JP6943006B2 - Processing equipment, sheet manufacturing equipment, processing method and sheet manufacturing method - Google Patents

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 is required not only to reduce the amount of paper (recording medium) used in the workplace, but also to recycle paper in the workplace.

As a method of reproducing a recording medium, for example, a method of erasing a curved line with a writing instrument having a graphite core such as a pencil or a mechanical pencil with an eraser is known. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, the paper from which the curve has been removed can be used again.

However, in the regeneration method described in the patent document, the graphite existing on the surface of the paper can be erased with an eraser, but for example, the graphite that has penetrated deep into the thickness direction of the paper can be erased with an eraser. There was a problem that it could not be erased sufficiently.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-124103

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.

Such an object is achieved by the following invention.
The processing apparatus of the present invention includes a surface area increasing processing unit that performs pretreatment for increasing the surface area of a sheet-like material containing fibers.
An agglomerated portion in which a liquid containing a cationic polymer is applied to the pretreated sheet-like material to agglomerate foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.
A removing part that removes the agglomerates generated by the agglutinating part from the sheet-like material, and a removing part.
It is characterized by having.

This makes it possible to provide a processing apparatus capable of sufficiently removing foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, the liquid is preferably a solution of the cationic polymer.

As a result, undesired variation in composition in the liquid can be effectively suppressed, and the amount of the cationic polymer applied can be controlled more strictly. In addition, the formation of agglomerates when in contact with foreign matter is promoted. In addition, the cationic polymer can more preferably penetrate into the narrow gaps of the fibers and the inside of the fibers, and foreign substances existing in these sites can be removed more efficiently.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the cationic polymer contains an amine in the repeating structure.
As a result, foreign matter contained in the sheet-like material can be removed more efficiently.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, the cationic polymer is preferably represented by the following formula (1).

（式（１）中のｎは２以上の整数、ｍは１以上５以下の整数、Ｒは水素原子または炭素数が１以上４以下のアルキル基である。）

(N in the formula (1) is an integer of 2 or more, m is an integer of 1 or more and 5 or less, and R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms.)

As a result, foreign matter contained in the sheet-like material can be removed more efficiently. Moreover, such a cationic polymer is relatively easy to synthesize and can be produced at a relatively low cost.

The processing apparatus of the present invention, the content of the cationic polymer in the liquid is preferably not more than 0.0001 wt% to 50 wt%.

This makes it possible to remove foreign substances more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the cationic polymer used.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable to apply the liquid to the sheet-like material by using at least one of a spraying method and a coating method.

This makes it possible to remove foreign substances more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the cationic polymer (the liquid) used.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the foreign substance is an anionic substance.
Thus, the interaction of the cationic polymer, it is possible to form a suitably agglomerates, it can be more appropriately removed in the removal section.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the foreign matter is a component of the inkjet ink.

In general, the components of the inkjet ink easily penetrate not only into the gaps between the fibers but also into the inside of the fibers, and are generally not easy to remove after being applied to a recording medium containing the fibers. On the other hand, in the present invention, by using a liquid containing a cationic polymer, even a component of an inkjet ink can be suitably removed from a material (recording medium) containing fibers. Therefore, when the foreign matter is a component of the inkjet ink, the effect of the present invention is more prominently exhibited.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, the surface area increasing processing portion is preferably a fluffing portion that fluffs the sheet-like material.

As a result, the process for increasing the surface area of the sheet-like material can be efficiently performed in a short time. Further, by fluffing the sheet-like material, the efficiency of the defibration process performed on the downstream side is also improved. Therefore, the processing speed of the sheet-like material can be improved.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a pre-imparting unit for preliminarily imparting a liquid containing a cationic polymer to the sheet-like material on the upstream side of the surface area increasing processing unit.

As a result, agglomerates can be formed more efficiently. Further, even when the amount of the cationic polymer (the liquid) used as a whole is suppressed, the foreign matter can be sufficiently removed.

In the processing apparatus of the present invention, in the removing portion, a cloth material composed of a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric is brought into contact with the sheet-like material containing the agglomerates, and the agglomerates are transferred to the cloth material and removed. Is preferable.

As a result, agglomerates can be removed more efficiently. Further, when the surplus cationic polymer remains, the surplus cationic polymer can be efficiently removed together with the agglomerates in the removing portion.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising the processing apparatus of the present invention.
This makes it possible to provide a sheet manufacturing apparatus capable of sufficiently removing foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.

The treatment method of the present invention includes a surface area increasing step of performing a pretreatment for increasing the surface area of a sheet-like material containing fibers.
A coagulation step of applying a liquid containing a cationic polymer to the pretreated sheet-like material to agglomerate foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.
A removal step of removing agglomerates generated by the agglutination step from the sheet-like material,
It is characterized by having.

This makes it possible to provide a processing method capable of sufficiently removing foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.

The method for producing a sheet of the present invention includes a coagulation step of applying a liquid containing a cationic polymer to a sheet-like material containing fibers to agglomerate foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.
A removal step of removing agglomerates generated by the agglutination step from the sheet-like material,
Have,
A sheet is produced from the sheet-like material from which the foreign matter has been removed.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a method for producing a sheet capable of sufficiently removing foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.

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 a configuration on the downstream side of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing steps executed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention in order. FIG. 4 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [A] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in order. FIG. 5 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [B] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in order. FIG. 6 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [C] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in order. FIG. 7 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [D] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in order. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing steps executed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention in order. FIG. 10 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [A'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 in order. FIG. 11 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [B'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 in order. FIG. 12 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [C'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 in order. FIG. 13 is an image diagram (enlarged view of the region [D'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8) showing the states of the sheet-like materials processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 in order.

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

The processing apparatus 1 of the present invention imparts a liquid (aggregating material) CP containing a cationic polymer to a sheet-like material (raw material) M1 containing fibers FB to agglomerate foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1. (Foreign matter agglomerating part) 6 and a removing part (foreign matter removing part) 5 for removing the agglomerate AG generated by the agglomerating part 6 from the sheet-like material M1 are provided.

Further, the treatment method of the present invention includes a coagulation step of imparting a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer to a sheet-like material (raw material) M1 containing fiber FB to agglomerate foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1. The present invention includes a removing step of removing the agglomerate AG generated by the step from the sheet-like material M1. Then, this method is executed by the processing device 1.

According to the present invention, as will be described later, the foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1 is brought into contact with the cationic polymer prior to the removal of the foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1. In the form of agglomerates AG. Such agglomerates AG are relatively large and easy to remove. Therefore, the foreign matter AS can be easily removed from the sheet-like material M1, and the foreign matter AS can be sufficiently removed from the sheet-like material M1. In particular, the narrow gaps in the fiber FB and the foreign matter AS that has penetrated into the fiber FB can be suitably removed.

