Processing apparatus, fiber manufacturing apparatus, and coarse fragment sorting unit

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus, a fibrous material manufacturing apparatus, and a coarse fragment sorting unit that can supply secondary coarse fragments of a suitable size for defibration to the defibration section, enabling the defibration section to perform defibration processing well and smoothly. [Solution] A processing apparatus comprising: a coarse crushing unit that coarsely crushes a fiber-containing raw material to produce coarse fragments; a coarse fragment sorting unit that sorts coarse fragments of a predetermined size or smaller from the coarse fragments to obtain secondary coarse fragments; and a defibration unit that defibrates the secondary coarse fragments. The coarse fragment sorting unit comprises a filter member having a plurality of sorting holes that selectively allow the secondary coarse fragments to pass through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a fibrous body manufacturing device, and a crushed piece sorting unit.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a sheet manufacturing apparatus including a crushing unit that crushes waste paper, a defibrating unit that defibrates the small pieces of crushed pieces obtained by the crushing unit, a depositing unit that deposits the defibrated material obtained by the defibrating unit on a plane, a heating and pressing unit that heats and presses the deposited web, a cutting unit that cuts the sheet obtained by the heating and pressing unit into a predetermined shape, and a sheet recovery unit that recovers the obtained sheet.

[0003] In the sheet manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the crushing unit has a pair of cylindrical crushing blades, and the two crushing blades rotate in opposite directions to tear raw materials such as waste paper passing between the two crushing blades into small pieces to generate crushed pieces.

[0004] Further, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the defibrating unit includes a casing, a rotating blade that rotates inside the casing, and a liner provided on the inner peripheral portion of the casing. The crushed pieces introduced into the casing from the inlet of the casing are defibrated when passing between the rotating blade and the liner to generate defibrated material, which is discharged from the outlet of the casing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventionally, depending on the size of the coarse fragments, there is a risk of insufficient defibration in the defibration section. Specifically, if relatively large coarse fragments are supplied to the defibration section, the defibration of the coarse fragments may be insufficient, resulting in insufficient defibration. In addition, clogging of the coarse fragments may occur in the transport path of the coarse fragments within the casing, particularly around the outer circumference of the rotating blade (between the rotating blade and the liner, etc.), which may interrupt the defibration process.

[0007] In this case, if defibration is insufficient, the quality of the resulting sheets will decrease. If clogging occurs with coarse fragments, the operation of the defibration unit must be temporarily stopped to clear the blockage, which reduces the operating rate of sheet manufacturing and thus reduces productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention's processing apparatus includes a coarse crushing section that coarsely crushes a fiber-containing raw material to produce coarse fragments, A coarse fragment sorting unit that selects coarse fragments of a predetermined size or smaller from the aforementioned coarse fragments to obtain secondary coarse fragments, The system comprises a defibration unit for defibrating the aforementioned secondary coarse fragments.

[0009] The fiber manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises the processing apparatus of the present invention and a molding unit for molding the defibrated material produced by the defibration unit.

[0010] The coarse fragment sorting unit of the present invention is a coarse fragment sorting unit installed in a fiber manufacturing apparatus having a defibration section for defibrating coarse fragments, From the aforementioned coarse fragments, coarse fragments of a predetermined size or smaller are selected to obtain secondary coarse fragments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fiber manufacturing apparatus equipped with a processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the processing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fibrillated portion shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fibrillated area shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the coarse fragments (secondary coarse fragments). [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the filter element provided in the coarse fragment sorting unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the filter member shown in Figure 6, illustrating the state in which the secondary coarse fragments are passing through the sorting holes. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter member shown in Figure 6, illustrating the state in which unsuitable coarse fragments are prevented from passing through the sorting holes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The processing apparatus, fiber manufacturing apparatus, and coarse fragment sorting unit of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fiber manufacturing apparatus equipped with a processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the processing apparatus shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the defibration section shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the defibration section shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a plan view of coarse fragments (secondary coarse fragments). Figure 6 is a plan view of a filter member provided in the coarse fragment sorting section. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the filter member shown in Figure 6, showing the state in which secondary coarse fragments are passing through the sorting holes. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter member shown in Figure 6, showing the state in which unsuitable coarse fragments are restricted from passing through the sorting holes.

[0014] In the following description, the upper side of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 may be referred to as "upper", "upper side", or "upper direction", the lower side as "lower", "lower side", or "lower direction", the left side as "left" or "left side", and the right side as "right" or "right side". Further, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram, and the positional relationship, orientation, size, etc. of each part of the fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 are not limited to those shown in the figure. Also, in FIG. 1, the direction in which the crushed pieces M2, secondary crushed pieces M2A, non-conforming crushed pieces M2B, defibrated material M3, first sorted material M4-1, second sorted material M4-2, first web M5, fine particles M6, mixture M7, second web M8, and sheet S are conveyed, that is, the direction indicated by the arrow, is also referred to as the conveyance direction. Also, the tip side of the arrow in FIG. 1 is also referred to as the "downstream side" in the conveyance direction, and the base end side of the arrow in FIG. 1 is also referred to as the "upstream side" in the conveyance direction.

[0015] The fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 that generates a sheet S, which is an example of a fibrous body, from a raw material M1 containing fibers. Note that the fibrous body manufactured by the fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 is not limited to a sheet shape and may have other shapes, for example, a block shape.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a raw material supply unit 11, a crushing unit 12, a crushed piece sorting unit 7 (crushed piece sorting unit), a recycling unit 8, a defibrating unit 13, a defibrated material sorting unit 14, a first web forming unit 15, a fine particle unit 16, a mixing unit 17, a dispersion unit 18, a second web forming unit 19, a forming unit 20, a cutting unit 21, a stock unit 22, and a recovery unit 27. The crushing unit 12, the crushed piece sorting unit 7, the recycling unit 8, and the defibrating unit 13 constitute the processing apparatus 10. Note that the recycling unit 8 may not be a component requirement of the processing apparatus 10.

[0017] Further, the fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a humidifying unit 231, a humidifying unit 232, a humidifying unit 233, a humidifying unit 234, a humidifying unit 235, and a humidifying unit 236. In addition, the fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a blower 173, a blower 261, a blower 262, and a blower 263.

[0018] In the fibrous body manufacturing apparatus 100, a raw material supply step, a crushing step, a crushed piece sorting step, a defibrating step, a defibrated material sorting step, a first web forming step, a dividing step, a mixing step, a loosening step, a second web forming step, a sheet forming step, and a cutting step are executed in this order.

