JP6965529B2 - Sheet processing equipment and management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and a management system.

Conventionally, in a sheet processing device such as a shredder, a configuration having a function of restricting the use by a user has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In Patent Document 1, the bar code displayed on the paper document is read to determine whether or not the paper document can be discarded, and the paper document can be discarded only when the user has the authority to discard the paper document. The shredder that was supposed to be discarded is listed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-219976

It is conceivable that the sheet processing apparatus is provided with a plurality of set units for setting the sheets to be processed, and each user can select one of the plurality of set units to set the sheets. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the waiting time when the usage timings of a plurality of users overlap and improve the convenience of the users.
However, some of the sheets set in the set unit have confidential information, and it is desired that the sheets having confidential information be processed promptly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing device and a management system capable of promptly processing a sheet having confidential information while improving user convenience. And.

In order to solve the above problems, the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention has a first set portion and a second set portion in which a sheet to be processed is set, and the first set portion and the second set portion. The sheet processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the set sheet and the predetermined process on the sheet set in the first set unit are more than the predetermined process on the sheet set in the second set unit. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control unit that executes priority processing control to be performed with priority.
According to the present invention, by the priority processing control by the control unit, the predetermined processing for the sheet set in the first set unit is performed with priority over the predetermined processing for the sheet set in the second set unit. Therefore, by providing the first set unit and the second set unit, it is possible to improve the convenience at the time of use by a plurality of users. Further, by setting the sheet having the confidential information in the first set unit, the sheet having the confidential information can be processed promptly.

Further, in the above configuration, an operation unit that accepts an authentication operation by a user and an authentication unit that authenticates whether or not the user who has performed the authentication operation is a specific user is provided, and the control unit is provided by the authentication unit. The priority processing control may be performed when the user is authenticated as the specific user.
According to this configuration, it is possible to quickly process the sheet set in the first set unit for a specific user set in advance.

Further, in the above configuration, a confidential state in which the sheet set in the first set portion cannot be visually recognized and taken out, and a non-confidential state in which the sheet set in the first set portion can be visually recognized and taken out. The control unit may be configured to execute the priority processing control in the state of being kept in the confidential state by the set state switching unit.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the confidential information of the sheet set in the first set portion from being lost and process the sheet set in the first set portion.

Further, in the above configuration, the sheet is waste paper, and the sheet processing unit uses recycled paper as a raw material from the waste paper set in the first set unit and the second set unit as the predetermined process. It may be configured to perform the process of generating.
According to this configuration, when the waste paper is disposed of by the process of recycling the paper, the waste paper having the confidential information is set in the first set portion, so that the waste paper having the confidential information is promptly disposed of. Can be done.

Next, in order to solve the above problems, the management system of the present invention is a management system including a sheet processing device for processing a sheet and a management device configured to be communicable with the sheet processing device. The management device has a determination unit for determining whether or not the user of the sheet processing device is a specific user, and the sheet processing device has a first set unit and a second set unit in which a sheet to be processed is set. The set unit, the sheet processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the sheets set in the first set unit and the second set unit, the operation unit that accepts the authentication operation by the user, and the operation unit by the user. When the authentication operation is accepted, the determination request data requesting the determination of whether or not the user who performed the authentication operation is the specific user is transmitted to the management device, and the determination request data is transmitted. When the determination result data indicating the result of the determination by the determination unit executed in response is received from the management device, the user who performs the authentication operation based on the determination result data is the specific user. When the authentication unit that authenticates the user and the user who has been authenticated by the authentication unit as the specific user sets the sheet in the first set unit, the above-mentioned with respect to the sheet set in the first set unit. It is characterized by having a control unit that executes priority processing control that performs the predetermined processing with priority over the predetermined processing on the sheet set in the second set unit.
According to the management system of the present invention, by providing the first set unit and the second set unit, it is possible to improve the convenience when a plurality of users use the sheet processing device. In addition, the communication between the sheet processing device and the management device authenticates that the user of the sheet processing device is a specific user. Then, when the user is authenticated as a specific user, the predetermined processing for the sheet of the first set portion set by this user is performed with priority over the sheet set in the second set portion. Therefore, the specific user can promptly process the sheet having the confidential information by setting the sheet having the confidential information in the first set unit.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of a sheet processing apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the mechanical part of a sheet processing apparatus. The block diagram which shows the structure of a control device. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the supply part. The block diagram of the management system of a sheet processing apparatus and a printing apparatus. Explanatory diagram of the data managed by the management server. A flowchart showing the operation of the sheet processing device. A flowchart of the reproduction process for the confidential supply unit. Flowchart of reproduction processing for non-confidential supply unit.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent requirements of the present invention.

[1. Overall configuration of sheet processing equipment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. The sheet processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a supply unit 10a (corresponding to the first set unit or the second set unit of the present invention) and 10b (to the second set unit or the second set unit of the present invention). (Corresponding to), a defibration unit 200, a regeneration unit 250, a paper ejection unit 96, and a control device 110. The sheet processing apparatus 100 executes a recycling process (corresponding to a predetermined process of the present invention) in which used used paper (waste paper) such as confidential paper as a raw material is recycled into new paper.

The supply units 10a and 10b supply the waste paper set by the user to the defibration unit 200. The defibration unit 200 dry-defibrates the waste paper into fibers and supplies the waste paper to the regeneration unit 250. The regenerating unit 250 manufactures new paper by pressurizing, heating, and cutting the fibers supplied from the regenerating unit 250, and supplies the new paper to the paper ejection unit 96. The user takes out and uses the paper supplied to the paper ejection unit 96.

Although the details will be described later, the control device 110 includes a main processor, a memory, various interfaces, and the like. The control device 110 controls the overall operation of the authentication unit 150 that performs user authentication processing and the sheet processing device 100 by executing the control program of the sheet processing device 100 stored in the memory on the main processor. It functions as a control unit 151. Further, the control device 110 includes a card reader 130 (corresponding to the operation unit of the present invention) used for user authentication and a communication unit 135 for performing communication via a communication network.

The supply unit 10a includes a tray 701a in which waste paper is set by the user, and a cover 702a that covers the waste paper set in the tray 701a invisible and inaccessible. Further, the supply unit 10a includes a lock mechanism 703a for fixing the state in which the tray 701a is covered by the cover 702a, an open / close detection unit 704a for detecting the open / closed state of the cover 702a, and paper for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the tray 701a. It includes a detection unit 705a. Like the supply unit 10a, the supply unit 10b also includes a tray 701b, a cover 702b, a lock mechanism 703b, an open / close detection unit 704b, and a paper detection unit 705b.

In the supply unit 10a, the cover 702a and the lock mechanism 703a constitute the set state switching unit of the present invention. Further, in the supply unit 10b, the set state switching unit of the present invention is configured by the cover 702b and the lock mechanism 703b.

[2. Mechanism part configuration]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the mechanical unit of the sheet processing device 100. With reference to FIG. 2, the sheet processing apparatus 100 improves the bond strength and whiteness of the paper product by mixing various additives with the fibrous raw material, and adjusts the color and fragrance according to the application. , Flame retardant and other functions may be added. In addition, by controlling the density, thickness, and shape of the paper and molding it, it is possible to manufacture paper of various thicknesses and sizes according to the application, such as A4 and A3 office paper and business card paper.

The sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a supply unit 10a, 10b, 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 includes a 70, a transport section 79, a sheet forming section 80, a cutting section 90, and a paper ejection section 96. Here, the defibration section 200 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by the coarse crushing section 12, the defibration section 20, the sorting section 40, and the like. The regenerated portion 250 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by the first web forming portion 45, the rotating body 49, the mixing portion 50, the depositing portion 60, the second web forming portion 70, the conveying portion 79, the sheet forming portion 70, the cutting portion 90, and the like. Is configured. The defibration section 200 and the regeneration section 250 constitute the sheet processing section of the present invention.

The sheet processing device 100 includes humidifying portions 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 for the purpose of humidifying the raw material and / or humidifying the space in which the raw material moves. The specific configurations of the humidifying portions 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 are arbitrary, and examples thereof include a steam type, a vaporization type, a warm air vaporization type, and an ultrasonic type.

In the present embodiment, the humidifying portions 202, 204, 206, and 208 are composed of a vaporization type or warm air vaporization type humidifier. That is, the humidifying portions 202, 204, 206, and 208 have a filter (not shown) that infiltrates water, and supplies humidified air with increased humidity by passing air through the filter.

Further, in the present embodiment, the humidifying section 210 and the humidifying section 212 are configured by an ultrasonic humidifier. That is, the humidifying portions 210 and 212 have a vibrating portion (not shown) that atomizes water, and supplies the mist generated by the vibrating portion.

The supply units 10a and 10b supply raw materials to the coarsely crushed unit 12. The raw material for producing the sheet by the sheet processing apparatus 100 may be any material containing fibers, and examples thereof include paper, pulp, pulp sheet, cloth containing non-woven fabric, and woven fabric. In this embodiment, the configuration in which the sheet processing apparatus 100 uses waste paper as a raw material is illustrated. In the present embodiment, the supply units 10a and 10b are provided with a tray for stacking and accumulating waste paper, and the waste paper is sent out from the tray to the coarse crushing unit 12.

The crushing unit 12 cuts (coarsely) the raw material supplied by the supply unit 10 with the crushing blade 14 to make coarse crushed pieces. The coarse crushing blade 14 cuts the raw material in the air (in the air) or the like. The rough crushing portion 12 includes, for example, a pair of rough crushing blades 14 for cutting by sandwiching a raw material and a driving portion for rotating the rough crushing blade 14, and can have the same configuration as a so-called shredder. The shape and size of the coarsely crushed pieces are arbitrary, and may be suitable for the defibration treatment in the defibration portion 20. For example, the coarsely crushed portion 12 cuts the raw material into pieces of paper having a size of 1 to several cm square or less.

The crushed portion 12 has a chute (hopper) 9 that receives the crushed pieces that are cut by the crushing blade 14 and fall. The chute 9 has, for example, a tapered shape in which the width gradually narrows in the direction in which the coarse crushed pieces flow (the direction in which the coarse crushed pieces travel). Therefore, the chute 9 can receive a large number of coarse fragments. A pipe 2 communicating with the defibration portion 20 is connected to the chute 9, and the pipe 2 forms a transport path for transporting the raw material (coarse crushed piece) cut by the coarse crushing blade 14 to the defibration portion 20. .. The coarsely crushed pieces are collected by the chute 9 and transferred (transported) to the defibration section 20 through the tube 2.

Humidified air is supplied by the humidifying unit 202 to the chute 9 or the vicinity of the chute 9 included in the coarsely crushed unit 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the coarsely crushed material cut by the coarsely crushed blade 14 is adsorbed on the inner surface of the chute 9 or the pipe 2 by static electricity. Further, since the coarsely crushed material cut by the coarsely crushed blade 14 is transferred to the defibration portion 20 together with the humidified (high humidity) air, it also has the effect of suppressing the adhesion of the defibrated material inside the defibration portion 20. You can expect it. Further, the humidifying unit 202 may be configured to supply humidified air to the coarse crushing blade 14 to eliminate static electricity from the raw material supplied by the supply unit 10. Further, static electricity may be removed by using an ionizer together with the humidifying unit 202.

The defibration section 20 defibrate the coarsely crushed product cut by the coarse crushing section 12. More specifically, the defibration section 20 defibrate the raw material (coarse crushed piece) cut by the coarse crushing section 12 to produce a defibrated product. 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 a colorant, an anti-bleeding agent, and a paper strength enhancer. 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. In the present embodiment, the defibration section 20 uses an impeller mill. Specifically, the defibration unit 20 includes a rotor that rotates at high speed (not shown) and a liner (not shown) located on the outer periphery of the rotor. The coarsely crushed pieces cut by the coarsely crushed portion 12 are sandwiched between the rotor and the liner of the defibrating portion 20 and defibrated. The defibration unit 20 generates an air flow by rotating the rotor. By this air flow, the defibration section 20 can suck the coarse crushed pieces as a raw material from the pipe 2 and convey the defibrated product to the discharge port 24. The defibrated product is sent out from the discharge port 24 to the pipe 3 and transferred to the sorting unit 40 via the pipe 3.

In this way, the defibrated product produced by the defibrating section 20 is conveyed from the defibrating section 20 to the sorting section 40 by the air flow generated by the defibrating section 20. Further, in the present embodiment, the sheet processing device 100 includes a defibration section blower 26 which is an air flow generator, and the defibrated product is conveyed to the sorting section 40 by the air flow generated by the defibration section blower 26. The defibration section blower 26 is attached to the tube 3, sucks air from the defibration section 20 together with the defibrated material, and blows air to the sorting section 40.

The sorting unit 40 has an introduction port 42 through which the defibrated product defibrated by the defibrating unit 20 flows from the tube 3 together with the air flow. The sorting unit 40 sorts the defibrated products to be introduced into the introduction port 42 according to the length of the fibers. Specifically, among the defibrated products defibrated by the defibrating unit 20, the sorting unit 40 uses a defibrated product having a predetermined size or less as the first defibrated product, and is larger than the first defibrated product. Is selected as the second selection product. The first sort contains fibers, particles, etc., and the second sort includes, for example, large fibers, undefibrated pieces (coarse crushed pieces that are not sufficiently defibrated), and defibrated fibers that are aggregated or entangled. Including lumps and the like.

In the present embodiment, the sorting unit 40 has a drum portion (sieving portion) 41 and a housing portion (covering portion) 43 for accommodating the drum portion 41.

The drum portion 41 is a cylindrical sieve that is rotationally driven by a motor. The drum portion 41 has a net (filter, screen) and functions as a sieve (sieve). According to the mesh, the drum portion 41 sorts the first selection smaller than the size of the mesh opening (opening) and the second selection larger than the mesh opening (opening) of the mesh. As the net of the drum portion 41, 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 can be used.

The defibrated product introduced into the introduction port 42 is sent into the inside of the drum portion 41 together with the air flow, and the first sorted product falls downward from the mesh of the drum portion 41 due to the rotation of the drum portion 41. The second sorting material that cannot pass through the mesh of the drum portion 41 is flowed by the air flow flowing into the drum portion 41 from the introduction port 42, guided to the discharge port 44, and sent out to the pipe 8.

