JPWO2018037843A1 - Sheet manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

In a state where the powder is stored in the container, the powder is prevented from being scattered when the container is detached from the powder box which is the container mounting portion or is mounted again. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a storage chamber 152 that receives powder from the powder storage container 150, a mounting unit 120 on which the powder storage container is mounted, and a support unit that is positioned between the storage chamber and the mounting unit. 180, and a moving mechanism that moves the placement portion and the support portion, and after the support portion is moved from the fourth position to the third position, the placement portion is moved from the second position to the first position. The container and the storage chamber are connected to each other, the support portion is moved from the third position to the fourth position, and at the same time, the placement portion is moved from the first position to the second position to release the connection between the container and the storage chamber. Let

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a container-side cover member that includes a cartridge container that contains powder and a powder box to which powder is supplied from the cartridge container, and that opens and closes in conjunction with a film and a cover member that seal the opening of the cartridge container ( A configuration having a container-side shutter and a box-side lid member (box-side shutter) that opens and closes a powder receiving port of the powder box is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-63-243978

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, when the cartridge container is removed from the powder box or reattached in a state where the powder is stored in the cartridge container, a problem such as powder scattering occurs. There was a risk of it occurring.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  [Application Example 1] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example is a sheet manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a sheet using powder and fibers, and a mounting unit on which a container that stores the powder is mounted; A storage chamber for receiving the powder from the container; a support section positioned between the storage chamber and the mounting section; and the mounting section is moved to a first position and a second position to support the support A moving mechanism for moving the support portion to a third position and a fourth position, the moving mechanism moving the support portion from the fourth position to the third position, and Is moved from the second position to the first position to connect the container and the storage chamber, and the support part is moved from the third position to the fourth position. The container is moved from the first position to the second position to release the connection between the container and the storage chamber. The features.

  According to the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example, after the support unit is moved from the fourth position to the third position (second connection position), the mounting unit on which the container is mounted is moved from the second position to the container. It moves to the 1st position for connecting with a storage room via a support part. As described above, the support portion first moves to the third position, so that when the placement portion moves, a gap is generated between the support portion and the placement portion, and when the placement portion moves from this gap. Therefore, the air compressed can be released, and therefore, the powder can be prevented from being scattered due to the compressed air flowing into the storage chamber.

  Application Example 2 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example, the moving mechanism includes a first cam groove for moving the support portion from the fourth position to the third position, and the support portion. And a second cam groove for moving from the third position to the fourth position.

  According to this application example, the support portion can be moved between the fourth position and the third position by the first cam groove and the second cam groove.

  Application Example 3 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above, the moving mechanism includes a switching unit that switches a moving path of the support portion between the first cam groove and the second cam groove. The switching portion preferably forms a part of the first cam groove and a part of the second cam groove.

  According to this application example, the moving portion of the support portion is moved between the first cam groove and the second cam groove by the switching portion that forms a part of the first cam groove and a part of the second cam groove. It can be switched easily.

  Application Example 4 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above, the support portion can be displaced between the third position and the fourth position by moving along the second direction, and the movement It is preferable that the mechanism has a slider portion movable along a first direction intersecting the second direction, and the slider portion is provided with the first cam groove and the second cam groove.

  According to this application example, the support portion is moved along the second direction intersecting the first direction by the first cam groove and the second cam groove provided in the slider portion that moves along the first direction. The third position and the fourth position can be displaced.

  Application Example 5 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above, the placement unit can be displaced between the first position and the second position by moving along the second direction. The slider part preferably has a third cam groove for moving the mounting part to the first position and the second position.

  According to this application example, the mounting portion is moved along the second direction intersecting the first direction by the third cam groove provided in the slider portion that moves along the first direction, and the first position It can be displaced to 1 release position.

  Application Example 6 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the container has a shutter for opening and closing an opening for supplying the accommodated powder.

  According to this application example, the opening of the container is closed by the shutter before the container is connected to the storage chamber, and the opening of the container can be opened after the container is connected to the storage chamber. Thereby, scattering of powder can be prevented.

  Application Example 7 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the shutter is locked at a closed position that closes the opening by a lock mechanism.

  According to this application example, since the shutter cannot be opened until the mounting of the container is completed by the lock mechanism, powder scattering (scattering) due to an erroneous operation or the like can be prevented.

  Application Example 8 In the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the application example described above, the lock of the shutter may be released when the placement unit on which the container is placed moves to the first position. preferable.

  According to this application example, the shutter is unlocked when the placement portion on which the container is placed moves to the first position, that is, when the placement of the container in the storage chamber is completed. In other words, since the shutter cannot be opened until the mounting of the container is completed, powder scattering (scattering) due to an erroneous operation or the like can be prevented.

  Application Example 9 A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example is a sheet manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a sheet containing powder and fibers, and a mounting unit on which a container that stores the powder is mounted; A storage chamber for receiving the powder from the container, and a support portion positioned between the storage chamber and the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion, the support portion, and the storage chamber are respectively relative to each other. The support portion and the storage chamber are in contact with each other before the container and the support portion, which are movably provided and placed on the placement portion, contact each other.

  According to the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example, since the support portion and the storage chamber come into contact with each other before the container and the support portion come into contact with each other, the support portion and the storage chamber are in contact with each other, that is, the container is stored. When moving toward the chamber, there is a gap between the support portion and the placement portion. By this gap, air that is compressed when the container (mounting portion) moves toward the storage chamber can be released. Therefore, scattering of the powder due to the compressed air flowing into the storage chamber can be prevented.

The schematic block diagram which shows the structure of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. The front view which shows the general | schematic external appearance of the powder supply part in a sheet manufacturing apparatus. The perspective view which shows the outline of a structure of a powder supply part, and shows the mounting state (1st position which is a mounting completion position) to the mounting part of a powder container (cartridge). The AA sectional view of Drawing 2 showing the outline of the composition of a powder supply part. The P view top view of FIG. 4 which shows the structure of a mounting part. The P view top view of FIG. 4 which shows the structure of a support part. The front view which shows the structure of a support part (fixed guide part). The front view which shows the structure of a slider part. The front view which shows the switching operation | movement to a 1st cam groove. The front view which shows the switching operation | movement to a 2nd cam groove. The bottom perspective view which shows a container connection part. The lower surface perspective view of the container connection part which shows the locking mechanism of a shutter. Sectional drawing which shows the locking mechanism of a shutter. FIG. 10B is a K view of FIG. 10A showing a shutter locking mechanism. The perspective view which shows the mounting state (mounting start position) to the mounting part of a powder container (cartridge). The perspective view which shows the pushing-in state (intermediate position) of a powder container (cartridge). The front view which shows the operation | movement (mounting state) at the time of removal of a powder container (cartridge). The front view which shows the operation | movement (detachment | leave state) at the time of removal of a powder container (cartridge). The front view which shows the operation | movement (detachment state) at the time of removal of a powder container (cartridge).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the scale of each member or the like is shown differently from the actual scale so as to make each member or the like recognizable. Moreover, the structure demonstrated below shows an example of this invention, and does not limit the number (number) of each structure part, arrangement | positioning, etc. Further, the gravity direction may be described as “downward” and “lower side”, and the direction opposite to the gravity direction may be described as “upward”, “upper side”, or “vertical direction”.

(Sheet manufacturing equipment)
First, a schematic configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described. The sheet manufacturing apparatus deposits the powder containing the binder resin supplied from the powder supply unit and the fiber and the mixture in the air, the mixture mixed in the mixing unit, and heats the sheet. A sheet forming unit to be formed. Hereinafter, the configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  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 a sheet. The manufacturing unit 102 includes a crushing unit 12, a defibrating 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. 70, a sheet forming unit 80, and a cutting unit 90.

  The supply unit 10 supplies raw materials to the crushing unit 12. The supply unit 10 is, for example, an automatic input unit for continuously supplying raw materials to the crushing unit 12. The raw material supplied by the supply part 10 contains fibers, such as a used paper and a pulp sheet, for example.

