Sheet manufacturing device and humidifying device

Abstract

To provide a sheet manufacturing device that improves convenience for a user, and also to provide a humidifying device.SOLUTION: A sheet manufacturing device has a humidifying enclosure and a humidifying air generating section capable of being attached to and detached from the humidifying enclosure. The humidifying enclosure has a first sensor. The humidifying air generating section has a water storage section to store water and a float section that is displaced according to water level in the water storage section. The first sensor detects that the float section exists at a first position that is a position of the float section in a state where the humidifying air generating section is set to the humidifying enclosure and drainage of the water storage section is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known devices for dry-processing sheets made from fibers derived from waste paper, etc. Some of these devices include a humidifier that humidifies the fibers, binder, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifier that humidifies the material by evaporating water stirred up by a disk. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-27377 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there was a need for a method for the device to check the state of the water tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sheet manufacturing apparatus comprises a processing unit that defibrates material and produces sheets from the resulting fibers, a humidifier housing, and a humidified air generating unit that is detachable from the humidifier housing and humidifies air, the humidifier housing having a first sensor, the humidified air generating unit including a water storage unit that stores water, and a float unit that displaces according to the water level in the water storage unit, and the first sensor detects that the float unit is at a first position, which is the position of the float unit when the humidified air generating unit is set in the humidifier housing and the water storage unit has been drained.

[0006] The humidifier has a drive unit, a first sensor, and a humidified air generating unit that is detachable from the first sensor, the humidified air generating unit including a water storage unit for storing water, and the first sensor detects a state in which the humidified air generating unit is set and the water storage unit has been drained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a humidifier. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the humidifier. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the arrangement and functions of the float portion, first sensor, second sensor, etc. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the functions of the float part, first sensor, second sensor, etc. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for maintenance work on the humidifier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In the following embodiment, a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 that manufactures sheets from materials such as waste paper containing fibers, and a humidifying device 200 provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 will be exemplified and described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] In the following drawings, X, Y, and Z axes are assigned as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, with the direction indicated by each arrow being the + direction and the direction opposite the + direction being the - direction. The Z axis is a virtual axis along the vertical direction, with the +Z direction being upward and the -Z direction being downward. The -Z direction is the vertical direction. In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the end of the conveying direction of the material, web, sheet, etc. is referred to as downstream, and the side going backward in the conveying direction is referred to as upstream. For ease of illustration, the sizes of each component are different from the actual size.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a first unit group 101, a second unit group 102, and a third unit group 103. The first unit group 101, the second unit group 102, and the third unit group 103 are supported by a frame (not shown). In Fig. 1, the directions in which the pieces of paper C, the sheet P3, the slit pieces S, and unnecessary scraps move are indicated by hollow arrows. In the following description, a collection of multiple pieces of paper C will also be simply referred to as a piece of paper C.

[0011] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a sheet P3 from paper pieces C, which are a material containing fibers such as recycled paper. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, a first unit group 101, a third unit group 103, and a second unit group 102 are arranged from the -Y direction to the +Y direction in a side view from the -X direction.

[0012] The paper pieces C are transported from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 via a pipe 21 that traverses the third unit group 103. The paper pieces C are then subjected to defibration and other processes in the second unit group 102 to become a defibrated material, which is an aggregate of fibers, and a binder and other materials are added. The defibrated material is transported to the third unit group 103 via a pipe 24. The defibrated material is made into a web W in the third unit group 103 and then formed into a belt-shaped sheet P1. The belt-shaped sheet P1 is cut in the first unit group 101 to become a sheet P3.

[0013] The first unit group 101 has a buffer tank 13, a constant volume supply unit 15, a junction unit 17, and a pipe 21. In the first unit group 101, these components are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. The first unit group 101 also has a first cutting unit 81, a second cutting unit 82, a tray 84, and a shredding unit 86.

[0014] Furthermore, a sheet conveying section 63 is disposed across the third unit group 103 and the first unit group 101. The sheet conveying section 63 conveys a strip-shaped sheet P1, a cut sheet P2, a sheet P3, and a slit piece S. The first cutting section 81 and the second cutting section 82 cut the strip-shaped sheet P1 into a sheet P3 having a predetermined shape.

[0015] Furthermore, first unit group 101 has water tank 267. Water tank 267 is a water storage tank. Water tank 267 supplies water for humidification to mist humidifier 265 (described later) and humidifier 200 via a hose (not shown). Pure water, tap water, etc. can be used as the water stored in water tank 267. Humidifier 200 is an example of a humidifier of the present invention.

[0016] The pieces of paper C are fed into the buffer tank 13 from the raw material inlet 11. The pieces of paper C contain fibers such as cellulose, and are, for example, shredded waste paper. Humidified air is supplied into the buffer tank 13 from the humidifier 200 provided in the third unit group 103. This makes it difficult for the pieces of paper C to become electrically charged, and prevents the pieces of paper C from sticking to each other.

[0017] The paper pieces C to be defibrated are temporarily stored in the buffer tank 13, and then transported to the constant quantity supply unit 15 in accordance with the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may be provided with a shredder upstream of the buffer tank 13 that shreds the paper pieces C and the like.

[0018] The constant-quantity supply unit 15 has a weighing device 15a and a supply mechanism (not shown). The weighing device 15a measures the mass of the pieces of paper C. The supply mechanism supplies the pieces of paper C weighed by the weighing device 15a to the downstream junction 17. That is, the constant-quantity supply unit 15 measures the pieces of paper C by predetermined mass using the weighing device 15a, and supplies them to the downstream junction 17 using the supply mechanism.

