JP2019218667A - Web forming apparatus and sheet manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a web forming apparatus and a sheet manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing or reducing electrification of a defibrated product.SOLUTION: The web forming apparatus comprises: a dispersion section for dispersing a defibrated product containing fibers in the air; an accumulation section for accumulating the defibrated product dispersed by the dispersion section to form a web; a suction section for sucking the defibrated product dispersed by the dispersion section to the accumulation section side; a housing section having a wall portion surrounding a dispersion area between the dispersion section and the accumulation section; and a humidification section for generating humidified air. The humidified air is supplied through an opening facing the dispersion area and provided at the wall portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a web forming device and a sheet manufacturing device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a sheet manufacturing apparatus, a so-called wet method has been adopted, in which a raw material containing fibers is poured into water, disintegrated mainly by mechanical action, and re-milled. Such a wet type sheet manufacturing apparatus requires a large amount of water, and the apparatus becomes large. Further, maintenance of the water treatment facility is troublesome, and the energy required for the drying process is increased.

  In view of this, for the purpose of miniaturization and energy saving, a dry paper recycling apparatus that does not use water as much as possible has been proposed (for example, see Patent Literature 1). A dry defibrating unit that divides the fiber, a classifying unit that air-flow classifies the defibrated material defibrated by the dry defibrating unit and deinking, and a paper forming unit that forms paper with the defibrated material that is deinked by the classifying unit And The paper forming section has a mesh belt on which the defibrated material is deposited in a web shape, and a moisture ejector for injecting and supplying moisture to the defibrated material on the mesh belt.

JP 2012-144819 A

  However, in the paper recycling apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, for example, when the defibrated material that has passed through the classification unit is charged, the fibrous material may be agglomerated in the process until the defibrated material reaches the mesh belt. Also, there is a possibility that a large amount of the defibrated material adheres to the housing or the like, for example. As a result, the defibrated material may be clumped and deposited on the mesh belt, and the thickness of the web may vary.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can be realized as the following.

The web forming apparatus of the present invention is a dispersing unit that disperses the defibrated material containing fibers in the air,
A depositing unit that deposits the defibrated material dispersed by the dispersion unit to form a web,
A suction unit that suctions the defibrated material dispersed by the dispersion unit toward the deposition unit side,
A housing part having a wall surrounding a dispersion area between the dispersion part and the deposition part;
A humidifying unit that generates a humidified humidified gas,
The web forming apparatus, wherein the humidified gas is supplied through an opening provided in the wall portion facing the dispersion region.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes the web forming apparatus of the present invention,
A sheet forming unit for forming the web conditioned by the humidified gas into a sheet.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view showing a main part of a web forming apparatus provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating a configuration of a humidifying unit included in the web forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control program of a control unit provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional side view showing a main part of a web forming apparatus provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control program of a control unit included in the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a main part of a web forming apparatus provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a web forming apparatus and a sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view showing a main part of a web forming apparatus provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating a configuration of a humidifying unit included in the web forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control program of a control unit provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. In the following, for convenience of description, as shown in FIG. 1, three axes orthogonal to each other are referred to as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The XY plane including the X axis and the Y axis is horizontal, and the Z axis is vertical. The direction in which the arrow of each axis points is called "positive", and the opposite direction is called "negative". The upper side in FIGS. 1 to 3 (the same applies to FIGS. 5 and 7) is referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower” or “lower”. Also, the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2 (the same applies to FIGS. 5 and 7) may be referred to as “left” or “upstream side”, and the right side may be referred to as “right” or “downstream side”.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a web forming apparatus (first web forming apparatus) 1A arranged on the upstream side and a web forming apparatus (second web forming apparatus) 1B arranged on the downstream side. , Is provided.

  The web forming apparatus 1A includes a drum unit 141 serving as a dispersing unit that disperses the defibrated material M3 including fibers into the air, and a first sorter configured by the defibrated material M3 dispersed by the drum unit 141 (dispersing unit). A mesh belt 151 serving as a deposition unit for depositing the material M4-1 to form the first web M5 (web), and provided on the side opposite to the drum unit 141 (dispersion unit) with respect to the mesh belt 151 (deposition unit). The suction unit 153 that sucks the first sorted material M4-1 (defibrated material M3) dispersed by the drum unit 141 (dispersion unit) toward the mesh belt 151 (stacking unit), and the drum unit 141 (dispersion unit) Section 142 having side walls (wall sections) 142a surrounding dispersion area AR1 between humidifying section 7A and humidifying section 7B for generating humidified humidified gas HG. , And a. In the web forming apparatus 1A, one of the humidifying unit 7A and the humidifying unit 7B may be omitted.

