Dehydration system, veneer processing system, veneer dehydration method, and veneer processing method

Abstract

The dehydration system 1a includes a first clamping member 101 including a first hot plate 101a capable of generating heat, a second clamping member 102 including a second hot plate 102b capable of generating heat, a drive unit 4 capable of pressing at least one of the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 against a pressing mechanism, a heating unit 3 capable of heating the first hot plate 101a and the second hot plate 102a, and a control unit 2a that controls the drive unit 4 so that the veneer is clamped by the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 during dehydration processing, and controls the heating unit 3 so that the temperature of the first hot plate 101a is lower than the temperature of the second hot plate 102a.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehydration system for dehydrating veneer containing moisture, a veneer processing system including the dehydration system, a method for dehydrating veneer by the dehydration system, and a method for processing veneer by the veneer drying system. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, veneer is a natural product. Therefore, even within the same veneer, there are differences in tissue structure, moisture content, and shrinkage rate due to drying depending on the part, and when it is dried to a moisture content sufficient for practical use, warping and bending occur. Also, the moisture content of the veneer varies depending on the part. Therefore, when drying the veneer with hot air, etc., the tissue with a relatively low moisture content dries first, and by the time the tissue with a relatively high moisture content is sufficiently dry, it has become overly dry, which causes warping and bending and further reduces the strength of the veneer.

[0003] When veneers with large warps or bends are laminated and glued together to manufacture plywood products, the bulging parts caused by the warping or bending can get caught in the manufacturing machine and cause it to get stuck. If the veneer shatters when it gets stuck, the machine must be stopped for a long time to remove it. Furthermore, if the veneer is dried too much, numerous cracks will appear in the structure of the veneer, which can cause it to lose strength and break or shatter inside the manufacturing machine or during transportation to the manufacturing machine.

[0004] Furthermore, the degree of shrinkage of veneer varies from place to place due to anisotropy of expansion and contraction caused by density, direction of wood fibers, etc. For this reason, even if the veneer is dried by being clamped and fixed with a hot plate drying method and the drying is completed in a state where the veneer is highly straight without any bending, there is an issue that the dimensional changes that vary from place to place occur when the veneer absorbs moisture from the air afterwards, resulting in deformation such as warping.

[0005] Conventionally, in order to reduce the warping and bending of the veneer and the difference in drying speed, it has been considered desirable to clamp and dry the veneer using hot plates, which can regulate the shape of the veneer while drying, and in this case, the veneer surface can be dried with good smoothness.

[0006] Furthermore, by carrying out a dehydration treatment prior to the drying treatment, the difference in moisture content within the same veneer can be reduced, and thus the dehydration treatment can result in a veneer that is less prone to warping or bending even after drying.

[0007] Regarding this dehydration treatment, Japanese Patent No. 7007787 (Patent Document 1) proposes the following method of dehydrating veneers. That is, a laminated veneer, in which multiple veneers are stacked so that their fiber directions cross, is carried between a pair of upper and lower surface plates arranged to face each other. The laminated veneer is then compressed by applying pressure from both directions of stacking, thereby dehydrating the moisture contained in the veneer. The above method of dehydrating veneers has been proposed. According to the dehydration method of Patent Document 1, by pressing veneers with different fiber directions against each other, the elongation of the veneers in the direction perpendicular to the fiber direction is restricted by the friction between the veneers, and cracks caused by dimensional changes due to mechanical compression and dehydration of the veneers can be suppressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7007787 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, when dehydration is performed before drying by the dehydration method described in Patent Document 1, the following problem occurs. In Patent Document 1, the laminated veneer is pressed in the thickness direction of the veneer by a press using flat plates at room temperature, so the veneer is compressed at a high compression ratio. The veneer is compressed at a high compression ratio, which destroys the wood structure, reducing the strength of the veneer and causing the thickness dimension to not fully recover after the pressure is released, resulting in a thickness deficiency. Such a reduction in the strength of the veneer and the occurrence of a thickness deficiency can cause a strength deficiency or thickness defect when a product such as plywood is manufactured based on the veneer. If the compression ratio during the dehydration is reduced to solve this problem, the wood will not be fully dehydrated, and the original purpose of the dehydration will not be achieved.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to achieve sufficient dehydration while suppressing a decrease in strength and an insufficient thickness of the veneer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the dehydration device of the present invention comprises a first clamping member including a first hot plate which is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a second clamping member including a second hot plate which is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a drive unit capable of pressing at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member against a pressing mechanism, a heating unit capable of heating the first hot plate and the second hot plate, and a control unit which controls the drive unit so that the veneer is clamped by the first clamping member and the second clamping member during dehydration processing, and controls the heating unit so that the temperature of the first hot plate is lower than the temperature of the second hot plate. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention configured as above, the veneer is heated by a pair of clamping members, and the veneer is clamped between the pair of clamping members to perform dehydration. Since the veneer is heated during dehydration, the flexibility and elasticity of the fibers of the veneer are improved, and the veneer can be clamped in a state in which the elastic range of the fibers is expanded. This improvement in the flexibility and elasticity of the fibers of the veneer can suppress fiber breakage that may occur due to clamping of the veneer, and suppress a decrease in the strength of the veneer. Furthermore, this expansion of the elastic range of the fibers of the veneer can provide a large restoring force that allows the thickness of the veneer to be fully restored when released from clamping, and suppresses the occurrence of insufficient thickness of the veneer.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, during the dehydration process, the temperature of the hot plate of one of the pair of clamping members that clamp the veneer is set to a lower temperature than the temperature of the other clamping member. This allows moisture to move consistently from the higher temperature side to the lower temperature side within the veneer during the dehydration process, while being pushed out and discharged from the lower temperature side, making it possible to efficiently discharge the moisture in the veneer. This efficient discharge of moisture allows for sufficient dehydration with little residual moisture to be achieved.

[0014] That is, according to the present invention, regarding dehydration of the veneer, it is possible to realize sufficient dehydration while suppressing the decrease in strength of the veneer and the occurrence of insufficient thickness. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a veneer processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a veneer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dehydrator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view of the dehydration device as seen from the arrow V10 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first clamping member. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the intervening plate. [Figure 7] 7A is a view of the intervening plate as seen from the arrow F1 in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is a view of the intervening plate as seen from the arrow B1 in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8(B) is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second clamping member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the dehydrator in the restricted state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view of the drying device as seen from the arrow V15 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dryer side clamping member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drying side intermediate plate. [Figure 15] FIG. 15(A) is a view of the drying side intervening plate as viewed from the arrow F2 in FIG. 14, and FIG. 15(B) is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16(A) is a view of the drying side intervening plate as seen from the arrow B2 in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16(B) is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the second drying side clamping member. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the drying device in a holding state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a veneer processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a dehydrator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a view of the dewatering device as seen from the arrow V20 in FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the high temperature clamp member. [Figure 24]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the low-temperature clamp member. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the dehydrator in a regulated state. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the drying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a view of the dewatering device as seen from the arrow V25 in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the high temperature clamp member. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the low temperature clamp member. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the dehydrator in a regulated state. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the control device according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a dehydrator according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a view of the dewatering device as seen from the arrow V30 in FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the second clamping member. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a dehydrator according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a view of the dewatering device as seen from the arrow V40 in FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the high temperature clamp member. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a dehydrator according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a view of the dewatering device as seen from the arrow V50 in FIG. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a sender. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a sender. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a dehydrator according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 44]FIG. 44 is a view of the dewatering device as seen from the arrow V60 in FIG. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a sender. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a sender. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a veneer processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The veneer processing system 1 is a system for dehydrating and drying a veneer V. As shown in FIG. 1, the veneer processing system 1 includes a dehydrator 10 (see also FIG. 3) for dehydrating a green veneer GV, a dryer 15 (see also FIG. 11) for drying the dehydrated veneer DV dehydrated by the dehydrator 10, and a control device 2 for controlling the dehydrator 10 and the dryer 15. The dehydrator 10 and the control device 2 constitute a dehydration system 1a. The dryer 15 and the control device 2 constitute a drying system 1b. For convenience of explanation, in this embodiment and other embodiments described later, the process related to dehydration performed by the dehydrator 10 is referred to as a "dehydration process", the process related to drying performed by the dryer 15 is referred to as a "drying process", and the combination of the dehydration process by the dehydrator 10 and the drying process by the dryer 15 is referred to as a "series process".

[0017] In this embodiment, the veneer V is a plank-shaped wood material produced by cutting out a log in a katsura-peeled shape using a veneer lace. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the veneer V. The veneer V has a rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface. The fiber direction of the veneer V is approximately parallel to one of two pairs of sides that define the outer periphery of the veneer V. The fiber direction of the veneer V shown in FIG. 2 extends approximately parallel to one pair of sides H. Note that the green veneer GV is a convenient expression of the veneer V before the dehydration process by the dehydrator 10 is performed. The dehydrated veneer DV is a convenient expression of the veneer V before the drying process by the dryer 15 is performed after the dehydration process by the dehydrator 10 is performed. Note that the veneer V shown in this embodiment is an example, and all plank-shaped wood materials to be dried by the veneer processing system 1 can be "veneer".

[0018] The control device 2 is a computer having at least the function of controlling the dehydration device 10 and the drying device 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 2 includes a control unit 2a as a functional block. The control unit 2a includes a CPU (processor), a primary storage device, and an auxiliary storage device. The CPU includes a control mechanism, a calculation mechanism, a register, and a cache memory. However, the configuration of the CPU is not limited to this, and may be any configuration that can realize the necessary calculation processing function / information processing function. The primary storage device includes a volatile memory such as a DRAM, and temporarily stores data that the CPU directly reads and writes. The auxiliary storage device includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, and stores various data in a nonvolatile manner. The control unit 2a executes various processes by the CPU reading out a program stored in the auxiliary storage device into the primary storage device and executing it. However, the configuration of the control unit 2a is not limited to the configuration exemplified in this embodiment, and may be any configuration that can execute various processes by cooperation between hardware and software.

[0019] <Configuration of Dehydration Device 10> Next, the configuration of the dehydrator 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dehydrator 10 according to this modification. FIG. 4 is a view of the dehydrator 10 as viewed in the direction of the arrow V10 in FIG. 3. In the following description, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction with respect to the dehydrator 10 are defined as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The up-down direction coincides with the vertical direction in a state in which the dehydrator 10 is installed in a normal use mode. However, the up-down direction with respect to the dehydrator 10 does not have to completely coincide with the vertical direction. In other words, the dehydrator 10 may be installed in a state in which the up-down direction with respect to the dehydrator 10 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction. This is the same for the drying device 15, and also for the dehydrators and drying devices according to the other embodiments.

[0020] 3 and 4, the dehydrator 10 includes a frame 100. The frame 100 includes a base 100a that functions as a foundation, a support wall 100b erected on the left part of the upper surface of the base 100a, and a support wall 100c erected on the right part of the upper surface. The dehydrator 10 also includes a pair of first and second clamping members 101 and 102 that are disposed between the support walls 100b and 100c so as to face each other.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first clamping member 101. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first clamping member 101 includes a first hot plate 101a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first hot plate 101a has a back surface 101U (FIG. 5) which is a smooth surface. The back surface 101U of the first hot plate 101a is fixed to a predetermined position on the inner surface of the support wall 100b. The back surface 101U of the first hot plate 101a is fixed to the inner surface of the support wall 100b, so that the first clamping member 101 is firmly fixed to the support wall 100b. The first hot plate 101a has a front surface 101F (FIG. 5) which is a smooth surface on the opposite side to the back surface 101U.

[0022] The first hot plate 101a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in FIG. 1, the dehydration device 10 includes a heating unit 3. The heating unit 3 can heat the first hot plate 101a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the first hot plate 101a is referred to as the "first target temperature". The heating method of the first hot plate 101a by the heating unit 3 is a steam heating method. That is, a steam path is provided in the first hot plate 101a, and the first hot plate 101a is heated by the heating unit 3 supplying saturated steam to the steam path under the control of the control unit 2a.

