JP6954328B2 - Sheet manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

Conventionally, a sheet including a drum portion having an opening, a transport portion for transporting a web on which a material has passed through the opening of the drum portion, a housing portion covering the drum portion, and a roller provided in the housing portion and in contact with the web. A manufacturing apparatus is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-120999

In the above device, for example, when producing a relatively thick sheet, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the web to be deposited in the transport portion in accordance with the thickness of the sheet. However, when the thickness of the web is increased, it becomes difficult for the web to pass through the rollers of the housing portion, and there is a problem that the web is disturbed.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present application example has a deposit surface on which a material containing fibers is deposited as a web, and faces the transport portion that transports the web and the deposit surface of the transport portion. A first roller that comes into contact with the web transported by the transport unit, and has a first roller having a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web by the transport unit, and has a radius of the first roller. Is larger than the thickness of the web before it comes into contact with the first roller.

According to this configuration, since the radius of the first roller is larger than the thickness of the web before it comes into contact with the first roller, the transportability of the web is improved and the disturbance of the web when passing through the first roller is suppressed. be able to.

[Application Example 2] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example has a housing portion that covers a sieve portion having a plurality of openings, and a deposit surface on which a material containing fibers that has passed through the openings is deposited as a web. A first roller that comes into contact with the web that is conveyed by the conveying portion, and a sealing portion that is provided on the side wall of the housing portion and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first roller. In one roller, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller and the deposit surface is smaller than the smaller of the distance between the housing portion and the deposit surface and the distance between the seal portion and the deposit surface. The distance between the rotation axis of the first roller and the deposit surface is arranged to be larger than the smaller of the distance between the housing portion and the deposit surface and the distance between the seal portion and the deposit surface. It is characterized by being.

According to this configuration, when the web deposited on the deposit surface is transported, it passes through the gap between the housing portion or the seal portion and the deposit surface, so that the thickness of the web does not become thicker than the gap. .. Therefore, by arranging the rotation axis of the first roller above the above interval, the transportability of the web can be improved and the disturbance of the web when passing through the first roller can be suppressed.
Further, the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present application example has a housing portion that covers a sieve portion having a plurality of openings and a deposit surface on which a material containing fibers that has passed through the openings is deposited as a web, and conveys the web. A transport unit, a first roller that comes into contact with the web conveyed by the transport unit, and a drive unit that drives the first roller are provided, and the first roller includes an outer peripheral surface of the first roller and the deposit. The distance between the surfaces is smaller than the distance between the housing portion and the deposit surface, and the distance between the rotation axis of the first roller and the deposit surface is larger than the distance between the housing portion and the deposit surface. It is characterized in that it is arranged in such a manner.

[Application Example 3] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example has a deposit surface on which a material containing fibers is deposited as a web, and faces a transport portion that transports the web and the deposit surface of the transport portion. A first roller that comes into contact with the web transported by the transport unit and has a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web by the transport unit, and a web on the sedimentary surface of the transport unit. It has a control unit that changes the position of the first roller with respect to the deposit surface according to the thickness of the first roller, and the control unit has a height of the rotation axis with respect to the deposit surface that is higher than the thickness of the web. It is characterized in that the position of the first roller is changed so as to increase the height.

According to this configuration, the height of the axis of rotation with respect to the sedimentary surface is controlled to be higher than the thickness of the web. Therefore, regardless of the thickness of the web, the transportability of the web is improved, and the disturbance of the web when passing through the first roller can be suppressed.

[Application Example 4] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example has a control unit that changes the load of the first roller according to the thickness of the web on the deposit surface of the transport unit, and the control unit. Is characterized in that when the thickness of the web is large, the load of the first roller is smaller than when the thickness of the web is small.

According to this configuration, the load of the first roller on the web is controlled according to the thickness of the web. Therefore, regardless of the thickness of the web, the transportability of the web is improved, and the disturbance of the web when passing through the first roller can be suppressed.

[Application Example 5] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example has a detector for detecting the thickness of the web on the deposit surface of the transport unit, and the control unit is based on the detection result by the detector. The first roller is controlled.

According to this configuration, since the thickness of the web is detected, the position and load of the first roller can be changed (controlled) more accurately.

[Application Example 6] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example has a reception unit that receives input of information on the thickness of the sheet to be manufactured, and the control unit has the control unit based on the information on the thickness of the sheet. It is characterized by controlling the first roller.

According to this configuration, when the thickness of the sheet and the thickness of the accumulated web correspond to each other, the first roller is based on the thickness information of the sheet to be manufactured even if there is no detector or the like for detecting the thickness of the web. The position and load of the can be changed (controlled).

[Application Example 7] The control unit of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example controls the first roller based on the transfer speed of the web by the transfer unit.

According to this configuration, when the transport speed by the transport unit and the thickness of the accumulated web correspond to each other, the first roller is based on the transport speed by the transport unit even if there is no detector or the like for detecting the thickness of the web. The position and load of the can be changed (controlled).

[Application Example 8] In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example, the material contains fibers obtained by defibrating the raw material supplied from the supply unit, and the control unit is based on the supply speed of the raw material by the supply unit. , The first roller is controlled.

According to this configuration, when the supply speed by the supply unit and the thickness of the accumulated web correspond to each other, the first roller is based on the supply speed by the supply unit even if there is no detector or the like for detecting the thickness of the web. The position and load of the can be changed (controlled).

[Application Example 9] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example has a second roller that faces the deposit surface, is located on the downstream side of the first roller in the transport direction, and is in contact with the web. The distance between the second roller and the deposit surface is smaller than the distance between the first roller and the deposit surface.

According to this configuration, since the web comes into contact with the second roller arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first roller, the density of the web is further increased, and defects such as tearing can be suppressed.

[Application Example 10] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example has a second roller that faces the deposit surface, is located on the downstream side of the first roller in the transport direction, and is in contact with the web. The control unit of the second roller is based on the position of the first roller so that the distance between the second roller and the deposit surface is smaller than the distance between the first roller and the deposit surface. It is characterized in that the position with respect to the sedimentary surface is changed.

According to this configuration, the position of the second roller is set according to the thickness of the web that has passed through the first roller, so that the web can be pressed stepwise to increase the density. In addition, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the transported web.

[Application Example 11] The radius of the second roller of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example is smaller than the radius of the first roller.

According to this configuration, the configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus can be miniaturized.

[Application Example 12] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present application example has a deposit surface on which a material containing fibers is deposited as a web, and faces the transport portion that transports the web and the deposit surface of the transport portion. Input of information on the thickness of the sheet to be manufactured and the first roller which is the first roller which comes into contact with the web transported by the transport unit and has a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web by the transport unit. The control unit includes a reception unit that receives the first roller and a control unit that changes the position of the first roller with respect to the deposit surface based on the information regarding the thickness of the sheet received by the reception unit. When the thickness of the sheet is the first thickness, the first roller is positioned at the first height, and when the thickness of the sheet is a second thickness thicker than the first thickness, the said The first roller is positioned at a second height higher than the first height.

According to this configuration, when the thickness of the web changes according to the thickness of the sheet to be manufactured, the height of the first roller is controlled to suppress the disturbance of the web when passing through the first roller. Can be done.
Further, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above application example, the transport unit includes a mesh belt for transporting the web, has the web on the opposite side of the mesh belt from the first roller, and holds the web on the first roller. It has a third roller arranged so as to sandwich the roller, and the third roller is a driven roller that rotates with the movement of the mesh belt.

