Refining device

Abstract

To provide a refining device capable of smoothly discharging the generated refined product from a discharge port.SOLUTION: There is provided a refining device including: a casing that has a supply port to which a raw material containing a fiber is supplied and a discharge port for discharging a refined product obtained by refining the raw material; a rotor that is rotatably installed in the casing and has a plurality of blades disposed radially from a rotation axis; a filter member that is installed in the casing to cover an outer periphery of the rotor and is composed at least partially of a mesh; and a flow rectifying member that is positioned in an annular space between the filter member and an inner peripheral surface of the casing and protrudes toward the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microfabrication apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a sheet manufacturing apparatus that includes a coarse crushing section that coarsely crushes waste paper, a defibrating section that defibrates the small pieces obtained in the coarse crushing section, a depositing section that deposits the defibrated material obtained in the defibrating section on a flat surface, a heating and pressurizing section that heats and pressurizes the deposited web, a cutting section that cuts the sheet obtained in the heating and pressurizing section into a predetermined shape, and a sheet collecting section that collects the obtained sheet.

[0003] The defibrating section in the sheet manufacturing apparatus can be, for example, a micronizing device as described in Patent Document 1. The micronizing device described in Patent Document 1 has a housing having a supply port and a discharge port, a rotating section having a defibrating blade and rotating within the housing, and a mesh arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating section. The material supplied from the supply port is defibrated by the defibrating blade, and a defibrated material, i.e., a micronized material, is produced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-18828 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the pulverization device described in Patent Document 1, depending on conditions such as the degree of pulverization of the pulverized material, the amount of pulverized material, and the flow rate of gas inside the housing, there is a risk of the pulverized material accumulating in various places inside the housing, particularly near the discharge outlet. If the pulverized material accumulating near the discharge outlet inside the housing, it becomes difficult to smoothly discharge the pulverized material from the defibration unit. As a result, there is a risk that the device will frequently stop, reducing production efficiency and adversely affecting sheet quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The micronizing device of the present invention includes a casing having a supply port through which a fiber-containing raw material is supplied and a discharge port through which a micronized product obtained by micronizing the raw material is discharged; a rotor rotatably installed within the casing and having a plurality of blades arranged radially from a rotation axis; a filter member disposed in the casing so as to cover the outer periphery of the rotor, and at least a portion of which is made of mesh; The filter includes a straightening member located in the annular space between the filter member and the inner circumferential surface of the casing and protruding toward the outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet manufacturing apparatus including a micronization device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the micro-fining apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotor provided in the micronization device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the outlet in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the outlet of the micro-fining device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a micropatterning apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The micropatterning apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus including a micronization device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the micronization device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a rotor included in the micronization device shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge port in Fig. 5.

[0010] In the following description, the upper side of Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 may be referred to as "top," "upper side," or "upper," and the lower side may be referred to as "bottom," "lower side," or "below." Furthermore, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram, and the positional relationship, orientation, size, etc. of each part of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 are not limited to those shown. Furthermore, in Figure 1, the direction in which the coarse fragments M2, defibrated material M3, first sorted material M4-1, second sorted material M4-2, first web M5, finely divided material M6, mixture M7, second web M8, and sheet S are conveyed, i.e., the direction indicated by the arrow, is also referred to as the conveying direction. Furthermore, the tip side of the arrow in Figure 1 is also referred to as the "downstream side" in the conveying direction, and the base end side of the arrow in Figure 1 is also referred to as the "upstream side" in the conveying direction. Furthermore, in each figure, mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes are set, and the direction indicated by the arrow on each axis is referred to as the + side, and the opposite side is referred to as the - side.

[0011] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 that produces a sheet S from a raw material M1, which is waste paper such as used copy paper.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a raw material supply section 11, a coarse crushing section 12, a micronization device 13 which is an example of a micronization device of the present invention, a sorting section 14, a first web forming section 15, a fine division section 16, a mixing section 17, a dispersion section 18, a second web forming section 19, a molding section 20, a cutting section 21, a storage section 22, and a recovery section 27.

[0013] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 also includes a humidifying section 231, a humidifying section 232, a humidifying section 233, a humidifying section 234, a humidifying section 235, and a humidifying section 236. In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 also includes a blower 173, a blower 261, a blower 262, and a blower 263.

[0014] In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, a raw material supply process, a coarse crushing process, a fine refining process, a sorting process, a first web forming process, a dividing process, a mixing process, a loosening process, a second web forming process, a sheet forming process, and a cutting process are carried out in this order.

[0015] The configuration of each part will be explained below. The raw material supply unit 11 is a part that performs a raw material supply step of supplying raw material M1 to the crushing unit 12. This raw material M1 is a sheet-like material made of a fiber-containing substance containing cellulose fibers. Note that cellulose fibers are any fibrous material whose main component is cellulose as a compound, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose. The raw material M1 may be in any form, such as woven fabric or nonwoven fabric. The raw material M1 may be, for example, recycled paper made by disintegrating waste paper and regenerating it, or synthetic paper such as Yupo paper (registered trademark), or it may not be recycled paper.

[0016] The crushing unit 12 is a part that performs a crushing step in which the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 is crushed in air such as the atmosphere. The crushing unit 12 has a pair of crushing blades 121 and a chute 122.

[0017] The pair of crushing blades 121 rotate in opposite directions to each other, thereby crushing the raw material M1 between them, i.e., cutting it into crushed pieces M2. The shape and size of the crushed pieces M2 are preferably suitable for the pulverization process in the pulverization device 13. Examples of the shape of the crushed pieces M2 include small pieces with a square planar shape, rectangular pieces, and particularly small pieces with a strip shape. In the following description, the crushed pieces M2 will also be referred to as small pieces.

[0018] The size of the coarsely crushed pieces M2 is preferably, for example, pieces with an average side length of 100 mm or less, and more preferably pieces with an average side length of 3 mm to 70 mm. The shape of the pieces may be other than square or rectangular. The thickness is preferably 0.07 mm to 0.10 mm.

[0019] The chute 122 is disposed below the pair of crushing blades 121 and is, for example, funnel-shaped, so that the chute 122 can receive the coarsely crushed pieces M2 that have been crushed by the crushing blades 121 and dropped.