  On the other hand, the web forming apparatus 1B includes a drum unit 181 as a dispersing unit that disperses the defibrated material M3 including fibers in the air, and a mixture M7 that is dispersed by the drum unit 181 (dispersing unit) and includes the defibrated material M3. A mesh belt 191 serving as a stacking unit for forming the second web M8 (web) by stacking; and a drum unit 181 provided on a side opposite to the drum unit 181 (dispersion unit) with respect to the mesh belt 191 (stacking unit). The suction unit 193 that sucks the mixture M7 (defibrated material M3) dispersed by the (dispersion unit) toward the mesh belt 191 (stacking unit) side, the drum unit 181 (dispersion unit), and the mesh belt 191 (stacking unit). A housing part 182 having a side wall part (wall part) 182a surrounding the dispersion area AR2 therebetween, and a humidifying part 7A and a humidifying part 7B for generating humidified humidified gas HG are provided.Note that, similarly to the web forming apparatus 1A, in the web forming apparatus 1B, one of the humidifying section 7A and the humidifying section 7B can be omitted.

  Since the web forming apparatus 1A and the web forming apparatus 1B have almost the same configuration except that the arrangement location is different, the web forming apparatus 1A will be representatively described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the web forming apparatus 1A, each of the humidifying unit 7A and the humidifying unit 7B opens to the side wall (wall) 142a facing the dispersion area AR1, and supplies the humidification gas HG to the dispersion area AR1. It has a supply port 741 to be used. That is, the humidified gas HG is supplied through the opening (supply port 741) provided in the side wall (wall) 142a facing the dispersion area AR1.

  Thereby, as described later, the humidified gas HG from the supply port 741 can be brought into contact with the first sorted material M4-1 falling in the dispersion area AR1. Due to this contact, even if the first sorting material M4-1 is charged, the charge is transferred to the moisture contained in the humidified gas HG, and as a result, for example, the first sorting material M4-1 and the side wall of the housing portion 142 The electrostatic force generated during 142a can be suppressed or eliminated. This can prevent the first sorted material M4-1 from adhering to the side wall portion 142a, and thus reduce the accumulation amount of the first web M5 (the first sorted material M4-1) on the mesh belt 151. Shortage can be prevented.

  Note that, similarly to the web forming apparatus 1A, the web forming apparatus 1B is configured such that the humidified gas HG is supplied through an opening (supply port 741) provided in the side wall 142a facing the dispersion area AR1.

  The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a web forming apparatus 1A and a web forming apparatus 1B, and a sheet forming unit 20 that forms the second web M8 (web) humidified by the humidified gas HG into a sheet.

  Thus, the sheet S can be reproduced and manufactured while enjoying the advantages of the web forming apparatus 1A described above.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has a configuration including two web forming apparatuses, but is not limited thereto, and may have a configuration including one web forming apparatus, or may include three web forming apparatuses. A configuration having the above-described web forming apparatus may be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a raw material supply unit 11, a crushing unit 12, a defibrating unit 13, a sorting unit 14, a first web forming unit 15, a subdivision unit 16, A section 17, a loosening section 18, a second web forming section 19, a sheet forming section 20, a cutting section 21, a stock section 22, and a collecting section 27 are provided. Further, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a coarsely crushed piece humidifying section 231, a finely divided body humidifying section 233, a humidifying section 7A, and a humidifying section 7B. In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a blower 261, a blower 262, and a blower 263.

  Each unit (for example, the humidifying unit 7A and the humidifying unit 7B) included in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is electrically connected to the control unit 28 as a processor. The operation of each of these units is controlled by the control unit 28. The control unit 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 281 and a storage unit 282. The CPU 281 can perform, for example, various determinations and various instructions. The storage unit 282 stores various programs such as a program until the sheet S is manufactured. The control unit 28 may be built in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 or may be provided in an external device such as an external computer. Further, the external device may be communicated with the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via a cable or the like, may be wirelessly communicated, may be connected to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 via a network (for example, the Internet), or the like. . The CPU 281 and the storage unit 282 may be integrated and configured as one unit, for example, or the CPU 281 may be built in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 and the storage unit 282 may be an external device such as an external computer. Or the storage unit 282 may be built in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and the CPU 281 may be provided in an external device such as an external computer.

  Further, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, the raw material supply step, the crushing step, the defibration step, the sorting step, the first web forming step, the cutting step, the mixing step, the unraveling step, and the second web forming step The process, the sheet forming process, and the cutting process are performed in this order.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.
The raw material supply unit 11 is a part that performs a raw material supply step of supplying the raw material M1 (base material) to the crushing unit 12. The raw material M1 is a sheet material containing fibers (cellulose fibers). The cellulose fiber may be a fibrous material containing cellulose (cellulose in a narrow sense) as a main component as a compound. Good. The raw material M1 may be in any form, such as a woven cloth or a nonwoven cloth. In addition, the raw material M1 may be, for example, recycled paper (recycled) manufactured by defibrating waste paper, or synthetic paper, YUPO paper (registered trademark).

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

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

  The chute 122 is disposed below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and has, for example, a funnel shape. Thereby, the chute 122 can receive the crushed pieces M2 that have been crushed and dropped by the crushing blade 121.

  Above the chute 122, a coarse crushing piece humidifying part 231 is arranged adjacent to the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The coarse fragment humidifying section 231 humidifies the coarse fragment M2 in the chute 122. The crushed piece humidifying section 231 has a filter (not shown) containing water, and is provided with a vaporization method (or hot air vaporization) that supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the crushed piece M2 by passing air through the filter. Humidifier). By supplying the humidified air to the crushed pieces M2, it is possible to suppress the crushed pieces M2 from adhering to the chute 122 or the like due to static electricity.