The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the sheet manufacturing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure around the sedimentation part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. A partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the first embodiment. A partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the second embodiment. A partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the third embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the position change mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the other position change mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the other detector which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. A partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the fourth embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the other load changing mechanism which concerns on 4th Embodiment. A partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the fifth embodiment. A partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the humidity control portion according to the sixth embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the reception part which concerns on modification 2. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the reception part which concerns on modification 3. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the reception part which concerns on modification 3.

Hereinafter, the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the following figures, in order to make each member or the like recognizable in size, the scale of each member or the like is shown differently from the actual scale.

(First Embodiment)
First, the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 10, a manufacturing unit 102, and a control unit 104. The manufacturing unit 102 manufactures the sheet. The manufacturing unit 102 includes a coarse crushing unit 12, a defibration unit 20, a sorting unit 40, a first web forming unit 45, a rotating body 49, a mixing unit 50, a depositing unit 60, and a second web forming unit. It has a 70, a sheet forming portion 80, and a cutting portion 90.

The supply unit 10 supplies the raw material to the coarse crushing unit 12. The supply unit 10 is, for example, an automatic charging unit for continuously charging the raw material into the coarse crushing unit 12. The raw material supplied by the supply unit 10 contains, for example, fibers such as used paper and pulp sheet.

The crushing unit 12 cuts the raw material supplied by the supply unit 10 into small pieces in the air. The shape and size of the strips are, for example, several cm square strips. In the illustrated example, the crushing portion 12 has a crushing blade 14, and the charged raw material can be cut by the crushing blade 14. As the crushed portion 12, for example, a shredder is used. The raw material cut by the crushed portion 12 is received by the hopper 1 and then transferred (conveyed) to the defibration portion 20 via the pipe 2.

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

A product that has passed through the defibration section 20 is called a "defibration product". "Fibers" include, in addition to the unraveled defibrated fibers, resin grains (resin for binding multiple fibers) separated from the fibers when the fibers are unraveled, ink, toner, etc. It may also contain additives such as colorants, bleeding preventives, and paper strength enhancers. The shape of the unraveled defibrated product is a string shape or a ribbon shape. The unraveled defibrated product may exist in an unentangled state (independent state) with other unraveled fibers, or may be entangled with other unraveled defibrated products to form a lump. It may exist in a state (a state forming a so-called "dama").

The defibration section 20 performs defibration in a dry manner. Here, performing a process such as defibration in the air (in the air) or the like, not in a liquid, is referred to as a dry method. An impeller mill is used as the defibrating portion 20 in this embodiment. The defibration unit 20 has a function of sucking the raw material and generating an air flow that discharges the defibrated product. As a result, the defibration unit 20 can suck the raw material together with the airflow from the introduction port 22 by the airflow generated by itself, perform the defibration treatment, and convey the defibrated product to the discharge port 24. The defibrated product that has passed through the defibrating section 20 is transferred to the sorting section 40 via the tube 3. As the airflow for transporting the defibrated product from the defibration unit 20 to the sorting unit 40, the airflow generated by the defibration unit 20 may be used, or an airflow generator such as a blower is provided to provide the airflow. You may use it.

The sorting unit 40 introduces the defibrated product defibrated by the defibrating unit 20 from the introduction port 42 and sorts the fibers according to the length of the fibers. As the sorting unit 40, for example, a sieve (drum unit) 41 is used. The sieve 41 of the sorting unit 40 has a net (filter, screen), and is based on the size of the mesh opening of the fibers or particles (those that pass through the net, the first sorting object) smaller than the size of the mesh opening of the net. It can be separated from large fibers, undissolved fibers and lumps (those that do not pass through the net, second selection). For example, the first sort is transferred to the mixing section 50 via the pipe 7. The second sort is returned from the discharge port 44 to the defibration section 20 via the pipe 8. Specifically, the sieve 41 of the sorting unit 40 is a cylinder and is rotationally driven by a motor. As the net of the sorting unit 40, for example, a wire mesh, an expanded metal obtained by stretching a metal plate having a cut, or a punching metal in which a hole is formed in the metal plate by a press machine or the like is used.

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

The suction unit 48 can suck the first sorted material dispersed in the air through the opening (opening of the net) of the sorting unit 40 onto the mesh belt 46. The first sort is deposited on the moving mesh belt 46 to form a web V. The basic configuration of the mesh belt 46, the tension roller 47, and the suction portion 48 is the same as that of the mesh belt 72, the tension roller 74, and the suction mechanism 76 of the second web forming portion 70, which will be described later.

The web V is formed in a soft and bulging state containing a large amount of air by passing through the sorting section 40 and the first web forming section 45. The web V deposited on the mesh belt 46 is charged into the pipe 7 and conveyed to the mixing unit 50.

The rotating body 49 can cut the web V before it is conveyed to the mixing unit 50. In the illustrated example, the rotating body 49 has a base 49a and a protrusion 49b protruding from the base 49a. The protrusion 49b has, for example, a plate-like shape. In the illustrated example, four protrusions 49b are provided, and four protrusions 49b are provided at equal intervals. By rotating the base 49a in the direction R, the protrusion 49b can rotate about the base 49a as an axis. By cutting the web V with the rotating body 49, for example, the fluctuation of the amount of defibrated product per unit time supplied to the depositing portion 60 can be reduced.

The rotating body 49 is provided in the vicinity of the first web forming portion 45. In the illustrated example, the rotating body 49 is provided (next to the tension roller 47a) in the vicinity of the tension roller 47a located on the downstream side in the path of the web V. The rotating body 49 is provided at a position where the protrusion 49b can come into contact with the web V and does not come into contact with the mesh belt 46 on which the web V is deposited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mesh belt 46 from being worn (damaged) by the protrusion 49b. The shortest distance between the protrusion 49b and the mesh belt 46 is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. This is the distance at which the mesh belt 46 can cut the web V without being damaged.

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

In the mixing unit 50, an air flow is generated by the blower 56, and the first selection and the additive can be conveyed while being mixed in the pipe 54. The mechanism for mixing the first sorted product and the additive is not particularly limited, and may be agitated by blades rotating at high speed, or may use the rotation of the container like a V-type mixer. There may be.

As the additive supply unit 52, a screw feeder as shown in FIG. 1 or a disc feeder (not shown) is used. The additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 contains a resin for binding a plurality of fibers. At the time the resin was supplied, the plurality of fibers were not bound. The resin melts as it passes through the sheet forming portion 80 to bind a plurality of fibers.

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

In addition to the resin that binds the fibers, the additives supplied from the additive supply unit 52 include a colorant for coloring the fibers, agglomeration of the fibers, and a resin, depending on the type of the sheet to be manufactured. It may contain a coagulation inhibitor for suppressing coagulation and a flame retardant for making fibers and the like hard to burn. The mixture (mixture of the first selection and the additive) that has passed through the mixing section 50 is transferred to the deposit section 60 via the pipe 54.

The depositing portion 60 introduces the mixture that has passed through the mixing portion 50 from the introduction port 62, loosens the entangled defibrated products (fibers), and drops the mixture while dispersing it in the air. Further, when the resin of the additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 is fibrous, the deposition unit 60 loosens the entangled resin. As a result, the depositing portion 60 can uniformly deposit the mixture on the second web forming portion 70.

As the depositing portion 60, a rotating cylindrical sieve portion 61 is used. The sieve of the deposit 60 has a net and allows fibers or particles (those that pass through the net) that are smaller than the size of the mesh of the net contained in the mixture that has passed through the mixing part 50 to fall. The structure of the deposit section 60 is, for example, the same as the structure of the sorting section 40.

