrating unit 31 dry-defibrates the paper pieces C supplied from the metering supply unit 15 into fibers. Known defibrating mechanisms can be applied to the defibrating unit 31.

[0039] The fiber disintegrating unit 31 includes, for example, 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. The paper piece C is sandwiched between the inner surface of the stator and the rotor. The paper piece C is disintegrated by the shearing force generated between the inner surface of the stator and the rotor. In the fiber disintegrating unit 31, the entangled fibers contained in the paper piece C are unraveled. The fibers contained in the paper piece C are conveyed to the separating unit 32.

[0040] The separating unit 32 separates the disintegrated fibers. The separating unit 32 removes components unnecessary for the production of the sheet P from the fibers. The separating unit 32 separates the fibers into relatively long fibers and relatively short fibers. The relatively short fibers may cause a decrease in the strength of the sheet P. The separating unit 32 separates and removes the relatively short fibers. The separating unit 32 separates and removes colorants, additives, etc. contained in the paper piece C. Known techniques such as the disk mesh method can be applied to the separating unit 32.

[0041] Inside the separating unit 32, air humidified by the second humidifying unit 66 of the third unit group 103 is supplied.

[0042] The fibers from which relatively short fibers etc. have been removed are conveyed to the mixing unit 33 via the second pipe 23. Unnecessary components such as relatively short fibers and colorants are discharged to the recovery unit 35 via the fourth pipe 25.

[0043] The mixing unit 33 mixes a binder etc. with the fibers in the air to generate a mixture. The mixing unit 33 includes a flow path through which the fibers are conveyed, a fan, a hopper, a supply pipe, and a valve. The flow path, fan, hopper, supply pipe, and valve are not shown.

[0044] The hopper communicates with the flow path of the fibers via the supply pipe. The 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. The mixing ratio of the fibers and the binder is adjusted by the valve.

[0045] The mixing unit 33 may be configured to supply materials other than the binder. As an example, the mixing unit 33 is provided with a configuration for supplying a coloring material, an additive, or the like.

[0046] The fan of the mixing unit 33 generates an air flow. Due to the air flow generated by the fan, the mixing unit 33 mixes the binder and the like in the air while transporting the fibers downstream to generate a mixture. The mixture flows from the mixing unit 33 into the third pipe 24.

[0047] The recovery unit 35 includes a filter (not shown). The filter filters out unnecessary components such as relatively short fibers transported by the air flow in the fourth pipe 25.

[0048] The compressor 38 generates compressed air. In the filter of the recovery unit 35, clogging may occur due to fine particles or the like among the unnecessary components. It is possible to blow the compressed air generated by the compressor 38 onto the filter to blow off the attached particles and clean the filter.

[0049] The power supply unit 39 includes a power supply device that supplies power to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The power supply device is not shown. The power supply unit 39 distributes the power supplied from the outside to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0050] The third unit group 103 deposits and compresses a mixture containing fibers generated from the paper pieces C, and regenerates it into a belt-shaped sheet P that is recycled paper. The third unit group 103 includes a deposition unit 50, a first transport unit 61, a second transport unit 62, a first humidifying unit 65, a second humidifying unit 66, a drainage unit 68, a forming unit 70, and a cleaning device 40. The third unit group 103 corresponds to an example of a papermaking unit.

[0051] In the third unit group 103, the deposition unit 50, the first transport unit 61, the second transport unit 62, the first humidifying unit 65, the forming unit 70, and the cleaning device 40 are arranged in order from upstream to downstream. The second humidifying unit 66 is arranged below the first humidifying unit 65.

[0052] The depositing section 50 deposits a mixture containing the separated fibers in the air to generate a web W. The depositing section 50 includes a drum member 53, a blade member 55 installed inside the drum member 53, a housing 51 that houses the drum member 53, and a suction section 59. The mixture is taken into the inside of the drum member 53 from the third pipe 24.

[0053] Below the depositing section 50, a first conveying section 61 is arranged. The first conveying section 61 has a mesh belt 61a and five tensioning rollers that tension the mesh belt 61a. The suction section 59 faces the drum member 53 across the mesh belt 61a along the Z1 axis.

[0054] The blade member 55 is arranged inside the drum member 53. The blade member 55 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The drum member 53 is a semi-cylindrical sieve. A net having the function of a sieve is provided on the lower surface of the drum member 53. The drum member 53 allows particles such as fibers and mixtures smaller than the mesh size of the sieve net to pass from the inside to the outside of the drum member 53.

[0055] The mixture is agitated by the blade member 55 rotating inside the drum member 53 and is discharged to the outside of the drum member 53. Humidified air from the second humidifying section 66 is supplied to the inside of the drum member 53.

[0056] The suction section 59 is arranged below the drum member 53. The suction section 59 sucks the air 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 make it difficult for fibers, binders, etc. contained in the mixture to pass through. The mixture discharged to the outside of the drum member 53 is sucked downward together with the air. The suction section 59 is a known suction device such as a blower.

[0057] The mixture is dispersed in the air inside the housing 51 and deposited on the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a by gravity and the suction of the suction section 59. When the mixture is deposited on the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a, the web W is formed.

[0058] The mesh belt 61a is an endless belt. The mesh belt 61a is stretched by five stretching rollers. The mesh belt 61a rotates counterclockwise in a plan view from the -X1 direction due to the rotation of the stretching rollers. A mixture continuously accumulates on the mesh belt 61a, and the web W is formed. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and swollen. The first conveying unit 61 conveys the formed web W downstream by the rotation of the mesh belt 61a.

[0059] The second conveying unit 62 conveys the web W downstream of the first conveying unit 61, replacing the first conveying unit 61. The second conveying unit 62 peels the web W from the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a. The second conveying unit 62 conveys the peeled web W toward the forming unit 70. The second conveying unit 62 is disposed upstream of the -Y1 direction end of the mesh belt 61a above the conveying path of the web W. The second conveying unit 62 and the mesh belt 61a are arranged to partially overlap along the Z1 axis.

[0060] The second conveying unit 62 has a transport belt (not shown), a plurality of rollers, and a suction mechanism. The transport belt is provided with a plurality of holes through which air passes. The transport belt is stretched by a plurality of rollers and rotates by the rotation of the rollers.

[0061] The second conveying unit 62 sucks the upper surface of the web W to the lower surface of the transport belt by the negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism. By rotating the transport belt while the web W is adsorbed, the web W is conveyed downstream.

[0062] The first humidifying unit 65 humidifies the web W containing fibers deposited in the deposition unit 50 of the third unit group 103. The first humidifying unit 65 is, for example, a mist-type humidifier. The first humidifying unit 65 supplies mist M from below to the web W conveyed by the second conveying unit 62 for humidification. The first humidifying unit 65 is disposed below the second conveying unit 62. The first humidifying unit 65 faces the web W conveyed by the second conveying unit 62. A known humidifying device such as an ultrasonic type can be applied to the first humidifying unit 65.

[0063] When the web W is humidified with the mist M, the function as a binder for starch is promoted. The strength of the sheet P is improved. Since the first humidifying unit 65 humidifies the web W from below, the droplets derived from the mist M are prevented from falling onto the web W. Since the first humidifying unit 65 humidifies the web W from the opposite side of the contact surface between the transport belt and the web W, the adhesion of the web W to the transport belt is reduced. The second conveying unit 62 conveys the web W to the forming unit 70.

[0064] The forming unit 70 forms the web W containing fibers into a belt-shaped sheet P by heating and pressing. The forming unit 70 has a first forming roller 71 and a second forming roller 72. Each of the first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72 incorporates an electric heater. Each of the first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72 can raise the temperature of the roller surface.

[0065] The first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72 are substantially columnar members. The rotation axes of the first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72 are arranged along the X1 axis. The first forming roller 71 is disposed above the conveyance path of the web W. The second forming roller 72 is disposed below the conveyance path of the web W. A gap corresponding to the thickness of the sheet P to be manufactured is provided between the first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72.

[0066] The first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72 are rotationally driven by a forming roller drive motor (not shown). The web W is sandwiched between the first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72 and is fed downstream while being heated and pressed. The web W continuously passes through the forming section 70 and is press-formed while being heated. By using the first forming roller 71 and the second forming roller 72, the heating and pressing of the web W are efficiently performed.

