Powder supply container

Abstract

To provide a powder supply container that facilitates the transportation of powder when it is filled with powder. [Solution] The powder supply container 200 has a first cylindrical portion 210 having a central axis CA and a first opening 213 formed on its bottom surface 211, a second cylindrical portion 220 arranged on top of the first cylindrical portion 210 so as to be rotatable about the central axis CA, and a lid portion 230 having a second opening 233, which is detachably attached to the side of the second cylindrical portion 220 facing the bottom surface 211 of the first cylindrical portion 210. When the second cylindrical portion 220 is rotated relative to the first cylindrical portion 210, the second opening 233 rotates relative to the first opening 213, thereby switching between opening and closing the first opening 213. The inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 210 is provided with a projection 212, and the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220 is provided with a guide rib 221 that guides the projection 212.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder supply container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a powder supply container for supplying powders such as materials and additives to a manufacturing apparatus has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mixing apparatus that mixes and discharges powders and granules.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID= {35}]]However, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to transport the powder in a filled state. Specifically, in a relatively small manufacturing apparatus, after filling the powder into the powder supply container manually, the powder supply container may be transported and attached to the manufacturing apparatus. In such an operation, problems such as powder leakage may occur. The following invention was devised to solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The powder supply container comprises a first cylindrical portion having a central axis and a first opening formed on its bottom surface, a second cylindrical portion arranged inside the first cylindrical portion so as to be rotatable about the central axis, and a lid portion having a second opening, which is detachably attached to the side of the second cylindrical portion facing the bottom surface of the first cylindrical portion. When the second cylindrical portion is rotated relative to the first cylindrical portion, the second opening rotates relative to the first opening, thereby switching the opening and closing of the first opening. The inner surface of the first cylindrical portion is provided with a projection, and the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion is provided with guide ribs that guide the projection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the external appearance of a powder supply container according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] An exploded view showing the configuration of a powder supply container. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the configuration of the first cylindrical section. [Figure 4] Enlarged perspective view showing the morphology of the protrusions. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the structure of the lid and the second cylindrical section. [Figure 6] Enlarged view showing the structure of the second cylindrical section. [Figure 7] Enlarged view showing the structure of the second cylindrical section. [Figure 8] A perspective view of a powder supply container with the first cylindrical section shown as a transparent display. [Figure 9] An enlarged view showing the position of the protrusions in the initial state of the powder supply container. [Figure 10] An enlarged view showing the position of the protrusion when the powder supply container is open. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing the powder supply container attached to the powder supply mechanism. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus to which a powder supply container is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] In the following embodiment, a powder supply container 200 applied to a sheet manufacturing apparatus that manufactures sheets from materials such as paper scraps will be illustrated and described with reference to the drawings. The powder supply container 200 supplies powder such as additives to the sheet manufacturing apparatus.

[0008] In Figures 1 through 11 below, the F-axis is used as a virtual axis, the direction indicated by the arrow is considered the +F direction, and the direction opposite to the +F direction is considered the -F direction.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the powder supply container 200 has a roughly cylindrical appearance, and its cross-section perpendicular to the F-axis is roughly circular. In the roughly cylindrical powder supply container 200, the height direction of the cylinder is along the F-axis. The inside of the powder supply container 200 is filled with powder, such as powder or granules. The powder supply container 200 is sealed with the powder inside and can be transported or stored in the above state.

[0010] The powder supply container 200 has a first cylindrical section 210, a second cylindrical section 220, and a lid section 230, which are assembled together. In the powder supply container 200, the first cylindrical section 210, the lid section 230, and the second cylindrical section 220 are arranged in the order from the +F direction to the -F direction. A portion of the second cylindrical section 220 in the +F direction and the lid section 230 are inserted inside the first cylindrical section 210 and are arranged overlapping with the first cylindrical section 210.

[0011] The first cylindrical portion 210 has a central axis CA along the F axis. The powder supply container 200 has a shape that is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis CA.

[0012] A first opening 213 is formed on the bottom surface 211 of the first cylindrical portion 210 in the +F direction. Figure 1 shows the state in which the first opening 213 is closed by the lid portion 230, and the inside of the powder supply container 200 is sealed.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the powder supply container 200 can be disassembled into a first cylindrical section 210, a lid section 230, and a second cylindrical section 220. Figure 2 shows the lid section 230 and the second cylindrical section 220 assembled.

[0014] In addition to the first opening portion 213 described above, the first cylindrical portion 210 has a notch portion 215 and a convex portion 217.

