Conveying equipment and fiber manufacturing equipment
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEIKO EPSON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-05
Smart Images
Figure 2026126639000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
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[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a fibrous body manufacturing device.
Background Art
[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a fiber recycling technique in which raw materials containing fibers such as waste paper are defibrated and fiberized, the obtained fibers are deposited, heated and pressurized, and formed into a sheet shape. In the following Patent Document 1, a belt is wound around a plurality of rollers, and the fibers are conveyed by the belt rotating around the plurality of rollers.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, according to the study by the present inventors, it has been found that simply winding a belt around a plurality of rollers may not be able to stretch the belt in the width direction, and wrinkles may occur in the belt.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] A fiber manufacturing apparatus according to an application example of the present invention. The above conveying device and, A molding section which forms a fibrous body by molding the material conveyed by the conveying device, It is equipped with. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fiber manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view showing the area enclosed by the dashed line II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description does not limit the technical scope or the meaning of terms as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.
[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the upper side of Figure 1 may be referred to as "up" or "upper," and the lower side as "down" or "downward." Also, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram, and the positional relationships, orientations, sizes, etc., of the various parts of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 are not limited to those shown. Furthermore, in Figure 1, the direction in which the coarse fragments M2, defibrated material M3, first sorted material M4-1, second sorted material M4-2, first web M5, subdivided material M6, mixture M7, second web M8, and sheet-like fiber S are transported may also be simply referred to as the "transportation direction," and the transport direction may be indicated by arrows in Figure 1 with these reference numerals.
[0010] The fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 produces a sheet-like fiber material S (recycled paper) from a raw material M1 containing fibers such as recycled paper. The fiber material S produced by the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 is not limited to sheet-like components; it may also be plate-like or block-like components. Furthermore, processed products such as bags, slippers, and masks made from these sheet-like fiber materials S are also included in the fiber material.
[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a raw material supply unit 11, a coarse crushing unit 12, a fine crushing unit 13, a sorting unit 14, a first web forming unit 15, a fine division unit 16, a mixing unit 17, a dispersion unit 18, a second web forming unit 19, a conveying device 40, a molding unit 20, a cutting unit 21, a stock unit 22, and a recovery unit 27.
[0012] Furthermore, the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a humidification unit 231, a humidification unit 232, a humidification unit 233, a humidification unit 234, a humidification unit 235, a humidification unit 236, a blower 261, a blower 262, and a blower 263.
[0013] Furthermore, in the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100, the following processes are executed in this order: raw material supply process, coarse crushing process, defibration process, sorting process, first web formation process, division process, mixing process, discharge process, deposition process, fiber formation process, and cutting process.
[0014] The following describes the structure of each part. The raw material supply unit 11 is a part that performs a raw material supply process of supplying the raw material M1 to the crushing unit 12. As this raw material M1, it is a sheet-like material made of a fiber-containing material containing cellulose fibers. The cellulose fiber may be any fiber-like material mainly composed of cellulose (cellulose in the narrow sense) as a compound, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose (cellulose in the narrow sense). Also, the form of the raw material M1 may be a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, etc. Further, the raw material M1 may be, for example, recycled paper obtained by defibrating and recycling waste paper, or YuPo paper (registered trademark) of synthetic paper, or may not be recycled paper.
[0015] The crushing unit 12 is a part that performs a crushing process of crushing the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 in the air such as in the atmosphere. The crushing unit 12 has a pair of crushing blades 121 and a chute 122.
[0016] The pair of crushing blades 121 can crush, that is, cut the raw material M1 between them by rotating in opposite directions to obtain crushed pieces M2. The shape and size of the crushed pieces M2 are preferably suitable for the defibrating process in the defibrator 13. Examples of the shape of the crushed pieces M2 include small pieces with a square planar shape, rectangular, especially strip-shaped small pieces. Also, the size of the crushed pieces M2 is preferably, for example, small pieces with an average side length of 100 mm or less, and more preferably small pieces with a side length of 3 mm or more and 70 mm or less. The shape of the small pieces may be other than square and rectangular. Also, the thickness of the small pieces is preferably 0.07 mm or more and 0.10 mm or less.
[0017] The chute 122 is disposed below the pair of crushing blades 121 and is, for example, in a funnel shape. Thereby, the chute 122 can receive the crushed pieces M2 that have been crushed by the crushing blades 121 and have fallen.
[0018] Above the chute 122, a humidifying section 231 is disposed adjacent to the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The humidifying section 231 humidifies the coarse crushed pieces M2 in the chute 122. The humidifying section 231 has a filter (not shown) containing moisture, and is constituted by a vaporizing type (or warm air vaporizing type) humidifier that supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarse crushed pieces M2 by passing air through the filter. By supplying the humidified air to the coarse crushed pieces M2, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the coarse crushed pieces M2 to the chute 122 or the like due to static electricity.
[0019] The chute 122 is connected to the upstream side of the miniaturizing device 13 via a pipe 241. That is, the downstream end of the pipe 241 is connected to the inlet 31 of the miniaturizing device 13. The coarse crushed pieces M2 collected in the chute 122 pass through the pipe 241 and are conveyed to the miniaturizing device 13.
[0020] The miniaturizing device 13 is a part that performs a defibrating process of defibrating the coarse crushed pieces M2 in the air, that is, in a dry state. By the defibrating process in this miniaturizing device 13, defibrated material M3 can be generated from the coarse crushed pieces M2. Here, "defibrating" means unraveling the coarse crushed pieces M2 formed by binding a plurality of fibers into individual fibers. And the unraveled material becomes the defibrated material M3. The shape of the defibrated material M3 is linear or strip-shaped. Also, the defibrated materials M3 may exist in a state where they are entangled and form a lump, that is, a so-called "clump".
[0021] The miniaturizing device 13 is constituted by, for example, an impeller mill. Specifically, the miniaturizing device 13 includes a rotating rotor and a liner located on the outer peripheral side of the rotor and having teeth formed on the inner side. The coarse crushed pieces M2 are defibrated while being sandwiched between the rotor and the liner of the miniaturizing device 13.