[0020] Furthermore, above the chute 122, a humidifying section 231 is disposed adjacent to the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The humidifying section 231 humidifies the coarsely crushed pieces M2 inside the chute 122. This humidifying section 231 is configured as an evaporation type or warm air evaporation type humidifier that has a moisture-containing filter and supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarsely crushed pieces M2 by passing air through the filter. By supplying humidified air to the coarsely crushed pieces M2, it is possible to prevent the coarsely crushed pieces M2 from adhering to the chute 122, etc. due to static electricity.

[0021] The chute 122 is connected to the upstream side of the micronization device 13 via the tubular body 6. That is, the downstream end of the tubular body 6 is connected to the supply port 311 of the micronization device 13 shown in Figure 2. The coarse fragments M2 collected in the chute 122 pass through the tubular body 6 and are transported to the micronization device 13.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the micronizing device 13 is a part that performs a micronization step in which the coarsely crushed pieces M2 are micronized in the air, i.e., in a dry manner. By the micronization process in this micronizing device 13, a micronized material can be produced from the coarsely crushed pieces M2. Micronization refers to a process of finely cutting and dividing a raw material, such as defibration or coarse crushing, and will be described as defibration in this embodiment. That is, the micronizing device 13 performs a defibration process on the coarsely crushed pieces M2 as raw material, and produces defibrated material M3 as a micronized material.

[0023] "Defibrillating" refers to unraveling the coarsely crushed pieces M2, which are made up of multiple fibers bound together, into individual fibers. This unraveled material becomes the defibrated material M3. The shape of the defibrated material M3 is linear or strip-like. Furthermore, the defibrated material M3 may be entangled with each other to form a mass, that is, may exist in a state in which so-called "lumps" are formed.

[0024] Furthermore, the pulverizing device 13 can generate an air flow from the crushing section 12 to the sorting section 14, i.e., an airflow, by operating the blower 261 described below and rotating the rotor 5. This allows the coarsely crushed pieces M2 to be introduced from the pipe body 6 to the upstream side of the pulverizing device 13, and after the pulverization process, the defibrated material M3 can be sent to the sorting section 14 via the pipe 242.

[0025] A pipe 242 is connected to the discharge port 321 on the downstream side of the micronization device 13. A blower 261, which is composed of, for example, a turbo fan, is installed midway through the pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generating device that generates an airflow toward the sorting section 14. This allows the coarsely crushed fragments M2 to be introduced into the micronization device 13 and the defibrated material M3 to be sent out to the sorting section 14 smoothly. As will be described later, the micronization device 13 is structured to allow the coarsely crushed fragments M2, which are the raw material, to pass through and be micronized smoothly, and operation of the blower 261 installed downstream of the micronization device 13 promotes the passage of the coarsely crushed fragments M2 within the micronization device 13 and the micronization process. The blower 261 may also be installed upstream of the micronization device 13.

[0026] The sorting unit 14 is a section that performs a sorting process to sort the defibrated material M3 according to fiber length. In the sorting unit 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into a first sorted material M4-1 and a second sorted material M4-2 having a fiber length longer than that of the first sorted material M4-1. The first sorted material M4-1 has a size suitable for the subsequent production of the sheet S. On the other hand, the second sorted material M4-2 includes, for example, material that is insufficiently defibrated or material in which defibrated fibers have excessively aggregated together.

[0027] The sorting unit 14 has a drum unit 141 and a housing unit 142 that houses the drum unit 141.

[0028] The drum part 141 is a sieve made up of a cylindrical mesh body that rotates around its central axis. The defibrated material M3 flows into this drum part 141. As the drum part 141 rotates, defibrated material M3 that is smaller than the mesh openings is sorted as first sorted material M4-1, and defibrated material M3 that is larger than the mesh openings is sorted as second sorted material M4-2. The first sorted item M4-1 falls from the drum section 141.

[0029] Meanwhile, the second sorted material M4-2 is sent to a pipe 243 connected to the drum section 141. The end of the pipe 243 opposite the drum section 141, i.e., the downstream end, is connected midway through the pipe body 6. The second sorted material M4-2 that has passed through this pipe 243 merges with the coarse crushed fragments M2 inside the pipe body 6 and flows into the refiner 13 together with the coarse crushed fragments M2. As a result, the second sorted material M4-2 is returned to the refiner 13 and is refined together with the coarse crushed fragments M2.

[0030] The first sorted material M4-1 that has fallen from the drum unit 141 disperses in the air as it falls, heading toward the first web forming unit 15 located below the drum unit 141. The first web forming unit 15 is a unit that carries out the first web forming step of forming the first web M5 from the first sorted material M4-1. The first web forming unit 15 has a mesh belt 151, three tension rollers 152, and a suction unit 153.

[0031] The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt on which the first sorted material M4-1 accumulates. The mesh belt 151 is looped around three tension rollers 152. As the tension rollers 152 rotate, the first sorted material M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 is transported downstream.

[0032] The size of the first sorted material M4-1 is equal to or larger than the mesh openings of the mesh belt 151. This restricts the first sorted material M4-1 from passing through the mesh belt 151, and therefore the first sorted material M4-1 can be accumulated on the mesh belt 151. Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 is transported downstream together with the mesh belt 151 while being accumulated on the mesh belt 151, and is therefore formed as a layered first web M5.

[0033] Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 may contain, for example, dust and dirt. Dust and dirt may be generated, for example, by crushing or defibrating. Such dust and dirt will be collected in the collection unit 27, which will be described later.

[0034] The suction unit 153 is a suction mechanism that sucks air from below the mesh belt 151. This allows dust and dirt that has passed through the mesh belt 151 to be sucked in together with the air.

[0035] Furthermore, suction unit 153 is connected to collection unit 27 via pipe 244. Dust and dirt sucked by suction unit 153 are collected in collection unit 27.

[0036] A pipe 245 is further connected to the collection unit 27. A blower 262 is installed midway along the pipe 245. By operating the blower 262, a suction force can be generated in the suction unit 153. This promotes the formation of the first web M5 on the mesh belt 151. Dust and dirt are removed from this first web M5. By operating the blower 262, the dust and dirt pass through the pipe 244 and reach the collection unit 27.