[0023] The heating unit 3 includes a control board that controls each part of the heating unit 3, a mechanism that supplies saturated steam to the steam path, and other elements necessary for heating the first hot plate 101a to a first target temperature. As shown in FIG. 1, the dehydration device 10 includes a temperature detection unit 3a that detects the temperature of the first hot plate 101a based on the detection result of a temperature detection sensor provided corresponding to the first hot plate 101a and outputs a signal indicating the temperature to the heating unit 3 and the control unit 2a. Under the control of the control unit 2a, the heating unit 3 adjusts the temperature of the first hot plate 101a based on the input from the temperature detection unit 3a. The temperature adjustment of the first hot plate 101a is performed by a known means. The above matters related to the heating unit 3 are the same for the second hot plate 102a described later, the same for the drying side heating unit 5 described later, and the same for other embodiments.

[0024] The heating method of the heating unit 3 is not limited to the steam heating method. For example, an electric heater may be provided on the first hot plate 101a, and the first hot plate 101a may be heated by driving the electric heater by the heating unit 3. Also, for example, a flow path for thermal oil may be provided on the first hot plate 101a, and the first hot plate 101a may be heated by supplying the thermal oil to the flow path by the heating unit 3. In this case, the thermal oil may be heated by any method.

[0025] 5, two regulating members 121 are provided on the upper surface of the first hot plate 101a at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction. Similarly, two regulating members 121 are provided on the lower surface of the first hot plate 101a at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction. The function of the regulating members 121 will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, in the first clamping member 101, an intermediate plate 111 is attached to the surface 101F of the first hot plate 101a, which is interposed between the first hot plate 101a and the green veneer GV during dehydration treatment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the intermediate plate 111. Fig. 7(A) is a view of the intermediate plate 111 as viewed in the direction of arrow F1 in Fig. 6. Fig. 7(B) is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 7(A). Fig. 8(A) is a view of the intermediate plate 111 as viewed in the direction of arrow B1 in Fig. 6. Fig. 8(B) is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 8(A).

[0027] The intermediate plate 111 is made of a material (for example, metal) having necessary rigidity and thermal conductivity. This is the same for the drying side intermediate plate 161 described later, and also for other embodiments. As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the intermediate plate 111 has a back surface 111U (Figs. 6 and 8) that contacts the front surface 101F of the first hot plate 101a, and a front surface 111F (see Figs. 6 and 7) opposite to the back surface 111U. As will be clear later, the front surface 111F is the surface that contacts the green veneer GV during dehydration treatment.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a plurality of (eight) intervening plate surface grooves 111a (grooves) extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction are formed on the surface 111F of the intervening plate 111. The intervening plate surface grooves 111a are grooves (notches) having a constant width and a constant depth. In this embodiment, each of the intervening plate surface grooves 111a is formed at an angle of about 45° with respect to the vertical direction. Both ends of the intervening plate surface groove 111a each reach a side that defines the outer periphery of the surface 111F of the intervening plate 111. The intervening plate surface grooves 111a are formed on the surface 111F of the intervening plate 111 at equal intervals.

[0029] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, a plurality (four) of intervening plate back grooves 111b (grooves) extending in the up-down direction are formed on the back surface 111U of the intervening plate 111. The intervening plate back grooves 111b are grooves (notches) having a constant width and a constant depth. The upper end of the intervening plate back grooves 111b reaches the upper side of the back surface 111U of the intervening plate 111. The intervening plate back grooves 111b are formed in the back surface 111U of the intervening plate 111, lined up at equal intervals.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 7 (particularly Fig. 7(B)) and Fig. 8 (particularly Fig. 8(B)), in the intervening plate 111, at the point where the intervening plate front groove 111a formed in the front surface 111F and the intervening plate back groove 111b formed in the back surface 111U intersect, a through hole ap1 is formed that penetrates the intervening plate 111 in the thickness direction. Here, each of the intervening plate front grooves 111a and each of the intervening plate back grooves 111b have a depth such that the groove portions of the intervening plate front groove 111a and the intervening plate back groove 111b are connected to each other at the point where the intervening plate front groove 111a and the intervening plate back groove 111b intersect, thereby forming a through hole ap1 at each point.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second clamping member 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the second clamping member 102 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped second hot plate 102a. The second hot plate 102a is formed with a front surface 102F and a back surface 102U on the opposite side of the front surface 102F. The front surface 102F and the back surface 102U are both smooth surfaces. The front surface 102F is a surface that comes into contact with the green veneer GV during dehydration treatment. In the second clamping member 102, the second hot plate 102a is not provided with a member equivalent to the intermediate plate 111.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, the heating unit 3 can heat the second hot plate 102a to a set target temperature based on the input from the temperature detection unit 3a under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the second hot plate 102a is referred to as "second target temperature". In other words, the heating unit 3 can heat the first hot plate 101a and the second hot plate 102a to different target temperatures.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 9, two regulating members 122 are provided on the upper surface of the second hot plate 102a with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. Similarly, two regulating members 122 are provided on the lower surface of the second hot plate 102a with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. The four regulating members 121 of the first clamping member 101 and the four regulating members 122 of the second clamping member 102 are disposed in positions facing each other in the left-right direction. The regulating members 121 and 122 come into contact with each other when the separation distance between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 becomes a certain distance during the dehydration process, and regulate the further approach of these members. Hereinafter, the state in which the approach of the opposing clamping members is regulated by the regulating members is referred to as the "regulating state". FIG. 10 shows the dehydrating device 10 in the regulating state. That is, in FIG. 10, the regulating members 121 and 122 come into contact with each other, and the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 are restricted from approaching each other any further.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a fluid cylinder 131 (pressing mechanism) is provided at a predetermined position of the support wall 100c. The fluid cylinder 131 is a hydraulic cylinder configured to be able to press the second clamping member 102. As shown in Fig. 4, the fluid cylinder 131 has a piston rod 131a that is movable in the left-right direction. The second clamping member 102 is fixed to the tip of the piston rod 131a via a flat plate-shaped fixing member 131b. More specifically, the fixing member 131b at the tip of the piston rod 131a is fixed to the back surface 102U of the second hot plate 102a of the second clamping member 102.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the dehydrating device 10 includes a drive unit 4. The drive unit 4, under the control of the control unit 2a, can drive the fluid cylinder 131 and move the piston rod 131a leftward to press the second clamping member 102. The drive unit 4 includes a control board that controls each part of the drive unit 4, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor that drives the hydraulic pump, instruments, and other elements necessary for driving the fluid cylinder 131. The above items regarding the drive unit 4 are the same for the drying side drive unit 6 and other embodiments described later. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the dehydrating device 10 includes a pressure detection unit 4a. When the green veneer GV is clamped between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102, the pressure detection unit 4a detects the pressure applied to the green veneer GV based on the detection result of a pressure detection sensor provided in the dehydrating device 10, and outputs a signal indicating the detected pressure to the drive unit 4 and the control unit 2a. The state in which the veneer V is clamped refers to a state in which the veneer V is sandwiched and supported by two clamping members regardless of the pressure applied to the veneer V.

[0036] In particular, the drive unit 4 can execute the following processes. That is, under the control of the control unit 2a, the drive unit 4 can "hold" the green veneer GV between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102. Holding the green veneer GV means applying a weak pressure to the second clamping member 102 by the fluid cylinder 131 to create a state in which the green veneer GV is sandwiched and supported between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102. The weak pressure means a pressure weak enough to maintain the state in which the green veneer GV is supported by the frictional force acting between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 and the green veneer GV. Hereinafter, the state in which the veneer V is held by the two clamping members may be referred to as a "holding state." The expression "hold" is a convenient expression used to distinguish it from the expressions "clamp" and "press."

[0037] Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 2a, the drive unit 4 can drive the fluid cylinder 131 from the holding state to apply further pressure to the green veneer GV. In particular, under the control of the control unit 2a, the drive unit 4 can drive the fluid cylinder 131 so that the pressure applied to the green veneer GV reaches the target pressure or reaches a regulated state. Hereinafter, the state in which the pressure applied to the green veneer GV reaches the target pressure and the regulated state are collectively referred to as the "pressing state." Figure 10 shows the dewatering device 10 in the regulated state. Under the control of the control unit 2a, the control unit 2a can drive the fluid cylinder 131 to maintain the pressing state for a certain period of time.

[0038] <Configuration of Drying Device 15> Next, the configuration of the drying device 15 will be described. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the drying device 15 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a view of the drying device 15 as viewed in the direction of arrow V15 in Fig. 11. In the following description, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction with respect to the drying device 15 are defined as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The up-down direction coincides with the vertical direction when the drying device 15 is installed in a normal usage mode.

[0039] The configuration of the drying device 15 is basically the same as that of the dehydrating device 10, except that the drying device 15 includes a first drying side clamping member 151 instead of the first clamping member 101 of the dehydrating device 10, and includes a second drying side clamping member 152 instead of the second clamping member 102 of the dehydrating device 10. That is, the drying device 15 includes a frame 150. The frame 150 includes a base 150a and a pair of support walls 150b, 150c erected on the base 150a. The first drying side clamping member 151 is fixed to the support wall 150b. The first drying side clamping member 151 will be described later. The second drying side clamping member 152 is provided to the right of the first drying side clamping member 151 and at a position facing the first drying side clamping member 151. The second drying side clamping member 152 will be described later. The support wall 150c is provided with a drying side fluid cylinder 181 for pressing the second drying side clamping member 152. The drying side fluid cylinder 181 includes a piston rod 181a.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first drying side clamping member 151. As shown in FIG. 13, the first drying side clamping member 151 is provided with a first drying side hot plate 151a which is a hot plate having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first drying side hot plate 151a is not provided with a member corresponding to the regulating member 121. As shown in FIG. 13, a drying side intervening plate 161 is attached to the surface 151F (FIG. 13) of the first hot plate 101a, which is intervened between the first drying side hot plate 151a and the dehydrating single plate DV during the drying process. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drying side intervening plate 161. FIG. 15 (A) is a view of the drying side intervening plate 161 viewed in the direction of the arrow F2 in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 (B) is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. FIG. 16 (A) is a view of the drying side intervening plate 161 viewed in the direction of the arrow B2 in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 (B) is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 16 (A). 14 to 16, the drying side intermediate plate 161 has a back surface 161U that contacts the front surface 151F of the first drying side hot plate 151a, and a front surface 161F opposite to the back surface 161U. As will be apparent later, the front surface 161F is the surface that contacts the dehydrated veneer plate DV during the drying process.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 14, a plurality (12) of dry side intervening plate surface grooves 161a (grooves) extending in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction are formed on the surface 161F of the dry side intervening plate 161. The dry side intervening plate surface grooves 161a are grooves (notches) having a constant width and a constant depth. Both ends of the dry side intervening plate surface groove 161a each reach a side (a pair of sides extending in the up-down direction) that defines the outer periphery of the surface 161F of the dry side intervening plate 161. The dry side intervening plate surface grooves 161a are formed at equal intervals on the surface 161F of the dry side intervening plate 161.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 16, a plurality (four) of dry-side intervening plate back grooves 161b (grooves) extending in the up-down direction are formed on the back surface 161U of the dry-side intervening plate 161. The dry-side intervening plate back grooves 161b are grooves (notches) having a constant width and a constant depth. Both ends of the dry-side intervening plate back groove 161b each reach a side (a pair of sides extending in the left-right direction) that defines the outer periphery of the back surface 161U of the dry-side intervening plate 161. The dry-side intervening plate back grooves 161b are formed at equal intervals on the back surface 161U of the dry-side intervening plate 161.

