Humidifying device and sheet manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a humidifier hardly causing deflection in a humidifying disk constituting the humidifier, and preventing reduction in humidifying capacity.SOLUTION: A humidifying device comprising a water storage part 200 for storing water, a fixed shaft 220, a first retainer part 252 for positioning with respect to the fixed shaft 220, a second retainer part 253 for positioning with respect to the fixed shaft 220, a humidifying plate 210 having a disk part 214 for pumping up water stored in the water storage part 200, and a washer part 254 in contact with the first retainer part 252 and the humidifying plate 210, wherein the first retainer part 252, the washer part 254, the plurality of humidifying plates, and the second retainer part 253 are arranged in order along the fixed shaft 220. 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A conventional humidifier has been known, having a number of humidifying disks stacked with gaps between them in the axial direction of a rotating shaft, as shown in Patent Document 1. These humidifying disks are driven to rotate with their radial ends immersed in a water storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-216794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such humidifiers, the humidifying disk sometimes comes into contact with a wall or other object when it opens, resulting in a decrease in humidifying capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The humidifying device has a water storage section for storing water, a fixed shaft, a first anti-slip section for positioning the device relative to the fixed shaft, a second anti-slip section for positioning the device relative to the fixed shaft, a humidifying plate having a disk section for pumping water stored in the water storage section, and a washer section in contact with the first anti-slip section and the humidifying plate, and is characterized in that the first anti-slip section, the washer section, multiple humidifying plates, and the second anti-slip section are arranged in order along the fixed shaft.

[0006] The sheet manufacturing apparatus is characterized by having a humidifying device, a fiber processing section that defibrates waste paper into fibers and separates them, a pipe that transports humidified air generated by the humidifying device to the fiber processing section, and a deposition section that deposits the fibers to produce sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is an external view showing a partial configuration of a second humidifier. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an external view showing a partial configuration of a second humidifier. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main body portion. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main body portion. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an external view showing a partial configuration of a first retaining portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an external view showing a partial configuration of a second retaining portion. [Figure 10] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] First, a configuration example of a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 equipped with a second humidifying device 66, which is an evaporative humidifying device, will be described. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described as an apparatus that produces recycled paper from waste paper using a dry method. In this specification, "dry method" means that the process is carried out in air such as the atmosphere, rather than in a liquid. Note that the sheet manufacturing apparatus may also be an apparatus that produces sheets such as cloth from fibrous materials such as cotton and cloth, in addition to waste paper. Furthermore, sheets may be produced in liquid in some processes.

[0009] In the following figures, X, Y, and Z axes are added as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes as necessary. In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the side ahead in the conveying direction of the raw material, web, sheet, etc. is sometimes referred to as downstream, and the side going upstream in the conveying direction is sometimes referred to as upstream. For convenience of illustration, the sizes of each component are different from the actual sizes.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a first unit group 101, a second unit group 102, and a third unit group 103. The first unit group 101, the second unit group 102, and the third unit group 103 are supported by a frame (not shown). In Fig. 1, the directions in which the waste paper C, the sheet P3, the slit pieces S, the scraps, etc. move are indicated by hollow arrows.

[0011] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a sheet P3 from waste paper C. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is viewed in the +X direction, the first unit group 101, the third unit group 103, and the second unit group 102 are arranged in this order from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction.

[0012] The waste paper C is 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 waste paper C is then defibrated and turned into fibers in the second unit group 102, and then made into a mixture containing a binder and the like. The mixture is transported via a pipe 24 to the third unit group 103. The mixture 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 91, and a shredding unit 95. The first cutting unit 81 and the second cutting unit 82 cut the strip-shaped sheet P1 into sheets P3 of a predetermined shape. The first unit group 101 also has a water supply unit 67. The water supply unit 67 is a water storage tank. The water supply unit 67 supplies water for humidification to each of a first humidifier 65 and a second humidifier 66, which will be described later, via a water supply pipe 27.