[0037] The housing 142 is connected to the humidifying section 232. The humidifying section 232 is configured as an evaporative humidifier. This allows humidified air to be supplied into the housing 142. This humidified air can humidify the first sorted items M4-1, thereby preventing the first sorted items M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing 142 due to electrostatic force.

[0038] A humidifying unit 235 is disposed downstream of the sorting unit 14. The humidifying unit 235 is configured with an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water. This allows moisture to be supplied to the first web M5, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the first web M5. This adjustment makes it possible to suppress adhesion of the first web M5 to the mesh belt 151 due to electrostatic force. As a result, the first web M5 is easily peeled off from the mesh belt 151 at the position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the tension roller 152.

[0039] The dividing unit 16 is disposed downstream of the humidifying unit 235. The dividing unit 16 is a section that performs a dividing step of dividing the first web M5 peeled off from the mesh belt 151. The dividing unit 16 has a rotatably supported propeller 161 and a housing unit 162 that houses the propeller 161. The rotating propeller 161 can divide the first web M5. The divided first web M5 becomes divided bodies M6. The divided bodies M6 descend within the housing unit 162.

[0040] The housing 162 is connected to the humidifier 233. The humidifier 233 is configured as an evaporative humidifier. This allows humidified air to be supplied into the housing 162. This humidified air can also prevent the fragmented bodies M6 from adhering to the propeller 161 or the inner wall of the housing 162 due to electrostatic force.

[0041] A mixing section 17 is disposed downstream of the dividing section 16. The mixing section 17 is a section where a mixing step of mixing the divided bodies M6 with an additive is performed. The mixing section 17 has an additive supply section 171, a pipe 172, and a blower 173.

[0042] The pipe 172 connects the housing 162 of the subdivision section 16 and the housing 182 of the dispersion section 18, and is a flow path through which the mixture M7 of the subdivision bodies M6 and the additive passes.

[0043] An additive supply unit 171 is connected to the middle of the pipe 172. The additive supply unit 171 has a housing unit 170 in which an additive is accommodated, and a screw feeder 174 provided in the housing unit 170. By rotation of the screw feeder 174, the additive in the housing unit 170 is pushed out of the housing unit 170 and supplied into the pipe 172. The additive supplied into the pipe 172 is mixed with the pulverized body M6 to form a mixture M7.

[0044] Here, examples of additives supplied from the additive supply unit 171 include a binder that binds fibers together, a colorant that colors fibers, an aggregation inhibitor that inhibits aggregation of fibers, a flame retardant that makes fibers less flammable, and a paper strength enhancer that strengthens the paper strength of the sheet S, and one or more of these can be used in combination. Below, as an example, a case where the additive is a binder P1 will be described. When the additive contains a binder that binds fibers together, the strength of the sheet S can be increased.

[0045] Examples of the binder P1 include naturally occurring ingredients such as starch, dextrin, glycogen, amylose, hyaluronic acid, kudzu, konjac, potato starch, etherified starch, esterified starch, natural gum glue, fiber-derived glue, seaweed, and animal protein, as well as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylamide. One or more selected from these can be used in combination, but naturally occurring ingredients are preferred, and starch is more preferred. Also usable are thermoplastic resins such as various polyolefins, acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, and polyamides, as well as various thermoplastic elastomers.

[0046] A blower 173 is installed in the pipe 172 downstream of the additive supply unit 171. The action of a rotating part such as a blade of the blower 173 promotes mixing of the fragmented bodies M6 and the binder P1. The blower 173 can also generate an airflow directed toward the dispersion unit 18. This airflow can agitate the fragmented bodies M6 and the binder P1 within the pipe 172. As a result, the mixture M7 is transported to the dispersion unit 18 in a state in which the fragmented bodies M6 and the binder P1 are uniformly dispersed. The fragmented bodies M6 in the mixture M7 are also loosened as they pass through the pipe 172, becoming finer fibers.

[0047] Although not shown, blower 173 is electrically connected to control device 28, and its operation is controlled by the control device 28. In addition, by adjusting the airflow rate of blower 173, the amount of air sent into drum 181 can be adjusted.

[0048] Although not shown, the end of pipe 172 on the drum 181 side is branched into two, and the branched ends are each connected to an inlet port (not shown) formed on the end face of drum 181.

[0049] 1 is a section that performs a disentangling process of disentangling and releasing entangled fibers in the mixture M7. The dispersion section 18 has a drum 181 that introduces and releases the defibrated mixture M7, and a housing 182 that houses the drum 181.

[0050] Drum 181 is a sieve made of a cylindrical mesh body that rotates around its central axis. As drum 181 rotates, fibers and the like in mixture M7 that are smaller than the mesh openings can pass through drum 181. At that time, mixture M7 is loosened and released together with air. In other words, drum 181 functions as a release section that releases material containing fibers.

[0051] The drum 181 is connected to a drive source (not shown) and rotates by the torque output from the drive source. The drive source is electrically connected to the control device 28, which controls the operation of the drive source.

[0052] Furthermore, housing 182 is connected to humidifier 234. Humidifier 234 is configured as an evaporative humidifier. This allows humidified air to be supplied into housing 182. This humidified air can humidify the inside of housing 182, and therefore, it is also possible to prevent mixture M7 from adhering to the inner wall of housing 182 due to electrostatic force.

[0053] The mixture M7 discharged from the drum 181 falls while being dispersed in the air, and heads toward the second web forming unit 19 located below the drum 181. The second web forming unit 19 is a section where the second web forming step is carried out, in which the mixture M7 is deposited to form a second web M8, which is a deposit. The second web forming unit 19 has a mesh belt 191, a tension roller 192, and a suction unit 193.

[0054] The mesh belt 191 is a mesh member, and in the illustrated configuration, is configured as an endless belt. The mixture M7 dispersed and discharged by the dispersion unit 18 is deposited on the mesh belt 191. The mesh belt 191 is wound around four tension rollers 192. The rotation of the tension rollers 192 transports the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 downstream.

[0055] In the illustrated configuration, a mesh belt 191 is used as an example of a mesh member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a flat plate-shaped member may also be used.