The "sieve" of the depositing portion 60 does not have to have a function of selecting a specific object. That is, the "sieve" used as the depositing portion 60 means that it is provided with a net, and the depositing portion 60 may drop all of the mixture introduced into the depositing portion 60.

The second web forming portion 70 deposits the passing material (material containing fibers) that has passed through the depositing portion 60 to form the web W. The second web forming portion 70 has a deposit surface 72a on which the passing material is deposited as the web W, and has a mesh belt 72 constituting a transport portion 700 (see FIG. 2) for transporting the deposited web W, and a tension roller 74. And a suction mechanism 76 as a suction unit.

The mesh belt 72 deposits the passing material that has passed through the opening (opening of the net) of the depositing portion 60 while moving. The mesh belt 72 is stretched by a tension roller 74, and has a structure that makes it difficult for passing objects to pass through and allows air to pass through. The mesh belt 72 moves by rotating the tension roller 74. The web W is formed on the mesh belt 72 by continuously accumulating the passing objects that have passed through the deposition portion 60 while the mesh belt 72 continuously moves. The mesh belt 72 is made of, for example, metal, resin, cloth, non-woven fabric, or the like.

The suction mechanism 76 is provided below the mesh belt 72 (on the side opposite to the deposition portion 60 side). The suction mechanism 76 can generate a downward airflow (airflow from the deposit 60 toward the mesh belt 72). The suction mechanism 76 allows the mixture dispersed in the air by the deposit 60 to be sucked onto the mesh belt 72. As a result, the discharge rate from the depositing portion 60 can be increased. Further, the suction mechanism 76 can form a downflow in the fall path of the mixture, and can prevent the defibrate and additives from being entangled during the fall.

As described above, the web W in a soft and bulging state containing a large amount of air is formed by passing through the deposition portion 60 and the second web forming portion 70. The web W deposited on the mesh belt 72 is conveyed to the sheet forming portion 80.

In the illustrated example, a humidity control unit 78 for controlling the humidity of the web W is provided. The humidity control unit 78 can adjust the amount ratio of the web W to water by adding water or steam to the web W.

The sheet forming portion 80 pressurizes and heats the web W deposited on the mesh belt 72 to form the sheet S. In the sheet forming unit 80, a plurality of fibers in the mixture are bound to each other via the additive (resin) by applying heat to the mixture of the defibrated product and the additive mixed in the web W. Can be done.

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

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

As described above, a single sheet S having a predetermined size is formed. The cut sheet S of the single sheet is discharged to the discharge unit 96.

Next, the detailed configuration around the sedimentary portion will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration around the deposit portion according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the deposit portion according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a sieve portion 61 having a plurality of openings and a first housing portion 600 (housing portion) that covers the sieve portion 61. Further, below the depositing portion 60, a material containing fibers that has passed through the opening of the sieve portion 61 is deposited as a web W, and a conveying portion 700 that conveys the deposited web W is arranged. In addition, a first roller 650 that comes into contact with the web W transported by the transport unit 700 is arranged. Further, a suction mechanism 76 for sucking a material containing fibers onto the mesh belt 72 is arranged.

The sieve portion 61 has a rotatable cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion is formed with a plurality of openings through which a material containing at least fibers passes in the air. The plurality of openings have the same size (area) and are arranged at equal intervals. Upon passing through the opening, the entangled fibers are loosened and the material that has passed through the opening is deposited on the mesh belt 72 with a uniform thickness and density. The size of the opening can be appropriately set depending on the size, type, and the like of the material to be passed.

The first housing portion 600 has a frame body 601 and has a space portion inside. The sieve portion 61 is covered (enclosed) by the first housing portion 600 by being arranged in the frame body 601. Further, below the first housing portion 600, there is no wall surface, and an opening 602 is provided.

The transport portion 700 is a part of the second web forming portion 70, and includes a mesh belt 72 and a tension roller 74.

A first roller 650 that comes into contact with the web W transported by the mesh belt 72 is provided on the downstream side of the first housing portion 600 in the transport direction of the web W (white arrow in FIG. 2). Further, the first side wall 600a of the first housing portion 600 is provided with a first seal portion 610 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650. The first side wall 600a includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and an end surface (a surface facing the mesh belt 72). The first seal portion 610 of the present embodiment is provided on the outer surface of the first side wall 600a.

The first roller 650 faces the deposit surface 72a of the mesh belt 72 and comes into contact with the web W transported by the transport unit 700. The first roller 650 has a rotation axis A in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web W by the transport unit 700. In the present embodiment, the first roller 650 is arranged so that the rotation axis A is in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the web W (the width direction of the web W). The first roller 650 has a length equivalent to the width of the mesh belt 72 (the length in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the web W). As a result, the first roller 650 can come into contact with the entire web W in the width direction. The first roller 650 is connected to a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor that drives the first roller 650. Then, by driving the drive unit, the first roller 650 can be rotated around the rotation center axis (counterclockwise in FIG. 2). Further, the first roller 650 can move in the vertical direction (direction intersecting the deposition surface 72a of the mesh belt 72 or the thickness direction of the web W), and is downward (mesh belt) by an urging member (not shown). 72 side) is urged.

The first seal portion 610 is, for example, a pile seal, and a plurality of fibers are densely planted on one side of the base portion. In the first sealing portion 610, the other surface of the base portion is joined to the outer surface of the first side wall 600a of the first housing portion 600, and the tip end portion of the fiber is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650. Here, the region where the first roller 650 and the first seal portion 610 are in contact with each other passes through the rotation axis A of the first roller 650, and is a straight line (plane) parallel to the deposition surface 72a and the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650. This is the area including the contact point (tangent line). As a result, the gap between the outer surface of the first side wall 600a of the first housing portion 600 and the first roller 650 is substantially closed by the first seal portion 610. Further, even if the first roller 650 rotates and the first roller 650 and the first seal portion 610 slide, wear occurs and frictional force is generated as compared with the case where a foam sponge or the like is used as the first seal portion 610. It is suppressed and the drive load of the first roller 650 can be reduced. The fiber length of the first seal portion 610 is set so that the first seal portion 610 is surely in contact with the first roller 650. For example, it is set to be longer than the distance between the first side wall 600a of the first housing portion 600 and the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650.

Further, the roller 651 is arranged on the upstream side of the web W in the transport direction with respect to the first roller 650. A second seal portion 620 in contact with the roller 651 is provided on the second side wall 600b facing the first side wall 600a of the first housing portion 600. The second seal portion 620 of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the first seal portion 610, and is provided on the outer surface of the second side wall 600b. Then, the tip of the fiber of the second seal portion 620 and the outer peripheral surface of the roller 651 are in contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the roller 651 has a rotation center axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web W. In the present embodiment, the roller 651 is arranged so that its rotation center axis is parallel to the rotation axis A of the first roller 650. Further, the roller 651 has a length equivalent to the width of the mesh belt 72.

Further, the roller 651 is connected to a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor that drives the roller 651. Then, by driving the drive unit, the roller 651 can be rotated around the rotation center axis (counterclockwise in FIG. 2). The roller 651 is arranged so as to be in contact with the deposit surface 72a of the mesh belt 72.

Further, a side surface portion other than the first side wall 600a and the second side wall 600b of the first housing portion 600 has a side seal portion (not shown) in contact with the mesh belt 72. The side seal portion is, for example, a pile seal, and is configured in the same manner as the seal portions 610 and 620. As a result, the periphery of the opening 602 of the first housing portion 600 is substantially closed.

