JP6496130B2 - Image erasing apparatus and image erasing method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image erasing apparatus that erases an image printed on paper and an image erasing method of the image erasing apparatus.

As an image erasing apparatus, an image is printed on a sheet using a recording material, for example, a decolorable toner, and the toner that forms the image by heating at a predetermined temperature is subjected to a decoloring process and printed on the sheet. A so-called erasing device for erasing an image is known. This erasing apparatus includes a reading unit that reads an image to leave an image before erasing, a erasing unit that erases toner that forms an image, and whether or not erasing processing has been normally performed after erasing. In order to determine whether or not the image is read again by the above-described reading unit. Depending on the result of reading the image, the erased paper is conveyed to a paper discharge section for reuse or a paper discharge section for disposal.
Therefore, in the image erasing apparatus, when erasing an image formed on a sheet, a series of operations are performed in which the content of the sheet is read and stored by the reading unit and is erased. When erasing an image with such an apparatus, since a relatively large amount of power consumption is required due to heating, it is necessary to perform an image erasing process efficiently. However, if the image is erased only at a predetermined timing, there is a situation where the sheet is not stored in the paper discharge unit that stores the reused sheet when the operator wants to use the sheet from which the image has been deleted. , It will harm the convenience of the operator.

JP 2010-113337 A

  A problem to be solved by an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an image erasing apparatus that can reduce power consumption associated with an erasing process by performing an efficient image erasing process and is highly convenient for an operator. That is.

Therefore, in order to achieve the above-described problem, the following measures are taken in the embodiment of the present invention. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium, an erasing unit that erases an image formed on the conveyed recording medium, a paper discharging unit that stores the recording medium from which the image has been erased by the erasing unit, and a paper discharging unit When it is determined that the amount of the recording medium accommodated in the first detection unit and the amount of the recording medium detected by the first detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the recording medium is transferred to the erasing unit. The conveyance unit is controlled to convey, the erasure unit is controlled to erase the image of the conveyed recording medium, and the conveyance unit is configured to convey the recording medium from which the image has been erased to the paper discharge unit. A control unit for controlling, a paper feeding unit for accommodating a recording medium on which an image conveyed by the conveying unit is formed, and a second detection unit for detecting the amount of the recording medium accommodated in the paper feeding unit. And the control unit is a memory that is detected by the first detection unit. Control that the recording medium stored in the paper feeding unit is erased by the erasing unit when the amount of the medium is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount and the recording medium detected by the second detection unit is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount an image erasing apparatus you.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image erasing apparatus in the present embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of an image erasing apparatus in the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of an erasing job of the image erasing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(This embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image erasing apparatus. In FIG. 1, the main part excluding the outer casing is shown as the device 100. The image erasing apparatus 100 erases an image on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as “paper”) on which an image has already been formed, and allows the paper to be reused. In the present embodiment, an explanation will be given by taking as an example an erasing process in which the recording material is decolored by heating and an image is erased. An image erasing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a paper feed unit 10 that stores paper, a first transport path 11 and a second transport path 12 that transport paper, a first reading unit 13 that reads an image on a paper, and a first transport unit. 2 reading unit 14, erasing unit 15 for erasing the image on the paper, conveyance roller 16 provided in each conveyance path, first path changing unit 17 for switching the conveyance path of the paper, and paper on which the image has been erased. A paper discharge unit 23 having a first paper discharge unit 19 and a second paper discharge unit 20 to be accommodated is provided in the first transport path 11, and the first paper discharge unit 19 and the second paper discharge unit 20 are provided. A second route changing unit 30 for switching the transport route to

