JP2017145526A - Sheet manufacturing installation and maintenance method of sheet manufacturing installation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet manufacturing installation with a dust catcher which can predict a replace period precisely on the basis of pressure information of a filter.SOLUTION: A sheet manufacturing installation 100 comprises: dust catchers 450 and 750 with filters to catch a part of defibration things that raw materials containing fiber are defibrated; a detector to detect pressure of the filters; and a prediction unit 104 predicting a replace period of the filters on the basis of allowable pressure of the filters, rising value of the pressure of the filters in a unit period, and variation of first pressure of the filters in the unit period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet manufacturing apparatus and a maintenance method for a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a separator that separates waste paper waste crushed by a crusher into crushed paper and paper dust, a dust collector that re-separates paper dust separated from waste paper waste into paper dust and air, and a paper duster There is known a waste paper collecting apparatus including an exhaust fan that discharges purified air from which air has been removed to the atmosphere (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-57445

  By the way, for example, in a dust collector equipped with a filter that collects dust and the like, maintenance such as dust removal and replacement of the filter is required. However, since the amount of dust collected by the filter varies depending on the operating status of the apparatus, it is difficult to accurately grasp the maintenance timing.

  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] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example detects a pressure of the collector having a filter for collecting a part of the defibrated material obtained by defibrating the raw material containing the fiber. Replacement of the filter based on the detector for allowing the filter, the allowable pressure of the filter, the amount of increase in the pressure of the filter within a unit period, and the amount of change in the initial pressure of the filter per unit period And a prediction unit for predicting the time.

  According to this configuration, the replacement time can be accurately predicted based on the pressure information of the filter. Thereby, it can lead to a user's burden reduction and the improvement of the operation rate of an apparatus.

  Application Example 2 The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example includes an output unit that outputs the filter replacement time predicted by the prediction unit.

  According to this configuration, since the filter replacement time is output, the user can perform the replacement work in a timely manner.

  [Application Example 3] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above has a removal unit for removing the deposits attached to the filter, and the initial pressure of the filter is a pressure immediately after the operation of the removal unit. It is characterized by being.

  According to this configuration, the collection function of the filter can be recovered by removing the deposits attached to the filter. Further, by setting the initial pressure of the filter to a pressure immediately after operating the removing unit, it is possible to grasp the change with time of the degree of contamination of the filter, and to predict the replacement time of the filter more accurately.

  [Application Example 4] The removing unit of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above operates in a first operation state that operates at predetermined intervals, and a second operation that operates when the sheet manufacturing apparatus is stopped or started. The initial pressure of the filter is a pressure immediately after the removal unit is operated in the second operation state.

  According to this configuration, the filter collecting function can be efficiently recovered by an operation combining the first operation state and the second operation state.

  Application Example 5 The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example is maintained by a sheet manufacturing apparatus having a collector provided with a filter for collecting a part of a defibrated material obtained by defibrating a raw material containing fibers. The filter replacement method is based on the allowable pressure of the filter, the amount of increase in the pressure of the filter within a unit period, and the amount of change in the initial pressure of the filter per unit period. It is characterized by predicting the time.

  According to this configuration, the replacement time can be accurately predicted based on the pressure information of the filter. As a result, the apparatus can be efficiently maintained.

Schematic which shows the structure of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. Schematic which shows the structure of a collector. Explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of a collector. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. Explanatory drawing explaining the control method of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. Explanatory drawing explaining the control method of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. The flowchart which shows the maintenance method of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. Schematic which shows the structure of the maintenance system containing 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, a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 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 deposition unit 60, and a second web forming unit. 70, a sheet forming unit 80, and a cutting unit 90.

  The supply unit 10 supplies raw materials to the crushing unit 12. The supply unit 10 is, for example, an automatic input unit for continuously supplying raw materials to the crushing unit 12. The raw material supplied by the supply part 10 contains fibers, such as a used paper and a pulp sheet, for example.

