sign in sign up
<<
Home , Defibrator

(19) TZZ Z_T

(11) EP 2 664 708 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.: 20.11.2013 Bulletin 2013/47 D21B 1/08 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 11855915.2 (86) International application number: PCT/JP2011/007124 (22) Date of filing: 20.12.2011 (87) International publication number: WO 2012/095928 (19.07.2012 Gazette 2012/29)

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB • YAMAGAMI, Toshiaki GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO Suwa-shi PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR Nagano 392-8502 (JP) • IKUMA, Ken (30) Priority: 12.01.2011 JP 2011004113 Suwa-shi 14.01.2011 JP 2011005573 Nagano 392-8502 (JP) 14.01.2011 JP 2011005574 (74) Representative: HOFFMANN EITLE (71) Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation Patent- und Rechtsanwälte Shinjuku-ku Arabellastrasse 4 Tokyo 163-0811 (JP) 81925 München (DE)

(54) RECYCLING SYSTEM AND PROCESS

(57) To provide a paper recycling device capable of defibrator 30, a cyclone 50 for air classifying and recycling paper of increased whiteness level that can be the defibrated material transported by the first transport widely used for applications other than paper for news- pipe 40, a second transport pipe 60 for transporting the , the paper recycling device of the present inven- defibrated material that was deinked by the cyclone 50, tion has a dry type defibrator 30 for crushing and defi- and a paper forming machine 100 for forming paper with brating paper, a first transport pipe 40 for transporting the defibrated material transported by the second trans- defibrated material that was defibrated by the dry type port pipe 60. EP 2 664 708 A1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 664 708 A1 2

Description problem that the whiteness level was low, and its appli- cability was limited to paper for printing newspapers or Technical Field the like.

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper recy- 5 Means for Solving the Problems cling device and paper recycling method based on paper recycling technology using a dry method that to the extent [0007] To address problems such as those noted possible does not use water. above, the present invention is characterized in that the paper recycling device of the present invention has a dry Background Art 10 type defibrator unit for crushing paper and defibrating it, a first transport unit for conveying defibrated material de- [0002] In the past, with recycling of old paper dis- fibrated by the dry type defibrator unit, a classifier unit charged from offices or the like, a so-called wet method that does deinking by doing air flow classification of the was used by which old paper was put into water, defi- defibrated material transported by the first transport unit, brated using mainly mechanical action, and remade. This 15 a second transport unit that transports the defibrated ma- kind of wet method old paper recycling requires a large terial deinked by the classifier unit, and a paper forming volume of water, so the processing scale has to be large unit that forms paper with the defibrated material trans- to make it inexpensive. Because of that, collecting a large ported by the second transport unit. volume of old paper is essential, and in addition to a great [0008] Also, with the paper recycling device of the deal of effort being required for preparation and mainte- 20 present invention, the flow velocity of the air flow of the nance of the water processing equipment, there was also classifier unit’s connecting part with the first transport unit the problem that a large volume of energy is used for the is higher than the flow velocity of the air flow of the dry drying process. type defibrator unit’s connecting part with the first trans- [0003] However, since old paper on which confidential port unit. items are noted is also discharged from offices, from the 25 [0009] Also, with the paper recycling device of the perspective of maintaining confidentiality as well, there present invention, the classifier unit is a cyclone. is a desire to process old paper within one’s own office. [0010] Also, with the paper recycling device of the However, since the volume of old paper discharged from present invention, the paper forming unit has a dispersion a small office is small, it is difficult to ensure the volume member for dispersing in the air the defibrated material necessary for a large scale process like that described 30 transported by the second transport unit, a suction mem- above. Also, it is not realistic to install equipment for large ber for suctioning the dispersed defibrated material, and scale processing like that noted above within an office. a mesh belt for transporting the defibrated material suc- In light of that, to do paper recycling, up to now, several tioned by the suction member. dry method paper recycling technologies that to the ex- [0011] Also, with the paper recycling device of the tent possible do not use water have been proposed. 35 present invention, the mesh belt transports the formed [0004] For example, disclosed with the invention noted paper and also has a water sprayer for spraying water in Patent Document 1 (Unexamined Patent Publication on the formed paper. No. 1-148888) is use of secondary fiber sources as [0012] Also, the paper recycling device of the present sheets for printing newspaper by defibrating them using invention hasa heater roller for heating the paper sprayed a dry method, and by making the printed ink into tiny ink 40 by water using the water sprayer. spots that are difficult to detect. [0013] Also, the paper recycling device of the present invention has a third transport unit for transporting clas- Prior Art Documents sified material classified from the defibrated material by the classifier unit, and a suction unit that suctions the Patent Documents 45 classified material transported by the third transport unit. [0014] Also, the paper recycling method of the present [0005] Patent Document 1: Unexamined Patent Pub- invention is characterized by defibrating paper by dry lication No. 1-148888 type crushing, transporting the defibrated material using the first transport unit, doing air flow classification and Disclosure of the Invention 50 deinking of the defibrated material transported by the first transport unit, transporting by the second transport unit Problems the Invention Is Intended to Solve the defibrated material deinked by the classifying proc- ess, and forming paper using the defibrated material [0006] However, the paper that is recycled using the transported by the second transport unit. technology noted in Patent Document 1 has not gone 55 [0015] Also, the paper recycling device of the present through the so-called deinking process that removes invention is characterized by having a dry type defibrator components of ink grains and the like contained in the unit for doing dry type crushing and defibrating of paper, fiber obtained by defibrating old paper, so there was the a first transport unit for transporting using air flow the

