JP2017039567A - Sheet-like raw material feeding device, sheet-like raw material feeding method and sheet manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet-like raw material feeding device which can be reduced in size.SOLUTION: A sheet-like raw material feeding device includes: a loading section loading a sheet-like raw material; a first transportation section transporting the sheet-like raw material from the loading section; a second transportation section transporting the sheet-like raw material from the loading section; a detection section detecting a state of the sheet-like raw material; and a control section switching from the first transportation section to the second transportation section when the detection section detects the sheet-like raw material transported from the loading section by the first transportation section having abnormality and causing the a new sheet-like raw material to be transported from the loading section by the second transportation section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus, a sheet-shaped raw material supply method, and a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a used paper processing apparatus is known that includes a plurality of standard paper tanks for storing used paper and a paper feed unit provided in each standard paper tank (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5590900

  However, the used paper processing apparatus has a problem that the apparatus configuration becomes complicated because a plurality of standard paper tanks and paper feeding units are arranged.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus according to this application example includes a stacking unit that stacks sheet-shaped raw materials, a first transport unit that transports sheet-shaped raw materials from the stacking unit, and a sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit. When the detection unit detects that there is an abnormality in the sheet-shaped raw material conveyed from the stacking unit by the first conveyance unit, a detection unit that detects the state of the sheet-shaped raw material, And a control unit that switches the first transport unit to the second transport unit and transports a new sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit by the second transport unit.

  According to this configuration, when an abnormality (for example, a bound sheet material or a different size sheet material) is detected in the sheet material to be conveyed by the first conveyance unit, the second conveyance unit By switching to the conveyance of the sheet material, the conveyance (supply) of the sheet material can be continuously performed without interruption. In addition, the conveyance path of the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit can be made common, and a configuration having one conveyance path for one stacking unit is possible, and it is not necessary to provide a plurality of conveyance paths, and the apparatus configuration can be reduced. It can be simplified. Further, the user only has to replenish the sheet-like raw material in one stacking unit, and management is easy.

  Application Example 2 In the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to the application example, the first supply interval of the sheet-like raw material by the first conveying unit, the second supply interval of the sheet-like raw material by the second conveying unit, The third supply interval of the sheet-like raw material when switching from the conveyance by the first conveyance unit to the conveyance by the second conveyance unit is constant.

  According to this structure, even if it is a case where it switches from a 1st conveyance part to a 2nd conveyance part, for example, conveyance of a sheet-like raw material can be continued at a fixed interval. That is, it can be continued without changing the supply amount of the sheet-like raw material per unit time.

  Application Example 3 The detection unit of the sheet-like material supply device according to the application example moves at least a part of the uppermost sheet-like material to a predetermined height by the first conveyance unit or the second conveyance unit. In this state, the state of the sheet-like raw material is detected.

  According to this configuration, an abnormality can be easily detected by detecting the state (sagging) of the sheet-like raw material when the sheet-like raw material is moved from the stacking portion to a predetermined height. For example, a plurality of sheet-like raw materials that have been spelled or a sheet-like raw material that is larger than a predetermined size hangs more greatly than when a single sheet-like raw material of a predetermined size is moved to a predetermined height. It can be removed as a sheet raw material.

  Application Example 4 In the sheet-like material supply device according to the application example, when the detection unit detects that the sheet-like material is abnormal, the first conveyance unit conveys the sheet-like material to the storage unit. It is characterized by doing.

  According to this configuration, an abnormal sheet-shaped raw material can be clearly distinguished from a normal sheet-shaped raw material.

  Application Example 5 The first and second transport units of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to the application example include at least three drive shafts that can be driven in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the rotation direction. And

  According to this structure, a sheet-like raw material can be conveyed efficiently.

  Application Example 6 A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example includes the above-described sheet-form raw material supply apparatus, a crushing unit that crushes the sheet-form raw material supplied from the sheet-form raw material supply apparatus into coarse fragments, It has the defibrating part which defibrates a fragment to a defibrated material, and the sheet forming part which shape | molds a sheet | seat using at least one part of the defibrated material.

  According to this configuration, since the sheet-shaped raw material supply device suppresses double feeding of sheet-shaped raw materials and the supply of sheet-shaped raw materials of different sizes and the sheet-shaped raw materials are stably supplied, the basis weight uniformity is improved. High sheets can be manufactured.

  [Application Example 7] In the sheet-like material supply method according to this application example, the sheet-like material is conveyed from the stacking unit by the first conveying unit, and the state of the sheet-like material conveyed by the first conveying unit is detected. When it is detected that there is an abnormality in the sheet-shaped raw material, the sheet is switched from the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit, and a new sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed from the stacking unit by the second conveying unit.

  According to this configuration, when an abnormality (for example, a bound sheet material or a different size sheet material) is detected in the sheet material to be conveyed by the first conveyance unit, the second conveyance unit By switching to the conveyance of the sheet material, the conveyance (supply) of the sheet material can be continuously performed without interruption.

The schematic plan view which shows the structure of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic side view which shows the structure of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic side view which shows the structure of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic side view which shows the structure of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic side view which shows the structure of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The flowchart which shows a sheet-like raw material supply method. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of a sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the scale of each member or the like is shown differently from the actual scale so as to make each member or the like recognizable.