  The crushing unit 12 cuts the raw material supplied by the supply unit 10 into 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 charged raw material can be cut by the crushing blade 14. As the crushing part 12, a shredder is used, for example. The raw material cut by the crushing unit 12 is received by the hopper 1 and then transferred (conveyed) to the defibrating unit 20 through the pipe 2.

  The defibrating unit 20 defibrates the raw material cut by the crushing unit 12. Here, “defibration” means unraveling a raw material (a material to be defibrated) 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 performs defibration by a dry method. Here, performing a process such as defibration in the air (in the air), not in the liquid, is called dry. As the defibrating unit 20, an impeller mill is used in the present embodiment. The defibrating unit 20 has a function of generating an air flow that sucks the raw material and discharges the defibrated material. Thereby, the defibrating unit 20 can suck the raw material together with the airflow from the introduction port 22 by the airflow generated by itself, defibrate it, and transport it 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.

  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 mechanism 48.

  The suction mechanism 48 can suck the first sorting material that has passed through the opening (opening of the mesh) of the sorting unit 40 and dispersed in the air 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 and the stretching roller 47 are the same as the configurations of the mesh belt 72 and the stretching roller 74 of the second web forming unit 70 described later.

  The suction mechanism 48 is provided below the mesh belt 46 (on the side opposite to the sorting unit 40 side). The suction mechanism 48 is provided below the mesh belt 46 and has an opening 48a having an opening toward the mesh belt 46, a pipe 48b having one end connected to the opening 48a, and a connection to the other end of the pipe 48b. A collector 48, a pipe 48c having one end connected to the collector 450, and a blower 48d connected to the other end of the pipe 48c. By driving the blower 48d, it is possible to generate a downward airflow (an airflow from the sorting unit 40 toward the mesh belt 46). In the present embodiment, air is drawn from the opening of the crushing portion 12 (opening of the pipe 2), and airflow passing through the pipe 2, the pipe 3, the pipe 48b, and the pipe 48c is generated. By the suction mechanism 48, the first selection product dispersed in the air by the selection unit 40 can be sucked onto the mesh belt 46. Further, the collector 450 includes a filter 455 (see FIG. 2), and dust (for example, powder) contained in the first selected item (part of the defibrated material) that has passed through the mesh belt 46 by suction by the blower 48d. Resin (resin for binding a plurality of fibers), colorant such as ink and toner) can be collected. The air that has passed through the filter 455 of the collector 450 is exhausted from the exhaust port to the outside by the blower 48d. The detailed configuration of the collector 450 will be 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 with the rotator 49, for example, the variation 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.

  In the illustrated example, a humidity control unit 400 that adjusts the humidity of the web V formed on the mesh belt 46 is provided on the upstream side of the rotating body 49 in the conveyance direction of the web V. The humidity control unit 400 can adjust the quantitative ratio of the web V and water by adding water or water vapor to the web V.

  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 and binds 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 depositing unit 60 to form the web W. The second web forming unit 70 includes, for example, a mesh belt 72, a stretching 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 section 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.

  The suction mechanism 76 is provided below the mesh belt 72 and has an opening 76a having an opening toward the mesh belt 72, a pipe 76b having one end connected to the opening 76a, and a connection to the other end of the pipe 76b. And a blower 76d having one end connected to the collector 750 and a blower 76d connected to the other end of the pipe 76c. By driving the blower 76d, it is possible to generate a downward airflow. In the present embodiment, air is sucked from the opening of the pipe 7 and an airflow is generated through the pipe 54, the pipe 76b, and the pipe 76c. The collector 750 includes a filter and can collect the mixture that has passed through the mesh belt 72 by suction by the blower 76d. The air that has passed through the filter of the collector 750 is exhausted from the exhaust port to the outside by the blower 76d. The detailed configuration of the collector 750 will be described later.

  As described above, the web W is softly inflated and contains a large amount of air by passing through the deposition part 60 and the second web formation part 70 (web formation process). 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 quantity ratio between 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, heat is applied to the mixture of the defibrated material and the additive mixed in the web W to bind the plurality of fibers in the mixture 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. When the web W is pressed, its thickness is reduced, 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 to 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.