[0067] By passing through the forming section 70, the web W is formed from a relatively soft state containing a large amount of air into a belt-shaped sheet P in a state where the enclosed air is reduced. The fibers within the belt-shaped sheet P are bonded to each other by a binder. The belt-shaped sheet P is conveyed to the first unit group 101 by a conveying roller (not shown).

[0068] The cleaning device 40 includes a first cleaning device 41 corresponding to the first forming roller 71 and a second cleaning device 42 corresponding to the second forming roller 72. The cleaning device 40 includes a cleaning roller (not shown).

[0069] The second humidifying section 66 is disposed below the first humidifying section 65. A known vaporizing type humidifying device can be applied to the second humidifying section 66. As an example, the vaporizing type humidifying device blows air onto a wet non-woven fabric or the like to vaporize moisture and generate humidified air.

[0070] The second humidifying section 66 humidifies a predetermined area of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The predetermined area is an area including one or more of the buffer tank 13, the separating section 32, and the drum member 53 of the depositing section 50. Humidified air is supplied from the second humidifying section 66 to the predetermined area through a plurality of pipes (not shown). The humidified air suppresses the adhesion of paper pieces C, fibers, etc. to members due to static electricity by suppressing the charging of paper pieces C, fibers, etc.

[0071] The drainage unit 68 is composed of a drainage tank. The drainage unit 68 collects and stores the moisture used in the first humidifying unit 65, the second humidifying unit 66, etc. The drainage unit 68 is removed from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 as needed. The drainage unit 68 is configured to be able to discard the accumulated water.

[0072] The belt-like sheet P conveyed to the first unit group 101 reaches the first cutting unit 81. The first cutting unit 81 cuts the belt-like sheet P in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The direction intersecting the conveying direction of the belt-like sheet P is, for example, the direction along the X1 axis. The belt-like sheet P is cut into single-sheet-like sheets P at the first cutting unit 81. The single-sheet-like sheets P are conveyed from the first cutting unit 81 to the second cutting unit 82.

[0073] The second cutting unit 82 cuts the single-sheet-like sheet P along the conveying direction. The conveying direction of the single-sheet-like sheet P is, for example, the direction along the Y1 axis. The second cutting unit 82 cuts the vicinity of the +X1 side and the -X1 side of the single-sheet-like sheet P. The second cutting unit 82 forms the single-sheet-like sheet P into a sheet P having a predetermined shape such as A4 size or A3 size.

[0074] When the single-sheet-like sheet P is cut by the second cutting unit 82, a slit piece S, which is a scrap piece, is generated. The slit piece S is conveyed in the substantially -Y1 direction and reaches the crushing unit 95. The crushing unit 95 crushes the slit piece S into crushed pieces and supplies them to the confluence unit 17. A mechanism for measuring the crushed pieces of the slit piece S and supplying them to the confluence unit 17 may be installed between the crushing unit 95 and the confluence unit 17.

[0075] The sheet P is conveyed upward and stacked on the tray 91. The sheet P is manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 as recycled paper. The sheet P is applicable as a substitute such as copy paper, for example.

[0076] Figure 3 shows the external structure of the waste paper shredder 200. Figure 3 shows the external structure of the waste paper shredder 200 in a perspective view. The waste paper shredder 200 generates paper pieces C by shredding waste paper. The paper pieces C are used as raw materials for the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The waste paper shredder 200 includes an exterior housing 211, an opening / closing door 213, a paper supply port 215, and a shredder display panel 217.

[0077] Figure 3 and Figure 4 described later show a coordinate system. The Z2 axis is an axis perpendicular to the installation surface of the waste paper shredder 200. The +Z2 direction is the direction from the installation surface upward. The -Z2 direction is the direction from above toward the installation surface. The X2 axis is an axis parallel to the installation surface. The X2 axis is the axis connecting the front and back of the waste paper shredder 200. The front of the waste paper shredder 200 is the surface that faces the user when the user of the waste paper shredder 200 is located at a position facing the shredder display panel 217. The back is the surface facing the front. The +X2 direction is the direction from the back to the front of the waste paper shredder 200. The -X2 direction is the direction from the front to the back. The Y2 axis is an axis parallel to the installation surface. The Y2 axis is perpendicular to the X2 axis. The +Y2 direction is the direction from left to right in a plan view from the front of the waste paper shredder 200. The -Y2 direction is the direction from right to left in a plan view from the front of the waste paper shredder 200.

[0078] The exterior housing 211 is an exterior that covers each unit of the waste paper shredder 200. The exterior housing 211 is provided with an opening / closing door 213, a paper supply port 215, and a shredder display panel 217. The exterior housing 211 shown in Figure 3 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited thereto. The shape of the exterior housing 211 is set as appropriate.

[0079] The opening / closing door 213 is provided on the exterior housing 211. The opening / closing door 213 is configured to be openable and closable. The opening / closing door 213 rotates about a rotation axis along the Z2 axis. The opening / closing door 213 is opened and closed by the user. When the user opens the opening / closing door 213, each unit arranged inside the exterior housing 211 becomes accessible to the user.

[0080] The paper supply port 215 is an opening through which waste paper is inserted. The paper supply port 215 is provided on the surface of the exterior housing 211 in the +Z2 direction. The waste paper is supplied to a shredding unit 221 described later through the paper supply port 215. The paper supply port 215 is configured to be able to supply multiple sheets of paper together.

[0081] The shredder display panel 217 displays various information. As an example, the shredder display panel 217 displays error information such as full or overheating. The shredder display panel 217 displays the processing amount of paper processed by the waste paper shredder 200. The shredder display panel 217 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (electro-luminescence) panel, etc. The shredder display panel 217 corresponds to an example of a display panel.

[0082] FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the waste paper shredder 200. FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the waste paper shredder 200 as viewed from the +X2 direction. FIG. 4 shows the waste paper shredder 200 with the opening / closing door 213 opened. FIG. 4 shows each unit housed inside the exterior housing 211. The exterior housing 211 houses a shredding unit 221, a storage box 223, a leveling member 225, an optical sensor 227, and a mass sensor 229.

[0083] The shredding unit 221 shreds waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces C. The shredding unit 221 has a plurality of cutters and a shredding unit drive mechanism. The plurality of cutters and the shredding unit drive mechanism are not shown. The shredding unit 221 has, as an example, a pair of cylindrical cutters. In the pair of cylindrical cutters, blades are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces respectively. The blades formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective cylindrical cutters mesh with each other and rotate. The pair of cylindrical cutters rotate by a shredding unit drive mechanism. The paper fed from the paper supply port 215 is shredded by the pair of cylindrical cutters. The shredding unit 221 may have a cross cutter that cuts in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the cylindrical cutter. The configuration of the shredding unit 221 is not limited as long as it is configured to shred waste paper. The configuration of the shredding unit 221 can be set as appropriate. The shredding unit 221 corresponds to an example of a shredding part.

[0084] The shredding unit 221 has a shredding unit opening (not shown). The shredding unit opening is provided on the surface of the shredding unit 221 in the -Z2 direction. The shredding unit 221 discharges the paper pieces C from the shredding unit opening. The paper pieces C fall in the -Z2 direction from the shredding unit opening.

[0085] The storage box 223 stores a plurality of paper pieces C generated by the shredding unit 221 shredding waste paper. The storage box 223 is composed of a hollow container. The storage box 223 is arranged at the position of the shredding unit 221 in the -Z2 direction inside the outer housing 211. The storage box 223 can be accessed by the user when the opening / closing door 213 is opened. The storage box 223 is configured to be removable from the outer housing 211 by the user. The paper pieces C stored in the storage box 223 are stored in the collection bag G. The collection bag G may be attached to the storage box 223 in advance.

[0086] The leveling member 225 levels the upper surfaces of the plurality of pieces of paper C accommodated in the storage box 223. The leveling member 225 is disposed at the position in the -Z2 direction of the shredding unit 221. The leveling member 225 is driven by a leveling member drive mechanism (not shown). The waste paper shredder 200 shown in FIG. 4 includes the leveling member 225, but is not limited thereto. The waste paper shredder 200 may or may not include the leveling member 225. It is preferable that the waste paper shredder 200 includes the leveling member 225. By providing the leveling member 225, the volume of the storage box 223 is effectively utilized.

