Dispersion and deposition equipment

Abstract

To provide a dispersion device and an accumulation device, which can excellently disperse materials.SOLUTION: A dispersion device comprises: a feed pipe to feed material including fibers along with air; a first agitation part having a first chamber to agitate the material fed from the feed pipe; a second agitation part that has a second chamber on which a discharge port for discharging the material is formed, agitates the material in the second chamber, and discharges the material from the discharge port; and a connection part having a communication port to communicate between the first chamber and the second chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispersion device and a deposition device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, dry-type sheet manufacturing apparatuses that use as little water as possible have been proposed. A configuration is known for a dry sheet manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a defibrating unit that defibrates a fiber-containing raw material such as waste paper; a dispersing unit that disperses a defibrated product generated by the defibrating unit into air; a depositing unit that deposits the dispersed defibrated product; and a forming unit that forms a deposit generated by the depositing unit into a sheet shape.

[0003] In the sheet manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the defibrated product is supplied to the dispersing section via a supply pipe, and the defibrated product is stirred and loosened in the dispersing section, and then dispersed. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5-132843 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when lumps of defibrated product that have not been sufficiently loosened are supplied to the dispersing section, depending on the size, amount and other factors of the defibrated product lumps, there is a risk that the defibrated product cannot be sufficiently loosened only by stirring within the dispersing section. In this case, the defibrated product cannot be dispersed efficiently and favorably, and the remaining lumps of defibrated product may cause clogging in the dispersing section and the like, which can lead to problems such as reduced processing efficiency, apparatus failure, and apparatus shutdown. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The dispersion device of the present invention comprises: a supply pipe that supplies a fiber-containing material together with air; A first stirring unit having a first chamber for stirring the material supplied from the supply pipe, A second stirring unit has a second chamber formed with an outlet for releasing the aforementioned material, and stirs the material in the second chamber and releases it from the outlet, The invention is characterized by comprising a connecting portion having a communication port that connects the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0007] The deposition apparatus of the present invention includes a supply pipe for supplying a fiber-containing material together with air, A first stirring unit having a first chamber for stirring the material supplied from the supply pipe, A second stirring unit has a second chamber formed with an outlet for releasing the aforementioned material, and stirs the material in the second chamber and releases it from the outlet, A connecting portion having a communication port that connects the first chamber and the second chamber, The invention is characterized by comprising a deposit section for depositing the material discharged from the discharge port. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a sheet manufacturing apparatus equipped with a dispersion device and a deposition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dispersion and deposition apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the first stirring section shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The dispersion apparatus and deposition apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] <Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a sheet manufacturing apparatus equipped with a dispersion device and a deposition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dispersion device and deposition device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the first stirring section shown in Figure 2.

[0011] For the sake of clarity, in the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes shown in Figures 1 to 4 will be referred to as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The xy-plane containing the x and y axes is the horizontal plane, and the z-axis is vertical. The view from the z-axis direction is called the "planar view." The direction pointed to by the arrows on each axis is referred to as "+," and the opposite direction as "-." In Figures 1, 2, and 3, the upper side is referred to as "up" or "above," and the lower side as "down" or "below." In each figure, the direction in which the fiber-containing material flows, i.e., the direction in which it progresses over time, is referred to as the "downstream side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "upstream side."

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a deposition apparatus 10, which is an example of a deposition apparatus of the present invention, a sheet forming section 20, a cutting section 21, a stock section 22, and a recovery section 27. The deposition apparatus 10 also includes a raw material supply section 11, a coarse crushing section 12, a defibration section 13, a sorting section 14, a first web forming section 15, a subdivision section 16, a mixing section 17, a dispersion apparatus 18, which is an example of a dispersion apparatus of the present invention, a second web forming section 19, and a control section 28.

[0013] Furthermore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a humidification unit 231, a humidification unit 232, a humidification unit 233, a humidification unit 234, a humidification unit 235, and a humidification unit 236. In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a blower 173, a blower 261, a blower 262, and a blower 263.

[0014] Furthermore, in the sheet 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, dispersion process, second web formation process, sheet molding process, and cutting process.

[0015] The configuration of each part will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the raw material supply unit 11 is a portion that performs a raw material supply step of supplying a raw material M1 to a coarse crushing unit 12. As the raw material M1, a sheet-shaped material formed of a fiber-containing material including cellulose fibers can be used. The cellulose fiber is not particularly limited as long as it is fibrous with cellulose as a compound as a main component, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose. Further, the raw material M1 may have any form such as woven fabric or non-woven fabric. Further, the raw material M1 may be, for example, recycled paper produced by defibrating and regenerating waste paper, or Yupo paper (registered trademark) which is a synthetic paper, or may not be recycled paper. In the present embodiment, the raw material M1 is used or unnecessary waste paper.

[0016] The coarse crushing unit 12 is a portion that performs a coarse crushing step of coarsely crushing the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 in air such as the atmosphere. The coarse crushing unit 12 includes a pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and a chute 122.

[0017] The pair of coarse crushing blades 121 rotate in directions opposite to each other, whereby the raw material M1 can be coarsely crushed therebetween, that is, cut into coarsely crushed pieces M2. The shape and size of the coarsely crushed pieces M2 are preferably suitable for the defibration treatment in the defibration unit 13. For example, the coarsely crushed pieces M2 are preferably small pieces having a side length of 100 mm or less, and more preferably small pieces having a side length of 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less.

[0018] The chute 122 is disposed below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121, and has, for example, a funnel shape. Accordingly, the chute 122 can receive the coarsely crushed pieces M2 that have been coarsely crushed by the coarse crushing blades 121 and fallen.

[0019] Further, above the chute 122, a humidifying unit 231 is disposed adjacent to the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The humidifying unit 231 humidifies coarsely crushed pieces M2 inside the chute 122. The humidifying unit 231 is configured as an evaporation type, particularly a hot-air evaporation type humidifier that includes a filter (not shown) containing moisture, and supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarsely crushed pieces M2 by causing air to pass through the filter. By supplying humidified air to the coarsely crushed pieces M2, adhesion of the coarsely crushed pieces M2 to the chute 122 and other components due to electrostatic force can be suppressed.

[0020] The chute 122 is connected to the defibrating unit 13 via a pipe 241. The coarsely crushed pieces M2 collected in the chute 122 pass through the pipe 241 and are conveyed to the defibrating unit 13.

[0021] The defibrating unit 13 is a section that performs a defibrating step of defibrating the coarsely crushed pieces M2 in air, that is, by a dry process. A defibrated product M3 can be produced from the coarsely crushed pieces M2 by the defibrating treatment in this defibrating unit 13. Here, "defibrating" refers to unraveling the coarsely crushed pieces M2, which are formed by binding a plurality of fibers, into individual fibers. The unraveled product becomes the defibrated product M3. The defibrated product M3 has a linear or band-like shape. Further, the defibrated products M3 may exist in a state where they are entangled with each other to form a mass, that is, in a state forming a so-called "clump".