[0019] Hereinafter, the configuration of each part will be described. The raw material supply unit 11 is a part that performs a raw material supply step of supplying the raw material M1 to the crushing unit 12. This raw material M1 is a sheet-like material made of a fiber-containing material containing cellulose fibers. As an example of the sheet-like material, it is a pulp sheet such as printing paper, and it may be newsprint or used waste paper. The cellulose fiber only needs to be fibrous with cellulose as the main component as a compound, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose. Further, the raw material M1 may be in any form as long as it contains fibers, such as knitted fabric, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, etc. And various materials containing various fibers such as chemically synthesized fibers derived from petroleum and natural fibers derived from animals are applicable to the raw material M1. Further, the raw material M1 may be, for example, recycled paper obtained by defibrating and recycling waste paper, or Yupo paper (registered trademark) of synthetic paper, or may not be recycled paper.

[0020] The crushing unit 12 is a part that performs a crushing step of crushing the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 in the air such as in the atmosphere. The crushing unit 12 has a pair of crushing blades 121 and a chute 122.

[0021] The pair of crushing blades 121 can crush, that is, cut the raw material M1 between them by rotating in opposite directions to obtain crushed pieces M2. The pair of crushing blades 121 has a large number of claw parts on the surface. When the raw material M1 passes between the pair of crushing blades 121, it is torn by the claw parts, and crushed pieces M2 as shown in FIG. 5 are generated. The crushed pieces M2 have an irregular shape in plan view. Also, since the crushed pieces M2 are torn, the fibers are not excessively divided, and the fibers can protrude from the edge and be in a hairy state. Thereby, the average length (fiber length) of the fibers contained in the crushed pieces M2 can be increased.

[0022] The thickness of the coarse fragment M2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0023] The coarse fragments M2 may be irregular in shape, or they may be square, rectangular, or other shapes.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, a conveying section 123 is provided below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The conveying section 123 is composed of a vibrating feeder that extends in the left-right direction in Figure 2. The upstream end of the conveying section 123, i.e., the left end in Figure 2, is located below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. Below the downstream end of the conveying section 123, i.e., the right end in Figure 2, is a coarse crushing piece sorting section 7 and a chute 122, which will be described later. The coarse crushing pieces M2 are conveyed downstream, i.e., to the right, by this conveying section 123. In addition, because the conveying section 123 is composed of a vibrating feeder, the coarse crushing pieces M2 can be loosened while being conveyed. Therefore, sorting by the coarse crushing piece sorting section 7 can be performed effectively.

[0025] The transport unit 123 is not limited to the above configuration; for example, it may be composed of a screw feeder. Furthermore, the transport unit 123 may be omitted.

[0026] The configuration of the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 will be described in detail later. The coarse fragments M2 are sorted in the coarse fragment sorting unit 7, and the coarse fragments M2 of a size suitable for defibration by the defibration unit 13 fall downward.

[0027] A chute 122 is provided below the coarse fragment sorting section 7. The chute 122 is positioned below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and is, for example, funnel-shaped. This allows the chute 122 to receive the falling coarse fragments M2.

[0028] Furthermore, a humidifying unit 231 is positioned above the chute 122. The humidifying unit 231 humidifies the coarse crushed material M2 inside the chute 122. This humidifying unit 231 is composed of an evaporative or hot air evaporative humidifier that has a water-containing filter and supplies humidified air to the coarse crushed material M2 by passing air through the filter to increase humidity. By supplying humidified air to the coarse crushed material M2, it is possible to suppress the coarse crushed material M2 from adhering to the chute 122 etc. due to static electricity.

[0029] The chute 122 is connected to the upstream side of the defibration section 13 via the pipe 6. That is, the downstream end of the pipe 6 is connected to the inlet 31 of the defibration section 13 shown in Figure 2. The coarse fragments M2 collected in the chute 122 are transported to the defibration section 13 by passing through the pipe 6.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the defibration section 13 is the part that performs a defibration process in which the coarse fragments M2 are defibrated in the air, that is, dry. Through this defibration process in the defibration section 13, defibrated material M3 can be produced from the coarse fragments M2.

[0031] "Fibrillation" refers to the process of separating coarse fragments M2, which are composed of multiple fibers bound together, into individual fibers. These separated fibers then become defibrillated material M3. The shape of defibrillated material M3 can be linear or strip-like. Furthermore, defibrillated material M3 may exist in a state where they are intertwined and form clumps, that is, in other words, clumps.

[0032] Furthermore, the defibration section 13 can generate an airflow, or air current, from the coarse crushing section 12 towards the defibration sorting section 14, through the operation of the blower 261 (described later) and the rotation of the rotor 5. This allows the coarse crushed pieces M2 to be introduced from the pipe 6 to the upstream side of the defibration section 13, and after the defibration process, the defibration material M3 can be sent to the defibration sorting section 14 via the pipe 242.

[0033] A pipe 242 is connected to the discharge port 32, which is downstream of the defibration section 13. A blower 261, for example, consisting of a turbo-type fan, is installed in the middle of the pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generator that generates an airflow directed toward the defibration material sorting section 14. This allows for the smooth introduction of coarse fragments M2 into the defibration section 13 and the smooth delivery of defibration material M3 to the defibration material sorting section 14. As will be described later, due to its structure, the defibration section 13 allows for the smooth passage of the raw material, coarse fragments M2, and the defibration process, but the operation of the blower 261 installed downstream of the defibration section 13 promotes the passage of coarse fragments M2 within the defibration section 13 and the defibration process. The blower 261 may also be installed upstream of the defibration section 13.

[0034] The defibrated material sorting section 14 is the part that performs a defibrated material sorting process in which the defibrated material M3 is sorted according to the size of the fiber length. In the defibrated material sorting section 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into first sorted material M4-1 and second sorted material M4-2 which has a larger fiber length than the first sorted material M4-1. The first sorted material M4-1 is of a size suitable for the subsequent manufacture of the sheet S. On the other hand, the second sorted material M4-2 includes, for example, material that has not been sufficiently defibrated or material in which the defibrated fibers have excessively aggregated.

[0035] The defibrated material sorting unit 14 has a drum section 141 and a housing section 142 that houses the drum section 141.

[0036] The drum section 141 is a sieve composed of a cylindrical mesh body that rotates around its central axis. The defibrated material M3 flows into this drum section 141. As the drum section 141 rotates, the defibrated material M3 smaller than the mesh opening is sorted as the first sorted material M4-1, and the defibrated material M3 larger than the mesh opening is sorted as the second sorted material M4-2.

[0037] The first sorted item, M4-1, falls from the drum section 141. Meanwhile, the second sorted material M4-2 is sent to a pipe 243 connected to the drum section 141. The pipe 243 has its downstream end, opposite to the drum section 141, connected to the middle of the pipe body 6. After passing through this pipe 243, the second sorted material M4-2 merges with the coarse fragments M2 within the pipe body 6 and flows into the defibration section 13 together with the coarse fragments M2. As a result, the second sorted material M4-2 is returned to the defibration section 13 and subjected to defibration processing together with the coarse fragments M2.

