JP2018184667A - Processing device, sheet production device, processing method and sheet production method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a processing device, a sheet production device, a processing method and a sheet production method capable of quickly removing foreign matter if the foreign matter is included in sheet-like material.SOLUTION: A processing device comprises a fluff unit for making fiber at least in the vicinity of the surface of sheet-like material containing the fiber fluffy, and a particle supply unit for supplying particles having Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less to the fluffed fiber. In the processing device, the particle supply unit preferably includes a jetting unit for jetting the particles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, a sheet manufacturing apparatus, a processing method, and a sheet manufacturing method.

  In recent years, awareness of the environment has increased, and it has been demanded not only to reduce the amount of paper (recording medium) used in the workplace, but also to regenerate the paper in the workplace.

  As a method of reproducing a recording medium, for example, a method of erasing the curve with an eraser is known for a paper having a curve drawn with a writing instrument having a graphite core such as a pencil or a mechanical pencil. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). The paper from which the curve has been removed becomes usable again.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-124103

  However, in the regeneration method described in Patent Document 1, the graphite existing on the surface of the paper can be erased with an eraser. For example, up to the graphite that has entered the depth side in the thickness direction of the paper, the eraser There is a problem that it cannot be erased sufficiently.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus, a sheet manufacturing apparatus, a processing method, and a sheet manufacturing method capable of sufficiently removing foreign substances contained in a sheet-like material.

  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 aspects.

The treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a fluffing portion for fluffing the fiber at least near the surface of the sheet-like material containing the fiber,
A particle supply unit for supplying particles having a Mohs hardness of 2 to 5 to the fluffy fibers;
It is characterized by providing.

  When the foreign material is contained in the sheet-like material, it is preferable to remove the foreign material. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to fluff fibers at least near the surface of the sheet-like material prior to the removal of the foreign matter. Thereby, the foreign material which exists between fibers protrudes, and the removal of a subsequent foreign material becomes easy. Then, the foreign matter is sufficiently removed from the sheet-like material by removing the foreign matter while the fibers are fuzzy.

  In the processing apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the said particle | grain supply part has an injection part which injects the said particle | grain.

  Some of the ejected particles come into contact with foreign matter adhering to the defibrated material. And this particle | grain can adsorb | suck a foreign material, for example, can be transferred from a fiber, or can collide with a foreign material, and can peel a foreign material from a fiber. Thereby, a foreign material can be reliably removed from a fiber.

In the processing apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the said particle | grain has a function which adsorb | sucks the foreign material contained in the said sheet-like material.
Thereby, a foreign material transfers to a particle by adsorption | suction, and is removed from a fiber.

In the processing apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the said particle | grain collides with the foreign material contained in the said sheet-like material, and has the function to peel the said foreign material from the said fiber.
Thereby, the foreign material is peeled off by the collision of the particles and removed from the fiber.

  In the processing apparatus of this invention, it is preferable to provide the foreign material removal part which removes the said foreign material with the said particle from the said sheet-like material.

  Thereby, for example, the sheet-like material can be reused and reproduced (manufactured) into a sheet as a recording medium.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, comprising a defibrating unit for defibrating the sheet-like material in air after the particles are supplied,
The foreign matter removing unit preferably removes the foreign matter and the particles before defibration.

  Thereby, for example, it can be visually confirmed whether or not the sheet-like material has been subjected to the removal of foreign matters. If the removal of the foreign matter is insufficient or has not been removed, the sheet material can be returned to the processing apparatus.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, comprising a defibrating unit for defibrating the sheet-like material in air after the particles are supplied,
The foreign matter removing unit preferably removes the foreign matter and the particles after defibration.

  Thereby, even after defibration, the particles can come into contact with the foreign matter, and hence the foreign matter can be more sufficiently removed from the fiber.

  In the processing apparatus of this invention, it is preferable to provide the foreign material aggregation part which is arrange | positioned between the said particle | grain supply part and the said foreign material removal part, and aggregates the said foreign material.

  Thereby, a foreign material can be aggregated on a sheet-like material. And the aggregated foreign material is easily removed from the sheet material by removing the foreign material.

In the treatment apparatus of the present invention, the particles are preferably made of a resin material.
Thereby, particle | grains can fully exhibit the function as removal particle | grains for removing a foreign material from a fiber. In addition, even if the particles collide with the fiber, it is possible to prevent the fiber from being damaged by the collision.

In the treatment apparatus of the present invention, the particles are preferably made of a plant material.
Thereby, particle | grains can fully exhibit the function as removal particle | grains for removing a foreign material from a fiber. In addition, even if the particles collide with the fiber, it is possible to prevent the fiber from being damaged by the collision.

In the processing apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the said fluff part has a brush.
By moving the brush with respect to the sheet-like material, it is possible to forcibly raise the lying fibers. Thereby, in a sheet-like material, it will be in the state where the fiber became fluffy.

  In the treatment apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the brush has a cylindrical or columnar core portion that is rotatably supported, and brush bristles provided on an outer peripheral portion of the core portion.

  Then, when the brush rotates, the sheet-like material is forced to get up with the fibers coming into contact with the brush bristles of the brush. Thereby, in a sheet-like material, it will be in the state where the fiber became fluffy.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the fluff portion has a plurality of claw portions.
As a result, the sheet-like material can be scratched, so that the fibers are forced to rise, and in the sheet-like material, the fibers become fuzzy.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes the processing apparatus of the present invention.
When the foreign material is contained in the sheet-like material, it is preferable to remove the foreign material. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to fluff fibers at least near the surface of the sheet-like material prior to the removal of the foreign matter. Thereby, the foreign material which exists between fibers protrudes, and the removal of a subsequent foreign material becomes easy. Then, the foreign matter is sufficiently removed from the sheet-like material by removing the foreign matter while the fibers are fuzzy. And a sheet | seat can further be manufactured from the sheet-like material from which the foreign material was removed.

The treatment method of the present invention includes a fluffing step for fluffing the fibers at least near the surface of the sheet-like material containing the fibers,
A particle supplying step of supplying particles having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less to the fuzzy fibers;
It is characterized by having.

  When the foreign material is contained in the sheet-like material, it is preferable to remove the foreign material. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to fluff fibers at least near the surface of the sheet-like material prior to the removal of the foreign matter. Thereby, the foreign material which exists between fibers protrudes, and the removal of a subsequent foreign material becomes easy. Then, the foreign matter is sufficiently removed from the sheet-like material by removing the foreign matter while the fibers are fuzzy.

The sheet manufacturing method of the present invention includes a fluffing step for fluffing the fibers in the vicinity of at least the surface of the sheet-like material containing the fibers,
A particle supplying step of supplying particles having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less to the fuzzy fibers;
Have
A sheet is manufactured from the sheet-like material after the particles are supplied.

  When the foreign material is contained in the sheet-like material, it is preferable to remove the foreign material. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to fluff fibers at least near the surface of the sheet-like material prior to the removal of the foreign matter. Thereby, the foreign material which exists between fibers protrudes, and the removal of a subsequent foreign material becomes easy. Then, the foreign matter is sufficiently removed from the sheet-like material by removing the foreign matter while the fibers are fuzzy. And a sheet | seat can further be manufactured from the sheet-like material from which the foreign material was removed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the downstream configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an image diagram (an enlarged view of a region [A] surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) sequentially showing the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an image diagram (an enlarged view of a region [B] surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1) sequentially illustrating the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6 is an image diagram (an enlarged view of a region [C] surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) sequentially illustrating the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7 is an image diagram (an enlarged view of a region [D] surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1) sequentially illustrating the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (the processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram (plan view) viewed from the direction of arrow E in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (the processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the downstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the downstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fourth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fourth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fifth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fifth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing the upstream side of the sixth embodiment of the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (including the processing apparatus of the present invention).