The pipe 8 connects the inside of the drum portion 41 and the pipe 2. The second sort product flowing through the pipe 8 flows through the pipe 2 together with the coarsely crushed pieces cut by the coarse crushing portion 12, and is guided to the introduction port 22 of the defibrating portion 20. As a result, the second sorted product is returned to the defibration section 20 and defibrated.

Further, the first sorted product sorted by the drum portion 41 is dispersed in the air through the mesh of the drum portion 41 and is attached to the mesh belt 46 of the first web forming portion 45 located below the drum portion 41. Descent towards.

The first web forming portion 45 (separation portion) includes a mesh belt 46 (separation belt), a roller 47, and a suction portion (suction mechanism) 48. The mesh belt 46 is an endless belt, which is suspended by three rollers 47 and is conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow in the drawing by the movement of the rollers 47. The surface of the mesh belt 46 is composed of a net in which openings of a predetermined size are lined up. Of the first sorted material that descends from the sorting unit 40, fine particles of a size that passes through the mesh fall below the mesh belt 46, and fibers of a size that cannot pass through the mesh are deposited on the mesh belt 46 to form a mesh. It is conveyed in the direction of the arrow together with the belt 46. The fine particles falling from the mesh belt 46 include relatively small defibrated products and low densities (resin particles, coloring agents, additives, etc.), and are not used by the sheet processing apparatus 100 for manufacturing the sheet S. It is a remover.

The mesh belt 46 moves at a constant speed V1 during the normal operation of manufacturing the seat S. Here, the normal operation is an operation other than the execution of the start control and the stop control of the sheet processing device 100, which will be described later, and more specifically, the sheet processing device 100 manufactures a sheet S having a desirable quality. Point while doing.

Therefore, the defibrated product that has been defibrated by the defibrating unit 20 is sorted into a first sorted product and a second sorted product by the sorting unit 40, and the second sorted product is returned to the defibrating unit 20. In addition, the removed product is removed from the first sorted product by the first web forming unit 45. The remainder after removing the removed material from the first sort is a material suitable for producing the sheet S, and this material is deposited on the mesh belt 46 to form the first web W1.

The suction unit 48 sucks air from below the mesh belt 46. The suction unit 48 is connected to the dust collection unit 27 via the pipe 23. The dust collector 27 is a filter type or cyclone type dust collector, and separates fine particles from the air flow. A collection blower 28 (separation suction unit) is installed downstream of the dust collection unit 27, and the collection blower 28 sucks air from the dust collection unit 27. Further, the air discharged by the collection blower 28 is discharged to the outside of the sheet processing device 100 via the pipe 29.

In this configuration, the collection blower 28 sucks air from the suction unit 48 through the dust collection unit 27. In the suction unit 48, the fine particles that pass through the mesh of the mesh belt 46 are sucked together with the air and sent to the dust collection unit 27 through the pipe 23. The dust collecting unit 27 separates the fine particles that have passed through the mesh belt 46 from the air flow and accumulates them.

Therefore, the fibers from which the removed material has been removed from the first selected material are deposited on the mesh belt 46 to form the first web W1. The suction by the collection blower 28 promotes the formation of the first web W1 on the mesh belt 46, and the removed material is quickly removed.

Humidified air is supplied to the space including the drum portion 41 by the humidifying portion 204. The first sorted product is humidified inside the sorting unit 40 by this humidified air. As a result, the adhesion of the first sorted product to the mesh belt 46 due to the electrostatic force can be weakened, and the first sorted product can be easily peeled off from the mesh belt 46. Further, it is possible to prevent the first sorted object from adhering to the inner wall of the rotating body 49 or the housing portion 43 due to the electrostatic force. In addition, the suction unit 48 can efficiently suck the removed material.

The structure for sorting and separating the first defibrated product and the second defibrated product in the sheet processing device 100 is not limited to the sorting unit 40 including the drum unit 41. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the defibrated product processed by the defibrating unit 20 is classified by a classifier. As the classifying machine, for example, a cyclone classifying machine, an elbow jet classifying machine, and an eddy classifier can be used. By using these classifiers, it is possible to sort and separate the first sort and the second sort. Further, the above-mentioned classifier can realize a configuration in which the debris containing relatively small or low-density defibrated products (resin particles, coloring agents, additives, etc.) is separated and removed. For example, the fine particles contained in the first sorted product may be removed from the first sorted product by a classifier. In this case, the second sort may be returned to, for example, the defibration section 20, the removed material may be collected by the dust collecting section 27, and the first sorted product excluding the removed material may be sent to the pipe 54. ..

In the transport path of the mesh belt 46, air containing mist is supplied to the downstream side of the sorting unit 40 by the humidifying unit 210. The mist, which is a fine particle of water generated by the humidifying portion 210, descends toward the first web W1 and supplies water to the first web W1. As a result, the amount of water contained in the first web W1 can be adjusted, and the adsorption of fibers to the mesh belt 46 due to static electricity can be suppressed.

The sheet processing device 100 includes a rotating body 49 that divides the first web W1 deposited on the mesh belt 46. The first web W1 is separated from the mesh belt 46 at a position where the mesh belt 46 is folded back by the roller 47, and is separated by the rotating body 49.

The first web W1 is a soft material in which fibers are deposited to form a web shape, and the rotating body 49 loosens the fibers of the first web W1 and processes the resin in a mixing portion 50 described later so that the resin can be easily mixed. ..

The configuration of the rotating body 49 is arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, it can have a rotating blade shape having plate-shaped blades and rotating. The rotating body 49 is arranged at a position where the first web W1 peeling from the mesh belt 46 and the blade come into contact with each other. Due to the rotation of the rotating body 49 (for example, the rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow R in the drawing), the blades collide with the first web W1 that is separated from the mesh belt 46 and conveyed, and the blades collide with each other to divide the rotating body 49, and the subdivided body P is generated.

The rotating body 49 is preferably installed at a position where the blades of the rotating body 49 do not collide with the mesh belt 46. For example, the distance between the tip of the blade of the rotating body 49 and the mesh belt 46 can be set to 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In this case, the rotating body 49 does not damage the mesh belt 46. 1 Web W1 can be divided efficiently.

The subdivided body P divided by the rotating body 49 descends inside the pipe 7 and is transferred (conveyed) to the mixing unit 50 by the air flow flowing inside the pipe 7.

In addition, humidified air is supplied to the space including the rotating body 49 by the humidifying unit 206. As a result, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the fibers are adsorbed to the inside of the pipe 7 and the blades of the rotating body 49 due to static electricity. Further, since air having high humidity is supplied to the mixing unit 50 through the pipe 7, the influence of static electricity can be suppressed in the mixing unit 50 as well.

The mixing unit 50 includes an additive supply unit 52 that supplies an additive containing a resin, a pipe 54 that communicates with the pipe 7 and allows an air flow containing the subdivision P, and a mixing blower 56 (transfer blower).