  The paper feeding unit 10 accommodates paper to be reused on which an image has already been formed. Then, the paper is fed into the image erasing apparatus 100 in order to erase the image on the paper. The paper to be reused is, for example, a paper on which an image is formed with a recording material (toner) that can be erased by heating. The paper may be various sizes such as A3, A4, and B5. The paper feed unit 10 includes a paper feed tray 22, a pickup roller 18 that takes out paper in the paper feed tray 22 (hereinafter referred to as a paper feed tray pickup roller), and a paper feed unit sensor 215. The paper feed tray 22 stacks sheets on which images are erased. The paper feed tray pickup roller 18 takes out the paper one by one from the paper feed tray 22 and sequentially sends it out to the first transport path 11. The paper feed unit sensor 215 detects the amount of paper stored in the paper feed tray 22. The paper feed unit sensor 215 is an infrared sensor, for example. In addition, a mechanical sensor such as a known microswitch can be used. The paper feed unit sensor 215 transmits the detection result to a control unit described later.

  The 1st conveyance path 11 and the 2nd conveyance path 12 have a plurality of conveyance rollers 16, and conveyance roller 16 comprises a pair of a drive roller and a driven roller.

  A first reading unit 13 and a second reading unit 14 are arranged in the first conveyance path 11 along the conveyance path. The first transport path 11 transports the sheet from the paper feed unit 10 to the paper discharge unit 23 via the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 by the transport roller 16.

  In the present embodiment, since the paper is conveyed from the paper supply unit 10 to the paper discharge unit 23, the paper supply unit 10 side is the upstream side with respect to the paper conveyance direction, and the paper discharge unit 23 side is the paper. The downstream side with respect to the transport direction.

  The first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 include, for example, a two-dimensional CCD scanner (the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 together correspond to a reading unit). The two reading units 13 and 14 are provided, for example, at different positions with respect to the first conveyance path 11. With such a configuration, the first reading unit 13 reads one side of the conveyed paper, and the second reading unit 14 reads the surface opposite to the reading side of the first reading unit 13. Images read by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 are appropriately stored in, for example, the RAM 203 or the HDD 214 shown in FIG.

  The first transport path 11 is connected to the paper discharge unit 23 via a branch point B located downstream of the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 in the paper transport direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the second transfer path 12 is connected to the branch point B, and a first path changing unit 17 that switches the path between the first transfer path 11 and the second transfer path 12 is arranged. The For example, the first path changing unit 17 permits a path for transporting paper from the paper supply unit 10 to the paper discharge unit 23 via the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 by default. And

  The second conveyance path 12 branches from the first conveyance path 11 at the branch point B, and is upstream of the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 of the first conveyance path 11 and the paper feeding unit 10. At the confluence point G located downstream of the first conveyance path 11.

  The erasing unit 15 is disposed between the branch point B and the junction point G of the first transport path 11 and the second transport path 12 in the second transport path. The erasing unit 15 includes a roller pair 21 and a heater 205 (see FIG. 2). The heater 205 is provided, for example, in at least one of the rollers constituting the roller pair 21. The roller pair 21 is heated by the heater 205. Accordingly, the erasing unit 15 erases the recording material forming the image (colorless) by heating the image of the paper formed using the image forming material erasable by heating to a predetermined temperature (erasing temperature) via the roller. ). Although not shown, a temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of the roller pair 21. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the roller pair 21 and transmits the measurement result to a control unit described later.

  Note that the image erasing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs a erasing process for erasing the color of an image on a sheet on which an image is formed with a color material such as a erasable toner or an erasable ink that is a recording material. The erasable color material includes a color developing compound, a color developer, and an erasing agent. Examples of the color developing compound include leuco dyes. Examples of the developer include phenols. Examples of the erasing agent include a substance that is compatible with the color developing compound when heated and does not have an affinity for the developer. The erasable colorant develops color due to the interaction between the color developing compound and the developer, and can be erased because the interaction between the color developing compound and the developer is interrupted by heating above the decoloring temperature. .