2 3 EP 2 664 708 A1 4 defibrated material defibrated by the dry type defibrator of the paper formed by the paper forming unit, and the unit, an adjustment unit for adjusting the air flow of the control unit controls the volume of paper supplied to the first transport unit, a classifier unit for doing air flow clas- dry type defibrator unit based on the detection results of sification and deinking of the defibrated material trans- the detector unit. ported by the first transport unit, a second transport unit 5 [0025] Also, with the paper recycling device of the for transporting the defibrated material deinked by the present invention, the flow velocity of the air flow of the classifier unit, and a paper forming unit for forming paper classifier unit’s connecting part with the first transport unit from the defibrated material transported by the second is greater than the flow velocity of the air flow of the dry transport unit. type defibrator unit’s connecting part with the first trans- [0016] Also, with the paper recycling device of the10 port unit. present invention, the first transport unit has a transport [0026] Also, with the paper recycling device of the pipe for moving defibrated material, and the adjustment present invention, the classifier unit is a cyclone. unit adjusts the cross section surface area of the transport [0027] Also, with the paper recycling device of the pipe. present invention, the paper forming unit has a dispersion [0017] Also, with the paper recycling device of the15 member that disperses defibrated material, a suction present invention, the low velocity of the air flow of the member that suctions the dispersed defibrated material, classifier unit’s connecting part with the first transport unit and a mesh belt that transports the defibrated material is greater than the flow velocity of the air flow of the dry suctioned by the suction member. type defibrator unit’s connecting part with the first trans- [0028] Also, with the paper recycling device of the port unit. 20 present invention, the mesh belt transports the formed [0018] Also, with the paper recycling device of the paper, and also has a water sprayer that sprays water present invention, the classifier unit is a cyclone. on the paper transported by the mesh belt. [0019] Also, with the paper recycling device of the [0029] Also, the paper recycling device of the present present invention, thepaper formingunit has a dispersion invention has a heater roller that heats the paper sprayed member for dispersing defibrated material, a suction25 with water by the water sprayer. member for suctioning the dispersed defibrated material, [0030] Also, the paper recycling method of the present and a mesh belt for transporting the defibrated material invention is characterized by supplying a controlled vol- suctioned by the suction member. ume of paper, doing dry type crushing and defibrating of [0020] Also, with the paper recycling device of the the supplied paper, transporting the defibrated material, present invention, the mesh belt transports the formed 30 doing air flow classification and deinking of the transport- paper, and also has a water sprayer for spraying water ed defibrated material, transporting the deinked defibrat- on the paper transported by the mesh belt. ed material, and forming paper with the transported de- [0021] Also, the paper recycling device of the present fibrated material. inventionhas a heater roller for heating the paper sprayed [0031] As described above, the paper recycling device with water by the water sprayer. 35 and paper recycling method of the present invention uses [0022] Also, the paper recycling method of the present the classifier unit to do air flow classification of the old method is characterized by doing dry type crushing and paper fibers into ink grains and deinked fibers, and forms defibrating of paper, transporting the defibrated material paper with those deinked fibers, so with the paper recy- using air flow for which the flow velocity was adjusted, cling device and paper recycling method of the present doing air flow classification and deinking of the trans- 40 invention, it is possible to recycle paper for which the ported defibrated material, transporting the deinked de- level of whiteness has been increased and which can be fibrated material, and forming paper using the transport- used for a wide variety of applications other than for paper ed defibrated material. for newspapers. [0023] Also, the paper recycling device of the present invention is characterized by having a dry type defibrator 45 Brief Description of the Drawings unit that does dry type crushing and defibrating of the supplied paper, a first transport unit that transports the [0032] defibrated material that was defibrated by the dry type defibrator unit, a classifier unit that does air flow classi- [FIG. 1] is a pattern diagram showing the schematic fication and deinking of the defibrated material transport- 50 structure of the paper recycling device of an embod- ed by the first transport unit, a second transport unit that iment of the present invention. transports the defibrated material that was deinked by [FIG. 2] is a drawing schematically showing the con- the classifier unit, a paper forming unit that forms paper trol block structure of the paper recycling device of with the defibrated material transported by the second the embodiment of the present invention. transport unit, and a control unit that controls the volume 55 [FIG. 3] is a pattern diagram showing the schematic of paper supplied to the dry type defibrator unit. structure of the paper recycling device of another [0024] Also, the paper recycling device of the present embodiment of the present invention. invention has a detector unit that detects the thickness [FIG. 4] is a pattern diagram showing the schematic