[0038] Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 that falls from the drum section 141 disperses into the air as it falls toward the first web forming section 15 located below the drum section 141. The first web forming section 15 is the part that performs the first web forming process, which forms the first web M5 from the first sorted material M4-1. The first web forming section 15 has a mesh belt 151, three tension rollers 152, and a suction section 153.

[0039] The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt on which the first sorted material M4-1 accumulates. This mesh belt 151 is wrapped around three tension rollers 152. The rotational drive of the tension rollers 152 then transports the first sorted material M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 downstream.

[0040] The first sorted material M4-1 is larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 151. As a result, the passage of the first sorted material M4-1 through the mesh belt 151 is restricted, and it can therefore accumulate on the mesh belt 151. Furthermore, as the first sorted material M4-1 accumulates on the mesh belt 151 and is transported downstream along with the mesh belt 151, it forms a layered first web M5.

[0041] Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 may contain, for example, dust and dirt. Dust and dirt can be generated, for example, by crushing or defibration. Such dust and dirt will be collected in the recovery unit 27, which will be described later.

[0042] The suction unit 153 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the mesh belt 151. This allows dust and dirt that have passed through the mesh belt 151 to be drawn in along with the air.

[0043] Furthermore, the suction unit 153 is connected to the collection unit 27 via the pipe 244. Dust and dirt sucked up by the suction unit 153 are collected in the collection unit 27.

[0044] A pipe 245 is further connected to the recovery unit 27. A blower 262 is installed in the middle of the pipe 245. The operation of this blower 262 generates suction force in the suction unit 153. This promotes the formation of the first web M5 on the mesh belt 151. This first web M5 is formed from dust and dirt that have been removed. The dust and dirt are also passed through the pipe 244 by the operation of the blower 262 and reach the recovery unit 27.

[0045] The housing section 142 is connected to the humidifying section 232. The humidifying section 232 consists of an evaporative humidifier. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing section 142. This humidified air can humidify the first sorted material M4-1, and thus it is possible to suppress the first sorted material M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing section 142 due to electrostatic force.

[0046] A humidification unit 235 is located downstream of the defibration sorting unit 14. The humidification unit 235 consists of an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water. This supplies moisture to the first web M5, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the first web M5. This adjustment suppresses the adhesion of the first web M5 to the mesh belt 151 due to electrostatic force. As a result, the first web M5 is easily detached from the mesh belt 151 at the position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the tension roller 152.

[0047] A subdivision section 16 is located downstream of the humidification section 235. The subdivision section 16 is the part that performs the subdivision process of dividing the first web M5 that has been separated from the mesh belt 151. The subdivision section 16 has a rotatably supported propeller 161 and a housing section 162 that houses the propeller 161. The first web M5 can be divided by the rotating propeller 161. The divided first web M5 becomes a subdivision body M6. The subdivision body M6 then descends within the housing section 162.

[0048] The housing section 162 is connected to the humidifying section 233. The humidifying section 233 consists of an evaporative humidifier. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing section 162. This humidified air also helps to suppress the adhesion of the fragments M6 to the propeller 161 and the inner wall of the housing section 162 due to electrostatic force.

[0049] A mixing section 17 is located downstream of the subdivision section 16. The mixing section 17 is the part that performs the mixing process of mixing the subdivision material M6 with the additive. This mixing section 17 includes an additive supply section 171, a pipe 172, and a blower 173.

[0050] 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 material M6 and the additive passes.

[0051] An additive supply unit 171 is connected to the middle of the pipe 172. The additive supply unit 171 has a housing unit 170 containing the additive and a screw feeder 174 provided inside the housing unit 170. The rotation of the screw feeder 174 pushes the additive inside the housing unit 170 out and supplies it into the pipe 172. The additive supplied into the pipe 172 is mixed with the fractionated product M6 to form a mixture M7.

[0052] Here, examples of additives supplied from the additive supply unit 171 include binders that bind fibers together, colorants that color fibers, flocculation inhibitors that suppress fiber aggregation, flame retardants that make fibers less flammable, and paper strength enhancers that increase the paper strength of the sheet S. One or more of these can be used in combination. Below, as an example, the case in which the additive is a binder P1 will be described. By including a binder that binds fibers together in the additive, the strength of the sheet S can be increased.

[0053] Examples of binders P1 include natural product-derived components such as starch, dextrin, glycogen, amylose, hyaluronic acid, kudzu, konjac, potato starch, etherified starch, esterified starch, natural gum glue, fiber-inducing glue, seaweed, and animal protein, as well as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylamide. One or more of these can be selected and used in combination, but it is preferable that the binder be a natural product-derived component, and more preferably starch. In addition, thermoplastic resins such as various polyolefins, acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyamide, and various thermoplastic elastomers can also be used.

[0054] Furthermore, a blower 173 is installed in the middle of the pipe 172, downstream of the additive supply section 171. The action of the rotating parts such as blades of the blower 173 promotes the mixing of the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1. The blower 173 can also generate an airflow directed toward the dispersion section 18. This airflow can agitate the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1 within the pipe 172. As a result, the mixture M7 is transported to the dispersion section 18 in a state where the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1 are uniformly dispersed. In addition, the fractionated material M6 in the mixture M7 is loosened as it passes through the pipe 172, becoming finer and more fibrous.

[0055] Although not shown in the diagram, the blower 173 is electrically connected to the control device 28, and its operation is controlled. Furthermore, by adjusting the airflow rate of the blower 173, the amount of air supplied into the drum 181 can be adjusted.

[0056] Although not shown in the diagram, the pipe 172 is branched into two at the end facing the drum 181, and each branched end is connected to an inlet (not shown) formed on the end face of the drum 181.

[0057] The dispersion unit 18 shown in Figure 1 is the part that performs a loosening process in the mixture M7, in which intertwined fibers are loosened and released. The dispersion unit 18 has a drum 181 for introducing and releasing the mixture M7, which is the defibrated material, and a housing 182 for housing the drum 181.

[0058] The drum 181 is a sieve composed of a cylindrical mesh body that rotates around its central axis. As the drum 181 rotates, fibers and other materials in the mixture M7 that are smaller than the mesh opening can pass through the drum 181. In the process, the mixture M7 is loosened and released along with the air. In other words, the drum 181 functions as a release unit that releases materials containing fibers.

[0059] The drum 181 is connected to a drive source (not shown) and rotates due to the rotational force output from the drive source. The drive source is electrically connected to a control device 28, and its operation is controlled.

