JP2017039569A - Sheet-like raw material sorting apparatus, sheet-like raw material feeding device, sheet-like raw material sorting method, sheet-like raw material feeding method and sheet manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sheet-shaped raw material separation apparatus capable of separating a sheet-shaped raw material suitable for recycling. A sheet-shaped raw material separating apparatus includes a stacking unit for stacking sheet-shaped raw materials, a transport unit for transporting the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit, and the sheet-shaped raw material transported by the transport unit. A measuring unit that measures a resistance force when the needle-like body is stabbed in the body, and which storage unit among the plurality of storage units stores the sheet-shaped raw material according to the resistance force by the measurement unit A determination unit, and the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage unit according to a determination result by the determination unit. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet-shaped raw material separation apparatus, a sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus, a sheet-shaped raw material separation method, a sheet-shaped raw material supply method, and a sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  Conventionally, a technology that includes a light transmission type sensor that forms an optical axis that crosses a print sheet pulled out from a paper feed tray, detects the amount of light transmitted through the print sheet, and determines the type of print sheet based on the amount of transmitted light Is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 7-196207 A

  However, in the discrimination technique using the optical detection device as described above, there is a problem that, for example, erroneous discrimination is caused due to the influence of ambient light, adhesion of dust, or the like.

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

  [Application Example 1] A sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus according to this application example is conveyed by a stacking unit for stacking sheet-shaped raw materials, a transporting unit for transporting the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit, and the transporting unit. The sheet-shaped raw material is accommodated in any of the plurality of accommodating portions according to the measuring unit that measures the resistance force when the needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-shaped raw material, and the resistance force by the measuring unit. A determination unit that determines whether to perform the process, and the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage unit according to a determination result by the determination unit.

  According to this structure, a sheet-like raw material is fractionated according to the resistance force when a needle-like object is stabbed into a sheet-like raw material. Therefore, it is possible to sort the sheet-shaped raw material of a predetermined form required from the mixture of sheet-shaped raw materials of different forms (paper type, paper thickness, etc.) without being affected by disturbance light or dust or dust. can do.

  Application Example 2 The conveying unit of the sheet-like material sorting device according to the application example includes an adsorption unit that adsorbs the sheet-like material, and the measurement unit applies the sheet-like material adsorbed by the adsorption unit to the sheet-like material. It is characterized by measuring a resistance force when a needle-like body is stabbed.

  According to this configuration, since the resistance force is measured in the process of conveying the sheet material, the sheet material can be efficiently separated.

  Application Example 3 The measurement unit of the sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus according to the application example includes a stage unit including the needle-like body, and the measurement unit is placed on the stage unit by the transport unit. The resistance when the needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material is measured.

  According to this configuration, the resistance can be measured in a state where the sheet-like raw material is placed on the stage portion and stabilized. Moreover, even if the kind of sheet-like raw material is the same, for example, the sheet-like raw material in a state where a plurality of sheets are overlapped can be separated.

  Application Example 4 A sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus according to this application example is conveyed by the stacking unit that stacks the sheet-shaped raw material, the transport unit that transports the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit, and the transport unit. A measuring unit that measures resistance when the needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material, and whether the sheet-like raw material is conveyed to the supply unit or the discharge unit according to the resistance force by the measuring unit And a determination unit for determining whether or not.

  According to this configuration, only the desired sheet-shaped raw material can be reliably conveyed to the supply unit according to the resistance when the needle-shaped body is pierced into the sheet-shaped raw material. Therefore, it is possible to separate and convey the required sheet-shaped raw material from the mixture of different forms of the sheet-shaped raw material without being affected by disturbance light, dust, dust, or the like.

  Application Example 5 A sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this application example includes the above-described sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus, a crushing unit that crushes the sheet-shaped raw material supplied from the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus into a coarse fragment, It has a defibrating part for defibrating coarsely crushed pieces into a defibrated material, and a sheet forming part for forming a sheet using at least a part of the defibrated material.

  According to this configuration, the sheet-shaped raw material supply device functions as a sheet-shaped raw material supply unit in the sheet manufacturing apparatus. In this case, since only the sheet-like raw material suitable for the production of the sheet is supplied from the sheet-like raw material supply device, for example, the raw material unsuitable for the production of the sheet such as a photographic paper having the resin layer is not supplied. , Uniform quality sheets can be produced. In addition, since photographic paper or the like having a resin layer is not supplied, for example, the entanglement of the resin or the like to the crushing portion or the adhesion due to the dissolution of the resin or the like is reduced, and the occurrence of a conveyance failure or the like can be suppressed.

  [Application Example 6] The sheet-shaped raw material sorting method according to this application example is for measuring the resistance force when a stacked uppermost sheet-shaped raw material is transported and a needle-shaped body is pierced into the transported sheet-shaped raw material. Then, according to the measured resistance force, it is determined which of the plurality of storage portions the sheet-shaped raw material is stored, and the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage portion according to the determination result. It is characterized by doing.

  According to this structure, a sheet-like raw material is fractionated according to the resistance force when a needle-like object is stabbed into a sheet-like raw material. Therefore, it is possible to sort a sheet-shaped raw material having a predetermined form required from a mixture of sheet-shaped raw materials having different forms without being affected by disturbance light or dust or dust.

  [Application Example 7] The sheet-like material supply method according to this application example conveys the uppermost sheet-like material loaded and measures the resistance when a needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-like material. And according to the measured resistance, it is determined whether the said sheet-like raw material is conveyed to a supply part or a discharge part.

  According to this configuration, only the desired sheet-shaped raw material can be reliably conveyed to the supply unit according to the resistance when the needle-shaped body is pierced into the sheet-shaped raw material. Therefore, it is possible to separate and convey a predetermined form of sheet-shaped raw material required from a mixture of different forms of sheet-shaped raw material without being affected by disturbance light or dust.

The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The partial side view which shows the structure of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The partial cross section figure which shows the structure of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the sheet-like raw material separation method concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. The schematic plan view which shows the structure of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the measurement part concerning 2nd Embodiment. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the measurement part concerning 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the sheet-like raw material separation method concerning 2nd Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the sheet-like raw material supply method concerning 3rd Embodiment. The schematic plan view which shows the structure of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the sheet-like raw material supply method concerning 4th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the sheet manufacturing apparatus concerning 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, first to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the scale of each member or the like is shown differently from the actual scale so as to make each member or the like recognizable.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the sheet-like material sorting device. The sheet-shaped raw material separation device includes a stacking unit for stacking sheet-shaped raw materials, a transport unit for transporting the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit, and a needle-like body inserted into the sheet-shaped raw material transported by the transport unit A measuring unit that measures the resistance of the sheet, and a determination unit that determines in which of the plurality of storage units the sheet-shaped raw material is stored according to the resistance force of the measurement unit. This is a sorting device that stores the sheet-like raw material in the storage unit according to the determination result by the method. In addition, the sheet-shaped raw material separation device includes a stacking unit for stacking the sheet-shaped raw material, a separation unit for separating the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit, and a needle-shaped body inserted into the sheet-shaped raw material separated by the separation unit. A measuring unit that measures the resistance force when it is done, and a determination unit that determines which of the plurality of storage units contains the sheet-like raw material according to the resistance force by the measurement unit, It is a sorting device which stores a sheet-like raw material in a storage part according to a judgment result by the above-mentioned judgment part. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus, FIG. 2 is a partial side view showing a configuration of a sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a configuration of a sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet-like raw material sorting apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a stacking unit 300, a conveying unit 400, a measuring unit 500, and a control unit (not shown) that controls each of these units. I have. In addition, the sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus 10 is provided with a plurality of storage units. In the present embodiment, two storage portions, a first storage portion 700 and a second storage portion 800, are provided.

