Sheet manufacturing apparatus and control method of sheet manufacturing apparatus

A sheet manufacturing apparatus is an apparatus that heats a material containing fibers to form a sheet, and includes a heating portion that heats the material, and a control portion that controls a temperature at which the heating portion heats the material. The control portion sets a temperature of the heating portion to a first temperature in a first state where the sheet manufacturing apparatus manufactures the sheet, and sets the temperature of the heating portion to a second temperature lower than the first temperature at a predetermined timing in a second state where the sheet is not manufactured, or at a predetermined timing when a state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is shifted to the state where the sheet is not manufactured.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2018/006523, filed on Feb. 22, 2018, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-060605, filed in Japan on Mar. 27, 2017. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-060605 is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sheet manufacturing apparatus and a control method of the sheet manufacturing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, in a sheet manufacturing apparatus, an apparatus having a heating portion for heating a material have been known (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-130009). The sheet manufacturing apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-130009 forms a sheet by heating a material containing fibers and a resin.

Incidentally, in activating a sheet manufacturing apparatus from a stopped state, time for heating up a heating portion to an appropriate temperature has been required. In order to reduce this time, it is conceivable to maintain the heating portion at the appropriate temperature even when a sheet is not manufactured. However, since such control consumes a large amount of energy even though a sheet is not manufactured, energy efficiency may be reduced.

In a sheet manufacturing apparatus manufacturing a sheet, an object of the present invention is to reduce a time it takes the apparatus to be able to start manufacture of a sheet from a stopped state by a method in which a decrease in energy efficiency is unlikely to occur.

SUMMARY

In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet manufacturing apparatus heating a material containing fibers to form a sheet, the apparatus including a heating portion that heats the material, and a control portion that controls a temperature at which the heating portion heats the material, in which the control portion sets a temperature of the heating portion to a first temperature in a state where the sheet manufacturing apparatus manufactures the sheet, and sets the temperature of the heating portion to a second temperature lower than the first temperature at a predetermined timing in a state where the sheet is not manufactured, or at a predetermined timing when a state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is shifted to the state where the sheet is not manufactured.

According to the present invention, the temperature of the heating portion can be controlled to the second temperature lower than the first temperature in the state of manufacturing the sheet. Therefore, for example, when the heating portion is set to the second temperature in the standby state where the sheet is not manufactured and the heating portion is raised to the first temperature when the manufacture of the sheet is started, the manufacture of the sheet can be started more rapidly than when the heating portion is completely stopped. As a result, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus manufacturing the sheet, it is possible to reduce the time it takes the apparatus to be able to start the manufacture of the sheet from the stopped state by the method in which the decrease in energy efficiency is unlikely to occur.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a reception portion that receives an input from an outside, in which the control portion may be configured to change the temperature of the heating portion from the first temperature to the second temperature, or from the second temperature to the first temperature in response to the input received by the reception portion.

According to the present invention, control can be performed to change the temperature of the heating portion in response to the input from the outside.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the reception portion may be configured to receive an input of a type of the sheet to be manufactured, and the control portion may be configured to change the temperature of the heating portion from the first temperature to the second temperature, or from the second temperature to the first temperature according to a change in the type of the sheet to be manufactured, by the input in the reception portion.

According to this configuration, when the type of sheet is input, control can be performed to change the temperature of the heating portion in response to the input. Therefore, for example, when the temperature condition of the heating portion at the time of manufacturing the sheet is different depending on the type of the sheet, the temperature of the heating portion can be rapidly changed to a temperature suitable for the type of sheet.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a supply portion that supplies a plurality of types of raw materials, each containing fibers, and a defibrating portion that defibrates the raw material supplied by the supply portion, in which the control portion may be configured to change the temperature of the heating portion from the first temperature to the second temperature, or from the second temperature to the first temperature according to a change in a type of the raw material supplied by the supply portion.

According to this configuration, heating is performed by the heating portion at a temperature suitable for the raw material for manufacturing the sheet, and a high quality sheet can be manufacture.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a plurality of accommodation portions that accommodate the plurality of types of the raw materials for the respective types, in which the supply portion may be configured to select and supply any one of the plurality of types of the raw materials accommodated in the accommodation portion.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily supply different types of the raw materials, and in the step of manufacturing the sheet from the raw materials, a high quality sheet can be manufactured by heating at a temperature suitable for the raw materials.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a cartridge that contains a binding material, in which the control portion may be configured to acquire temperature information from the cartridge, and to determine the first temperature based on the acquired temperature information.

According to this configuration, the first temperature of the heating portion can be set to the temperature based on the temperature information acquired from the cartridge. Therefore, by acquiring the temperature information related to the temperature of the heating portion suitable for the binding material from the cartridge, the sheet manufacturing apparatus can manufacture the sheet at the temperature suitable for the binding material without preparing special information in advance.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a cartridge that contains a binding material, in which the control portion may be configured to acquire temperature information from the cartridge, and to determine the second temperature based on the acquired temperature information.

According to this configuration, the second temperature of the heating portion can be set to the temperature based on the temperature information acquired from the cartridge. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second temperature based on the temperature information related to the temperature of the heating portion suitable for the binding material from the cartridge, when the temperature of the heating portion is raised to the first temperature, the temperature can be rapidly raised, and the standby time can be reduced.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a transport portion that transports the material to the heating portion, in which at least an operation of transporting the material to the heating portion by the transport portion may be configured to be performed in the state where the sheet is manufactured, and at least the transport portion may be configured to be stopped in the state where the sheet is not manufactured.

According to this configuration, the heating portion is controlled to the first temperature while the material is transported, and the temperature of the heating portion is set to the second temperature in the state where the transport of the material is stopped. As a result, the decrease in energy efficiency while the material is not transported can be suppressed, and the temperature of the heating portion can be rapidly raised when the next transport of the material is started, and the standby time can be reduced.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the apparatus may further include a humidifying portion that has a heat source and humidifies the material, in which the heat source of the humidifying portion may be configured to be operated in the state where the sheet is not manufactured.

According to this configuration, since the heat source of the humidifying portion is not stopped in the state where the sheet is not manufactured, appropriate humidification can be rapidly started when the manufacture of the sheet is restarted thereafter. Therefore, the manufacture of the sheet can be rapidly started. In addition, when the manufacture of the sheet is restarted, the appropriate humidification state of the material is rapidly realized, so that a high quality sheet can be manufactured.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the control portion may be configured to change the temperature of the heating portion from the first temperature to the second temperature based on a time during which the state where the sheet is not manufactured continues.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the heating portion can be reduced corresponding to the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the state where the manufacture of the sheet can be rapidly started can be maintained, and the decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the control portion may be configured to stop a control of the temperature of the heating portion based on a time during which the state where the sheet is not manufactured continues.

According to this configuration, the energy efficiency can be further improved by stopping the heating of the heating portion corresponding to the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the control portion may be configured to change the temperature of the heating portion from the second temperature to a third temperature lower than the second temperature based on a time during which the state where the sheet is not manufactured continues.

According to this configuration, the heating temperature of the heating portion can be reduced corresponding to the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus, the state where the manufacture of the sheet can be rapidly started can be maintained, and the energy efficiency can be further improved.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the sheet may be configured to be manufactured based on a job including at least an instruction to start and end manufacture of the sheet, or designation of a manufacturing volume, and the control portion may be configured to shift the state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus to a suspended state where the sheet is not manufactured during an operation of manufacturing the sheet based on the job, and to set the temperature of the heating portion to the second temperature lower than the first temperature in the suspended state.

According to this configuration, while manufacturing the sheet based on the job, the temperature of the heating portion can be changed to a lower second temperature to be in the suspended state. As a result, for example, it is possible to perform a treatment that is difficult during the operation of manufacturing the sheet, such as changing the material and changing the type of the sheet, while the job is performed. In addition, since the temperature of the heating portion is controlled to the second temperature in the suspended state, the decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the manufacture of the sheet is resumed from the suspended state, the heating portion is controlled to the second temperature, so that the manufacture of the sheet can be rapidly started.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the sheet may be configured to be manufactured based on a job including at least an instruction to start and end manufacture of the sheet, or designation of a manufacturing volume, and the control portion may be configured to shift the state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus to a standby state where the sheet is not manufactured after an operation of manufacturing the sheet based on the job is completed, and to change the temperature of the heating portion from the first temperature to the second temperature based on a time during which the standby state continues.

According to this configuration, since the temperature of the heating portion is controlled to the second temperature after the manufacture of the sheet based on the job is completed, the manufacture of the sheet can be rapidly started when the manufacture of the sheet is performed again. In addition, the decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed by setting the temperature of the heating portion to second temperature.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the control portion may be configured to change the temperature of the heating portion from the second temperature to the first temperature in response to the input from an outside.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the heating portion can be raised from the second temperature to the first temperature in response to the input from the outside. As a result, for example, separately from the control for starting the manufacture of the sheet, the heating portion can be heated to prepare for the start of the manufacture of the sheet, and a state where the manufacture of the sheet can be rapidly started can be realized at any timing.

In addition, in the above-described configuration, the heating portion may be configured to include a heating roller pair that interposes and heats the material, the heating roller pair may be configured to be displaced between a first position interposing the material and a second position not interposing the material, and the control portion may be configured to displace the heating roller pair to the second position, when the control portion changes the temperature of the heating portion from the first temperature to the second temperature.

According to this configuration, when the temperature of the heating portion is set to the second temperature, the heating roller pair is displaced, so that the heating portion can be in a state suitable to stand by at a temperature lower than the first temperature. As a result, the influence on the material located in the heating portion can be suppressed in the state where the heating portion has the second temperature, and the loss of material can be reduced.

In addition, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of a sheet manufacturing apparatus heating a material containing fibers to form a sheet, the method including controlling a temperature of a heating portion that heats the material, setting the temperature of the heating portion to a first temperature in a state where the sheet manufacturing apparatus manufactures the sheet, and setting the temperature of the heating portion to a second temperature lower than the first temperature at a predetermined timing in a state where the sheet is not manufactured, or at a predetermined timing when a state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is shifted to the state where the sheet is not manufactured.

According to the present invention, the temperature of the heating portion can be controlled to the second temperature lower than the first temperature in the state of manufacturing the sheet. Therefore, for example, when the heating portion is set to the second temperature in the standby state where the sheet is not manufactured, and the temperature is raised to the first temperature when the manufacture of the sheet is started, the manufacture of the sheet can be started more rapidly than when the heating portion is completely stopped. As a result, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus manufacturing the sheet, it is possible to reduce the time it takes the apparatus to be able to start the manufacture of the sheet from the stopped state by the method in which the decrease in energy efficiency is unlikely to occur.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, favorable embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the contents of the present invention described in the aspects. In addition, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

First Embodiment

1. Overall Configuration

FIG. 1is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus100according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100described in the present embodiment is an apparatus suitable for manufacturing a new sheet by defibrating and fiberizing a used waste sheet such as confidential sheet as a raw material, in a dry state, pressing, heating, and cutting, for example. By mixing various additives with the fiberized raw material, a bonding strength and whiteness of the sheet product may be improved, and functions such as color, smell, and flame retardancy may be added according to the application. In addition, by controlling the density, thickness, and shape of the sheet and molding the sheet, sheets of various thicknesses and sizes can be manufactured according to the application, such as office sheet of standard size such as A4 and A3, business card sheet, and the like.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with a manufacturing portion102and a control device110.102manufactures a sheet. The manufacturing portion102is provided with a supply portion10, a coarse crushing portion12, a defibrating portion20, a sorting portion40, a first web forming portion45, a rotating body49, a mixing portion50, an accumulating portion60, a second web forming portion70, a transport portion79, a sheet forming portion80, and a cutting portion90.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with humidifying portions202,204,206,208,210, and212for the purpose of humidifying the raw material and/or humidifying a space where the raw material moves. A specific configuration of these humidifying portions202,204,206,208,210, and212is predetermined, and examples thereof include a steam type, a vaporization type, a warm air vaporization type, an ultrasonic type, or the like.

In the present embodiment, the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208are configured to include a vaporization type or a warm air vaporization type humidifier. That is, the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208have filters (not illustrated) that wet water, and supply humidified air with increased humidity by causing air to pass through the filters. In addition, the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208may include heaters (not illustrated) that effectively increase the humidity of the humidified air.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the humidifying portion210and the humidifying portion212are configured to include ultrasonic humidifiers. That is, the humidifying portions210and212have vibrating portions (not illustrated) that atomize water, and supply mist generated by the vibrating portions.

The supply portion10supplies the raw material to the coarse crushing portion12. The raw material from which the sheet manufacturing apparatus100manufactures the sheet may be a sheet containing fibers, and examples thereof include a paper, a pulp, a pulp sheet, a cloth containing a nonwoven fabric, or a textile, or the like. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the sheet manufacturing apparatus100uses a waste sheet as the raw material is exemplified.

For example, the supply portion10is provided with a plurality of stackers11(accommodation portions) that accommodate the waste sheets (raw materials). In each of the stacker11, the waste sheets are repeatedly accumulated. For example, in the supply portion10, the waste sheets can be accommodated in different stackers11for each type. The supply portion10is provided with an automatic loading device that selects one of the plurality of stackers11and feeds the waste sheet from the selected stacker11to the coarse crushing portion12. The stacker11selected by the supply portion10is specified by the control of the control device110.

The coarse crushing portion12cuts (crushes) the raw material supplied by the supply portion10with a coarse crushing blade14to form a coarse crushed piece. The coarse crushing blade14cuts the raw material in air such as in the atmosphere (in air). For example, the coarse crushing portion12is provided with a pair of coarse crushing blades14cutting with the material interposed, and a drive portion rotating the coarse crushing blades14, and can be configured similar to a so-called shredder. The shape and size of the coarse crushed piece are predetermined, and may be suitable for a defibrating treatment in the defibrating portion20. For example, the coarse crushing portion12cuts the raw material into pieces of sheet having a size of 1 to several cm square or less.