The subdivision P is a fiber obtained by removing the removed material from the first sorted product that has passed through the sorting unit 40 as described above. The mixing unit 50 mixes an additive containing a resin with the fibers constituting the subdivision P.

In the mixing unit 50, an air flow is generated by the mixing blower 56, and the subdivision P and the additive are mixed and conveyed in the pipe 54. Further, the subdivision P is loosened in the process of flowing inside the pipe 7 and the pipe 54 to become a finer fibrous form.

The additive supply unit 52 (resin storage unit) is connected to an additive cartridge (not shown) that stores additives, and supplies the additives inside the additive cartridge to the pipe 54. The additive cartridge may have a structure that can be attached to and detached from the additive supply unit 52. Further, the additive cartridge may be provided with a configuration for replenishing the additive. The additive supply unit 52 temporarily stores the additive composed of fine particles or fine particles inside the additive cartridge. The additive supply unit 52 has a discharge unit 52a (resin supply unit) that sends the once stored additive to the pipe 54. The discharge unit 52a includes a feeder (not shown) that sends out the additive stored in the additive supply unit 52 to the pipe 54, and a shutter (not shown) that opens and closes the pipeline connecting the feeder and the pipe 54. .. When this shutter is closed, the pipeline or opening connecting the discharge unit 52a and the pipe 54 is closed, and the supply of the additive from the additive supply unit 52 to the pipe 54 is cut off.

When the feeder of the discharge unit 52a is not operating, the additive is not supplied from the discharge unit 52a to the pipe 54, but when a negative pressure is generated in the pipe 54, the feeder of the discharge unit 52a is stopped. However, additives may flow into the tube 54. By closing the discharge portion 52a, the flow of such additives can be reliably blocked.

The additive supplied by the additive supply unit 52 contains a resin for binding a plurality of fibers. The resin contained in the additive is a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, and is, for example, AS resin, ABS resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylic resin, polyester resin, and polyethylene terephthalate. Alternatively, polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetheretherketone, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in admixture. That is, the additive may contain a single substance, may be a mixture, and may contain a plurality of types of particles each composed of a single substance or a plurality of substances. Further, the additive may be in the form of fibers or in the form of powder.

The resin contained in the additive melts by heating and binds a plurality of fibers to each other. Therefore, in a state where the resin is mixed with the fibers and not heated to a temperature at which the resin melts, the fibers are not bound to each other.

The additives supplied by the additive supply unit 52 include a resin for binding the fibers, a colorant for coloring the fibers depending on the type of the sheet to be manufactured, and agglomeration of the fibers and agglomeration of the resin. It may contain a coagulation inhibitor for suppressing the amount of heat, and a flame retardant for making fibers and the like hard to burn. In addition, the additive that does not contain a colorant may be colorless, or may be light in color so that it can be regarded as colorless, or may be white.

Due to the air flow generated by the mixing blower 56, the subdivision P descending the pipe 7 and the additive supplied by the additive supply unit 52 are sucked into the inside of the pipe 54 and pass through the inside of the mixing blower 56. The airflow generated by the mixed blower 56 and / or the action of rotating parts such as blades of the mixed blower 56 cause the fibers and additives constituting the subdivision P to be mixed, and this mixture (the first selection and the additive) is mixed. The mixture) is transferred to the deposit 60 through 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. These mechanisms may be installed before or after the mixing blower 56.

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.

The stacking portion 60 has a drum portion 61 (drum) and a housing portion (covering portion) 63 for accommodating the drum portion 61. The drum portion 61 is a cylindrical sieve that is rotationally driven by a motor. The drum portion 61 has a net (filter, screen) and functions as a sieve (sieve). Through this mesh, the drum portion 61 allows fibers and particles having a smaller mesh opening (opening) to pass through and is lowered from the drum portion 61. The configuration of the drum portion 61 is, for example, the same as the configuration of the drum portion 41.

The "sieve" of the drum portion 61 may not have a function of selecting a specific object. That is, the "sieve" used as the drum portion 61 means that the drum portion 61 is provided with a net, and the drum portion 61 may drop all of the mixture introduced into the drum portion 61.

A second web forming portion 70 is arranged below the drum portion 61. The second web forming portion 70 (web forming portion) deposits the passing material that has passed through the depositing part 60 to form the second web W2 (deposit). The second web forming portion 70 includes, for example, a mesh belt 72 (belt), a roller 74, and a suction mechanism 76.

The mesh belt 72 is an endless belt, is suspended by a plurality of rollers 74, and is conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow in the drawing by the movement of the rollers 74. The mesh belt 72 is made of, for example, metal, resin, cloth, non-woven fabric, or the like. The surface of the mesh belt 72 is composed of a net in which openings of a predetermined size are lined up. Of the fibers and particles falling from the drum portion 61, fine particles of a size that passes through the mesh fall below the mesh belt 72, and fibers of a size that cannot pass through the mesh are deposited on the mesh belt 72, and the mesh belt It is conveyed in the direction of the arrow together with 72. Further, the moving speed of the mesh belt 72 can be controlled by the control device 110 (FIG. 1). The mesh belt 72 moves at a constant speed V2 during the normal operation of manufacturing the seat S. Normal operation is as described above.

The mesh of the mesh belt 72 is fine and can be sized so that most of the fibers and particles falling from the drum portion 61 do not pass through.

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 includes a suction blower 77, and the suction force of the suction blower 77 can generate a downward airflow (airflow from the deposit portion 60 toward the mesh belt 72) in the suction mechanism 76.

The suction mechanism 76 sucks the mixture dispersed in the air by the deposit 60 onto the mesh belt 72. As a result, the formation of the second web W2 on the mesh belt 72 can be promoted, and the discharge rate from the deposition 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 defibrated products and additives from being entangled during the fall.

The suction blower 77 (deposition suction unit) may discharge the air sucked from the suction mechanism 76 to the outside of the sheet processing device 100 through a collection filter (not shown). Alternatively, the air sucked by the suction blower 77 may be sent to the dust collecting unit 27 to collect the removed material contained in the air sucked by the suction mechanism 76.

Humidified air is supplied to the space including the drum portion 61 by the humidifying portion 208. The inside of the deposition portion 60 can be humidified by this humidified air, the adhesion of fibers and particles to the housing portion 63 due to electrostatic force is suppressed, and the fibers and particles are quickly dropped onto the mesh belt 72, and the shape of the first is preferable. 2 Web W2 can be formed.

As described above, the second web W2 in a soft and swollen state containing a large amount of air is formed by passing through the deposition portion 60 and the second web forming portion 70 (web forming step). The second web W2 deposited on the mesh belt 72 is conveyed to the sheet forming portion 80.

In the transport path of the mesh belt 72, air containing mist is supplied to the downstream side of the depositing portion 60 by the humidifying portion 212. As a result, the mist generated by the humidifying portion 212 is supplied to the second web W2, and the amount of water contained in the second web W2 is adjusted. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adsorption of fibers to the mesh belt 72 due to static electricity.

The sheet processing device 100 is provided with a transport section 79 that transports the second web W2 on the mesh belt 72 to the sheet forming section 80. The transport unit 79 has, for example, a mesh belt 79a, a roller 79b, and a suction mechanism 79c.

