JP2021195650A - Fiber structure manufacturing device and fiber structure manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve quality of a fiber structure to be manufactured by suppressing clog of holes formed on a rotary drum.SOLUTION: A fiber structure manufacturing device has a feed section to feed a material mixed with fibers and an accumulation section to form accumulation by dropping the material fed by the feed section. The accumulation section has a rotary drum that is fed with the material from a feed port and discharges the material from a plurality of holes formed on a peripheral surface. At least either one of the feed section and the accumulation section has detection means to detect flow rate of air for transporting the material and determination means to determine change of a state of the accumulation section based on the detection result of the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention manufactures a fiber structure in which a sheet-shaped fiber raw material containing defibrated fibers (for example, paper such as used paper) can be reused as a composite material such as a cushioning material, a packaging material, or a sound absorbing material. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a fiber structure.

In recent years, there has been an increasing increase in the effectiveness of resources by reusing and reusing paper materials such as used paper generated in offices and the like. In such a paper material recycling process, a wet type in which the paper material is melted in water is well known. Such wet waste paper recycling treatment is common, but since a large amount of water is used, a large-scale device is required, and a large amount of energy is required to dry the water, resulting in poor productivity. There is. In order to solve such a problem, a dry waste paper recycling process that uses as little water as possible has been proposed.

Patent Documents 1 to 3 propose such dry-type recycled paper recycling treatments.
In Patent Document 1, waste machine pulp paper is defibrated, lignin is oxidized by adding ozone to improve the adhesiveness between fibers, and styrene-butadiene latex emulsion is added to make a paper-like product by hot pressure pressing. Is disclosed.

Further, in Patent Document 2, waste paper defibrated pulp obtained by defibrating used paper is mixed with an air stream and sprayed onto a rotating breathable endless belt, and air is sucked from the back surface of the belt. It is disclosed to continuously generate compressed mats on an endless belt.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a decomposition mechanism of a former head for drying and forming a fibrous web or a thin woven fabric. The fibrous material mixed with the air supplied inside the formahead forms a fibrous web or thin fabric on the formawire.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-26451 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-346352 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-508443

In the former head disclosed in Patent Document 3, a perforated drum is used to be deposited on the former wire to form a fibrous web or a thin woven fabric. However, when such a former head is used, the holes formed in the former head may be clogged with the fiber material. The clogging that occurs in a part of the former head gradually expands its range, and as a result, the fiber material may not be deposited on the former wire.

Further, when clogging is detected in the forma head, maintenance work for disassembling the forma head and removing the clogging is required. Such maintenance work temporarily interrupts the manufacturing process and lowers productivity.

In order to solve such a problem, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, a supply unit for supplying a material mixed with fibers and the material supplied by the supply unit are lowered to form a deposit. The depositing portion is provided with a rotary drum in which the material is supplied to the inside from a supply port and the material is discharged from a plurality of holes formed on the peripheral surface, and the feeding portion or the depositing portion is provided. It is characterized by comprising a detecting means for detecting the flow rate of air carrying the material in at least one of the portions, and a determining means for determining a change in the state of the deposited portion based on the detection result of the detecting means. ..

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the change in the state of the deposited portion determined by the determination means is characterized by clogging of the rotating drum.

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the deposited portion includes a suction portion that sucks the material from below, and the determination means conveys the flow rate of air sucked by the suction portion to convey the material. It is characterized by detecting it as the flow rate of air.

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the deposited portion includes a suction portion that sucks the material from below, and the determination means is a current value for driving the suction portion or a torque value applied to the suction portion. It is characterized in that the flow rate of the air carrying the material is detected based on the above.

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the detection means is characterized in that the flow rate of air carrying the material is detected based on the thickness of the deposit formed in the deposit portion.

Further, the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising an alarm output means for outputting an alarm when the determination means determines a change in the state of the deposited portion.

Further, the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a rotation control means for adjusting the rotation of the rotating drum when the determination means determines a change in the state of the deposited portion.

Further, the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including an air flow changing portion that intermittently changes the air flow inside the rotating drum.

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the airflow changing portion is characterized by being a compressed air generating portion that intermittently injects compressed air.

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the compressed air generating unit conveys the material in the determination means by detecting the load at the time of injecting the compressed air as the flow rate of the air for conveying the material. It is characterized by also having a function of detecting the flow rate of air.

Further, the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising an injection control means for injecting compressed air into the compressed air generating portion when the determining means determines a change in the state of the deposited portion.

Further, in the fiber structure manufacturing method according to the present invention, a supply step of supplying a material mixed with fibers and the material supplied by the supply step are supplied from a plurality of holes formed on the peripheral surface of a rotary drum. Based on the detection step of detecting the flow rate of air transporting the material in the deposition step of discharging the material to form a deposit, the supply step or at least one of the deposition steps, and the detection result of the detection step. It is characterized in that a determination step of determining a change in the state of the deposition step is performed.

As described above, according to the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus and the fiber structure manufacturing method according to the present invention, the state of the deposited portion is based on the detection result of the flow rate of the air transporting the material in at least one of the supply portion and the deposited portion. By determining the change, it is possible to easily determine an abnormality in the deposited portion such as clogging of the rotating drum with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by using the magnitude of the air flow rate, it is possible to determine the degree of abnormality in the sedimentary portion.

Further, according to the present invention, in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus, by detecting the flow rate of air in the suction portion that forms the main transport force for the material, the accuracy of determining the abnormality generated in the deposit portion is improved. It becomes possible.

Further, according to the present invention, it is also possible to estimate the flow rate of the air carrying the material based on the thickness of the deposit formed in the deposit.

Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the rotating drum is clogged, an alarm output means for outputting an alarm, a rotation control means for adjusting the rotation of the rotating drum, and an air flow for intermittently changing the air flow inside the rotating drum. By using at least one of the changing portions, it is possible to eliminate the clogging.

Further, according to the present invention, the compressed air generating unit can also have a function of detecting the flow rate of the air that conveys the material by detecting the load at the time of injecting the compressed air as the flow rate of the air that conveys the material. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts to be arranged.

The schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state of the fiber structure before heating and pressurizing in the manufacturing process of the fiber structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state of the fiber structure after heating and pressurizing in the manufacturing process of the fiber structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber structure forming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above. The figure which shows the cross-sectional view and the control structure when the fiber structure forming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention is seen from the side. The flow chart which shows the clogging correspondence process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flow diagram which shows the clogging correspondence process which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the cross-sectional view and the control structure when the fiber structure forming machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention is seen from the side. The figure which shows the cross-sectional view and the control structure when the fiber structure forming machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention is seen from the top surface. The figure which shows the control structure for performing the clogging determination which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a technology for regenerating a sheet raw material containing fibers, for example, used paper generated in an office, wood, etc. into a new fiber structure by a dry method that does not use water as much as possible. It is based on.

The manufactured fiber structure can also be used as a sound absorbing material that absorbs sound and a cushioning material (packaging material) that absorbs an impact applied from the outside. By arranging the fiber structure as a sound absorbing material inside various home appliances, it is possible to suppress the operating noise to the outside of the device. Further, it can be used not only for home appliances but also as various building materials or as a sound absorbing material arranged in a concert hall or the like for acoustic adjustment.

Corrugated cardboard and newspaper can be used as the sheet raw material OP containing fibers to be supplied to the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, but as office waste paper for which a recycling route has not been sufficiently established, for example, it is currently mainstream in offices. It is assumed that A4 size general waste paper and confidential waste paper will be used. Such a sheet raw material OP is supplied to the coarse crusher 10 of the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus, and is divided into several centimeter-square pieces of paper by the crushing blade 11 of the crusher 10. Further, it is preferable that the coarse crusher 10 is provided with an automatic feed mechanism 5 for continuously supplying the sheet raw material OP. The supply speed in the automatic feed mechanism 5 should be high in consideration of productivity.

The coarse crushing blade 11 in the crusher 10 can be handled by using a device such as a device in which the cutting width of a normal shredder blade is widened. Even if the coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) divided into several centimeter squares by the crushing blade 11 are introduced from the hopper 12 through the hopper 12 to the defibration process which is the next step through the coarse crushed pieces (paper piece) introduction pipe 20. good.

The quantitative feeder 50 may be any method as long as the coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) are quantitatively supplied to the defibrator 30, but a vibration feeder is preferable.

In the vibration feeder, light coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) are affected by static electricity and the like, and the transport tends to be unstable. It is preferable to keep it in a block shape. It is preferable that the size of the block-shaped coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) is 0.5 g to 2 g per piece.

The coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) may be continuously supplied from the crusher 10 to the vibration feeder, or may be supplied after storing the coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) in a flexible container bag. At this time, the flexible container bag serves as a buffer, and the influence on the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus due to the increase / decrease in the amount of used paper collected as the sheet material OP can be reduced. The amount of coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) supplied by the flexible container bag depends on the amount of production, but the amount that the fiber structure can produce is good for about one hour. If a large amount of coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) are supplied to the vibration feeder at one time from the flexible container bag, the vibration of the vibration feeder will be affected, so it is preferable to gradually supply the coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) from the flexible container bag as well. As a method of gradually supplying, a method of tilting the flexible container bag, giving a swing with a motor or the like, a method of partially poking with an air cylinder, or the like can be taken.

The coarse crushed piece (paper piece) introduction pipe 20 communicates with the introduction port 31 of the defibrator 30, and the coarse crushed piece (paper piece) guided into the defibrator 30 from the introduction port 31 includes a rotating rotor 34 and a stator 33. It is defibrated between. The defibrating machine 30 has a mechanism that also generates an air flow. For example, the fibers defibrated in the air, such as in the air, are guided by the air flow from the discharge port 32 to the transport pipe 40.

Here, a specific example of the defibrator 30 will be described. The defibrator 30 is provided with, for example, a disc refiner, a turbo mill (manufactured by Freund Turbo Co., Ltd.), a selenium mirror (manufactured by Masuyuki Sangyo Co., Ltd.), and a wind generation mechanism as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-93585. It is possible to use the provided dry waste paper defibrator. The size of the coarsely crushed piece (paper piece) supplied to such a defibrator 30 may be one discharged by a normal shredder, but considering the strength of the manufactured fiber structure and the supply to the defibrator 30, it is coarse. The size of the coarse crushed piece (paper piece) discharged from the crusher 10 is preferably several centimeters square.

Further, in the defibrator 30 provided with a wind generation mechanism, the coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) are sucked together with the airflow from the introduction port 31 by the airflow generated by the defibrator 30, the defibration process is performed, and the coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) are conveyed to the discharge port 32 side. The defibrator 30 defibrates the supplied coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) into a cotton-like shape. For example, when using the impeller mill 250 (manufactured by Seishin Enterprise Co., Ltd.), which is a turbo mill type, by installing 12 blades on the outlet side, at 8000 rpm (peripheral speed of about 100 m / s), about 3 m ³ An air volume of / min can be generated. At this time, the wind speed on the introduction port 31 side is about 4 m / s, and the coarse crushed pieces (paper pieces) are introduced by this air flow. The introduced coarse crushed piece (paper piece) is defibrated between the blade rotating at high speed and the stator, and is discharged from the discharge port 32. The discharge rate is about 6.5 m / s with a discharge pipe diameter of φ100.

When using a defibrator 30 that does not have a wind generating mechanism, a blower or the like that generates an air flow that guides the coarsely crushed piece (paper piece) to the introduction port 31 may be separately provided.

In the defibration step of the defibrator 30, it is preferable to defibrate the pulp into fibers until the shape of the coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) disappears, because the fiber structure formed in the subsequent steps is not uneven. At this time, the printed ink, the ink particles that are toners, and the paper-making chemicals such as the bleeding preventive agent applied / added to the paper are also crushed and crushed until the particles become several tens of μm or less. Therefore, the output from the defibrator 30 is a material DF in which fibers, ink particles, and paper-making chemicals obtained by defibration of coarsely crushed pieces (paper pieces) are mixed.

