Deposition apparatus and method for producing deposition material

Abstract

The present invention provides a deposition apparatus capable of improving quality, and a method for producing deposition materials. [Solution] The system comprises a supply pipe 24, a first chamber 510 having a first wall 511 and a second wall 512, a second chamber 520 for depositing material onto a conveying deposit belt to form a deposit material, and a partition 515 that vertically separates the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520 and has a communication opening 530 connecting the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520. If the direction from the first wall 511 toward the second wall 512 is considered the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is considered the second direction, the length of the communication opening 530 in the second direction is longer on the first wall 511 side than on the second wall 512 side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a deposition apparatus and a method for producing a deposition material.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a deposition apparatus having a deposition section that deposits a mixture dispersed by a dispersion device. The dispersion device includes a dispersion section that disperses the mixture and a housing that covers the dispersion section. The housing has four side walls and a top plate provided with a rectangular opening. The mixture is supplied into the dispersion section through the opening and deposited as a deposit in the deposition section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a problem that the thickness of the deposit in the deposition section is desired to be made more uniform.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The deposition apparatus comprises a first chamber having a supply pipe for supplying a fiber-containing material together with air, a first wall communicating with the supply pipe through a supply port, and a second wall facing the first wall and causing the air containing the material to swirl by contact; a second chamber for depositing the material supplied from the first chamber onto a conveying belt to form a deposition material; and a partition that vertically separates the first chamber and the second chamber and has a communication port connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. When the direction from the first wall to the second wall is defined as the first direction and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the length of the communication port in the second direction is longer on the first wall side than on the second wall side.

[0006] The method for producing a deposit material includes the steps of supplying a fiber-containing material together with air from a supply pipe to a first chamber, swirling the air containing the material against a wall, passing the air through a communication port connecting the first chamber and a lower second chamber, and then sending it from the communication port to the second chamber, and dropping the material onto a conveying belt below the second chamber to deposit it and form a deposit material, wherein the length of the communication port on the second wall side facing the first wall is shorter than the length of the first wall side located on the supply pipe side of the first chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the deposition apparatus. [Figure 2] A perspective view illustrating the structure of the deposition mechanism. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view showing the structure of the deposition mechanism. [Figure 4] A plan view showing part of the sedimentation mechanism. [Figure 5] A plan view showing part of the sedimentation mechanism. [Figure 6] A plan view showing the configuration of the partitions in the sedimentation mechanism. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the production method of sedimentary material. [Figure 8A]Plan view showing the arrangement of communication ports in the embodiment. [Figure 8B] Diagram showing the wind speed in the dispersion section of the embodiment. [Figure 8C] Diagram showing the wind speed on the deposition belt in the embodiment. [Figure 8D] Diagram showing the wind speed in the second chamber of the embodiment. [Figure 8E] Diagram showing the floor distribution in the embodiment. [Figure 9A] Plan view showing the arrangement of communication ports in Comparative Example 1. [Figure 9B] Diagram showing the wind speed in the dispersion section of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 9C] Diagram showing the wind speed on the deposition belt in Comparative Example 1. [Figure 9D] Diagram showing the wind speed in the second chamber of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 9E] Diagram showing the floor distribution in Comparative Example 1. [Figure 10A] Plan view showing the arrangement of communication ports in Comparative Example 2. [Figure 10B] Diagram showing the wind speed in the dispersion section of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 10C] Diagram showing the wind speed on the deposition belt in Comparative Example 2. [Figure 10D] Diagram showing the wind speed in the second chamber of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 11A] Plan view showing the arrangement of communication ports in Comparative Example 3. [Figure 11B] Diagram showing the wind speed in the dispersion section of Comparative Example 3. [Figure 11C] Diagram showing the wind speed on the deposition belt in Comparative Example 3. [Figure 11D] Diagram showing the wind speed in the second chamber of Comparative Example 3. [Figure 12A] Plan view showing the configuration of the communication port in the modification. [Figure 12B] Plan view showing the configuration of the communication port in the modification. [Figure 12C] Plan view showing the configuration of the communication port in the modification.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 as a deposition device and the production method of the deposited material W will be explained below with reference to the drawings. In the following diagrams, the three mutually orthogonal axes will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis will be called the "X direction," the direction along the Y-axis will be called the "Y direction," and the direction along the Z-axis will be called the "Z direction." The direction of the arrow is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the + direction is the - direction. Viewing from the +Z direction or -Z direction is also called a planar view or planar perspective. In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the end of the conveying direction of raw materials, web, and sheets may be called downstream, and the side going upstream in the conveying direction may be called upstream.

[0009] First, the configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0010] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures sheets from a material containing fibers (hereinafter referred to as "fiber material"). In the following description, recycled paper C will be used as an example of the fiber material, but other types of fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, or mixtures thereof may also be used. Furthermore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures sheets from the fiber material such as recycled paper using a dry process. However, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is not limited to a dry process and may also be a wet process. In this specification, "dry process" means that the process is carried out in air, such as the atmosphere, rather than in a liquid.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises 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 Figure 1, the direction in which the waste paper C, sheet P3, slit pieces S, and unwanted scraps move is indicated by white arrows.

[0012] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a sheet P3 from recycled paper C, which is a fibrous material. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, when viewed from the side in the -X direction, the first unit group 101, the third unit group 103, and the second unit group 102 are arranged from the -Y direction to the +Y direction.

[0013] 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. In the second unit group 102, the waste paper C is subjected to processes such as defibration to become fibers, and then becomes a mixture containing binders and other substances.

[0014] The mixture is transported to the third unit group 103 via the supply pipe 24. In the third unit group 103, the mixture is formed into a web W and then molded into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is cut in the first unit group 101 to form sheet P3.

[0015] The first unit group 101 includes a buffer tank 13, a quantitative supply unit 15, a junction unit 17, and piping 21. In the first unit group 101, these components are arranged in the order described above, from upstream to downstream. The first unit group 101 also includes a first cutting unit 81, a second cutting unit 82, a tray 84, and a shredding unit 86.