  First, the configuration of the sheet-like raw material supply device will be described. The sheet-shaped raw material supply device includes a stacking unit for stacking sheet-shaped raw materials, a first transport unit for transporting sheet-shaped raw materials from the stacking unit, a second transport unit for transporting sheet-shaped raw materials from the stacking unit, and a sheet-shaped raw material When the detection unit detects that there is an abnormality in the sheet-like raw material conveyed from the stacking unit by the first conveyance unit, the first conveyance unit switches from the first conveyance unit to the second conveyance unit, and And a control unit that transports a new sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit by the two transport units. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration of a sheet-shaped raw material supply device, and FIGS. 2 to 5 are schematic side views showing a configuration of the sheet-shaped raw material supply device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a stacking unit 300 that stacks the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, a first transport unit 400 that transports the sheet-shaped raw material Pu from the stacking unit 300, A second conveyance unit 500 that conveys the sheet-like raw material Pu from the stacking unit 300, a detection unit 600 that detects the state of the sheet-like raw material Pu, and a control unit (not shown) that controls these units and the like are provided. . Furthermore, a supply unit 700 that is a conveyance destination of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that is determined to be normal by the detection of the detection unit 600, and a conveyance destination of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that is determined to be abnormal by the detection of the detection unit 600 And an accommodating portion 800. In addition, the accommodating part 800 of this embodiment is provided with an accommodating part 800a arranged corresponding to the first conveying part 400 and an accommodating part 800b arranged corresponding to the second conveying part 500. . Here, the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that includes a plurality of conveyance units (first and second conveyance units 400 and 500) for one stacking unit 300, and the first and first The conveyance path (the path from the stacking unit 300 to the supply unit 700) of the sheet-like raw material Pu in the two conveyance units 400 and 500 is common. That is, since there is only one stacking unit, only one transport path is required, and there is no need to provide a plurality of transport paths. Thereby, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

  The stacking unit 300 stacks a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu and the like. The sheet-like raw material Pu includes fibers such as waste paper and pulp sheet. In the present embodiment, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu will be described assuming, for example, standard (A4 size) paper (used paper) that is currently mainstream in offices.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the stacking unit 300 includes a tray 301 that accumulates and stores a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu, and a moving mechanism 302 that moves (lifts) the tray 301 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). I have. The moving mechanism 302 of this embodiment includes a ball screw shaft 310, a ball nut 311 to which the tray 301 is connected, a guide portion (not shown) that guides the ball nut 311 in the moving direction, and the like. A motor 312 is connected to the ball screw shaft 310. As the motor 312, various motors such as a stepping motor, a servo motor, and a linear motor can be adopted. The power from the motor 312 is transmitted to the ball screw shaft 310. Thereby, the ball screw shaft 310 rotates, and the tray 301 connected to the ball nut 311 can move in the direction of the ball screw shaft 310 (Z-axis direction). Further, the movement amount (position) of the tray 301 is configured to be detectable by a rotary encoder 313 that detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the motor 312 or the ball screw shaft 310.

  Further, the stacking unit 300 is provided with a level sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the tray 301. Then, the control unit controls the position of the tray 301 based on the output signal of the level sensor so that the uppermost sheet-like raw material is always at the specified position. That is, when the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed from the tray 301, the control unit drives the motor 312 to raise the tray 301 and loads it on the tray 301 based on the output signal of the level sensor ( When the sheet-like raw material Pu (which has newly become the highest level) reaches a specified position, the driving of the motor 312 is stopped. Thereby, the position of the uppermost sheet-like raw material Pu can always be kept at the specified position. The specified position may be within a range in which the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu can be adsorbed by the adsorbing unit 430 described later, and the position control (raising) of the tray 301 is in units of one sheet. Alternatively, a predetermined number of sheets may be used.

  The 1st conveyance part 400 and the 2nd conveyance part 500 convey the sheet-like raw material Pu from the stacking part 300 to the supply part 700 or the accommodating part 800 (800a, 800b). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first transport unit 400 and the second transport unit 500 are arranged to face each other via the stacking unit 300 (tray 301) in plan view.

  The first transport unit 400 and the second transport unit 500 include at least three drive shafts that can be driven in the vertical (vertical) direction, the horizontal direction, and the rotation direction. Specifically, the suction units 430 and 530 included in the first transport unit 400 and the second transport unit 500 can move in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction and can rotate on the XY plane (horizontal plane). (It can be rotated about the Z axis as a rotation axis). Thereby, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu can be conveyed with a relatively easy configuration.

  The first transport unit 400 includes a base unit 410, an arm unit 420 coupled to the base unit 410, and a suction unit 430 coupled to the arm unit 420. The base portion 410 includes a ball nut (not shown), and the ball nut is engaged with a ball screw shaft 411 disposed in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). A motor 412 as a drive unit is connected to the ball screw shaft 411. Then, by driving the motor 412 to rotate the ball screw shaft 411, the base portion 410 provided with the ball nut can be moved in the X-axis direction. The movement amount (position) of the base portion 410 is configured to be detectable by a rotary encoder 413 that detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the motor 412 or the ball screw shaft 411.

  Further, the base portion 410 and the arm portion 420 are connected via a first shaft 418. An arm portion 420 is connected to a first shaft 418 arranged in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The first shaft 418 is driven by a motor (not shown), and the arm portion 420 can be rotated around the first shaft 418. Note that the arm portion 420 of the present embodiment has a bent shape (L-shape), but the shape is appropriately changed according to the positional relationship between the first transport unit 400 and the stacking unit 300. Is possible.