3 5 EP 2 664 708 A1 6

structure of the paper recycling device of another so items cut into several centimeters square are desira- embodiment of the present invention. ble. [0038] Also, with the dry type defibrator 30 equipped Modes for Carrying Out the Invention with a wind generating mechanism, using the air flow 5 generated by itself, paper pieces are suctioned together [0033] Following, we will describe an embodiment of with the air flow from the introduction port 31, undergo the present invention while referring to the drawings. FIG. defibrating processing, and are transported to the ex- 1 is a pattern diagram showing the schematic structure haust port 32 side. of the paper recycling device of an embodiment of the [0039] For example, with the Impeller Mill 250 (made present invention. The paper recycling device of this em- 10 by Seishin Enterprise Co., Ltd.) which is a turbo mill for- bodiment is based on technology for recycling old paper mat, by installing 12 blades at the output side, when at into new paper using a dry method that to the extent 8000 rpm (peripheral speed approximately 100 m/s), it possible does not use water. is possible to generate wind volume of approximately 3 [0034] As the old paper supplied to the paper recycling m3/min. The wind speed at the introduction port 31 side device of this embodiment, for example, old paper of A4 15 at this time is approximately 4 m/s, and the paper pieces size which is currently the mainstream in offices or the are introduced by riding this air flow. The introduced pa- like is used. This kind of old paper is input to a coarse per pieces are defibrated between the blades rotating at crusher 10 of the paper recycling device, and the old high speed and the stator, and are exhausted from the paper is cut into paper pieces of several centimeters exhaust port 32. The exhaust speed is approximately 6.5 square by a coarse crushing blade 11 of the coarse crush- 20 m/s at exhaust pipe diameter ø 100. er 10. Also, it is preferable to provide an automatic feed [0040] When using the dry type defibrator 30 not mechanism 5 for continuously inputting old paper in this equipped with a wind generating mechanism, it is accept- kind of coarse crusher 10. Considering productivity, it is able to separately provide air flow leading the coarse preferable that the input speed of the automatic feed paper pieces into the introduction port 31. mechanism 5 be high, but if it is too high, the device for 25 [0041] With the defibrating process at the dry type de- processing becomes very large, so it is desirable to be fibrator 30, defibrating to a fiber form for which the 10 to 100 ppm. shape of the paper pieces disappears is preferable be- [0035] The coarse crushing blade 11 of the coarse cause unevenness of the paper formed at the subse- crusher 10 can be handled by using a device such as quent step is eliminated. At this time, coating materials one for which the cutting width of the blade of a normal 30 and the like for paper such as printed ink or toner, bleed shredder has been widened. Coarsely crushed paper prevention agent or the like are also crushed, and are pieces cut into several centimeters square by the coarse crushed until they become grains of several tens of mm crushing blade 11 are led via a coarsely crushed paper (hereafter called ink grains). Therefore, the output from introduction pipe 20 from a hopper 12 to the defibrating the dry type defibrator 30 is the fiber and ink grains ob- process which is the next process. 35 tained by defibrating the paper pieces. [0036] The coarsely crushed paper introduction pipe [0042] Also, as the dry type defibrator 30, for example, 20 is in communication with an introduction port 31 of a when using a disk refiner, blades are formed in the radial dry type defibrator 30, and the coarsely crushed paper direction on a round disk surface, but it is desirable to led into the dry type defibrator 30 from the introduction use blades with an edge on the circumference. Also, for port 31 is defibrated between a rotating rotor 34 and a 40 the gap of the rotating blades of the rotor 34 side and the stator 33. The dry type defibrator 30 is a mechanism that fixed blades of the stator 33, it is desirable to maintain generates air flow, and the defibrated fibers ride this air approximately the paper piece thickness, for example flow and are led from an exhaust port 32 to a first transport approximately 100 to 150 mm. At this time, the defibrated pipe 40. material is moved to the outer circumference by the air [0037] Here, we will describe a specific example of the 45 flow generated by the rotating blades, and exhausted dry type defibrator 30. For the dry type defibrator 30, for from the exhaust port 32. example, it is possible to use a dry type old paper defi- [0043] The defibrated material which rode the air flow brator device equipped with a disc refiner, a turbo mill from the exhaust port 32 of the dry type defibrator 30 is (made by Turbo Kogyo Co., Ltd.), a ceren miller (made introduced to a cyclone 50 from the first transport pipe byMasuko Sangyo Co.,Ltd.), or a wind generatingmech- 50 40. Here, midway in the first transport pipe 40 is provided anism such as that disclosed in Unexamined Patent Pub- a tube diameter reduction part 45. This tube diameter lication No. H06-93585. The size of the paper pieces in- reduction part 45 functions as an adjustment unit for per- put to this kind of dry type defibrator 30 can be items forming adjustment of the air flow which transports fibers discharged by a normal shredder, but when considering at the first transport pipe 40. Specifically, with this kind paper strength, it is better to be larger than the fine paper 55 of adjustment unit, by performing adjustment of the trans- pieces for confidential processing discharged by a shred- port cross section of the first transport pipe 40, adjust- der (e.g. 4 mm to 5 mm wide), but when too large, it ment is performed of the air flow that transports fibers in becomes difficult to input into the dry type defibrator 30, the first transport pipe 40. As a result, the air velocity at