  Hereinafter, a processing apparatus, a sheet manufacturing apparatus, a processing method, and a sheet manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  The treatment apparatus 1 of the present invention has a fluffing portion 4 for fluffing fibers FB at least near the surface of a raw material M1 (sheet-like material) containing fibers FB, and a fluffy fiber FB having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less. And a particle supply unit 7 that supplies particles RM (in particular, jets and collides particles RM).

  The treatment method of the present invention includes a fluffing step for fluffing the fibers FB at least near the surface of the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) containing the fibers FB, and a Mohs hardness of 2 to 5 on the fluffed fibers FB. A particle supply step for supplying particles RM. This method is executed by the processing device 1.

  As will be described later, when the foreign material AS is contained in the raw material M1, it is preferable to remove the foreign material AS. Therefore, according to the present invention, first, the fibers FB near at least the surface of the raw material M1 can be fluffed prior to the removal of the foreign matter AS. Thereby, the foreign material AS existing between the fibers FB is raised, and the subsequent removal of the foreign material AS becomes easy. The foreign matter AS is sufficiently removed from the raw material M1 by removing the foreign matter AS in a state where the fibers FB are fluffy.

  That is, the process of the present invention can be said to be a deinking process of waste paper. The conventional deinking process is to disperse used paper in water, release the colorant mechanically and chemically (surfactant, alkaline chemicals, etc.), and remove the coloring material by the floatation method, screen cleaning method, etc. However, in the present invention, deinking is possible without the need to immerse the used paper in water. This is a dry deinking technique.

A sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a processing apparatus 1.
In addition, in the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention, the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) containing the fibers FB has a fluffing step for fluffing the fibers FB near at least the surface, and the fluffy fibers FB have a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 A sheet supply step for supplying the following particles RM, and the sheet S is manufactured from the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) after the particles RM are supplied. This method is executed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

  According to the present invention, the sheet S can be further manufactured (regenerated) from the raw material M1 from which the foreign matter AS has been removed while enjoying the advantages of the processing apparatus 1 (processing method) described above.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the downstream configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. 4 to 7 are image diagrams sequentially showing the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a region [A] surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a region [B] surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a region [C] surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is the enlarged view of area | region [D] enclosed with the chain line. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 7 (the same applies to FIGS. 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15) is referred to as “up” or “upward”. ", The lower side is called" lower "or" lower ". 1, 2, and 4 to 7 (the same applies to FIGS. 8 to 11, 13, and 15), the left side is “left” or “upstream side”, and the right side is “right” or “downstream”. "Side".

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a processing apparatus 1 on the upstream side. The processing apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 3, a fluff unit 4, a particle supply unit 7, and a foreign matter removing unit 5.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a raw material supply unit 11, a crushing unit 12, a defibrating unit 13, a sorting unit 14, and a first web forming unit 15 on the downstream side. The subdividing part 16, the mixing part 17, the loosening part 18, the second web forming part 19, the sheet forming part 20, the cutting part 21, and the stock part 22 are provided. Further, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a humidifying unit 231, a humidifying unit 232, a humidifying unit 233, and a humidifying unit 234. Further, a part of these parts on the downstream side of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 may belong to the processing apparatus 1.

  The operation | movement of each part with which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is provided is controlled by the control part (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the sheet manufacturing method includes a fluffing process, a particle supply process, a foreign matter removal process, a raw material supply process, a coarse crushing process, a defibration process, and a sorting process. And a first web forming step, a dividing step, a mixing step, a loosening step, a second web forming step, a sheet forming step, and a cutting step. And the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can perform these processes in order. Of these steps, the steps performed by the processing apparatus 1 (previous steps) are a fluffing step, a particle supplying step, and a foreign matter removing step.

Hereinafter, the structure of each part with which the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is provided is demonstrated.
First, the downstream configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described, and then the upstream configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, that is, the processing apparatus 1 will be described.

  The raw material supply part 11 is a part which performs the raw material supply process (refer FIG. 3) which supplies the raw material M1 to the crushing part 12. FIG. As this raw material M1, it is a sheet-like material containing the fiber FB (cellulose fiber) (refer FIGS. 4-7). This raw material M1, that is, a sheet-like material, has been subjected to foreign matter removal processing for removing the foreign matter AS by the processing apparatus 1. The cellulose fiber is not particularly limited as long as it is mainly composed of cellulose as a compound (cellulose in a narrow sense) and has a fibrous form, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose (cellulose in a narrow sense). Good.

  The crushing unit 12 is a part that performs a crushing step (see FIG. 3) for crushing the raw material M1 supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 in the air (in the air (in the atmosphere)). The crushing unit 12 has a pair of crushing blades 121 and a chute (hopper) 122.

  The pair of crushing blades 121 rotate in directions opposite to each other, so that the raw material M1 can be roughly crushed between them, that is, can be cut into a roughly crushed piece M2. The shape and size of the coarsely crushed pieces M2 are preferably suitable for the defibrating process in the defibrating unit 13, and are preferably small pieces having a side length of 100 mm or less, for example, 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less. It is more preferable that

  The chute 122 is disposed below the pair of crushing blades 121 and has, for example, a funnel shape. Thereby, the chute | shoot 122 can receive the crushing piece M2 which was crushed by the crushing blade 121 and fell.

  In addition, a humidifying unit 231 is disposed adjacent to the pair of crushing blades 121 above the chute 122. The humidifying unit 231 humidifies the coarse fragments M2 in the chute 122. This humidifying unit 231 has a filter (not shown) containing moisture, and a vaporization type (or a warm air vaporization type) that supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarse fragments M2 by allowing air to pass through the filter. It consists of a humidifier. By supplying the humidified air to the roughly crushed pieces M2, it is possible to suppress the roughly crushed pieces M2 from adhering to the chute 122 and the like due to static electricity.

  The chute 122 is connected to the defibrating unit 13 via a tube (flow path) 241. The coarsely crushed pieces M2 collected on the chute 122 pass through the pipe 241 and are conveyed to the defibrating unit 13.

  The defibrating unit 13 is a part for performing a defibrating step (see FIG. 3) for defibrating the coarsely crushed pieces M2 in the air, that is, dry. By the defibrating process in the defibrating unit 13, the defibrated material M3 can be generated from the coarsely crushed pieces M2. Here, “defining” means unraveling the coarsely crushed pieces M2 formed by binding a plurality of fibers FB into one fiber. Then, the unraveled material becomes the defibrated material M3. The shape of the defibrated material M3 is linear or strip-shaped. Further, the defibrated material M3 may exist in a state where they are entangled and formed into a lump, that is, in a state of forming a so-called “dama”.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the defibrating unit 13 is configured by an impeller mill having a rotor that rotates at a high speed and a liner that is positioned on the outer periphery of the rotor. The coarsely crushed pieces M2 flowing into the defibrating unit 13 are defibrated by being sandwiched between the rotor and the liner.