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

  The defibrating unit 13 is a part that performs a defibrating step of defibrating the coarse crushed pieces M2 in the air, that is, in a dry manner. By the defibrating process in the defibrating unit 13, the defibrated material M3 can be generated from the coarsely crushed pieces M2. Here, "to defibrate" means to crush the crushed pieces M2 formed by binding a plurality of fibers into individual fibers. Then, the unraveled material becomes the defibrated material M3. The shape of the defibrated material M3 is linear or band-like. In addition, the defibrated materials M3 may be in a state in which they are entangled to form a lump, that is, a state in which a so-called “dama” is formed.

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

  In addition, the defibrating unit 13 can generate a flow of air (airflow) from the crushing unit 12 to the sorting unit 14 by rotation of the rotor. Thereby, the coarse crushed pieces M2 can be sucked from the tube 241 to the defibrating unit 13. After the defibration process, the defibrated material M3 can be sent out to the sorting unit 14 via the pipe 242.

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

  The sorting unit 14 is a part that performs a sorting step of sorting the defibrated material M3 according to the length of the fiber. In the sorting unit 14, the defibrated material M3 is sorted into a first sorted material M4-1 and a second sorted material M4-2 that is larger than the first sorted material M4-1. The first sorted product M4-1 has a size suitable for the subsequent production of the sheet S. The average length is preferably 100 μm or more and 10 mm or less. On the other hand, the second sorted product M4-2 includes, for example, those having insufficient fibrillation and those having excessively agglomerated fibrillated fibers.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drum portion 141 has a cylindrical net, that is, a plurality of openings 141a formed through a cylindrical wall portion, and rotates around its central axis. It is a sieve. The defibrated material M3 flows into the drum section 141. Then, as the drum portion 141 rotates, the defibrated material M3 smaller than the mesh opening (opening 141a) is sorted as the first sorted material M4-1, and the defibrated material M3 having a size equal to or larger than the mesh opening is selected. The delicate material M3 is sorted as a second sorted material M4-2.

The first sorted material M4-1 falls while being dispersed in the air from the drum unit 141.
The drum unit 141 functions as a dispersion unit that disperses the first sorted material M4-1 (defibrated material M3) into the air, but the configuration of the dispersion unit is not limited to the rotary drum unit 141. As a configuration of the dispersing unit, for example, as a unit having a fixed drum unit and a stirrer that displaces inside the drum unit and stirs the first sorted material M4-1, that is, a rotatably supported rotating blade Alternatively, a spray type that sprays the first sorted material M4-1 may be used.

  On the other hand, the second sorted material 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 unit 141. The second sorted material M4-2 that has passed through the pipe 243 joins the coarsely crushed piece M2 in the pipe 241, and flows into the defibrating unit 13 together with the coarsely crushed piece M2. Thereby, the second sorted material M4-2 is returned to the defibrating unit 13, and is defibrated together with the coarsely crushed pieces M2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, between the drum part 141 and the mesh belt 151, there is a dispersion area AR1 in which the first sorted material M4-1 falls while being dispersed. And the housing part 142 has the side wall part 142a which surrounds the dispersion | distribution area | region AR1 with the drum part 141. The housing part 142 has a ceiling part 142b that covers the side wall part 142a from above.

  In addition to the drum part 141 and the housing part 142, the sorting part 14 includes a seal member 146 that is installed on the outer peripheral part of the drum part 141 and that opens to the mesh belt 151 side of the first web forming part 15. . The sealing material 146 is a flexible (elastic) sheet-like material.

  Further, the first sorted material M4-1 from the drum unit 141 falls while being dispersed in the air, and heads toward the first web forming unit 15 located below the drum unit 141. The 1st web formation part 15 is a part which performs the 1st web formation process which forms the 1st web M5 from the 1st sorting thing M4-1. The first web forming unit 15 includes a mesh belt (separation belt) 151, three tension rollers 152, and a suction unit (suction mechanism) 153.

  The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt, and is a deposition section where the first sorted material M4-1 (defibrated material M3) is deposited. The mesh belt 151 is stretched around three tension rollers 152. In addition, the three tension rollers 152 are a transport unit that transports the first sorting object M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 together with the mesh belt 151. Then, the first sorting object M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 is conveyed to the downstream side by the rotational driving of the tension roller 152.

  The first sorted product M4-1 is larger than the mesh belt 151 opening. Accordingly, the passage of the first sorted material M4-1 through the mesh belt 151 is restricted, and thus, the first sorted material M4-1 can be deposited on the mesh belt 151. Further, the first sorted material M4-1 is conveyed to the downstream side together with the mesh belt 151 while being deposited on the mesh belt 151, and thus is formed as a layered first web M5. In addition, since the 1st web M5 is comprised by the 1st selection thing M4-1, it is needless to say that the defibrated material M3 is included.

  In addition, for example, dust and dirt may be mixed in the first sorted material M4-1. Dust and dust may be generated, for example, by crushing and fibrillation. Then, such dust and dirt are collected by the collecting unit 27 described later.