4 7 EP 2 664 708 A1 8 the introduction port 51 of the cyclone 50 is adjusted to ered by the cyclone 50 was 2.9 weight % (with the total be greater than the air velocity at the exhaust port 32 of volume of old paper supplied to the paper recycling de- the dry type defibrator 30. vice as 100 weight %) when the defibrated material ex- [0044] The deinking process is implemented in the cy- hausted from the dry type defibrator 30 (ø 100, cross clone 50, and the fibers transported by the first transport 5 section area approximately 78 cm 2) was air classified by pipe 40 are classified by air flow into ink grains and being introduced from the introduction port 51 of the cy- deinked fibers. With the present invention, it is possible clone 50 from the first transport pipe 40 having (1) a 100 to use an air flow type classifier of another type instead mm x 50 mm constant square cross section (cross sec- of the cyclone 50, but among these, the cyclone is desir- tion area approximately 50 cm 2), and the whiteness level able because of its simple structure. As an air flow type 10 of the paper recycled at the forming step later was 82 classifier other than the cyclone, for example an elbow (Xlite-L value). Also, at this time, the air velocity at the jet, an eddy classifier or the like can be used. The air flow introduction port 51 of the cyclone 50 was 10 m/s. type classifier generates a gyrating air flow, and sepa- [0050] The fine powder recovery volume recovered by rates and classifies mixed materials by size using cen- the cyclone 50 was 3.8 weight % (with the total volume trifugal force, and it is possible to adjust the classification 15 of old paper supplied to the paper recycling device as points by adjusting the air flow speed and the centrifugal 100 weight %) when the defibrated material exhausted force. from the dry type defibrator 30 was air classified by being [0045] In terms of performing deinking using the cy- introduced from the introduction port 51 of the cyclone clone 50, the tangent line input method cyclone is desir- 50 from the first transport pipe 40 having (2) a tube di- able because it has a relatively simple structure. This 20 ameter reduction part 45 with a square cross section of cyclone 50 is constituted from the introduction port 51, a from 100 mm x 50 mm to a square cross section of 100 cylinder part 52 for which the introduction port 51 is at- mm x 40 mm (cross section area approximately 40 cm 2), tached in the tangent line direction, an inverted cone part and the whiteness level of the paper recycled at the form- 53 following the cylinder part 52, a lower outlet port 43 ing step later was 88 (Xlite-L value). Also, at this time, provided at the top of the inverted cone part 53, and an 25 the air velocity at the introduction port 51 of the cyclone upper exhaust port 55 for doing fine powder exhaust pro- 50 was 12 m/s. vided at the top center of the cylinder part 52. The defi- [0051] The fine powder recovery volume recovered by brated material riding on the air flow (mixed material of the cyclone 50 was 4.9 weight % (with the total volume fibers and ink grains) is preferably introduced from the of old paper supplied to the paper recycling device as introduction port 51 at approximately 10 to 20 m/s. 30 100 weight %) when the defibrated material exhausted [0046] With the deinking process, the air flow on which from the dry type defibrator 30 was air classified by being the defibrated material is riding introduced from the in- introduced from the introduction port 51 of the cyclone troduction port 51 of the cyclone 50 changes with circum- 50 from the first transport pipe 40 having (3) a tube di- ference motion at the cylinder part 52 of outer diameter ameter reduction part 45 with a square cross section of ø approximately 100 to 300 mm, centrifugal force is ap- 35 from 100 mm x 50 mm to a square cross section of 100 plied, and by the synergistic effect with air flow, fibers mm x 30 mm (cross section area approximately 30 cm 2), become entangled and become large, the ink grains are and the whiteness level of the paper recycled at the form- separated, move to the inverted cone part 53, and the ing step later was 91 (Xlite-L value). Also, at this time, separated ink grains are led out as fine powder together the air velocity at the introduction port 51 of the cyclone with air to the upper exhaust port 55, and thus deinking 40 50 was 16.7 m/s. advances. [0052] The whiteness degree when recycled paper [0047] However, it is advantageous for the introduction was formed without classifying the defibrated material speed of the air flow on which defibrated material is riding exhausted from the dry type defibrator 30 using the cy- to the cyclone 50 to be fast. Also, if the speed of the clone 50 was 79 (Xlite-L value). cyclone introduction unit is lower than the exhaust air 45 [0053] In any of cases (1) through (3), a slight amount speed of the dry type defibrator 30, then defibrated ma- of flocculent short fiber was included in the fine powder terial is retained inside the first transport pipe 40, the recovered by the cyclone 50, but a large volume of ink density per unit length of the introduction unit to the cy- grains were included, and deinking was confirmed. clone 50 becomes high and the deinking performance [0054] With the kind of deinking process described decreases. 50 above, the material riding on the air flow and exhausted [0048] In light of that, with the paper recycling device from the upper exhaust port 55 with the cyclone 50 pass- of the present invention, the tube diameter reduction part es through a third transport pipe 70 and is recovered in 45 is provided midway in the first transport pipe 40, and a receiving unit 90. In the material recovered by this re- the air velocity at the introduction port 51 of the cyclone ceiving unit 90, short fiber mixed material in which a large 50 is adjusted so as to be greater than the air velocity at 55 volume of ink grains is contained as described previously the exhaust port 32 of the dry type defibrator 30. is recovered. [0049] Following, wewill give adescription using a spe- [0055] Also, with the deinking process noted above, cific example. The fine powder recovery volume recov- the material exhausted from the lower outlet port 54 of