The suction mechanism 76 has a second housing portion 760 for defining a suction region for sucking the material that has passed through the opening of the sieve portion 61. A roller 652 that comes into contact with the mesh belt 72 is provided at a position facing the first roller 650 with the mesh belt 72 in between. Further, a third sealing portion 630 provided in the second housing portion 760 and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 652 is provided.

The third seal portion 630 is provided on the side wall 760a on one side (downstream side in the transport direction of the web W) of the second housing portion 760, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 652. The side wall 760a includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and an end surface (a surface facing the mesh belt 72) of the second housing portion 760. The third seal portion 630 of the present embodiment is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 760a.

The roller 652 has a rotation center axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web W. Further, the roller 652 has a length equivalent to the width of the mesh belt 72. The roller 652 is a driven roller that rotates around the rotation center axis (clockwise in FIG. 2) as the mesh belt 72 moves.

Further, the roller 652 is arranged so that the position of the rotation center axis is fixed so as to be in contact with the inner side surface 72b (the back surface of the deposition surface 72a) of the mesh belt 72. As a result, the first roller 650 is supported by the roller 652 via the web W and the mesh belt 72 even when a load is applied in the direction of gravity. Further, the position of the mesh belt 72 is regulated by the roller 652. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 does not fall downward due to the pressure or gravity of the first roller 650, and the piled surface 72a of the mesh belt 72 maintains its posture in the substantially horizontal direction.

Further, a roller 653 that comes into contact with the mesh belt 72 is provided at a position facing the roller 651 across the mesh belt 72. A fourth sealing portion 640 provided on the second housing portion 760 and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 653 is provided.

The fourth seal portion 640 is provided on the side wall 760b (on the upstream side in the transport direction of the web W) facing the side wall 760a of the second housing portion 760, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 653. The side wall 760b includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and an end surface (a surface facing the mesh belt 72) of the second housing portion 760. The fourth seal portion 640 of the present embodiment is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 760b.

The roller 653 has a rotation center axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web W. Further, the roller 653 has a length equivalent to the width of the mesh belt 72. The roller 653 is a driven roller that rotates around the rotation center axis (clockwise in FIG. 2) as the mesh belt 72 moves.

Further, the roller 653 is arranged so that the position of the rotation center axis is fixed so as to be in contact with the inner side surface 72b of the mesh belt 72. As a result, the roller 651 is supported by the roller 653 via the mesh belt 72 even when a load is applied in the direction of gravity. Further, the position of the mesh belt 72 is regulated by the roller 653. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 does not fall downward due to the pressure or gravity of the roller 651, and the piled surface 72a of the mesh belt 72 maintains its posture in the substantially horizontal direction.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the radius R1 of the first roller 650 is set to be larger than the thickness L1 of the web W before abutting on the first roller 650. Passages that have passed through the opening of the sieve portion 61 are deposited on the deposition surface 72a of the mesh belt 72, but since the mesh belt 72 is moving, inside the first housing portion 600 including the first seal portion 610. , The thickness of the web W on the downstream side in the transport direction is the thickest. That is, the thickness L1 of the web W immediately before contacting the first roller 650 is the thickest. Further, since the thickness L1 of the web W corresponds to the thickness of the sheet S to be manufactured, for example, when the thick sheet S used for a business card or the like is manufactured, plain paper (for example, general paper for a copying machine or a printer) is used. Compared with the case of producing a relatively thin sheet S equivalent to (general-purpose paper), it is necessary to increase the amount of material deposited in the deposition portion 60 to increase the thickness L1 of the web W. At this time, for example, when the radius R1 of the first roller 650 is smaller than the thickness L1 of the web W, it becomes difficult to convey the upper portion of the deposited web W, and the inside of the first housing portion 600 , The web W may stay or jump up, and the web W may be disturbed during transportation. In the present embodiment, by making the radius R1 of the first roller 650 larger than the thickness L1 of the web W, the transportability of the web W can be improved and the disturbance of the web W can be suppressed.

Next, the transport operation of the web W will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is driven, a material containing fibers that has passed through the opening of the sieve portion 61 of the depositing portion 60 is deposited on the mesh belt 72. The deposited material (web W) is conveyed by the movement of the mesh belt 72 and comes into contact with the first roller 650. The web W in contact with the first roller 650 is sandwiched and conveyed by the mesh belt 72 and the first roller 650. Here, since the radius R1 of the first roller 650 is larger than the thickness L1 of the web W, the upper portion of the web W in contact with the first roller 650 is pulled downstream in the transport direction by the first roller 650. It becomes easy and can be conveyed without disturbing the web W. The web W that has passed through the first roller 650 has a thickness corresponding to the distance L2 between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650 and the deposition surface 72a, and is larger than the thickness L1 of the web W inside the first housing portion 600. It is transported in a thin, high-density state.

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

Since the radius R1 of the first roller 650 is larger than the thickness L1 of the web W before abutting on the first roller 650, the thickness when the web W deposited by the depositing portion 60 abuts on the first roller 650. The material above the web W at the radius L1 is easily pulled in by the rotation of the first roller 650. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the web W from staying on the upstream side in the transport direction of the first roller 650, improve the transportability of the web W, and suppress the disturbance of the web W when passing through the first roller 650.
Further, only the first roller 650 has a radius R1 larger than the web W thickness L1, and each radius of the other rollers 651,652,653 is smaller than the radius R1 of the first roller 650. As a result, the depositing portion 60 and the second web forming portion 70 can be miniaturized, and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 can be miniaturized.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described. Since the basic configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and a different configuration, that is, a configuration around the deposition portion will be described. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100a has a sieve portion 61 (see FIG. 2), a first housing portion 600, and a conveying portion 700, similarly to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. ing.

In the first roller 650a of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance L2 between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650a and the deposit surface 72a is the distance L3 between the first housing portion 600 and the deposit surface 72a and the first. The distance L4 between the seal portion 610 and the deposition surface 72a is arranged so as to be smaller than whichever is smaller.

Specifically, the interval L2 is the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650a, and is the interval between the lowermost end portion of the first roller 650a and the deposition surface 72a. Further, the interval L3 is the interval between the lowermost end portion of the frame body 601 of the housing portion 600 and the deposition surface 72a. Further, the interval L4 is the interval between the lowermost end portion of the first seal portion 610 and the deposit surface 72a.

The thickness L1 of the web W immediately before contacting the first roller 650a is defined (regulated) by the lowermost end portion of the frame body 601 of the first housing portion 600 or the lowermost lower end portion of the first seal portion 610, and has a maximum. However, it is the same as the smaller of the intervals L3 and L4. By making the interval L2 smaller than the intervals L3 and L4, the thickness of the web W conveyed by the first roller 650a can be reduced and the density can be increased.

Further, in the first roller 650a, the distance L5 between the rotation axis A and the deposit surface 72a (height from the deposit surface 72a) is the distance L3 between the first housing portion 600 and the deposit surface 72a and the first seal portion 610. It is arranged so as to be larger than the smaller of the distance L4 between the and the deposition surface 72a. That is, the rotation axis A of the first roller 650a is located above the top (upper surface) of the web W having a thickness of L1. Therefore, the material in the upper portion of the web W that is in contact with the first roller 650 can be easily pulled in to the downstream side in the transport direction by the first roller 650a, and the web W can be transported without being disturbed. The web W that has passed through the first roller 650a has a thickness corresponding to the distance L2 between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650a and the deposition surface 72a, and is larger than the thickness L1 of the web W inside the first housing portion 600. It is transported in a thin, high-density state.