[0015] The first opening portion 213 penetrates the bottom surface 211 and communicates with the inside and outside of the first cylindrical portion 210. The powder accommodated in the powder supply container 200 is supplied through the first opening portion 213 and the second opening portion 233 of the lid portion 230. As viewed from the +F direction, the first opening portion 213 is fan-shaped, and the arc of the first opening portion 213 follows the outer periphery of the circular bottom surface 211.

[0016] The notch portion 215 is disposed at the -F direction edge of the first cylindrical portion 210 corresponding to the second engaging portion 229 provided in the second cylindrical portion 220. The notch portion 215 is a clearance for the second engaging portion 229 when the powder supply container 200 is assembled. When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the second engaging portion 229 is exposed to the outside of the powder supply container 200 by the notch portion 215.

[0017] The convex portion 217 is engaged with the concave portion 235 of the lid portion 230 to position the lid portion 230 and the first cylindrical portion 210. The convex portion 217 is on the surface facing the -F direction, which is the opposite surface of the bottom surface 211, and protrudes in the -F direction. In the powder supply container 200, the convex portion 217 and the concave portion 235 are provided at positions overlapping the central axis CA as viewed from the +F direction. Even when the convex portion 217 and the concave portion 235 are engaged, the first cylindrical portion 210 can rotate about the central axis CA with respect to the lid portion 230.

[0018] The lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 form an internal space for the powder supply container 200 to accommodate powder. The lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 are each a substantially cylindrical member. In the state where the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 are also in a shape that is substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis CA. The lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 are inserted into the inside of the first cylindrical portion 210 from the -F direction, and the powder supply container 200 is assembled. [[ID=*]] [[ID=*]]

[0019] [[ID=*]] The lid portion 230 is positioned at the end of the second cylindrical portion 220 in the +F direction, on the side facing the bottom surface 211 of the first cylindrical portion 210. The substantially cylindrical lid portion 230 has its center aligned with the F axis. The lid portion 230 includes the bottom surface 231.

[0020] The bottom surface 231 has a second opening 233 and a recess 235. The bottom surface 231 is the surface of the lid portion 230 facing the +F direction. When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the bottom surface 231 faces the +F direction and is opposite to the bottom surface 211 of the first cylindrical portion 210.

[0021] The second opening 233 penetrates the bottom surface 231 and communicates with the inside and outside of the lid portion 230. The second opening 233 connects the internal space formed by the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 with the outside. When viewed from the +F direction, the shape of the second opening 233 is approximately fan-shaped and approximates the shape of the first opening 213. The arc of the second opening 233 follows the outer circumference of the circular bottom surface 231.

[0022] When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, rotating the second cylindrical part 220 around the central axis CA relative to the first cylindrical part 210 causes the lid part 230 to rotate together with the second cylindrical part 220. As the lid part 230 rotates, the second opening 233 rotates relative to the first opening 213. When viewed from the +F direction, the internal space of the powder supply container 200 is open when the first opening 213 and the second opening 233 are aligned, and closed when they are not aligned. In other words, the opening and closing of the first opening 213 are switched by the rotation and displacement of the second opening 233 relative to the first opening 213.

[0023] Specifically, when the powder supply container 200 is being transported or stored, that is, when the powder supply container 200 is not supplying powder, the positions of the second opening 233 and the first opening 213 do not coincide. In this state, the interior space of the powder supply container 200 is sealed. When the powder supply container 200 is attached to the powder supply mechanism described later and supplies powder, the second opening 233 and the first opening 213 are aligned, and the interior of the powder supply container 200 is opened.

[0024] The second cylindrical portion 220 is positioned in the -F direction of the lid portion 230. When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the second cylindrical portion 220 is held in the first cylindrical portion 210 together with the lid portion 230 in a state that allows it to rotate around the central axis CA. The second cylindrical portion 220 has a guide rib 221, a locking portion 228, and a second engaging portion 229. The second cylindrical portion 220 also has an engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion of the first cylindrical portion 210, which will be described later.

[0025] The guide ribs 221 guide projections (not shown) of the first cylindrical portion 210 when assembling the powder supply container 200 and when rotating the first cylindrical portion 210. The guide ribs 221 are provided on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220, that is, in the area corresponding to the side surface of the substantially cylindrical second cylindrical portion 220. Details of the guide ribs 221 and projections will be described later.

[0026] When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the locking portion 228 abuts against the -F end of the first cylindrical portion 210. The locking portion 228 and the recess 235 of the lid portion 230 define the positions of the first cylindrical portion 210 and the lid portion 230 and second cylindrical portion 220 along the F axis. The locking portion 228 is a canopy-shaped portion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA. When viewed from the +F direction, the locking portion 228 is substantially ring-shaped and has a shape corresponding to the -F end of the first cylindrical portion 210.