That is, the process according to the present invention can be said to be a deinking process for used paper. In the conventional deinking process, used paper is dispersed in water, the colorant is mechanically and chemically released (surfactant, alkaline chemical, etc.), and the coloring material is removed by a levitation method, screen cleaning method, etc. However, in the present invention, it is possible to deink without having to immerse the used paper in water. It can be said to be a dry deinking technique.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present invention includes a processing apparatus 1.
Further, in the method for producing a sheet of the present invention, a liquid (aggregating material) CP containing a cationic polymer is applied to a sheet-like material (raw material) M1 containing fiber FB to aggregate foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1. The sheet S is produced from the sheet-like material M1 from which the foreign matter AS has been removed, which comprises a coagulation step for causing the agglomeration to be formed and a removal step for removing the agglomerate AG generated by the coagulation step from the sheet-like material M1. Then, this method is executed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100.

According to the present invention as described above, the sheet S can be further produced (regenerated) from the sheet-like material M1 from which the foreign matter AS has been removed while enjoying the advantages of the processing device 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 a configuration on the downstream side of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing steps executed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (first embodiment) of the present invention in order. 4 to 7 are image diagrams showing in order the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the region [A] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1). 5 is an enlarged view of the region [B] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the region [C] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the region [C] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line. It is an enlarged view of the region [D] surrounded by a chain line). In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 7 (the same applies to FIGS. 8 and 10 to 13) is "upper" or "upper", and the lower side is "upper". It may be referred to as "down" or "downward", the left side as "left" or "upstream side", and the right side as "right" or "downstream side".

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a processing apparatus 1 on the upstream side thereof. The processing device 1 includes a transport unit 3, a surface area increasing processing unit (pretreatment unit) 4, an agglutinating unit (foreign matter agglutinating unit) 6, and a removing unit (foreign matter removing unit) 5.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has a raw material supply unit 11, a coarse crushing unit 12, a defibration unit 13, a sorting unit 14, and a first web forming unit 15 on the downstream side thereof. A subdivision portion 16, a mixing portion 17, a loosening portion 18, a second web forming portion 19, a sheet forming portion 20, a cutting portion 21, and a stock portion 22 are provided. Further, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a humidifying section 231, a humidifying section 232, a humidifying section 233, and a humidifying section 234.

The operation of each part included in the seat manufacturing apparatus 100 is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the sheet manufacturing method includes a surface area increasing step (pretreatment step), an aggregating step (foreign matter agglomeration step), a removing step (foreign matter removing step), and a raw material supply step. , Crude crushing step, defibration step, sorting step, first web forming step, dividing step, mixing step, loosening step, second web forming step, sheet forming step, and cutting step. Have. Then, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can execute these steps in order. Further, among these steps, the steps performed by the processing apparatus 1 are a surface area increasing step (pretreatment step), an aggregating step (foreign matter aggregating step), and a removing step (foreign matter removing step).

Hereinafter, the configuration of each part included in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described.
First, the configuration on the downstream side of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described, and then the configuration on the upstream side of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, that is, the processing apparatus 1 will be described.

The raw material supply unit 11 is a portion that performs a raw material supply step (see FIG. 3) for supplying the sheet-shaped material M1 to the coarsely crushed unit 12. The sheet-like material M1 is a sheet-like material containing fiber FB (cellulose fiber) (see FIGS. 4 to 7). The sheet-like material M1, that is, the sheet-like material is subjected to a foreign matter removing treatment for removing the foreign matter AS by the processing apparatus 1. The cellulose fiber may be a fiber containing cellulose as a compound (cellulose in a narrow sense) as a main component, and may contain hemicellulose and lignin in addition to cellulose (cellulose in a narrow sense). good.

The rough crushing section 12 is a section for performing a rough crushing step (see FIG. 3) in which the sheet-shaped material M1 supplied from the raw material supply section 11 is roughly crushed in the air (in the air). The crushing portion 12 has a pair of crushing blades 121 and a chute (hopper) 122.

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

The chute 122 is arranged below the pair of coarse crushing blades 121 and has a funnel shape, for example. As a result, the chute 122 can receive the coarsely crushed piece M2 that has been roughly crushed by the coarsely crushed blade 121 and has fallen.

Further, above the chute 122, a humidifying portion 231 is arranged adjacent to the pair of coarse crushing blades 121. The humidifying section 231 humidifies the coarsely crushed pieces M2 in the chute 122. The humidifying unit 231 has a filter (not shown) containing moisture, and a vaporization type (or warm air vaporization type) that supplies humidified air with increased humidity to the coarse crushed piece M2 by passing air through the filter. Consists of a humidifier. By supplying the humidified air to the coarse crushed piece M2, it is possible to prevent the coarse crushed piece M2 from adhering to the chute 122 or the like due to static electricity.

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

The defibration section 13 is a portion that performs a defibration step (see FIG. 3) in which the coarsely crushed piece M2 is defibrated in the air (in the air), that is, in a dry manner. By the defibration treatment in the defibration section 13, the defibrated product M3 can be produced from the coarsely crushed pieces M2. Here, "defibrating" means unraveling the coarsely crushed piece M2 formed by binding a plurality of fiber FBs into individual fibers. Then, this unraveled product becomes the defibrated product M3. The shape of the defibrated product M3 is linear or strip-shaped. Further, the defibrated products M3 may exist in a state of being intertwined and agglomerated, that is, in a state of forming a so-called "lump".

For example, in the present embodiment, the defibration portion 13 is composed of an impeller mill having a rotor that rotates at high speed and a liner located on the outer periphery of the rotor. The coarsely crushed piece M2 that has flowed into the defibration portion 13 is sandwiched between the rotor and the liner and defibrated.

Further, the defibration section 13 can generate an air flow (air flow) from the coarse crushing section 12 to the sorting section 14 by the rotation of the rotor. As a result, the coarsely crushed piece M2 can be sucked from the tube 241 to the defibration portion 13. Further, after the defibration treatment, the defibrated product M3 can be sent to the sorting unit 14 via the tube 242.

A blower 261 is installed in the middle of the pipe 242. The blower 261 is an airflow generator that generates an airflow toward the sorting unit 14. As a result, the delivery of the defibrated product 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 product M3 according to the length of the fiber FB. In the sorting unit 14, the defibrated product M3 is sorted into a first sorted product M4-1 and a second sorted product M4-2 which is larger than the first sorted product M4-1. The first sorted product M4-1 has a size suitable for the subsequent production of the sheet S. The second selected product M4-2 includes, for example, those with insufficient defibration, those in which the defibrated fibers FB are excessively agglomerated, and the like.

The sorting unit 14 has a drum unit 141 and a housing unit 142 for accommodating the drum unit 141.

The drum portion 141 is a sieve formed of a cylindrical net body and rotating around the central axis thereof. The defibrated product M3 flows into the drum portion 141. Then, by rotating the drum portion 141, the defibrated product M3 smaller than the mesh opening is sorted as the first sorted product M4-1, and the defibrated product M3 having a size larger than the mesh opening of the mesh is displayed. It is sorted as the second sort M4-2.
The first sorted product M4-1 falls from the drum portion 141.