[0019] Either a digital or analog weighing mechanism can be applied to the weighing device 15a. The predetermined mass at which the weighing device 15a weighs the piece of paper C is, for example, about several grams to several tens of grams.

[0020] The feeding mechanism may be a known technique such as a vibrating feeder, etc. The feeding mechanism may be included in the weighing device 15a.

[0021] The weighing and supply of the pieces of paper C in the constant quantity supply unit 15 is a batch process. That is, the supply of the pieces of paper C from the constant quantity supply unit 15 to the junction 17 is carried out intermittently. The constant quantity supply unit 15 may have multiple weighing devices 15a, and the multiple weighing devices 15a may be operated at staggered times to improve weighing efficiency.

[0022] At the confluence 17, the pieces of paper C supplied from the constant quantity supply unit 15 are combined with the fine fragments of the slit pieces S supplied from the shredding unit 86 and mixed together. The slit pieces S and the shredding unit 86 will be described later. The pieces of paper C mixed with the fine fragments flow from the confluence 17 into the pipe 21.

[0023] The pipe 21 transports the paper pieces C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by an air current generated by a blower (not shown).

[0024] The second unit group 102 includes a defibrating unit 30, which is a dry type defibrator, a separating unit 41, piping 23, a powder supplying unit 43, a mixing unit 45, and piping 24. In the second unit group 102, these components are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. The second unit group 102 also includes a control unit 5, a collecting unit 95, a compressor 97, a power supply unit 99, and piping 25 and airflow piping 29 connected to the separating unit 41.

[0025] The paper pieces C transported through the pipe 21 flow into the defibrating unit 30. The defibrating unit 30 dry-defibrates the paper pieces C, which are a material containing fibers, to generate defibrated material containing fibers. A known defibrating mechanism can be applied to the defibrating unit 30. In this embodiment, a defibrating mechanism equipped with rotary blades is used as the defibrating unit 30. The defibrating mechanism shreds and defibrates the paper pieces C with the rotary blades to generate fibers.

[0026] The defibrating unit 30 untangles the tangled fibers contained in the paper pieces C, turning them into defibrated material containing fibers, and the defibrated material is transported to the separating unit 41.

[0027] The separation unit 41 separates the defibrated fibers. More specifically, the separation unit 41 removes components contained in the fibers that are unnecessary for manufacturing the sheet P3. The separation unit 41 separates relatively long fibers from relatively short fibers. Relatively short fibers may reduce the strength of the sheet P3, so they are selected and removed by the separation unit 41. The separation unit 41 also removes impurities such as coloring materials and additives contained in the pieces of paper C.

[0028] A known separation mechanism can be applied to the separation unit 41. In this embodiment, a disk-type separation mechanism equipped with a separation filter is used as the separation unit 41. The separation mechanism sorts and separates relatively short fibers and impurities that pass through the separation filter from relatively long fibers that do not pass through the separation filter. The relatively long fibers are used as material for the web W as defibrated fibers.

[0029] Humidified air is supplied to the inside of the separation section 41 from the humidifier 200 of the third unit group 103. This makes it difficult for the defibrated fibers to become electrically charged, and prevents the fibers from adhering to each other and to the separation section 41.

[0030] The defibrated fibers are removed from the separating section 41 by relatively short fibers. Then, the fibers are transported to the mixing section 45 via the piping 23 by an airflow generated by a blower (not shown) located at the tip of the airflow piping 29. Unwanted materials such as relatively short fibers and impurities are sucked into a suction device (not shown) of the collecting section 95 and discharged from the piping 25 to the collecting section 95.

[0031] The collection unit 95 includes a filter (not shown) that filters out unnecessary particles such as relatively short fibers carried through the pipe 25 by the air current.

[0032] The compressor 97 generates compressed air. The filter may become clogged with fine particles from unwanted matter. The compressed air generated by the compressor 97 can be blown onto the filter to blow away any particles adhering to the filter, cleaning the filter.

[0033] The power supply unit 99 has a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, and a control unit 5. The power supply unit 99 distributes power supplied from an external source to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0034] The powder supply unit 43 supplies the binder, which is a powder, to the mixer 45. The mixer 45 mixes the defibrated material and the binder supplied from the powder supply unit 43 in the air. The binder binds the fibers together in the forming unit 70, which will be described later. In this embodiment, starch is used as the binder, but a thermoplastic resin or the like may also be used.

[0035] The powder supply unit 43 includes a powder storage unit and a powder conveying unit, both of which are not shown. The powder storage unit is detachable from the main body of the powder supply unit 43. The powder storage unit can be removed from the powder supply unit 43 to fill or convey the binder. The powder conveying unit is, for example, an auger-type screw, but other methods, such as conveying by wind power, may also be used. The powder conveying unit supplies a fixed amount of binder per hour to the mixing unit 45 while conveying the binder.

[0036] The powder supplied to the mixing unit 45 by the powder supply unit 43 is not limited to a binder, and may be other additives such as a colorant. The powder may also be a mixture of a binder and other additives. Furthermore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a plurality of powder supply units 43.

[0037] The mixer 45 mixes powder into the defibrated material, which is fiber, in the air. Although not shown, the mixer 45 is equipped with a flow path for transporting the fiber and a fan. The fan of the mixer 45 generates an airflow that mixes in binders and the like in the air while transporting the defibrated material downstream. The defibrated material then flows from the mixer 45 into the piping 24.

[0038] The control unit 5 is electrically connected to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 and comprehensively controls the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. Although not shown, the control unit 5 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage unit including a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The storage unit stores various programs for controlling the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit 5 may include dedicated hardware (application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that executes at least some of the various processes. In other words, the control unit 5 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as ASIC, or a combination of these.