  In addition, the arm part 420 and the suction part 430 are connected via a second shaft 425. The suction part 430 is connected to the second shaft 425 arranged in the Z-axis direction. The second shaft 425 is driven by a motor (not shown), and can move the suction portion 430 relative to the arm portion 420 in the Z-axis direction (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The adsorbing unit 430 adsorbs the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adsorption unit 430 is disposed on a surface facing the connection plate 431 connected to the second shaft 425 and the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 of the connection plate 431. A suction pad 432. The suction pad 432 has an opening and is made of a material having an elastic force such as rubber. One end side of the polyurethane tube 433 or the like is piped to the suction pad 432. A suction mechanism (not shown) such as a pump for sucking air is connected to the other end of the polyurethane tube 433, and air is sucked from the opening of the suction pad 432 by driving the suction mechanism.

  A plurality of suction pads 432 according to the present embodiment are arranged. Specifically, four suction pads 432 are provided and arranged at locations corresponding to the four corners of the sheet-like raw material Pu. Thereby, in the process which adsorb | sucks and conveys the sheet-like raw material Pu, the drooping of the four corners of the sheet-like raw material Pu can be suppressed.

  Here, the adsorption operation of the sheet-like raw material Pu by the first conveying unit 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 410 (ball screw shaft 411) and the arm portion 420 (first shaft 418) are appropriately driven so that the suction portion 430 is stacked on the stacking portion 300. Move above Pu. Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the second shaft 425 is driven to lower the adsorption unit 430 to the uppermost position of the sheet-like raw material Pu. Then, the suction mechanism is driven to adsorb the upper surface of the sheet-like raw material Pu to the suction pad 432 by negative pressure. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the second shaft 425 is driven to raise the suction portion 430 to a predetermined height. Thereafter, the motor 412 and the first shaft 418 coupled to the ball screw shaft 411 are appropriately driven to move the suction unit 430 to a position corresponding to the supply unit 700 or the storage unit 800, and then the suction operation by the suction mechanism Stop. As a result, the sheet-like material Pu is separated from the suction pad 432 and charged into the supply unit 700 or the storage unit 800. By repeating the above operation, the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 is put into either the supply unit 700 or the storage unit 800.

  Next, the configuration of the second transport unit 500 will be described. The second transport unit 500 of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the first transport unit 400, and as shown in FIG. 1, is substantially symmetric with the first transport unit 400 across the stacking unit 300 in plan view. Is arranged. Specifically, the second transport unit 500 includes a base unit 510, an arm unit 520 connected to the base unit 510, and a suction unit 530 connected to the arm unit 520. The base portion 510 includes a ball nut (not shown), and the ball nut is engaged with a ball screw shaft 511 disposed in the X-axis direction. A motor 512 as a drive unit is connected to the ball screw shaft 511. Then, by driving the motor 512 and rotating the ball screw shaft 511, the base portion 510 provided with the ball nut can be moved in the X-axis direction. Further, the movement amount (position) of the base portion 510 is configured to be detectable by a rotary encoder 513 that detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the motor 512 or the ball screw shaft 511.

  In addition, the base portion 510 and the arm portion 520 are connected via a first shaft 518. An arm portion 520 is connected to a first shaft 518 arranged in the Z-axis direction. The first shaft 518 is driven by a motor (not shown), and the arm portion 520 can be rotated around the first shaft 518. The arm portion 520 of the present embodiment has a bent shape (L-shape), but the shape is appropriately changed according to the positional relationship between the second transport unit 500 and the stacking unit 300 or the like. Is possible.

  In addition, the arm portion 520 and the suction portion 530 are connected via a second shaft 525. The suction part 530 is connected to the second shaft 525 arranged in the Z-axis direction. The second shaft 525 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can move the suction portion 530 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the arm portion 520 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The adsorbing unit 530 adsorbs the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300. As shown in FIG. 1, the adsorbing unit 530 adsorbs the adjoining plate 531 connected to the second shaft 525 and adsorbed on the surface facing the sheet-like material Pu loaded on the loading unit 300 of the connecting plate 531. And a pad 532. In addition, since the structure of the adsorption | suction part 530, its adsorption | suction operation, etc. are the same as that of the 1st conveyance part 400, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The detection unit 600 detects the state of the sheet material Pu. Specifically, for example, it is detected whether a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu are bound by a stapler needle or the like, or whether the sheet-shaped raw materials Pu have a size other than a predetermined size. By detecting the state of the sheet-like raw material Pu and discriminating between the sheet-like raw material Pu in an abnormal state and the sheet-like raw material Pu in a normal state, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a conveyance failure or the like.

  The detection unit 600 is, for example, an area sensor, and a light emitting unit 600a that emits light and a light receiving unit 600b that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 600a are disposed to face each other. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the light emitting unit 600a and the light receiving unit 600b are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 in the X-axis direction in plan view. Yes. As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 600 a and the light receiving unit 600 b are arranged to face each other above the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 in a side view. The light emitting unit 600a is configured by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light emitting element, a laser light emitting element, or the like, and the light receiving unit 600b is configured by a phototransistor, a photo IC, or the like. In FIG. 1, the detection unit 600 (the light emitting unit 600a and the light receiving unit 600b) is arranged in the Y axis direction, but may be arranged in the X axis direction, or both the Y axis direction and the X axis direction (two directions). ). In order to increase the abnormality detection accuracy, it is desirable to arrange in two directions. The detection unit 600 is connected to the control unit and is driven and controlled based on a predetermined program.