On the other hand, the second sorted product M4-2 is sent out to the pipe (flow path) 243 connected to the drum portion 141. The side (downstream side) of the pipe 243 opposite to the drum portion 141 is connected to the pipe 241. The second sorted product M4-2 that has passed through the pipe 243 merges with the coarse crushed piece M2 in the pipe 241 and flows into the defibration portion 13 together with the coarse crushed piece M2. As a result, the second sorted product M4-2 is returned to the defibration section 13 and defibrated together with the coarsely crushed piece M2.

Further, the first sorted product M4-1 from the drum portion 141 falls while being dispersed in the air, and heads toward the first web forming portion (separation portion) 15 located below the drum portion 141. The first web forming unit 15 is a part that performs a first web forming step (see FIG. 3) for forming the first web M5 from the first sorted product M4-1. The first web forming portion 15 has a mesh belt (separation belt) 151, three tension rollers 152, and a suction portion (suction mechanism) 153.

The mesh belt 151 is an endless belt on which the first sort product M4-1 is deposited. The mesh belt 151 is hung around three tension rollers 152. Then, the first sorted object M4-1 on the mesh belt 151 is conveyed to the downstream side by the rotational drive of the tension roller 152.

The size of the first sorted product M4-1 is larger than the opening of the mesh belt 151. As a result, the first sorted product M4-1 is restricted from passing through the mesh belt 151, and thus can be deposited on the mesh belt 151. Further, since the first sorted product M4-1 is conveyed to the downstream side together with the mesh belt 151 while being deposited on the mesh belt 151, it is formed as a layered first web M5.

Further, the first sorted product M4-1 may contain, for example, dust or dust. Dust and dust may be mixed together with the sheet-like material M1 when the sheet-like material M1 is supplied from the raw material supply unit 11 to the coarsely crushed unit 12, for example. The dust and dirt are smaller than the opening of the mesh belt 151. As a result, the dust and the dust pass through the mesh belt 151 and fall further downward.

The suction unit 153 can suck air from below the mesh belt 151. As a result, the dust and the dust that have passed through the mesh belt 151 can be sucked together with the air.

Further, the suction unit 153 is connected to the collection unit 27 via a pipe (flow path) 244. The dust and dirt sucked by the suction unit 153 are collected by the collection unit 27.

A pipe (flow path) 245 is further connected to the recovery unit 27. A blower 262 is installed in the middle of the pipe 245. By operating the blower 262, a suction force can be generated at the suction unit 153. This promotes the formation of the first web M5 on the mesh belt 151. Dust and dust are removed from the first web M5. Further, the dust and the dust pass through the pipe 244 and reach the collection unit 27 by the operation of the blower 262.

The housing portion 142 is connected to the humidifying portion 232. The humidifying section 232 is composed of a vaporization type humidifier similar to the humidifying section 231. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing portion 142. This humidified air can humidify the first sorted product M4-1, and thus can prevent the first sorted product M4-1 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing portion 142 due to electrostatic force.

A humidifying section 235 is arranged on the downstream side of the sorting section 14. The humidifying section 235 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier that sprays water. As a result, water can be supplied to the first web M5, and thus the amount of water in the first web M5 is adjusted. By this adjustment, the adsorption of the first web M5 to the mesh belt 151 due to the electrostatic force can be suppressed. As a result, the first web M5 is easily peeled off from the mesh belt 151 at the position where the mesh belt 151 is folded back by the tension roller 152.

A subdivision portion 16 is arranged on the downstream side of the humidifying portion 235. The subdivided portion 16 is a portion for performing a dividing step (see FIG. 3) for dividing the first web M5 peeled from the mesh belt 151. The subdivision portion 16 has a propeller 161 rotatably supported and a housing portion 162 for accommodating the propeller 161. Then, the first web M5 can be divided by the first web M5 being caught in the rotating propeller 161. The divided first web M5 becomes a subdivision M6. Further, the subdivision M6 descends in the housing portion 162.

The housing portion 162 is connected to the humidifying portion 233. The humidifying section 233 is composed of a vaporization type humidifier similar to the humidifying section 231. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing portion 162. This humidified air can also prevent the subdivision M6 from adhering to the inner walls of the propeller 161 and the housing portion 162 due to electrostatic force.

A mixing portion 17 is arranged on the downstream side of the subdivision portion 16. The mixing unit 17 is a portion for performing a mixing step (see FIG. 3) of mixing the subdivision M6 and the resin P1. The mixing unit 17 has a resin supply unit 171, a pipe (flow path) 172, and a blower 173.

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

A resin supply unit 171 is connected in the middle of the pipe 172. The resin supply unit 171 has a screw feeder 174. By rotationally driving 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 subdivision M6 to form a mixture M7.

The resin P1 binds the fibers FB to each other in a later step. For example, a thermoplastic resin, a curable resin, or the like can be used, but it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin. 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 polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polyethylene. Polyester such as terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide (nylon) such as 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, Polyether ether ketone, Polycarbonate, Polyphenylene sulfide, Thermoplastic polyimide, Polyetherimide, Liquid crystal polymer such as aromatic polyester, styrene-based, Polyester-based, Polyvinyl chloride-based, Polyurethane-based, Polyester-based, Examples thereof include various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, transpolyisoprene-based, fluororubber-based, and chlorinated polyethylene-based, and one or a combination of two or more selected from these can be used. Preferably, as the thermoplastic resin, polyester or a resin containing the same is used.

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

Further, in the middle of the pipe 172, a blower 173 is installed on the downstream side of the resin supply unit 171. The blower 173 can generate an air flow toward the loosening portion 18. By this air flow, the subdivision M6 and the resin P1 can be agitated in the pipe 172. As a result, the mixture M7 can flow into the loosening portion 18 in a state where the subdivision M6 and the resin P1 are uniformly dispersed. Further, the subdivision M6 in the mixture M7 is loosened in the process of passing through the pipe 172 to become a finer fibrous form.

The loosening portion 18 is a portion of the mixture M7 that performs a loosening step (see FIG. 3) of loosening the entangled fibers FBs with each other. The loosening portion 18 has a drum portion 181 and a housing portion 182 for accommodating the drum portion 181.

The drum portion 181 is a sieve formed of a cylindrical net body and rotating around the central axis thereof. The mixture M7 flows into the drum portion 181. Then, as the drum portion 181 rotates, the fibers FB and the like, which are smaller than the mesh opening of the mixture M7, can pass through the drum portion 181. At that time, the mixture M7 will be loosened.

Further, the mixture M7 loosened by the drum portion 181 falls while being dispersed in the air, and heads toward the second web forming portion 19 located below the drum portion 181. The second web forming unit 19 is a portion that performs a second web forming step (see FIG. 3) for forming the second web M8 from the mixture M7. The second web forming portion 19 has a mesh belt (separation belt) 191, a tension roller 192, and a suction portion (suction mechanism) 193.

The mesh belt 191 is an endless belt on which the mixture M7 is deposited. The mesh belt 191 is hung around four tension rollers 192. Then, the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is conveyed to the downstream side by the rotational drive of the tension roller 192.