  The stacking unit 300 stacks a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu. The sheet-like raw material Pu includes fibers such as waste paper and pulp sheet.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stacking unit 300 includes a tray 301 that accumulates and stores a plurality of sheet-like raw materials Pu, and a moving mechanism that moves (lifts) the tray 301 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). 302. The moving mechanism 302 of this embodiment includes a ball screw shaft 310, a ball nut 311 to which the tray 301 is connected, a guide portion 318 that guides the ball nut 311 in the moving direction, and the like. A motor 312 is connected to the ball screw shaft 310. The power from the motor 312 is transmitted to the ball screw shaft 310. Thereby, the ball screw shaft 310 rotates, and the tray 301 connected to the ball nut 311 can move in the direction of the ball screw shaft 310 (Z-axis direction). Further, the movement amount (position) of the tray 301 is configured to be detectable by a rotary encoder 313 that detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the motor 312 or the ball screw shaft 310.

  Further, the stacking unit 300 is provided with a level sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the tray 301. Then, the control unit controls the position of the tray 301 based on the output signal of the level sensor so that the uppermost sheet-like raw material is always at the specified position. That is, when the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed from the tray 301, the control unit drives the motor 312 to raise the tray 301 and loads it on the tray 301 based on the output signal of the level sensor ( When the sheet-like raw material Pu (which has newly become the highest level) reaches a specified position, the driving of the motor 312 is stopped. Thereby, the position of the uppermost sheet-like raw material Pu can always be kept at a specified position. The specified position may be within a range in which the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu can be adsorbed by the adsorbing unit 430 described later, and the position control (raising) of the tray 301 is in units of one sheet. Alternatively, a predetermined number of sheets may be used.

  The transport unit 400 transports the uppermost sheet-shaped material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 to the first storage unit 700 or the second storage unit 800. Further, the transport unit 400 functions as a separation unit that separates the uppermost sheet-like material Pu from the stacking unit 300. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 400 of the present embodiment is a 4-axis driven horizontal articulated robot. The transport unit 400 includes a base unit 410 installed on the installation surface, a first arm unit 411 coupled to the base unit 410, a second arm unit 412 coupled to the first arm unit 411, and a second arm unit. And a third arm portion 413 connected to 412.

  The base part 410 and the first arm part 411 are connected via a first joint part 415. The first joint portion 415 has a first axis extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the first arm portion 411 rotates about the first axis with respect to the base portion 410 by driving a motor or the like. Further, the second arm portion 412 is connected to the first arm portion 411 via the second joint portion 416. The second joint portion 416 has a second axis extending in the Z-axis direction, and the second arm portion 412 rotates about the second axis by driving a motor or the like. The second arm portion 412 is connected to a third arm portion 413 whose third axis is the Z-axis direction. A suction part 430 is connected to one end of the third arm part 413. The third arm portion 413 includes a ball screw, a guide, and a motor, and is coupled so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. Further, the third arm portion 413 is connected to a motor or the like so as to be rotatable about the third axis. As a result, the suction portion 430 connected to the third arm portion 413 can move in the Z-axis direction and can rotate about the third axis. An actuator such as a motor is electrically connected to the control unit and is driven based on a control signal from the control unit.

  The adsorbing unit 430 adsorbs the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the suction part 430 has an opening 431. The adsorbing part 430 is made of a material having an elastic force such as a rubber material, for example. Inside the third arm part 413 to which the adsorption part 430 is connected, a pipe part 413a capable of continuously transporting a fluid such as air is formed, and air such as a pump is supplied to a part of the pipe part 413a. A suction mechanism (not shown) for sucking is connected. Then, by driving the suction mechanism, air is sucked from the opening 431 of the suction portion 430 through the tube portion 413a of the third arm portion 413, and the sheet-like material Pu can be sucked (attached) by negative pressure. . Note that the suction force of the sheet-like material Pu by the adsorption unit 430 is set so as to withstand the pressing force when the sheet-like material Pu is stabbed with a needle-like body 501 of the measurement unit 500 described later. On the other hand, by stopping the driving of the suction mechanism, the suction of air from the opening 431 is stopped and the negative pressure state is released. Thereby, the sheet-like raw material Pu adsorbed by the adsorption part 430 can be dropped.

  The transport unit 400 according to the present embodiment includes a single suction unit 430 and is driven and controlled so that the central portion of the uppermost sheet-shaped material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 can be suctioned. Thereby, when adsorbing and conveying the sheet-like raw material Pu, the balance of the sheet-like raw material Pu can be maintained and conveyed in a stable posture. Note that the size of the suction portion 430, the opening portion 431, and the like can be arbitrarily set according to the size or the like of the sheet-like raw material Pu. Moreover, the number of the adsorption | suction parts 430 is not limited to one, A plurality may be sufficient, for example, you may provide the four adsorption | suction parts 430 in the position corresponding to the four corners of the sheet-like raw material Pu. In this case, measurement units 500 (needle-like bodies 501), which will be described later, may be provided at four locations corresponding to the respective adsorption portions 430, or at least one measurement portion 500 (needle-like body 501) may be provided in any of the adsorption portions 430. It may be provided correspondingly.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement unit 500 is disposed in the tube portion 413 a inside the third arm portion 413, and is applied to the needle-like body 501, the moving mechanism 502 that moves the needle-like body 501, and the needle-like body 501. And a strain gauge 503 for measuring the resistance force.

  The acicular body 501 is made of, for example, a metal member such as a steel material, and the acicular body 501 has a cross-sectional diameter of about 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The tip of the needle-like body 501 has a thin and sharp shape. The moving mechanism 502 includes, for example, a motor or the like, and the needle-like body 501 can move in the Z-axis direction according to the driving of the motor. The motor is electrically connected to the control unit and is configured to be driven based on a control signal. In addition, the form of the needle-like body 501 can be appropriately set according to the material, thickness, and the like of the sheet-like raw material Pu to be measured.

  For measuring the resistance force, a strain gauge or a piezoelectric element is used. The strain gauge 503 measures strain of the needle-like body 501 due to resistance when the needle-like body 501 is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material Pu, and is an electrical resistance type (metal resistance type) that measures strain by a change in electrical resistance. ) Sensor. For example, the strain gauge 503 is bonded to the surface of the needle-like body 501 via an electrical insulator. The strain gauge 503 is electrically connected to the control unit, and an output signal (an output voltage corresponding to a change in resistance value) is input to the control unit. Here, it is preferable that a part of the needle-like body 503 is made of an elastic body, and the strain gauge 503 is bonded to the surface of the elastic body. A piezoelectric force sensor using a piezoelectric element outputs a voltage corresponding to the force.