[0087] The optical sensor 227 detects the height of the plurality of pieces of paper C accommodated in the storage box 223. The optical sensor 227 shown in FIG. 4 is disposed at the position in the +Z2 direction of the storage box 223. The optical sensor 227 is configured as a reflection type sensor as an example. The reflection type sensor detects the reflected light of the emitted light. The reflection type sensor detects the height of the plurality of pieces of paper C by detecting the position along the Z2 axis of the plurality of pieces of paper C accommodated in the storage box 223. By the optical sensor 227 detecting the height of the plurality of pieces of paper C, the waste paper shredder 200 can detect whether the storage box 223 is full or not. The optical sensor 227 is not limited to the reflection type sensor. The optical sensor 227 may be configured as a transmission type sensor. The arrangement of the optical sensor 227 is not limited to the position in the +Z2 direction of the storage box 223. The arrangement position of the optical sensor 227 is not limited as long as the height of the plurality of pieces of paper C accommodated in the storage box 223 can be detected.

[0088] The mass sensor 229 measures the mass of a plurality of pieces of paper C accommodated in the storage box 223. The mass sensor 229 is constituted by a load cell, for example. The mass sensor 229 measures the amount of paper pieces of the plurality of pieces of paper C accommodated in the storage box 223 by measuring the mass of the storage box 223. By the mass sensor 229 measuring the amount of paper pieces of the plurality of pieces of paper C, the waste paper shredder 200 can detect whether the storage box 223 is full or not. The mass sensor 229 is disposed at the position of the storage box 223 in the -Z2 direction. The mass sensor 229 outputs the measured amount of paper pieces. The mass sensor 229 corresponds to an example of a weighing sensor.

[0089] FIG. 5 shows a block configuration of the waste paper recycling system 1. FIG. 5 shows a waste paper recycling system 1 including one sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, one waste paper shredder 200, a waste paper recycling management server 300, and one terminal device 400. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the waste paper shredder 200, the waste paper recycling management server 300, and the terminal device 400 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network NW.

[0090] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 110, a device control unit 120, a device storage unit 130, a sheet counter 140, and a device communication unit 150. The operation panel 110, the device control unit 120, the device storage unit 130, the sheet counter 140, and the device communication unit 150 are appropriately arranged inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the like.

[0091] The operation panel 110 is operated by a user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The operation panel 110 receives various inputs based on the operations of the user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The operation panel 110 includes a power switch 111 and a device display 113. The operation panel 110 may include input switches other than the power switch 111. The user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 performs various setting operations by operating the input switches.

[0092] The power switch 111 receives power input operations and power input stop operations by the user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. When the user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 operates the power switch 111, the power of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is turned on or off.

[0093] The device display 113 displays various information. The device display 113 displays various information such as environment-related information based on data transmitted from the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like. The device display 113 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The device display 113 corresponds to an example of a display.

[0094] The device control unit 120 is a device control controller that controls each unit of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. As an example, the device control unit 120 is a processor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The device control unit 120 is composed of one or more processors. The device control unit 120 operates as various functional units by executing a device control program. The device control unit 120 functions as an operation control unit 121 and a display control unit 123 by executing a device control program. The device control unit 120 may function as a functional unit other than the operation control unit 121 and the display control unit 123 by executing a device control program.

[0095] The operation control unit 121 controls the operations of the defibering unit 31, the separation unit 32, the mixing unit 33, and the like. The operation control unit 121 causes the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 to manufacture a sheet P by controlling the operations of each unit.

[0096] The operation control unit 121 controls the sheet counter 140 to measure the number of sheets P manufactured. The operation control unit 121 measures the production amount of the sheet P by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 based on the number of sheets P measured by the sheet counter 140.

[0097] The operation control unit 121 controls the communication by the device communication unit 150. The operation control unit 121 causes the device communication unit 150 to transmit the production amount of the sheet P to the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the device communication unit 150. The operation control unit 121 causes the device communication unit 150 to receive notification information based on the production amount of the sheet P transmitted by the device communication unit 150 from the waste paper recycling management server 300.

[0098] The display control unit 123 controls the display information displayed on the device display 113. The display control unit 123 causes the device display 113 to display the environment-related information included in the notification information received from the waste paper recycling management server 300. The display control unit 123 may cause the device display 113 to display information other than the environment-related information. As an example, the display control unit 123 causes the device display 113 to display the production amount of the sheet P.

[0099] The device storage unit 130 stores various programs and various data. The device storage unit 130 stores a device control program. The device storage unit 130 stores the production amount of the sheet P, environment-related information, etc. The device storage unit 130 is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0100] The sheet counter 140 measures the number of sheets P manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The sheet counter 140 measures the production amount of the sheet P regenerated by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 by measuring the number of sheets P. The production amount of the sheet P is, for example, the mass of the sheet P regenerated by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The production amount of the sheet P may be the number of sheets P. The sheet counter 140 is disposed in the tray 91 or in the conveyance path for conveying the sheet P to the tray 91. The sheet counter 140 is composed of an optical sensor or the like. The sheet counter 140 corresponds to an example of a counter.

[0101] The device communication unit 150 is an interface circuit that communicates and connects with the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like. The device communication unit 150 connects to the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like in a wired or wireless manner according to a predetermined communication protocol. The device communication unit 150 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication port, and the like. The wired connector is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, a LAN (Local Area Network) connector, or the like. The wireless communication port is a Wi-Fi communication port, a Bluetooth communication port, or the like. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are registered trademarks. The device communication unit 150 receives various information such as notification information from the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like via the communication network NW. The device communication unit 150 transmits the generation amount of the sheet P and the like to the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like via the communication network NW. The device communication unit 150 corresponds to an example of the second communication unit.

[0102] The waste paper shredder 200 includes a power button 230, a shredder control unit 240, a shredder storage unit 250, and a shredder communication unit 260.

[0103] The power button 230 receives a power input operation and a power input stop operation by the user of the waste paper shredder 200. When the user of the waste paper shredder 200 operates the power button 230, the power of the waste paper shredder 200 is turned on or off. When the power of the waste paper shredder 200 is turned on, the waste paper shredder 200 can shred waste paper.

[0104] The shredder control unit 240 is a shredder controller that controls each part of the waste paper shredder 200. The shredder control unit 240 is, for example, a processor having a CPU. The shredder control unit 240 is composed of one or more processors. The shredder control unit 240 causes the shredding unit 221 to shred waste paper. The shredder control unit 240 causes the mass sensor 229 to measure the amount of paper pieces C accommodated in the storage box 223.

[0105] The shredder control unit 240 transmits the amount of shredded paper to the waste paper recycling management server 300 by controlling the shredder communication unit 260. The shredder control unit 240 causes the waste paper recycling management server 300 to receive notification information based on the amount of shredded paper transmitted to the shredder communication unit 260.

[0106] The shredder storage unit 250 stores various programs and various information. The shredder storage unit 250 stores the amount of shredded paper of the shredded paper C measured by the mass sensor 229. The shredder storage unit 250 stores notification information and the like transmitted from the waste paper recycling management server 300. The shredder storage unit 250 is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0107] The shredder communication unit 260 is an interface circuit that communicates and connects with the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like. The shredder communication unit 260 connects to the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like by wire or wirelessly according to a predetermined communication protocol. The shredder communication unit 260 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication port, and the like. The wired connector is a USB connector, a LAN connector, or the like. The wireless communication port is a Wi-Fi communication port, a Bluetooth communication port, or the like. The shredder communication unit 260 receives various information such as notification information from the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like via the communication network NW. The shredder communication unit 260 transmits the amount of shredded paper of the shredded paper C to the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like via the communication network NW. The shredder communication unit 260 corresponds to an example of the first communication unit.

[0108] The waste paper recycling management server 300 includes a server communication unit 310, a server control unit 320, and a server storage unit 330. The waste paper recycling management server 300 may include a display device, an input / output unit, etc. (not shown).