Also, most of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191 is larger than the opening of the mesh belt 191. This restricts the mixture M7 from passing through the mesh belt 191 and thus allows it to deposit on the mesh belt 191. Further, since the mixture M7 is conveyed to the downstream side together 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. This allows the mixture M7 to be sucked onto the mesh belt 191 and thus facilitates the deposition of the mixture M7 on the mesh belt 191.

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

The housing portion 182 is connected to the humidifying portion 234. The humidifying section 234 is composed of a vaporization type humidifier similar to the humidifying section 231. As a result, humidified air is supplied into the housing portion 182. The inside of the housing portion 182 can be humidified by this humidified air, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the mixture M7 from adhering to the inner wall of the housing portion 182 by electrostatic force.

A humidifying portion 236 is arranged on the downstream side of the loosening portion 18. The humidifying section 236 is composed of an ultrasonic humidifier similar to the humidifying section 235. As a result, water can be supplied to the second web M8, and thus the amount of water in the second web M8 is adjusted. By this adjustment, the adsorption of the second web M8 to the mesh belt 191 due to the electrostatic force can be suppressed. As a result, the second web M8 is easily peeled off from the mesh belt 191 at the position where the mesh belt 191 is folded back by the tension roller 192.

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

The pressurizing unit 201 has a pair of calendar rollers 203, and the second web M8 can be pressurized between them without heating. As a result, 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 calendar 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 the second web M8 can be heated and pressurized between them. By this heating and pressurizing, the resin P1 is melted in the second web M8, and the fibers FB are bound to each other through the melted resin P1. As a result, the sheet S is formed. Then, the sheet S is conveyed toward the cutting portion 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 portion 21 is arranged on the downstream side of the sheet forming portion 20. The cutting portion 21 is a portion for performing a cutting step (see FIG. 3) for cutting the sheet S. The cutting portion 21 has a first cutter 211 and a second cutter 212.

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

The second cutter 212 cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the transport 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 way, a sheet S having a desired size can be obtained. Then, the sheet S is further transported to the downstream side and accumulated in the stock portion 22.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the sheet-like material M1 regenerated as the sheet S is used paper that has been printed and used. Therefore, the sheet-like material M1 (fiber FB) before being charged into the raw material supply unit 11 has black or color toner, various inks, various dyes, coloring materials such as pigments, and other dust, dust, and the like adhered to the sheet-like material M1 (fiber FB). It has become. Hereinafter, these deposits are collectively referred to as "foreign matter AS". When the sheet S is regenerated, it is preferable that the foreign matter AS is removed as much as possible. As a result, the sheet S is of high quality from which foreign matter AS, which can be an impurity during regeneration, has been removed.

Therefore, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has a configuration in which the foreign matter AS can be removed from the sheet-like material M1 by the processing apparatus 1 arranged on the upstream side thereof. Hereinafter, the processing device 1 will be described. In particular, foreign matter derived from ink (particularly inkjet ink) easily penetrates into the narrow gaps of fibers and the inside of fibers, and is generally considered to be difficult to remove. In particular, foreign matter derived from (inkjet ink) can be suitably removed. In other words, when the foreign matter AS is derived from ink (particularly inkjet ink), the effect of the present invention is more prominently exhibited.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processing apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 3, a surface area increasing processing unit (pretreatment unit) 4, an agglutinating unit (foreign matter agglutinating unit) 6, and a removing unit (foreign matter removing unit) 5. ing.

The transport unit 3 transports the sheet-shaped material M1 toward the downstream side. The transport unit 3 has a glue belt 31, two tension rollers 32, and a large number of idle rollers 33.

The glue belt 31 is an endless belt whose surface has adhesiveness. Due to this adhesive force, the sheet-like material M1 is fixed on the glue belt 31, and therefore, the surface area increasing step (pretreatment step) by the surface area increasing treatment section (pretreatment section) 4 and the foreign matter by the removing section 5 The removal process is stable. Further, a plurality of sheet-shaped materials M1 can be placed on the glue belt 31. The orientations (postures) of these sheet-like materials M1 on the glue belt 31 may or may not be the same.

The two tension rollers 32 are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side so as to be separated from each other, and the glue belt 31 is hung around them. One of the two tension rollers 32, the tension roller 32, is a drive roller connected to a motor (not shown) and rotated in the direction _{of arrow α 32 by the drive of the motor.} The other tension roller 32 is a driven roller in which the rotational force from the drive roller is transmitted via the glue belt 31 and rotates in the direction of _{arrow α 32 in the same manner as the drive roller.} Then, the sheet-like material M1 on the glue belt 31 is conveyed in the conveying direction α ₃₁ by the rotation of each tension roller 32.

Further, in the transport unit 3, the transport speed of the sheet-shaped material M1 becomes variable by adjusting the rotation speed of the drive roller.

A large number of idle rollers 33 are spaced apart from each other between the two tension rollers 32. _{Each idle roller 33 can rotate in the direction of the arrow α 33 in the} same direction as the rotation direction of the tension roller 32 as the glue belt 31 is driven. With such an idle roller 33, it is possible to prevent the glue belt 31 from bending, and thus the sheet-like material M1 can be stably conveyed.

The transport unit 3 is configured by belt transport in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this, and for example, the sheet-shaped material M1 is sucked and held by negative pressure on the stage to be transported. It may be of a constitution, that is, a platen.

As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment apparatus 1 performs a pretreatment for increasing the surface area of the sheet-like material M1 with respect to the sheet-like material M1 before the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer is applied at the agglomerate portion 6. It is provided with a surface area increasing processing unit (pretreatment unit) 4 to be applied. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a surface area increasing processing unit (pretreatment unit) 4 is arranged on the upper side of the glue belt 31.

As a result, the surface area of the sheet-shaped material M1 is increased, and the foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-shaped material M1 and the liquid CP (cationic polymer) containing the cationic polymer can be brought into contact with each other more efficiently. Further, in the state before the surface area increasing step, the foreign matter AS existing in the narrow gap of the fiber FB in the deep part of the sheet-like material M1 (the part below the upper surface in FIG. 1) and the inside of the fiber FB The permeated foreign matter AS can be more efficiently brought into contact with the liquid CP (cationic polymer) containing the cationic polymer at the agglomerating portion (foreign matter agglomerating portion) 6. Therefore, the foreign matter AS in the sheet-like material M1 can be removed more efficiently.

The surface area increasing treatment unit (pretreatment unit) 4 may have any configuration as long as it can be subjected to pretreatment for increasing the surface area of the sheet-like material M1, but in the present embodiment, the sheet-like material M1 is used. It is a fluffing part that makes fluffing.

Thereby, the treatment for increasing the surface area of the sheet-like material M1 can be efficiently performed in a short time with respect to the sheet-like material M1. Further, by fluffing the sheet-like material M1, the efficiency of the defibration process performed on the downstream side is also improved. Therefore, the processing speed of the sheet-like material M1 can be improved.