  The paper discharge unit 23 accommodates the paper whose image has been erased by the erasure unit 15. The paper discharge unit 23 includes a first paper discharge unit 19 and a second paper discharge unit 20. In the present embodiment, for example, reusable paper is stored in the first paper discharge unit 19, and paper that is not suitable for reuse is stored in the second paper discharge unit 20 for reasons such as dirt. The first paper discharge unit 19 includes a reuse sensor 216 that detects the amount of paper stored in the first paper discharge unit 19, and the second paper discharge unit 20 includes a reuse sensor 216. A discard sensor 217 is provided for detecting the amount of paper stored. The reuse sensor 21 and the discard sensor 217 are, for example, infrared sensors. In addition, a sensor using a known microswitch can also be used. The detection results of the reuse sensor 21 and the discard sensor 217 are transmitted to a control unit described later.

  In order to selectively convey the sheet to the first sheet discharge unit 19 or the second sheet discharge unit 20, the second path is provided downstream of the first path change unit 17 in the first conveyance path 11. A change unit 30 is arranged. The second path changing unit 30 switches the path of the sheet conveyed via the first path changing unit 17 to the first paper discharge unit 19 or the second paper discharge unit 20. By switching the route of the second route changing unit 30, the paper is conveyed to a predetermined paper discharge unit of the paper discharge unit 23. By default, the second path changing unit 30 is assumed to permit a path for transporting paper to the first paper discharge unit 19, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image erasing apparatus 100. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 200 (hereinafter, control unit 200), which is a control unit of the image erasing apparatus 100, includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and a reading unit via a system bus 201. 13 and 14, CCD sensor 204, heater 205 of erasing unit 15, interface (I / F) 206 for inputting / outputting data to / from external devices such as client terminals, and first path changing unit 17 are controlled. A first path change drive unit 207 that controls the second path change drive unit 208 that controls the second path change unit 30, a paper transport motor 211 that drives various rollers, and a paper transport motor control drive unit that controls this. 210, an operation unit 212 for inputting various settings and the like, a display unit 21 , HDD 214, the sheet feeding unit sensor 215, reusable sensor 216, discarding the sensor 217 are connected. ROM 202 and RAM 203 are included in control unit 200.

  The ROM 202 stores a program for operating the CPU of the control unit 200, threshold values (fixed value information), and the like. Paper supply threshold value to be compared with the storage amount of paper stored in the paper supply unit 10 measured by the paper supply unit sensor 215, and storage of paper stored in the first paper discharge unit 19 measured by the reuse sensor 216 The first discharge threshold value to be compared with the amount, the second discharge threshold value to be compared with the storage amount of the paper stored in the second discharge unit 20 measured by the discard sensor 217, and the first discharge unit 19 The first storage threshold, which is a threshold for determining whether or not a sheet can be stored, and the second storage threshold, which is a threshold for determining whether or not a sheet can be stored in the second paper discharge unit 20. The ROM 202 also stores a printing rate threshold that is a threshold of the printing rate of the paper after erasing, a density threshold that is a density threshold of the paper after erasing, a temperature threshold that is compared with the heating temperature of the erasing unit 15, and the like. The control unit 200 reads the erased paper by the reading units 13 and 14, and compares the read image with the printing rate threshold value and the density threshold value to determine whether the paper can be reused. The temperature threshold is a temperature at which an image on a sheet can be erased by heat from the roller 21 when the sheet passes through the roller pair 21. This temperature threshold is a decoloring temperature that is higher than the fixing temperature by a predetermined value when decolorable toner is used as the recording material.

  Various memory areas such as a work area serving as a work area for data processing by the CPU of the control unit 200 are dynamically formed in the RAM 203. The RAM 203 has a reuse storage area for storing a determination result as to whether or not a sheet from which an image has been erased can be reused. When the value stored in the reuse storage area is “0”, for example, the paper from which the image has been deleted indicates that the sheet cannot be reused. When the value stored in the reuse storage area is “1”, the image is deleted. Indicates that the used paper can be reused. For example, “1” is stored in the reuse storage area by default.

  The CCD sensors 204 constituting the reading units 13 and 14 are arranged as a line sensor (two-dimensional scanner) for reading a sheet image, and detect the density of the sheet surface as the sheet is conveyed. By detecting the density of the paper surface, the image is read or detected. The reading unit is not limited to the CCD sensor, and may be a CMOS sensor.