  The suction unit 153 is provided on the side opposite to the drum unit 141 with respect to the mesh belt 151, that is, below the mesh belt 151. The suction unit 153 can suction the first sorted material M4-1 dispersed by the drum unit 141 toward the mesh belt 151. Thus, the first web M5 is smoothly formed on the mesh belt 151, and the dust and the dust passing through the mesh belt 151 can be sucked together with the air.

  The suction unit 153 is connected to the collection unit 27 via a pipe (flow path) 244. The dust or 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 provided in the middle of the pipe 245. By the operation of the blower 262, a suction force can be generated in the suction unit 153. Thereby, formation of the first web M5 on the mesh belt 151 is promoted. The first web M5 is one from which dust, dust, and the like have been removed. In addition, dust and dirt pass through the pipe 244 and reach the collection unit 27 by the operation of the blower 262.

  Downstream of the first web forming section 15, a subdivision section 16 is arranged. The subdivision section 16 is a section that performs a division step of dividing the first web M5 separated from the mesh belt 151. The subdivision section 16 has a propeller 161 rotatably supported, and a housing section 162 that stores the propeller 161. Then, the first web M5 can be cut by the rotating propeller 161. The divided first web M5 becomes a subdivided body M6. Further, the subdivided body M6 descends inside the housing portion 162. In addition, since the subdivided body M6 is obtained by dividing the first web M5, naturally, the defibrated material M3 is included.

  The housing part 162 is connected to the subdivided humidifying part 233. The finely divided body humidifying section 233 is constituted by a vaporizing humidifier similar to the coarsely crushed piece humidifying section 231. Thereby, the humidified air is supplied into the housing part 162. By this humidified air, it is also possible to suppress the subdivision M6 from being attached to the inner walls of the propeller 161 and the housing 162 by electrostatic force.

  A mixing section 17 is arranged downstream of the subdivision section 16. The mixing section 17 is a section that performs a mixing step of mixing the subdivided body M6 and the resin P1. The mixing section 17 has a resin supply section 171, a pipe (flow path) 172, and a blower 173.

  The pipe 172 connects the subdivision section 16 and the loosening section 18 and is a flow path through which a mixture M7 of the subdivision M6 and the resin P1 passes.

  In the middle of the pipe 172, a resin supply unit 171 is connected. The resin supply section 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 tube 172 is mixed with the fragment M6 to form a mixture M7.

  The resin P1 binds the fibers in a later step, and 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. Polyester (nylon) such as polyester such as terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, nylon 6, nylon 46, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 6-12, and nylon 6-66; polyphenylene ether; polyacetal , Polyether, polyphenylene oxide, polyetheretherketone, polycarbonate, polyphenylenesulfide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyetherimide, aromatic polyester Liquid crystal polymers such as esters, various thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polybutadiene, trans polyisoprene, fluororubber, and chlorinated polyethylene And one or more selected from them can be used in combination. Preferably, as the thermoplastic resin, polyester or one containing the same is used.

  In addition, as the material supplied from the resin supply unit 171, in addition to the resin P1, for example, a coloring agent for coloring fibers, an aggregation inhibitor for suppressing fiber aggregation or aggregation of the resin P1, fibers, and the like. And a paper strength enhancer for increasing the paper strength of the sheet S, and the like. Alternatively, the resin P1 may contain the resin P1 in advance (complexed) and supply the resin P1.

  In the middle of the pipe 172, a blower 173 is provided downstream of the resin supply unit 171. The subdivided body M6 and the resin P1 are mixed by the action of a rotating portion such as a blade of the blower 173. Further, the blower 173 can generate an airflow toward the loosening unit 18. By this air flow, the subdivision M6 and the resin P1 can be stirred in the pipe 172. Thereby, the mixture M7 can flow into the loosening unit 18 in a state where the fine particles M6 and the resin P1 are uniformly dispersed. Further, the fragment M6 in the mixture M7 is loosened in the process of passing through the pipe 172, and becomes a finer fiber. In addition, since the mixture M7 contains the subdivided body M6, it naturally includes the defibrated material M3.

  The unraveling part 18 is a part of the mixture M7 that performs a loosening step of loosening the entangled fibers. The unraveling section 18 has a drum section 181 and a housing section 182 that houses the drum section 181.

  The drum unit 181 is a sieve that is formed of a cylindrical net and rotates around its central axis. The mixture M7 flows into the drum section 181. Then, by rotating the drum portion 181, fibers and the like of the mixture M7 smaller than the mesh openings can pass through the drum portion 181. At that time, the mixture M7 is loosened.

  The drum unit 181 functions as a dispersion unit that disperses the mixture M7 (defibrated material M3) in the air, but the configuration of the dispersion unit is not limited to the rotary drum unit 181. As a configuration of the dispersing portion, for example, the dispersing portion may include a fixed drum portion, a stirrer that displaces inside the drum portion and stirs the mixture M7, that is, a rotating blade that is rotatably supported, A spray type that injects M7 may be used.