The coarse crushing portion12has a chute (hopper)9receiving the coarse crushed piece cut and dropped by the coarse crushing blade14. For example, the chute9has a tapered shape in which the width gradually narrows in the direction where the coarse crushed pieces flow (travelling direction). Therefore, the chute9can receive many coarse crushed pieces. A tube2communicating with the defibrating portion20is coupled to the chute9, and the tube2forms a transport path for transporting the raw material (coarse crushed piece) cut by the coarse crushing blade14to the defibrating portion20. The coarse crushed piece is collected by the chute9and transferred (transported) to the defibrating portion20through the tube2.

Humidified air is supplied from the humidifying portion202to the chute9included in the coarse crushing portion12or in the vicinity of the chute9. As a result, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the coarse crushed material cut by the coarse crushing blade14is adsorbed to the inner surface of the chute9or the tube2by static electricity. In addition, since the coarse crushed material cut by the coarse crushing blade14and the humidified (high humidity) air are transferred to the defibrating portion20, the effect of suppressing adhesion of a defibrated material inside the defibrating portion20can also be expected. In addition, the humidifying portion202may supply the humidified air to the coarse crushing blade14to discharge the raw material supplied by the supply portion10. In addition, the charge removal may be performed using an ionizer and the humidifying portion202.

The defibrating portion20defibrates the coarse crushed material cut by the coarse crushing portion12. More specifically, the defibrating portion20defibrates the raw material (coarse crushed piece) cut by the coarse crushing portion12to generate a defibrated material. Here, “to defibrate” refers to unravel a raw material (material to be defibrated) in which a plurality of fibers are bound into a fiber one by one. The defibrating portion20also has a function of separating substances such as resin particles, ink, toner, anti-smearing agent, and the like attached to the raw material from fibers.

The material passed through the defibrating portion20is referred to as “defibrated material”. The “defibrated material” may contain resin (resin for bonding a plurality of fibers) particles separated from fibers when unraveling fibers, coloring agents such as ink and toner, or additives such as bleed inhibitor and paper strength enhancer in addition to unraveled defibrated fibers. The shape of unraveled defibrated material is a string or ribbon shape. The unraveled defibrated material may exist in a state not intertwined with other unraveled fiber (independent state), or may exist in a state of being intertwined with other unraveled defibrated material to form a lump (state of forming so-called “lump”).

The defibrating portion20performs defibration in a dry method. Here, performing a treatment such as defibration in the air such as atmosphere (in air) rather than in liquid is referred to as the dry method. In the present embodiment, the defibrating portion20is configured to use an impeller mill. Specifically, the defibrating portion20is provided with a rotor (not illustrated) rotating at high speed, and a liner (not illustrated) located on an outer periphery of the rotor. The coarse crushed piece of the raw material cut by the coarse crushing portion12are defibrated by being interposed between the rotor of the defibrating portion20and the liner. The defibrating portion20generates an air flow by the rotation of the rotor. By the air flow, the defibrating portion20can suck the coarse crushed piece, which are raw materials, from the tube2and can transport the defibrated material to a discharge port24. The defibrated material is fed from the discharge port24to a tube3and transferred to the sorting portion40via the tube3.

As described above, the defibrated material generated by the defibrating portion20is transported from the defibrating portion20to the sorting portion40by the air flow generated by the defibrating portion20. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with a defibrating portion blower26which is an air flow generating device, and the defibrated material is transported to the sorting portion40by the air flow generated by the defibrating portion blower26. The defibrating portion blower26is attached to the tube3, sucks air and the defibrated material from the defibrating portion20, and blows air to the sorting portion40.

The sorting portion40includes an introduction port42through which the defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating portion20and the air flow from the tube3. The sorting portion40sorts the defibrated material to be introduced into the introduction port42according to the length of the fiber. Specifically, the sorting portion40sorts a defibrated material having a size of a predetermined size or less as a first sorted material, and a defibrated material larger than the first sorted material as a second sorted material among the defibrated materials defibrated by the defibrating portion20. The first sorted material includes fibers or particles, and the second sorted material includes, for example, a large fiber, an undefibrated piece (coarse crushed piece not sufficiently defibrated), a lump in which defibrated fibers are aggregated or interwined, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the sorting portion40includes a drum portion41(sieve portion) and a housing portion (cover portion)43accommodating the drum portion41.

The drum portion41is a sieve of a cylinder rotationally driven by a motor. The drum portion41includes a mesh (filter, screen) and functions as a sieve. By this mesh, the drum portion41sorts the first sorted material smaller than the size of a mesh sieve (opening) and the second sorted material larger than the mesh sieve. As the mesh of the drum portion41, for example, a wire mesh, an expanded metal obtained by stretching a metal plate with a notch, and a punching metal having a hole formed in a metal plate by a pressing machine or the like can be used.

The defibrated material introduced into the introduction port42and the air flow are fed into the inside of the drum portion41, and the first sorted material drops downward from the mesh of the drum portion41by the rotation of the drum portion41. The second sorted material which cannot pass through the mesh of the drum portion41is flowed by the air flow flowing into the drum portion41from the introduction port42, is led to the discharge port44, and is fed to a tube8.

The tube8couples the inside of the drum portion41and the tube2. The second sorted material flowing through the tube8and the coarse crushed piece cut by the coarse crushing portion12flow through the tube2and are led to the introduction port22of the defibrating portion20. As a result, the second sorted material is returned to the defibrating portion20, and is defibrated.

In addition, the first sorted material sorted by the drum portion41is dispersed in the air through the mesh of the drum portion41and is descended toward a mesh belt46of the first web forming portion45located below the drum portion41.

The first web forming portion45(separation portion) includes the mesh belt46(separation belt), a roller47, and a suction portion (suction mechanism)48. The mesh belt46is an endless belt and is suspended by three rollers47and is transported in a direction indicated by the arrow in the drawing by the movement of the rollers47. The surface of the mesh belt46is configured to include a mesh in which openings of a predetermined size are arranged. Among the first sorted material descending from the sorting portion40, fine particles of a size that passes through the mesh fall downwards the mesh belt46, and fibers of a size that cannot pass through the mesh are accumulated on the mesh belt46, and are transported in the direction of the arrow V1with the mesh belt46. The fine particles falling from the mesh belt46include relatively small particles and low density particles (resin particles, coloring agents, additives, and the like), and are removed materials that the sheet manufacturing apparatus100does not use for manufacturing the sheet S.

The mesh belt46moves at a speed V1during the operation of manufacturing the sheet S. The transport speed V1of the mesh belt46and the start and stop of transport by the mesh belt46are controlled by the control device110.

Here, “during operation” means during operation except for a start control and a stop control of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100described later, and more specifically, refers to while the sheet S with a quality desired by the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is manufactured.

Therefore, the defibrated material subjected to the defibrating treatment in the defibrating portion20is sorted into the first sorted material and the second sorted material by the sorting portion40, and the second sorted material is returned to the defibrating portion20. In addition, the first web forming portion45removes the removed material from the first sorted material. The remainder of the first sorted material excluding the removed material is a material suitable for manufacturing the sheet S. This material is accumulated on the mesh belt46to form the first web W1.

The suction portion48sucks air from below the mesh belt46. The suction portion48is coupled to a dust collection portion27(dust collection device) via a tube23. The dust collection portion27separates the particulates from the air flow. A collection blower28is installed downstream of the dust collection portion27, and the collection blower28functions as a dust collection suction portion that sucks air from the dust collection portion27. In addition, the air discharged by the collection blower28is discharged out of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100through a tube29.

In this configuration, air is sucked from the suction portion48through the dust collection portion27by the collection blower28. In the suction portion48, the fine particles passing through the mesh of the mesh belt46are sucked with the air, and are sent to the dust collection portion27through the tube23. The dust collection portion27separates and accumulates the fine particles passed through the mesh belt46from the air flow.

Therefore, the fibers from which the removed materials are removed from the first sorted material are accumulated on the mesh belt46to form the first web W1. The suction by the collection blower28promotes the formation of the first web W1on the mesh belt46, and the removed material is rapidly removed.

Humidified air is supplied by the humidifying portion204to the space including the drum portion41. The humidified air humidifies the first sorted material inside the sorting portion40. As a result, the adhesion of the first sorted material to the mesh belt46by electrostatic force can be weakened, and the first sorted material can be easily separated from the mesh belt46. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress that the first sorted material adheres to the rotating body49and the inner wall of the housing portion43by electrostatic force. In addition, the removed material can be efficiently sucked by the suction portion48.

In the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, the configuration for sorting and separating the first defibrated material and the second defibrated material is not limited to the sorting portion40provided with the drum portion41. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the defibrated material subjected to the defibrating treatment by the defibrating portion20is classified by a classifier. For example, as the classifier, a cyclone classifier, an elbow jet classifier, or an Eddie classifier can be used. Using these classifiers, it is possible to sort and separate the first sorted material and the second sorted material. Furthermore, the above classifier can realize a configuration for separating and removing the removed material including relatively small materials of defibrated materials and low density materials (resin particles, coloring agents, additives, and the like). For example, the fine particles contained in the first sorted material may be removed from the first sorted material by the classifier. In this case, for example, the second sorted material may be returned to the defibrating portion20, the removed material may be collected by the dust collection portion27, and the first sorted material removing the removed material may be sent to a tube54.

On the downstream of the sorting portion40in the transport path of the mesh belt46, air containing mist is supplied by the humidifying portion210. Mist, which is fine particles of water generated by the humidifying portion210, descends toward the first web W1to supply moisture to the first web W1. As a result, the amount of water contained in the first web W1is adjusted, and adsorption of fibers to the mesh belt46due to static electricity can be suppressed.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with the rotating body49that divides the first web W1accumulated on the mesh belt46. The first web W1is separated from the mesh belt46at a position where the mesh belt46is folded back by the roller47and is divided by the rotating body49.

The first web W1is a soft material in which the fibers are accumulated to form a web, and the rotating body49loosens the fibers of the first web W1and processes the resin in a state easy to mix in the mixing portion50.

Although the configuration of the rotating body49is predetermined, the configuration can have a rotating blade shape having a plate-shaped blade and rotates in the present embodiment. The rotating body49is disposed at a position where the first web W1separated from the mesh belt46and the blade are in contact with each other. By rotation of the rotating body49(for example, rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow R in the drawing), the blade collides with the first web W1which is separated and transported from the mesh belt46and is divided to generate a subdivided body P.

The rotating body49is preferably installed at a position where the blades of the rotating body49do not collide with the mesh belt46. For example, the distance between a tip end of the blade of the rotating body49and the mesh belt46can be 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In this case, the rotating body49can efficiently divide the first web W1without damaging the mesh belt46.

The subdivided body P divided by the rotating body49descend inside a tube7and are transferred (transported) to the mixing portion50by the air flow flowing inside the tube7.

In addition, humidified air is supplied to the space including the rotating body49by the humidifying portion206. As a result, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon in which the fibers are adsorbed to the inside of the tube7and the blades of the rotating body49by static electricity. In addition, since the air with high humidity is supplied to the mixing portion50through the tube7, the influence of static electricity can be suppressed in the mixing portion50.

The mixing portion50is provided with an additive supply portion52supplying an additive containing a resin, the tube54communicating with the tube7and through which an air flow containing the subdivided body P flows, and a mixing blower56. The subdivided body P is fibers from which the removed material is removed from the first sorted material passed through the sorting portion40as described above. The mixing portion50mixes the additive containing the resin with the fiber forming the subdivided body P. For example, the additive acts as a binding material to bind the fibers.

In the mixing portion50, an air flow is generated by the mixing blower56, and is transported in the tube54while mixing the subdivided body P and the additive. In addition, the subdivided body P is loosened in the process of flowing inside the tube7and the tube54, and is finer and fibrous.

An additive cartridge501(cartridge) accumulating the additive is detachably attached to the additive supply portion52, as illustrated inFIG. 6. The additive supply portion52supplies the additive in the additive cartridge501to the tube54. The configuration may be such that the additive cartridge501attached to the additive supply portion52is replenished with the additive. The configuration of the additive supply portion52will be described later with reference toFIG. 6.

The additive contained in the additive cartridge501and supplied by the additive supply portion52includes a resin for binding a plurality of fibers. The resin contained in the additive is a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, and examples thereof include AS resin, ABS resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and the like. These resins may be used alone or as a mixture as appropriate. That is, the additive may contain a single substance, may be a mixture, or may contain a plurality of types of the particles, each consisting of a single or a plurality of substances. In addition, the additive may be in a fibrous form or powder form.

The resin contained in the additive is melted by heating to bind a plurality of fibers. Therefore, in a state where the resin is mixed with the fibers, the fibers are not bonded to each other in the state where the resin is not heated to the melting temperature.

In addition, the additive supplied by the additive supply portion52may contain a coloring agent for coloring the fibers, an aggregation inhibitor for suppressing aggregation of the fibers or aggregation of the resins, and a flame retardant for causing fibers less flammable, in addition to the resin binding the fibers, depending on the type of the sheet to be manufactured. In addition, the additive not containing the coloring agent may be colorless, may be light enough to be considered colorless, or may be white.

Due to the air flow generated by the mixing blower56, the subdivided body P descending in the tube7and the additive supplied by the additive supply portion52are sucked inside the tube54and pass through inside the mixing blower56. By the action of the air flow generated by the mixing blower56and/or the action of the rotating portion of the mixing blower56such as the blades, the fibers forming the subdivided body P and the additives are mixed, and this mixture (mixture of the first sorted material and the additive) is transferred to the accumulating portion60through the tube54.

The mechanism mixing the first sorted material and the additive is not particularly limited, and may be a mechanism in which stirring is performed by a blade rotating at a high speed, may be a mechanism using the rotation of the container such as a V-type mixer, or these mechanisms may be installed before or after the mixing blower56.

The accumulating portion60accumulates the defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating portion20. More specifically, the accumulating portion60introduces the mixture passed through the mixing portion50from the introduction port62, loosens the intertwined defibrated material (fibers), and causes the mixture to descend in the air while dispersing. Furthermore, when the resin of the additive supplied from the additive supply portion52is fibrous, the accumulating portion60loosens the intertwined resin. As a result, the accumulating portion60can accumulate the mixture uniformly on the second web forming portion70.