  For example, an induction heating (IH) heater is used as the heater 205 of the erasing unit 15. As described above, heat from the heater 205 is indirectly applied to the paper through the roller pair 21 while the paper passes through the erasing unit 15 to make the color material colorless. The heater 205 only needs to be temperature-controllable. In addition to the induction heating type heater, for example, a heater lamp such as a halogen lamp may be used.

  The operation unit 212 has various setting / instruction keys and is an input unit for inputting various operations. The display unit 213 displays various processing modes of the image erasing apparatus 100. The display unit 213 may be a known touch panel type and may also serve as the operation unit 212. When an operator manually deletes an image, the operator operates a key of the operation unit 212, for example, presses a selection key provided on the operation unit 212, and selects a manual deletion mode in advance. When the manual erasing mode is selected, the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 read the image on the sheet regardless of the amount of sheets stored in the sheet feeding unit 10 and the sheet discharge unit 23. After that, the image formed on the paper is erased by the erasing unit 15, and the paper is conveyed to the paper discharge unit 23. Note that the image erasing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment automatically selects and executes the automatic erasing mode unless the manual erasing mode is selected. In the automatic erasing mode, an image formed on the paper is erased according to the amount of paper stored in the paper supply unit 10 or the first paper discharge unit 19. Further, the operation unit 212 has a start key for starting processing in each mode.

  The control unit 200 controls the first path change driving unit 207 to drive the first path change unit 17 so that the sheet is fed from the first transport path 11 to the second transport path 12 from the default position. Sort to be transported to.

  Further, the control unit 200 controls the second path change driving unit 208 to drive the second path change unit 30 to transfer the paper to the first paper discharge unit 19 or the second paper discharge unit 20. Sort to accommodate.

  The HDD 214 has a read image storage area for storing an image obtained by reading a sheet before erasure processing. This read image storage area can be accessed from an external terminal through the I / F 206.

  Since the paper feed unit sensor 215, the reuse sensor 216, and the discard sensor 217 have already been described above, they are omitted.

  In the image erasing apparatus 100 having the configuration as described above, the control unit 200 executes, for example, an erasing job shown in FIG. 3 based on a preset program. In the following description, it is assumed that the sheet from which the image is to be erased is already set in the sheet feeding tray 22 and no sheet is stored in the sheet discharge unit 23. In addition, the roller pair 21 of the erasing unit 15 is heated by the heater 205. It is assumed that the temperature of the roller pair 21 has reached a temperature at which an image formed on the paper can be erased.

  First, the control unit 200 determines whether the operation unit 212 is operated and a signal indicating the manual erasing mode is input (ACT1). If it is determined that a signal indicating the manual erasing mode is input (ACT1 Yes), the control unit 200 refers to the value of the paper feed unit sensor 215 of the paper feed unit 10 to determine whether paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 or not. Is confirmed (ACT4).

  When the control unit 200 determines that no paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 (ACT4: No), the process returns to ACT1 to determine whether a signal indicating the manual erasing mode is input. On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 (ACT4: Yes), the control unit 200 starts conveying the paper set in the paper feed tray 22 (ACT5). Specifically, the control unit 200 takes out one sheet set in the sheet feed tray 22 by using the sheet feed tray pickup roller 18. The control unit 200 controls the paper transport motor control driving unit 210 to activate the paper transport motor 211 and drive the transport roller 16 to transport the paper in the first transport path 11.

  On the other hand, when determining that a signal indicating the manual erasing mode is not input (No in ACT1), the control unit 200 determines whether or not a predetermined amount or more of sheets are stored in the first paper discharge unit 19 (ACT2). Specifically, the control unit 200 compares the detection result of the reuse sensor 216 with the first discharge threshold value stored in the ROM 202, and the first discharge unit 19 stores a predetermined amount or more of sheets. Judgment is made.