[0027] The second engaging portion 229 engages with the powder supply mechanism when the powder supply container 200 is attached to the powder supply mechanism, which will be described later. The second engaging portion 229 is exposed to the outside of the powder supply container 200 by the notch portion 215 of the first cylindrical portion 210. Although not shown in the figures, the engaged portion of the second cylindrical portion 220 is provided at a position symmetric to the second engaging portion 229 with respect to the central axis CA.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first cylindrical portion 210 has a projection 212 and a first engaging portion 219. The first engaging portion 219 is provided in a position symmetric to the notch portion 215 with respect to the central axis CA. The first engaging portion 219 and the engaged portion of the first cylindrical portion 210 engage to assemble the first cylindrical portion 210, the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0029] The projection 212 is provided on the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 210. More specifically, the projection 212 is located near the notch 215 in the +F direction and protrudes from the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 210 toward the central axis CA. When assembling the powder supply container 200 or when the first cylindrical portion 210 rotates relative to the second cylindrical portion 220, the projection 212 is guided by the guide rib 221 of the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 are separable. The lid portion 230 is detachably attached to the second cylindrical portion 220. To fill the powder supply container 200 with powder, the lid portion 230 is removed from the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0031] The second cylindrical portion 220 has a male screw 227 on its outer surface near the end in the +F direction. The lid portion 230 has a female screw (not shown) on its inner surface near the end in the -F direction. When attaching the lid portion 230 to the second cylindrical portion 220, the lid portion 230 is placed over the tip of the second cylindrical portion 220 in the +F direction and rotated clockwise when viewed from the +F direction. This causes the male screw 227 and the female screw to engage, and the lid portion 230 is attached to the second cylindrical portion 220. When removing the lid portion 230 from the second cylindrical portion 220, the lid portion 230 is rotated in the opposite direction relative to the second cylindrical portion 220.

[0032] On the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220, a guide rib 221 and a slit portion 224 are positioned in the middle of the direction along the F axis. The guide rib 221 has a first guide rib 221a and a second guide rib 221b.

[0033] The first guide rib 221a guides the projection 212 of the first cylindrical portion 210 when the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 are inserted into the first cylindrical portion 210. The first guide rib 221a is located on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220 and is formed to extend in a spiral shape.

[0034] The first guide rib 221a is provided encircling the outer surface. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the F axis, the region of the first guide rib 221a corresponding to the second engaging portion 229 is closest to the -F direction, and the region opposite to this region with respect to the central axis CA is closest to the +F direction. In other words, if the +F direction is the height direction, the region corresponding to the second engaging portion 229 is the lowest, and the region opposite to this region is the highest. Thus, the first guide rib 221a is inclined. The first guide rib 221a protrudes from the outer surface and has a shape sufficient to contact and guide the projection 212.

[0035] When the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 are inserted inside the first cylindrical portion 210, the first guide rib 221a guides the projection 212 so that the second cylindrical portion 220 is assembled to a predetermined position on the first cylindrical portion 210. Specifically, the projection 212 slides in contact with the first guide rib 221a and is guided to the lowest region by the inclination. At this time, the arrangement of the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220 and the first cylindrical portion 210 is defined in the rotational direction around the central axis CA. This allows the powder supply container 200 to be assembled easily and appropriately.

[0036] The slit portion 224 is a notch provided in the first guide rib 221a. The first guide rib 221a is divided by the slit portion 224 and is continuous in the area other than the slit portion 224. The slit portion 224 is located in the area of ​​the first guide rib 221a corresponding to the second engaging portion 229, that is, in the lowest area. The slit portion 224 allows the projection 212 to pass along the F axis. The predetermined position of the first cylindrical portion 210 in the second cylindrical portion 220 is the position in which the projection 212 can pass through the slit portion 224.

[0037] When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the projection 212 is guided to the lowest area by the first guide rib 221a, and then moves in the -F direction through the slit portion 224. Then, the end of the first cylindrical portion 210 in the -F direction and the locking portion 228 come into contact. This completes the assembly of the powder supply container 200. Once the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the projection 212 disengages from the first guide rib 221a and comes to a position corresponding to the second guide rib 221b. When disassembling the powder supply container 200, the projection 212 is passed through the slit portion 224, and the first cylindrical portion 210 is moved in the +F direction relative to the lid portion 230 and the second cylindrical portion 220, in the reverse of the above procedure.