[0056] Furthermore, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 has a size equal to or larger than the mesh openings of the mesh belt 191. This prevents the mixture M7 from passing through the mesh belt 191, and therefore allows the mixture M7 to be deposited on the mesh belt 191. Furthermore, the mixture M7 is transported downstream together with the mesh belt 191 while being deposited on the mesh belt 191, and is therefore formed as a layered second web M8.

[0057] The suction unit 193 is a suction mechanism that sucks air from below the mesh belt 191. This allows the mixture M7 to be sucked onto the mesh belt 191, thereby facilitating the deposition of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191.

[0058] A pipe 246 is connected to the suction unit 193. A blower 263 is installed midway along the pipe 246. By operating the blower 263, the suction unit 193 can generate a suction force.

[0059] A humidifying section 236 is disposed downstream of the dispersion section 18. The humidifying section 236 is configured with an ultrasonic humidifier similar to the humidifying section 235. This allows moisture to be supplied to the second web M8, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the second web M8. This adjustment makes it possible to suppress adhesion of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 due to electrostatic force. This allows the second web M8 to be easily peeled off from the mesh belt 191 at the position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the tension roller 192.

[0060] The total amount of water added to the humidifying units 231 to 236 is preferably, for example, 0.5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the material before humidification.

[0061] A forming unit 20 is disposed downstream of the second web forming unit 19. The forming unit 20 is a section where a sheet forming step is carried out to form a sheet S from the second web M8. The forming unit 20 has a pressurizing unit 201 and a heating unit 202.

[0062] The pressure applying unit 201 has a pair of calender rollers 203, and can apply pressure to the second web M8 between the calender rollers 203 without heating it. This increases the density of the second web M8. When heating, the degree of heating is preferably such that the binder P1 does not melt. The second web M8 is then transported toward the heating unit 202. One of the pair of calender rollers 203 is a driven roller driven by the operation of a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0063] The heating section 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and can apply pressure to the second web M8 while heating it between the heating rollers 204. This heating and pressurizing melts the binder P1 in the second web M8, and the fibers are bound together via the molten binder P1. This forms a sheet S. The sheet S is then transported toward the cutting section 21. One of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a drive roller driven by the operation of a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0064] The cutting unit 21 is disposed downstream of the forming unit 20. The cutting unit 21 is a section that performs a cutting step of cutting the sheet S. The cutting unit 21 has a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.

[0065] The first cutter 211 cuts the sheet S in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet S, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0066] The second cutter 212 is located downstream of the first cutter 211 and cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction of the sheet S. This cutting removes unnecessary portions from both side edges in the width direction of the sheet S to adjust the width of the sheet S.

[0067] A sheet S having a desired shape and size is obtained by cutting with the first cutter 211 and the second cutter 212. Then, this sheet S is conveyed further downstream and accumulated in the stock unit 22.

[0068] Each of the components of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is electrically connected to a control device 28. The operation of each of these components is controlled by the control device 28.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 28 includes a control unit 281, a storage unit 282, and a communication unit 283.

[0070] The control unit 281 has at least one processor and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 282. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. The control unit 281 also has various functions, such as a function to control the driving of each part of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 related to sheet manufacturing, such as a function to control the driving of the blower 261, and a function to control the driving of the motor M described below.

[0071] The blower 261 and the motor M are driven to rotate at a predetermined timing and a predetermined number of revolutions by the control unit 281 controlling the power supply to the blower 261 and the motor M. It is preferable that the blower 261 and the motor M are driven at roughly the same time. This promotes smooth passage of the raw material through the micronization device 13 and good micronization processing.

[0072] The storage unit 282 stores, for example, a program related to sheet manufacturing, etc. With regard to the pulverization of the raw material by the pulverization device 13, a program related to an operation sequence including conditions such as the operation timing and rotation speed of the blower 261 and the motor M is stored.

[0073] The communication unit 283 is configured by, for example, an I / O interface, and communicates with each unit of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The communication unit 283 also has a function of communicating with a computer or server (not shown) via, for example, a network.

[0074] The control device 28 may be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, or may be provided in an external device such as an external computer. Furthermore, the control unit 281 and the storage unit 282 may be integrated into one unit, for example, or the control unit 281 may be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the storage unit 282 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer, or the storage unit 282 may be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the control unit 281 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer.

[0075] Next, the configuration of the micropatterning device 13 will be described. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the refiner 13 is a device that refines the coarsely crushed pieces M2 that are supplied as raw material. In the refiner 13 installed in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the second sorted material M4-2 is mixed with the coarsely crushed pieces M2 as the raw material to be introduced, but since the amount of the second sorted material M4-2 in the raw material is small compared to the coarsely crushed pieces M2, the introduced raw material will be described below as the coarsely crushed pieces M2.

[0076] 2, the pulverization device 13 has a casing 3, a filter member 4 installed inside the casing 3, a rotor 5 installed rotatably inside the casing 3, and a motor M that rotates and drives the rotor 5. The coarse fragments M2 introduced into the casing 3 are defibrated when passing between the outer periphery of the rotating rotor 5 and the filter member 4, and become defibrated material M3.

[0077] The rotation direction of the rotor 5 may be either clockwise or counterclockwise, and the rotation direction may be switchable. In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the rotor 5 is indicated by an arrow in FIG.

[0078] The casing 3 has a supply port 311 through which the coarse fragments M2 are supplied, and a discharge port 321 through which the produced defibrated material M3 is discharged to the outside of the casing 3. The casing 3 is a box-shaped member having an internal space S0 that houses the filter member 4 and the rotor 5.

[0079] The casing 3 has an outer shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the casing 3 has a front side wall 31 located on the +X-axis side, a rear side wall 32 located on the -X-axis side, an upper side wall 33 located on the +Z-axis side, a lower side wall 34 located on the -Z-axis side, a side wall 35 located on the +Y-axis side, and a side wall 36 located on the -Y-axis side.

[0080] A supply port 311 formed as a through-hole is provided in the front side wall portion 31. The supply port 311 is formed at a position eccentric to the shaft 50, which will be described later. The downstream end of the pipe body 6 is connected to the supply port 311. As a result, the coarse crushed fragments M2 flowing down the pipe body 6 are supplied into the casing 3.