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

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

  What has passed through the defibrating unit 20 is referred to as “defibrated material”. In the defibrated material, in addition to the defibrated fiber, the color of resin (resin for binding multiple fibers) separated from the fiber when the fiber is unwound, ink, toner, etc. In some cases, it may contain additives such as an agent, a bleeding prevention material, and a paper strength enhancer.

  The defibrating unit 20 performs defibration by a dry method. In this way, processing such as defibration in the atmosphere (in the air), not in the liquid, is referred to as a dry process. In this embodiment, an impeller mill is used as the defibrating unit 20. The defibrating unit 20 has a function of generating an air flow that sucks the raw material and discharges the defibrated material. As a result, the defibrating unit 20 can suck the raw material together with the airflow from the introduction port 22 with the airflow generated by itself, defibrate, and transport the defibrated material to the discharge port 24. The defibrated material that has passed through the defibrating unit 20 is transferred to the sorting unit 40 via the tube 3. In addition, the airflow for conveying a defibrated material from the defibrating unit 20 to the sorting unit 40 may use an airflow generated by the defibrating unit 20, or an airflow generation device such as a blower is provided, May be used.

  The sorting unit 40 introduces the defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating unit 20 from the introduction port 42 and sorts the defibrated material according to the length of the fiber. As the selection unit 40, for example, a sieve is used. The sorting unit 40 has a net (filter, screen), fibers or particles smaller than the mesh size of the mesh (things that pass through the mesh, the first selection product), fibers larger than the mesh size of the mesh, Undefibrated pieces and lumps (those that do not pass through the net, second sort) can be separated. For example, the first selection is transferred to the mixing unit 50 via the pipe 7. The second selected item is returned to the defibrating unit 20 from the discharge port 44 through the pipe 8. Specifically, the sorting unit 40 is a cylindrical sieve that is rotationally driven by a motor. As the net of the sorting unit 40, for example, a metal net, an expanded metal obtained by extending a cut metal plate, 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 unit 45 includes a mesh belt 46, a stretching roller 47, and a suction unit (suction mechanism) 48.

  The suction unit 48 can suck the first sorted matter dispersed in the air through the opening (opening of the mesh) of the sorting unit 40 onto the mesh belt 46. The first selection is deposited on the moving mesh belt 46 to form the web V. The basic configurations of the mesh belt 46, the stretching roller 47, and the suction unit 48 are the same as the mesh belt 72, the stretching roller 74, and the suction mechanism 76 of the second web forming unit 70 described later.

  The web V is formed in a soft and swelled state containing a lot of air by passing through the sorting unit 40 and the first web forming unit 45. The web V deposited on the mesh belt 46 is put into the tube 7 and conveyed to the mixing unit 50.

  The rotating body 49 can cut the web V before the web V is conveyed to the mixing unit 50. In the illustrated example, the rotator 49 has a base 49a and a protrusion 49b protruding from the base 49a. The protrusion 49b has, for example, a plate shape. In the illustrated example, four protrusions 49b are provided, and four protrusions 49b are provided at equal intervals. When the base 49a rotates in the direction R, the protrusion 49b can rotate around the base 49a. By cutting the web V by the rotating body 49, for example, the fluctuation in the amount of defibrated material per unit time supplied to the deposition unit 60 can be reduced.

  The mixing unit 50 mixes the first sorted product that has passed through the sorting unit 40 (the first sorted product conveyed by the first web forming unit 45) and the powder containing the binder resin. The mixing unit 50 includes a powder supply unit 52 that supplies powder, a tube 54 that conveys the first selected material and the powder, and a blower 56. The tube 54 is continuous with the tube 7.

  In the mixing unit 50, an air stream is generated by the blower 56, and the first selection product and the powder can be mixed and conveyed in the tube 54. In addition, the mechanism in which the 1st selection thing and powder are mixed is not specifically limited.

  The powder supply unit 52 includes a storage chamber 152 and a container for storing powder (hereinafter referred to as a powder storage container 150) (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The powder container 150 is a replaceable refill container in which powder is stored. Although not shown, a plurality of powder supply units 52 are arranged for each powder container 150 as a container divided according to the type of powder to be stored. The powder container 150 may not be disposed, and the mounting portion 200 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) may be exposed. In other words, the powder container 150 may be attached to all the attachment parts 200 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), or may be attached to the attachment part 200 at a suitable position. Does not matter.

  Then, the powder is supplied to the tube 54 from the powder supply unit 52 selected according to the specifications of the sheet S to be formed. The supply ports in the powder conveyance path from the powder supply unit 52 are respectively connected (communication) to the pipe 54, and the powder in the storage chamber 152 is supplied into the pipe 54 via the conveyance path. The powder supplied from the powder supply unit 52 includes a resin for binding a plurality of fibers. At the time when the resin is supplied, the plurality of fibers are not bound. The resin melts when passing through the sheet forming portion 80 and binds a plurality of fibers. The detailed configuration of the powder supply unit 52 will be described later (see FIGS. 2 to 12C).

  The powder supplied from the powder 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 , Polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in combination.

  In addition to the resin for binding the fibers, the powder supplied from the powder supply unit 52 includes a colorant (for example, a cyan pigment) for coloring the fibers according to the type of sheet to be manufactured. , Kneaded and pulverized pigments such as magenta pigments and yellow pigments), aggregation inhibitors such as silica for suppressing fiber aggregation, flame retardants for making fibers difficult to burn (for example, hydroxylated) Inorganic hydroxides such as aluminum, guanidine phosphate, melamine sulfate, melamine polyphosphate, etc.), deodorizers (eg activated carbon and zeolite), fragrances (eg sandalwood and agarwood fragrant wood powder, coffee powder and tea powder, Natural powders such as bamboo powder and orange peel powder, and aromatic capsules obtained by encapsulating oil such as straw oil and lavender fragrance with melamine resin). The mixture that has passed through the mixing unit 50 (the mixture of the first selected product and the powder containing at least the binder resin) is transferred to the deposition unit 60 via the tube 54.

  The depositing unit 60 introduces the mixture that has passed through the mixing unit 50 from the introduction port 62, loosens the entangled defibrated material (fibers), and lowers it while dispersing it in the air. Furthermore, when the powder resin supplied from the powder supply unit 52 is fibrous, the deposition unit 60 loosens the entangled resin. Thereby, the deposition unit 60 can deposit the mixture on the second web forming unit 70 with good uniformity.

  As the deposition unit 60, a rotating cylindrical sieve is used. The deposition unit 60 has a net, and drops fibers or particles (those that pass through the net) included in the mixture that has passed through the mixing unit 50 that are smaller than the mesh opening size. The configuration of the deposition unit 60 is the same as the configuration of the sorting unit 40, for example.

  It should be noted that the “sieving” of the depositing unit 60 may not have a function of selecting a specific object. That is, the “sieving” used as the depositing unit 60 means that the net is provided, and the depositing unit 60 may drop all of the mixture introduced into the depositing unit 60.

  The second web forming unit 70 deposits the passing material that has passed through the deposition unit 60 to form the web W. The second web forming unit 70 includes, for example, a mesh belt 72, a tension roller 74, and a suction mechanism 76.

  While moving, the mesh belt 72 accumulates the passing material that has passed through the opening of the accumulation unit 60 (the opening of the mesh). The mesh belt 72 is stretched by a stretching roller 74, and is configured to allow air to pass therethrough. The mesh belt 72 moves as the stretching roller 74 rotates. While the mesh belt 72 continuously moves, the passing material that has passed through the accumulation portion 60 is continuously piled up, whereby the web W is formed on the mesh belt 72.

  The suction mechanism 76 is provided below the mesh belt 72 (on the side opposite to the accumulation unit 60 side). The suction mechanism 76 can generate an air flow directed downward (air flow directed from the accumulation unit 60 toward the mesh belt 72). Thereby, the discharge speed from the deposition part 60 can be increased.