[0039] A processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes anything that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0040] Although not shown in the figures, an operation panel is provided on the exterior of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit 5 is electrically connected to the operation panel. A user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 operates the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 via the operation panel. The operation panel is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device and mechanical keys.

[0041] The third unit group 103 deposits and compresses defibrated material containing a binder, and forms it into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The third unit group 103 includes a depositing section 50, a conveying section 60, a mist humidifier 265, a humidifier 200, a drainage tank 268, a forming section 70, and a sheet conveying section 63. In the third unit group 103, the depositing section 50, the conveying section 60, and the forming section 70 are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. That is, the conveying section 60 is arranged between the depositing section 50 and the forming section 70. The humidifier 200 is arranged below in the third unit group 103.

[0042] Here, the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a processing section, which defibrates a material and produces a sheet from the resulting fibers. In this embodiment, of the components of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the defibrating section 30, separating section 41, depositing section 50, conveying section 60, forming section 70, etc. correspond to the processing sections of the present invention. The humidifying device 200 humidifies the separating section 41 and depositing section 50 of the processing sections. Note that the humidifying device 200 is not limited to humidifying the separating section 41 and depositing section 50. The humidifying device 200 may also humidify other components of the processing section, and may also humidify the buffer tank 13 as described above.

[0043] The conveying section 60 has a deposition conveying section 61 and a rear conveying section 62. The conveying section 60 conveys the web W formed in the deposition section 50 to the downstream forming section 70. In the conveying direction of the web W, the deposition conveying section 61 is disposed upstream of the rear conveying section 62. A portion of the downstream side of the deposition conveying section 61 and a portion of the upstream side of the rear conveying section 62 face each other in the vertical direction. The mist-type humidifier 265 is disposed below the rear conveying section 62.

[0044] The deposition unit 50 deposits the defibrated material containing a binder and the like by airflow and gravity to form a web W. The deposition unit 50 has a drum member 53, blade members 55 installed inside the drum member 53, a housing 51 that houses the drum member 53, and a suction unit 59. The defibrated material is taken into the drum member 53 from the piping 24.

[0045] The deposition and transfer unit 61 is disposed below the deposition unit 50. The deposition and transfer unit 61 has a mesh belt 611 and four tension rollers (not shown) that tension the mesh belt 611. The suction unit 59 faces the drum member 53 in the direction along the Z axis, with the mesh belt 611 sandwiched therebetween.

[0046] The blade members 55 are located inside the drum member 53 and are driven to rotate by an electric motor (not shown). The drum member 53 is a semi-cylindrical sieve. A mesh functioning as a sieve is provided on the downward-facing side of the drum member 53. The drum member 53 allows particles such as defibrated material fibers and binders that are smaller than the mesh size of the sieve to pass from the inside to the outside.

[0047] The defibrated material is agitated by the rotating blade members 55 inside the drum member 53 and then released to the outside of the drum member 53. Humidified air is supplied from the humidifier 200 to the inside of the drum member 53. This makes it difficult for the fibers, binder, etc. to become electrically charged, and prevents the fibers from adhering to each other and to the drum member 53, blade members 55, etc.

[0048] The suction unit 59 is located below the drum member 53. The suction unit 59 sucks air inside the housing 51 through multiple holes in the mesh belt 611. This generates an air current that deposits the defibrated material on the mesh belt 611. The multiple holes in the mesh belt 611 allow air to pass through but do not allow fibers and binders contained in the defibrated material to pass through easily. As a result, the defibrated material released to the outside of the drum member 53 is sucked downward together with the air. The suction unit 59 is a known suction device such as a suction fan.

[0049] The defibrated material containing the binder and the like is dispersed in the air inside the housing 51 and is deposited on the upper surface of the mesh belt 611 by gravity and the airflow generated by the suction part 59 to become the web W.

[0050] The mesh belt 611 of the deposition and transport unit 61 is an endless belt that is stretched over four tension rollers. The mesh belt 611 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 due to the rotation of the tension rollers. As a result, the defibrated material is continuously deposited on the mesh belt 611, and a web W is formed. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and inflated. The deposition and transport unit 61 transports the formed web W downstream by the rotation of the mesh belt 611.

[0051] The back conveying unit 62 is located downstream of the deposition conveying unit 61 and conveys the web W handed over from the deposition conveying unit 61. The back conveying unit 62 peels the web W from the upper surface of the mesh belt 611 and conveys the web W toward the forming unit 70. The back conveying unit 62 is located above the conveyance path of the web W and is disposed slightly upstream of the starting point of the return side of the mesh belt 611, i.e., the end in the -Y direction. The +Y direction of the back conveying unit 62 and the -Y direction of the mesh belt 611 partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0052] The rear conveying section 62 has a belt section 621, four tension rollers (not shown), and an adsorption section 623. The belt section 621 has a plurality of holes for allowing air to pass through. The belt section 621 is stretched by the four tension rollers, and rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 as the tension rollers rotate.

[0053] The suction section 623 sucks air through a plurality of holes in the belt section 621, and causes the web W to be suctioned to the belt section 621. The web W is suctioned to the belt section 621 and transported.

[0054] The suction unit 623 is located on the transport path of the web W in the rear transport unit 62, and is disposed above the belt unit 621. The suction unit 623 sucks air upward from below through multiple holes in the belt unit 621. As a result, the upper surface of the web W is adsorbed to the lower surface of the belt unit 621. When the belt unit 621 rotates in this state, the web W is adsorbed to the belt unit 621 and transported downstream. In other words, the belt unit 621 contacts the upper surface of the web W to transport the web W. The suction unit 623 is a known suction device such as a suction fan.