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

Since the rotation axis A of the first roller 650a is located above the thickness L1 of the web W immediately before abutting on the first roller 650a, the web W deposited by the depositing portion 60 abuts on the first roller 650a. At that time, the material above the web W at the thickness L1 is easily pulled in by the rotation of the first roller 650a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the web W from staying on the upstream side of the first roller 650a in the transport direction, improve the transportability of the web W, and suppress the disturbance of the web W when passing through the first roller 650a.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the third embodiment will be described. Since the basic configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and a different configuration, that is, a configuration around the deposition portion will be described. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b has a sieve portion 61 (see FIG. 2), a first housing portion 600, and a conveying portion 700, similarly to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. ing.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 104 (see FIG. 1) changes the position of the first roller 650b with respect to the deposit surface 72a according to the thickness L1 of the web W on the deposit surface 72a of the transport unit 700. The control unit 104 changes the position of the first roller 650b so that the height L5 of the rotation shaft A is higher than the thickness L1 of the web W immediately before contacting the first roller 650b.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b has a detector 800 that detects the thickness L1 of the web W on the deposit surface 72a. That is, the detector 800 is arranged in the vicinity of the first roller 650b and on the upstream side in the transport direction, and detects the thickness L1 of the web W immediately before abutting on the first roller 650b. The detector 800 is electrically connected to the control unit 104, and transmits data regarding the detected web W thickness (hereinafter referred to as thickness data) to the control unit 104. The control unit 104 controls the first roller 650b based on the detection result (thickness data) by the detector 800, and changes its position (height).

As the detector 800, various sensors such as an ultrasonic level sensor and a line laser sensor can be used. When using an ultrasonic level sensor, the ultrasonic wave oscillating part is placed on the side surface side of the web W on which the ultrasonic wave is deposited, the ultrasonic wave is oscillated toward the web W, and the ultrasonic wave reflected from the web W is received to receive the ultrasonic wave W. The thickness L1 can be detected. When a line laser sensor is used, a light emitting unit that emits laser light is arranged on one side in the width direction of the web W, and a receiving unit that receives the laser light emitted from the light emitting unit is arranged on the other side. The thickness L1 of the web W can be detected depending on the reception state of the laser beam by the receiving unit.

Next, the configuration of the position changing mechanism for changing the position of the first roller 650b will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the position changing mechanism according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the position changing mechanism 900 according to the present embodiment is composed of a cam mechanism 901. The cam mechanism 901 includes a rotatable rotary shaft 902 and a disk portion 904 attached to the rotary shaft 902 and having a curved surface 903 corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotary shaft 902. Then, the curved surface 903 and the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650b are in contact with each other, and the curved surface 903 is configured to support the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650b. When the disk portion 904 rotates, the rotation shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650b moves in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the deposition surface 72a) along the curved surface 903 of the disk portion 904. The first roller 650b and the first seal portion 610 are in contact with each other within the movable range of the first roller 650b. That is, the first seal portion 610 passes through the rotation axis A of the first roller 650b regardless of the position of the first roller 650b, and has a straight line (flat surface) parallel to the deposition surface 72a and the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650b. It is provided so as to make contact in the area including the contact point (tangent line). As a result, the gap between the outer surface of the first side wall 600a of the first housing portion 600 and the first roller 650b is substantially closed by the first seal portion 610.

The control unit 104 controls the first roller 650b based on the detection result (thickness data) by the detector 800. Specifically, the position of the first roller 650b is changed so that the position of the first roller 650b (height L5 of the rotation axis A) is higher than the thickness L1 of the web W. As shown in FIG. 6, when the rotating shaft 902 of the cam mechanism 901 is driven to rotate the disc portion 904, the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650b is aligned with the curved surface 903 of the disc portion 904. The position of 1 roller 650b is changed. For example, when the thickness L1 of the web W is thick, the control unit 104 drives the cam mechanism 901 to change the position of the rotation shaft A from the height L5b to the higher height L5a. As a result, when the web W deposited inside the first housing portion 600 comes into contact with the first roller 650b, the material of the upper portion of the web W is pulled by the first roller 650b to the downstream side in the transport direction by the first roller 650b. It becomes easy and can be conveyed without disturbing the web W.

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

The height L5 of the rotation axis A with respect to the deposit surface 72a is controlled to be higher than the thickness L1 of the web W. Therefore, the transportability of the web W is improved, and the disturbance of the web W when passing through the first roller 650b can be suppressed.
Further, by detecting the thickness L1 of the web W by the detector 800, the position of the first roller 650b can be changed (controlled) more accurately.

In the present embodiment, the position changing mechanism 900 for changing the position of the first roller 650b has been described as the cam mechanism 901, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the configuration of another position changing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 7, the position changing mechanism 900 may be a slide mechanism 910. The slide mechanism 910 moves the ball screw shaft 911, the ball nut 912, the arm portion 913 connected to the ball nut 912, and the ball nut 912 in the moving direction (vertical direction in the present embodiment) with respect to the ball screw shaft 911. It is equipped with a guide unit (not shown) for guiding. A motor (not shown) is connected to the ball screw shaft 911. Further, one end of the arm portion 913 is connected to the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650b. Then, the motor is driven and controlled by the control unit 104, and by driving the motor, the motor is transmitted to the ball screw shaft 911. As a result, the ball screw shaft 911 rotates, and the arm portion 913 connected to the ball nut 912 moves in the ball screw shaft 911 direction (vertical direction). Along with this, the first roller 650b connected to the arm portion 913 can be moved in the vertical direction. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.
Further, the position changing mechanism 900 of the present embodiment is configured to move the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650b, but the first is by moving the holding portion (not shown) that holds the rotating shaft portion 690. It may be configured to change the position of the roller 650b.

Further, the detector 800 of the present embodiment has a configuration of detecting the side surface portion of the deposited web W, but is not limited to this configuration. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the configuration of another detector. As shown in FIG. 8, the detector 801 may be a displacement sensor. In this case, the detector 801 is arranged between the housing portion 600 and the first seal portion 610. Then, the detector 801 irradiates the top (upper surface) of the web W with a laser beam and receives the reflected laser light to acquire data on the distance between the detector 801 and the top of the web W. can. The control unit 104 can obtain the thickness L1 of the web W by subtracting the distance between the detector 801 and the top of the web W from the distance between the detector 801 and the deposit surface 72a. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Since the basic configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and a different configuration, that is, a configuration around the deposition portion will be described. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the sedimentary portion according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100c has a sieve portion 61 (see FIG. 2), a first housing portion 600, and a conveying portion 700, similarly to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. ing.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 104 (see FIG. 1) changes the load of the first roller 650c according to the thickness L1 of the web W on the deposition surface 72a of the transport unit 700. The control unit 104 makes the load of the first roller 650c smaller when the thickness L1 of the web W is large than when the thickness L1 of the web W is small.

Similar to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100b of the third embodiment, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100c has a detector 800 that detects the thickness L1 of the web W on the deposit surface 72a of the transport unit 700. The control unit 104 controls the first roller 650c based on the detection result (thickness data) by the detector 800, and changes the load (pressurizing pressure) thereof.