[0038] The second guide rib 221b guides the projection 212 when the first cylindrical portion 210, the lid portion 230, and the second cylindrical portion 220 are assembled. More specifically, the second guide rib 221b guides the first cylindrical portion 210 to rotate around the central axis CA relative to the second cylindrical portion 220 via the projection 212. The second guide rib 221b is positioned on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220 in the -F direction of the first guide rib 221a. The second guide rib 221b is formed extending in the circumferential direction around the central axis CA.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second guide rib 221b consists of an upper rib 221b1 and a lower rib 221b2. In addition, door stoppers 225a and 225b are positioned on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220 at locations corresponding to the second guide rib 221b.

[0040] The upper rib 221b1 and the lower rib 221b2 correspond to the +F direction end and -F direction end of a projection 212 (not shown). In the direction along the F axis, the distance between the upper rib 221b1 and the lower rib 221b2 is greater than the dimension of the projection 212. The projection 212 can move between the upper rib 221b1 and the lower rib 221b2 along the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 220. That is, the projection 212 is guided by the upper rib 221b1 and the lower rib 221b2, and the first cylindrical portion 210 rotates around the central axis CA.

[0041] The door stoppers 225a and 225b restrict the movement of the projection 212 on the second guide rib 221b, in other words, the rotation of the first cylindrical portion 210 around the central axis CA, to a certain range. This certain range is the range in which the first opening 213 can be switched between open and closed, and is not particularly limited, but is in the range of 80° to 120° in terms of the rotation angle with respect to the central axis CA.

[0042] The door stopper portion 225a is positioned adjacent to the slit portion 224 in the -F direction. When the powder supply container 200 is assembled, the projection 212 passes through the slit portion 224 and comes into contact with the door stopper portion 225a.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, in the initial assembled state of the powder supply container 200, the first opening 213 of the first cylindrical part 210 and the second opening 233 of the lid part 230 do not align. In other words, in the initial state, the first opening 213 is closed, and the inside of the powder supply container 200 is sealed. Therefore, leakage of powder can be prevented during transportation, storage, and handling. In addition, because the powder supply container 200 is sealed in its initial assembled state, accidental leakage of powder during operations such as filling is suppressed.

[0044] From the initial state, when the first cylindrical portion 210 is rotated clockwise relative to the second cylindrical portion 220 when viewed from the +F direction, the first opening 213 and the second opening 233 align. This opens the first opening 213, resulting in an open state where the inside of the powder supply container 200 is exposed. In the open state, powder can be supplied from the powder supply container 200. As described above, the transition from the initial state to the open state proceeds as the projection 212 is guided by the second guide rib 221b.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the projection 212 of the first cylindrical portion 210 is in the -F direction of the slit portion 224 in the initial state of the powder supply container 200 and contacts the door stop portion 225a. At this time, as described above, the inside of the powder supply container 200 is sealed. To open the powder supply container 200 from its initial state, the first cylindrical portion 210 is rotated relative to the second cylindrical portion 220 so that the projection 212 moves in the direction of the white arrow. At this time, the projection 212 is guided by the upper rib 221b1 and the lower rib 221b2.

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, to transition from the initial state to the open state, the projection 212 is moved as indicated by the white arrow to contact the door stopper 225b. At this time, the door becomes open when the projection 212 contacts the door stopper 225b, making it easy to recognize that the door is in the open state.

[0047] In states other than the initial state, including the open state, the upper rib 221b1 restricts the displacement of the projection 212 in the +F direction. Therefore, the first cylindrical part 210 cannot be moved in the +F direction relative to the second cylindrical part 220. In other words, except in the initial state, the first cylindrical part 210 cannot be removed from the powder supply container 200, preventing the first cylindrical part 210 from coming out unintentionally. To return from the open state to the initial state, the projection 212 is moved in the opposite direction to the white arrow and brought into contact with the door stopper part 225a.

[0048] Next, the powder supply mechanism 300 for applying the powder supply container 200 to the sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figures 9 and 10 will also be referenced in the following description.

[0049] The powder supply mechanism 300 shown in Figure 11 is included in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, which will be described later. The powder supply mechanism 300 supplies powder from the powder supply container 200 to the flow path, which will be described later, provided by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The powder supply mechanism 300 has a mounting section 311, a supply section 322, and a valve (not shown). The mounting section 311 has a substantially circular cross-section perpendicular to the F-axis, and the powder supply container 200 can be inserted into the inside of the circle.

[0050] The operator fills the powder supply container 200 with powder to bring it to its initial state, and then inserts the powder supply container 200 into the mounting section 311 from the side of the bottom surface 211 of the first cylindrical section 210. At this time, the powder inside the powder supply container 200 is not supplied to the powder supply mechanism 300.