  If it is determined that a predetermined amount or more of sheets are not stored in the first paper discharge unit 19 (ACT2 Yes), the control unit 200 refers to the value of the paper supply unit sensor 215 of the paper supply unit 10 and the paper supply tray 22 It is confirmed whether or not a sheet is stored in (ACT4). If it is determined that no paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 (ACT4, No), the process returns to ACT1 again to determine whether a signal indicating that the manual erasing mode is performed is input. On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 (ACT4: Yes), the conveyance of the paper set in the paper feed tray 22 is started as described above (ACT5).

  When it is determined that a predetermined amount or more of sheets are stored in the first paper discharge unit 19 (ACT2 No), the control unit 200 refers to the value of the paper supply unit sensor 215 of the paper supply unit 10 and supplies the paper supply tray. It is determined whether or not a predetermined amount or more of sheets are stored in 22 (ACT 3). Specifically, the control unit 200 compares the detection result of the paper feed unit sensor 215 with the paper feed threshold value stored in the ROM 202, and a predetermined amount or more of sheets are stored in the paper feed tray 22 of the paper feed unit 10. Judgment is made. When it is determined that the number of sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray 22 of the sheet feeding unit 10 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (No in ACT3), the process returns to ACT1 again to determine whether a signal indicating the manual erasing mode is input.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the number of sheets stored in the sheet feeding tray 22 of the sheet feeding unit 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (ACT3: Yes), the sheet set on the sheet feeding tray 22 is transported. Start (ACT5).

  Through the above operation, the paper is supplied from the paper feed tray 22 to the first transport path 11. In the following process, an image formed on the supplied paper is erased. Here, the first path changing unit 17 arranged at the branch point B of the first transport path 11 is in a default position, and allows a path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit 10 to the paper discharge unit 23. Yes. For this reason, the control unit 200 controls the first route change driving unit 207 to drive the first route change unit 17 to switch the route, and convey the sheet to the second conveyance path 12 via the branch point B. Make it possible. As a result, the conveyance path from the reading units 13 and 14 to the erasing unit 15 is connected (ACT 6). It is preferable that the driving of the first path changing unit 17 described above is performed simultaneously with the start of conveyance of the ACT5 paper.

  When the conveyance of the sheet to the first conveyance path 11 is started by the paper feed tray pickup roller 18, the control unit 200 performs the first reading unit 13 and the second reading that are provided along the first conveyance path 11. The unit 14 is controlled to read images on the front and back sides of the paper. The control unit stores the read image in the read image storage area of the HDD 214 (ACT 7). In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the reading units 13 and 14 perform a reading operation even when an image is formed only on one side of the sheet. For example, the image is formed on the side on which the image is formed using an image sensor or the like. It is also possible to drive only the corresponding reading unit.

  After the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 read the image of the sheet as described above, the control unit 200 reads the sheet at the branch point B between the first conveyance path 11 and the second conveyance path 12. To the erasing unit 15. The sheet conveyed to the erasing unit 15 is nipped and conveyed by the roller pair 21 heated by the heater 205 whose temperature is controlled with reference to the temperature threshold value stored in the ROM 202. By this conveyance, the recording material of the paper reaches a predetermined temperature (erasing temperature) by the heated roller pair 21 and is erased, and as a result, the image is erased (ACT 8).

  The control unit 200 further passes through the junction G of the first conveyance path 11 and the second conveyance path 12 upstream of the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14, and thereby the first conveyance path 11. Transport the paper from which the image has been erased. The control unit 200 controls the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 provided along the first conveyance path 11 to read the sheet from which the image has been erased. The image information read by the first reading unit 13 and the second reading unit 14 is compared with the printing rate threshold value and the density threshold value stored in the ROM 202, and it is determined whether or not the sheet from which the image has been erased can be reused. to decide. If it is determined that the sheet cannot be reused, “0” is set in the reuse storage area of the RAM 203 (ACT 9).

