JP3247967B2 - Apparatus for removing image forming substance from image carrier - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a copier, a facsimile, safe on the image carrier by the image forming apparatus such as a printer
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, which removes an image forming substance that is constantly attached.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been known various methods and apparatuses for removing an image forming substance such as toner from a sheet serving as a recorded image carrier, for example, an image forming substance removing apparatus. For example, as a method using a solvent, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-101576 discloses that a sheet on which a toner is adhered is immersed in a soluble solvent of a toner resin, and ultrasonic vibration is applied thereto. A method for removing the imaging substance to be liberated is disclosed. Also,
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-300395 discloses a method in which a solvent is applied to a printed portion of waste paper by immersion, spraying, coating or the like to dissolve the toner, and the dissolved toner is washed, suctioned with air, adsorbent contact, mechanical peeling. Alternatively, an image forming substance removing method for removing by a method by electrostatic adsorption or the like is disclosed.

On the other hand, as a method using no solvent, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-255195 discloses a hot-melt ink or an electrophotographic method in which a release agent is coated on a support and placed on a printed material by an electrophotographic method or a thermal transfer method. An image-forming substance removing method in which toner is adhered to the ink peeling body by removing the ink peeling body after cooling the ink by passing the ink peeling body over the print body, passing between a heating roller and a pressure roller, and then cooling. Is disclosed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-64472 discloses at least an endless sheet having a hot-melt resin on the surface, a heat roller and a cooling roller for supporting and rotating the endless sheet, and a paper (erasable paper) with a release treatment on the surface. There is disclosed an eraser comprising a pressing roller for pressing the resin onto a softened or molten hot-melt resin, and a drive unit capable of moving the rollers in conjunction with each other. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-829
No. 83 discloses two rollers provided in parallel to rotate in contact with each other to pass paper through a press-contact portion, a heater for heating at least one of the two rollers, and a roller passing through the press-contact portion. A scraper for separating paper from the roller;
There is disclosed an image forming substance removing device including a peeling device for removing the image forming substance attached to the roller from the roller.

By the way, a method and an apparatus which do not use the above-mentioned solvent can be used, for example, to remove an image-forming substance from a recorded image carrier on which an image is recorded on ordinary paper having paper fibers exposed on the surface. In the fixing step of the electrophotographic method, the image forming substance is firmly fixed to the fibers on the surface of the image holding member, for example, by fusing the image forming substance mainly composed of the heat-fusible resin to the image holding member. When the imaging substance is removed, the paper fibers on the surface are peeled off together with the imaging substance, thereby damaging the paper quality.
In particular, when heat or pressure is applied to the ink exfoliated body, the endless sheet or the roller in order to enhance the removability of the image forming substance, depending on various conditions, conversely, the fixing between the image forming substance and the image holding body may be performed. In some cases, the removal properties were increased, making removal difficult.

[0005] Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has previously reported that a recorded image carrier contains water as a destabilizing agent, an aqueous solution containing a surfactant, an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer, and a mixture of a surfactant and a water-soluble polymer. Holding at least one kind of water or an aqueous solution selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions containing, and interposing a peeling member, and peeling the image forming substance from the image holding member by heat bonding or pressure bonding to the peeling member. A method for removing an image forming substance has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 4-255).
No. 916). According to this, only the image forming substance can be removed without relatively damaging the paper quality of the image holding member.

[0006]

However, in the above-described conventional method and apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, a destabilizing agent is applied to the image carrier, and the image forming substance is peeled from the image carrier. When the image carrier is repeatedly used after performing the image forming substance removal process, the image carrier may be damaged if the number of repetitions of the image forming material removal process increases. The present inventors have confirmed the fact that the damage caused to the image carrier gradually worsens in accordance with the number of repetitions of the image forming substance removal processing, and the image carrier cannot be reused. Further, when the image forming material removing process is performed and the image carrier is repeatedly used, the process conditions of the optimal image forming material removing process for the image carrier according to the history of the image forming material removing process, for example, Process conditions that can minimize damage to the carrier and completely remove the imaging material can change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to form a processing status mark indicating the processing status of the removal of an image forming substance on an image carrier, thereby achieving the processing. By utilizing the status mark, the history of the image carrier can be grasped, and the image from the image carrier capable of optimizing the process conditions at the time of the next image forming substance removal processing of the image carrier. it is to provide a forming material removal SaSo location.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image forming substance is stably adhered to a surface of an image carrier by using an image forming substance removing means. In an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, the processing status mark for displaying the processing status of the image forming substance removal is formed on the image carrier after the image forming substance is removed. It is characterized in that forming means is provided. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for removing an image-forming substance from an image carrier according to the first aspect, mark detection for detecting a mark formed by the mark-forming means prior to processing by the image-forming substance removing means. A means is provided. The invention of claim 3 is:
3. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 2, further comprising a processing condition changing means for changing a processing condition of said image forming material removing means based on a detection result of said mark detecting means. It is assumed that. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for removing an image forming substance from the image carrier according to the first, second or third aspect, the processing status mark can be removed by the image forming substance removing means. Is what you do.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming material stably adhering to the surface of the image carrier is removed from the image carrier by the image forming material removing means. Then, a processing status mark indicating the processing status of the image forming substance removal is formed on the image carrier by the mark forming means. For example, a mark indicating the number of times the image carrier has been reused to date, a peeling method, and the like is formed. From the processing status mark, information on the history of the image forming substance removal processing can be obtained.