The suction mechanism 79c includes a blower (not shown), and the suction force of the blower generates an upward air flow in the mesh belt 79a. This air flow sucks the second web W2, and the second web W2 is separated from the mesh belt 72 and attracted to the mesh belt 79a. The mesh belt 79a moves by the rotation of the tension roller 79b, and conveys the second web W2 to the sheet forming portion 80. The moving speed of the mesh belt 72 and the moving speed of the mesh belt 79a are, for example, the same.

In this way, the transport unit 79 peels off the second web W2 formed on the mesh belt 72 from the mesh belt 72 and transports the second web W2.

The sheet forming portion 80 forms the sheet S by pressurizing and heating the second web W2 deposited on the mesh belt 72 and conveyed by the conveying portion 79. In the sheet forming portion 80, a plurality of fibers in the mixture are bound to each other via the additive (resin) by applying heat to the fibers of the defibrated product contained in the second web W2 and the additive. ..

The sheet forming unit 80 includes a pressurizing unit 82 that pressurizes the second web W2 and a heating unit 84 that heats the second web W2 pressurized by the pressurizing unit 82.

The pressurizing unit 82 is composed of a pair of calendar rollers 85, and pressurizes the second web W2 by sandwiching it with a predetermined nip pressure. When the second web W2 is pressurized, its thickness is reduced and the density of the second web W2 is increased. The pressurizing section 82 includes a pressurizing section drive motor 332 (FIG. 4), one of the pair of calendar rollers 85 is a drive roller driven by the pressurizing section drive motor 332, and the other is a driven roller. The calendar roller 85 is rotated by the driving force of the pressurizing unit drive motor 332, and conveys the second web W2, which has become denser due to pressurization, toward the heating unit 84.

The heating unit 84 can be configured by using, 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. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 84 includes a pair of heating rollers 86. The heating roller 86 is heated to a preset temperature by a heater installed inside or outside. The heating roller 86 applies heat across the second web W2 pressurized by the calendar roller 85 to form the sheet S.

In this way, the second web W2 formed by the depositing portion 60 is pressurized and heated by the sheet forming portion 80 to become the sheet S.

The heating unit 84 includes a heating unit drive motor 331 (FIG. 4). One of the pair of heating rollers 86 is a drive roller driven by a heating unit drive motor 331, and the other is a driven roller. The heating roller 86 is rotated by the driving force of the heating unit drive motor 331 to convey the heated sheet S toward the cutting unit 90.

The number of calendar rollers 85 included in the pressurizing unit 82 and the number of heating rollers 86 included in the heating unit 84 are not particularly limited.

The cutting portion 90 (cutter portion) cuts the sheet S formed by the sheet forming portion 80. In the present embodiment, the cutting portion 90 cuts the first cutting portion 92 that cuts the sheet S in the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet S indicated by the reference numeral F in the drawing, and the sheet S in the direction parallel to the conveying direction F. It has a second cutting portion 94 and a second cutting portion 94. 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 paper ejection unit 96. The paper ejection unit 96 includes a tray or stacker on which a sheet S of a predetermined size is placed.

In the above configuration, the humidifying portions 202, 204, 206, 208 may be configured by one vaporization type humidifier. In this case, the humidified air generated by one humidifier may be branched and supplied to the coarse crushing portion 12, the housing portion 43, the pipe 7, and the housing portion 63. This configuration can be easily realized by branching and installing a duct (not shown) for supplying humidified air. Of course, it is also possible to configure the humidifying portions 202, 204, 206, 208 by two or three vaporization type humidifiers.

Further, in the above configuration, the humidifying portions 210 and 212 may be composed of one ultrasonic humidifier or two ultrasonic humidifiers. For example, the air containing the mist generated by one humidifier can be branched and supplied to the humidifying section 210 and the humidifying section 212.

Further, the blower included in the sheet processing apparatus 100 described above is not limited to the defibration portion blower 26, the collection blower 28, the mixing blower 56, the suction blower 77, and the intermediate blower. For example, it is of course possible to provide a blower to assist each of the blowers described above in the duct.

[3. Control device configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 110. With reference to FIG. 3, the control device 110 includes a main processor 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. The main processor 111 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each part of the sheet processing device 100 by executing a basic control program stored in the ROM 112. The main processor 111 may be configured as a system chip including peripheral circuits such as ROM 112 and RAM 113 and other IP cores.

The ROM 112 non-volatilely stores the program executed by the main processor 111. The RAM 113 forms a work area used by the main processor 111, and temporarily stores a program executed by the main processor 111 and data to be processed.

The non-volatile storage unit 120 stores a program executed by the main processor 111 and data processed by the main processor 111. The non-volatile storage unit 120 stores, for example, the setting data 121 and the display data 122. The setting data 121 includes data for setting the operation of the sheet processing device 100. For example, the setting data 121 includes data such as characteristics of various sensors included in the sheet processing device 100 and a threshold value used in a process in which the main processor 111 detects an abnormality based on the detection values of the various sensors. The display data 122 is screen data to be displayed on the display panel 116 by the main processor 111. The display data 122 may be fixed image data, or may be data for setting a screen display for displaying data generated or acquired by the main processor 111.

The display panel 116 is a display panel for a liquid crystal display or the like, and is installed in front of, for example, the sheet processing device 100. The display panel 116 displays the operating status of the sheet processing device 100, various set values, warning displays, and the like under the control of the main processor 111.

The touch sensor 117 detects a touch operation or a pressing operation by the user. The touch sensor 117 is composed of, for example, a pressure-sensitive or capacitive sensor having a transparent electrode, and is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display surface of the display panel 116. When the touch sensor 117 detects an operation, the touch sensor 117 outputs operation data including the operation position and the number of operation positions to the main processor 111. The main processor 111 detects an operation on the display panel 116 by the output of the touch sensor 117 and acquires an operation position. The main processor 111 realizes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) operation based on the operation position detected by the touch sensor 117 and the display data 122 displayed on the display panel 116.

The control device 110 is connected to the sensors 140 installed in each part of the sheet processing device 100 via the sensor I / F (Interface) 114. The sensor I / F 114 is an interface that acquires the detection value output by the sensor 140 and inputs it to the main processor 111. The sensor I / F 114 may include an A / D (Analogue / Digital) converter that converts an analog signal output by the sensor into digital data. Further, the sensor I / F 114 may supply a drive current to each sensor 140. Further, the sensor I / F 114 may include a circuit that acquires the output value of each sensor 140 according to the sampling frequency specified by the main processor 111 and outputs the output value to the main processor 111.

The control device 110 is connected to each drive unit 141 included in the sheet processing device 100 via the drive unit I / F (Interface) 115. The drive unit 141 included in the sheet processing device 100 is a motor, a pump, a heater, or the like. The control device 110 includes a communication unit 135 for performing communication via a communication network, and communicates with a management server 500 (see FIG. 5, corresponding to the management device of the present invention) described later.

