U.S. patent application number 15/779299 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-06 for sheet manufacturing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Shigeo FUJITA, Naotaka HIGUCHI, Kazuma MIYAZAWA.
Application Number | 20180347086 15/779299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58764164 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180347086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIGUCHI; Naotaka ; et
al. |
December 6, 2018 |
SHEET MANUFACTURING APPARATUS
Abstract
To manufacture sheets of uniform quality, a sheet manufacturing
apparatus has a drum with a plurality of holes; a housing covering
the drum; a conveyor on which material including fiber that has
passed through the holes accumulates as a web, and which conveys
the accumulated web; a first roller that is a first roller disposed
to contact the web conveyed by the conveyor, and has asperities on
its outside surface; and a first seal disposed to a first wall of
the first housing to contact an outside surface of the first
roller.
Inventors: |
HIGUCHI; Naotaka;
(Fujimi-machi, Nagano, JP) ; FUJITA; Shigeo;
(Matsumoto, Nagano, JP) ; MIYAZAWA; Kazuma;
(Shiojiri, Nagano, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58764164 |
Appl. No.: |
15/779299 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
November 18, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/084267 |
371 Date: |
May 25, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21F 1/02 20130101; D21B
1/32 20130101; D04H 1/26 20130101; D04H 1/732 20130101; D01G 25/00
20130101; D10B 2201/01 20130101; D21F 9/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D04H 1/732 20060101
D04H001/732; D04H 1/26 20060101 D04H001/26; D21B 1/32 20060101
D21B001/32; D21F 9/02 20060101 D21F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 27, 2015 |
JP |
2015-231419 |
Nov 27, 2015 |
JP |
2015-231420 |
Nov 10, 2016 |
JP |
2016-219432 |
Claims
1. A sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a drum with a
plurality of holes; a first housing covering the drum; a conveyor
on which material including fiber that has passed through the holes
accumulates as a web, and which conveys the accumulated web; a
first roller that is a first roller disposed to contact the web
conveyed by the conveyor, and has asperities on an outside surface;
and a first seal disposed to a first wall of the first housing to
contact an outside surface of the first roller.
2. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the asperities are disposed to the outside surface of the first
roller in an area that contacts the web.
3. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the surface roughness of the outside surface of the first roller is
greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500
.mu.m.
4. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the first roller has a channel formed to a depth greater than or
equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m in the
outside surface in a direction intersecting a direction of rotation
of the first roller.
5. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the asperities of the first miler are formed in a screen
pattern.
6. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according claim 1, wherein:
the first roller has a round recess with a depth greater than or
equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m, and a width
greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm, in
the outside surface.
7. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising: a removal device that contacts an outside surface of
the first roller, and removes material stuck to the outside surface
of the first miler.
8. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the first seal contacts an outside surface of the first roller at
an angle of greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or
equal to 90 degrees to a virtual vertical plane tangent to an
outside surface of the first miler.
9. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a second roller positioned on upstream in the
conveyance direction of the web from the first roller, and a second
seal disposed to a second wall opposite a first wall of the first
housing to contact the second roller, the second roller having
asperities on its outside surface.
10. The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein: the conveyor has a mesh member that conveys the web; the
sheet manufacturing apparatus including a suction device configured
to suction material including fiber onto the mesh member, and
having a second housing defining the suction area; a third roller
that is a third roller disposed to a position opposite the first
roller with the mesh member therebetween, and has asperities on its
outside surface; and a third seal disposed to the second housing to
contact an outside surface of the third roller.
11. A sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a drum with a
plurality of holes; a housing covering the drum; a conveyor on
which material including fiber that has passed through the holes
accumulates as a web, and which conveys the accumulated web; a
first roller that contacts a web conveyed by the conveyor; and a
first seal that is a first seal disposed to a first wall of the
housing to contact an outside surface of the first roller, and
contacts an outside surface of the first roller at an angle of
greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90
degrees to a virtual vertical plane tangent to an outside surface
of the first roller.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a U.S. National stage application of
International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2016/084267, filed on
Nov. 18, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a)
to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-231420, filed in Japan on
Nov. 27, 2015, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-231419, filed
in Japan on Nov. 27, 2015, and Japanese Patent Application No.
2016-219432, filed in Japan on Nov. 10, 2016. The entire
disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2015-231420,
2015-231419, and 2016-219432 are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a sheet manufacturing
apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A sheet manufacturing apparatus having a housing, a pile
seal connected to the housing, and a roller disposed in contact
with the pile seal is known from the literature. (See, for example,
JP-A-2015-120999.)
[0004] However, in the apparatus described above, material that
sticks to the surface of the roller is scraped off by the pile seal
and clumps, and the clumps then drop onto the deposited material,
reducing the quality of the sheet.
[0005] In addition, material adhering to the surface of the roller
is compressed by the load of the roller on the web, and then
adheres to the surface of the roller.
[0006] Furthermore, if there is not a sufficient seal maintained
between the suction device and mesh belt, material cannot be
suctioned evenly inside the housing, and sheet quality drops.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is directed to solving at least part
of the foregoing problem, and can be achieved by the embodiments or
examples described below.
EXAMPLE 1
[0008] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this example
includes a drum with a plurality of holes; a first housing covering
the drum; a conveyor on which material including fiber that has
passed through the holes accumulates as a web, and which conveys
the accumulated web; a first roller that is a first roller disposed
to contact the web conveyed by the conveyor, and has asperities on
an outside surface; and a first seal disposed to a first wall of
the first housing to contact an outside surface of the first
roller.
[0009] Thus comprised, material sticking to the surface of the
first roller is more easily held by the asperities of the first
roller, and more easily passes the first seal. Material remaining
(accumulating) where the first roller and first seal touch is
therefore more difficult, and production of clumps of material can
be suppressed. In addition, sheets of consistent quality can be
produced.
EXAMPLE 2
[0010] The asperities of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according
to the above example are characterized by being disposed to the
outside surface of the first roller in an area that contacts the
web.
[0011] Thus comprised, clumping of material that falls onto the web
is suppressed, and overall sheet quality can be improved.
EXAMPLE 3
[0012] The surface roughness of the outside surface of the first
roller in the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above
example is characterized by being greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m
and less than or equal to 500 nm.
[0013] Thus comprised, because the surface roughness of the first
roller is greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal
to 500 .mu.m, leaving material on the first roller is suppressed
and an appropriate seal can be assured.
EXAMPLE 4
[0014] The first roller of the sheet manufacturing apparatus
according to the above example is characterized by having a channel
formed to a depth greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than
or equal to 500 .mu.m in the outside surface in a direction
intersecting a direction of rotation of the first roller.
[0015] Thus comprised, leaving material on the first roller is
suppressed and an appropriate seal can be assured as a result of
forming a channel formed to a depth greater than or equal to 30
.mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m in the outside surface of
the first roller.
EXAMPLE 5
[0016] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above
example characterized by the asperities of the first roller being
formed in a screen pattern.
[0017] Thus comprised, material is entangled and held by the mesh,
and producing clumps of material can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 6
[0018] The first roller of the sheet manufacturing apparatus
according to the above example is characterized by having a round
recess with a depth greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than
or equal to 500 .mu.m, and a width greater than or equal to 0.1 mm
and less than or equal to 2 mm, in the outside surface.
[0019] Thus comprised, because the outside surface of the first
roller has round recesses, there are no burrs or sharp parts, and
material catching and sticking on the outside surface of the first
roller is suppressed. In addition, material sticking as a result of
material (fiber or resin, for example) entering or sticking in the
recesses is suppressed. As a result, adhering of material to the
first roller can be suppressed, and sheets of consistent quality
can therefore be produced.
EXAMPLE 7
[0020] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above
example characterized by having a removal device that contacts an
outside surface of the first roller, and removes material stuck to
the outside surface of the first roller.
[0021] Thus comprised, material sticking in the round recesses of
the first roller is scraped out by the removal device. As a result,
adhering of material to the first roller can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 8
[0022] The first seal of the sheet manufacturing apparatus
according to the above example is characterized by contacting the
outside surface of the first roller at an angle of greater than or
equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees to a
virtual vertical plane tangent to the outside surface of the first
roller.
[0023] Thus comprised, because the first seal contacts the first
roller at a diagonal position, material sticking to the first
roller can easily pass the first seal, and material accumulating at
the seal is made more difficult.
EXAMPLE 9
[0024] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above
example, characterized by having a second roller positioned on
upstream in the conveyance direction of the web from the first
roller; and a second seal disposed to a second wall opposite a
first wall of the first housing and contacting the second roller;
the second roller having asperities on its outside surface.
[0025] Thus comprised, material sticking to the outside surface of
the second roller on the upstream side in the conveyance direction
of the web is also conveyed in the direction of rotation of the
second roller and it is therefore more difficult for the material
to remain (accumulate) at the second seal. Clumping of material
around the second seal can therefore be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 10
[0026] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the above
example, characterized by the conveyor having a mesh member that
conveys the web; and the sheet manufacturing apparatus including a
suction device configured to suction material including fiber onto
the mesh member, and having a second housing defining the suction
area; a third roller that is a third roller disposed to a position
opposite the first roller with the mesh member therebetween, and
has asperities on its outside surface; and a third seal disposed to
the second housing to contact an outside surface of the third
roller.
[0027] Thus comprised, material sticking to the outside surface of
the third roller in the area around the suction device is conveyed
in the direction of rotation of the third roller and it is
therefore more difficult for the material to remain (accumulate) at
the third seal. Clumping of material around the third seal can
therefore be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 11
[0028] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this example
has a drum with a plurality of holes; a housing covering the drum;
a conveyor on which material including fiber that has passed
through the holes accumulates as a web, and which conveys the
accumulated web; a first roller that contacts a web conveyed by the
conveyor; and a first seal that is a first seal disposed to a first
wall of the housing to contact an outside surface of the first
roller, and contacts the outside surface of the first roller at an
angle of greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal
to 90 degrees to a virtual vertical plane tangent to the outside
surface of the first roller.
[0029] Thus comprised, because the first seal contacts the first
roller at a diagonal position, material sticking to the first
roller can easily pass the first seal, and material accumulating at
the seal is made more difficult.
EXAMPLE 12
[0030] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this example
has a drum with a plurality of holes; a first housing covering the
drum; a conveyor on which material including fiber that has passed
through the holes accumulates as a web, and which conveys the
accumulated web; and a first roller that contacts the web conveyed
by the conveyor, and has round recesses in its outside surface.
[0031] Thus comprised, because the outside surface of the first
roller has round recesses, material catching and sticking on the
outside surface of the first roller is suppressed, and adhering of
material to the first roller can be suppressed. Sheets of
consistent quality can therefore be produced.
EXAMPLE 13
[0032] The recess of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to
example 12 is characterized by being disposed in the area of the
outside surface of the first roller that contacts the web.
[0033] Thus comprised, material sticking to the outside surface of
the first roller can be effectively suppressed.
EXAMPLE 14
[0034] The recess of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to
example 12 or 13 are characterized by having a depth greater than
or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m, and a
width greater than or equal to 0.1 ma and less than or equal to 2
am.
[0035] Thus comprised, there are no burrs or sharp parts on the
outside surface of the first roller, and material catching and
sticking can be suppressed. In addition, material sticking material
(fiber or resin, for example) entering or sticking in the recesses
is suppressed, and adhering of material to the first roller can be
suppressed.
EXAMPLE 15
[0036] In a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to example 12
to 14, surface processing to improve the wear resistance is applied
to the outside surface of the first roller.
[0037] Thus comprised, because wear of the outside surface of the
first roller is suppressed, adhering of material to the first
roller can be suppressed for a long time, and sheets of consistent
quality can be produced.
EXAMPLE 16
[0038] In a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to example 12
to 15, surface processing to reduce surface free energy is applied
to the outside surface of the first roller.
[0039] Thus comprised, the surface free energy of the outside
surface of the first roller is reduced, and sticking of material to
the first roller can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 17
[0040] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to example 12 to
16, characterized by also having a removal device that contacts the
outside surface of the first roller and removes the material
sticking to the outside surface of the first roller.
[0041] Thus comprised, material sticking in the recesses of the
first roller is scraped out by the removal device. As a result,
adhering of material to the first roller can be reliably
suppressed.
EXAMPLE 18
[0042] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to example 12 to
17, characterized by also having a first seal that contacts an
outside surface of the first roller and is disposed to a first wall
of the housing.
[0043] Thus comprised, the first roller and first seal can improve
the seal of the first housing. In addition, the round recesses in
the first roller also have a retention function of holding material
sticking in the recesses. As a result, material sticking in the
round recesses of the first roller easily pass the first seal.
Material remaining (accumulating) where the first roller and first
seal touch is therefore made more difficult, and production of
clumps of material can be suppressed. In addition, adhering of
material to the first roller can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 19
[0044] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to example 12 to
18, characterized by also having a second roller positioned on
upstream in the conveyance direction of the web from the first
roller; and a second seal that contacts the second roller and is
disposed to a second wall opposite the first wall of the housing;
the second roller having a round recess on its outside surface.
[0045] Thus comprised, material catching and sticking to the
outside surface of the second roller on the upstream side in the
conveyance direction of the web is reduced, and adhering of
material to the second roller can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 20
[0046] The sheet manufacturing apparatus according to example 12 to
19, characterized by the conveyor having a mesh member that conveys
the web; the sheet manufacturing apparatus also having a suction
device including a configured to suction material including fiber
onto the mesh member, and having a second housing defining the
suction area; a third roller that is a third roller disposed to a
position opposite the first roller with the mesh member
therebetween, and has round recesses on its outside surface; and a
third seal that contacts an outside surface of the third roller,
and is disposed to the second housing.
[0047] Thus comprised, material catching and sticking to the
outside surface of the third roller is reduced in the area around
the suction device, and adhering of material to the third roller
can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 21
[0048] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this variation
is characterized by having a drum with a plurality of holes; a mesh
member having an accumulation surface on which material including
fiber that has passed through the openings accumulates as a web,
the mesh member conveying the accumulated web; a suction device
that is a suction device configured to suction material that has
passed through the openings onto the mesh member, and having on the
back side of the accumulation surface of the mesh member a first
housing defining the suction area; a first roller disposed outside
the first housing and contacting the back side of the mesh member;
and a first seal disposed to the first housing and contacting the
outside surface of the first roller.
[0049] Thus comprised, the space enclosed by the first roller,
first housing, and mesh member is substantially closed tight
(sealed) by the first seal and the first roller. As a result,
suction from between the first roller and first housing is
suppressed, and material that has passed through the holes in the
drum can be consistently suctioned. As a result, sheets with even
greater uniformity can be produced.
EXAMPLE 22
[0050] The first seal of the sheet manufacturing apparatus
according to example 21 is characterized by being disposed with at
least part thereof not in contact with the back of the mesh
member.
[0051] Thus comprised, because in the area where the mesh member
and first seal are separated material does not stick and get
clogged in the gap between the mesh member and the first seal, the
load on the mesh member can be suppressed.
EXAMPLE 23
[0052] The first seal of the sheet manufacturing apparatus
according to example 22 is characterized by being disposed
contacting the back of the mesh member outside the suction area,
and in contact with the end of the first roller.
[0053] Thus comprised, because the load on the mesh member is
suppressed, suction from between the first housing and the mesh
member can be more reliably suppressed.
EXAMPLE 24
[0054] The first seal of the sheet manufacturing apparatus
according to example 22 is characterized by being disposed
contacting the back of the mesh member outside an area extending
the suction area in the conveyance direction of the web, and in
contact with the outside surface of the first roller.
[0055] Thus comprised, because the load on the mesh member is
suppressed, suction from between the first housing and the mesh
member can be more reliably suppressed.
EXAMPLE 25
[0056] The first seal of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according
to example 21 to 24, characterized by having a second roller
disposed outside the first housing on the upstream side in the
conveyance direction of the web from the first roller and, in
contact with the mesh member; and a second seal disposed to the
first housing in contact with the outside surface of the second
roller.
[0057] Thus comprised, the space enclosed second roller, first
housing, and mesh member on the upstream side in the conveyance
direction of the web is substantially closed tight (sealed) by the
second seal and second roller. As a result, suction from between
the first roller and first housing is suppressed, and material that
has passed through the holes in the drum can be consistently
suctioned. As a result, sheets with even greater uniformity can be
produced.
EXAMPLE 26
[0058] The first seal of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according
to example 21 to 25, characterized by having a second housing that
covers the drum.
[0059] Thus comprised, material that has passed through the holes
in the drum inside the second housing can be more consistently
deposited on the accumulation surface of the mesh member.
EXAMPLE 27
[0060] The first seal of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according
to example 21 to 25, characterized by having a third roller that
contacts the web conveyed by the mesh member; and a third seal that
contacts the outside surface of the third roller and is disposed to
the second housing covering the drum; the first roller and the
third roller being disposed at opposing positions with the mesh
member therebetween.
[0061] Thus comprised, because the first roller and third roller
oppose each other with the mesh member therebetween, the mesh
member does not separate from the first roller, and a more reliable
seal can be assured.
EXAMPLE 28
[0062] The first seal of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according
to example 23 or 24, characterized by having second housing that
covers the drum; the second housing including a first wall and a
second wall opposite each other in the direction of the axis of
rotation of the drum, a fourth seal disposed to the first wall and
contacting the accumulation surface of the mesh member, and a fifth
seal disposed to the second wall and contacting the accumulation
surface of the mesh member; the fourth seal and the fifth seal
characterized by at least a part thereof opposite the first seal
with the mesh member therebetween.
[0063] Thus comprised, because part of the fourth seal and the
fifth seal are disposed oppose each other, a reliable seal can be
assured between the mesh member and the first wall and second wall
of the second housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0064] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the configuration of a
sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of
the invention.
[0065] FIG. 2A is a schematic section view illustrating the
configuration of an air-laying device according to a first
embodiment of the invention.