Here, "fluffing" will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the fiber FB contained in the sheet-like material M1 is in a sleeping state, that is, in a prone state until it undergoes the surface area increasing step (fluffing step). In the state shown in FIG. 4, the fibers FBs are laid down in the same direction, that is, to the left side in FIG. 4, but some of them may be laid down in different directions. Then, by going through the surface area increasing step (fluffing step), the fiber FB at least near the surface rises, that is, stands up from the state shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. This is called "fluffing". The upright state of the fiber FB is maintained until the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer is applied to the sheet-like material M1 in the aggregation step.

As shown in FIG. 1, the surface area increasing processing portion (fluffing portion) 4 has a brush 41. The brush 41 has a rotatably supported cylindrical or columnar core portion 411 and brush bristles 412 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the core portion 411.

The core portion 411 is connected to a motor (not shown), and by driving this motor, the brush bristles 412 can rotate in the direction of _{arrow α 41.}

Brush bristles 412 are implanted in the outer peripheral portion of the core portion 411 over the entire circumference thereof. The brush bristles 412 are made of a flexible resin material such as polyamide or polyester.

Further, the bristles of the brush bristles 412 may be sharp or rounded.

Then, when the brush 41 _{rotates in the direction of the arrow α 41} , the sheet-like material M1 passing directly under the brush 41 has the fiber FB in contact with the brush bristles 412 of the brush 41 and is in the direction opposite _{to the transport direction α 31, that is,} It is forcibly pushed back to the upstream side. As a result, in the sheet-like material M1, the fiber FB becomes fluffy, that is, the fiber FB changes from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. In such a state, the foreign matter AS can be floated from the fiber FB as much as possible, so that the fiber FB can be easily removed by the removing portion 5.

Although the brush 41 is configured to rotate in the direction of _{arrow α 41} in the present embodiment, the brush 41 is not limited to this, and may be configured to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of _{arrow α 41, for example.} , Arrow α _{The rotation in the 41} direction and the rotation in the opposite direction to the rotation may be periodically and alternately performed.

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 May be good.

Further, one of the idle rollers 33 is located below the brush 41 via the glue belt 31 (hereinafter, the idle roller 33 is referred to as an "idle roller 33a"). The idle roller 33a allows the brush 41 to be pressed against the sheet-like material M1 from above, so that the brush bristles 412 and the fiber FB are sufficiently in contact with each other. Thereby, the fiber FB can be fluffed without excess or deficiency.

In the treatment apparatus 1, a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer is applied to the sheet-like material M1 on the downstream side (between the surface area increasing treatment section 4 and the removing section 5) of the surface area increasing treatment section (fluffing section) 4. The sheet-like material M1 is provided with an agglomerating portion (foreign matter agglomerating portion) 6 for aggregating the foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1. The aggregating step (foreign matter aggregating step) performed by the agglomerating portion 6 is performed between the surface area increasing step and the removing step (foreign matter removing step).

The agglomerating portion 6 is arranged above the glue belt 31, and can supply the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer to the sheet-like material M1 from above. As a result, the foreign matter AS can be aggregated on the sheet-like material M1 and the aggregate AG is formed (see FIG. 6). More specifically, by imparting a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer, a relatively large aggregate AG can be efficiently formed by an electric action between the cationic polymer and the foreign substance AS. .. Further, even when the foreign matter AS is firmly bonded to the fiber FB, by using the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer, the binding force between the fiber FB and the foreign matter AS is weakened, and a relatively large aggregate AG is efficiently produced. Can be formed. Further, by using the liquid CP, the cationic polymer can be suitably penetrated into the narrow gaps between the fiber FBs and the inside of the fiber FBs. Therefore, the foreign matter AS existing in such a portion can be efficiently removed.

The aggregated foreign matter AS has a size that can be easily removed in the removing step (foreign matter removing step).

Therefore, the agglomerated foreign matter AS is easily removed from the sheet-like material M1 by the operation of the removing portion (foreign matter removing portion) 5.

Such an effect is more remarkable when the foreign matter AS is an electric charge (particularly, an anionic foreign matter AS).

The liquid CP containing the cationic polymer may be, for example, a melt of the cationic polymer, a dispersion in which the cationic polymer is dispersed, or the like, but a solution of the cationic polymer is preferable.

As a result, undesired variation in composition in the liquid CP can be effectively suppressed, and the amount of the cationic polymer applied can be controlled more strictly. Further, when the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer is a solution, the formation of agglomerates AG when it comes into contact with the foreign matter AS is promoted. Further, when the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer is a solution, the cationic polymer can more preferably permeate into the narrow gaps of the fiber FB and the inside of the fiber FB, and the foreign matter AS existing in these sites can be more favorably permeated. It can be removed efficiently.

When the liquid CP is a dispersion containing a cationic polymer as a dispersoid, the average particle size of the cationic polymer in the liquid CP is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. It is more preferable that it is 1.0 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

As a result, the aggregation of the cationic polymer (dispersant) in the liquid CP can be prevented more effectively, and the undesired variation in the composition in the liquid CP can be effectively suppressed. Storage stability is improved. Further, from such a thing, the amount of the cationic polymer applied can be controlled more strictly. Further, when the average particle size of the cationic polymer is within the above range, the cationic polymer can more preferably penetrate into the narrow gaps of the fiber FB and the inside of the fiber FB, and is present at these sites. Foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently.
In the present invention, the average particle size means a volume-based average particle size.

The content of the cationic polymer in the liquid CP is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.0001% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.001% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less. It is more preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.

As a result, the foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the cationic polymer used.

The method of applying the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer to the sheet-like material M1 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a spraying method, a coating method, a printing method, a dipping method (dipping), and the like. It is preferable to apply the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer to the sheet material M1 by using at least one of the coating methods.

Thereby, for example, the liquid CP containing the desired amount of the cationic polymer can be efficiently applied to the desired portion of the sheet-like material M1. Therefore, the foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the liquid CP (cationic polymer) containing the cationic polymer.

The basis weight of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer to be applied to the sheet-like material M1 is not particularly limited ^{, but is preferably 1 μg / m 2} or more and 50 g / m ² or less, and 5 μg / m ² or more and 40 g / m ² or less. It is more preferable that it is 10 μg / m ² or more and 30 g / m ² or less.

As a result, the foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the liquid CP (cationic polymer) containing the cationic polymer.

When a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer is selectively applied to a specific portion (for example, a printed portion) of the sheet-like material M1, the basis weight of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer at the specific portion is used. The amount preferably satisfies the above-mentioned conditions.

Further, by selectively imparting the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer to a specific site in this way, the amount of the liquid CP (cationic polymer) containing the cationic polymer can be more effectively suppressed. .. Further, since the time required for removing the agglomerate AG and the excess cationic polymer can be shortened, the processing speed of the sheet-like material M1 can be improved.

In addition, by specifying (for example, optically) a portion of the sheet-like material M1 containing the foreign matter AS (obtaining the coordinates of the portion) in advance by a detection means (not shown), the specific portion can be selectively selected. The liquid CP containing the cationic polymer can be preferably applied. Further, the content (absolute content or relative content) of the foreign matter AS at each part of the sheet-like material M1 is detected (for example, optically) by a detection means (not shown), and the detection result is obtained. Based on this, the amount of liquid CP imparted containing the cationic polymer may be adjusted.