[0060] Furthermore, the housing 182 is connected to the humidification unit 234. The humidification unit 234 consists of an evaporative humidifier. This supplies humidified air into the housing 182. This humidified air humidifies the inside of the housing 182, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the mixture M7 to the inner wall of the housing 182 due to electrostatic force.

[0061] Furthermore, the mixture M7 released from the drum 181 disperses into the air and falls toward the second web forming section 19 located below the drum 181. The second web forming section 19 is the part that performs the second web forming process, in which the mixture M7 is deposited to form the deposited second web M8. The second web forming section 19 has a mesh belt 191, four tension rollers 192, and a suction section 193.

[0062] The mesh belt 191 is a mesh member, and in the illustrated configuration, it is composed of an endless belt. The mixture M7 dispersed and released by the dispersion unit 18 accumulates on the mesh belt 191. This mesh belt 191 is wrapped around four tension rollers 192. The rotational drive of the tension rollers 192 then transports the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 downstream.

[0063] 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 may also be used.

[0064] Furthermore, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 191. This restricts the mixture M7 from passing through the mesh belt 191, and thus it can accumulate on the mesh belt 191. In addition, as the mixture M7 accumulates on the mesh belt 191, it is transported downstream along with the mesh belt 191, forming a layered second web M8.

[0065] The suction unit 193 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the mesh belt 191. This allows the mixture M7 to be drawn onto the mesh belt 191, thereby promoting the accumulation of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191.

[0066] A pipe 246 is connected to the suction unit 193. A blower 263 is installed in the middle of this pipe 246. The operation of this blower 263 generates suction force in the suction unit 193.

[0067] A humidification unit 236 is located downstream of the dispersion unit 18. The humidification unit 236 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier similar to that of the humidification unit 235. This allows moisture to be supplied to the second web M8, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the second web M8. This adjustment suppresses the adhesion of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 due to electrostatic force. As a result, the second web M8 is easily detached from the mesh belt 191 at the position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the tension roller 192.

[0068] Furthermore, the total amount of moisture added to humidification 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.

[0069] A molding section 20 is located downstream of the second web forming section 19. The molding section 20 is the part that performs the sheet forming process, that is, the process of forming the defibrated material M3, from the second web M8. This molding section 20 has a pressurizing section 201 and a heating section 202.

[0070] The pressurizing section 201 has a pair of calender rollers 203, and can pressurize the second web M8 between the calender rollers 203 without heating it. This increases the density of the second web M8. When heating is used, it is preferable to heat it to an extent that does not melt the binder P1. The second web M8 is then conveyed toward the heating section 202. One of the pair of calender rollers 203 is a driven roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0071] The heating section 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and can heat and pressurize the second web M8 between the heating rollers 204. Due to this heating and pressurizing, the binder P1 melts within the second web M8, and the fibers bond together via this molten binder P1. This forms a sheet S. This sheet S is then conveyed toward the cutting section 21. One of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driven roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0072] A cutting section 21 is located downstream of the molding section 20. The cutting section 21 is the part that performs the cutting process for cutting the sheet S. This cutting section 21 has a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.

[0073] The first cutter 211 cuts the sheet S in a direction intersecting, and especially perpendicular to, the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0074] The second cutter 212 is located downstream of the first cutter 211 and cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S. This cutting removes unnecessary portions from both ends of the sheet S in the width direction, thereby adjusting the width of the sheet S.

[0075] By cutting with the first cutter 211 and the second cutter 212 in this manner, a sheet S of the desired shape and size is obtained. This sheet S is then transported further downstream and stored in the stock section 22.

[0076] Each component of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 is electrically connected to the control device 28. The operation of each component is controlled by the control device 28.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 28 includes a control unit 281, a storage unit 282, and a communication unit 283.

[0078] The control unit 281 has at least one processor and executes various programs stored in the memory 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 controlling the drive of various parts of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 that are related to sheet manufacturing, such as the coarse crushing blade 121, the blower 261, and the motor M.

[0079] The memory unit 282 stores, for example, programs related to fiber manufacturing, i.e., sheet manufacturing.

[0080] The communication unit 283 is configured, for example, as an I / O interface and communicates with various parts of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100. The communication unit 283 also has the function of communicating with computers and servers (not shown) via a network, for example.

[0081] The control device 28 may be built into the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100, or it may be provided in an external device such as an external computer. Furthermore, the control unit 281 and the storage unit 282 may, for example, be integrated and configured as a single unit, or the control unit 281 may be built into the fiber 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 fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 and the control unit 281 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer.

[0082] Next, the fiber-dissociating section 13 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the defibration unit 13 comprises a casing 3, a rotor 5 as an inner blade that rotates within the casing 3, and a liner 4 as an outer blade provided on the inner circumference of the casing 3. The defibration unit is configured to defibrate the coarse fragments M2 between the rotating rotor 5 and the liner 4. The raw material M1 is defibrated as it passes between the outer circumference of the rotating rotor 5 and the liner 4, becoming defibrated material M3.

[0083] The casing 3 has an input port 31 for introducing raw material M1 into the casing 3 and an output port 32 for discharging the generated defibrated material M3 to the outside of the casing 3. The casing 3 is a cylindrical member having an internal space S0 for housing the liner 4 and rotor 5.

[0084] The inlet 31 is located on the side of the casing 3, near the left end. The inlet 31 also protrudes radially outward from the casing 3 in a cylindrical shape. A funnel-shaped, tubular, or other component (not shown) is connected to the inlet 31.

[0085] The discharge port 32 is located on the side of the casing 3 near the right end. Furthermore, the discharge port 32 protrudes radially outward from the casing 3 in a cylindrical shape.

[0086] The inlet 31 and outlet 32 ​​are located at the top of the casing 3 in Figure 3. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the protruding direction of the inlet 31 and outlet 32 ​​is tangential to the inner circumference of the casing 3. However, the formation positions of the inlet 31 and outlet 32 ​​are not limited to the above, and they may be shifted by a predetermined angle or on opposite sides, and the protruding direction is not particularly limited.

[0087] The liner 4 is a cylindrical outer blade positioned around the entire inner circumference of the cylindrical portion between the inlet 31 and outlet 32 ​​of the casing 3. The central axis of the liner 4 is coaxial with the rotation axis 51. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outer circumferential surface of the liner 4 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the casing 3. As shown in Figure 4, the liner 4 has an axial length that is sufficient to encompass the blade 521, which will be described later. The liner 4 is made of a hard material such as metal.