  Further, the defibrating unit 13 can generate a flow of air (airflow) from the crushing unit 12 toward the sorting unit 14 by rotation of the rotor. Thereby, the coarsely crushed pieces M2 can be sucked into the defibrating unit 13 from the pipe 241. In addition, after the defibrating process, the defibrated material M3 can be sent out to the sorting unit 14 through the pipe 242.

  A blower 261 is installed in the middle of the pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generation device that generates an airflow toward the sorting unit 14. Thereby, sending out of the defibrated material M3 to the sorting unit 14 is promoted.

  The sorting unit 14 is a part that performs a sorting step (see FIG. 3) for sorting the defibrated material M3 based on the length of the fiber FB. In the sorting unit 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into a first sorted product M4-1 and a second sorted product M4-2 that is larger than the first sorted product M4-1. The first selected item M4-1 has a size suitable for the subsequent manufacture of the sheet S. The average length is preferably 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. Further, the average aspect ratio is preferably less than 3, more preferably 2 or less. On the other hand, the second selection product M4-2 includes, for example, those in which defibration is insufficient or those in which the fibrillated fibers FB are excessively aggregated.

  The sorting unit 14 includes a drum unit 141 and a housing unit 142 that houses the drum unit 141.

The drum portion 141 is a sieve that is formed of a cylindrical mesh body and rotates around its central axis. The defibrated material M3 flows into the drum portion 141. And, by rotating the drum part 141, the defibrated material M3 smaller than the mesh opening is selected as the first selected material M4-1, and the defibrated material M3 having a size larger than the mesh opening is Sorted as second sort M4-2.
The first selected item M4-1 falls from the drum unit 141.

  On the other hand, the second selected item M4-2 is sent out to a pipe (flow path) 243 connected to the drum unit 141. The tube 243 is connected to the tube 241 on the opposite side (downstream side) of the drum portion 141. The second selection M4-2 that has passed through the pipe 243 merges with the coarsely crushed pieces M2 in the pipe 241 and flows into the defibrating unit 13 together with the coarsely crushed pieces M2. Thereby, the 2nd selection thing M4-2 is returned to the defibrating part 13, and is defibrated with the coarsely crushed piece M2.

  Moreover, the 1st selection thing M4-1 from the drum part 141 falls, disperse | distributing in air, and goes to the 1st web formation part (separation part) 15 located under the drum part 141. FIG. The 1st web formation part 15 is a part which performs the 1st web formation process (refer FIG. 3) which forms the 1st web M5 from the 1st selected material M4-1. The first web forming unit 15 includes a mesh belt (separation belt) 151, three stretching rollers 152, and a suction unit (suction mechanism) 153.

  The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt, and the first sorted matter M4-1 is deposited thereon. The mesh belt 151 is wound around three tension rollers 152. And the 1st selection thing M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 is conveyed downstream by the rotational drive of the tension roller 152. FIG.

  The 1st selection thing M4-1 is the magnitude | size beyond the opening of the mesh belt 151. FIG. As a result, the first selected item M4-1 is restricted from passing through the mesh belt 151, and thus can be deposited on the mesh belt 151. Moreover, since the 1st selected material M4-1 is conveyed on the downstream side with the mesh belt 151, depositing on the mesh belt 151, it forms as the layered 1st web M5.

  Moreover, there exists a possibility that dust, dust, etc. may be mixed in the 1st selection thing M4-1. For example, when the raw material M1 is supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 to the crushing unit 12, dust and dust may be mixed together with the raw material M1. This dust or dust is smaller than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 151. Thereby, dust or dust passes through the mesh belt 151 and falls further downward.

  The suction unit 153 can suck air from below the mesh belt 151. Thereby, the dust and dust which passed the mesh belt 151 can be attracted | sucked with air.

  The suction unit 153 is connected to the collection unit 27 via a tube (flow path) 244. The dust sucked by the suction unit 153 is collected by the collection unit 27.

  A tube (flow path) 245 is further connected to the collection unit 27. A blower 262 is installed in the middle of the pipe 245. By the operation of the blower 262, a suction force can be generated in the suction portion 153. Thereby, formation of the 1st web M5 on the mesh belt 151 is accelerated | stimulated. The first web M5 is one from which dust and dust have been removed. In addition, dust and dirt pass through the tube 244 and reach the collection unit 27 by the operation of the blower 262.

  The housing part 142 is connected to the humidifying part 232. The humidifying unit 232 includes a vaporizing humidifier similar to the humidifying unit 231. Thereby, humidified air is supplied into the housing part 142. The humidified air can humidify the first selected item M4-1, and thus it is possible to suppress the first selected item M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing part 142 by electrostatic force.

  A humidifying unit 235 is disposed on the downstream side of the sorting unit 14. The humidifying unit 235 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water. Thereby, moisture can be supplied to the first web M5, and thus the moisture content of the first web M5 is adjusted. By this adjustment, adsorption of the first web M5 to the mesh belt 151 due to electrostatic force can be suppressed. Accordingly, the first web M5 is easily peeled from the mesh belt 151 at a position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the stretching roller 152.

  On the downstream side of the humidifying part 235, the subdividing part 16 is arranged. The subdivision part 16 is a part which performs the division | segmentation process (refer FIG. 3) which divides the 1st web M5 peeled from the mesh belt 151. FIG. The subdivision portion 16 includes a propeller 161 that is rotatably supported and a housing portion 162 that houses the propeller 161. And the 1st web M5 can be parted by the 1st web M5 being wound in the propeller 161 which rotates. The divided first web M5 becomes a subdivided body M6. Further, the subdivided body M6 descends in the housing portion 162.

  The housing part 162 is connected to the humidifying part 233. The humidifying unit 233 is configured by a vaporizing humidifier similar to the humidifying unit 231. Thereby, humidified air is supplied into the housing portion 162. The humidified air can also prevent the subdivided body M6 from adhering to the inner walls of the propeller 161 and the housing portion 162 due to electrostatic force.

  A mixing unit 17 is disposed on the downstream side of the subdivision unit 16. The mixing part 17 is a part which performs the mixing process (refer FIG. 3) which mixes the subdivision M6 and resin P1. The mixing unit 17 includes a resin supply unit 171, a pipe (flow path) 172, and a blower 173.

  The pipe 172 connects the housing part 162 of the subdividing part 16 and the housing part 182 of the loosening part 18, and is a flow path through which the mixture M7 of the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 passes.

  In the middle of the pipe 172, a resin supply unit 171 is connected. The resin supply unit 171 has a screw feeder 174. By rotating the screw feeder 174, the resin P1 can be supplied to the pipe 172 as powder or particles. The resin P1 supplied to the pipe 172 is mixed with the subdivided body M6 to become a mixture M7.

  The resin P1 binds the fibers FB in a later step. For example, a thermoplastic resin, a curable resin, or the like can be used, but a thermoplastic resin is preferably used. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include AS resin, ABS resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), modified polyolefin, acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyethylene. Polyesters such as terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 6-12, nylon 6-66 and other polyamides (nylon), polyphenylene ether, polyacetal , Polyether, polyphenylene oxide, polyether ether ketone, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulfide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyether imide, aromatic polymer Liquid crystalline polymers such as esters, various thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluororubber, chlorinated polyethylene, etc. 1 type selected from these, or 2 or more types can be used in combination. Preferably, as the thermoplastic resin, polyester or one containing the same is used.