[0081] A discharge port 321 formed as a through-hole is provided in the lower wall portion 34. The upstream end of a pipe 242 is inserted into and connected to the discharge port 321. As a result, the defibrated material M3 produced in the pulverization device 13 is transported downstream, i.e., to the sorting unit 14, via the pipe 242.

[0082] 4, the front side wall 31 and the rear side wall 32 rotatably support the shaft 50 of the rotor 5 via bearings 71 and 72. The front side wall 31 and the rear side wall 32 each have a through hole, through which the shaft 50 of the rotor 5 is inserted. The rotation axis O of the shaft 50 is arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis.

[0083] The end of the shaft 50 on the rear side wall 32 side protrudes toward the -X axis side beyond the rear side wall 32, and this protruding part is connected to the motor M. The rotational force output by the motor M rotates the shaft 50, which in turn rotates the rotor 5.

[0084] 3, the rotor 5 has a shaft 50, a plurality of plate-shaped tooth forming members 52 fixed to the outer periphery of the shaft 50 and aligned along the X-axis direction, and a fixed plate 53. When the rotor 5 rotates within the internal space S0, an airflow is formed toward the supply port 311, the outer periphery of each tooth forming member 52, and the discharge port 321, and as a result, the coarse fragments M2 and defibrated material M3 are transported from upstream to downstream within the pulverization device 13.

[0085] The tooth-forming member 52 is a plate material having protrusions 520 that form blades 521 on the outer periphery. The tooth-forming members 52 arranged along the X-axis direction are inserted into the shaft 50 with their main surfaces joined together. The protrusions 520 are arranged radially, that is, at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the shaft 50. There are 13 protrusions 520 provided in one tooth-forming member 52. However, the number of protrusions 520 is not limited to this configuration. The number of protrusions 520 may be 1 to 12, or may be 14 or more.

[0086] The tooth-forming members 52 are arranged so that the protrusions 520 overlap in the direction of the rotation axis O. The overlapping protrusions 520 form blades 521. The blades 521 are located on the outer periphery of the rotor 51 when viewed as a whole. In other words, multiple blades 521 are provided at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the rotor 51. The blades 521 are spaced a predetermined distance from the filter member 4 provided on the outer periphery of the blades 521, and rotate without contacting the filter member 4.

[0087] The fixing plate 53 is disposed concentrically with each tooth forming member 52 on the +X-axis side of each tooth forming member 52. Each tooth forming member 52 is fixed to the fixing plate 53 via fixing members such as bolts and screws (not shown).

[0088] With this configuration, the supplied coarsely crushed pieces M2 enter the gaps between each tooth forming member 52 and the filter member 4, and are defibrated by the rotational force of each blade 521. Furthermore, the rotation of the rotor 5, combined with the operation of the blower 261, creates an airflow that passes through the supply port 311, the space inside the filter member 4 in the internal space S0, the annular space S1, and the discharge port 321 in that order.

[0089] The rotation speed of the rotor 5 during defibration is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1000 rpm or more and 300,000 rpm or less, and more preferably 3,000 rpm or more and 15,000 rpm or less, which allows for better fragmentation of the coarsely crushed pieces M2.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 5, the filter element 4 is made of a cylindrical member and has a curved, plate-like rigid portion 40 on the -Z-axis side. A flow straightening member 8, which will be described later, is provided on this rigid portion 40, and the filter element 4 other than the rigid portion 40 is made of a mesh portion, i.e., a mesh 41. The edge of the filter element 4 on the -X-axis side is fixed to the inner surface of the casing 3, i.e., the inner surface of the rear side wall portion 32. The outer periphery of the filter element 4 is fixed at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the casing 3. As a result, an annular space, i.e., annular space S1, is formed between the filter element 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the casing 3, through which fibers that pass through the mesh 41 flow toward the discharge port 321.

[0091] The openings of the mesh 41 are such that only sufficiently defibrated fibers can pass through. If defibration is insufficient, the coarse fragments M2 will not pass through the mesh 41 but will be located inside the filter member 4 in the internal space S0, i.e., on the blade 521 side, and will be defibrated between the rotating blade 521 and the filter member 4 until they are sufficiently defibrated.

[0092] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fibers that have been sufficiently defibrated and disentangled one by one, i.e., the defibrated material M3, passes through the mesh 41 of the filter element 4 together with the air and moves into the annular space S1, which is the space between the filter element 4 and the inner surface of the casing 3.

[0093] The annular space S1 has an annular shape, particularly a circular ring shape, when viewed from the X-axis direction. The annular space S1 communicates with the outlet 321 at its lower portion. The annular space S1 is a space that is continuous around the entire outer periphery of the filter member 4. However, the annular space S1 is not limited to this configuration, and a portion of the annular space S1 in the circumferential direction, for example, the upper portion, may be discontinued.

[0094] 5, during defibration of the coarse fragments M2, a first airflow A1 that flows rightward (clockwise) through the annular space S1 and a second airflow A2 that flows leftward (counterclockwise) through the annular space S1 are generated in the annular space S1 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis O of the rotor 5. These first airflow A1 and second airflow A2 join together near the discharge port 321, and after joining, are discharged from the discharge port 321. The defibrated material M3 that has passed through each part of the mesh 41 follows the flow of the first airflow A1 or the second airflow A2, joins together near the discharge port 321, and after joining, is discharged from the discharge port 321 and is transported downstream inside the pipe 242.

[0095] In this way, the micro-fiberization device 13 has a first airflow A1 and a second airflow A2 that flow in opposite directions within the annular space S1, and a confluence section 200 where the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 converge, and the defibrated material M3 contained in the airflows that converge at the confluence section 200 is discharged from the discharge outlet 321 (see Figure 6).

[0096] 5 and 6, the atomization device 13 is provided in the annular space S1 and has a rectifying member 8 that protrudes toward the discharge port 321. That is, the rectifying member 8 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid portion 40 of the filter member 4 so as to protrude toward the discharge port 321. The rigid portion 40 functions as a support portion for the rectifying member 8.