  Here, a specific detection method of the detection unit 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the detection unit 600 of the present embodiment, in a state where at least a part of the uppermost sheet-shaped material Pu is moved to a predetermined height by the first transport unit 400 or the second transport unit 500, the sheet-shaped material Pu Detect state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, first, the base portion 410 (ball screw shaft 411) and the arm portion 420 (first shaft 418) are appropriately driven, and the suction portion 430 is loaded on the loading portion 300. The sheet-shaped raw material Pu is moved upward. Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the second shaft 425 is driven to lower the adsorption unit 430 to the uppermost position of the sheet-like raw material Pu. Then, the suction mechanism is driven to adsorb the upper surface of the sheet-like raw material Pu to the suction pad 432 by negative pressure. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the second shaft 425 is driven to raise the suction portion 430 to a predetermined height. Specifically, the adsorption unit 430 (adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu) is moved to a height that does not block light between the light emitting unit 600a and the light receiving unit 600b. At this time, light is emitted from the light emitting unit 600a, and the light receiving unit 600b outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of received light. In the example shown in FIG. 4, since the light is not blocked by the sheet-like raw material Pu moved to a predetermined height between the light emitting unit 600a and the light receiving unit 600b, a predetermined amount of received light is obtained. In this case, the control unit determines that there is no abnormality (normal) in the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu. The sheet-shaped raw material Pu that has been determined not to be abnormal is conveyed to the supply unit 700.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the sheet-like raw material Pu positioned at the uppermost position of the stacking unit 300 is a sheet-like raw material Pu in which a plurality of sheets are bound by, for example, a staple M, the first conveyance is performed. When the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu is moved to a predetermined height by the unit 400, another sheet-shaped raw material Pu (bound from the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu (the first sheet-shaped raw material Pu from the top)) The second and subsequent sheet-shaped raw materials from the top are in a state of sagging. In this case, the sheet material Pu that hangs down is positioned between the light emitting unit 600a and the light receiving unit 600b and blocks light, so that the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 600b is reduced and a predetermined amount of light received cannot be obtained. In this case, the control unit determines that the adsorbed sheet material Pu is abnormal (not normal). The sheet-like raw material Pu that is determined to be abnormal (for example, the sheet-like raw material Pu in which a plurality of sheets are spelled) is conveyed to and stored in the storage unit 800. In this way, the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 is classified into a normal sheet-like raw material Pu and an abnormal sheet-like raw material Pu.

  The supply unit 700 stores (and supplies) the sheet-like raw material Pu that is determined to be normal by the detection unit 600 (including the control unit). The supply unit 700 is arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction of the stacking unit 300. Thereby, the sheet-like raw material Pu can be easily transported to the supply unit 700 by moving the first transport unit 400 and the second transport unit 500 in the X-axis direction. The supply unit 700 of this embodiment includes a tray 701 that stores a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu in an overlapping manner, and a moving mechanism 702 that moves the tray 701 in the vertical direction. Note that the configuration of the moving mechanism 702 of the supply unit 700 is the same as the configuration of the moving mechanism 302 of the stacking unit 300, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The storage unit 800 stores the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that has been determined to be abnormal by the detection unit 600 (including the control unit). In the present embodiment, the storage unit 800 a corresponding to the first transport unit 400 and the storage unit 800 b corresponding to the second transport unit 500 are provided. When there is an abnormality in the sheet-like raw material Pu conveyed by the first conveying unit 400, the sheet-like raw material Pu is conveyed and accommodated in the accommodating unit 800a. Further, when there is an abnormality in the sheet-like raw material Pu conveyed by the second conveyance unit 500, the sheet-like raw material Pu is conveyed and accommodated in the accommodating portion 800b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 800 a corresponding to the first transport unit 400 has an arm unit 420 from a posture in which the sheet-shaped raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 by the first transport unit 400 is adsorbed in a plan view. Is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the suction portion 430 when the is rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise. In addition, the storage unit 800b corresponding to the second transport unit 500 has the arm unit 520 approximately clockwise from a posture in which the sheet-shaped raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 is adsorbed by the second transport unit 500 in a plan view. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the suction portion 430 when rotated 90 degrees. Thereby, the sheet-like raw material Pu can be accommodated in the accommodating part 800a or 800b by the minimum movement of the first conveying part 400 and the second conveying part 500. Note that the storage unit 800 of the present embodiment includes a tray 801 that accumulates and stores a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu, and a moving mechanism 802 that moves the tray 801 in the vertical direction. Since the configuration of the moving mechanism 802 is the same as the configuration of the moving mechanism 302 of the stacking unit 300, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a sheet-like raw material supply method will be described. When the sheet-shaped raw material supply method of this embodiment conveys the stacked sheet-shaped raw material by the first conveying unit, detects the state of the conveyed sheet-shaped raw material, and detects that the sheet-shaped raw material is abnormal The first transport unit is switched from the first transport unit to the second transport unit, and a new stacked sheet material is transported by the second transport unit. This will be specifically described below. In the present embodiment, a sheet material supply method according to the sheet material supply apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sheet-like raw material supply method, and FIGS. 7 to 11 are schematic views showing the operation of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus.

