JP5692808B2 - Erasing device and recording medium conveyance control method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a decoloring apparatus that erases an image on a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, and a conveyance control method for a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a decoloring apparatus that erases the color of an image by performing a decoloring process on high-temperature heat on a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus. However, if the apparatus stops while there is paper in the erasing portion due to a paper jam or the like during the erasing processing, there is a problem that the paper is burnt because the erasing portion is hot.

JP 2000-352890 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a decoloring device that can safely stop even if a paper jam or the like occurs.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a decoloring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium on which an image that can be erased in a transport direction or a direction opposite to the transport direction, and the transport unit. A color erasing unit that erases the color of the image of the recording medium conveyed by heat, a plurality of detection sensors that detect the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, and detection results of the plurality of detection sensors. Based on the above, when the recording medium is being erased by the decoloring unit and the occurrence of a jam of the recording medium other than the recording medium existing in the decoloring unit is detected, the decoloring unit The present recording medium is transported in the transport direction, and if it is determined that the recording medium present in the decoloring section cannot be transported in the transport direction based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors, the recording medium is present in the decoloring section. Carrying the recording medium The direction characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling the conveyance unit to convey the opposite direction and the decoloring outer.

It is a block diagram of the decoloring apparatus in 1st embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the decoloring part in 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram of the decoloring apparatus in 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart in a first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. 4 in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the jam of the paper in the decoloring part in 1st embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a paper jam occurs in the paper feeding unit of the erasing apparatus according to the first embodiment and the paper remains in the erasing unit. It is a figure which shows the decoloring part which shows the open state of the opening-and-closing part in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the opening / closing part drive part of the state which the opening / closing part closed in 1st embodiment. It is a system configuration figure in a second embodiment. It is a block diagram of the decoloring apparatus in 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram of the decoloring apparatus, client PC, and server in 2nd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a decoloring apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
The erasing apparatus of the first embodiment moves the sheet in the erasing unit from the erasing unit when the apparatus must be stopped in a state where the sheet is in the erasing unit.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the erasing apparatus 100. The erasing apparatus 100 erases an image on a sheet (recording medium) on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus using a erasable color material, thereby enabling the sheet to be reused. The erasing apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 110, a pickup roller 111, a separation roller 112, a double feed detection sensor 113, a registration roller 114, conveyance rollers 115 and 123, a erasing unit 116, a conveyance path 117, a discharge roller 118, and a paper discharge. Part 119, control panel 120, and paper detection sensor 124. The pickup roller 111, the separation roller 112, the registration roller 114, the transport rollers 115 and 123, and the discharge roller 118 are transport sections.

  The paper feeding unit 110 is provided on the erasing apparatus 100 and stacks paper P for reuse. The paper feed unit 110 feeds the image on the paper P into the erasing apparatus 100 in order to erase the image. The pickup roller 111 takes out the paper P one by one from the paper supply unit 110 and sends it out to the transport path 117.

  The separation roller 112 is formed of a pair of rollers, and rotates one roller and stops the rotation of the other roller. The separation roller 112 rotates one of the rollers so as to be conveyed one by one, and prevents the paper P from being double-fed.

  The double feed detection sensor 113 detects double feed of the paper conveyed from the paper supply unit 110. The double feed detection sensor 113 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor. The double feed detection sensor 113 also serves as a paper detection sensor and detects paper.

  The registration roller 114 is formed of a pair of rollers and corrects the inclination of the paper P. The inclination correction of the paper P is performed by abutting the front end of the paper P against a portion where the stopped registration rollers 114 are in contact with each other. The transport roller 115 is formed of a pair of rollers, and transports the paper P sent to the transport path by the rotation of the registration roller 114 to the erasing unit 116.

  The decoloring unit 116 includes a pair of heaters 205 (heating sources) that face each other via the conveyance path 117. By passing the paper P through the conveyance path 117 between the heaters 205, a certain amount of heat is applied to the paper P, the image of the paper P formed using a color erasable color material is heated, and the color material is colorless. Turn into. The color material is, for example, metamo ink. The erasing unit 15 can erase the image formed on both sides of the paper P at the same time by erasing the image with the pair of heaters 205. The paper discharge unit 119 is disposed below the erasing apparatus 100 and discharges the paper P that has been subjected to the erasing process. The paper detection sensor 124 detects paper.