[0016] The first cutting section 81 and the second cutting section 82 cut the strip-shaped sheet P1 into a sheet P3 of a predetermined shape. Furthermore, the first unit group 101 has a water supply section 67. The water supply section 67 is a water storage tank. The water supply section 67 supplies humidifying water to the first humidifying section 65 and the second humidifying section 66, which will be described later, via a water supply pipe (not shown).

[0017] The waste paper C is fed into the buffer tank 13 from the raw material inlet 11. The waste paper C contains fibers such as cellulose and is, for example, shredded waste paper scraps. Humidified air is supplied into the buffer tank 13 from the second humidification unit 66 provided in the third unit group 103.

[0018] Materials such as recycled paper C contain fibers and a binder. The fibers can be any type, including plant fibers, animal fibers, or synthetic fibers. Whether recycled or non-recycled is acceptable. The binder is not limited to starch; any type that can bind the fibers, such as thermoplastic resins, is acceptable. If the fibers themselves can bind to each other, a separate binder is not necessary.

[0019] The defibrated waste paper C is temporarily stored in the buffer tank 13 and then transported to the quantitative supply unit 15 in accordance with the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may also be equipped with a shredder upstream of the buffer tank 13 for shredding the waste paper C and other materials.

[0020] The quantitative supply unit 15 includes a weighing device 15a and a supply mechanism (not shown). The weighing device 15a weighs the mass of the waste paper C. The supply mechanism supplies the waste paper C weighed by the weighing device 15a to the downstream confluence 17. In other words, the quantitative supply unit 15 weighs the waste paper C in predetermined masses using the weighing device 15a and supplies it to the downstream confluence 17 using the supply mechanism.

[0021] At the confluence section 17, the fine fragments of the slit pieces S supplied from the shredding section 86 are combined with the waste paper C supplied from the quantitative supply section 15 and mixed together. The slit pieces S and the shredding section 86 will be described later. The waste paper C mixed with the fine fragments flows from the confluence section 17 into the piping 21. The piping 21 transports the waste paper C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by airflow generated by a blower (not shown).

[0022] The second unit group 102 includes a dry defibration machine, a defibration section 30, a separation section 40, piping 23, a mixing section 91, and a supply pipe 24. In the second unit group 102, these components are arranged in the order described above, from upstream to downstream. The second unit group 102 also includes a recovery section 95, a compressor 97, a power supply section 99, piping 25 connected to the separation section 40, and airflow piping 29.

[0023] The waste paper C transported through the piping 21 flows into the defibration section 30. The defibration section 30 defibrates the waste paper C, which is a fibrous material, in a dry manner to produce defibrated material containing fibers. Known defibration mechanisms can be applied to the defibration section 30. In this embodiment, a defibration mechanism equipped with a rotating blade is used as the defibration section 30. This defibration mechanism shreds and defibrates the waste paper C with a rotating blade to produce fibers. The waste paper C has its tangled fibers untangled in the defibration section 30, becoming defibrated material containing fibers, which is then transported to the separation section 40.

[0024] The separation unit 40 separates the defibrated fibers. Specifically, the separation unit 40 removes components contained in the fibers that are unnecessary for the manufacture of sheet P3. That is, the separation unit 40 separates relatively long fibers from relatively short fibers. Relatively short fibers can cause a decrease in the strength of sheet P3, so they are sorted out and removed by the separation unit 40. The separation unit 40 also removes impurities such as colorants and additives contained in the recycled paper C.

[0025] In this embodiment, a disc-type separation mechanism equipped with a separation filter is used as the separation unit 40. This separation mechanism sorts and separates relatively short fibers and impurities that pass through the separation filter from relatively long fibers that do not pass through the separation filter. The relatively long fibers are used as defibrated fibers in the material for the web W. Humidified air from the second humidification unit 66 of the third unit group 103 is supplied to the inside of the separation unit 40.

[0026] The defibrated fibers are separated in the separation section 40, where relatively short fibers and other unwanted materials are removed. Then, the fibers are transported to the mixing section 91 via the pipe 23 by an airflow generated by a blower (not shown) located at the end of the airflow pipe 29. Unwanted materials such as relatively short fibers and impurities are discharged from the pipe 25 to the recovery section 95.

[0027] The mixing unit 91 mixes the fibers with a binder and other substances in the air to form a mixture. The mixing unit 91 includes a flow path for transporting the fibers, a fan, a hopper, a supply pipe, and a valve (not shown in the figure). The mixture flows from the mixing unit 91 into the supply pipe 24.

[0028] The fan in the mixing unit 91 uses the generated airflow to transport the fibers downstream while mixing in binders and other substances in the air to form a mixture. The recovery unit 95 is equipped with a filter (not shown). The filter removes unwanted materials such as relatively short fibers that have been transported through the piping 25 by airflow.

[0029] The compressor 97 generates compressed air. The filter may become clogged with fine particles and other unwanted substances. By blowing the compressed air generated by the compressor 97 onto the filter, it is possible to clean the filter by blowing away the attached particles.

[0030] The power supply unit 99 includes a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, and a control unit 5. The power supply unit 99 distributes the power supplied from the outside to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0031] The control unit 5 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit including RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). Various programs for controlling the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 are stored in the storage unit. The control unit 5 may also include dedicated hardware (application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs at least some of the various processes. That is, the control unit 5 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as ASICs, or a combination thereof.

[0032] The third unit group 103 deposits and compresses a fiber-containing mixture to form a strip-shaped sheet P1 which is recycled paper. The third unit group 103 includes a deposit mechanism 50, a transport mechanism 62, a first humidification unit 65, an air injection unit 200, a second humidification unit 66, a drainage unit 68, and a molding mechanism 70.

[0033] In the third unit group 103, the deposition mechanism 50, the first transport unit 61, the transport mechanism 62, the first humidification unit 65, and the molding mechanism 70 are arranged in the above order from upstream to downstream. The air injection unit 200 is located inside the transport mechanism 62 and is positioned at the downstream end of the transport path of the web W in the transport mechanism 62. The second humidification unit 66 is positioned below the first humidification unit 65.