  The 1st accommodating part 700 and the 2nd accommodating part 800 are for separating and accommodating the said sheet-like raw material Pu according to the resistance of the sheet-like raw material Pu obtained by the measurement part 500. FIG. The 1st and 2nd accommodating parts 700 and 800 are box-shaped containers, for example. The control unit (determination unit) determines in which of the first and second storage units 700 and 800 the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is stored according to the resistance force of the measurement unit 500, and the determination result Accordingly, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is accommodated in the first accommodating part 700 or the second accommodating part 800. For example, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that does not satisfy the specified resistance force is stored in the first storage unit 700, and the sheet-shaped material Pu having the specified resistance force is stored in the second storage unit 800. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first storage unit 700 is arranged in parallel with the stacking unit 300 in the X-axis positive direction, and the second storage unit 800 is X with respect to the stacking unit 300. It is arranged in parallel in the negative axis direction. That is, the 1st accommodating part 700 and the 2nd accommodating part 800 are juxtaposed in the state which pinched | stacked the stacking part 300 in planar view. Thereby, the movement of the conveyance part 400 can be suppressed to the minimum, and the sheet-like raw material Pu can be separated efficiently.

  Next, the sheet-like raw material separation method will be described. The sheet-shaped raw material separation method of the present embodiment conveys the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material loaded, measures the resistance when a needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-shaped raw material, and measures the measured resistance Accordingly, it is determined which of the plurality of storage units the sheet-shaped raw material is stored, and the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage unit according to the determination result. This will be specifically described below. In the present embodiment, a sheet material separation method according to the sheet material separation apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a sheet-shaped raw material separation method, and FIGS. 5 to 11 are schematic views showing the operation of the sheet-shaped raw material separation apparatus.

  First, in step S11, the sheet-like raw material Pu is adsorbed (attached). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the conveyance unit 400 is driven to move the adsorption unit 430 above the sheet-like raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300. Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the third arm portion 413 is driven to lower the adsorption portion 430 to the position of the uppermost sheet-like material Pu. Then, the suction mechanism is driven to adsorb the upper surface of the sheet-like raw material Pu by the adsorbing portion 430 by negative pressure.

  Next, in step S12, the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu is raised. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the third arm portion 413 is driven to raise the suction portion 430 to a predetermined height. Thereby, a part of the sheet-like raw material Pu adsorbed by the adsorbing unit 430 is held at a predetermined height. In the present embodiment, the adsorption unit 430 (sheet-shaped raw material Pu) is moved to a height at which the entire adsorbed uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu is separated from other sheet-shaped raw materials Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300. .

  Next, in step S13, the resistance of the sheet material Pu is measured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the sheet-shaped raw material Pu adsorbed by the adsorbing unit 430 is moved to a predetermined height, the measuring unit 500 is driven as shown in FIG. The body 501 is moved toward the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu, and the needle-shaped body 501 is inserted into the sheet-shaped raw material Pu. At this time, the force applied to the needle-like body 501 by the strain gauge 503 (resistance force of the sheet-like raw material Pu) is measured. Here, for example, when the resistance of photographic paper including plain paper (PPC paper) and a resin layer is measured, the resistance of photographic paper including a resin layer is clearly higher than that of plain paper. In this way, the resistance is different between plain paper and a sheet including a resin layer (photo paper, synthetic paper, laminated paper, film, etc.).

  Next, in step S14, it is determined which of the plurality of storage units (the first storage unit 700 or the second storage unit 800) the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is stored according to the measured resistance force. . Specifically, it is determined whether or not the measured resistance force is a specified value. The specified value may be a value having a range of resistance. And when it is judged that the measured resistance is not a regulation value (NO), it transfers to step S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured resistance is the specified value (YES), the process proceeds to step S16.

  If it is determined that the measured resistance force is not the specified value (step S14: NO), as shown in FIG. 10, the suction unit 430 is moved to the first storage unit 700 side and the drive of the suction mechanism is stopped. Then, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 700. As a result, unspecified sheet-shaped raw materials Pu such as photographic paper are accommodated in the first accommodating portion 700.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured resistance force is the specified value (step S14: YES), the suction unit 430 is moved to the second storage unit 800 side as shown in FIG. 11, and the suction mechanism is driven. It stops, and the sheet-like raw material Pu is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 800. Thereby, only the plain paper which is the sheet-shaped raw material Pu within the regulation is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 800.

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

  By piercing the sheet-like material Pu with the needle-like body 501, the resistance of the sheet-like material Pu is measured, and the sheet-like material Pu is accommodated in the first accommodation unit 700 or the second accommodation unit 800 according to the resistance force. . Thereby, the desired sheet-like raw material Pu and other raw materials can be reliably separated. Further, even if the sheet-like raw material Pu is the same type (same material), the resistance is different when the thickness is different. Therefore, the sheet-like raw material Pu can be separated according to the thickness. is there. Furthermore, the measurement using the needle-like body 501 separates the sheet-shaped raw materials in the required form from the mixture of the sheet-shaped raw materials Pu in different forms without being affected by ambient light or dust. can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a stacking unit for stacking sheet-shaped raw materials, a transport unit for transporting the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit, and a needle-like body on the sheet-shaped raw material transported by the transport unit A measuring unit that measures the resistance force when stabbed, and a determination unit that determines in which of the plurality of storage units the sheet-shaped raw material is stored according to the resistance force by the measurement unit. And according to the determination result by the determination part, it is a separation apparatus which accommodates a sheet-like raw material in an accommodating part. Furthermore, the measurement unit of the sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment has a stage unit including a needle-like body, and the measurement unit has a needle-like body on the sheet-like raw material placed on the stage unit by the transport unit. It measures the resistance when stabbed. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the sheet-shaped raw material sorting device, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the measuring unit of the sheet-shaped raw material sorting device.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the sheet-like raw material sorting apparatus 10a according to the present embodiment includes a stacking unit 1300, a conveyance unit (first to sixth conveyance units 1401 to 1406), a measurement unit 1500, each of these units, and the like. The control part (not shown) which controls is provided. The sheet-like raw material sorting apparatus 10a is provided with a plurality of storage units. In the present embodiment, two accommodation portions, a third accommodation portion 1700 and a fourth accommodation portion 1800, are provided.

  The stacking unit 1300 stacks a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu and the like. The stacking unit 1300 includes a tray 1301 that accumulates and stores a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu, and a moving mechanism 1302 that moves the tray 1301 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The configuration of the stacking unit 1300 is the same as the configuration of the stacking unit 300 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a measurement unit 1500 is arranged in parallel with the loading unit 1300 in the X-axis direction. The measurement unit 1500 includes a stage unit 1511, a needle-like body 1501, a moving mechanism 1502 that moves the needle-like body 1501, a strain gauge 1503 that measures a resistance force applied to the needle-like body 1501, and a presser portion 1504. I have.

  The stage unit 1511 has a substantially flat mounting surface 1511a, and the sheet-like raw material Pu conveyed from the stacking unit 1300 is mounted on the mounting surface 1511a.