[0066] FIG. 2B is an oblique view illustrating the configuration of
an air-laying device according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0067] FIG. 3A is an external view illustrating the configuration
of a first roller according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0068] FIG. 3B is a partial section view illustrating the
configuration of a first roller according to a first embodiment of
the invention.
[0069] FIG. 4A schematically illustrates contact between a first
seal and first roller according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0070] FIG. 4B schematically illustrates contact between a first
seal and first roller according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0071] FIG. 5A schematically illustrates operation around a first
roller in a first embodiment of the invention.
[0072] FIG. 5B schematically illustrates operation around a second
roller in a first embodiment of the invention.
[0073] FIG. 6A is an external view illustrating the configuration
of a first roller according to a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0074] FIG. 6B is a partial section view illustrating the
configuration of a first roller according to a second embodiment of
the invention.
[0075] FIG. 6C is an external view illustrating the configuration
of another first roller according to a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0076] FIG. 7A is an external view illustrating the configuration
of a first roller according to a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0077] FIG. 7B is a partial section view illustrating the
configuration of a first roller according to a third embodiment of
the invention.
[0078] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the configuration of a
wetting device according to a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
[0079] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the configuration of a
classifier according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
[0080] FIG. 10A schematically illustrates contact between a first
seal and first roller according to a sixth embodiment of the
invention.
[0081] FIG. 10B schematically illustrates contact between a first
seal and first roller according to a sixth embodiment of the
invention.
[0082] FIG. 11A schematically illustrates the configuration of an
air-laying device according to a seventh embodiment of the
invention.
[0083] FIG. 11B is an oblique view of part of the air-laying device
according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.
[0084] FIG. 12A is an external view illustrating the configuration
of a first roller according to a seventh embodiment of the
invention.
[0085] FIG. 12B is a partial section view illustrating the
configuration of a first roller according to a seventh embodiment
of the invention.
[0086] FIG. 13A schematically illustrates contact between a first
seal and first roller according to a seventh embodiment of the
invention.
[0087] FIG. 13B schematically illustrates contact between a first
seal and first roller according to a seventh embodiment of the
invention.
[0088] FIG. 14A schematically illustrates operation around a first
roller in a seventh embodiment of the invention.
[0089] FIG. 14B schematically illustrates operation around a third
roller in a first embodiment of the invention.
[0090] FIG. 15A schematically illustrates the configuration of an
air-laying device according to an eighth embodiment of the
invention.
[0091] FIG. 15B schematically illustrates operation around a first
roller in an eighth embodiment of the invention.
[0092] FIG. 15C schematically illustrates operation around a third
roller in an eighth embodiment of the invention.
[0093] FIG. 16 is an external view illustrating the configuration
around a first roller in a ninth embodiment of the invention.
[0094] FIG. 17A is a section view schematically illustrating the
configuration around the suction device of the air-laying device
according to a tenth embodiment of the invention.
[0095] FIG. 17B is a plan view illustrating the configuration
around the suction device of the air-laying device according to a
tenth embodiment of the invention.
[0096] FIG. 17C is an oblique view illustrating part of the
configuration around the suction device of the air-laying device
according to a tenth embodiment of the invention.
[0097] FIG. 18 is an oblique view illustrating part of the
configuration around the air-laying device according to a tenth
embodiment of the invention.
[0098] FIG. 19 is an oblique view illustrating part of the
configuration around the suction device of the air-laying device
according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention.
[0099] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates the configuration around
the suction device of a wetting device according to a twelfth
embodiment of the invention.
[0100] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the configuration around
the suction device of a classifier according to a thirteenth
embodiment of the invention.
[0101] FIG. 22 is a partial oblique view illustrating the
configuration of a first seal according to a variation of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0102] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below
with reference to the accompanying figures. Note that parts are
shown in the accompanying figures in sizes enabling easy
recognition thereof, and differ from the actual scale of the actual
parts.
Embodiment 1
[0103] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a first
embodiment of the invention is described first. FIG. 1
schematically illustrates the configuration of a sheet
manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment of the
invention.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100
includes a supply device 10, manufacturing device 102, and
controller 104. The manufacturing device 102 manufactures sheets.
The manufacturing device 102 includes a shredder 12, defibrator 20,
classifier 40, first web forming device 45, rotor 49, mixing device
50, air-laying device 60, second web forming device 70, sheet
forming device 80, cutting device 90, and discharge device 96.
[0105] The supply device 10 supplies feedstock to the shredder 12.
The supply device 10 is, for example, an automatic loader for
continuously supplying feedstock material to the shredder 12. The
feedstock supplied by the supply device 10 includes fiber from
recovered paper or pulp sheets, for example.
[0106] The shredder 12 cuts feedstock supplied by the supply device
10 into shreds in air. The shreds in this example are pieces a few
centimeters square. In the example in the figure, the shredder 12
has shredder blades 14, and can shred the supplied feedstock by the
shredder blades 14. In this example, a paper shredder is used as
the shredder 12. The feedstock shredded by the shredder 12 is
received into a hopper 1 and carried (conveyed) to the defibrator
20 through a conduit 2.
[0107] The defibrator 20 defibrates the feedstock shredded by the
shredder 12. Defibrate as used here is a process of separating
feedstock (material to be defibrated) comprising many interlocked
fibers into individual detangled fibers. The defibrator 20 also
functions to separate particulate such as resin, ink, toner, and
sizing agents in the feedstock from the fibers.
[0108] Material that has passed through the defibrator 20 is
referred to as defibrated material. In addition to untangled
fibers, the defibrated material may also contain resin particles
(resin used to bind multiple fibers together), coloring agents such
as ink and toner, sizing agents, paper strengthening agents, and
other additives that are separated from the fibers when the fibers
are detangled. The shape of the detangleddefibratedmaterial is a
string or ribbon. The detangled defibrated material may be
separated from (not interlocked with) other detangled fibers, or
may be in lumps interlocked with other detangled defibrated
material (in so-called fiber clumps).
[0109] The defibrator 20 defibrates in a dry process. Processes
including defibrating that are performed in ambient air (air)
instead of a liquid are referred to herein as dry processes. In
this embodiment, an impeller mill is used as the defibrator 20. The
defibrator 20 also has the function of creating an air flow that
sucks in the feedstock and then discharges the defibrated material.
As a result, the defibrator 20 can suction the feedstock with the
air flow from the inlet 22, defibrate, and then convey the
defibrated material to the exit 24 using the air flow produced by
the defibrator 20. The defibrated material that has passed through
the defibrator 20 is conveyed through a conduit 3 to the classifier
40. Note that the air stream conveying the defibrated material from
the defibrator 20 to the classifier 40 may be the air current
created by the defibrator 20, or a separate blower or other fan
device may be used to create the air current.
[0110] The classifier 40 selects fibers by length from the
defibrated material defibrated by the defibrator 20 that was
introduced through an inlet 42. A sieve (sifter) (drum) 41, for
example, is used as the classifier 40. The sieve (drum) 41 of the
classifier 40 has mesh (filter, screen), and can separate fiber or
particles that are smaller than the size of the openings in the
mesh (that pass through the mesh, first selected material) from
fiber, undefibrated shreds, and clumps that are larger than the
openings in the mesh (that do not pass through the mesh, second
selected material). For example, the first selected material is
conveyed to a first web forming device 45. The second selected
material is returned from an outlet 44 through a conduit 8 to the
defibrator 20.
[0111] More specifically, the sieve (drum) 41 of the classifier 40
is a cylinder driven rotationally by a motor. The mesh of the
classifier 40 may be a metal screen, expanded metal made by
expanding a metal sheet with slits formed therein, or punched metal
having holes formed by a press in a metal sheet, for example.
[0112] The first web forming device 45 conveys the first selected
material from the classifier 40 through a conduit 7 to the mixing
device 50. The first web forming device 45 includes, for example, a
mesh belt 46, tension rollers 47, and a suction device (suction
mechanism) 48.
[0113] The suction device 48 suctions the first selected material
that has passed through the openings (mesh openings) in the
classifier 40 and was dispersed in air onto the mesh belt 46. The
first selected material accumulates on the moving mesh belt 46,
forming a web V. The basic configuration of the mesh belt 46,
tension rollers 47, and suction device 48 are the same as the mesh
belt 72, tension rollers 74, and suction mechanism 76 (suction
device) of the second web forming device 70 described below.
[0114] The web V is a soft, fluffy web containing a lot of air as a
result of passing through the classifier 40 and first web forming
device 45. The web V deposited on the mesh belt 46 is fed into a
conduit 7 and conveyed to the mixing device 50.
[0115] The rotor 49 can cut the web V before the web V is conveyed
to the mixing device 50. In the example in the figure, the rotor 49
has a base 49a, and blades 49b protruding from the base 49a. The
blades 49b in this example have a flat shape. In the example in the
figure, there are four blades 49b, and the four blades 49b are
equally spaced around the base 49a. By the base 49a turning in
direction R, the blades 49b rotate on the axis of the base 49a. By
cutting the web V with the rotor 49, variation in the amount of
defibrated material per unit time supplied to the air-laying device
60, for example, can be reduced.
[0116] The rotor 49 is disposed near the first web forming device
45. In the example in the figure, the rotor 49 is disposed near a
tension roller 47a (beside the tension roller 47a) located at the
downstream side of the conveyance path of the web V. The rotor 49
is disposed at a position where the blades 49b can contact the web
V but do not touch the mesh belt 46 on which the web V is laid. As
a result, wear (damage) to the mesh belt 46 by the blades 49b can
be suppressed. The minimum distance between the blades 49b and mesh
belt 46 is preferably greater than or equal to 0.05 mm and less
than or equal to 0.5 mm. for example. This is a distance enabling
cutting the web V without the mesh belt 46 being damaged.
[0117] The mixing device 50 mixes an additive containing resin with
the first selected material (the first selected material conveyed
by the first web forming device 45) that has passed through the
classifier 40. The mixing device 50 has an additive supply device
52 that supplies additive, a conduit 54 for conveying the selected
material and additive, and a blower 56. In the example in the
figure, the additive is supplied from the additive supply device 52
through a hopper 9 to a conduit 54. Conduit 54 communicates with
conduit 7.
[0118] The mixing device 50 uses the blower 56 to produce an air
flow, and can convey while mixing the selected material and
additives in the conduit 54. Note that the mechanism for mixing the
first selected material and additive is not specifically limited,
and may mix by means of blades turning at high speed, or may use
rotation of the container like a V blender.
[0119] A screw feeder such as shown in FIG. 1, or a disc feeder not
shown, for example, may be used as the additive supply device 52.
The additive supplied from the additive supply device 52 contains
resin for binding multiple fibers together. The multiple fibers are
not bonded together at the time the resin is supplied. The resin
melts and binds multiple fibers when passing the sheet forming
device 80.
[0120] The resin supplied from the additive supply device 52 is a
thermoplastic resin or thermoset resin, such as AS resin, ABS
resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polystyrene, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene
terephthalate, polyethylene ether, polyphenylene ether,
polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyimide, polycarbonate,
polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyether ether ketone.
These resins may be used individually or in a desirable
combination. The additive supplied from the additive supply device
52 may be fibrous or powder.
[0121] In addition to resin for binding fibers, and depending on
the type of sheet being manufactured, the additive supplied from
the additive supply device 52 may also include a coloring agent for
coloring the fiber, an anti-blocking agent to prevent agglomeration
of fibers and agglomeration of resin, or a flame retardant for
making the fiber difficult to burn. The mixture (a mixture of first
selected material and additive) that has passed through the mixing
device 50 is conveyed through a conduit 54 to the air-laying device
60.
[0122] The mixture that has passed through the mixing device 50 is
introduced from an inlet 62 to the air-laying device 60, and the
air-laying device 60 detangles and disperses the tangled defibrated
material (fiber) in air while the mixture precipitates. When the
resin in the additive supplied from the additive supply device 52
is fibrous, the air-laying device 60 also detangles interlocked
resin fibers. As a result, the air-laying device 60 can lay the
mixture uniformly in the second web forming device 70.
[0123] A cylindrical sieve (drum 61) that turns is used as the
air-laying device 60. The sieve (drum 61) of the air-laying device
60 has mesh, and causes fiber and particles smaller than the size
of the mesh (that pass through the mesh) and contained in the
mixture that has passed through the mixing device 50 to
precipitate. The configuration of the air-laying device 60 in this
example is the same as the configuration of the classifier 40.
[0124] Note that the sieve of the air-laying device 60 may be
configured without functionality for selecting specific material.
More specifically, the sieve used as the air-laying device 60 means
a device having mesh, and the air-laying device 60 may cause all of
the mixture introduced to the air-laying device 60 to
precipitate.
[0125] The second web forming device 70 lays the precipitate that
has passed through the air-laying device 60 into a web w. The web
forming device 70 includes, for example, a mesh belt 72, tension
rollers 74, and a suction mechanism 76 as a suction device.
[0126] The mesh belt 72 is moving while precipitate that has passed
through the holes (holes of the mesh) of the air-laying device 60
accumulates thereon. The mesh belt 72 is tensioned by the tension
rollers 74, and is configured so that air passes through but it is
difficult for the precipitate to pass through. The mesh belt 72
moves when the tension rollers 74 turn. A web W is formed on the
mesh belt 72 as a result of the mixture that has passed through the
air-laying device 60 precipitating continuously while the mesh belt
72 moves continuously. The mesh belt 72 may be metal, plastic,
cloth, or nonwoven cloth.
[0127] The suction mechanism 76 is disposed below the mesh belt 72
(on the opposite side as the air-laying device 60). The suction
mechanism 76 produces a downward flow of air (air flow directed
from the air-laying device 60 to the mesh belt 72). The mixture
distributed in air by the air-laying device 60 can be pulled onto
the mesh belt 72 by the suction mechanism 76. As a result, the
discharge rate from the air-laying device 60 can be increased. A
downward air flow can also be created in the descent path of the
mixture, and interlocking of defibrated material and additive
during descent can be prevented, by the suction mechanism 76.
[0128] A soft, fluffy web W containing much air is formed by
material passing through the air-laying device 60 and second web
forming device 70 (web forming process) as described above. The web
W laid on the mesh belt 72 is then conveyed to the sheet forming
device 80.
[0129] Note that a wetting device 78 for adjusting the moisture
content of the web W is disposed in the example shown in the
figure. The wetting device 78 adds water or water vapor to the web
W to adjust the ratio of water to web W.
[0130] The sheet forming device 80 applies heat and pressure to the
web W laid on the mesh belt 72, forming a sheet 8. By applying heat
to the web W (a mixture of defibrated material and additive), the
sheet forming device 80 can bind fibers in the web W together
through the additive (resin).
[0131] The sheet forming device 80 includes a compression device 82
that compresses the web W, and a heating device 84 that heats the
web W after being compressed by the compression device 82. The
compression device 82 in this example comprises a pair of calender
rolls 85 that apply pressure to the web W. Calendering reduces the
thickness of the web w and increases the density of the web W. A
heat roller (heating roller), hot press molding machine, hot plate,
hot air blower, infrared heater, or flash fuser, for example, may
be used as the heating device 84. In the example in the figure, the
heating device 84 comprises a pair of heat rollers 86. By
configuring the heating device 84 with heat rollers 86, a sheet 8
can be formed while continuously conveying the web W, unlike when
the heating device 84 is configured with a flat press (flat press
machine). The calender rolls 85 (compression device 82) can apply
greater pressure to the web W than the pressure that can be applied
by the heat rollers 86 (heating device 84). Note that the number of
calender rolls 85 and heat rollers 86 is not specifically
limited.
[0132] The cutting device 90 cuts the sheet S formed by the sheet
forming device 80. In the example in the figure, the cutting device
90 has a first cutter 92 that cuts the sheet 8 crosswise to the
conveyance direction of the sheet S, and a second cutter 94 that
cuts the sheet S parallel to the conveyance direction. In this
example, the second cutter 94 cuts the sheet 8 after passing
through the first cutter 92.
[0133] Cut sheets B of a specific size are formed by the process
described above. The cut sheets S are then discharged to the
discharge device 96.
[0134] The detailed configuration of the air-laying device is
described next. FIG. 2A is a schematic section view illustrating
the configuration of the air-laying device, and FIG. 2B is an
oblique view illustrating the configuration of the air-laying
device. FIG. 3A is an external view illustrating the configuration
of a first roller, and FIG. 3B is a partial section view
illustrating the configuration of the first roller. FIG. 4A and
FIG. 4B schematically illustrate contact between a first seal and
first roller. Note that in FIG. 2A the configuration is shown
without the wetting device.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 2A, the air-laying device 60 includes a
foraminous drum 61 (sieve); a first housing 600 covering the drum
61; a conveyor 700 on which material (precipitate) including fiber
that has passed through the holes in the drum 61 accumulates as a
web W, and which conveys the deposited web W; a first roller 650
that contacts the web W conveyed by the conveyor 700, and has a
textured outside surface; and a first seal 610 disposed to a first
wall 600a of the first housing 600 and touching the outside surface
of the first roller 650.
[0136] The drum 61 includes a rotatable cylinder, and numerous
holes through which at least material including fiber carried by
air passes are formed in the cylinder. The many holes are the same
size (area) and are disposed at a uniform spacing. When passing
through the holes, tangled fibers are detangled, and the material
passing through the holes accumulates at a uniform thickness and
density on the mesh belt 72. Note that the size of the holes is set
desirably according to the size and type of the material that is
past. In addition, the holes are not limited to holes formed in
punched metal, and may be a metal screen.
[0137] The first housing 600 has a frame 601, and is hollow inside.
The drum 61 is placed inside the frame 601, and is thereby covered
(surrounded) by the first housing 600. The bottom of the first
housing 600 does not have a floor panel, and is open.
[0138] The conveyor 700 accumulates material including fiber that
has passed through the holes in the drum 61 as a web W, and conveys
the accumulated web W. The conveyor 700 in this embodiment of the
invention is part of the second web forming device 70, and more
specifically includes a mesh belt 72 and tension rollers 74. The
configuration of the mesh belt 72 and tension rollers 74 is as
described above and further description thereof is omitted.