[0051] Next, the operator rotates the second cylindrical portion 220 clockwise when viewed from the -F direction until the second cylindrical portion 220 stops rotating, that is, until the projection 212 comes into contact with the door stop portion 225b. At this time, the first cylindrical portion 210 is held by the powder supply mechanism 300. As a result, the powder supply container 200 is opened, and powder can be supplied into the powder supply mechanism 300.

[0052] The powder supplied from the powder supply container 200 travels through the powder supply mechanism 300 along the path indicated by the dashed arrow, and its flow rate is adjusted by the valve along the way. The powder is then supplied from the supply unit 322 to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 at a predetermined flow rate.

[0053] When removing the powder supply container 200 from the powder supply mechanism 300 after it has finished supplying powder, the operator rotates the second cylindrical part 220 in the opposite direction to bring the projection 212 into contact with the door stopper part 225a. This returns the powder supply container 200 to its initial state, making it possible to remove it from the mounting part 311. The powder supply container 200 can be reused.

[0054] Next, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 to which the powder supply container 200 can be applied will be described with reference to Figure 12. In Figure 12, the X, Y, and Z axes are shown as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes, with the direction indicated by each arrow being the + direction and the direction opposite to the + direction being the - direction. Figure 12 shows the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 installed on a horizontal plane. The Z axis is along the vertical direction, with the +Z direction also called upward and the -Z direction also called downward. The -Z direction is the direction in which gravity acts. For the sake of illustration, the size of each component is different from that of actual components.

[0055] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures sheets P3 from paper scraps such as waste paper using a dry process. The sheet manufacturing apparatus to which the powder supply container 200 is applied is not limited to a dry process, but 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.

[0056] As shown in Figure 12, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a first unit group 101, a second unit group 102, and a third unit group 103. The first unit group 101, the second unit group 102, and the third unit group 103 are supported by a frame (not shown).

[0057] In Figure 12, the directions in which paper pieces C, sheets P3, slit pieces S, and unwanted scraps move are indicated by white arrows. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the end of the transport direction for paper pieces C, web W, and sheets P3 is sometimes called downstream, and the side going upstream in the transport direction is sometimes called upstream. In the following explanation, an assembly of multiple paper pieces C will also be simply referred to as paper piece C.

[0058] The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 manufactures a sheet P3 from a piece of paper C. 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.

[0059] Paper pieces C are transported from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 via a pipe 21 that traverses the third unit group 103. In the second unit group 102, paper pieces C are subjected to processes such as defibration to become fibers, and then mixed with a binder. The mixture is transported to the third unit group 103 via a pipe 24. In the third unit group 103, the mixture is made into a web W and then formed into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is cut in the first unit group 101 to become sheet P3.

[0060] The first unit group 101 comprises a raw material supply device 13, a measuring 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 91, and a shredding unit 95. The first cutting unit 81 and the second cutting unit 82 cut a strip-shaped sheet P1 into sheets P3 of a predetermined shape. Furthermore, the first unit group 101 has a water supply unit 67. The water supply unit 67 is a water storage tank. The water supply unit 67 supplies humidifying water to the first humidifying unit 65 and the second humidifying unit 66, which will be described later, via water supply pipes (not shown).

[0061] The raw material supply device 13 stores paper scraps C, which are the raw material for sheet P3, and also supplies them downstream. The raw material supply device 13 has a raw material inlet 131, a storage section 132, and a discharge section 140.

[0062] Paper fragments C are fed into the storage section 132 from the raw material inlet 131. Paper fragments C contain fibers such as cellulose and are, for example, shredded waste paper. Humidified air is supplied to the inside of the storage section 132 from the second humidification section 66 provided in the third unit group 103.

[0063] The paper fragments C are temporarily stored in the storage section 132 and then transported to the measurement section 15 via the discharge section 140. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may also be equipped with a shredder upstream of the storage section 132 for shredding the paper fragments C and the like.

[0064] The measuring unit 15 includes a sensor unit 15a and a supply mechanism (not shown). The sensor unit 15a measures the mass of the paper pieces C. The supply mechanism supplies the paper pieces C, weighed by the sensor unit 15a, to the downstream confluence unit 17. In other words, the measuring unit 15 weighs the paper pieces C in predetermined masses using the sensor unit 15a and supplies them to the downstream confluence unit 17 using the supply mechanism.

[0065] The sensor unit 15a can be either a digital or analog weighing mechanism. Specifically, examples of the sensor unit 15a include physical sensors such as load cells, and spring scales and balances. In this embodiment, a load cell is used as the sensor unit 15a. The predetermined mass that the sensor unit 15a weighs the paper piece C is, for example, several grams to several tens of grams.