The accumulating portion60includes a drum portion61and a housing portion (cover portion)63accommodating the drum portion61. The drum portion61is a sieve of a cylinder rotationally driven by a motor. The drum portion61includes a mesh (filter, screen) and functions as a sieve. By this mesh, the drum portion61causes fibers and particles smaller than the mesh sieve (opening) to pass through and drop from the drum portion61. For example, a configuration of the drum portion61is the same as a configuration of the drum portion41.

In addition, the “sieve” of the drum portion61may not have a function which sorts a specific target object. That is, the “sieve” used as the drum portion61means a portion provided with the mesh, and the drum portion61may descend all of the mixture introduced to the drum portion61.

The second web forming portion70is disposed below the drum portion61. The second web forming portion70accumulates passing materials passed through the accumulating portion60to form a second web W2. For example, the second web forming portion70includes a mesh belt72, the roller74, and a suction mechanism76. The accumulating portion60and the second web forming portion70correspond to a web forming portion. In addition, the drum portion61corresponds to a sieve portion, and the second web forming portion70(in particular, mesh belt72) corresponds to an accumulating portion.

The mesh belt72is an endless belt and is suspended by a plurality of rollers74, and is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow V2in the drawing by the movement of the rollers74. For example, the mesh belt72is made of metal, resin, cloth, non-woven fabric, or the like. The surface of the mesh belt72is configured to include a mesh in which openings of a predetermined size are arranged. Among the fibers and particles descending from the drum portion61, fine particles of a size passing through the mesh fall below the mesh belt72, fibers of a size which cannot pass through the mesh are accumulated on the mesh belt72, and transported in the direction of the arrow with the mesh belt72. The mesh belt72moves at a constant speed V2during the operation of manufacturing the sheet S. The operation is as described above.

A moving speed V2of the mesh belt72can be regarded as the speed at which the second web W2is transported, and the speed V2can be referred to as a transport speed of the second web W2at the mesh belt72.

The mesh of the mesh belt72is fine and can be sized so as not to pass most of the fibers and particles descending from the drum portion61.

The suction mechanism76is provided below the mesh belt72(side opposite to accumulating portion60). The suction mechanism76is provided with a suction blower77, and can generate an air flow (air flow from the accumulating portion60toward the mesh belt72) directed downward to the suction mechanism76by the suction force of the suction blower77.

The suction mechanism76sucks the mixture dispersed in the air by the accumulating portion60onto the mesh belt72. As a result, the formation of the second web W2on the mesh belt72can be promoted, and the discharge speed from the accumulating portion60can be increased. Furthermore, the suction mechanism76can form a downflow in a dropping path of the mixture, and can prevent intertwined of defibrated substances and additives during dropping.

The suction blower77(accumulation suction portion) may discharge the air sucked from the suction mechanism76to the outside of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100through a collection filter (not illustrated). Alternatively, the air sucked by the suction blower77may be sent to the dust collection portion27, and the removal material contained in the air sucked by the suction mechanism76may be collected.

Humidified air is supplied from the humidifying portion208to a space including the drum portion61. By the humidified air, the inside of the accumulating portion60can be humidified, the adhesion of fibers and particles to the housing portion63by electrostatic force can be suppressed, the fibers and particles can be rapidly descended to the mesh belt72, and the second web W2having a preferable shape can be formed.

As described above, by passing through the accumulating portion60and the second web forming portion70(web forming step), the second web W2in a soft and bloated state is formed with a large amount of air. The second web W2accumulated on the mesh belt72is transported to the sheet forming portion80.

In the transport path of the mesh belt72, air containing mist is supplied to the downstream of the accumulating portion60by the humidifying portion212. As a result, the mist which the humidifying portion212generates is supplied to the second web W2, and the moisture content which the second web W2contains is adjusted. As a result, adsorption of fibers to the mesh belt72due to static electricity can be suppressed.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with the transport portion79transporting the second web W2on the mesh belt72to the sheet forming portion80. For example, the transport portion79includes a mesh belt79a, a roller79b, and a suction mechanism79c.

The suction mechanism79cis provided with an intermediate blower318(FIG. 7) and generates an upward air flow on the mesh belt79aby the suction force of the intermediate blower318. The air flow sucks the second web W2, and the second web W2is separated from the mesh belt72and adsorbed to the mesh belt79a. The mesh belt79ais moved by the rotation of the roller79band transports the second web W2to the sheet forming portion80.

As described above, the transport portion79separates the second web W2formed on the mesh belt72from the mesh belt72and transports the second web W2.

The sheet forming portion80forms the sheet S from the accumulated material accumulated in the accumulating portion60. More specifically, the sheet forming portion80presses and heats the second web W2(accumulated material) accumulated on the mesh belt72and transported by the transport portion79to form the sheet S. In the sheet forming portion80, a plurality of fibers in the mixture are bound to each other via the additive (resin) by applying heat to the fibers of the defibrated material contained in the second web W2and the additive. The sheet forming portion80corresponds to a sheet forming portion and a maximum load transport portion.

The sheet forming portion80is provided with a pressurizing portion82pressing the second web W2, and a heating portion84heating the second web W2pressed by the pressurizing portion82.

The pressurizing portion82includes a pair of calender rollers85(pressure rollers), and interposes and presses the second web W2with a predetermined nip pressure. The second web W2is reduced in thickness by being pressurized, and the density of the second web W2is increased. One of the pair of calender rollers85is a drive roller driven by a pressurizing portion drive roller335(FIG. 7), and the other is a driven roller. The calender roller85is rotated by the drive force of the pressurizing portion drive roller335, and transports the second web W2having a high density by the pressure toward the heating portion84.

The heating portion84can be configured using, for example, a heating roller (heater roller), a heat press molding machine, a hot plate, a hot air blower, an infrared heater, and a flash heater. In the present embodiment, the heating portion84is provided with a pair of heating rollers86. The heating roller86is heated to a preset temperature by a heater provided internally or externally. One of the pair of heating rollers86is a driving roller driven by a heating portion drive motor337(FIG. 7), and the other is a driven roller. The heating roller86interposes the sheet S pressed by the calender roller85and applies heat to form the sheet S. The heating roller86is rotated by the drive force of the heating portion drive motor337and transports the sheet S toward the cutting portion90.

The number of calender rollers85provided in the pressurizing portion82and the number of heating rollers86provided in the heating portion84are not particularly limited.

In addition, in a step of manufacturing the sheet S by the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, the boundary between the second web W2and the sheet S is predetermined. In the present embodiment, in the sheet forming portion80that processes the second web W2to form the sheet S, the second web W2is pressed by the pressurizing portion82, and the second web pressed by the pressurizing portion82is further heated by the heating portion84and referred to as a sheet S. That is, a sheet in which fibers are bound by an additive is referred to as a sheet S. The sheet S is transported to the cutting portion90.

The cutting portion90cuts the sheet S formed by the sheet forming portion80. In the present embodiment, the cutting portion90includes a first cutting portion92cutting the sheet S in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the sheet S (F in the drawing), and a second cutting portion94cutting the sheet S in a direction parallel to the transport direction F. The second cutting portion94cuts, for example, the sheet S passed through the first cutting portion92.

As described above, a single-cut sheet S of a predetermined size is formed. The cut single-cut sheet S is discharged to a discharge portion96. The discharge portion96is provided with a tray or stacker on which the sheet S having a predetermined size is placed.

In the above configuration, the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208may be configured to include a single vaporization type humidifier. In this case, the humidified air generated by one humidifier may be branched and supplied to the coarse crushing portion12, the housing portion43, the tube7, and the housing portion63. This configuration can be easily realized by branching and installing a duct (not illustrated) for supplying the humidified air. In addition, as a matter of course, the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208can be configured to include two or three vaporization type humidifiers.

In addition, in the above configuration, the humidifying portions210and212may be configured to include one ultrasonic type humidifier, or may be configured to include two ultrasonic type humidifiers. For example, air containing mist generated by one humidifier can be branched and supplied to the humidifying portion210and the humidifying portion212.

In addition, the blowers provided in the above-described sheet manufacturing apparatus100are not limited to the defibrating portion blower26, the collection blower28, the mixing blower56, the suction blower77, and the middle blower318. For example, as a matter of course, a fan can be provided in the duct for assisting each blower described above.

In addition, in the above configuration, although the coarse crushing portion12first crushes the raw material and manufactures the sheet S from the crushed raw material, for example, the sheet S can be manufactured using fibers as a raw material.

For example, a configuration may be such that the fibers equivalent to the defibrated material subjected to the defibrating treatment by the defibrating portion20can be input to the drum portion41as a raw material. In addition, a configuration may be such that the fiber equivalent to the first sorted material separated from the defibrated material can be input to the tube54as a raw material. In this case, the sheet S can be manufactured by supplying the sheet manufacturing apparatus100with fibers obtained by processing waste sheet, pulp, and the like.

2. Configuration of Heating Portion

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100heats and presses the second web W2(accumulated material formed by the accumulating portion60) in the above-described sheet forming portion80(heating portion84) to form the sheet S. In the example ofFIG. 1, the heating portion84is simplified and illustrated as a pair of heating rollers86. Hereinafter, the heating portion84of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIGS. 2 and 3are views schematically illustrating an example of the heating portion84of the present embodiment. The heating portion84includes a rotatable first rotating body181, a rotatable second rotating body182, and a heating body183. Each of the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182has a roller shape having an outer peripheral surface that moves with rotation, and the second web W2is held between the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182and heated and pressurized to form the sheet S. In addition, the heating body183is disposed so as to heat the outer peripheral surface of the second rotating body182. Each of the first rotating body181and the heating body183is a heating roller having a heat source H (for example, halogen heater) inside. Instead of heating the second rotating body182by the heating body183, the second rotating body182may be heated by a non-contact heater (for example, infrared heater or carbon heater). Each heat source H of the heating portion84generates heat under the control of the control device110to heat the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182. In addition, the heating portion84includes a temperature sensor309(FIG. 7) that detects the temperature of the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182(for example, temperature of the outer peripheral surface). The control device110can acquire the detection value of the temperature sensor309.

The second rotating body182is configured to include a core metal184at the center of rotation and a soft body185disposed so as to surround the periphery thereof. The core metal184is made of metal such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel and the like, and the soft body185is made of rubber such as silicone rubber and urethane rubber. In addition, the first rotating body181and the heating body183are each formed of a hollow metal core metal187, and a fluorine-coated release layer188is provided on the surface thereof.

The heating portion84of the present embodiment is configured to be displaceable between the first position for the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182to hold the web W and heat and press the web W (refer toFIG. 2), and the second position where the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182are separated from each other (refer toFIG. 3). The first position can be referred to as a nip position where the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182can interpose the second web W2. On the other hand, the second position can be referred to as a position where the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182are separated from each other and the nip is released.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100of the present embodiment is provided with a displacement mechanism for displacing the position of the heating portion84. The displacement mechanism may displace either one of the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182, or may displace both the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, by providing a supporting portion186(guide) supporting the second web W2in the vicinity of the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182, the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182may not be in contact with the second web W2at the second position. The supporting portion186is provided at each of a position on the upstream of the transport direction and a position on the downstream of the transport direction of the second web W2with respect to the interposing portion (nip portion) of the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182.

FIGS. 4 and 5are views schematically illustrating an example of a displacement mechanism of the present embodiment.

A displacement mechanism190includes a first bearing portion193for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft191of the first rotating body181, a second bearing portion194for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft192of the second rotating body182, a first rod195a, and a second rod195b. The first bearing portion193and the second bearing portion194are rotatably (relatively movable) coupled to each other around a rotation shaft196. One end side of the first rod195ais provided on the second bearing portion194so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft197a, and one end side of the second rod195bis provided on the first bearing portion193so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft197b. A biasing member198(spring) is provided on the first rod195a. One end of the biasing member198is coupled to the rotation shaft197a, and the other end of the biasing member198is coupled to the other end199of the second rod195b. The displacement mechanism190has a drive portion that rotationally drives the second rod195baround the rotation shaft197b.

FIG. 4illustrates a state where the heating portion84is in the second position, andFIG. 5illustrates a state where the heating portion84is in the first position. When the second rod195bis rotated clockwise in the state illustrated inFIG. 4(second position), the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182are displaced to the first position where the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182are in contact with each other, as illustrated inFIG. 5. At this time, the first bearing portion193(first rotating body181) is biased toward the second bearing portion194(second rotating body182) by the biasing member198, and the second bearing portion194is biased toward the first bearing portion193. In the first position, the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182may not be in contact with each other as long as the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182can interpose, heat, and press the second web W2.

In addition, when the second rod195bis rotated counterclockwise in the state illustrated inFIG. 5(first position), the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182are displaced to a second position where the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182are separated from each other.

The displacement mechanism190illustrated inFIGS. 4and5is driven by a roller moving portion341(FIG. 7) provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and is displaceable to the first position ofFIG. 4and the second position ofFIG. 5. For example, the roller moving portion341is configured to include a motor, an actuator, or the like, operates according to the control of the control device110, and functions as the above-described drive portion. That is, in the present embodiment, the roller moving portion341rotates the second rod195baround the rotation shaft197bto switch the heating portion84between the first position and the second position.

The heating portion84of the present embodiment is configured such that the first rotating body181and the second rotating body182can be rotationally driven at the second position. The sheet manufacturing apparatus100according to the present embodiment is provided with the drive portion that rotationally drives the first rotating body181, and a transmission mechanism transmitting the drive force by the drive portion to the second rotating body182at the second position without transmitting the drive force by the drive portion to the second rotating body182at the first position. For example, the drive portion is the heating portion drive motor337(FIG. 7). In addition, as the transmission mechanism, a link or a gear that transmits the drive force of the heating portion drive motor337to the first rotating body181or the second rotating body182can be used.

3. Composition of Additive Supply Portion

FIG. 6is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the additive supply portion52.

The additive supply portion52is provided with the additive cartridge501as an additive accommodation portion accommodating the additive containing the resin. The additive cartridge501is formed in a box shape having a hollow inside, and is attached to the top of the discharge portion52aof the additive supply portion52. In the state where the additive cartridge501is attached, the discharge portion52acommunicates with the internal space of the additive cartridge501, and the additive in the additive cartridge501flows down to the discharge portion52a.