[0139] On the downstream side of the first housing 600 in the
conveyance direction of the web w is disposed a first roller 650
that contacts the web W conveyed by the mesh belt 72. Disposed to
the first wall 600a of the first housing 600 is a first seal 610,
which contacts the outside surface of the first roller 650. The
first wall 600a has an outside surface, an inside surface, and an
end (the surface facing the mesh belt 72). Note that the first seal
610 in this embodiment of the invention is disposed to the outside
surface of the first wall 600a. The first seal 610 and first roller
650 are in contact with each other.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 2B, the first roller 650 is disposed with
its axis of rotation in the direction transverse to the conveyance
direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W). The length of the
first roller 650 is the same as the width of the frame 601 of the
first housing 600 (the width of the web W).
[0141] The first roller 650 is connected to a drive device (not
shown in the figure) such as a motor that drives the first roller
650. By driving the drive device, the first roller 650 can be
turned on its axis of rotation (counterclockwise in FIG. 2A). The
drive speed (circumferential speed) of the first roller 650 is set
to be faster than the conveyance speed (speed of travel) of the web
W by the mesh belt 72. In other words, the first roller 650 is
configured so that the circumferential speed is greater than the
conveyance speed (speed of travel) of the web W by the mesh belt
72. As a result, the web W can be pulled more easily in the
conveyance direction, accumulation of the web W and buckling of the
web W inside the first housing 600 are reduced, and the web W can
be conveyed stably.
[0142] The first roller 650 is disposed so that its axis of
rotation is positioned above the maximum height (thickness) of the
web W that accumulates upstream in the conveyance direction from
the first roller 650. If the axis of rotation of the first roller
650 is at a position lower than the maximum height (thickness) of
the web W that accumulates upstream in the conveyance direction
from the first roller 650, conveying the top part of the
accumulated web W becomes difficult, and the web W can easily
accumulate inside the first housing 600.
[0143] The first roller 650 can move vertically (perpendicularly to
the accumulation surface of the mesh belt 72, or the thickness of
the web W), and is urged down (to the mesh belt 72 side) by an
urging member (not shown in the figure).
[0144] Asperities Nf are disposed to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650. The asperities Nf are formed in the area of the
outside surface F of the first roller 650 that contacts the web W.
As shown in FIG. 3A, in this embodiment of the invention the
asperities Nf are formed over the entire outside surface F of the
first roller 650.
[0145] As shown in FIG. 3B, in this embodiment of the invention the
asperities Nf are formed by processing the outside surface F of the
first roller 650 to a surface roughness of greater than or equal to
30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m. The first roller 650
is a metal roller made from an aluminum alloy or stainless steel,
for example, and the asperities Nf are formed by a mechanical or
chemical satinizing process (such as a spray coating process or
sandblasting process) that roughens the surface.
[0146] The surface roughness used herein is expressed by the mean
height of profile elements Rc (JIS B 0601) as defined based on JIS
B 0601 (2001) or ISO 4287 (1997). The surface roughness is measured
according the foregoing standard, and as the measurement means a
device that measures surface roughness while in contact with the
test surface (such as a contact-type surface roughness tester) or a
device that measures without contacting the test surface (such as a
white light interferometer or laser scanning microscope).
[0147] The asperities Nf (a surface roughness greater than or equal
to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m) of the outside
surface F of the first roller 650 make it difficult for material
including fiber to remain (accumulate) on the first seal 610 when
material including fiber adhering to the first roller 650 is
conveyed in the direction of rotation of the first roller 650. If
the surface roughness is less than 30 .mu.m, the effect of
inhibiting material remaining (accumulating) on the first seal 610
is reduced. If the surface roughness exceeds 500 .mu.m, the gap
between concavities in the first roller 650 and the first seal 610
increase, and the seal effect may drop. In addition, the pattern of
the asperities Nf may be transferred to the web W due to the size
(depth) of the asperities on the surface of the roller, and the
quality of the sheet may drop.
[0148] The first seal 610 in this example is a pile seal comprising
a base FL and numerous fibers H planted densely on the one side of
the base FL (see FIG. 4A). The other side of the base FL of the
first seal 610 is attached to the outside surface of the first wall
600a of the first housing 600, and the distal ends of the fibers H
of the first seal 610 are configured to touch the outside surface F
of the first roller 650.
[0149] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, for example, the
first seal 610 is disposed so that the angle .theta.1 of the first
seal 610 to a virtual vertical plane SP to the outside surface F of
the first roller 650 is 90 degrees. More specifically, the first
seal 610 and first roller 650 are disposed so that the distal ends
of the fibers H in the first seal 610 are substantially
perpendicular to the virtual vertical plane SP. Note that the
distal ends of the fibers H in the first seal 610 are pushed
against the outside surface F of the first roller 650. As a result,
the gap between the outside surface of the first wall 600a of the
first housing 600 and the first roller 650 is substantially closed
by the first seal 610. In addition, when the first roller 650 and
the first seal 610 slide against each other as the first roller 650
turns, wear and friction are suppressed compared with when a foam
sponge is used as the first seal 610, and the drive load on the
first roller 650 can be reduced. The length of the fibers of the
first seal 610 is set so that the first seal 610 reliably contacts
the first roller 650. For example, the length is set longer than
the width of the gap between the first wall 600a of the first
housing 600 and the first roller 650.
[0150] Note that in FIG. 4A the angle .theta.1 of the first seal
610 is set to 90 degrees, but the invention is not limited to this
configuration. The first seal 610 may be set to contact the outside
surface F of the first roller 650 at an angle greater than or equal
to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees to the virtual
vertical plane SP tangent to the outside surface F of the first
roller 650.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 4B, for example, the first seal 610 may be
disposed to contact the outside surface F of the first roller 650
at an angle 81 of 45 degrees to the virtual vertical plane SP
tangent to the outside surface F of the first roller 650. If the
angle 81 is within the foregoing range, a good seal can be assured
between the first seal 610 and first roller 650.
[0152] Operation in the area around the first roller is described
next. FIG. 5A schematically illustrates operation in the area
around the first roller. When driving the sheet manufacturing
apparatus 100, material including fiber from the opening in the
drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The accumulated material
(web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time,
the first roller 650 also turns in contact with the web w
(counterclockwise in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A). Material forming the web
W may also stick to the outside surface F of the first roller 650
at this time. In this event, the material sticking to the outside
surface F is held by the asperities Nf formed on the outside
surface F of the first roller 650 and moves rotationally in
conjunction with rotation of the first roller 650. In addition, in
the area where the first seal 610 and first roller 650 touch, the
distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610 curve in the
direction of rotation of the first roller 650 due to friction with
the asperities Nf of the first roller 650 (the distal ends of the
fibers H bend down in FIG. 5A). As a result, the material clinging
to the first roller 650 is easily conveyed in the direction the
distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610 bend. The
material clinging to the first roller 650 is held by the asperities
Nf, and passes through the area of contact between the first seal
610 and first roller 650 without being wiped of f by the first seal
610. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating) near the area
of contact between the first seal 610 and first roller 650 can be
prevented. In addition, the material clinging to the first roller
650 passes the first seal 610, contacts and adheres to the web W,
and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction of the web
W.
[0153] Note that if the first seal 610 is disposed to contact the
outside surface F of the first roller 650 at an angle .theta.1 of
45 degrees (see FIG. 4B), the first seal 610 makes diagonal contact
with the first roller 650, making accumulation of material in the
area of contact between the first seal 610 and first roller 650
even more difficult.
[0154] A second roller 651 is disposed on the upstream side in the
conveyance direction of the web W from the first roller 650. A
second seal 620 is disposed to the second wall 600b opposite the
first wall 600a of the first housing 600 to contact the second
roller 651. The second seal 620 in the embodiment of the invention
is disposed to the outside surface of the second wall 600b. The
second seal 620 and the second roller 651 contact each other.
[0155] As shown in FIG. 2B, the second roller 651 is disposed with
its axis of rotation in the direction transverse to the conveyance
direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W). The length of the
second roller 651 is the same as the width of the frame 601 of the
first housing 600 (the width of the web W).
[0156] The second roller 651 is connected to a drive device (not
shown in the figure) such as a motor that drives the second roller
651. By driving the drive device, the second roller 651 can be
turned on its axis of rotation (counterclockwise in FIG. 2B). The
drive speed (circumferential speed) of the second roller 651 is set
to the same speed as the conveyance speed (speed of travel) of the
web W by the mesh belt 72. The second roller 651 is also disposed
to contact the outside surface (accumulation surface) 72a of the
mesh belt 72.
[0157] Asperities Nf are also formed in the outside surface P of
the second roller 651. The asperities Nf are formed in the area of
the outside surface F of the second roller 651 that contacts the
area where the web W is formed on the mesh belt 72. As shown in
FIG. 3A, in this embodiment of the invention the asperities Nf are
formed over the entire outside surface F of the second roller 651.
The asperities Nf formed on the outside surface F of the second
roller 651 are the same as the asperities Nf on the first roller
650, and further description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 3A and
FIG. 3B). The configuration of the second seal 620 is also the same
as the configuration of the first seal 610, and further description
thereof is omitted. In addition, contact between the second seal
620 and second roller 651 is also the same as contact between the
first seal 610 and first roller 650, and further description
thereof is omitted (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B).
[0158] Operation in the area around the second roller is described
next. When driving the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, material
including fiber from the opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the
mesh belt 72. The accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by
movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time, the second roller 651
also turns in contact with the mesh belt 72 by the movement of the
mesh belt 72 (counterclockwise in FIG. 2A). At this time, remaining
material of the web W that did not separate from the mesh belt 72,
that is, material sticking to the surface of the mesh belt 72, may
cling to the outside surface F of the second roller 651. In this
event, the clinging material is held by the asperities Nf formed on
the outside surface F of the second roller 651 and moves
rotationally in conjunction with rotation of the second roller 651.
In addition, in the area where the second seal 620 and the second
roller 651 contact each other, the distal ends of the fibers H of
the second seal 620 curve in the direction of rotation of the
second roller 651 due to friction with the asperities Nf of the
second roller 651 (the distal ends of the fibers H bend up in FIG.
2A). As a result, the material clinging to the second roller 651 is
easily conveyed in the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of
the second seal 620 bend. The material clinging to the second
roller 651 is held by the asperities Nf, and passes through the
area of contact between the second seal 620 and second roller 651
without being wiped off by the second seal 620. As a result,
material clumping (agglomerating) near the area of contact between
the first seal 610 and first roller 650 can be prevented. In
addition, the material clinging to the second roller 651 passes the
second seal 620, contacts and adheres to (or is pulled by) the mesh
belt 72, and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction of
the web W. The material conveyed downstream in the conveyance
direction is, for example, suctioned by the suction mechanism
(second air flow generator) 76.
[0159] Note that a side seal 690 that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to the side walls 600c other than the first wall 600a and
second wall 600b of the first housing 600. The side seal 690 is
also a pile seal, is configured like the pile seals described
above, and further description thereof is omitted (see FIG.
2B).
[0160] The seal structure of the suction mechanism (second air flow
generator) is described next. As shown in FIG. 2A, the sheet
manufacturing apparatus 100 has a conveyor 700 including a mesh
member (mesh belt 72) that conveys the web W, and a suction device
(suction mechanism (second air flow generator) 76) that suctions
the material including fiber onto the mesh belt 72. The suction
mechanism 76 has a second housing 760 that defines the suction
area. A third roller 652 that contacts the mesh belt 72 is disposed
to a position opposite the first roller 650 with the mesh belt 72
therebetween. A third seal 630 disposed to the second housing 760
contacts the outside surface F of the third roller 652.
[0161] The third seal 630 is disposed to a side wall 760a on one
side of the second housing 760 (downstream in the conveyance
direction of the web W), and contacts the outside surface F of the
third roller 652. The side wall 760a includes the outside surface,
inside surface, and end (the surface facing the mesh belt 72) of
the second housing 760. Note that the third seal 630 in this
embodiment of the invention is disposed to the outside surface of
the side wall 760a.
[0162] The third roller 652 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in the direction transverse to the conveyance direction of the web
W (widthwise to the web W). The length of the third roller 652 is
the same as the width of the first roller 650. The third roller 652
is a follower roller that rotates on its axis of rotation
(clockwise in FIG. 2A) in conjunction with movement of the mesh
belt 72.
[0163] The third roller 652 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in a fixed position so that the third roller 652 contacts the
inside surface 72b of the mesh belt 72. As a result, even if a load
is applied in the direction of gravity, the first roller 650 is
supported by the third roller 652 through the web w and mesh belt
72. The position of the mesh belt 72 is also limited by the third
roller 652. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 is supported with the
accumulation surface of the mesh belt 72 held in a substantially
horizontal position without sagging down by pressure from the first
roller 650 or gravity.
[0164] Asperities Nf are formed on the outside surface F of the
third roller 652. The asperities Nf formed on the outside surface F
of the third roller 652 are the same as the asperities Nf on the
first roller 650, and further description thereof is omitted (see
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). The configuration of the third seal 630 is
also the same as the configuration of the first seal 610, and
further description thereof is omitted. In addition, contact
between the third seal 630 and third roller 652 is also the same as
contact between the first seal 610 and first roller 650, and
further description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B).
This configuration substantially seals the second housing 760 and
improves the suction performance of the suction mechanism 76.
[0165] Operation in the area around the third roller is described
next. FIG. 5B schematically illustrates operation in the area
around the third roller. When driving the sheet manufacturing
apparatus 100, material including fiber from the opening in the
drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The accumulated material
(web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time,
the third roller 652 also turns in contact with the mesh belt 72
(clockwise in FIG. 2A and FIG. 5B). Material forming the web W may
also stick to the outside surface F of the third roller 652 at this
time. In this event, the clinging material is held by the
asperities Nf formed on the outside surface F of the third roller
652 and moves rotationally in conjunction with rotation of the
third roller 652. In addition, in the area where the third seal 630
and third roller 652 touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the
third seal 630 curve in the direction of rotation of the third
roller 652 due to friction with the asperities Nf of the third
roller 652 (the distal ends of the fibers H bend up in FIG. 5B). As
a result, the material clinging to the third roller 652 is easily
conveyed in the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of the
third seal 630 bend. The material clinging to the third roller 652
is held by the asperities Nf, and passes through the area of
contact between the third seal 630 and third roller 652 without
being wiped off by the third seal 630. As a result, material
clumping (agglomerating) near the area of contact between the third
seal 630 and third roller 652 can be prevented. In addition, the
material clinging to the third roller 652 passes the third seal
630, adheres to (or is pulled by) the mesh belt 72, and is conveyed
in the direction of rotation of the mesh belt 72. The material
sticking to the mesh belt 72 is suctioned by the suction mechanism
76.
[0166] A fourth roller 653 that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to a position opposite the second roller 651 with the mesh
belt 72 therebetween. A fourth seal 640 that contacts the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653 is disposed to the second
housing 760.
[0167] The fourth seal 640 is disposed to a side wall 760b opposite
(on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the web W)
side wall 760a of the second housing 760, and contacts the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653. The side wall 760b includes the
outside surface, inside surface, and end (the surface facing the
mesh belt 72) of the second housing 760. Note that the fourth seal
640 in this embodiment of the invention is disposed to the outside
surface of the side wall 760b.
[0168] The fourth roller 653 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in the direction transverse to the conveyance direction of the web
N (widthwise to the web W). The length of the fourth roller 653 is
the same as the width of the second roller 651. The fourth roller
653 is a follower roller that rotates on its axis of rotation
(clockwise in FIG. 2A) in conjunction with movement of the mesh
belt 72.
[0169] The fourth roller 653 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in a fixed position so that the fourth roller 653 contacts the
inside surface 72b of the mesh belt 72. As a result, even if a load
is applied in the direction of gravity, the second roller 651 is
supported by the fourth roller 653 through the mesh belt 72. The
position of the mesh belt 72 is also limited by the fourth roller
653. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 is supported with the accumulation
surface of the mesh belt 72 held in a substantially horizontal
position without sagging down due to pressure from the second
roller 651 or gravity.
[0170] Asperities Nf are disposed to the outside surface F of the
fourth roller 653. The asperities Nf formed on the outside surface
F of the fourth roller 653 are the same as the asperities Nf on the
first roller 650, and further description thereof is omitted (see
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). The configuration of the fourth seal 640 is
also the same as the configuration of the first seal 610, and
further description thereof is omitted. In addition, contact
between the fourth seal 640 and fourth roller 653 is also the same
as contact between the first seal 610 and first roller 650, and
further description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B).
This configuration substantially seals the second housing 760 and
improves the suction performance of the suction mechanism 76.
[0171] Operation in the area around the fourth roller is described
next. When driving the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, material
including fiber from the opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the
mesh belt 72. The accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by
movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time, the fourth roller 653
also turns in contact with the mesh belt 72 (clockwise in FIG. 2A).
Material forming the web W may also stick to the outside surface F
of the fourth roller 653 at this time. In this event, the clinging
material is held by the asperities Nf formed on the outside surface
F of the fourth roller 653 and moves rotationally in conjunction
with rotation of the fourth roller 653. In addition, in the area
where the fourth seal 640 and fourth roller 653 touch, the distal
ends of the fibers H of the fourth seal 640 curve in the direction
of rotation of the fourth roller 653 due to friction with the
asperities Nf of the fourth roller 653 (the distal ends of the
fibers H bend up in FIG. 2B). As a result, the material clinging to
the fourth roller 653 is easily conveyed in the direction the
distal ends of the fibers H of the fourth seal 640 bend. The
material clinging to the fourth roller 653 is held by the
asperities Nf, and passes through the area of contact between the
fourth seal 640 and fourth roller 653 without being wiped off by
the fourth seal 640. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating)
near the area of contact between the fourth seal 640 and fourth
roller 653 can be prevented. In addition, the material clinging to
the fourth roller 653 passes the fourth seal 640, adheres to (or is
pulled by) the mesh belt 72, and is conveyed in the direction of
rotation of the mesh belt 72. The material sticking to the mesh
belt 72 is suctioned by the suction mechanism 76.