The cationic polymer contained in the liquid CP is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymeric material exhibiting cationic properties, but it is preferable that the repeating structure contains an amine.

Thereby, the foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1 can be removed more efficiently.

The amine contains an amino group (-NH ₂ ), a monoalkylamino group (-NHR), a dialkylamino group (-NRR'), a trialkylammonium group (-N ⁺ RR'R''), and the like. Is.

In particular, the cationic polymer is preferably one represented by the following formula (1).

（式（１）中のｎは２以上の整数、ｍは１以上５以下の整数、Ｒは水素原子または炭素数が１以上４以下のアルキル基である。）

(N in the formula (1) is an integer of 2 or more, m is an integer of 1 or more and 5 or less, and R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms.)

Thereby, the foreign matter AS contained in the sheet-like material M1 can be removed more efficiently. Moreover, such a cationic polymer is relatively easy to synthesize and can be produced at a relatively low cost.

Among them, the cationic polymer preferably has m in the formula (1) of 3 and R of a methyl group.

As a result, the above-mentioned effects are more prominently exhibited.
Further, the cationic polymer may be one represented by the following formula (2).

（式（２）中のｎは２以上の整数である。）

(N in equation (2) is an integer of 2 or more.)

When the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer is a solution in which the cationic polymer is dissolved or a dispersion liquid in which the cationic polymer is dispersed, the solvent constituting the solution and the dispersion medium constituting the dispersion liquid include, for example, water; ethylene. (Poly) alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether; carbitol such as carbitol and ester compounds thereof (for example, carbitol acetate) Classes; cellosolves such as cellosolves and their ester compounds (eg, cellosolve acetate, etc.); ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethyl-n-butyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, acetyl acetone; methanol, ethanol, propanol, etc. Monohydric alcohols such as butanol and alcohols such as polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butanediol, glycerin and 1,3-butylene glycol; tetraalkylammonium acetate (eg, tetrabutylammonium acetate). Etc.) and the like, and one kind or two or more kinds selected from these can be used in combination, but those containing water are preferable. Further, for example, even if the removal of the liquid component (solvent, dispersion medium) in the processing apparatus 1 is insufficient, it is unlikely to adversely affect the manufacturing process of the sheet S and the quality of the manufactured sheet S.

As a result, the cationic polymer can be more preferably ionized in the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer.

The pH of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer (pH at 25 ° C.) is preferably 5.8 or more and 7.8 or less, more preferably 6.0 or more and 7.5 or less, and 6.5 or more. It is more preferably 7.3 or less.

As a result, foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently while suppressing damage to the sheet-like material M1 during processing by the processing apparatus 1. Further, even if the cationic polymer remains in the sheet-like material M1 treated by the processing apparatus 1, adverse effects due to the remaining cationic polymer (deterioration of the sheet-like material M1, etc.) are more likely to occur. Effectively suppressed.

The foreign matter AS may be any material, but is preferably a component of the inkjet ink.

In general, the components of the inkjet ink easily penetrate not only into the gaps between the fibers but also into the inside of the fibers, and are generally not easy to remove after being applied to a recording medium containing the fibers. On the other hand, in the present invention, by using the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer, even the component of the inkjet ink can be suitably removed from the sheet-like material M1 containing the fiber FB. Therefore, when the foreign matter AS is a component of the inkjet ink, the effect of the present invention is more remarkably exhibited.

Examples of the components of the inkjet ink include various dyes, colorants such as various pigments, dispersants, penetrants, dissolution aids, pH adjusters and the like.

The foreign substance AS may be a nonionic substance or a cationic substance, but is preferably an anionic substance.

Among various substances, anionic substances have a particularly strong interaction with cationic polymers. Therefore, when the foreign substance AS is an anionic substance, the aggregate AG can be more preferably formed by the interaction with the cationic polymer, and can be more preferably removed by the removing portion 5.

Examples of anionic substances include negatively charged colorants such as carbon black; trimethylethane dyes, salicylic acid metal complex salts, benzylic acid metal complex salts, copper phthalocyanine, perylene, quinacridone, azo pigments, and metal complex salt azo. Dyes, heavy metal-containing acidic dyes such as azochrome complex, callix allene type phenolic condensates, cyclic polysaccharides, resins containing carboxyl or sulfonyl groups, alumina, silica, titania, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, oxidation Metal oxides and hydroxides such as cerium, talc and hydrotalcite, metal oxides such as calcium titanate, strontium titanate and barium titanate, nitrides such as titanium nitride and silicon nitride, titanium carbide and silicon carbide. Inorganic fine particles such as carbides such as, acrylic acid-based resin containing acrylic acid and its derivative as the main component of the monomer, methacrylic acid-based resin containing methacrylic acid and its derivative as the main component of the monomer, tetrafluoroethylene. Negative charge control agents and external additives such as negative charge organic fine particles such as resins, trifluoroethylene resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyacrylonitrile; negative charge binders such as polyester (especially for toner) Binder used) and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, a removing portion (foreign matter removing portion) 5 is arranged on the upper side of the glue belt 31 on the downstream side of the agglomerating portion 6.

The removing portion 5 is a portion that performs a removing step (see FIG. 3) for removing the agglomerate AG generated by the agglomerating portion 6 from the sheet-like material M1.

In the removing unit 5, the excess cationic polymer may be removed together with the agglomerate AG.
Thereby, it is possible to more effectively prevent the cationic polymer from being unintentionally left in the material treated by the treatment device 1. Further, it is conceivable to provide a removing portion (second removing portion) for removing the cationic polymer on the downstream side of the removing portion 5, but the removing portion 5 (first removing portion) is an excess cationic system. By removing the polymer, the treatment in the second removing portion can be performed in a shorter time, and the structure of the second removing portion can be simplified. It is also advantageous in reducing the size of the entire device. Further, by removing the excess cationic polymer together with the agglomerate AG in the removing portion 5, the content of the cationic polymer contained in the treated sheet-like material M1 can be sufficiently increased without providing the second removing portion. The reliability of the processed sheet-like material M1 can be made sufficiently excellent, and the reliability of the sheet S manufactured by using the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can be made excellent. be able to.

When the excess cationic polymer is removed by the removing unit 5, at least a part of the cationic polymer may be removed.

In the present embodiment, in the removing unit 5, the sheet-like material M1 containing the agglomerate AG is brought into contact with the cloth material 51 made of a non-woven fabric or a woven fabric, and the agglomerate AG is transferred to the cloth material 51 (transfer). It is configured to be removed. The removing unit 5 includes a cloth material 51, two tension rollers 52, a large number of idle rollers 53, and a cleaning unit 54.

As a result, the agglomerate AG can be removed more efficiently. Further, when the surplus cationic polymer remains, the removing unit 5 can efficiently remove the surplus cationic polymer together with the agglomerate AG. Further, when the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer is a solution containing a solvent or a dispersion liquid containing a dispersion medium, the cloth material 51 can suitably remove the solvent and the dispersion medium by absorption. As a result, the liquid content (for example, water content) of the sheet-like material M1 that has passed through the removing portion 5 can be made lower.