[0022] For example, in the present embodiment, the defibrating unit 13 is configured by an impeller mill including a rotor that rotates at high speed and a liner positioned on the outer periphery of the rotor. The coarsely crushed pieces M2 that have flowed into the defibrating unit 13 are sandwiched between the rotor and the liner and defibrated.

[0023] Further, the defibrating unit 13 can generate an air flow from the coarse crushing unit 12 toward the sorting unit 14 by rotation of the rotor. Thereby, the coarsely crushed pieces M2 can be sucked into the defibrating unit 13 from the pipe 241. Further, after the defibrating treatment, the defibrated product M3 can be fed out to the sorting unit 14 via a pipe 242.

[0024] A blower 261 is installed in the middle of pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generator that generates an airflow directed toward the sorting section 14. This facilitates the delivery of the defibrated material M3 to the sorting section 14.

[0025] The sorting section 14 is the part that performs a sorting process to separate the defibrated material M3 according to the length of the fibers. In the sorting section 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into first sorted material M4-1 and second sorted material M4-2 which is larger than the first sorted material M4-1. The first sorted material M4-1 is of a size suitable for the subsequent manufacture of the sheet S. Its average length is preferably between 1 μm and 30 μm. On the other hand, the second sorted material M4-2 includes, for example, materials that have not been sufficiently defibrated or materials in which the defibrated fibers have excessively aggregated.

[0026] The sorting unit 14 includes a drum section 141 and a housing section 142 that houses the drum section 141.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The first sorted item, M4-1, falls from the drum section 141. Meanwhile, the second sorted material M4-2 is sent to a pipe 243 connected to the drum section 141. The pipe 243 is connected to the drum section 141 on the opposite side, i.e., the upstream side. 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 defibration section 13 together with the coarse fragments M2. As a result, the second sorted material M4-2 is returned to the defibration section 13 and subjected to defibration processing together with the coarse fragments M2.

[0029] Furthermore, the first sorted material M4-1 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Furthermore, the suction unit 153 is connected to the collection unit 27 via a pipe 244. Dust and dirt sucked up by the suction unit 153 are collected in the collection unit 27.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The housing section 142 is connected to the humidifying section 232. The humidifying section 232 is composed of an evaporative humidifier similar to the humidifying section 231. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing section 142. This humidified air can humidify the first sorted material M4-1, and thus it is possible to suppress the first sorted material M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing section 142 due to electrostatic force.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The housing section 162 is connected to the humidifying section 233. The humidifying section 233 is composed of an evaporative humidifier similar to the humidifying section 231. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing section 162. This humidified air also helps to suppress the adhesion of the fragments M6 to the propeller 161 and the inner wall of the housing section 162 due to electrostatic force.

[0040] 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 and the binder P1. This mixing section 17 includes a binder supply section 171, a pipe 172, and a blower 173.

[0041] The upstream end of the pipe 172 is connected to the housing 162 of the subdivision section 16, and the downstream end of the pipe 172 is connected to the suction port 175 of the blower 173, as shown in Figure 3. When the blower 173 is operated, the mixture M7 of the subdivision material M6 and the binder P1 is sent downstream through the pipe 172.

[0042] A binder supply unit 171 is connected to the middle of the pipe 172. The binder supply unit 171 has a screw feeder 174. By rotating this screw feeder 174, the binder P1 can be quantitatively supplied into the pipe 172 as powder or particles. The binder P1 supplied to the pipe 172 is mixed with the subdivided material M6 in a desired ratio to form a mixture M7.

[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, thermoplastic resins such as various polyolefins, acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyamide, and various thermoplastic elastomers can also be used.

[0044] In addition to the binder P1, the binder supply unit 171 may also supply, for example, a coloring agent for coloring the fibers, an agglomeration inhibitor for suppressing the aggregation of fibers and the binder P1, a flame retardant for making the fibers less flammable, a paper strength enhancer for increasing the paper strength of the sheet S, etc. Alternatively, these may be pre-mixed into the binder P1 and supplied from the binder supply unit 171.

[0045] A blower 173 is installed downstream of pipe 172, a dispersing device 18 is installed downstream of blower 173, and a second web forming section 19 is installed downstream of dispersing device 18. As shown in Figure 3, the discharge port 176 of blower 173 is connected to the upstream end of the supply pipe 57 of dispersing device 18. Blower 173 has a motor that is driven by the power supply and blades that rotate due to the motor's drive, and generates an airflow by the rotation of the blades, discharging air drawn in from the intake port 175 from the discharge port 176. The other blowers 261, 262, and 263 have a similar configuration.

[0046] The fractionated material M6 and binder P1 in the pipe 172 are introduced into the blower 173 by the airflow generated by the rotating blades installed inside the blower 173, where they are stirred and mixed. The blower 173 also releases airflow downstream from the discharge port 176 by the action of its rotating blades, that is, it generates airflow toward the dispersion device 18. This airflow stirs and mixes the fractionated material M6 and binder P1, and the resulting mixture M7, in which the fractionated material M6 and binder P1 are uniformly dispersed, flows into the dispersion device 18 via the supply pipe 57. In addition, the fractionated material M6 in the mixture M7 is loosened as it passes through the pipe 172 and blower 173, becoming finer fibrous.

[0047] The dispersion device 18 performs a dispersion process in which the fibers in the fiber-containing material, i.e., the mixture M7, are loosened and dispersed into the air. The dispersion device 18 is configured to loosen and disperse the mixture M7 by stirring it in multiple stages. The configuration of the dispersion device 18 will be described in detail later. The mixture M7 dispersed into the air by this dispersion device 18 falls toward the second web-forming section 19 located below.

[0048] The second web forming section 19 is a depositing section for depositing the mixture M7 dispersed by the dispersion device 18, and is the part that performs the second web forming process for forming the second web M8 from the mixture M7. The second web forming section 19 has a mesh belt 191, a tensioning roller 192, and a suction section 193.

[0049] The mesh belt 191 is an endless belt on which the mixture M7 is deposited. This mesh belt 191 is wrapped around four tension rollers 192. The rotational drive of the tension rollers 192 then conveys the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 to the downstream side.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The suction unit 193 is a suction mechanism that draws air from below the mesh belt 191. That is, the operation of the suction unit 193 creates an airflow in the -z-axis direction near the upper part of the mesh belt 191 and near the lower opening 312 of the housing 31. 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] A humidifier 236 is located downstream of the dispersion device 18. The humidifier 236 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier similar to the humidifier 235. This allows moisture to be supplied to the second web M8, thereby adjusting the moisture content of the second web M8 to an appropriate level. This adjustment suppresses the adhesion of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 due to electrostatic force. As a result, the second web M8 is easily detached from the mesh belt 191 at the position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the tension roller 192.

[0054] Furthermore, the total amount of moisture added to humidification units 231 to 236 is preferably, for example, 0.5 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the material before humidification.