[0055] The mist humidifier 265 humidifies the web W. The mist humidifier 265 humidifies the web W by supplying mist M from below the web W being transported by the rear transport section 62. The mist humidifier 265 is disposed below the rear transport section 62 and faces the web W being transported by the rear transport section 62 in the vertical direction. A known device such as an ultrasonic type can be used as the mist humidifier 265.

[0056] By humidifying the web W with the mist M, the function of the binder contained in the web W is promoted, and the strength of the sheet P3 is improved. In addition, since the web W is humidified from below, droplets from the mist M are less likely to fall onto the web W. Furthermore, since the web W is humidified from the opposite side of the upper surface that contacts the belt portion 621, sticking of the web W to the belt portion 621 is reduced.

[0057] The forming unit 70 compresses the web W and forms it into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The forming unit 70 has a pair of a first roller 71 and a second roller 72. The forming unit 70 passes the web W between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 to form the strip-shaped sheet P1 from the web W.

[0058] Each of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 is a substantially cylindrical member. The rotation axis of the first roller 71 and the rotation axis of the second roller 72 are aligned along the X-axis. The first roller 71 is disposed substantially below the transport path of the web W, and the second roller 72 is disposed substantially above it. The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 rotate close to each other while the strip-shaped sheet P1 is being formed from the web W.

[0059] In the direction along the X-axis, the length of the first roller 71 and the length of the second roller 72 are longer than the length of the web W, i.e., the width of the web W. Therefore, the web W is firmly sandwiched between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72.

[0060] The diameter of the first roller 71 is larger than the diameter of the second roller 72. For example, the diameter of the first roller 71 is not less than 110 mm and not more than 150 mm, and the diameter of the second roller 72 is not less than 80 mm and not more than 110 mm.

[0061] The first roller 71 includes, for example, a core and a surface layer covering the core. The core may have a hollow structure made of aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or the like. Materials for the surface layer include fluororesins such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer), FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer), and ETFE (tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer), as well as silicone resin. This improves the releasability of the first roller 71 from the web W. It also reduces wear and damage to the core.

[0062] The second roller 72 includes, for example, a core, an intermediate layer, and a surface layer. The core may have a hollow structure made of aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or the like. The intermediate layer covers the core and is also covered by the surface layer. In other words, the intermediate layer is interposed between the core and the surface layer.

[0063] Materials for the intermediate layer include elastomers such as silicone rubber and urethane rubber. The hardness of the elastomer, as measured by an Asker C hardness tester, is preferably 30 to 70, more preferably 40 to 60. The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0064] Examples of materials for the surface layer include fluororesins such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer), FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer), and ETFE (tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer).

[0065] The second roller 72 having the above-described configuration improves the releasability of the second roller 72 from the web W. In addition, wear and damage to the intermediate layer are suppressed.

[0066] The web W is pressed while passing between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72. The pressure applied to the web W by the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 is preferably 0.1 MPa or more and 15.0 MPa or less, more preferably 0.2 MPa or more and 10.0 MPa or less, and even more preferably 0.4 MPa or more and 8.0 MPa or less. This suppresses deterioration of the fibers in the web W.

[0067] The first roller 71 has a built-in electric heater and has the function of raising the temperature of the roller surface. Similarly to the first roller 71, the second roller 72 also preferably has a function of raising the temperature of the roller surface by an electric heater.

[0068] The surface temperature of the first roller 71, i.e., the temperature of the surface layer of the first roller 71 that comes into contact with the web W, is preferably 100°C or higher and 130°C or lower. The surface temperature of the second roller 72, i.e., the temperature of the surface layer of the second roller 72 that comes into contact with the web W, is preferably 80°C or higher and 100°C or lower.

[0069] The first roller 71 is rotated by a stepping motor (not shown). The second roller 72 is not driven by an electric motor or the like, but is a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first roller 71. Therefore, the second roller 72 rotates in the opposite direction to the first roller 71 when viewed from the side in the -X direction.

[0070] The web W is sandwiched between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 and sent downstream while being heated and pressurized. That is, the web W is continuously passed through the forming unit 70 and press-formed while being heated. By using the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 as a pair of forming members, the web W is efficiently heated and pressurized.

[0071] As the web W passes through the forming unit 70, it is converted from a soft state containing a relatively large amount of air into a reduced amount of air and an increased density. Then, the fibers are bound together by a binder, and the web W is formed into a belt-shaped sheet P1. The belt-shaped sheet P1 is transported to the first unit group 101 by a plurality of rollers (not shown) of the sheet transport unit 63.

[0072] The humidifying device 200 is disposed below the mist type humidifier 265. The humidifying device 200 supplies humidified air through a plurality of pipes (not shown) to humidify the above-mentioned area of ​​the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The exterior of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is provided with a door (not shown) corresponding to the humidifying device 200. The door must be opened by a user to access the humidifying device 200, but does not need to be opened to access other mechanisms; it is a door that corresponds only to the humidifying device 200. A lock that performs interlocking is attached to the door, and locking and unlocking of the door is controlled by the control unit 5. Details of the humidifying device 200 will be described later.

[0073] The drainage tank 268 is a drainage tank. The drainage tank 268 is used in the mist humidifier 265, the humidifying device 200, and the like, and collects and stores old water. The drainage tank 268 can be removed from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 as needed, allowing the accumulated water to be discarded.

[0074] The strip-shaped sheet P1 transported from the forming section 70 to the first unit group 101 reaches the first cutting section 81. The first cutting section 81 cuts the strip-shaped sheet P1 in a direction intersecting the transport direction, for example, along the X-axis. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is cut into single sheets P2 at the first cutting section 81. The single sheets P2 are transported from the first cutting section 81 to the second cutting section 82 by the sheet transport section 63.