[0043] As shown in Figures 15 and 16 (particularly Figures 15(B) and 16(B)), in the dry-side intermediate plate 161, a through hole ap2 is formed that penetrates the dry-side intermediate plate 161 in the thickness direction at a point where the dry-side intermediate plate front groove 161a formed on the front surface 161F and the dry-side intermediate plate back groove 161b formed on the back surface 161B intersect. Here, each of the dry-side intermediate plate front groove 161a and each of the dry-side intermediate plate back groove 161b have a depth such that the groove portions are connected to each other at the point where the dry-side intermediate plate front groove 161a and the dry-side intermediate plate back groove 161b intersect, thereby forming a through hole ap2 at each point.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the second drying side clamping member 152. As shown in FIG. 17, the second drying side clamping member 152 is provided with a second drying side hot plate 152a which is a hot plate having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second drying side hot plate 152a is not provided with a member corresponding to the regulating member 122. A drying side intermediate plate 161 is attached to a surface 152F of the second drying side hot plate 152a, and is interposed between the second drying side hot plate 152a and the dehydrating single plate DV during the drying process. The configuration of the drying side intermediate plate 161 is as described above.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the drying device 15 includes a drying side heating section 5. The drying device 15 also includes a temperature detection section 5a. The temperature detection section 5a detects the temperature of the first drying side hot plate 151a based on the detection result of a temperature detection sensor provided corresponding to the first drying side hot plate 151a. The temperature detection section 5a also detects the temperature of the second drying side hot plate 152a based on the detection result of a temperature detection sensor provided corresponding to the second drying side hot plate 152a. The drying side heating section 5 can heat the first drying side hot plate 151a to a set target temperature based on the input from the temperature detection section 5a under the control of the control section 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the first drying side hot plate 151a is referred to as the "first drying side target temperature". Similarly, the drying side heating section 5 can heat the second drying side hot plate 152a to a set target temperature based on the input from the temperature detection section 5a under the control of the control section 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the second drying side hot plate 152a will be referred to as the "second drying side target temperature."

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the drying device 15 includes a drying side drive unit 6. Under the control of the control unit 2a, the drying side drive unit 6 drives the drying side fluid cylinder 181 to move the piston rod 181a leftward, thereby pressing the second drying side clamping member 152. As shown in FIG. 1, the drying device 15 also includes a pressure detection unit 6a that detects the pressure applied to the dehydrated veneer DV clamped by the clamping members based on the detection result of the pressure detection sensor. Under the control of the control unit 2a, the drying side drive unit 6 drives the fluid cylinder 131 to hold the green veneer GV between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102. FIG. 18 shows the drying device 15 in the holding state.

[0047] <Operation of veneer processing system 1> Next, focusing on a single piece of veneer V, the operation of the veneer processing system 1 when the veneer V is dehydrated in the dehydrator 10 as raw veneer GV and then dried in the dryer 15 as dehydrated veneer DV will be explained using the flowchart of Figure 19.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 19, first, the green veneer GV is placed between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 of the dehydrator 10 (step SX1). At this time, the fiber direction of the green veneer GV is aligned with the up-down direction (=vertical direction). This is to align the fiber direction of the green veneer GV with the vertical direction due to the strength of the green veneer GV in the installation direction. The process of step SX1 may be performed automatically by a belt conveyor, an industrial robot, or other equipment. This process may also be performed in part or in whole by human means. The following steps SA1 to SA3 are performed on the dehydrator 10.

[0049] Next, the control unit 2a executes the holding process (step SA1). More specifically, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 131, pressing the second clamping member 102 leftward, and holding the green veneer GV between the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102. At this stage, a weak pressure is applied to the green veneer GV that is sufficient to maintain the state of being clamped by the clamping members.

[0050] Next, the control unit 2a executes the heating process (step SA2). More specifically, in this embodiment, the value to be set as the first target temperature for the first hot plate 101a of the first clamping member 101 (hereinafter referred to as the "first set value TA1") is determined in advance from the following viewpoints. (Viewpoint KX1) The first target temperature is set to be lower than the second target temperature for the second hot plate 102a of the second clamping member 102. (Viewpoint KX2) In a certain temperature range, the higher the temperature, the more flexible and elastic the green veneer GV fibers (structure) become, and the wider the elastic range becomes. Based on this, the first target temperature is set to be equal to or higher than "the temperature at which the heat generated by the first hot plate 101a in the main dehydration process (described later) produces the necessary flexibility and elasticity in the green veneer GV fibers, and the necessary elastic range can be expanded." (Viewpoint KX3) The first target temperature is set to a temperature at which evaporation of moisture from the raw veneer GV due to heat generation from the first hot plate 101a does not occur during the main dehydration process (described below) (i.e., a temperature sufficiently lower than the temperature at which evaporation of moisture from the raw veneer GV due to heat generation from the first hot plate 101a begins). The "necessary flexibility and elasticity" and "expansion of the necessary elasticity range" of viewpoint KX2 will become clear later. In the heating process of step SA2, the control unit 2a controls the heating unit 3 to heat the first heating plate 101a so that the temperature of the first heating plate 101a becomes a first set value TA1 (=a value set as a first target temperature).

[0051] Moreover, a value (hereinafter referred to as a "second set value TA2") set as the second target temperature for the second hot plate 102a of the second clamping member 102 is determined in advance from the following viewpoint. (Viewpoint KY1) The second target temperature is set to be higher than the first target temperature for the first hot plate 101a of the first clamping member 101. (Viewpoint KY2) The second target temperature is set to be close to the temperature at which evaporation of moisture in the green veneer GV begins due to heat generated by the second hot plate 102a during the main dehydration process. In addition, since the second target temperature is higher than the first target temperature, the heat generated by the second hot plate 102a naturally results in the necessary flexibility and elasticity and an expansion of the necessary elastic range in the fibers of the green veneer GV. In the heating process of step SA2, the control unit 2a controls the heating unit 3 to heat the second heating plate 102a so that the temperature of the second heating plate 102a becomes a second set value TA2 (=a value set as a first target temperature).

[0052] The timing for starting the heating process is not limited to the timing exemplified in this embodiment. For example, the heating process may be started before the holding process is started.

[0053] Next, the control unit 2a executes the main dehydration process (step SA3). More specifically, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 131, and the fluid cylinder 131 presses the second clamping member 102 to bring the device into a clamping state. As described above, the clamping state is a state in which the pressure applied to the green veneer GV reaches the target pressure, or a regulated state (a state in which the approach of the clamping member is regulated by the regulating member). FIG. 10 shows the dehydration device 10 in the regulated state. In this clamping state, a pressure is applied to the green veneer GV such that the thickness of the green veneer GV is compressed at a compression rate of about 40 to 50% (the target pressure is determined to achieve such a compression rate). Furthermore, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 131, and maintains the clamping state for a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be a fixed value, or may be a variable value that is changed by the control unit 2a according to the detection results of various sensors. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 131, gradually decreasing the pressing force applied from the fluid cylinder 131 to the second clamping member 102 until the holding state is reached. As the pressing force applied from the fluid cylinder 131 to the second clamping member 102 gradually decreases, the pressing force applied to the green veneer GV gradually decreases, and when the holding state is reached, the pressing force applied to the green veneer GV is almost zero.

[0054] In this main dehydration process, the green veneer GV is dehydrated as follows, and the following effects are achieved. That is, in the main dehydration process, the green veneer GV is compressed at a compression ratio of about 40 to 50% as described above. First, by compressing the green veneer GV at such a high compression ratio, moisture is sufficiently squeezed out of the green veneer GV, and the green veneer GV is dehydrated with a high dehydration effect. Then, the green veneer GV is heated and pressed by the first hot plate 101a and the second hot plate 102a. By heating the green veneer GV in this way, the flexibility and elasticity of the fibers of the green veneer GV are increased, and the elastic range is expanded. Therefore, even though the green veneer GV is compressed at a high compression ratio, the destruction of the fibers is suppressed due to the improvement in flexibility and elasticity. As a result, the decrease in strength of the veneer can be effectively suppressed compared to the conventional technology in which the veneer V is dehydrated by pressing it at room temperature. Furthermore, even though the green veneer GV is compressed at a high compression ratio, the expansion of the elastic range of the fibers provides a large restoring force that allows the veneer GV to fully restore its thickness dimension when it is released from the pressure of the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102. This makes it possible to prevent thickness insufficiency from occurring, compared to the conventional technology in which the veneer V is compressed and dehydrated at room temperature.

[0055] Here, the first set value TA1 set for the first target temperature is determined reflecting the viewpoint KX2: "The first target temperature should be equal to or higher than the temperature at which the heat generated by the first hot plate 101a produces the necessary flexibility and elasticity in the fibers of the green veneer GV, and the necessary expansion of the elastic range can be obtained." The "necessary flexibility and elasticity" in this viewpoint KX2 means flexibility and elasticity that can effectively suppress the decrease in strength of the veneer. Also, the "expansion of the necessary elastic range" means the expansion of the elastic range that can effectively suppress the occurrence of insufficient thickness.

[0056] Furthermore, during the main dehydration process, the temperature of the first clamping member 101 (first hot plate 101a) is lower than that of the second clamping member 102 (second hot plate 102a). In addition, the second clamping member 102 on the higher temperature side does not have a member corresponding to the intervening plate 111 with the groove formed therein, and the smooth surface "surface 102F of the second hot plate 102a" abuts against the green veneer GV. Furthermore, the first clamping member 101 on the lower temperature side is provided with the intervening plate 111, and the "surface 111F of the intervening plate 111" with the intervening plate surface groove 111a formed therein abuts against the green veneer GV. Due to the above configuration, during the main dehydration process, moisture expands on the higher temperature second clamping member 102 side in the green veneer GV clamped by the clamping members, and the generated steam is pushed out to the first clamping member 101 side. As a result, within the green veneer GV, a consistent moisture flow is formed from the second clamping member 102 side to the first clamping member 101 side, while the moisture is pushed out from the surface on the first clamping member 101 side, and the moisture in the green veneer GV is efficiently discharged to the outside. This efficient discharge of moisture achieves sufficient dehydration with little residual moisture.

[0057] Here, the viewpoints KX1 and KX3 regarding the first target temperature and the viewpoints KY1 and KY2 regarding the second target temperature are viewpoints for realizing efficient discharge of moisture from the above-mentioned green veneer GV.

[0058] In the main dehydration process, the liquid water (hereinafter referred to as "treated water") dehydrated from the green veneer GV contains tar and other impurities (hereinafter referred to as "tar, etc."). In the main dehydration process, most of the treated water is discharged from the surface of the green veneer GV that abuts against the "intermediate plate 111 of the first clamping member 101" (hereinafter referred to as the "discharge surface") according to the flow of water from the second clamping member 102 side to the first clamping member 101 side. Most of the treated water discharged from this discharge surface enters the intermediary plate surface groove 111a formed on the surface 111F of the intermediary plate 111. Then, part of the treated water that enters the intermediary plate surface groove 111a flows inside the intermediary plate surface groove 111a according to gravity and is discharged from the end of the groove. Also, a part of the treated water that has entered the intervening plate front groove 111a enters the intervening plate back groove 111b through the through hole ap1, flows downward in the intervening plate back groove 111b due to gravity, and is discharged from the end of the groove. The treated water discharged from the discharge surface of the green veneer GV passes through the intervening plate front groove 111a and the intervening plate back groove 111b, and is quickly discharged from the first clamping member 101 while preventing contact with the green veneer GV. Therefore, evaporation of the treated water in contact with the first clamping member 101 can be significantly reduced, and the accumulation of tar and the like on the first clamping member 101 can be significantly reduced.

[0059] Here, if the first clamping member 101 does not have the intervening plate 111 and the smooth surface "surface 101F of the first hot plate 101a" is made to contact the green veneer GV during dehydration, the following problems may occur. That is, the treatment water discharged from the discharge surface of the green veneer GV evaporates on the surface 101F of the first hot plate 101a, and the tar and the like contained in the treatment water gradually remain on the surface 101F, adhere and accumulate. The tar and the like accumulated on the surface 101F may hinder the contact between the surface 101F and the green veneer GV, which may lead to a decrease in heat conduction efficiency and a decrease in dehydration efficiency. Furthermore, there may be a problem that the surface of the green veneer GV may be dented due to the deposits of tar and the like, and the veneer V may not be able to be smoothly carried in and out due to the deposits of tar and the like when carrying in and out the veneer V. On the other hand, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the presence of the intervening plate 111 can significantly reduce the accumulation of tar and the like on the first clamping member 101, thereby effectively solving the above-mentioned problem.