[0055] A sheet forming section 20 is located downstream of the second web forming section 19. The sheet forming section 20 is the part that performs the sheet forming process, in which a sheet S is formed from the second web M8. This sheet forming section 20 has a pressurizing section 201 and a heating section 202.

[0056] The pressurizing section 201 has a pair of calender rollers 203, and the second web M8 can be pressurized between the calender rollers 203 without heating. This increases the density of the second web M8. Preferably, the degree of heating at this time is such that the binder P1 does not melt. The second web M8 is then conveyed toward the heating section 202. One of the pair of calender rollers 203 is a driven roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0057] The heating section 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and can heat and pressurize the second web M8 between the heating rollers 204. Due to this heating and pressurizing, the binder P1 melts within the second web M8, and the fibers bond together via this molten binder P1. This forms a sheet S. This sheet S is then conveyed toward the cutting section 21. One of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driven roller driven by a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

[0058] A cutting section 21 is located downstream of the sheet forming section 20. The cutting section 21 is the part that performs the cutting process for cutting the sheet S. This cutting section 21 has a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.

[0059] The first cutter 211 cuts the sheet S in a direction intersecting, and especially perpendicular to, the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0060] The second cutter 212 is located downstream of the first cutter 211 and cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S. This cutting removes unnecessary portions from both ends of the sheet S, i.e., the ends in the +y axis direction and the -y axis direction, thereby adjusting the width of the sheet S. The portions that are cut off are called "edges".

[0061] By cutting with the first cutter 211 and the second cutter 212 in this manner, a sheet S of the desired shape and size is obtained. This sheet S is then transported further downstream and stored in the stock section 22.

[0062] Each component of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is electrically connected to the control unit 28. The operation of each component is controlled by the control unit 28.

[0063] The control unit 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 281 and a storage unit 282. The CPU 281 can perform various decisions and various commands, for example.

[0064] The memory unit 282 stores various programs, such as a program for manufacturing sheet S, as well as various calibration curves, tables, and the like.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 28 may be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, or it may be provided in an external device such as an external computer. The external device may communicate with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via a cable, communicate wirelessly, or be connected to a network such as the Internet via the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0066] Furthermore, the CPU 281 and the memory unit 282 may, for example, be integrated and configured as a single unit, or the CPU 281 may be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the memory unit 282 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer, or the memory unit 282 may be built into the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the CPU 281 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer.

[0067] Next, we will describe the distributed device 18. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dispersion device 18 comprises a supply pipe 57, a first stirring section 5, a second stirring section 4, a third stirring section 3, and a connecting section 7 that connects the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4. The dispersion device 18 is a device that disperses the mixture M7 into the air while stirring and loosening it in the order of the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3. As the mixture M7 passes through the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3 in sequence, the degree of loosening of the mixture M7, that is, the degree to which the mixture M7 becomes uniform and homogeneous, increases. The configurations of the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3 will be described below in order from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0068] First, we will describe the third stirring section 3, which is located furthest downstream in the dispersion device 18. The third stirring unit 3 is composed of a housing 31, which is a casing having four side walls 311 and a top plate 313 located above each side wall 311. Inside the housing 31, a third stirring space S3 is formed, surrounded by these four side walls 311 and the top plate 313, and the second stirring unit 4 is housed within the third stirring space S3. For this reason, the third stirring space S3 is also called the dispersion space. Furthermore, most of the area between the second stirring unit 4 and the mesh belt 191 is covered by the housing 31.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the mixture M7 dispersed from the discharge port 44 of the second stirring unit 4 enters the third stirring space S3 of the housing 31 and descends due to gravity. In addition, in the third stirring space S3, an airflow toward the lower opening 312 is formed by the operation of the suction unit 193, and the mixture M7 descends along with this flow. In this way, the mixture M7 that enters the third stirring space S3 via the discharge port 44 descends toward the second web forming unit 19 at a moderate speed due to gravity and the downward airflow, and is stirred and loosened in the process. Furthermore, as the mixture M7 descends within the third stirring space S3, turbulence in the airflow within the third stirring space S3 causes oscillation, vibration, rotation, and collisions with the inner surface of the side wall 311, which also promotes loosening through stirring.

[0070] The housing 31 of the third stirring section 3 has a lower opening 312 facing the mesh belt 191. The lower opening 312 constitutes a discharge section that discharges the mixture M7 dispersed in the second stirring section 4 and descending within the third stirring space S3 toward the second web forming section 19. The distance between the lower opening 312 and the mesh belt 191 is set to a value suitable for the formation of the second web M8, for example, 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0071] At least one of the four side walls 311 constituting the housing 31 of the third stirring section 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical. In this embodiment, each of the four side walls 311 is inclined with respect to the vertical, forming a skirt portion that widens toward the lower opening 312. In other words, the third stirring space S3 of the third stirring section 3 has a shape such that the area of ​​the cross-section parallel to the horizontal plane gradually increases toward the downward direction, i.e., the -z axis direction. This allows for better stirring and loosening of the mixture M7 descending through the third stirring space S3 toward the second web forming section 19, and also enables the formation of a second web M8 on the mesh belt 191 with the desired area and thickness, i.e., the necessary and sufficient area and thickness.

[0072] Furthermore, the third stirring space S3 of the housing 31 may have a shape in which the area of ​​the cross-section parallel to the horizontal plane is constant along the z-axis direction.

[0073] The mixture M7 is thoroughly stirred and loosened by the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4, and further loosening by stirring is continued in the third stirring space S3 of the third stirring section 3. As a result, in the second web forming section 19, a homogeneous and uniform deposit of the mixture M7 without fibrous clumps (lumps), i.e., the second web M8, is obtained.

[0074] An opening 314 is provided in the top plate 313. The opening 314 is also a communication port 71 that connects the first stirring space 500 of the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring space S2 of the second stirring section 4, and is composed of an elongated hole extending in the y-axis direction, i.e., in a first direction parallel to the axis of rotation O. The mixture M7 supplied from the first stirring section 5 is supplied into the second stirring section 4 through the opening 314.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a humidifier 234 is connected to the side wall 311 of the housing 31 of the third stirring unit 3. The humidifier 234 is composed of an evaporative humidifier similar to the humidifier 231. As a result, in the third stirring unit 3, humidified air generated in the humidifier 234 is supplied to the third stirring space S3 within the third stirring unit 3. This humidified air humidifies the third stirring space S3, thereby preventing the mixture M7 dispersed by the second stirring unit 4 from adhering to various parts of the third stirring unit 3, namely the inner surfaces of the side walls 311 and the top plate 313, and the surface of the second chamber 41 due to electrostatic force. The humidifier 234 may also be composed of an ultrasonic humidifier.

[0076] The shape, structure, dimensions, etc., of the housing 31 are not limited to the configuration shown in the illustration. Furthermore, the constituent materials of the housing 31 are not particularly limited; for example, metal materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, and various hard resin materials are examples. The same applies to the constituent materials of the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 41, which will be described later.