[0075] The second cutting section 82 cuts the single sheet P2 in the conveying direction, for example, along the Y axis. More specifically, the second cutting section 82 cuts both ends of the single sheet P2 in the direction along the X axis. This cuts the single sheet P2 into sheets P3 of a predetermined shape, such as A4 size or A3 size.

[0076] When the second cutting section 82 cuts the single sheets P2 into sheets P3, slit pieces S, which are scraps, are generated. The slit pieces S are transported in the approximately -Y direction to the shredding section 86, which is a shredder. The shredding section 86 shreds the slit pieces S into small pieces and supplies them to the junction 17. A mechanism may be installed between the shredding section 86 and the junction 17 to weigh the small pieces of the slit pieces S and supply them to the junction 17.

[0077] The sheet P3 is conveyed substantially upward and accumulated on the tray 84. In this manner, the sheet P3 is manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet P3 can be used as a substitute for, for example, copy paper.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the humidifier 200 has a housing 200a, a drive unit 201, a guide member 202, a suction port 203, a blower 204, a first sensor 206, a second sensor 207, a water supply unit 208, and a humidified air generator 210.

[0079] 2 shows a state in which the humidified air generation unit 210 is pulled out in the -X direction relative to the housing 200a. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the humidified air generation unit 210 is set in the housing 200a, with the water stored in the water storage unit 211 omitted.

[0080] Housing 200a is a roughly rectangular box-like shape, and has humidified air generation unit 210 set inside. Water supply unit 208 and two air blowers 204 are arranged on the surface of housing 200a facing upward. Suction port 203 is arranged on the side of housing 200a facing the +Y direction. Housing 200a is an example of a humidifying housing of the present invention.

[0081] Humidified air generation unit 210 is supported by guide member 202 extending along the X-axis. Humidified air generation unit 210 is supported by guide member 202 and is capable of reciprocating movement along the X-axis relative to housing 200a. When humidified air generation unit 210 is moved in the +X direction and set in housing 200a, the inside and outside of housing 200a are sealed off except for suction port 203 and blower unit 204.

[0082] Although not shown, the above-mentioned door of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is disposed on the -X side of the humidifier 200 in correspondence with the humidified air generation unit 210. A user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 can perform maintenance work on the humidifier 200 and the humidified air generation unit 210 by opening the door and pulling out the humidified air generation unit 210 in the -X direction. The maintenance work mainly consists of cleaning. In the following description, a user of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may also be simply referred to as a user.

[0083] Furthermore, the humidified air generation unit 210 is detachable from the housing 200a. More specifically, the humidified air generation unit 210 can be separated from the guide member 202 from the state shown in Fig. 2. This allows the humidified air generation unit 210 to be removed from the housing 200a, i.e., the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. This makes it easier for the user to perform maintenance on the humidified air generation unit 210, further improving user convenience.

[0084] Humidified air generation unit 210 humidifies the air inside housing 200a. Humidified air generation unit 210 is a rotating disk type and includes drainage unit 209, water storage unit 211, multiple disks 213, and float unit 219. For ease of illustration, the number of disks 213 is shown to be fewer than the actual number in FIG. 2. Note that humidified air generation unit 210 is not limited to the above configuration. Known mechanisms other than the rotating disk type, such as an ultrasonic type or a heating type, may also be applied to humidified air generation unit 210.

[0085] Although not shown, water storage section 211 is a container having an upwardly extending edge and a bottom surface. The cross section of water storage section 211 is U-shaped. Water storage section 211 uses the edge and bottom surface to store water for humidifying the inside of housing 200a. When humidifier 200 is operating, a portion of each disc 213 is immersed in the water stored in water storage section 211.

[0086] Water supply unit 208 is disposed above water storage unit 211. Water supply unit 208 is a valve mechanism for water supply, and adjusts the supply of water to water storage unit 211. Although not shown, water supply unit 208 is connected to the above-mentioned water supply tank 267 via a pipe such as a hose. The adjustment of the water supply by water supply unit 208 is performed automatically under the control of control unit 5. Note that the above adjustment may also be performed manually by the user.

[0087] Drainage unit 209 is disposed at the bottom of water storage unit 211. Drainage unit 209 is a valve mechanism for drainage, and adjusts the discharge of water from water storage unit 211 during maintenance work on humidifier 200 and the like. Although not shown, drainage unit 209 is connected to the above-mentioned drainage tank 268 via a pipe such as a hose. The adjustment of the drainage from water storage unit 211 by drainage unit 209 is performed automatically under the control of control unit 5. Note that the above adjustment may also be performed manually by the user.

[0088] Each of the multiple disks 213 is substantially disk-shaped and circular when viewed from the -X direction. Each disk 213 is fixed to an axis Ax along the X axis at a location corresponding to the center of the circle. Two opposing surfaces of disk 213 are perpendicular to axis Ax. Axis Ax is disposed above water storage section 211 and is rotatably supported by humidified air generation section 210.

[0089] The multiple disks 213 are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the X-axis. The interval between adjacent disks 213 along the X-axis is, for example, several mm. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the total number of disks 213 is approximately 120.

[0090] A plurality of gears (not shown) are arranged at the end of the axis Ax in the +X direction. A drive unit 201 is arranged in the +X direction of the plurality of gears, i.e., inside the end of the housing 200a in the +X direction. The drive unit 201 is an electric motor, and drives the axis Ax to rotate via the plurality of gears.