[0172] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0173] Asperities Nf creating a surface roughness greater than or
equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m are disposed
to the outside surface F of the first roller 650. A first seal 610
is disposed touching the outside surface F. As a result, material
clinging to the outside surface F of the first roller 650 passes
the first seal 610 and is conveyed forward without being removed by
the first seal 610. Therefore, clumps of material forming in the
area where the first seal 610 and first roller 650 are in contact
with each other, and near the border to this contact area, is
suppressed, and sheets of consistent quality can be produced. Note
that the same effect is achieved at the second roller 651 and
second seal 620.
[0174] In addition, formation of clumps of material is also
suppressed by the third and fourth roller 652, 653 and the third
and fourth seal 630, 640 in the same way as by the first and second
roller 650, 651 and the first and second seal 610, 620. As a
result, damage to the mesh belt 72, and increasing the drive load,
can be suppressed. Yet further, the frequency of maintenance of the
sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (such as the air-laying device
60, second web forming device 70, and conveyor 700) can be
reduced.
Embodiment 2
[0175] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that the basic
configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to
this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first
embodiment, and a configuration that differs, that is, the
configuration of the first roller, is described below. FIG. 6A is
an external view illustrating the configuration of the first roller
according to this embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a partial section view
illustrating the configuration of the first roller. In addition,
FIG. 6C is an external view illustrating the configuration of
another first roller according to this embodiment.
[0176] The first roller 650a contacts the web W conveyed by the
conveyor 700, and as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, has a channel T
with a depth greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or
equal to 500 .mu.m formed in the direction transverse to the
direction of rotation of the first roller 650a formed in the
outside surface F of the first roller 650a. Note that the channel T
is one form of asperities. The depth d of the channel T is
specified as described above for the same reason as the asperities
Nf in the first roller 650, and achieves the same conveyance of
material clinging to the outside surface F of the first roller
650a, sealing properties, and sheet uniformity.
[0177] The channel T is formed in the direction crosswise to the
direction of rotation of the first roller 650a. More specifically,
the angle .theta.2 of the channel T to the direction of rotation of
the first roller 650a is desirably an angle other than 0.degree.
(360.degree.) or 180.degree.. The angle .theta.2 of the channel T
is therefore at least 0.1.degree., for example. In addition, the
angle .theta.2 of the channel T may be 90.degree. (perpendicular to
the direction of rotation of the first roller 650a).
[0178] The configuration of the channel T may like a single start
screw configured with a single channel T formed in a continuous
spiral (a single start screw thread), or a like a multi-start screw
configured with a plurality of channels T formed in a spiral (such
as channels in a double start screw thread). As shown in FIG. 6B,
the shape of the channel T is formed so that the width W1 of the
root of the channel T in section view, and the width W2 of the
outside surface F (crest of the channel T) of the first roller
650a, are substantially equal dimensions. The thread angle .theta.3
is greater than or equal to 60.degree. and less than or equal to
120.degree..
[0179] The configuration of the channel T is not limited to the
configuration described above. As shown in FIG. 6C, for example,
the channel T of the first roller 650a' may be formed so that
channels T intersect in a knurled pattern (diamond or
cross-hatch).
[0180] The outside surface F of the first roller 650a and the
fibers H of the first seal 610 are also configured to contact. Note
that the configuration of the first seal 610 is the same as in the
configuration of the first embodiment, and further description
thereof is omitted. In addition, contact between the first seal 610
and the first roller 650a is the same as in the first embodiment of
the invention, and further description thereof is omitted (see FIG.
4A and FIG. 4B).
[0181] When driving the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and
material forming the web W sticks to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650a, the clinging material is held by the channel T
formed in the outside surface F of the first roller 650a, and
rotates in conjunction with rotation of the first roller 650a. In
addition, in the area where the first seal 610 and first roller
650a touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610
curve in the direction of rotation of the first roller 650a due to
friction with the channel T of the first roller 650a (see FIG. 5A).
As a result, the material clinging to the first roller 650a is
easily conveyed in the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of
the first seal 610 bend. The material clinging to the first roller
650a is held by the channel T, and passes through the area of
contact between the first seal 610 and first roller 650a without
being wiped off by the first seal 610. As a result, material
clumping (agglomerating) near the area of contact between the first
seal 610 and first roller 650a can be prevented. In addition, the
material clinging to the first roller 650a passes the first seal
610, contacts and adheres to the web w, and is conveyed downstream
in the conveyance direction of the web W. The same effect is
achieved when using first roller 650a'.
[0182] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0183] A channel T with a depth d greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m
and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m is formed as ridges and valleys
on the outside surface F of the first roller 650a, 650a'. A first
seal 610 is disposed touching the outside surface F. As a result,
material clinging to the outside surface F of the first roller 650a
passes the first seal 610 and is conveyed forward without being
removed by the first seal 610. Therefore, clumps of material
forming in the area where the first seal 610 and first roller 650a
are in contact with each other, and near the border to this contact
area, is suppressed, and sheets of consistent quality can be
produced.
[0184] Note that the configuration of the first roller 650a, 650a'
according to this embodiment can also be applied to the second,
third, and fourth roller 651, 652, 653 in the first embodiment
described above (as second roller 651a, 651a', third roller 652a,
652a', and fourth roller 653a, 653a'). As a result, the same effect
can be achieved with the second roller 651a (651a') and second seal
620. Formation of material clumps at the third and fourth roller
652a, 653a (652a, 653a') and the third and fourth seal 630, 640 can
also be achieved as described above, and as a result damage to the
mesh belt 72, and increasing the drive load, can be suppressed. Yet
further, the frequency of maintenance of the sheet manufacturing
apparatus 100 can be reduced.
Embodiment 3
[0185] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a third
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that the basic
configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus according to
this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first
embodiment, and a configuration that differs, that is, the
configuration of the first roller, is described below. FIG. 7A is
an external view illustrating the configuration of the first roller
according to this embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a partial section view
of the configuration of the first roller.
[0186] The first roller 650b contacts the web W conveyed by the
conveyor 700, and as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, has asperities
Nf in the shape of a screen formed the outside surface F of the
first roller 650b. More specifically, the first roller 650b has a
cylindrical base B, and mesh M covering the surface of the base B.
The base B is made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, for
example, and the mesh M is made from stainless steel, polyester,
polyethylene, nylon, or other metal material or plastic
material.
[0187] The mesh M is, for example, preferably from 10 mesh 0.5 mm
wire (10 openings per inch) to 500 mesh 0.02 mm wire (500 openings
per inch). This achieves good conveyance of material clinging to
the outside surface F of the first roller 650b, sealing properties,
and sheet uniformity.
[0188] The outside surface F of the first roller 650b and the
fibers H of the first seal 610 are also configured to contact. Note
that the configuration of the first seal 610 is the same as in the
configuration of the first embodiment, and further description
thereof is omitted. In addition, contact between the first seal 610
and the first roller 650b is the same as in the first embodiment of
the invention, and further description thereof is omitted (see FIG.
4A and FIG. 4B).
[0189] When driving the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, and
material forming the web W sticks to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650a, the clinging material is held by the asperities
Nf (openings in the mesh M) formed in the outside surface F of the
first roller 650b, and rotates in conjunction with rotation of the
first roller 650b. In addition, in the area where the first seal
610 and first roller 650b touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of
the first seal 610 curve in the direction of rotation of the first
roller 650b due to friction with the asperities Nf (mesh M) of the
first roller 650b (see FIG. 5A). As a result, the material clinging
to the first roller 650b is easily conveyed in the direction the
distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610 bend. The
material clinging to the first roller 650b is held by the
asperities Nf, and passes through the area of contact between the
first seal 610 and first roller 650b without being removed by the
first seal 610. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating) can
be prevented. In addition, the material clinging to the first
roller 650b passes the first seal 610, contacts and adheres to the
web W, and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction of
the web W.
[0190] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0191] Asperities Nf are formed in a screen pattern by mesh M on
the outside surface F of the first roller 650b. A first seal 610 is
disposed touching the outside surface F. As a result, material
clinging to the outside surface F of the first roller 650b passes
the first seal 610 and is conveyed forward without being removed by
the first seal 610. Therefore, clumps of material forming in the
area where the first seal 610 and first roller 650b are in contact
with each other, and near the border to this contact area, is
suppressed, and sheets of consistent quality can be produced.
[0192] Note that the configuration of the first roller 650b
according to this embodiment can also be applied to the second,
third, and fourth roller 651, 652, 653 (as second, third, and
fourth roller 651b, 652b, 653b). As a result, the same effect can
be achieved with the second roller 651b and second seal 620.
Formation of material clumps at the third and fourth roller 652b,
653b and the third and fourth seal 630, 640 can also be achieved as
described above, and as a result damage to the mesh belt 72, and
increasing the drive load, can be suppressed. Yet further, the
frequency of maintenance of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100
can be reduced.
Embodiment 4
[0193] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth
embodiment of the invention is described next. In a sheet
manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment to third
embodiment of the invention, configurations applying the first
roller, for example, to the air-laying device are described, but
this embodiment of the invention applies the first roller, for
example, to the wetting device. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates
the configuration of the wetting device. Note that FIG. 8
illustrates the configuration without showing the air-laying
device.
[0194] The wetting device 78 wets the web W deposited by the
air-laying device 60. The wetting device 78 includes a generator
170, a third housing 172, and a first air flow generator 176.
[0195] The generator 170 is disposed on the outside surface 72a
side of the mesh belt 72. In FIG. 8, the generator 170 is disposed
outside the area enclosed by the mesh belt 72. The generator 170
generates fluid droplets or a high humidity gas. The generator 170
may generate fluid droplets by ultrasonic waves. The generator 170
may, for example, apply ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 20 kHz
to several MHz to fluid (water) to generate minute fluid droplets
ranging from several nanometers to several microns. The generator
170 may also produce steam to generate a high humidity gas. High
humidity gas as used here means a gas at greater than or equal to
70% and less than or equal to 100% relative humidity.
[0196] The third housing 172 is connected to the generator 170
through a conduit 171. The third housing 172 is disposed on the
outside surface 72a side. The third housing 172 is shaped like a
box, for example, and has an opening facing the outside surface 72a
of the mesh belt 72. The third housing 172 defines the wetting area
for wetting the web w. The wetting device 78 can wet the web W
deposited on the outside surface 72a in the wetting area.
[0197] The first roller 650 that contacts the web W conveyed by the
mesh belt 72 is disposed on the downstream side of the third
housing 172 in the conveyance direction of the web W. A first seal
610 that contacts the outside surface of the first roller 650 is
disposed to the first wall 172a of the third housing 172. The first
seal 610 contacts the first roller 650. Asperities Nf are formed by
processing the outside surface F of the first roller 650 to a
surface roughness of greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less
than or equal to 500 .mu.m. The detailed configuration of the first
seal 610 and first roller 650 is the same as in the first
embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0198] A second roller 651 is disposed on the upstream side of the
first roller 650 in the conveyance direction of the web W. A second
seal 620 that contacts the second roller 651 is disposed to the
second wall 172b opposite the first wall 172a of the third housing
172. The second seal 620 contacts the second roller 651. Asperities
Nf are formed by processing the outside surface F of the second
roller 651 to a surface roughness of greater than or equal to 30
.mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m. The asperities Nf are
disposed in the area of the outside surface F of the second roller
651 that contacts the web W. The detailed configuration of the
second seal 620 and second roller 651 is the same as in the first
embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0199] The first air flow generator 176 is disposed on the inside
surface 72b side of the mesh belt 72. In FIG. 8, the first air flow
generator 176 is disposed inside the area surrounded by the mesh
belt 72. The first air flow generator 176 is disposed opposite the
third housing 172 with the mesh belt 72 therebetween. The first air
flow generator 176 produces an air flow through the web W in the
thickness direction. This air flow is a current intersecting the
outside surface 72a, and in this example is a current in the
direction perpendicular to the outside surface 72a. The wetting
device 78 can supply fluid droplets or high humidity gas to the web
W by the air flow generated by the first air flow generator 176.
The fluid droplets or high humidity gas is carried through the
thickness of the web W by the air flow. The mass of the fluid
droplets supplied by the wetting device 78 to the web W is, in this
example, greater than or equal to 0.1% and less than or equal to 3%
of the mass of the web W per unit volume of the web W. In the
example in the figure, the first air flow generator 176 is a
suction device (first suction device) that suctions fluid droplets
or high humidity gas generated by the generator 170 from the inside
surface 72b side. The first air flow generator 176 has a fourth
housing 177 disposed below the mesh belt 72 with an opening facing
the inside surface 72b. A vacuum blower that suctions air inside
the fourth housing 177 is connected.
[0200] A third roller 652 that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to a position opposite the first roller 650 with the mesh
belt 72 therebetween. A third seal 630 disposed to the fourth
housing 177 contacts the outside surface F of the third roller
652.
[0201] The third seal 630 is disposed to the side wall 177a on the
downstream side of the fourth housing 177 in the conveyance
direction of the web W, and contacts the outside surface F of the
third roller 652. Asperities Nf producing a surface roughness of
greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500
.mu.m are formed on the outside surface F of the third roller 652.
Note that the detailed configuration of the third seal 630 and
third roller 652 is the same as described in the first embodiment
of the invention, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0202] A fourth roller 653 that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to a position opposite the second roller 651 with the mesh
belt 72 therebetween. A fourth seal 640 disposed to the side wall
177b opposite the side wall 177a of the fourth housing 177 (on the
upstream side in the conveyance direction of the web W) contacts
the outside surface F of the fourth roller 653. Asperities Nf
producing a surface roughness of greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m
and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m are formed on the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653. Note that the detailed
configuration of the fourth seal 640 and the fourth roller 653 is
the same as described in the first embodiment of the invention, and
further description thereof is omitted.
[0203] Note that by using a first and second roller 650, 651 and a
first and second seal 610, 620 in the wetting device 78 and not
only in the air-laying device 60, the occurrence of material clumps
is suppressed, and sheets of consistent quality can be produced.
The occurrence of material clumps can also be suppressed at the
third and fourth roller 652, 653 and the third and fourth seal 630,
640, and as a result damage to the mesh belt 72, and increasing the
drive load, can be suppressed. Yet further, the frequency of
maintenance of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (such as the
wetting device 78 and mesh belt 72) can be reduced.
[0204] Note also that first to fourth rollers 650a, 650a', 651a,
651a', 652a, 652a', 653a, 653a' (see the second embodiment of the
invention), or first to fourth rollers 650b, 651b, 652b, 653b (see
the third embodiment of the invention) may be used in the wetting
device 78 instead of first to fourth rollers 650, 651, 652,
653.
Embodiment 5
[0205] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fifth
embodiment of the invention is described next. In a sheet
manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment to fourth
embodiment of the invention, configurations applying the first
roller, for example, to the air-laying device or wetting device are
described, but this embodiment of the invention describes a
configuration applying the first roller, for example, to the
classifier. FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the configuration of
the classifier.
[0206] As shown in FIG. 9, the classifier 40 includes a foraminous
drum 41; a fifth housing 400 covering the drum 41; a conveyor 460
on which material including fiber (first classified material) that
has passed through the holes in the drum 41 accumulates as a web V,
and which conveys the accumulated web V; a first roller 650 that
contacts the web V conveyed by the conveyor 460, and has asperities
Nf formed on the outside surface thereof; and a first seal 610
disposed to a first wall 400a of the fifth housing 400 and touching
the outside surface of the first roller 650.
[0207] The drum 41 includes a rotatable cylinder, and numerous
holes through which at least material including fiber carried by
air passes are formed in the cylinder. The fifth housing 400 has a
frame 401, and is hollow inside. The drum 41 is placed inside the
frame 401, and is thereby covered (surrounded) by the fifth housing
400. The fifth housing 400 does not have a floor panel, and is
open.
[0208] The conveyor 460 accumulates material including fiber that
has passed through the holes in the drum 41 as a web V, and conveys
the accumulated web V. The conveyor 460 in this embodiment of the
invention includes a mesh belt 46 and tension rollers 47.
[0209] On the downstream side of the fifth housing 400 in the
conveyance direction of the web V is disposed a first roller 650
that contacts the web V conveyed by the mesh belt 46. Disposed to
the first wall 400a of the fifth housing 400 is a first seal 610,
which contacts the outside surface of the first roller 650. The
first seal 610 and first roller 650 contact each other. Asperities
Nf producing a surface roughness of greater than or equal to 30
.mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m are formed on the outside
surface F of the first roller 650. Note that the detailed
configuration of the first seal 610 and the first roller 650 is the
same as described in the first embodiment of the invention, and
further description thereof is omitted.
[0210] The second roller 651 is disposed upstream from the first
roller 650 in the conveyance direction of the web W. A second seal
620 is disposed to the second wall 400b opposite the first wall
400a of the fifth housing 400 and contacts the second roller 651.
The second seal 620 contacts the second roller 651. Asperities Nf
producing a surface roughness of greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m
and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m are formed on the outside
surface F of the second roller 651. The asperities Nf are formed in
the area of the outside surface F of the second roller 651 that
contacts the area where the web V is formed on the mesh belt 46.
Note that the detailed configuration of the second seal 620 and the
second roller 651 is the same as described in the first embodiment
of the invention, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0211] In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, a suction device (suction
mechanism) 48 is disposed on the inside surface 46b side of the
mesh belt 46. The suction device 48 is disposed opposite the fifth
housing 400 with the mesh belt 46 therebetween. The suction device
48 is located below the mesh belt 46, and has a sixth housing 480
with an opening facing the inside surface 46b. A third roller 652
that contacts the mesh belt 46 is disposed to a position opposite
the first roller 650 with the mesh belt 46 therebetween. A third
seal 630 that contacts the outside surface F of the third roller
652 is also disposed to the sixth housing 480.