[0014] Waste paper C is fed into the buffer tank 13 from the raw material feed port 11. The waste paper C contains fibers such as cellulose, and is, for example, pieces of shredded waste paper. Humidified air is supplied into the buffer tank 13 through a humidifying pipe 26 from a second humidifier 66 provided in the third unit group 103.

[0015] The waste paper C to be defibrated is 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 waste paper and the like.

[0016] The fixed-quantity supply unit 15 has a weighing device 15a and a supply mechanism (not shown). The weighing device 15a measures the mass of the waste paper C. The supply mechanism supplies the waste paper C weighed by the weighing device 15a to the downstream junction 17. That is, the fixed-quantity supply unit 15 measures the waste paper C by predetermined mass using the weighing device 15a, and supplies it to the downstream junction 17 using the supply mechanism.

[0017] The weighing device 15a may be either a digital or analog weighing mechanism. In this embodiment, a load cell is used as the weighing device 15a. The predetermined mass of the waste paper C measured by the weighing device 15a is, for example, several grams to several tens of grams.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The weighing and supply of waste paper C in the constant-quantity supply unit 15 is a batch process. That is, the supply of waste 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 a plurality of weighing devices 15a, and the plurality of weighing devices 15a may be operated at staggered times to improve weighing efficiency.

[0020] At the confluence 17, the waste paper C supplied from the constant volume supply unit 15 is combined with the fine fragments of the slit pieces S supplied from the shredding unit 95 and mixed. The slit pieces S and the shredding unit 95 will be described later. The waste paper C mixed with the fine fragments flows from the confluence 17 into the pipe 21.

[0021] The pipe 21 transports the waste paper C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by an air current generated by a blower (not shown).

[0022] The second unit group 102 has a defibrating unit 31, which is a dry type defibrator, a separating unit 32, piping 23, a mixing unit 33, 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 has a piping 25 connected to the separating unit 32, a collecting unit 35, a compressor 38, and a power supply unit 39.

[0023] The waste paper C transported through the pipe 21 flows into the defibrating unit 31. The defibrating unit 31 dry-defibrates the waste paper C supplied from the constant quantity supply unit 15 into fibers. A known defibrating mechanism can be applied to the defibrating unit 31.

[0024] The defibrating unit 31 may have the following configuration, for example. The defibrating unit 31 includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotor is installed inside the stator and rotates along the inner surface of the stator. Small pieces of waste paper C are sandwiched between the inner surface of the stator and the rotor and defibrated by the shear force generated between them. This causes the tangled fibers contained in the pieces of waste paper C to be untangled. The waste paper C is broken down into fibers and transported to the separation unit 32.

[0025] The separation unit 32 separates the defibrated fibers. More specifically, the separation unit 32 removes components contained in the fibers that are unnecessary for the production of the sheet P3. Specifically, the separation unit 32 separates relatively long fibers from relatively short fibers. Relatively short fibers are separated in the separation unit 32 because they may reduce the strength of the sheet P3. The separation unit 32 also separates and removes coloring materials and additives contained in the waste paper C. Known technologies such as a disk mesh method can be applied to the separation unit 32.

[0026] Humidified air from the second humidifier 66 of the third unit group 103 is supplied to the inside of the separation section 32 through the humidifying pipe 26 .

[0027] The defibrated fibers, from which relatively short fibers and the like are removed, are transported to mixing section 33 via piping 23. Unnecessary materials such as relatively short fibers and coloring materials are discharged to recovery section 35 via piping 25. The defibrating section 31 and separating section 32 are collectively referred to as the fiber processing section.

[0028] The mixing section 33 mixes the fibers with a binder and the like in the air to form a mixture. Although not shown, the mixing section 33 includes a flow path for transporting the fibers, a fan, a hopper, a supply pipe, and a valve.

[0029] The hopper is connected to the fiber flow path via a supply pipe. A valve is provided in the supply pipe between the hopper and the flow path. The hopper supplies a binder such as starch into the flow path. The valve adjusts the mass of the binder supplied from the hopper to the flow path, thereby adjusting the mixing ratio of the fiber and the binder.