  Then, the mixture M7 loosened by the drum unit 181 falls while being dispersed in the air, and travels to the second web forming unit 19 located below the drum unit 181. The second web forming unit 19 is a part that performs a second web forming step of forming the second 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 is a deposition section where the mixture M7 is deposited. This mesh belt 191 is wound around four tension rollers 192. The four stretching rollers 192 are a transport unit that transports the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 together with the mesh belt 151. Then, the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is conveyed downstream by the rotational driving of the tension roller 192.

  Most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is larger than the mesh belt 191. This restricts the mixture M7 from passing through the mesh belt 191 and can be deposited on the mesh belt 191. Further, the mixture M7 is conveyed to the downstream side together with the mesh belt 191 while being deposited on the mesh belt 191, so that the mixture M7 is formed as a layered second web M8.

  The suction section 193 is provided on the opposite side of the mesh belt 191 from the drum section 181, that is, below the mesh belt 191. The suction unit 193 can suction the mixture M7 dispersed by the drum unit 181 to the mesh belt 191 side. Thereby, the formation of the second web M8 on the mesh belt 191 is performed smoothly.

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

  A sheet forming unit 20 is disposed downstream of the second web forming unit 19. The sheet forming unit 20 is a part that performs a sheet forming step of forming the sheet S from the second web M8. The sheet forming unit 20 has a pressing unit 201 and a heating unit 202.

  The pressing unit 201 has a pair of calender rollers 203, and can press without heating the second web M8 (without melting the resin P1) between the calender rollers 203. Thereby, the density of the second web M8 is increased. Then, the second web M8 is conveyed toward the heating unit 202. One of the pair of calender rollers 203 is a driving roller driven by the operation of a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

  The heating unit 202 has a pair of heating rollers 204, and can pressurize the second web M8 while heating the second web M8 between the heating rollers 204. Due to the heating and pressurization, the resin P1 is melted in the second web M8, and the fibers are bound to each other via the melted resin P1. Thereby, the sheet S is formed. Then, the sheet S is conveyed toward the cutting unit 21. One of the pair of heating rollers 204 is a driving roller driven by the operation of a motor (not shown), and the other is a driven roller.

  A cutting section 21 is arranged downstream of the sheet forming section 20. The cutting section 21 is a section that performs a cutting step of cutting the sheet S. The cutting section 21 has a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.

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

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

  By cutting the first cutter 211 and the second cutter 212 as described above, a sheet S having a desired size is obtained. Then, the sheet S is further conveyed to the downstream side and is accumulated in the stock unit 22.

  As described above, the web forming apparatus 1A includes the humidifying unit 7A and the humidifying unit 7B. The humidifying unit 7A and the humidifying unit 7B have almost the same configuration except that the humidifying unit 7B is disposed at a different location. Therefore, the humidifying unit 7A will be representatively described below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the humidifying unit 7A is, for example, an ultrasonic humidifier, and can generate humidified humidified gas HG. In the present embodiment, an ultrasonic humidifier is used as the humidifying unit 7A, but is not limited to this.

The humidifying unit 7A includes a storage tank 71 for storing water WT, a piezoelectric element (piezo element) 72 provided in the storage tank 71, a first air supply pipe 73 connected to the storage tank 71, and a storage tank 71. The connected second air supply pipe 74, a fan 75 provided on the opposite side of the storage tank 71 of the first air supply pipe 73, and a housing 76 that stores the storage tank 71, the first air supply pipe 73, and the fan 75. Have.
The storage tank 71 is a container that can store the water WT.

  The piezoelectric element 72 is arranged on the bottom 711 of the storage tank 71. The piezoelectric element 72 is electrically connected to the control unit 28. Then, ultrasonic waves can be oscillated by applying a high-frequency AC voltage to the piezoelectric element 72. Due to this ultrasonic wave, a water column WT2 is generated on the liquid level WT1 of the water WT in the storage tank 71. Further, fine particles of the water WT scatter from the tip of the water column WT2.

  The first air supply pipe 73 communicates with the storage tank 71 above the liquid level WT1. A storage portion 77 that rotatably stores the fan 75 is provided at an end of the first air supply pipe 73 opposite to the storage tank 71. When the fan 75 rotates, the air GS is sent into the storage tank 71 via the first air supply pipe 73. By the air GS, the fine particles of the water WT can be sent out as a humidified gas HG (mist).

  The second air supply pipe 74 communicates with the storage tank 71 above the liquid level WT1. The end of the second air supply pipe 74 opposite to the storage tank 71 is open to the side wall 142a facing the dispersion area AR1. Thus, the humidified gas HG is sent from the supply port 741 into the dispersion area AR1 via the second air supply pipe 74. Thus, the second air supply pipe 74 has the supply port 741 for supplying the humidified gas HG to the dispersion area AR1.

  The number of the supply ports 741 is one in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, but is not limited to this, and may be plural, for example. When a plurality of supply ports 741 are arranged, these supply ports 741 may be arranged, for example, along the Y-axis direction, or may be arranged along the Z-axis direction, along the Y-axis direction. , May be arranged along the Z-axis direction, or may be arranged along both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

  The shape of the supply port 741 as viewed from the positive side in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, or a line (slit).

  With such a supply port 741, the humidified gas HG can be brought into contact with the first sorted material M4-1 falling in the dispersion area AR1.