The discharge portion52ais coupled to the tube54via a supply tube52c, and the additive flows from the discharge portion52ato the tube54. A supply adjustment portion52bis disposed between the discharge portion52aand the supply tube52c. The supply adjustment portion52bis a mechanism that adjusts the amount of additive flowing from the discharge portion52ainto the supply tube52c. For example, the supply adjustment portion52bcan be configured to include a shutter (not illustrated) that stops the inflow of the additive from the discharge portion52ato the supply tube52c, and a screw feeder (not illustrated) that feeds the additive from the discharge portion52ato the supply tube52cwith the shutter open, and the like. In addition, the supply adjustment portion52bmay be provided with a mechanism adjusting the opening degree of the shutter.

A plurality of additive cartridges501can be attached to the additive supply portion52, and the discharge portion52a, the supply adjustment portion52b, and the supply tube52care provided corresponding to the respective additive cartridges501. In the present embodiment, seven additive cartridges501can be attached to the additive supply portion52. The type of additive contained in each of the additive cartridges501is predetermined. For example, each of a yellow additive, a magenta additive, and a cyan additive can be supplied from the additive supply portion52to the tube54by attaching the additive cartridge501containing the different color additives, respectively. In addition, an additive cartridge501containing a white additive, a colorless (plain) additive, and the like may be attached, or an additive cartridge501containing an additive of another color may be attached.

The additive supply portion52can supply an additive from any one or more of the additive cartridges501among the plurality of additive cartridges501attached to the additive supply portion52. For example, the control device110controls the additive supply portion52, to supply the additive from the additive cartridge501containing the yellow additive and the additive cartridge501containing the cyan additive. Therefore, a green sheet S can be manufactured.

4. Control System Configuration

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.

The control device110provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100includes a main processor111that controls each part of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. The control device110is provided with a read only memory (ROM)112and a random access memory (RAM)113coupled to the main processor111. The main processor111is an arithmetic processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), and controls each part of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100by executing a basic control program stored in the ROM112. The main processor111may be configured as a system chip including peripheral circuits such as the ROM112and the RAM113, and other IP cores.

The ROM112stores programs executed by the main processor111in a non-volatile manner. The RAM113forms a work area used by the main processor111, and temporarily stores programs to be executed by the main processor111and data to be processed.

The non-volatile storage portion120stores programs executed by the main processor111and data processed by the main processor111. The non-volatile storage portion120stores setting data121and display data122, for example. The setting data121includes data for setting the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. For example, the setting data121includes data such as the characteristics of various sensors provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and a threshold used in the treatment in which the main processor111detects an abnormality based on detection values of the various sensors. The display data122is data of a screen that the main processor111causes a display panel116to display. The display data122may be fixed image data, or may be data for setting a screen display displaying data generated or acquired by the main processor111.

The display panel116is a display panel such as a liquid crystal display, and is installed in front of a casing (main body, not illustrated) of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, for example. The display panel116displays the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, various setting values, a warning display, and the like according to the control of the main processor111.

A touch sensor117detects a touch (contact) operation or a pressing operation. For example, the touch sensor117is a pressure sensing type or capacitance type sensor having a transparent electrode, and is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display panel116. When the touch sensor117detects an operation, the touch sensor117outputs operation data including the operation position and the number of the operation positions to the main processor111. The main processor111detects an operation on the display panel116by the output of the touch sensor117, and acquires an operation position. The main processor111realizes a graphical user interface (GUI) operation based on the operation position detected by the touch sensor117and display data122being displayed on the display panel116.

The control device110is coupled to sensors installed in each part of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100via a sensor interface (I/F)114. The sensor I/F114is an interface obtaining a detection value output from the sensor and inputting the detection value to the main processor111. The sensor I/F114may be provided with an analog/digital (A/D) converter that converts an analog signal output from the sensor into digital data. In addition, the sensor I/F114may supply drive current to each sensor. In addition, the sensor I/F114may be provided with a circuit that acquires the output value of each sensor according to the sampling frequency specified by the main processor111and outputs the output value to the main processor111.

A waste sheet remaining amount sensor301, an additive remaining amount sensor302, a sheet discharge sensor303, a water amount sensor304, an air volume sensor306, an air velocity sensor307, and a temperature sensor309are coupled to the sensor I/F114.

The waste sheet remaining amount sensor301is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of the waste sheet (raw material) accumulated in each stacker11of the supply portion10. The control device110can detect the presence or absence of the remaining amount of waste sheet accommodated in each stacker11based on the detection value of the waste sheet remaining amount sensor301.

The additive remaining amount sensor302is a sensor that detects the remaining amount of the additive which can be supplied from the additive supply portion52, and may be configured to be able to detect the remaining amount of the additive contained in each of the plurality of additive cartridges501. The control device110can obtain the remaining amount of the additive in each additive cartridge501, or can determine whether or not the remaining amount of the additive is a threshold value or greater, based on the detection value of the additive remaining amount sensor302.

The discharge sensor303detects the amount of sheets S accumulated in the tray or stacker of the discharge portion96. The control device110can perform notification when it is determined that the amount of the sheet S accumulated in the discharge portion96is the set value or greater, based on the detection value of the sheet discharge sensor303, for example.

The water amount sensor304is a sensor that detects the water amount of a water supply tank (not illustrated) built in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. The control device110performs a notification when the water amount detected by the water amount sensor304lowers below the set value. In addition, the water amount sensor304may be configured to be able to detect the remaining amount of the tank (not illustrated) of a vaporization type humidifier343and/or a mist type humidifier347.

The air volume sensor306detects the air volume of the air flowing inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. In addition, the air velocity sensor307detects the air velocity of the air flowing inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. The control device110can determine the state of the air flow (material transport air flow) inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus100based on the detection values of the air volume sensor306and the air velocity sensor307. Based on the determination result, the control device110can appropriately maintain the state of the air flow inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus100by controlling the rotation speed of the defibrating portion blower26, the mixing blower56, and the like.

The temperature sensor309is a sensor that detects the temperature of the heating roller86provided in the heating portion84. The control device110detects the temperature of the heating roller86, that is, the heating temperature at which the second web W2is heated by the heating roller86, based on the detection value of the temperature sensor309.

The control device110is coupled to each drive portion provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100via a drive portion I/F (interface)115. A motor, a pump, a heater, and the like provided in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100are coupled to the drive portion I/F115. Although these are generically called a drive portion, in particular, a portion that causes physical displacement, such as a motor, can be used as a drive portion, and another portion such as heater can also be referred to as an operation portion. In the following description, the drive portion includes a drive portion and an operation portion that are coupled to the drive portion I/F115and perform functions according to the control of the control device110.

The drive portion I/F115may be coupled to each drive portion described above via a drive integrated circuit (IC). For example, the drive IC is a circuit that supplies a drive current to the drive portion according to the control of the main processor111, and is configured to include a power semiconductor element or the like. For example, the drive IC may be an inverter circuit or a drive circuit for driving a stepping motor, and the specific configuration and specifications thereof may be appropriately selected in accordance with the coupled drive portion.

A coarse crushing portion drive motor311is coupled to the drive portion I/F115, and rotates a cutting blade (not illustrated) that cuts the waste sheet, which is the raw material, in accordance with the control of the control device110.

A defibrating portion drive motor313is coupled to the drive portion I/F115and rotates a rotor (not illustrated) provided in the defibrating portion20according to the control of the control device110.

A sheet feeding motor315is attached to the supply portion10, and supplies the waste sheet from one of the stackers11to the coarse crushing portion12according to the control of the control device110. For example, the sheet feeding motors315are provided in each of the stackers11and selectively coupled to rollers (not illustrated) that feed the waste sheet from the stacker11to drive the rollers. Under the control of a control portion150, the sheet feeding motor315engages with the roller of any stacker11and drives the roller to supply the waste sheet to the coarse crushing portion12.

An additive supply motor317is coupled to the drive portion I/F115, and drives a screw feeder (not illustrated) that feeds the additive in the supply adjustment portion52baccording to the control of the control device110. The additive supply motor317may be a motor that opens and closes a shutter of the supply adjustment portion52b.

The defibrating portion blower26is coupled to the drive portion I/F115. Similarly, the mixing blower56, the suction blower77, the intermediate blower318, and the collection blower28are coupled to the drive portion I/F115in the drive portion I/F115. With this configuration, the control device110can control the start and stop of the defibrating portion blower26, the mixing blower56, the suction blower77, the intermediate blower318, and the collection blower28. The intermediate blower318is a blower that performs suction from the suction mechanism79cof the transport portion79. The control device110may control start/stop of suction by each of these blowers, and may be configured to be able to control the number of rotation speed of each blower.

In addition, a drum drive motor325, a belt drive motor327, a dividing portion drive motor329, a drum drive motor331, a belt drive motor333, the pressurizing portion drive motor335, and the heating portion drive motor337are coupled to the drive portion I/F115includes

The drum drive motor325is a motor that rotates the drum portion41. The belt drive motor327is a motor that operates the mesh belt46of the first web forming portion45. The dividing portion drive motor329is a motor that rotates the rotating body49. The drum drive motor331is a motor that rotates the drum portion61. The belt drive motor333is a motor that drives the mesh belt72. In addition, the pressurizing portion drive motor335is a motor that drives the calender roller85of the pressurizing portion82. The heating portion drive motor337is a motor that drives the heating roller86of the heating portion84.

The control device110controls ON/OFF of each of these motors. In addition, the control device110may be configured to be able to control the number of rotation speed of each of the motors described above.

A heater339is a heater that heats the heating roller86, and corresponds to the heat source H illustrated inFIG. 2. The heater339is coupled to the drive portion I/F115, and the control device110controls ON/OFF of the heater339. In addition, the heater339may be configured to be able to switch the output, and the control device110may be configured to be able to control the output of the heater339.

The roller moving portion341operates the displacement mechanism190(FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the heating portion84to displace the heating portion84to the first position ofFIG. 4and the second position ofFIG. 5. The roller moving portion341is coupled to the control device110via the drive portion I/F115, and the control device110controls the roller moving portion341to switch between the first position and the second position of the heating portion84.

The vaporization type humidifier343is a device that is provided with a tank (not illustrated) storing water, and a filter (not illustrated) being infiltrated with the water of the tank, and blows and humidifies the filter. The vaporization type humidifier343includes a fan (not illustrated) coupled to the drive portion I/F115, and turns ON/OFF air blowing to the filter according to the control of the control device110. In the present embodiment, the humidified air is supplied from the vaporization type humidifier343to the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208. Therefore, the humidifying portions202,204,206, and208supply the humidified air supplied by the vaporization type humidifier343to the coarse crushing portion12, the sorting portion40, the tube54, and the accumulating portion60. In addition, the vaporization type humidifier343may be configured to include a plurality of vaporization type humidifiers. In this case, the installation place of each vaporization type humidifier may be any of the coarse crushing portion12, the sorting portion40, the tube54, and the accumulating portion60.

In addition, the vaporization type humidifier343is provided with a humidifying heater345heating the air blown to a filter by a fan. The humidifying heater345is coupled to the drive portion I/F115separately from the fan (not illustrated) provided in the vaporization type humidifier343. The control device110controls ON/OFF of the fan provided in the vaporization type humidifier343and controls ON/OFF of the humidifying heater345independently of the control of the vaporization type humidifier343. The vaporization type humidifier343corresponds to a humidifier of the present invention, and the humidifying heater345corresponds to a heat source.

The mist type humidifier347is provided with a tank (not illustrated) storing water, and a vibration portion (not illustrated) vibrating the water of the tank to generate mist-like water droplets (mist). The mist type humidifier347is coupled to the drive portion I/F115, and turns ON/OFF the vibration portion according to the control of the control portion150. In the present embodiment, air containing mist is supplied from the mist type humidifier347to the humidifying portions210and212. Therefore, the humidifying portions210and212supply air including mist supplied by the mist type humidifier347to each of the first web W1and the second web W2.

A water supply pump349is a pump that sucks water from the outside of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100and takes water into a tank (not illustrated) provided inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. For example, when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is started, an operator operating the sheet manufacturing apparatus100puts water in a water supply tank and sets the water supply tank. The sheet manufacturing apparatus100operates the water supply pump349to take water from the water supply tank into the tank inside the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. In addition, the water supply pump349may supply water from the tank of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the vaporization type humidifier343and the mist type humidifier347.

A cutting portion drive motor351is a motor that drives the first cutting portion92and the second cutting portion94of the cutting portion90. The cutting portion drive motor351is coupled to the drive portion I/F115.

In addition, an IC reader119is coupled to the control device110. The IC reader119reads data from an IC521provided in each of the additive cartridges501(FIG. 6) attached to the additive supply portion52.

The IC521is attached to each of the additive cartridges501. The IC521is an IC chip provided with a storage area for storing data, and stores data regarding the additive contained in the additive cartridge501. The IC521may be a contact IC chip or a non-contact IC chip (for example, radio frequency identifier (RFID)). For example, the data stored in the IC521may include the color, properties, suitable heating temperature and the like of the additive contained in the additive cartridge501, and may include a code corresponding to these data. In the present embodiment, the IC521stores at least temperature data (temperature information) indicating the heating temperature of the additive.

The IC reader119is a device that reads data stored in the IC521, and can be a contact type or non-contact type IC reader/writer, for example. For example, a plurality of IC readers119may be installed corresponding to the number of additive cartridges501that can be attached to the additive supply portion52. The IC reader119reads data from each of the plurality of ICs521attached to each additive cartridge501and outputs the read data to the control device110according to the control of the control device110.

FIG. 8is a functional block diagram of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, illustrating a functional configuration of a storage portion140and a control portion150. The storage portion140is a logical storage portion configured to include the non-volatile storage portion120(FIG. 7).

The control portion150and various functional portions included in the control portion150are formed by the cooperation of software and hardware when the main processor111executes a program. Examples of hardware that configures these functional portions include the main processor111and the non-volatile storage portion120.

The storage portion140stores the setting data121and the display data122described above.