[0030] The mixing section 33 may have a similar configuration for supplying coloring materials, additives, etc. in addition to the above-described configuration for supplying the binder.

[0031] The fan in the mixing section 33 generates an airflow that transports the fibers downstream while mixing the binder and other materials into the air to form a mixture. The mixture flows from the mixing section 33 into the pipe 24.

[0032] The collecting section 35 is provided with a filter (not shown) that filters out unnecessary materials such as relatively short fibers carried through the pipe 25 by the air current.

[0033] The compressor 38 generates compressed air. The filter may become clogged with fine particles from unwanted matter. The compressed air generated by the compressor 38 can be blown onto the filter to blow away any particles adhering to the filter, cleaning the filter.

[0034] The power supply unit 39 includes a control unit (not shown) and a power supply device that supplies power to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The power supply unit 39 distributes power supplied from an external source to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit comprehensively controls the operation of each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit has, for example, a CPU, memory, control circuit, I / F (interface), etc. The CPU is an arithmetic processing device. The memory is a storage device that ensures an area for storing various programs or a working area, etc., and has memory elements such as RAM and EEPROM. The I / F can acquire various data from an external information processing terminal, etc. The CPU performs calculations according to various programs and controls each drive unit, etc. via the control circuit.

[0035] The third unit group 103 deposits and compresses the mixture containing fibers, and forms it into a belt-shaped sheet P1 that is recycled paper.

[0036] The third unit group 103 includes a deposition section 50, a first conveyance section 61, a second conveyance section 62, a first humidifier 65 which is a mist-type humidifier, a second humidifier 66 which is an evaporative humidifier, a drainage section 68, and a forming section 70. In the third unit group 103, the deposition section 50, the first conveyance section 61, the second conveyance section 62, the first humidifier 65, and the forming section 70 are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. The second humidifier 66 is arranged below the first humidifier 65.

[0037] The deposition unit 50 deposits the mixture that has flowed through the pipe 24 in the air to generate 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 mixture is taken into the drum member 53 from the pipe 24.

[0038] A first conveying unit 61 is disposed below the deposition unit 50. The first conveying unit 61 has a mesh belt 61a and five tension rollers (not shown) that tension the mesh belt 61a. The suction unit 59 faces the drum member 53 in the direction along the Z axis, with the mesh belt 61a sandwiched therebetween.

[0039] The blade member 55 is located inside the drum member 53 and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The drum member 53 is a semi-cylindrical sieve. A mesh that functions as a sieve is provided on the downward-facing side of the drum member 53. The drum member 53 allows particles such as fibers and mixtures that are smaller than the size of the mesh openings of the sieve to pass from the inside to the outside.

[0040] The mixture is agitated by rotating blade members 55 inside drum member 53 and then discharged to the outside of drum member 53. Humidified air from second humidifier 66 is supplied to the inside of drum member 53 through humidifying pipe 26.

[0041] The suction unit 59 is disposed below the drum member 53. The suction unit 59 sucks air from inside the housing 51 through multiple holes in the mesh belt 61a. The multiple holes in the mesh belt 61a allow air to pass through but prevent fibers and binders contained in the mixture from passing through. As a result, the mixture discharged to the outside of the drum member 53 is sucked downward together with the air. The suction unit 59 is a known suction device such as a blower.

[0042] The mixture is dispersed in the air within the housing 51 and is deposited on the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a by gravity and the suction of the suction section 59 to form the web W.

[0043] The mesh belt 61a is an endless belt stretched over five tension rollers. The mesh belt 61a rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 due to the rotation of the tension rollers. As a result, the mixture is continuously deposited on the mesh belt 61a, forming a web W. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and inflated. The first conveying section 61 conveys the formed web W downstream by the rotation of the mesh belt 61a.

[0044] The second conveying section 62 is located downstream of the first conveying section 61 and conveys the web W in place of the first conveying section 61. The second conveying section 62 peels the web W from the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a and conveys it toward the forming section 70. The second conveying section 62 is located above the conveying path of the web W and slightly upstream of the starting point of the return side of the mesh belt 61a. The +Y direction of the second conveying section 62 and the -Y direction of the mesh belt 61a partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0045] The second conveyor 62 includes a transport belt, multiple rollers, and a suction mechanism (not shown). The transport belt has multiple holes for air passage. The transport belt is stretched over multiple rollers and rotates with the rotation of the rollers.