  In addition to the resin P1, what is supplied from the resin supply unit 171 is, for example, a colorant for coloring the fiber FB, an aggregation inhibitor for suppressing aggregation of the fiber FB and aggregation of the resin P1, A flame retardant for making the fibers FB and the like difficult to burn may be included.

  A blower 173 is installed in the middle of the pipe 172 on the downstream side of the resin supply unit 171. The blower 173 can generate an air flow toward the loosening unit 18. With this air flow, the sub-divided body M6 and the resin P1 can be stirred in the pipe 172. Thereby, the mixture M7 can flow into the loosening part 18 in a state where the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 are uniformly dispersed. Further, the subdivided body M6 in the mixture M7 is loosened in the process of passing through the tube 172, and becomes finer fibrous.

  The unwinding part 18 is a part which performs the unraveling process (refer FIG. 3) which unravels the mutually intertwined fibers FB in the mixture M7. The loosening portion 18 includes a drum portion 181 and a housing portion 182 that houses the drum portion 181.

  The drum portion 181 is a sieve that is formed of a cylindrical mesh body and rotates about its central axis. The mixture M7 flows into the drum portion 181. Then, by rotating the drum part 181, fibers FB or the like smaller than the mesh openings of the mixture M <b> 7 can pass through the drum part 181. At that time, the mixture M7 is loosened.

  In addition, the mixture M7 loosened by the drum unit 181 falls while being dispersed in the air, and travels toward the second web forming unit 19 located below the drum unit 181. The 2nd web formation part 19 is a part which performs the 2nd web formation process (refer FIG. 3) which forms the 2nd web M8 from the mixture M7. The second web forming unit 19 includes a mesh belt (separation belt) 191, a tension roller 192, and a suction unit (suction mechanism) 193.

  The mesh belt 191 is an endless belt, and the mixture M7 is deposited thereon. The mesh belt 191 is wound around four stretching rollers 192. And the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is conveyed downstream by the rotational drive of the tension roller 192.

  Further, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 has a size larger than the mesh opening of the mesh belt 191. As a result, the mixture M7 is restricted from passing through the mesh belt 191, and can therefore be deposited on the mesh belt 191. Moreover, since the mixture M7 is conveyed on the downstream side with the mesh belt 191 while being deposited on the mesh belt 191, it is formed as a layered second web M8.

  The suction unit 193 can suck air from below the mesh belt 191. As a result, the mixture M7 can be sucked onto the mesh belt 191. Therefore, the deposition of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is promoted.

  A tube (flow path) 246 is connected to the suction unit 193. A blower 263 is installed in the middle of the pipe 246. By the operation of the blower 263, a suction force can be generated at the suction portion 193.

  The housing part 182 is connected to the humidifying part 234. The humidifying unit 234 includes a vaporizing humidifier similar to the humidifying unit 231. Thereby, humidified air is supplied into the housing portion 182. The inside of the housing part 182 can be humidified by the humidified air, so that the mixture M7 can be prevented from adhering to the inner wall of the housing part 182 by electrostatic force.

  A humidifying unit 236 is disposed on the downstream side of the loosening unit 18. The humidifying unit 236 is configured by an ultrasonic humidifier similar to the humidifying unit 235. Thereby, moisture can be supplied to the second web M8, and thus the moisture content of the second web M8 is adjusted. By this adjustment, adsorption of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 due to the electrostatic force can be suppressed. Thereby, the second web M8 is easily peeled from the mesh belt 191 at a position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the stretching roller 192.

  A sheet forming unit 20 is disposed on the downstream side of the second web forming unit 19. The sheet forming unit 20 is a part that performs a sheet forming step (see FIG. 3) for forming the sheet S from the second web M8. The sheet forming unit 20 includes a pressurizing unit 201 and a heating unit 202.

  The pressurizing unit 201 includes a pair of calendar rollers 203 and can pressurize the second web M8 without heating between them. Thereby, the density of the 2nd web M8 is raised. Then, the second web M8 is conveyed toward the heating unit 202. One of the pair of calendar rollers 203 is a main driving roller driven by the operation of a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

  The heating unit 202 includes a pair of heating rollers 204, and can apply pressure while heating the second web M8 between them. By this heat and pressure, the resin P1 is melted in the second web M8, and the fibers FB are bound to each other through the melted resin P1. Thereby, the sheet S is formed. The sheet S is conveyed toward the cutting unit 21. One of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a main driving roller driven by the operation of a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

  A cutting unit 21 is disposed on the downstream side of the sheet forming unit 20. The cutting part 21 is a part that performs a cutting process (see FIG. 3) for cutting the sheet S. The cutting unit 21 includes a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.

  The first cutter 211 cuts the sheet S in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

  The second cutter 212 cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S on the downstream side of the first cutter 211.

  By cutting the first cutter 211 and the second cutter 212 in this manner, a sheet S having a desired size can be obtained. The sheet S is further conveyed downstream and accumulated in the stock unit 22.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the raw material M1 recycled as the sheet S is used paper that has been printed and used. For this reason, the raw material M1 (fiber FB) before being charged into the raw material supply unit 11 is a material to which black or color toner, various inks, various dyes, pigments, and the like, and dust, dust, etc. are attached. It has become. Hereinafter, these deposits are collectively referred to as “foreign matter AS”. When the sheet S is regenerated, the foreign material AS is preferably removed as much as possible. As a result, the sheet S has a high quality from which the foreign material AS that can be an impurity during regeneration is removed.

  Therefore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has a configuration in which the foreign matter AS can be removed from the raw material M1 by the processing apparatus 1 disposed on the upstream side. Hereinafter, the processing apparatus 1 will be described. In particular, when the foreign matter AS is toner, the removal efficiency of the foreign matter AS by the processing apparatus 1 is improved.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the processing apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 3, a fluff unit 4, a particle supply unit 7, and a foreign matter removal unit 5. The processing apparatus 1 is preferably installed or connected to the raw material supply unit 11.

  The conveyance unit 3 conveys the raw material M1 toward the downstream side. The transport unit 3 includes a glue belt 31, two stretching rollers 32, and a number of idle rollers 33.

  The glue belt 31 is an endless belt having a sticky surface. Due to this adhesive force, the raw material M1 is fixed on the glue belt 31, so that the fluffing process by the fluffing part 4, the particle supply process by the particle supply part 7, and the foreign substance removal process by the foreign substance removal part 5 are performed. Performed stably. A plurality of raw materials M <b> 1 can be placed on the glue belt 31. The orientation (posture) of these raw materials M1 on the glue belt 31 may or may not be uniform.

The two stretching rollers 32 are arranged to be separated from each other on the upstream side and the downstream side, and the glue belt 31 is wound around. While stretching rollers 32 of the two tensioning rollers 32 is connected to a motor (not shown), a driving roller that rotates in an arrow alpha ₃₂ direction by driving of the motor. The other tension roller 32, the rotational force from the drive roller is transmitted via the glue belt 31, a drive roller and a driven roller that rotates in an arrow alpha ₃₂ direction as well. And the raw material M1 on the glue belt ₃₁ is conveyed by conveyance direction (alpha) ₃₁ by rotation of each tension roller 32. FIG.