[0066] Known technologies such as openable and closable feeders can be applied to the supply mechanism. The supply mechanism may also be configured to be included in the sensor unit 15a.

[0067] The weighing and supply of paper pieces C in the measuring unit 15 is a batch process. That is, the supply of paper pieces C from the measuring unit 15 to the merging unit 17 is performed intermittently. The measuring unit 15 may have multiple combinations of sensor units 15a and supply mechanisms, and the efficiency of weighing and supply may be improved by operating multiple sensor units 15a with time differences. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 has two sensor units 15a and a supply mechanism attached to each. As a result, paper pieces C are transported alternately to the merging unit 17 from the two sets of sensor units 15a and supply mechanisms.

[0068] At the confluence section 17, the paper pieces C supplied from the measuring section 15 are combined with the fine fragments of the slit pieces S supplied from the shredding section 95 and mixed together. The slit pieces S and the shredding section 95 will be described later. The paper pieces C mixed with the fine fragments flow from the confluence section 17 into the piping 21.

[0069] The piping 21 transports the paper pieces C from the first unit group 101 to the second unit group 102 by the suction airflow generated by the downstream defibration section 30.

[0070] The second unit group 102 includes a dry defibration machine with a defibration section 30, a separation section 31, piping 23, a mixing section 33, and piping 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 piping 25 connected to the separation section 31, a recovery section 35, a compressor 38, and a power supply section 39.

[0071] The paper pieces C transported through the piping 21 flow into the defibration section 30. The defibration section 30 defibrates the paper pieces C supplied from the measuring section 15 in a dry manner to form fibers. Known defibration mechanisms can be applied to the defibration section 30.

[0072] The defibration unit 30 may have the following configuration, for example. The defibration unit 30 comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The rotor is installed inside the stator and rotates along the inner surface of the stator. The fine fragments of the paper piece C are sandwiched between the inner surface of the stator and the rotor, and are defibrated by the shear force generated between them. As a result, the tangled fibers contained in the paper piece C are untangled. The paper piece C is then transported to the separation unit 31 as fibers.

[0073] The separation unit 31 separates the defibrated fibers. More specifically, the separation unit 31 removes components contained in the fibers that are unnecessary for the manufacture of sheet P3. Specifically, the separation unit 31 separates relatively long fibers from relatively short fibers. Relatively short fibers are separated in the separation unit 31 because they may cause a decrease in the strength of sheet P3. The separation unit 31 also separates and removes colorants and additives contained in the paper scraps C. Known technologies such as a disc mesh system can be applied to the separation unit 31.

[0074] The inside of the separation unit 31 is supplied with humidified air from the second humidification unit 66 of the third unit group 103.

[0075] The defibrated fibers, with relatively short fibers and other unwanted materials removed, are transported to the mixing section 33 via pipe 23 by an airflow generated by a blower (not shown) located at the end of the airflow pipe 32. Unwanted materials such as relatively short fibers and colorants are discharged to the recovery section 35 via pipe 25.

[0076] The mixing unit 33 mixes powder additives such as binders with the fibers in air to form a mixture. The mixing unit 33 is equipped with a powder supply mechanism 300. In addition to the supply unit 322 and valve described above, the powder supply mechanism 300 incorporates a hopper. A powder supply container 200 is attached to the powder supply mechanism 300. Although not shown in the figures, the mixing unit 33 is equipped with a flow path for transporting fibers and a fan, in addition to the powder supply mechanism 300.

[0077] The hopper communicates with the fiber flow path via a supply section 322. A valve is provided in the supply section 322 between the hopper and the flow path. The hopper sends the binder powder supplied from the powder supply container 200 into the flow path. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, starch is used as the binder for the fibers. The valve adjusts the flow rate, i.e., the mass, of the binder supplied from the hopper to the flow path. This adjusts the mixing ratio of the fibers and the binder.

[0078] The mixing unit 33 may also include a similar configuration for supplying colorants, additives, etc., in addition to the powder supply container 200 and powder supply mechanism 300 for supplying the binder. In other words, the powder supply container 200 may be used for additives and colorants other than the binder.

[0079] The fan in the mixing section 33 uses the generated airflow to transport the fibers downstream while mixing in binders and other materials in the air to form a mixture. The mixture flows from the mixing section 33 into the piping 24.

[0080] The recovery unit 35 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.

[0081] The compressor 38 generates compressed air. The filter may become clogged with fine particles and other unwanted substances. It is possible to clean the filter by blowing the compressed air generated by the compressor 38 onto it to blow away the attached particles.