[0022] Also, the miniaturizing device 13 generates an air flow by the rotation of the rotor. By this air flow, the miniaturizing device 13 sucks the coarse crushed pieces M2 from the pipe 241 and conveys the defibrated material M3 obtained by defibrating the coarse crushed pieces M2 to the discharge port 32.
[0023] A pipe 242 is connected to the downstream side of the micronization device 13. A blower 261, for example, consisting of a turbo-type fan, is installed in the middle of the pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generator that generates an airflow directed toward the sorting section 14. This promotes the introduction of coarse fragments M2 into the micronization device 13 and the delivery of defibrated material M3 to the sorting section 14. The blower 261 may also be installed upstream of the micronization device 13.
[0024] The sorting section 14 is the part that performs a sorting process to separate the defibrated material M3 according to the size of the fiber length. In the sorting section 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into first sorted material M4-1 and second sorted material M4-2, which has a larger fiber length than the first sorted material M4-1. The first sorted material M4-1 is of a size suitable for the subsequent production of sheet-like fibrous material S, and its average fiber length is as described above. On the other hand, the second sorted material M4-2 includes, for example, material that has not been sufficiently defibrated or material in which the defibrated fibers have excessively aggregated.
[0025] The sorting unit 14 includes a drum section 141 and a housing section 142 that houses the drum section 141.
[0026] The drum section 141 is a sieve composed of a cylindrical mesh body that rotates around its central axis. The defibrated material M3 flows into this drum section 141. As the drum section 141 rotates, the defibrated material M3 smaller than the mesh opening is sorted as the first sorted material M4-1, and the defibrated material M3 larger than the mesh opening is sorted as the second sorted material M4-2.
[0027] The first sorted material M4-1 falls from the drum section 141. Meanwhile, the second sorted material M4-2 is sent to a pipe 243 connected to the drum section 141. The pipe 243 has its end opposite to the drum section 141, i.e., the downstream end, connected to the middle of the pipe 241. After passing through this pipe 243, the second sorted material M4-2 merges with the coarse fragments M2 within the pipe 241 and flows into the micronization device 13 together with the coarse fragments M2. As a result, the second sorted material M4-2 is returned to the micronization device 13 and subjected to defibration processing together with the coarse fragments M2.
[0028] Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 that falls from the drum section 141 disperses into the air as it falls toward the first web forming section 15 located below the drum section 141. The first web forming section 15 is the part that performs the first web forming process, which forms the first web M5 from the first sorted material M4-1. The first web forming section 15 has a mesh belt 151, three tension rollers 152, and a suction section 153.
[0029] The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt on which the first sorted material M4-1 accumulates. This mesh belt 151 is wrapped around three tension rollers 152. The rotational drive of the tension rollers 152 then transports the first sorted material M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 downstream.
[0030] The first sorted material M4-1 is larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 151. As a result, the passage of the first sorted material M4-1 through the mesh belt 151 is restricted, and it can therefore accumulate on the mesh belt 151. Furthermore, as the first sorted material M4-1 accumulates on the mesh belt 151 and is transported downstream along with the mesh belt 151, it forms a layered first web M5.
[0031] Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 may contain, for example, dust and dirt. Dust and dirt can be generated, for example, by crushing or defibration. Such dust and dirt will be collected in the recovery unit 27, which will be described later.
[0032] The suction unit 153 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the mesh belt 151. This allows dust and dirt that have passed through the mesh belt 151 to be drawn in along with the air.
[0033] Furthermore, the suction unit 153 is connected to the collection unit 27 via the pipe 244. Dust and dirt sucked up by the suction unit 153 are collected in the collection unit 27.
[0034] A pipe 245 is further connected to the recovery unit 27. A blower 262 is installed in the middle of the pipe 245. The operation of this blower 262 generates suction force in the suction unit 153. This promotes the formation of the first web M5 on the mesh belt 151. This first web M5 is formed from dust and dirt that have been removed. The dust and dirt are also passed through the pipe 244 by the operation of the blower 262 and reach the recovery unit 27.
[0035] The housing section 142 is connected to the humidification section 232. The humidification section 232 consists of an evaporative humidifier. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing section 142. This humidified air can humidify the first sorted material M4-1, thereby preventing the first sorted material M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing section 142 due to electrostatic force.
[0036] A humidification unit 235 is located downstream of the sorting unit 14. The humidification unit 235 consists of an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water. This supplies moisture to the first web M5, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the first web M5. This adjustment suppresses the adhesion of the first web M5 to the mesh belt 151 due to electrostatic force. As a result, the first web M5 is easily detached from the mesh belt 151 at the position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the tension roller 152.
[0037] A subdivision section 16 is located downstream of the humidification section 235. The subdivision section 16 is the part that performs the subdivision process of dividing the first web M5 that has been separated from the mesh belt 151. The subdivision section 16 has a rotatably supported propeller 161 and a housing section 162 that houses the propeller 161. The first web M5 can be divided by the rotating propeller 161. The divided first web M5 becomes a subdivision body M6. The subdivision body M6 then descends within the housing section 162.
[0038] The housing section 162 is connected to the humidifying section 233. The humidifying section 233 consists of an evaporative humidifier. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing section 162. This humidified air helps to suppress the adhesion of the fragments M6 to the propeller 161 and the inner wall of the housing section 162 due to electrostatic force.
[0039] A mixing section 17 is located downstream of the subdivision section 16. The mixing section 17 is the part that performs the mixing process of mixing the subdivision material M6 with the additive. The mixing section 17 includes an additive supply section 171, a pipe 172, and a blower 173.
[0040] The pipe 172 connects the housing 162 of the subdivision section 16 and the housing 182 of the dispersion section 18, and is a flow path through which the mixture M7 of the subdivision material M6 and the additive passes.
[0041] An additive supply unit 171 is connected to the middle of the pipe 172. The additive supply unit 171 has a housing 170 containing the additive and a screw feeder 174 provided inside the housing 170. The rotation of the screw feeder 174 pushes the additive inside the housing 170 out and supplies it into the pipe 172. The additive supplied into the pipe 172 is mixed with the fractionated product M6 to form a mixture M7.