  Further, the stage portion 1511 is formed with a space portion 1550 that opens to the placement surface 1511a. In the space 1550, a needle-like body 1501 and a moving mechanism 1502 for moving the needle-like body 1501 are arranged. The needle-like body 1501, the moving mechanism 1502, and the strain gauge 1503 have the same configuration as the needle-like body 501, the moving mechanism 502, and the strain gauge 503 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, a pressing portion 1504 is disposed above the placement surface 1511 a of the stage portion 1511. As shown in FIG. 14, the pressing portion 1504 is placed on the placement surface 1511 a so that the sheet-like material Pu does not float or move from the placement surface 1511 a when the needle-like body 1501 is inserted into the sheet-like material Pu. It is provided for sandwiching the sheet-like raw material Pu with the presser 1504 and fixing the sheet-like raw material Pu. The presser portion 1504 of the present embodiment includes an annular portion 1504a that holds the sheet-like raw material Pu, and a space portion 1551 that is surrounded by the annular portion 1504a. When the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is sandwiched between the placement surface 1511a and the annular portion 1504a, the space portion 1550 of the stage portion 1511 and the space portion 1551 of the pressing portion 1504 are configured to face each other. The pressure for sandwiching the sheet material Pu between the placement surface 1511a and the annular portion 1504a is set so as to be able to withstand the pressing force when the sheet material Pu is pierced by the needle-like body 501.

  The holding part 1504 is provided with a moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the holding part 1504 in the Z-axis direction. When measuring the resistance of the sheet-like raw material Pu, the sheet-like raw material is placed between the holding surface 1511a. The presser portion 1504 is moved to a position where the Pu is sandwiched and pressed. When the resistance force is not measured, the presser portion 1504 is moved to a predetermined height away from the placement surface 1511a.

  The 3rd accommodating part 1700 and the 4th accommodating part 1800 are for separating and accommodating the said sheet-like raw material Pu according to the resistance of the sheet-like raw material Pu obtained by the measurement part 500. FIG. The third storage unit 1700 includes a tray 1701 for accumulating and storing a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu, and a moving mechanism 1702 for moving the tray 1701 in the Z-axis direction. The fourth storage unit 1800 includes a tray 1801 that accumulates and stores a plurality of sheet-shaped raw materials Pu, and a moving mechanism 1802 that moves the tray 1801 in the Z-axis direction. Note that the configurations of the trays 1701 and 1801 and the moving mechanisms 1702 and 1802 are the same as the configuration of the stacking unit 1300, and thus description thereof is omitted. Then, the control unit (determination unit) determines in which of the third and fourth storage units 1700 and 1800 the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is stored according to the resistance force of the measurement unit 1500, and Depending on the determination result, the sheet-like raw material Pu is stored in the third storage unit 1700 or the fourth storage unit 1800. For example, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that does not satisfy the specified resistance force is stored in the third storage portion 1700, and the sheet-shaped raw material Pu having the specified resistance force is stored in the fourth storage portion 1800. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the fourth housing portion 1800 is arranged in parallel with the stage portion 1511 in the X-axis direction, and the third housing portion 1700 is placed on the Y-axis with respect to the stage portion 1511. It is arranged in parallel in the direction. Thereby, the sheet-like raw material Pu can be conveyed from the stage unit 1511 at the shortest distance.

  The transport units (first to sixth transport units 1401 to 1406) placed the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 1300 on the stage unit 1511 of the measuring unit 1500 and on the stage unit 1511. The sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed to the third storage unit 1700 or the fourth storage unit 1800. This will be specifically described below.

  The first transport unit 1401 transports the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 1300 to the stage unit 1511 side. The first transport unit 1401 of this embodiment is a pickup roller, and is in contact with the uppermost sheet-shaped material Pu among the sheet-shaped materials Pu stacked on the tray 1301. And the sheet-like raw material Pu can be sequentially sent out from the tray 1301 to the stage unit 1511 side by rotationally driving the first transport unit 1401.

  A second transport unit 1402 is disposed between the stacking unit 1300 and the stage unit 1511. The 2nd conveyance part 1402 conveys the sheet-like raw material Pu conveyed from the 1st conveyance part 1401 side to the stage part 1511 side. The 2nd conveyance part 1402 is comprised by the driving roller 1402a rotated by drive means, such as a motor, and the driven roller 1402b (refer FIG. 13). Then, the sheet-like raw material Pu fed out by the first transport unit 1401 is transported to the stage unit 1511 by the second transport unit 1402. As described above, the first transport unit 1401 and the second transport unit 1402 function as a separation unit that separates the uppermost sheet-shaped material Pu from the stacking unit 1300.

  The third transport unit 1403 transports the sheet-like raw material Pu placed on the stage unit 1511 to the fourth storage unit 1800 side. The third transport unit 1403 of the present embodiment is a pickup roller and is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction. When transporting the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is transported from the stage portion 1511 to the fourth storage portion 1800 side by being moved downward, brought into contact with the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, and driven to rotate. Can do.

  Between the stage part 1511 and the 4th accommodating part 1800, the 4th conveyance part 1404 is arrange | positioned. The 4th conveyance part 1404 conveys the sheet-like raw material Pu conveyed from the stage part 1511 side to the 4th accommodating part 1800 side. The 4th conveyance part 1404 is comprised by the driving roller 1404a rotated by drive means, such as a motor, and the driven roller 1404b (refer FIG. 13). Then, the sheet-like raw material Pu fed out by the third transport unit 1403 is transported to the fourth storage unit 1800 by the fourth transport unit 1404.

  The fifth transport unit 1405 transports the sheet-like material Pu placed on the stage unit 1511 to the third storage unit 1700 side. The fifth transport unit 1405 of the present embodiment is a pickup roller and is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction. When transporting the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is transported from the stage unit 1511 to the third storage unit 1700 side by being moved downward, brought into contact with the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, and driven to rotate. Can do.

  A sixth transport unit 1406 is disposed between the stage unit 1511 and the third storage unit 1700. The sixth transport unit 1406 transports the sheet-like material Pu transported from the stage unit 1511 side to the third storage unit 1700 side. The sixth transport unit 1406 includes a driving roller 1406a that is rotationally driven by a driving unit such as a motor, and a driven roller 1406b. Then, the sheet-like raw material Pu fed out by the fifth transport unit 1405 is transported to the third storage unit 1700 by the sixth transport unit 1406.

  Next, the sheet-like raw material separation method will be described. The sheet-shaped raw material separation method of the present embodiment conveys the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material loaded, measures the resistance when a needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-shaped raw material, and measures the measured resistance Accordingly, it is determined which of the plurality of storage units the sheet-shaped raw material is stored, and the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage unit according to the determination result. This will be specifically described below. In the present embodiment, a sheet material separation method according to the sheet material separation apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a sheet-shaped raw material separation method.

  First, in step S21, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed from the stacking unit 1300 to the stage unit 1511. Specifically, the first transport unit 1401 and the second transport unit 1402 are driven to transport the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 1300 to the stage unit 1511 and place it on the mounting surface 1511a. Let me put it.

  Next, in step S22, the resistance of the sheet material Pu is measured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in a state where the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is sandwiched between the placing surface 1511a and the presser 1504, the measuring unit 1500 is driven as shown in FIG. 1501 is moved toward the sheet-like raw material Pu, and the needle-like body 1501 is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material Pu. At this time, the force applied to the needle-like body 1501 by the strain gauge 1503 (resistance force of the sheet-like raw material Pu) is measured.

  Next, in step S23, it is determined which of the plurality of storage units (the third storage unit 1700 or the fourth storage unit 1800) the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is stored according to the measured resistance. . Specifically, it is determined whether or not the measured resistance force is a specified value. The specified value may be a value having a range of resistance. If it is determined that the measured resistance is not a specified value (NO), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured resistance is the specified value (YES), the process proceeds to step S25.