  Next, the control unit 200 controls the first route change drive unit 207 to drive the first route change unit 17 to switch the route, and the sheet can be conveyed to the paper discharge unit 23 via the branch point B. To do. As a result, the conveyance path from the reading units 13 and 14 to the paper discharge unit 23 is connected. At the same time, the control unit 200 refers to the value stored in the reuse storage area of the RAM 203. The second path changing unit 30 allows a default path to transport a sheet from the second reading unit 14 to the first paper discharge unit 19. If the control unit determines that “0” is stored in the reuse storage area of the RAM 203, the sheet cannot be reused, so the second path change driving unit 208 is controlled to drive the second path change unit 30. Switch routes. At the default position of the second path changing unit 30, the conveyed paper is stored in the first paper discharge unit 19 that stores usable paper, and thus switching of the path is necessary. As a result, the second path changing unit 30 allows a path for transporting the sheet from the second reading unit 14 to the second sheet discharge unit 20 that stores the unusable sheet (ACT 10).

  Then, the paper from which the image has been erased is conveyed to the second paper discharge unit 20. Thereafter, the control unit 200 controls the second path change drive unit 208 to drive the second path change unit 30 and return it to the default position (ACT11).

  Subsequently, the control unit 200 determines whether or not a sheet can be stored in the paper discharge unit 23 (ACT 12). Specifically, the control unit 200 compares the detection result of the reuse sensor 216 with the first accommodation threshold stored in the ROM 202, and determines whether the detection result of the reuse sensor 216 is equal to or less than the first accommodation threshold. Do. At the same time, the control unit 200 compares the detection result of the discard sensor 217 with the second accommodation threshold stored in the ROM 202, and determines whether the detection result of the discard sensor 217 is equal to or less than the second accommodation threshold. If the detection result of the reuse sensor 216 is equal to or lower than the first storage threshold value and the detection result of the discard sensor 217 is equal to or lower than the second storage threshold value (Yes in ACT12), the control unit 200 feeds the paper supply unit 10 With reference to the value of the paper part sensor 215, it is confirmed whether or not the paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 (ACT 13). When the control unit 200 determines that there is a sheet in the sheet feed tray 22 (ACT 13 Yes), the control unit 200 returns to ACT 5 and starts conveying the sheet stored in the sheet feed tray 22. When the control unit 200 determines that there is no paper in the paper feed tray 22 (No in ACT 13), the erasing job is terminated. In this case, for example, before the end of the erasing job, the user is informed that there is no paper in the paper feed tray 22 to prompt the user to supply paper, and that the paper is stored in the paper feed tray 22 is detected and erased. The job may be resumed automatically or manually.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 200 determines that the detection result of the reuse sensor 216 is greater than or equal to the first accommodation threshold value or the detection result of the discard sensor 217 is greater than or equal to the second accommodation threshold value (No in ACT12), the erase job is terminated. To do. In the case of the above conditions, the detection result of the reuse sensor 216 is prioritized, and if the detection result is equal to or greater than the first accommodation threshold, the deletion job may be terminated regardless of the detection result of the discard sensor 217.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when erasing an image printed on a sheet, it is first determined whether or not the manual erasing mode is input by the operator. If the manual erasure mode is not input, it is determined whether or not there is a predetermined amount of paper in the paper discharge unit 23. If there is no predetermined amount of paper, the image on the paper is automatically erased. Further, when a predetermined amount or more of paper is stored in the paper supply unit 10, the image on the paper is automatically deleted. With these processes, a predetermined amount of paper can be prepared in the paper discharge unit 23, that is, the first paper discharge unit 19 in the present embodiment, so that the operator wants to use reusable paper. Inconvenience that the paper is not in the paper discharge unit 23 can be reduced. Further, when a predetermined amount or more of paper is stored in the paper discharge unit 23, when the paper is supplied to the paper supply unit 10 by a predetermined amount or more, the image formed on the paper is erased by continuous processing. Electric power can also be saved.