  First, in step S11, the sheet-like raw material Pu is adsorbed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the first transport unit 400 is driven, and the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 is adsorbed to the adsorbing unit 430 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). .

  Next, in step S12, the state of the sheet material Pu is detected. Specifically, the adsorbing unit 430 is raised while adsorbing the sheet-like raw material Pu, and is moved to a predetermined height above the detection area of the detection unit 600 (between the light emitting unit 600a and the light receiving unit 600b). The detection unit 600 is driven in the state (see FIG. 4), and it is detected whether or not the sheet-shaped raw material Pu exists in the detection area of the detection unit 600.

  Next, in step S13, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the sheet material Pu to be conveyed. Specifically, if the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 600b is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit determines that the sheet-shaped raw material Pu does not exist in the detection area and there is no abnormality (NO). On the other hand, if the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 600b is less than the predetermined amount, the control unit determines that there is a sheet material Pu in the detection area and there is an abnormality (YES). That is, when the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu is a material in which a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials are spelled, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu hangs down and the sheet-shaped raw material Pu exists in the detection area. On the other hand, when the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu is one sheet-shaped raw material of a predetermined size, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu does not hang down to at least the detection area. The adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu is, for example, a sheet of a size larger than a predetermined size is folded in half, and even if it looks like a sheet of a predetermined size, a part of it is in the sag detection area Will exist.

  If it is determined that there is no abnormality in the adsorbed sheet-like material Pu (step S13: NO), the process proceeds to step S14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first transport unit 400 is moved in the horizontal direction, and the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu is transported to the supply unit 700. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S11, and the processes from step S11 to step S14 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) are repeatedly executed until it is determined that there is an abnormality in the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu (step S13: YES). . During this period, the second transport unit 500 is in a standby state.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S15 and step S16. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the first transport unit 400 is driven to transport the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that has been determined to be abnormal to the storage unit 800a (step S15). Thereafter, the first transport unit 400 is moved to a predetermined standby position to shift to a standby state.
In parallel with the process of step S15, the transport process by the first transport unit 400 is switched to the transport process by the second transport unit 500 (step S16). In the transport process by the second transport unit 500, when the adsorbed sheet-like raw material Pu is normal, it is transported to the supply unit 700 as in the transport process by the first transport unit 400 (steps S11 to S14) (FIG. 10). Further, when the adsorbed sheet-like material Pu is abnormal, it is transported to the storage unit 800b (see FIG. 11) in the same manner as the transport process (steps S15 to S16) by the first transport unit 400, and the second transport unit. 500 is moved to a predetermined standby position to be in a standby state, during which the second transfer unit 500 is switched to the first transfer unit 400.

  Here, the first supply interval of the sheet-like raw material Pu by the first conveying unit 400 (the time until the sheet-like raw material Pu adsorbed by the stacking unit 300 by the first conveying unit 400 is conveyed (supplied) to the supply unit 700) , A second supply interval of the sheet-like material Pu by the second transport unit 500 (time until the sheet-like material Pu adsorbed by the stacking unit 300 by the second transport unit 500 is conveyed (supplied) to the supply unit 700), A third supply interval of the sheet-like raw material Pu when switching from the conveyance by the first conveyance unit 400 to the conveyance by the second conveyance unit 500 (conveyance (supply) of the sheet-like raw material Pu to the supply unit 700 by the first conveyance unit 400) After that, the abnormality of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is detected, and the second transport unit 500 is switched to transport the sheet-shaped raw material Pu adsorbed by the stacking unit 300 to the supply unit 700 (supply). ) And the fourth supply interval of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu when it is switched from the transport by the second transport unit 500 to the transport by the first transport unit 400 (the sheet-shaped raw material Pu by the second transport unit 500) After the sheet is conveyed (supplied) to the supply unit 700, an abnormality in the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is detected, and the first conveyance unit 400 is switched to supply the sheet-shaped material Pu adsorbed by the stacking unit 300 by the first conveyance unit. Is controlled so as to be constant. That is, it is possible to continue the conveyance of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu to the supply unit 700 so that the supply interval in a predetermined number unit (for example, every one or every two sheets) is constant. In other words, the supply amount of the sheet-like raw material Pu per unit time is constant.

  Next, the configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described. The sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a sheet-shaped raw material supply device, a crushing unit that crushes the sheet-shaped raw material supplied from the sheet-shaped raw material supply device into crushing pieces, and a defibrating unit that defibrates the crushing pieces into defibrated material. And a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet using at least a part of the defibrated material. In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 concerning this embodiment demonstrates the structure provided with said sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 10. FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 10, a manufacturing unit 102, and a control unit 104. The manufacturing unit 102 manufactures a sheet. The manufacturing unit 102 includes a crushing unit 12, a defibrating unit 20, a sorting unit 40, a first web forming unit 45, a rotating body 49, a mixing unit 50, a depositing unit 60, and a second web forming unit. 70, a sheet forming portion 80, and a cutting portion 90.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 10 includes a stacking unit 300 for stacking the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, a first transport unit 400 for transporting the sheet-shaped raw material Pu from the stacking unit 300, and a sheet from the stacking unit 300. Detecting that there is an abnormality in the second conveyance unit 500 that conveys the sheet-like material Pu, the detection unit 600 that detects the state of the sheet-like material Pu, and the sheet-like material Pu that is conveyed from the stacking unit 300 by the first conveyance unit 400 When the unit 600 detects, the first transport unit 400 is switched to the second transport unit 500, and a new sheet-shaped raw material Pu is transported from the stacking unit 300 by the second transport unit 500, and there is no abnormality. Is supplied to the crushing unit 12 corresponding to the supply unit 700. Thereby, the supply amount per unit time of the sheet-like raw material supplied from the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 10 to the crushing unit 12 becomes constant. In addition, the sheet-like raw material supplied by the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 10 contains fibers, such as a used paper and a pulp sheet, for example. The supply of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu determined to be normal to the crushing unit 12 may be configured to be supplied from the supply unit 700 by a conveyance roller, or directly to the crushing unit 12 instead of the supply unit 700. You may comprise so that it may supply.