[0109] The server communication unit 310 is an interface circuit that communicates and connects with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or the like. The server communication unit 310 is connected to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or the like by wire or wirelessly according to a predetermined communication protocol. The server communication unit 310 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication port, etc. The wired connector is a USB connector, a LAN connector, etc. The wireless communication port is a Wi-Fi communication port, a Bluetooth communication port, etc. The server communication unit 310 receives information such as the production amount of the sheet P from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via the communication network NW. The server communication unit 310 receives information such as the amount of paper pieces C from the waste paper shredder 200 or the like via the communication network NW. The server communication unit 310 transmits notification information or the like to at least one of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the waste paper shredder 200 via the communication network NW. The server communication unit 310 may transmit notification information or the like to the terminal communication unit 410 of the terminal device 400 via the communication network NW. The terminal communication unit 410 will be described later. The server communication unit 310 corresponds to an example of the third communication unit.

[0110] The server control unit 320 is a server controller that controls each part of the waste paper recycling management server 300. The server control unit 320 is, for example, a processor having a CPU. The server control unit 320 is composed of one or a plurality of processors. The server control unit 320 functions as various functional units by executing a server control program. The server control unit 320 functions as a data processing unit 321 and a communication control unit 323 by executing a server control program. The server control unit 320 may function as a functional unit other than the data processing unit 321 and the communication control unit 323 by executing a server control program. The server control unit 320 corresponds to an example of the control unit.

[0111] The data processing unit 321 generates environment-related information included in the notification information. The data processing unit 321 acquires the production amount of the sheet P from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via the server communication unit 310. The data processing unit 321 acquires the amount of paper pieces C from the waste paper shredder 200 via the server communication unit 310. The data processing unit 321 generates environment-related information based on at least one of the production amount of the sheet P and the amount of paper pieces C. The environment-related information corresponds to an example of waste paper recycling information.

[0112] The environment-related information is an index indicating the contribution to reducing the environmental load caused by recycling waste paper in the waste paper recycling system 1. The environment-related information is represented by numerical values, images, etc. The environment-related information is, for example, the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The environment-related information includes the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200. The environment-related information may include the respective environmental contribution rates of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the waste paper shredder 200 in the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0113] The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is the difference between the carbon dioxide emission amount when manufacturing commercially available paper such as copy paper and the carbon dioxide emission amount when manufacturing the sheet P which is recycled paper by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Commercially available paper indicates paper newly manufactured from wood. The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated by the following formula. The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount corresponds to an example of the carbon dioxide reduction amount.

[0114]

Number

[0115] Here, the sheet production amount is a value obtained by multiplying the number of sheets P measured by the sheet counter 140 by the mass per sheet of the sheet P. The mass of the sheet P is preset. The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 indicates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by manufacturing the sheet P with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated based on the production amount of the sheet P.

[0116] The water environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is the difference between the consumption amount of water consumed when manufacturing commercially available paper and the consumption amount of water consumed when manufacturing the sheet P which is recycled paper with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The water environmental contribution amount indicates the consumption amount of water reduced by manufacturing the sheet P with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The water environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated based on the production amount of the sheet P. The water environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated by the following formula. The water environmental contribution amount corresponds to an example of the water reduction amount.

[0117]

Equation

[0118] The wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is the ratio of the number of sheets P manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 to the consumption amount of wood consumed when manufacturing commercially available paper. The wood environmental contribution amount indicates the consumption amount of wood reduced by manufacturing the sheet P with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated based on the production amount of the sheet P. The wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated by the following formula. The wood environmental contribution amount corresponds to an example of the wood reduction amount.

[0119]

Equation

[0120] Here, the constant 13000 indicates the number of commercially available paper sheets that can be made from one piece of wood.

[0121] The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, water environmental contribution amount, and wood environmental contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200 are calculated from the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, water environmental contribution amount, and wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, water environmental contribution amount, and wood environmental contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200 are calculated by the following formula.

[0122]

Equation

[0123] Here, the contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200 indicates any one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, water environmental contribution amount, and wood environmental contribution amount. The environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 indicates any one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, water environmental contribution amount, and wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. When the environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the waste paper shredder contribution amount indicates the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200. The contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200 is calculated based on the production amount of the sheet P and the amount of the paper pieces C.

[0124] The environmental contribution rate of the waste paper shredder 200 is calculated when the waste paper recycling system 1 includes a plurality of waste paper shredders 200. The environmental contribution rate of the waste paper shredder 200 is the ratio of the amount of the paper pieces C generated by a predetermined waste paper shredder 200 to the amount of the paper pieces C generated by all the waste paper shredders 200 in the waste paper recycling system 1. The environmental contribution rate of the waste paper shredder 200 is calculated based on the amount of the paper pieces C.

[0125] The environmental contribution rate of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated when the waste paper recycling system 1 includes a plurality of sheet manufacturing apparatuses 100. The environmental contribution rate of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is the ratio of the production amount of the sheet P generated by a predetermined sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 to the production amount of the sheet P generated by all the sheet manufacturing apparatuses 100 in the waste paper recycling system 1. The environmental contribution rate of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is calculated based on the production amount of the sheet P.

[0126] The data processing unit 321 generates notification information for notifying environmental-related information. The notification information includes at least any one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The notification information may include at least any one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200. The notification information may include the environmental contribution rate of the waste paper shredder 200 and the environmental contribution rate of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The notification information corresponds to an example of user notification information.

[0127] The communication control unit 323 controls the information transmitted or received by the server communication unit 310. The communication control unit 323 causes the notification information generated by the data processing unit 321 to be transmitted to at least one of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the waste paper shredder 200. The communication control unit 323 may cause the notification information generated by the data processing unit 321 to be transmitted to the terminal device 400. The server communication unit 310 transmits the notification information to at least one of the device communication unit 150 and the shredder communication unit 260 based on the control of the communication control unit 323. The server communication unit 310 transmits the notification information to the terminal communication unit 410, which will be described later, based on the control of the communication control unit 323.

[0128] The server storage unit 330 stores various programs, various information, etc. The server storage unit 330 stores the production amount of the sheet P transmitted from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the amount of the paper pieces C of the paper pieces transmitted from the waste paper shredder 200. The server storage unit 330 stores the environment-related information generated by the data processing unit 321. The server storage unit 330 is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The server storage unit 330 may include a magnetic recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0129] The terminal device 400 displays the notification information transmitted from the waste paper recycling management server 300. The terminal device 400 includes a terminal communication unit 410, a terminal display unit 420, a terminal control unit 430, and a terminal storage unit 440.

[0130] The terminal communication unit 410 is an interface circuit that communicates and connects with the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like. The terminal communication unit 410 is connected to the waste paper recycling management server 300 and the like by wire or wirelessly according to a predetermined communication protocol. The terminal communication unit 410 includes a wired connector, a wireless communication port, etc. The wired connector is a USB connector, a LAN connector, etc. The wireless communication port is a Wi-Fi communication port, a Bluetooth communication port, etc. The terminal communication unit 410 receives the notification information from the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW.

[0131] The terminal display unit 420 displays various information. The terminal display unit 420 displays the environment-related information etc. included in the notification information. As an example, the terminal display unit 420 displays at least any one of the carbon dioxide environment contribution amount, the water environment contribution amount, and the wood environment contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0132] The terminal control unit 430 is a terminal controller that controls each part of the terminal device 400. The terminal control unit 430 is, for example, a processor having a CPU. The terminal control unit 430 is composed of one or a plurality of processors. The terminal control unit 430 functions as various functional units by executing an application. The terminal control unit 430 controls the terminal display unit 420 to display notification information.