[0042] Here, examples of additives supplied from the additive supply unit 171 include binders that bind fibers together, colorants for coloring fibers, flocculation inhibitors to suppress fiber aggregation, flame retardants to make fibers less flammable, paper strength enhancers to increase the paper strength of the sheet-like fibrous material S, and defibrations. One or more of these can be used in combination. Below, as an example, the case in which the additive is a binder P1 will be described. By including a binder that binds fibers together in the additive, the strength of the sheet-like fibrous material S can be increased.
[0043] Examples of binders P1 include natural product-derived components such as starch, dextrin, glycogen, amylose, hyaluronic acid, kudzu, konjac, potato starch, etherified starch, esterified starch, natural gum glue, fiber-inducing glue, seaweed, and animal protein, as well as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylamide. One or more of these can be selected and used in combination, but it is preferable that the binder be a natural product-derived component, and more preferably starch. In addition, for example, various polyolefins, acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyamide and other thermoplastic resins, and various thermoplastic elastomers can be used.
[0044] Furthermore, a blower 173 is installed in the middle of the pipe 172, downstream of the additive supply section 171. The action of the rotating parts such as blades of the blower 173 promotes the mixing of the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1. The blower 173 can also generate an airflow directed toward the dispersion section 18. This airflow can agitate the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1 within the pipe 172. As a result, the mixture M7 is transported to the dispersion section 18 in a state where the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1 are uniformly dispersed. In addition, the fractionated material M6 in the mixture M7 is loosened as it passes through the pipe 172, becoming finer and more fibrous.
[0045] Although not shown in the diagram, the pipe 172 has a bifurcated end on the drum 181 side of the distribution section 18, which will be described later. The bifurcated ends are connected to inlets (not shown) formed on the end face of the drum 181.
[0046] The dispersion unit 18 is the part that performs the release process in which intertwined fibers in the mixture M7 are loosened and released. The dispersion unit 18 includes a drum 181 for introducing and releasing the mixture M7, which is the defibrated material, and a housing 182 for housing the drum 181.
[0047] The drum 181 is a sieve composed of a cylindrical mesh body that rotates around its central axis. As the drum 181 rotates, fibers and other materials in the mixture M7 that are smaller than the mesh opening can pass through the drum 181. In the process, the mixture M7 is loosened and released along with the air. In other words, the drum 181 functions as a release unit that releases materials containing fibers.
[0048] Furthermore, the housing 182 is connected to the humidification unit 234. The humidification unit 234 consists of an evaporative humidifier. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing 182. This humidified air humidifies the inside of the housing 182, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the mixture M7 to the inner wall of the housing 182 due to electrostatic force.
[0049] Furthermore, the mixture M7 released from the drum 181 disperses into the air and falls toward the second web forming section 19 located below the drum 181. The second web forming section 19 is the part that performs the deposition process to deposit the mixture M7 and form the deposited second web M8. The second web forming section 19 has a mesh belt 191, a plurality of tension rollers 192a, 192b, 192c, and 192d, and a suction section 193.
[0050] The mesh belt 191 is an endless belt. The mixture M7 dispersed and released by the dispersion unit 18 accumulates on the mesh belt 191. The mesh belt 191 is wrapped around four tension rollers 192a, 192b, 192c, and 192d. The rotational drive of the tension rollers 192a, 192b, 192c, and 192d transports the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 downstream.
[0051] Furthermore, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 191. This restricts the mixture M7 from passing through the mesh belt 191, and thus it can accumulate on the mesh belt 191. In addition, as the mixture M7 accumulates on the mesh belt 191, it is transported downstream along with the mesh belt 191, forming a layered second web M8.
[0052] The tension roller 192a is located below the distribution section 18. The tension roller 192b is located downstream of the tension roller 192a and is spaced horizontally from the tension roller 192a, perpendicular to the direction of gravity G. The remaining tension rollers 192c and 192d are located below the tension rollers 192a and 192b. In the mesh belt 191, the portion located between the two tension rollers 192a and 192b conveys the second web M8. Hereinafter, the portion of the mesh belt 191 located between the two tension rollers 192a and 192b, near the tension roller 192b, will also be referred to as the "downstream portion" of the mesh belt 191.
[0053] The suction section 193 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the portion of the mesh belt 191 located between the two tension rollers 192a and 192b. This allows the mixture M7 to be drawn onto the mesh belt 191, thereby promoting the accumulation of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191.
[0054] A pipe 246 is connected to the suction unit 193. A blower 263 is installed in the middle of this pipe 246. The operation of this blower 263 generates suction force in the suction unit 193.
[0055] A humidification unit 236 is located downstream of the dispersion unit 18. The humidification unit 236 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier similar to that of the humidification unit 235. This allows moisture to be supplied to the second web M8, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the second web M8. This adjustment suppresses the adhesion of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 due to electrostatic force. As a result, the second web M8 is easily detached from the mesh belt 191 at the position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the tension roller 192b.
[0056] The conveying device 40 is positioned from directly above the second web M8 being conveyed downstream of the mesh belt 191 of the second web forming section 19, and extends to a region downstream of the second web forming section 19 and upstream of the molding section 20. The conveying device 40 peels the second web M8 from the downstream of the mesh belt 191 and conveys it toward the molding section 20. The configuration of the conveying device 40 will be described later.
[0057] A molding section 20 is located downstream of the conveying device 40. The molding section 20 is the part that performs the fiber formation process, in which a sheet-like fiber body S is formed from the second web M8. This molding section 20 has a pressurizing section 201 and a heating section 202.
[0058] The pressurizing section 201 has a pair of calender rollers 203, which pressurize the second web M8 between the calender rollers 203. This increases the density of the second web M8. The pressurized second web M8 is then conveyed toward the heating section 202. One of the pair of calender rollers 203 is a driven roller, driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.
[0059] The heating section 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and heats and pressurizes the second web M8 between the heating rollers 204. Due to this heating and pressurizing, the binder P1 melts within the second web M8, and the fibers bond together via this molten binder P1. This forms a sheet-like fibrous body S. This sheet-like fibrous body S is then conveyed toward the cutting section 21. One of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driven roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.