  If it is determined that the measured resistance force is not the specified value (step S23: NO), the fifth transport unit 1405 and the sixth transport unit 1406 are driven, and the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is moved to the third storage unit 1700 side. To be accommodated in the third accommodating portion 1700. At this time, the presser part 1504 and the third transport part 1403 are moved to a predetermined height with respect to the placement surface 1511a. As a result, unspecified sheet-shaped raw materials Pu such as photographic paper are stored in the third storage unit 1700.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured resistance force is the specified value (step S23: YES), the third conveying unit 1403 and the fourth conveying unit 1404 are driven to supply the sheet-shaped raw material Pu to the fourth accommodating unit 1800. To the side and accommodated in the fourth accommodating portion 1800. At this time, the presser portion 1504 and the fifth transport portion 1405 are moved to a predetermined height with respect to the placement surface 1511a. Thereby, only the plain paper which is the sheet-shaped raw material Pu within the regulation is accommodated in the fourth accommodating portion 1800.

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

  The resistance force can be measured in a state where the sheet-like raw material Pu is placed on the stage portion 1511 and stabilized. Further, for example, even when a sheet-shaped raw material Pu in which a plurality of sheets are bound by a stapler needle or the like is conveyed to the stage unit 1511, the resistance is higher than the resistance of a single sheet-shaped raw material Pu. Since it is measured, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu in which such a plurality of sheets are spelled can also be classified as an unspecified sheet-shaped raw material Pu.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the sheet-like raw material supply device will be described. The sheet-like material supply device is configured to stack a sheet-like material, a conveyance unit that conveys the uppermost sheet-like material from the loading unit, and a needle-like body inserted into the sheet-like material conveyed by the conveyance unit. It is an apparatus which has a measurement part which measures resistance force, and a judgment part which judges whether a sheet-like raw material is conveyed to a supply part or a discharge part according to resistance force by a measurement part. In addition, the sheet-like raw material supply device includes a stacking unit for loading the sheet-like raw material, a separation unit for separating the uppermost sheet-like raw material from the loading unit, and a needle-like body inserted into the sheet-like raw material separated by the separation unit. And a determination unit that determines whether the sheet-like raw material is conveyed to the supply unit or the discharge unit according to the resistance force by the measurement unit. This will be specifically described below. The operation and the like according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. As shown in FIG. 16, the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment includes a stacking unit 300, a conveyance unit 400, a measurement unit 500, a discharge unit 2700, a supply unit 2800, and a control including a determination unit. (Not shown). In addition, since the structure of the stacking part 300, the conveyance part 400, and the measurement part 500 is the same as the structure concerning 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The discharge unit 2700 and the supply unit 2800 serve as conveyance destinations for the sheet-shaped raw material Pu selected according to the resistance obtained by the measurement unit 500. The discharge part 2700 is a box-shaped container, for example. The supply unit 2800 may be, for example, a box-shaped container, or may include a supply port (paper supply port), a supply path that communicates with the supply port, or the like.

  The control unit including the determination unit determines whether the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply unit 2800 or the discharge unit 2700 according to the resistance force by the measurement unit 500, and according to the determination result, the sheet shape The raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply unit 2800 or the discharge unit 2700. For example, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu that does not satisfy the specified resistance is conveyed to the discharge unit 2700, and the sheet-shaped material Pu having the specified resistance is conveyed to the supply unit 2800.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the discharge unit 2700 is arranged in parallel with the stacking unit 300 in the X-axis positive direction, and the supply unit 2800 is in the X-axis negative direction with respect to the stacking unit 300. They are arranged in parallel. That is, the discharge unit 2700 and the supply unit 2800 are juxtaposed with the stacking unit 300 sandwiched therebetween in a plan view. Thereby, the movement of the conveyance unit 400 can be minimized, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu can be efficiently separated, and the required sheet-shaped raw material Pu can be supplied to the supply unit 2800.

  Next, a sheet-like raw material supply method will be described. The sheet-like raw material supply method of this embodiment conveys the uppermost sheet-like raw material loaded, measures the resistance when a needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-like raw material, and measures the resistance Accordingly, it is determined whether the sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed to the supply unit or the discharge unit, and the sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed to either the supply unit or the discharge unit according to the determination result. This will be specifically described below. In the present embodiment, a sheet material supply method according to the sheet material supply apparatus 11 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a sheet-like raw material supply method.

  First, in step S31, the sheet-like raw material Pu is adsorbed (attached). Specifically, the conveyance unit 400 is driven, and the adsorption unit 430 is moved above the sheet-shaped raw material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300 (see FIG. 5). Next, the third arm part 413 is driven to lower the adsorption part 430 to the position of the uppermost sheet-like raw material Pu. Then, the suction mechanism is driven to adsorb the upper surface of the sheet-like raw material Pu by the adsorbing portion 430 by negative pressure (see FIG. 6).

  Next, in step S32, the adsorbed sheet-shaped raw material Pu is raised. Specifically, the third arm portion 413 is driven to raise the suction portion 430 to a predetermined height. Thereby, a part of the sheet-like raw material Pu adsorbed by the adsorbing unit 430 is held at a predetermined height. In the present embodiment, the adsorption unit 430 (sheet-shaped raw material Pu) is moved to a height at which the entire adsorbed uppermost sheet-shaped raw material Pu is separated from other sheet-shaped raw materials Pu stacked on the stacking unit 300. (See FIG. 7).

  Next, in step S33, the resistance of the sheet material Pu is measured. Specifically, in a state where the sheet-like material Pu adsorbed by the adsorption unit 430 is moved to a predetermined height, the measuring unit 500 is driven to move the needle-like body 501 toward the adsorbed sheet-like material Pu. Then, the needle-like body 501 is inserted into the sheet-like raw material Pu (see FIGS. 8 and 9). At this time, the force applied to the needle-like body 501 by the strain gauge 503 (resistance force of the sheet-like raw material Pu) is measured.

  Next, in step S34, it is determined whether the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply unit 2800 or the discharge unit 2700 according to the measured resistance force. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the measured resistance force is a specified value. The specified value may be a value having a range of resistance. And when it is judged that the measured resistance is not a regulation value (NO), it transfers to step S35. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured resistance is the specified value (YES), the process proceeds to step S36.

  If it is determined that the measured resistance is not a specified value (step S34: NO), the suction mechanism 430 is moved to the discharge unit 2700 side, and then the drive of the suction mechanism is stopped to discharge the sheet-shaped raw material Pu. It is conveyed (discharged) to the section 2700 (see FIG. 10). As a result, unspecified sheet-like raw material Pu such as photographic paper is conveyed to the discharge unit 2700.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured resistance force is the specified value (step S34: YES), the suction mechanism is stopped after the suction unit 430 is moved to the supply unit 2800 side, and the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is removed. It is conveyed (supplied) to the supply unit 2800 (see FIG. 11). As a result, only plain paper that is the sheet-shaped raw material Pu within the regulation is conveyed to the supply unit 2800.