[0097] The rectifying member 8 has the function of rectifying the airflow near the discharge port 321 of the annular space S1, and forming a good airflow heading towards the discharge port 321. To explain in more detail, in the lower part of the annular space S1, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 join at the confluence 200 and head towards the discharge port 321, but by installing the rectifying member 8, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 change direction so that they each head downward just before the confluence 200, reducing the resistance and loss due to the confluence and allowing the confluence to occur smoothly, and making it possible for the joined airflows to head towards the discharge port 321 without reducing the flow speed as much as possible. This prevents the defibrated material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, and allows the defibrated material M3 to be discharged smoothly from the discharge port 321. Therefore, the amount of defibrated material M3 discharged per unit time from the pulverization device 13 can be stabilized. As a result, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 equipped with the pulverization device 13 can improve the quality of the sheet S. Furthermore, the frequency of stopping the pulverization device 13 for maintenance due to accumulation or clogging of the defibrated material M3 decreases, so a decrease in the production efficiency of the defibrated material M3 (pulverized material), and in particular, the production efficiency of the sheet S, can be prevented.

[0098] In this embodiment, since the flow regulating member 8 is provided in the confluence part 200, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 can be smoothly and appropriately converged, and the direction of the airflow after merging can be optimized and the flow speed can be ensured. In other words, in the confluence part 200 where defibrated material M3 is relatively likely to accumulate, the defibrated material M3 can be prevented from accumulating, and it can be discharged smoothly from the discharge port 321.

[0099] 6, the flow rectifying member 8 is a block-shaped member whose cross section taken along a plane normal to the rotation axis O is triangular. The flow rectifying member 8 has a first flow rectifying surface 81, a second flow rectifying surface 82, and an apex 83. The interior of the flow rectifying member 8 may be hollow.

[0100] The first rectifying surface 81 is located downstream of the first airflow A1, i.e., on the +Y-axis side, and rectifies the first airflow A1. The first rectifying surface 81 is configured as a plane inclined with respect to the Y-axis and Z-axis. The first airflow A1 changes its course (flow direction) toward the exhaust port 321 side by the first rectifying surface 81, and flows smoothly toward the exhaust port 321.

[0101] The second rectifying surface 82 is located downstream of the second airflow A2, i.e., on the -Y-axis side, and rectifies the second airflow A2. The second rectifying surface 82 is inclined with respect to the Y-axis and Z-axis, and is configured as a plane that is symmetrical to the first rectifying surface 81 with respect to the XZ plane that passes through the top 83. The second rectifying surface 82 changes the course of the second airflow A2 toward the exhaust port 321, and the second airflow A2 flows smoothly toward the exhaust port 321.

[0102] However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and at least one of the first flow rectifying surface 81 and the second flow rectifying surface 82 may be configured as a curved surface (a curved convex surface or a curved concave surface).

[0103] The apex 83 is located at the boundary between the first flow straightening surface 81 and the second flow straightening surface 82, and is configured with a pointed portion (edge ​​portion) that protrudes downward. The pointed portion of the apex 83 extends along the X-axis and forms an edge. The apex 83 may be inclined in any direction with respect to the X-axis. The apex 83 does not have to be pointed. In other words, the apex 83 may be rounded or may be configured with a flat surface.

[0104] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the apex 83 overlaps with the discharge port 321. In other words, the position of the apex 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 coincides with the discharge port 321. This makes it possible to more reliably direct the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2, whose courses have been changed by the straightening member 8, toward the discharge port 321. Therefore, the defibrated material M3 can be discharged from the discharge port 321 more smoothly.

[0105] In this way, the position of the apex 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 coincides with the discharge port 321. This allows the defibrated material M3 to be discharged from the discharge port 321 more smoothly.

[0106] The position of the apex 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 may be offset from the discharge port 321. In other words, the apex 83 does not have to overlap with the discharge port 321 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0107] Furthermore, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the apex 83 overlaps with the central axis O1 of the discharge outlet 321. In other words, the position of the apex 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 coincides with the central axis O1 of the discharge outlet 321. This allows the defibrated material M3 to be discharged from the discharge outlet 321 more smoothly.

[0108] The position of the apex 83 in the circumferential direction of the annular space S1 may be offset from the central axis O1 of the outlet 321. In other words, the apex 83 does not have to overlap with the central axis O1 of the outlet 321 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0109] Although not shown, the length of the rectifying member 8 in the X-axis direction is the same as the length of the filter member 4 in the X-axis direction. That is, the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82 are formed over the entire area of ​​the filter member 4 in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to more effectively rectify the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2.

[0110] The length in the X-axis direction of the rectifying member 8 is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more of the length in the X-axis direction of the filter member 4. This makes it possible to effectively rectify the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2.

[0111] The first and second flow rectifying surfaces 81 and 82 are rectangular in plan view and are the same size. That is, the first and second flow rectifying surfaces 81 and 82 have the same length in the X-axis direction at any position in the Z-axis direction. This allows the above-mentioned flow rectifying effect to be stably exerted.

[0112] The first flow rectifying surface 81 and the second flow rectifying surface 82 may have portions with different lengths in the X-axis direction. For example, the first flow rectifying surface 81 and the second flow rectifying surface 82 may have a shape having a portion whose length in the X-axis direction decreases toward the -Z-axis side.

[0113] 6, the inclination angle θ1 of the first rectifying surface 81 with respect to the Y axis is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 10° to 80°, and more preferably 20° to 70°, which makes it possible to more effectively rectify the first airflow A1.

[0114] When the first flow regulating surface 81 is a curved surface, the intermediate value between the maximum value and the minimum value of the inclination angle is set as the inclination angle θ1.

[0115] The inclination angle θ2 of the second rectifying surface 82 with respect to the Y axis is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 10° to 80°, and more preferably 20° to 70°, which makes it possible to more effectively rectify the second airflow A2.

[0116] When the second flow regulating surface 82 is a curved surface, the midpoint between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the inclination angle is set as the inclination angle θ2.

[0117] In the rectifying member 8, the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 are the same. This allows the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 to be rectified equally and in a balanced manner. However, this configuration is not limiting, and the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 may be different. In this case, it is preferable to appropriately set the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 in consideration of the balance of the flow rates of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2, the shape of the annular space S1, etc.