  Next, the configuration and characteristics of the collector will be described. Since the configuration of the collector 450 and the configuration of the collector 750 are the same, the configuration of the collector 450 will be described as an example. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the collector, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the characteristics of the collector.

  The collector 450 is, for example, a bag filter type collector. As shown in FIG. 2, the collector 450 includes a frame (housing) 451. The frame body 451 includes a first frame body 451a and a second frame body 451b, and is detachably coupled by a coupling portion 452. In the illustrated example, a guide groove is formed in each of the first frame body 451a and the second frame body 451b as the coupling portion 452, and the first frame body 451a and the second frame body 451b are slid along the guide groove. It is comprised so that coupling | bonding is possible. The second frame body 451b corresponds to a portion for storing collected dust and the like, and the second frame body 451b can be removed from the first frame body 451a and the dust and the like stored in the second frame body 451b can be discarded. .

  In addition, a partition body (partition wall) 456 having a through hole is provided inside the first frame 451a. The frame body 451 is partitioned into an intake chamber 481 and an exhaust chamber 482 by the partition body 456. A cylindrical filter 455 is disposed in the frame body 451 (intake chamber 481) so as to correspond to the through hole of the partition body 456. In this embodiment, four through holes are formed in the partition body 456, and four filters 455 are arranged corresponding to each through hole. The filter 455 collects dust and the like, and is, for example, a cloth bag filter. The filter 455 has a hollow cylindrical shape inside, and has a bag shape with one end closed. The closed part of the filter 455 is arranged in the direction of gravity, and the opened part on the opposite side is arranged to face the opposite side to the direction of gravity. The filter 455 is supported by a retainer or the like. For this reason, the shape of the filter 455 is maintained even when airflow sucked into the frame body 451 is received.

  In addition, an inlet 453 through which airflow including dust and the like sucked through the mesh belt 46 by the blower 48d is provided in a portion corresponding to the intake chamber 481 of the first frame 451a. Further, an exhaust port 454 through which the purified air that has passed through the filter 455 is exhausted is provided in a portion corresponding to the exhaust chamber 482 of the first frame 451a.

  Air (including dust) introduced from the inlet 453 into the intake chamber 481 passes through the filter 455 and is sent to the exhaust chamber 482. At this time, dust or the like adheres to the filter 455 or falls to the second frame 451b side, and the purified air is sent to the exhaust chamber 482 and exhausted from the exhaust port 454.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, as dust adheres to and accumulates on the filter 455 of the collector 450, the pressure loss due to the increase in the ventilation resistance causes the operating time of the collector 450 (the operating time of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100). ) Rises over time. When the pressure (loss) exceeds an allowable range, the filter 455 is damaged such as tearing, and dust collection efficiency is lowered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a compressed air discharge unit 490 is provided as a removal unit for removing deposits such as dust attached to the filter 455.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the compressed air discharge unit 490 includes a compressed air generation unit 491 that generates compressed air such as a compressor, a pipe 493 connected to the compressed air generation unit 491, and a nozzle connected to the pipe 493. Part 492. In the present embodiment, four nozzle portions 492 are provided corresponding to each filter 455. Further, the discharge port 492a of the nozzle portion 492 through which compressed air is discharged is disposed toward the center portion (hollow portion) of the filter 455. Compressed air is discharged to the filter 455 in a direction opposite to the flow direction of air introduced from the inlet 453 and passing through the filter 455. When the compressed air is discharged into the filter 455, the compressed air expands, the filter 455 vibrates, and the attached matter such as dust attached to the surface of the filter 455 falls. The fallen deposits are stored in the second frame 451b. In this manner, the filter 455 is cleaned (dust removal and cleaning) by the compressed air discharge unit 490.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when compressed air is discharged toward the filter 455 at time ta to remove deposits attached to the surface of the filter 455, the ventilation resistance of the filter 455 decreases and the pressure loss decreases. . Thereby, the collection efficiency of the filter 455 can be recovered. As will be described later, dust collection by the filter 455 and cleaning of the filter 455 are repeatedly performed while the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is in operation. Further, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is started or stopped, a stronger cleaning process for the filter 455 is performed. By the way, in the cleaning process of the filter 455 with compressed air, it is difficult to remove all dust adhering to the filter 455, and as shown in FIG. 3, the filter 455 is cleaned (immediately after cleaning) at a time ta. The pressure is usually higher than the initial pressure (the pressure at time t0 in FIG. 3). The problem here is the timing for replacing the filter 455. When the replacement time of the filter 455 is simply specified uniformly, for example, when the operating rate of the collector 450 is relatively high, the filter 455 may be damaged before the replacement time of the filter 455. On the other hand, when the operation rate of the collector 450 is relatively low, the filter 455 is replaced even though the dust collecting effect of the filter 455 is still recognized, and cost and time are wasted. Arise.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a detector for detecting the pressure of the filter 455 is provided, the allowable pressure of the filter 455, the amount of increase in the pressure of the filter 455 within the unit period, and the initial pressure of the filter 455 for each unit period. Based on the amount of change, the replacement time of the filter 455 is predicted.