[0060] A cutting section 21 is located downstream of the molding section 20. The cutting section 21 is the part that performs the cutting process for cutting the sheet-like fibrous material S. This cutting section 21 has a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.
[0061] The first cutter 211 cuts the sheet-like fiber material S in a direction intersecting, particularly perpendicular to, the conveying direction of the sheet-like fiber material S.
[0062] The second cutter 212 is located downstream of the first cutter 211 and cuts the sheet-like fiber material S in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet-like fiber material S. This cutting removes unnecessary portions from both ends in the width direction of the sheet-like fiber material S, thereby adjusting the width of the sheet-like fiber material S.
[0063] By cutting with the first cutter 211 and the second cutter 212 in this manner, a sheet-like fibrous material S of the desired shape and size is obtained. This sheet-like fibrous material S is then conveyed further downstream and accumulated in the stock section 22.
[0064] Each component of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 is electrically connected to the control device 28. The operation of each component is controlled by the control device 28.
[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 28 includes a control unit 281, a storage unit 282, and a communication unit 283.
[0066] The control unit 281 has at least one processor and executes various programs stored in the memory unit 282. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. The control unit 281 controls the driving of each part of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100.
[0067] The memory unit 282 can use, for example, volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The memory unit 282 stores programs related to the manufacture of the sheet-like fiber S.
[0068] The communication unit 283 is, for example, composed of an I / O interface and communicates with various parts of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100. The communication unit 283 also has the function of communicating with computers and servers (not shown) via a network, for example.
[0069] The control device 28 may be built into the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100, or it may be provided in an external device such as an external computer. Furthermore, the control unit 281 and the storage unit 282 may, for example, be integrated and configured as a single unit, or the control unit 281 may be built into the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 and the storage unit 282 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer, or the storage unit 282 may be built into the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 and the control unit 281 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer.
[0070] Next, we will describe in detail each part of the conveying device 40. Figure 2 is a side view showing the area enclosed by the dashed line II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, some elements are shown as end faces rather than cross-sections.
[0071] The conveying device 40, as outlined with reference to Figure 2, comprises a plurality of rollers 41, 42, and 43, a conveying belt 44 wrapped around the plurality of rollers 41, 42, and 43, a motor 45 that outputs a driving force to rotate the rollers 41, and a suction device 46 that sucks the second web M8 through the conveying belt 44. The conveying device 40 may be detachable from the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100. This allows the conveying device 40 to be replaced with a new one if it malfunctions.
[0072] The rotation axes of each roller 41, 42, and 43 extend along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second web M8, indicated by arrow a1 in Figure 2. The three rollers 41, 42, and 43 are arranged to form a triangle when viewed from the side.
[0073] Roller 41 is a main-drive roller that is rotationally driven by motor 45. Hereinafter, roller 41 will also be referred to as the "first roller 41". The first roller 41 is positioned above and separated from the second web M8, which is being conveyed downstream of the mesh belt 191 of the second web forming section 19. When the first roller 41 rotates due to the operation of motor 45, the conveyor belt 44 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first roller 41.
[0074] Roller 42 is a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the conveyor belt 44. Hereinafter, roller 42 will also be referred to as the "second roller 42". The second roller 42 is located below the first roller 41 and upstream of the first roller 41 in the conveying direction of the second web M8. The second roller 42 is located downstream of the suction section 193 of the second web forming section 19 and upstream of the tension roller 192b.
[0075] Roller 43 is a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the conveyor belt 44. Hereinafter, roller 43 will also be referred to as the "third roller 43". The third roller 43 is located below the first roller 41 and downstream of the first roller 41 in the conveying direction of the second web M8. The third roller 43 is horizontally separated from the second roller 42 and is located downstream of the second roller 42 and the tension roller 192b in the conveying direction of the second web M8.
[0076] The portion of the conveyor belt 44 located between the second roller 42 and the third roller 43 conveys the second web M8.
[0077] As shown in Figure 3, the first roller 41 includes a first shaft 411, a first roller body 412, a first member 413, a first biasing member 414, a second member 415, and a second biasing member 416.
[0078] As shown in Figure 2, the first shaft 411 extends horizontally, perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second web M8, and along the width direction of the conveying belt 44. Hereinafter, the axial direction D1 of the first shaft 411 is indicated by an arrow in Figure 3, with the tip of the arrow being the "+ side" and the base of the arrow being the "- side". A motor 45 is connected to the axial end D1+ of the first shaft 411. The conveying device 40 has a housing (not shown), and the axial end D1- of the first shaft 411 is rotatably supported by the housing via a bearing or the like.
[0079] The first roller body 412 includes a cylindrical portion 412a in which the first shaft 411 is located and which has openings at both ends in the axial direction D1; a first side wall portion 412b located at the opening on the axial direction D1+ side of the cylindrical portion 412a and connecting the cylindrical portion 412a and the first shaft 411; and a second side wall portion 412c located at the opening on the axial direction D1- side of the cylindrical portion 412a and connecting the cylindrical portion 412a and the first shaft 411. Therefore, the first roller body 412 rotates in conjunction with the first shaft 411. Both ends of the first shaft 411 in the axial direction D1 protrude from the first roller body 412.
[0080] The first member 413 is positioned away from the first roller body 412 on one side in the axial direction D1, which is the + side, and is movable in the axial direction D1.
[0081] Specifically, the first member 413 includes a cylindrical first portion 413a whose central axis is approximately parallel to the axial direction D1, and a cylindrical second portion 413b connected to the axial D1+ end of the first portion 413a, having a smaller diameter than the first portion 413a and also having a central axis approximately parallel to the axial direction D1. Therefore, an annular step 413c is formed by the axial D1+ end face of the first portion 413a and the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 413b. The first member 413 also has a through hole 413h that penetrates the first member 413 in the axial direction D1, and in which the axial D1+ end of the first shaft 411 is positioned. The diameter of the through hole 413h is larger than the diameter of the first shaft 411. Therefore, the first member 413 is slidable in the axial direction D1 relative to the first shaft 411.
[0082] The first biasing member 414 is positioned between the first roller body 412 and the first member 413, and biases the first member 413 in a direction that separates it from the first roller body 412. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 414 is made of a coil spring. The first shaft 411 is positioned inside the first biasing member 414. The first biasing member 414 is positioned in a compressed state between the first side wall portion 412b and the first portion 413a of the first member 413.