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

  When the needle-like body 501 is inserted into the sheet-like raw material Pu, the resistance of the sheet-like raw material Pu is measured. When the resistance does not satisfy the specified value, the sheet-like raw material Pu is conveyed to the discharge unit 2700, and the resistance is reduced. When satisfy | filling a regulation value, the sheet-like raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply part 2800. Thereby, only the desired sheet-shaped raw material Pu can be reliably conveyed to the supply part 2800.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a stacking unit for loading sheet-like raw materials, a conveyance unit for conveying the uppermost sheet-like raw material from the loading unit, and a needle-like body on the sheet-like raw material conveyed by the conveyance unit. A measuring unit that measures the resistance force when stabbed, and a determination unit that determines whether the sheet-like raw material is conveyed to the supply unit or the discharge unit according to the resistance force by the measurement unit is there. Furthermore, the measuring unit of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus according to the present embodiment has a stage unit provided with a needle-like body, and the measuring unit has a needle-like body on the sheet-like raw material placed on the stage unit by the conveying unit. It measures the resistance when stabbed. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus. As shown in FIG. 18, the sheet-like raw material supply apparatus 11 a according to this embodiment includes a stacking unit 1300, a conveyance unit (first to sixth conveyance units 1401 to 1406), a measurement unit 500, and a measurement unit 1500. , A discharge unit 3700, a supply unit 3800, and a control unit (not shown) including a determination unit. The configurations of the stacking unit 1300, the conveyance units (first to sixth conveyance units 1401 to 1406), and the measurement unit 1500 are the same as the configurations according to the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The discharge unit 3700 and the supply unit 3800 serve as conveyance destinations for the sheet-shaped raw material Pu selected according to the resistance obtained by the measurement unit 1500. The discharge unit 3700 includes a tray 3701 and a moving mechanism 3702 that moves the tray 3701 in the Z-axis direction. The supply unit 3800 includes a tray 3801 and a moving mechanism 3802 that moves the tray 3801 in the Z-axis direction. Note that the configurations of the trays 3701 and 3801 and the moving mechanisms 3702 and 3802 are the same as the configurations according to the second embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit including the determination unit determines whether the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply unit 3800 or the discharge unit 3700 according to the resistance force by the measurement unit 1500, and the sheet shape is determined according to the determination result. The raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply unit 3800 or the discharge unit 3700. For example, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu other than the specified resistance is conveyed to the discharge unit 3700, and the sheet-shaped material Pu having the specified resistance is conveyed to the supply unit 3800.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the supply unit 3800 is arranged in parallel with the stage unit 1511 in the X-axis direction, and the discharge unit 3700 is arranged in parallel with the stage unit 1511 in the Y-axis direction. Are arranged. Thereby, the sheet-like raw material Pu can be conveyed from the stage unit 1511 at the shortest distance.

  Next, a sheet-like raw material supply method will be described. The sheet-like raw material supply method of this embodiment conveys the uppermost sheet-like raw material loaded, measures the resistance when a needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-like raw material, and measures the resistance Accordingly, it is determined whether the sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed to the supply unit or the discharge unit, and the sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed to either the supply unit or the discharge unit according to the determination result. This will be specifically described below. In the present embodiment, a sheet material supply method according to the sheet material supply apparatus 11a will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a sheet-like raw material supply method.

  First, in step S41, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed from the stacking unit 1300 to the stage unit 1511. Specifically, the first transport unit 1401 and the second transport unit 1402 are driven to transport the uppermost sheet-like material Pu stacked on the stacking unit 1300 to the stage unit 1511 and place it on the mounting surface 1511a. Let me put it.

  Next, in step S42, the resistance of the sheet material Pu is measured. Specifically, in a state where the sheet-like raw material Pu is sandwiched between the placement surface 1511a and the pressing portion 1504, the measuring unit 1500 is driven to move the needle-like body 1501 toward the sheet-like raw material Pu, thereby forming a sheet-like material. The needle-like body 1501 is inserted into the raw material Pu (see FIGS. 13 and 14). At this time, the force applied to the needle-like body 1501 by the strain gauge 1503 (resistance force of the sheet-like raw material Pu) is measured.

  Next, in step S43, it is determined whether the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is to be conveyed to the supply unit 3800 or the discharge unit 3700 according to the measured resistance force. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the measured resistance force is a specified value. The specified value may be a value having a range of resistance. If it is determined that the measured resistance is not a specified value (NO), the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured resistance is the specified value (YES), the process proceeds to step S45.

  If it is determined that the measured resistance is not a specified value (step S43: NO), the fifth transport unit 1405 and the sixth transport unit 1406 are driven to transport the sheet-shaped raw material Pu to the discharge unit 3700. . At this time, the presser part 1504 and the third transport part 1403 are moved to a predetermined height with respect to the placement surface 1511a. As a result, unspecified sheet-shaped raw material Pu such as photographic paper is conveyed to the discharge unit 3700.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured resistance force is the specified value (step S43: YES), the third conveyance unit 1403 and the fourth conveyance unit 1404 are driven to convey the sheet-shaped raw material Pu to the supply unit 3800. Let At this time, the presser portion 1504 and the fifth transport portion 1405 are moved to a predetermined height with respect to the placement surface 1511a. As a result, only plain paper that is the sheet-shaped raw material Pu within the regulation is conveyed to the supply unit 3800.

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

  The resistance of each sheet-shaped raw material Pu is measured by piercing the sheet-shaped raw material Pu into the sheet-shaped raw material Pu, and when the resistance does not satisfy the specified value, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed to the discharge unit 3700, and the resistance force Satisfies the specified value, the sheet-shaped raw material Pu is conveyed to the supply unit 3800. Thereby, only the desired sheet-like raw material can be reliably conveyed to a supply part.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the configuration of a sheet manufacturing apparatus. The sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a sheet-shaped raw material supply device, a crushing unit that crushes the sheet-shaped raw material supplied from the sheet-shaped raw material supply device into a roughly crushed piece, and a defibrating unit that defibrates the roughly crushed piece into a defibrated material. And a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet using at least a part of the defibrated material. The sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 11 illustrated in FIG. 16 or the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 11a illustrated in FIG. 18, and the sheet-shaped material supplied from the sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 11 or 11a. A sheet is manufactured using the raw material Pu. However, the sheet may be manufactured using the sheet-shaped raw material Pu within the regulations separated by the sheet-shaped raw material separating devices 10 and 10a.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus 11 (11a), a manufacturing unit 102, and a control unit 104. The manufacturing unit 102 manufactures a sheet. The manufacturing unit 102 includes a crushing unit 12, a defibrating unit 20, a sorting unit 40, a first web forming unit 45, a rotating body 49, a mixing unit 50, a depositing unit 60, and a second web forming unit. 70, a sheet forming portion 80, and a cutting portion 90.

  The sheet-shaped raw material supply device 11 (11a) is a device that supplies a sheet-shaped raw material Pu suitable for manufacturing the sheet S to the crushing unit 12 via the supply unit 2800 (3800). Here, in the present embodiment, as a sheet-like raw material Pu suitable for manufacturing the sheet S, a description will be given assuming a regular (A4 size) plain paper (used paper) that is currently mainstream in the office. In addition, since the structure of the sheet-form raw material supply apparatus 11 (11a) is the same as that of the structure of 3rd Embodiment or 4th Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The crushing unit 12 cuts the sheet-shaped raw material Pu supplied from the sheet-shaped raw material supply device 11 (11a) into air pieces in the air. The shape and size of the strip is, for example, a strip of several cm square. The crushing unit 12 of the present embodiment has a crushing blade 14, and can cut the supplied sheet-like raw material with the crushing blade 14. As the crushing part 12, a shredder can be used, for example. Then, the raw material (strips) cut by the crushing unit 12 is received by the hopper 1 and then transferred (conveyed) to the defibrating unit 20 via the pipe 2.