In this embodiment, a disc refiner is used as the defibrator 30. In the defibrating machine 30, a rotary blade is formed in the radial direction of the rotor 34, but a blade having a border on the circumference is desirable. Further, a fixed blade is formed on the stator 33 arranged around the rotor 34. It is desirable to maintain the gap between the rotary blade on the rotor 34 side and the fixed blade on the stator 33 side to be about the thickness of the piece of paper, for example, about 100 μm to 150 μm. At this time, the material DF containing the defibrated fiber moves to the outer periphery by the air flow generated by the rotary blade and is discharged from the discharge port 32.

The material DF discharged from the defibrator 30 (φ100 with a cross-sectional area of about 78 cm ² ) passes through the transport pipe 40 and the transport pipe 60 and is guided to the fiber structure forming machine 100.

In the transport pipe 60, the molten material transport pipe 61 is connected in the middle from the transport pipe 40 to the fiber structure forming machine 100. The molten material transfer pipe 61 is provided with a hopper 13 at one end, and the transfer pipe 60 is connected to the other end.
The amount of the molten material supplied from the hopper 13 is adjusted by the molten material adjusting valve 65 provided in the molten material transfer pipe 61, and is supplied to the transfer pipe 60 via the molten material transfer pipe 61. In the transfer pipe 60, the molten material can be mixed with the material DF being conveyed. The accuracy of the transfer amount can be improved by measuring the weight loss of the fixed quantity feeder 50 and adjusting the opening degree of the molten material adjusting valve 65.

It is desirable that the diameter of the molten material transfer pipe 61 be smaller than the diameter of the transfer pipe 60. This is because the wind speed is improved and the molten material is easily dispersed in the air flow.

The molten material maintains the strength when the fiber structure is formed by the fibers of the material DF, and contributes to the prevention of scattering of paper dust and fibers. The molten material is added to the material DF and heated to fuse with the fibers of the material DF. The molten material may be any material such as fibrous material and powder material as long as it is melted by the heating step, but the material melted at 200 ° C. or lower is preferable because the paper does not yellow. Further, in terms of energy, those that melt at 160 ° C. or lower are preferable.

Further, it is desirable that the molten material contains a thermoplastic resin that melts during the heating and pressurizing step described later. Furthermore, the fibrous form that easily entangles with the fibers of the material DF is desirable when producing a low-density product. Further, a composite fiber having a core-sheath structure is desirable. A molten material having a core-sheath structure is preferable because the sheath portion melts at a low temperature and exhibits an adhesive function, and the core portion remains fibrous and remains in shape. For example, ETC, INTACK series manufactured by ES Fiber Vision Co., Ltd., polyester fiber Tetron (trademark) for dry non-woven fabric manufactured by Teijin Fibers Co., Ltd., and the like are preferable.

Further, the wire diameter of the fiber of the molten material is preferably 0.5 dtex or more and 2.0 dtex or less. If it is thicker than this wire diameter, sufficient adhesive strength cannot be obtained between the first sheet N1 or the second sheet N2 and the defibrated cotton sheet S which is a deposit on which the material DF is deposited. In addition, if the wire diameter is smaller than this, the core of the core-sheath structure and the center of the sheath will be misaligned due to fiber manufacturing, and it will be difficult to discharge the fiber in a straight line. Due to the diameter, there is a problem that the mixing is uneven due to the large influence of static electricity during the manufacturing process.

The length of the fibers of the molten material is preferably about 1 mm to 10 mm. If the length is 1 mm or less, the adhesive strength is insufficient and it becomes difficult to maintain the shape of the fiber structure. This is because it makes a ball and reduces the dispersibility.

Further, in the transport pipe 60, the functional material transport pipe 62 is connected downstream of the transport pipe 60 connected to the molten material transport pipe 61. The functional material transport pipe 62 is provided with a hopper 14 at one end, and the transport pipe 60 is connected to the other end. As a functional member used in a fiber structure product, a powder flame retardant is preferably used.
The amount of the flame retardant as a functional material supplied from the hopper 14 is adjusted by the functional material adjusting valve 66 provided in the functional material transport pipe 62, and is supplied to the transport pipe 60 via the functional material transport pipe 62. In the transport pipe 60, the flame retardant can be mixed in the material DF in which the molten material being conveyed is mixed. The accuracy of the transport amount can be improved by measuring the weight loss of the fixed quantity feeder 50 and adjusting the opening degree of the functional material adjusting valve 66.

It is desirable that the pipe diameter of the functional material transport pipe 62 be smaller than the pipe diameter of the transport pipe 60. This is because the wind speed is improved and the functional materials are easily dispersed in the air flow.

The flame retardant is added to impart flame retardancy to the defibrated cotton sheet S when the defibrated cotton sheet S is formed from the fibers of the material DF, and is a hydroxide such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide. , Boric acid compounds such as boric acid and ammonium borate. Phosphorus-based organic materials such as ammonium polyphosphate and phosphoric acid ester, and nitrogen-containing substances such as melamine and isocyanurate can be used. Of these, a melamine-phosphoric acid-based complex is preferable.

Further, as the flame retardant, a solid flame retardant is desirable. The average particle size of the solid flame retardant is preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less. If the average particle size is smaller than 1 μm, it becomes difficult to carry the cotton sheet S in an air flow when it is deposited as a defibrated cotton sheet S in a later deposition step. Further, when it is larger than 50 μm, the adhesive force to the fiber is small and it is easy to fall off, so that the adhesion to the fiber becomes uneven and sufficient flame retardancy cannot be exhibited.

The material DF mixed with the molten material and the functional material via the transport pipe 60 is introduced into the fiber structure forming machine 100.

From the first sheet supply roller 81, the first sheet N1 is supplied to the fiber structure forming machine 100. The first sheet N1 supplied from the first sheet supply roller 81 serves as a base portion of the bottom surface (first surface) of the defibrated cotton sheet S formed by the fiber structure forming machine 100.

As the first sheet N1, any woven fabric or non-woven fabric can be used as long as it is a breathable sheet. Since the first sheet N1 has air permeability, the airflow from the suction device 110 acts through the first sheet N1, and the fiber and the molten material or the functional material are mixed on the first sheet N1. DF is lowered and properly deposited. With this suction device 110, the paper-making chemicals and ink particles finely divided by the defibrator 30 are removed from the material DF. The opening of the first sheet N1 is preferably 100 μm or less. The first sheet N1 has an appearance of a fiber structure product and may be colored. As the first sheet N1 having such breathability, in the present embodiment, Eccure (registered trademark) 3151A manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., which is a polyester long fiber non-woven fabric manufactured by the spunbond method, was used.