[0091] When the humidified air generation unit 210 is pulled out of the housing 200a, some of the gears are disengaged. That is, some of the gears remain on the housing 200a side, while the other gears move in the −X direction together with the humidified air generation unit 210 while remaining connected to the axis Ax.

[0092] When humidifier 200 is in operation to perform humidification, a portion of the lower part of each disk 213 is below the water surface in water storage section 211, and another portion of the upper part of each disk 213 is exposed above the water surface in water storage section 211. In the above state, when axis Ax is driven to rotate by drive section 201, multiple disks 213 fixed to axis Ax rotate clockwise as viewed from the -X direction. The rotation of multiple disks 213 stirs up water in water storage section 211 into the air within housing 200a, thereby humidifying the air within housing 200a. The rotation speed of multiple disks 213 is, for example, 6 revolutions per minute.

[0093] Suction port 203 communicates with the inside and outside of housing 200a. Air is sucked from the outside of housing 200a to the inside through suction port 203 by a negative pressure generated by blower unit 204, which will be described later. Air outside housing 200a is sucked in approximately the -Y direction relative to suction port 203, flows along the inside of the surface of housing 200a facing the +X direction, then flows along the inside of the surface of housing 200a facing the -Y direction, proceeds in approximately the +Y direction, and reaches the inside of housing 200a.

[0094] The blower 204 is, for example, an electric blower fan, and supplies humidified air from within the housing 200a to the processing unit. More specifically, the blower 204 draws air from outside the housing 200a into the housing 200a through the suction port 203. The air is humidified by water stirred up by the disks 213 in the humidified air generating unit 210, and is supplied to the outside of the housing 200a through the duct unit 205. The disks 213 are arranged so that the air flows through the portions exposed above the water surface of the water storage unit 211. In this embodiment, two sets of the blower 204 and the duct unit 205 are arranged in parallel, but the number and arrangement are not limited to this.

[0095] The duct unit 205 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is connected to the blower unit 204 in the -Y direction. An air duct (not shown) is connected to the duct unit 205 in the -Y direction. Humidified air is distributed to each component of the processing unit of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 via the air duct.

[0096] The float portion 219 is disposed at the end of the axis Ax in the −X direction. The float portion 219 is displaced according to the water level in the water storage portion 211.

[0097] In the state shown in FIG. 3 where the humidified air generation unit 210 is set in the housing 200a, the first sensor 206 and the second sensor 207 detect the position of the float unit 219, which changes depending on the water level in the water storage unit 211. The first sensor 206 and the second sensor 207 are disposed inside the housing 200a according to the first and second positions of the float unit 219, which will be described later. The first sensor 206 is located at the bottom of the housing 200a and corresponds to the first position. The second sensor 207 is located on the inner surface of the housing 200a facing the -Y direction and corresponds to the second position. When the humidified air generation unit 210 is set in the housing 200a, the float unit 219, the first sensor 206, and the second sensor 207 are positioned on a line along the Z axis when viewed from the -Y direction. Details of the float unit 219, the first sensor 206, and the second sensor 207 will be described later.

[0098] 4, the float part 219 includes an arm part 219a, a levitation part 219b, and a magnet 219c. The humidified air generating part 210 includes a slope part 214.

[0099] One end of arm portion 219a is supported rotatably about axis Ax. Levitation portion 219b and magnet 219c are disposed at the other end of arm portion 219a. Arm portion 219a is supported at one end by axis Ax, and supports levitation portion 219b and magnet 219c at the other end. Note that in the description of FIG. 4 and the following FIG. 5, the state viewed from the -X direction will be described unless otherwise specified.

[0100] The floating portion 219b generates buoyancy that rotates the float portion 219 about the axis Ax according to the water level in the water storage portion 211. The floating portion 219b is formed from a material such as a sponge or a hollow member that has a specific gravity lighter than water. Because the floating portion 219b generates buoyancy in water, the float portion 219 moves like a pendulum about the axis Ax according to the water level. That is, the float portion 219 rotates and displaces within a range of approximately 20° to approximately 60° from the downward vertical direction according to the water level in the water storage portion 211. The inside of the water storage portion 211 is formed in an arc shape to accommodate the rotation of the float portion 219.

[0101] When the water stored in water storage section 211 is at or below water level Lv1, the other end of float section 219 is positioned at approximately 20° from vertically below axis Ax. This is the state where the amount of water stored in water storage section 211 is almost zero. The position of float section 219 relative to housing 200a in this state is referred to as the first position.

[0102] When the water stored in water storage section 211 is at water level Lv2, the other end of float section 219 is positioned at approximately 60° from the vertically downward direction relative to axis Ax. This state is shown in Figure 4. When humidifier 200 is in operation to perform humidification, adjustment is made to maintain water level Lv2. The relative position of float section 219 with respect to housing 200a in this state is referred to as the second position.

[0103] Magnet 219c is an object to be detected by first sensor 206 and second sensor 207, and generates a magnetic field. Magnet 219c is located at the other end of arm portion 219a and is disposed near the inner surface of water storage portion 211. Known permanent magnets such as ferrite magnets and rare earth magnets can be used as magnet 219c.

[0104] The first sensor 206 and the second sensor 207 are magnetic sensors that detect the position of the float 219 using the magnetic field generated by the magnet 219c. The second sensor 207 is disposed in the approximate -Y direction of the axis Ax, slightly below the extension line of the water level Lv2. A known magnetic sensor can be used for the second sensor 207.

[0105] Second sensor 207 detects that float 219 is in the second position when humidifier 200 is in an operating state performing humidification. More specifically, when magnet 219c is positioned facing second sensor 207, second sensor 207 detects that float 219 is in the second position when the magnetic field it detects is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In other words, control unit 5 can detect that the water level is level Lv2 using second sensor 207.