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

  What has passed through the defibrating unit 20 is referred to as “defibrated material”. In addition to the defibrated fibers that have been unraveled, the “defibrated material” includes resin particles (resins that bind multiple fibers together), ink, toner, etc. In some cases, additives such as colorants, anti-bleeding materials, and paper strength enhancing agents are included. The unraveled defibrated material may exist in an unentangled state (independent state) with other undisentangled fibers, or entangled with other undisentangled defibrated material to form a lump. It may exist in a state (a state forming a so-called “dama”).

  The defibrating unit 20 defibrates in a dry manner in the atmosphere (in the air). Specifically, an impeller mill is used as the defibrating unit 20. The defibrating unit 20 has a function of generating an air flow that sucks the raw material and discharges the defibrated material. As a result, the defibrating unit 20 can suck the raw material together with the airflow from the introduction port 22 with the airflow generated by itself, defibrate, and transport the defibrated material to the discharge port 24. The defibrated material that has passed through the defibrating unit 20 is transferred to the sorting unit 40 via the tube 3. In addition, the airflow for conveying a defibrated material from the defibrating unit 20 to the sorting unit 40 may use an airflow generated by the defibrating unit 20, or an airflow generation device such as a blower is provided, May be used.

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

  The first web forming unit 45 conveys the first sorted product that has passed through the sorting unit 40 to the mixing unit 50. The first web forming unit 45 includes a mesh belt 46, a stretching roller 47, and a suction unit (suction mechanism) 48.

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

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

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

  The rotating body 49 is provided in the vicinity of the first web forming portion 45. In the illustrated example, the rotating body 49 is provided in the vicinity of the stretching roller 47a located on the downstream side in the path of the web V (next to the stretching roller 47a). The rotating body 49 is provided at a position where the protrusion 49b can come into contact with the web V and not in contact with the mesh belt 46 on which the web V is deposited. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the mesh belt 46 from being worn (damaged) by the protrusion 49b. The shortest distance between the protrusion 49b and the mesh belt 46 is, for example, not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.5 mm.

  The mixing unit 50 mixes the first sorted product that has passed through the sorting unit 40 (the first sorted product conveyed by the first web forming unit 45) and the additive containing resin. The mixing unit 50 includes an additive supply unit 52 that supplies the additive, a pipe 54 that conveys the first selected product and the additive, and a blower 56. In the illustrated example, the additive is supplied from the additive supply unit 52 to the pipe 54 via the hopper 9. The tube 54 is continuous with the tube 7.

  In the mixing unit 50, an air flow is generated by the blower 56, and the first selection product and the additive can be mixed and conveyed in the pipe 54. In addition, the mechanism which mixes a 1st selection material and an additive is not specifically limited, It may stir with the blade | wing which rotates at high speed, and uses rotation of a container like a V-type mixer. There may be.

  As the additive supply unit 52, a screw feeder as shown in FIG. 1 or a disk feeder (not shown) is used. The additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 includes a resin for binding a plurality of fibers. At the time when the resin is supplied, the plurality of fibers are not bound. The resin melts when passing through the sheet forming portion 80 to bind a plurality of fibers.

  The resin supplied from the additive supply unit 52 is a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. For example, AS resin, ABS resin, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, Polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in combination. The additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 may be fibrous or powdery.

  In addition to the resin that binds the fibers, the additive supplied from the additive supply unit 52 prevents coloring of the fibers and the aggregation of the fibers depending on the type of sheet to be produced. An anti-aggregation agent for making the fibers and a flame retardant for making the fibers difficult to burn may be included. The mixture (mixture of the first selection product and the additive) that has passed through the mixing unit 50 is transferred to the deposition unit 60 via the pipe 54.

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

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

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

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

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

  The suction mechanism 76 is provided below the mesh belt 72 (on the side opposite to the accumulation unit 60 side). The suction mechanism 76 can generate an air flow directed downward (air flow directed from the accumulation unit 60 toward the mesh belt 72). By the suction mechanism 76, the mixture dispersed in the air by the deposition unit 60 can be sucked onto the mesh belt 72. Thereby, the discharge speed from the deposition part 60 can be increased. Furthermore, the suction mechanism 76 can form a downflow in the dropping path of the mixture, and can prevent the defibrated material and additives from being entangled during the dropping.

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

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

  The sheet forming unit 80 forms the sheet S by pressurizing and heating the web W deposited on the mesh belt 72. In the sheet forming unit 80, by applying heat to the mixture of the defibrated material and the additive mixed in the web W, the plurality of fibers in the mixture are bound to each other via the additive (resin). Can do.

  The sheet forming unit 80 includes a pressurizing unit 82 that pressurizes the web W, and a heating unit 84 that heats the web W pressed by the pressurizing unit 82. The pressurizing unit 82 includes a pair of calendar rollers 85 and applies pressure to the web W. The web W is pressed to reduce its thickness, and the density of the web W is increased. As the heating unit 84, for example, a heating roller (heater roller), a hot press molding machine, a hot plate, a hot air blower, an infrared heater, or a flash fixing device is used. In the illustrated example, the heating unit 84 includes a pair of heating rollers 86. By forming the heating unit 84 as the heating roller 86, the sheet S is formed while the web W is continuously conveyed as compared with the case where the heating unit 84 is configured as a plate-like pressing device (flat plate pressing device). Can do. Here, the calendar roller 85 (pressure unit 82) can apply a pressure higher than the pressure applied to the web W by the heating roller 86 (heating unit 84). The number of calendar rollers 85 and heating rollers 86 is not particularly limited.

  The cutting unit 90 cuts the sheet S formed by the sheet forming unit 80. In the illustrated example, the cutting unit 90 includes a first cutting unit 92 that cuts the sheet S in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and a second cutting unit 94 that cuts the sheet S in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction. ,have. The second cutting unit 94 cuts the sheet S that has passed through the first cutting unit 92, for example.

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

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

  Only the sheet-like raw material Pu suitable for the production of the sheet S is supplied from the sheet-like raw material supply device 11 (11a) toward the crushing unit 12, and is not suitable for the production of a sheet such as a photographic paper having a resin layer, for example. No raw material is supplied. Therefore, since the kind and thickness of the sheet-like raw material Pu to be supplied are limited, the sheet S having a uniform quality can be manufactured. Further, since photographic paper or the like having a resin layer is not supplied, for example, the entanglement of the resin or the like to the crushing portion 12 or the adhesion due to the dissolution of the resin or the like is reduced, and the occurrence of a conveyance failure or the like can be suppressed.

  In many cases, different types of paper are mixed in waste paper, and it is necessary to separate paper suitable for reuse. In conventional paper type discrimination technology using optical sensors, the amount of transmitted light and reflected light may not be able to be accurately determined even if the paper type is the same depending on the state of the used paper (such as wrinkles and printing conditions). is there. On the other hand, it is possible to sort more accurately regardless of the state of the waste paper, by separating the waste paper based on the resistance when the needle-like body is stabbed into the waste paper. Therefore, in an apparatus using waste paper such as the sheet manufacturing apparatus 100, it is preferable to use waste paper separated by the sheet-like raw material separation devices 10, 10a and waste paper supplied by the sheet-like raw material supply devices 11, 11a. As a result, the above-described effect can be obtained.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modification will be described below. Modifications may be combined.