[0082] The power supply unit 39 includes a control unit 5 and a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The power supply unit 39 distributes the power supplied from an external source to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The control unit 5 is electrically connected to each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 and comprehensively controls the operation of these components.

[0083] 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 section 50, a first transport section 61, a second transport section 62, a first humidification section 65, a second humidification section 66, a drainage section 68, and a molding section 70.

[0084] In the third unit group 103, the deposition section 50, the first transport section 61, the second transport section 62, the first humidification section 65, and the molding section 70 are arranged in the order described above, from upstream to downstream. The second humidification section 66 is located below the first humidification section 65.

[0085] The deposition unit 50 deposits a mixture containing separated fibers in the air to generate a web W. The deposition unit 50 includes a drum member 53, a vane member 55 installed inside the drum member 53, a housing 51 that accommodates the drum member 53, and a suction unit 59. The mixture is drawn into the drum member 53 from the piping 24.

[0086] Below the stacking section 50, a first conveying section 61 is positioned. The first conveying section 61 has a mesh belt 61a and five tensioning rollers (not shown) that tension the mesh belt 61a. The suction section 59 faces the drum member 53 in the direction along the Z-axis, with the mesh belt 61a in between.

[0087] The blade member 55 is located inside the drum member 53 and is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The drum member 53 is a semi-cylindrical sieve. A mesh that functions as a sieve is provided on the downward-facing side of the drum member 53. The drum member 53 allows particles such as fibers and mixtures smaller than the mesh opening of the sieve to pass from the inside to the outside.

[0088] The mixture is agitated by the rotating blade member 55 within the drum member 53 and then discharged to the outside of the drum member 53. Humidified air from the second humidification unit 66 is supplied to the inside of the drum member 53.

[0089] The suction unit 59 is positioned below the drum member 53. The suction unit 59 sucks air from inside the housing 51 through multiple holes in the mesh belt 61a. The multiple holes in the mesh belt 61a allow air to pass through but make it difficult for fibers, binders, etc., contained in the mixture to pass through. As a result, the mixture released to the outside of the drum member 53 is sucked downward along with the air. The suction unit 59 is a known suction device such as a blower.

[0090] The mixture is dispersed in the air inside the housing 51 and deposited on the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a by gravity and suction from the suction unit 59 to form the web W.

[0091] The mesh belt 61a is an endless belt and is stretched by five tension rollers. The mesh belt 61a rotates counterclockwise in Figure 12 due to the rotation of the tension rollers. As a result, the mixture is continuously deposited on the mesh belt 61a, forming a web W. The web W contains a relatively large amount of air and is soft and puffy. The first conveying unit 61 conveys the formed web W downstream by the rotation of the mesh belt 61a.

[0092] The second conveying unit 62 is located downstream of the first conveying unit 61 and conveys the web W in place of the first conveying unit 61. The second conveying unit 62 peels the web W from the upper surface of the mesh belt 61a and conveys it toward the molding unit 70. The second conveying unit 62 is located above the conveying path of the web W and is positioned slightly upstream of the starting point on the return side of the mesh belt 61a. The +Y direction of the second conveying unit 62 and the -Y direction of the mesh belt 61a partially overlap in the vertical direction.

[0093] The second conveying section 62 includes a conveying belt (not shown), a plurality of rollers, and a suction mechanism. The conveying belt is provided with a plurality of holes for air to pass through. The conveying belt is stretched by the plurality of rollers and rotates as the rollers rotate.

[0094] The second transport section 62 uses the negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism to attract the upper surface of the web W to the lower surface of the transport belt. In this state, as the transport belt rotates, the web W is attracted to the transport belt and transported downstream.

[0095] The first humidification unit 65 humidifies the web W containing fibers deposited in the deposition unit 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 second transport unit 62 by supplying mist M from below. The first humidification unit 65 is positioned below the second transport unit 62 and faces the web W being transported by the second transport unit 62 in a direction along the Z-axis. Known humidification devices, such as ultrasonic humidifiers, can be applied to the first humidification unit 65.

[0096] When the web W is humidified with mist M, the function of the starch as a binder is enhanced, improving the strength of the sheet P3. In addition, since the web W is humidified from below, droplets from the mist are prevented from falling onto the web W. Furthermore, since the humidification is performed from the opposite side of the contact surface between the transport belt and the web W, the web W is less likely to stick to the transport belt. The second transport unit 62 transports the web W to the molding unit 70.

[0097] The molding section 70 has processing rollers 71 and 72. The processing rollers 71 and 72 compress the fiber-containing web W to form a strip-shaped sheet P1. The processing rollers 71 and 72 are paired and each has a built-in electric heater to raise the temperature of the roller surface.