5 9 EP 2 664 708 A1 10 the cyclone 50 is deinked fiber, and this deinked fiber is outside the window. introduced to a paper forming machine 100 from the sec- [0062] If a sheet for which deinked fibers are deposited ond transport pipe 60. For the paper forming machine on the mesh belt 122 is pressed as is, the paper strength 100, it is possible to use an item such as is described in is insufficient, so the hydrogen bonding between fibers Translation of Patent Publication No. 2008-508443. 5 is enhanced by adding water by spraying using the water [0056] We will describe a summary of the paper form- sprayer 130. ing machine 100. The paper forming machine 100, in [0063] After that, the recycled paper (P) sprayed with summary, has a mechanism for uniformly dispersing water by the water sprayer 130 passes through a heater deinked fibers in air, and a mechanism for suctioning the roller 140 along with movement of the mesh belt 122, but deinked fibers dispersed by this onto the mesh belt 122. 10 by being heated and pressed by this heater roller 140, [0057] A small hole screen is provided on the surface the fiber gap is made shorter and the contact points be- of a forming drum 101 of the paper forming machine 100, tween fibers becomes stronger. By doing this, the and deinked fibers are made to be discharged from this. strength of the recycled paper (P) as paper is increased, Also, a needle roll 102 capable of rotating is provided and by drying the excess water, it is possible to make inside the forming drum 101, and the deinked fibers are 15 excellent paper. Drying is done by installing a heater in- made to rise so as not to cause clogging of the small hole side the press roller, and it is preferable to do pressing screen of the surface of the forming drum 101. Two form- and drying simultaneously. By adding a so-called paper ing drums 101 are made to be in communication at loca- strength enhancer such as starch, PVA or the like to the tions that are not illustrated. With the constitution like that water sprayed by the water sprayer 130, it is possible to described above, deinked fibers are dispersed uniformly 20 enhance the paper strength. in air. [0064] The recycled paper (P) obtained as described [0058] Beneath the paper forming machine 100, an above can be processed using a calendar roller 150 to endless mesh belt 122 is placed with the mesh formed improve the surface smoothness. The recycled paper (P) stretched by a tension roller 121. By rotating at least one processed using the calendar roller 150 is cut to the de- of the tension rollers 121, this mesh belt 122 is made to 25 siredsize using a cutter 160, andis loadedusing a stacker move in the direction shown by the arrow in the drawing. 170 or the like. Also, the mesh belt 122 has dirt and the like on its surface [0065] We will describe an example of control of the removed by a cleaning blade 123 that abuts it. paper recycling device constituted as described above. [0059] Also, vertically downward from the two forming FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically showing the constitu- drums101 is provided a suction device 110 forgenerating 30 tion of the control block of the paper recycling device of air flow facing vertically downward in a form via the mesh an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the belt 122.The deinkedfibers dispersed in air aresuctioned main control unit 200 is a main controller for performing onto the mesh belt 122 by this kind of suction device 110. various controls of the paper recycling device of the [0060] With the kind of constitution described above, present invention. Using a general purpose information the deinked fibers transported by the second transport 35 processing device equipped with a CPU and RAM, ROM pipe 60 are introduced into the paper forming machine or the like, it is possible to realize this kind of main control 100 to form paper. With the paper forming machine 100, unit 200 by storing in advance in a ROM program that the deinked fibers are entangled in the cyclone 50, so has the CPU execute the operation of outputting com- they are untangled again by the needle roll 102 or the mands to a designated block based on designated infor- like. The untangled deinked fibers pass through the small 40 mation that has been input. hole screen of the forming drum 101 surface, and are [0066] The detection results by the thickness sensor deposited on the mesh belt 122 by the suction force of 190 that detects the thickness of the deinked defibrated the suction device 110. At this time, by moving the mesh material deposited on the mesh belt 122 are input to the belt 122, it is possible to deposit deinked defibrated ma- main control unit 200 like that noted above. With the main terial in an even sheet form. This deinked defibrated ma- 45 control unit 150, the detection results data output from terial becomes recycled paper (P). the thickness sensor 190 are processed, and are used [0061] Whether the mesh belt 122 is metal, resin, or for controlling the paper recycling device. non-woven fabric, the deinked fibers can be deposited, [0067] Also, the main control unit 200 is made to output and any material is acceptable as long as air flow can control instruction signals for controlling the feeding pass through, but if the hole diameter of the mesh is too 50 speed of old paper with the automatic feed mechanism large, dents and bumps occur when the paper P is 5, and when these are received at the automatic feed formed, so it is preferable that the hole diameter be ap- mechanism 5, the feeding speed of the old paper is ad- proximately 60 to 125 m. Also, when 60 m or less, it is justed based on these. difficult to form a stable air flow with the suction device [0068] Also, the main control unit 200 is made to output 110. For the suction device 110, it is possible to form a 55 control instruction signals for controlling the rotation sealed box with windows of the desired size opened speed of the rotor 34 of the dry type defibrator 30, and below the mesh belt 122, and to form it by making the when these are received by the dry type defibrator 30, inside of the box a vacuum by suctioning the air from the rotation speed of the rotor 34 is adjusted based on