[0088] Furthermore, teeth 41, which serve as outer blades fixed to the casing 3, are formed on the inner circumference of the liner 4. The teeth 41 defibrate the raw material M1 in contact with the rotor 5. The teeth 41 are provided along the circumferential direction of the liner 4 and have a plurality of protrusions 411 that project toward the center. The protrusions 411 also extend along the axial direction of the casing 3. Each protrusion 411 has the same projection height and has a tip 412 which is the cutting edge. As shown in Figure 4, the circle C connecting each tip 412 has its center concentric with the rotation axis 51.

[0089] As the raw material M1 passes between the outer circumference of the rotating rotor 5 and the teeth 41, it collides with the protrusions 411 of the teeth 41 and is defibrated, generating defibrated material M3.

[0090] As shown in Figure 3, the rotor 5 includes a rotating shaft 51, a rotor section 52, a side plate 54 located to the left of the rotor section 52, and a side plate 55 located to the right of the rotor section 52.

[0091] The rotating shaft 51 is elongated and installed so as to extend in the left-right direction and penetrate the casing 3. The rotating shaft 51 is rotatably supported by the casing 3 via bearings (not shown), and its right end is connected to the output shaft of the motor M. When power is supplied to the motor M, the motor M is driven and the rotating shaft 51 rotates in a predetermined direction. A reduction gear (not shown) may be installed between the output shaft of the motor M and the rotating shaft 51.

[0092] Two disc-shaped side plates, 54 and 55, are fixed to the rotation shaft 51 at intervals from each other along its longitudinal direction. The side plates 54 and 55 each have through holes 56 and 57 in their centers through which the rotation shaft 51 is inserted and fixed. The side plates 54 and 55 are fixed to the rotation shaft 51 by fitting the rotation shaft 51 into the through holes 56 and 57 formed in them.

[0093] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rotor section 52 has a plurality of blades 521 as internal blades (rotating blades) arranged radially around the rotation axis 51. In this embodiment, there are eight blades 521. The blades 521 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis 51. In this invention, the size, number, and arrangement pattern of the blades 521 are not particularly limited.

[0094] Each blade 521 is plate-shaped, particularly flat, and its main surface is oriented along the radial direction of the casing 3 and rotor 5. Each blade 521 is fixed to the side plate 54 and the side plate 55, respectively. The cutting edge 522 of each blade 521, which is the outer circumference end, i.e., the end furthest from the rotation axis 51, is spaced a predetermined distance from the top 412 of the projection 411 and rotates without contact with the liner 4. The side plate 54 and the side plate 55 are spaced at a predetermined interval and are substantially parallel to each other along the axial direction of the rotation axis 51. The outer circumference end of the blade 521 is the cutting edge 522.

[0095] Each blade 521 is not limited to being a flat plate; it may also be curved or bent into a desired shape.

[0096] Each blade 521 is fixed to the rotating shaft 51 via side plates 54 and 55. As a result, when the rotating shaft 51 rotates, each blade 521 rotates around the rotating shaft 51 together with the side plates 54 and 55. The raw material M1 is defibrated as it passes between each rotating blade 521 and the teeth 41 of the liner 4.

[0097] The rotational speed of the rotor 5 during fibrillation is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 1,000 rpm and 300,000 rpm, and more preferably between 3,000 rpm and 15,000 rpm.

[0098] In this embodiment, each blade 521 has the same shape and size. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and at least one of the blades 521 may have a different shape or size from the others.

[0099] The constituent materials of the teeth 41 and blade 521 are not particularly limited, and for example, hard metal materials or ceramics can be used. The constituent materials of the teeth 41 and blade 521 may be the same or different.

[0100] The minimum separation distance G between the cutting edge 522 of the inner blade 521 and the top 412 of the teeth 41 of the outer blade liner 4, that is, the minimum separation distance (gap) G between the circle C and the cutting edge 522 of the blade 521, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 mm or more and 60 mm or less.

[0101] Next, we will explain the coarse fragment sorting unit 7. As shown in Figure 2, the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 performs a coarse fragment sorting process to obtain secondary coarse fragments M2A by sorting coarse fragments M2 of a predetermined size or smaller from the coarse fragments M2 generated in the coarse crushing unit 12. That is, the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 sorts secondary coarse fragments M2A of a predetermined size or smaller from the coarse fragments M2 and supplies them to the defibration unit 13. Hereinafter, coarse fragments M2 that are larger than the predetermined size and not sorted by the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 will also be referred to as unsuitable coarse fragments M2B.

[0102] "Coarse fragments M2 (secondary coarse fragments M2A) of a predetermined size or smaller" refers to coarse fragments M2 (secondary coarse fragments M2A) of a size suitable for defibration processing by the defibration unit 13. Specifically, it refers to coarse fragments M2 (secondary coarse fragments M2A) that are large enough to allow smooth defibration without clogging between the liner 4 and rotor 5 of the defibration unit 13.

[0103] "Coarse fragments M2 exceeding the specified size (unsuitable coarse fragments M2B)" refers to coarse fragments M2 (unsuitable coarse fragments M2B) that are not suitable for fibrillation processing by the fibrillation unit 13. Specifically, it refers to coarse fragments M2 (unsuitable coarse fragments M2B) that are of a size that may cause clogging or poor fibrillation between the liner 4 and rotor 5 of the fibrillation unit 13 when the fibrillation unit 13 is operated continuously for a specified time or longer.

[0104] The aspect ratio of the secondary coarse fragments M2A (average width Wx in the direction perpendicular to the maximum width Wmax / maximum width Wmax) is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 0.5 and 1. This allows for smooth sorting of the secondary coarse fragments M2A in the coarse fragment sorting section 7, good defibration processing in the defibration section 13, and ensures sufficient fiber length to obtain a high-strength, high-quality sheet S.

[0105] The maximum width Wmax is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 2 mm and 60 mm. This makes it possible to obtain a high-strength, good-quality sheet S with sufficiently long fiber length.

[0106] The average width Wx is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 1 mm and 30 mm. This makes it possible to obtain a high-strength, good-quality sheet S with sufficiently long fiber length.

[0107] While it is preferable that the aspect ratio, maximum width Wmax, and average width Wx of the secondary coarse fragments M2A fall within the above ranges, the invention is not limited to these, and at least one of the aspect ratio, maximum width Wmax, and average width Wx of the secondary coarse fragments M2A may fall outside the above conditions. For example, all or part of the secondary coarse fragments M2A may be in the shape of strips, or so-called rectangular strips, and the present invention does not exclude secondary coarse fragments M2A of such shapes.