[0106] When humidifier 200 is in an operating state performing humidification, control unit 5 controls water supply by water supply unit 208 based on the detection result of second sensor 207. Specifically, when float unit 219 moves away from the second position, control unit 5 causes water supply unit 208 to supply water. Thereafter, when float unit 219 is detected as being in the second position based on the detection result of second sensor 207, control unit 5 causes water supply unit 208 to stop supplying water. This makes it easier to maintain water level Lv2, which is an appropriate water level, when humidifier 200 is operating. This further improves user convenience. Note that water supply may be stopped after a certain period of time has elapsed rather than immediately after float unit 219 is detected as being in the second position based on the detection result of second sensor 207 during water supply.

[0107] The inclined surface 214 restricts the counterclockwise rotation of the float portion 219 at a first position in the operating state. The inclined surface 214 is disposed in the +Y direction of the float portion 219. The inclined surface 214 has an inclination that gradually increases in the +Y direction. The function of the inclined surface 214 and the first position will be described in detail later. The inclined surface 214 is provided only at a position where the float portion 219 exists in the X-axis direction, and is not at the position of the disk 213. The inclined surface 214 is provided at a distance from the disk 213 and does not interfere with the rotation of the disk 213.

[0108] 5, when the water is drained from water level Lv2 and the draining of water storage section 211 is completed, float section 219 rotates counterclockwise and abuts against inclined surface section 214. The relative position of float section 219 with respect to housing 200a at this time is referred to as the first position. When the draining of water storage section 211 is completed, that is, when float section 219 is in the first position, the user removes humidified air generation section 210 and performs maintenance work on humidifier 200.

[0109] First sensor 206 is disposed at a position closest to magnet 219c at the first position. First sensor 206 detects that float unit 219 is at the first position when humidified air generation unit 210 is set in housing 200a and water storage unit 211 has been drained. The magnetic field of magnet 219c detected by first sensor 206 exceeds a threshold value at the first position. In other words, control unit 5 can use first sensor 206 to detect that the water level is equal to or lower than water level Lv1 and that float unit 219 is at the first position. Water level Lv1 is the water level when float unit 219 falls from the second position to the first position, and is the water level when water storage unit 211 has almost been drained.

[0110] When float portion 219 is in the first position, inclined surface 214 abuts float portion 219 to restrict counterclockwise rotation of float portion 219. At this time, the angle between the direction of extension of arm portion 219a from one end to the other, i.e., central axis 219x of arm portion 219a, and the vertically downward direction is set to 15° or more. In this embodiment, this angle is set to approximately 20°.

[0111] After performing maintenance work to set humidified air generation unit 210 and confirming that float unit 219 is in the first position, water is supplied to water storage unit 211. When water begins to accumulate in water storage unit 211, buoyancy is generated by flotation unit 219b. Float unit 219 then begins to rotate clockwise. At this time, if the angle is sufficiently large, the buoyancy of flotation unit 219b makes it easier to rotate float unit 219. In other words, if the angle is small, the buoyancy acts substantially in the +Z direction, making it difficult for float unit 219 to rotate clockwise.

[0112] In this embodiment, the float part 219 is configured to rotate within a range of approximately 20° to approximately 60° as buoyancy is converted into rotational force, but is not limited to this. The float part of the present invention may be configured to rotate within another range, or may be configured to move straight up and down due to buoyancy rather than rotation.

[0113] In this embodiment, the position of the float part 219 is detected by a magnet and a magnetic sensor, but this is not limiting. The water level may be detected by other methods, such as detecting the position of the float part 219 using a mirror, a light source, and a light receiving sensor attached to the float part, or detecting the weight of the water storage part 211 with a weight sensor.

[0114] 6, the procedure for the maintenance work of the humidifier 200 includes steps S1 to S11. The above procedure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0115] In the above procedure, control unit 5 controls water supply unit 208 and drain unit 209 based on the detection results of first sensor 206 and second sensor 207. Control unit 5 automatically controls the supply and drainage of water in water storage unit 211, improving convenience for the user. Note that the procedure described below is an example, and the procedure for maintenance work on humidifier 200 is not limited to this.

[0116] In step S1, a user issues a drain command to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. Specifically, the user presses the maintenance button for the humidifier 200 on the operation panel of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit 5 receives the drain command and controls the water supply unit 208 and the drain unit 209 to start draining the water from the water storage unit 211. At the same time, the control unit 5 receives the drain command and displays on the operation panel that the draining operation is in progress.

[0117] As the water drains, the second sensor 207 no longer detects that the float 219 is in the second position. After that, when the water storage section 211 is completely drained, the float 219 moves to the first position and is detected by the first sensor 206. After that, the process waits for a predetermined time until the water drains completely. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0118] In step S2, the control unit 5 unlocks the door of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The operation panel displays that the drainage has been completed and that the door has been unlocked. The user confirms this display and opens the door. Because the door cannot be opened until the drainage has been completed, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally pulling out the humidified air generation unit 210 containing water and spilling the water. Then, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0119] In step S3, the humidifier 200 waits until the user closes the exterior door of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. During this time, the user pulls out the humidified air generation unit 210 from the housing 200a of the humidifier 200. At this time, the first sensor 206 no longer detects the float unit 219. This causes the control unit 5 to determine that the humidified air generation unit 210 has been pulled out.

[0120] Next, the user removes the plurality of disks 213 from the pulled-out humidified air generation unit 210 and cleans them with running water, etc. At this time, in addition to the disks 213, the inside of the water storage unit 211 of the humidified air generation unit 210 may also be cleaned.