[0060] In this embodiment, the green veneer GV is clamped by the clamping member with its fiber direction aligned with the vertical direction. The surface 111F of the intermediate plate 111 has a plurality of intermediate plate surface grooves 111a extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, while the green veneer GV is being pressed, the extending direction of the intermediate plate surface grooves 111a and the fiber direction of the green veneer GV do not match, but are crossed by the "inclination of the extending direction of the intermediate plate surface grooves 111a" (about 45°). If the green veneer GV is pressed with the extending direction of the intermediate plate surface grooves 111a and the fiber direction aligned, the edge of the intermediate plate surface grooves 111a is likely to "sink into" the green veneer GV. However, in this embodiment, the extending direction of the intermediate plate surface grooves 111a and the fiber direction are crossed, so that such "sinking in" can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, the intervening plate surface groove 111a extends in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In other words, the intervening plate surface groove 111a does not extend in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, but extends in a direction including a downward component (= downward in the vertical direction). As described above, during the main dehydration process, liquid treated water is discharged from the raw veneer GV and flows into the intervening plate surface groove 111a, but since the intervening plate surface groove 111a extends in a direction including a downward component (= downward in the vertical direction), the liquid treated water that flows into the intervening plate surface groove 111a can be efficiently discharged. Furthermore, a through hole ap1 is formed at the point where the intervening plate surface groove 111a and the intervening plate back groove 111b intersect, and a part of the liquid that enters the intervening plate surface groove 111a enters the intervening plate back groove 111b through the through hole ap1 and is discharged to the outside through the intervening plate back groove 111b. Therefore, the treated water can be prevented from overflowing from the interposition plate surface groove 111a, thereby enabling more efficient release of the treated water and more effective prevention of accumulation of deposits on the first clamping member 101.

[0062] In this modification, the inclination of the direction in which the intervening plate surface groove 111a extends with respect to the up-down direction is set to 45°, but the inclination is not limited to 45°. In other words, the intervening plate surface groove 111a may have a vertically downward component and may be in a direction that intersects with the fiber direction of the green veneer GV being clamped.

[0063] The actual temperature of the first set value TA1 set to the first target temperature should be changed depending on the length of time for which the pressing state is maintained in the main dehydration process, the target pressure, the thermal conductivity of the intervening plate 111, the environmental temperature, and other factors, but is set to a temperature within a range of 60 to 150°C as an example. The first set value TA1 may be changed for each dehydration process. The control unit 2a may be configured to dynamically change the first set value TA1 depending on the state of the green veneer GV during the dehydration process. In this case, a sensor (such as a temperature sensor or a camera) for detecting the state of the green veneer GV is appropriately provided. Similarly, the actual temperature of the second set value TA2 set to the second target temperature should be changed depending on various factors, but is set to a temperature within a range of 60 to 150°C as an example. The value of the second set value TA2 may be changed for each dehydration process, or may be a variable value that changes during the dehydration process.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 19, after the main dehydration process in step SA3 is completed, the dehydrated veneer DV is removed from the dehydrator 10 and placed between the first drying side clamping member 151 and the second drying side clamping member 152 of the drying device 15 (step SX2). At this time, the fiber direction of the dehydrated veneer DV is aligned with the up-down direction (=vertical direction). This is to align the fiber direction of the dehydrated veneer DV with the vertical direction due to the strength of the dehydrated veneer DV. The process in step SX2 may be performed automatically by a belt conveyor, an industrial robot, or other equipment. This process may also be performed partially or entirely by manual means. The following processes in steps SA4 to SA6 are performed on the drying device 15.

[0065] Next, the control unit 2a executes the drying side holding process (step SA4). More specifically, the control unit 2a controls the drying side drive unit 6 to drive the drying side fluid cylinder 181, pressing the second drying side clamping member 152 leftward, and holding the dehydrated veneer plate DV between the first drying side clamping member 151 and the second drying side clamping member 152. At this stage, a weak pressure is applied to the dehydrated veneer plate DV that is weak enough to maintain the state of being clamped by the clamping members.

[0066] Next, the control unit 2a executes the drying side heating process (step SA5). More specifically, the value to be set as the first drying side target temperature for the first drying side hot plate 151a of the first drying side clamping member 151 (hereinafter referred to as the "first drying side set value TB1") and the value to be set as the second drying side target temperature for the second drying side hot plate 152a of the second drying side clamping member 152 (hereinafter referred to as the "second drying side set value TB2") are determined in advance from the following viewpoints. (Viewpoint KZ1) The first drying side target temperature is set sufficiently lower than the second drying side target temperature. (Perspective KZ2) The first drying side target temperature and the second drying side target temperature are set to temperatures at which the moisture remaining in the dehydrated veneer DV during the main drying process can be vaporized and discharged, while at the same time preventing excessive drying. In the drying side heating process of step SA5, the control unit 2a controls the drying side heating unit 5 to heat the first drying side hot plate 151a so that the temperature of the first drying side hot plate 151a becomes the first drying side set value TB1 (=value set as the first drying side target temperature). The control unit 2a also controls the drying side heating unit 5 to heat the second drying side hot plate 152a so that the temperature of the second drying side hot plate 152a becomes the second drying side set value TB2 (=value set as the second drying side target temperature).

[0067] The timing for starting the heating process is not limited to the timing exemplified in this embodiment. For example, the heating process may be started before the start of the drying side retention process.

[0068] Next, the control unit 2a executes the main drying process (step SA6). More specifically, the control unit 2a continues to hold the dehydrated veneer DV with the clamping members for a predetermined time. While the main drying process continues, the dehydrated veneer DV is heated by the first drying side heating plate 151a, which generates heat at the first drying side set value TB1, and the second drying side heating plate 152a, which generates heat at the second drying side set value TB2, and the moisture inside is discharged as steam, thereby drying the dehydrated veneer DV.

[0069] The drying process is performed by the drying device 15 under the above-mentioned structural features, and the following effects are obtained. That is, in the main drying process, the dehydrated veneer plate DV held by the clamping members is heated by the heat generated by the hot plate, and the moisture inside is discharged as steam. The steam generated from the dehydrated veneer plate DV is quickly discharged through the dry-side intermediate plate surface groove 161a of the dry-side intermediate plate 161 of the first drying-side clamping member 151 and the dry-side intermediate plate surface groove 161a of the dry-side intermediate plate 161 of the second drying-side clamping member 152. This prevents the discharged steam from stagnating, and prevents the adhesion and accumulation of tar mixed with the steam on the first drying-side clamping member 151 and the second drying-side clamping member 152.

[0070] Here, the steam discharged from the surface of the dehydrated veneer DV facing the first drying-side clamping member 151 during the main drying process flows into the drying-side intervening plate front groove 161a formed in the surface 161F of the drying-side intervening plate 161, and a part of the steam enters the drying-side intervening plate back groove 161b via the through hole ap2 and is discharged via the drying-side intervening plate back groove 161b. This configuration makes it possible to prevent steam from overflowing from the drying-side intervening plate front groove 161a, thereby realizing a more efficient discharge of steam and a more effective prevention of the accumulation of deposits in the first drying-side clamping member 151. The same applies to the steam discharged from the surface of the dehydrated veneer DV facing the second drying-side clamping member 152.

[0071] Furthermore, the drying side intervening plate surface groove 161a of the drying side intervening plate 161 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, in other words, perpendicular to the fiber direction of the clamped dehydrated veneer DV. This effectively prevents the edge of the intervening plate surface groove 111a from "sinking" into the dehydrated veneer DV. However, in the main drying process, the pressure applied to the second drying side clamping member 152 is small, so that the edge of the intervening plate surface groove 111a is unlikely to "sink" into the dehydrated veneer DV. The extension direction of the drying side intervening plate surface groove 161a is not limited to a direction "perpendicular" to the vertical direction. In other words, it may be any direction that intersects with the vertical direction (= the fiber direction of the clamped dehydrated veneer DV).

[0072] In the main drying process, the pair of first drying side clamping member 151 and second drying side clamping member 152 are heated to different temperatures. As a result, when the dehydrated veneer DV is held and dried in the main drying process, a difference in drying speed occurs between the surface of the dehydrated veneer DV facing the first drying side clamping member 151 and the surface facing the second drying side clamping member 152. This difference in drying speed causes a drying set effect, making it possible to suppress deformation due to drying and moisture absorption and desorption after drying.

[0073] The temperatures set for the first target temperature, the second target temperature, the first drying side target temperature, and the second drying side target temperature are not limited to a specific temperature or a specific range. Also. Although an example of a viewpoint for setting each target temperature has been given, each target temperature may be set from a viewpoint different from the viewpoint given as an example. That is, the first target temperature and the second target temperature have a relationship of "first target temperature < second target temperature" and the above-mentioned effect can be enjoyed or there is a tendency to enjoy the effect in the dehydration process. Also, the first drying target temperature and the second drying target temperature have a relationship of "first drying target temperature < second drying target temperature" and the above-mentioned effect can be enjoyed or there is a tendency to enjoy the effect in the drying process. The above is similar to other embodiments.

[0074] Note that all or a part of the processes in steps SA1 to SA3 corresponds to a "method of dehydrating a veneer." All or a part of the processes in steps SA4 to SA6 corresponds to a "method of drying a veneer." All or a part of the processes in steps SA1 to SA6 corresponds to a "method of treating a veneer."

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, the veneer V is dried in the order of dehydration treatment → drying treatment. Therefore, it is possible to stably produce high-quality veneer V that has the smoothness that is an advantage of hot plate drying, while maintaining its strength and is less deformed due to moisture absorption after drying. EXAMPLES

[0076] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In the following description of Example 2, elements that are the same as those in Example 1 or that have the same features and thus perform the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a veneer processing system 1-2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, the veneer processing system 1-2 includes a dehydrating device 20, a drying device 25, and a control device 2. The dehydrating device 20 and the control device 2 constitute a dehydrating system 1a-2. The drying device 25 and the control device 2 constitute a drying system 1b-2.

[0078] <Configuration of Dehydration Device 20> Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the dehydrator 20 according to this embodiment. Fig. 22 is a view of the dehydrator 20 as viewed in the direction of arrow V20 in Fig. 21. In the following description, the front-rear direction, front-rear direction, up-down direction, and left-right direction based on the dehydrator 20 are defined as shown in Figs. 21 and 22. The up-down direction coincides with the vertical direction when the dehydrator 20 is installed in a normal usage mode.

[0079] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the dewatering device 20 includes a frame 200. The frame 200 includes a base 200a and a pair of support walls 200b, 200c erected on the base 200a. Between the support walls 200b and 200c, four rails 200d are provided that are suspended from these members and extend in the left-right direction. The function of the rails 200d will be described later.

[0080] The first clamping member 201 is fixed to the support wall 200b. The first clamping member 201 is provided with a first hot plate 201a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first hot plate 201a has a back surface facing the support wall 200b and fixed to the support wall 200b, and a front surface opposite the back surface. The front surface and back surface of the first hot plate 201a are smooth surfaces. The first hot plate 201a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in FIG. 20, the heating unit 3 can heat the first hot plate 201a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the first hot plate 201a is referred to as the "first target temperature" as in the first embodiment. The upper and lower surfaces of the first hot plate 201a are provided with a regulating member 221 that regulates the approach of the first clamping member 201 and the high-temperature clamping member 204. In the first clamping member 201, the intermediate plate 111 is attached to the surface of the first hot plate 201a. The configuration of the intermediate plate 111 is as described in the embodiment 1. The structural relationship between the first hot plate 201a and the intermediate plate 111 is the same as the structural relationship between the first hot plate 101a and the intermediate plate 111 in the embodiment 1. This is also the same in other cases where the intermediate plate is attached to the hot plate.