[0108] The coarse fragment sorting unit 7 includes a filter member 71 having a plurality of sorting holes 712 that selectively allow secondary coarse fragments M2A to pass through. The filter member 71 is composed of a plate-shaped or frame-shaped member and is provided between the downstream end of the conveying unit 123 of the coarse crushing unit 12 and the chute 122. Coarse fragments M2 (including secondary coarse fragments M2A and unsuitable coarse fragments M2B) that have fallen from the conveying unit 123 are supplied onto the upper surface 711 of the filter member 71. The secondary coarse fragments M2A pass through the sorting holes 712 (see Figure 7), while the passage of unsuitable coarse fragments M2B is restricted (blocked) by the sorting holes 712 (see Figure 8). In other words, the coarse fragments M2, including secondary coarse fragments M2A and unsuitable coarse fragments M2B, are separated into secondary coarse fragments M2A that pass through the filter member 71 and unsuitable coarse fragments M2B whose passage is restricted (blocked) by the filter member 71.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6, the sorting hole 712 is a through-hole with a circular opening. The opening diameter D of the sorting hole 712 is large enough to allow the passage of secondary coarse fragments M2A and restrict (block) the passage of unsuitable coarse fragments M2B. The circular shape of the opening allows for more appropriate and smooth sorting of secondary coarse fragments M2A.

[0110] The shape of the opening surface of the sorting hole 712 is not limited to a circle, but may be an ellipse, triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, or any other polygon with more sides. Furthermore, the sorting holes 712 of the filter member 71 may be a combination of two or more sorting holes 712 of different shapes or sizes. If the shape of the opening surface of the sorting hole 712 is not circular, the opening diameter D shall be the midpoint between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the opening diameter.

[0111] The opening diameter D of the sorting hole 712 is not particularly limited, but is preferably larger than the maximum width Wmax, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 60 mm or less. This allows the coarse fragment sorting section 7 to sort the secondary coarse fragments M2A more appropriately.

[0112] Wmax / D is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 0.5 and 1. This allows the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 to sort the secondary coarse fragments M2A more appropriately.

[0113] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, when G is the minimum separation distance between the blade 521 and the teeth 41 of the liner 4, and D is the average opening diameter of the opening surface of the sorting hole 712, it is preferable that D ≥ G is satisfied. As a result, the size of the secondary coarse fragments M2A passing through the sorting hole 712 (maximum width Wmax, average width Wx) becomes sufficiently large, i.e., has sufficient fiber length, and thus a high-strength, high-quality sheet S (fibrous material) can be manufactured.

[0114] As explained in detail based on Figure 4, the minimum separation distance G between the blade 521 and the teeth 41 of the liner 4 is the minimum separation distance between the cutting edge 522 of the blade 521 and the circle C that passes through the top 412 of the teeth 41 of the liner 4. Here, if the minimum separation distance between the cutting edge 522 and the circle C changes along the axial direction of the rotation axis 51, the average value of these values ​​is taken as the minimum separation distance G.

[0115] In contrast to this embodiment, when using a defibration machine in which the liner 4 is omitted, the minimum distance between the cutting edge 522 of the blade 521 and the inner circumferential surface of the casing 3 shall be G' (not shown), and this G' shall be used in place of G.

[0116] G / D is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 0.5 and 1. If it exceeds the upper limit, the size of the secondary crushed fragments M2A decreases, and the fiber length of the fibers contained in the secondary crushed fragments M2A tends to shorten. Conversely, if it is below the lower limit, the size of the secondary crushed fragments M2A relative to the minimum separation distance G increases, which may impair the smooth passage between the blade 521 and the liner 4 during defibration. Therefore, by setting G / D within the above numerical range, secondary crushed fragments M2A with fibers of sufficient fiber length can be obtained, enabling the production of high-strength, high-quality sheets S (fibrous material), and more effectively preventing clogging of the secondary crushed fragments M2A between the blade 521 and the liner 4, thereby maintaining high productivity.

[0117] As shown in Figure 2, the filter member 71 is installed at an angle to the horizontal. The filter member 71 is tilted such that the left end in Figure 2 is positioned vertically lower than the right end. As a result, the coarse fragments M2 that fall onto the upper surface 711 of the filter member 71 move and slide down the upper surface 711 of the filter member 71 towards the left in Figure 2. At this time, the coarse fragments M2 pass over each sorting hole 712, and the secondary coarse fragments M2A pass through the sorting holes 712 and fall down, and are sorted.

[0118] As shown in Figure 2, the inclination angle θ of the filter member 71 with respect to the horizontal is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 1° and 80°, and more preferably between 5° and 60°. This allows the above effects to be fully realized.

[0119] The arrangement of the sorting holes 712 in the filter member 71 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the sorting holes 712 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Specifically, the sorting holes 712 are arranged to form six rows 712A, 712B, 712C, 712D, 712E, and 712F. Furthermore, the six rows 712A, 712B, 712C, 712D, 712E, and 712F are arranged in the vertical direction in Figure 6.

[0120] Row 712A has five sorting holes 712, each sorting hole 712 is arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction in the figure. Row 712B has six sorting holes 712, each sorting hole 712 is arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction in the figure. Row 712C has five sorting holes 712, each sorting hole 712 is arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction in the figure. Row 712D has six sorting holes 712, each sorting hole 712 is arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction in the figure. Row 712E has five sorting holes 712, each sorting hole 712 is arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction in the figure. Row 712F has six sorting holes 712, each sorting hole 712 is arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction in the figure.

[0121] The sorting holes 712 in row 712B are positioned half a pitch offset in the left-right direction compared to the sorting holes 712 in row 712A. The sorting holes 712 in row 712C are positioned half a pitch offset in the left-right direction compared to the sorting holes 712 in row 712B. The sorting holes 712 in row 712D are positioned half a pitch offset in the left-right direction compared to the sorting holes 712 in row 712C. The sorting holes 712 in row 712E are positioned half a pitch offset in the left-right direction compared to the sorting holes 712 in row 712D. The sorting holes 712 in row 712F are positioned half a pitch offset in the left-right direction compared to the sorting holes 712 in row 712E.

[0122] This configuration makes it easier for the coarse fragments M2 sliding down the upper surface 711 of the filter member 71 to pass over any of the sorting holes 712. Therefore, the sorting of the coarse fragments M2 can be performed more effectively.

[0123] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, in this embodiment the filter member 71 is flat, but it is not limited to this, and the filter member 71 may be curved or bent, or it may be cylindrical (drum-shaped) as the drum section 141 described above. When the filter member 71 is cylindrical (drum-shaped), the coarse fragment sorting section 7 can be configured to feed coarse fragments M2 into the rotating filter member 71 and pass them through the sorting holes 712 to obtain secondary coarse fragments M2A.