  As described above, the web W in a state where it contains a lot of air and is softly swollen is formed by passing through the deposition unit 60 and the second web forming unit 70 (web forming step). The web W deposited on the mesh belt 72 is conveyed to the sheet forming unit 80.

  In the illustrated example, a humidity control unit 78 that adjusts the humidity of the web W is provided. The humidity control unit 78 can adjust the amount ratio of the web W and water by adding water or water vapor to the web W.

  The sheet forming unit 80 pressurizes and heats the web W deposited on the mesh belt 72 to form the sheet S. In the sheet forming unit 80, by applying heat to the mixture of the defibrated material and the powder containing the binder resin mixed in the web W, the plurality of fibers in the mixture are mixed with the powder containing the binder resin. Can be bound through.

  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 pressed by the pressurizing unit 82. The pressurizing unit 82 includes a pair of calendar rollers 85 and applies pressure to the web W. The web W is pressed to reduce its thickness, and the density of the web W is increased. The heating unit 84 includes a pair of heating rollers 86. The sheet W is formed by heating the web W pressed by the calendar roller 85 by the heating roller 86, melting the resin, and binding the fibers. Here, the calendar roller 85 (pressure unit 82) can apply a pressure higher 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 unit 90 cuts the sheet S formed by the sheet forming unit 80. In the illustrated example, the cutting unit 90 includes a first cutting unit 92 that cuts the sheet S in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and a second cutting unit 94 that cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction. ,have. The second cutting unit 94 cuts the sheet S that has passed through the first cutting unit 92, for example.

  Thus, a single-sheet sheet S having a predetermined size is formed. The cut sheet S is discharged to the discharge unit 96.

(Powder supply unit)
Next, the configuration of the powder supply unit 52 of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10B. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic appearance of a powder supply unit in the sheet manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of the powder supply unit, and shows a mounting state of the powder container (cartridge) to the mounting unit (first position (first connection position) which is a mounting completion position). is there. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2 showing an outline of the configuration of the powder supply unit when the support unit moves from the fourth position (second release position) to the third position (second connection position). is there. FIG. 5 is a plan view of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the support portion as viewed from P in FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the support portion (fixed guide portion). FIG. 8A is a front view showing the configuration of the slider portion. FIG. 8B is a front view showing the switching operation to the first cam groove. FIG. 8C is a front view showing the switching operation to the second cam groove. FIG. 9A is a bottom perspective view showing the container connecting portion. FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the container connecting portion showing the shutter locking mechanism. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing a shutter locking mechanism. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the shutter lock mechanism shown in FIG. 10A and is a perspective view of the second holder flange 113.

  The “first direction” used in the following description is a horizontal direction in which the powder container 150 and the mounting portion 200 can move relative to each other. The “second direction” is a direction that intersects the first direction and is substantially along the direction of gravity. The “third direction” is one direction along the horizontal direction (width direction) intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

  The powder supply unit 52 includes a powder container 150 for the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 that stores powder, and the powder container 150. The powder is supplied from an inlet of the powder container 150. And a mounting portion 200 including a storage chamber 152 to be charged. The storage chamber 152 is a storage tank for storing powder, and can be dropped and taken out from a bottom-open funnel-shaped mouth, which can be called a hopper. In the powder supply unit 52, when the storage chamber 152 in which the introduction port is opened communicates with the powder storage container 150 in which the opening is opened, the powder stored in the powder storage container 150 is stored in the storage chamber 152 by gravity. It is thrown into. The powder container 150 can be rephrased as a cartridge. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the powder supply unit 52 in the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the powder supply unit 52 includes a mounting unit 200 including a storage chamber 152, and a powder storage container (cartridge) 150 as a container including a container unit 114. I have. In the powder supply unit 52 of the present embodiment, the powder container 150 is configured to be detachable from the mounting unit 200. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting portion 200 is disposed above the storage chamber 152, and the powder container 150 including the container connecting portion 110 is disposed above the mounting portion 200. Yes.

  The mounting part 200 has an opening 182a as an inlet for receiving powder containing a binder resin supplied from a powder container 150 as a container, and an opening 182a when the powder container 150 is not mounted. And an opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 for closing. Note that the opening 182a of the present embodiment is the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 182 that constitutes the support portion 180.

  Further, the mounting portion 200 places the powder container 150 between the mounting start position (position shown in FIG. 11A) and the second position (first release position) (position shown in FIG. 11B) which is an intermediate position. It is supported so as to be movable along one direction (arrow F1 shown in FIG. 11A), and between the second position (first release position) and the first position (first connection position) in the second direction (shown in FIG. 11B). A mounting portion 120 having a mounting plate 121 movable along the arrow F2) is provided. In addition, the mounting portion 200 is located between the storage chamber 152 and the placement portion 120, and moves vertically between the fourth position (second release position) and the third position (second connection position). And a support portion 180 that is movable in the direction opposite to the second direction and the second direction.

  The first position (first connection position) moves the mounting unit 120 to connect the powder container 150 and the storage chamber 152 mounted on the mounting unit 120 via the support unit 180. The second position (first release position) is a position where the placement unit 120 is moved to release the connection between the powder container 150 placed on the placement unit 120 and the storage chamber 152. It is. The third position (second connection position) is a position for moving the support portion 180 to connect the powder container 150 and the storage chamber 152, and the fourth position (second release position) is a powder. This is a position where the support portion 180 is moved to release the connection between the body storage container 150 and the storage chamber 152.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the mounting unit 200 includes a slider unit 140 as a moving mechanism. The slider part 140 includes third cam grooves 175a and 175b for moving the mounting part 120 including the third guide pins 135a and 135b in the vertical direction (direction along the second direction), as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, it has cam grooves 171a and 171b for moving the support portion 180 including the first guide pins 157a and 157b in the vertical direction. The slider part 140 moves the mounting part 120 (mounting plate 121) to a first position (first connection position) and a second position (first release position). The first position (first connection position) of the mounting portion 120 (mounting plate 121) means that the third guide pins 135a and 135b provided on the mounting portion 120 (mounting plate 121) are the third cam grooves. It is the state (state of FIG. 12A) arrange | positioned at the lower end of the downward lower side (2nd direction) of 175a, 175b. On the other hand, the second position (first release position) of the mounting portion 120 (the mounting plate 121) is the third guide pins 135a and 135b provided on the mounting portion 120 (the mounting plate 121). It is the state (state of FIG. 12B) arrange | positioned at the upper upper end (opposite side to the 2nd direction) of cam groove 175a, 175b. Moreover, the slider part 140 moves the support part 180 (support plate 181) to the 3rd position (2nd connection position) and the 4th position (2nd cancellation | release position). The third position (second connection position) of the support portion 180 (support plate 181) is that the first guide pins 157a and 157b provided on the support portion 180 (support plate 181) are below the cam grooves 171a and 171b. It is the state arrange | positioned at the lower end of the side (2nd direction). On the other hand, the fourth position (second release position) of the support portion 180 (support plate 181) means that the first guide pins 157a and 157b provided on the support portion 180 (support plate 181) are connected to the cam grooves 171a and 171b. It is the state arrange | positioned at the upper end of the upper upper side (opposite side to the 2nd direction).

  The mounting unit 200 opens and closes the opening of the powder container 150 and locks or locks the shutter (second shutter) 112 provided in the powder container 150 in order to supply the stored powder. A lock mechanism (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) for releasing is provided, but details will be described in the description of the container connecting portion 110 (see FIG. 9A) included in the powder container 150 in the subsequent stage. .

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the fixing unit 151 is positioned above the storage chamber 152 and is fixed to the main body of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100. The fixing portion 151 is provided with an opening 153 that passes through the front and back of the fixing portion 151 at a position facing the opening of the storage chamber 152. The fixed portion 151 includes fixed guide portions 155a and 155b that are erected at both end portions in the third direction intersecting the moving direction (first direction) of the powder container 150.