  The crushing unit 12 cuts the sheet-shaped raw material Pu supplied by the sheet-shaped raw material supply device 10 in air into pieces. The shape and size of the strip is, for example, a strip of several cm square. In the illustrated example, the crushing unit 12 has a crushing blade 14, and the supplied sheet-like raw material Pu can be cut by the crushing blade 14. As the crushing part 12, a shredder is used, for example. The raw material (strips) cut by the crushing unit 12 is received by the hopper 1 and then transferred (conveyed) to the defibrating unit 20 via the pipe 2.

  The defibrating unit 20 defibrates the raw material (strips) cut by the crushing unit 12. Here, “defibrating” means unraveling a raw material (a material to be defibrated, a strip) formed by binding a plurality of fibers into individual fibers. The defibrating unit 20 also has a function of separating substances such as resin particles, ink, toner, and a bleeding inhibitor adhering to the raw material from the fibers.

  What has passed through the defibrating unit 20 is referred to as “defibrated material”. In addition to the defibrated fibers that have been unraveled, the “defibrated material” includes resin particles (resins that bind multiple fibers together), ink, toner, etc. In some cases, additives such as colorants, anti-bleeding materials, and paper strength enhancing agents are included. The shape of the defibrated material that has been unraveled is a string shape or a ribbon shape. The unraveled defibrated material may exist in an unentangled state (independent state) with other undisentangled fibers, or entangled with other undisentangled defibrated material to form a lump. It may exist in a state (a state forming a so-called “dama”).

  The defibrating unit 20 defibrates in a dry manner in the atmosphere (in the air). Specifically, an impeller mill is used as the defibrating unit 20. The defibrating unit 20 has a function of generating an air flow that sucks the raw material and discharges the defibrated material. As a result, the defibrating unit 20 can suck the raw material together with the airflow from the introduction port 22 with the airflow generated by itself, defibrate, and transport the defibrated material to the discharge port 24. The defibrated material that has passed through the defibrating unit 20 is transferred to the sorting unit 40 via the tube 3. In addition, the airflow for conveying a defibrated material from the defibrating unit 20 to the sorting unit 40 may use an airflow generated by the defibrating unit 20, or an airflow generation device such as a blower is provided, May be used.

  The sorting unit 40 introduces the defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating unit 20 from the introduction port 42 and sorts the defibrated material according to the length of the fiber. As the selection unit 40, for example, a sieve is used. The sorting unit 40 has a net (filter, screen), fibers or particles smaller than the mesh size of the mesh (things that pass through the mesh, the first selection product), fibers larger than the mesh size of the mesh, Undefibrated pieces and lumps (those that do not pass through the net, second sort) can be separated. For example, the first selection is transferred to the mixing unit 50 via the pipe 7. The second selected item is returned to the defibrating unit 20 from the discharge port 44 through the pipe 8. Specifically, the sorting unit 40 is a cylindrical sieve that is rotationally driven by a motor. As the net of the sorting unit 40, for example, a metal net, an expanded metal obtained by extending a cut metal plate, or a punching metal in which a hole is formed in the metal plate by a press machine or the like is used.

  The first web forming unit 45 conveys the first sorted product that has passed through the sorting unit 40 to the mixing unit 50. The first web forming unit 45 includes a mesh belt 46, a stretching roller 47, and a suction unit (suction mechanism) 48.

  The suction unit 48 can suck the first sorted matter dispersed in the air through the opening (opening of the mesh) of the sorting unit 40 onto the mesh belt 46. The first selection is deposited on the moving mesh belt 46 to form the web V. The basic configurations of the mesh belt 46, the stretching roller 47, and the suction unit 48 are the same as the mesh belt 72, the stretching roller 74, and the suction mechanism 76 of the second web forming unit 70 described later.

  The web V is formed in a soft and swelled state containing a lot of air by passing through the sorting unit 40 and the first web forming unit 45. The web V deposited on the mesh belt 46 is put into the tube 7 and conveyed to the mixing unit 50.

  The rotating body 49 can cut the web V before the web V is conveyed to the mixing unit 50. In the illustrated example, the rotator 49 has a base 49a and a protrusion 49b protruding from the base 49a. The protrusion 49b has, for example, a plate shape. In the illustrated example, four protrusions 49b are provided, and four protrusions 49b are provided at equal intervals. When the base 49a rotates in the direction R, the protrusion 49b can rotate around the base 49a. By cutting the web V by the rotating body 49, for example, the fluctuation in the amount of defibrated material per unit time supplied to the deposition unit 60 can be reduced.