Next, the configuration of the load changing mechanism for changing the load of the first roller 650c will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the load changing mechanism 950 according to the present embodiment includes a cam mechanism 901 and a spring 920. Since the basic configuration of the cam mechanism 901 is the same as the configuration of the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The spring 920 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end of the spring 920 is arranged so as to be in constant contact with the curved surface 903 of the cam mechanism 901, and the other end of the spring 920 is fixed to the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650c. When the disk portion 904 rotates, the spring 920 compresses or expands, and the load (urging force) on the rotating shaft portion 690 increases or decreases. As a result, the load (pressurizing pressure) of the first roller 650c on the web W can be changed. By driving the cam mechanism 901 so that the spring 920 compresses, the force for urging the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650c upward is increased. As a result, the load on the web W of the first roller 650c is reduced. On the other hand, by driving the cam mechanism 901 so that the spring 920 extends, the force for urging the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650c in the upward direction is reduced (the force for urging the rotating shaft portion 690 in the downward direction is increased). As a result, the load of the first roller 650c on the web W increases.

The control unit 104 controls the first roller 650c based on the detection result (thickness data) by the detector 800. Specifically, when the thickness L1 of the web W is large, the load of the first roller 650c is changed so that the load of the first roller 650c on the web W is smaller than when the thickness L1 of the web W is small. .. For example, when the thickness L1 of the web W is thick, the cam mechanism 901 is driven in the direction in which the spring 920 is compressed to reduce the load on the web W of the first roller 650c. As a result, the web W pushes up the first roller 650c and easily passes through the first roller 650c, and is conveyed without being disturbed.

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

Since the load of the first roller 650c on the web W is controlled according to the thickness L1 of the web W, the disturbance of the web W when passing through the first roller 650c is suppressed regardless of the thickness L1 of the web W. be able to.
Further, by detecting the thickness of the web W, the load of the first roller 650c can be changed (controlled) more accurately.

In the present embodiment, the load changing mechanism 950 for changing the load of the first roller 650c has been described as a configuration including the cam mechanism 901 and the spring 920, but the configuration is not limited to this. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the configuration of another load changing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 10, the load changing mechanism 950 may be configured to include a slide mechanism 910 and a spring 920. Since the slide mechanism 910 is the same as the configuration of the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The spring 920 is, for example, a tension coil spring, one end of the spring 920 is connected to the arm portion 913, and the other end of the spring 920 is connected to the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650c. When the slide mechanism 910 is driven to move the arm portion 913 in the vertical direction, the spring 920 is compressed or expanded, and the load on the rotating shaft portion 690 is increased or decreased. Thereby, the load of the first roller 650c on the web W can be changed. By moving the arm portion 913 upward so that the spring 920 extends, the force for urging the rotating shaft portion 690 of the first roller 650c upward is increased. As a result, the load on the web W of the first roller 650c is reduced. On the other hand, by moving the arm portion 913 downward so that the spring 920 compresses, the force for urging the rotating shaft portion 960 of the first roller 650c downward increases. As a result, the load of the first roller 650c on the web W increases. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. Since the basic configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and a different configuration, that is, a configuration around the deposition portion will be described. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the deposit portion according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100d has a sieve portion 61 (see FIG. 2), a first housing portion 600, and a conveying portion 700, similarly to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. ing.

In the present embodiment, there is a second roller 654 that faces the deposit surface 72a, is located downstream of the first roller 650d in the transport direction, and abuts on the web W, and the second roller 654 and the deposit surface 72a The distance L6 is smaller than the distance L2 between the first roller 650d and the deposit surface 72a. Since the configuration of the first roller 650d is the same as that of the first roller 650 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The second roller 654 has a rotation axis B in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web W by the transport unit 700. In the present embodiment, the second roller 654 is arranged so that its rotation axis A is parallel to the rotation axis A of the first roller 650. Further, the second roller 654 has a length equivalent to the width of the mesh belt 72. As a result, the second roller 654 can come into contact with the entire web W in the width direction. The second roller 654 is connected to a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor that drives the second roller 654. Then, by driving the drive unit, the second roller 654 can be rotated around the rotation center axis (counterclockwise in FIG. 11).

Further, a support roller 655 that comes into contact with the mesh belt 72 is provided at a position facing the second roller 654 with the mesh belt 72 in between. The support roller 655 has a rotation center axis in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the web W. Further, the support roller 655 has a length equivalent to the width of the mesh belt 72. The support roller 655 is a driven roller that rotates around the rotation center axis (clockwise in FIG. 11) as the mesh belt 72 moves.

Further, the support roller 655 is arranged so that the position of the rotation center axis is fixed so as to be in contact with the inner side surface 72b of the mesh belt 72. As a result, the second roller 654 is supported by the support roller 655 via the web W and the mesh belt 72 even when a load is applied in the direction of gravity. Further, the position of the mesh belt 72 is regulated by the support roller 655. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 does not fall downward due to the pressure or gravity of the second roller 654, and the piled surface 72a of the mesh belt 72 maintains its posture in the substantially horizontal direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the radius R2 of the second roller 654 is smaller than the radius R1 of the first roller 650d. As a result, the depositing portion 60 and the second web forming portion 70 can be miniaturized, and the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100d can be miniaturized.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 104 (see FIG. 1) changes the position of the second roller 654 with respect to the deposit surface 72a based on the position of the first roller 650d. The control unit 104 changes the position of the second roller 654 so that the distance L6 between the second roller 654 and the deposit surface 72a is smaller than the distance L2 between the first roller 650d and the deposit surface 72a.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100d has a detector 800a that detects the thickness L2 of the web W on the deposit surface 72a. The detector 800a is arranged between the first roller 650d and the second roller 654 in the web W transport path, and detects the thickness of the web W transported by the first roller 650d. The detector 800a is electrically connected to the control unit 104 and transmits the detected web W thickness data to the control unit 104. The control unit 104 controls the second roller 654 based on the detection result (thickness data) by the detector 800a, and changes its position (height). Since the configuration of the detector 800a is the same as that of the detector 800 of the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100d is provided with a position changing mechanism (not shown) for changing the position of the second roller 654. Since the position changing mechanism for changing the position of the second roller 654 is the same as the position changing mechanism 900 of the third embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the transport operation of the web W of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100d is driven, a material containing fibers is deposited on the mesh belt 72 from the opening of the sieve portion 61 of the depositing portion 60. The deposited material (web W) is conveyed by the movement of the mesh belt 72 and comes into contact with the first roller 650d. The web W in contact with the first roller 650d is sandwiched and conveyed by the mesh belt 72 and the first roller 650d. The web W, which had a thickness L1 immediately before coming into contact with the first roller 650d, is pressed by the first roller 650d and has a thickness corresponding to the distance L2 between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 650d and the deposition surface 72a, which is high. It is densified and transported to the downstream side. The thickness of the web W that has passed through the first roller 650d is detected by the detector 800a, and the control unit 104 controls the second roller 654 based on the detection result (thickness data) by the detector 800a. Specifically, the position changing mechanism is driven so that the distance L6 between the second roller 654 and the deposit surface 72a is smaller than the distance L2 between the first roller 650d and the deposit surface 72a, and the second roller 654. (Position of the rotation axis B of the second roller 654) is changed. The web W pressed and conveyed by the first roller 650d is further pressed by the second roller 654 to have a thickness corresponding to the distance L6 between the second roller 654 and the deposition surface 72a, and is conveyed at a high density. NS.

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

When the web W comes into contact with the second roller 654 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first roller 650d, the density of the web W is increased, and problems such as tearing can be suppressed.

Further, since the position of the second roller 654 is set according to the thickness of the web W that has passed through the first roller 650d, the web W can be pressed stepwise to increase the density. In addition, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the transported web W.