[0121] After the cleaning is completed, the user attaches the cleaned disks 213 to the humidified air generating unit 210.

[0122] Next, the user pushes the humidified air generation unit 210 into the housing 200a of the humidifier 200. At this point, no water has accumulated in the water storage unit 211. When the humidified air generation unit 210 is set in an appropriate position in the humidifier 200, the first sensor 206 can detect that the float unit 219 is in the first position, i.e., that the humidified air generation unit 210 has been set in the housing 200a.

[0123] Thereafter, the user closes the exterior door of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. In step S7, the control unit 5 detects that the door has closed using the door sensor. In response to the detection of the door being closed by the door sensor, the control unit 5 displays a work end button on the operation panel. Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0124] The user presses the work end button to notify the end of the maintenance work. In step S8, the control unit 5 detects that the work end button has been operated and proceeds to step S9. Note that step S8 may be omitted, and the control unit 5 may proceed to step S9 in response to the door sensor detecting that the door is closed.

[0125] In step S9, it is determined whether the first sensor 206 detects that the float 219 is in the first position. If it detects that the float 219 is in the first position, the process proceeds to step S10. If it does not detect that the float 219 is in the first position, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0126] In step S10, the control unit 5 locks the door of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. Then, the control unit 5 controls the water supply unit 208 to start supplying water to the water storage unit 211, thereby preparing the humidifying device 200 for operation. This water supply ends when the float unit 219 reaches the second position. This completes the maintenance work on the humidifying device 200.

[0127] Step S11 indicates that the humidified air generation unit 210 is not set in the housing 200a, or that there is an abnormality even if it is set. In this case, in response to a notification that the maintenance work is complete, an error message is displayed on the operation panel, and the door is not locked or water is not supplied. The user is then prompted to open the door and properly set the humidified air generation unit 210 in the housing 200a. Then, the process proceeds to step S3. If the user then properly sets the humidified air generation unit 210 in the housing 200a and closes the exterior door of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S10, and the maintenance work for the humidifier 200 is completed.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0129] This improves user convenience. Specifically, since the setting of the humidified air generation unit 210 in the housing 200a is detected, the user does not need to check it visually or otherwise. Furthermore, when draining water from the water storage unit 211 for maintenance of the humidifier 200, it becomes easier to recognize that drainage is complete. As a result, it is possible to provide a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 and a humidifier 200 that improve user convenience.

[0130] First sensor 206 is responsible for detecting two things: that humidified air generation unit 210 has been set in housing 200a, and that drainage of water storage unit 211 has been completed. Compared to detecting these things with separate sensors, this makes it easier to simplify and miniaturize humidifier 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1...sheet manufacturing apparatus, 5...control unit, 200...humidifier, 200a...housing, 201...drive unit, 204...air blower, 206...first sensor, 207...second sensor, 208...water supply unit, 209...drainage unit, 210...humidified air generation unit, 211...water storage unit, 214...inclined unit, 219...float unit, 219a...arm unit, 219b...floating unit, 219c...magnet, Ax...axis, Lv2...water level, P3...sheet.

Claims

1. a processing unit for defibrating the material and producing a sheet from the resulting fibers; A humidifying housing; a humidified air generating unit that is detachable from the humidifying housing and that humidifies air; Equipped with the humidification housing has a first sensor; the humidified air generating unit includes a water storage unit that stores water, and a float unit that is displaced according to the water level in the water storage unit; The sheet manufacturing apparatus, wherein the first sensor detects that the float portion is at a first position, which is the position of the float portion when the humidified air generating unit is set in the humidifying housing and the water storage unit has been drained.

2. the humidifying housing has a water supply unit that supplies the water to the water storage unit, The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit that controls the water supply unit based on a detection result of the first sensor.

3. the humidification housing has a second sensor; 3. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second sensor detects that the float is at a second position, which is a position of the float when the humidified air generation unit is set in the humidification housing and the water storage unit is full.

4. 4. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit starts supplying water to the water supply unit in response to the detection result of the second sensor indicating that the float unit is not at the second position while the humidified air generating unit is humidifying, and stops supplying water to the water supply unit on the condition that the detection result of the second sensor indicates that the float unit is at the second position.

5. a door that allows the humidified air generating unit to be attached and detached when opened and prevents the humidified air generating unit from being attached and detached when closed; 4. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein after the door changes from an open state to a closed state, the control unit starts supplying water to the water supply unit when the detection result of the first sensor indicates that the float unit is at the first position, and stops supplying water to the water supply unit on the condition that the detection result of the second sensor indicates that the float unit is at the second position.

6. a door that allows the humidified air generating unit to be attached and detached when opened and prevents the humidified air generating unit from being attached and detached when closed; a lock for locking and unlocking the door; The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lock unlocks the door when the first sensor detects that the float portion is in the first position.

7. the humidified air generating section includes a sloped surface, The float portion includes a levitation portion, a magnet, and an arm portion, One end of the arm portion is supported rotatably about a shaft, the levitation unit and the magnet are disposed on the other end of the arm unit; The flotation unit generates a buoyancy that rotates the float unit about the axis in accordance with the water level in the water storage unit, When the float portion is in the first position, the inclined surface contacts the float portion to restrict rotation of the float portion, The arm portion extends from the one end to the other end toward a side where the float portion is located when the water storage portion is full of water, rather than a vertically downward direction. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor is a magnetic sensor that detects that the floating portion is at the first position by a magnetic field generated by the magnet.

8. a driving unit, a first sensor, and a humidified air generating unit detachable from the first sensor; the humidified air generating unit includes a water storage unit that stores water, The first sensor detects a state in which the humidified air generating unit is set and the water storage unit has been drained.

Images