  The detector of this embodiment is a pressure sensor 498. The pressure sensor 498 is disposed at a position corresponding to the exhaust chamber 482 and detects the pressure inside the exhaust chamber 482, that is, the outlet side of the air purified by the filter 455. The pressure sensor 498 is a sensor that detects a piezoelectric element via a diaphragm, for example.

Next, the configuration of the control unit of the sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit of the sheet apparatus. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a control method of the sheet manufacturing apparatus. In this embodiment, the control configuration of the collector 450 will be mainly described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 104 includes a command unit 1300, a drive unit 1400, a clock function unit 1410, a communication unit 1420, and the like. The command unit 1300 includes a CPU 1301, a ROM 1302 as a storage unit, a RAM 1303, and an input / output interface 1304. The CPU 1301 processes various signals input via the input / output interface 1304 based on data in the ROM 1302 and RAM 1303, and A control signal is output to the drive unit 1400 via the interface 1304. For example, the CPU 1301 performs various controls based on a control program stored in the ROM 1302.

  The clock function unit 1410 has a stopwatch function capable of measuring time, a calendar function capable of measuring date and time, and the like. For example, the command unit 1300 can construct the drive timing of the compressed air discharge unit 490 using a function of outputting a signal at regular intervals (every time a specified time elapses). The communication unit 1420 is for communicating with a terminal device such as a personal computer or a portable device.

  The drive unit 1400 includes a pressure sensor drive unit 1401, a compressed air discharge drive unit 1402, and a display drive unit 1403. Then, based on the control signal of the command unit 1300, the pressure sensor drive unit 1401 drives and controls the pressure sensor 498, and the compressed air discharge drive unit 1402 drives and controls the compressed air discharge unit 490. The display driving unit 1403 drives and controls the display unit 105 as an output unit. The display unit 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal display provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

  Note that the compressed air discharge unit 490 of the present embodiment includes a first operation (first operation state) that operates at predetermined intervals when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is in an operating state, and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. Drive control is performed in a second operation (second operation state) that operates when the operation is stopped (hereinafter simply referred to as a stop) or activated (hereinafter simply referred to as a start). For example, during operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the compressed air discharge unit 490 is driven at a rate of once every 3 minutes as the first operation state. The drive time of one compressed air discharge part 490 is about 100 msec. Further, the compressed air discharge unit 490 is driven when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped as the second operation state. The drive time of one compressed air discharge part 490 is about 30 sec.

  The drive control of the compressed air discharge unit 490 is not limited to the above setting, and can be set as appropriate according to the usage mode of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. For example, when the continuous operation time of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is short or the generation amount of dust or the like is small, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is driven for about 100 msec every 5 minutes as the first operation state, and the sheet is manufactured as the second operation state. When the apparatus 100 is stopped, it is driven for about 10 seconds. With this setting, the driving time of the compressed air discharge unit 490 is shortened, so that power consumption can be reduced.