[0081] A high-temperature clamping member 204 is provided at a position facing the first clamping member 201 on the right side of the first clamping member 201. The high-temperature clamping member 204 is located between the first clamping member 201 and the low-temperature clamping member 203 described later. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the high-temperature clamping member 204. As shown in FIG. 23, the high-temperature clamping member 204 is provided with a high-temperature hot plate 204a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The high-temperature hot plate 204a has one surface 204U facing the first clamping member 201 and another surface 204F on the opposite side of the one surface 204U. The other surface 204F faces the low-temperature clamping member 203. The high-temperature hot plate 204a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in FIG. 20, the heating unit 3 can heat the high-temperature hot plate 204a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the high-temperature hot plate 204a is referred to as a "high-temperature target temperature." The high-temperature holding member 204 does not include a member equivalent to the intermediate plate 111 .

[0082] The upper and lower surfaces of the high-temperature plate 204a are provided with restricting members 224 that restrict the approach between the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the first clamping member 201 and restrict the approach between the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the low-temperature clamping member 203. As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, four rails 200d support the high-temperature clamping member 204. The four rails 200d also restrict the movement of the high-temperature clamping member 204 so that the high-temperature clamping member 204 moves only in the left-right direction. More specifically, guide grooves are formed at appropriate positions on each of the four rails 200d. Each of the restricting members 224 of the high-temperature clamping member 204 is provided at a position corresponding to the rail 200d and is fitted into each of the guide grooves of the corresponding rail 200d. The regulating members 224 are fitted into the corresponding guide grooves of the rails 200d, so that the movement of the high-temperature clamping member 204 is restricted to the left and right directions only.

[0083] A low-temperature clamping member 203 is provided to the right of the high-temperature clamping member 204 at a position facing the high-temperature clamping member 204. The low-temperature clamping member 203 is located between the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the second clamping member 202. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the low-temperature clamping member 203. As shown in FIG. 24, the low-temperature clamping member 203 is provided with a low-temperature heat plate 203a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The low-temperature heat plate 203a has one surface 203U facing the high-temperature clamping member 204 and another surface 203F on the opposite side of the one surface 203U. The other surface 203F faces the second clamping member 202. The low-temperature hot plate 203a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in Fig. 20, the heating unit 3 can heat the low-temperature hot plate 203a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the low-temperature hot plate 203a is referred to as the "low-temperature target temperature".

[0084] 24, an intervening plate 111 is attached to one surface 203U of the low-temperature clamping member 203. Also, an intervening plate 111 is attached to the other surface 203F of the low-temperature clamping member 203. The configuration of the intervening plate 111 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0085] The upper and lower surfaces of the low-temperature hot plate 203a are provided with restricting members 223 for restricting the approach between the low-temperature clamping member 203 and the high-temperature clamping member 204 and restricting the approach between the low-temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202. Four rails 200d support the low-temperature clamping member 203. The four rails 200d also restrict the movement of the low-temperature clamping member 203 so that the low-temperature clamping member 203 moves only in the left-right direction. The structural relationship between the rails 200d and the low-temperature clamping member 203 is similar to the structural relationship between the rails 200d and the high-temperature clamping member 204.

[0086] As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the second clamping member 202 is provided at the right side of the low-temperature clamping member 203, facing the low-temperature clamping member 203. The second clamping member 202 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped second hot plate 202a. The second hot plate 202a has a surface facing the low-temperature clamping member 203 and a back surface opposite to the surface. The second hot plate 202a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in Fig. 20, the heating unit 3 can heat the second hot plate 202a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the second hot plate 202a is referred to as the "second target temperature" as in the first embodiment.

[0087] The upper and lower surfaces of the second hot plate 202a are provided with restricting members 222 for restricting the second clamping member 202 and the low temperature clamping member 203 from approaching each other. The four rails 200d support the second clamping member 202. The four rails 200d also restrict the movement of the second clamping member 202 so that the second clamping member 202 moves only in the left-right direction. The structural relationship between the rails 200d and the second clamping member 202 is similar to the structural relationship between the rails 200d and the high temperature clamping member 204.

[0088] The support wall 200c is provided with a fluid cylinder 231 capable of pressing the second clamping member 202. The fluid cylinder 231 includes a piston rod 231a that serves as an operating shaft. The tip of the piston rod 231a is connected to the second clamping member 202. As shown in FIG. 20, the driving unit 4 drives the fluid cylinder 231 under the control of the control unit 2a, and causes the fluid cylinder 231 to press the second clamping member 202.

[0089] The dehydration device 20 according to this embodiment can simultaneously clamp three green veneers GV. More specifically, the dehydration device 20 can clamp a green veneer GV with the first clamping member 201 and the high-temperature clamping member 204, clamp a green veneer GV with the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the low-temperature clamping member 203, and clamp a green veneer GV with the low-temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202. Hereinafter, the green veneer GV clamped between the first clamping member 201 and the high-temperature clamping member 204 is referred to as the "first green veneer GV1", the green veneer GV clamped between the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the low-temperature clamping member 203 is referred to as the "second green veneer GV2", and the green veneer GV clamped between the low-temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202 is referred to as the "third green veneer GV3".

[0090] In more detail, when the first green veneer GV1 is located between the first clamping member 201 and the high temperature clamping member 204, the second green veneer GV2 is located between the high temperature clamping member 204 and the low temperature clamping member 203, and the third green veneer GV3 is located between the low temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202, the second clamping member 202 is pressed leftward by the fluid cylinder 131, and accordingly the low temperature clamping member 203 and the high temperature clamping member 204 are also pressed leftward. As the pressure on the second clamping member 202 progresses, the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3 are held by the clamping members. As the pressure on the second clamping member 202 progresses from the held state, each of the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3 is clamped by the clamping members located on both sides. In response to the pressure applied to the second clamping member 202, the second clamping member 202, the low temperature clamping member 203, and the high temperature clamping member 204 each move to the left, but in the restricted state, further movement to the left is restricted. Figure 25 shows the dehydration device 20 in the restricted state.

[0091] <Configuration of Drying Device 25> Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the drying device 25 according to this embodiment. Fig. 27 is a view of the drying device 25 as viewed in the direction of arrow V25 in Fig. 26. In the following description, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction with respect to the drying device 25 are defined as shown in Figs. 26 and 27. The up-down direction coincides with the vertical direction when the drying device 25 is installed in a normal usage mode.

[0092] 26 and 27, the drying device 25 includes a frame 250. The frame 250 includes a base 250a and a pair of support walls 250b, 250c standing on the base 250a. Four rails 250d extending in the left-right direction are suspended between the support walls 250b and 250c.

[0093] The first drying side clamping member 251 is fixed to the support wall 250b. The first drying side clamping member 251 is provided with a first drying side hot plate 251a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first drying side hot plate 251a has a back surface that faces the support wall 250b and is fixed to the support wall 250b, and a surface opposite to the back surface. The first drying side hot plate 251a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in FIG. 20, the drying side heating unit 5 can heat the first drying side hot plate 251a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the first drying side hot plate 251a is referred to as the "first drying side target temperature" as in the first embodiment. The first drying side hot plate 251a has a dry side intermediate plate 161 on the surface thereof. The configuration of the dry side intermediate plate 161 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0094] A dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254 is provided at a position facing the first dry-side clamping member 251 on the right side of the first dry-side clamping member 251. The dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254 is located between the first dry-side clamping member 251 and a dry-side low-temperature clamping member 253 described later. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254. As shown in FIG. 28, the dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254 is provided with a dry-side high-temperature hot plate 254a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The dry-side high-temperature hot plate 254a has one surface 254U facing the first dry-side clamping member 251 and another surface 254F opposite to the one surface 254U. The dry-side high-temperature hot plate 254a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in FIG. 20, the dry-side heating unit 5 can heat the dry-side high-temperature hot plate 254a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the drying-side high-temperature hot plate 254a will be referred to as the "drying-side high-temperature target temperature."

[0095] 28, one surface 254U of the drying-side high-temperature plate 254a is provided with a drying-side intermediate plate 161. Also, the other surface 254F is provided with a drying-side intermediate plate 161. The configuration of the drying-side intermediate plate 161 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0096] On the upper and lower surfaces of the drying-side high-temperature hot plate 254a, there are provided moving members 274 that regulate the moving direction of the drying-side high-temperature clamping member 254. Each of the moving members 274 fits into a guide groove of the corresponding rail 250d.

[0097] A dry-side low-temperature clamping member 253 is provided at a position facing the dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254 on the right side of the dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254. The dry-side low-temperature clamping member 253 is located between the dry-side high-temperature clamping member 254 and the second dry-side clamping member 252. As shown in Figs. 26 and 27, the dry-side low-temperature clamping member 253 is provided with a dry-side low-temperature hot plate 253a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The dry-side low-temperature hot plate 253a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in Fig. 20, the dry-side heating unit 5 can heat the dry-side low-temperature hot plate 253a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the dry-side low-temperature hot plate 253a is referred to as the "dry-side low-temperature target temperature". A dry-side intermediate plate 161 is provided on one side and the other side of the dry-side low-temperature hot plate 253a.

[0098] On the upper and lower surfaces of the dry-side low-temperature hot plate 253a, there are provided moving members 273 that regulate the moving direction of the dry-side low-temperature clamping member 253. Each of the moving members 273 fits into a guide groove of the corresponding rail 250d.

[0099] A second drying side clamping member 252 is provided at a position facing the drying side low temperature clamping member 253 on the right side of the drying side low temperature clamping member 253. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the second drying side clamping member 252. As shown in FIG. 29, the second drying side clamping member 252 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped second drying side hot plate 252a. The second drying side hot plate 252a is a member capable of generating heat. As shown in FIG. 20, the drying side heating unit 5 can heat the second drying side hot plate 252a to a set target temperature under the control of the control unit 2a. Hereinafter, the target temperature set for the second drying side hot plate 252a is referred to as the "second drying side target temperature" as in the first embodiment. A drying side intermediate plate 161 is provided on the surface 252F of the second drying side hot plate 252a.

[0100] The upper and lower surfaces of the second drying side hot plate 252a are provided with moving members 272 that regulate the moving direction of the second drying side clamping member 252. Each of the moving members 272 fits into a guide groove of the corresponding rail 250d.

[0101] The support wall 250c is provided with a drying-side fluid cylinder 281 capable of pressing the second drying-side clamping member 252. The drying-side fluid cylinder 281 has a piston rod 281a which is an operating shaft. As shown in Fig. 20, the drive unit 4 drives the drying-side fluid cylinder 281 under the control of the control unit 2a, and causes the drying-side fluid cylinder 281 to press the second drying-side clamping member 252.

[0102] The drying apparatus 25 can hold three dehydrated veneer sheets DV simultaneously. More specifically, the drying apparatus 25 can hold a dehydrated veneer sheet DV between the first drying side clamping member 251 and the drying side high temperature clamping member 254, hold a dehydrated veneer sheet DV between the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 and the drying side low temperature clamping member 253, and hold a dehydrated veneer sheet DV between the drying side low temperature clamping member 253 and the second drying side clamping member 252. Figure 30 shows the drying apparatus 25 in the holding state. Hereinafter, the dehydrated veneer DV clamped between the first drying side clamping member 251 and the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 will be referred to as the "first dehydrated veneer DV1", the dehydrated veneer DV clamped between the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 and the drying side low temperature clamping member 253 will be referred to as the "second dehydrated veneer DV2", and the dehydrated veneer DV clamped between the drying side low temperature clamping member 253 and the second drying side clamping member 252 will be referred to as the "third dehydrated veneer DV3".

[0103] <Operation of veneer processing system 1-2> Next, the operation of the veneer processing system 1-2 when the dewatering process by the dewatering device 20 and the drying process by the drying device 25 are performed will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 31, the first green veneer GV1 is placed between the first clamping member 201 and the high temperature clamping member 204 of the dehydrator 20, the second green veneer GV2 is placed between the high temperature clamping member 204 and the low temperature clamping member 203, and the third green veneer GV3 is placed between the low temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202 (step SY1). At this time, the fiber direction of the dehydrated veneer DV and the up-down direction (=vertical direction) are aligned for each of the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3. The following steps SB1 to SB3 are executed for the dehydrator 20.

[0105] Next, the control unit 2a executes the holding process (step SB1). More specifically, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 131, and presses the second clamping member 202 leftward, so that the first clamping member 201 and the high temperature clamping member 204 hold the first green veneer GV1, the high temperature clamping member 204 and the low temperature clamping member 203 hold the second green veneer GV2, and the low temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202 hold the third green veneer GV3.