  The rotating body 49 is provided in the vicinity of the first web forming portion 45. In the illustrated example, the rotating body 49 is provided in the vicinity of the stretching roller 47a located on the downstream side in the path of the web V (next to the stretching roller 47a). The rotating body 49 is provided at a position where the protrusion 49b can come into contact with the web V and not in contact with the mesh belt 46 on which the web V is deposited. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the mesh belt 46 from being worn (damaged) by the protrusion 49b. The shortest distance between the protrusion 49b and the mesh belt 46 is, for example, not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.5 mm.

  The mixing unit 50 mixes the first sorted product that has passed through the sorting unit 40 (the first sorted product conveyed by the first web forming unit 45) and the additive containing resin. The mixing unit 50 includes an additive supply unit 52 that supplies the additive, a pipe 54 that conveys the first selected product and the additive, and a blower 56. In the illustrated example, the additive is supplied from the additive supply unit 52 to the pipe 54 via the hopper 9. The tube 54 is continuous with the tube 7.

  In the mixing unit 50, an air flow is generated by the blower 56, and the first selection product and the additive can be mixed and conveyed in the pipe 54. In addition, the mechanism which mixes a 1st selection material and an additive is not specifically limited, It may stir with the blade | wing which rotates at high speed, and uses rotation of a container like a V-type mixer. There may be.

  As the additive supply unit 52, a screw feeder as shown in FIG. 1 or a disk feeder (not shown) is used. The additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 includes a resin for binding a plurality of fibers. At the time when the resin is supplied, the plurality of fibers are not bound. The resin melts when passing through the sheet forming portion 80 to bind a plurality of fibers.

  The resin supplied from the additive supply unit 52 is a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. For example, AS resin, ABS resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate, Polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in combination. The additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 may be fibrous or powdery.

  In addition to the resin that binds the fibers, the additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 prevents coloring of the fibers and the aggregation of the fibers depending on the type of sheet to be produced. An anti-aggregation agent for making the fibers and a flame retardant for making the fibers difficult to burn may be included. The mixture (mixture of the first selection product and the additive) that has passed through the mixing unit 50 is transferred to the deposition unit 60 via the pipe 54.

  The depositing unit 60 introduces the mixture that has passed through the mixing unit 50 from the introduction port 62, loosens the entangled defibrated material (fibers), and lowers it while dispersing it in the air. Furthermore, when the additive resin supplied from the additive supply unit 52 is fibrous, the deposition unit 60 loosens the entangled resin. Thereby, the deposition unit 60 can deposit the mixture on the second web forming unit 70 with good uniformity.

  As the deposition unit 60, a rotating cylindrical sieve is used. The deposition unit 60 has a net, and drops fibers or particles (those that pass through the net) included in the mixture that has passed through the mixing unit 50 that are smaller than the mesh opening size. The configuration of the deposition unit 60 is the same as the configuration of the sorting unit 40, for example.

  It should be noted that the “sieving” of the depositing unit 60 may not have a function of selecting a specific object. That is, the “sieving” used as the depositing unit 60 means that the net is provided, and the depositing unit 60 may drop all of the mixture introduced into the depositing unit 60.

  The second web forming unit 70 deposits the passing material that has passed through the deposition unit 60 to form the web W. The second web forming unit 70 includes, for example, a mesh belt 72, a tension roller 74, and a suction mechanism 76.

  While moving, the mesh belt 72 accumulates the passing material that has passed through the opening of the accumulation unit 60 (the opening of the mesh). The mesh belt 72 is stretched by a stretching roller 74, and is configured to allow air to pass therethrough. The mesh belt 72 moves as the stretching roller 74 rotates. While the mesh belt 72 continuously moves, the passing material that has passed through the accumulation portion 60 is continuously piled up, whereby the web W is formed on the mesh belt 72. The mesh belt 72 is made of, for example, metal, resin, cloth, or non-woven fabric.

  The suction mechanism 76 is provided below the mesh belt 72 (on the side opposite to the accumulation unit 60 side). The suction mechanism 76 can generate an air flow directed downward (air flow directed from the accumulation unit 60 toward the mesh belt 72). By the suction mechanism 76, the mixture dispersed in the air by the deposition unit 60 can be sucked onto the mesh belt 72. Thereby, the discharge speed from the deposition part 60 can be increased. Furthermore, the suction mechanism 76 can form a downflow in the dropping path of the mixture, and can prevent the defibrated material and additives from being entangled during the dropping.

  As described above, the web W in a state where it contains a lot of air and is softly swollen is formed by passing through the deposition unit 60 and the second web forming unit 70 (web forming step). The web W deposited on the mesh belt 72 is conveyed to the sheet forming unit 80.

  In the illustrated example, a humidity control unit 78 that adjusts the humidity of the web W is provided. The humidity control unit 78 can adjust the amount ratio of the web W and water by adding water or water vapor to the web W.

  The sheet forming unit 80 forms the sheet S by pressurizing and heating the web W deposited on the mesh belt 72. In the sheet forming unit 80, by applying heat to the mixture of the defibrated material and the additive mixed in the web W, the plurality of fibers in the mixture are bound to each other via the additive (resin). Can do.