  Further, for example, when the continuous operation time of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is long or when the generation amount of dust or the like is large, the sheet is driven for about 100 msec every minute as the first operation state, and the sheet is set as the second operation state. When the manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped, it is driven for about 60 seconds. With this setting, the dust collection performance of the filter 455 can be secured, and the replacement time of the filter 455 can be extended.

  In the above example, as the second operation state, the compressed air discharge unit 490 is driven when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped. However, it is driven when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is started instead of or in addition to the stop. May be.

  In said control structure, the control part 104 as a prediction part estimates the replacement time of the filter 455 of the collector 450. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the control unit 104 determines the allowable pressure (P_max) of the filter 455, the amount of increase in the pressure of the filter 455 (ΔPn) within the unit period, and the initial pressure of the filter 455 for each unit period. Based on the amount of change in (Pn_start), the replacement time of the filter 455 is predicted.

  The allowable pressure (P_max) of the filter 455 is a value set as a pressure that ensures the dust collection performance of the filter 455 and does not damage the filter 455. Therefore, the filter 455 is required to be used within the allowable pressure (P_max). The allowable pressure (P_max) of the filter 455 is determined by the specifications of the filter 455. Alternatively, it is determined in advance in consideration of the performance evaluation result of the filter 455 and the like.

  In this embodiment, the compressed air discharge unit 490 is driven at a rate of once every 5 minutes as the first operation state (the drive time of the compressed air discharge unit 490 is about 100 msec), and the sheet is manufactured as the second operation state. The case where the compressed air discharge part 490 is driven at the time of the stop of the apparatus 100 (the drive time of one compressed air discharge part 490 is about 10 sec) is demonstrated. FIG. 5 shows the pressure change of the filter 455 for each unit period. The amount of increase (ΔPn) is the amount of change in pressure per unit period, and within the unit period, the pressure of the filter 455 (Pn_start, hereinafter referred to as initial pressure) when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (collector 450) is activated. It is obtained from the difference from the pressure of the filter 455 (Pn_end, hereinafter referred to as end pressure) when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped. For example, in FIG. 5, the amount of increase (ΔP1) in the first unit period (t0 to t1) is the initial pressure (P1_start) at the start time t0 of the unit period and the end pressure (P1_end) at the end time t1 of the unit period. It is calculated from the difference between Here, in the present embodiment, as the second operation state, the compressed air discharge unit 490 is driven when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped, and the unit period is set to one day, and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (collector 450) in the unit period is operated. The operating time is assumed to be 8 hours. In this case, the initial pressure (Pn_start) is the pressure when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is started (after the filter 455 is cleaned when the apparatus is stopped within the previous unit period), and the end pressure (Pn_end) is 8 It becomes the pressure immediately before the filter 455 is cleaned after the operation of time (when the apparatus is stopped within the unit period). That is, in the case of this embodiment, the pressure immediately before the cleaning process of the filter 455 performed after the operation time (8 hours) has elapsed is the pressure at the end (Pn_end), and the pressure immediately after is the initial pressure (Pn + 1_start) of the next unit period. It becomes. Thus, the initial pressure (Pn_start) of the filter 455 is a pressure immediately after operating the compressed air discharge unit 490 (immediately after cleaning the filter 455). When the filter 455 is cleaned when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped as the second operation state, “immediately after cleaning” includes the period until the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is started next. This is because the pressure of the filter 455 does not change during that time. Further, when the filter 455 is cleaned when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is started as the second operation state, the pressure immediately after the cleaning becomes the initial pressure (Pn_start) in the unit period. During the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 within the unit period, the cleaning process of the filter 455 in the first operation state is also performed. In FIG. 5, the time from the start of the unit period to the start of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the time from the stop of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 after the end of the operation time to the end of the unit period are omitted. The pressure change of the filter 455 within the period is simply expressed.

  Here, although the compressed air discharge part 490 is driven in the 1st operation state and the 2nd operation state, it is difficult to remove all deposits, such as dust attached to the filter 455. For this reason, the pressure cannot be completely recovered to zero. Then, with the passage of time, deposits such as dust accumulate on the filter 455, and the pressure increases. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the initial pressure (Pn_start) gradually changes (increases).