  The control panel 120 includes an operation unit 210 and a display unit 211 illustrated in FIG. The operation unit 210 has various keys. The display unit 211 may also serve as a touch panel type operation unit.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the erasing unit 116. The first paper detection sensor 121 and the transport roller 115 are positioned along the transport path 117 from the erasing unit 116 toward the upstream in the transport direction of the paper P. The second paper detection sensor 122 and the transport roller 123 are positioned along the transport path 117 from the erasing unit 116 toward the downstream in the transport direction. The first and second paper detection sensors 121 and 122 detect paper at the entrance and the exit of the decoloring unit 116, respectively. If the second paper detection sensor 122 does not detect the paper P within a predetermined number of pulses or within a predetermined time after the paper P is detected by the first paper detection sensor 121, a paper jam will occur in the decoloring section 116. Judge that it occurred. When judging the occurrence of a jam based on the number of pulses, for example, when the second paper detection sensor 122 does not detect the paper P even after 115 pulses have elapsed since the first paper detection sensor 121 detected the paper P. It is determined that a jam has occurred.

  Judgment of the occurrence of a jam at the paper detection sensor 124 and the double feed detection sensor 113 is also performed in the same manner as the first paper detection sensor 121 and the second paper detection sensor 122. If it is not detected or continues to be detected within a predetermined number of pulses or within a predetermined time, it is determined that a paper jam has occurred.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the erasing apparatus 100. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 200 that is a control unit of the erasing apparatus 100 includes a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a pair of heaters 205 of the erasing unit 116, an external data input, and an external data input via a system bus 201. An output communication interface (I / F) 206 is connected. The CPU 200 communicates with a client PC and a server through a communication I / F 206 connected via the system bus 201.

  Further, the CPU 200 is connected to a double feed detection sensor 113 and paper detection sensors 121, 122, and 124. Further, the CPU 200 is connected to a sheet conveying motor control driving unit 208 that controls the sheet conveying motor 209 that drives the conveying roller 115, an electromagnetic clutch control driving unit 215 that drives the electromagnetic clutch 216, an operation unit 210, and a display unit 211. Is done. Detection results detected by the double feed detection sensor 113 and the sheet detection sensors 121, 122, and 124 are transmitted to the CPU 200 as detection signals.

  The ROM 202 stores a program for operating the CPU 200. The heater 205 uses an IH heater or the like, and applies heat to both sides of the paper P while the paper P passes through the erasing unit 116 to make the color material colorless.

  The CPU 200 determines at which position in the erasing apparatus 100 the paper jam has occurred based on the detection results detected by the various sensors, and controls the conveyance of the paper P according to the location where the paper jam has occurred. . The CPU 200 controls the conveyance direction in which the sheet is conveyed out of the erasing unit 116 in accordance with the condition of the sheet when the sheet jam occurs. If the first paper detection sensor 121 or the second paper detection sensor 122 detects the paper P when the paper jam occurs, it can be determined that the paper is in the decoloring section 116. Further, when the paper jam occurs, if the double feed detection sensor 113 detects the paper, it can be determined that the paper is in the vicinity of the paper feeding unit 110. If the paper detection sensor 124 detects the paper P when the paper jam occurs, it can be determined that the paper is in the vicinity of the paper discharge unit 119.

  When the paper jam occurs, if the paper P existing in the erasing unit 116 cannot be transported in the transport direction, the paper P is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction. When the paper jam occurs, if the paper existing in the erasing unit 116 can be transported in the transport direction, the paper P is transported in the transport direction. If a jam occurs in a state where a sheet exists in the erasing unit 116, the sheet in the erasing unit 116 is first conveyed in the conveyance direction. If the first sheet detection sensor 121 or the second sheet detection sensor 122 detects a sheet even after a certain number of pulses have elapsed, it is determined that the conveyance is impossible. If it is determined that conveyance is not possible, the sheet is conveyed in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction and conveyed outside the erasing unit 116.