The outline of the fiber structure forming machine 100 will be described. The fiber structure forming machine 100 includes a rotating drum that uniformly disperses the material DF containing the defibrated fibers in the air (for example, air), and a suction unit that sucks the dispersed fibers onto the mesh belt 122. And have.

The rotating drum has a forming drum 101, and the material DF and the mixed gas (mixed air) are simultaneously supplied to the inside of the rotating forming drum 101. A small hole screen is provided on the surface of the forming drum 101 so that the material DF is discharged from a plurality of holes formed on the peripheral surface. The hole diameter and shape of the plurality of holes of the forming drum 101 are not limited. Although it depends on the size of the material DF, it is desirable that a plurality of holes have a long hole shape having a hole diameter of about 5 mm × 25 mm because both productivity and uniformity can be achieved.

The mixed gas (mixed air) mixes the material DF, the molten material, and the functional material, homogenizes them, and passes them through the holes of the forming drum 101.

A straightening vane is installed under the forming drum 101, and the uniformity in the width direction of the material DF and the mixed gas that have passed through the plurality of holes of the forming drum 101 can be adjusted. Below the straightening vane, a mesh belt 122 stretched by a plurality of tension rollers 121 is arranged. The mesh belt 122 is an endless belt on which a mesh is formed. The suction device 110, which is a suction unit, sucks the conveyed gas (conveyed air) and the mixed gas (mixed air) via the mesh belt 122. By setting the suction gas amount of the suction device 110 to "suction gas amount"> "conveyed gas amount + mixed gas amount", it is possible to prevent paper dust generated during defibration and blowing out of various materials. Since the suction gas contains fine powder (waste powder) that has passed through the first sheet N1 and the mesh belt 122, it is desirable to install a cyclone type or filter type dust collector downstream in order to separate the suction gas.

Below the fiber structure forming machine 100, at least one of the plurality of tension rollers 121 is driven and rotated, so that the mesh belt 122 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Further, dirt and the like on the surface of the mesh belt 122 are removed by the cleaning blade 123 in contact with the mesh belt 122. Cleaning may be performed by air.

The mesh belt 122 may be of any metal or resin as long as it has the strength to secure the suction gas amount and hold the material DF, but if the hole diameter of the mesh is too large, the defibrated cotton sheet S is formed. Since the surface sometimes becomes uneven, the hole diameter of the mesh is preferably about 60 μ to 125 μ. Further, when it is 60 μm or less, it is difficult to form a stable air flow by the suction device 110.

From the first sheet supply roller 81, the first sheet N1 is supplied onto the mesh belt 122 so as to move at the same speed as the movement of the mesh belt 122. The suction device 110 is configured as a closed box in which a window of a desired size is opened under the mesh belt 122, and gas (for example, air) is discharged from other than the window to reduce the pressure or reduce the vacuum inside the box. Can be formed.

In the above configuration, the fibers of the material DF conveyed by the transfer pipe 60 are introduced into the fiber structure forming machine 100 for forming the fiber structure. The material DF passes through a small hole screen on the surface of the forming drum 101, and is dropped and deposited on the first sheet N1 on the mesh belt 122 by the suction force of the suction device 110. At this time, by moving the mesh belt 122 and the first sheet N1 by the rotation of the tension roller 121, a uniform sheet-shaped defibrated cotton sheet S can be formed on the first sheet N1. The defibrated cotton sheet (deposit) S of this material DF is heated and pressurized to form a sheet-like fiber structure M.

In the fiber structure forming machine 100, the deposition amount when the material DF is lowered and deposited, and the density of the completed fiber structure M are determined by the subsequent heating and pressurizing step. For example, when obtaining a 10mm thick density 0.1g / cm ³ ~0.15g / cm ³ order of the fiber structure of the deposited about 40Mm～60mm.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to mix the molten material and the flame retardant into the material DF transported by the transport pipe 60, the transport pipes that individually supply the molten material and the flame retardant are transferred to the molten material transport pipe 61 and the functional material. Although it is provided as a pipe 62 and is connected to each of the transport pipes 60, it may be connected to the transport pipe 60 for transporting the material DF by one transport pipe after mixing the molten material and the functional material, and supplied. The fiber structure forming machine 100 may be provided with a supply means. In such a case, for example, a quantified molten material and a flame retardant are mixed in the forming drum 101.

Further, a water sprayer 130 is provided, and a water-soluble flame retardant as a functional material (for example, Apinone 145 manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd.) is added to the water sprayed by the water sprayer to form a fiber structure M. It is also possible to impart flame retardancy.

From the second sheet supply roller 82, the second sheet N2 is supplied to the post-processes of the fiber structure forming machine 100 and the moisture atomizer 130. The second sheet N2 supplied from the second sheet supply roller 82 serves as a cover portion on the upper surface (second surface) of the defibrated cotton sheet S formed by the fiber structure forming machine 100.

As the second sheet N2, either a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric can be used. In the present embodiment, as the second sheet N2, Equal (registered trademark) 3151A manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., which is a polyester long fiber non-woven fabric manufactured by the spunbond method similar to the first sheet N1, was used.