[0212] The third seal 630 is disposed to a side wall 480a of the
sixth housing 480 on the downstream side in the conveyance
direction of the web V, and contacts the outside surface F of the
third roller 652. Asperities Nf producing a surface roughness of
greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500
.mu.m are formed on the outside surface F of the third roller 652.
Note that the detailed configuration of the third seal 630 and the
third roller 652 is the same as described in the first embodiment
of the invention, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0213] Also in this embodiment of the invention, a fourth roller
653 that contacts the mesh belt 46 is disposed to a position
opposite the second roller 651 with the mesh belt 46 therebetween.
A fourth seal 640 that contacts the outside surface F of the fourth
roller 653 is disposed to a side wall 480b opposite (on the
upstream side in the conveyance direction of the web V) side wall
480a of the sixth housing 480, and contacts the outside surface F
of the fourth roller 653. Asperities Nf producing a surface
roughness of greater than or equal to 30 .mu.m and less than or
equal to 500 .mu.m are formed on the outside surface F of the
fourth roller 653. Note that the detailed configuration of the
fourth seal 640 and the fourth roller 653 is the same as described
in the first embodiment of the invention, and further description
thereof is omitted.
[0214] By using a first and second roller 650, 651 and a first and
second seal 610, 620 in the classifier 40 and not only in the
air-laying device 60 and the wetting device 78 in this embodiment
of the invention, the occurrence of material clumps is suppressed,
and sheets of consistent quality can be produced. The occurrence of
material clumps can also be suppressed at the third and fourth
roller 652, 653 and the third and fourth seal 630, 640, and as a
result damage to the mesh belt 46, and increasing the drive load,
can be suppressed. Yet further, the frequency of maintenance of the
sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 (such as the first web forming
device 45 and conveyor 460) can be reduced.
[0215] Note also that first roller 650a, 650a', second roller 651a,
651a', third roller 652a, 652a', and fourth roller 653a, 653a'(see
the second embodiment of the invention), or first, second, third,
and fourth roller 650b, 651b, 652b, 653b (see the third embodiment
of the invention) may be applied to the classifier 40 instead of
first, second, third, and fourth roller 650, 651, 652, 653.
Embodiment 6
[0216] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a sixth
embodiment of the invention is described next. The sheet
manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment to fifth
embodiment of the invention describe configurations having a first
roller with a textured surface (asperities) on the outside, but the
invention is not so limited and may be configured with a first
roller that does not have a textured outside surface.
[0217] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment
of the invention has a foraminous drum; a housing covering the
drum; a conveyor on which material including fiber that has passed
through the holes in the drum accumulates as a web, and which
conveys the deposited web; a first roller that contacts the web
conveyed by the conveyor; and a first seal, which is a first seal
disposed to a first wall of the housing and contacts the outside
surface of the first roller, is disposed to contact the outside
surface F of the first roller at an angle greater than or equal to
45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees to a virtual
vertical plane tangent to the outside surface of the first
roller.
[0218] Note that the configuration of the drum and conveyor, for
example, in this embodiment are the same as described in the first
embodiment of the invention, and further description thereof is
omitted.
[0219] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B schematically illustrate contact
between a first seal and first roller. The first roller 650c is
disposed with its axis of rotation in the direction transverse to
the conveyance direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W), and
is configured to turn as driven by a motor or other drive device.
Note that asperities (Nf, T) as described in the foregoing
embodiments are not disposed to the outside surface F of the first
roller 650c in this embodiment. The configuration of the first
roller 650c is otherwise the same as described in the above
embodiments.
[0220] The first seal 610 in this example is a pile seal comprising
a base FL and numerous fibers H planted densely on the one side of
the base FL, and is configured as in the first embodiment.
[0221] As shown in FIG. 10A, the distal ends of the fibers H of the
first seal 610 are configured to touch the outside surface F of the
first roller 650c. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the
first seal 610 is disposed so that the angle .theta.1 of the first
seal 610 to a virtual vertical plane 8P tangent to the outside
surface F of the first roller 650c is 90 degrees. Note that the
distal ends of the fibers H in the first seal 610 are pushed
against the outside surface F of the first roller 650.
[0222] Note that in FIG. 10A the angle .theta.1 of the first seal
610 to the virtual vertical plane SP to the outside surface F of
the first roller 650c is set to 90 degrees, but the invention is
not limited to this configuration. The first seal 610 may be set to
contact the outside surface F of the first roller 650 at any angle
greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90
degrees to the virtual vertical plane SP tangent to the outside
surface F of the first roller 650.
[0223] As shown in FIG. 10B, for example, the first seal 610 may be
disposed to contact the outside surface F of the first roller 650c
at an angle .theta.1 of 45 degrees to the virtual vertical plane SP
tangent to the outside surface F of the first roller 650c. If the
angle .theta.1 is within the foregoing range, a good seal can be
assured between the first seal 610 and first roller 650c.
[0224] By setting the first seal 610 to contact the first roller
650c from a diagonal direction, this embodiment of the invention
makes material sticking to the first seal 610 more difficult.
[0225] Note that the configuration described above may also be
applied to other configurations. In this case, the same effect can
be achieved at the second roller 651 and the second seal 620. In
addition, formation of clumps of material is also suppressed by the
third and fourth roller 652, 653 and the third and fourth seal 630,
640 in the same way, and as a result damage to the mesh belt, and
increasing the drive load, can be suppressed. Yet further, the
frequency of maintenance of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100
can be reduced.
Embodiment 7
[0226] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a seventh
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that the basic
configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this
embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first
embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted. FIG. 11A
schematically illustrates the configuration of an air-laying
device, and FIG. 11B is an oblique view of part of the air-laying
device. FIG. 12A is an external view illustrating the configuration
of a first roller, and FIG. 12B is a partial section view
illustrating the configuration of the first roller. FIG. 13A and
FIG. 13B schematically illustrate contact between the first seal
and the first roller. Note that the configuration of the wetting
device is omitted in FIG. 11A.
[0227] This embodiment of the invention has round recesses Cf
disposed to the surface (outside surface F) of the first roller
650d. The recesses Cf are disposed in the area of the outside
surface F of the first roller 650d that contacts the web W. As
shown in FIG. 12A, in this embodiment of the invention the recesses
Cf are formed over the entire outside surface F of the first roller
650d.
[0228] As shown in FIG. 12B, the recesses Cf in this embodiment are
numerous small recesses (dimples, or spherical recesses, or
crater-shaped recesses) formed in the outside surface of the first
roller 650d. The depth H of the recesses Cf (the distance from the
root to the crest of the recesses Cf) is greater than or equal to
30 .mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m. The width of the
recesses Cf (the distance from one recess Cf crest to the adjacent
crest, the diameter of round recesses Cf) is greater than or equal
to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 2 ms. The first roller 650d is
a metal roller made of aluminum or stainless steel, for example,
and round recesses Cf are formed in the surface of the first roller
650d by, for example, blasting the surface with spherical grit
(such as glass beads with an average particle diameter of 1.2 mm).
Compared with blasting the surface with multifaceted alumina having
an average particle diameter of 0.3 ms, this reduces formation of
sharp edges (small protrusions with a sharp needle-like tips, such
as burrs) on the roller surface. In addition, because the width D
of the recesses Cf can be increased, resin or other particles
entering (becoming stuck) in the recesses Cf, or resin in the
recesses Cf sticking to the material, can be prevented.
[0229] Note that round recesses Cf can be formed by methods other
than blasting with spherical grit, including, for example,
formation by roll forming or chemical processing.
[0230] Forming the recesses Cf disposed in the outside surface F of
the first roller 650c with a depth H greater than or equal to 30
.mu.m and less than or equal to 500 .mu.m makes it difficult for
material including fiber adhering to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650d to be left (accumulate) on the first seal 610
when conveyed in the direction of rotation of the first roller
650d. In addition, because the width D of the recesses Cf is
greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 2 m,
sticking of material, for example, to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650d can be suppressed.
[0231] Note that if the depth H of the recesses Cf is less than 30
.mu.m, the effect of inhibiting material remaining (accumulating)
on the first seal 610 is reduced. If the depth H of the recesses Cf
exceeds 500 .mu.m, the gap between the recesses Cf and the first
seal 610 increases, and the seal effect may drop. In addition, the
pattern of the recesses Cf may be transferred to the web W of the
depth H of the recesses Cf is great, and the quality of the sheet
may drop.
[0232] Furthermore, if the width D of the recesses Cf is less than
0.1 mm, sharp protrusions may be formed on the outside surface F,
and material (including fiber and resin) may be caught and stick to
the protrusions. Furthermore, if the width D of the recesses Cf is
greater than 2.0 mm, a poor seal may result and pressure on the web
w may drop.
[0233] Note that the depth H and width D of the recesses Cf can be
measured using various measuring instruments, including a surface
roughness tester or laser scanning microscope.
[0234] Surface processing to improve wear resistance is also
applied to the outside surface F of the first roller 650d. For
example, anodizing or plating may be applied. Such surface
processes are thin film processes forming a coating several microns
thick. As a result, the shape of the recesses Cf can be retained
while wear resistance can also be improved.
[0235] Surface processing to lower the surface free energy may also
be applied to the outside surface F of the first roller 650d. For
example, fluorination (such as electroless Ni-P-PTEE composite
plating) may be applied. Such surface processes are thin film
processes forming a coating several microns thick. As a result, the
shape of the recesses Cf can be retained while sticking of material
(including fiber and resin) can be reduced.
[0236] The first seal 610 in this example is a pile seal comprising
a base FL and numerous fibers H planted densely on the one side of
the base FL (see FIG. 13A). The other side of the base FL of the
first seal 610 is attached to the outside surface of the first wall
600a of the first housing 600, and the distal ends of the fibers H
of the first seal 610 are configured to touch the outside surface F
of the first roller 650d. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13A,
the first seal 610 is disposed so that the angle .theta.1 of the
first seal 610 to a virtual vertical plane SP tangent to the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d is 90 degrees. More
specifically, the first seal 610 and first roller 650d are disposed
so that the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610 are
substantially perpendicular to the virtual vertical plane SP. Note
that the distal ends of the fibers H in the first seal 610 are
pushed against the outside surface F of the first roller 650d. As a
result, the gap between the outside surface of the first wall 600a
of the first housing 600 and the first roller 650d is substantially
closed by the first seal 610. In addition, when the first roller
650d and the first seal 610 slide against each other as the first
roller 650d turns, wear and friction are suppressed compared with
when a foam sponge is used as the first seal 610, and the drive
load on the first roller 650d can be reduced. The length of the
fibers H of the first seal 610 is set so that the first seal 610
reliably contacts the first roller 650d. For example, the length is
set longer than the width of the gap between the first wall 600a of
the first housing 600 and the first roller 650d.
[0237] Note that in FIG. 13A the angle .theta.1 of the first seal
610 is set to 90 degrees, but the invention is not limited to this
configuration. The first seal 610 may be set to contact the outside
surface F of the first roller 650d at an angle greater than or
equal to 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees to the
virtual vertical plane SP tangent to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650d. As shown in FIG. 13B, for example, the first
seal 610 may be disposed to contact the outside surface F of the
first roller 650 at an angle .theta.1 of 45 degrees to the virtual
vertical plane SP tangent to the outside surface F of the first
roller 650d. If the angle .theta.1 is within the foregoing range, a
good seal can be assured between the first seal 610 and first
roller 650d.
[0238] Operation in the area around the first roller is described
next. FIG. 14A schematically illustrates operation in the area
around the first roller. When driving the sheet manufacturing
apparatus 100, material including fiber from the opening in the
drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The accumulated material
(web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time,
the first roller 650d also turns in contact with the web W
(counterclockwise in FIG. 11A and FIG. 14A). Material forming the
web W may also stick to the outside surface F of the first roller
650d at this time.
[0239] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the first roller 650d.
[0240] Sticking material is held by the recesses Cf formed on the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d and moves rotationally
in conjunction with rotation of the first roller 650d. In addition,
in the area where the first seal 610 and first roller 650d touch,
the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610 curve in the
direction of rotation of the first roller 650d due to friction with
the recesses Cf of the first roller 650d (the distal ends of the
fibers H bend down in FIG. 14A). As a result, the material clinging
to the first roller 650d is easily conveyed in the direction the
distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610 bend. The
material clinging to the first roller 650d is held by the recesses
Cf, and passes through the area of contact between the first seal
610 and first roller 650d without being wiped off by the first seal
610. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating) near the area
of contact between the first seal 610 and first roller 650d can be
prevented. In addition, the material clinging to the first roller
650d passes the first seal 610, contacts and adheres to the web W,
and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction of the web
W.
[0241] It is also difficult for material to enter (become stuck in)
the recesses Cf of the first roller 650d, and the first roller 650d
is therefore driven without material (fiber or resin) sticking to
its surface.
[0242] Note that if the first seal 610 is disposed to contact the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d at an angle .theta.1 of
45 degrees (see FIG. 13B), the first seal 610 makes diagonal
contact with the first roller 650d, making accumulation of material
in the area of contact between the first seal 610 and first roller
650d even more difficult.
[0243] A second roller 651 is disposed on the upstream side in the
conveyance direction of the web W from the first roller 650d. A
second seal 620 is disposed to the second wall 600b opposite the
first wall 600a of the first housing 600 to contact the second
roller 651d. The second seal 620 in this embodiment of the
invention is disposed to the outside surface of the second wall
600b. The second seal 620 and the second roller 651d contact each
other.
[0244] As shown in FIG. 11B, the second roller 651 is disposed with
its axis of rotation in the direction transverse to the conveyance
direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W). The length of the
second roller 651d is the same as the width of the frame 601 of the
first housing 600 (the width of the web W).
[0245] The second roller 651d is connected to a drive device (not
shown in the figure) such as a motor that drives the second roller
651d. By driving the drive device, the second roller 651d can be
turned on its axis of rotation (counterclockwise in FIG. 11B). The
drive speed (circumferential speed) of the second roller 651d is
set to the same speed as the conveyance speed (speed of travel) of
the web W by the mesh belt 72. The second roller 651d is also
disposed to contact the outside surface (accumulation surface) 72a
of the mesh belt 72.
[0246] Round recesses Cf are also formed in the outside surface F
of the second roller 651d. The recesses Cf are formed in the area
of the outside surface F of the second roller 651d that contacts
the area where the web W is formed on the mesh belt 72. As shown in
FIG. 12A, in this embodiment of the invention the recesses Cf are
formed over the entire outside surface F of the second roller 651d.
The recesses Cf formed on the outside surface F of the second
roller 651d are the same as the recesses Cf formed on the first
roller 650d, and further description thereof is omitted (see FIG.
12A and FIG. 12B). The configuration of the second seal 620 is also
the same as the configuration of the first seal 610, and further
description thereof is omitted.
[0247] In addition, contact between the second seal 620 and second
roller 651d is also the same as described above, and further
description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B).
[0248] Operation in the area around the second roller is described
next. When driving the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, material
including fiber from the opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the
mesh belt 72. The accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by
movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time, the second roller 651d
also turns in contact with the mesh belt 72 by the movement of the
mesh belt 72 (counterclockwise in FIG. 11A). At this time,
remaining material of the web W that did not separate from the mesh
belt 72, that is, material sticking to the surface of the mesh belt
72, may cling to the outside surface F of the second roller
651d.
[0249] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the second roller 651d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the second roller 651d.
[0250] Sticking material is held by the recesses Cf formed on the
outside surface F of the second roller 651d and moves rotationally
in conjunction with rotation of the second roller 651d. In
addition, in the area where the second seal 620 and second roller
651d touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the second seal 620
curve in the direction of rotation of the second roller 651d due to
friction with the recesses Cf of the second roller 651d (the distal
ends of the fibers H bend up in FIG. 11A). As a result, the
material clinging to the second roller 651d is easily conveyed in
the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of the second seal
620 bend. The material clinging to the second roller 651d is held
by the recesses Cf, and passes through the area of contact between
the second seal 620 and second roller 651d without being wiped off
by the second seal 620. As a result, material clumping
(agglomerating) near the area of contact between the second seal
620 and second roller 651d can be prevented. In addition, the
material clinging to the second roller 651d passes the second seal
620, contacts and adheres to (or is caught by) the mesh belt 72,
and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction of the web
W. The material conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction is,
for example, suctioned by the suction mechanism (second air flow
generator) 76.
[0251] It is also difficult for material to enter (become stuck in)
the recesses Cf of the second roller 651d, and the second roller
651d is therefore driven without material sticking to its
surface.
[0252] Note that a side seal 690 that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to the side walls 600c other than the first wall 600a and
second wall 600b of the first housing 600. The side seal 690 is
also a pile seal, is configured like the pile seals described
above, and further description thereof is omitted (see FIG.
11B).
[0253] The seal structure of the suction mechanism (second air flow
generator) is described next. As shown in FIG. 11A, the sheet
manufacturing apparatus 100 has a conveyor 700 including a mesh
member (mesh belt 72) that conveys the web W, and a suction device
(suction mechanism (second air flow generator) 76) that suctions
the material including fiber onto the mesh belt 72. The suction
mechanism 76 has a second housing 760 that defines the suction
area. A third roller 652d that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to a position opposite the first roller 650d with the mesh
belt 72 therebetween. A third seal 630 disposed to the second
housing 760 contacts the outside surface P of the third roller
652d.
[0254] The third seal 630 is disposed to a side wall 760a on one
side of the second housing 760 (downstream in the conveyance
direction of the web W), and contacts the outside surface F of the
third roller 652d. The side wall 760a includes the outside surface,
inside surface, and end (the surface facing the mesh belt 72) of
the second housing 760. Note that the third seal 630 in this
embodiment of the invention is disposed to the outside surface of
the side wall 760a.