[0133] The terminal storage unit 440 stores various application programs and various information. The terminal storage unit 440 stores environment-related information included in the notification information. The terminal storage unit 440 is composed of a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

[0134] The waste paper recycling system 1 includes a waste paper recycling management server 300, a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 communicatively connected to the waste paper recycling management server 300 via a communication network NW, and a waste paper shredder 200 connected to the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The waste paper shredder 200 includes a shredding unit 221 that shreds waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces C, a mass sensor 229 that measures the amount of the paper pieces C of the plurality of paper pieces C, and a shredder communication unit 260 that transmits the amount of the paper pieces to the waste paper recycling management server 300. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a third unit group 103 that recycles the plurality of paper pieces C generated by the waste paper shredder 200 into a sheet P, a sheet counter 140 that measures the production amount of the sheet P, and an apparatus communication unit 150 that transmits the production amount to the waste paper recycling management server 300. The waste paper recycling management server 300 includes a server communication unit 310 that receives the amount of the paper pieces and the production amount, and a server control unit 320 that generates notification information based on at least one of the amount of the paper pieces and the production amount. The server communication unit 310 transmits the notification information to at least one of the shredder communication unit 260 and the apparatus communication unit 150. The user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or the user of the waste paper shredder 200 provided in the waste paper recycling system 1 can grasp the contribution to the environment by sheet recycling.

[0135] FIG. 6 shows the control flow of the waste paper recycling system 1. FIG. 6 shows the control flow of the waste paper recycling system 1 including one sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, one waste paper shredder 200, a waste paper recycling management server 300, and one terminal device 400. The waste paper recycling system 1 manages environmental-related information by executing the control flow. The control flow corresponds to an example of a method for managing waste paper recycling information.

[0136] The waste paper shredder 200 receives a power input operation in step S101. When a user of the waste paper shredder 200 performs an operation input on the power button 230, the waste paper shredder 200 receives the power input operation. The waste paper shredder 200 becomes capable of performing shredding of waste paper.

[0137] After receiving the power input operation, the waste paper shredder 200 performs a shredding operation in step S102. When the user of the waste paper shredder 200 supplies waste paper to the paper supply port 215, the shredding unit 221 shreds the waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces C. The generated paper pieces C are stored in the storage box 223.

[0138] After performing the shredding operation, the waste paper shredder 200 measures the amount of paper pieces in step S103. The mass sensor 229 measures the amount of paper pieces of the plurality of paper pieces C stored in the storage box 223. The mass sensor 229 measures the amount of paper pieces after the shredding unit 221 finishes the shredding operation. The mass sensor 229 may measure the amount of paper pieces while the shredding unit 221 is shredding the waste paper.

[0139] After measuring the amount of shredded paper, the used paper shredder 200 transmits the amount of shredded paper to the used paper recycling management server 300 in step S104. The shredder communication unit 260 transmits the amount of shredded paper to the server communication unit 310 of the used paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The used paper shredder 200 transmits the amount of shredded paper when the storage box 223 is full. The measured shredded paper C is stored in the collection bag G. The collection bag G is transported by the carrier B to the first company A1 that owns the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0140] In step S131, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 receives a power input operation. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 receives a power input operation when a user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 performs an operation input on the power switch 111. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 becomes capable of manufacturing the sheet P.

[0141] After receiving the power input operation, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 executes a sheet manufacturing operation in step S132. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 inputs the shredded paper C generated by the used paper shredder 200 as a raw material. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 regenerates the input shredded paper C into the sheet P.

[0142] After executing the sheet manufacturing operation, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 measures the production amount of the sheet P in step S133. The sheet counter 140 measures the number of sheets P regenerated by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 measures the production amount of the sheet P by measuring the number of sheets P.

[0143] After measuring the production amount of the sheet P, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount to the used paper recycling management server 300 in step S134. The apparatus communication unit 150 transmits the production amount to the server communication unit 310 of the used paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount to the used paper recycling management server 300 at a predetermined timing. As an example, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount to the used paper recycling management server 300 at the timing when the manufacturing of the sheet P is completed.

[0144] When the waste paper shredder 200 transmits the amount of shredded paper, the waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the amount of shredded paper in step S151. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives, via the communication network NW, the amount of shredded paper transmitted from the waste paper shredder 200 by the server communication unit 310.

[0145] When the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount, the waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the production amount of the sheet P in step S152. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives, via the communication network NW, the production amount transmitted from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 by the server communication unit 310.

[0146] After receiving the amount of shredded paper and the production amount, the waste paper recycling management server 300 generates notification information in step S153. The server control unit 320 generates environment-related information based on at least one of the amount of shredded paper and the production amount. The environment-related information includes at least one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The environment-related information may include at least one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount of the waste paper shredder 200. The server control unit 320 generates notification information including the environment-related information.

[0147] After generating the notification information, the waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the notification information in step S154. The server communication unit 310 transmits the notification information to at least one of the shredder communication unit 260 and the apparatus communication unit 150 via the communication network NW. The server communication unit 310 may transmit the notification information to the terminal communication unit 410 via the communication network NW.

[0148] When the used paper recycling management server 300 transmits notification information to the used paper shredder 200, the used paper shredder 200 receives the notification information in step S105. The shredder communication unit 260 receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the used paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW.

[0149] After receiving the notification information, the used paper shredder 200 displays environment-related information in step S106. The shredder display panel 217 of the used paper shredder 200 displays the environment-related information included in the notification information.

[0150] When the used paper recycling management server 300 transmits notification information to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 receives the notification information in step S135. The apparatus communication unit 150 receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the used paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW.

[0151] After receiving the notification information, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 displays environment-related information in step S136. The apparatus display 113 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 displays the environment-related information included in the notification information.

[0152] The terminal device 400 starts an application in advance in step S171. The terminal device 400 executes an application capable of notifying notification information in advance. The application program for starting the application is stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 440.

[0153] When the used paper recycling management server 300 transmits notification information to the terminal device 400, the terminal device 400 receives the notification information in step S172. The terminal communication unit 410 receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the used paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW.

[0154] After receiving the notification information, the terminal device 400 displays environmental-related information in step S173. The terminal display unit 420 of the terminal device 400 displays the environmental-related information included in the notification information.

[0155] The control flow is executed in the waste paper recycling system 1 including the waste paper recycling management server 300, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and the waste paper shredder 200. The waste paper shredder 200 measures the amount of paper pieces C generated when shredding waste paper, and transmits the amount of paper pieces to the waste paper recycling management server 300. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 recycles the paper pieces C generated by the waste paper shredder 200 into the sheet P, measures the production amount of the recycled sheet P, and transmits the production amount of the sheet P to the waste paper recycling management server 300. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the amount of paper pieces and the production amount, generates notification information based on at least one of the amount of paper pieces and the production amount, and transmits the notification information. The user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or the waste paper shredder 200 provided in the waste paper recycling system 1 can grasp the contribution to the environment by sheet recycling.

[0156] The notification information includes at least any one of the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount, the water environmental contribution amount, and the wood environmental contribution amount generated by recycling the waste paper into the sheet P by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or the waste paper shredder 200 provided in the waste paper recycling system 1 can obtain an index indicating the contribution to reducing the environmental load on at least any one of carbon dioxide, water, and wood. In the present invention, the waste paper shredder 200 is distributed and installed at a plurality of sites, so that more users will participate in the waste paper recycling system 1. Then, the users of the waste paper shredder 200 or the users of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can quantitatively recognize that their activities contribute to the environment by acquiring the notification information. Furthermore, by publicly disclosing the acquired information externally, it is also possible to appeal the environmental contribution activities to the outside. Through such a mechanism, it is expected to motivate more users to participate in the environmental contribution activities using the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0157] The waste paper shredder 200 has a shredder display panel 217. The waste paper shredder 200 preferably receives the notification information and displays the notification information on the shredder display panel 217. The user of the waste paper shredder 200 can confirm an index indicating the contribution to reducing the environmental load by the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0158] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has an apparatus display 113. The waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the notification information to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 preferably receives the notification information transmitted from the waste paper recycling management server 300 and displays the notification information on the apparatus display 113. The user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can confirm an index indicating the contribution to reducing the environmental load by the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0159] FIG. 7 shows an example of the display on the apparatus display 113. FIG. 7 shows an example of an apparatus display screen AG displayed on the apparatus display 113 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. FIG. 7 shows a first apparatus display screen AG1 which is an example of the apparatus display screen AG.

[0160] The first apparatus display screen AG1 shows the cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503. The environmental effect conversion value 503 includes a carbon dioxide conversion value 503a, a wood conversion value 503b, and a water conversion value 503c.