[0046] The second conveying section 62 adsorbs the upper surface of the web W to the lower surface of the transport belt by using negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism. When the transport belt rotates in this state, the web W is adsorbed to the transport belt and transported downstream.

[0047] The first humidifier 65 humidifies the web W containing fibers deposited in the deposition section 50 of the third unit group 103. Specifically, the first humidifier 65 humidifies the web W transported by the second conveyor section 62 by supplying mist M from below. The first humidifier 65 is disposed below the second conveyor section 62 and faces the web W transported by the second conveyor section 62 in the direction along the Z axis. A known humidifier, such as an ultrasonic type, can be used as the first humidifier 65.

[0048] By humidifying the web W with the mist M, the function of the starch as a binder 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 are prevented from falling onto the web W. Furthermore, since the web W is humidified from the side opposite the contact surface between the transport belt and the web W, sticking of the web W to the transport belt is reduced. The second transport unit 62 transports the web W to the forming unit 70.

[0049] The forming unit 70 applies heat and pressure to the web W to form it into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The forming unit 70 has a pair of heating rollers 71 and 72. Each of the pair of heating rollers 71 and 72 has a built-in electric heater and has the function of heating the roller surface.

[0050] The web W is continuously passed between the pair of heating rollers 71, 72, whereby the web W is heated and pressed. As a result, the air contained in the soft web W, which contains a relatively large amount of air, is reduced and the fibers are bound together by the binder, forming a strip-shaped sheet P1. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is transported to the first unit group 101 by transport rollers (not shown).

[0051] The second humidifier 66 is disposed below the first humidifier 65. A known evaporative humidifier can be used for the second humidifier 66. The second humidifier 66 generates humidified air by blowing air onto a water-wetted, plate-shaped humidifying plate 210 (FIG. 2), for example, to evaporate the moisture. The air humidified by the second humidifier 66 is not supersaturated with moisture, so condensation is unlikely to occur on surrounding components. The detailed configuration of the second humidifier 66 will be described later.

[0052] The second humidifying device 66 humidifies predetermined areas of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The predetermined areas are the buffer tank 13, the separating unit 32, and the drum member 53 of the stacking unit 50. Specifically, humidified air is supplied to the above areas from the second humidifying device 66 via the humidifying pipe 26. In each of the above configurations, the humidified air suppresses the electrostatic charge of the waste paper C, fibers, etc., and prevents them from adhering to the members due to static electricity. However, areas other than these may be humidified, or some of these areas may not be humidified.

[0053] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may be provided with a waterproof pan in at least one of the locations directly below the first humidifier 65 and below the second humidifier 66. Specifically, the waterproof pan 105 may be installed directly below the first humidifier 65, and the waterproof pan 106 may be installed below the second humidifier 66. The waterproof pans 105, 106 are boxes with an open top that can store a certain amount of liquid. This can further reduce the occurrence of water leakage. The waterproof pans 105, 106 may be equipped with a water leakage sensor.

[0054] The drainage unit 68 is a drainage tank. The drainage unit 68 is used in the first humidifying device 65, the second humidifying device 66, etc., and collects and stores old moisture through the drainage pipe 28. The drainage unit 68 can be removed from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 as needed, allowing the accumulated water to be discarded. The drainage unit 68 may also collect water accumulated in the waterproof pans 105, 106.

[0055] The strip-shaped sheet P1 transported to the first unit group 101 reaches the first cutting section 81. The first cutting section 81 cuts the strip-shaped sheet P1 in a direction intersecting the transport direction, for example, along the X-axis. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is cut into single sheets P2 at the first cutting section 81. The single sheets P2 are transported from the first cutting section 81 to the second cutting section 82.