  When the paper in the erasing unit 116 is transported in the transport direction and a fixed number of pulses have elapsed, the paper is erased unless the first paper detection sensor 121 or the second paper detection sensor 122 detects the paper. It is determined that the color portion 116 has been transported outside. Thereafter, the conveyance of the paper is continued, and the paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 119. In addition, even if a certain number of pulses have elapsed after the second paper detection sensor 122 detects the paper, if the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor 124, the paper is in the vicinity of the paper discharge unit 119. Judge.

  When a jam occurs, the rotation of the pickup roller 111, the separation roller 112, the registration roller 114, the transport rollers 115 and 123, and the discharge roller 118 is stopped.

  Here, a series of flow of the erasing process of the paper P will be described. The sheets P stacked on the sheet feeding unit 110 are conveyed one by one into the conveyance path 117 by the pickup roller 111. The paper P picked up from the paper supply unit 110 by the pickup roller 111 is sequentially conveyed by the separation roller 112, the registration roller 114, and the conveyance roller 115, the image is erased by the decoloring unit 116, and conveyed by the conveyance roller 123. Is done. The paper P from which the image has been erased is further discharged to a paper discharge unit 119 by a discharge roller 118.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts of the conveyance control of the paper P at the time of paper jam. At 600, the paper P is conveyed, and at 601 it is determined whether a paper jam has occurred. If no paper jam occurs (No in 601), the process is terminated. If a paper jam occurs (Yes in 601), in 602, it is determined whether or not there is a paper P in the erasing unit 116. If there is no paper P in the erasing unit 116 (No in 602), the conveyance of the paper P is stopped and finished in 603.

  If there is a sheet P in the erasing unit 116 (Yes in 602), it is determined in step 604 in FIG. 5 whether or not the sheet P being decolored has jammed. If the paper P being erased has jammed (Yes in 604), in 605, the paper P is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction. The transport rollers 115 and 123 are rotated in the reverse direction to transport the paper P in the reverse direction of the transport direction. Thereafter, in 606, it is determined whether or not the transfer to the outside of the decoloring unit 116 is completed. If the transfer to the outside of the erasing unit 116 is not completed, the determination in 606 is repeated. When the transfer to the outside of the erasing unit 116 is completed (Yes in 606), the process returns to FIG. 4 and the conveyance is stopped and finished in 603.

  If the paper P being erased has not jammed (No in 604 in FIG. 5), the conveyance process is continued in 607, and in 608, it is determined whether or not the discharge is completed. If the discharge is not completed (No in 608), the determination in 608 is repeated. When the discharging is completed (Yes in 608), the process returns to FIG. 4, and the conveyance is stopped and finished in 603. If the paper P being decolored has not jammed, the decoloring process may be continued and discharged to the paper discharge unit 119.

  First, a case where the paper P1 subjected to the decoloring process causes a jam in the decoloring unit 116 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a jam of the paper P1 in the erasing unit 116. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when the paper P1 subjected to the erasing process has jammed on the entrance side in the erasing unit 116 (Yes in 604), the paper P1 is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction and erased. The paper P1 is conveyed out of the color part 116.

  Next, a case where a paper jam has occurred on a paper other than the paper on which the color erasing process has been performed, and the paper on which the color erasing process is being performed remains in the color erasing unit 116 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the paper P2 is jammed in the paper feeding unit of the erasing apparatus, and the previously supplied paper P3 remains on the exit side of the erasing unit 116. When the erasing process is performed on a plurality of sheets P2 and P3, the sheet P2 other than the sheet on which the erasing process is performed, that is, the sheet P2 is jammed, and the sheet P3 being decolored can continue the conveyance process. If there is (No in 604), the carrying process is continued and the sheet is transferred out of the decoloring section 116. If the paper can be conveyed to the paper discharge unit 119 as it is, the process up to the paper discharge unit 119 may be performed. After the paper P3 is discharged, the conveyance of the paper is stopped.

  When the paper P1 subjected to the decoloring process causes a jam in the decoloring unit 116 and the paper P1 remains in the decoloring unit 116, the paper P1 may be burned by the heater 205. By doing so, the paper can be transported outside the erasing unit and the erasing apparatus 100 can be safely stopped.