[0255] The third roller 652 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in the direction transverse to the conveyance direction of the web
W (widthwise to the web w). The length of the third roller 652d is
the same as the width of the first roller 650d. The third roller
652 is a follower roller that rotates on its axis of rotation
(clockwise in FIG. 11A) in conjunction with movement of the mesh
belt 72.
[0256] The third roller 652d is disposed with its axis of rotation
in a fixed position to contact the inside surface 72b of the mesh
belt 72. As a result, even if a load is applied in the direction of
gravity, the first roller 650d is supported by the third roller
652d through the web W and mesh belt 72. The position of the mesh
belt 72 is also limited by the third roller 652d. Therefore, the
mesh belt 72 is supported with the accumulation surface of the mesh
belt 72 held in a substantially horizontal position without sagging
down due to pressure from the first roller 650d or gravity.
[0257] Round recesses Cf are disposed to the outside surface F of
the third roller 652d. The recesses Cf disposed to the outside
surface F of the third roller 652d are the same as the recesses Cf
on the first roller 650d, and further description thereof is
omitted (see FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B). The configuration of the third
seal 630 is also the same as the configuration of the first seal
610, and further description thereof is omitted. In addition,
contact between the third seal 630 and third roller 652d is also
the same as described above, and further description thereof is
omitted (see FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B). This configuration
substantially seals the second housing 760 and improves the suction
performance of the suction mechanism 76.
[0258] Operation in the area around the third roller is described
next. FIG. 14B schematically illustrates operation in the area
around the third roller. When driving the sheet manufacturing
apparatus 100, material including fiber from the opening in the
drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The accumulated material
(web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time,
the third roller 652d also turns in contact with the mesh belt 72
(clockwise in FIG. 11A and FIG. 14B). Material forming the web W
may also stick to the outside surface F of the third roller 652d at
this time.
[0259] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the third roller 652d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the third roller 652d.
[0260] In this event, the clinging material is held by the recesses
Cf formed on the outside surface F of the third roller 652d and
moves rotationally in conjunction with rotation of the third roller
652d. In addition, in the area where the third seal 630 and third
roller 652d touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the third
seal 630 curve in the direction of rotation of the third roller
652d due to friction with the recesses Cf of the third roller 652d
(the distal ends of the fibers H bend up in FIG. 14B). As a result,
material clinging to the third roller 652d is easily conveyed in
the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of the third seal 630
bend. The material clinging to the third roller 652d is held by the
recesses Cf, and passes through the area of contact between the
third seal 630 and third roller 652d without being wiped off by the
third seal 630. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating) near
the area of contact between the third seal 630 and third roller
652d can be prevented. In addition, the material clinging to the
third roller 652d passes the third seal 630, adheres to (or is
pulled by) the mesh belt 72, and is conveyed in the direction of
rotation of the mesh belt 72. The material sticking to the mesh
belt 72 is suctioned by the suction mechanism 76.
[0261] It is also difficult for material to become stuck in the
recesses Cf of the third roller 652d, and the third roller 652d is
therefore driven without material sticking to its surface.
[0262] A fourth roller 653d that contacts the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to a position opposite the second roller 651d with the
mesh belt 72 therebetween. A fourth seal 640 that contacts the
outside surface F of the fourth roller 653d is also disposed to the
second housing 760.
[0263] The fourth seal 640 is disposed to a side wall 760b opposite
(on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the web W)
side wall 760a of the second housing 760, and contacts the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653d. The side wall 760b includes
the outside surface, inside surface, and end (the surface facing
the mesh belt 72) of the second housing 760. Note that the fourth
seal 640 in this embodiment of the invention is disposed to the
outside surface of the side wall 760b.
[0264] The fourth roller 653d is disposed with its axis of rotation
in the direction transverse to the conveyance direction of the web
W (widthwise to the web W). The length of the fourth roller 653d is
the same as the width of the second roller 651d. The fourth roller
653d is a follower roller that rotates on its axis of rotation
(clockwise in FIG. 11A) in conjunction with movement of the mesh
belt 72.
[0265] The fourth roller 653d is disposed with its axis of rotation
in a fixed position so that the fourth roller 653d contacts the
inside surface 72b of the mesh belt 72. As a result, even if a load
is applied in the direction of gravity, the second roller 651d is
supported by the fourth roller 653d through the mesh belt 72. The
position of the mesh belt 72 is also limited by the fourth roller
653d. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 is supported with the
accumulation surface of the mesh belt 72 held in a substantially
horizontal position without sagging down due to pressure from the
second roller 651d or gravity.
[0266] Round recesses Cf are disposed to the outside surface F of
the fourth roller 653d. The recesses Cf formed on the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653d are the same as the recesses Cf
on the first roller 650d, and further description thereof is
omitted (see FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B). The configuration of the
fourth seal 640 is also the same as the configuration of the first
seal 610, and further description thereof is omitted. In addition,
contact between the fourth seal 640 and fourth roller 653d is also
the same as described above, and further description thereof is
omitted (see FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B). This configuration
substantially seals the second housing 760 and improves the suction
performance of the suction mechanism 76.
[0267] Operation in the area around the fourth roller is described
next. When driving the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, material
including fiber from the opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the
mesh belt 72. The accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by
movement of the mesh belt 72. At this time, the fourth roller 653d
also turns in contact with the mesh belt 72 (clockwise in FIG.
11A). Material forming the web W may also stick to the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653d at this time.
[0268] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the fourth roller 653d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the fourth roller 653d.
[0269] In this event, the clinging material is held by the recesses
Cf formed on the outside surface F of the fourth roller 653d and
moves rotationally in conjunction with rotation of the fourth
roller 653d. In addition, in the area where the fourth seal 640 and
fourth roller 653d touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the
fourth seal 640 curve in the direction of rotation of the fourth
roller 653d due to friction with the recesses Cf of the fourth
roller 653d (the distal ends of the fibers H bend down in FIG.
11A). As a result, the material clinging to the fourth roller 653d
is easily conveyed in the direction the distal ends of the fibers H
of the fourth seal 640 bend. The material clinging to the fourth
roller 653d is held by the recesses Cf, and passes through the area
of contact between the fourth seal 640 and fourth roller 653d
without being wiped off by the fourth seal 640. As a result,
material clumping (agglomerating) near the area of contact between
the fourth seal 640 and fourth roller 653d can be prevented. In
addition, the material clinging to the fourth roller 653d passes
the fourth seal 640, adheres to (or is pulled by) the mesh belt 72,
and is conveyed in the direction of rotation of the mesh belt 72.
The material sticking to the mesh belt 72 is suctioned by the
suction mechanism 76.
[0270] It is also difficult for material to become stuck in the
recesses Cf of the fourth roller 653d, and the fourth roller 653d
is therefore driven without material sticking to its surface.
[0271] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0272] Round recesses Cf are disposed to the outside surface F of
the first roller 650d. As a result, material (fiber or resin, for
example) catching on the outside surface F of the first roller 650d
and sticking or adhering thereto can be reduced.
[0273] A first seal 610 is also disposed touching the outside
surface F. As a result, material clinging to the outside surface F
of the first roller 650d passes the first seal 610 and is conveyed
forward without being removed by the first seal 610. Therefore,
clumps of material forming in the area where the first seal 610 and
first roller 650d are in contact with each other, and near the
border to this contact area, is suppressed, and sheets of
consistent quality can be produced.
[0274] Note that the same effect achieved by the first roller 650d
and first seal 610 can also be achieved with the second, third, and
fourth roller 651d, 652d, 653d, and the second, third, and fourth
seal 620, 630, 640.
Embodiment 8
[0275] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to an eighth
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that the basic
configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as the
configuration of the seventh embodiment, and further description
thereof is omitted. FIG. 15A schematically illustrates the
configuration of an air-laying device. FIG. 15B schematically
illustrates operation around a first roller in this embodiment of
the invention, and FIG. 15C schematically illustrates operation
around a third roller according to this embodiment of the
invention. Note that the configuration of the wetting device is
omitted in FIG. 15A.
[0276] As shown in FIG. 15A, a sheet manufacturing apparatus 100A
according to this embodiment has a removal device 800 that contacts
the outside surface F of the first roller 650d and removes material
sticking to the outside surface F of the first roller 650d. Note
that the configuration of the first roller 650d is the same as the
configuration in the seventh embodiment of the invention, and
further description thereof is omitted.
[0277] The removal device 800 in this example is a cleaning brush,
and functions to scrape material sticking (accumulated) in the
round recesses Cf in the outside surface F of the first roller 650d
and remove such material from the outside surface F of the first
roller 650d.
[0278] The removal device 800 has a base 801 and numerous fibers
802 planted densely on one side of the base 801. The fibers 802 are
made of a material such as nylon 6 or electrically conductive
nylon, and are harder and thicker than the fibers H of the first
seal 610. The diameter of the fibers 802 is less than the width D
of the recesses Cf, and is, for example, approximately 0.1 mm to
0.5 ms. In addition, the density (distance between fibers) of the
fibers 802 of the removal device 800 is coarser than the fibers H
of the first seal 610.
[0279] The removal device 800 has a length equal to the width
dimension of the first roller 650d in the axial direction. As a
result, the removal device 800 can easily contact the entire
outside surface F of the first roller 650d.
[0280] As shown in FIG. 15B, the removal device 800 is disposed on
the upstream side of the first seal 610 in the direction of
rotation of the first roller 650d. The removal device 800 is
disposed so that the distal ends of the fibers 802 face the
downstream side of the first roller 650d in the direction of
rotation, and the fibers 802 contact the outside surface F
(recesses Cf) at an angle from above the first roller 650d. Note
that the length L from the crests of the first roller 650d to the
distal ends of the fibers 802 is approximately from 1/6 to 1/5 of
the diameter of the first roller 650d. Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 15B, the removal device 800 is disposed to apply a load of
approximately 1 N horizontally (in the direction of the arrow in
FIG. 15B) to the first roller 650d.
[0281] Operation in the area around the first roller 650d is
described next. As shown in FIG. 15B, when driving the sheet
manufacturing apparatus 100A, material including fiber from the
opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The
accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh
belt 72. At this time, the first roller 650d also turns in contact
with the web W (counterclockwise in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15A).
Material forming the web W may also stick to the outside surface F
of the first roller 650d at this time.
[0282] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the first roller 650d.
[0283] Sticking material is held by the recesses Cf formed on the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d and moves rotationally
in conjunction with rotation of the first roller 650d.
[0284] In the area where the removal device 800 contacts the first
roller 650d, the distal ends of the fibers 802 of the removal
device 800 enter the recesses Cf, and material sticking in the
recesses Cf is scraped out. The material that is scraped out drops
down and sticks to the web W. Note that the removal device 800 can
remove not only material sticking in the recesses Cf, but also
material sticking to places other than inside the recesses Cf.
[0285] Next, in the area where the first seal 610 and first roller
650d touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610
curve in the direction of rotation of the first roller 650d due to
friction with the recesses Cf of the first roller 650d (the distal
ends of the fibers H bend down in FIG. 15B). As a result, the
material clinging to the first roller 650d is easily conveyed in
the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610
bend.
[0286] Note that material that could not be completely removed by
the removal device 800 and sticks to the first roller 650d is held
in the recesses Cf and passes through the area of contact between
the first seal 610 and first roller 650d without being wiped off by
the first seal 610. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating)
near the area of contact between the first seal 610 and first
roller 650d can be prevented. In addition, the material clinging to
the first roller 650d passes the first seal 610, contacts and
adheres to the web W, and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance
direction of the web W.
[0287] In addition, because resin does not enter and stick in the
recesses Cf of the first roller 650d, the first roller 650d drives
rotationally without material sticking to its outside surface
F.
[0288] Note that as shown in FIG. 15A, in addition to the first
roller 650d, a removal device 800 may be applied to the second,
third, and fourth roller 651d, 652d, 653d. FIG. 15C illustrates
applying a removal device 800 to the third roller 652d.
[0289] In this case, as shown in FIG. 15C, the removal device 800
is disposed on the upstream side of the third seal 630 in the
direction of rotation of the third roller 652d. The removal device
800 is disposed so that the distal ends of the fibers 802 face the
downstream side of the third roller 652d in the direction of
rotation, and the fibers 802 contact the outside surface F
(recesses Cf) at an angle from below the third roller 652d. Note
that the length L from the crests of the third roller 652d to the
distal ends of the fibers 802 is approximately from 1/6 to 1/5 of
the diameter of the third roller 652d. Furthermore, the removal
device 800 is disposed to apply a load of approximately 1 N
horizontally to the third roller 652d.
[0290] Note that a receiver for capturing material removed by the
removal device 800 may be disposed below the removal device 800.
This can prevent dispersion of the material.
[0291] Operation in the area around the third roller 652d is
described next. As shown in FIG. 15C, when driving the sheet
manufacturing apparatus 100A, material including fiber from the
opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The
accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh
belt 72. At this time, the third roller 652d also turns in contact
with the mesh belt 72 (clockwise in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15C).
Material forming the web W may also stick to the outside surface F
of the third roller 652d at this time.
[0292] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the third roller 652d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the third roller 652d.
[0293] Sticking material is held by the recesses Cf formed on the
outside surface F of the third roller 652d and moves rotationally
in conjunction with rotation of the third roller 652d.
[0294] In the area where the removal device 800 contacts the third
roller 652d, the fibers 802 of the removal device 800 enter the
recesses Cf, and material sticking in the recesses Cf is scraped
out. The material that is scraped out drops down and is captured by
the receiver, for example. Note that the removal device 800 removes
not only material sticking in the recesses Cf, but also material
sticking to the third roller 652d other than inside the recesses
Cf.
[0295] Next, in the area where the third seal 630 and third roller
652d touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the third seal 630
curve in the direction of rotation of the third roller 652d due to
friction with the recesses Cf of the third roller 652d (the distal
ends of the fibers H bend up in FIG. 15C). As a result, the
material clinging to the third roller 652d is easily conveyed in
the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of the third seal 630
bend.
[0296] Note that material that could not be removed by the removal
device 800 and sticks to the third roller 652d is held in the
recesses Cf and passes through the area of contact between the
third seal 630 and third roller 652d without being wiped off by the
third seal 630. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating) near
the area of contact between the third seal 630 and third roller
652d can be prevented. In addition, the material clinging to the
third roller 652d passes the third seal 630, adheres to (or is
caught by) the mesh belt 72, and is conveyed in the direction the
mesh belt 72 turns. Material sticking to the mesh belt 72 is then
suctioned by the suction mechanism 76.
[0297] In addition, because resin does not enter and stick in the
recesses Cf of the third roller 652d, the third roller 652d drives
rotationally without material sticking to its outside surface
F.
[0298] Note that a removal device 800 may be similarly applied to
the second roller 651d and fourth roller 653d.
[0299] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0300] Material sticking in the recesses Cf of the first roller
650d is scraped out by the removal device 800. As a result,
sticking of material to the first roller 650d is reduced, and
material adhering to the first roller 650d can be suppressed.
Embodiment 9
[0301] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a ninth
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that because
the basic configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus is the
same as the configuration of the seventh embodiment, further
description thereof is omitted, and configurations that differ,
specifically the configuration of another removal device that
differs from the configuration of the removal device according to
the eighth embodiment of the invention, are described below. FIG.
16 is an external view illustrating the configuration around a
first roller in this embodiment of the invention.
[0302] As shown in FIG. 16, the removal device 810 according to
this embodiment is a brush roller, and includes a roller member
811, and fibers 812 planted in the outside surface of the roller
member 811. The roller member 811 is connected to a drive motor
(not shown in the figure), and can turn on its axis. In this
embodiment of the invention the removal device 810 drives
rotationally in the same direction of rotation as the first roller
650d (counterclockwise in FIG. 16). The fibers 812 are made of a
material such as nylon 6 or electrically conductive nylon, are
harder than the fibers H of the first seal 610, and the diameter of
the fibers 812 (approximately 0.1 mm to 0.5 am) is greater
(thicker) than the diameter of the fibers H. In addition, the
density of the fibers 812 of the removal device 810 is coarser than
the first seal 610.
[0303] The removal device 810 has a length equal to the width
dimension of the first roller 650d in the axial direction. As a
result, the removal device 810 can easily contact the entire
outside surface F of the first roller 650d.
[0304] The removal device 810 is disposed on the upstream side of
the first seal 610 in the direction of rotation of the first roller
650d. The distal ends of the fibers 812 of the removal device 810
are disposed in contact with the outside surface F of the first
roller 650d.
[0305] Operation in the area around the first roller 650d is
described next. As shown in FIG. 16, when driving the sheet
manufacturing apparatus 100A, material including fiber from the
opening in the drum 61 accumulates on the mesh belt 72. The
accumulated material (web W) is conveyed by movement of the mesh
belt 72. At this time, the first roller 650d also turns in contact
with the web W (counterclockwise in FIG. 11A and FIG. 16). Material
forming the web W may also stick to the outside surface F of the
first roller 650d at this time.
[0306] Note that because round recesses Cf are formed on the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d in this embodiment of
the invention and there are no burrs or sharp parts, there is
substantially no catching and sticking of material on the outside
surface F of the first roller 650d.
[0307] Sticking material is held by the recesses Cf formed on the
outside surface F of the first roller 650d and moves rotationally
in conjunction with rotation of the first roller 650d.
[0308] In the area where the removal device 810 contacts the first
roller 650d, the fibers 812 of the removal device 810 enter the
recesses Cf, and material sticking in the recesses Cf is scraped
out. The material that is scraped out drops down and sticks to the
web W. Note that the removal device 810 can remove not only
material sticking in the recesses Cf, but also material sticking to
places other than inside the recesses Cf.
[0309] Next, in the area where the first seal 610 and first roller
650d touch, the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610
curve in the direction of rotation of the first roller 650d due to
friction with the recesses Cf of the first roller 650d (the distal
ends of the fibers H bend down in FIG. 16). As a result, the
material clinging to the first roller 650d is easily conveyed in
the direction the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal 610
bend.