[0056] The second cutting unit 82 cuts the single sheet P2 in the conveying direction, for example, along the Y axis. More specifically, the second cutting unit 82 cuts the single sheet P2 near both sides in the direction along the X axis. This cuts the single sheet P2 into sheets P3 of a predetermined shape, such as A4 or A3 size. The sheets P3 are conveyed diagonally upward and stacked on the tray 91. The sheets P3 can be used as a substitute for, for example, copy paper.

[0057] 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 95, which is a shredder. The shredding section 95 shreds the slit pieces S into small pieces and supplies them to the junction 17. A mechanism may be installed between the shredding section 95 and the junction 17 to weigh the small pieces of the slit pieces S and supply them to the junction 17.

[0058] Next, the second humidifier 66 will be described in detail. The second humidifier 66 includes a main body 100 and a water storage section 200 . 2 shows a state in which the main body 100 is mounted on the water storage section 200, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the main body 100 is removed from the water storage section 200.

[0059] The main body 100 is composed of a fixed shaft 220, a plurality of humidifying plates 210 formed in a disk shape, a rotary float 230, and a handle 240. The plurality of humidifying plates 210, the rotary float 230, and the handle 240 are fixed to the fixed shaft 220. The main body 100 is attached to the water storage section 200.

[0060] Water storage section 200 includes frame 203, and inner wall 205 is formed inside frame 203, and water is stored in the space enclosed by inner wall 205. Water is supplied to water storage section 200 from water supply section 67 through water supply pipe 27. Frame 203 is formed with receiving sections 201a and 201b that rotatably support fixed shaft 220. When main body 100 is attached to water storage section 200 and water is stored therein, part of the lower side of humidifying plate 210 is immersed in the water in water storage section 200.

[0061] Fixed shaft 220 is a metal shaft that extends along the Y-axis. A gear connected to a drive motor (not shown) is disposed on one end (the end in the -Y direction) of fixed shaft 220. When fixed shaft 220 rotates about its axis due to the driving of the drive motor, humidifying plate 210 attached to fixed shaft 220 rotates. As humidifying plate 210 rotates, water stored in water storage section 200 is pumped up while adhering to the surface of humidifying plate 210.

[0062] The second humidifying device 66 is equipped with a blower such as a fan (not shown), and blows air onto the humidifying plate 210 that is wet with water. This causes the moisture on the surface of the humidifying plate 210 to evaporate, generating humidified air. The humidified air is sent to a predetermined area (such as the buffer tank 13) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 via a pipe (not shown). The fan may be either an intake type or an exhaust type.

[0063] The number of humidifying plates 210 is, for example, about 100 to 200. However, the number of humidifying plates 210 can be set appropriately depending on the required amount of humidified air, etc. Handle 240 is used when attaching or detaching main body 100 to or from water storage 200. Rotating float 230 is a member for detecting the water level of water stored in water storage 200.

[0064] Next, the configuration of the main body 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0065] Fixed shaft 220 has a first region A with a circular cross section and a second region B with a non-circular cross section. First region A and second region B are adjacent to each other in the direction along the Y axis. In this embodiment, the region on the -Y side of fixed shaft 220 is first region A, and the region on the +Y side is second region B. In this embodiment, second region B has a D-shaped cross section. Specifically, the cross section of second region B is a shape represented by a straight line that bisects the circle that is the cross section of first region A, and one of the arcs divided by this line.

[0066] The handle portion 240 is composed of a pair of connecting members 241a, 241b and a rod member 242. The connecting members 241a, 241b are plate-shaped members that extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fixed shaft 220 (the direction along the Y axis). One connecting member 241a is rotatably attached to the −Y direction end of the fixed shaft 220. The other connecting member 241b is rotatably attached to the +Y direction end of the fixed shaft 220. The length dimension from one end to the other end of each connecting member 241a, 241b in the extension direction is longer than the radius dimension of the humidifying plate 210 about the fixed shaft 220. The rod member 242 is disposed between the connecting members 241a, 241b. The rod member 242 is a cylindrical member that extends in the direction along the Y axis. The −Y direction end of the rod member 242 is connected to the tip portion of the connecting member 241a. The +Y direction end of the rod member 242 is connected to the tip of the connecting member 241b. Also, even if the fixed shaft 220 rotates, the handle part 240 (connecting members 241a, 241b) does not rotate.