The control portion150has functions of an operating system (OS)151, a display control portion152, an operation detection portion153, a detection control portion154, a data acquisition portion155, a drive control portion156, and a heating control portion157.

The function of the operating system151is a function of a control program stored in the storage portion140, and each part of the control portion150is a function of an application program executed on the operating system151.

The display control portion152causes the display panel116to display an image based on the display data122.

The operation detection portion153determines the content of the GUI operation corresponding to the detected operation position when the operation on the touch sensor117is detected.

The detection control portion154acquires detection values of various sensors coupled to the sensor I/F114. In addition, the detection control portion154determines the detection value of the sensor coupled to the sensor I/F114in comparison with a preset threshold value (setting value). When the determination result corresponds to the condition for performing notification, the detection control portion154outputs the notification content to the display control portion152, and causes the display control portion152to perform notification using an image or text.

The data acquisition portion155causes the IC reader119to read data from the IC521.

The drive control portion156controls start (activation) and stop of each drive portion coupled via the drive portion I/F115. In addition, the drive control portion156may be configured to control the rotation speed of the defibrating portion blower26, the mixing blower56, and the like.

The heating control portion157controls the temperature at which the second web W2is heated by the heating roller86of the heating portion84. The heating control portion157sets the heating temperature by the heating portion84. Here, the temperature set by the heating control portion157can be referred to as a target temperature to be a target of control. The heating control portion157acquires the detection value of the temperature sensor309and controls the heater339so that the heating temperature of the heating portion84is the set target temperature.

The accuracy of the temperature control performed by the heating control portion157may be set to a level that can satisfy the quality of the sheet S. Specifically, the heating control portion157maintains the temperature of the heating roller86within a predetermined temperature range including the set target temperature by switching ON/OFF the heater339and/or controlling the output of the heater339. The magnitude of the predetermined temperature range and the difference from the target temperature are appropriately set. For example, the setting method and conditions of the predetermined temperature range with respect to the target temperature may be included in the setting data121and stored in the storage portion140, and the heating control portion157may perform control according to the setting. In addition, the heating control portion157may control ON/OFF of the humidifying heater345.

5. Operation of Sheet Manufacturing Apparatus

Subsequently, the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100will be described.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the display panel116, and illustrates an operation screen160for a user (operator) operating the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to operate.

The operation screen160ofFIG. 9may be displayed by the display panel116after the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is powered on, and may be continuously displayed while the sheet manufacturing apparatus100manufactures the sheet S or in a standby state described later.

On the operation screen160, an operation instruction portion161, a cartridge information display portion162, a sheet setting portion163, and a notification portion164are disposed. The operation instruction portion161and the sheet setting portion163constitute a GUI for the user to operate. By displaying the operation screen160on the display panel116, the touch sensor117and the operation detection portion153(FIG. 8) constitute a reception portion.

The operation instruction portion161includes a start instruction button161a, a stop instruction button161b, an suspend instruction button161c, and a standby instruction button161d, which function as buttons (operation portions) for instructing the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.

The sheet setting portion163includes a color setting portion163a, a thickness setting portion163b, and a raw material setting portion163c, which function as buttons (operation portions) for instructing the conditions of the sheet S manufactured by the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.

Each operation portion disposed in the operation instruction portion161and the sheet setting portion163may be installed in the casing of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100as a physical button. In the present embodiment, as an example, an example in which the above-described operation portions are provided as a GUI (icon) by the display panel116and the touch sensor117will be described.

The color setting portion163ais an operation portion for specifying the color of the sheet S. In the example ofFIG. 9, when the user operates the color setting portion163a, the color of the sheet S can be selected from a plurality of colors set in advance by the pull-down menu. The control portion150causes the operation detection portion153to acquire the color selected by the operation of the color setting portion163a. The drive control portion156determines the type of additive to be used and the ratio of each additive when using a plurality of types of the additives among the additives of the additive cartridge501attached to the additive supply portion52corresponding to the selected color. The drive control portion156determines the amount of additive supplied from each of the additive cartridges501based on the type of additive to be used and the ratio of each additive when using the plurality of types of the additives, and controls the additive supply motor317based on the determined amount.

The thickness setting portion163bis an operation portion for specifying the thickness of the sheet S. In the example ofFIG. 9, when the user operates the thickness setting portion163b, the thickness of the sheet S can be selected from the thickness of a plurality of levels set in advance by the pull-down menu. The control portion150causes the operation detection portion153to acquire the thickness selected by the operation of the thickness setting portion163b. The drive control portion156determines the conditions such as the thickness of the second web W2accumulated on the mesh belt72in the accumulating portion60and/or the load applied to the second web W2by the pressurizing portion82corresponding to the selected thickness. The drive control portion156controls the rotational speed of the drum drive motor331, the rotational speed of the belt drive motor333, an operation condition of the pressurizing portion drive motor335, and the like corresponding to the determined condition.

The raw material setting portion163cis an operation portion for specifying the raw material used for manufacturing the sheet S. In the example ofFIG. 9, when the user operates the raw material setting portion163c, the type of the raw material can be selected from a plurality of types set in advance by the pull-down menu. The raw material that can be selected by the raw material setting portion163cis a raw material that the supply portion10accommodates in the stacker11. That is, the selection in the raw material setting portion163ccorresponds to the selection of the stacker11that feeds the raw material in the supply portion10. The control portion150causes the operation detection portion153to acquire the raw material selected by the operation of the raw material setting portion163c. The drive control portion156selects the stacker11that accommodates the selected raw material, and controls the sheet feeding motor315so that the raw material is supplied from the selected stacker11.

In addition, in the sheet setting portion163, in addition to the above-described buttons, a button for specifying the number of sheets S to be manufactured or a button for specifying the size (dimension) of the sheet S may be disposed, and a button for specifying a condition related to the other sheet S may be disposed.

The start instruction button161ais a button for instructing the start of the manufacture of the sheet S. For example, the start instruction button161ais operated after the condition related to the sheet S is specified by the operation of the sheet setting portion163, and instructs start of the manufacture of the sheet S based on the specified condition. In the sheet setting portion163, when a default specified value is provided in advance, and the start instruction button161ais operated in a state where the sheet setting portion163is not operated, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100may start the manufacture of the sheet S based on the default specified value.

The stop instruction button161bis a button for instructing stop of the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. The casing of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100may be provided with a power switch (not illustrated) for turning ON/OFF the power of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100separately from the display panel116. In this case, the stop instruction button161bfunctions as a button for instructing to stop the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. However, the stop instruction button161bmay be configured to be capable of instructing to turn off the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. When the sheet manufacturing apparatus100stops the manufacture of the sheet S by the operation of the stop instruction button161b, the condition related to the sheet S set by the sheet setting portion163is cleared and returns to the default specified value (initial value).

The suspend instruction button161ctemporarily suspends the manufacture of the sheet S while the sheet manufacturing apparatus100performs the manufacture of the sheet S. When the suspend instruction button161cis operated and the sheet manufacturing apparatus100stops the manufacture of the sheet S, the condition related to the sheet S set by the sheet setting portion163is maintained. In this state, when the start instruction button161ais operated, the control portion150starts (resumes) the manufacture of the sheet S in accordance with the same conditions as those before the suspend instruction button161cis operated by the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.

The standby instruction button161dis a button for instructing transition to the standby state described later in a state where the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is not manufacturing the sheet S, that is, in a stopped state.

A series of operations for manufacturing the sheet S by the sheet manufacturing apparatus100will be referred to as “job”. The job refers to an operation of manufacturing the sheet S under the condition specified by the operation of the sheet setting portion163or the default value. Specifically, the operation from the start of the operation in response to the operation to complete the manufacture of the number of sheets S specified by the operation of the sheet setting portion163, or to the operation of the start instruction button161ato the stop by the operation of the stop instruction button161bis called the job. When the number of sheets S to be manufactured is specified, the end of the job is clearly specified. When the stop instruction button161bis operated without specifying the number of sheets S, or when the stop instruction button161bis operated before completing the manufacture of the specified number of sheets S, there is no prior setting, but the job ends. When the suspend instruction button161cis operated, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100suspends the job, but does not end the job. Therefore, when the manufacture of the sheet S is stopped in response to the operation of the suspend instruction button161c, and the start instruction button161ais operated, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100resumes the manufacture of the sheet S, and specifically, manufactures the sheet S under the same conditions as before the operation of the suspend instruction button161c. That is, the suspend instruction button161ctemporarily suspends the job, and thereafter, when the start instruction button161ais operated, the job continues.

The cartridge information display portion162is a display portion that displays information on the additive cartridge501attached (set) to the additive supply portion52. On the cartridge information display portion162, an image imitating the additive cartridge501is displayed corresponding to the number of the additive cartridges501that can be attached to the additive supply portion52. On the cartridge information display portion162, information indicating the color of the additive and the remaining amount of the additive accommodated in the additive cartridge501is displayed by text or image corresponding to the image of each of the additive cartridges501. In addition, when the number of the additive cartridges501attached to the additive supply portion52is smaller than the attachable number, the image corresponding to the additive cartridge501not attached is displayed blank.

The notification portion164is a display area where the content to be notified to the user is displayed by text or an image. For example, the notification portion164displays a message for requesting replacement of the additive cartridge501.

FIG. 10is a table illustrating an example of the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.

In the drawing, the supply portion refers to the supply portion10, and refers to the state of the sheet feeding motor315, for example. The coarse crushing portion refers to the coarse crushing portion12, and refers to the state of the coarse crushing portion drive motor311for example. Although the defibrating portion refers to the defibrating portion20, and specifically refers to the state of the defibrating portion drive motor313, the defibrating portion may be in the operation state of the defibrating portion20including the state of the defibrating portion blower26. The sorting portion refers to the sorting portion40, and specifically refers to the state of the drum drive motor. Although the first web forming portion refers to the first web forming portion45, and specifically refers to the state of the belt drive motor327, and the first web forming portion may be in the operation state of the first web forming portion45including the state of the collection blower28. The rotating body refers to the rotational state of the dividing portion drive motor329that drives the rotating body49.

The mixing portion refers to the state of the mixing portion50, and specifically refers to the operation state of the additive supply motor317that drives the additive supply portion52and the mixing blower56. The accumulating portion refers to the accumulating portion60, and specifically, refers to the operation state of the drum drive motor331that moves the drum portion61. Although the second web forming portion refers to the second web forming portion70, and specifically refers to the operation state of the belt drive motor333, the second web forming portion may be in the operation state of the second web forming portion70including the state of the suction blower77. Although the pressurizing portion indicates the pressurizing portion82, and specifically, the operation state of the pressurizing portion drive motor335, the pressurizing portion may include the state of the load by the pressurizing portion82. The heating portion refers to the heating portion84, and specifically refers to the operation state of the heating portion drive motor337and the state of the heater339, respectively. In addition, although the cutting portion refers to the cutting portion90, and specifically, the operation state of the cutting portion drive motor351, the cutting portion may include the operation state of the transport portion (not illustrated) transporting the sheet S in the cutting portion90. The discharge portion refers to the operation state of the transport portion (not illustrated) transporting the sheet S to the discharge portion96. In addition, the humidifying heater refers to the state of the humidifying heater345.

In addition,FIG. 10is not limited to an energized state of each of the drive portions, and indicates the state of control in which the control portion150drives each part. For example, ON/OFF of the heating of the heating portion84does not indicate ON/OFF of energization of the heater339, and indicates whether or not the control portion150performs control for heating by the heater339. Therefore, even when there is an instant when the heater339is not energized, the operation state is ON while the control portion150performs control for heating by the heater339. The same applies to the other drive portions.

There are three operation states of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100according to the present embodiment: a first state, a second state, and a third state. The first state is a state where the sheet manufacturing apparatus100manufactures the sheet S, and corresponds to an operation state. In addition, the first state can also be called a normal state. In the first state, as illustrated inFIG. 10, each part of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is ON and driven.

On the other hand, the second state (suspended state) corresponds to the above-described standby state, and is performed under the control of the control portion150described later. The control portion150causes the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to shift from the first state to the second state when the standby instruction button161don the operation screen160(FIG. 9) is operated or by control described later, for example. In the second state, at least the drive portion related to the transport of the raw material, the material, and the sheet S is turned off. In addition, in the second state, at least the heater339is turned on, and more preferably the humidifying heater345is turned on. The raw material refers to the waste sheet accommodated in the stacker11, and the material includes the defibrated material defibrated by the defibrating portion20, the first web W1, the subdivided body P, the mixture mixed by the mixing portion50, and the second web W2.

In the stopped state, as illustrated inFIG. 10, each drive portion coupled to the drive portion I/F115is turned off.

FIG. 11is a table illustrating an example of data read from the IC by the IC reader119, and in particular, illustrates an example of temperature data of the additive. In the example illustrated inFIG. 11, the additive cartridge501is distinguished by the color of the additive contained in the additive cartridge501. In this example, temperature data “Th11” is acquired from the IC521of the additive cartridge501of yellow (YELLOW in the drawing). In addition, “Th12” is acquired from the IC521of the additive cartridge501of MAGENTA, and “Th13” is acquired from the IC521of the additive cartridge501of CYAN. In addition, “Th14” is acquired from the IC521of the additive cartridge501of WHITE, and “Th15” is acquired from the IC521of the additive cartridge501of PLAIN. Th11, Th12, Th13, Th14, and Th15are numerical values or codes indicating the specific temperature or the range of the temperature, respectively. These temperatures are the temperature set at the heating portion84so as to melt the resin contained in each of the additives in an appropriate state, adhere the fibers with a desired strength, and obtain good color development. When manufacturing the sheet S, the control portion150specifies the additive used for manufacturing the sheet S, and thereafter sets the heating temperature of 84 of the heating portion based on the temperature data read from the IC521of the additive cartridge501containing the specified additive. As a result, the second web W2can be heated at an appropriate temperature in the heating portion84, and a high quality sheet S can be manufactured. Although the specific temperature of Th11to Th15varies depending on the specific properties of the additive, since there is practically no melting of the additive at temperatures close to room temperature, the specific temperature is higher than the so-called room temperature. For example, temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius are not uncommon.