  Moreover, in the conveyance part 3, the conveyance speed of the raw material M1 becomes variable by adjusting the rotation speed of a drive roller.

A large number of idle rollers 33 are arranged at intervals between the two stretching rollers 32. Each idle roller 33 can rotate in the direction of arrow α _{33 in the} same direction as the rotation direction of the stretching roller 32 as the glue belt 31 is driven. By such an idle roller 33, the bending of the glue belt 31 can be prevented, so that the raw material M1 can be stably conveyed.

  In addition, although the conveyance part 3 is a thing by the structure by belt conveyance in the structure shown in FIG. 1, it is not limited to this, For example, it is the structure of conveying the raw material M1 on a stage, adsorbing-holding with a negative pressure. May be a platen.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fluff portion 4 is disposed on the upper side of the glue belt 31. The fluff portion 4 is a portion that performs a fluffing step (see FIG. 3) for fluffing the fibers FB at least near the surface of the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) containing the fibers FB.

Here, “raising fluff” will be described.
The fiber FB contained in the raw material M1 is in a sleeping state, that is, lying down as shown in FIG. 4 until it undergoes a fluffing step. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the fibers FB are lying down in the same direction, that is, on the right side in FIG. 4, but some may be lying down in different directions. Then, by passing through the fluffing step, at least the fibers FB near the surface rise as compared to the state shown in FIG. 4, that is, stand up as shown in FIG. This is called “fluffing”. In addition, the standing state of the fiber FB is maintained at least until the foreign substance removing step is performed, as shown in FIG.

  Moreover, the foreign material AS has entered between the fibers FB. For example, when the foreign matter AS is toner, the foreign matter AS may enter a depth of about 1/4 to 1/3 of the thickness of the raw material M1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fluff portion 4 has a brush 41. This brush 41 has a cylindrical or columnar core portion 411 that is rotatably supported, and brush bristles 412 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the core portion 411.

Core 411 is connected to a motor (not shown), the driving of the motor can be rotated in the arrow alpha ₄₁ direction each bristle 412. Rotation axis 413 of the brush 41 with respect to the conveying direction alpha ₃₁ of material M1, which is disposed in a direction substantially orthogonal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotation shaft 413 may be installed in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less) with respect to the orthogonal direction.

  Brush hair 412 is implanted in the outer peripheral part of the core part 411 over the whole periphery. The brush bristles 412 are made of, for example, a flexible resin material such as polyamide or polyester. Further, the ends of the brush hairs 412 may be sharp or rounded.

By brush 41 is rotated in the arrow alpha ₄₁ direction, the raw material M1 passing immediately below the brush 41, the fibers FB contacts the bristles 412 of the brush 41, the conveying direction alpha ₃₁ in the opposite direction, i.e. , It is forced back upstream. Thereby, the raw material M1 will be in the state where the fiber FB became fluffy, ie, the fiber FB will be in the state shown in FIG. 5 from the state shown in FIG. In such a state, the foreign substance AS can be floated from the fiber FB as much as possible, and therefore, the fiber FB is easily removed by the foreign substance removing unit 5.

In the present embodiment, the brush 41 is configured to rotate in the direction of the arrow α ₄₁ , but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow α ₄₁ , for example. , a rotation of the arrow alpha ₄₁ direction, its rotation and the rotation in the opposite direction may be configured to periodically perform alternately. Further, the brush 41 may be configured to move (reciprocate) in the direction of the rotation axis 413 as it rotates.

Further, the brush 41 is, in the present embodiment is configured to rotate, without being limited thereto, for example, be configured such that the transport direction alpha ₃₁ in the opposite direction or conveying direction alpha ₃₁ move in the same direction Also good.

  Further, below the brush 41, one of the idle rollers 33 is located via the glue belt 31 (hereinafter, this idle roller 33 is referred to as "idle roller 33a"). By this idle roller 33a, the brush 41 can be pressed against the raw material M1 from the upper side, so that the brush bristles 412 and the fibers FB are in sufficient contact. Thereby, the fiber FB can be fluffed without excess or deficiency.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the particle supply unit 7 is disposed on the upper side of the glue belt 31 on the downstream side of the fluffing unit 4. The particle supply part 7 is a part which performs the particle supply process (refer FIG. 3) which supplies the particle | grains RM whose Mohs hardness is 2 or more and 5 or less to the fluffy fiber FB, and makes it collide.

  The particles RM supplied from the particle supply unit 7 have a function of adsorbing the foreign matter AS contained in the raw material M1 (sheet-like material). As shown in FIG. 6, when the particles RM exhibit this adsorption function, the foreign matter AS moves to the particles RM and is reliably removed from the fibers FB. Thus, the particle RM is a removal particle for removing the foreign matter AS from the fiber FB. In particular, when the foreign material AS is a toner, the particle RM is preferable because it has a high function as a removal particle.

  Further, the particles RM are supplied by being ejected from the particle supply unit 7. And depending on the injection speed and the size of the particle diameter, the particles RM have a function of colliding with the foreign matter AS contained in the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) and peeling the foreign matter AS from the fibers FB. This also reliably removes the foreign matter AS from the fiber FB as shown in FIG.

  The particle supply unit 7 has a storage unit 71. The storage unit 71 is a tank that stores the particles RM. The storage unit 71 is replaced with a new one in which the particles RM are sufficiently stored when the particles RM are empty.

  In addition, the particle supply unit 7 includes an injection unit 72 that injects the particles RM toward the raw material M1. The injection unit 72 includes a pipe 73, a blower 74, and a nozzle 75.

  The tube 73 is connected to the storage unit 71. Then, the particles RM can pass through the tube 73 from the storage portion 71 toward the nozzle 75.

  A blower 74 is installed in the middle of the tube 73 in the longitudinal direction. The blower 74 can generate an airflow toward the raw material M <b> 1 located below the nozzle 75. As a result, the particles RM pass through the tube 73 and are ejected from the nozzle 75. Some of the ejected particles RM come into contact with the foreign substance AS attached to the fiber FB. And the particle | grains RM which contacted the foreign material AS can adsorb | suck the foreign material AS, and can transfer it from the fiber FB, or can collide with the foreign material AS and can peel the foreign material AS from the fiber FB. . Thereby, the foreign material AS can be reliably removed from the fiber FB. In addition, among the particles RM ejected from the nozzle 75, there may be particles RM that do not contact the foreign matter AS in addition to those that come into contact with the foreign matter AS.

  As the particles RM suitable for removing the foreign matter AS, those having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less on the surface can be used, and those having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 4 or less are preferable. Thereby, the adsorption | suction (peeling) and removal capability of the foreign material AS are effectively exhibited. If the Mohs hardness of the particles RM is less than the above lower limit, for example, depending on conditions such as the type and amount of the foreign matter AS, the ability to adsorb and remove the foreign matter AS from the fiber FB may be insufficient. Moreover, when the Mohs hardness of the foreign material AS exceeds the above upper limit value, for example, there is a risk of causing damage at the time of collision to the fiber FB. And as such particle | grains RM, it is not specifically limited, For example, the following are mentioned.

  For example, the particles RM are preferably made of a resin-based material. The resin material is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the following various thermoplastic resins and various thermosetting resins. The Mohs hardness described above can be easily obtained by appropriately selecting such a material.

  Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, modified polyolefins, polyamides (eg, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12). , Nylon 6-12, nylon 6-66), thermoplastic polyimide, aromatic polyester and other liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyether, polyether ether ketone, polyether imide, polyacetal, Styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluoro rubber, salt Various thermoplastic elastomers, etc., or a copolymer of these His polyethylene type or the like, blends, polymer alloys and the like, can be used as a mixture of two or more of them. Among these, it is particularly preferable to use polyamide or polycarbonate.

  Examples of the thermosetting resin include epoxy resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, polyester (unsaturated polyester) resin, polyimide resin, silicone resin, polyurethane resin, and the like. A mixture of seeds or more can be used. Among these, it is particularly preferable to use urea resin or melamine resin.

  By using such a resin-based material, the particles RM can sufficiently exhibit the above-described functions (removal and removal ability of the foreign substance AS) as the removal particles. Moreover, even if the particle RM collides with the fiber FB, damage due to the collision can be prevented from being given to the fiber FB. In addition, even if the particles RM remain in the process downstream of the particle supply process, it is possible to prevent the quality of the manufactured sheet S from being deteriorated.

  When the particles RM are made of a resin-based material, the average particle size of the particles RM is preferably in the range of 150 μm to 1500 μm, and more preferably in the range of 180 μm to 1200 μm. Moreover, it is preferable that the foreign matter AS is highly adsorbed (peeled) and removed.

  Further, the particles RM are preferably made of, for example, a plant material in addition to the resin material. The plant-based material is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include those obtained by pulverizing the outer shells of plant seeds and those obtained by pulverizing the outer shells of plant fruits.

  Examples of plant seeds include walnut, peach, and apricot seeds.

  As plant fruits, dried corn kernels, dried wheat endosperm, and the like can be used.

  By using such a plant-based material, the particles RM can sufficiently exhibit the functions (adsorption (peeling) and removal capability of the foreign substance AS) described above as the removed particles, similarly to the resin-based material. Moreover, even if the particle RM collides with the fiber FB, it is possible to suppress damage caused by the collision to the fiber FB.

  When the particles RM are made of a plant material, the average particle diameter of the particles RM is preferably in the range of 60 μm to 5500 μm, and more preferably in the range of 100 μm to 5000 μm. Moreover, it is preferable that the foreign matter AS is highly adsorbed (peeled) and removed.

  The particles RM may have a structure having a core (center portion) and a shell (surface layer portion covering the center portion). In this case, for example, a material having a lower Mohs hardness than that of the core can be used as the material of the shell. As an example, a core made of a plant material is covered with a shell made of a resin material (particularly a thermoplastic resin).

  Further, the particle RM may be, for example, a porous body or may have fine irregularities.

  Further, the speed (injection speed) of the ejected particles RM is appropriately set depending on, for example, the constituent material and particle diameter of the particles RM.

  The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (processing apparatus 1) includes a foreign matter removing unit 5 that removes the foreign matter AS together with the particles RM from the raw material M1 (sheet-like material). As shown in FIG. 1, the foreign substance removal unit 5 is disposed on the upper side of the glue belt 31 and on the downstream side of the particle supply unit 7. The foreign matter removing unit 5 brings the cloth material 51 made of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric into contact with the fluffy fiber FB, and moves the foreign matter AS together with the particles RM to the cloth material 51 for removal (see FIG. 3). ). The foreign matter removing unit 5 includes a cloth material 51, two stretching rollers 52, a large number of idle rollers 53, and a cleaning unit 54.

  In addition, although not shown in figure, it can also be set as the structure which can adjust the pressing pressure (pressing force) to the raw material M1 of the brush 41. FIG. As such a configuration, for example, an adjustment unit that moves the rotation shaft 413 of the brush 41 in the vertical direction in FIG. Thereby, according to the state of the raw material M1, more appropriate fluffing becomes possible.

  The cloth material 51 is composed of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric. Thereby, the foreign material AS can be entangled from the raw material M1 together with the particles RM. Moreover, in the foreign material removal part 5, the cloth material 51 is an endless belt. Thus, for example, if the cloth material 51 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 54, the cloth material 51 can be used for removing the foreign substance AS as it is.

The two stretching rollers 52 are arranged to be separated from each other on the upstream side and the downstream side, and the cloth material 51 is wound around. While stretching rollers 52 of the two tensioning rollers 52 is connected to a motor (not shown), a driving roller that rotates in an arrow alpha ₅₂ direction by driving of the motor. The other tension roller 52, the rotational force from the drive roller is transmitted through the fabric material 51, a driven roller that rotates in the same way arrow alpha ₅₂ direction driving roller. Then, the cloth material 51 is driven on the glue belt 31 in the direction of the arrow α ₅₁ opposite to the conveyance direction α ₃₁ by the rotation of each stretching roller 52. As a result, the cloth material 51 can wipe the foreign material AS together with the particles RM from the raw material M1, that is, by attaching the foreign material AS. As a result, the foreign substance AS and the particles RM are sufficiently removed, and the state shown in FIG. 7 is obtained.

Moreover, in the foreign material removal part 5, the drive speed to the arrow (alpha) ₅₁ direction of the cloth material 51 becomes variable by adjusting the rotation speed of a drive roller.

A large number of idle rollers 53 are arranged at equal intervals between the two stretching rollers 52. Each idle roller 53 can rotate in the direction of arrow α _{53 in the} same direction as the rotation direction of the tension roller 52 as the cloth material 51 is driven.

  A plurality of idle rollers 33 are positioned below the cloth material 51 via the glue belt 31 (hereinafter, these idle rollers 33 are referred to as “idle rollers 33b”). The cloth material 51 can be pressed against the raw material M1 between the idle roller 33b and the idle roller 53. Thereby, the cloth material 51, the foreign material AS, and the particle RM are sufficiently in contact with each other, and thus the foreign material AS and the particle RM are sufficiently removed.

Further, the fabric member 51 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is driven in an arrow alpha ₅₁ direction opposite direction to the transporting direction alpha _31, without being limited thereto, for example, may be driven in the same direction as the conveying direction α31 . In this case, it is preferable that there is a difference between the driving speed of the cloth material 51 and the conveying speed of the raw material M1.

  The foreign matter removing unit 5 includes a cleaning unit 54 that cleans the cloth material 51 from which the foreign matter AS has been transferred. The cleaning unit 54 is disposed above the cloth material 51 and is configured to suck the foreign matter AS and the particles RM attached to the cloth material 51. Thereby, the foreign material AS and the particles RM are removed from the cloth material 51, and thus the cloth material 51 is cleaned. The cleaned cloth material 51 is used again to remove the foreign matter AS.

  As described above, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (processing apparatus 1) disassembles the coarsely crushed pieces M2 obtained through the sequential steps from the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) after the particles RM are supplied. A fine portion 13 is provided. In the present embodiment, the foreign matter removing unit 5 is disposed on the upstream side of the defibrating unit 13. Accordingly, the foreign matter removing unit 5 can remove the foreign matter AS and the particles RM before the coarsely broken pieces M2 are defibrated. Thereby, for example, before the raw material M1 is put into the raw material supply part 11, it can be visually confirmed whether or not the raw material M1 has been subjected to the removal of the foreign matter AS. If the foreign matter AS has been sufficiently removed, the raw material M1 can be introduced into the raw material supply unit 11, and if the foreign matter AS is not sufficiently removed or not removed, the raw material M1 can be returned to the processing device 1.