[0118] When the protruding height of the top portion 83 from the filter member 4 is L1 and the average length of the annular space S1 in the radial direction of the rotor 5 is L2, L1 / L2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.4 or more and less than 1.0, and more preferably 0.5 or more and 0.8 or less. This allows the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 to be rectified more appropriately and effectively.

[0119] As described above, when the protruding height of the apex 83 from the filter member 4 is L1 and the average length of the annular space S1 in the radial direction of the rotor 5 is L2, it is preferable that L1 / L2 be equal to or greater than 0.4 and less than 1.0. This makes it possible to rectify the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 more appropriately and effectively.

[0120] As described above, the pulverization device 13 includes a casing 3 having a supply port 311 to which coarsely crushed fragments M2, an example of a fiber-containing raw material, are supplied, and a discharge port 321 from which defibrated material M3, an example of a pulverized material formed by pulverizing the coarsely crushed fragments M2, is discharged; a rotor 5 rotatably installed within the casing 3 and having a plurality of blades 521 arranged radially from a rotation axis O; a filter element 4 installed within the casing 3 so as to cover the outer periphery of the rotor 5 and at least a portion of which is composed of a mesh 41; and a straightening member 8 located in the annular space S1 between the filter element 4 and the inner circumferential surface of the casing 3 and protruding toward the discharge port 321. This prevents the defibrated material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, allowing the defibrated material M3 to be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 321. As a result, the pulverization process can be continued smoothly and stably. Furthermore, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes such a pulverization device 13, a high-quality sheet S can be stably and efficiently manufactured.

[0121] Although the annular space S1 has been described as being connected around its entire circumference, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the annular space S1 may be partially blocked. That is, a C-shaped space with a partially interrupted portion is also included in the annular space. For example, the upper portion of the annular space S1 in FIG. 5 may be blocked.

[0122] Furthermore, the annular space S1 does not have to be circular, but may be elliptical, or may have a partially angular portion.

[0123] The atomization device 13 has a confluence section 200 where a first airflow A1 flowing clockwise through the annular space S1 and a second airflow A2 flowing counterclockwise through the annular space S1 join together when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis O of the rotor 5, and the flow straightening member 8 is provided at the confluence section 200. This makes it possible to prevent the defibrated material M3 from staying in the confluence section 200, where the defibrated material M3 is relatively likely to stay. As a result, the defibrated material M3 can be discharged smoothly from the discharge port 321.

[0124] In the annular space S1, the flow speeds and flow rates of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 do not have to be equal, and furthermore, the airflows may flow in only one direction.

[0125] The rectifying member 8 has a first rectifying surface 81 that rectifies the first airflow A1, a second rectifying surface 82 that rectifies the second airflow A2, and a top 83 provided between the first rectifying surface 81 and the second rectifying surface 82. This allows the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 to be rectified well. As a result, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 are joined properly and well, allowing the defibrated material M3 to be discharged smoothly from the discharge port 321.

[0126] In this embodiment, the straightening member 8 has been described as having two straightening surfaces, namely, the first straightening surface 81 and the second straightening surface 82, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of straightening surfaces may be one, or three or more.

[0127] Furthermore, as described above, the filter member 4 is cylindrical, and is made up of mesh 41 except for the rigid portion 40 where the rectifying member 8 is provided. This ensures sufficient passage of the defibrated material M3, and also allows the rectifying member 8 to be stably installed, allowing the rectifying member 8 to rectify the airflow well and stably.

[0128] The entire filter member 4 may be made of mesh 41. Alternatively, the entire or part of the filter member 4 may be made of a frame-shaped member or a porous member having the same function as the mesh 41.

[0129] Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the outlet of the micro-fining device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the micropatterning apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of commonalities will be omitted.

[0131] 7, in the micronization device 13 of this embodiment, the upper edge of the discharge outlet 321 is chamfered or rounded along the entire periphery. That is, at its upper end, the discharge outlet 321 has a gradually increasing portion 322 whose inner diameter gradually increases toward the +Z axis, and a constant inner diameter portion 323 which is located on the −Z axis side of the gradually increasing portion 322 and has a constant inner diameter.

[0132] The rate of increase in the inner diameter of gradually increasing portion 322 increases toward the +Z axis side, and the inner surface of gradually increasing portion 322 is a curved surface. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and the rate of increase in the inner diameter of gradually increasing portion 322 may be constant or may decrease toward the +Z axis side.

[0133] By providing the gradual increase part 322, it is possible to prevent or alleviate the narrowing of the annular space S1 in the area near the discharge port 321 caused by the presence of the rectifying member 8, and the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 rectified by the rectifying member 8 can be smoothly joined together without reducing the flow speed. Furthermore, by providing the gradual increase part 322, the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 rectified by the rectifying member 8 can be guided along the inner circumferential part of the gradual increase part 322 and flow into the discharge port 321. The synergistic effect of these actions makes it possible to more effectively prevent the defibrated material M3 from accumulating near the discharge port 321, and to discharge the defibrated material M3 from the discharge port 321 more smoothly.

[0134] Furthermore, when the inner diameter of constant inner diameter portion 323 is d and the length of gradually increasing portion 322 in the Z-axis direction is L3, L3 / d is preferably 0.01 or more and 1.5 or less, and more preferably 0.1 or more and 0.9 or less. This makes it possible to ensure a necessary and sufficient area for forming gradually increasing portion 322, and to more reliably achieve the above-mentioned effects.

[0135] In this way, the edges of the discharge outlet 321 are chamfered or rounded. This more effectively prevents the defibrated material M3 from accumulating near the discharge outlet 321, and allows the defibrated material M3 to be discharged more smoothly from the discharge outlet 321. As a result, the pulverization process can be continued more smoothly and stably. Furthermore, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is equipped with such a pulverization device 13, high-quality sheets S can be manufactured more stably and efficiently.

[0136] <Third embodiment> FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the outlet of the micro-fining device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the micropatterning apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of commonalities will be omitted.