[0067] 4 and 8 to 10, between connecting members 241a and 241b, rotary float 230, first retaining portion 252, washer portion 254, multiple humidifying plates 210, and second retaining portion 253 are arranged in this order from the -Y direction to the +Y direction along fixed shaft 220. A thrust washer (polyslider) may be inserted between rotary float 230 and first retaining portion 252 to make rotary float 230 easier to rotate.

[0068] 4 and 7, the rotary float 230 includes an arm portion 231 that extends in one direction. The arm portion 231 is, for example, a plastic member. One end of arm 231 is rotatably disposed around fixed shaft 220, and a magnet 234 is attached to the other end. When the water level WL of the water stored in water storage unit 200 changes, arm 231 rotates. When the water level WL reaches a certain height, magnetic sensor 251 (e.g., a reed switch) included in detection unit 250 installed on the water storage unit 200 side detects ON / OFF in response to the magnetism of magnet 234 attached to arm 231. When magnet 234 approaches magnetic sensor 251, it turns ON, and when magnet 234 moves away from magnetic sensor 251, it turns OFF. A control unit (not shown) controls the supply of water from water supply unit 67 connected to water storage unit 200 based on the detection information of magnetic sensor 251, and maintains the water level WL of the water stored in water storage unit 200 constant.

[0069] 4 and 8 to 10, the first retaining portion 252 is a retaining component that is arranged in the first region A of the fixed shaft 220. In this embodiment, a C-ring is used for the first retaining portion 252, and the position is fixed by fitting it into a groove that is cut into the fixed shaft 220. By arranging the first retaining portion 252 on the fixed shaft 220, movement of a washer portion 254 (described later) and the multiple humidifying plates 210 in the -Y direction on the fixed shaft 220 is restricted. In other words, the washer portion 254 and the multiple humidifying plates 210 are positioned relative to the fixed shaft 220 by the first retaining portion 252. The first retaining portion 252 is not limited to a C-ring, and may be a set collar, an E-ring, a spring pin, a screw, or the like.

[0070] The washer portion 254 is disposed so as to contact the first retaining portion 252 and the humidifying plate 210 located furthest on the -Y side among the multiple humidifying plates 210, thereby holding the humidifying plate 210. The washer portion 254 is a circular or approximately circular member, and has a circular through-hole 259b formed in the center, into which the fixed shaft 220 is inserted. The circular outer shape of the washer portion 254 makes it possible to hold the humidifying plate 210 evenly. This prevents bending and rattling caused by force being applied only to a portion of the humidifying plate 210, prevents the humidifying plate 210 from opening and making unnecessary contact with the case, etc., and prevents a decrease in humidifying capacity.

[0071] The washer portion 254 is made of steel, but may also be made of copper, aluminum, or a resin material such as ABS or polypropylene. In addition, it is preferable that the washer portion 254 has higher rigidity than the humidifying plate 210 . The washer portion 254 has higher rigidity than the humidifying plate 210, and therefore can more effectively hold the humidifying plate 210. This prevents the humidifying plate 210 from opening, suppresses unnecessary contact with the case, etc., and prevents a decrease in humidifying capacity. Furthermore, washer portion 254 may be a C-ring having a slit extending outward from through-hole 259b, or may be a spring washer. By using a spring washer, it is possible to prevent unnecessary gaps from occurring between multiple humidifying plates 210.