When the manufacture of the sheet S is started from the state where the manufacture of the sheet S is not started, for example, from the stopped state illustrated inFIG. 10, it takes time to bring the sheet manufacturing apparatus100into a state in which each of the drive portions can manufacture the sheet S. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, it is necessary to set the heating temperature of the heating portion84to an appropriate temperature in accordance with the additive contained in the additive cartridge501. In the stopped state, the temperature of the heating roller86is affected by an ambient temperature of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, so that the temperature is close to the ambient temperature in many cases. From such a temperature, it takes time to raise the temperature of the heating roller86to Th11to Th15illustrated inFIG. 11. In order to rapidly and continuously manufacture the sheet S and maintain the quality of the manufactured sheet S, it is preferable that the heat capacity of the heating roller86be larger, and as the heat capacity of the heating roller86is larger, it takes more time to raise the temperature. Although it is possible to rapidly raise the temperature by increasing a calorific value of the heater339, also in such a case, it is not easy to raise the temperature in a significantly short time. In addition, when the heater339has a characteristic that the amount of calorific value is large and the temperature rises rapidly, it may be difficult to control the temperature of the heating roller86with high accuracy, and the power consumption of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100may be increased. Therefore, it is not easy to reduce the waiting time from the stopped state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the start of the manufacture of the sheet S.

In the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, the second state can be performed as the operation state. Since the heater339can be maintained ON in this second state, the temperature of the heating roller86can be maintained higher than the ambient temperature, for example. Therefore, when the manufacture of the sheet S is started from the second state, the manufacture of the sheet S can be performed in a shorter time, as compared with when the manufacture of the sheet S is started from the stopped state, and the waiting time can be reduced.

FIG. 12is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and in particular, illustrates a change in temperature of the heating roller86. A vertical axis inFIG. 12illustrates the temperature of the heating roller86. For example, this temperature is a temperature detected by the temperature sensor309. A horizontal axis illustrates the passage of time.

The temperature T1in the vertical axis is a temperature suitable for manufacturing the sheet S, and is a target temperature set by the heating control portion157in accordance with the conditions of the sheet S to be manufactured. The temperature T2is a temperature set by the heating control portion157as the target temperature for maintaining the temperature of the heating roller86in the second state. On the other hand, T0is the ambient temperature of the place where the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is installed.

In the timing chart ofFIG. 12, a temperature pattern G1illustrates the temperature change of the heating roller86when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100shifts from the first state to the second state and thereafter shifts to the first state. In the first state, an example is illustrated in which the control portion150starts a transition to the second state at time t1and thereafter starts a transition to the first state at time t2. For example, time t1is a timing when the suspend instruction button161cis operated, and, for example, time t2is a timing when the start instruction button161ais operated. That is, a period TE1from time t1to time t2is a time when the second state is continued. On the other hand, a temperature pattern G2illustrates an example when the transition to the first state is started at time t2in the stopped state.

As illustrated in the temperature pattern G1, the temperature of the heating roller86is maintained at T1in the first state, and decreases when the transition to the second state is started at time t1. The heating control portion157maintains the temperature of the heating roller86at T2in the second state. When the transition to the first state is started at time t2, the temperature rise of the heating roller86is started. At a timing (time t3) when the temperature of the heating roller86reaches T1, the drive control portion156causes the operation of the drive portion related to the transport of the raw material, the material, and the sheet S to start the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to be in the first state, and the manufacture of the sheet S is started. Therefore, the waiting time from the start or restart of the manufacture of the sheet S to the start of the manufacture of the sheet S corresponds to the period TE2from time t2to time t3.

On the other hand, in the temperature pattern G2, since it is in the stopped state until time t2, the temperature of the heating roller86is close to the ambient temperature T0. InFIG. 12, the temperature of the heating roller86is illustrated as T0. When the transition to the first state is started at time t2, the temperature rise of the heating roller86is started. Here, in the temperature patterns G1and G2, since the configuration of the heating portion84including the heater339is common to each other, a pattern of the temperature rise, that is, an inclination of the temperature rise is substantially the same as each other. Therefore, in the temperature pattern G2, the temperature of the heating roller86rises at the same inclination as that between time t2and t3of the temperature pattern G1. Therefore, the temperature of the heating roller86reaches the target temperature T1at time t4after time t3. In this case, the waiting time taken to start the manufacture of the sheet S after the start or restart of the manufacture of the sheet S is instructed corresponds to a period TE3from time t2to time t4.

As described above, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100can perform the first state where each drive portion coupled to the drive portion I/F115operates under the control of the control portion150and the second state in addition to the stopped state where each drive portion is stopped. In the second state, the operation state of a portion of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, for example, the heater339and the humidifying heater345is maintained ON. Therefore, when the manufacture of the sheet S is subsequently started, there is an advantage that the waiting time actually taken to start the transport of the raw material, the material, and the sheet S to start the manufacture can be reduced.

In the second state, by maintaining the humidifying heater345ON, the temperature of the vaporization type humidifier343can be maintained higher than the air temperature (ambient temperature) of the installation place of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100. The change of the temperature of the humidifying heater345is the same as that ofFIG. 12. Therefore, when the manufacture of the sheet S is not started until the temperature of the vaporization type humidifier343rises to a preferable temperature, similar to the contents described for the heater339, the waiting time taken to start the manufacture of the sheet S can be reduced.

In addition, the drive control portion156displaces the heating portion84from the second position to the first position when shifting from the second state to the first state as described later. Specifically, at the timing when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100shifts to the second state (time t2inFIG. 12), the heating portion84moves to the second position, and a pair of heating rollers86are separated from each other. At the timing when the temperature of the heating roller86reaches the target temperature T1(time t3inFIG. 12), the drive control portion156displaces the heating portion84to the first position.

It is known that a decrease in temperature occurs when a pair of heating rollers86is nipped and in contact with the second web W2. For example, a factor of the decrease in temperature is that the heat is absorbed by the second web W2by the heating roller86coming into contact with the second web W2. Therefore, in the process of raising the temperature of the heating roller86by the heater339in the second state, the heating control portion157may raise the temperature of the heating roller86to a temperature higher than the target temperature T1. More specifically, when shifting from the second state to the first state, the heating control portion157sets the target temperature to a temperature T1′ higher than the temperature T1to be obtained from the IC521of the additive cartridge501and to be set to the target temperature as the target temperature. The drive control portion156displaces the heating portion84to the first position and the heating control portion157sets the target temperature to the temperature T1corresponding to the condition (manufacturing condition) of the sheet S, at the timing when the temperature of the heating roller86reaches the target temperature T1′. The temperature T1′ can be obtained by adding a temperature difference ΔT set in advance to the temperature T1after the temperature T1is determined. The temperature difference ΔT is determined in consideration of the temperature decrease due to the nip, and may be stored, for example, in the setting data121in advance.

As a result, even when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is shifted to the first state at the timing when the heating portion84is displaced to the first position and the manufacture of the sheet S is rapidly started, the second web W2can be reliably heated in the heating portion84, immediately after the start of manufacture. Therefore, the amount of the sheet S which is defective in heating can be reduced.

Similarly, even when the manufacture of the sheet S is started from the stopped state, the heating control portion157temporarily sets a temperature higher than the target temperature corresponding to the condition related to the sheet S until the sheet manufacturing apparatus100shifts to the first state, and thus the same effect can be obtained.

FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.FIGS. 14, 15, and 16are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and in particular, illustrate the treatment ofFIG. 13in detail.

When the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is powered on (Step ST11), the display control portion152causes the display panel116to display the operation screen160(Step ST12). The operation detection portion153detects an operation on the operation screen160by the user, performs a treatment of receiving an input by this operation, and acquires an operation content (Step ST13).

The control portion150sets the operation condition of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100based on the operation content acquired by the operation detection portion153in Step ST13by the functions of the drive control portion156and the heating control portion157(Step ST14).

The treatment performed in Step ST14is illustrated in detail inFIG. 14.

The control portion150specifies the additive cartridge501to be used among the additive cartridges501attached to the additive supply portion52based on the operation content acquired in Step ST13(Step ST41). For example, based on the color specified by the operation of the color setting portion163aof the sheet setting portion163or the type of the raw material specified by the operation of the raw material setting portion163c, the type (for example, color) of the additive to be used is specified, and the additive cartridge501containing the specified type of additive is specified. Furthermore, the control portion150obtains the amount of additive per unit time supplied from the specified additive cartridge501, and sets the conditions for operating the additive supply motor317.

The control portion150acquires temperature data read by the IC reader119from the IC521attached to the additive cartridge501specified in Step ST41(Step ST42). The control portion150detects the presence or absence of the IC521by the IC reader119when the additive cartridge501is attached or when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is powered on, and reads data from the detected IC521. The control portion150temporarily stores the read data in the storage portion140(or RAM113) or the like corresponding to identification information identifying the IC521. The identification information of the IC521is, for example, an ID unique to the IC521, is information stored in a storage area of the IC521, and can be read by the IC reader119with various data such as temperature data. In step ST42, the control portion150acquires temperature data corresponding to the additive cartridge501specified in step ST41from the temporarily stored data. In addition, the control portion150may acquire the temperature data by reading data from the IC521by the IC reader119in Step ST42.

The control portion150determines the first temperature and the second temperature based on the temperature data acquired in Step ST42(Step ST43). The first temperature is a target temperature of the heating roller86in the first state for manufacturing the sheet S, and corresponds to the temperature T1illustrated inFIG. 12, for example. The second temperature is a target temperature of the heating roller86maintained in the second state, and corresponds to the temperature T2illustrated inFIG. 12, for example. The control portion150temporarily stores the first temperature and the second temperature on the storage portion140(or RAM113) or the like.

In Step ST43, when using a plurality of types of the additives, the control portion150acquires temperature data corresponding to each of the additives, and determines the first temperature based on the acquired plurality of temperature data. For example, the control portion150determines the highest temperature among the plurality of acquired temperature data as the first temperature.

As an example, in the temperature data of each additive illustrated inFIG. 11, the case where the relation illustrated in the following formula (1) is established is assumed.
Th11<Th12<Th13<Th14<Th15  (1)

For example, when it is specified that the yellow additive and the cyan additive are used in Step ST41, the control portion150acquires temperature data Th11and temperature data Th13in Step ST42. In step ST43, the control portion150determines the first temperature based on the temperature data Th13indicating the higher temperature among the temperature data Th11and the temperature data Th13. In this method, when using the plurality of types of the additives, heating is performed according to the additives that require heating at a higher temperature, so that all the additives are heated above the required temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the sheet S due to the insufficient heating.

In addition, the control portion150may determine the first temperature based on a plurality of pieces of temperature data reflecting the ratio of usage of the plurality of types of the additives to be used.

In Step ST43, although an example in which the first temperature is determined based on temperature data read from the IC521of the additive cartridge501containing the additive to be used is described, the first temperature corresponding to the raw material specified by the raw material setting portion163cmay be set. For example, the heating temperature of the heating portion84suitable for the raw material may be included in the setting data121and stored in advance, for each type of the raw material. In this case, the control portion150acquires, from the setting data121, the heating temperature corresponding to the raw material specified by the raw material setting portion163c. The control portion150may set the temperature on the higher side of the highest temperature among the temperature data corresponding to the additive to be used, and the heating temperature corresponding to the raw material to the first temperature.

In addition, the second temperature T2is a temperature lower than the first temperature T1. For example, a temperature lower by a predetermined temperature difference (for example, 10° C.) than the lowest temperature Th11among the first temperatures Th11to Th15is set as the second temperature T2. For example, the temperature difference or the second temperature is included in the setting data121and stored in the storage portion140.

Returning toFIG. 13, the control portion150performs an activation sequence (Step ST15). In the activation sequence, the control portion150performs a treatment for initializing various sensors coupled to the sensor I/F114and starting detection. In addition, the activation sequence includes initialization of the operation of each drive portion coupled to the drive portion I/F115and control for shifting each drive portion to a state where the manufacture of the sheet S can be started. In this activation sequence, the control portion150turns on the power of the heater339to start the temperature rise. In addition, the control portion150turns on the power of the humidifying heater345to start the temperature rise.

The control portion150determines whether or not the temperature of the heater339is reached the first temperature set in Step ST14(Step ST15), and stands by while the first temperature is not reached (Step ST15; No). As a matter of course, in the standby mode, the control portion150can control other drive portions. In addition, in step ST15, which corresponds to the case where the temperature of the heater339is raised from the stopped state, a temperature obtained by adding the temperature difference ΔT to the first temperature set in Step ST14may be used as a reference for determination in Step ST15as the target temperature.

When it is determined that the temperature of the heater339is reached the target temperature (Step ST15; Yes), the control portion150shifts the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the first state and starts the manufacture of the sheet S, that is, a job. (Step ST17).

Here, when the target temperature of the heating roller86is set to a temperature obtained by adding the temperature difference ΔT to the first temperature, the control portion150performs a treatment of changing the target temperature to the first temperature.

After the manufacture of the sheet S is started, the control portion150detects an input of an instruction for suspension by the operation of the suspend instruction button161c(Step ST18). Although the detection of the operation of the suspend instruction button161ccan be actually performed as interrupt control, it will be described here as a portion of flow control for the convenience of description.

When the instruction to suspend is input (Step ST18; Yes), the control portion150shifts the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the second state (Step ST19).

The treatment performed in Step ST19is illustrated in detail inFIG. 15.

The control portion150changes the target temperature of the heating roller86to the second temperature (Step ST51). The second temperature at this time may be the temperature set in Step ST14or may be a temperature lower than the first temperature in the first state before transition by a preset temperature difference (for example, 10° C.). The control portion150operates the roller moving portion341to release the nip of the heating portion84(Step ST52), and stops the other drive portions (Step ST53). For example, the drive portion stopped in Step ST53is described as the drive portion turned off in the second state inFIG. 10. Therefore, in the second state, the control portion150continues temperature control of the heater339and the humidifying heater345, and sets the temperature of the heating roller86to the second temperature which is the target temperature. The treatment order of Steps ST51to ST53can be changed as appropriate.