[0161] The cumulative sheet count 501 is the cumulative number of sheets P manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. When the waste paper recycling system 1 includes a plurality of sheet manufacturing apparatuses 100, the cumulative sheet count 501 may be the cumulative number of sheets manufactured by the plurality of sheet manufacturing apparatuses 100.

[0162] The carbon dioxide equivalent value 503a, which is one of the environmental impact conversion values 503, is a value obtained by quantifying the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount. The carbon dioxide equivalent value 503a shown in FIG. 7 indicates the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount in terms of the mass of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide equivalent value 503a is not limited to the mass of carbon dioxide. Any form may be used as long as it is a value indicating the carbon dioxide environmental contribution amount.

[0163] The wood equivalent value 503b, which is one of the environmental impact conversion values 503, is a value obtained by quantifying the wood environmental contribution amount. The wood equivalent value 503b shown in FIG. 7 indicates the wood environmental contribution amount in terms of the number of pieces of wood. The wood equivalent value 503b is not limited to the number of pieces of wood. Any form may be used as long as it is a value indicating the wood environmental contribution amount.

[0164] The water equivalent value 503c, which is one of the environmental impact conversion values 503, is a value obtained by quantifying the water environmental contribution amount. The water equivalent value 503c shown in FIG. 7 indicates the water environmental contribution amount in terms of the number of a predetermined container. As an example, the predetermined container is a 500 ml plastic bottle. The water equivalent value 503c is not limited to the number of the predetermined containers. Any form may be used as long as it is a value indicating the water environmental contribution amount.

[0165] The first device display screen AG1 shown in FIG. 7 shows the carbon dioxide equivalent value 503a, the wood equivalent value 503b, and the water equivalent value 503c as the environmental impact conversion values 503, but is not limited thereto. The first device display screen AG1 may display at least any one of the carbon dioxide equivalent value 503a, the wood equivalent value 503b, and the water equivalent value 503c. By visually recognizing the first device display screen AG1, the user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can confirm the environmental improvement effect by the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0166] FIG. 8 shows an example of the display of the device display 113. FIG. 8 shows an example of a device display screen AG displayed on the device display 113 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. FIG. 8 shows a second device display screen AG2 which is an example of the device display screen AG.

[0167] The second device display screen AG2 shows a production history graph 505. As an example, the production history graph 505 graphically shows the number of sheets P produced per month by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The second device display screen AG2 shows the number of sheets P produced per month as a production history, but is not limited thereto. The second device display screen AG2 may graphically show the monthly values of the environmental effect conversion value 503. The second device display screen AG2 may graphically show the weekly values of the environmental effect conversion value 503. The second device display screen AG2 can appropriately display the environmental effect conversion value 503 and the like.

[0168] FIG. 9 shows an example of the display of the shredder display panel 217. FIG. 9 shows an example of a panel display screen PG displayed on the shredder display panel 217 of the waste paper shredder 200. FIG. 9 shows a first panel display screen PG1 which is an example of the panel display screen PG.

[0169] The first panel display screen PG1 shows the cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503. The environmental effect conversion value 503 includes a carbon dioxide conversion value 503a, a wood conversion value 503b, and a water conversion value 503c. The cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503 displayed on the first panel display screen PG1 are the same as the cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503 displayed on the first device display screen AG1. The user of the waste paper shredder 200 can confirm the environmental improvement effect by the waste paper recycling system 1 by viewing the first panel display screen PG1.

[0170] FIG. 10 shows a display example of the shredder display panel 217. FIG. 10 shows an example of a panel display screen PG displayed on the shredder display panel 217 of the waste paper shredder 200. FIG. 10 shows a second panel display screen PG2 which is an example of the panel display screen PG.

[0171] The second panel display screen PG2 shows the cumulative operation time 507 and the shredded weight 509. The shredded weight 509 includes the cumulative shredded weight 509a, the shredded weight 509b for the current month, and the shredded weight 509c for the current year.

[0172] The cumulative operation time 507 shows the cumulative value of the operation time of the waste paper shredder 200. The cumulative operation time 507 is obtained by the shredder control unit 240 measuring the operation time of the shredding unit 221. The cumulative operation time 507 is stored in the shredder storage unit 250.

[0173] The shredded weight 509 is the amount of paper pieces C measured by the mass sensor 229. The cumulative shredded weight 509a shows the cumulative value of the amount of paper pieces shredded by the waste paper shredder 200. The shredded weight 509b for the current month shows the amount of paper pieces shredded within the current month. The shredded weight 509c for the current year shows the amount of paper pieces shredded within the current year.

[0174] The second panel display screen PG2 shows the cumulative operation time 507 and the shredded weight 509 such as the cumulative shredded weight 509a, but is not limited thereto. The second panel display screen PG2 may display either the cumulative operation time 507 or the shredded weight 509. The second panel display screen PG2 may display at least one of the cumulative shredded weight 509a, the shredded weight 509b for the current month, and the shredded weight 509c for the current year.

[0175] FIG. 11 shows a display example of the terminal display unit 420. FIG. 11 shows an example of a terminal display screen TG displayed on the terminal display unit 420 of the terminal device 400. FIG. 11 shows a first terminal display screen TG1 which is an example of the terminal display screen TG.

[0176] The first terminal display screen TG1 shows the cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503. The environmental effect conversion value 503 includes a carbon dioxide conversion value 503a, a wood conversion value 503b, and a water conversion value 503c. The cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503 displayed on the first terminal display screen TG1 are the same as the cumulative number of sheets 501 and the environmental effect conversion value 503 displayed on the first device display screen AG1. By visually recognizing the first terminal display screen TG1, the user of the terminal device 400 can confirm the environmental improvement effect by the waste paper recycling system 1. The user of the terminal device 400 can confirm the environmental improvement effect by the waste paper recycling system 1 at a location different from the location where the sheet manufacturing device 100 or the waste paper shredder 200 is installed.

[0177] The waste paper recycling system 1 includes a terminal device 400 that is communicatively connected to a waste paper recycling management server 300. The waste paper recycling management server 300 preferably transmits notification information to the terminal device 400. The user of the terminal device 400 can remotely confirm an index indicating the contribution to reducing the environmental load by the waste paper recycling system 1. The user of the terminal device 400 can remotely confirm an index indicating the contribution to reducing the environmental load by at least one of the sheet manufacturing device 100 and the waste paper shredder 200 in the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0178] FIG. 12 shows the control flow of the waste paper recycling system 1. FIG. 12 shows the control flow of the waste paper recycling system 1 including one sheet manufacturing device 100, two waste paper shredders 200, a waste paper recycling management server 300, and one terminal device 400. The two waste paper shredders 200 are, as an example, a first waste paper shredder 200a and a second waste paper shredder 200b. The second waste paper shredder 200b corresponds to an example of the second shredder. The waste paper recycling system 1 manages environmental-related information by executing the control flow.

[0179] The first waste paper shredder 200a receives a power input operation in step S201. When the user of the first waste paper shredder 200a performs an operation input on the power button 230, the first waste paper shredder 200a receives the power input operation. The first waste paper shredder 200a becomes capable of shredding waste paper.

[0180] After receiving the power input operation, the first waste paper shredder 200a performs a shredding operation in step S202. When the user of the first waste paper shredder 200a supplies waste paper to the paper feed port 215, the shredding unit 221 shreds the waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces C. The generated paper pieces C are stored in the storage box 223.

[0181] After performing the shredding operation, the first waste paper shredder 200a measures the first paper piece amount in step S203. The first paper piece amount is an example of the paper piece amount. The mass sensor 229 measures the first paper piece amount of the plurality of paper pieces C stored in the storage box 223 of the first waste paper shredder 200a. The mass sensor 229 measures the first paper piece amount after the shredding unit 221 finishes the shredding operation. The mass sensor 229 may measure the first paper piece amount while the shredding unit 221 is shredding the waste paper.

[0182] After measuring the first paper piece amount, the first waste paper shredder 200a transmits the first paper piece amount to the waste paper recycling management server 300 in step S204. The shredder communication unit 260 transmits the first paper piece amount to the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The first waste paper shredder 200a transmits the first paper piece amount when the storage box 223 is full. The paper pieces C for which the first paper piece amount has been measured are stored in the collection bag G. The collection bag G is transported by the carrier B to the first company A1 that owns the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0183] The second waste paper shredder 200b receives a power input operation in step S211. When a user of the second waste paper shredder 200b performs an operation input on the power button 230, the second waste paper shredder 200b receives the power input operation. The second waste paper shredder 200b becomes capable of shredding waste paper.