[0106] Next, the control unit 2a executes the heating process (step SB2). More specifically, the control unit 2a sets the first target temperature for the first hot plate 201a of the first clamping member 201 to the first set value TA1 described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 2a sets the high temperature target temperature for the high temperature hot plate 204a of the high temperature clamping member 204 to the second set value TA2 (> first set value TA1) shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 2a sets the low temperature target temperature for the low temperature hot plate 203a of the low temperature clamping member 203 to the first set value TA1 shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 2a sets the second target temperature for the second hot plate 202a of the second clamping member 202 to the second set value TA2 (> first set value TA1) shown in the first embodiment. In summary, it is as follows. First target temperature = Low temperature target temperature = First set value TA1 (< Second set value TA2) High temperature target temperature = Second target temperature = Second set value TA2 (> First set value TA1)

[0107] In the heating process of step SB2, the control unit 2a controls the heating unit 3 to heat each of the first hot plate 201a, the high-temperature hot plate 204a, the low-temperature hot plate 203a, and the second hot plate 202a to the corresponding target temperature.

[0108] Next, the control unit 2a executes the main dewatering process (step SB3). More specifically, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 231 and press the second clamping member 202 to bring the board into a clamping state. The clamping state is a state in which the pressure applied to the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3 reaches a target pressure or a regulated state. FIG. 30 shows the dewatering device 20 in a regulated state. In the clamping state, a pressure is applied to each of the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3 such that the thickness of each of the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3 is compressed at a compression rate of about 40 to 50%. The value of the target pressure is determined in advance from this viewpoint. Furthermore, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 231 and maintains the clamping state for a predetermined period of time. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 2a controls the drive unit 4 to drive the fluid cylinder 231, gradually decreasing the pressing force applied from the fluid cylinder 231 to the second clamping member 202 until the holding state is reached. As the pressing force applied from the fluid cylinder 231 to the second clamping member 202 gradually decreases, the pressing force applied to the first to third green veneer boards GV1 to GV3 gradually decreases, and when the holding state is reached, almost no pressing force is applied to the first to third green veneer boards GV1 to GV3.

[0109] In this main dehydration process, each of the first to third green veneers GV1 to GV3 is dehydrated in the same state as the green veneer GV in Example 1. That is, focusing on the first green veneer GV1, the main dehydration process is performed on the first green veneer GV1 while it is clamped between the first clamping member 201 and the high temperature clamping member 204. At this time, the first clamping member 201 plays the same role as the first clamping member 101 in Example 1 with respect to the first green veneer GV1, and the high temperature clamping member 204 plays the same role as the second clamping member 102 in Example 1. Therefore, the first green veneer GV1 can be dehydrated while enjoying the same effects as in Example 1.

[0110] Focusing on the second green veneer GV2, the second green veneer GV2 is subjected to the main dehydration treatment while being pressed between the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the low-temperature clamping member 203. At this time, the low-temperature clamping member 203 plays the same role as the first clamping member 101 in the first embodiment, and the high-temperature clamping member 204 plays the same role as the second clamping member 102 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the second green veneer GV2 can be dehydrated while enjoying the same effect as in the first embodiment. Focusing on the third green veneer GV3, the third green veneer GV3 is subjected to the main dehydration treatment while being pressed between the low-temperature clamping member 203 and the second clamping member 202. At this time, the low-temperature clamping member 203 plays the same role as the first clamping member 101 in the first embodiment, and the second clamping member 202 plays the same role as the second clamping member 102 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the third green veneer GV3 can be dehydrated while obtaining the same effect as in Example 1.

[0111] According to the dehydration device 20 of this embodiment, a plurality of green veneers GV can be simultaneously processed in one operation. Furthermore, when heating both sides of each green veneer V to different temperatures, there is no need to create high-temperature and low-temperature areas within the same hot plate, and the hot plate can be heated without impairing energy efficiency.

[0112] 31, after the main dehydration process in step SB3 is completed, the first to third dehydrated veneer sheets DV1 to DV3 are removed from the dehydrator 20. Then, the first dehydrated veneer sheet DV1 is placed between the first drying side clamping member 251 and the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 of the drying device 25, the second dehydrated veneer sheet DV2 is placed between the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 and the drying side low temperature clamping member 253, and the third dehydrated veneer sheet DV3 is placed between the drying side low temperature clamping member 253 and the second drying side clamping member 252 (step SY2). At this time, the fiber direction of the dehydrated veneer sheet DV and the up-down direction (=vertical direction) are aligned with each other for each of the first to third dehydrated veneer sheets DV1 to DV3. The following steps SB4 to SB6 are executed for the drying device 25.

[0113] Next, the control unit 2a executes the drying side holding process (step SB4). More specifically, the control unit 2a controls the drying side drive unit 6 to drive the drying side fluid cylinder 281, press the second drying side clamping member 252 leftward, hold the first dehydrated single plate DV1 between the first drying side clamping member 251 and the drying side high temperature clamping member 254, hold the second dehydrated single plate DV2 between the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 and the drying side low temperature clamping member 253, and hold the third dehydrated single plate DV3 between the drying side low temperature clamping member 253 and the second drying side clamping member 252.

[0114] Next, the control unit 2a executes the dryer side heating process (step SB5). More specifically, the control unit 2a sets the first dryer side target temperature for the first dryer side hot plate 251a of the first dryer side clamping member 251 to the first dryer side set value TB1 shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 2a sets the dryer side high temperature target temperature for the dryer side high temperature hot plate 254a of the dryer side high temperature clamping member 254 to the second dryer side set value TB2 (>first dryer side set value TB1) shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 2a sets the dryer side low temperature target temperature for the dryer side low temperature hot plate 253a of the dryer side low temperature clamping member 253 to the first dryer side set value TB1 shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 2a sets the second dryer side target temperature for the second dryer side hot plate 252a of the second dryer side clamping member 252 to the second dryer side set value TB2 (>first dryer side set value TB1) shown in the first embodiment. In summary, it is as follows. 1st drying side target temperature = 1st drying side low temperature target temperature = 1st drying side set value TB1 (< 2nd drying side set value TB2) Drying side high temperature target temperature = Second drying side target temperature = Second drying side set value TB2 (> First drying side set value TB1)

[0115] The control unit 2a controls the heating unit 3 to heat each of the first drying side hot plate 251a, the drying side high temperature hot plate 254a, the drying side low temperature hot plate 253a, and the second drying side hot plate 252a to the corresponding target temperature.

[0116] Next, the control unit 2a executes the main drying process (step SB6). More specifically, the control unit 2a continues to hold the first to third dehydrated veneer plates DV1 to DV3 with the clamping members for a predetermined time. While the main drying process continues, the first to third dehydrated veneer plates DV1 to DV3 are heated by the first drying side hot plate 251a, the drying side low temperature hot plate 253a, the drying side high temperature hot plate 254a, and the second drying side hot plate 252a, and the moisture inside is discharged as steam, thereby realizing the drying of the first to third dehydrated veneer plates DV1 to DV3.

[0117] In this main drying process, each of the first to third dehydrated veneer sheets DV1 to DV3 is dried in the same state as the dehydrated veneer sheet DV of Example 1. That is, focusing on the first dehydrated veneer sheet DV1, the main drying process is performed while the first dehydrated veneer sheet DV1 is clamped between the first drying side clamping member 251 and the drying side high temperature clamping member 254. At this time, the first drying side clamping member 251 plays the same role as the first drying side clamping member 151 of Example 1 with respect to the first dehydrated veneer sheet DV1, and the drying side high temperature clamping member 254 plays the same role as the second drying side clamping member 152 of Example 1. Therefore, the first dehydrated veneer sheet DV1 can be dried while enjoying the same effects as those of Example 1.

[0118] Focusing on the second dehydrated veneer DV2, the second dehydrated veneer DV2 is subjected to the main drying process while being sandwiched between the dryer-side high-temperature clamping member 254 and the dryer-side low-temperature clamping member 253. At this time, the dryer-side low-temperature clamping member 253 plays the same role as the first dryer-side clamping member 151 in the first embodiment with respect to the second dehydrated veneer DV2, and the dryer-side high-temperature clamping member 254 plays the same role as the second dryer-side clamping member 152 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the second dehydrated veneer DV2 can be dehydrated while enjoying the same effect as in the first embodiment. Focusing on the third dehydrated veneer DV3, the third dehydrated veneer DV3 is subjected to the main drying process while being sandwiched between the dryer-side low-temperature clamping member 253 and the second dryer-side clamping member 252. At this time, for the third dehydrating veneer DV3, the dry-side low-temperature clamping member 253 plays the same role as the first dry-side clamping member 151 in accordance with Example 1, and the second dry-side clamping member 252 plays the same role as the second dry-side clamping member 152 in accordance with Example 1. Therefore, for the third dehydrating veneer DV3, dehydration can be performed while enjoying the same effects as in Example 1.

[0119] According to the dehydration device 20 of this embodiment, a plurality of dehydrated veneers DV can be simultaneously processed in one operation. Furthermore, when heating both sides of each green veneer V to different temperatures, there is no need to create high-temperature and low-temperature parts in the same hot plate, and the hot plate can be heated without impairing energy efficiency. However, when energy efficiency is not taken into consideration, the following configuration is possible, for example. That is, a hot plate (hereinafter referred to as a "special hot plate") is provided between the first clamping member 201 and the second clamping member 202. The special hot plate is configured so that the temperature of one side facing the first clamping member 201 and the temperature of the other side facing the second clamping member 202 can be made different. During dehydration, the green veneer GV is pressed between the special hot plate and the first clamping member 201, and the target temperature of one side (the side facing the first clamping member 201) is set to a first set value TA1. At the same time, the green veneer GV is pressed by the special hot plate and the second clamping member 202, and the target temperature of the other surface (the surface facing the second clamping member 202) is set to the second set value TA2. The above configuration can be adopted. In this case, a plurality of special hot plates can be installed between the first clamping member 201 and the second clamping member 202.

[0120] In the dehydrator 20 of FIG. 21, there is one each of the high-temperature clamping member 204 and the low-temperature clamping member 203 installed between the first clamping member 201 and the second clamping member 202. However, the configuration of the dehydrator 10 is not limited to this. It is possible to install additional high-temperature clamping members 204 and low-temperature clamping members 203, and extend the size of the frame 200, the length in the operating direction of the fluid cylinder 231, and the operating amount of the fluid cylinder 231 to accommodate the increase. In this case, it is possible to further increase the number of sheets that can be processed in one operation. In the case of this embodiment, the first clamping member 201, the high-temperature clamping member 204, the low-temperature clamping member 203, the high-temperature clamping member 204, the low-temperature clamping member 203, ..., the second clamping member 202 are arranged. Similarly, in the drying device 25, multiple drying side high temperature clamping members 254 and drying side low temperature clamping members 253 may be provided, and the size of the frame 250 and the amount of operation of the drying side fluid cylinder 281 may be adjusted according to the increase.

[0121] Furthermore, the second drying side clamping member 252 of the drying device 25 may be supported by the drying side fluid cylinder 281, and the moving member 272 may not be provided on the second drying side clamping member 252.

[0122] With regard to the second embodiment, when dehydration is performed by the dehydrator 20, it does not mean that drying must be performed by the drying device 25. As an example, three veneers V dehydrated by the dehydrator 20 may be dried one by one by the drying device 15 according to the first embodiment. Similarly, when drying is performed by the drying device 25, it does not mean that dehydration must be performed by the dehydrator 20 beforehand. EXAMPLES

[0123] Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. In the following description of embodiment 3, elements that are the same as those in embodiment 1 or that have the same features and thus perform the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] Example 3 is a modified example of the dehydrator 10 according to Example 1. Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the dehydrator 30 according to this example. Fig. 33 is a view of the dehydrator 30 as viewed from the arrow V30 in Fig. 32. As is clear from a comparison between Fig. 3 and Fig. 32 and a comparison between Fig. 4 and Fig. 33, the dehydrator 30 differs from the dehydrator 10 according to Example 1 in that it includes a second clamping member 302 instead of the second clamping member 102 according to Example 1.