The control device 110 includes a card reader 130 that reads a user ID from an ID card possessed by the user. Further, the control device 110 includes a paper input counter 131 that counts the number of raw papers loaded into the sheet processing device 100, and a recycled paper counter 132 that counts the number of recycled papers manufactured by the sheet processing device 100. There is. The control device 110 authenticates the user using the card reader 130, recognizes the number of sheets to be inserted using the input paper counter 131, and recognizes the number of sheets to be recycled using the recycled paper counter 132.

[4. Supply unit configuration]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the configurations of the supply units 10a and 10b. The left side figure shown by reference numeral A shows a state in which the covers 702a and 702b are opened, and the right side figure shown by reference numeral B shows a cover 702a. , 702b indicate the closed state.

Since the configurations of the supply unit 10a and the supply unit 10b are the same, the configuration of the supply unit 10a will be described here. When setting the raw material paper, as shown in A of FIG. 4, the user opens the cover 702a, pulls out the tray 701a placed on the table 700a, and sets the raw material paper in the tray 701a. Then, as shown in B of FIG. 4, the user pushes the tray 701a to the set position and closes the cover 702a.

The cover 702a is made of an opaque material (resin or the like), and when the cover 702a shown in FIG. 4B is closed, a person located in the vicinity cannot visually recognize the paper set in the tray 701a. .. Also, a person located in the vicinity cannot take out the paper set in the tray 701a.

The lock mechanism 703a is composed of a groove portion (not shown) provided on the cover 702a and a movable claw portion 706a provided on the table 700a. Then, by locking the claw portion 706a to the groove portion, the state in which the cover 702a covers the tray 701a is fixed.

In B of FIG. 4, the supply unit 10a is in a state of being fixed in a closed state (confidential state) by the lock mechanism 703a, and the supply unit 10b is in a state of free opening and closing of the cover 702b (non-confidential state). Confidential state).

[5. Management system configuration]
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a management system in which the usage information of the two sheet processing devices 100 (first sheet processing device 100a, second sheet processing device 100b) and the printing device 300 is managed for each user by the management server 500. be.

The first sheet processing device 100a is the first usage information (in FIG. 5) in which the user ID of the user who used the first sheet processing device 100a and the usage information of the first sheet processing device 100a are associated with each other when the first sheet processing device 100a is used. (Indicated by the code of DA1) is generated. Then, the first sheet processing device 100a transmits the first usage information to the management server 500.

Similarly, when the second sheet processing device 100b is used, the second sheet processing device 100b associates the user ID of the user who used the second sheet processing device 100b with the usage information of the second sheet processing device 100b. (Indicated by the code of DA2 in FIG. 5) is generated. Then, the second sheet processing device 100b transmits the second usage information to the management server 500.

Further, when the printing device 300 is used, the printing device 300 has a third usage information (in FIG. 5, shown by a code of DA3) in which the user ID of the user who used the printing device 300 and the usage information of the printing device 300 are associated with each other. ) Is generated. Then, the printing device 300 transmits the third usage information to the management server 500.

The management server 500 is a computer system composed of a CPU, a memory, various interface circuits, and the like. The management server 500 functions as a control unit of the usage information acquisition unit 501 and the usage information storage unit 510 by executing the control program for the management server 500 stored in the memory by the CPU.

The usage information acquisition unit 501 receives the first usage information transmitted from the first sheet processing device 100a, the second usage information transmitted from the second sheet processing device 100b, and the third usage information transmitted from the printing device 300. , Acquired by communication via the communication network 900.

The usage information storage unit 510 associates the user ID, the license settings of the first sheet processing device 100a, the second sheet processing device 100b, and the printing device 300 with the e-mail address, and stores the user DB (Data Base). Remember. The user ID is issued by a predetermined registration procedure. Further, the usage information storage unit 510 stores each user ID in the usage management DB 512 in association with the first sheet processing device 100a, the second sheet processing device 100b, and the printing device 300. Further, the usage information storage unit 510 stores each user ID in the usage history DB 513 in association with the usage history information of the first sheet processing device 100a, the second sheet processing device 100b, and the printing device 300.

Here, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of data managed by the management server 500. With reference to FIG. 6, in the user DB 511, the user IDs (A, B, ...) Of each user and the license settings of the first sheet processing device 100a, the second sheet processing device 100b, and the printing device 300 are set. , Each user's e-mail address is stored in association with each other.

In the example of FIG. 6, the user ID "A" is permitted to use the first sheet processing device 100a and the printing device 300, whereas the user ID "B" is permitted to use only the printing device 300. ing. A user having a user ID (corresponding to a specific user of the present invention) who is permitted to use the first sheet processing device 100a puts the supply units 10a and 10b in a confidential state and causes the first sheet processing device 100a to perform reproduction. be able to.

On the other hand, a user who is not permitted to use the first sheet processing device 100a cannot execute reproduction by the first sheet processing device 100a with the supply units 10a and 10b in a confidential state. However, a user who is not permitted to use the system can put the supply units 10a and 10b in a non-confidential state and execute the reproduction process by the first sheet processing device 100a. The same applies to the second sheet processing apparatus 100b.

In the usage management DB 512, each user ID (A, B, ...) And the usage record of the first sheet processing device 100a, the second sheet processing device 100b, and the printing device 300 by each user are stored in association with each other. There is. The cumulative number of processed sheets and the cumulative number of reproduced sheets of the first sheet processing device 100a and the second sheet processing device 100b are totally stored. Further, in the usage history DB 513, each user ID (A, B, ...) Is associated with the usage status of the first sheet processing device 100a, the second sheet processing device 100b, and the printing device 300 by each user. It is remembered.

[6. Operation of sheet processing device]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sheet processing device 100 (100a, 100b). Since the configurations and operations of the first sheet processing device 100a and the second sheet processing device 100b are the same, the operation of the first sheet processing device 100a will be described below.

Steps S1 to S3 and step S10 of FIG. 7 are processes by the authentication unit 150. When the authentication unit 150 accepts the user authentication operation by inserting the ID card into the card reader 130 in step S1, the authentication unit 150 proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the authentication unit 150 determines whether or not there is a vacant supply unit (whether or not at least one of the supply units 10a and 10b is vacant).

Then, the authentication unit 150 proceeds to step S3 when there is a vacant supply unit. When there is no empty supply unit, the authentication unit 150 proceeds to step S10, displays a guide screen such as "Please wait until the paper currently being processed runs out" on the display panel 116, and proceeds to step S1. Proceed with processing.

In step S3, the authentication unit 150 sends the user ID read from the ID card to the management server 500 to request user authentication. Here, the data of the user ID transmitted from the first sheet processing device 100a to the management server 500 corresponds to the determination request data for requesting the determination of whether or not the user of the present invention is a specific user.

The management server 500 refers to the user DB 511 for the user ID received from the first sheet processing device 100a, and determines whether or not the use of the first sheet processing device 100a is permitted. The configuration for making this determination corresponds to the determination unit of the present invention. Then, the management server 500 returns data indicating "authentication OK" when the use of the first sheet processing device 100a is permitted, and when the use of the first sheet processing device 100a is not permitted, the management server 500 returns "authentication OK". The data indicating "authentication NG" is returned. Here, the data indicating "authentication OK" and the data indicating "authentication NG" correspond to the determination result data of the present invention.