[0034] The deposition mechanism 50 deposits the mixture generated from the defibrated material by airflow and gravity to form a web W. The deposition mechanism 50 includes a dispersion section 53, a vane member 55 installed within the dispersion section 53, a housing 51 that accommodates the dispersion section 53, and a first suction section 59. The mixture is taken into the interior of the dispersion section 53 from the supply pipe 24.

[0035] Below the deposition mechanism 50, a first conveying unit 61 is positioned. The first conveying unit 61 has a deposition belt 61a as a belt and five rollers 61b (see Figure 2) that tension the deposition belt 61a. The first suction unit 59 faces the dispersion unit 53 in the direction along the Z axis, with the deposition belt 61a in between.

[0036] The blade member 55 is located inside the dispersion section 53. The blade member 55 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The dispersion section 53 is a semi-cylindrical mesh. A mesh with a sieving function is provided on the downward-facing side of the dispersion section 53. The dispersion section 53 allows particles such as fibers and mixtures smaller than the mesh opening of the sieve to pass from the inside to the outside.

[0037] The mixture is agitated by the rotating blade member 55 within the dispersion section 53 and released to the outside of the dispersion section 53. Humidified air from the second humidification section 66 is supplied to the inside of the dispersion section 53.

[0038] The first suction unit 59 is positioned below the dispersion unit 53. The first suction unit 59 draws air from inside the housing 51 through multiple holes in the deposition belt 61a. This generates an airflow that deposits the mixture onto the deposition belt 61a.

[0039] The multiple holes in the deposition belt 61a allow air to pass through but make it difficult for fibers and binders contained in the mixture to pass through. As a result, the mixture released to the outside of the dispersion section 53 is sucked downward along with the air. The first suction section 59 is a known suction device such as a suction fan. The mixture is dispersed in the air inside the housing 51 and, due to gravity and the airflow generated by the first suction section 59, is deposited on the upper surface of the deposition belt 61a to form a web W.

[0040] The deposition belt 61a is an endless belt stretched by five rollers 61b. The deposition belt 61a rotates counterclockwise in Figure 1 due to the rotation of the rollers 61b. That is, the deposition belt 61a moves in the first direction (see Figure 5). As a result, the mixture is continuously deposited on the deposition belt 61a, and a web W is formed. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and inflated. The first conveying unit 61 conveys the formed web W downstream by the rotation of the deposition belt 61a.

[0041] The conveying mechanism 62 conveys the web W downstream of the first conveying section 61, taking over the role of the first conveying section 61. The conveying mechanism 62 peels the web W from the upper surface of the accumulation belt 61a and conveys it toward the molding mechanism 70. The conveying mechanism 62 is located above the conveying path of the web W and slightly upstream of the starting point on the return side of the accumulation belt 61a. The +Y direction of the conveying mechanism 62 and the -Y direction of the accumulation belt 61a partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0042] The conveying mechanism 62 includes a conveying belt 62a, four rollers, and a second suction section 62b. The conveying belt 62a is provided with multiple holes for air to pass through. The conveying belt 62a is stretched by the four rollers and rotates clockwise in Figure 1 due to the rotation of the rollers.

[0043] The second suction unit 62b is located in the transport path of the web W in the transport mechanism 62 and is positioned above the transport belt 62a. The second suction unit 62b sucks air upward through multiple holes in the transport belt 62a. As a result, one surface of the web W, which is the upper surface, is attracted to the lower surface of the transport belt 62a. In this state, as the transport belt 62a rotates, the web W is attracted to the transport belt 62a and transported downstream. In other words, the transport belt 62a transports the web W by contacting one surface of the web W. The second suction unit 62b is a known suction device such as a suction fan.

[0044] The first humidification unit 65 humidifies the web W containing fibers deposited in the deposition mechanism 50 of the third unit group 103. Specifically, the first humidification unit 65 is, for example, a mist-type humidifier that humidifies the web W being transported by the transport mechanism 62 by supplying mist M from below. The first humidification unit 65 is positioned below the transport mechanism 62 and faces the web W being transported by the transport mechanism 62 in a direction along the Z-axis. As the first humidification unit 65, for example, a known humidification device such as an ultrasonic type can be applied.

[0045] When the web W is humidified with mist M, the function of the binder contained in the web W is promoted, improving the strength of the sheet P3. In addition, since the web W is humidified from below, droplets from mist M are prevented from falling onto the web W. Furthermore, since the web W is humidified from the opposite side of one side that is in contact with the conveyor belt 62a, the adhesion of the web W to the conveyor belt 62a is reduced. The conveying mechanism 62 conveys the web W toward the molding mechanism 70.

[0046] The air injection unit 200 is located within the conveying mechanism 62 and is positioned downstream of the second suction unit 62b. The air injection unit 200, although not shown in the figures, includes a compressed air tank and an injection nozzle. The compressed air tank supplies compressed air to the injection nozzle. The air injection unit 200 injects compressed air downward from the injection nozzle onto the web W. Compressed air is supplied to and stored in the compressed air tank from, for example, a compressor (not shown) for the air injection unit 200.

[0047] The injection nozzle is an elongated opening extending along the X-axis. The injection nozzle faces the web W being conveyed by the conveyor belt 62a in the direction along the Z-axis. The compressed air injected from the air injection unit 200 passes through the conveyor belt 62a and strikes one side of the web W that is adsorbed to the lower surface of the conveyor belt 62a. At this time, in the direction along the X-axis, the length of the injection nozzle is longer than the length of the web W, so the compressed air injected by the injection nozzle is blown over the entire width of the web W.

[0048] This causes the web W to detach from the conveyor belt 62a. Compressed air is injected by the air injection unit 200 when the downstream tip of the web W reaches the area facing the air injection unit 200. After that, the web W is transferred from the conveyor mechanism 62 to the molding mechanism 70.

[0049] The molding mechanism 70 has a pressure roller pair 700 consisting of a first roller 71 and a second roller 72. The molding mechanism 70 passes a web W between the pressure roller pair 700 to form a strip-shaped sheet P1 from the web W.