[0125] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the second clamping member 302. As shown in FIG. 34, the second clamping member 302 includes a second hot plate 102a and a flat clamping plate 312. The flat clamping plate 312 includes a back surface 312U and a front surface 312F opposite to the back surface 312U. The back surface 312U abuts against the surface of the second hot plate 102a. The front surface 312F abuts against the surface of the green veneer GV during dehydration. The flat clamping plate 312 is detachably attached to the second hot plate 102a. The second clamping member 302 also includes a regulating member 322 that corresponds to the regulating member 122 and is extended to match the thickness of the flat clamping plate 312.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved. That is, the second hot plate 102a becomes hotter than the first hot plate 101a during the main dehydration process (step SA3 in FIG. 19). Here, during the main dehydration process, a flow of moisture is formed in the green veneer GV from the second hot plate 102a side to the first hot plate 101a side. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the accumulation of tar and the like on the surface 102F (= the surface that contacts the green veneer GV) of the second hot plate 102a of the second clamping member 102 is suppressed. However, the accumulation of tar and the like on the surface 102F of the second hot plate 102a is not completely eliminated. Based on this, according to this embodiment, the second hot plate 102a and the green veneer GV do not come into direct contact with each other by providing a flat clamping plate 312 that is detachable from the second hot plate 102a of the second clamping member 302. Therefore, the adhesion of tar and the like to the second hot plate 102a can be eliminated. Furthermore, tar or the like adhering to the flat clamping plate 312 can be cleaned by appropriately removing the flat clamping plate 312. Therefore, the maintenance process for the second clamping member 302 can be further reduced.

[0127] The intermediate plate may be removable like the flat clamp plate 312. This configuration makes it easier to perform maintenance such as cleaning the hot plate to which the intermediate plate is attached. This is the same for all the embodiments. EXAMPLES

[0128] Next, a description will be given of Example 4. In the following description of Example 4, elements that are the same as those in Example 2 or that have the same features and therefore the same functions as those in Example 2 will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] Example 4 is a modified example of the dehydrator 40 according to Example 2. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the dehydrator 40 according to this example. FIG. 36 is a view of the dehydrator 40 as viewed from the arrow V40 in FIG. 35. As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 21 and FIG. 35 and a comparison between FIG. 22 and FIG. 36, the dehydrator 40 includes a high-temperature clamping member 404 instead of the high-temperature clamping member 204 according to Example 2. The dehydrator 40 also includes a second clamping member 402 instead of the second clamping member 202 according to Example 2. In the above points, the dehydrator 40 differs from the dehydrator 20 according to Example 2.

[0130] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the high-temperature clamping member 404. As shown in FIG. 37, the high-temperature clamping member 404 includes a high-temperature hot plate 204a. A flat clamping plate 412 is detachably provided on one surface 204U of the high-temperature hot plate 204a, and a flat clamping plate 412 is provided on the other surface 204F. The configuration and function of the flat clamping plate 412 are the same as those of the flat clamping plate 312 according to the third embodiment. The regulating member 424 of the high-temperature clamping member 404 is appropriately extended in accordance with the thickness of the flat clamping plate 412.

[0131] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the second clamping member 402 includes a second hot plate 202a. A flat clamping plate 412 is detachably attached to the surface 202F of the second hot plate 202a. The configuration and function of the flat clamping plate 412 are the same as those of the flat clamping plate 312 according to the third embodiment. The regulating member 424 of the second clamping member 402 is appropriately extended according to the thickness of the flat clamping plate 412.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved. That is, the flat clamping plates 412 attached to both sides of the high-temperature clamping member 404 can prevent the accumulation of tar and the like on the surface of the high-temperature hot plate 204a, and the maintainability of the high-temperature clamping member 404 can be improved. Also, the flat clamping plates 412 of the second clamping member 402 can prevent the accumulation of tar and the like on the second hot plate 202a, and the maintainability of the second clamping member 402 can be improved. EXAMPLES

[0133] Next, a description will be given of embodiment 5. In the following description of embodiment 5, elements that are the same as those in embodiment 1 or that have the same features and thus perform the same functions will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] Example 5 is a modified example of the dehydrator 10 of Example 1. Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a dehydrator 50 according to this example. Fig. 39 is a view of the dehydrator 50 as viewed from the arrow V50 in Fig. 38. Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 39. As is clear from a comparison between Fig. 3 and Fig. 38 and a comparison between Fig. 4 and Fig. 39, the dehydrator 50 differs from the dehydrator 10 according to Example 1 in that it is provided with a sender 540.

[0135] FIG. 41 is a view of the blower 540 seen from right to left (corresponding to the blower 540 shown in FIG. 40). FIG. 42 is a view of the blower 540 seen from front to rear (corresponding to the blower 540 shown in FIG. 39). The blower 540 is a device capable of blowing air from above at a predetermined flow rate into the intervening plate back groove 111b of the intervening plate 111 of the first clamping member 101. As shown in FIGS. 38 to 42, the blower 540 includes a blower 540a such as a compressor, a blowing path 540b, and a plurality of blowing ports 540c. As shown in FIG. 40, each of the blowing ports 540c is disposed at a position facing the upper end of the intervening plate back groove 111b of the intervening plate 111. The sender 540 also includes legs 540d that are fixed to the upper surface of the support wall 100b and support the sender 540 against the upper surface of the support wall 100b.

[0136] The control unit 2a can control a blower driving unit (not shown) that drives the blower 540a. When the blower driving unit drives the blower 540a under the control of the control unit 2a, the blower 540a blows out air. The air blown out by the blower 540a passes through the blowing passage 540b and reaches a plurality of blowing outlets 540c, and is blown out from the blowing outlets 540c toward the upper end of the intervening plate back groove 111b of the intervening plate 111. The air blown out from the blowing outlet 540c enters the intervening plate back groove 111b through the upper end of the intervening plate back groove 111b.

[0137] In this embodiment, during the period when the main dehydration process (step SA3 in FIG. 19) is being performed, the control unit 2a controls the blower drive unit to drive the blower 540a and blow air from each of the air outlets 540c. As a result, during the period when the green veneer GV is pressed in the main dehydration process, air with a high flow rate is sent to each of the intervening plate back grooves 111b of the intervening plate 111. By sending air with a high flow rate to each of the intervening plate back grooves 111b of the intervening plate 111, the treated water discharged from the green veneer GV can be pushed out and discharged more quickly. Furthermore, the flow rate inside the intervening plate back groove 111b is faster than that of the outside air, so negative pressure is generated, and the treated water can be sucked from the intervening plate front groove 111a to the intervening plate back groove 111b through the through hole ap1. This makes it difficult for treated water to remain in the grooves of the first hot plate 101a and the intermediate plate 111, making it possible to more effectively prevent tar and the like from adhering to and accumulating on the first hot plate 101a and the intermediate plate 111.

[0138] In this embodiment, the frame 100 is configured to have a blower 540a including a compressor or the like attached thereto. In this regard, a blower may be provided outside the frame 100, and air may be blown out from the external blower. In addition, the blower 540 may be configured to blow air into the intervening plate back groove 111b regardless of whether the air outlet 540c and the intervening plate 111 are in contact with each other. In addition, the leg 540d may not be provided depending on the configuration of the first clamping member 101. In addition, the blower may be configured to form a blowing path inside the frame 100 without providing a blowing path 540b exposed to the outside. The above points are the same as those of Example 6 described later.

[0139] Moreover, the sending machine 540 according to this embodiment (or an equivalent device) may be installed in the dehydration device 50 according to the third embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0140] Next, a description will be given of embodiment 6. In the following description of embodiment 6, elements that are the same as those in embodiment 2 or that have the same features and therefore the same functions as those in embodiment 2 will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0141] Example 6 is a modified example of the dehydrator 20 of Example 2. Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a dehydrator 60 according to this example. Fig. 44 is a view of the dehydrator 60 as viewed from the arrow V60 in Fig. 43. As is clear from a comparison between Fig. 21 and Fig. 43 and a comparison between Fig. 22 and Fig. 44, the dehydrator 60 differs from the dehydrator 20 according to Example 2 in that it is provided with a sender 640 and a sender 641.

[0142] As shown in Figs. 43 and 44, the dewatering device 60 includes a blower 640 corresponding to the first clamping member 201. The configuration and function of the blower 640 are the same as those of the blower 540 according to the fifth embodiment, and therefore the blower 640 will be described briefly. The blower 640 includes a blower 640a, a blowing path 640b, a plurality of air outlets 640c, and legs 640d. Each of the air outlets 640c faces the upper end of each of the interposer back grooves 111b of the interposer 111. The blower 640 has a function of blowing air from above into the interposer back grooves 111b of the interposer 111.

[0143] FIG. 45 is a view of the blower 641 seen from right to left. FIG. 46 is a view of the blower 641 seen from front to rear (a view corresponding to the blower 641 shown in FIG. 44). The blower 641 is a device capable of blowing air at a predetermined flow rate from above into the intervening plate back groove 111b of the intervening plate 111 on the one surface 203U side of the low-temperature clamp member 203 and the intervening plate back groove 111b of the intervening plate 111 on the other surface 203F side. As shown in FIGS. 43 to 46, the blower 641 includes a blower 641a such as a compressor, a blowing path 641b, and a plurality of blowing ports 641c. Four of the plurality of blowing ports 641c are disposed at positions facing the respective upper ends of the intervening plate grooves 111b of the intervening plate 111 on the one surface 203U side of the low-temperature clamping member 203. Furthermore, four of the plurality of blowing ports 641c are disposed at positions facing the respective upper ends of the intervening plate grooves 111b of the intervening plate 111 on the other surface 203F side of the low-temperature clamping member 203. Furthermore, the sending device 641 is fixed to the upper surface of the low-temperature heat plate 203a of the low-temperature clamping member 203 and includes legs 641d that support the sending device 641 against the upper surface of the low-temperature heat plate 203a.

[0144] The control unit 2a can control a blower driving unit (not shown) that drives the blower 641a. When the blower driving unit drives the blower 641a under the control of the control unit 2a, the blower 641a blows out air. The air blown out by the blower 641a passes through the blowing path 641b and reaches a plurality of blowing outlets 641c, and is blown out from the blowing outlets 641c toward the upper end of the intervening plate back groove 111b of the intervening plate 111. The air blown out from the blowing outlet 641c enters the intervening plate back groove 111b through the upper end of the intervening plate back groove 111b.

[0145] In this embodiment, while the main dehydration process (step SB3 in FIG. 31) is being performed, the control unit 2a controls the blower drive unit to drive the blower 641a and blow air from each of the air outlets 641c. This allows the treated water discharged from the second green veneer GV2 and the third green veneer GV3 to be quickly discharged for the same reasons as those explained in the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, the treated water is less likely to remain on the low-temperature heat plate 203a and the intermediate plates 111 on both sides of the low-temperature heat plate 203a, effectively preventing tar and the like from adhering to and accumulating on these members.

[0146] The dehydrator 60 according to the fourth embodiment may be provided with the senders 640 and 641 (or equivalent devices) according to this embodiment.

[0147] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited thereby. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics thereof.

[0148] For example, in the dehydrator 10 of the first embodiment, the first clamping member 101 and the second clamping member 102 facing each other are fixed to the frame 100, and the second clamping member 102 is attached to the fluid cylinder 131 and operated to bring the clamping members closer to each other. In this regard, for example, another fluid cylinder 131 may be provided, the first clamping member 101 is connected to the fluid cylinder 131, and the clamping members may be pressed toward each other to bring them closer to each other. Alternatively, a separate cylinder or eccentric shaft may be used to bring the clamping members closer to each other. The above points are the same for the drying device 15, and also for the dehydrator and drying device according to the other embodiments.

[0149] In each embodiment, an intervening plate back groove 111b is formed on the back surface of the intervening plate 111. In this regard, a configuration in which the intervening plate back groove 111b is not formed is also possible. Even in the case of this configuration, the efficiency of discharging the treated water and steam decreases, but the same effect can be obtained.