  By the processing apparatus 1 configured as described above, the raw material M1 before being introduced into the raw material supply unit 11 is in a state in which the foreign matter AS is removed as much as possible. As a result, the sheet S regenerated from the raw material M1 has a high quality from which the foreign matter AS that may be an impurity is removed.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (the processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram (plan view) viewed from the direction of arrow E in FIG.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the processing apparatus, sheet manufacturing apparatus, processing method, and sheet manufacturing method of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. Description of similar matters is omitted.
This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the fluff portion is different.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the present embodiment, the fluff portion 4 includes four (a plurality of) claw portions 42 having a hook shape, and a turn that rotatably supports these claw portions 42. And a moving support portion 43. Here, the “saddle shape” means a position in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member (claw part 42) (any position between the base end part 422 and the distal end 421), and the member is bent or curved. Say the shape you are doing. In addition, the number of the nail | claw parts 42 is not limited to four, For example, two, three, or five or more may be sufficient. Moreover, the nail | claw part 42 may be a linear thing not only in hook shape.

The four claw portions 42 are arranged along the width direction of the glue belt 31. Each nail | claw part 42 is comprised with the linear body made from a hard resin or metal, and the front-end | tip 421 has faced the downward direction. Material M1 which passes directly under the tip 421 of the pawl portions 42 becomes a be scratched by the tip 421, fiber FB conveying direction alpha ₃₁ in the opposite direction, i.e., forcibly pushed back to the upstream side. Thereby, the raw material M1 will be in the state where the fiber FB became fluffy.

  In addition, one of the idle rollers 33 is located below the tip 421 of the claw portion 42 via the glue belt 31 (hereinafter, this idle roller 33 is referred to as “idle roller 33c”). By this idle roller 33c, the tip 421 of each claw part 42 can be pressed against the raw material M1 from the upper side, so that the tip 421 is sufficiently scratched. Thereby, the fiber FB can be fluffed without excess or deficiency.

Pivot support portion 43 may be pivoted collectively four proximal portion 422 of the claw portions 42, each arrow alpha ₄₂ direction.

  In the present embodiment, the four claw portions 42 and the rotation support portion 43 are unitized, and an upstream first unit 44a and a downstream second unit 44b are disposed. The rotation direction of each claw part 42 in the first unit 44a and the rotation direction of each claw part 42 in the second unit 44b are opposite to each other. For example, if each claw portion 42 of the first unit 44a is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 9, each claw portion 42 of the second unit 44b is rotated clockwise in FIG. By such rotation, the raw material M1 can be uniformly scratched by the claw portion 42, and thus the fibers FB can be fluffed over the entire raw material M1.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (the processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the downstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the processing apparatus, the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the processing method, and the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments. Description of similar matters is omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the timing of performing the foreign substance removal step is different.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment does not include the foreign substance removing unit 5 from the glue belt 31, and instead includes a foreign substance removing unit 28 as shown in FIG. 11. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the particle removal step is also performed while the first web forming step is performed.

  As described above, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (processing apparatus 1) disassembles the coarsely crushed pieces M2 obtained through the sequential steps from the raw material M1 (sheet-like material) after the particles RM are supplied. A fine portion 13 is provided. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the foreign matter removing unit 28 includes a first web forming unit 15, a collecting unit 27, a tube 244, a tube 245, and a blower 262. Accordingly, the foreign matter removing unit 28 is disposed on the downstream side of the defibrating unit 13 and can remove the foreign matter AS and the particles RM after defibrating. Thereby, even after defibration, the particles RM can come into contact with the foreign matter AS, so that the foreign matter AS can be more sufficiently removed from the fiber FB.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the particles RM and the foreign matter AS still remain on the raw material M <b> 1 after passing through the particle supply unit 7. And as shown in FIG. 11, the raw material M1 is thrown into the raw material supply part 11 in the state in which the particle | grains RM and the foreign material AS remain | survived, and becomes a coarsely crushed piece M2 and the defibrated material M3 one after another.

  Above the first web forming unit 15, as described above, the defibrated material M3 is sorted by the sorting unit 14 into a first sorted product M4-1 and a second sorted product M4-2. In the first selection product M4-1, particles RM that have adsorbed the foreign matter AS and particles RM from which the foreign matter AS has been peeled are mixed. Then, the first selected item M4-1 (fiber FB) falls on the mesh belt 151 of the first web forming unit 15 together with the particles RM and the foreign matter AS.

  The foreign matter removing unit 28 separates and removes the foreign matter AS together with the particles RM by utilizing the difference in size (particle size) between the first sorted matter M4-1 (fiber FB) and the foreign matter AS. That is, the foreign matter removing unit 28 passes the foreign matter AS and the particle RM (including the particle RM alone and the particle RM to which the foreign matter AS is adsorbed), but the passage of the first selected matter M4-1 is restricted. A mesh belt 151 (mesh) having a mesh opening is provided. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the first selection product M4-1 is deposited on the mesh belt 151 and formed as the first web M5. On the other hand, the foreign substance AS and the particles RM pass through the mesh belt 151 by the suction force of the suction unit 153, and thereafter are recovered by the recovery unit 27 via the suction unit 153 and the tube 244 in order. Thereby, the 1st web M5 becomes what the foreign material AS and particle | grains RM were removed. Then, the first web M5 is transferred to the subsequent processes and finally becomes the sheet S.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the downstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fourth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fourth embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the processing apparatus, the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the processing method, and the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments. Description of similar matters is omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment except that the structure for removing foreign matter and the timing of performing the foreign matter removing step are different.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the foreign substance removing unit 28 is disposed in the middle of the pipe 242 and downstream of the blower 261. Thereby, the particle removal process in the foreign material removal part 28 is performed after a defibration process (refer FIG. 14).

  The foreign matter removing unit 28 separates and removes the foreign matter AS together with the particles RM using the specific gravity difference between the defibrated material M3 (fiber FB) and the foreign matter AS. In other words, the foreign matter removing unit 28 is configured to remove the foreign matter AS and the particles RM (including the particle RM alone and the particles RM adsorbed by the foreign matter AS) by centrifugation, and includes the centrifugal separating unit 281 and the tube 282. And a recovery unit 283. The centrifuge 281 and the recovery unit 283 are connected via a tube 282.

  The centrifuge 281 is arranged and connected in the middle of the tube 242. The defibrated material M3, the foreign matter AS, and the particles RM that have passed through the tube 242 flow into the centrifuge 281 all at once. Then, by the centrifugal separation in the centrifugal separator 281, the defibrated material M <b> 3 that further flows down the tube 242 toward the sorting unit 14, and the foreign matter AS and particles RM toward the tube 282 are divided. The foreign matter AS and the particles RM traveling toward the pipe 282 pass through the pipe 282 and are collected by the collection unit 283.

  The foreign substance AS can be reliably removed from the defibrated material M3 together with the particles RM by the foreign substance removing unit 28.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fifth embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram sequentially illustrating steps performed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (fifth embodiment) of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the processing apparatus, the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the processing method, and the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiments. Description of similar matters is omitted.
This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that a foreign substance aggregation portion is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the processing apparatus 1 includes a foreign substance aggregation part (aggregation part) 6 that is disposed between the particle supply unit 7 and the foreign substance removal part 5 and aggregates the foreign substance AS. The foreign substance aggregation process performed by the foreign substance aggregation unit 6 is performed between the particle supply process and the foreign substance removal process (see FIG. 16).