[0184] After receiving the power input operation, the second waste paper shredder 200b performs a shredding operation in step S212. When the user of the second waste paper shredder 200b supplies waste paper to the paper supply port 215, the shredding unit 221 shreds the waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces C. The generated paper pieces C are stored in the storage box 223.

[0185] After performing the shredding operation, the second waste paper shredder 200b measures the second paper piece quantity in step S213. The mass sensor 229 measures the second paper piece quantity of the plurality of paper pieces C stored in the storage box 223 of the second waste paper shredder 200b. The mass sensor 229 measures the second paper piece quantity after the shredding unit 221 finishes the shredding operation. The mass sensor 229 may measure the second paper piece quantity while the shredding unit 221 is shredding the waste paper.

[0186] After measuring the second paper piece quantity, the second waste paper shredder 200b transmits the second paper piece quantity to the waste paper recycling management server 300 in step S214. The shredder communication unit 260 transmits the second paper piece quantity to the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The second waste paper shredder 200b transmits the second paper piece quantity when the storage box 223 is full. The paper pieces C for which the second paper piece quantity has been measured are stored in the collection bag G. The collection bag G is transported by the carrier B to the first company A1 that owns the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0187] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 receives a power input operation in step S231. When a user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 performs an operation input on the power switch 111, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 receives the power input operation. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 becomes capable of manufacturing the sheet P.

[0188] After receiving the power input operation, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 executes a sheet manufacturing operation in step S232. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is fed with the pieces of paper C generated by the first waste paper shredder 200a and the second waste paper shredder 200b as raw materials. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 regenerates the fed pieces of paper C into the sheet P.

[0189] After executing the sheet manufacturing operation, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 measures the production amount of the sheet P in step S233. The sheet counter 140 measures the number of sheets P manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 measures the production amount of the sheet P by measuring the number of sheets P.

[0190] After measuring the production amount of the sheet P, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount to the waste paper regeneration management server 300 in step S234. The device communication unit 150 transmits the production amount to the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper regeneration management server 300 via the communication network NW. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount to the waste paper regeneration management server 300 at a predetermined timing. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production amount to the waste paper regeneration management server 300, for example, at the timing when the manufacturing of the sheet P is completed.

[0191] The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the first paper piece quantity and the second paper piece quantity in step S251. When the first waste paper shredder 200a transmits the first paper piece quantity, the waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the first paper piece quantity. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives, via the communication network NW, the first paper piece quantity transmitted from the first waste paper shredder 200a at the server communication unit 310. When the second waste paper shredder 200b transmits the second paper piece quantity, the waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the second paper piece quantity. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives, via the communication network NW, the second paper piece quantity transmitted from the second waste paper shredder 200b at the server communication unit 310.

[0192] When the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 transmits the production quantity, the waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the production quantity of the sheet P in step S252. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives, via the communication network NW, the production quantity transmitted from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 at the server communication unit 310.

[0193] After receiving the first paper piece quantity, the second paper piece quantity, and the production quantity, the waste paper recycling management server 300 generates notification information in step S253. The server control unit 320 generates environment-related information based on at least one of the first paper piece quantity, the second paper piece quantity, and the production quantity. The environment-related information includes, as an example, at least any one of the carbon dioxide environment contribution amount, the water environment contribution amount, and the wood environment contribution amount of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The environment-related information may include at least any one of the carbon dioxide environment contribution amount, the water environment contribution amount, and the wood environment contribution amount of the first waste paper shredder 200a. The environment-related information may include at least any one of the carbon dioxide environment contribution amount, the water environment contribution amount, and the wood environment contribution amount of the second waste paper shredder 200b. The server control unit 320 generates notification information including the environment-related information.

[0194] The waste paper recycling management server 300 may calculate the environmental contribution rates of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the second waste paper shredder 200b. The data processing unit 321 of the server control unit 320 calculates the total amount obtained by adding the first paper piece amount and the second paper piece amount. By calculating the ratio of the first paper piece amount to the total amount, the data processing unit 321 generates the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a. By calculating the ratio of the second paper piece amount to the total amount, the data processing unit 321 generates the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b. The environmental contribution rates of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the second waste paper shredder 200b correspond to an example of the contribution ratios of the shredders.

[0195] After generating the notification information, the waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the notification information in step S254. The server communication unit 310 transmits the notification information to at least any one of the first waste paper shredder 200a, the second waste paper shredder 200b, and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via the communication network NW. The notification information may include the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b. The server communication unit 310 may transmit the notification information to the terminal communication unit 410 via the communication network NW.

[0196] When the waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the notification information to the first waste paper shredder 200a, the first waste paper shredder 200a receives the notification information in step S205. The shredder communication unit 260 of the first waste paper shredder 200a receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The notification information may include the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b.

[0197] After receiving the notification information, the first waste paper shredder 200a displays environmental-related information in step S206. The shredder display panel 217 of the first waste paper shredder 200a displays the environmental-related information included in the notification information. The shredder display panel 217 of the first waste paper shredder 200a may display the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a as the environmental-related information.

[0198] When the waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the notification information to the second waste paper shredder 200b, the second waste paper shredder 200b receives the notification information in step S215. The shredder communication unit 260 of the second waste paper shredder 200b receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The notification information may include the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b.

[0199] After receiving the notification information, the second waste paper shredder 200b displays environmental-related information in step S216. The shredder display panel 217 of the second waste paper shredder 200b displays the environmental-related information included in the notification information. The shredder display panel 217 of the second waste paper shredder 200b may display the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b as the environmental-related information.

[0200] When the waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits the notification information to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 receives the notification information in step S235. The apparatus communication unit 150 receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW.

[0201] After receiving the notification information, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 displays environmental-related information in step S236. The apparatus display 113 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 displays the environmental-related information included in the notification information.

[0202] The terminal device 400 launches an application in advance at step S271. The terminal device 400 executes in advance an application capable of notifying notification information. The application program for launching the application is stored in advance in the terminal storage unit 440.

[0203] When the waste paper recycling management server 300 transmits notification information to the terminal device 400, the terminal device 400 receives the notification information at step S272. The terminal communication unit 410 receives the notification information transmitted from the server communication unit 310 of the waste paper recycling management server 300 via the communication network NW. The notification information may include the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b.

[0204] After receiving the notification information, the terminal device 400 displays environmental-related information at step S273. The terminal display unit 420 of the terminal device 400 displays the environmental-related information included in the notification information. The terminal display unit 420 of the terminal device 400 may display at least one of the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b as the environmental-related information.

[0205] The waste paper recycling system 1 includes a first waste paper shredder 200a and a second waste paper shredder 200b for shredding waste paper. The second waste paper shredder 200b measures the second paper piece amount of the paper pieces C generated when shredding waste paper, and transmits the second paper piece amount to the waste paper recycling management server 300. The waste paper recycling management server 300 receives the first paper piece amount transmitted from the first waste paper shredder 200a and the second paper piece amount transmitted from the second waste paper shredder 200b, calculates the total amount of the first paper piece amount and the second paper piece amount, and calculates the ratio of the first paper piece amount to the total amount to generate the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a, and transmits the environmental contribution rate as notification information to the first waste paper shredder 200a. The user of the first waste paper shredder 200a can confirm the contribution degree of the environmental contribution of the first waste paper shredder 200a in the waste paper recycling system 1.

[0206] FIG. 13 shows a display example of the shredder display panel 217. FIG. 13 shows an example of a panel display screen PG displayed on the shredder display panel 217 of the first waste paper shredder 200a. FIG. 13 shows a third panel display screen PG3 which is an example of the panel display screen PG.

[0207] The third panel display screen PG3 displays the throughput 511 and the contribution rate 513. The third panel display screen PG3 shows the amount of shredded paper C shredded by the shredding unit 221 as the throughput 511. The third panel display screen PG3 shows the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a as the contribution rate 513. By visually recognizing the third panel display screen PG3, the user of the first waste paper shredder 200a can confirm the contribution to the environmental contribution of the first waste paper shredder 200a.