[0124] Although not shown in the figures, the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 may have a vibrator that oscillates or vibrates the filter member 71. By sorting the secondary coarse fragments M2A while oscillating or vibrating the filter member 71, the passage of the secondary coarse fragments M2A through the sorting holes 712 is promoted, enabling smoother and more proper sorting.

[0125] In this embodiment, the passage of the secondary coarse fragments M2A through the sorting holes 712 of the filter member 71 is due to the free fall of the secondary coarse fragments M2A due to gravity. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a configuration may be used in which stresses other than gravity, such as centrifugal force or suction force, are applied to the coarse fragments M2 (secondary coarse fragments M2A) to cause them to pass through the sorting holes 712 or to promote their passage.

[0126] As shown in Figure 2, the secondary coarse fragments M2A that have passed through the sorting hole 712 are collected by the chute 122 and supplied to the defibration section 13. As mentioned above, the secondary coarse fragments M2A are of a size suitable for defibration, so the defibration process is carried out smoothly and efficiently. This prevents or suppresses the supply of unsuitable coarse fragments M2B, which are not suitable for defibration, directly to the defibration section 13, as in the conventional method. Therefore, it is possible to prevent clogging of the defibration section 13 while preventing unsuitable coarse fragments M2B that have not been sufficiently defibrated from being discharged from the defibration section 13. As a result, a fibrous body with a sufficiently long fiber length, i.e., a sheet S, can be obtained without the need to stop the defibration section 13 to clear clogging, and a high-strength, high-quality sheet S can be manufactured.

[0127] Next, we will explain the recycling unit 8. As shown in Figure 2, the recycling unit 8 has the function of recovering unsuitable coarse crushed pieces M2B that exceed a predetermined size and were not sorted by the coarse crushed piece sorting unit 7, returning them to the coarse crushing unit 12, and subjecting them to coarse crushing again.

[0128] The recycling unit 8 has a conveyor belt 80. The right side of the conveyor belt 80 is installed below the left end of the filter member 71. Unsuitable coarse fragments M2B that slide down the upper surface 711 of the filter member 71 and do not pass through the sorting holes 712 fall off the left end of the filter member 71, fall onto the upper right side of the conveyor belt 80, and are conveyed to the left by the conveyor belt 80.

[0129] The conveyor belt 80 has a pair of rollers 81 and 82, and an endless belt 83 wrapped around each of the rollers 81 and 82. A motor is connected to one of the rollers 81 and 82, and the endless belt 83 rotates as the rollers 81 and 82 rotate. This allows the unsuitable coarse pieces M2B that fall onto the endless belt 83 to be conveyed horizontally.

[0130] The unsuitable coarse fragments M2B, transported to the left in Figure 2 by the conveyor belt 80, are returned to the crushing section 12 via a conveyor path (not shown), where they undergo further crushing. This allows the unsuitable coarse fragments M2B to be crushed again and produced as secondary coarse fragments M2A.

[0131] The conveyor belt 80 and conveyor path in the recycling section 8 may be transported by air raid. The recycling section 8 may also have configurations other than those described above, such as a vibrating feeder or a screw feeder. Furthermore, the recycling section 8 may have a storage section for temporarily storing unsuitable coarse fragments M2B.

[0132] As described above, the processing apparatus 10 includes a coarse crushing unit 12 that coarsely crushes the fiber-containing raw material M1 to produce coarse fragments M2, a coarse fragment sorting unit 7 that sorts coarse fragments M2 of a predetermined size or smaller from the coarse fragments M2 to obtain secondary coarse fragments M2A, and a defibration unit 13 that defibrates the secondary coarse fragments M2A. This allows secondary coarse fragments M2A of a size suitable for defibration to be supplied to the defibration unit 13, and as a result, the defibration unit 13 can perform the defibration process well and smoothly. Therefore, a fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 having such a processing apparatus 10, in particular a fiber manufacturing apparatus, can produce a sheet S with sufficient fiber length, high strength and high quality, and has high productivity.

[0133] Furthermore, the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a processing apparatus 10 and a molding unit 20 for molding the defibrated material M3 generated by the defibration unit 13. This allows secondary coarse fragments M2A of a size suitable for defibration to be supplied to the defibration unit 13, and as a result, the defibration unit 13 can perform the defibration process well and smoothly. Then, by manufacturing a fiber (sheet S in this embodiment) using the defibrated material M3 obtained in the processing apparatus 10, it is possible to manufacture a high-strength, high-quality fiber (sheet S) with sufficient fiber length. Since the defibration process is performed well and smoothly without clogging in the defibration unit 13, the apparatus can be operated continuously, and the productivity of the fiber (sheet S) is also high.

[0134] The coarse fragment sorting unit of the present invention, the coarse fragment sorting unit 7, is installed in a fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 having a defibration unit 13 for defibrating coarse fragments M2. The sorting unit selects coarse fragments M2 of a predetermined size or smaller from among the coarse fragments M2 to obtain secondary coarse fragments M2A. This allows secondary coarse fragments M2A of a size suitable for defibration to be supplied to the defibration unit 13, and as a result, the defibration unit 13 can perform the defibration process well and smoothly. Therefore, a fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 having such a processing apparatus 10, in particular a fiber manufacturing apparatus, can produce high-quality sheets S with sufficient fiber length and high strength, and its productivity is also high.

[0135] In this embodiment, the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 is configured to sort using a filter member 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may, for example, have a detection unit that detects the weight and size of the coarse fragments M2, and a recovery unit that recovers the secondary coarse fragments M2A based on the detection results detected by the detection unit (filterless structure).

[0136] In such a filterless structure, the detection unit can be, for example, an optical measuring instrument (laser measuring instrument), a weight sensor, etc. The recovery unit can be configured to pick up secondary coarse fragments M2A or unsuitable coarse fragments M2B (coarse fragments M2 other than secondary coarse fragments M2A) by adsorption, or to blow air to remove only the secondary coarse fragments M2A for recovery, or to remove the unsuitable coarse fragments M2B.

[0137] The coarse fragment sorting unit 7 includes a filter member 71 having a plurality of sorting holes 712 that selectively allow the secondary coarse fragments M2A to pass through. This allows for proper and smooth sorting of the secondary coarse fragments M2A using a filter member 71 with a simple structure.

[0138] In this embodiment, the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 has been described as having a configuration that sorts secondary coarse fragments M2A using one filter member 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which two or more filter members 71 are used to sort secondary coarse fragments M2A is also possible. In this case, it is preferable to use each filter member 71 stacked at a distance from each other. Furthermore, the sorting holes 712 in adjacent filter members 71 may differ in size or shape. In addition, the filter member 71 used in the coarse fragment sorting unit 7 may have a mesh structure.