In this embodiment, the first sheet N1 is supplied from the first sheet supply roller 81 to the fiber structure forming machine 100, and the defibrated cotton sheet S is formed on the first sheet N1. After that, a process is adopted in which the second sheet N2 is supplied from the second sheet supply roller 82 to cover the upper surface of the defibrated cotton sheet S. However, the first sheet supply roller 81 and the second sheet supply roller 82 are provided in the rear stage (downstream side) of the fiber structure forming machine 100, and the defibrated cotton sheet S formed by the fiber structure forming machine 100 is the first. It is also possible to adopt a process of sandwiching the 1 sheet N1 and the 2nd sheet N2 in a sandwich shape.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in the fiber structure M before being heated and pressed, the first sheet N1 is arranged on the first surface portion of the defibrated cotton sheet S, and the second sheet N2 is arranged on the second surface portion of the defibrated cotton sheet S. It will be in the state of being done. The thread-like material shown in the defibrated cotton sheet S indicates a molten material. The flame retardant, which is a functional material, is omitted from the figure and is not shown in the defibrated cotton sheet S.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1, the defibrated cotton sheet S whose second surface side is covered by the second sheet N2 supplied from the second sheet supply roller 82 is conveyed to the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150. .. The heating and pressurizing mechanism 150 is used as a hot press in which a sheet of the defibrated cotton sheet S, which is a conveyed material, is sandwiched between the first substrate 151 and the second substrate 152 configured to be able to move up and down, and the defibrated cotton sheet S is pressed at the same time as heating. It has become. A heater is built in the first substrate 151 and the second substrate 152, whereby the defibrated cotton sheet S sandwiched between the first substrate 151 and the second substrate 152 can be heated.

The defibrated cotton sheet S is pressurized and heated by the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150 to heat the molten material mixed in, and is closely fused with the fibers of the material DF to maintain the strength as a fiber structure. Contributes to maintaining the shape and preventing the fibers from scattering from the fiber structure.

Further, the molten material is melted by heating and solidified by cooling, so that the first sheet N1 is adhered to the first surface portion of the defibrated cotton sheet S, and the second sheet N2 is adhered to the second surface portion of the defibrated cotton sheet S.

Further, by pressurizing and heating with the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150, the defibrated cotton sheet S further improves the strength as a fiber structure, and by drying excess water, it can be made into an excellent absorber.

The heating and pressurizing may be separated and the heating step and the pressurizing step may be performed, but it is desirable that the heating and pressurizing are applied to the defibrated cotton sheet S at the same time. It is desirable that the heating time secures a time for the molten material near the core of the defibrated cotton sheet S to rise to a temperature at which the molten material can be melted. Further, since the heating and pressurizing is performed by batch processing, it is desirable to provide the buffer unit 140 in front of the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150 in order to secure the heating time.

In the present embodiment, the buffer portion 140 is reached after the defibrated cotton sheet S is formed on the first sheet N1 and before the second sheet N2 is supplied to the second surface side of the defibrated cotton sheet S. It has a structure. The buffer unit 140 can be realized by moving the so-called dancer roller (crosslinking roller) 141 up and down. Further, the buffer portion 140 is not limited to this, after the defibrated cotton sheet S is formed on the first sheet N1, and after the second sheet N2 is supplied to the second surface side of the defibrated cotton sheet S. It is also possible to arrange the buffer unit 140.

After the heating and pressurizing is completed by the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150, it is necessary to quickly move the fiber structure M and set the defibrated cotton sheet S which is the next heating and pressurizing material. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a mechanism for inserting the needle into the outlet for heating and pressurizing to hold and pull out the fiber structure M. Further, it is more preferable to have a cleaning mechanism because fibers may be attached to the surfaces of the first substrate 151 and the second substrate 152 to be heated and pressurized. For example, a method of winding a sheet such as PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) at regular intervals can be considered. Further, when the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus is not in operation, the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150 moves in a direction intersecting the transport direction and is in a retracted state.

In the present embodiment, the heating / pressurizing mechanism 150 is composed of the first substrate 151 and the second substrate 152 configured to be able to move up and down, but it may be configured by a heating / pressurizing roller. Since continuous production is possible with the heating / pressurizing roller, the buffer unit 140 can be omitted.

The sheet of the fiber structure M obtained by being regenerated as described above is cut into a desired size and shape by a cutting machine 160, loaded on a stacker 170 or the like as a raw fabric, and cooled. An ultrasonic cutter or the like is preferably used as the cutting machine 160. The ultrasonic cutter may be cut in one direction in the width direction of the fiber structure, or may be cut in a reciprocating direction opposite to one direction. In addition to the ultrasonic cutter, a rotary cutter, an octagonal rotary cutter, or the like may be used. The raw fabric is then die-cut with a Thomson mold or the like and molded into a desired size and shape to form a recycled fiber structure, which is a sound absorbing material that absorbs sound, a cushioning material that absorbs impact (external force), or a composite material such as a packaging material. Can be suitably used as.

2A and 2B show changes in the fiber structure M according to the embodiment of the present invention in the manufacturing process. FIG. 2A shows the state of the fiber structure M before heat and pressure are applied by the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150, and FIG. 2B shows the state after completion, that is, after heat and pressure are applied by the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150. The state of the fiber structure M of is shown.

Both of the fiber structures M shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B still have a layered structure of the defibrated cotton sheet S sandwiched between the first sheet N1 and the second sheet N2, but in FIG. 2B, the heating and pressurizing mechanism 150 is used. Due to the application of heat and pressure, the thickness H of the fiber structure M becomes about 1/10 of the thickness H1 of the fiber structure M before application shown in FIG. 2A. In the present embodiment, the defibrated cotton sheet S is sandwiched between the first sheet N1 and the second sheet N2 to suppress fluffing on the surface of the fiber structure M after production and improve the ease of handling. It should be noted that the form may not have at least one of the first sheet N1 and the second sheet N2.

Then, the above-mentioned forming drum 101, which is a main part of the present invention, will be described below.

In the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus for forming the fiber structure M by lowering and depositing the material DF on the forming drum 101, when the holes formed on the surface of the forming drum 101 are clogged, the deposited defibrated cotton sheet S is formed. Non-uniformity in the thickness (“deposit” in the present invention) occurs, and the quality of the fiber structure as a product such as a paper product deteriorates. Further, the clogging that occurs in a part of the hole of the forming drum 101 gradually expands its range, and the defibrated cotton sheet S cannot be formed at all, or it may cause a failure of the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus. It could be.

An object of the present embodiment is to quickly determine the occurrence of clogging in the forming drum 101. When determining the clogging of the hole in the forming drum 101, it is conceivable to directly detect that the state of the hole is open. However, it is not realistic to detect the state of each of a large number of holes as in the present embodiment, and if a sensor for detecting that each of the holes is open is provided, the cost becomes high. ..