  For example, when the supply of the humidified gas HG from the supply port 741 is omitted and the first sorted material M4-1 falling in the dispersion area AR1 is charged, the first sorted material M4-1 is attached to the mesh belt 151. There is a possibility that it will adhere to the side wall portion 142a of the housing portion 142, etc., in the process of reaching it. In this case, there is a possibility that the amount of the first sorted material M4-1 deposited on the mesh belt 151 is insufficient by the amount of the first sorted material M4-1 attached.

  In the same case as described above, the first sorted material M4-1 is aggregated to form a lump and deposits on the mesh belt 151, and depending on the size of the lump, the first sorted material M4-1 on the mesh belt is not removed. 1 may become excessive.

  Due to such an excessive or insufficient amount of the first sorted material M4-1, the quality of the sheet S manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 may become uneven.

  On the other hand, as described above, the first sorted material M4-1 comes into contact with the humidified gas HG from the supply port 741 while falling in the dispersion area AR1. As a result, even if the first sorted material M4-1 is charged, the charge in the first sorted material M4-1 is transferred to the moisture contained in the humidified gas HG before reaching the mesh belt 151. I do. As a result, the electrostatic force generated between the first sorting object M4-1 and the side wall 142a of the housing 142 can be suppressed or eliminated. This can prevent the first sorted material M4-1 from adhering to the side wall 142a and the like.

  Further, the electrostatic force generated between the first sorted objects M4-1 can also be suppressed or eliminated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first sorted material M4-1 from being clumped.

  By obtaining such a phenomenon, the amount of the first sorted material M4-1 deposited on the mesh belt 151 can be secured without excess or deficiency, and thus the quality of the sheet S manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can be ensured. Becomes uniform.

  In addition, the first sorted product M4-1 becomes wet and humidified by the contact of the humidified gas HG. As a result, the first web M5 made of the first sorted material M4-1 is in a state where the humidity is evenly controlled in the thickness direction. Thereby, the adsorption of the first web M5 to the mesh belt 151 due to the electrostatic force can be suppressed. Thereby, the first web M5 is easily peeled off from the mesh belt 151 at a position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the tension roller 152 during the conveyance.

  Further, depending on the moisture content of the humidified gas HG, for example, when the humidified gas HG having a relatively large moisture content flows into the drum portion 141 through any of the openings 141a of the drum portion 141, There is a possibility that the defibrated material M3 aggregates into a mass in the 141.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the supply port 741 is provided vertically below the lowermost opening 141a of the drum section 141 (dispersion section). Accordingly, when the humidified gas HG is supplied from the supply port 741 to the dispersion area AR1, it is possible to suppress or prevent the humidified gas HG from flowing into the drum unit 141. Thereby, regardless of the moisture content of the humidified gas HG, it is possible to prevent the defibrated material M3 from being clumped in the drum portion 141.

  In addition, it is preferable that the location of the supply port 741 is closer to the drum unit 141 side than the mesh belt 151 is.

  As described above, the web forming apparatus 1 </ b> A includes the three stretching rollers 152 as a transport unit that transports the first web M <b> 5 (web) on the mesh belt 151.

  The supply port 741 of the humidifying unit 7A is provided rearward (upstream side) in the transport direction of the first web M5 by the stretching roller 152, that is, on the negative side in the X-axis direction. The supply port 741 of the humidifying unit 7B is provided forward (downstream) in the transport direction of the first web M5, that is, on the positive side in the X-axis direction.

  As described above, in the web forming apparatus 1A, the supply port 741 is preferably provided in at least one of the front and the rear in the transport direction of the first web M5 (web) by the stretching roller 152 (transport unit), More preferably, both are provided. This makes it possible to uniformly humidify the entire dispersion region AR1. In particular, humidification can be performed more uniformly in the direction intersecting with the first web M5 (web) transport direction. It is more preferable that the width of the supply port 741 of at least one of the humidifying unit 7A and the humidifying unit B (the direction crossing the web transport direction) is wider than the width of the first web M5 (web).

  In addition, the supply port 741 is not limited to being provided at such a position, and is, for example, at least one of a direction intersecting with the transport direction of the first web M5, that is, a positive side and a negative side in the Y-axis direction. It may be provided on one side.

  Further, the supply amount of the humidification gas HG supplied from the supply port 741 of the humidification unit 7A and the supply amount of the humidification gas HG supplied from the supply port 741 of the humidification unit 7B may be the same or different. May be.

  Further, the moisture content of the humidified gas HG supplied from the supply port 741 of the humidifying unit 7A may be the same as the moisture content of the humidified gas HG supplied from the supply port 741 of the humidifying unit 7B. , May be different.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the web forming apparatus 1A includes a water content detection unit 29 that detects the water content contained in the first web M5. The water content detecting section 29 is disposed above the mesh belt 151 and adjacent to the downstream side of the housing section 142 of the sorting section 14. Further, the water content detection unit 29 is electrically connected to the control unit 28.