Returning toFIG. 13, after shifting to the second state, the control portion150detects an operation of the start instruction button161a(Step ST20), and stands by while the operation of the start instruction button161ais not performed (Step ST20; No). When it is detected that the operation of the start instruction button161ais performed (Step ST20; Yes), the control portion150performs a restart sequence (Step ST21).

A treatment performed in Step ST21is illustrated in detail inFIG. 16.

The control portion150changes the target temperature of the heating roller86, which is a parameter for controlling the heater339, to the first temperature set in Step ST14(Step ST61). Here, as described above, the control portion150may set the temperature obtained by adding the temperature difference ΔT to the first temperature as the target temperature.

Subsequently, the control portion150determines whether or not the temperature of the heating roller86is reached the target temperature (Step ST62), and stands by while the target temperature is not reached (Step ST62; No). When the temperature of the heating roller86is reached the target temperature (Step ST62; Yes), the control portion150activates each drive portion turned off in the second state (Step ST64). The activation of each drive portion may be appropriately started simultaneously with or before or after the treatment of Steps ST61to ST63.

Returning toFIG. 13, the control portion150shifts to the first state, resumes the job (Step ST22), and returns to Step ST18.

When it is determined that the operation of the suspend instruction button161cis not performed (Step ST18; No), the control portion150determines whether or not the job is completed (Step ST23). For example, when the number of sheets S to be manufactured is specified in Step ST13and the manufacture of the specified number of sheets S is completed, the job is completed. Also when the stop instruction button161bis operated, the job is completed.

When the job is not completed (Step ST23; No), the control portion150returns to Step ST18. When the job is completed (Step ST23; Yes), the control portion150shifts the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the second state (Step ST24). The details of the treatment performed in Step ST24are the same as that in Step ST19.

The control portion150starts counting the standby time which is an elapsed time after the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is shifted to the second state (Step ST25).

The control portion150determines whether or not an input related to a new job is made by the operation of the operation screen160(Step ST26). When the input related to the new job is received (Step ST26; Yes), the control portion150stops counting the standby time, resets a count value (Step ST27), performs a restart sequence (Step ST28), and returns to Step ST13. The details of the treatment performed in Step ST28are the same as that in Step ST21.

When there is no input related to the new job after shifting to the second state (Step ST26; No), the control portion150refers to the count value of the standby time, and determines whether or not a first set time is passed since the transition to the second state (Step ST29). The first set time is a threshold of the time for changing the target temperature of the heating roller86in the second state, and is set in advance, and included in the setting data121and stored in the storage portion140, for example.

When the standby time is reached the first set time (Step ST29; Yes), the control portion150changes the target temperature of the heating roller86to a third temperature (Step ST30). The third temperature is a temperature lower than the second temperature. For example, when the second temperature is determined in Step ST14, the third temperature may be determined based on the second temperature, or a temperature lower than the second temperature by a preset temperature difference may be used as the third temperature. In addition, the third temperature may be a preset value. The temperature difference or the third temperature is included in the setting data121and stored in the storage portion140, for example.

After the target temperature is changed to the third temperature (Step ST30), and when it is determined that the first set time is not passed (Step ST29; No), the control portion150determines whether or not the input related to the new job is made (Step ST31). Here, when the input related to the new job is made (Step ST31; Yes), the control portion150proceeds to Step ST27.

When there is no input related to the new job (Step ST31; No), the control portion150refers to the count value of the standby time, and determines whether or not a second set time is passed since the transition to the second state. (Step ST32). The second set time is a threshold of a time set in advance, and is included in the setting data121and stored in the storage portion140, for example. When the standby time is reached the second set time (Step ST32; Yes), the control portion150performs a stop sequence to shift the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the stopped state (Step ST33). In the stop sequence, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, each of the drive portions including the heater339and the humidifying heater345is stopped. In addition, when the standby time is not reached the second set time (Step ST32; No), the control portion150returns to Step ST29.

In the operation ofFIG. 13, after the second set time elapses, the control portion150may change the target temperature to a temperature lower than the third temperature. That is, in the operation in which the control portion150lowers the target temperature stepwise corresponding to the elapse of the standby time, the number of times of changing the target temperature is not limited, and may be three or more. The thresholds of the first set time, the second set time, and the subsequent time are predetermined, and can be separated by a short time.

The stop sequence performed in Step ST33can be performed as an interrupt treatment when the operation of the stop instruction button161bis performed. In addition, when the operation of the standby instruction button161dis performed, the control portion150may perform the operation of Step ST19as the interrupt treatment.

The sheet manufacturing apparatus100can be configured to be able to input a condition related to the manufacture of the sheet S by the operation of the sheet setting portion163while the job is being performed. As a matter of course, the sheet setting portion163can be operated before starting the job and before starting the next job after completing the job. Furthermore, the operation can be configured to receive the operation of the sheet setting portion163regardless of whether the operation is in the first state where the sheet S is manufactured after the start of the job or the second state where the job is temporarily suspended. Specifically, the sheet setting portion163can be operated any time after Step ST12illustrated inFIG. 13. When the condition related to the manufacture of the sheet S is specified by the operation of the sheet setting portion163and the start instruction button161ais operated, the control portion150performs a treatment of changing the condition as interrupt control.

FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and in particular, illustrates the operation performed in the interrupt control when the condition of the sheet S is changed by the operation of the operation screen160.

When the control portion150detects the input of the sheet setting portion163and the operation of the start instruction button161a(Step ST81), the control portion150receives the input and acquires the content input by the sheet setting portion163(Step ST82).

The control portion150resets a job that is not completed (Step ST83), and sets operation conditions related to the manufacture of sheet S based on the content acquired in Step ST82(Step ST84). The details of the treatment performed in Step ST84are the same as that in Step ST14(FIG. 13).

The control portion150compares the first temperature set for the job reset in Step ST83with the first temperature set in Step ST84, and determines whether or not the first temperature is high (Step ST85).

When the first temperature is increased (Step ST85; Yes), the control portion150temporarily sets the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the second state (Step ST86). That is, as illustrated inFIG. 10, among the drive portions of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, the drive portions related to the transport of the raw material, the material, and the sheet S are stopped. The heater339and the humidifying heater345are maintained ON. In addition, since the heater339raises the temperature, the heater339may remain at the temperature of the first state.

The control portion150operates the roller moving portion341to release the nip of the heating portion84(Step ST87), and starts control to raise the temperature of heating roller86to the first temperature which is the target temperature set in Step ST84(Step ST88). Here, as described above, the control portion150may set the target temperature of the heating roller86as the temperature obtained by adding the temperature difference ΔT to the first temperature.

The control portion150determines whether or not the temperature of the heating roller86is reached the target temperature (Step ST89), and waits until the target temperature is reached (Step ST89; No). When the temperature of the heating roller86is reached the target temperature (Step ST89; Yes), the control portion150moves the heating portion84to the nip position (Step ST90), and activates each drive portion turned off in the second state. (Step ST91).

Thereafter, the control portion150starts a job according to the changed operation condition (Step ST92), and proceeds to Step ST18(FIG. 13).

In addition, when the first temperature is the first temperature or lower of the job reset in Step ST83under the operation conditions set in Step ST84(Step ST85; No), the control portion150proceeds to Step ST92to starts the job (Step ST92).

FIG. 18is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and in particular, illustrates a change in temperature of the heating roller86. A vertical axis inFIG. 18illustrates the temperature of the heating roller86. For example, this temperature is a temperature detected by the temperature sensor309. A horizontal axis illustrates the passage of time.

FIG. 18illustrates the temperature change of the heating roller86when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100starts the second job after changing the conditions related to the manufacture of the sheet S before the first job is completed after starting the job (first job).

The temperature T1is the first temperature determined in the first job, and the temperature T11is the first temperature determined in the second job.

While performing the job based on the first temperature T1, the temperature of the heating roller86is maintained at the temperature T1. Here, when the operation condition of the second job is set in Step ST84and the first temperature T11of the second job is higher than the first temperature T1of the first job, the control portion150brings the sheet manufacturing apparatus100into the second state at time t11.

The control portion150starts the temperature rise of the heating roller86, and starts the job at time t12when the temperature of the heating roller86reaches the temperature T11which is the target temperature of the second job.

Between time t11and time t12, the drive portion other than the heater339and the humidifying heater345, more specifically, the drive portion for transporting the raw material, the material, and the sheet S is stopped. Therefore, when manufacturing the sheet S corresponding to the content received in Step ST82, the manufacture of the sheet S is not performed until the temperature of the heating roller86changes corresponding to the change of the raw material or the material. As a result, the material which has a heating defect in the heating portion84can be reduced. In the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, it may take time from the start of the manufacture of the sheet S (job start) to the stabilization of the quality of the sheet S. Since the sheet S manufactured during this time may not reach the desired quality, it is recommended to return the sheet S from the discharge portion96to the supply portion10as the raw material. When heating of the heating roller86may be insufficient due to a change in the conditions related to the manufacture of the sheet S, the control portion150once stops the drive portion and raises the temperature of the heating roller86. Therefore, the sheet S insufficiently heated can be reduced, and the amount of the sheet S returned to the raw material can be reduced.

In addition, when the conditions related to the manufacture of sheet S are changed, the type of additive used and the quantity and ratio of each additive may change. In such a case, although the operation condition of the additive supply portion52is changed, it takes time for the raw material, to which the additive is added based on the changed operation condition, to be discharged to the discharge portion96as the sheet S. Therefore, at the time when the job is started at time t12, the material present between the additive supply portion52and the heating portion84(includes mixture of subdivided body P and additives, and second web W2, which is referred to as remaining material) is a mixture of additives before the operation conditions are changed. The remaining material is heated at the first temperature T11corresponding to the changed operation conditions, and thus heated at a temperature different from the temperature suitable for the material. In addition, the color and thickness of the amount of remaining material are adjusted based on the operation conditions before the change. Therefore, the control portion150may discharge the sheet S including the amount of remaining material to a position different from the sheet S in the preferable state (non-defective product) in the discharge portion96or return the sheet S to the supply portion10. Alternatively, the notification portion164may notify at a timing when all sheets S including the amount of remaining material are discharged to the discharge portion96and discharge of the non-defective sheets S is started. For example, when the length of the sheet S discharged from the discharge portion96is counted, and the length of the sheet S discharged after time t12exceeds the distance between the additive supply portion52and the discharge portion96, the control portion150may determine that the discharge of the sheet S including the amount of remaining material is completed.

As described above, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100according to the first embodiment is an apparatus heating the material containing fibers to form the sheet S, and is provided with the heating portion84that heats the material, and the control portion150that controls the temperature at which the heating portion84heats the material. The control portion150sets the temperature of the heating portion84to the first temperature in the first state where the sheet manufacturing apparatus100manufactures the sheet S. The control portion150sets the temperature of the heating portion84to the second temperature lower than the first temperature at a predetermined timing in the second state where the sheet S is not manufactured, or at a predetermined timing when shifting to a state where the sheet S is not manufactured.

According to the sheet manufacturing apparatus100of the present invention and the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to which the control method of the sheet manufacturing apparatus is applied, the temperature of the heating portion84can be controlled to the second temperature lower than the first temperature in the state of manufacturing the sheet S. Therefore, for example, when the heating portion84is set to the second temperature in the standby state where the sheet S is not manufactured, and the temperature is raised to the first temperature when the manufacture of the sheet S is started, the manufacture of the sheet S can be started more rapidly than when the heating portion84is completely stopped. As a result, in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, it is possible to reduce the time it takes the apparatus to be able to start the manufacture of the sheet S from the stopped state by a method in which the decrease in energy efficiency is unlikely to occur.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with the operation detection portion153that receives an input from the outside. The control portion150changes the temperature of heating portion84from the first temperature to the second temperature in response to the input received by operation detection portion153. As a result, control can be performed to change the temperature of the heating portion84in response to the input from the outside. For example, with the input from the outside as a trigger, the temperature of the heating portion is lowered to be in the standby state, and a decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed.

In addition, the operation detection portion153can receive the input of the type of the sheet S, and the control portion150changes the temperature of the heating portion84from the first temperature to the second temperature in response to the input of the type of the sheet S received by the operation detection portion153. As a result, when the type of sheet S is input, control can be performed to change the temperature of the heating portion84in response to the input. Therefore, for example, when the temperature condition of the heating portion84at the time of manufacturing is different depending on the type of the sheet S, the temperature of the heating portion84can be rapidly changed to a temperature suitable for the type of the sheet S.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100includes the supply portion10that supplies waste sheet as a plurality of types of the raw materials, each containing fibers, and the defibrating portion20that defibrates the raw material supplied by the supply portion10. The control portion150changes the temperature of the heating portion84from the first temperature to the second temperature depending on the type of the raw material supplied by the supply portion10. As a result, heating is performed by the heating portion84at a temperature suitable for the raw material for manufacturing the sheet S, and a high quality sheet S can be manufactured.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100includes the plurality of stackers11that accommodate the plurality of types of the raw materials for each type. The supply portion10selects and supplies any one of the plurality of types of the raw materials accommodated in the stacker11. As a result, it is possible to easily supply different types of the raw materials, and in the step of manufacturing the sheet S from the raw materials, a high quality sheet S can be manufactured by heating at a temperature suitable for the raw materials.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100includes (the plurality of) the additive cartridges501containing the additive as the binding material. The control portion150acquires temperature data from the IC521disposed in the additive cartridge501, and determines the first temperature based on the acquired temperature data. According to this configuration, the first temperature of the heating portion84can be set to the temperature based on the temperature data acquired from the additive cartridge501. Therefore, by acquiring the temperature data related to the heating temperature of the heating portion84suitable for the binding material from the additive cartridge501, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100can manufacture the sheet S at the temperature suitable for the binding material without preparing special information in advance.