  The fixed guide portions 155a and 155b have two first slide guide portions 146a and 146b which are elongated through-holes along the vertical direction, and both sides of the two first slide guide portions 146a and 146b. Two second slide guide portions 156a and 156b which are long hole-like through grooves along the vertical direction are provided. Third guide pins 135a and 135b for guiding the vertical movement of the mounting portion 120 are inserted into the first slide guide portions 146a and 146b. In addition, first guide pins 157a and 157b for guiding the vertical movement of the support portion 180 are inserted into the second slide guide portions 156a and 156b.

  In addition, fourth guide pins 158a and 158b that protrude outward from the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b and are fixed are provided on the upper portions of the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b. The fourth guide pins 158a and 158b are inserted into fourth cam grooves 176a and 176b provided in slide plates 143a and 143b, which will be described later, and guide the horizontal movement of the slide plates 143a and 143b.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the mounting portion 120 is provided above the support portion 180 that is located above the fixed portion 151. The mounting unit 120 is generally a plate-like table that can be moved by mounting the powder container 150, a mounting table (stage), or the like. The placement unit 120 places the powder container 150 between the mounting start position (position shown in FIG. 11A) and the second position (first release position) (position shown in FIG. 11B) which is an intermediate position. A mounting plate 121 that is supported so as to be able to reciprocate along one direction (indicated by an arrow F1 shown in FIG. 11A), and a width direction (third direction) that intersects the moving direction (first direction) of the powder container 150. ) Mounting guide portions 122a and 122b standing on both ends of the mounting portion 120. The placement guide portions 122a and 122b are positioned inside the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b that stand from the fixed portion 151.

  An opening 125 penetrating the front and back of the mounting plate 121 is provided at the center of the mounting plate 121 at a position facing the opening of the accommodation chamber 152. The opening 125 is formed to have a size capable of accommodating the outer edge of the second seal portion 184 that constitutes the support portion 180 described later. Further, on both sides of the mounting plate 121 in the width direction (third direction), a clearance that penetrates through the front and back of the mounting plate 121 and allows insertion of a push-up pin 119 (see FIG. 10B) that constitutes the locking mechanism. Holes 187a and 187b are provided.

  Two third guide pins 135a and 135b are provided in each of the placement guide portions 122a and 122b on both sides. The third guide pins 135a and 135b are provided so as to protrude outward (on the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b side) in a direction orthogonal to the standing surfaces of the placement guide portions 122a and 122b. The third guide pins 135a and 135b are inserted into and slide in third cam grooves 175a and 175b provided in slide plates 143a and 143b, which will be described later, thereby moving the mounting portion 120 in the vertical direction (second direction). The second position (first release position) and the first position (first connection position) can be moved.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the support portion 180 is located between the fixed portion 151 and the mounting portion 120 inside the fixed guide portions 155 a and 155 b erected from the fixed portion 151, and above the fixed portion 151. Are arranged.

  The support portion 180 includes a fourth position (second release position) corresponding to the placement portion 120 in the second position (first release position), and the placement portion 120 in the first position (first connection position). And a third position (second connection position) corresponding to the second position (indicated by an arrow F2 shown in FIG. 11B). In other words, the support portion 180 is provided so as to be displaceable between the third position (second connection position) and the fourth position (second release position) by moving along the second direction.

  The support portion 180 includes a support plate 181 having a through hole 189 penetrating the front and back, a cylindrical portion 182 that extends from the inside of the through hole 189 in the vertical direction of the support plate 181, and is connected to the support plate 181. Provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 182 on the lower side of the plate 181, provided on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical seal portion 183 connected to the cylindrical portion 182, and the cylindrical portion 182 on the upper side of the support plate 181, A ring-shaped second seal portion 184 connected to at least the support plate 181. The cylindrical portion 182 is a cylindrical body configured such that the powder is passed through the center so that the powder can pass in the second direction and is hollowed out.

  An opening 182 a configured by the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 182 is provided at the center of the support portion 180 at a position facing the opening of the storage chamber 152. An opening 182 a that is the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 182 functions as a charging guide path for powder to be charged from the powder container 150 into the container chamber 152.

  The support plate 181 is provided such that both side surfaces positioned in the width direction (third direction) are slidably in contact with the inside of the fixed guide portions 155 a and 155 b erected from the fixed portion 151. A through hole 189 is provided in the central portion of the support plate 181, and on both sides in the width direction (third direction), push pins 119 (FIG. 10B) that penetrate the front and back of the support plate 181 and constitute a lock mechanism. Are provided with relief holes 188a and 188b.

  Two first guide pins 157a and 157b that protrude outward (on the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b side) are provided on both side surfaces of the support plate 181 in the width direction (third direction). The first guide pins 157a and 157b are inserted into cam grooves 171a and 171b (first cam grooves 201 and second cam grooves 202) provided in slide plates 143a and 143b, which will be described later, and are slid to support plates. 181 (support portion 180) can be moved vertically between the fourth position (second release position) and the third position (second connection position) along the second direction.

  The first seal portion 183 includes an internal area including the inside of the storage chamber 152 and the powder storage container 150 when the powder storage container 150 is connected, and an area outside the storage chamber 152 and the powder storage container 150. It functions as a sealing member for sealing. When the support part 180 reciprocates in the vertical direction, the first seal part 183 moves while sliding with the opening 153 of the fixed part 151, and can exhibit a sealing effect. By providing the first seal portion 183 as described above, the internal region continues to be sealed even when the support portion 180 moves in the vertical direction, so that the powder inside can be prevented from being scattered to the outside. .

  The powder container 150 abuts on the upper surface 185 of the second seal portion 184 and is connected. The second seal portion 184 functions as a seal member that seals between the powder container 150 and the support portion 180 when the powder container 150 is connected. The second seal portion 184 is pressed between the support plate 181 by its own weight of the powder container 150 and can exhibit a sealing effect.

  The slider part 140 included in the moving mechanism moves the placement part 120 in the vertical direction along the second direction, and moves the powder container 150 to a second position (first release position) that is an intermediate position (see FIG. 11A). And a first position (first connection position) (position shown in FIG. 3) which is a mounting completion position. Further, the slider part 140 moves the support part 180 in the vertical direction along the second direction, and the fourth position (second release position) of the support part 180 where the powder container 150 is the intermediate position (see FIG. 11B). From the position shown in FIG. 3 to the third position (second connection position) (position shown in FIG. 3), which is the position to move the support portion 180 to connect the powder container 150 and the storage chamber 152. It has a function to make it. Hereinafter, the configuration of the slider portion 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the slider portion 140 included in the moving mechanism is disposed on the outer side of each of the fixed guide portions 155 a and 155 b erected on the fixed portion 151. Then, by operating the slider portion 140, the support portion 180 and the placement portion 120 can be moved in the vertical direction along the second direction. In the moving mechanism including the slider part 140, a force (gravity) that is constantly applied in the vertically downward direction (second direction) due to the weight of the support part 180 and the placing part 120 or the weight of the placed powder supply part 52. We are using. The slider unit 140 uses the weight of the support unit 180 and the mounting unit 120 described above or the weight of the mounted powder supply unit 52 to move the slide plates 143a and 143b along the first direction (arrow P1). By moving, the support part 180 and the mounting part 120 can be moved in the up-down direction along the second direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the slider unit 140 included in the moving mechanism includes a pair of slide plates 143a and 143b, cam grooves 171a and 171b provided in the slide plates 143a and 143b, and third cam grooves 175a and 175b. , Fourth cam grooves 176a, 176b and fifth cam grooves 144a, 144b. The cam grooves 171a and 171b, the third cam grooves 175a and 175b, and the fourth cam grooves 176a and 176b are provided in two on each slide plate 143a and 143b.