  The water content detecting unit 29 is a light reflection type sensor including a light emitting unit 291 that emits light LT1 including near infrared rays, and a light receiving unit 292 that receives light LT2 reflected by the first web M5. . The water content detection unit 29 can detect the water content based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 292 as the reflected light LT2. For example, as the amount of moisture increases, the light LT1 is absorbed by the moisture, and the amount of reflected light LT2 received by the light receiving unit 292 tends to decrease.

  Note that the water content detection unit 29 is not limited to a light reflection type sensor, and may be a light transmission type sensor.

  The moisture content of the first web M5 (web) conditioned by the humidified gas HG, that is, the water content in the first web M5 is preferably 5% or more and 12% or less, and is preferably 7% or more and 10%. It is more preferably at most 8%, more preferably at least 8% and at most 9%. Thereby, the humidity of the first sorted material M4-1 serving as the first web M5 is adjusted without excess and deficiency, so that the first web M5 is further suppressed from adsorbing to the mesh belt 151 due to electrostatic force. Accordingly, the first web M5 is easily peeled off from the mesh belt 151 after being conveyed by the mesh belt 151.

  The method of adjusting the water content within such a numerical range is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a method of adjusting the supply amount of the humidified gas HG supplied from the supply port 741.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the humidifying unit 7A has a supply amount adjusting unit 78 for adjusting the supply amount of the humidifying gas HG supplied from the supply port 741 (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the supply amount adjustment unit 78 includes, for example, the piezoelectric element 72 and the fan 75.

  When the piezoelectric element 72 is used as the supply amount adjusting unit 78, the supply amount of the humidified gas HG can be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 72. As the applied voltage to the piezoelectric element 72 increases, the supply amount of the humidifying gas HG increases, and as the applied voltage decreases, the supply amount of the humidifying gas HG decreases.

  When the fan 75 is used as the supply amount adjusting unit 78, the supply amount of the humidified gas HG can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the fan 75. As the rotation speed of the fan 75 increases, the supply amount of the humidifying gas HG increases, and as the rotation speed decreases, the supply amount of the humidification gas HG decreases.

  By adjusting the supply amount of the humidifying gas HG in this manner, the humidity of the first sorted product M4-1 serving as the first web M5 can be adjusted without excess or shortage.

  Next, a control program for adjusting the moisture content of the first web M5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the water content detecting section 29 is the water content MC of the first web M5 is detected (step S101), it determines whether the water content MC is equal to the threshold value MC ₀ (step S102). The threshold MC _0, the target value of the water content MC, i.e., the preferred value, preferably stored in advance in the storage unit 282 of the control unit 28.

When the water content MC is determined to be equal to the threshold value MC ₀ in step S102, it ends the control program.

On the other hand, if the water content MC is not determined to be equal to the threshold value MC ₀ in step S102, the water content adjustment of the first web M5, for supplying amount adjusting process of humidified gas HG described above (step S103). After executing step S103, the process returns to step S101, and thereafter, lower steps are sequentially executed.

  With such a control program, the moisture content of the first web M5 can be quickly adjusted.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional side view showing a main part of a web forming apparatus provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control program of a control unit included in the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the web forming apparatus and the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the same items will not be described. Omitted.

  This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the web forming apparatus is different.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the web forming apparatus 1A includes a humidity detecting unit 30 that detects the humidity in the dispersion area AR1. The configuration of the humidity detecting unit 30 is not particularly limited, and for example, an electric hygrometer having a capacitive sensor containing a semiconductor as a sensing unit can be used. The location of the humidity detector 30 is not particularly limited. For example, in the present embodiment, the location is directly above the supply port 741 of the humidifier 7B.

  Further, as described above, the amount of moisture contained in the first web M5 conditioned by the humidified gas HG is preferably 5% or more and 12% or less, more preferably 7% or more and 10% or less. More preferably, it is 8% or more and 9% or less. Then, as a method of adjusting the moisture content to such a numerical range, in the present embodiment, a method of adjusting the humidity in the dispersion area AR1 by adjusting the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 72 is used.

  Next, a control program for adjusting the moisture content of the first web M5 will be described based on a flowchart shown in FIG.

When the humidity HM in the distributed area AR1 by the humidity sensor 30 is detected (step S201), and determines whether the humidity HM is equal to the threshold value HM ₀ (step S202). The threshold value HM ₀ is a target value of the humidity HM, that is, a preferable value, and is preferably stored in the storage unit 282 of the control unit 28 in advance.

When it is determined that the humidity HM is equal to the threshold value HM ₀ in step S202, it ends the control program.

On the other hand, if the humidity HM is not determined to be equal to the threshold value HM ₀ in step S202, the water content adjustment of the first web M5, performs humidity control operation in the dispersion region AR1 described above (step S203). After executing step S203, the process returns to step S201, and thereafter, lower steps are sequentially executed.

  With such a control program, the water content of the first web M5 can be quickly adjusted to the above numerical range.

<Third embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a main part of a web forming apparatus provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus (third embodiment) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the web forming apparatus and the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing, but the description will be focused on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted. I do.

  This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the web forming apparatus is different.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the web forming apparatus 1A includes a rectifying unit 6 that adjusts the flow direction of the humidified gas HG supplied from the supply port 741. The rectification unit 6 is fixed immediately above each supply port 741. Also, the rectification part 6, the rectifying plate 61, and a support portion 62 for rotatably supporting the rectifying plate 61 in the arrow alpha ₆₁ direction.