An object of the present embodiment is to make it possible to quickly and inexpensively determine the clogging of the forming drum 101 based on such a situation. Therefore, at least the coarse crusher 10 to the transport pipe 60 (“supply part” in the present invention) or the fiber structure forming machine 100 (“deposited part” in the present invention) in the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus described with reference to FIG. By detecting the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF on one side, clogging of the forming drum 101 is determined. If it is possible to detect the flow rate of the air that conveys the material DF, any part of the supply part or the deposit part, for example, the coarse crushed piece (paper piece) introduction pipe 20, the transfer pipe 40, the transfer pipe 60, etc. It is possible to do it in. In the present embodiment, a mode for detecting the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF in the suction device 110 (“suction portion” in the present invention), which is one of the deposition portions, will be described.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber structure forming machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above, and FIG. 4 shows a side surface of the fiber structure forming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view and a diagram showing a control configuration when viewed from above are shown. The fiber structure forming machine 100 (“deposited portion” in the present invention) of the present embodiment has an outer housing 106 and a forming drum 101 (“rotating drum” in the present invention) as main configurations.

FIG. 3 shows how the material DF is supplied to the fiber structure forming machine 100. The material DF to which the additive (molten material and flame retardant as a functional material) is added from the discharge port 32 of the defibrator 30 through the transport pipe 40 is introduced into the transport pipe 60 and inside the fiber structure forming machine 100. It is supplied to the inside of the forming drum 101 to be arranged. In the present embodiment, the transport pipe 60 is branched into a first introduction path 60a and a second introduction path 60b, and the forming drum is formed from the first supply port 106a and the second supply port 106b provided on both ends of the forming drum 101. It is supplied to the inside of 101.

The forming drum 101 has a cylindrical shape having a cavity inside, and has a first supply port 106a and a second supply port 106b for internally supplying the material DF at both ends. Further, the peripheral surface is provided with a plurality of holes 104 for discharging the material DF supplied inside to the deposit chamber 105 inside the outer housing 106. The hole 104 of the forming drum 101 used in this embodiment has a size of about 35 mm × 5 mm. Further, the forming drum 101 can be rotated by a drive source such as a motor (not shown), and the material DF can be efficiently discharged by the centrifugal force due to the rotation.
As shown in FIG. 4, the material DF discharged from the hole 104 is discharged to the deposition chamber 105, and the defibrated cotton sheet S is formed on the mesh belt 122 by the suction of the suction device 110.

FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of the suction device 110. The suction device 110 discharges the air in the deposition chamber 105 to reduce the pressure in the deposition chamber 105 or put it in a low vacuum state, and promotes the discharge of fibers of the material DF such as a defibrated product from the hole 104 of the forming drum 101. .. The suction device 110 has a configuration that plays an important role in forming an air flow that conveys the material DF, and the flow rate of the air generated by the suction device 110 is substantially equal to the flow rate of the air that conveys the material DF.

The suction device 110 mainly includes a suction fan 111, a suction fan drive unit 112, and an exhaust passage 113. The suction fan 111 is an air flow forming mechanism for discharging air from the deposition chamber 105 through the mesh belt 122. The air sucked by the suction fan 111 is discharged to the outside from the exhaust passage 113. In the present embodiment, the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF is detected based on the flow rate of the air in the exhaust passage 113. When the flow rate of air in the exhaust passage 113 decreases, it is determined that the hole 104 of the forming drum 101 is clogged.

The flow rate of air in the exhaust passage 113 is detected by a flow rate sensor 95 as a detection means. For the flow rate sensor 95, various forms capable of detecting the flow of fluid such as a Venturi meter, an orifice meter, a pitot tube, a triangular weir, and an ultrasonic flow meter can be used. The flow rate sensor 95 outputs the detected flow rate of air in the exhaust passage 113 as a flow rate signal to the control unit 91.

The control unit 91 functions as a determination means for determining a change in the state of the fiber structure forming machine 100 such as clogging of the forming drum 101 based on the detection result by the flow rate sensor 95. As the change in the state of the fiber structure forming machine 100 to be determined, various abnormalities occurring in the fiber structure forming machine 100 such as a clogged state of the forming drum 101 can be considered. Then, when the control unit 91 determines the change in the state of the fiber structure forming machine 100, the control unit 91 functions as a means for coping with the change in the state, for example, an alarm output means, a rotation control means, an injection control means, and the like.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the clogging handling process executed by the control unit 91 based on the flow rate signal from the flow rate sensor 95. This clogging handling process shows an example in which the control unit 91 functions as an alarm output means.
Hereinafter, an example of the clogging handling process of the forming drum 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
In the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus, the operation of the fiber structure forming machine 100, the suction device 110, and the like is started, the production of the fiber structure (for example, a paper product) is started, and the clogging handling process is started. .. In the present embodiment, the flow rate signal output from the flow rate sensor 95 is an index of the degree of clogging of the forming drum 101. Therefore, in this clogging handling process, the flow rate signal is compared with two threshold values consisting of the first threshold value and the second threshold value, and an alarm corresponding to the flow rate signal is notified to take measures according to the degree of clogging. It is possible.

In step S101, it is determined whether or not the flow rate signal output from the flow rate sensor 95 is equal to or less than the first threshold value. When the flow rate signal is equal to or less than the first threshold value (step S101: YES), the first alarm is notified from the display means 92 and the speaker 93 connected to the control unit 91 (step S102). The first threshold value is a threshold value when light clogging that does not require stopping the production of the fiber structure has occurred, and the operator who confirms the first alarm will use the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus next time. When the film is stopped, maintenance such as cleaning the forming drum 101 is performed to eliminate the clogging. When the flow rate signal is larger than the first threshold value (step S101: NO), step S101 is repeated.

In step S103, it is determined whether or not the flow rate signal output from the flow rate sensor 95 is equal to or less than the second threshold value. This second threshold value is set to a value lower than the first threshold value, and is a threshold value when significant clogging that affects the quality of the fiber structure to be manufactured occurs. Therefore, when the flow rate signal becomes equal to or less than the second threshold value (step S103: YES), the display means 92 and the speaker 93 connected to the control unit 91 notify the second alarm (step S104), and the fiber. The structure manufacturing apparatus is stopped (step S105). After confirming the second alarm, the operator cleans the forming drum 101 to clear the clogging, and then restarts the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus to restart the manufacturing of the fiber structure. If the flow rate signal is larger than the second threshold value (step S103: NO), step S103 is repeated.