[0083] The second member 415 is positioned at a distance from the first roller body 412 on the other side in the axial direction D1, and is movable in the axial direction D1.
[0084] Specifically, the second member 415 includes a cylindrical third portion 415a whose central axis is approximately parallel to the axial direction D1, and a cylindrical fourth portion 415b connected to the axial D1-side end of the third portion 415a, having a smaller diameter than the third portion 415a and also having a central axis approximately parallel to the axial direction D1. Therefore, an annular step 415c is formed by the axial D1-side end face of the third portion 415a and the outer circumferential surface of the fourth portion 415b. The second member 415 also has a through hole 415h that penetrates the second member 415 in the axial direction D1, and in which the axial D1-side end of the first shaft 411 is positioned. The diameter of the through hole 415h is larger than the diameter of the first shaft 411. Therefore, the second member 415 is slidable in the axial direction D1 relative to the first shaft 411.
[0085] The second biasing member 416 is positioned between the first roller body 412 and the second member 415, and biases the second member 415 in a direction that separates it from the first roller body 412. In this embodiment, the second biasing member 416 is made of a coil spring. The first shaft 411 is positioned inside the second biasing member 416. The second biasing member 416 is positioned in a compressed state between the second side wall portion 412c and the third portion 415a of the second member 415.
[0086] As shown in Figure 4, the second roller 42 includes a second shaft 421, a second roller body 422, a third member 423, a third biasing member 424, a fourth member 425, and a fourth biasing member 426.
[0087] The second shaft 421 also extends in the axial direction D1. Both ends of the second shaft 421 in the axial direction D1 are rotatably supported by the housing of the aforementioned conveying device 40 via bearings or the like. The second roller body 422 is provided on the second shaft 421. The shape and configuration of the second roller body 422 are the same as those of the first roller body 412, so a detailed explanation is omitted.
[0088] The third member 423 is positioned away from the second roller body 422 in the axial direction D1+ and is movable in the axial direction D1. The shape and configuration of the third member 423 are the same as those of the first member 413, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The part of the third member 423 that corresponds to the step 413c of the first member 413 is referred to as the "step 423c". The third biasing member 424 is positioned between the second roller body 422 and the third member 423 and biases the third member 423 in the direction away from the second roller body 422. The shape and configuration of the third biasing member 424 are the same as those of the first biasing member 414, so a detailed explanation is omitted.
[0089] The fourth member 425 is positioned away from the second roller body 422 in the axial direction D1- and is movable in the axial direction D1. The shape and configuration of the fourth member 425 are the same as those of the second member 415, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The part of the fourth member 425 that corresponds to the step 415c of the second member 415 is referred to as the "step 425c". The fourth biasing member 426 is positioned between the second roller body 422 and the fourth member 425 and biases the fourth member 425 in the direction away from the second roller body 422. The shape and configuration of the fourth biasing member 426 are the same as those of the second biasing member 416, so a detailed explanation is omitted.
[0090] The third roller 43 is constructed similarly to the second roller 42, except that the diameter of the roller body is smaller than the diameter of the second roller body 422, although a cross-sectional illustration and description of the third roller 43 are omitted. In other words, the third roller 43 has the same components as the second roller 42 and, like the second roller 42, has the effect of stretching the conveyor belt 44, which will be described later, in the width direction.
[0091] As shown in Figure 2, the conveyor belt 44 is an endless belt. As shown in Figure 3, the conveyor belt 44 has a belt body 441, a first edge member 442, and a second edge member 443.
[0092] In this embodiment, the belt body 441 is made of a breathable mesh belt. The belt body 441 is not particularly limited as long as it is flexible, but examples include cloth, resin, nonwoven fabric, etc. However, the belt body 441 is not limited to a mesh belt. For example, the belt body 441 may be configured to have breathability by forming a plurality of through holes in a dispersed manner.
[0093] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first edge member 442 is provided on the axial D1+ side edge of the belt body 441. The first edge member 442 abuts against the first member 413 and is biased together with the first member 413 to the first biasing member 414, and abuts against the third member 423 and is biased together with the third member 423 to the third biasing member 424. The second edge member 443 is provided on the axial D1- side edge of the belt body 441 and abuts against the second member 415 and is biased together with the second member 415 to the second biasing member 416, and abuts against the fourth member 425 and is biased together with the fourth member 425 to the fourth biasing member 426. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, the conveyor belt 44 can be stretched in the width direction.
[0094] In this embodiment, the first edge member 442 and the second edge member 443 are connected to the inner circumferential surface of the belt body 441 and are composed of protrusions that project inward from the inner circumferential surface of the belt body 441. As shown in Figure 2, the first edge member 442 extends over the entire circumference of the edge on the axial D1+ side of the belt body 441. Similarly, the second edge member 443 extends over the entire circumference of the edge on the axial D1- side of the belt body 441. The belt body 441, the first edge member 442, and the second edge member 443 rotate together around the three rollers 41, 42, and 43.
[0095] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first edge member 442 is positioned on steps 413c and 423c and engages with the first member 413 and the third member 423. In other words, with respect to the first member 413, the first edge member 442 is positioned axially D1+ side of the first portion 413a, abuts against the axially D1+ side end face of the first portion 413a, and faces the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 413b. Similarly, the second edge member 443 is positioned on steps 415c and 425c and engages with the second member 415 and the fourth member 425. In other words, with respect to the second member 415, the second edge member 443 is positioned axially D1- side of the third portion 415a of the second member 415, abuts against the axially D1- side end face of the third portion 415a, and faces the outer circumferential surface of the fourth portion 415b. Therefore, while the conveyor belt 44 is hooked onto the first member 413, the second member 415, the third member 423, and the fourth member 425, the second part 413b and the fourth part 415b, etc., can restrict both edges of the belt body 441 in the axial direction D1 from bending inward, that is, moving toward the first shaft 411. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of conveying defects of the second web M8 at both edges of the belt body 441 in the axial direction D1.