[0077] Next, we will describe the second stirring section 4, which is located upstream of the third stirring section 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second stirring section 4 includes a second chamber 41 and a stirring member 6 that rotates within the second chamber 41. The second chamber 41 is joined to the lower surface of the top plate 313 of the third stirring section 3 and has a pair of side walls 42 arranged parallel to each other, and a porous screen 43 joined to the lower ends of both side walls 42, with an outlet 44 formed therein for releasing the mixture M7. The outlet 44 is composed of a plurality of small holes.

[0078] The pair of side walls 42 are elongated in the y-axis direction and are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the x-axis direction, with the opening 314 in between.

[0079] The porous screen 43 extends in the y-axis direction and has a semi-cylindrical shape that curves downward, i.e., in the -z-axis direction. That is, when viewed in a cross-section normal to the y-axis, the porous screen 43 has an arc shape at any position in the y-axis direction. This allows the mixture M7 to move smoothly within the second stirring section 4, resulting in good stirring. The two upper ends of the porous screen 43 are connected to the lower ends of a pair of side walls 42, respectively. The -y-axis end and the +y-axis end of the second chamber 41 are closed by shielding walls (not shown), respectively. These shielding walls rotatably support the rotation axis of the stirring member 6, which will be described later.

[0080] The space defined by the pair of side walls 42, the porous screen 43, the pair of shielding walls, and the top plate 313 is the second stirring space S2, which contains the mixture M7 and stirs and loosens the mixture M7.

[0081] The porous screen 43 can be made of, for example, a mesh-like structure or a plate material with numerous through-holes. As a result, the mixture M7 in the second stirring section 4 is released to the outside of the second stirring space S2 through the discharge port 44 of the porous screen 43 and dispersed in the third stirring space S3. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the mesh size and the size of the through-holes of the porous screen 43, the mixture M7 having a desired fiber length can be preferentially dispersed and deposited on the mesh belt 191.

[0082] The stirring member 6 rotates within the second stirring space S2 of the second stirring section 4, thereby stirring and loosening the mixture M7 supplied to the second stirring section 4 while promoting dispersion from the porous screen 43. The stirring member 6 has four blades 61 arranged at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis O. The blades 61 are made of long plate material extending in the y-axis direction. The ends of one long side of each blade 61 are connected to each other, and the connected portion rotates around the rotation center, i.e., the rotation axis O. In this embodiment, the stirring member 6 has a cross-shaped cross with respect to the rotation axis O.

[0083] Furthermore, the stirring member 6 is connected to a rotational drive source (not shown), which consists of, for example, a motor and a reduction gear, and the operation of this rotational drive source is controlled by the control unit 28 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the stirring member 6 rotates clockwise when viewed from the +y axis side.

[0084] As the stirring member 6 rotates, each blade 61 stirs and loosens the mixture M7 in the second stirring space S2, pressing an appropriate amount onto the porous screen 43. This prevents the mixture M7 from being supplied in excess and clogging the porous screen 43, while ensuring that the mixture M7 is evenly and effectively released and dispersed throughout the entire porous screen 43.

[0085] Furthermore, the stirring member 6 rotates with each blade 61 spaced apart from the side wall 42 and the porous screen 43. This allows the stirring member 6 to rotate smoothly and prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the mixture M7 between the blades 61 and the porous screen 43, thereby enabling better dispersion.

[0086] In this embodiment, the case where four blades 61 are provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, there may be one to three, or four or more. Also, in the description, the case where each blade 61 is flat has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when viewed in a cross-section normal to the rotation axis O, it may have a shape that is curved in one direction. Thus, the configuration of the stirring member 6, in particular the shape, number, and arrangement of the blades 61, is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Furthermore, in the second stirring section 4, the stirring member 6 itself may be omitted, or a stirring mechanism different from the illustrated, for example, a mechanism having a stirring member that does not rotate but reciprocates, may be installed.

[0087] Furthermore, the shape, structure, dimensions, etc., of the second chamber 41 are not limited to the configuration shown in the illustration. Thus, the second stirring unit 4 is installed in the second chamber 41 and has a stirring member 6 that rotates around the rotation axis O. This allows the mixture M7, which has been stirred and loosened in the first stirring unit 5, to be further stirred and loosened by the stirring member 6. Therefore, due to the synergistic effect of these two stages of loosening, the second stirring unit 4 can disperse the mixture M7 even more smoothly and effectively.

[0088] Prior to the dispersion of the mixture M7 by the third stirring unit 3, the second stirring unit 4 supplies the mixture M7 to the third stirring unit 3 in a state where it has been stirred and loosened by the rotating stirring member 6. As a result, the third stirring unit 3 can loosen the mixture M7 to an even higher level even with relatively light stirring, relatively low speed stirring, or stirring with relatively weak intensity, and as a result, a uniform, homogeneous, and high-quality mixture M7 can be supplied to the second web forming unit 19.

[0089] The stirring member 6 may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable to stir and loosen the mixture M7 by forming an airflow in the second chamber 41, for example, a linear flow in one direction, a swirling flow with one or more centers of rotation, or an irregular flow without direction.

[0090] Next, we will describe the first stirring section 5, which is located upstream of the second stirring section 4. The first stirring unit 5 is installed above the top plate 313 of the third stirring unit 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first stirring unit 5 supplies the mixture M7 supplied from the supply pipe 57 to the second stirring unit 4 while stirring and loosening it with a first swirling flow 5A and a second swirling flow 5B. The first stirring unit 5 includes a first chamber 50 having a first stirring space 500 inside. The first chamber 50 has a top plate 51 and side walls 52 erected downward from the edge of the top plate 51, i.e., in the -z axis direction. The top plate 51 has a spectacle-like shape in plan view. The side walls 52 are provided around the entire circumference of the edge of the top plate 51, surrounding the space in the lower part of the top plate 51.

[0091] A connection port 54 is provided in the upper part of the side wall 52, that is, on the +z axis side and the -x axis side. The connection port 54 is a cylindrical port formed to protrude in the direction of the -x axis direction. The downstream end 58 of the supply pipe 57 is connected to the connection port 54. On the other hand, the upstream end of the supply pipe 57 is connected to the discharge port 176 of the blower 173. When the blower 173 is operated, the mixture M7 of the fractionated material M6 and the binder P1 is discharged from the discharge port 176 and flows into the first chamber 50 along with air, sequentially through the supply pipe 57 and the connection port 54. The supply pipe 57 is made of a material having the desired rigidity, but all or part of it may be made of a flexible material.

[0092] In this embodiment, the end 58 and connection port 54 of the supply pipe 57 are arranged with their pipe axes parallel to the x-axis direction. However, the end 58 and connection port 54 are not limited to this arrangement and may be arranged at a predetermined angle inclination with respect to the x-axis.

[0093] The form, shape, length, constituent materials, and flexibility of the supply pipe 57 are not particularly limited. For example, the form or shape of the supply pipe 57 may be a short pipe, connector, elbow, Y-joint, or T-joint.