As described above, in the clogging countermeasure processing of the present embodiment, the control unit 91 has a function as an alarm output means. FIG. 6 shows an example of a clogging countermeasure process according to another embodiment. In the present embodiment, the control unit 91 has a function as an alarm output means and a rotation control means for controlling the rotation of the forming drum 101. Hereinafter, an example of processing for dealing with clogging of the forming drum 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.

When this clogging handling process is started with the start of the fiber structure manufacturing apparatus, first, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the flow rate signal output from the flow rate sensor 95 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Will be done. This threshold value is a value for determining clogging to the extent that it does not significantly affect the quality of the fiber structure (composite material) to be manufactured. If the flow rate signal is larger than the threshold value (step S201: NO), step S201 is repeated.
When the flow rate signal is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S201: YES), the control unit 91 reduces the rotation speed of the forming drum 101 (step S202). This attempts to clear the clogging of the forming drum 101. Since the decrease in the rotation speed of the forming drum 101 has a small effect on the fiber structure (composite material) to be produced, the fiber structure (composite material) can be continuously produced during the period in which the rotation speed is decreased. be. A drum rotation drive unit 94 such as a motor is electrically connected to the control unit 91, and the control unit 91 can function as a rotation control means capable of adjusting the rotation of the forming drum 101. ..

The rotation speed of the forming drum 101 is reduced, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the value of the flow rate signal is confirmed again, and it is determined whether or not the value is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S203). When the flow rate signal is larger than the threshold value (step S203: NO), the clogging can be cleared, so that the forming drum 101 is returned to the normal rotation speed (step S208). On the other hand, if the flow rate signal is still smaller than the threshold value (step S203: YES), the production of the fiber structure is stopped (step S204), and the forming drum 101 is reverse-driven to further eliminate the clogging (step). S205).
To eliminate the clogging in step S205, the forming drum 101 is reversed, or a swing that repeats normal rotation and reverse rotation is executed. When such inversion of the forming drum 101 is accompanied, it may affect the fiber structure (composite material) to be manufactured. Therefore, the mesh belt 122 is stopped in step S204 to temporarily control the fiber structure. Stop production.

After reversing or swinging the forming drum 101 for a predetermined time, the flow rate signal is confirmed again (step S206). When the flow rate signal is larger than the threshold value (step S206: NO), the production of the fiber structure (composite material) is restarted (step S209), and the forming drum 101 (step S208) is returned to the normal rotation speed (step). S208), the monitoring of the flow rate signal is continued (step S201).
On the other hand, when the flow rate signal is still equal to or less than the threshold value (step S206: YES), the control unit 91 notifies the alarm from the display means 92 or the speaker 93 (step S207). The operator clears the clogging by performing maintenance by notification.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 91 functions as a rotation control means capable of adjusting the rotation of the forming drum 101, and eliminates the generated clogging. It is also possible to determine the degree of clogging based on the magnitude of the flow rate signal and to eliminate a plurality of stages according to the degree of clogging. Further, when the clogging is not cleared, the control unit 91 functions as an alarm output means and can be maintained by the operator.

FIG. 7 shows a current value or a suction device for driving the suction device 110, whereas the above-described embodiment detects the flow rate of the air carrying the material by the flow rate signal output by the flow rate sensor 95 in the suction device 110. The flow rate of the air carrying the material is detected based on the torque value applied to the 110.

The suction device 110 (“suction unit” in the present invention) of the present invention includes a suction fan 111 that sends air from the mesh belt 122 side to the exhaust passage 113, and a suction fan drive unit 112 that drives the suction fan 111. It is configured. The control unit 91 rotationally drives the suction fan 111 at a predetermined rotation speed, but the load on the suction fan drive unit 112 changes depending on the air condition of the deposition chamber 105. That is, when the forming drum 101 is clogged, the flow rate of the air that conveys the material DF decreases, so that the load on the suction fan drive unit 112 increases. Therefore, the suction fan drive unit 112 requires a larger current, and the torque value applied to the suction fan 111 increases. In this way, the control unit 91 detects the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF by acquiring the current value (current signal) or the torque value (torque signal) of the suction fan drive unit 112, and the forming drum 101 It is possible to determine the clogging.

When the control unit 91 determines the clogging of the forming drum 101 based on the increase of the current value or the torque value, the control unit 91 may clear the clogging by the various clogging handling processes described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. It will be possible.

FIG. 8 is provided with a means for determining clogging of the forming drum 101 and an air flow changing portion for changing the air flow inside the forming drum 101 as a means for eliminating the clogging. In the present embodiment, a compressed air generating unit (detecting means) for injecting compressed air into the forming drum 101 is used as the airflow changing unit. In addition to the compressed air generating portion, various forms such as changing the air flow inside the forming drum 101 by intermittently rotating the fan can be adopted for the air flow changing portion. In FIG. 8, the left and right ends of the forming drum 101 show the inside of the forming drum.

The compressed air generating unit (detecting means) of the present embodiment has a compressor 86, a solenoid valve 83, a compressed air passage 84, a first compressed air passage 84a, and a second compressed air passage 84b as main configurations. The compressor 86 sucks air into a tank provided inside. At this time, the solenoid valve 83 communicating with the tank is closed, and the air in the tank is compressed with time. The control unit 91 sends compressed air to the compressed air passage 84 by opening the solenoid valve 83 at an appropriate timing. In the present embodiment, the control unit 91 has a function as an injection control means for injecting compressed air into the compressed air generating unit.

The compressed air passage 84 is branched into a first compressed air passage 84a and a second compressed air passage 84b. The first compressed air passage 84a and the second compressed air passage 84b have a first nozzle port 85a and a second nozzle port 85b located inside the forming drum 101, respectively, from which compressed air enters the inside of the forming drum 101. Infused.