  Further, when a paper jam occurs on the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction of the erasing unit 116, the paper P on which the jam has occurred may be forcibly discharged. For example, after determining that a paper jam has occurred downstream of the erasing unit 116, the operation of the heater 205, which is a heat source, is stopped, and then the paper P on which the jam has occurred is forcibly discharged. In the above description, the second paper detection sensor 122 detects the paper P even after 115 pulses have elapsed from the detection of the paper P1 by the first paper detection sensor 121 to the second paper detection sensor 122. If not, it is determined that a paper jam has occurred. However, it may be determined that a paper jam has occurred after the number of pulses slightly larger than 115 pulses, for example, up to 150 pulses. Furthermore, when forced conveyance is impossible, the paper may be conveyed in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction.

  In the above description, when a paper jam occurs in the state where the paper P exists in the erasing unit 116, the conveyance is stopped after the paper P in the erasing unit 116 is transferred out of the erasing unit 116. Yes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and once the conveyance is stopped, the transfer process of the paper P from the decoloring unit 116 may be performed.

  Further, the display unit 211 performs a display for notifying the user that a paper jam has occurred. This display timing may be performed after the conveyance stop (603 in FIG. 4) after the transfer of the paper P from the decoloring section 116. When the user opens the cover of the erasing apparatus 100, the paper conveyance process is forcibly stopped. Therefore, the paper conveyance process is forcibly displayed by displaying the occurrence of paper jam on the display unit 211 after the paper conveyance process. Prevent being stopped. For example, when the paper P being decolored has jammed and the occurrence of the jam is displayed on the display unit 211, the user can release the paper jam during the conveyance process of the jammed paper in the reverse direction. The cover of the erasing apparatus 100 may be opened. However, by displaying the occurrence of paper jam on the display unit 211 after the conveyance is completed, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently opening the cover of the erasing apparatus 100. Further, in a state where the paper P is in the erasing unit 116 and a paper other than the paper P in the erasing unit 116 is jammed, if the paper jam is displayed on the display unit 211, the paper conveyance process is continuing. The user may open the cover of the erasing apparatus 100 in order to release the paper jam. However, by displaying the occurrence of paper jam on the display unit 211 after the conveyance is completed, the user is prevented from opening the cover of the erasing apparatus 100.

  Next, a heater opening / closing mechanism provided in the erasing unit 116 of the erasing apparatus 100 will be described. The erasing apparatus 100 may include an opening / closing mechanism 520 shown in FIG. In the opening / closing mechanism 520, when the conveyance roller 115 (shown in FIG. 8) upstream of the erasing unit 116 is driven in the conveyance direction, the opening / closing unit 500 that covers the conveyance path surface of the erasing unit 116 is opened.

  The opening / closing part 500 includes a first opening / closing part 501 (shown in FIG. 8) including a rack gear 503 and a second opening / closing part 502 (shown in FIG. 8) including a rack gear 504. The opening / closing unit 500 opens during the erasing operation and closes when the erasing operation ends or when a paper jam occurs. FIG. 8 shows the decoloring unit 116 that shows a state in which the opening / closing unit 500 is open (a state in which the heater 205 is opened to the paper conveyance path) during the decoloring operation. During the erasing operation, the opening / closing unit 500 is closed. That is, the heater 205 is closed from the transport path by the opening / closing part.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the opening / closing part driving unit 520 in a state where the opening / closing part 500 is closed, and illustrates the home position of the opening / closing part driving unit 520. The opening / closing part driving unit 520 includes a first opening / closing part 501, a second opening / closing part 502, a holding part 505, a first spring 507, a second spring 508, and a conveying roller 123.

  The first opening / closing unit 501 is opened along the sheet conveyance path by the rotation of the first gear 509. The second opening / closing unit 502 is opened along the sheet conveyance path by the rotation of the second gear 512. A first spring 507 connects the first opening / closing part 501 and the spring holding part 505. A second spring 508 connects the second opening / closing part 502 and the spring holding part 505. The first opening / closing part 501 and the second opening / closing part 502 are biased toward the spring holding part 505 by the springs 507 and 508.

  The transport roller 123 includes a first gear 509 with an electromagnetic clutch 216, a first roller 510, a second gear 512, and a second roller 513. When the electromagnetic clutch 216 is ON, the first roller 510, the second gear 512, and the second roller 513 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9 as the first gear 509 rotates. When the electromagnetic clutch 216 is OFF, the first gear 509 rotates idly.