[0098] The processing rollers 71 and 72 are each approximately cylindrical in shape. The rotation axes of processing roller 71 and processing roller 72 are arranged along the X-axis. With respect to the transport path of the web W, processing roller 71 is positioned approximately above and processing roller 72 is positioned approximately below. A gap corresponding to the thickness of the sheet P3 to be manufactured is provided between the side surface of processing roller 71 and the side surface of processing roller 72.

[0099] The processing rollers 71 and 72 are rotationally driven by a stepping motor (not shown). The web W is heated and pressurized while being sandwiched between the processing rollers 71 and 72, and then fed downstream. In other words, the web W passes continuously through the molding section 70, being heated and press-formed. By using the processing rollers 71 and 72 as a pair of molding members, the heating and pressurization of the web W can be performed efficiently.

[0100] As the web W passes through the molding section 70, the amount of air it contains is reduced, and the fibers are bound together by the binder, forming it into a strip-shaped sheet P1. The strip-shaped sheet P1 is conveyed to the first unit group 101 by a conveyor roller (not shown).

[0101] The second humidification unit 66 is located below the first humidification unit 65. A known evaporative humidifier can be applied to the second humidification unit 66. An example of an evaporative humidifier is one that generates humidified air by blowing air over a damp nonwoven fabric or the like to vaporize the moisture.

[0102] The second humidification unit 66 humidifies a predetermined area of ​​the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The predetermined area is one or more of the storage unit 132, the separation unit 31, and the drum member 53 of the stacking unit 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 paper scraps C and fibers, and prevents them from adhering to the materials due to static electricity.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 the single sheet P2 near both sides in the direction along the X-axis. As a result, the single sheet P2 becomes a sheet P3 of a predetermined shape, such as A4 or A3.

[0106] In the second cutting section 82, when the single sheet P2 is cut into sheet P3, slit pieces S, which are scraps, are generated. The slit pieces S are transported in approximately the -Y direction to the shredding section 95, which is a shredder. The shredding section 95 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 95 and the merging section 17.

[0107] The sheet P3 is conveyed almost upwards and accumulated in the tray 91. Thus, the sheet P3 is manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The sheet P3 can be used as a substitute for, for example, copy paper.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0109] This makes it easy to transport the powder when it is filled. Specifically, since the inside of the powder supply container 200 is sealed, leakage of the powder is prevented even when it is filled and transported. This provides a powder supply container 200 that makes it easy to transport the powder when it is filled.

[0110] By removing the lid portion 230 from the second cylindrical portion 220, the powder can be easily filled. In addition, by opening the first opening 213, the powder can be easily supplied to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0111] The guide rib 221 guides the projection 212, ensuring that the position and displacement of the first cylindrical portion 210 relative to the second cylindrical portion 220 are appropriate. This allows for a smooth transition between the initial state and the open state.

[0112] The powder supply container 200 is first assembled in its initial state. Therefore, when the powder is filled and the first cylindrical section 210 is attached, leakage of powder is suppressed. In addition, since the first cylindrical section 210 cannot be removed when it is open, accidental removal can be prevented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 200...Powder supply container, 210...First cylindrical section, 211...Bottom surface, 212...Protrusion, 213...First opening, 220...Second cylindrical section, 221...Guide rib, 221a...First guide rib, 221b...Second guide rib, 230...Lid section, 233...Second opening, CA...Central axis.

Claims

1. A first cylindrical portion having a central axis and a first opening formed on its bottom surface, A second cylindrical portion is arranged inside the first cylindrical portion in a state that allows it to rotate around the central axis, The second cylindrical portion includes a lid portion that is detachably attached to the side of the first cylindrical portion facing the bottom surface and has a second opening, When the second cylindrical portion is rotated relative to the first cylindrical portion, the second opening rotates relative to the first opening, thereby switching the opening and closing of the first opening. A projection is provided on the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion. A powder supply container characterized in that guide ribs for guiding the projection are provided on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion.

2. The guide rib has a first guide rib and a second guide rib, The first guide rib is formed on the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion, extending in a spiral shape. The powder supply container according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rib guides the projection so that the second cylindrical portion is assembled to a predetermined position in the first cylindrical portion when the second cylindrical portion is inserted into the first cylindrical portion.

3. In the state in which the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion are assembled, The second guide rib is, On the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion, it is formed extending in the circumferential direction around the central axis, The powder supply container according to claim 2, wherein the first cylindrical portion guides the projection so that it rotates relative to the second cylindrical portion around the central axis.

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