Further, the compressed air generating unit of the present embodiment has a form that also has a function as a means for detecting the flow rate of the air that conveys the material DF. Specifically, when the compressed air is injected, the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF is detected by detecting the load of air applied to the compressor 86 side via the first nozzle port 85a and the second nozzle port 85b. Will be done. The control unit 91 determines the clogging of the forming drum 101 based on the load signal based on the air load detected by the compressor 86. Specifically, the state of clogging of the forming drum 101 is determined based on the magnitude of the load signal. For example, when the compressed air generating unit periodically injects compressed air to disperse and mix the material DF in the forming drum 101, the state of clogging is determined based on the load signal. When the control unit 91 determines that the clogging has occurred, the control unit 91 can try to clear the clogging by increasing the injection frequency of the compressed air or increasing the strength of the compressed air.

In the present embodiment, it is also possible to detect the degree of clogging based on the magnitude of the load signal. If the load signal is large, it is determined that severe clogging has occurred, and compressed air is injected according to the degree of clogging, such as increasing the frequency of compressed air injection or increasing the strength of compressed air. It is possible to do.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining determination of clogging of the forming drum 101 according to another embodiment. When the forming drum 101 is clogged and the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF is reduced, it is considered that the thickness of the defibrated cotton sheet S as a deposit deposited by the fiber structure forming machine 100 is reduced. In the present embodiment, by detecting the thickness of the defibrated cotton sheet S using the optical sensor 96, it is detected that the flow rate of the air carrying the material DF has decreased, and the clogging of the forming drum 101 is determined. There is. The thickness of the defibrated cotton sheet S is not limited to such an optical sensor 96, and an ultrasonic sensor or a mechanical sensor that detects the thickness by contacting a roller can be used.

The control unit 91 detects the thickness of the defibrated cotton sheet S based on the distance to the defibrated cotton sheet S detected by the optical sensor 96, and when the thickness becomes a predetermined value or less, the forming drum 101 is clogged. It is determined that it is. When the clogging is determined, the control unit 91 functions as a means such as an alarm output means, a rotation control means, and an injection control means in order to deal with the clogging as in the above-described embodiment, and the clogging of the forming drum 101 is clogged. It can be resolved.

As described above, the clogging determination of the forming drum 101 and the measures to be taken when the clogging is determined have been described using each embodiment, but the clogging determination and the measures to be taken when the clogging occurs are described above. Not only the embodiment but also a plurality of means can be used in combination as appropriate. In particular, for clogging determination, it is possible to improve the accuracy of clogging determination by using a plurality of determination methods in combination.

Although various embodiments have been described in the present specification, embodiments configured by appropriately combining the configurations of the respective embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

5 ... Automatic feed mechanism, 10 ... Coarse crusher, 11 ... Coarse crusher, 12 ... Hopper, 13 ... Hopper, 20 ... Coarse crushed piece (paper piece) introduction tube, 30 ... Decompressor, 31 ... Introduction port, 32 ... Discharge port, 33 ... Stator, 34 ... Rotor, 40 ... Conveying pipe, 60 ... Conveying pipe, 60a ... First introduction path, 60b ... Second introduction path, 83 ... Solenoid valve, 84 ... Compressed air path, 85a ... First nozzle port, 85b ... 2nd nozzle port, 86 ... compressor, 91 ... control unit, 92 ... display means, 93 ... speaker, 94 ... drum rotation drive unit, 95 ... flow rate sensor (detection means), 96 ... optical sensor (detection means), 100 ... Fiber structure forming machine, 101 ... Forming drum, 104 ... Hole, 105 ... Deposit chamber, 106 ... External housing, 106a ... First supply port, 106b ... Second supply port, 110 ... Suction device, 111 ... Suction Fan, 112 ... Suction fan drive unit, 113 ... Exhaust passage, 121 ... Stretching roller, 122 ... Mesh belt, 123 ... Cleaning blade, 140 ... Buffer section, 141 ... Dancer roller (Standing roller), 150 ... Heating and pressurizing Mechanism, 151 ... 1st board, 152 ... 2nd board, 160 ... Cutting machine, 170 ... Stacker.

Claims (12)

A supply unit that supplies a material mixed with fibers,
A deposit section that lowers the material supplied by the supply section to form a deposit, and a deposit section.
Equipped with
The depositing portion includes a rotary drum in which the material is supplied to the inside from a supply port and the material is discharged from a plurality of holes formed on the peripheral surface.
A detection means for detecting the flow rate of air carrying the material in at least one of the supply unit or the deposition unit.
A fiber structure manufacturing apparatus comprising: a determination means for determining a change in the state of the deposited portion based on the detection result of the detection means. The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change in the state of the deposited portion determined by the determination means is clogging of the rotary drum. The depositing portion comprises a suction portion that sucks the material from below.
The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means detects the flow rate of the air sucked by the suction unit as the flow rate of the air carrying the material. The depositing portion comprises a suction portion that sucks the material from below.
The first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the determination means detects a flow rate of air carrying the material based on a current value for driving the suction unit or a torque value applied to the suction unit. Fiber structure manufacturing equipment. The detection means according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection means detects the flow rate of the air carrying the material based on the thickness of the deposit formed in the deposit portion. The fibrous structure manufacturing apparatus according to the above. The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination means includes an alarm output means for outputting an alarm when the determination means determines a change in the state of the deposited portion. .. The fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination means includes a rotation control means for adjusting the rotation of the rotating drum when the determination means determines a change in the state of the deposited portion. Structure manufacturing equipment. The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an air flow changing portion that intermittently changes the air flow inside the rotating drum. The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the airflow changing portion is a compressed air generating portion that intermittently injects compressed air. The compressed air generating unit is characterized in that it also has a function of detecting the flow rate of the air transporting the material in the determination means by detecting the load at the time of injecting the compressed air as the flow rate of the air transporting the material. The fiber structure manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9. The fiber structure according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an injection control means for injecting compressed air into the compressed air generating portion when the determining means determines a change in the state of the deposited portion. manufacturing device. The supply process of supplying the material mixed with fibers and
A deposition step of discharging the material supplied by the supply step from a plurality of holes formed on the peripheral surface of the rotary drum to form a deposit.
A detection step of detecting the flow rate of air carrying the material in at least one of the supply step or the deposition step.
A method for manufacturing a fiber structure, which comprises performing a determination step of determining a change in the state of the deposition step based on the detection result of the detection step.

Images