[0050] The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 form a pair, each being a substantially cylindrical member. The rotation axes of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are arranged along the X-axis. With respect to the transport path of the web W, the first roller 71 is positioned substantially below, and the second roller 72 is positioned substantially above. The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 rotate in close proximity to each other while a strip-shaped sheet P1 is formed from the web W.

[0051] In the direction along the X-axis, the lengths of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are longer than the length of the web W, that is, the width of the web W. Therefore, the web W is firmly gripped between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72.

[0052] The web W is pressurized as it passes between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72. The first roller 71 has a built-in electric heater to raise the temperature of the roller surface. Preferably, the second roller 72 also has a function to raise the temperature of the roller surface by an electric heater, similar to the first roller 71.

[0053] The first roller 71 is rotationally driven by a stepping motor (not shown). The second roller 72 is not driven by a motor and is a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first roller 71. Therefore, when viewed from the side in the -X direction, the second roller 72 rotates in the opposite direction to the first roller 71.

[0054] The web W is heated and pressurized while being sandwiched between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72, and then fed downstream. In other words, the web W passes continuously through the molding mechanism 70 and is press-molded while being heated. By using the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 as a pair of molding members, the heating and pressurization of the web W is performed efficiently.

[0055] As the web W passes through the molding mechanism 70, it changes from a relatively soft state containing a lot of air to a state where the amount of air contained inside is reduced and the density increases. Then, the fibers are bound together by a binder and molded into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is conveyed to the first unit group 101 by conveyor rollers (not shown).

[0056] The second humidification unit 66 is located below the first humidification unit 65. A known evaporative humidifier can be used as the second humidification unit 66.

[0057] The second humidification unit 66 humidifies a predetermined area of ​​the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The predetermined area is one or more of the buffer tank 13, the separation unit 40, and the dispersion unit 53 of the deposition mechanism 50. Specifically, humidified air is supplied from the second humidification unit 66 to the above area via a plurality of pipes (not shown). In each of the above configurations, the humidified air suppresses the charging of waste paper C and fibers, and prevents them from adhering to the components due to static electricity.

[0058] The drainage section 68 is a drainage tank. The drainage section 68 is used in the first humidification section 65 and the second humidification section 66, etc., and collects and stores old moisture. The drainage section 68 can be removed from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 as needed to dispose of the accumulated water.

[0059] 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-sheet-shaped sheets P2 at the first cutting section 81. The single-sheet-shaped sheets P2 are transported from the first cutting section 81 to the second cutting section 82.

[0060] The second cutting section 82 cuts the single sheet P2 in the transport direction, for example, along the Y-axis. More specifically, the second cutting section 82 cuts both ends of the single sheet P2 in the X-direction. As a result, the single sheet P2 becomes a sheet P3 of a predetermined shape, such as A4 or A3 size.

[0061] In the second cutting section 82, when the single sheet P2 is cut into sheet P3, slit pieces S, which are scrap material, are generated. The slit pieces S are transported in approximately the -Y direction to the shredding section 86, which is a shredder. The shredding section 86 shreds the slit pieces S into fine fragments, which are then supplied to the merging section 17. A mechanism for weighing the fine fragments of the slit pieces S and supplying them to the merging section 17 may be installed between the shredding section 86 and the merging section 17.

[0062] The sheets P3 are transported almost upward and accumulated in tray 84. Thus, sheets P3 are manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. Sheet P3 can be used, for example, as a substitute for copy paper.

[0063] In addition, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the manufacturing process upstream of the deposition mechanism 50 is sometimes referred to as the supply mechanism, and the manufacturing process downstream of the deposition mechanism 50 is sometimes referred to as the molding mechanism 70.

[0064] Next, the structure of the deposition mechanism 50 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0065] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the deposition mechanism 50 includes a supply pipe 24, a first chamber 510 connected to the supply pipe 24, a second chamber 520 communicating with the first chamber 510, and a partition 515 separating the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520.

[0066] The supply pipe 24 supplies the fiber-containing material together with air E to the first chamber 510.

[0067] The first chamber 510 has a first wall 511 and a second wall 512 facing the first wall 511. The first wall 511 is provided with a supply port 517 connected to a supply pipe 24. The second wall 512 swirls the air E containing the material.

[0068] The second chamber 520 deposits the material supplied from the first chamber 510 onto the deposit belt 61a to form a deposit material W (also called web W).

[0069] As described above, the partition 515 separates the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520. The partition 515 is provided with a communication port 530 that connects the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, the first chamber 510 has a first wall 511 with a supply port 517 connected to a supply pipe 24, a second wall 512 facing the first wall 511, a third wall 513 and a fourth wall 514 connecting the first wall 511 and the second wall 512, and a top plate 516. The top plate 516 (see Figure 2) has a spectacle-like shape in plan view.

[0071] The first to fourth walls 514 are provided around the entire perimeter of the edge of the top plate 516, enclosing the space in the lower part of the top plate 516. The first chamber 510 has an internal stirring space S3. The supply pipe 24 supplies the mixture to the dispersion section 53 while stirring and loosening it with the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2.

[0072] The partition 515 separating the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520 is provided with a communication opening 530 that connects the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520. The partition 515, with the communication opening 530, supports and fixes the mesh member 54 of the distribution section 53 on its lower surface and supports and fixes the first chamber 510 on its upper surface (see Figure 3).

[0073] The first chamber 510 includes a first swirling flow forming section 510A that forms a first swirling flow E1 of air E containing the mixture, and a second swirling flow forming section 510B that communicates with the first swirling flow forming section 510A and forms a second swirling flow E2 of air E containing the mixture. The direction of rotation of the first swirling flow E1 is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second swirling flow E2.

[0074] The first chamber 510 has an agitation space S3 inside for stirring and loosening the mixture. The agitation space S3 is a space enclosed by the top plate 516, the first to fourth walls 511 to 514, and the partition 515. The agitation space S3 is composed of two interconnected agitation spaces S3A and S3B. The internal space of the first swirling flow forming section 510A is the agitation space S3A, and the internal space of the second swirling flow forming section 510B is the agitation space S3B.