[0208] The throughput 511 may be the same value as the cumulative shredded weight 509a shown in FIG. 10, or may be a different value. The third panel display screen PG3 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the shredder display panel 217 of the first waste paper shredder 200a, but is not limited thereto. The third panel display screen PG3 may be displayed on the shredder display panel 217 of the second waste paper shredder 200b. When the shredder display panel 217 of the second waste paper shredder 200b displays the third panel display screen PG3, the third panel display screen PG3 displays the throughput 511 etc. of the second waste paper shredder 200b.

[0209] FIG. 14 shows a display example of the terminal display unit 420. FIG. 14 shows an example of a terminal display screen TG displayed on the terminal display unit 420 of the terminal device 400. FIG. 14 shows a second terminal display screen TG2 which is an example of the terminal display screen TG.

[0210] The second terminal display screen TG2 shows a throughput 511 and a contribution rate 513. The second terminal display screen TG2 shows a first throughput 511a and a first contribution rate 513a of the first waste paper shredder 200a. The first throughput 511a is an example of the throughput 511. The first contribution rate 513a is an example of the contribution rate 513. The second terminal display screen TG2 shows a second throughput 511b and a second contribution rate 513b of the second waste paper shredder 200b. The second throughput 511b is an example of the throughput 511. The second contribution rate 513b is an example of the contribution rate 513.

[0211] The first throughput 511a is the amount of paper pieces C shredded by the shredding unit 221 of the first waste paper shredder 200a. The first throughput 511a may be the same value as the cumulative shredded weight 509a shown in FIG. 10, or may be a different value. The first contribution rate 513a is the environmental contribution rate of the first waste paper shredder 200a.

[0212] The second throughput 511b is the amount of paper pieces C shredded by the shredding unit 221 of the second waste paper shredder 200b. The second throughput 511b may be the same value as the cumulative shredded weight 509a shown in FIG. 10, or may be a different value. The second contribution rate 513b is the environmental contribution rate of the second waste paper shredder 200b.

[0213] By visually recognizing the second terminal display screen TG2, the user of the terminal device 400 can confirm the degree of environmental contribution of each of the first waste paper shredder 200a and the second waste paper shredder 200b.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0214] 1…Recycled paper system, 11…Raw material inlet, 13…Buffer tank, 15…Constant supply unit, 15a…Meter, 17…Confluence section, 21…First pipe, 23…Second pipe, 24…Third pipe, 25…Fourth pipe, 31…Defibering section, 32…Separation section, 33…Mixing section, 35…Recovery section, 38…Compressor, 39…Power supply unit, 40…Cleaning device, 41…First cleaning device, 42…Second cleaning device, 50…Deposition section, 51…Housing, 53…Drum member, 55…Blade member, 59…Suction section, 61…First conveying section, 61a…Mesh belt, 62…Second conveying section, 65…First humidifying section, 66…Second humidifying section, 67…Water supply section, 68…Drainage section, 70…Forming section, 71…First forming roller, 72…Second forming roller, 81…First cutting section, 82…Second cutting section, 91…Tray, 95…Crushing section, 100…Sheet manufacturing device, 101…First unit group, 102…Second unit group, 103…Third unit group, 110…Operation panel, 111…Power switch, 113…Device display, 120…Device control section, 121…Operation control section, 123…Display control section, 130…Device memory section, 140…Sheet counter, 150…Device communication section, 200…Recycled paper shredder, 200a…First recycled paper shredder, 200b…Second recycled paper shredder, 200c…Third recycled paper shredder, 211…Exterior housing, 213…Opening / closing door, 215…Paper supply port, 217…Shredder display panel, 221…Shredding unit, 223…Storage box, 225…Levelling member, 227…Optical sensor, 229…Mass sensor, 230…Power button, 240…Shredder control section, 250…Shredder memory section, 260…Shredder communication section, 300…Recycled paper regeneration management server, 310…Server communication section, 320…Server control section, 321…Data processing section, 323…Communication control section, 330…Server memory section, 400…Terminal device, 400a…First terminal device, 400b…Second terminal device, 410…Terminal communication section, 420…Terminal display section, 430…Terminal control section, 440…Terminal memory section, 501…Total number of sheets, 503…Environmental effect conversion value, 503a…Carbon dioxide conversion value, 503b…Wood conversion value, 503c…Water conversion value, 505…Production history graph, 507…Total operating time, 509…Shredding weight, 509a…Accumulated shredding weight, 509b…Monthly shredding weight, 509c…Annual shredding weight, 511…Processing capacity, 511a…First processing capacity, 511b…Second processing capacity513…Contribution rate, 513a…First contribution rate, 513b…Second contribution rate, A1…First enterprise, A2…Second enterprise, A3…Third enterprise, AG…Device display screen, AG1…First device display screen, AG2…Second device display screen, B…Carrier, B1…First carrier, B2…Second carrier, C…Piece of paper, G…Collection bag, M…Mist, NW…Communication network, P…Sheet, PG…Panel display screen, PG1…First panel display screen, PG2…Second panel display screen, PG3…Third panel display screen, S…Slit piece, TG…Terminal display screen, TG1…First terminal display screen, TG2…Second terminal display screen, W…Web.,

Claims

1. A method for managing waste paper recycling information in a waste paper recycling system comprising a management server, a waste paper recycling device, and a shredder, wherein the shredder measures the amount of shredded paper pieces generated when shredding waste paper, transmits the amount of shredded paper pieces to the management server, wherein the waste paper recycling device recycles the shredded paper pieces generated by the shredder into sheets, measures the production amount of the recycled sheets, transmits the production amount of the sheets to the management server, wherein the management server receives the amount of shredded paper pieces and the production amount, generates user notification information based on at least one of the amount of shredded paper pieces and the production amount, and transmits the user notification information. A method for managing waste paper recycling information.

2. The user notification information includes at least any one of the amount of carbon dioxide reduction, the amount of water reduction, and the amount of wood reduction generated by recycling the sheets from the waste paper by the waste paper recycling device. The method for managing waste paper recycling information according to Claim 1.

3. The waste paper recycling system includes a second shredder for shredding the waste paper, wherein the second shredder measures the second amount of shredded paper pieces generated when shredding the waste paper, transmits the second amount of shredded paper pieces to the management server, wherein the management server receives the second amount of shredded paper pieces transmitted from the second shredder, calculates the total amount of the amount of shredded paper pieces and the second amount of shredded paper pieces, generates the contribution ratio of the shredder by calculating the ratio of the amount of shredded paper pieces to the total amount, and transmits the contribution ratio as the user notification information to the shredder. The method for managing waste paper recycling information according to Claim 1.

4. The shredder has a display panel, and the shredder receives the user notification information and displays the user notification information on the display panel. The method for managing waste paper recycling information according to Claim 3.

5. The waste paper recycling device has a display, the management server transmits the user notification information to the waste paper recycling device, and the waste paper recycling device receives the user notification information transmitted from the management server and displays the user notification information on the display. The method for managing waste paper recycling information according to Claim 1.

6. The waste paper recycling system includes a communication terminal communicatively connected to the management server, and the management server transmits the user notification information to the communication terminal. The method for managing waste paper recycling information according to claim 1.

7. A waste paper recycling system comprising a management server, a waste paper recycling device communicatively connected to the management server via a network, and a shredder connected to the management server via the network, wherein the shredder has a shredding unit that shreds waste paper to generate a plurality of paper pieces, a weighing sensor that measures the amount of the plurality of paper pieces, and a first communication unit that transmits the amount of the paper pieces to the management server; the waste paper recycling device has a papermaking unit that recycles the plurality of paper pieces generated by the shredder into sheets, a counter that measures the amount of sheets generated, and a second communication unit that transmits the amount of generation to the management server; the management server has a third communication unit that receives the amount of the paper pieces and the amount of generation, and a control unit that generates user notification information based on at least one of the amount of the paper pieces and the amount of generation; the third communication unit transmits the user notification information to at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit; A waste paper recycling system.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • System for sheet manufacturing

    JP2018168492A