  Then, the control unit 104 adds the amount of increase (ΔPn) for each unit period, and divides the total amount of increase (Σ_ΔPn) by the sum n of unit periods. Thereby, the average amount of increase (A_ΔPn) per unit period (per day in this embodiment) is calculated. Then, an average increase amount (A_ΔPn) is subtracted from the allowable pressure (P_max) to calculate a limit pressure (P_limit). Here, since the limit pressure (P_limit) is a value obtained by subtracting the average increase amount (A_ΔPn) from the allowable pressure (P_max), at least if the filter 455 is used within a range not exceeding the limit pressure (P_limit). A situation where the allowable pressure (P_max) is exceeded within the unit period can be substantially avoided. The limit pressure (P_limit) fluctuates due to a change in the increase amount (ΔPn) for each unit period.

  Further, the control unit 104 calculates a regression line L from the initial pressure (Pn_start) for each unit period using the least square method. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 104 calculates (predicts) the time tn at which the calculated regression line L reaches the limit pressure (P_limit) as the filter 455 replacement time. From the predicted time tn, for example, the predicted replacement time (tn) of the filter 455 is output to the display unit 105 at a predetermined time tm such as one month ago. As a result, the user can prepare a replacement filter and replace the filter 455 in a timely manner.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the operation time and the unit period of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 are different has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the operation time per day may be set as the unit period.

  Next, a maintenance method for the sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described. A maintenance method for a sheet manufacturing apparatus is a maintenance method for a sheet manufacturing apparatus having a collector equipped with a filter for collecting a part of a defibrated material obtained by defibrating a raw material containing fibers, wherein The filter replacement time is predicted based on the pressure, the amount of increase in the filter pressure within the unit period, and the amount of change in the initial pressure of the filter per unit period. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a maintenance method of the sheet manufacturing apparatus. In the present embodiment, a maintenance method in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the maintenance method in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a process for removing deposits (step S100), a process for predicting the replacement time of the filter 455 (step S200), and a filter 455. The process of outputting the replacement time (step S300).

  In the deposit removal process (step S100), first, a driving method of the compressed air discharge unit 490 is set. For example, the compressed air discharge unit 490 is driven at a rate of once every 3 minutes as the first operation state (the drive time of the compressed air discharge unit 490 is about 100 msec), and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is set as the second operation state. It is set so that the compressed air discharge part 490 is driven (the drive time of one compressed air discharge part 490 is about 30 sec) at the time of stopping. After the driving method of the compressed air discharge unit 490 is set, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 starts manufacturing the sheet.

  A signal is output from the clock function unit 1410 at every predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, 3 minutes in the first operation state), and the command unit 1300 acquires the signal. The command unit 1300 drives the compressed air discharge unit 490 based on the signal acquired from the timepiece function unit 1410. Thereby, the removal process of the deposit | attachment adhering to the filter 455 is performed. Further, the command unit 1300 also drives the compressed air discharge unit 490 when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is started or stopped, and a process for removing the deposits attached to the filter 455 is performed.

  In the process of predicting the replacement time of the filter 455 (step S200), the amount of increase in pressure (ΔPn) of the filter 455 within the unit period is calculated. The pressure sensor 498 detects the initial pressure (Pn_start) and end pressure (Pn_end), and subtracts the initial pressure (Pn_start) from the end pressure (Pn_end) to calculate the amount of increase (ΔPn) within the unit period. To do.

  Furthermore, the total increase amount (Σ_ΔPn) obtained by adding the increase amount (ΔPn) for each unit period from the start of using the filter 455 attached to the collector 450 (750) to the present is expressed as a total n for the unit period. Divide to calculate the average amount of increase (A_ΔPn) per unit period.

  Then, the limit pressure (P_limit) is calculated by subtracting the average increase amount (A_ΔPn) from the allowable pressure (P_max) of the filter 455 defined in advance.