  To open / close the opening / closing unit 500, the drive of the conveying roller 115 (shown in FIG. 8) upstream of the decoloring unit 116 is transmitted by the electromagnetic clutch 216 to open the opening / closing unit 500. On the other hand, when returning to the home position from the state where the opening / closing part 500 is opened, when the electromagnetic clutch 216 is turned off, the first opening / closing part 501 and the second opening / closing part 502 are biased toward the spring holding part 505. Therefore, the first opening / closing part 501 and the second opening / closing part 502 are automatically returned to their original positions. The electromagnetic clutch 216 is turned off after a predetermined number of pulses have elapsed after the conveyance of the paper P is completed by the conveyance roller 115 upstream of the decoloring section 116.

  The opening / closing unit 500 may be opened / closed every time a sheet of paper is conveyed, or may be performed every job. Moreover, returning the opening / closing part 500 to the original position (home position) is not limited to the automatic return by the spring, but the electromagnetic clutch 216 is turned on and the first gear 509 is turned on. You may make it reversely rotate. At this time, the first roller 510, the second gear 512, and the second roller 513 rotate with the rotation of the first gear 509.

  Normally, the decoloring part 116 becomes hot, so it is not appropriate to open the cover until it is cooled to a temperature at which the decoloring part 116 can be touched in order to open the cover by releasing paper jam or the like. However, with the above-described configuration, when the paper P is jammed, the heat source can be easily covered with the opening / closing unit 500 even when the heat of the decoloring unit 116 is high. There is no need to wait until the heat cools when removing the water.

  The decoloring apparatus 100 as described above can safely stop even when the paper P exists in the decoloring unit 116 when a paper jam occurs. Further, by providing the opening / closing unit 500, when the paper P is jammed, the heat source can be easily covered by the opening / closing unit 500 even when the heat of the decoloring unit 116 is high, and the paper P is removed. You don't have to wait for the heat to cool down.

(Second embodiment)
The erasing apparatus according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 is an erasing apparatus that reads an image with the same reading unit before and after image erasing, and stops the apparatus in a state where the sheet is in the erasing part. If it is necessary, the paper in the erasing part is moved from the erasing part. In the figure, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram of the second embodiment. The image storage system includes, for example, a plurality of decoloring apparatuses 100, a plurality of client PCs (Personal Computers) 101, and a server 102 as a system configuration. Each component of the system is connected via a network 103 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the erasing apparatus. The erasing apparatus 100 erases the image of the paper (recording medium) on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, and enables the paper to be reused. The erasing apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 10, a first conveyance path 11, a second conveyance path 12, a first reading unit 13, a second reading unit 14, a decoloring unit 15, a conveyance roller 16, and a path change. Unit 17, first paper discharge unit 19, and second paper discharge unit 20.

  The paper feeding unit 10 stores paper P to be reused, and feeds the image formed on the paper P with a color erasable material into the erasing apparatus 100 in order to erase the image. The paper feed unit 10 includes a paper feed tray 22, a pickup roller 18, a separation roller 112, a double feed detection sensor 113, and a registration roller 114. The paper feed tray 22 stacks paper P. The pickup roller 18 takes out the paper P one by one from the paper feed tray 22 and sends it out to the first transport path 11.

  The first transport path 11 and the second transport path 12 have transport rollers 16. The conveyance roller 16 includes a plurality of conveyance rollers 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, and 16k, and is configured by a pair of a driving roller and a driven roller. A first reading unit 13 and a second reading unit 14 are arranged along the first conveyance path 11. The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 have a two-dimensional CCD scanner. The first reading unit 13 scans one side of the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 10. The second reading unit 14 scans the surface opposite to the reading surface of the first reading unit 13. An image read by the scanning by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 is stored in a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 which is a storage unit shown in FIG. The storage destination of the images read by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 is not limited to the RAM 203 but may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an optical magnetic memory, or the like. Further, the image temporarily stored in the RAM 203 may be sent to the HDD and stored in the HDD when the decoloring process is completed, for example.