  Respective cam grooves 171a and 171b include switching portions 172a and 172b, guide plates 173a and 173b for guiding the movement of the switching portions 172a and 172b, sixth guide pins 174a and 174b protruding from the switching portions 172a and 172b, and Seventh guide pins 177a and 177b. The switching portions 172a and 172b move in the direction of the arrow P3, and have a function of switching the cam grooves 171a and 171b to the first cam groove 201 (see FIG. 8B) and the second cam groove 202 (see FIG. 8C). Yes. The switching portions 172a and 172b form part of the first cam groove 201 and part of the second cam groove 202. The first cam groove 201 and the second cam groove 202 include an inclined portion that is inclined in the vertical direction along the first direction by a part (inclined surface) of the switching portions 172a and 172b, and the first cam groove 201 and the second cam groove 202 are arranged on both sides of the inclined portion. A horizontal portion extending along the direction is provided.

  Each of the third cam grooves 175a and 175b includes an inclined portion inclined upward along the first direction, and horizontal portions extending along the first direction are provided on both sides of the inclined portion. The third cam grooves 175a and 175b are disposed above the cam grooves 171a and 171b (the first cam groove 201 and the second cam groove 202). In other words, the horizontal portions located on both sides of the inclined portions of the third cam grooves 175a and 175b are respectively disposed above the horizontal portions located on both sides of the inclined portions of the cam grooves 171a and 171b.

  Each of the fourth cam grooves 176a and 176b extends in the horizontal direction along the first direction. Each of the fifth cam grooves 144a and 144b extends in the vertical direction along the second direction.

  Further, the slider portion 140 protrudes in the third direction from the third guide pins 135a and 135b protruding in the third direction from the placement guide portions 122a and 122b (see FIG. 4) and the support portion 180 (see FIG. 4). The first guide pins 157a and 157b, the fourth guide pins 158a and 158b protruding in the third direction from the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b (see FIG. 4), and the lever portion 142 (see FIG. 3) protruding in the third direction. Fifth guide pins 145a and 145b. The first guide pins 157a and 157b, the third guide pins 135a and 135b, and the fourth guide pins 158a and 158b are provided in two on each slide plate 143a and 143b.

  Furthermore, the slider part 140 has the support | pillar 162a, 162b standingly arranged by the fixing | fixed part 151 of the outer side of slide board 143a, 143b, and the sliding part 163a engage | inserted slidably along the outer surface of the support | pillar 162a, 162b. , 163b, compression springs 164a, 164b disposed along the outer surface of the struts 162a, 162b between the sliding portions 163a, 163b and the fixed portion 151, and one end of the springs 163a, 163b and the sliding portions 163a, 163b. And slide rods 161a and 161b which are in contact with each other and are supported by the shaft S at the other end located on the opposite side of the one end so that the one end can rotate in the directions of arrows P4 and P5. The struts 162a and 162b, the sliding portions 163a and 163b, the compression springs 164a and 164b, and the slide rods 161a and 161b correspond to the respective cam grooves 171a and 171b, two on each slide plate 143a and 143b. Is provided.

  Here, in a state where the force in the direction of the arrow P5 is not applied to the slide rods 161a and 161b, the sliding portions 163a and 163b are applied with a downward force due to their own weight, and one end portion of the extended compression springs 164a and 164b has one end. It is supported. When the slide bars 161a and 161b move downward, the compression springs 164a and 164b exert a force to push the slide bars 161a and 161b back upward.

  Third guide pins 135a and 135b projecting in the third direction from the mounting guide portions 122a and 122b erected on both sides of the mounting portion 120 are first slide guide portions 146a and 146a provided on the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b, respectively. It is inserted into the cam grooves 171a and 171b of the slide plates 143a and 143b via 146b. When the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P1 along the first direction, the third cam grooves 175a and 175b also move in the first direction, and the third guide pins 135a and 135b move to the third cam groove. Following the inclined portions of 175a and 175b, it moves downward (second direction), and this movement causes the placement guide portions 122a and 122b to move downward (second direction). That is, the placement unit 120 moves to the first position (first connection position) for connecting the powder container 150 and the storage chamber 152 via the support unit 180.

  When the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P2 along the direction opposite to the first direction, the third cam grooves 175a and 175b also move in the direction opposite to the first direction, and the third guide pins 135a and 135b. Is moved upward (opposite to the second direction) following the inclined portions of the third cam grooves 175a and 175b, and this movement causes the placement guide portions 122a and 122b to move upward (opposite to the second direction). ) That is, the placement unit 120 moves to the second position (first release position) for releasing the connection between the powder container 150 and the storage chamber 152.

  The first guide pins 157a and 157b protruding in the third direction from the support portion 180 are cam grooves 171a and 173a of the slide plates 143a and 143b via the second slide guide portions 156a and 156b provided on the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b. 171b is inserted. In the cam grooves 171a and 171b, a first cam groove 201 or a second cam groove 202 formed by the switching portions 172a and 172b is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P1 along the first direction, the switching portions 172a and 172b are moved upward by the repulsive force (spring force) of the compression springs 164a and 164b. When pushed up, a first cam groove 201 is formed below the switching portions 172a and 172b. When the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P1 along the first direction, the first guide pins 157a and 157b move from the position of the first guide pin 157a1 shown in the drawing with respect to the first cam groove 201. By moving to the position of the first guide pin 157a3 via the position of the first guide pin 157a2, it moves downward (second direction). By this movement, the support portion 180 moves from the lower direction (second direction), that is, from the fourth position (second release position) to the third position (second connection position).

  Specifically, when the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P1 along the first direction, the first guide pins 157a and 157b are moved down from the upper horizontal portion along the inclined portion of the first cam groove 201. It moves in the direction (second direction) (for example, the first guide pin 157a1 in the figure), and then moves to the lower horizontal part (for example, the first guide pin 157a2 in the figure). In addition, the switching portions 172a and 172b that move in the direction of the arrow P1 are such that the protruding sixth guide pins 174a and 174b are separated from the inclined slide bars 161a and 161b and do not receive the force of the compression springs 164a and 164b. become. In such a state, when the first guide pins 157a and 157b reach positions where they are disengaged from the switching portions 172a and 172b (for example, the first guide pins 157a3 in the figure), the sandwiched first guide pins 157a and 157b disappear. The switching portions 172a and 172b move in the direction of arrow D (downward) by the sixth guide pins 174a and 174b and the seventh guide pins 177a and 177b moving along the guide plates 173a and 173b by their own weight. Moving. The second cam groove 202 is formed by the movement of the switching portions 172a and 172b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P2 which is the opposite direction of the first direction, the switching portions 172a and 172b move along the guide plates 173a and 173b by their own weight. The second cam groove 202 is formed above the switching portions 172a and 172b. When the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P2, the first guide pins 157a and 157b move from the position of the first guide pin 157a4 shown in the drawing to the first guide pin 157a5 with respect to the first cam groove 201. By moving to the position of the first guide pin 157a6 via the position of (2), it moves upward (the direction opposite to the second direction). As a result of this movement, the support portion 180 moves upward (in the direction opposite to the second direction), that is, from the third position (second connection position) to the fourth position (second release position).

  Specifically, when the slide plates 143a and 143b move in the direction of the arrow P2, the first guide pins 157a and 157b move upward (second direction) following the inclined portion of the second cam groove 202 from the lower horizontal portion. (For example, the first guide pin 157a4 in the drawing) and then move to the upper horizontal portion (for example, the first guide pin 157a5 in the drawing). With the movement, the switching portions 172a and 172b that move in the direction of the arrow P2 are such that the protruding sixth guide pins 174a and 174b abut against the inclined slide rods 161a and 161b and compress the compression springs 164a and 164b. In other words, it moves while pushing the switching portions 172a, 172b upward with the first guide pins 157a, 157b sandwiched therebetween.

  Furthermore, when the first guide pins 157a and 157b reach a position where they are disengaged from the switching portions 172a and 172b (for example, the first guide pin 157a6 in the figure), the switching portions 172a and 172a and 172a and The sixth guide pins 174a and 174b and the seventh guide pins 177a and 177b are guided by the guide plate 173a by the repulsive force (spring force) of the compression springs 164a and 164b received by the slide rods 161a and 161b that are in contact with each other. , 173b to move in the direction of arrow U (upward). The first cam groove 201 is formed by the movement of the switching portions 172a and 172b.