[0150] In each embodiment, as shown in the overall diagrams of Figures 3 and 4 of Example 1, the hot plates in the dehydrator and dryer are set up approximately vertically. However, the angle of each hot plate does not have to be that angle. For example, the surface of the clamping member that clamps the green veneer GV may be inclined at a 45 degree angle with respect to the vertical direction, and any angle may be used as long as the treated water and steam can be quickly discharged. Furthermore, even if the plate is approximately horizontal, it may be configured to have holes for discharge or to have a mechanism for actively discharging the treated water and steam, such as the discharger 540 in Example 5, although the discharge efficiency is reduced.

[0151] In addition, in each embodiment, it is described that the respective clamping members are arranged in parallel and move in parallel, but as long as the clamping surfaces of each clamping member are parallel to each other when they clamp the veneer, the angle and movement direction may be any, and for example, the clamping members may be arranged so as to be movable in an approximately fan-like shape that can be opened and closed.

[0152] In addition, although the dehydrating device and the drying device are separate in each embodiment, a configuration in which the same configurations of both devices are provided in a single housing may be used.

[0153] In each embodiment, the pressing mechanism that presses the clamping member is a fluid cylinder. In this regard, the pressing mechanism is not limited to a fluid cylinder. For example, the pressing mechanism may be a mechanism that includes a power transmission mechanism that transmits the drive of an electric motor and presses the clamping member in response to the drive of the electric motor. In other words, the pressing mechanism is a concept that includes all mechanisms that have the function of pressing the clamping member under the control of a control unit.

[0154] Moreover, the driving unit is not limited to the configuration exemplified in this embodiment. That is, the driving unit is a concept that includes all the main body that drives the pressing mechanism under the control of the control unit. The driving unit is configured to include all the elements required to drive the pressing mechanism under the control of the control unit according to the specific configuration of the pressing mechanism. Similarly, the heating unit is not limited to the configuration exemplified in this embodiment. That is, the heating unit is a concept that includes all the main body that heats the hot plate under the control of the control unit. The heating unit is configured to include all the elements required to heat the hot plate under the control of the control unit according to the specific configuration of the hot plate and according to the heating method.

[0155] In the first embodiment, the control unit 2a of one control device 2 controls both the dehydrator 10 and the dryer 15. In this regard, a configuration in which the control unit of one control device controls the dehydrator and a control unit of a control device different from the one control device controls the dryer may also be used. In this case, the control unit of the one control device and the control unit of the other control device work together to function as a "control unit." The above points are similar to those of the other embodiments.

[0156] Further, a part of the processes described in each embodiment as being executed by the control unit 2a may be executed by a control unit of an external device other than the control device 2. In this case, the control unit 2a of the control device 2 and the control unit of the external device cooperate to function as a "control unit." As an example, the external device is a cloud server capable of communicating with the control device 2 via a network.

[0157] The embodiment may also include the provision of a program executed by the computer of the control device 2, or the provision of a recording medium on which the program is recorded so as to be readable by the computer. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples of the recording medium include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media.

[0158] Also, for example, in Example 1, the configuration of the intervening plate 111 is specifically illustrated using the drawings. However, the configuration of the intervening plate 111 in Example 1 is merely a simplified example, and the configuration of the intervening plate 111 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. The configuration of the intervening plate 111 should be designed taking into consideration the ease of discharging the treated water discharged from the veneer V and the effort required for processing the intervening plate 111. For example, the number of the intervening plate front groove 111a and the intervening plate back groove 111b is not limited to the illustrated number. Also, for example, the upper end of the intervening plate front groove 111a and the intervening plate back groove 111b may not reach the side of the intervening plate 111. Also, for example, the ratio of the surface size and thickness of the intervening plate 111 is not limited to the ratio shown in the drawings. The above points are the same for the drying side intervening plate 161 and the other examples.

[0159] In the second embodiment, the dehydrator 20 has a configuration in which guide grooves are formed in the four rails 200d, and the regulating members of each clamping member are fitted into the guide grooves. However, the configuration of the rails 200d and the mechanism by which each clamping member is supported by the rails 200d are not limited to the content exemplified in the second embodiment. For example, the rails 200d may not have guide grooves, and each of the regulating members may contact the surface of the rails 200d, thereby supporting the clamping members on the rails 200d. In other words, the rails 200d may be configured to support each clamping member. The above points are similar to those of the drying device 25.

Description of Symbols

[0160] 1, 1-2 Single-Sheet Processing System 1a, 1a-2 Dehydration System 2a Control Unit 3 Heating Unit 4 Driving Unit 5 Drying-Side Heating Unit 6 Drying-Side Driving Unit 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 Dehydration Devices 101, 201 First Clamping Member 101a, 201a First Hot Plate 102, 202, 402 Second Clamping Member 102a, 202a Second Hot Plate 111 Intermediate Plate 111a Surface Groove (Groove) of Intermediate Plate 111b Back Groove (Groove) of Intermediate Plate ap1 Through-Hole 131, 231 Fluid Cylinder (Pressing Mechanism) 15, 25 Drying Devices 151, 251 First Drying-Side Clamping Member 151a, 251a First Drying-Side Hot Plate 152, 252 Second Drying-Side Clamping Member 152a, 252a Second Drying-Side Hot Plate 161 Drying-Side Intermediate Plate 161a Surface Groove (Groove) of Drying-Side Intermediate Plate 161b Back Groove (Groove) of Drying-Side Intermediate Plate 181, 281 Drying-Side Fluid Cylinder (Pressing Mechanism) 540, 640, 641 Feeders

Claims

1. A dehydration system for dehydrating veneer prior to drying, comprising: A first clamping member including a first heat plate that is a heat generating heat plate; A second clamping member including a second heat plate that is a heat generating heat plate; a drive unit capable of pressing at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member against a pressing mechanism; A heating unit capable of heating the first hot plate and the second hot plate; a control unit that controls the drive unit so that the veneer is clamped by the first clamping member and the second clamping member during a dehydration process, and controls the heating unit so that a temperature of the first hot plate is lower than a temperature of the second hot plate, the first clamping member and the second clamping member have surfaces extending parallel to the vertical direction and are capable of clamping the veneer in a state in which the surfaces of the veneer are parallel to the vertical direction; The first clamping member is attached to the first hot plate and includes an intermediate plate that is interposed between the first hot plate and the veneer during a dehydration process, A plurality of oblique grooves extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction are formed on one surface of the intermediate plate that contacts the single plate. A dehydration system comprising:

2. A surface of the intermediate plate opposite to the surface on which the oblique grooves are formed and contacting the first hot plate is provided with a plurality of vertical grooves extending in the vertical direction; In the intermediate plate, a through hole penetrating the intermediate plate in a thickness direction is formed at a point where the oblique groove formed on the one surface and the upper and lower grooves formed on the other surface intersect.

2. The dehydration system of claim 1.

3. The air blower further includes a blower capable of blowing air from above into the upper and lower grooves formed on the other surface of the intervening plate.

3. The dehydration system according to claim 2.

4. In the intermediate plate, the width of the upper and lower grooves is wider than the width of the oblique grooves.

3. The dehydration system according to claim 2.

5. The control unit controls the heating unit so that, during a dehydration process, the temperature of the second hot plate becomes close to a temperature at which evaporation of moisture in the veneer begins due to heat generation from the second hot plate, and the temperature of the first hot plate becomes a temperature at which evaporation of moisture in the veneer does not occur due to heat generation from the first hot plate.

2. The dehydration system of claim 1.

6. A veneer processing system comprising the dehydration system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a drying device that dries the veneer dehydrated by the dehydration system, The drying device is a first drying side clamping member including a first drying side hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat; a second drying side clamping member including a second drying side hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat; a drying-side driving unit capable of pressing at least one of the first drying-side clamping member and the second drying-side clamping member against a pressing mechanism; a drying-side heating unit capable of heating the first drying-side hot plate and the second drying-side hot plate, The control unit is During the drying process, the drying-side drive unit is controlled so that the veneer is held by the first drying-side clamping member and the second drying-side clamping member, and the drying-side heating unit is controlled so that the temperature of the first drying-side hot plate is lower than the temperature of the second drying-side hot plate. A veneer processing system comprising:

7. the first drying-side clamping member is attached to the first drying-side hot plate and includes a first drying-side interposition plate that is interposed between the first drying-side hot plate and the veneer during the drying process; A plurality of grooves extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction are formed on one surface of the first drying side interposition plate that contacts the veneer plate, the second drying-side clamping member is attached to the second drying-side hot plate and includes a second drying-side interposition plate that is interposed between the second drying-side hot plate and the veneer during the drying process; A plurality of grooves extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction are formed on one surface of the second drying side intermediate plate that contacts the veneer plate.

7. The veneer processing system according to claim 6.

8. A plurality of grooves extending in the vertical direction are formed on the other surface of the first drying side interposition plate that contacts the first drying side hot plate, In the first drying side intermediate plate, a through hole is formed through the first drying side intermediate plate in a thickness direction at a point where a groove formed on one surface and extending in a direction intersecting with the vertical direction intersects with a groove formed on the other surface and extending in the vertical direction, A plurality of grooves extending in the vertical direction are formed on the other surface of the second drying side interposition plate that contacts the second drying side hot plate, In the second drying side intermediate plate, a through hole is formed at a point where a groove formed on one surface and extending in a direction intersecting with the vertical direction intersects with a groove formed on the other surface and extending in the vertical direction.

8. The veneer processing system according to claim 7.

9. A method for dehydrating a veneer using a dehydration system including a first clamping member including a first hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a second clamping member including a second hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a drive unit capable of pressing at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member against a pressing mechanism, and a heating unit capable of heating the first hot plate and the second hot plate, the first clamping member and the second clamping member have surfaces extending parallel to the vertical direction and are capable of clamping the veneer in a state in which the surfaces of the veneer are parallel to the vertical direction; The first clamping member is attached to the first hot plate and includes an intermediate plate that is interposed between the first hot plate and the veneer during a dehydration process, A plurality of oblique grooves extending obliquely with respect to the up-down direction are formed on one surface of the intermediate plate that contacts the single plate, a control unit controlling the drive unit so that the veneer is held by the first clamping member and the second clamping member; and a step of controlling the control unit to control the drive unit so that the veneer is clamped by the first clamping member and the second clamping member, and to control the heating unit so that the temperature of the first hot plate is lower than the temperature of the second hot plate. A method for dehydrating veneer comprising the steps of:

10. A method for treating veneer using a veneer treating system including a dehydration system having a first clamping member including a first hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a second clamping member including a second hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a drive unit capable of pressing at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member against a pressing mechanism, and a heating unit capable of heating the first hot plate and the second hot plate, and a drying system having a first drying-side clamping member including a first drying-side hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a second drying-side clamping member including a second drying-side hot plate that is a hot plate capable of generating heat, a dryer-side drive unit capable of pressing at least one of the first drying-side clamping member and the second drying-side clamping member against the pressing mechanism, and a dryer-side heating unit capable of heating the first drying-side hot plate and the second drying-side hot plate, the first clamping member and the second clamping member have surfaces extending parallel to the vertical direction and are capable of clamping the veneer in a state in which the surfaces of the veneer are parallel to the vertical direction; The first clamping member is attached to the first hot plate and includes an intermediate plate that is interposed between the first hot plate and the veneer during a dehydration process, A plurality of oblique grooves extending obliquely with respect to the up-down direction are formed on one surface of the intermediate plate that contacts the single plate, A control unit controls the drive unit so that the veneer is clamped by the first clamping member and the second clamping member of the dehydration system, and controls the heating unit so that the temperature of the first hot plate is lower than the temperature of the second hot plate; and a step of controlling the drying-side driving unit so that the veneer is held by the first drying-side clamping member and the second drying-side clamping member of the drying system, and controlling the drying-side heating unit so that the temperature of the first drying-side hot plate is lower than the temperature of the second drying-side hot plate. A method for treating veneer comprising the steps of:

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