  Images read by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 are not limited to be stored in the RAM 203 of the erasing apparatus 100, but are also stored in the RAM 302 of the client PC 101 and the RAM 402 of the server 102 shown in FIG. May be. In addition, when the erasing apparatus 100 has a login / logout function for personal authentication of the user, when the erasing apparatus 100 logs out, the image data stored in the RAM 203 of the erasing apparatus 100 is stored in the RAM 302 of the client PC 101. Alternatively, it may be transmitted to the RAM 402 of the server 102 and stored.

  Further, the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 read the surface in order to determine whether or not the paper P is usable and whether or not the printing of the paper has been erased.

  Reading by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 is performed twice. The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 digitize the read image in the first reading and store it in the storage unit. The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 determine whether or not the paper P can be reused in the second reading after the color erasing.

  The image may be stored in the first reading, and it may be determined whether or not the image is unusable due to wrinkles, stapling, memo writing that cannot be erased, or the like. In this case, if it is determined that the reusable state is obtained by the first reading, a decoloring process is performed, and it is determined whether the image of the paper P is decolored by the second reading, For example, the paper is discharged to the first paper discharge unit 19. If it is determined in the first reading that the state cannot be reused, a color erasing process is performed, and the paper is discharged to, for example, the first paper discharge unit 19 without performing the second reading. Further, if it is determined that the state cannot be reused by the first reading, the sheet is discharged to, for example, the first discharge unit 19 without performing the decoloring process and the second reading. Also good. These settings can be selected and set in advance. The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 are not limited to a pair of two-dimensional CCD scanners, and may be CMOS sensors.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first transport path 11 is connected from the paper supply unit 10 to the first paper discharge unit 19 or the second paper discharge unit 20. The second transport path 12 branches from a branch point downstream of the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 of the first transport path 11, and the first reading unit 13 of the first transport path 11. And merge at the merging point upstream of the second reading unit 14. A first route changing unit 17 is arranged at the branch point.

  The second transport path 12 has a decoloring unit 15 in the transport path. The erasing unit 15 includes a roller pair 21, a heater 205, and a paper detection sensor 212. The roller pair 21 is heated by the heater 205. By applying a certain amount of heat to the paper P via the roller pair 21 heated by the heater 205, the image of the paper P formed using the erasable image forming material is heated, and the coloring material is colorless. Turn into. The erasing unit 15 can erase the image on both sides of the paper P by erasing the image with the roller pair 21.

  The paper discharge unit 23 includes a first paper discharge unit 19 and a second paper discharge unit 20. The paper P subjected to various processes is discharged to the first paper discharge unit 19 or the second paper discharge unit 20. The user may be selectable so that the paper P can be discharged to either the first paper discharge unit 19 or the second paper discharge unit 20. Further, the paper that has been subjected to the decoloring process and becomes reusable is discriminated to, for example, the first paper discharge unit 19, and the paper that is determined to be unusable is discriminated to the second paper discharge unit 20. Paper may be used.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the erasing apparatus 100, the client PC 101, and the server 102. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 200 that is a control unit of the erasing apparatus 100 includes a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a first reading unit 13, a CCD scanner 204 of the second reading unit 14, and an erasing unit 15 via a system bus 201. Are connected to a heater 205, a paper detection sensor 212, and a communication interface (I / F) 206 for inputting data from outside and outputting data to the outside. The CPU 200 communicates with the client PC 101 and the server 102 through a communication I / F 206 connected via the system bus 201.

  The CPU 200 includes a path change control drive unit 207 that controls the path change unit 17, a paper carry motor control drive unit 208 that controls the paper carry motor 209, an operation unit 210, a display unit 211, and a paper detection sensor 212. Connected. The paper transport motor 209 drives a plurality of transport rollers 16 shown in FIG.

  The ROM 202 stores a program for operating the CPU 200, a sheet printing rate as a guideline for reusability, and a density threshold for determining whether or not an image has been erased. Further, when determining the wrinkle depth and the like in the first image reading, a density threshold value used for determining the wrinkle depth and the like is stored. The RAM 203 stores an image obtained when the image of the paper P is read. The CCD scanner 204 is arranged as a single line sensor and detects the density of the paper P. The heater 205 uses an IH heater or the like, and applies heat to the paper P through the roller pair 21 while the paper P passes through the erasing unit 15 to make the color material colorless. The CPU 200 determines whether or not the color erasing has been normally performed after the image erasing, that is, whether or not the paper P can be reused based on the read image.