  The fourth guide pins 158a and 158b projecting in the third direction from the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b (see FIG. 3) are formed in the fourth cam grooves 176a and 176b extending along the first direction of the slide plates 143a and 143b. Has been inserted. The slide plates 143a and 143b can move along the first direction as the fourth guide pins 158a and 158b slide using the fourth cam grooves 176a and 176b as guides.

  The fifth guide pins 145a and 145b protruding in the third direction from the lever portion 142 (see FIG. 3) are inserted into the fifth cam grooves 144a and 144b extending along the second direction. When the lever portion 142 rotates in the direction of the arrow R1 about the rotation shaft pin 148 as shown in FIG. 11B, the fifth guide pins 145a and 145b also rotate along with the rotation. The fifth guide pins 145a and 145b that rotate and slide the slide plates 143a and 143b in the horizontal direction (first direction) while sliding the fifth cam grooves 144a and 144b in the vertical direction (the second direction and the opposite direction of the second direction). Direction and the direction opposite to the first direction).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lever portion 142 is positioned inside the slide plates 143 a and 143 b and is rotatably supported by the fixed portion 151 by the rotation shaft pin 148. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the lever portion 142 rotates and moves in the direction of the arrow R1 around the rotation shaft pin 148, thereby moving the slide plates 143a and 143b through the fifth guide pins 145a and 145b. It can be moved along the direction. Further, the lever portion 142 rotates about the rotation shaft pin 148 in the direction opposite to the arrow R1 (the direction of the arrow R2 shown in FIG. 12A), so that the slide plates 143a, 145a and 145b are interposed via the fifth guide pins 145a, 145b. 143b can be moved in the direction opposite to the first direction (the direction along arrow F4 shown in FIG. 12B). Thus, by rotating the lever portion 142, the slide plates 143a and 143b are moved in the first direction or the direction opposite to the first direction, and the placement portion 120 (powder container 150) and the support portion 180 are moved. It can be moved in the second direction or in the opposite direction of the second direction. The lever portion 142 may be positioned below the powder container 150 and support the powder container 150 when the powder container 150 is in the mounting start position.

  A powder container (cartridge) 150 as a container for the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 is joined to the container part 114 in which the powder containing the binder resin mixed with the fibers is stored, and the container part 114 is bonded to the powder. And a container connecting part 110 connected to the support part 180 when supplying the liquid.

  The container part 114 is a storage part in which powder is stored. The container part 114 is connected to the mounting part 200 via the container connection part 110 and accommodates the powder containing the binder resin contained in the container part 114 via the container connection part 110 and the support part 180. Supply to chamber 152.

  A container flange 115 including ribs (not shown) protruding in four directions is provided on the opening side of the container part 114. The container part 114 is connected to the container connection part 110 at the container flange 115. The rib includes a function of a reinforcing material for improving the strength of the container portion 114. The container part 114 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of the container part 114 in the horizontal direction gradually increases upward in the vertical direction. In addition, the container part 114 in this embodiment is provided with a portion having a relatively small cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction on the lower side in the vertical direction, that is, on the side connected to the container connecting part 110, and has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area on the upper side in the vertical direction. A configuration in which a large part is provided is used. Further, in this embodiment, the connection portion between the portion having a relatively small cross-sectional area and the portion having a relatively large cross-sectional area is formed so as to gradually increase upward in the vertical direction. By adopting such a configuration, the powder is transferred (supplied) by gravity to the storage chamber 152 side through the opening 182a of the support portion 180. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the cross-sectional shape is substantially a quadrangle, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be another shape such as a circle, an oval, or a polygon.

  The container connection part 110 connects the container part 114 to the upper side. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9A, the container connecting portion 110 includes a first holder flange 111, a second shutter 112 as a shutter for opening and closing an opening of the powder container (cartridge) 150, a second shutter And a holder flange 113. The container connecting portion 110 is provided with a lock mechanism (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) that locks the closed second shutter 112 so that it cannot be opened accidentally.

  The first holder flange 111 is provided with an opening 111h penetrating the front and back surfaces (upper side surface and lower side surface) at the center. In addition, inside the both ends located in the width direction (third direction) on the front side (opposite side of the first direction) of the first holder flange 111, the front and back of the first holder flange 111 are respectively penetrated, and the lock mechanism is provided. An escape hole 118 is provided through which the push-up pin 119 (see FIG. 10B) can be inserted. The push-up pin 119 protrudes from the fixing portion 151 and is fixed. A recess 111r that is recessed from the second shutter 112 side is provided around the escape hole 118 of the first holder flange 111. The recess 111r may be bottomed or a through hole. A lock leaf spring 117 is fixed at a position near the escape hole 118 of the first holder flange 111 and away from the recess 111r.

  The second holder flange 113 is disposed above the first holder flange 111, and an opening 113h (see FIG. 4) penetrating the front and back surfaces (upper side surface and lower side surface) is provided at the center. The opening 113h is disposed at a position substantially overlapping with the opening 111h of the first holder flange 111, and allows the powder to pass along with the opening 111h when the second shutter 112 is opened. The second holder flange 113 is provided with a recess 113r at a position facing an engaging portion 117b of a lock plate spring 117 described later. Note that. The recess 113r may be bottomed or a through hole. Note that a powder container (cartridge) 150 is fixed to the upper side of the second holder flange 113.

  The second shutter 112 as a shutter includes a flat plate portion 112b that functions as a shutter, and a handle 112a in which the near side (opposite side in the first direction) of the flat plate portion 112b is bent. The second shutter 112 opens and closes the opening 111 h of the first holder flange 111 and the opening 113 h of the second holder flange 113. The second shutter 112 can be opened and closed by sliding the flat plate portion 112 b in a groove formed between the first holder flange 111 and the second holder flange 113. The second shutter 112 is positioned at a position opposite to an engaging portion 117b of a lock plate spring 117 described later, that is, both ends positioned in the width direction (third direction) on the front side (opposite side of the first direction) of the flat plate portion 112b. Are provided with cut portions 116 cut inward from both ends. The notch part 116 is arrange | positioned so that engagement with the engaging part 117b is possible.

  The lock mechanism of the second shutter 112 includes a push-up pin 119 protruding from the fixing portion 151, a lock leaf spring 117 fixed to the first holder flange 111, a cut portion 116 of the second shutter 112, and the like.

  The lock leaf spring 117 fixed to the first holder flange 111 includes a fixed portion 117a and an engagement that extends from the fixed portion 117a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the fixed portion 117a and is formed in a V shape. Part 117b.

  As for the engaging part 117b, the powder container (cartridge) 150 including the container connecting part 110 (first holder flange 111) placed on the placing part 120 is present at a position other than the first position (first connection position). In some cases, it is disposed at a position to be engaged with the notch 116. In other words, when the powder container (cartridge) 150 including the container connection portion 110 is located at a position other than the first position (first connection position), the second shutter 112 is connected to the container connection portion 110 (first holder flange) by the lock mechanism. 111) and locked in the closed position.

  The engaging portion 117b is relatively moved when the powder container (cartridge) 150 including the container connection portion 110 (first holder flange 111) placed on the placement portion 120 moves in the second direction. It is pushed up by the push-up pin 119 and is disengaged from the notch 116 of the second shutter 112, and the lock of the second shutter 112 is released. That is, when the powder container (cartridge) 150 (container connecting portion 110) moves in the second direction and reaches the first position (first connection position), the second shutter 112 is unlocked, 2 The shutter 112 can be opened.

  Note that the push-up pins 119 are arranged at positions shifted outward from the width direction (third direction) of the second shutter 112. Thus, the second shutter 112 can move in the direction along the first direction without being obstructed by the push-up pin 119.