In addition, the control portion150includes (the plurality of) the additive cartridges501containing the binding material, and the control portion150acquires temperature data from the additive cartridge501, and determines the second temperature based on the acquired temperature data. According to this configuration, the second temperature of the heating portion84can be set to the temperature based on the temperature data acquired from the IC521. Therefore, by appropriately setting the second temperature based on the temperature data related to the heating temperature of the heating portion84suitable for the binding material from the IC521, when the temperature of the heating portion is raised to the first temperature, the temperature can be rapidly raised, and the standby time can be reduced.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is provided with the transport portion that transports the material to the heating portion84. The transport portion includes the sheet forming portion80in a narrow sense. In a broad sense, the transport portion may include the transport portion79located more upstream, may include the mesh belt72, may include the drum portion61, and may include the mixing blower56. In addition, the transport portion may include the rotating body49located more upstream, may include the mesh belt46, may include the drum portion41, and may include the defibrating portion blower26. In addition, the transport portion may include the defibrating portion20, may include the coarse crushing portion12, and may include the supply portion10. In addition, the drive portion including a motor and a blower for operating these may be used as the transport portion. The sheet manufacturing apparatus100performs an operation of transporting the material to the heating portion84at least by the transport portion in the state where the sheet S is manufactured, and at least the transport portion stops in the state where the sheet S is not manufactured.

According to this configuration, the heating portion84is controlled to the first temperature while the material is transported, and the heating temperature of the heating portion84is set to the second temperature in the state where the transport of the material is stopped. As a result, the decrease in energy efficiency while the material is not transported can be suppressed, the temperature of the heating portion84can be rapidly raised when the next transport of the material is started, and the standby time can be reduced.

In addition, the vaporization type humidifier343having the humidifying heater345and humidifying the material is provided, and the humidifying heater345of the vaporization type humidifier343is operated in a state where the sheet S is not manufactured. According to this configuration, since the humidifying heater345of the vaporization type humidifier343is not stopped in the state where the sheet S is not manufactured, appropriate humidification can be rapidly started when the manufacture of the sheet S is restarted thereafter. Therefore, the manufacture of the sheet S can be rapidly started. In addition, when the manufacture of the sheet S is restarted, the appropriate humidification state of the material is rapidly realized, so that a high quality sheet S can be manufactured.

In addition, the control portion150changes the heating temperature of the heating portion84from the first temperature to the second temperature based on the time during which the state where the sheet S is not manufactured continues. According to this configuration, the heating temperature of the heating portion84can be reduced corresponding to the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, the state where the manufacture of the sheet S can be rapidly started can be maintained, and the decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed.

In addition, the control portion150stops the control of the heating temperature of the heating portion84based on the time during which the state where the sheet S is not manufactured continues. According to this configuration, the energy efficiency can be further improved by stopping the heating of the heating portion84corresponding to the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100.

In addition, the control portion150changes the heating temperature of the heating portion84from the second temperature to the third temperature lower than the second temperature based on the time during which the sheet S is not manufactured continues. According to this configuration, the heating temperature of the heating portion84can be reduced corresponding to the operation state of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, the state where the manufacture of the sheet S can be rapidly started can be maintained, and the energy efficiency can be further improved.

In addition, the sheet S is configured to be manufactured based on a job including at least an instruction to start and end the manufacture of the sheet S or designation of a manufacturing volume. During an operation of manufacturing the sheet S based on the job, the control portion150shifts to a suspended state where the sheet S is not manufactured, and sets the heating temperature of the heating portion84to the second temperature lower than the first temperature in the suspended state.

According to this configuration, while manufacturing the sheet S based on the job, the heating temperature of the heating portion84can be changed to a lower second temperature to be in the suspended state (second state). As a result, for example, it is possible to perform a treatment that is difficult during the operation of manufacturing the sheet S, such as changing the material and changing the type of the sheet S, while the job is performed. In addition, since the heating temperature of the heating portion84is controlled to the second temperature in the suspended state, the decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the manufacture of the sheet S is resumed from the suspended state, the heating portion84is controlled to the second temperature, so that the manufacture of the sheet S can be rapidly started.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is configured to manufacture the sheet S based on the job including at least an instruction to start and end the manufacture of the sheet S or the designation of the manufacturing volume. The control portion150shifts to the standby state where the sheet S is not manufactured after the operation of manufacturing the sheet S based on the job is completed, and the heating temperature of the heating portion84is changed from the first temperature to the second temperature based on the time during which the standby state continues. According to this configuration, since the heating temperature of the heating portion84is controlled to the second temperature after the manufacture of the sheet S based on the job is completed, the manufacture of the sheet S can be rapidly started when the manufacture of the sheet S is performed again. In addition, the decrease in energy efficiency can be suppressed by setting the heating temperature of the heating portion84to second temperature.

In addition, the control portion150changes the heating temperature of the heating portion84from the second temperature to the first temperature in response to the input from the outside. For example, the input from the outside corresponds to an input operation using the operation screen160. According to this configuration, the heating temperature of the heating portion84can be raised from the second temperature to the first temperature in response to the input from the outside. As a result, for example, separately from the control for starting the manufacture of the sheet S, the heating portion84can be heated to prepare for the start of the manufacture of the sheet S, and a state where the manufacture of the sheet S can be rapidly started can be realized at any timing.

In addition, the heating portion84includes the pair of heating rollers86which interpose and heat the material, and the heating roller86is displaceable to a first position which interposes the material and a second position which does not interpose the material. When changing the heating temperature of the heating portion84from the first temperature to the second temperature, the control portion150displaces the heating rollers86pair to the second position. According to this configuration, when the heating temperature of the heating portion84is set to the second temperature, the heating roller86pair is displaced, so that the heating portion84can be in a state suitable to stand by at a temperature lower than the first temperature. As a result, the influence on the material located in the heating portion84can be suppressed in the state where the heating portion84has the second temperature, and the loss of material can be reduced.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 19is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The sheet manufacturing apparatus100according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100described in the first embodiment, and thus the illustration and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the second embodiment, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100performs the operation ofFIG. 19instead of the operation illustrated inFIG. 17. That is, when the condition of the sheet S is changed by the operation of the operation screen160, the operation inFIG. 19is performed in the interrupt control. In the following description, the same step numbers are given to steps common to the operation inFIG. 17.

When the control portion150detects the input of the sheet setting portion163and the operation of the start instruction button161a(Step ST81), the control portion150receives the input and acquires the content input by the sheet setting portion163(Step ST82).

Here, the control portion150determines whether or not it is necessary to replace the additive cartridge501(Step ST101). The control portion150determines whether or not the input content acquired in Step ST82requires an additive different from the additive contained in the additive cartridge501already attached to the additive supply portion52. Various types of additives can be used in the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and it is also possible to use a less frequently used color additive so-called special color, for example. In addition, not only the color, but also additives having different influences on the hardness and thickness of the sheet S can also be used. Since the additive cartridge501can be attached to and detached from the additive supply portion52, the additive cartridge501containing the less frequently used additive may be attached as needed.

In Step ST101, the control portion150determines whether or not it is necessary to replace or add the additive cartridge501in order to manufacture the sheet S according to the content acquired in Step ST82. When the control portion150determines that the additive cartridge501does not need to be replaced or added (Step ST101; No), the control portion150proceeds to Step ST83.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the additive cartridge501needs to be replaced or added (Step ST101; Yes), the control portion150shifts the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the second state (Step ST102). The details of the treatment performed in Step ST102are the same as that in Step ST19(FIG. 13). Here, the control portion150may perform an operation such as displaying a message on the notification portion164(FIG. 9) and perform notification or guidance for prompting replacement of the additive cartridge501.

The control portion150determines whether or not the replacement of the additive cartridge501is completed (Step ST103), and stands by while the replacement is not completed (Step ST103; No). When it is determined that the replacement of the additive cartridge501is completed (Step ST103; Yes), the control portion150proceeds to Step ST83. The operations after Step ST83are as described in the first embodiment with reference toFIG. 17.

For example, the criterion that the control portion150determines that the replacement is completed in Step ST103includes that the IC521of the additive cartridge501can be read by the IC reader119. In addition, the control portion150may also determine whether or not the data read from the IC521by the IC reader119is data of the additive cartridge501corresponding to the input content acquired in Step ST82. In this case, when the control portion150determines that the additive cartridge501corresponds to the input content, the control portion150may determine that the replacement is completed. In addition, the control portion150may be configured to be able to detect opening and closing of a cover (not illustrated) covering the additive cartridge501, and it may be determined that the replacement is completed by detecting that the cover is closed. In addition, it is possible to input that the replacement of the additive cartridge501is completed on the operation screen160, and when this input is performed, the control portion150may determine that the replacement is completed.

FIG. 20is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the sheet manufacturing apparatus100, and in particular, illustrates a change in temperature of the heating roller86. A vertical axis inFIG. 20illustrates the temperature of the heating roller86. For example, this temperature is a temperature detected by the temperature sensor309. A horizontal axis illustrates the passage of time.

The temperature pattern G11ofFIG. 20illustrates the temperature change of the heating roller86when the second job is started by changing the conditions related to the manufacture of the sheet S before the first job is completed after the sheet manufacturing apparatus100starts the job (first job). The temperature T1is the first temperature determined in the first job, and the temperature T11is the first temperature determined in the second job. In addition, the temperature pattern G12indicates the temperature change of the heating roller86when the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is stopped and the additive cartridge501is replaced as a comparative example.

When the control portion150determines that the additive cartridge501needs to be replaced, the control portion150shifts the sheet manufacturing apparatus100to the second state at time t22. Thereafter, it is determined that the replacement of the additive cartridge501is completed at time t22, and the control portion150raises the temperature of the heating roller86. Thereafter, when the temperature of the heating roller86reaches the target temperature at time t23, the control portion150starts manufacturing the sheet S.

A period TE21corresponding to time t21to time t22is a time for waiting for the replacement of the additive cartridge501. A period TE22between time t22and time t23is a waiting time for waiting for temperature rise after the replacement of the additive cartridge501is completed.

In the temperature pattern G12as the comparative example, the heating roller86is lowered to the temperature T0which is at or near the ambient temperature. From this state, the heating roller86is heated at time t22. Therefore, it is at time t24after time t23that the temperature rise is completed and the manufacture of the sheet S is started. In the temperature pattern G2, after the replacement of the additive cartridge501is completed, it is apparent that the waiting time for waiting for the temperature rise is a period TE23, which is longer than the period TE22.

As described above, when it is necessary to replace the additive cartridge501, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100is not shifted to the stopped state, is shifted to the second state, and at least the heater339is turned ON, or the heater339and the humidifying heater345are maintained ON. As a result, the waiting time taken to start the manufacture of the sheet S can be reduced. In addition, in the second state, since the drive portion related to transport of at least the raw material, the material, and the sheet S is stopped, it is possible to prevent an adverse effect due to the attachment and detachment of the additive cartridge501. The adverse effects include that the raw material or the material is scattered or leaked out of the system from the additive supply portion52, a state of the subdivided body P, the second web W2or the sheet S is disturbed by the outside air flowing from the additive supply portion52, and the like. In addition, there is no possibility that a user who works to replace the additive cartridge501feels uneasy due to the movement of the drive portion such as the motor.

The above-described embodiments are merely specific aspects for performing the present invention described in the aspects, and do not limit the present invention. It is not limited that all of the configurations described in the above embodiments are essential constituent requirements of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, although the configuration is exemplified in which the stacker11is provided as the accommodation portion for accommodating the raw material for each type, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the raw material defibrated by the defibrating portion20may be supplied from the outside. In this configuration, a plurality of cartridges (not illustrated) accommodating the defibrated raw materials may be provided, and it is possible to switch from these cartridges and supply the defibrated material as the raw material to the drum portion41. In addition, the subdivided body P may be supplied to the tube54from the outside as the raw material.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100of each of the above-described embodiments is described as a dry type sheet manufacturing apparatus100that manufactures the sheet S by obtaining a material by defibrating the raw material in the air to use the material and the resin. The application object of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it can also be applied to a so-called wet type sheet manufacturing apparatus in which a raw material containing fibers is dissolved or suspended in a solvent such as water and this raw material is processed into a sheet. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to an electrostatic type sheet manufacturing apparatus in which a material containing fibers defibrated in the air is adsorbed on the surface of a drum by static electricity or the like, and the raw material adsorbed on the drum is processed into a sheet. In these sheet manufacturing apparatuses, the configuration of the above embodiment can be applied in the step of transporting the sheet-like material before being processed into a sheet. When the sheet manufacturing apparatus has the heating portion heating the raw material, the present invention can be applied to the control portion that controls the temperature of the heating portion.

In addition, the sheet manufacturing apparatus100may be configured to manufacture a board-like or web-like product configured to include a hard sheet or a laminated sheet, without being limited to the sheet S. In addition, the sheet S may be a sheet made of pulp or waste sheet as the raw material, or may be a non-woven fabric containing fibers made of natural fibers or synthetic resins. In addition, the properties of the sheet S are not particularly limited, and may be a sheet usable as recording sheet (for example, so-called PPC sheet) for writing and printing purposes, or may be a wallpaper, a wrapping paper, a colored paper, a drawing paper, a Kent paper or the like. In addition, when the sheet S is a non-woven fabric, the sheet S may be a fiber board, a tissue paper, a kitchen paper, a cleaner, a filter, a liquid absorber, a sound absorber, a buffer, a mat or the like, in addition to a general non-woven fabric.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

27dust collection portion

45first web forming portion

52additive supply portion

70second web forming portion

92first cutting portion

94second cutting portion

120non-volatile storage portion

154detection control portion

155data acquisition portion

156drive control portion

157heating control portion

161operation instruction portion

161astart instruction button

161bstop instruction button

161csuspend instruction button

161dstandby instruction button

162cartridge information display portion

163sheet setting portion

163acolor setting portion

163bthickness setting portion

163craw material setting portion

181first rotating body

182second rotating body

301waste sheet remaining amount sensor

302additive remaining amount sensor

304water amount sensor

306air volume sensor

311coarse crushing portion drive motor

313defibrating portion drive motor

315sheet feeding motor

317additive supply motor

325drum drive motor

327belt drive motor

329dividing portion drive motor

331drum drive motor

333belt drive motor

335pressurizing portion drive motor

337heating portion drive motor

341roller moving portion

349water supply pump

351cutting portion drive motor

H heat source

P subdivided body

S sheet

W1first web

W2second web