[0094] Furthermore, the first chamber 50 has a lower opening 53 at its lower part that opens downward. The lower opening 53 is an opening formed along the lower end of the side wall 52, that is, the end on the -z axis side. The first chamber 50 is joined to the upper surface of the top plate 313 such that the lower opening 53 is closed by the top plate 313 of the third stirring section 3.

[0095] The lower opening 53, when viewed in plan, i.e., from the z-axis direction, encloses the opening 314. As a result, the interior of the first chamber 50, i.e., the stirring space 500A of the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the stirring space 500B of the second swirling flow forming section 50B, and the interior of the second chamber 41, i.e., the second stirring space S2, are in communication with each other via the lower opening 53 and the opening 314. In other words, the opening 314 is a communication port 71 that connects the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B with the second chamber 41.

[0096] The top plate 313, on which the communication port 71 is formed, supports and fixes the second chamber 41 of the second stirring section 4 on its lower surface and the first chamber 50 of the first stirring section 5 on its upper surface. In other words, the second chamber 41 of the second stirring section 4 and the first chamber 50 of the first stirring section 5 are connected via the top plate 313. Thus, the top plate 313 functions as a connecting part 7 that connects the second stirring section 4 and the first stirring section 5.

[0097] However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the connecting portion 7 may be composed of other components, such as connecting pipes or ducts that connect the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 41.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, the first chamber 50 has a first swirling flow forming section 50A that forms a first swirling flow 5A of air containing the mixture M7, and a second swirling flow forming section 50B that communicates with the first swirling flow forming section 50A and forms a second swirling flow 5B of air containing the mixture M7. The direction of rotation of the first swirling flow 5A is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second swirling flow 5B. The first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B are in communication via a boundary section 56.

[0099] The first chamber 50 has a first stirring space 500 inside which the mixture M7 is stirred and loosened. The first stirring space 500 is a space enclosed by a top plate 51, side walls 52 and a top plate 313. The first stirring space 500 is composed of stirring space 500A and stirring space 500B which are in communication with each other. The internal space of the first swirling flow forming section 50A is stirring space 500A, and the internal space of the second swirling flow forming section 50B is stirring space 500B.

[0100] The first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B are arranged side by side along the y-axis direction, i.e., along the extending direction of the opening 314, or along the axial direction of the rotation axis O. The first swirling flow forming section 50A is located on the +y-axis side, and the second swirling flow forming section 50B is located on the -y-axis side. The end 58 of the supply pipe 57 and the connection port 54 are connected to the boundary 56 between the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B.

[0101] A projection 55 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 52, that is, the surface facing the first stirring space 500, at the boundary portion 56 on the +x axis side. The projection 55 is formed to protrude in a V-shape toward the -x axis side, that is, toward the connection port 54 side. The projection 55 narrows in width toward the -x axis and has a pointed tip. The projection 55 is formed over the entire area in the z axis direction. Note that the effects of the present invention can be obtained even if the projection 55 is omitted.

[0102] The first swirling flow forming section 50A is the part in which a first swirling flow 5A of air containing the mixture M7 is formed, and the second swirling flow forming section 50B is the part in which a second swirling flow 5B of air containing the mixture M7 is formed.

[0103] As shown in Figure 4, the inner surface of the side wall 52 in the first swirling flow forming section 50A is a first curved surface 501A that curves outward. The curvature of the first curved surface 501A is greater on the +y axis side than on the +x axis side.

[0104] When R1 is the radius of curvature of the portion of the first curved surface 501A on the +y axis side, and R2 is the radius of curvature of the portion of the first curved surface 501A on the +x axis side, it is preferable that R2 ≥ R1, and more preferably that R2 > R1. In this case, the value of R1 / R2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 0.2 or more and 0.9 or less, and more preferably 0.3 or more and 0.75 or less. This makes it possible to form a swirling flow that is more suitable for stirring.

[0105] The inner surface of the side wall 52 in the second swirling flow forming section 50B is a second curved surface 501B that curves outward. The curvature of the second curved surface 501B is greater on the -y axis side than on the +x axis side. The relationship and ratio of the radii of curvature of these sections are the same as those of the first curved surface 501A.

[0106] As shown in Figure 4, the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B have shapes symmetrical with respect to their boundary section 56. That is, the first curved surface 501A and the second curved surface 501B have shapes symmetrical with respect to the boundary section 56. This allows for a balanced formation of the shapes of the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B, making the intensity and swirling speed of both swirling flows more uniform. The boundary section 56 is composed of a surface parallel to the xz plane.

[0107] The air containing the mixture M7 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "air"), which flows downstream through the supply pipe 57 and is supplied to the first stirring space 500 from the connection port 54, first moves in the +x axis direction within the first stirring space 500, and then, upon contact with the protrusion 55, is divided into the +y axis side and the -y axis side. In other words, the air supplied to the first stirring space 500 from the connection port 54 is divided by the protrusion 55 into stirring space 500A and stirring space 500B, respectively.

[0108] Here, it is preferable that the amount of air that is diverted and flows into the stirring space 500A, i.e., the amount of mixture M7, and the amount of air that flows into the stirring space 500B, i.e., the amount of mixture M7, are approximately equal. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the ratio of the amount of air VA in the former to the amount of air VB in the latter may be in the range of 1:5 to 5:1.

[0109] The air diverted to the agitated space 500A flows downward (-z axis direction) and toward the center of the swirl along the first curved surface 501A in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 4, forming the first swirling flow 5A. Meanwhile, the air diverted to the agitated space 500B flows downward (-z axis direction) and toward the center of the swirl along the second curved surface 501B in a clockwise direction in Figure 4, forming the second swirling flow 5B as shown in Figure 3. When the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B reach the bottom of the first agitated space 500, they flow toward the opening 314, or communication port 71, formed in the top plate 313.

[0110] The first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B are airflows that swirl in opposite directions toward the opening 314. The mixture M7 supplied with air from the connection port 54 is divided near the protrusion 55 and stirred and loosened by the airflows of the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B, respectively. Then, the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B, containing the mixture M7, merge near the opening 314, where stirring is further promoted, and the mixture, now sufficiently loosened, passes through the opening 314 and flows into the second stirring section 4.

[0111] In this way, the first stirring unit 5 stirs the mixture M7 with the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B prior to the dispersion of the mixture M7 by the second stirring unit 4, and supplies the mixture M7 to the second stirring unit 4 in a loosened state. As a result, the second stirring unit 4 can efficiently and effectively stir, loosen, and disperse the mixture M7. In other words, as the mixture M7 passes through the outlet 44 of the porous screen 43, the outlet 44 is prevented from becoming clogged, and the mixture M7 can be evenly dispersed from the entire surface of the porous screen 43. This enables smooth and good dispersion of the mixture M7.

[0112] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the length of the first stirring space 500 in the x-axis direction (maximum length) is Lx, the length of the first stirring space 500 in the y-axis direction (maximum length) is Ly, and the length of the first stirring space 500 in the z-axis direction (maximum length) is Lz, it is preferable that the following relationship is satisfied.