6 11 EP 2 664 708 A1 12 these. 200 controls the automatic feed mechanism 5 to adjust [0069] Also, the main control unit 200 is made to output the speed of the mesh belt 122 and the volume of paper control instruction signals for controlling the paper form- supplied to the dry type defibrator 30 based on the de- ing process speed with the paper forming machine 100, tection results of the thickness sensor 190. By doing this, and when these are received at the paper forming ma- 5 it is possible to obtain recycled paper of stable quality. chine 100, the process speed is adjusted based on these. [0077] The paper recycling device and paper recycling [0070] Also, the main control unit 200 is made to output method of the present invention like those described control instruction signals for controlling the suction force above have air classification of the old paper fibers into of the suction device 110, and when these are received ink grains and deinked fibers done using a classifier unit by the suction device 100, the suction force is adjusted 10 such as the cyclone 50 or the like, and paper is formed based on these. with the deinked fibers, so with the paper recycling device [0071] Next, we will describe an example of control of and the paper recycling method of the present invention, the paper recycling device constituted as described it is possible to recycle paper with an improved level of above. For the recycled paper obtained with the paper whiteness that can be used widely for purposes other recyclingdevice ofthe present invention, the basis weight 15 than paper for newspapers. Also, with the paper recycling is determined by the volume of deinked fiber deposited device and the paper recycling method of the present on the mesh belt 122. invention, it is possible to have minimal water for the wa- [0072] The basis weight of the old paper input to the ter use, so even when the device is made more compact, device by the automatic feed mechanism 5, for example, compared to the wet type method, regardless of the dry- is not fixed, ranging from thin paper of approximately 60 20 ing time, high productivity of 10 ppm or greater is expect- g to thick paper of approximately 120 g, so if the input ed. old paper is input at a fixed number of sheets, the volume [0078] Next, we will describe another embodiment of of processed fiber will vary, and the basis weight of the thepresent invention. FIG. 3is a pattern diagram showing produced paper will also vary. the schematic structure of the paper recycling device of [0073] Also, for the deinking process, the deinking vol- 25 another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, ume also varies by the volume of crushed ink, so the constitutionsgiven the samereference numbersas those volume that goes to the fine powder side (upper exhaust of the previous embodiment are the same as the previous port 55 side) of the cyclone 50 also varies, and as a result, items, so we will omit a description thereof. the volume of obtained deinked defibrated material also [0079] The first point of this embodiment that differs varies, and this leads to variation in the paper basis30 from the previous embodiment is that with this embodi- weight. ment, the air flow suctioned by the suction device 110 is [0074] In light of that, with this embodiment, the thick- led to the introduction port 31 of the dry type defibrator ness of the deinked defibrated material deposited on the 30 using a fourth transport pipe 180. By doing this, the mesh belt 122 is measured, and feedback is given for coarsely crushed paper pieces from the coarse crusher the mesh belt 122 speed and the speed of the old paper 35 10 obtain air flow energization and enter into the dry type input volume by the automatic feed mechanism 5. defibrator 30. With this kind of constitution, the air velocity [0075] In specific terms, the device is started, and im- at the exhaust port 32 of the dry type defibrator 30 can mediately afterthe deinkedfiber isdeposited on the mesh be further increased compared to the air velocity of the belt 122, the thickness of the deposited material is meas- previous embodiment. Then, as a result, the air velocity ured by the thickness sensor 190, and when that meas- 40 at the introduction port 51 of the cyclone 50 can also be urement result does not reach a designated thickness, further increased compared to the air velocity of the pre- the mesh belt speed is slowed, and if it is still insufficient, vious embodiment, and an increase in the deinking effi- the old paper input speed at the automatic feed mecha- ciency of the cyclone 50 can be expected. nism 5 is increased, and when it is a designated thickness [0080] Also, the second point of this embodiment that or greater, the mesh belt speed is speeded up, and when 45 differs from the previous embodiment is that with this it is still too much with that, the old paper input speed at embodiment, a suction unit 91 such as a blower or the the automatic feed mechanism 5 is lowered. The desig- like is provided in the third transport pipe 70, and the air nated thickness setting changes according to the defi- flow exhausted from the upper exhaust port 55 of the brating strength of the dry type defibrator 30, the suction cyclone 50 is further increased, and furthermore, the air force of the suction device 110, and the desired thickness 50 velocity at the introduction port 51 of the cyclone 50 is of the completed recycled paper, but as a general guide- further increased. As a result, it is possible to expect in- line, it is possible to make recycled paper of approximate- creasedefficiency of deinkingwith the cyclone 50 beyond ly 100 to 150 m when the deposited material thickness is that of the previous embodiment. The suction method of approximately 4 to 5 mm. the blower at this time can be made to be at a level for [0076] In this way, with this embodiment, the thickness 55 which there will not be backflow at the cyclone outlet port, of the paper formed by the paper forming machine 100 or can be made to drive continuously by repeatedly doing (thickness of the deinked defibrated material) is detected deinking with the cyclone outlet port temporarily blocked, by the thickness sensor 190, and the main control unit andthen opening theoutlet port after stopping theblower.