[0072] The outer diameter of the washer portion 254 is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the first retaining portion 252 and smaller than the outer diameter of the humidifying plate 210 . Because the outer diameter of the washer portion 254 is smaller than the outer diameter of the humidifying plate 210, the humidifying capacity of the humidifying plate 210 is not hindered. Furthermore, because the outer diameter of the washer portion 254 is larger than the outer diameter of the first retaining portion 252, the humidifying plate 210 can be more effectively held in place. This prevents the humidifying plate 210 from opening toward the retaining portion, suppresses unnecessary contact with the case, etc., and prevents a decrease in humidifying capacity. The outer shape of the washer portion 254 is not limited to a circle as long as it can hold the humidifying plate 210. It is desirable for the outer shape of the washer portion 254 to press against the humidifying plate 210 as evenly as possible to hold its position, but it is not limited to a circle. For example, the shape may be a square, a polygon, or the like, in addition to a circle, as long as it presses against the humidifying plate 210 more evenly than if the washer portion 254 were not present.

[0073] The washer portion 254 is disposed across the first region A and the second region B of the fixed shaft 220. By arranging the washer portion 254 across the first region A and the second region B of the fixed shaft 220, it is possible to prevent the humidifying plates 210 closest to the first region A, among the multiple humidifying plates 210 arranged in the second region B, from being affected by the difference in level between the first region A and the second region B. Specifically, it is possible to prevent uneven pressing due to the difference in level between the first region A and the second region B. This prevents the humidifying plates 210 from opening, suppresses unnecessary contact with the case, etc., and makes it possible to prevent a decrease in humidifying capacity.

[0074] 4 and 5, the humidifying plate 210 is made up of a disk portion 214 and a bottom portion 212 provided in the center of the disk portion 214. In this embodiment, the disk portion 214 and the bottom portion 212 are integrally formed. A through-hole 219a into which the fixed shaft 220 is inserted is formed in the bottom portion 212.

[0075] The multiple humidifying plates 210 are arranged in a second region B of the fixed shaft 220, which has a D-shaped cross section. The shape of the through-holes 219a is D-shaped corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the second region B. Because both the cross-sectional shape of the fixed shaft 220 and the shape of the through-holes 219a are non-circular, the humidifying plates 210 rotate together with the fixed shaft 220 without spinning freely relative to the fixed shaft 220.

[0076] The bottom 212 protrudes in the +Y direction further than the disk portion 214. Therefore, even when a plurality of humidifying plates 210 are closely arranged on the fixed shaft 220, gaps are formed between the disk portions 214. In other words, the bottom 212 functions as a spacer to prevent the disk portions 214 from contacting each other. The bottom 212 may protrude in the -Y direction or in both the ±Y directions. Furthermore, the bottom 212 is not limited to being configured as an integral part of the disk portion 214, and may be configured as a separate member from the disk portion 214.

[0077] 6, when the dimension of bottom portion 212 in the direction along the Y axis is Ya, dimension Ya is greater than dimension Yb, which is the thickness of disk portion 214. The value of Ya - Yb is the distance between disk portions 214 when multiple humidifying plates 210 are assembled on fixed shaft 220. The material of the humidifying plate 210 may be, for example, a resin material such as ABS or polypropylene, or a film material such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), or may be a corrosion-resistant metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a painted steel material.

[0078] The surface of the disk portion 214 is preferably highly hydrophilic to ensure pumping performance. A hydrophilic surface of the disk portion 214 allows more water to adhere to the surface of the disk portion 214 and pump water. Similarly, the washer portion 254 is preferably configured to allow more water to adhere to the surface of the disk portion 214 and pump water. Methods for increasing the hydrophilicity of the surfaces of the disk portion 214 and the washer portion 254 include adjusting the surface roughness and adding a fine uneven structure. Furthermore, the surface may be coated with an acrylic, fluorine-based, silicone-based, urethane-based, or other material; a metal oxide film may be formed; or the surface may be subjected to plasma treatment, flame treatment, corona treatment, UV ozone treatment, or the like. In this specification, hydrophilicity refers to a contact angle of 70° or less between the free surface of a water droplet adhering to the surface of the disk portion 214 and the surface of the disk portion 214.