  The flow direction of the humidified gas HG can be adjusted by changing the rotation angle of the flow control plate 61 by the flow control unit 6 having such a configuration. Thereby, the humidified gas HG can be spread over the entire dispersion area AR1, and thus the humidified gas HG can be brought into contact with the first sorted material M4-1 falling in the dispersion area AR1 without excess or shortage. Further, it is possible to further suppress or prevent the humidified gas HG from flowing into the drum portion 141, and thus it is possible to prevent the defibrated material M3 from aggregating in the drum portion 141 due to the humidified gas HG.

  Note that each rectifying unit 6 may be configured to be able to independently change the rotation angle of the rectifying plate 61.

  In addition, the support portion 62 is not particularly limited, and may be configured to have a motor, for example.

  As described above, the web forming apparatus and the sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention have been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each unit configuring the web forming apparatus and the sheet manufacturing apparatus has the same configuration. It can be replaced with any configuration that can exhibit the function. Further, an arbitrary component may be added.

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

  In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus (web forming apparatus) may further include a humidifying unit connected to an upper side of each of the housing units of the sorting unit and the unraveling unit.

100: sheet manufacturing apparatus, 1A: web forming apparatus (first web forming apparatus), 1B: web forming apparatus (second web forming apparatus), 6: rectifying section, 61: rectifying plate, 62: supporting section, 7A: humidification Part, 7B ... humidifying part, 71 ... reservoir, 711 ... bottom part, 72 ... piezoelectric element (piezo element), 73 ... first air supply pipe, 74 ... second air supply pipe, 741 ... supply port, 75 ... fan, 76 ... Housing, 77: storage unit, 78: supply amount adjustment unit, 11: raw material supply unit, 12: crushing unit, 121: crushing blade, 122: chute (hopper), 13: defibrating unit, 14: sorting unit 141, drum part (sieving part), 141a, opening, 142, housing part, 142a, side wall part (wall part), 142b, ceiling part, 146, sealing material, 15, first web forming part, 151, mesh Belt, 152 ... stretch roller, 153 ... suction (Suction mechanism), 16: subdivision, 161: propeller, 162: housing, 17: mixing, 171: resin supply, 172: pipe (flow path), 173: blower, 174: screw feeder, 18: loosening Part, 181: drum part, 182: housing part, 182a: side wall part (wall part), 19: second web forming part, 191: mesh belt (separation belt), 192: tension roller, 193: suction part (suction) Mechanism), 20: sheet forming unit, 201: pressing unit, 202: heating unit, 203: calender roller, 204: heating roller, 21: cutting unit, 211: first cutter, 212: second cutter, 22: stock Parts, 231 ... crushed piece humidifying part, 233 ... subdivided body humidifying part, 241 ... pipe (flow path), 242 ... pipe (flow path), 243 ... pipe (flow path), 244 Pipes (flow paths), 245 pipes (flow paths), 246 pipes (flow paths), 261 blowers, 262 blowers, 263 blowers, 27 collection sections, 28 control sections, 281 CPUs, 282 Storage unit, 29: moisture amount detection unit, 291: light emitting unit, 292: light receiving unit, 30: humidity detection unit, AR1: dispersion region, AR2: dispersion region, GS: air, HG: humidified gas, HM: humidity, HM ₀ : threshold value, LT1: light, LT2: reflected light, M1: raw material, M2: coarsely crushed piece, M3: defibrated material, M4-1: first sorted product, M4-2: second sorted product, M5: first web, M6 ... subdivision body, M7 ... mixtures, M8 ... second web, MC ... water content, MC 0 _... threshold, P1 ... resin, S ... sheet, S101 to S103 ... step, S201 to S203 ... step, WT ... water , WT1 ... liquid surface, WT2 ... water column, α _{61 ...} arrow

Claims (8)

A dispersing unit that disperses the defibrated material containing fibers in the air,
A depositing unit that deposits the defibrated material dispersed by the dispersion unit to form a web,
A suction unit that suctions the defibrated material dispersed by the dispersion unit toward the deposition unit side,
A housing part having a wall surrounding a dispersion area between the dispersion part and the deposition part;
A humidifying unit that generates a humidified humidified gas,
The web forming apparatus, wherein the humidified gas is supplied through an opening provided in the wall portion facing the dispersion region.   The web forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply port is provided vertically below the dispersion unit. A transport unit that transports the web,
3. The web forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply port is provided in at least one of a front side and a rear side in a transport direction of the web by the transport unit. 4.   4. The web forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the humidifying unit includes a supply amount adjusting unit that adjusts a supply amount of the humidified gas supplied from the supply port. 5.   The web forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the moisture content of the web conditioned by the humidified gas is 5% or more and 12% or less.   The web forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a humidity detection unit configured to detect humidity in the dispersion area.   The web forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a rectifying unit configured to adjust a flow direction of the humidified gas supplied from the supply port. A web forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and
A sheet forming unit for forming the web conditioned by the humidified gas into a sheet.

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