  (Modification 1) In the first embodiment, the configuration is provided with two accommodating portions (the first and second accommodating portions 700 and 800), but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the structure provided with three or more accommodating parts may be sufficient. In this case, according to the resistance force of the sheet-like raw material Pu measured by the measurement unit 500, the sheet material Pu is accommodated in the accommodating portion corresponding to the resistance force. If it does in this way, it will become possible to fractionate the sheet-like raw material Pu more finely. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in 2nd Embodiment.

  (Modification 2) In 1st Embodiment, although the conveyance part 400 conveyed the sheet-like raw material Pu directly to the 1st accommodating part 700 or the 2nd accommodating part 800, it is not limited to this structure. For example, the structure which conveys to the temporary storage part from the conveyance part 400, and conveys from the storage part to the 1st accommodating part 700 or the 2nd accommodating part 800 after that may be sufficient. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in 2nd Embodiment.

  (Modification 3) In the measurement unit 500 of the first embodiment, the case where the needle-like body 501 penetrates the sheet-like raw material Pu when the needle-like body 501 is inserted into the sheet-like raw material Pu has been described as an example. It is not limited to. When the needle-like body 501 is inserted into the sheet-like raw material Pu, if the resistance applied to the needle-like body 501 exceeds a reference value (threshold value) larger than a specified value, the needle-like body 501 penetrates the sheet-like raw material Pu. The measurement may be terminated before In this case, it is processed as a sheet-like raw material Pu (for example, photographic paper) whose resistance is higher than a specified value. In this way, the load applied to the needle-like body 501 can be suppressed, and damage to the needle-like body 501 can be prevented. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in the second to fourth embodiments.

  (Modification 4) In 1st Embodiment, although the needle-like body 501 was stabbed in one place of the sheet-like raw material Pu, resistance was measured, but it is not limited to this. For example, the structure which measures the resistance force by piercing the needle-like body 501 at a plurality of locations of the sheet-like raw material Pu may be used. In this case, a plurality of needle-like bodies 501 may be arranged. In this way, the resistance force can be measured with high accuracy. Further, the position where the needle-like body 501 is inserted into the sheet-shaped raw material Pu does not have to be at the center of the sheet-shaped raw material Pu. For example, the resistance may be measured by inserting a needle-like body 501 into the end of the sheet-like raw material Pu. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in the second to fourth embodiments.

  (Modification 5) In the first embodiment, the adsorbing unit 430 adsorbs the sheet-shaped raw material Pu by air suction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an adhesive part that adheres the sheet-like raw material Pu by an adhesive force, an adhesive part that adheres the sheet-like raw material Pu by an adhesive force, or the like may be used. And what is necessary is just to measure resistance in the state which adhered or adhered the sheet-like raw material Pu. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said effect can be acquired. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in 3rd Embodiment.

  (Modification 6) In the second embodiment, the needle-like body 1501 is arranged inside the stage portion 1511 and the needle-like body 1501 is moved upward from below to stab the sheet-like raw material Pu. Not. For example, the needle-like body 1501 may be arranged on the upper portion of the stage portion 1511, and the needle-like body 1501 may be moved downward from above to stab the sheet-like raw material Pu. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in 4th Embodiment.

  (Modification 7) In the second embodiment, the fourth storage portion 1800 is arranged in parallel with the stage portion 1511 in the X-axis direction, and the third storage portion 1700 is parallel with the stage portion 1511 in the Y-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the fourth storage unit 1800 and the third storage unit 1700 are arranged side by side in the Z-axis direction, and are arranged in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction with respect to the stage unit 1511 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. May be. In this case, the fourth storage unit 1800 and the third storage unit 1700 may be moved in the Z-axis direction according to the resistance force by the measurement unit 1500, and the sheet-shaped raw material Pu may be stored in the storage unit corresponding to the resistance force. According to this structure, the installation area of the sheet-like raw material separation apparatus 10a can be reduced. In addition, this modification can take the same structure as the above also in 4th Embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10a ... Sheet-shaped raw material separation apparatus, 11, 11a ... Sheet-shaped raw material supply apparatus, 12 ... Roughing part, 20 ... Defibration part, 80 ... Sheet forming part, 100 ... Sheet manufacturing apparatus, 300 ... Stacking part, 400 ... conveying part, 430 ... adsorption part, 500 ... measuring part, 501 ... acicular body, 700 ... first accommodating part, 800 ... second accommodating part, 1300 ... loading part, 1401 ... first conveying part, 1402 ... second Conveying section, 1403 ... third conveying section, 1404 ... fourth conveying section, 1405 ... fifth conveying section, 1406 ... sixth conveying section, 1500 ... measuring section, 1501 ... acicular body, 1504 ... presser section, 1511 ... stage 1511a ... Placement surface, 1700 ... 3rd accommodation part, 1800 ... 4th accommodation part, 1802 ... Movement mechanism, 2700 ... Discharge part, 2800 ... Supply part, 3700 ... Discharge part, 3800 ... Supply part.

Claims (7)

A stacking portion for stacking a sheet material,
A transport unit for transporting the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit;
A measuring unit for measuring a resistance force when a needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material conveyed by the conveying unit;
A determination unit that determines which of the plurality of storage units stores the sheet-shaped raw material in accordance with the resistance force by the measurement unit;
The sheet-shaped raw material sorting apparatus, wherein the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage unit according to a determination result by the determination unit. The sheet material sorting apparatus according to claim 1,
The transport unit has an adsorption unit that adsorbs the sheet-like raw material,
The measuring unit measures a resistance force when the needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material adsorbed by the adsorbing unit. The sheet material sorting apparatus according to claim 1,
The measurement unit has a stage unit including the needle-like body,
The measuring unit measures a resistance force when the needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-like material placed on the stage unit by the conveying unit. A stacking portion for stacking a sheet material,
A transport unit for transporting the uppermost sheet-shaped raw material from the stacking unit;
A measuring unit for measuring a resistance force when a needle-like body is stabbed into the sheet-like raw material conveyed by the conveying unit;
And a determination unit that determines whether the sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed to a supply unit or a discharge unit in accordance with a resistance force by the measurement unit. The sheet-like raw material supply device according to claim 4,
A crushing unit that crushes the sheet-like raw material supplied from the sheet-like raw material supply device into a coarsely-crushed piece,
A defibrating unit that defibrates coarse fragments into defibrated material,
And a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet using at least a part of the defibrated material. Transports the top sheet material loaded,
Measure the resistance when the needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-like raw material,
According to the measured resistance force, it is determined which of the plurality of storage portions the sheet-shaped raw material is stored, and the sheet-shaped raw material is stored in the storage portion according to the determination result. A sheet-shaped raw material separation method characterized by the above. Transports the top sheet material loaded,
Measure the resistance when the needle-like body is stabbed into the conveyed sheet-like raw material,
According to the measured resistance force, it is determined whether the sheet-shaped raw material is conveyed to a supply unit or a discharge unit.

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