[0079] As shown in Figures 4 and 8 to 10, the second retaining portion 253 is a retaining component that is arranged in the second region B of the fixed shaft 220. In this embodiment, a set collar is used for the second retaining portion 253. The use of a set collar makes it possible to flexibly adjust the number of humidifying plates 210 and change their arrangement positions. By arranging the second retaining portion 253 on the fixed shaft 220, movement of the washer portion 254 and the multiple humidifying plates 210 in the +Y direction on the fixed shaft 220 is restricted. In other words, the washer portion 254 and the multiple humidifying plates 210 are positioned relative to the fixed shaft 220 by the second retaining portion 253. The second retaining portion 253 is not limited to a set collar, and may be a C-ring, a set collar, an E-ring, a spring pin, a screw, or the like. Unlike the first retaining portion 252 side, the second retaining portion 253 side does not have a washer portion, but a washer portion may be provided between the humidifying plate 210 and the second retaining portion 253.

[0080] As described above, by configuring the second humidifier 66 described in this embodiment in such a manner that the first retaining portion 252, the washer portion 254, the multiple humidifier plates 210, and the second retaining portion 253 are arranged in order along the fixed shaft 220, it is possible to provide a humidifier whose humidifying capacity is less likely to decrease. Furthermore, a sheet manufacturing apparatus including a humidifying device whose humidifying capacity is less likely to decrease can manufacture high-quality sheets more efficiently.

[0081] The cross-sectional shape of the second region B is not limited to a D-shape, and may be another shape. It is sufficient that the humidifying plate 210 is configured so as not to rotate freely relative to the fixed shaft 220. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1...sheet manufacturing apparatus, 11...raw material inlet, 13...buffer tank, 15...quantitative supply section, 15a...measuring device, 17...junction section, 21, 23, 24, 25...piping, 26...humidifying pipe, 27...water supply pipe, 28...drainage pipe, 31...defibrating section, 32...separating section, 33...mixing section, 35...recovery section, 38...compressor, 39...power supply section, 50...accumulating section, 51...housing, 53...drum member, 55...blade member, 59...suction section, 61...first conveying section, 61a...mesh belt, 62...second conveying section, 65...first humidifying device, 66...second humidifying device, 67...water supply section, 68...drainage section, 70...forming section, 71, 72...pair of heating rollers, 81...first cutting section, 82...second cutting section , 91...tray, 95...shredding section, 100...main body section, 101...first unit group, 102...second unit group, 103...third unit group, 105, 106...waterproof pan, 200...water storage section, 201a, 201b...receiving section, 203...frame body, 205...inner wall, 210...humidifying plate, 219a...through hole, 259b...through hole, 212...bottom, 214...disk section, 220...fixed shaft, 230...rotating float, 231...arm section, 234...magnet, 240...handle section, 241a...connecting member, 241b...connecting member, 242...rod member, 250...detection section, 251...magnetic sensor, 252...first retention section, 253...second retention section, 254...washer section, WL...water level.

Claims

1. a water storage section for storing water; A fixed axis and a first retaining portion for positioning the fixed shaft; a second retaining portion for positioning the fixed shaft; a humidifying plate having a disk portion that pumps the water stored in the water storage portion; a washer portion that contacts the first retaining portion and the humidifying plate, A humidifier device characterized in that the first retaining portion, the washer portion, the plurality of humidifying plates, and the second retaining portion are arranged in order along the fixed shaft.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, A humidifier, characterized in that the outer diameter of the washer portion is larger than the outer diameter of the first retaining portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the humidifying plate.

3. The humidifier according to claim 1, A humidifier characterized in that the outer shape of the washer portion is circular.

4. The humidifier according to claim 1, the fixed shaft has a first region having a circular cross-sectional shape and a second region having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, The humidifying device, characterized in that the humidifying plate is arranged in the second area, and the washer portion is arranged across the first area and the second area.

5. The humidifier according to claim 1, A humidifying device characterized in that the surface of the disk portion is hydrophilic.

6. The humidifier according to claim 1, The humidifying device is characterized in that the washer portion has higher rigidity than the humidifying plate.

7. A humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a fiber processing unit that defibrates waste paper into fibers and separates them; a pipe for transporting the humidified air generated by the humidifying device to the fiber processing unit; a depositing section that deposits the fibers to produce a sheet.

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