  Although not shown, the storage chamber 152 of this embodiment is formed so that the cross-sectional area of the storage chamber 152 in the horizontal direction gradually decreases downward in the vertical direction. The powder that can be stored in the storage chamber 152 is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a pulverized amorphous shape, a synthetic granulated sphere shape, a rod shape with a high aspect ratio, a fiber shape, a mixture thereof, and the like. It may be a thing. Also, the size is not specified.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage chamber 152 has a flange portion, and is connected to the lower portion of the fixed portion 151 at the portion of the flange portion. A support portion 180 is disposed above the storage chamber 152, and the tip (lower end) of the cylindrical portion 182 of the support portion 180 is positioned inside the storage chamber 152. Therefore, a powder container 150 in which powder is stored corresponding to the storage chamber 152 is mounted, and the gravity of the powder from the mounted powder container 150 toward the storage chamber 152 via the cylindrical portion 182 is reduced. It is comprised so that it may be conveyed (supply) by. Although not shown, a lead-out portion for sending powder is provided at the bottom below the storage chamber 152.

  The opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 closes the opening 182 a of the support unit 180 when the powder container 150 is not mounted on the mounting unit 200, so that the powder stored in the storage chamber 152 is scattered. It has a function of preventing or preventing erroneous entry of foreign matter into the storage chamber 152. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 has a bent portion 132 at one end located on the container portion 114 side. Further, the opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 has side portions projecting on both sides in the width direction along the third direction of the other end portion on the side opposite to the one end in the direction opposite to the folding direction of the folding portion 132. It has the bearing part 133 (refer FIG. 12B) bent. The opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 is arranged on the container 114 side with the bent portion 132 facing upward, and the bearing portion 133 is connected to the fixed portion 151 by the shaft pin 131 (see FIG. 12B). The opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 is connected to be rotatable about the shaft pin 131, and can be rotated and moved by the horizontal movement and the own weight of the powder container 150 along the first direction.

(Powder container mounting operation)
Here, regarding the mounting operation of the powder container 150 in the mounting unit 200, referring to FIGS. 3, 8A, 8B, and 8C, and FIGS. 11A and 11B used earlier, the slider unit This will be described together with the operation 140. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing a mounting state (mounting start position) of the powder container (cartridge) on the mounting portion. FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing a pressed-in state (intermediate position) of the powder container (cartridge).

  First, at the mounting start position, the powder container 150 is placed on the placement unit 120 (state shown in FIG. 11A). At this time, the mounting portion 120 is rotated so that the lever portion 142 connected to the slider portion 140 (the slide plates 143a and 143b) is positioned in the direction along the first direction, and the slider portion 140 is moved to the front side ( As a result of moving in the direction opposite to the first direction, the fixed portion 151 is lifted. A lever portion 142 is located below the powder container 150 and can support the powder container 150 together with the placement unit 120. Thus, by positioning the pulled-out lever portion 142 below the powder container 150, it becomes difficult to operate the lever portion 142, and it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of the lever portion 142. In addition, the lever portion 142 can stabilize the posture when the powder container 150 is placed, and can prevent the powder container 150 from being tilted or overturned during placement.

  Next, the powder container 150 placed on the placement unit 120 at the mounting start position is slid on the placement unit 120 in the direction of the arrow F1 (first direction) in FIG. To the second position (first release position) (position shown in FIG. 11B), which is an intermediate position. At this time, the powder container 150 is located at the tip of the fixed guide portions 155a and 155b (the end portion on the first direction side), and the upper guide portions 159a and 159b provided to protrude inward (see FIG. 11A). ) Slide as a guide. In addition, when the container connection part 110 (refer FIG. 9A) hooks on the upper side guide parts 159a and 159b, the upward movement of the powder container 150 can be restrict | limited. In addition, the powder container 150 uses a position adjustment pin 128 (see FIG. 11A) of the tip guide portion 127 provided at the tip (end in the first direction) of the fixed portion 151 as a stopper, and the container connecting portion. A position where 110 abuts on the position adjustment pin 128 is defined as a stop position in the first direction. That is, this stop position is a second position (first release position) that is an intermediate position of the powder container 150. In this way, in the second position (first release position) that is the intermediate position, the powder container 150 includes the placement guide portions 122a and 122b (see FIG. 4), the position adjustment pin 128, and the upper guide portion 159a, Positioned by 159b. The open / close plate (first shutter) 130 is pushed by the bent portion 132 by the slide of the powder container 150 and moves about the shaft pin 131 in the rotation direction of the arrow R3. Oppositely, the storage chamber 152 is opened (opened).

  Next, in the second position (first release position), which is an intermediate position, the powder container 150 placed on the placement unit 120 is moved together with the placement unit 120 in the direction of the arrow F2 shown in FIG. The lower surface 121b of the mounting portion 120 and the upper surface 185 of the second seal portion 184 of the support portion 180 are brought into contact with each other (see FIG. 4).

  Specifically, FIG. 11B shows a lever portion 142 (gripping portion 149) in which the powder container 150 is moved to an intermediate position (second position (first release position)) and the upper portion is free and easy to grip. The slide plates 143a and 143b are moved in the first direction by rotating in the direction of the arrow R1. As the slide plates 143a and 143b move along the first direction, the support portion 180 at the fourth position (second release position) first positioned above the storage chamber 152 is at the lower third position. Move toward (second connection position). Thereafter, the placement unit 120 moves downward (second direction), and the powder container 150 is mounted at the first position (first connection position) that is the mounting completion position (mounted state on the mounting unit 200). (See FIG. 3).

  In other words, the operations of the support portion 180 and the placement portion 120 are provided such that the support portion 180 and the placement portion 120 are relatively movable. The powder container 150 and the support unit 180 placed on the placement unit 120 that moves downward (second direction) by the sliding movement of the slide plates 143a and 143b are the powder placed on the placement unit 120. Before the body container 150 and the support portion 180 abut, the support portion 180 and the accommodation chamber 152 move so as to abut.

  Thus, before the powder container 150 and the support portion 180 are in contact, the support portion 180 and the storage chamber 152 are in contact, so that the support portion 180 and the storage chamber 152 are in contact, that is, the powder. When the storage container 150 moves toward the storage chamber 152, a gap Q (see FIG. 4) is generated between the support portion 180 and the placement portion 120. By this gap Q, air that is compressed when the powder container 150 (mounting unit 120) moves toward the storage chamber 152 can be released. Therefore, powder scattering due to the compressed air flowing into the storage chamber 152 can be prevented.

  Note that the downward movement of the powder container 150 has been described in detail in the description of the slider portion 140, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  With the series of operations described above, the mounting operation of the powder container 150 is completed, and preparation for supplying powder is completed.

(Powder container removal operation)
In addition, when removing the powder container 150, it is possible to remove the powder container 150 by performing the operation | movement reverse to the above-mentioned procedure. Hereinafter, an operation of removing the powder container 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C. FIG. 12A is a front view showing an operation (mounting state) when the powder container (cartridge) is removed. FIG. 12B is a front view showing an operation (detachment state) when the powder container (cartridge) is detached. FIG. 12C is a front view showing an operation (detached state) when the powder container (cartridge) is detached.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12A, the powder container 150 is moved from a first position (first connection position) that is an installation completion position to a second position (first release position) that is an intermediate position. Specifically, the gripping portion 149 of the lever portion 142 standing in the vertical direction is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2 in the figure, and the slide plates 143a and 143b are moved along the direction opposite to the first direction. Move. By the movement of the slide plates 143a and 143b, the placement unit 120 and the powder container 150 are moved to the intermediate position (second position (first release position)) in the direction indicated by the arrow F3. Simultaneously with the movement of the mounting portion 120, the support portion 180 also moves to the fourth position (second release position) in the direction indicated by the arrow F3. In other words, the support unit 180 is moved from the third position (second connection position) to the fourth position (second release position), and at the same time, the placement unit 120 is moved from the first position (first connection position) to the second position. Move to position (first release position).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, the powder container 150 is slid in the direction of the arrow F4 in the figure, which is the direction opposite to the first direction, and moved to the same position as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, as the arrow F4 of the powder container 150 moves, the opening / closing plate (first shutter) 130 rotates about the shaft pin 131 in the direction of the arrow R4 by its own weight. While closing the opening.