[0096] The first edge member 442 and the second edge member 443 are each made of a flexible material. Such materials are not particularly limited, but examples include resin materials and elastomer materials.
[0097] The motor 45 includes a rotor and stator (not shown), an output shaft 451 fixed to the rotor as shown in Figure 3, and a housing 452 that houses the rotor and stator and exposes the output shaft 451. The housing 452 is supported by the housing of the transport device 40 described above. The output shaft 451 is connected to the first shaft 411. However, instead of directly connecting the output shaft 451 of the motor 45 to the first shaft 411, a reduction gear may be provided between the motor 45 and the first shaft 411.
[0098] The suction device 46 has a suction port 461 for drawing in air, as shown in Figure 2. The suction device 46 is composed of a blower that draws in air from the suction port 461 by generating an airflow in the direction from the second web M8 toward the conveyor belt 44, i.e., an upward airflow. However, the suction device 46 is not limited to the above and may be composed of, for example, a vacuum pump.
[0099] The suction port 461 is located inside the conveyor belt 44, between the second roller 42 and the third roller 43. The suction port 461 extends from above the downstream portion of the mesh belt 191 of the second web forming section 19 to a position downstream of the mesh belt 191 in the conveying direction.
[0100] In this embodiment, the direction from the second web M8 toward the conveyor belt 44 includes a component opposite to the direction of gravity G. Therefore, the suction device 46 sucks the second web M8, which is on the downstream portion of the mesh belt 191 of the second web forming section 19, across the conveyor belt 44 against gravity. The suction device 46 then detaches the second web M8 from the downstream portion of the mesh belt 191, and, downstream of the second web forming section 19, attracts the second web M8 to the conveyor belt 44 against gravity. As a result, the conveyor belt 44 can properly hold the second web M8 and convey it toward the forming section 20.
[0101] In this specification, when a certain direction is designated as direction A and it is stated that "direction A includes a component of direction B," it means that direction A coincides with direction B, or that direction A is inclined with respect to direction B, but direction A includes a component of direction B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the direction from the second web M8 toward the conveyor belt 44 coincides with the opposite direction of gravity G, but the direction from the second web M8 toward the conveyor belt 44 may be inclined with respect to gravity G.
[0102] As described above, as shown in Figure 2, the motor 45 operates, causing the first roller 41 to rotate together with the first shaft 411. Consequently, the conveyor belt 44 rotates around the three rollers 41, 42, and 43. The second web M8 on the mesh belt 191 passes over the suction unit 193 and then comes into contact with the portion of the conveyor belt 44 located between the second roller 42 and the third roller 43. Then, due to the operation of the suction device 46, the second web M8 begins to be attracted to the conveyor belt 44 between the downstream portion of the mesh belt 191 and the conveyor belt 44. Therefore, as the mesh belt 191 turns downwards towards the lowest tension roller 192b in the conveying direction, the second web M8 detaches from the mesh belt 191. The detached second web M8, still attached to the conveyor belt 44, is conveyed towards the pair of calender rollers 203 of the pressurizing unit 201 that constitutes the molding unit 20.
[0103] Incidentally, the diameter of the first roller body 412 is not constant in the width direction of the conveyor belt 44, and there are manufacturing tolerances. Also, the rotation axis of the first roller body 412 may be eccentric or tilted due to manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances of the first shaft 411. Therefore, the force with which the belt body 441 is pressed against the first roller body 412 may not be uniform in the width direction, and bias may occur. If the conveyor belt 44 is not provided with a first edge member 442 and a second edge member 443, and the belt body 441 is simply wrapped around multiple rollers 41, 42, and 43, the belt body 441 will not be taut in the width direction. Therefore, due to the aforementioned bias in the width direction of the force with which the belt body 441 is pressed against the first roller body 412, the edges of the conveyor belt 44 may move closer to the center in the width direction when the conveyor belt 44 rotates, and wrinkles may form in the belt body 441. In particular, when the belt body 441 is made of mesh material, the belt body 441 is relatively flexible and therefore prone to wrinkles.
[0104] In areas where wrinkles form in the belt body 441, the suction device 46 cannot adequately suck up the second web M8 through the belt body 441. As a result, when the mesh belt 191 shown in Figure 2 passes over the suction section 193 and turns downwards around the downstream tension roller 192b of the second web forming section 19, a portion of the second web M8 may not adhere to the belt body 441 of the conveying device 40 and may turn downwards along with the mesh belt 191 around the downstream tension roller 192b. In this way, if a portion of the second web M8 does not detach from the mesh belt 191, defects such as thin layers or defects will occur in the second web M8 being conveyed by the conveying device 40. Consequently, defects such as thin layers or defects will also occur in the sheet-like fibrous material S. Furthermore, repeated use of the belt body 441 in a wrinkled state may cause the belt body 441 to break.
[0105] In contrast, in this embodiment, the first edge member 442 is biased together with the first member 413 by the first biasing member 414 in a direction away from the first roller body 412, and the second edge member 443 is biased together with the second member 415 by the second biasing member 416 in a direction away from the first roller body 412. As a result, tension can be applied to the belt body 441 in the width direction, that is, the belt body 441 can be stretched in the width direction. Therefore, wrinkles in the belt body 441 can be suppressed. In particular, by biasing with the first biasing member 414, even if the width of the belt body 441 differs slightly in the circumferential direction of the conveyor belt 44, the belt body 441 can be stretched well in the width direction.
[0106] Therefore, the suction device 46 can sufficiently suck up the second web M8 through the belt body 441, allowing the second web M8 to be separated from the mesh belt 191. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as thin layers or defects in the second web M8 being conveyed to the conveying device 40. This improves the quality and yield of the sheet-like fibrous material S. It also extends the lifespan of the belt body 441. Similar effects can be obtained for the second roller 42 and the third roller 43.
[0107] However, the configuration of the conveying device 40 is not limited to the above. For example, the configuration for applying tension in the width direction of the conveying belt 44 only needs to be provided on at least one side in the axial direction D1. For example, the second biasing member 416 may not be provided on the first roller 41, and the second member 415 may be fixed to the first shaft 411. In this case, with the second edge member 443 of the conveying belt 44 caught on the second member 415, the edge of the conveying belt 44 on the axial direction D1+ side is biased by the first biasing member 414 together with the first member 413 in a direction away from the first roller body 412. As a result, the conveying belt 44 can be kept taut in the width direction. Also, if there is a difference in the ease with which wrinkles occur at both edges in the width direction of the conveying belt 44, a configuration for applying tension in the width direction of the conveying belt 44 may be provided at the edge that is more prone to wrinkles.