In the present embodiment, the second roller 654 is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first roller 650d, but the third roller may be further arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the second roller 654. good. By arranging the third roller so that the distance between the third roller and the deposit surface 72a is smaller than the distance L6 between the second roller 654 and the deposit surface 72a, the density of the web W can be further increased. can.
Further, in the present embodiment, the thickness of the web W that has passed through the first roller 650d is obtained by using the detector 800a, but instead of this, the height of the first roller 650d (for example, the height of the rotating shaft A) is obtained. ) May be provided to control the second roller 654 based on the height of the first roller 650d. Since the height of the first roller 650d (distance L2 from the deposition surface 72a) and the thickness of the web W passing through the first roller 650d correspond to each other, the height of the first roller 650d is the thickness data of the web W. Can be substituted as.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the first roller and the second roller are applied to the configuration around the depositing portion, but in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the first roller and the like are applied to the humidity control portion will be described. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration around the humidity control portion according to the present embodiment. It should be noted that FIG. 12 shows a configuration in which the deposited portion is omitted.

The humidity control unit 78 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100e humidifies the web W deposited by the deposition unit 60. The humidity control unit 78 includes a generator 170, a third housing unit 172, a first airflow generation unit 176, and the like.

The generator 170 is provided on the deposition surface 72a side of the mesh belt 72. In FIG. 12, the generator 170 is provided outside the region surrounded by the mesh belt 72. The generator 170 produces a droplet or a high humidity gas. The generator 170 may generate droplets by ultrasonic waves. The generator 170 may, for example, apply ultrasonic waves having a frequency of 20 kHz to several MHz to the solution (water) to generate minute droplets having a frequency of several nm to several μm. The generator 170 may generate water vapor to generate a high humidity gas. Here, the "high humidity gas" means a gas having a relative humidity of 70% or more and 100% or less.

The third housing portion 172 is connected to the generator 170 via a tube 171. The third housing portion 172 is provided on the deposition surface 72a side. The third housing portion 172 has, for example, a box shape and has an opening facing the deposition surface 72a of the mesh belt 72. The third housing portion 172 defines a humidifying region for humidifying the web W. The humidity control unit 78 can humidify the web W deposited on the deposition surface 72a in the humidification region.

A first roller 650d that comes into contact with the web W transported by the mesh belt 72 is provided on the upstream side of the third housing portion 172 in the transport direction of the web W. A seal portion K1 is provided on the side wall of the third housing portion 172, and the seal portion K1 and the first roller 650d are in contact with each other.

Further, the second roller 654 is arranged on the downstream side of the web W in the transport direction with respect to the first roller 650d. The second roller 654 is arranged on the downstream side of the third housing portion 172 so as to come into contact with the web W conveyed by the mesh belt 72. A seal portion K2 is provided on the side wall of the third housing portion 172, and the seal portion K2 and the second roller 654 are in contact with each other. In the present embodiment, the distance L8 between the second roller 654 and the deposit surface 72a is smaller than the distance L7 between the first roller 650d and the deposit surface 72a. Since the configurations of the first roller 650d and the second roller 654 are almost the same as the configurations of the fifth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The first airflow generating portion 176 is provided on the inner side surface 72b side of the mesh belt 72. In FIG. 12, the first airflow generating portion 176 is provided inside the region surrounded by the mesh belt 72. The first airflow generating portion 176 is arranged so as to face the third housing portion 172 with the mesh belt 72 interposed therebetween. The first airflow generation unit 176 generates an airflow that passes through the web W in the thickness direction. The airflow is an airflow in a direction intersecting the deposit surface 72a, and is, for example, an airflow in a direction orthogonal to the deposit surface 72a. For example, the first airflow generating portion 176 includes a fourth housing portion 177 that is arranged below the mesh belt 72 and has an opening facing the inner side surface 72b, and a suction blower that sucks air inside the fourth housing portion 177. Have. The first airflow generator 176 sucks the droplets or high-humidity gas generated by the generator 170 from the inner side surface 72b side.
The humidity control unit 78 can supply droplets or a high-humidity gas to the web W by the air flow generated by the first air flow generation unit 176. Due to the air flow, the droplet or high humidity gas passes through the web W in the thickness direction. The mass of the droplets supplied to the web W by the humidity control unit 78 is, for example, 0.1% or more and 3% or less of the mass of the web W per unit volume of the web W.

A roller Pa that abuts on the mesh belt 72 is provided at a position facing the first roller 650d with the mesh belt 72 in between. The roller Pa is in contact with the seal portion K3 provided in the fourth housing portion 177. Further, a roller Pb that comes into contact with the mesh belt 72 is provided at a position facing the second roller 654 with the mesh belt 72 in between. The roller Pb is in contact with the seal portion K4 provided in the fourth housing portion 177.

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

Since the web W comes into contact with the second roller 654 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first roller 650d, the density of the humidity-controlled web W is increased, and problems such as tearing can be suppressed.

The configuration of the first roller 650d and the second roller 654 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the first roller 650d is arranged downstream of the first housing portion 600 of the depositing portion 60 in the transport direction to control humidity. The second roller 654 may be arranged on the upstream side of the third housing portion 172 of the portion 78 in the transport direction. In this way, the configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100e can be simplified.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is possible to combine the above-described embodiments and add various changes and improvements. A modified example will be described below. Modification examples may be combined.

(Modification 1) In the third embodiment, the first roller 650b is controlled according to the thickness L1 of the web W deposited on the deposition surface 72a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this modification has a deposit surface 72a on which a material containing fibers is deposited as a web W, and is opposed to a transport portion 700 for transporting the web W and a deposit surface 72a of the transport portion 700 for transport. The thickness of the first roller 650b, which is the first roller 650b that comes into contact with the web W conveyed by the unit 700, and has the rotation axis A in the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the web W by the conveying unit 700, and the sheet S to be manufactured. It has a reception unit that receives input of information about the surface and a control unit 104 that changes the position of the first roller 650b with respect to the deposit surface 72a based on the information regarding the thickness of the sheet S received by the reception unit. When the thickness of the sheet S is the first thickness, the portion 104 positions the first roller 650b at the first height, and the second thickness of the sheet S is thicker than the first thickness. At this time, the first roller 650b is positioned at a second height higher than the first height. The reception unit transmits information regarding the thickness of the sheet S to the control unit 104, and the configuration is not particularly limited. The reception unit is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel on which the user can input information regarding the thickness of the sheet S. In this way, the height of the first roller 650b is controlled when the thickness of the web W also changes according to the thickness of the sheet S to be manufactured. As a result, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the web W when passing through the first roller 650b.

(Modification 2) In the third and fourth embodiments, a configuration in which the first rollers 650b and 650c are controlled based on the detection result by the detector 800 has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may have a reception unit that receives input of information on the thickness of the sheet to be manufactured, and the control unit may control the first roller based on the information on the thickness of the sheet. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of the reception unit according to this modified example.

As shown in FIG. 13, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100f includes a reception unit 104a. The reception unit 104a receives input of information regarding the thickness of the sheet S to be manufactured. The reception unit 104a of the present embodiment is a touch panel including an input unit and an output unit (display unit). The reception unit 104a is electrically connected to the control unit 104.

The input of the information regarding the thickness of the sheet S according to this modification is performed by inputting the manufacturing mode of the sheet S to be manufactured based on the preset control program. The manufacturing mode is prepared according to the thickness of the sheet S to be manufactured. In the example of FIG. 13, "plain paper mode" and "thick paper mode" are selectably displayed on the touch panel as manufacturing modes. The production mode may be three or more. The user selects a desired mode and inputs from the touch panel.