[0113] Ly / Lx is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 1.0 and 5.0, and more preferably between 2.0 and 4.0. This allows for better formation of the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B, thereby enhancing the stirring and loosening effect of the mixture M7.

[0114] Lz / Lx is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 0.5 and 10.0, and more preferably between 1.0 and 5.0. This ensures that the z-axis length of the first stirring space 500, i.e., the path length of the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B is sufficiently secured, and the mixture M7 can be sufficiently stirred and loosened.

[0115] Although not shown in the diagram, a flow straightening plate can also be provided inside the first chamber 50. This allows for better formation of the shapes of the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B, thereby enhancing the loosening effect of the mixture M7 through stirring.

[0116] As shown in Figure 3, the opening 314 is positioned so as not to coincide with the rotation axis O when viewed in plan, i.e., from the z-axis direction. In other words, the opening 314 is positioned on the -x-axis side of the rotation axis O. As a result, the mixture M7 supplied from the first stirring section 5 to the second stirring section 4 immediately collides with the blades 61 of the stirring member 6 rotating directly below the opening 314. Therefore, stirring by the stirring member 6 can be performed more effectively. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, when the opening 314 is positioned on the -x-axis side of the rotation axis O, and the stirring member 6 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +y-axis side, the mixture M7 passing through the opening 314 and moving downwards collides head-on with the rising blades 61. Therefore, stirring by the stirring member 6 can be performed even more efficiently and effectively, and the loosening effect of the mixture M7 is further enhanced.

[0117] The configuration is not limited to the above, and the opening 314 may be located on the +x axis side of the rotation axis O in a plan view, or it may be located at a position that coincides with the rotation axis O in a plan view. When the opening 314 is located on the +x axis side of the rotation axis O, there is an advantage that clumps are less likely to form in the second stirring section 4, for example, when the fiber length of the fibers in the mixture M7 is relatively long or when the supply rate of the mixture M7 per unit time is large.

[0118] Furthermore, the stirring member 6 may be configured to allow switching between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. In this case, if the opening 314 is positioned so as not to overlap with the rotation axis O in a plan view, any of the above-mentioned effects can be selectively obtained by switching the rotation direction of the stirring member 6.

[0119] Thus, the opening 314, or communication port 71, is elongated and extends along a first direction parallel to the rotation axis O. This allows the first stirring unit 5 to supply the mixture M7 to the second stirring unit 4 so that the mixture M7 is present at any position in the first direction. Therefore, the stirring member 6 can stir and loosen the mixture M7 more evenly and effectively. As a result, the second stirring unit 4 can disperse the mixture M7 even more effectively.

[0120] However, the configuration is not limited to the above. The communication port 71 (opening 314) may be composed of multiple holes, with each hole arranged in a line along the y-axis direction, i.e., the first direction. Alternatively, multiple holes arranged along the y-axis direction may be arranged in multiple rows along the x-axis direction.

[0121] Furthermore, the connection section 7 may be configured to allow adjustment of the shape, dimensions, and opening area of ​​the communication port 71 (opening 314). One method for adjusting the opening area of ​​the communication port 71 is to install a shutter that shields the communication port 71 so that the opening degree of the communication port 71 can be changed continuously or in steps. In addition, the connection section 7 may be configured to allow adjustment of the formation position of the communication port 71 relative to the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4. This makes it possible to set the optimal conditions for the communication port 71 for loosening the mixture M7 by stirring, according to various conditions such as the amount of mixture M7 supplied from the supply pipe 57, flow rate, and flow rate.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first stirring unit 5 is configured to stir the mixture M7 with a first swirling flow 5A and a second swirling flow 5B that swirl in opposite directions, but the configuration of the first stirring unit 5 is not limited to this. The first stirring unit 5 may be configured to stir and loosen the mixture M7 by forming an airflow such as a linear flow in one direction, one or more swirling flows in the same direction, or an irregular flow without direction. Therefore, the shape, structure, dimensions, etc. of the first chamber 50 are not limited to the illustrated configuration.

[0123] In such a dispersion device 18, the mixture M7 is dispersed while being stirred and loosened in the order of the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3. That is, the dispersion device 18 disperses the mixture M7 while stirring and loosening it in multiple stages (three stages in this embodiment). As mentioned above, in the first stirring section 5, the mixture M7 is stirred and loosened by the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B. In the second stirring section 4, the mixture M7 is stirred and loosened by the rotation of the stirring member 6. In the third stirring section 3, the mixture M7 is stirred and loosened mainly by gravity and a downward-directed airflow. In this way, by stirring and loosening the mixture M7 in multiple stages, especially under different stirring conditions in each stage, the synergistic effects of these processes are realized, and the mixture M7 can be dispersed smoothly and effectively.

[0124] In this embodiment, the mixture M7 was loosened in three stages: the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the third stirring section 3 may be omitted, resulting in a two-stage loosening configuration using the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4.

[0125] Furthermore, the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4 use different stirring methods for the mixture M7. The first stirring section 5 uses airflow stirring, particularly swirling airflow, while the second stirring section 4 uses impact stirring with the stirring member 6. Thus, the stirring methods differ between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4. This allows for better loosening of the mixture.

[0126] The first stirring section 5 may perform impact stirring using a stirring member, and the second stirring section 4 may perform airflow stirring.

[0127] Furthermore, the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4 stir the mixture M7 in different directions. The first stirring unit 5 stirs the mixture M7 while rotating it around the z-axis, while the second stirring unit 4 stirs the mixture M7 while rotating it around the y-axis. The direction of stirring, that is, the axial direction of the rotational axis of the stirring, differs by 90° between the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4. In this way, the different directions of stirring between the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4 allow for better loosening of the mixture M7.

[0128] The first stirring unit 5 may stir the mixture M7 while rotating it around the x-axis or y-axis, and the second stirring unit 4 may stir the mixture M7 while rotating it around the x-axis or z-axis. In addition, in the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4, the rotational axis of the stirring of the mixture M7 may be inclined with respect to the x-axis, y-axis, or z-axis at a predetermined angle, for example, in the range of 15° to 75°.

[0129] Furthermore, the stirring strength of the mixture M7 differs between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4. In this embodiment, the stirring strength of the first stirring section 5 is stronger than that of the second stirring section 4. In this case, the stirring strength of the first stirring section 5 is preferably 1.2 times or more than that of the stirring strength of the second stirring section 4, and more preferably 1.5 times or more and 100 times or less. Here, the stirring strength can be understood as the amount of energy supplied to the mixture M7 by stirring, and can be calculated based on the output value of the blower 173 and the output value of the rotation drive source of the stirring member 6, taking into account various losses. By varying the stirring strength between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4 in this way, better loosening of the mixture M7 can be achieved. Furthermore, the second stirring section 4 may have a stronger stirring force than the first stirring section 5.