[0310] Note that material that could not be completely removed by
the removal device 810 and sticks to the first roller 650d is held
in the recesses Cf and passes through the area of contact between
the first seal 610 and first roller 650d without being wiped off by
the first seal 610. As a result, material clumping (agglomerating)
near the area of contact between the first seal 610 and first
roller 650d can be prevented. In addition, the material clinging to
the first roller 650d passes the first seal 610, contacts and
adheres to the web W, and is conveyed downstream in the conveyance
direction of the web W.
[0311] In addition, because it is difficult for material to get
into the round recesses Cf of the first roller 650d, the first
roller 650d drives rotationally without material sticking to its
outside surface F.
[0312] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0313] Material sticking in the recesses Cf of the first roller
650d is scraped out by the removal device 810. In addition, because
the removal device 810 is a brush roller, the contact pressure or
contact position of the fibers 812 against the outside surface F of
the first roller 650d can be easily adjusted by controlling the
rotational speed of the roller member 811. As a result, sticking of
material to the first roller 650d can be desirably reduced.
[0314] Note that the removal device 810 described above may be
applied to the second, third, and fourth roller 651d, 652d, 653d in
addition to the first roller 650d.
[0315] Furthermore, the seventh to ninth embodiments describe
configurations applying the first roller 650d and other components
to the air-laying device, but the first roller 650d and other
components may also be applied to the wetting device 78. The
removal devices 800, 810 according to the eighth and ninth
embodiments may also be applied to the wetting device 78.
[0316] The first roller 650d and other components may also be
applied to the classifier 40. The removal devices 800, 810
according to the eighth and ninth embodiments may also be applied
to the classifier 40.
Embodiment 10
[0317] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a tenth
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that the basic
configuration of this sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as
the configuration of the first embodiment, further description
thereof is omitted, and configurations that differ, specifically
the seal configuration of the suction device, are described below.
More specifically, the configuration of the suction mechanism 76
corresponding to the air-laying device 60 is described. FIG. 17A is
a section view schematically illustrating the configuration around
the suction device of the air-laying device, FIG. 17B is a plan
view illustrating the configuration around the suction device of
the air-laying device, and FIG. 17C is an oblique view illustrating
part of the configuration around the suction device of the
air-laying device. FIG. 18 is an oblique view illustrating part of
the configuration around the air-laying device. Note that FIG. 17A
illustrates the configuration without showing the wetting
device.
[0318] As shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, the suction mechanism 76
has a first housing 1760 that defines the suction area As on the
back side 1072b of the accumulation surface 1072a of the mesh belt
72 on which material accumulates as a web W. A first roller 1650 is
disposed in contact with the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72
outside the first housing 1760, and a first seal 1610 is disposed
to the first housing 1760 in contact with the outside surface F of
the first roller 1650.
[0319] The first housing 1760 is a frame with side walls, and is
hollow inside. The top of the first housing 1760 does not have a
wall member, and instead is an opening 1761 facing the back side
1072b of the mesh belt 72. Note that the area of the opening 1761
corresponds to the auction area As. In this embodiment of the
invention, the width of the suction area As (opening 1761) (length
L2 corresponding to the width of the web W) is equal to the
dimension Wb of the width of the web w (see FIG. 18).
[0320] The first roller 1650 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in a fixed position so that the first roller 1650 contacts the back
side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. In addition, the first roller 1650
is disposed with its axis of rotation in the direction transverse
to the conveyance direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W).
Furthermore, first roller 1650 has a length L1 greater than the
dimension Mb of the width of the web W (see FIG. 18).
[0321] The first roller 1650 is a follower roller that rotates on
its axis of rotation (clockwise in FIG. 17A) in conjunction with
movement of the mesh belt 72.
[0322] The first seal 1610 in this embodiment includes a first seal
member 1610a and a second seal member 1610b. The first seal member
1610a and second seal member 1610b are, for example, pile seals
comprising a base FL and numerous fibers H planted densely on the
one side of the base FL.
[0323] The first seal member 1610a is disposed with the other side
of the base FL of the first seal member 1610a attached to the
outside surface of the side wall 1760a of the first housing 1760 on
the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the web W, and
is configured with the distal ends of the fibers H of the first
seal member 1610a in contact with the outside surface F of the
first roller 1650.
[0324] The first seal member 1610a of the first seal 1610 is
disposed with at least part thereof not touching the back side
1072b of the mesh belt 72. As shown in FIG. 17A, in this embodiment
the first seal member 1610a is disposed so that there is a gap
between the entire top side of the first seal member 1610a and the
back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. In other words, as shown in
FIG. 17B, in the area of the first seal member 1610a corresponding
to the width of the suction area As (length L2 corresponding to the
width of the web W), the first seal member 1610a is disposed
separated and not touching the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72.
As a result, the gap between the first housing 1760 and the first
roller 1650 can be sealed while also reducing the load on the mesh
belt 72. Note that the gap between the first seal member 1610a and
the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72 can be set appropriately by
the configuration of the first seal 1610 and the configuration of
the first roller 1650.
[0325] Outside the suction area As, the second seal member 1610b of
the first seal 1610 contacts back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72,
and contacts the end 1650a of the first roller 1650. As shown in
FIG. 17B and FIG. 17C, in this embodiment the second seal member
1610b is disposed so that the distal ends of the fibers H contact
part of the end 1650a of the first roller 1650. In addition, the
second seal member 1610b is disposed so that the distal ends of the
fibers H contact the first seal member 1610a. As a result, the gap
between the area around the end 1650a of the first roller 1650 and
the mesh belt 72 is substantially sealed. In the space bounded by
the first roller 1650, first housing 1760, and mesh belt 72, the
second seal member 1610b can also assure a seal in the area around
the end 1650a of the first roller 1650.
[0326] With this configuration, the space bounded by the first
roller 1650, first housing 1760, and mesh belt 72 is substantially
closed tight (sealed) by the first seal member 1610a affixed to the
first housing 1760 and contacting the first roller 1650, and the
second seal member 1610b in contact with the first seal member
1610a and the end 1650a of the first roller 1650. In addition,
because the first seal member 1610a does not contact the back side
1072b of the mesh belt 72, material does not stick and accumulate
in the area between the first seal member 1610a and the mesh belt
72, and the load on the mesh belt 72 is reduced.
[0327] In addition, on the upstream side of the first roller 1650
in the conveyance direction of the web W is disposed a second
roller 1651 outside the first housing 1760 and in contact with back
side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. A second seal 1620 is also disposed
to the first housing 1760 in contact with the outside surface F of
the second roller 1651.
[0328] The second roller 1651 is disposed with its axis of rotation
in a fixed position so that the second roller 1651 contacts the
back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. In addition, the second roller
1651 is disposed with its axis of rotation in the direction
transverse to the conveyance direction of the web W (widthwise to
the web w). Furthermore, second roller 651 has a length L1 greater
than the dimension Wb of the width of the web W (see FIG. 18) (the
same dimension as the first roller 1650).
[0329] The second roller 1651 is a follower roller that rotates on
its axis of rotation (clockwise in FIG. 17A) in conjunction with
movement of the mesh belt 72.
[0330] The second seal 1620 includes a first seal member 1620a and
a second seal member 1620b. The first seal member 1620a and second
seal member 1620b are, for example, pile seals configured as
described above.
[0331] The first seal member 1620a is disposed with the other side
of the base FL attached to the outside surface of the side wall
1760b opposite side wall 1760a of the first housing 1760 (on the
upstream side in the conveyance direction of the web W), and is
configured with the distal ends of the fibers H of the first seal
member 1620a in contact with the outside surface F of the second
roller 1651.
[0332] The first seal member 1620a of the second seal 1620 is
disposed not touching the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72 as
described above. As shown in FIG. 17A, in this embodiment the first
seal member 1620a is disposed so that there is a gap between the
entire top side of the first seal member 1620a and the back side
1072b of the mesh belt 72. As a result, the gap between the first
housing 1760 and the second roller 1651 is substantially sealed. As
shown in FIG. 17B, in the space bounded by the second roller 1651,
the first housing 1760, and the mesh belt 72, the second seal
member 1620b can also assure a seal in the area around the end
1651a of the second roller 1651.
[0333] In addition, outside the suction area As, the second seal
member 1620b of the second seal 1620 contacts back side 1072b of
the mesh belt 72, and contacts the end 1651a of the second roller
1651. In this embodiment the second seal member 1620b is disposed
so that the distal ends of the fibers H contact part of the end
1651a of the second roller 1651. In addition, the second seal
member 1620b is disposed so that the distal ends of the fibers H
contact the first seal member 1620a. As a result, the gap between
the area around end 1651a of the second roller 1651 and the mesh
belt 72 is substantially sealed.
[0334] With this configuration, the space bounded by the second
roller 1651, first housing 1760, and mesh belt 72 is substantially
closed tight (sealed) by the first seal member 1620a affixed to the
first housing 1760 and contacting the second roller 1651, and the
second seal member 1620b in contact with the first seal member
1620a and the end 1651a of the second roller 1651. In addition,
because the first seal member 1620a does not contact the back side
1072b of the mesh belt 72, material does not stick and accumulate
in the area between the first seal member 1620a and the mesh belt
72, and the load on the mesh belt 72 is reduced.
[0335] As shown in FIG. 17A, an air-laying device 60 is disposed on
the accumulation surface 1072a side of the mesh belt 72. The
air-laying device 60 includes a foraminous drum 61 (sieve); and a
second housing 1600 covering the drum 61.
[0336] The drum 61 includes a rotatable cylinder, and numerous
holes through which at least material including fiber carried by
air passes are formed in the cylinder. The many holes are the same
size (area) and are disposed at a uniform spacing. As a result,
when passing through the holes, tangled fibers are detangled, and
the material passing through the holes accumulates at a uniform
thickness and density on the mesh belt 72 (accumulation surface
1072a). Note that the size of the holes is set desirably according
to the size and type of the material that is past. In addition, the
holes are not limited to holes formed in punched metal, and may be
a metal screen.
[0337] The second housing 1600 has a frame 1601, and is hollow
inside. The drum 61 is placed inside the frame 1601, and is thereby
covered (surrounded) by the second housing 1600. An opening 1602 is
disposed instead of a floor panel at the bottom of the second
housing 1600. The opening 1602 is disposed facing the opening 1761
of the first housing 1760. As a result, substantially uniform
suction can be applied inside the second housing 1600, and material
passing through the holes in the drum 61 disposed inside the second
housing 1600 can be consistently deposited on the mesh member (mesh
belt 72).
[0338] Also disposed are a third roller 1652 that contacts the web
W conveyed by the mesh belt 72, and a third seal 1630 disposed to
the second housing 1600 covering the drum 61 and in contact with
the outside surface F of the third roller 1652.
[0339] The third roller 1652 is disposed on the downstream side of
the second housing 1600 in the conveyance direction of the web W.
The third seal 1630 is disposed to the side wall 1600a on the
downstream side of the second housing 1600 in the conveyance
direction of the web W. The side wall 1600a has an outside surface,
an inside surface, and an and (the surface facing the mesh belt
72). Note that the third seal 1630 in this embodiment is disposed
to the outside surface of the side wall 1600a.
[0340] The third roller 1652, as shown in FIG. 18, is disposed with
its axis of rotation in the direction transverse to the conveyance
direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W). The third roller
1652 has a length greater than the width dimension (the length
widthwise to the web W) of the frame 1601 of the second housing
1600. In other words, the length of the third roller 1652 along the
axis of rotation is greater than the dimension Wb of the width of
the web W, and is equal to the length L1 of the first roller 1650
along the axis of rotation.
[0341] The third roller 1652 is connected to a drive device (not
shown in the figure) such as a motor that drives the third roller
1652. By driving the drive device, the third roller 1652 can be
turned on its axis of rotation (counterclockwise in FIG. 17A). The
drive speed (circumferential speed) of the third roller 1652 is set
to be faster than the conveyance speed (speed of travel) of the web
W by the mesh belt 72. In other words, the third roller 1652 is
configured so that the circumferential speed is greater than the
conveyance speed (speed of travel) of the web W by the mesh belt
72. As a result, the web W can be pulled more easily in the
conveyance direction, accumulation of the web W and buckling of the
web W inside the second housing 1600 are reduced, and the web W can
be conveyed stably. Note that the third roller 1652 is disposed so
that its axis of rotation is positioned above the maximum height
(thickness) of the web W that accumulates upstream in the
conveyance direction from the third roller 1652. If the axis of
rotation of the third roller 1652 is at a position lower than the
maximum height (thickness) of the web W that accumulates upstream
in the conveyance direction from the third roller 1652, conveying
the top part of the accumulated web W becomes difficult, and the
web W can easily accumulate inside the second housing 1600.
[0342] The third roller 1652 can move vertically (perpendicularly
to the accumulation surface 1072a of the mesh belt 72, or the
thickness of the web W), and is urged down (to the mesh belt 72
side) by an urging member (not shown in the figure).
[0343] The third roller 1652 and first roller 1650 are disposed in
opposition with the mesh belt 72 therebetween. The first roller
1650 is disposed with its axis of rotation in a fixed position in
contact with the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. As a result,
even if a load is applied in the direction of gravity, the third
roller 1652 is supported by the first roller 1650 through the web W
and mesh belt 72. The position of the mesh belt 72 is also limited
by the first roller 1650. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 is supported
with the accumulation surface 1072a of the mesh belt 72 held in a
substantially horizontal position without sagging down due to
pressure from the third roller 1652 or gravity.
[0344] A fourth roller 1653 is disposed on the on the upstream side
of the third roller 1652 in the conveyance direction of the web W.
A sixth seal 1640 that contacts the fourth roller 1653 is disposed
to the side wall 1600b opposite the side wall 1600a of the second
housing 1600 (on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of
the web W). The sixth seal 1640 in this embodiment is disposed to
the outside surface of the side wall 1600b. The sixth seal 1640
touches the fourth roller 1653.
[0345] The fourth roller 1653, as shown in FIG. 18, is disposed
with its axis of rotation in the direction transverse to the
conveyance direction of the web W (widthwise to the web W). The
fourth roller 1653 has a length greater than the width dimension
(the length widthwise to the web W) of the frame 1601 of the second
housing 1600. In other words, the length of the fourth roller 1653
along the axis of rotation is greater than the dimension Wb of the
width of the web W, and is equal to the length L1 of the second
roller 1651 along the axis of rotation.
[0346] The fourth roller 1653 is connected to a drive device (not
shown in the figure) such as a motor that drives the fourth roller
1653. By driving the drive device, the fourth roller 1653 can be
turned on its axis of rotation (counterclockwise in FIG. 18). The
drive speed (circumferential speed) of the fourth roller 1653 is
set to be faster than the conveyance speed (speed of travel) of the
web w by the mesh belt 72. The fourth roller 1653 is disposed to
contact the accumulation surface 1072a of the mesh belt 72.
[0347] The fourth roller 1653 and second roller 1651 are disposed
in opposition with the mesh belt 72 therebetween. The second roller
1651 is disposed with its axis of rotation in a fixed position in
contact with the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. As a result,
even if a load is applied in the direction of gravity, the fourth
roller 1653 is supported by the second roller 1651 through the web
W and mesh belt 72. The position of the mesh belt 72 is also
limited by the second roller 1651. Therefore, the mesh belt 72 is
supported with the accumulation surface 1072a held in a
substantially horizontal position without sagging down due to
pressure from the fourth roller 1653 or gravity.
[0348] As shown in FIG. 18, the second housing 1600 that covers the
drum 61 also a first wall 1600c and a second wall 1600d opposite
each other in the axial direction of the drum 61. A fourth seal
1680 that contacts the accumulation surface 1072a of the mesh belt
72 is disposed to the first wall 1600c. A fifth seal 1690 that
contacts the accumulation surface 1072a of the mesh belt 72 is
disposed to the second wall 1600d. The fourth and fifth seals 1680,
1690 are pile seals, the configuration of which is as described
above.
[0349] At least part of the fourth seal 1680 and fifth seal 1690 is
disposed opposite the first seal 1610 with the mesh belt 72
therebetween. More specifically, one end P of the fourth seal 1680
(see FIG. 18) and the second seal member 1610b of the first seal
1610 (see FIG. 17B) are disposed in opposition. In addition, one
end P of the fifth seal 1690 and the other second seal member 1610b
of the first seal 1610 are disposed in opposition. In addition, the
other end P' of the fourth seal 1680 (see FIG. 18) and one second
seal member 1620b of the second seal 1620 (see FIG. 17B) are
disposed in opposition. In addition, the other end P' of the fifth
seal 1690 and the other second seal member 1620b of the second seal
1620 are disposed in opposition. As a result, a seal can be assured
between the first wall 1600c and second wall 1600d of the second
housing 1600 and the mesh belt 72.
[0350] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0351] The space bounded by the first roller 1650 and the second
roller 1651, and the first housing 1760 and the mesh belt 72, is
substantially closed tight (sealed) by the first seal 1610 and
first roller 1650, and the second seal 1620 and second roller 1651.
As a result, unnecessary suction from other than the second housing
1600 is suppressed, and material past from the opening to the drum
61 can be suctioned consistently. As a result, sheets S with even
greater uniformity can be produced.
[0352] Because the first seal member 1610a of the first seal 1610
is separated from and does not contact the back side 1072b of the
mesh belt 72, problems such as material accumulating are reduced,
and the load on the mesh belt 72 can be suppressed. Note that the
same effect is achieved by the first seal member 1620a of the
second seal 1620.
[0353] Furthermore, because the second seal member 1610b of the
first seal 1610 contacts back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72, and
contacts the end 1650a of the first roller first roller 1650,
suction from around the end 1650a of the first roller 1650 in the
space bounded by the first roller 1650, first housing 1760, and
mesh belt 72 can be reliably suppressed. Note that the same effect
is achieved by the second seal member 1620b of the second seal
1620.