  The operation unit 210 has various keys, and the display unit 211 displays various processing modes of the erasing apparatus 100. The operation unit 210 can select a processing mode. The processing mode includes an image reading mode for reading an image, a color erasing mode for erasing the image, a sorting mode for reading the image and determining whether or not the paper can be reused, and a mode combining these modes. The display unit 211 may be a touch panel type or may serve as an operation unit.

  The paper detection sensor 212 detects paper. The paper detection sensor 212 includes a plurality of paper detection sensors 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, and a plurality of paper detection sensors 212 are arranged in the conveyance path. After the paper P is detected by the first paper detection sensor 22, if the paper P is not detected by the second paper detection sensor 23 within a predetermined number of pulses or within a predetermined time, it is determined that a jam has occurred. When determining the occurrence of a paper jam based on the number of pulses, for example, the second paper detection sensor 23 detects the paper P even if 115 pulses have elapsed since the first paper detection sensor 22 detected the paper P. If not, it is determined that a paper jam has occurred. When a paper jam occurs, the detection result of the paper detection sensor 212 is transmitted to the CPU 200, and the CPU 200 determines whether or not a paper jam has occurred based on the detection result.

  If the paper detection sensor 22 or the paper detection sensor 23 detects the paper when the paper jam occurs, it can be determined that the paper is in the reading units 13 and 14. If the paper detection sensor 25 or the paper detection sensor 26 detects the paper P when the paper jam occurs, it can be determined that the paper is in the decoloring portion 15. If the paper detection sensor 24 detects paper when a paper jam occurs, it can be determined that the paper is upstream of the decoloring section 15 of the second transport path 12. If the paper detection sensor 27 detects paper when a paper jam occurs, it can be determined that the paper is downstream of the decoloring section 15 of the second transport path 12.

  The CPU 200 controls the route change control drive unit 207 to drive the route change unit 17 to sort the paper P to be transported from the first transport path 11 to the second transport path 12, The paper P is sorted so as to be conveyed from the conveyance path 11 to the paper discharge unit 23.

  The client PC 101 includes a CPU 300, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, an operation unit 303, a display unit 304, and a communication I / F 305. A CPU 300 that is a control unit of the client PC 101 is connected to a ROM 301, a RAM 302, an operation unit 303, a display unit 304, and a communication I / F 305 via a system bus 306.

  The server 102 includes a CPU 400, a ROM 401, a RAM 402, and a communication I / F 403. A CPU 400 that is a control unit of the server 102 is connected to a ROM 401, a RAM 402, and a communication I / F 403 via a system bus 4040.

  The CPU 200 controls the transport direction in which the paper is transported out of the erasing unit 116 according to the state of the paper P when a jam occurs. When the paper P existing in the erasing unit 116 cannot be transported in the transport direction when a jam occurs, the paper P present in the erasing unit 116 is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction. If it can be transported in the transport direction, it is transported in the transport direction. If possible, the conveyance of the paper P is continued and discharged to the paper discharge unit 23.

  Also in the second embodiment, the conveyance control of the paper P at the time of jam is performed in the same manner as in FIGS. 4 and 5 described in the first embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIGS. In 600, the paper P is conveyed, and in 601 it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred. If a jam does not occur (No in 601), the process is terminated. If a jam occurs (Yes in 601), in 602, it is determined whether or not there is paper P in the erasing unit 116. If there is no paper P in the erasing unit 116 (No in 602), the transport of the paper P is stopped and stopped by stopping the driving of the transport roller 16 in 603.

  If there is a sheet P in the erasing unit 116 (Yes in 602), it is determined in step 604 in FIG. 5 whether or not the sheet P being decolored has jammed. If the paper P being erased has jammed (Yes in 604), in 605, the paper P is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction. The conveyance rollers 16d, 16e, 16f, and 16g are reversely rotated to convey the paper P in the reverse direction of the conveyance direction. Thereafter, in 606, it is determined whether or not the transfer to the outside of the decoloring unit 116 is completed. If the transfer to the outside of the erasing unit 116 is not completed, the determination in 606 is repeated. When the transfer to the outside of the erasing unit 116 is completed (Yes in 606), the process returns to FIG. 4 and the conveyance is stopped and finished in 603.