[0130] Furthermore, the stirring speed of the mixture M7, particularly the rotational speed, differs between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4. In this embodiment, the stirring speed of the first stirring section 5 is faster than that of the second stirring section 4. This is because the first stirring section 5 uses airflow stirring due to a swirling flow, while the second stirring section 4 uses stirring by the rotation of the stirring member 6; therefore, the former has a faster rotational speed of stirring than the latter. In this case, the stirring speed (rotational speed) of the first stirring section 5 is preferably 1.5 times or more than the stirring speed (rotational speed) of the second stirring section 4, and more preferably between 2 times and 100 times. By varying the stirring speed between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4 in this way, better loosening of the mixture M7 can be achieved. Furthermore, the stirring speed of the second stirring section 4 may be faster than that of the first stirring section 5.

[0131] Furthermore, the stirring time (residence time) of the mixture M7 differs between the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4. In this embodiment, the stirring time in the second stirring unit 4 is longer than that in the first stirring unit 5. That is, when comparing the residence time of the mixture M7 in the first chamber 50 with the residence time in the second chamber 41, the latter is longer than the former. In this case, the residence time in the second chamber 41 is preferably three times or more, and more preferably five times or more and 200 times or less. By creating a difference in the stirring time (residence time) of the mixture M7 between the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4 in this way, better loosening of the mixture M7 can be achieved. Furthermore, the stirring time in the first stirring section 5 may be longer than that in the second stirring section 4.

[0132] However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and at least one of the stirring conditions among the stirring method, stirring direction, stirring strength, stirring speed, and stirring time differs between the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4, preferably two or three or more stirring conditions differ. This allows the above effect, namely the effect of stirring and loosening the mixture M7 more effectively, to be fully achieved.

[0133] As described above, at least one of the stirring method, stirring direction, stirring strength, stirring speed, and stirring time differs between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4. This makes it possible to more favorably stir and loosen the mixture M7.

[0134] Note that all of the stirring method, stirring direction, stirring strength, stirring speed, and stirring time may be the same between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4, or among the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3.

[0135] Examples of stirring conditions other than those described above include: (1) the atmospheric temperature of the stirring space, (2) the temperature of the airflow flowing through the stirring space, (3) the humidity of the airflow flowing through the stirring space, (4) the pressure (dynamic pressure) of the airflow flowing through the stirring space, (5) losses such as pressure loss and friction loss received by the airflow flowing through the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3, or loss coefficients (particularly losses derived from pressure resistance inside the housing and viscous resistance on the inner wall surface), and at least one of these stirring conditions may differ between the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4, or among the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3.

[0136] Furthermore, when the volume of the internal space of the first chamber 50, that is, the first stirring space 500, is defined as V1, and the volume of the internal space of the second chamber 41, that is, the second stirring space S2, is defined as V2, the relationship V1 < V2 is satisfied. Since the flow rate of air flowing into the first stirring space 500 is substantially the same as the flow rate of air flowing into the second stirring space S2, satisfying V1 < V2 results in a higher air flow velocity in the first chamber 50. Accordingly, the first stirring section 5 can achieve stronger stirring strength, higher stirring speed, and shorter stirring time compared to the second stirring section 4, thereby enabling more favorable loosening. The present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and may have a configuration that satisfies V2 ≤ V1.

[0137] Although V1 / V2 is not particularly limited, it is preferably 0.1 or more and 0.9 or less, and more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.8 or less. This allows the above-described effects to be exhibited more remarkably.

[0138] Furthermore, the third stirring section 3 differs from the first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4 in its method of stirring the mixture M7. The first stirring section 5 and the second stirring section 4 also differ in their methods of stirring the mixture M7. The first stirring section 5 performs airflow stirring by swirling flow, the second stirring section 4 performs impact stirring using the stirring member 6, and the third stirring section 3 performs stirring in an isodirectional flow that combines gravity and downward airflow. By having the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3 use different stirring methods in this way, the mixture M7 can be stirred and loosened more effectively.

[0139] Furthermore, the third stirring unit 3 stirs the mixture M7 in a different direction than the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4. The first stirring unit 5 stirs the mixture M7 in a different direction than the first stirring unit 5 and the second stirring unit 4. The first stirring unit 5 stirs the mixture M7 in a swirling motion around the z-axis within the first chamber 50, the second stirring unit 4 stirs the mixture M7 in a swirling motion around the y-axis within the second chamber 41, and the third stirring unit 3 stirs the mixture M7 in a downward motion, i.e., in the -z-axis direction, within the housing 31. By having the first stirring unit 5, the second stirring unit 4, and the third stirring unit 3 stir in different directions in this way, the mixture M7 can be stirred and loosened more effectively.

[0140] Furthermore, the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3 each have different stirring strengths and speeds. In this embodiment, the stirring strength and speed decrease in the order of the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3. This allows for better stirring and loosening of the mixture M7.

[0141] Thus, the dispersion device 18 is equipped with a third stirring section 3 that stirs the mixture M7, which is the material discharged from the outlet 44. The first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3 each have different stirring methods and directions. Furthermore, the stirring strength and speed decrease in the order of the first stirring section 5, the second stirring section 4, and the third stirring section 3. This allows for better stirring and loosening of the mixture M7.

[0142] As described above, the dispersion device 18 includes a supply pipe 57 for supplying a mixture M7, which is a material containing fibers, together with air; a first stirring unit 5 having a first chamber 50 for stirring the mixture M7 supplied from the supply pipe 57; a second stirring unit 4 having a second chamber 41 with a discharge port 44 formed therein for discharging the mixture M7, which stirs the mixture M7 in the second chamber 41 and discharges it from the discharge port 44; and a connecting unit 7 having a communication port 71 that connects the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 41. As a result, the mixture M7 can be sufficiently stirred and dispersed in a loosened state due to the synergistic effect of stirring and loosening the mixture M7 by the first stirring unit 5 and stirring and loosening the mixture M7 by the second stirring unit 4. Therefore, the mixture M7 can be dispersed smoothly and well without clogging of the discharge port 44.

[0143] As described above, the deposition apparatus 10 includes a supply pipe 57 for supplying a mixture M7, which is a fiber-containing material, together with air; a first stirring section 5 having a first chamber 50 for stirring the mixture M7 supplied from the supply pipe 57; a second stirring section 4 having a second chamber 41 with a discharge port 44 formed therein for discharging the mixture M7, which stirs the mixture M7 in the second chamber 41 and discharges it from the discharge port 44; a connecting section 7 having a communication port 71 that connects the first chamber 50 and the second chamber 41; and a second web forming section 19 as a deposition section for depositing the mixture M7 discharged from the discharge port 44. As a result, the mixture M7 can be sufficiently stirred and dispersed in a loosened state due to the synergistic effect of the stirring and loosening of the mixture M7 by the first stirring section 5 and the stirring and loosening of the mixture M7 by the second stirring section 4. As a result, a good second web M8 with a uniform thickness can be obtained in the second web-forming section 19. In addition, a homogeneous and uniform second web M8 without fibrous clumps can be obtained in the sedimentary section.