[0138] 8, the length of the annular space S1 in the micronization device 13 of this embodiment increases in the radial direction of the rotor 5 as it approaches the -Z axis side. That is, the length of the annular space S1 in the radial direction of the rotor 5 is longer on the outlet 321 side than on the opposite side of the outlet 321 across the rotation axis O. This will be explained in detail below.

[0139] The annular space S1 is divided into two, upper and lower, at the position where the rotation axis O is located in the Z-axis direction, i.e., by the dotted line in Figure 8, with the space on the discharge outlet 321 side being the annular space S1A and the space on the opposite side of the discharge outlet via the rotation axis O being the annular space S1B.

[0140] The maximum value of the length of the rotor 5 in the radial direction in the annular space S1A is longer than the maximum value of the length of the rotor 5 in the radial direction in the annular space S1B.

[0141] Furthermore, the average value of the length of the rotor 5 in the radial direction in the annular space S1A is longer than the average value of the length of the rotor 5 in the radial direction in the annular space S1B.

[0142] In this embodiment, the filter member 4 and the rotor 5 are installed in a biased state toward the upper side of the internal space S0 of the casing 3, thereby forming an annular space S1A and annular space S1B having different radial lengths of the rotor 5 described above.

[0143] According to this configuration, the annular space S1A near the discharge port 321 is large, so even if lumps (small clumps of entangled fibers) occur in the defibrated material M3 that has passed through the filter member 4, the lumps can be discharged from the discharge port 321. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the defibrated material M3 from staying near the discharge port 321, and to discharge the defibrated material M3 from the discharge port 321 more smoothly.

[0144] In this way, the length of the annular space S1 in the radial direction of the rotor 5 (in this embodiment, both the maximum value and the average value) is longer on the discharge outlet 321 side than on the opposite side of the discharge outlet 321 with respect to the rotation axis O. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the defibrated material M3 from accumulating near the discharge outlet 321, and to more smoothly discharge the defibrated material M3 from the discharge outlet 321. As a result, the pulverization process can be continued more smoothly and stably. Furthermore, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is equipped with such a pulverization device 13, high-quality sheets S can be manufactured more stably and efficiently.

[0145] Although the microfabrication device of the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these, and each component of the microfabrication device can be replaced with any component that can perform the same function. In addition, any component may be added to the microfabrication device.

[0146] Furthermore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus may omit the raw material supply unit 11 and the crushing unit 12. In this case, the sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a crushed piece supply unit that supplies crushed pieces instead of the raw material supply unit 11 and the crushing unit 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 3...casing, 4...filter member, 5...rotor, 6...tube body, 8...rectifying member, 11...raw material supply section, 12...crushing section, 13...micronizing device, 14...screening section, 15...first web forming section, 16...fragmenting section, 17...mixing section, 18...dispersing section, 19...second web forming section, 20...shaping section, 21...cutting section, 22...stock section, 27...recovery section, 28...control device, 31...front side wall section, 32...rear side wall section, 33...upper side wall section, 34...lower side wall section, 35...side wall section, 36...side wall section, 40...rigid portion, 41...mesh, 50...shaft, 51...rotor , 52...tooth forming member, 53...fixing plate, 71...bearing, 72...bearing, 81...first straightening surface, 82...second straightening surface, 83...top, 100...sheet manufacturing apparatus, 121...crushing blade, 122...chute, 141...drum portion, 142...housing portion, 151...mesh belt, 152...tension roller, 153...suction portion, 161...propeller, 162...housing portion, 170...housing portion, 171...additive supply portion, 172...pipe, 173...blower, 174...screw feeder, 181...drum, 182...housing, 191...mesh belt Shoe belt, 192... tension roller, 193... suction unit, 200... confluence unit, 201... pressure unit, 202... heating unit, 203... calendar roller, 204... heating roller, 211... first cutter, 212... second cutter, 231... humidification unit, 232... humidification unit, 233... humidification unit, 234... humidification unit, 235... humidification unit, 236... humidification unit, 242... pipe, 243... pipe, 244... pipe, 245... pipe, 246... pipe, 261... blower, 262... blower, 263... blower, 281... control unit, 282... memory unit, 283... communication unit, 311... Supply port, 321...discharge port, 322...gradually increasing section, 323...constant inner diameter section, 520...projection, 521...blade, A1...first air flow, A2...second air flow, M...motor, M1...raw material, M2...coarsely crushed pieces, M3...defibrated material, M4-1...first sorted material, M4-2...second sorted material, M5...first web, M6...fine particles, M7...mixture, M8...second web, L1...projection height, L2...average length, O...rotation axis, O1...central axis, P1...binder, S...sheet, S0...internal space, S1...annular space, S1A...annular space, S1B...annular space, θ1...inclination angle, θ2...inclination angle

Claims

1. a casing having a supply port through which a raw material containing fibers is supplied and a discharge port through which a pulverized material obtained by pulverizing the raw material is discharged; a rotor rotatably installed within the casing and having a plurality of blades arranged radially from a rotation axis; a filter member disposed in the casing so as to cover the outer periphery of the rotor, and at least a portion of which is made of mesh; a straightening member located in the annular space between the filter member and the inner peripheral surface of the casing, and protruding toward the discharge port.

2. a confluence portion where a first airflow flowing clockwise through the annular space and a second airflow flowing counterclockwise through the annular space join together as viewed in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the rotor, The micro-fining apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flow regulating member is provided at the confluence portion.

3. 3. The micro-finishing device according to claim 2, wherein the rectifying member has a first rectifying surface that rectifies the first airflow, a second rectifying surface that rectifies the second airflow, and a top portion provided between the first rectifying surface and the second rectifying surface.

4. The micronization apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the top portion is positioned in the circumferential direction of the annular space in agreement with the discharge port.

5. 5. The micronization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein L1 is the protruding height of the top from the filter member, and L2 is the average length of the annular space in the radial direction of the rotor, and L1 / L2 is 0.4 or more and less than 1.

0.

6. 6. The micronization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter member is cylindrical and is made of the mesh except for a portion where the flow straightening member is provided.

7. 6. The micronization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the edge of said outlet is chamfered or rounded.

8. 6. The micronization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the length of the annular space in the radial direction of the rotor is longer on the side of the outlet than on the opposite side of the outlet across the rotation axis.

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