[0139] The secondary coarse fragments M2A have an irregular shape in plan view, and the sorting holes 712 have a circular opening. This allows for obtaining secondary coarse fragments M2A with sufficient fiber length and enables more proper sorting of the secondary coarse fragments M2A.

[0140] Furthermore, the shape of the secondary crushed pieces M2A and the shape of the opening surface of the sorting hole 712 are not limited to circular shapes. Other shapes are as described above.

[0141] The defibration unit 13 comprises a casing 3, an inner blade 521 that rotates within the casing 3, and teeth 41 of an outer blade liner 4 provided on the inner circumference of the casing 3. The defibration unit 13 is composed of a defibration machine that defibrates coarse fragments M2 (secondary coarse fragments M2A) between the rotating blade 521 and the teeth 41 of the liner 4. When the minimum separation distance between the blade 521 and the teeth 41 of the liner 4 is G, and the average opening diameter of the opening surface of the sorting hole 721 is D, the condition D ≥ G is satisfied. As a result, the size of the sorted secondary coarse fragments M2A becomes sufficiently large, that is, secondary coarse fragments M2A with fibers of sufficient fiber length are obtained, and a high-strength, good-quality sheet S (fibrous material) can be manufactured. Note D <Gであってもよい。

[0142] The G / D ratio is preferably between 0.5 and 1. This allows for the production of secondary coarse fragments M2A with sufficient fiber length, enabling the manufacture of high-strength, high-quality sheets S (fibrous material), and more effectively preventing clogging of the secondary coarse fragments M2A in the defibration section 13, thereby maintaining high productivity. Note that G / D may fall outside the above numerical range.

[0143] The processing apparatus 10 includes a recycling unit 8 that recovers coarse pieces M2 (unsuitable coarse pieces M2B) that are larger than a predetermined size and were not sorted in the coarse piece sorting unit 7, returns them to the coarse crushing unit 12, and subjects them to coarse crushing again. This allows the coarse pieces M2 (unsuitable coarse pieces M2B) larger than the predetermined size to be coarse crushed again and produced as secondary coarse pieces M2A. Therefore, waste of raw materials can be reduced.

[0144] The processing device 10 does not necessarily have to include a recycling unit 8. In this case, coarse fragments M2 exceeding a predetermined size (unsuitable coarse fragments M2B) may be disposed of, or the unsuitable coarse fragments M2B may be subjected to defibration treatment under different conditions than those used for the secondary coarse fragments M2A.

[0145] Although the apparatus, fiber manufacturing apparatus, and coarse fragment sorting unit of the present invention have been described above in illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each part constituting the apparatus, fiber manufacturing apparatus, and coarse fragment sorting unit can be replaced with any configuration that can perform similar functions. Furthermore, the apparatus, fiber manufacturing apparatus, and coarse fragment sorting unit may have any additional components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0146] 3...Casing, 4...Liner, 5...Rotor, 6...Tube, 7...Coarse fragment sorting section, 8...Recycling section, 10...Processing device, 11...Raw material supply section, 12...Coarse crushing section, 13...Fibre separation section, 14...Fibre separation section, 15...First web forming section, 16...Finement section, 17...Mixing section, 18...Dispersion section, 19...Second web forming section, 20...Forming section, 21...Cutting section, 22...Stock section, 27...Recovery section, 28...Control device, 31...Inlet, 32...Outlet, 41...Teeth, 51...Rotating shaft, 52...Rotor section, 54...Side plate, 55...Side plate, 56...Through hole, 57...Through hole, 71...F Filter component, 80... Conveyor belt, 81... Roller, 82... Roller, 83... Endless belt, 100... Fiber manufacturing device, 121... Crushing blade, 122... Chute, 123... Conveyor section, 141... Drum section, 142... Housing section, 151... Mesh belt, 152... Tension roller, 153... Suction section, 161... Propeller, 162... Housing section, 170... Housing section, 171... Additive supply section, 172... Pipe, 173... Blower, 174... Screw feeder, 181... Drum, 182... Housing, 191... Mesh belt, 192 ...tension roller, 193...suction section, 201...pressure section, 202...heating section, 203...calender roller, 204...heating roller, 211...first cutter, 212...second cutter, 231...humidification section, 232...humidification section, 233...humidification section, 234...humidification section, 235...humidification section, 236...humidification section, 242...tube, 243...tube, 244...tube, 245...tube, 246...tube, 261...blower, 262...blower, 263...blower, 281...control section, 282...memory section, 283...communication section, 411...protrusion, 412...top, 521...blade, 52 2…Blade tip, 711…Top surface, 712…Separation hole, 712A…Row, 712B…Row, 712C…Row, 712D…Row, 712E…Row, 712F…Row, 721…Separation hole, C…Circle, D…Opening diameter, G…Minimum separation distance, M…Motor, M1…Raw material, M2…Coarse fragments, M2A…Secondary coarse fragments, M2B…Unsuitable coarse fragments, M3…Fibrated material, M4-1…First sorting material, M4-2…Second sorting material, M5…First web, M6…Refined material, M7…Mixture, M8…Second web, P1…Binding agent, S…Sheet, S0…Internal space, Wmax…Maximum width, Wx…Average width, θ…Inclination angle

Claims

1. A coarse crushing section that coarsely crushes fiber-containing raw materials to produce coarse fragments, A coarse fragment sorting unit that selects coarse fragments of a predetermined size or smaller from the aforementioned coarse fragments to obtain secondary coarse fragments, A processing apparatus characterized by comprising a defibration unit for defibrating the aforementioned secondary coarse fragments.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coarse fragment sorting unit comprises a filter member having a plurality of sorting holes for selectively passing the secondary coarse fragments.

3. The aforementioned secondary coarse fragments have an irregular shape when viewed from above. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sorting hole has a circular opening.

4. The defibration unit comprises a casing, an inner blade that rotates within the casing, and an outer blade provided on the inner circumference of the casing, and is configured as a defibration machine that defibrates the coarse fragments between the rotating inner blade and the outer blade. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the minimum separation distance between the inner blade and the outer blade is G, and the average opening diameter of the opening surface of the sorting hole is D, and D ≥ G.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein G / D is 0.5 or more and 1 or less.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a recycling unit that collects the coarse pieces exceeding a predetermined size that were not sorted in the coarse piece sorting unit, returns them to the coarse crushing unit, and subjects them to coarse crushing again.

7. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A fiber manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising a molding unit for molding the defibrated material generated by the defibration unit.

8. A coarse fragment sorting unit installed in a fiber manufacturing apparatus having a defibration section for defibrating coarse fragments, A coarse fragment sorting unit that selects coarse fragments of a predetermined size or smaller from the aforementioned coarse fragments to obtain secondary coarse fragments.

Images