7 13 EP 2 664 708 A1 14

[0081] Next, we will describe another embodiment of ing efficiency is relatively low, it is possible to operate thepresent invention.FIG. 4 is a pattern diagramshowing using the piping 41 for which the speed is low at the cy- the schematic structure of the paper recycling device of clone introduction port, and conversely, when the ink ad- another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, herence volume is large, or in the case of a raw material constitutions given the same reference numbers as the 5 with a large amount of , to make the deinking OLE_LINK 1 OLE_LINK2 first OLE_LINK 1 OLE_LINK efficiency high, it is possible to operate using the high 2 embodiment embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are the same speed piping 42. With this embodiment, the first valve 43 as the first items, so a description thereof is omitted. in the first diameter piping 41 and the second valve 44 [0082] The first point of this embodiment that differs in the second diameter piping 42 function as the previ- from the first embodiment is that with this embodiment, 10 ously noted adjustment unit. With this kind of embodi- the air flow suctioned by the suction device 110 is led to ment, it is possible select the deinking efficiency that is the introduction port 31 of the dry type defibrator 30 using required as appropriate. the fourth transport pipe 180. By doing this, the coarsely [0086] Above, the paper recycling device and the pa- crushed paper pieces from the coarse crusher 10 obtain per recycling method of the present invention do air clas- air flow energization and enter into the dry type defibrator 15 sification of the old paper fibers into ink grains and 30. With this kind of constitution, the air velocity at the deinked fibers using the classifier unit, and paper is exhaust port 32 of the dry type defibrator 30 can be further formed with the deinked fibers, so with the paper recy- increased compared to the air velocity of the first embod- cling device and the paper recycling method of the iment. Then, as a result, the air velocity at the introduction present invention, it is possible to recycle paper that has port 51 of the cyclone 50 can also further be made higher 20 a higher level of whiteness that can be used widely for than the air velocity of the first embodiment, and in- applications other than paper for newspapers. creased efficiency can be expected with the cyclone 50. [0087] Also, with the paper recycling device and the [0083] The secondpoint of this embodimentthat differs paper recycling method of the present invention, it is pos- from the first embodiment is that with this embodiment, sible to make the device more compact, and possible to the suction unit 91 such as a blower or the like is provided 25 install it in an office, so it is possible to perform paper in the third transport pipe 70, and the air flow exhausted recycling simultaneously with confidential document from the upper exhaust port 55 of the cyclone 50 is made processing in small volumes that occur with relatively to be increased further, and the air velocity at the intro- small offices. duction port 51 of the cyclone 50 is made to be further [0088] Also, with the paper recycling device and the increased. As a result, increased efficiency of deinking 30 paper recycling method of the present invention, the con- with the cyclone 50 can be expected beyond that of the stitution is such that to the extent possible it does not use first embodiment. The suction method of the blower at water, so the device constitution is such that it is possible this time can be made to be at a level for which there will to reduce the water processing equipment and make the not be backflow at the cyclone outlet port, or can be made device constitution simple, and furthermore, a large scale to drive continuously by repeatedly doing deinking with 35 heater or the like for drying water is not needed, so the the cyclone outlet port temporarily blocked, and then energy efficiency with old paper recycling is high. opening the outlet port after stopping the blower. [0089] Also, with the paper recycling device and the [0084] Also, the third point of this embodiment that dif- paper recycling method of the present invention, it is pos- fers from the first embodiment is that with this embodi- sible to recycle paper in a relatively short time, so pro- ment, the first transport pipe 40 is constituted from a first 40 ductivity is high. diameter piping 41 and a second diameter piping 42 hav- ing a smaller pipe diameter than the first diameter piping Industrial Applicability 41. A first valve 43 is provided in the pipe path in the first diameter piping 41, and a second valve 44 is provided in [0090] As we go forward, mechanisms that consider the pipe path in the second diameter piping 42. 45 the earth’s environment will be in increasing demand, [0085] With this embodiment, it is possible to select and the paper recycling device and the paper recycling between leading the defibrated fibers using the first di- method of the present invention is an item that matches ameter piping 41 to the introduction port 51 of the cyclone this kind of need, and can be expected to greatly increase 50 by opening the first valve 43 and closing the second social usability. Until now, with recycling of old paper ex- valve 44, or to lead the defibrated fibers using the second 50 hausted from offices or the like, mainly, wet type method diameter piping 42 to the introduction port 51 of the cy- old paper recycling methods were used, and with this, it clone 50 by closing the first valve 43 and opening the was essential to collect a large volume of old paper, and second valve 44. With the latter, in the case of leading in addition to a great deal of effort being required for water to the introduction port 51 that leads fibers, it is possible processing equipment preparation and maintenance, to accelerate the air velocity at the introduction port 51 55 there was also the problem that a great deal of energy compared to the former case. Specifically, in the case of was used for the drying process. In contrast to this, with a raw material with a large amount of relatively white the paper recycling device and the paper recycling meth- paper or uncoated paper, or in the case when the deink- od of the present invention, deinking is performed using

8 15 EP 2 664 708 A1 16 a classifier unit, and almost no water needs to be used, a first transport unit for conveying defibrated ma- so it is possible to perform paper recycling simultaneous- terial defibrated by the dry type defibrator, ly with processing of confidential documents in small vol- a classifier unit that does deinking by doing air umes that occur in relatively small offices, and it is also flow classification of the defibrated material possible to recycle paper with an increased whiteness 5 transported by the first transport unit, level, and to have very high industrial applicability. a second transport unit that transports the defi- brated material deinked by the classifier unit, Explanation of Codes and a paper forming unit that forms paper with the [0091] 10 defibrated material transported by the second transport unit. 5 Automatic feed mechanism 10 Coarse crusher 2. The paper recycling device according to claim 1, 11 Coarse crushing blade wherein the flow velocity of the air flow of the clas- 12 Hopper 15 sifier unit’s connecting part with the first transport 20 Coarsely crushed paper introduction pipe unit is larger than the flow velocity of the air flow of 30 Dry type defibrator the dry type defibrator unit’s connecting part with the 31 Introduction port first transport unit. 32 Exhaust port 33 Stator 20 3. The paper recycling device according to claim 1 or 34 Rotor claim 2, wherein the classifier unit is a cyclone. 40 First transport pipe 45 Tube diameter reduction part 4. The paper recycling device according to any of 50 Cyclone claims 1 through 3, wherein the paper forming unit 51 Introduction port 25 has a dispersion member for dispersing in the air the 52 Cylinder part defibrated material transported by the second trans- 53 Inverted cone part port unit, a suction member for suctioning the dis- 54 Lower outlet port persed defibrated material, and a mesh belt for trans- 55 Upper exhaust port porting the defibrated material suctioned by the suc- 60 Second transport pipe 30 tion member. 70 Third transport pipe 90 Receiving unit 5. The paper recycling device according to claim 4, 91 Suction unit wherein the mesh belt transports the formed paper 100 Paper forming machine and also has a water sprayer for spraying water on 101 Forming drum 35 the formed paper. 102 Needle roll 110 Suction device 6. The paper recycling device according to claim 4, 121 Tension roller comprising a heater roller for heating the paper 122 Mesh belt sprayed by water using the water sprayer. 123 Cleaning blade 40 130 Water sprayer 7. The paper recycling device according to any of 140 Heater roller claims 1 through 6, comprising a third transport unit 150 Calendar roller for transporting classified material classified from the 160 Cutter defibrated material by the classifier unit, and 170 Stacker 45 a suction unit that suctions the classified material 180 Fourth transport pipe transported by the third transport unit. 190 Thickness sensor 191 Light emitting unit 8. A paper recycling method that 192 Light receiving unit defibrates paper by dry type crushing, 200 Main control unit 50 transports the defibrated material using the first transport unit, does air flow classification and deinking of the defi- Claims brated material transported by the first transport unit, transports using the second transport unit the defi- 1. A paper recycling device comprising: 55 brated material deinked by the classifying process, and a dry type defibrator for crushing paper and de- forms paper using the defibrated material transport- fibrating it, ed by the second transport unit.