The control unit 104 controls the first rollers 650b and 650c based on the input mode. For example, depending on the selection of "plain paper mode" or "thick paper mode", the position of the first roller 650b is moved to a specified position, or the load of the first roller 650c is set to a specified load.

The thickness of the web W varies depending on the thickness of the sheet S to be manufactured. For example, when a thick paper thicker than plain paper is produced as the sheet S, the thickness L1 of the web W to be deposited on the deposition surface 72a is increased. In this way, since the thickness of the sheet S and the thickness L1 of the web W correlate with each other, even if there is no detector 800 or the like for detecting the thickness L1 of the web W, based on the thickness of the sheet S to be manufactured, The positions and loads of the first rollers 650b and 650c can be changed (controlled).

(Modification 3) In the third and fourth embodiments, a configuration in which the first rollers 650b and 650c are controlled based on the detection result by the detector 800 has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 104 may control the first rollers 650b and 650c based on the transfer speed of the web W by the transfer unit 700.
When the moving speed of the mesh belt 72 becomes slower, the thickness L1 of the web W becomes thicker, and when the moving speed of the mesh belt 72 becomes faster, the thickness L1 of the web W becomes thinner. Therefore, when the moving speed of the mesh belt 72 is slow, the position of the first roller 650b is raised or the load of the first roller 650c is reduced. On the other hand, when the moving speed of the mesh belt 72 is high, the position of the first roller 650b is lowered or the load of the first roller 650c is increased.
In this way, since the transport speed by the transport unit 700 correlates with the thickness L1 of the web W to be deposited, the transport speed by the transport unit 700 can be adjusted even if there is no detector 800 or the like for detecting the thickness L1 of the web W. Based on this, the positions and loads of the first rollers 650b and 650c can be changed (controlled).

In this case, since the transport speed by the transport unit 700 (moving speed of the mesh belt 72) and the production speed of the sheet S (ppm: the number of sheets that can be manufactured in one minute) correlate with each other, based on the production speed information of the sheet S, The first rollers 650b and 650c may be controlled.
The production rate of the sheet S may affect the quality of the sheet S (basis weight, texture, etc.). The higher the production speed, the lower the sheet quality, and the slower the production speed, the higher the sheet quality. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the quality of the sheet S can be selected and input from any of "low", "medium", and "high" by the reception unit 104a similar to the modified examples 1 and 2. The production speed of the sheet S is, for example, 16 sheets per minute (quality "low"), 12 sheets per minute (quality "medium"), and 8 sheets per minute (quality "high").
Further, the production speed of the sheet S may affect the power consumption. The higher the production speed, the higher the power consumption, and the slower the production speed, the lower the power consumption. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the power mode of the sheet manufacturing apparatus can be selected and input from any of "low", "medium", and "high" by the reception unit 104a similar to the modified examples 1 and 2. The production speed of the sheet S is, for example, 8 sheets per minute (power consumption "low"), 12 sheets per minute (power consumption "medium"), and 16 sheets (power consumption "high").
In this way, the input of the information regarding the production speed of the sheet S (the quality of the sheet S to be manufactured and the power mode of the sheet manufacturing apparatus) is received by the reception unit 104a, and is used instead of the transfer speed of the web W by the transfer unit 700. be able to. The reception unit 104a may be configured so that a numerical value (production number per unit time) can be input as information regarding the production speed of the sheet S.

(Modification 4) In the third and fourth embodiments, a configuration in which the first rollers 650b and 650c are controlled based on the detection result by the detector 800 has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, the material contains fibers obtained by defibrating the raw material supplied from the supply unit 10, and the control unit 104 may control the first rollers 650b and 650c based on the supply speed of the raw material by the supply unit 10. ..
When the material supply speed by the supply unit 10 is increased, the material to be supplied increases, so that the thickness L1 of the web W becomes thicker, and when the material supply speed by the supply unit 10 becomes slower, the material to be supplied decreases. , The thickness L1 of the web W becomes thinner. Therefore, when the supply speed is increased, the position of the first roller 650b is increased or the load of the first roller 650c is reduced. On the other hand, when the supply speed becomes slow, the position of the first roller 650b is lowered or the load of the first roller 650c is increased.
In this way, since the supply rate of the raw material by the supply unit 10 and the thickness L1 of the web W to be deposited correlate with each other, the supply by the supply unit 10 is performed even if there is no detector 800 or the like for detecting the thickness L1 of the web W. The positions and loads of the first rollers 650b and 650c can be changed (controlled) based on the speed.

(Modification 5) In the second to fifth embodiments, the radius R1 of the first roller 650a, 650b, 650c, 650d is made larger than the radius of the other rollers 651,652,653, but is not limited thereto. The size of the radius R1 of the first rollers 650a, 650b, 650c, and 650d may be the same as that of the other rollers 651,652,653. Even in this way, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

72 ... Mesh belt, 72a ... Deposit surface, 78 ... Humidity control section, 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f ... Sheet manufacturing device, 102 ... Manufacturing section, 104 ... Control section, 104a ... Reception section, 600 ... 1st housing part (housing part), 610 ... 1st seal part (seal part), 650, 650a, 650b, 650c, 650d ... 1st roller, 654 ... 2nd roller, 700 ... Conveying part, 800, 800a, 801 ... Detector, 900 ... Position change mechanism, 950 ... Load change mechanism, W ... Web, A, B ... Rotation axis, R1, R2 ... Radius.

Claims (10)

A housing that covers the phloem with multiple openings,
A transport section that has a deposition surface on which a material containing fibers that has passed through the opening is deposited as a web, and that transports the web,
A first roller that reduces the thickness of the web by contacting the web that has been transported by the transport section after being deposited on the deposit surface and has passed through the distance L3 between the housing portion and the deposit surface.
A drive unit for driving the first roller is provided.
The first roller
The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller and the deposit surface is smaller than the distance L3.
A sheet manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the distance between the rotation axis of the first roller and the deposit surface is arranged to be larger than the distance L3. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
It has a control unit that changes the load of the first roller according to the thickness of the web on the sedimentary surface of the transport unit.
The control unit is a sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that when the thickness of the web is large, the load of the first roller is smaller than when the thickness of the web is small. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
It has a detector that detects the thickness of the web on the sedimentary surface of the transport section.
The control unit is a sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the first roller is controlled based on the detection result by the detector. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
It has a reception section that accepts input of information about the thickness of the sheet to be manufactured.
The control unit is a sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the first roller is controlled based on information on the thickness of the sheet. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,
The control unit is a sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the first roller is controlled based on the transfer speed of the web by the transfer unit. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 or 5.
The material contains fibers obtained by defibrating the raw material supplied from the supply unit.
The control unit is a sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the first roller is controlled based on the supply speed of the raw material by the supply unit. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
It has a second roller that faces the deposit surface, is located downstream of the first roller in the transport direction, and is in contact with the web.
A sheet manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the distance between the second roller and the deposit surface is smaller than the distance between the first roller and the deposit surface. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6.
It has a second roller that faces the deposit surface, is located downstream of the first roller in the transport direction, and is in contact with the web.
The control unit is based on the position of the first roller so that the distance between the second roller and the deposit surface is smaller than the distance between the first roller and the deposit surface. A sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the position of the above-mentioned deposit surface is changed. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.
A sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the radius of the second roller is smaller than the radius of the first roller. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
The transport unit includes a mesh belt that transports the web.
The web is held on the opposite side of the mesh belt from the first roller, and the web is held by the first roller.
It has a third roller, which is arranged so as to sandwich the roller.
The third roller is a sheet manufacturing apparatus characterized in that it is a driven roller that rotates with the movement of the mesh belt.

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