[0075] The first swirling flow forming section 510A and the second swirling flow forming section 510B are arranged side by side along the X direction, that is, along the extending direction of the communication port 530, or along the axial direction of the rotation axis O. The first swirling flow forming section 510A is located in the -X direction, and the second swirling flow forming section 510B is located in the +X direction.

[0076] On the inner surface of the second wall 512, a projection 512a is provided at the boundary between the first swirling flow forming section 510A and the second swirling flow forming section 510B, toward the agitated space S3. The projection 512a narrows in width as it extends in the +Y direction and has a pointed tip. The projection 512a is formed over the entire area in the Z direction.

[0077] The first swirling flow forming section 510A is the part where a first swirling flow E1 of air E containing the mixture is formed, and the second swirling flow forming section 510B is the part where a second swirling flow E2 of air E containing the mixture is formed.

[0078] The first swirling flow forming section 510A and the second swirling flow forming section 510B have shapes symmetrical with respect to their boundary. That is, the curved third wall 513 and fourth wall 514 have shapes symmetrical with respect to the boundary. This makes it possible to form the shapes of the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2 in a well-balanced manner, and to make the strength and swirling speed of both swirling flows more uniform.

[0079] The air E containing the mixture supplied from the supply pipe 24 to the first chamber 510 first moves in the -Y direction within the agitated space S3, then hits the protrusion 512a and is divided into the -X and +X directions. That is, the air E supplied to the agitated space S3 is divided by the protrusion 512a into agitated space S3A and agitated space S3B, respectively.

[0080] The first swirling flow E1, which is diverted to the agitated space S3A, flows counterclockwise along the second wall 512 and the third wall 513, downward, i.e., in the -Z direction and toward the center of the swirl, forming the first swirling flow E1. Meanwhile, the second swirling flow E2, which is diverted to the agitated space S3B, flows clockwise along the second wall 512 and the fourth wall 514, downward, i.e., in the -Z direction and toward the center of the swirl, forming the second swirling flow E2. When the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2 reach the bottom of the agitated space S3, they flow toward the communication opening 530 formed in the partition 515.

[0081] The first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2 are airflows that swirl in opposite directions toward the communication port 530. The mixture supplied with air E is divided near the protrusion 512a and stirred and loosened by the respective airflows of the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2. Then, the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2 merge near the communication port 530, further promoting stirring, and in a sufficiently loosened state, they pass through the communication port 530 and flow into the dispersion section 53.

[0082] Thus, prior to the dispersion of the mixture by the dispersion unit 53, the first chamber 510 agitates the mixture with the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2, and supplies the mixture to the dispersion unit 53 in a loosened state. As a result, the dispersion unit 53 can disperse the mixture well. That is, as the mixture passes through the openings of the curved section 54b, clogging of the openings is prevented, and the mixture can be evenly dispersed from the entire area of ​​the curved section 54b. This enables smooth and good dispersion of the mixture.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, the second chamber 520 comprises a dispersion section 53 for dispersing the mixture and a housing 51 covering the dispersion section 53.

[0084] The housing 51 is composed of a casing having four side walls 521 and partitions 515 located above each side wall 521. Inside the housing 51, a space S1 is formed surrounded by these four side walls 521 and partitions 515, and the distribution unit 53 is housed within space S1. For this reason, space S1 is also called the distribution space. Furthermore, most of the area between the distribution unit 53 and the deposition belt 61a is covered by the housing 51.

[0085] The housing 51 has a lower opening 522 facing the deposition belt 61a. The lower opening 522 constitutes a discharge section that discharges the mixture dispersed in the dispersion section 53 and descending within the space S1 toward the first conveying section 61.

[0086] The four side walls 521 that make up the housing 51 are, for example, inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each of the four side walls 521 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, forming a skirt portion that widens toward the lower opening 522. However, the four side walls 521 may also be configured not to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0087] The mixture is thoroughly stirred and loosened by the supply pipe 24 and the dispersion section 53. Furthermore, since the loosening by stirring continues in the space S1 of the housing 51, the first conveying section 61 obtains a homogeneous, uniform deposit of the mixture free of fibrous clumps, i.e., the deposited material W.

[0088] A communication port 530 is provided in the partition 515. The communication port 530 is an opening that connects the stirring space S3 of the first chamber 510 and the containment space S2 of the dispersion section 53.

[0089] The dispersion section 53 includes a mesh member 54 and a blade member 55 that rotates within the mesh member 54. The mesh member 54 is joined to the lower surface of the partition 515 of the housing 51 and has a pair of side wall portions 54a arranged parallel to each other, and a curved portion 54b joined to the lower ends of both side wall portions 54a, with an opening formed therein for releasing the mixture E3.

[0090] The pair of side wall portions 54a are elongated in the X direction and are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the Y direction, flanking the communication opening 530. The pair of side wall portions 54a may be composed of shielding walls that do not have openings.

[0091] The curved portion 54b extends in the X direction and has a semi-cylindrical shape that curves and protrudes downward, i.e., in the -Z direction. That is, the curved portion 54b has an arc shape at any position in the Y direction. This allows the mixture to move smoothly in the dispersion portion 53 and enables good stirring. The upper end of the curved portion 54b is connected to the lower ends of the pair of side wall portions 54a.

[0092] The space defined by the pair of side walls 54a, the curved portion 54b, and the partition 515 is the containment space S2 for containing the mixture. This containment space S2 functions as a second stirring space for further stirring and loosening the mixture relative to the stirring space S3 of the first chamber 510. Space S1 functions as a third stirring space for further stirring and loosening the mixture E3 that has moved from the containment space S2.

[0093] The curved section 54b can be made of, for example, a mesh-like material or a plate material having numerous through holes. The through holes may be made by punching holes in the plate, weaving threads, or by other methods. As a result, the mixture in the dispersion section 53 is released to the outside of the containment space S2 through the openings and dispersed in space S1. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the size of the through holes in the curved section 54b, the mixture E3 having a desired fiber length can be preferentially dispersed and deposited on the deposition belt 61a.