  Further, a regression line L of the initial pressure (Pn_start) is obtained based on the initial pressure (Pn_start) for each unit period, and a time tn at which the initial pressure (Pn_start) reaches the limit pressure (P_limit) is predicted. This prediction process is performed, for example, every time a unit period elapses (every day in the above example).

  In the output process (step S300) of the filter 455 replacement time, the filter 455 replacement time is set to a predetermined time (for example, one month before) tm earlier than the time tn when the regression line L reaches the limit pressure (P_limit). The data is output to the display unit 105.

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

  The replacement time of the filter 455 can be accurately predicted based on the pressure information of the filter 455 by the pressure sensor 498. Further, by calculating a regression line L representing a change (transition) in the initial pressure (Pn_start) of the filter 455, it is possible to predict a more accurate replacement time of the filter 455. Thereby, it can lead to a user's burden reduction and the improvement of the operation rate of an apparatus.

  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 above embodiment, the replacement time of the filter 455 is displayed on the display unit 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the configuration may be such that the replacement time of the filter 455 is notified to the user terminal device or the like. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance system including a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the maintenance system 2000 includes a control unit 104 (communication unit 1420) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, a user terminal device 3001 (such as a portable terminal), and a maintenance service providing unit 3002 (such as a server and a personal computer). Are configured to be able to transmit and receive data via the communication line 2001. A plurality of sheet manufacturing apparatuses 100 and a plurality of terminal devices 3001 can be connected via a communication line 2001. By constructing such a maintenance system 2000, it is possible to notify the user's terminal device 3001 of the replacement time of the filter 455, and the user can grasp the maintenance status even if he is away from the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. . Further, by enabling communication between the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the maintenance service providing unit 3002, the maintenance service providing unit 3002 can grasp the pressure state of the filter 455 in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. High maintenance service can be implemented.

  (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the pressure sensor 498 is disposed in the exhaust chamber 482. However, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the intake chamber 481 may be further disposed. In this way, the state of the filter 455 can be grasped more accurately by obtaining the differential pressure between the intake chamber 481 and the exhaust chamber 482.

  (Modification 3) In the above embodiment, the compressed air discharge unit 490 has been described as an example of the removal unit for removing the deposits attached to the filter 455. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the filter 455 may be configured to remove the deposit by applying vibration, or may be configured to scrape the deposit attached to the filter 455 with a scraper or the like. Even in this way, the filter 455 can be washed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Sheet manufacturing apparatus, 102 ... Manufacturing part, 104 ... Control part (prediction part), 105 ... Display part (output part), 450 ... Collector, 455 ... Filter, 490 ... Compressed air discharge part (removal part), 498 ... Pressure sensor (detector), 750 ... Collector, 1410 ... Clock function unit, 1420 ... Communication unit, 2000 ... Maintenance system, 2001 ... Communication circuit, 3001 ... Terminal equipment, 3002 ... Maintenance service providing unit.

Claims (5)

A collector equipped with a filter for collecting a part of the defibrated material obtained by defibrating the raw material containing the fiber;
A detector for detecting the pressure of the filter;
A prediction unit that predicts the replacement time of the filter based on the allowable pressure of the filter, the amount of increase in the pressure of the filter within a unit period, and the amount of change in the initial pressure of the filter for each unit period; And a sheet manufacturing apparatus. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an output unit that outputs the filter replacement time predicted by the prediction unit. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
A removal portion for removing the deposits attached to the filter;
The initial pressure of the filter is a pressure immediately after operating the removing unit. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3,
The removal unit includes a first operation state that operates at predetermined intervals, and a second operation state that operates when the sheet manufacturing apparatus is stopped or started.
An initial pressure of the filter is a pressure immediately after the removal unit is operated in the second operation state. A maintenance method for a sheet manufacturing apparatus having a collector having a filter for collecting a part of a defibrated material obtained by defibrating a raw material containing fibers,
The filter replacement time is predicted based on the permissible pressure of the filter, the amount of increase in the pressure of the filter within a unit period, and the amount of change in the initial pressure of the filter for each unit period. A maintenance method for the sheet manufacturing apparatus.

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