The authentication unit 150 determines whether the data indicating "authentication OK" or the data indicating "authentication NG" is received from the management server 500, and the user is permitted to use the first sheet processing device. Authenticate whether or not you are a user (specific user).

Subsequent steps S4 and subsequent steps are processing by the control unit 151. In step S4, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the waste paper is set in the supply unit 10a or the supply unit 10b and the cover 702a or the cover 702b is closed by the paper detection units 705a, 705b and the open / close detection units 704a, 704b. Recognize based on the detection signal. Then, when the control unit 151 recognizes that the paper is set in the supply unit 10a or the supply unit 10b and the cover 702a or the cover 702b is closed, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the authentication by the authentication unit 150 is successful in step S3, and if the authentication is successful (when the user is a specific user), proceeds to step S6. Then, in step S6, the control unit 151 sets the supply unit (supply unit 10a or supply unit 10b) in which the user has set the paper to the confidential supply unit (supply unit that maintains the confidential state and feeds paper). .. In the following step S7, the control unit 151 executes a waste paper recycling process (a process according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 described later) for the confidential supply unit.

On the other hand, when the authentication by the authentication unit 150 fails in step S3 (when the user is not a specific user), the control unit 151 proceeds from step S5 to step S20. Then, in step S20, the control unit 151 turns the supply unit (supply unit 10a or supply unit 10b) in which the user has set the paper into a non-confidential supply unit (supply unit that maintains the non-confidential state and feeds paper). Set. In the following step S21, the control unit 151 executes a waste paper recycling process (process according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 described later) for the non-confidential supply unit.

[7. Regeneration processing for confidential supply departments]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the reproduction process for the confidential supply unit. The process according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed by the control unit 151. Here, the case where the supply unit 10a is selected as the confidential supply unit will be described, and hereinafter, the supply unit 10a will also be referred to as the confidential supply unit 10a.

In step S30, the control unit 151 locks the cover 702a of the confidential supply unit 10a by the lock mechanism 703a. As a result, the waste paper set in the tray 701a cannot be visually recognized, and the paper cannot be taken out from the tray 701a in a confidential state (state B in FIG. 4).

In the following step S31, the control unit 151 starts the recycling process of the waste paper for the confidential supply unit 10a, and in step S32, the paper detection unit 705a determines whether or not the waste paper remains in the confidential supply unit 10a. Judgment is made based on the detection signal of. Then, the control unit 151 proceeds to the process in step S33 when the waste paper remains in the confidential supply unit 10a, and proceeds to the process in step S50 when the waste paper does not remain in the confidential supply unit 10a.

Steps S33 to S40 are processes for suspending the recycling process of waste paper for the confidential supply unit 10a and releasing the fixing of the cover 702a. In step S33, the control unit 151 performs the same user (the user who started the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a) by a new authentication operation (authentication operation according to steps S1 and S3 of FIG. 7 described above). Determine if has been authenticated.

Then, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S34 when the same user is authenticated, and proceeds to step S32 when the same user is not authenticated. In step S34, the control unit 151 suspends the paper feeding from the confidential supply unit 10a, and in the subsequent step S35, the cover 702a is released from the lock mechanism 703a to be in a non-confidential state in which the cover 702a can be opened and closed. do.

As a result, a user who has been authenticated as the same user can open the cover 702a, add waste paper to the tray 701a, check the remaining amount of waste paper, and the like. When the open / close detection unit 704a detects that the cover 702a has been opened in step S36, the control unit 151 transmits data notifying that the cover 702a has been opened to the management server 500 in step S37. In the management server 500 that has received this data, the usage information storage unit 510 changes the usage status of the first sheet processing device 100a of the corresponding user of the usage history DB 513 to "paused".

In the next step S38, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the cover 702a of the confidential supply unit 10a is closed based on the detection signal of the open / close detection unit 704a. Then, the control unit 151 proceeds to step 39 when the cover 702a is closed, and the lock mechanism 703a fixes the closed state of the cover 702a and returns it to the confidential state.

In the following step S40, the control unit 151 transmits data notifying that the cover 702a has been closed to the management server 500. In the management server 500 that has received this data, the usage information storage unit 510 changes the usage status of the first sheet processing device 100a of the corresponding user of the usage history DB 513 to "processing". Then, in the next step S41, the control unit 151 restarts the paper feeding from the confidential supply unit 10a and proceeds to the process in step S32.

Further, steps S50 to S52 are processes when the recycling process of the waste paper for the confidential supply unit 10a is completed. In step S50, the control unit 151 transmits the data notifying that the waste paper in the confidential supply unit 10a is exhausted to the management server 500. The management server 500 that has received this data refers to the usage history DB 513 and the user DB 511 to determine whether or not there is a user ID waiting to be used by the first sheet processing device 100a. Then, when there is a user ID waiting to be used, an e-mail notifying that the first sheet processing device 100a can be used is sent to the e-mail address stored in association with this user ID. Send to.

In the following step S51, the control unit 151 switches the lock mechanism 703a to the released state. This eliminates the need for the user to unlock the cover 702b, improving user convenience.

In the next step S52, when the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is completed, the control unit 151 transmits data notifying the completion of the process to the management server 500. In the management server 500 that has received this data, the usage information storage unit 510 changes the usage status of the first sheet processing device 100a of the corresponding user of the usage history DB 513 to "completed".

[8. Recycling of waste paper for non-confidential supply departments]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a waste paper recycling process for a non-confidential supply unit. The process according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed by the control unit 151. Here, a case where the supply unit 10a is selected as the confidential supply unit and the supply unit 10b is selected as the non-confidential supply unit will be described. Hereinafter, the supply unit 10b will also be referred to as a non-confidential supply unit 10b.

Since the control unit 151 does not fix the non-confidential supply unit 10b in the closed state by the lock mechanism 703b, the user can open and close the cover 702b even during the waste paper recycling process. Yes (state B in FIG. 4).

In step S60 of FIG. 9, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is being executed. Then, when the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is being executed, the control unit 151 repeats the process of step S60 and goes into a waiting state. On the other hand, when the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is not executed, the process proceeds to step S61 to start the waste paper recycling process for the non-confidential supply unit 10b.

When the waste paper recycling process targeting the confidential supply unit 10a is being executed by the process of step S60, the waste paper recycling process targeting the non-confidential supply unit 10b is not started. As a result, the waste paper set in the confidential supply unit 10a (the waste paper on which the confidential information is printed and which has the confidential information and therefore prompt processing is desired) is replaced with the waste paper set in the non-confidential supply unit 10b. It is processed with priority before (waste paper that does not have confidential information). In this case, the confidential supply unit 10a corresponds to the first set unit of the present invention, and the non-confidential supply unit 10b corresponds to the second set unit of the present invention.

In step S62, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is being executed. Then, when the control unit 151 is executing the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S70 to perform the waste paper recycling process for the non-confidential supply unit 10b. Suspend.

As a result, after the waste paper recycling process for the non-confidential supply unit 10b is started in step S61, the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is started or restarted, and then in step S70. , The recycling process of waste paper for the non-confidential supply unit 10b is interrupted. Therefore, the waste paper set in the confidential supply unit 10a is preferentially processed.