[0144] Furthermore, the deposition apparatus 10 can ensure a sufficiently stirred and loosened mixture M7 while minimizing the effects of turbulence on the airflow caused by stirring, thereby enabling the deposition of the mixture M7 in the deposition section, i.e., the formation of the second web M8. As a result, a more uniform and superior second web M8 can be obtained.

[0145] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B are arranged side by side along a first direction parallel to the rotation axis O. This allows the first stirring section 5 to supply the mixture M7 to the second stirring section 4 so that a sufficiently loosened mixture M7 is present at any position in the first direction. Thus, the stirring member 6 can further evenly and effectively stir and loosen the mixture M7. As a result, the second stirring section 4 can disperse the mixture M7 even more effectively.

[0146] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the inner surface (inner surface of the side wall) of the first swirling flow forming section 50A is a curved first curved surface 501A, and the inner surface (inner surface of the side wall) of the second swirling flow forming section 50B is a curved second curved surface 501B. As a result, the first swirling flow forming section 50A can form a first swirling flow 5A that is more suitable for stirring, and the second swirling flow forming section 50B can form a second swirling flow 5B that is more suitable for stirring. Therefore, the mixture M7 can be stirred and loosened even more effectively in the first stirring section 5.

[0147] However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the inner circumferential surfaces of the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B may have multiple flat surfaces, or a configuration combining curved surfaces and flat surfaces may be used.

[0148] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first curved surface 501A and the second curved surface 501B have a shape symmetrical with respect to the boundary 56 between the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B. This allows for a well-balanced formation of the shapes of the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B, making the intensity and swirling speed of both swirling flows more uniform. Therefore, the mixture M7 can be stirred and loosened evenly and efficiently in the first stirring section 5.

[0149] The configuration is not limited to the above, and the first curved surface 501A and the second curved surface 501B may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the boundary portion 56.

[0150] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the downstream end 58 of the supply pipe 57 is connected to the boundary 56 between the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B. As a result, the mixture M7 supplied from the supply pipe 57 is divided equally, or as close to equally as possible, between the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the second swirling flow forming section 50B, allowing the first swirling flow 5A and the second swirling flow 5B to be formed in a balanced manner. Therefore, the mixture M7 can be stirred and loosened evenly in the first stirring section 5.

[0151] However, the configuration is not limited to the above. The supply pipe 57 may also be branched into two in the middle, with the downstream end of one branch pipe connected to the first swirling flow forming section 50A and the downstream end of the other branch pipe connected to the second swirling flow forming section 50B. In this case, the direction and location of connection of each branch pipe to the first chamber 50 are not particularly limited. For example, each branch pipe may be connected to the first chamber 50 from the -x axis side or the +x axis side, or one branch pipe may be connected along the first curved surface 501A and the other branch pipe may be connected along the second curved surface 501B.

[0152] Although the dispersion and deposition apparatus of the present invention have been described above in the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. Furthermore, in the present invention, any other configuration may be added to the above embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 3...Third stirring section, 4...Second stirring section, 5...First stirring section, 5A...First swirling flow, 5B...Second swirling flow, 6...Stirring member, 7...Connection section, 10...Deposition device, 11...Raw material supply section, 12...Crushing section, 13...Fibreization section, 14...Separation section, 15...First web forming section, 16...Finement section, 17...Mixing section, 18...Dispersion device, 19...Second web forming section, 20...Sheet forming section, 21...Cutting section, 22...Stock section, 27...Recovery section, 28...Control unit, 31...Housing, 41...Second chamber, 42...Side wall, 43...Porous screen, 44...Discharge port, 50...First chamber Chamber, 50A...First swirling flow forming section, 50B...Second swirling flow forming section, 51...Top plate, 52...Side wall, 53...Lower opening, 54...Connection port, 55...Protrusion, 56...Boundary section, 57...Supply pipe, 58...End section, 61...Blade, 71...Communication port, 100...Sheet manufacturing device, 121...Crunching blade, 122...Chutte, 141...Drum section, 142...Housing section, 151...Mesh belt, 152...Tensioning roller, 153...Suction section, 161...Propeller, 162...Housing section, 171...Binding agent supply section, 172...Pipe, 173...Blower, 174... Screw feeder, 175...Inlet, 176...Outlet, 191...Mesh belt, 192...Tension 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...Humidification section, 241...Tube, 242...Tube, 243...Tube, 244...Tube, 245...Tube, 246...Tube, 261...Blower, 262...Blower, 263...Blower -, 281…CPU, 282…memory unit, 311…side wall, 312…lower opening, 313…top plate, 314…opening, 500…first stirring space, 500A…stirring space, 500B…stirring space, 501A…first curved surface, 501B…second curved surface, M1…raw material, M2…coarse fragments, M3…defibrated material, M4-1…first sorted material, M4-2…second sorted material, M5…first web, M6…fragmented material, M7…mixture, M8…second web, O…rotating shaft, S…sheet, S2…second stirring space, S3…third stirring space, Lx…length, Ly…length, Lz…length, P1…binding agent

Claims

1. A supply pipe that supplies fiber-containing material along with air, A first stirring unit having a first chamber for stirring the material supplied from the supply pipe, A second stirring unit has a second chamber formed with an outlet for releasing the aforementioned material, and stirs the material in the second chamber and releases it from the outlet, It comprises a connecting portion having a communication port that connects the first chamber and the second chamber, The first chamber has a first swirling flow forming section and a second swirling flow forming section that communicates with the first swirling flow forming section. A dispersion device characterized in that the first swirling flow forming unit forms a first swirling flow, and the second swirling flow forming unit forms a second swirling flow in the opposite direction to the first swirling flow.

2. The dispersion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second stirring section is installed in the second chamber and has a stirring member that rotates around a rotation axis.

3. The dispersion apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication port has an elongated shape extending along a first direction parallel to the rotation axis.

4. The dispersion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first stirring section and the second stirring section differ in at least one of the stirring method, stirring direction, and stirring time.

5. The dispersion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the volume of the internal space of the first chamber is V1 and the volume of the internal space of the second chamber is V2, V1 / V2 satisfies the condition that V1 / V2 is 0.1 or more and 0.9 or less.

6. A supply pipe that supplies fiber-containing material along with air, A first stirring unit having a first chamber for stirring the material supplied from the supply pipe, A second stirring unit has a second chamber formed with an outlet for releasing the aforementioned material, and stirs the material in the second chamber and releases it from the outlet, A connecting portion having a communication port that connects the first chamber and the second chamber, The system comprises a deposit section for depositing the material discharged from the discharge port, The first chamber has a first swirling flow forming section and a second swirling flow forming section that communicates with the first swirling flow forming section. A deposition apparatus characterized in that the first swirling flow forming section forms a first swirling flow, and the second swirling flow forming section forms a second swirling flow in the opposite direction to the first swirling flow.

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