Further, since the cloth material 51 is made of a non-woven fabric or a woven cloth, the agglomerate AG can be efficiently entangled from the sheet-like material M1. Further, in the removing portion 5, the cloth material 51 is an endless belt. Thereby, for example, if the cloth material 51 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 54, the cloth material 51 can be continuously used for removing the agglomerate AG as it is.

The two tension rollers 52 are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side so as to be separated from each other, and the cloth material 51 is hung around them. One of the two tension rollers 52, the tension roller 52, is a drive roller connected to a motor (not shown) and rotated in the direction _{of arrow α 52 by the drive of the motor.} The other tension roller 52 is a driven roller in which the rotational force from the drive roller is transmitted via the cloth material 51 and rotates in the direction of the _{arrow α 52 in the same manner as the drive roller.} Then, by the rotation of each tension roller 52, the cloth material 51 is driven on the glue belt 31 in the direction of the arrow α _{51 in the direction opposite to the transport direction α 31.} As a result, the cloth material 51 can transfer the agglomerate AG from the sheet-like material M1, that is, attach it, and wipe it off. As a result, the agglutinating AG is sufficiently removed, and the state shown in FIG. 7 is obtained.

Further, in the removing unit 5, the driving speed of the cloth material 51 in the _{direction of the arrow α 51} becomes variable by adjusting the rotation speed of the driving roller.

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

Further, a plurality of idle rollers 33 are located below the cloth material 51 via the glue belt 31 (these idle rollers 33 below are referred to as "idle rollers 33b"). Then, the cloth material 51 can be pressed against the sheet-like material M1 between the idle roller 33b and the idle roller 53. As a result, the cloth material 51 and the agglomerate AG are sufficiently brought into contact with each other, and thus the agglomerate AG is sufficiently removed.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the cloth material 51 is driven in the direction of the arrow α _{51 in the direction opposite to the transport direction α 31} , but is not limited to this, and may be driven in the same direction as the _{transport direction α 31, for example.} good. In this case, it is preferable that there is a difference between the driving speed of the cloth material 51 and the transport speed of the sheet-shaped material M1.

The removing unit 5 has a cleaning unit 54 for cleaning the cloth material 51 to which the agglomerate AG has migrated. The cleaning unit 54 is arranged above the cloth material 51, and is configured to suck the agglomerate AG adhering to the cloth material 51. As a result, the agglomerate AG (foreign matter AS) is removed from the cloth material 51, and thus the cloth material 51 is cleaned. The cleaned cloth material 51 is used again for removing the agglomerate AG (foreign matter AS).

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the upstream side (processing apparatus of the present invention) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing steps executed by the sheet manufacturing apparatus (second embodiment) of the present invention in order. 10 to 13 are image views showing in order the state of the sheet-like material processed by the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 (FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the region [A'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the region [B'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8, FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the region [C'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the area [D'] surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line.

Hereinafter, the second 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 figures, but the differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described. The description of the same matter will be omitted.
The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above except that the preliminary granting portion is provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, in the preliminary applying portion (first liquid applying portion) 7, a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer is applied to the sheet-like material M1, and a surface area provided on the downstream side thereof is applied. The augmentation treatment unit (pretreatment unit) 4 is subjected to pretreatment for increasing the surface area of the sheet-like material M1, and the agglomeration unit 6 (liquid application unit, second liquid application unit) provided on the downstream side thereof is further subjected to pretreatment. The sheet-like material M1 is configured to impart a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment further includes a pre-imparting unit 7 for preliminarily imparting a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer to the sheet-like material M1 on the upstream side of the surface area increasing processing unit 4. .. The pre-applying step performed by the pre-applying unit 7 is performed before the surface area increasing step.

With such a configuration, agglomerate AG can be formed more efficiently. More specifically, the surface area increasing treatment section 7 is provided with a liquid CP containing a relatively small amount of cationic polymer in advance to the sheet-like material M1 supplied to the surface area increasing treatment section 4. When the treatment for increasing the surface area of the sheet-like material M1 is performed in No. 4, the cations imparted by the pre-imparting unit 7 are effectively prevented from adhering to the surface area increasing processing unit 4. The liquid CP containing the polymer can be efficiently penetrated into the gaps of the fiber FB and efficiently penetrated into the fiber FB. As a result, the foreign matter AS contained in these sites can be efficiently brought into contact with the cationic polymer. Then, a newly added cationic system is added by further applying a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer to the sheet-like material M1 at the agglutinating portion 6 (second liquid imparting portion) on the downstream side of the surface area increasing processing unit 4. The liquid CP containing the polymer comes into contact with the cationic polymer that was in contact with the foreign matter AS on the upstream side thereof, and a larger and easier-to-remove form of the agglomerate AG is formed. Therefore, the agglomerate AG can be formed more efficiently. Further, even when the amount of the cationic polymer (liquid CP) used as a whole is suppressed, the foreign matter AS can be sufficiently removed.

The state of the sheet-like material M1 in each step is as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13.
That is, in the preliminary addition step, the growth (coarseness) of the aggregate AG hardly progresses in the state where the liquid CP containing a relatively small amount of cationic polymer is preliminarily applied (see FIG. 10).

In the surface area increasing step, an external force is applied by the surface area increasing processing portion (fluffing portion) 4, the surface area of the sheet-like material is increased, the contact between the cationic polymer and the foreign matter AS is promoted, and the growth of the agglomerate AG proceeds. (See FIG. 11).

In the agglutination step, when a liquid CP containing a cationic polymer is additionally added, the growth of the agglutinating AG further proceeds (see FIG. 12).

In the subsequent removal step, the agglomerate AG is sufficiently removed, and the state as shown in FIG. 13 is obtained.

The basis weight of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer applied to the sheet-like material M1 by the pre-applying portion 7 is usually smaller than the basis weight of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer applied to the sheet-like material M1 by the agglomerating portion 6. It is a thing.

Specifically, the amount of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer to be applied to the sheet-like material M1 by the preliminary application portion 7 is not particularly limited, but is 0.01 μg / m ² or more and 10 g / m ² or less. It is more preferably 0.10 μg / m ² or more and 5 g / m ² or less, and even more preferably 0.30 μg / m ² or more and 1 g / m ² or less.

As a result, the foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer.

Further, the amount of the cationic polymer imparted to the sheet-like material M1 by the preliminary imparting portion 7 is 0.1 part by mass or more and 30 mass by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the cationic polymer imparted to the sheet-like material M1 by the agglomerating portion 6. It is preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more, more preferably 25 parts by mass or less, and further preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less.

As a result, the foreign matter AS can be removed more efficiently while suppressing the amount of the cationic polymer used.