  The sheet forming unit 80 includes a pressurizing unit 82 that pressurizes the web W, and a heating unit 84 that heats the web W pressed by the pressurizing unit 82. The pressurizing unit 82 includes a pair of calendar rollers 85 and applies pressure to the web W. The web W is pressed to reduce its thickness, and the density of the web W is increased. As the heating unit 84, for example, a heating roller (heater roller), a hot press molding machine, a hot plate, a hot air blower, an infrared heater, or a flash fixing device is used. In the illustrated example, the heating unit 84 includes a pair of heating rollers 86. By forming the heating unit 84 as the heating roller 86, the sheet S is formed while the web W is continuously conveyed as compared with the case where the heating unit 84 is configured as a plate-like pressing device (flat plate pressing device). Can do. Here, the calendar roller 85 (pressure unit 82) can apply a pressure higher than the pressure applied to the web W by the heating roller 86 (heating unit 84). The number of calendar rollers 85 and heating rollers 86 is not particularly limited.

  The cutting unit 90 cuts the sheet S formed by the sheet forming unit 80. In the illustrated example, the cutting unit 90 includes a first cutting unit 92 that cuts the sheet S in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and a second cutting unit 94 that cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction. ,have. The second cutting unit 94 cuts the sheet S that has passed through the first cutting unit 92, for example.

  Thus, a single-sheet sheet S having a predetermined size is formed. The cut sheet S is discharged to the discharge unit 96.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 10, the state of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu being conveyed is detected, and the sheet-shaped raw material Pu (for example, the spelled sheet-shaped raw material Pu) in which the abnormality is detected is conveyed to the storage unit 800, and the abnormality is detected. Only the sheet-like raw material Pu that does not exist is conveyed to the supply unit 700. Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected in the sheet-like raw material being conveyed, the sheet-like raw material Pu is continuously conveyed by switching between the first conveyance unit 400 and the second conveyance unit 500. Pu can be transported (supplied) stably.

  And in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 to which such a sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 10 is applied, the supply amount of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu from the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 10 to the crushing unit 12 is constant. For this reason, the sheet | seat S with uniform thickness can be manufactured.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modification will be described below. Modifications may be combined.

  (Modification 1) In the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the two conveyance units of the first conveyance unit 400 and the second conveyance unit 500 are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the structure which provides three or more conveyance parts which convey the sheet-like raw material Pu, and switches suitably may be sufficient. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired.

  (Modification 2) The detection unit 600 of the present embodiment is configured to be used in common for the first and second transport units 400 and 500, but is not limited to this configuration. The detection unit 600 may be provided separately for the first transport unit 400 and the second transport unit 500. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired.

  (Modification 3) Although the detection unit 600 of the present embodiment is an area sensor, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sheet material Pu may be imaged with a CCD camera or the like, and the state of the sheet material Pu may be detected based on the captured image. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired.

  (Modification 4) Although the 1st conveyance part 400 and the 2nd conveyance part 500 of this embodiment were comprised symmetrically in planar view, it is not limited to this structure. The first transport unit 400 and the second transport unit 500 may be in different forms. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired.

  (Modification 5) Although the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes the first and second transport units 400 and 500, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a double-arm robot may be used. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired.

  (Modification 6) In the present embodiment, the adsorbing unit 430 adsorbs the sheet-shaped raw material Pu by sucking air, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an adhesive part that adheres the sheet-like raw material Pu by an adhesive force, an adhesive part that adheres the sheet-like raw material Pu by an adhesive force, or the like may be used. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Sheet-form raw material supply apparatus, 12 ... Roughing part, 20 ... Defibration part, 80 ... Sheet forming part, 100 ... Sheet manufacturing apparatus, 300 ... Stacking part, 400 ... 1st conveyance part, 500 ... 2nd conveyance part , 600 ... detection unit, 700 ... supply unit, 800, 800a, 800b ... accommodation unit.

Claims (7)

A stacking portion for stacking a sheet material,
A first transport unit that transports a sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit;
A second transport unit that transports the sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit;
A detection unit for detecting the state of the sheet-like raw material;
When the detection unit detects that there is an abnormality in the sheet-like raw material conveyed from the stacking unit by the first conveyance unit, the first conveyance unit is switched to the second conveyance unit, and the second conveyance unit And a control unit that transports a new sheet-shaped material from the stacking unit. In the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to claim 1,
The first supply interval of the sheet-like raw material by the first conveyance unit, the second supply interval of the sheet-like raw material by the second conveyance unit, and the transfer from the conveyance by the first conveyance unit to the conveyance by the second conveyance unit are switched. The sheet-like material supply device, wherein the third supply interval of the sheet-like material when supplied is constant. In the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The detection unit detects the state of the sheet-shaped raw material in a state where at least a part of the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material is moved to a predetermined height by the first conveying unit or the second conveying unit. A sheet-like raw material supply device. In the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the detection unit detects that there is an abnormality in the sheet-shaped raw material, the first transport unit transports the sheet-shaped raw material to the storage unit. In the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first and second transport units include at least three drive shafts that can be driven in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a rotation direction. The sheet-like raw material supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A crushing unit that crushes the sheet-like raw material supplied from the sheet-like raw material supply device into a coarsely-crushed piece,
A defibrating unit that defibrates coarse fragments into defibrated material,
And a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet using at least a part of the defibrated material. The loaded sheet-like raw material is transported by the first transport unit,
Detect the state of the sheet material being conveyed,
When it is detected that there is an abnormality in the sheet material, the sheet is switched from the first conveying unit to the second conveying unit, and a new sheet material stacked by the second conveying unit is conveyed. -Like raw material supply method.

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