  With the series of operations described above, the preparation for removing the powder container 150 is completed. Then, at the mounting start position, the powder container 150 can be removed from the mounting portion 200 upward.

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

  (1) According to the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the application example, after the support unit 180 is moved from the fourth position (second release position) to the third position (second connection position), the container (powder storage) A first position (first position) for connecting the powder container 150 and the storage chamber 152 via the support section 180 from the second position (first release position) of the mounting section 120 to which the container 150 is mounted. 1 connection position). As described above, when the support portion 180 first moves to the third position (second connection position), a gap is generated between the support portion 180 and the placement portion 120 when the placement portion 120 moves. Air that is compressed when the placement unit 120 moves from the gap can be released. Therefore, the powder scattered inside the storage chamber 152 is scattered by the compressed air flowing into the storage chamber 152. Can be prevented.

  (2) The fourth position (second release position) and the third position (second) are defined by the first cam groove 201 and the second cam groove 202 provided in the cam grooves 171a and 171b of the slide plates 143a and 143b. The support portion 180 can be moved between the connection position) and the connection position.

  (3) The switching portions 172a and 172b that form part of the first cam groove 201 and part of the second cam groove 202 have compression springs 164a and 164b received by the slide rods 161a and 161b that are in contact with each other. The first cam groove 201 and the second cam groove 202 that are moved by a repulsive force (spring force) or their own weight and serve as a movement path of the support portion 180 can be easily switched.

  (4) The first cam groove 201 and the second cam groove 202 provided in the slider portion 140 (sliding plates 143a and 143b) moving along the first direction along the second direction intersecting the first direction. Thus, the support portion 180 can be moved and displaced between the third position (second connection position) and the fourth position (second release position).

  (5) The mounting portion 120 along the second direction intersecting the first direction by the third cam grooves 175a and 175b provided in the slider portion 140 (sliding plates 143a and 143a) moving along the first direction. Can be moved to a first position (first coupling position) and a second position (first release position).

  (6) Before the powder container 150 is connected to the container chamber 152, the opening of the powder container 150 is closed by the second shutter 112 as a shutter provided in the powder container 150, and the powder container After connecting 150 to the storage chamber 152, the opening of the powder storage container 150 can be opened. Thereby, scattering of the powder to the outside can be prevented.

  (7) Since the second shutter 112 cannot be opened until the mounting of the powder container 150 is completed by the lock mechanism that can lock and release the operation of the second shutter 112, The scattering (scattering) of the powder can be prevented.

  (8) The second shutter 112 is locked when the placement unit 120 on which the powder container 150 is placed moves to the first position (first connection position), that is, the storage chamber of the powder container 150. It is released when the attachment to 152 is completed. In other words, since the second shutter 112 cannot be opened until the mounting of the powder container 150 is completed, powder scattering (scattering) due to an erroneous operation or the like can be prevented. In addition, since the second shutter 112 is locked and released in conjunction with the vertical movement of the placement unit 120, the second shutter 112 can be easily and reliably operated.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. Below, various modifications are shown.

  The powder container 150 of the above embodiment is arranged vertically above the storage chamber 152, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the powder container 150 may be disposed obliquely above the storage chamber 152. Even with such a configuration, the powder stored in the powder container 150 can be loaded into the storage chamber 152 by gravity.

  In addition, the opening / closing plate 130 is moved in the first direction (horizontal direction) to be opened and closed, but the moving direction is not limited. For example, the opening / closing plate 130 may be configured to be opened / closed by moving it diagonally upward or diagonally downward. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired.

  Moreover, although it was set as the structure which removes the 2nd shutter 112 by moving to the 1st direction (horizontal direction), the removal (detachment) direction is not limited. For example, the second shutter 112 may be removed by moving it diagonally upward or diagonally downward. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired.

  Further, the configuration of the container portion 114 constituting the powder container 150 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and it is sufficient that the powder to be stored is supplied to the storage chamber (hopper) 152 side by gravity. It doesn't matter. In the present embodiment, an example in which the cross-sectional shape is substantially rectangular is shown, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be other shapes such as a circle, an oval, and a polygon.

  52 ... Powder supply unit, 100 ... Sheet manufacturing apparatus, 110 ... Container connection unit, 111 ... First holder flange, 111h ... Opening, 112 ... Second shutter as shutter, 113 ... Second holder flange, 113h ... Opening, 114: Container portion, 120: Placement portion, 121 ... Placement plate, 121b ... Lower surface of placement plate, 122a, 122b ... Placement guide portion, 125 ... Opening, 130 ... Opening / closing plate (first shutter), 135a, 135b ... third guide pin, 140 ... slider part, 142 ... lever part, 143a, 143b ... slide plate, 144a, 144b ... fifth cam groove, 145a, 145b ... fifth guide pin, 146a, 146b ... first slide guide 150, powder container (cartridge) as a container, 151 ... fixing part, 152 ... storage chamber, 153 ... opening, 1 5a, 155b ... fixed guide portion, 156a, 156b ... second slide guide portion, 157a, 157b ... first guide pin, 158a, 158b ... fourth guide pin, 159a, 159b ... upper guide portion, 171a, 171b ... cam groove , 172a, 172b ... switching portion, 173a, 173b ... guide plate, 174a, 174b ... sixth guide pin, 175a, 175b ... third cam groove, 176a, 176b ... fourth cam groove, 180 ... support portion, 181 ... support. Plate, 182 ... cylindrical portion, 182a ... opening of cylindrical portion (opening of support portion), 183 ... first seal portion, 184 ... second seal portion, 185 ... upper surface, 200 ... mounting portion, 201 ... first cam Groove, 202 ... second cam groove.

Claims (9)

A sheet manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a sheet using powder and fibers,
A mounting section on which a container for storing the powder is mounted;
A storage chamber for receiving the powder from the container;
A support portion positioned between the storage chamber and the placement portion;
A moving mechanism for moving the mounting portion to a first position and a second position and moving the support portion to a third position and a fourth position;
Have
The moving mechanism moves the support unit from the fourth position to the third position, and then moves the mounting unit from the second position to the first position to move the container and the storage chamber. At the same time, the support part is moved from the third position to the fourth position, and at the same time, the placement part is moved from the first position to the second position to connect the container and the storage chamber. To release,
A sheet manufacturing apparatus. The moving mechanism is
A first cam groove for moving the support portion from the fourth position to the third position;
A second cam groove for moving the support portion from the third position to the fourth position;
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1. The moving mechanism is
A switching portion for switching the movement path of the support portion between the first cam groove and the second cam groove;
The switching unit is
Forming a part of the first cam groove and a part of the second cam groove;
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2. The support portion can be displaced between the third position and the fourth position by moving along the second direction.
The moving mechanism is
A slider portion movable along a first direction intersecting the second direction, wherein the slider portion is provided with the first cam groove and the second cam groove;
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein The mounting portion can be displaced between the first position and the second position by moving along the second direction.
The slider portion has a third cam groove for moving the placement portion to the first position and the second position.
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4. The container has a shutter for opening and closing an opening for supplying the stored powder.
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The shutter is locked in a closed position that closes the opening by a lock mechanism.
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6. The lock of the shutter is released when the mounting portion on which the container is placed moves to the first position.
The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7. A sheet manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a sheet containing powder and fibers,
A mounting portion on which a container for storing the powder is mounted;
A storage chamber for receiving the powder from the container;
A support portion positioned between the storage chamber and the placement portion;
Have
The placement section, the support section, and the storage chamber are provided to be relatively movable,
Before the container placed on the placement part and the support part come into contact with each other, the support part comes into contact with the storage chamber,
A sheet manufacturing apparatus.

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