  The foreign matter aggregation unit 6 is disposed on the upper side of the glue belt 31 and can supply the aggregate GM to the raw material M1 from above by, for example, spraying. Thereby, the foreign material AS can be aggregated on the raw material M1. The aggregated foreign matter AS has a size that can be easily removed in the foreign matter removal step. Therefore, the aggregated foreign matter AS is easily removed from the raw material M1 by the operation of the foreign matter removing unit 5.

The aggregate GM is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include ionic substances, and those containing polyvalent metal ions such as calcium chloride and magnesium and those containing a cationic polymer are preferable. Moreover, it is preferable that these are liquefied, for example.
Further, in the foreign matter removing unit 5, the surplus aggregate GM is also removed together with the foreign matter AS.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing the upstream side of the sixth embodiment of the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (including the processing apparatus of the present invention).

  Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of the processing apparatus, the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the processing method, and the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiments. Description of similar matters is omitted.

  This embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except that the shape of the pipe connected to the downstream side of the defibrating unit is different.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, a meandering portion 247 that meanders is formed in the pipe 242 at a portion upstream of the blower 261. Thereby, when the particle RM passes through the meandering portion 247, the chance of colliding with the foreign matter AS is increased, and thus the adsorption of the foreign matter AS is promoted.

Furthermore, the speed of the particles RM passing through the tube 242 is increased by the action of the blower 261. As a result, the chance that the particle RM and the defibrated material M3 collide increases, and as a result, the foreign material AS attached to the defibrated material M3 also comes into contact, and the adsorption of the foreign material AS is promoted.
The particles RM adsorbing the foreign matter AS are removed by the foreign matter removing unit 28.

  The processing apparatus, the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the processing method, and the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention have been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, each part which comprises a processing apparatus and a sheet manufacturing apparatus can be substituted with the thing of the arbitrary structures which can exhibit the same function. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

  The processing apparatus, sheet manufacturing apparatus, processing method, and sheet manufacturing method of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

  Moreover, although the fluff portion has one brush in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fluff portion may have a plurality of brushes arranged along the material conveyance direction. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Sheet manufacturing apparatus, 1 ... Processing apparatus, 3 ... Conveying part, 31 ... Glue belt, 32 ... Stretching roller, 33 ... Idle roller, 33a ... Idle roller, 33b ... Idle roller, 33c ... Idle roller, 4 ... Fluff Standing part, 41 ... Brush, 411 ... Core part, 412 ... Brush hair, 413 ... Rotating shaft, 42 ... Claw part, 421 ... Tip, 422 ... Base end part, 43 ... Turning support part, 44a ... First unit, 44b ... second unit, 5 ... foreign matter removing part, 51 ... cloth material, 52 ... stretching roller, 53 ... idle roller, 54 ... cleaning part, 6 ... foreign matter aggregating part, 7 ... particle supplying part, 71 ... reserving part, 72 ... Injecting unit, 73 ... Tube, 74 ... Blower, 75 ... Nozzle, 11 ... Raw material supply unit, 12 ... Roughing unit, 121 ... Roughing blade, 122 ... Chute (hopper), 13 ... Defibration unit, 14 ... Separate part, 141 ... drum part (sieving part), 142 ... housing part, 15 ... first web forming part, 151 ... mesh belt, 152 ... tension roller, 153 ... suction part (suction mechanism), 16 ... subdivision part, 161: Propeller, 162: Housing part, 17: Mixing part, 171 ... Resin supply part, 172 ... Pipe (flow path), 173 ... Blower, 174 ... Screw feeder, 18 ... Loosening part, 181 ... Drum part, 182 ... Housing , 19 ... second web forming unit, 191 ... mesh belt (separation belt), 192 ... stretching roller, 193 ... suction unit (suction mechanism), 20 ... sheet forming unit, 201 ... pressurizing unit, 202 ... heating unit , 203 ... calendar roller, 204 ... heating roller, 21 ... cutting part, 211 ... first cutter, 212 ... second cutter, 22 ... stock part 231 ... Humidifying section, 232 ... Humidifying section, 233 ... Humidifying section, 234 ... Humidifying section, 235 ... Humidifying section, 236 ... Humidifying section, 241 ... Pipe (flow path), 242 ... Pipe (flow path), 243 ... Pipe ( (Flow path), 244 ... pipe (flow path), 245 ... pipe (flow path), 246 ... pipe (flow path), 247 ... meandering part, 261 ... blower, 262 ... blower, 263 ... blower, 27 ... recovery part, 28 ... Foreign matter removal unit, 281 ... Centrifugal separation unit, 282 ... Tube, 283 ... Recovery unit, AS ... Foreign matter, FB ... Fiber, GM ... Aggregated material, M1 ... Raw material, M2 ... Coarse debris, M3 ... Defibred matter, M4 -1 ... first selection, M4-2 ... second selection, M5 ... first web, M6 ... subdivision, M7 ... mixture, M8 ... second web, RM ... particles, P1 ... resin, S ... sheet, alpha _{31 ...} conveying direction, alpha _{32 ...} arrow, alpha _{33 ...} arrow, alpha _{41 ...} arrow, alpha _{51 ...} arrow _{52 ...} arrow, α _{53 ...} arrow

Claims (16)

A fluffing portion for fluffing the fibers in the vicinity of at least the surface of the sheet-like material containing fibers;
A particle supply unit for supplying particles having a Mohs hardness of 2 to 5 to the fluffy fibers;
A processing apparatus comprising:   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particle supply unit includes an injection unit that injects the particles.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particles have a function of adsorbing foreign matters contained in the sheet-like material.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particles have a function of colliding with foreign matter contained in the sheet-like material and peeling the foreign matter from the fibers.   The processing apparatus of Claim 3 or 4 provided with the foreign material removal part which removes the said foreign material with the said particle | grain from the said sheet-like material. Comprising a defibrating unit for defibrating the sheet-like material in air after the particles are supplied,
The processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the foreign matter removing unit removes the foreign matter and the particles before defibration. Comprising a defibrating unit for defibrating the sheet-like material in air after the particles are supplied,
The processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the foreign matter removing unit removes the foreign matter and the particles after defibration.   The processing apparatus of any one of Claims 5 thru | or 7 provided with the foreign material aggregation part which is arrange | positioned between the said particle | grain supply part and the said foreign material removal part, and aggregates the said foreign material.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particles are made of a resin-based material.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particles are made of a plant material.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluff portion has a brush.   The processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the brush has a cylindrical or columnar core portion rotatably supported, and brush bristles provided on an outer peripheral portion of the core portion.   The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluff portion has a plurality of claw portions.   A sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising the processing apparatus according to claim 1. A fluffing step for fluffing the fibers in the vicinity of at least the surface of the sheet-like material containing the fibers;
A particle supplying step of supplying particles having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less to the fuzzy fibers;
A processing method characterized by comprising: A fluffing step for fluffing the fibers in the vicinity of at least the surface of the sheet-like material containing the fibers;
A particle supplying step of supplying particles having a Mohs hardness of 2 or more and 5 or less to the fuzzy fibers;
Have
A method for producing a sheet, comprising producing a sheet from the sheet-like material after the particles are supplied.

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