[0094] The blade member 55 rotates within the containment space S2 of the dispersion section 53, stirring and loosening the mixture supplied to the dispersion section 53 while promoting dispersion from the curved section 54b. The blade member 55 has seven blades 55a arranged at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis O. The blades 55a are made of long plate material extending in the X direction. The ends of one long side of each blade 55a are connected to each other, and the connected part rotates around the rotation center, i.e., the rotation axis O.

[0095] Furthermore, the blade member 55 is connected to a rotational drive source (not shown), and the operation of this rotational drive source is controlled by the control unit 5 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the blade member 55 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the -X direction.

[0096] As the blade members 55 rotate, each blade 55a agitates and loosens the mixture in the containment space S2, pressing an appropriate amount against the curved section 54b. This prevents the mixture from being supplied excessively and clogging the curved section 54b, while allowing the mixture E3 to be released evenly and effectively from the entire surface of the curved section 54b.

[0097] Furthermore, the blade member 55 rotates with each blade 55a spaced apart from the side wall portion 54a and the curved portion 54b. This allows the blade member 55 to rotate smoothly and prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the mixture between the blades 55a and the curved portion 54b, thereby enabling better dispersion.

[0098] Furthermore, the number of blades 55a is not limited to seven; for example, there may be one to six, or eight or more. Also, the blades 55a are not limited to being flat; when viewed in cross-section normal to the axis of rotation O, they may have a curved shape in one direction. Thus, the configuration of the blade member 55, particularly the shape, number, and arrangement of the blades 55a, is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

[0099] Next, the configuration of the communication port 530 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0100] As shown in Figure 5, the deposition mechanism 50 includes a supply pipe 24, a first chamber 510, and a second chamber 520. A partition 515 is placed between the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520. The partition 515 is provided with a communication opening 530.

[0101] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the communication opening 530 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, for example. Specifically, the lower side of the trapezoid of the communication opening 530 is on the first wall 511 side, and the upper side is on the second wall 512 side.

[0102] In other words, if we define the direction from the first wall 511 to the second wall 512 as the first direction, i.e., the -Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction as the second direction, i.e., the +X direction, then the length of the communication opening 530 in the second direction is such that the length L1 on the first wall 511 side is longer than the length L2 on the second wall 512 side.

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, the blade member 55 is positioned such that the axis of rotation O is aligned with the second direction, i.e., the X direction. The communication opening 530 is positioned such that the end 530b on the second wall 512 side is directly above the axis of rotation O. The end 530a on the first wall 511 side of the communication opening 530 is contained within the cylinder traced by the trajectory of the rotating blade member 55. In Figures 4 and later, the location directly above the axis of rotation O is indicated by a dashed line.

[0104] Thus, by positioning the communication port 530 so that it is trapezoidal in shape and its end 530b on the second wall 512 side is directly above the axis of rotation O, the airflow E is improved throughout the second chamber 520. As a result, the thickness of the deposited material W deposited on the deposit belt 61a can be made uniform throughout.

[0105] Furthermore, by including fibers and a binder lighter than the fibers in the material, it becomes possible to change the falling speed of each, thereby forming a deposit material W from the material.

[0106] Next, the production method for the sediment material W will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, in step S11 (supply process, quantitative supply process), the material is supplied to the first chamber 510. Specifically, first, a quantitative amount of material containing fibers is supplied to the supply pipe 24. Next, the material is supplied from the supply pipe 24 to the first chamber 510 together with air E.

[0108] Next, in step S12 (the swirling process), the air E containing the material is directed against the wall, i.e., the second wall 512, and swirled. Specifically, as described above, the air E hits the protrusion 512a of the second wall 512 and is divided into a first swirling flow E1 and a second swirling flow E2, flowing in the -X direction and the +X direction.

[0109] Next, in step S13 (the process of sending to the second chamber 520), air E is sent from the first chamber 510 to the second chamber 520. Specifically, the first swirling flow E1 and the second swirling flow E2, which are separated from the air E, reach the bottom of the agitated space S3 and then head towards the communication port 530 formed in the partition 515. The air E that has passed through the communication port 530 flows into the dispersion section 53 of the second chamber 520.

[0110] Furthermore, as described above, the communication opening 530 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, in other words, the length on the second wall 512 side, which is opposite the first wall 511, is shorter than the length on the first wall 511 side. In addition, the communication opening 530 is positioned so that the end 530b on the second wall 512 side of the communication opening 530 is directly above the rotation axis O of the blade member 55.

[0111] Next, in step S14 (the process of forming the deposit material and the process of molding the deposit material), the material is deposited on the deposit belt 61a. Specifically, the material is loosened and stirred in the dispersion section 53 and released to the outside through the openings. The released material settles on the deposit belt 61a located below the second chamber 520. The deposited material becomes the deposit material W. Subsequently, in a later process, the deposit material W is molded into a sheet while being heated and pressurized.

[0112] In this way, since the material is passed through the trapezoidal opening 530, the airflow E is improved throughout the second chamber 520. Therefore, the thickness of the deposited material W on the deposit belt 61a can be made uniform throughout.

[0113] Next, referring to Figures 8A to 11D, we will explain the area distribution, or thickness distribution, of the sedimentary material W.

[0114] Figures 8A to 8E show the wind speed and area distribution in each part when the communication port 530 of this embodiment is applied. Figures 9A to 11D show the wind speed and area distribution in each part when the communication ports 530A to 530C of the comparative example are applied.

[0115] Figures 8A, 9A, 10A, and 11A show the planar arrangement of the first chamber 510, the communication openings 530-530C, and the blade member 55. Figures 8B, 9B, 10B, and 11B show the planar arrangement of the first chamber 510, the communication openings 530-530C, and the mesh member 54, as well as the wind speed inside the mesh member 54 directly below it. Figures 8C, 9C, 10C, and 11C show the area distribution, i.e., the thickness, of the material deposited on the deposition belt 61a. Figures 8D, 9D, 10D, and 11D show the wind speed inside the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis O. Figures 8E and 9E show the area distribution of the deposited material W on the deposition belt 61a.