[0108] Furthermore, for example, the configuration for applying tension in the width direction of the conveyor belt 44 only needs to be provided on at least one of the multiple rollers 41, 42, and 43. If the configuration for applying tension in the width direction of the conveyor belt 44 is provided only on roller 42, then roller 42 corresponds to the first roller. Similarly, if the configuration for applying tension in the width direction of the conveyor belt 44 is provided only on roller 43, then roller 43 corresponds to the first roller. Also, the second roller 42 or the third roller 43 may be the driving roller. In addition, the number of rollers constituting the conveying device 40 is not limited to three, but may be two, four or more.
[0109] Furthermore, for example, the first biasing member 414, the second biasing member 416, the third biasing member 424, and the fourth biasing member 426 may be other elastic members such as leaf springs, tension springs, spring washers, or air springs, instead of coil springs.
[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, the first edge member 442 is configured to be biased by the first biasing member 414 together with the first member 413 by hooking onto the first member 413, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the first member 413 may be cylindrical, and an annular groove or the like that can accommodate the first edge member 442 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first member 413. That is, the first member 413 may further have a cylindrical third portion connected to the axial D1+ end of the second portion 413b, with the same diameter as the first portion 413a. In this case, the recess between the first portion 413a and the third portion becomes a groove. Alternatively, for example, the first edge member 442 may be attached to the first member 413 by magnetic force and biased by the first biasing member 414 together with the first member 413. In this case, the magnetic force is set to such an extent that the first edge member 442 can adhere to the first member 413 and move together with the first member 413 in the axial direction D1, without hindering the rotation of the conveyor belt 44.
[0111] Furthermore, the conveying device according to the present invention is not limited to one that holds and conveys fiber-containing material against gravity, as in the conveying device 40. For example, fiber-containing material may be placed above the conveying belt of the conveying device. For example, the configuration in the aforementioned conveying device 40 in which the conveying belt 44 is stretched in the width direction may be adapted to the first web forming section 15 and the second web forming section 19, and the mesh belt 151 and mesh belt 191 may be stretched in the width direction.
[0112] Furthermore, the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 may omit the raw material supply unit 11 and the coarse crushing unit 12. In this case, the fiber manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a coarse crushing piece supply unit that supplies coarse crushed pieces instead of the raw material supply unit 11 and the coarse crushing unit 12.
[0113] As described above, the conveying device 40 according to this embodiment includes a first roller 41 and a second roller 42, an endless conveying belt 44 wrapped around the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 for conveying a fiber-containing material (second web M8), and a motor 45 that outputs a driving force to rotate at least one of the first roller 41 and the second roller 42. The first roller 41 includes a first shaft 411, a first roller body 412 provided on the first shaft 411, a first member 413 positioned away from the first roller body 412 on one side in the axial direction D1 of the first shaft 411 and movable in the axial direction D1, and a first biasing member 414 positioned between the first roller body 412 and the first member 413 and biasing the first member 413 in a direction away from the first roller body 412. The conveyor belt 44 includes a belt body 441 and a first edge member 442 provided on one edge of the belt body 441 in the axial direction D1, which abuts against the first member 413 and is biased together with the first member 413 by the first biasing member 414. In this way, by biasing the first edge member 442 together with the first member 413 by the first biasing member 414 in a direction away from the first roller body 412, tension can be applied to the width direction of the belt body 441. As a result, the belt body 441 can be kept taut in the width direction. This suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the belt body 441. Consequently, poor conveyance of materials containing fibers can be suppressed. In addition, the lifespan of the belt body 441 can be extended.
[0114] Furthermore, the first roller 41 further includes a second member 415 that is positioned at a distance from the first roller body 412 to the other side in the axial direction D1 and is movable in the axial direction D1, and a second biasing member 416 that is positioned between the first roller body 412 and the second member 415 and biases the second member 415 in a direction away from the first roller body 412. The conveyor belt 44 further includes a second edge member 443 that is provided on the other edge of the belt body 441 in the axial direction D1 and contacts the second member 415, and is biased by the second biasing member 416 together with the second member 415.
[0115] Therefore, tension can be applied to both ends of the belt body 441. This further suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the belt body 441. As a result, poor conveyance of materials containing fibers can be suppressed. In addition, the lifespan of the belt body 441 can be extended even further.
[0116] Furthermore, the first member 413 includes a cylindrical first portion 413a through which the first shaft 411 passes. The first edge member 442 protrudes inward from the belt body 441, is positioned on one side in the axial direction D1 than the first portion 413a, and abuts against the end face of the first portion 413a on one side in the axial direction D1.
[0117] Therefore, with a simple structure in which the first edge member 442 is hooked onto the first member 413, the first edge member 442 can be made rotatable around the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, while biasing the first edge member 442 in a direction away from the first roller body 412.
[0118] Furthermore, the first member 413 is positioned on one side of the first portion 413a in the axial direction D1 and further includes a cylindrical second portion 413b through which the first shaft 411 passes. The first edge member 442 faces the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 413b.
[0119] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending of one edge of the belt body 441 in the axial direction D1 toward the first shaft 411. This makes it possible to suppress material transport defects at one edge of the belt body 441 in the axial direction D1.
[0120] Furthermore, the second roller 42 includes a second shaft 421 extending in the axial direction D1, a second roller body 422 provided on the second shaft 421, a third member 423 positioned away from the second roller body 422 on one side in the axial direction D1 and movable in the axial direction D1, and a third biasing member 424 positioned between the second roller body 422 and the third member 423 and biasing the third member 423 in a direction away from the second roller body 422. The first edge member 442 abuts against the third member 423 and is biased by the third biasing member 424 together with the third member 423.
[0121] Since the conveyor belt 44 can be stretched in the width direction at multiple points along its circumference, wrinkles in the belt body 441 can be further suppressed.