By specifying (for example, optically) a portion of the sheet-like material M1 containing the foreign matter AS (obtaining the coordinates of the portion) in advance by a detection means (not shown), the cationic polymer produced by the pre-impartment portion 7 The liquid CP containing the above can be selectively applied to a specific site. Further, the content (absolute content or relative content) of the foreign matter AS at each part of the sheet-like material M1 is detected (for example, optically) by a detection means (not shown), and the detection result is obtained. Based on this, the amount of the liquid CP imparted by the preliminary imparting unit 7 containing the cationic polymer may be adjusted.

Further, the content (absolute content or relative content) of the foreign matter AS of the sheet-like material M1 is detected in advance by a detection means (not shown), and based on the detection result. , The operation of the preliminary applying portion 7 and the aggregating portion 6 may be controlled. For example, when the content of the foreign matter AS is high, the preliminary adding portion 7 and the aggregating portion 6 are operated, and when the content of the foreign matter AS is low, the aggregating portion 6 is operated to operate the preliminary giving portion 7. You may cancel.

The liquid CP containing the cationic polymer applied to the sheet-like material M1 in the pre-applying portion 7 and the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer applied to the sheet-like material M1 in the agglomerating portion 6 are, for example, a liquid containing the cationic polymer. Conditions such as the composition of the CP (for example, the composition of the cationic polymer, the content of the cationic polymer, the content of components other than the cationic polymer such as a solvent / dispersion medium, the composition, etc.) may be the same. , May be different.

In particular, the content of the cationic polymer in the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer imparted to the sheet-like material M1 by the preliminary imparting portion 7 is measured in the liquid CP containing the cationic polymer imparted to the sheet-like material M1 by the agglomerating portion 6. By setting the content to be lower than that of the cationic polymer of the above, it becomes easy to control the amount of the cationic polymer applied in each step.

Although the processing apparatus, the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the processing method, and the sheet manufacturing method of the present invention have been described above with respect to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, each part constituting the processing apparatus and the sheet manufacturing apparatus can be replaced with an arbitrary configuration capable of exhibiting the same function. Further, any component may be added.

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

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the fluffing portion has one brush, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, even if the fluffing portion has a plurality of brushes arranged along the transport direction of the raw material. good.

Further, the fluffing portion may have a plurality of hook-shaped claw portions and a rotation supporting portion that rotatably supports the claw portions.

Further, the surface area increasing treatment unit may have any configuration as long as it is a portion to be pretreated to increase the surface area of the sheet-like material, and may not fluff the sheet-like material.
Further, the surface area increasing processing unit (surface area increasing step) may be omitted.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the removing portion has one cloth material composed of an endless belt, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of cloths arranged along the transport direction of the raw material. It may have a material.

Further, in the present invention, the removing portion may have any structure as long as the agglomerates can be removed from the material.

100 ... Sheet manufacturing equipment, 1 ... Processing equipment, 3 ... Conveying unit, 31 ... Glue belt, 32 ... Stretching roller, 33 ... Idle roller, 33a ... Idle roller, 33b ... Idle roller, 4 ... Surface area increasing processing unit (front) Processing part, fluffing part), 41 ... brush, 411 ... core part, 412 ... brush hair, 5 ... removing part (foreign matter removing part), 51 ... cloth material, 52 ... tension roller, 53 ... idle roller, 54 ... Cleaning part, 6 ... Aggregating part (foreign matter agglomerating part, liquid applying part, second liquid applying part), 7 ... Preliminary applying part (first liquid applying part), 11 ... Raw material supply part, 12 ... Coarse crushing part, 121 ... coarse crushing blade, 122 ... chute (hopper), 13 ... defibrating part, 14 ... sorting 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 part, 19 ... second web forming part, 191 ... mesh belt (separation belt), 192 ... tension roller, 193 ... suction part (Suction mechanism), 20 ... Sheet forming part, 201 ... Pressurizing part, 202 ... Heating part, 203 ... Calendar roller, 204 ... Heating roller, 21 ... Cutting part, 211 ... First cutter, 212 ... Second cutter, 22 ... stock part, 231 ... humidifying part, 232 ... humidifying part, 233 ... humidifying part, 234 ... humidifying part, 235 ... humidifying part, 236 ... humidifying part, 241 ... pipe (flow path), 242 ... pipe (flow path), 243 ... Pipe (flow path), 244 ... Pipe (flow path), 245 ... Pipe (flow path), 246 ... Pipe (flow path), 261 ... Blower, 262 ... Blower, 263 ... Blower, 27 ... Recovery section, AG ... Aggregates, AS ... Foreign substances, CP ... Liquids containing cationic polymers (aggregates), FB ... Fibers, M1 ... Sheet-like materials (raw materials), M2 ... Coarse crushed pieces, M3 ... Defrosted products, M4-1 ... 1 Sorted product, M4-2 ... 2nd sorted product, M5 ... 1st web, M6 ... Subdivision, M7 ... Mixture, M8 ... 2nd web, P1 ... Resin, S ... Sheet, α ₃₁ ... Transport direction, α ₃₂ … Arrow, α ₃₃ … arrow, α ₄₁ … arrow, α ₅₁ … arrow, α ₅₂ … arrow, α ₅₃ … arrow

Claims (14)

A surface area increasing treatment section that performs pretreatment to increase the surface area of the sheet-like material containing fibers,
An agglomerated portion in which a liquid containing a cationic polymer is applied to the pretreated sheet-like material to agglomerate foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.
A removing part that removes the agglomerates generated by the agglutinating part from the sheet-like material, and a removing part.
A processing device comprising. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a solution of the cationic polymer. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cationic polymer contains an amine in a repeating structure. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cationic polymer is represented by the following formula (1).

(N in the formula (1) is an integer of 2 or more, m is an integer of 1 or more and 5 or less, and R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms.) The content of the cationic polymer in the liquid, the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is 50 wt% or less than 0.0001 wt%. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid is applied to the sheet-like material by using at least one of a spraying method and a coating method. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the foreign substance is an anionic substance. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the foreign matter is a component of inkjet ink. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the surface area increasing processing unit is a fluffing unit that fluffs the sheet-like material. The treatment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a pre-imparting portion for preliminarily imparting a liquid containing a cationic polymer to the sheet-like material on the upstream side of the surface area increasing processing portion. Device. In any of claims 1 to 10 , in the removing portion, a cloth material composed of a non-woven fabric or a woven cloth is brought into contact with the sheet-like material containing the agglomerates, and the agglomerates are transferred to the cloth material to be removed. The processing apparatus according to item 1. A sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising the processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A surface area increasing step of performing a pretreatment to increase the surface area of a sheet-like material containing fibers,
A coagulation step of applying a liquid containing a cationic polymer to the pretreated sheet-like material to agglomerate foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.
A removal step of removing agglomerates generated by the agglutination step from the sheet-like material,
A processing method characterized by comprising. A coagulation step of applying a liquid containing a cationic polymer to a sheet-like material containing fibers to agglomerate foreign substances contained in the sheet-like material.
A removal step of removing agglomerates generated by the agglutination step from the sheet-like material,
Have,
A method for producing a sheet, which comprises producing a sheet from the sheet-like material from which the foreign matter has been removed.

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