[0116] As shown in Figure 8A, the shape of the communication opening 530 in this embodiment is trapezoidal. Furthermore, the communication opening 530 is positioned such that the end 530b on the second wall 512 side of the communication opening 530 is directly above the rotation axis O of the blade member 55.

[0117] As shown in Figure 9A, the shape of the communication opening 530A in the comparative example is rectangular, not trapezoidal. Furthermore, the communication opening 530A is positioned such that the end 530b on the second wall 512 side of the communication opening 530A is directly above the rotation axis O of the blade member 55.

[0118] As shown in Figure 10A, the shape of the communication opening 530B of the comparative example is a trapezoidal shape, the same as the communication opening 530 described above. However, one difference is that the end 530a on the first wall 511 side of the communication opening 530B is positioned so that it is directly above the wing member 55.

[0119] As shown in Figure 11A, the shape of the communication port 530C of the comparative example is a trapezoidal shape, which is the inverted version of the communication port 530 described above. Furthermore, the communication port 530C is positioned such that the end 530b on the second wall 512 side of the communication port 530C is directly above the rotation axis O of the blade member 55.

[0120] As shown in Figures 8B to 11B, the communication opening 530 in this embodiment, which has a portion Q11 with a strong wind speed, is the one in which the wind speed in the X-axis direction is nearly uniform inside the mesh member 54. For example, the rectangular communication opening 530A in the comparative example has portions Q12 at both ends of the mesh member 54 where the wind speed is strong.

[0121] Looking at the wind speeds above the deposition belt 61a shown in Figures 8C to 11C, Figure 8C, which corresponds to the communication opening 530 in this embodiment, is the most preferable. Specifically, in Figure 8C, the area where the wind speed is uniform is large. Furthermore, the area of ​​Q21 with high wind speed is small, and the wind speed in the -Y direction of the high-wind-speed region is lower than in the outer region. Therefore, when the deposition belt 61a moves and the deposition amount is averaged in the Y direction, the deposition amount becomes uniform in the X-axis direction. Note that the walls in the +X direction and the -X direction are cut off during molding and do not need to be considered.

[0122] As shown in Figures 8D to 11D, the air velocity in the second chamber 520 is preferable compared to the other parts Q32 to Q34, because in this embodiment, the communication port 530 has a portion Q31 where the strength of the air velocity continues from the mesh member 54 towards the second chamber 520 on the supply pipe 24 side.

[0123] As shown in Figures 8E and 9E, the distribution of thickness, i.e., the thickness of the deposited material W in the deposit belt 61a, is considered to be uniform in this embodiment, with the communication opening 530 falling within an average of ±12%.

[0124] As described above, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a first chamber 510 having a supply pipe 24 for supplying a material containing fibers together with air E, a first wall 511 communicating with the supply pipe 24 through a supply port 517, and a second wall 512 facing the first wall 511 and causing the air E containing the material to swirl by contact; a second chamber 520 for depositing the material supplied from the first chamber 510 onto a conveying deposit belt 61a to form a deposit material W; and a partition 515 that vertically separates the first chamber and the second chamber and has a communication port 530 connecting the first chamber 510 and the second chamber 520. If the direction from the first wall 511 to the second wall 512 is considered the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is considered the second direction, the length of the communication port 530 in the second direction is longer on the first wall 511 side than on the second wall 512 side.

[0125] With this configuration, the length of the communication port 530 in the second direction is set to the above relationship, which improves the airflow E throughout the second chamber 520. Therefore, the thickness of the deposit material W deposited on the deposit belt 61a can be made uniform throughout. Furthermore, the effect of uniformity was also obtained from experimental results.

[0126] Furthermore, a more uniform basis weight distribution improves the quality of sheet P3, thereby enhancing papermaking feasibility, stackability, and printability of sheet P3.

[0127] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the second chamber 520 has a wing member 55 that extends along the second direction along the rotation axis O, and it is preferable that the end portion 530b on the second wall 512 side of the communication opening 530 is directly above the rotation axis O. With this configuration, since the position of the communication opening 530 is set to the above position, it is possible to suppress uneven accumulation of the fiber material.

[0128] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the end portion 530a of the communication opening 530 on the first wall 511 side is included in the cylinder traced by the trajectory of the rotating blade member 55. With this configuration, since the positions of the communication opening 530 and the blade member 55 are arranged as described above, the fibrous material from the communication opening 530 can be stirred by the blade member 55, and uneven accumulation of the fibrous material can be suppressed.

[0129] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the material preferably includes fibers and a binder that is lighter than the fibers. With this configuration, since the material includes the fibers and binder as described above, it is possible to make the falling speeds different, and a deposit material W can be formed from the material.

[0130] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the deposition belt 61a moves in the first direction. With this configuration, by aligning the relationship between the operating direction of the deposition belt 61a and the arrangement direction of the communication opening 530 with respect to the first direction, it is possible to suppress uneven deposition of the fiber material.

[0131] Furthermore, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable to include a supply mechanism for quantitatively supplying material to a supply pipe 24 and a molding mechanism 70 for molding the deposited material W accumulated on the deposit belt 61a. With this configuration, since it includes a supply mechanism and a molding mechanism 70, it is possible to provide a sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 that can make the thickness of the deposited material W uniform.

[0132] Furthermore, the production method for the deposited material W of this embodiment includes the steps of supplying a fiber-containing material together with air E from a supply pipe 24 to the first chamber 510, swirling the air E containing the material against the wall, passing the air E through a communication port 530 that connects the first chamber 510 and the lower second chamber 520, and then sending it from the communication port 530 to the second chamber 520, and dropping the material onto the conveyed deposit belt 61a below the second chamber 520 to deposit it and form the deposited material W. The length L2 of the communication port 530 on the second wall 512 side, which is opposite to the first wall 511, is shorter than the length L1 on the first wall 511 side, which is located on the supply pipe 24 side of the first chamber 510. With this method, the length of the communication port 530 is set to the above relationship, so that the air E flows well throughout the entire second chamber 520. Therefore, the thickness of the deposited material W deposited on the deposit belt 61a can be made uniform throughout. Furthermore, the experimental results also showed that a uniformity effect was achieved.