[0122] Furthermore, the direction from the conveyed material toward the belt body 441 includes a component opposite to the direction of gravity G. The belt body 441 is breathable. The conveying device 40 further includes a suction device 46 positioned inside the belt body 441 for sucking the material across the belt body 441.
[0123] The breathable belt body 441 is relatively flexible and therefore prone to wrinkles. However, even with such a belt body 441, the first edge member 442 can be biased together with the first member 413 by the first biasing member 414 in a direction away from the first roller body 412, thereby stretching the belt body 441 in the width direction and effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles.
[0124] Furthermore, by suppressing the formation of wrinkles, the suction device 46 can sufficiently suck up the material through the belt body 441. As a result, the conveying device 40 can hold and convey the material against gravity. This suppresses the occurrence of defects such as thin layers or defects in the material conveyed by the conveying device 40.
[0125] Furthermore, the fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes the above-mentioned conveying device 40 and a molding unit 20 that forms the material conveyed by the conveying device 40 to form the fiber S.
[0126] As mentioned above, wrinkles in the belt body 441 of the conveying device 40 can be suppressed. Therefore, defects and other problems in the material conveyed by the conveying device 40 can be suppressed. This improves the quality and yield of the fiber material S.
[0127] Although the conveying device and fiber manufacturing device according to the present invention have been described above in illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these. Each part constituting the conveying device and fiber manufacturing device can be replaced with any configuration that can perform similar functions. Furthermore, any additional components may be added to the conveying device and fiber manufacturing device. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0128] 11...Raw material supply section, 12...Coarse crushing section, 13...Fine crushing device, 14...Sorting section, 15...First web forming section, 16...Fine division section, 17...Mixing section, 18...Dispersion section, 19...Second web forming section, 20...Forming section, 21...Cutting section, 22...Stock section, 27...Recovery section, 28...Control device, 31...Inlet, 32...Outlet, 40...Conveying device, 41...First roller, 42...Second roller, 43...Third roller, 44...Conveyor belt, 45...Mo Blower, 46... Suction device, 100... Fiber manufacturing equipment, 121... Coarse crushing blade, 122... Chute, 141... Drum section, 142... Housing section, 151... Mesh belt, 152... Tension roller, 153... Suction section, 161... Propeller, 162... Housing section, 170... Housing section, 171... Additive supply section, 172... Pipe, 173... Blower, 174... Screw feeder, 181... Drum, 182... Housing 191...Mesh belt, 192a...Tensioning roller, 192b...Tensioning roller, 192c...Tensioning roller, 192d...Tensioning roller, 193...Suction section, 201...Pressurization section, 202...Heating section, 203...Calendar roller, 204...Heating roller, 211...First cutter, 212...Second cutter, 231...Humidification section, 232...Humidification section, 233...Humidification section, 234...Humidification section, 235...Humidification section, 236...Humidifying unit, 241...Tube, 242...Tube, 243...Tube, 244...Tube, 245...Tube, 246...Tube, 261...Blower, 262...Blower, 263...Blower, 281...Control unit, 282...Storage unit, 283...Communication unit, 411...First shaft, 412...First roller body, 412a...Cylindrical part, 412b...First side wall part, 412c...Second side wall part, 413...First member, 413a...First part, 413 b...Second part, 413c...Step, 413h...Through hole, 414...First biasing member, 415...Second member, 415a...Third part, 415b...Fourth part, 415c...Step, 415h...Through hole, 416...Second biasing member, 421...Second shaft, 422...Second roller body, 423...Third member, 423c...Step, 424...Third biasing member, 425...Fourth member, 425c...Step, 426...Fourth biasing member 441...Belt body, 442...First edge member, 443...Second edge member, 451...Output shaft, 452...Housing, 461...Suction port, D1...Axial direction, G...Direction of gravity, M1...Raw material, M2...Coarse fragments, M3...Fibrated material, M4-1...First sorted material, M4-2...Second sorted material, M5...First web, M6...Fine fragments, M7...Mixture, M8...Second web (material containing fibers), P1...Binding agent, S...Fiber body, a1...Arrow
Claims
1. First roller and second roller, An endless conveying belt is wrapped around the first roller and the second roller and conveys a material containing fibers, The system comprises a motor that outputs a driving force to rotate at least one of the first roller and the second roller, The first roller comprises a first shaft, a first roller body provided on the first shaft, a first member positioned away from the first roller body on one side in the axial direction of the first shaft and movable in the axial direction, and a first biasing member positioned between the first roller body and the first member and biasing the first member in a direction away from the first roller body. The conveying device is characterized in that the conveying belt comprises a belt body and a first edge member provided on one edge of the belt body in the axial direction, which abuts against the first member and is biased by the first biasing member together with the first member.
2. The first roller further comprises a second member positioned at a distance from the first roller body to the other side in the axial direction and movable in the axial direction, and a second biasing member positioned between the first roller body and the second member and biasing the second member in a direction away from the first roller body. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying belt further comprises a second edge member provided on the other edge of the belt body in the axial direction, which abuts against the second member and is biased together with the second member by the second biasing member.
3. The first member includes a cylindrical first portion through which the first shaft passes, The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first edge member protrudes inward from the belt body, is positioned on one side in the axial direction relative to the first portion, and abuts against the end face of the first portion on the one side in the axial direction.
4. The first member further includes a cylindrical second portion, which is positioned on one side of the first portion in the axial direction and is inserted through the first shaft. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the first edge member faces the outer circumferential surface of the second portion.
5. The second roller comprises a second shaft extending in the axial direction, a second roller body provided on the second shaft, a third member positioned away from the second roller body on one side in the axial direction and movable in the axial direction, and a third biasing member positioned between the second roller body and the third member and biasing the third member in a direction away from the second roller body. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first edge member abuts against the third member and is biased together with the third member by the third biasing member.
6. The direction from the material being transported toward the belt body includes a component in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity. The belt body has breathability, The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a suction device disposed inside the belt body for sucking the material through the belt body.
7. A conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, A molding section which forms a fibrous body by molding the material conveyed by the conveying device, A fiber manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising the following features.