9 17 EP 2 664 708 A1 18

9. A paper recycling device comprising: which the flow velocity was adjusted, does air flow classification and deinking of the trans- a dry type defibrator unit for doing dry type crush- ported defibrated material, transports the deinked ing and defibrating of paper, defibrated material, and a first transport unit for transporting using air flow 5 forms paper using the transported defibrated mate- the defibrated material defibrated by the dry type rial. defibrator unit, an adjustment unit for adjusting the air flow of 17. A paper recycling device comprising: the first transport unit, a classifier unit for doing air flow classification 10 a dry type defibrator unit that does dry type and deinking of the defibrated material trans- crushing and defibrating of the supplied paper, ported by the first transport unit, afirst transport unit thattransports the defibrated a second transport unit for transporting the de- material that was defibrated by the dry type de- fibrated material deinked by the classifier unit, fibrator unit, and 15 a classifier unit that does air flow classification a paper forming unit for forming paper from the and deinking of the defibrated material trans- defibrated material transported by the second ported by the first transport unit, transport unit. a second transport unit that transports the defi- brated materialthat was deinkedby the classifier 10. The paper recycling device according to claim 9, 20 unit, wherein a paper forming unit that forms paper with the the first transport unit has a transport pipe for moving defibrated material transported by the second defibrated material, and the adjustment unit adjusts transport unit, and the cross section surface area of the transport pipe. a control unit that controls the volume of paper 25 supplied to the dry type defibrator unit. 11. The paper recycling device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the flow velocity of the air flow of 18. The paper recycling device according to claim 17, the classifier unit’s connecting part with the first comprising a detector unit that detects the thickness transport unit is greater than the flow velocity of the of the paper formed by the paper forming unit, air flow of the dry type defibrator unit’s connecting 30 wherein the control unit controls the volume of paper part with the first transport unit. supplied to the dry type defibrator unit based on the detection results of the detector unit. 12. The paper recycling device according to any of claims 9 through 11, wherein the classifier unit is a 19. The paper recycling device according to claim 17 or cyclone. 35 claim 18, wherein the flow velocity of the air flow of the classifier unit’s connecting part with the first 13. The paper recycling device according to any of transport unit is greater than the flow velocity of the claims 9 through 12, wherein air flow of the dry type defibrator unit’s connecting the paper forming unit comprises a dispersion mem- part with the first transport unit. ber for dispersing defibrated material, 40 a suction member for suctioning the dispersed defi- 20. The paper recycling device according to any of brated material, and claims 17 through 19, wherein the classifier unit is a a mesh belt for transporting the defibrated material cyclone. suctioned by the suction member. 45 21. The paper recycling device according to any of 14. The paper recycling device according to claim 13, claims 17 through 20, wherein the paper forming unit wherein comprises a dispersion member that disperses de- the mesh belt transports the formed paper, and also fibrated material, has a water sprayer for spraying water on the paper a suction member that suctions the dispersed defi- transported by the mesh belt. 50 brated material, and a mesh belt that transports the defibrated material 15. The paper recycling device according to claim 13, suctioned by the suction member. comprising a heater roller for heating the paper sprayed with water by the water sprayer. 22. The paper recycling device according to claim 21, 55 wherein the mesh belt transports the formed paper, 16. A paper recycling method that and also does dry type crushing and defibrating of paper, has a water sprayer that sprays water on the paper transports the defibrated material using air flow for transported by the mesh belt.

10 19 EP 2 664 708 A1 20

23. The paper recycling device according to claim 21, comprising a heater roller that heats the paper sprayed with water by the water sprayer.

24. A paper recycling method that 5 supplies a controlled volume of paper, does dry type crushing and defibrating of the sup- plied paper, transports the defibrated material, does air flow classification and deinking of the trans- 10 ported defibrated material, transports the deinked defibrated material, and forms paper with the transported defibrated material.

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

11 EP 2 664 708 A1

12 EP 2 664 708 A1

13 EP 2 664 708 A1

14 EP 2 664 708 A1

15 EP 2 664 708 A1

16 EP 2 664 708 A1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• WO 1148888 A [0004] • WO 2008508443 A [0055] • US H0693585 A [0037]

17