[0133] Furthermore, the method for producing the deposited material W according to this embodiment preferably includes the steps of supplying a fixed amount of material to the supply pipe 24 and molding the deposited material W deposited on the deposit belt 61a. This method, by including the above steps, provides a method for producing deposited material W in which the thickness of the deposited material W can be made uniform.

[0134] The following describes some variations of the embodiments described above.

[0135] As described above, the shape of the communication opening 530 is not limited to a trapezoidal shape. It is sufficient that the end 530a on the first wall 511 side is longer than the end 530b on the second wall 512 side, and the end 530b on the second wall 512 side is directly above the axis of rotation O. It may also be a shape as shown in Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0136] The communication opening 530D shown in Figure 12A has a roughly trapezoidal shape, with the corner on the end 530b side being an arc. The communication opening 530E shown in Figure 12B has a crescent shape, with the end 530a being a straight line and the end 530b side being an arc. The communication opening 530F shown in Figure 12C has a convex shape with a long straight line at end 530a and a short straight line at end 530b.

[0137] Thus, it is preferable that the communication opening 530 has a lower edge on the first wall 511 side and an upper edge on the second wall 512 side, with the upper edge being shorter than the lower edge. With this configuration, since the communication opening 530 is shaped as described above, it is possible to suppress uneven accumulation of the fiber material. Furthermore, it is desirable to round the apex of the communication opening 530 into an arc shape to prevent the fibrous material from getting caught. Furthermore, with the shape of the communication opening 530 described above, the presence of a rotating blade member 55 can further suppress uneven accumulation of the fiber material. However, even without the rotating blade member 55, uneven accumulation of the fiber material will still occur compared to when the rotating blade member 55 is present. Nevertheless, under the condition that the rotating blade member 55 is absent, uneven accumulation of the fiber material can be relatively suppressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1...Sheet manufacturing apparatus as a deposition device, 5...Control unit, 11...Raw material inlet, 13...Buffer tank, 15...Quantitative supply unit, 15a...Measuring instrument, 17...Confluence unit, 21...Piping, 23...Piping, 24...Supply pipe, 25...Piping, 29...Airflow piping, 30...Fibre defibration unit, 40...Separation unit, 50...Deposition mechanism, 51...Housing, 53...Dispersion unit, 54...Mesh member, 54a...Side wall unit, 54b...Bending unit, 55...Blade member, 55a...Blade, 59...First suction unit, 61...First conveying unit, 61a...Deposition belt as a belt, 61b...Roller, 62...Conveying mechanism, 62a...Conveying belt, 62b...Second suction unit, 65...First humidification unit, 66...Second humidification unit, 67...Water supply unit, 68...Drainage unit, 70...Molding mechanism, 71...First roller, 72...Second Roller, 81...First cutting section, 82...Second cutting section, 84...Tray, 86...Shredding section, 91...Mixing section, 95...Collection section, 97...Compressor, 99...Power supply section, 101...First unit group, 102...Second unit group, 103...Third unit group, 200...Air injection section, 510...First chamber, 510A...First swirling flow forming section, 510B...Second swirling flow forming section 511...First wall, 512...Second wall, 512a...Protruding part, 513...Third wall, 514...Fourth wall, 516...Top plate, 517...Supply port, 520...Second chamber, 521...Side wall, 522...Lower opening, 530, 530A, 530B, 530C, 530D, 530E, 530F...Communication port, 530a...End, 530b...End, 700...Pressure roller pair.

Claims

1. A supply pipe that supplies fiber-containing material along with air, A first chamber having a first wall communicating with the supply pipe through a supply port, and a second wall facing the first wall and causing the air containing the material to swirl by contact, A second chamber that deposits the material supplied from the first chamber onto a conveying belt to form a deposit, A partition that vertically separates the first chamber and the second chamber, and has a communication opening that connects the first chamber and the second chamber, Equipped with, In a depositing apparatus, if the direction from the first wall toward the second wall is defined as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the length of the communication opening in the second direction is longer on the first wall side than on the second wall side.

2. A deposit apparatus according to claim 1, Within the second chamber, the rotating shaft has a vane member that extends along the second direction, The end of the communication opening on the second wall side is directly above the rotation axis, in the stacking device.

3. The deposition apparatus according to claim 2, The end of the communication opening on the first wall side is included in the cylinder traced by the trajectory of the rotating blade member, in a deposition apparatus.

4. A deposit apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned communication opening has a roughly trapezoidal shape with its lower edge on the first wall side and its upper edge on the second wall side, in the stacking apparatus.

5. A deposit apparatus according to claim 1, The material comprises the fibers and a binder lighter than the fibers, in a deposition apparatus.

6. A deposit apparatus according to claim 1, The belt is a loading device that moves in the first direction.

7. A deposit apparatus according to claim 1, A supply mechanism for supplying the aforementioned material in a fixed quantity to the supply pipe, A molding mechanism for molding the deposited material accumulated on the belt, A depositing apparatus equipped with the following features.

8. A process of supplying a fiber-containing material from a supply pipe to the first chamber along with air, A step of blowing the air containing the material against a wall and causing it to swirl, The process involves passing the air through a communication port connecting the first chamber and the second chamber below it, and then sending it from the communication port to the second chamber. A step of dropping the material onto a conveying belt below the second chamber to deposit it and form a deposit material, Includes, A method for producing a deposit material, wherein the length of the second wall facing the first wall is shorter than the length of the first wall facing the first wall located on the supply pipe side in the first chamber.

9. A method for producing a sedimentary material according to claim 8, A step of supplying the material to the supply pipe in a fixed quantity, A step of molding the deposited material accumulated on the belt, A method for producing sedimentary material, including the production of sedimentary material.

Images