On the other hand, when the waste paper recycling process targeting the confidential supply unit 10a is not being executed in step S62, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S63 to recycle the waste paper targeting the non-confidential supply unit 10b. To continue. Here, by the processes of steps S60 and S62 and S70, the waste paper recycling process for the confidential supply unit 10a is prioritized over the waste paper recycling process for the non-confidential supply unit 10b. The processing corresponds to the priority processing control of the present invention.

In the following step S64, the control unit 151 determines whether or not waste paper remains in the tray 701b of the non-confidential supply unit 10b based on the detection signal of the paper detection unit 705b. Then, the control unit 151 proceeds with the process in step S62 when the waste paper remains in the tray 701b of the non-confidential supply unit 10b, and proceeds to the process in step S65 when the waste paper does not remain in the tray 701b.

In step S65, the control unit 151 transmits the data notifying that the waste paper in the confidential supply unit 10b is exhausted to the management server 500. Further, when the recycling process of the waste paper for the non-confidential supply unit 10b is completed, the control unit 151 transmits the data notifying the completion of the process to the management server 500 in step S65. In the management server 500 that has received these data, the usage information storage unit 510 changes the usage information of the first sheet processing device 100a of the corresponding user of the usage history DB 513 to "completed".

[9. Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 100 (100a, 100b) for recycling waste paper is exemplified as the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention. However, the sheet processing device of the present invention may be any device that processes sheets (including those formed of various materials such as paper and resin) on which confidential information can be printed. For example, a shredder that cuts sheets. And so on.

Further, in the above embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 100 provided with two supply units (supply units 10a and 10b) is illustrated, but at least two supply units may be provided, and three or more supply units may be provided. May be. In this case, for two supply units arbitrarily selected from three or more supply units, one is treated as the first set unit of the present invention and the other is treated as the second set unit to describe the present invention. It should be applied.

Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, as an example of the setting portion of the present invention, a paper is set in the tray 701a, and the cover 702a covering the tray 701a cannot be opened or closed by the lock mechanism 703a. Although parts 10a and 10b are shown, other configurations may be used. For example, paper may be set in the cassette, the cassette may be stored in the storage unit, and a lock mechanism may be used to prevent the cassette from being taken out from the storage unit.

Further, in the above embodiment, both of the two supply units 10a and 10b can be selected as the confidential supply unit, but one of the two supply units 10a and 10b is fixed as the confidential supply unit and the other is non-confidential. It may be fixed as a supply unit. For example, the supply unit 10a may be a confidential supply unit and the supply unit 10b may be a non-confidential supply unit. In this case, while the waste paper is set in the supply unit 10a, the waste paper recycling process targeting the supply unit 10b is prohibited, and the waste paper recycling process targeting the supply unit 10a is performed by the supply unit. It is executed with priority over the waste paper recycling process for 10b.

Further, the lock mechanism 703a is maintained in the locked state when the power supply to the sheet processing device 100 is cut off due to a power failure or the like while the cover 702a of the supply unit 10a is locked by the lock mechanism 703a. It may be configured. According to this configuration, when a power failure or the like occurs, it is possible to prevent the cover 702a from being unlocked so that the paper set in the tray 701a can be visually recognized and taken out. The same applies to the supply unit 10b.

Further, in the above embodiment, the supply units 10a and 10b are provided with the covers 702a and 702b and the lock mechanisms 703a and 703b so that the covers 702a and 702b can be fixed in the closed state, but this configuration is omitted. May be good. In this case, both the supply units 10a and 10b become non-confidential supply units, and for example, the waste paper set in the supply unit 10a is treated with priority over the waste paper set in the supply unit 10b. May be good. Alternatively, the control unit 151 may execute priority processing control such as preferentially processing the waste paper set earlier with respect to the waste paper set in the supply units 10a and 10b.

Further, as the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, the sheet processing apparatus 100 that performs defibration by a dry method is shown, but as the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, an apparatus that processes a sheet by using various regeneration methods is adopted. Can be done.

Further, although the user ID recorded on the ID card is used as the user identification information of the present invention, the user's biological information (fingerprint, iris, etc.) may be used.

Further, at least a part of the control unit 151 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be realized by hardware, or may be a configuration realized by collaboration between hardware and software, and may be an independent hardware. It is not limited to the configuration in which the hardware resources are placed. Further, the program executed by the control unit may be stored in the non-volatile storage unit or another storage device (not shown). Further, the program stored in the external device may be acquired and executed via the communication unit.

10a, 10b ... Supply unit (first set unit or second set unit), 100 (100a, 100b) ... sheet processing device, 110 ... control device, 130 ... card reader (operation unit), 135 ... communication unit, 150 ... Authentication unit, 151 ... Control unit, 200 ... Decomposition unit, 250 ... Reproduction unit, 500 ... Management server (management device, judgment unit), 701a, 701b ... Tray, 702a, 702b ... Cover (set state switching unit) , 703a, 703b ... Lock mechanism (set state switching unit), 704a, 704b ... Open / close detection unit, 705a, 705b ... Paper detection unit.

Claims (4)

The first set part and the second set part where the same type of sheet is set, and
A sheet processing unit that performs the same type of predetermined processing on the sheets set in the first set unit and the second set unit, and
An operation unit that accepts user authentication operations and
An authentication unit that authenticates that the user who performed the authentication operation is a specific user,
When the user who has been authenticated as the specific user by the authentication unit sets a sheet in the first set unit, the predetermined process for the sheet set in the first set unit is performed. A sheet processing apparatus including a control unit that executes priority processing control that is prioritized over the predetermined processing for the sheet set in the set unit 2. A set state switching unit that switches between a confidential state in which the sheet set in the first set unit cannot be visually recognized and taken out and a non-confidential state in which the sheet set in the first set unit can be visually recognized and taken out. With
The sheet processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the priority processing control in a state of being kept confidential by the set state switching unit. The sheet is waste paper
The sheet processing unit, wherein as said predetermined process, to claim 1 or claim 2 performs processing for generating a recycled paper said first set of portions and wastepaper set in the second set section as the starting material Sheet processing equipment. A management system including a sheet processing device for processing sheets and a management device configured to be able to communicate with the sheet processing device.
The management device has a determination unit for determining whether or not the user of the sheet processing device is a specific user.
The sheet processing device is
A first set part and a second set part in which the same type of sheet to be processed is set,
A sheet processing unit that performs the same type of predetermined processing on the sheets set in the first set unit and the second set unit, and
An operation unit that accepts user authentication operations and
When the operation unit accepts the authentication operation by the user, the management device is transmitted with the determination request data requesting the determination as to whether or not the user who performed the authentication operation is the specific user. When the judgment result data indicating the judgment result by the judgment unit executed in response to the transmission of the judgment request data is received from the management device, the user who performs the authentication operation based on the judgment result data The authentication unit that authenticates the specific user,
When a user who has been authenticated as the specific user by the authentication unit sets a sheet in the first set unit, the predetermined process for the sheet set in the first set unit is performed by the second set unit. A management system having a control unit that executes priority processing control that is prioritized over the predetermined processing for the sheet set in the set unit.

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