  In this embodiment, as an example of the erasing process, a description has been given of erasing the color of an image by heating. However, the image erasing apparatus described in the present embodiment is not limited to an apparatus that erases the color of an image by heat. For example, a device that erases the color of an image on a sheet by light irradiation or a device that erases an image formed on a special sheet may be used. The image erasing device may be configured so as to make the image on the paper invisible so that the paper can be reused.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

13 First Reading Unit 14 Second Reading Unit 15 Erasing Unit 30 Paper Discharging Unit 100 Image Erasing Device

Claims (6)

A transport unit for transporting the recording medium;
An erasing unit for erasing the image formed on the recording medium to be conveyed;
A paper discharge unit for storing the recording medium from which the image is erased by the erasing unit;
A first detection unit for detecting the amount of the recording medium accommodated in the paper discharge unit;
When it is determined that the amount of the recording medium detected by the first detection unit is a predetermined amount or less, the conveyance unit is controlled to convey the recording medium to the erasing unit, and the image of the conveyed recording medium A control unit that controls the erasing unit to erase the image, and controls the conveying unit to convey the recording medium from which the image has been erased to the paper discharge unit;
A paper feeding unit for accommodating a recording medium on which an image conveyed by the conveying unit is formed;
A second detection unit for detecting the amount of the recording medium accommodated in the paper supply unit;
In the case where the amount of the recording medium detected by the first detection unit is a predetermined amount or more and the amount of the recording medium detected by the second detection unit is also a predetermined amount or more, And an image erasing apparatus that controls the erasing unit to erase the recording medium accommodated in the paper feeding unit. A transport unit for transporting the recording medium;
An erasing unit for erasing the image formed on the recording medium to be conveyed;
A paper discharge unit for storing the recording medium from which the image is erased by the erasing unit;
A first detection unit for detecting the amount of the recording medium accommodated in the paper discharge unit;
When it is determined that the amount of the recording medium detected by the first detection unit is a predetermined amount or less, the conveyance unit is controlled to convey the recording medium to the erasing unit, and the image of the conveyed recording medium A control unit that controls the erasing unit to erase the image, and controls the conveying unit to convey the recording medium from which the image has been erased to the paper discharge unit;
A paper feeding unit for accommodating a recording medium on which an image conveyed by the conveying unit is formed;
A second detection unit that detects the amount of the recording medium accommodated in the paper supply unit,
When the amount of the recording medium detected by the first detection unit is a predetermined amount or more and the amount of the recording medium detected by the second detection unit is a predetermined amount or less Is an image erasing apparatus that controls the recording medium accommodated in the paper feeding unit not to be erased by the erasing unit.   When the control unit determines that the amount of the recording medium stored in the paper discharge unit detected by the first detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control unit detects at least the first detection unit. The image erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit controls the erasing unit to erase the recording medium accommodated in the paper feeding unit until the amount of the recording medium reaches a predetermined amount or more. A reading unit that reads the surface of the recording medium from which the image has been erased by the erasing unit;
The control unit determines whether the recording medium can be reused based on a reading result of the reading unit,
The paper discharge unit includes a first paper discharge unit that stores a recording medium determined to be reusable by the control unit, and a second paper discharge unit that stores a recording medium determined to be non-reusable. The image erasing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Detect the amount of recording medium stored in the paper discharge unit,
Detect the amount of recording media stored in the paper feed unit,
When the amount of the recording medium stored in the paper discharge unit is a predetermined amount or less and the amount of the recording medium stored in the paper supply unit is a predetermined amount or more , the recording medium is conveyed from the paper supply unit to the erasing unit. And
Erasing the image of the conveyed recording medium by the erasing unit,
An image erasing method for controlling to store a recording medium from which an image has been erased in the paper discharge unit. Detect the amount of recording medium stored in the paper discharge unit,
Detect the amount of recording media stored in the paper feed unit,
When the amount of the recording medium stored in the paper discharge unit is a predetermined amount or more and the amount of the recording medium stored in the paper supply unit is less than the predetermined amount, the recording medium stored in the paper supply unit is removed. An image erasing method for controlling not to erase by the erasing unit.

Images