    If the paper P being erased has not jammed (No in 604 in FIG. 5), the conveyance process is continued in 607, and in 608, it is determined whether or not the discharge is completed. If the discharge is not completed (No in 608), the determination in 608 is repeated. When the discharging is completed (Yes in 608), the process returns to FIG. 4, and the conveyance is stopped and finished in 603.

  If the paper P being decolored has not jammed, the decoloring process may be continued and discharged to the paper discharge unit 23. Further, after the color erasing process, the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 may perform reading to perform the sorting process. However, when this process is performed by the erasing apparatus 100 having a loop-shaped conveyance path, when the jam of the paper P occurs upstream from the joining point of the first conveyance path 11 and the second conveyance path 12. Limited. For example, this is a case where a jam has occurred in the paper feeding unit 10. When the jam of the paper P occurs in the loop path downstream from the joining point of the first transport path 11 and the second transport path 12, it is impossible to process the paper P that is not jammed.

  Even in the erasing apparatus 100 that performs the reading process, the erasing process, and the sorting process as described above, even when the paper P exists in the erasing unit 116 when a jam occurs, it can be safely stopped.

  Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the gist of the invention, and in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,110 Paper feed part 11 1st conveyance path 12 2nd conveyance path 13 1st reading part 14 2nd reading part 15,116 Decoloring part 16,115,123 Conveyance roller 17 Path | route change part 19 1st Paper discharge unit 20 second paper discharge unit 22 paper feed tray 23, 119 paper discharge unit 100 erasing device 101 client PC
102 Server 113 Double feed detection sensor 121, 122, 124 212 Paper detection sensor 200 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
205 Heater 210 Operation part 211 Display part 216 Electromagnetic clutch 500 Opening / closing part 503, 504 Rack gear 505 Spring holding part 507, 508 Spring

Claims (10)

A transport unit that transports a recording medium on which an image that can be decolored in the transport direction or the direction opposite to the transport direction ;
A color erasing unit that erases the color of the image of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit by heat;
A plurality of detection sensors for detecting the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
Based on the detection results of the plurality of detection sensors, the erasing unit detects the occurrence of a jam in the recording medium other than the recording medium existing in the erasing unit and the erasing unit is erasing the recording medium. In this case, the recording medium present in the erasing portion is transported in the transport direction, and the recording medium present in the erasing portion is not transportable in the transport direction based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors. A controller that controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium present in the decoloring unit in a direction opposite to the transport direction and out of the decoloring unit;
An erasing apparatus comprising:   The control unit detects, based on the detection results of the plurality of detection sensors, the occurrence of a jam in the recording medium at the decoloring unit, depending on the status of the recording medium present in the decoloring unit. The erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance unit is controlled to convey the recording medium to the outside of the erasing unit.   When the jam is detected by the plurality of detection sensors, the control unit causes the transport unit to transport in the transport direction when the recording medium present in the decoloring unit is transportable in the transport direction. The erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing apparatus is controlled. The apparatus further includes a paper discharge unit that receives the recording medium to be discharged, and the control unit discharges the recording medium to the paper discharge unit when conveyance of the recording medium in the conveyance direction can be continued. The erasing apparatus according to claim 3 . The decoloring unit has a heating source, the erasing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a closing portion for opening and closing the heating source. The decoloring apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the opening / closing part is interlocked with the transport part. The erasing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the opening / closing unit closes the heating source except during the erasing process. The erasing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the opening / closing unit closes the heating source when a jam occurs. 2. A display unit that displays the occurrence of the jam, and notifies the occurrence of a jam to the display unit after the recording medium is transported from the decoloring unit to the outside of the decoloring unit. The decoloring apparatus according to claim 4 . The color material of the image on the recording medium is erased by the decoloring part,
When the recording medium is erased by the color erasing unit, a plurality of sensors detect occurrence of jam in the recording medium other than the recording medium existing in the color erasing unit. The recording medium is conveyed in the conveying direction, and if the recording medium existing in the decoloring portion is determined to be untransferable in the conveying direction based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors, the recording medium exists in the decoloring portion. A recording medium conveyance control method, wherein the recording medium is conveyed in a direction opposite to a conveyance direction and out of the decoloring portion.

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