Embodiment 11
[0354] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to an eleventh
embodiment of the invention is described next. Note that the basic
configuration of this sheet manufacturing apparatus is the same as
the configuration of the tenth embodiment, further description
thereof is omitted, and configurations that differ, specifically
the configuration of the first seal, are described below. FIG. 19
is an oblique view illustrating part of the configuration around
the suction device of the air-laying device according to this
embodiment.
[0355] As shown in FIG. 19, the first seal 1660 according to this
embodiment contacts the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72 and the
outside surface F of the first roller 1650 outside the area in
which the suction area As extends in the conveyance direction of
the web W.
[0356] More specifically, the first seal 1660 includes a first seal
member 1660a and a second seal member 1660b. The first seal member
1660a and the second seal member 1660b are, for example, pile seals
and are configured as described above.
[0357] The first seal member 1660a is disposed with the other side
of the base FL of the first seal member 1660a attached to the
outside surface of side wall 1760a of the first housing 1760, and
is configured with the distal ends of the fibers H of the first
seal member 1660a in contact with the outside surface F of the
first roller 1650. The first seal member 1660a is disposed so that
there is a gap between the entire top side of the first seal member
1660a and the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. In other words,
in the area of the first seal member 1660a corresponding to the
width of the suction area As (length L2 corresponding to the width
of the web W), the first seal member 1660a is disposed separated
and not touching the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. As a
result, the gap between the first housing 1760 and the first roller
1650 is substantially sealed.
[0358] In addition, the second seal members 1660b of the first seal
1660 contact the back side 1072b of the mesh belt 72 and the
outside surface F of each end of the first roller 1650 outside the
area in which the suction area As extends in the conveyance
direction of the web W. In this embodiment of the invention, the
distal ends of the fibers H of the second seal member 1660b are
disposed to contact the outside surface F of the first roller 1650.
In addition, the second seal members 1660b are disposed to contact
the ends of the first seal member 1660a. As a result, the second
seal members 1660b can assure a seal around the ends of the first
roller 1650 in the space bounded by the first roller 1650, first
housing 1760, and mesh belt 72.
[0359] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0360] The space bounded by the first roller 1650, first housing
1760, and mesh belt 72 is substantially closed tight (sealed) by
the first seal member 1660a attached to the first housing 1760 and
contacting the first roller 1650, and the second seal members 1660b
contacting the first seal member 1660a and both ends of the outside
surface F of the first roller 1650. Furthermore, because the first
seal member 1660a does not contact the back side 1072b of the mesh
belt 72, material does not stick and collect in the area between
the first seal member 1660a and the mesh belt 72, and the load on
the mesh belt 72 is reduced.
Embodiment 12
[0361] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a twelfth
embodiment of the invention is described next. In a sheet
manufacturing apparatus according to the tenth and eleventh
embodiments of the invention, configurations applying the first
seal, for example, to the suction device of the air-laying device
are described, but this embodiment of the invention applies the
first seal, for example, to the suction device of the wetting
device. FIG. 20 schematically illustrates the configuration around
the suction device of the wetting device in a twelfth embodiment of
the invention. Note that FIG. 20 shows the configuration without
the air-laying device.
[0362] The wetting device 78 wets the web W deposited by the
air-laying device 60. The wetting device 78 includes a first air
flow generator 1176 as a suction device with a third housing 1177,
generator 1170, and a fourth housing 1172.
[0363] The generator 1170 is disposed on the accumulation surface
1072a side of the mesh belt 72. In FIG. 20, the generator 1170 is
disposed outside the area enclosed by the mesh belt 72. The
generator 1170 generates fluid droplets or a high humidity gas. The
generator 1170 may generate fluid droplets by ultrasonic waves. The
generator 1170 may, for example, apply ultrasonic waves at a
frequency of 20 kHz to several MHz to fluid (water) to generate
minute fluid droplets ranging from several nanometers to several
microns. The generator 1170 may also produce steam to generate a
high humidity gas. High humidity gas as used here means a gas at
greater than or equal to 70% and less than or equal to 100%
relative humidity.
[0364] The fourth housing 1172 is connected to the generator 1170
through a conduit 1171. The fourth housing 1172 is disposed on the
accumulation surface 1072a side. The fourth housing 1172 is shaped
like a box, for example, and has an opening facing the accumulation
surface 1072a of the mesh belt 72. The fourth housing 1172 defines
the wetting area for wetting the web w. The wetting device 78 can
wet the web W deposited on the accumulation surface 1072a in the
wetting area.
[0365] The first air flow generator 1176 is disposed on the back
side 1072b side of the mesh belt 72. In FIG. 20, the first air flow
generator 1176 is disposed inside the area surrounded by the mesh
belt 72. The first air flow generator 1176 is disposed opposite the
fourth housing 1172 with the mesh belt 72 therebetween. The first
air flow generator 1176 produces an air flow through the web w in
the thickness direction. This air flow is a current intersecting
the accumulation surface 1072a, and in this example is a current in
the direction perpendicular to the accumulation surface 1072a. The
wetting device 78 can supply fluid droplets or high humidity gas to
the web W by the air flow generated by the first air flow generator
1176. The fluid droplets or high humidity gas are carried through
the thickness of the web W by the air flow. The mass of the fluid
droplets supplied by the wetting device 78 to the web W is, in this
example, greater than or equal to 0.1% and less than or equal to 3%
of the mass of the web W per unit volume of the web W. In the
example in the figure, the first air flow generator 1176 is a
suction device (first suction device) that suctions fluid droplets
or high humidity gas generated by the generator 1170 from the back
side 1072b. The first air flow generator 1176 has a third housing
1177 disposed below the mesh belt 72 with an opening facing the
back side 1072b. A vacuum blower that suctions air from inside the
third housing 1177 is connected.
[0366] A first roller 1650 is disposed in contact with the back
side 1072b of the mesh belt 72 outside the third housing 1177. A
first seal 1610 is disposed to the third housing 1177 in contact
with the outside surface F of the first roller 1650. The
configurations of the first roller 1650 and first seal 1610 are as
described in the tenth embodiment, and further description thereof
is omitted.
[0367] In addition, on the upstream side of the first roller 1650
in the conveyance direction of the web W is disposed a second
roller 1651 outside the third housing 1177 and in contact with back
side 1072b of the mesh belt 72. A second seal 1620 is also disposed
to the third housing 1177 in contact with the outside surface F of
the second roller 1651. The configurations of the second roller
1651 and the second seal 1620 are as described in the tenth
embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0368] Also disposed is a third roller 1652 that contacts the web W
conveyed by the mesh belt 72. A third seal 1630 is disposed to the
side wall 1172a on the downstream side of the fourth housing 1172
in the conveyance direction of the web W, and contacts the outside
surface F of the third roller 1652. The configurations of the third
roller 1652 and the third seal 1630 are as described in the tenth
embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted. The third
roller 1652 is disposed to a position opposite the first roller
1650 with the mesh belt 72 therebetween. Because the first roller
1650 is disposed with its axis of rotation in a fixed position so
that the first roller 1650 contacts the back side 1072b of the mesh
belt 72, the third roller 1652 is supported by the first roller
1650 through the web W and mesh belt 72 even if a load is applied
in the direction of gravity. The position of the mesh belt 72 is
also limited by the first roller 1650, and the mesh belt 72 is
supported with the accumulation surface 1072a held in a
substantially horizontal position without sagging down due to
pressure from the third roller 1652 or gravity.
[0369] A fourth roller 1653 is disposed on the on the upstream side
of the third roller 1652 in the conveyance direction of the web W.
A sixth seal 1640 that contacts the fourth roller 1653 is disposed
to the side wall 1172b opposite the side wall 1172a of the fourth
housing 1172 (on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of
the web W). The sixth seal 1640 is disposed to the outside surface
of the side wall 1172b. The sixth seal 1640 touches the fourth
roller 1653. The configurations of the fourth roller 1653 and sixth
seal 1640 are as described in the tenth embodiment, and further
description thereof is omitted. The fourth roller 1653 is disposed
opposite the second roller 1651 with the mesh belt 72 therebetween.
Because the second roller 1651 is disposed with its axis of
rotation in a fixed position in contact with the back side 1072b of
the mesh belt 72, the fourth roller 1653 is supported by the second
roller 1651 through the web W and mesh belt 72 even if a load is
applied in the direction of gravity. The position of the mesh belt
72 is also limited by the second roller 1651, and the mesh belt 72
is supported with the accumulation surface 1072a held in a
substantially horizontal position without sagging down due to
pressure from the fourth roller 1653 or gravity.
[0370] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0371] The space bounded by the first roller 1650 and the second
roller 1651, and the third housing 1177 and the mesh belt 72, is
substantially closed tight (sealed) by the first seal 1610 and
first roller 1650, and the second seal 1620 and second roller 1651.
As a result, unnecessary suction from other than the fourth housing
1172 is suppressed, and the moisture content of the web W can be
consistently adjusted.
[0372] Furthermore, because the first seal member 1610a of the
first seal 1610 is separated from and does not contact the back
side 1072b of the mesh belt 72, problems such as material
accumulating are reduced, and the load on the mesh belt 72 can be
suppressed. Note that the same effect is achieved by the first seal
member 1620a of the second seal 1620. Furthermore, material
sticking to the first seal 1610 is suppressed, and the load on the
mesh belt 72 is reduced. In addition, the area around the ends of
the first roller 1650 in the space bounded by the first roller
1650, third housing 1177, and mesh belt 72 can be reliably sealed
by the second seal member 1610b of the first seal 1610. Note that
the same effect can be achieved by the second seal member 1620b of
the second seal 1620.
Embodiment 13
[0373] A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a thirteenth
embodiment of the invention is described next. In a sheet
manufacturing apparatus according to the tenth and eleventh
embodiments of the invention, configurations applying the first
seal, for example, to the suction device of the air-laying device
are described, but this embodiment of the invention applies the
first seal, for example, to the suction device of the classifier.
FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the configuration around the
suction device of the classifier.
[0374] In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, a suction device (suction
mechanism) 48 is disposed on the back 1046b side of the mesh belt
46. The suction device 48 has a fifth housing 1480 disposed below
the mesh belt 46 with an opening 1481 facing the back 1046b. A
sixth housing 1400 is also disposed to a position opposite the
fifth housing 1480 with the mesh belt 46 therebetween. The sixth
housing 1400 has an opening 1404 facing the accumulation surface
1046a of the mesh belt 46. The sieve 41 is disposed inside the
sixth housing 1400.
[0375] A first roller 1650 is disposed in contact with the back
1046b of the mesh belt 46 outside the fifth housing 1480. A first
seal 1610 is disposed to the fifth housing 1480 in contact with the
outside surface F of the first roller 1650. The configuration of
the first roller 1650 and the first seal 1610 is the same as in the
tenth embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted.
[0376] In addition, on the upstream side of the first roller 1650
in the conveyance direction of the web V is disposed a second
roller 1651 outside the fifth housing 1480 and in contact with back
1046b of the mesh belt 46. A second seal 1620 is also disposed to
the fifth housing 1480 in contact with the outside surface F of the
second roller 1651. The configuration of the second roller 1651 and
the second seal 1620 is the same as in the tenth embodiment, and
further description thereof is omitted.
[0377] A third roller 1652 is provided in contact with the web V
conveyed by the mesh belt 46. A third seal 1630 is disposed in
contact with the outside surface F of the third roller 1652 on the
downstream side of the sixth housing 1400 in the conveyance
direction web V. Note that the configuration of the third roller
1652 and the third seal 1630 is the same as in the tenth
embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted. The third
roller 1652 is disposed to a position opposite the first roller
1650 with the mesh belt 46 therebetween. Because the first roller
1650 is disposed with its axis of rotation in a fixed position to
contact the back 1046b of the mesh belt 46, the third roller 1652
is supported by the first roller 1650 through the web V and mesh
belt 46 even if a load is applied in the direction of gravity. The
position of the mesh belt 46 is also limited by the first roller
1650, and the mesh belt 46 is supported with the accumulation
surface 1046a held in a substantially horizontal position without
sagging down due to pressure from the third roller 1652 or
gravity.
[0378] A fourth roller 1653 is disposed on the on the upstream side
of the third roller 1652 in the conveyance direction of the web V.
A sixth seal 1640 that contacts the fourth roller 1653 is disposed
to the side wall 1400b opposite side wall 1400a of the sixth
housing 1400 (on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of
the web W). The sixth seal 1640 is disposed to the outside surface
of the side wall 1400b. The sixth seal 1640 touches the fourth
roller 1653. The configuration of the fourth roller 1653 and the
sixth seal 1640 is the same as in the tenth embodiment, and further
description thereof is omitted. The fourth roller 1653 is disposed
to a position opposite the second roller 1651 with the mesh belt 46
therebetween. Because the second roller 1651 is disposed with its
axis of rotation in a fixed position to contact the back 1046b of
the mesh belt 46, the fourth roller 1653 is supported by the second
roller 1651 through the mesh belt 46 even if a load is applied in
the direction of gravity. As a result, the position of the mesh
belt 46 is also limited by the second roller 1651, and the mesh
belt 46 is supported with the accumulation surface 1046a held in a
substantially horizontal position without sagging down due to
pressure from the fourth roller 1653 or gravity.
[0379] Effects of this embodiment are described below.
[0380] The space bounded by the first roller 1650 and the second
roller 1651, the fifth housing 1480 and the mesh belt 46, is
substantially closed tight (sealed) by the first seal 1610 and
first roller 1650, and the second seal 1620 and second roller 1651.
As a result, unnecessary suction from other than the sixth housing
1400 is suppressed, and material past from the opening to the sieve
41 can be suctioned consistently.
[0381] Because the first seal member 1610a of the first seal 1610
is separated from and does not contact the back 1046b of the mesh
belt 46, problems such as material accumulating are reduced, and
the load on the mesh belt 46 can be suppressed. Note that the same
effect is achieved by the first seal member 1620a of the second
seal 1620. Material sticking to the first seal 1610 is also
suppressed, and the load on the mesh belt 46 is reduced. In
addition, in the space bounded by the first roller 1650, fifth
housing 1480, and mesh belt 46, the ends of the first roller 1650
can be substantially closed tight (sealed) by the second seal
member 1610b of the first seal 1610. Note that the same effect is
achieved by the second seal member 1620b of the second seal
1620.
[0382] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing
embodiment, and the foregoing embodiment can be modified and
improved in many ways. Examples of some variations are described
below. These examples may also be used in combination.
[0383] (Variation 1) The second seal member 1610b of the first seal
1610 in the tenth embodiment of the invention is a pile seal
comprising a base FL and numerous fibers H planted densely on one
side of the base FL, but the invention is not so limited. FIG. 22
is a partial oblique view illustrating the configuration of a first
seal according to this variation of the invention. As shown in FIG.
22, in this example the first seal 1670 includes a first seal
member 1670a and a second seal member 1670b. The configuration of
the first seal member 1670a is the same as the configuration
described in the tenth embodiment. The second seal member 1670b has
a base FL affixed to a receiver G, and numerous fibers H planted
densely on the opposite side of the base FL as the side affixed to
the receiver G. The receiver G is a plastic member made from POM
(polyacetal), for example. The second seal member 1670b is disposed
with the receiver G in contact with the first seal member 1670a,
and the fibers H touching the end 1650a of the first roller first
roller 1650. By providing a receiver G to the second seal member
1670b in this example, a general purpose pile seal with relatively
short fibers H can be used.
[0384] (Variation 2) The first seal 1610 according to the tenth
embodiment is used in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, but
the invention is not so limited and the first seal 1660 according
to the eleventh embodiment may be used instead of first seal 1610.
The configuration of the first seal 1660 may also be used for the
second, third, and sixth seals 1620, 1630, 1640. The same effects
described above can also be achieved in this case.
[0385] (Variation 3) The fourth and fifth seal 1680, 1690 of the
tenth embodiment may also be applied to the twelfth and thirteenth
embodiments. The same effects described above can also be achieved
in this case.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0386] 41 drum unit [0387] 46 mesh belt [0388] 47 tension roller
[0389] 61 drum unit [0390] 72 mesh belt [0391] 74 tension roller
[0392] 76 suction mechanism [0393] 78 wetting device [0394] 100,
100A, 100B sheet manufacturing apparatus [0395] 172 third housing
[0396] 177 fourth housing [0397] 400 fifth housing [0398] 460
conveyor [0399] 480 sixth housing [0400] 600 first housing [0401]
610 first seal [0402] 620 second seal [0403] 630 third seal [0404]
640 fourth seal [0405] 650, 650a, 650a', 650b, 650c, 650d first
roller [0406] 651, 651a, 651a', 651b, 651c, 651d second roller
[0407] 652, 652a, 652a', 652b, 652c, 652d third roller [0408] 653,
653a, 653a', 653b, 653c, 653d fourth roller [0409] 700 conveyor
[0410] 760 second housing [0411] 800, 810 removal device [0412] 801
base [0413] 802, 812 fiber [0414] 811 roller member [0415] 1046a
accumulation surface [0416] 1046b back [0417] 1072a accumulation
surface [0418] 1072b back [0419] 1172 fourth housing [0420] 1177
third housing [0421] 1400 sixth housing [0422] 1480 fifth housing
[0423] 1600 second housing [0424] 1610 first seal [0425] 1610a
first seal member [0426] 1610b second seal member [0427] 1620
second seal [0428] 1620a first seal member [0429] 1620b second seal
member [0430] 1630 third seal [0431] 1640 sixth seal [0432] 1650
first roller [0433] 1650a end [0434] 1651 second roller [0435]
1651a end [0436] 1652 third roller [0437] 1653 fourth roller [0438]
1680 fourth seal [0439] 1690 fifth seal [0440] 1760 first housing
[0441] Nf asperities [0442] F outside surface [0443] T channels
[0444] Cf round recesses
* * * * *