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention is applied to an image holding apparatus for removing a heat-fusible toner (hereinafter, referred to as a toner) as an image forming substance from a transfer paper as an image holding body on which an image is formed by a transfer type electrophotographic copying machine. An embodiment applied to an apparatus for removing an image forming substance from a body (hereinafter, referred to as a toner removing apparatus) will be described.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a toner removing device according to the present embodiment. First, an outline of the whole will be described. This toner removing device includes a sheet feeding unit 1 that separates and feeds, one by one, transfer papers 10 on which toner images formed in a stacked state are formed; The liquid is supplied to the transferred transfer paper 10, and the transfer paper 10 to which the liquid is supplied is supplied.
A liquid applying unit and a toner peeling unit 6 for peeling and removing the toner from the toner, a drying unit 4 for drying the transfer paper 10 from which the toner has been removed, a separation unit 40 for separating the transfer paper 10, and a separation unit 40 And a paper receiving unit 5 that receives the transfer paper 10 separated by the above.

Next, each of the units 1, 4, 5, 5 in the illustrated example will be described.
6 and 40 will be described. The paper feed unit 1 feeds the transfer paper 10 on the manual feed stand 101 with a paper feed roller 102, separates the multi-fed paper with a pair of separation rollers 103, adjusts the timing of only one transfer paper 10 and adjusts the skew. This is sent out by a pair of registration rollers 104 for correction. Since the specific configuration and operation are the same as those of the paper feeding mechanism in the electrophotographic copying machine, detailed description is omitted.

The liquid application unit / toner peeling unit 6 includes a paper holding drum 601 which rotates while holding the leading end of the transfer paper with a clamp claw 602 and holding the transfer paper on its peripheral surface. A liquid application unit for supplying a liquid to the transfer paper 10 held on the peripheral surface is provided.

The liquid application section applies a penetration promoting liquid 21 as a penetration enhancer for promoting the penetration of the processing liquid 20 described below into the transfer paper 10 on the transfer paper 10 on the paper holding drum 601. A process of applying the treatment liquid 20 as a destabilizing agent to the liquid application unit 2a and the transfer paper 10 to stably adhere the toner stably adhered to the surface of the transfer paper and the surface to the transfer paper 10 And a liquid application section 2b. The permeation promoting liquid applying section 2a and the processing liquid applying section 2b
Each of the liquid containers 201a and 201b, the application roller 207a,
b, liquid supply members 246a and 246b for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the application roller by capillary action or the like.
Each of the application rollers 207a and 207b is connected to the paper holding drum 60.
1 is configured to be movable so as to come into contact with or separate from the surface, and the movement is controlled by the control unit. Each of the liquid supply members 246a and 246b is formed of a liquid supply material such as felt, for example, and supplies the liquid in the liquid containers 201a and 201b to the application roller by a capillary phenomenon or the like.

The treatment liquid 20 includes water (including distilled water), an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer, an aqueous solution containing a surfactant, and an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer and a surfactant. At least one kind of water or an aqueous solution selected from the following can be used. In addition, the water or the aqueous solution may contain a predetermined organic solvent. Further, as the treatment liquid 20, only an organic solvent can be used. In addition, the permeation promoting liquid 21 includes:
At least one aqueous solution selected from the group consisting of an aqueous solution containing a surfactant and an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer and a surfactant can be used.

Examples of the above-mentioned water-soluble polymer include starchy substances (potato starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, wheat starch, corn starch, etc.),
Mannan (konjac, etc.), seaweed (funori, agar, sodium alginate, etc.), plant mucilage (trolo-mallow,
Tragacanth gum, gum arabic, etc.), microbial mucilage (dextran, levan, etc.), protein (paste,
Natural polymers of gelatin, casein, collagen, etc., cellulose-based (viscose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, etc.) and starch-based (soluble starch, carboxymethylstarch, dialdehyde starch) semi-synthetic polymers, Examples include, but are not limited to, synthetic polymers.

Further, as the above-mentioned surfactant, for example,
Anionic (carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, phosphonate, etc.), Cation (amine, quaternary ammonium, benzalkonium, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium Salts, imidazolinium salts, sulfonium salts, polyethylenepolyamines, etc.), amphoteric (amino acids, carboxybetaines, sulfobetaines, aminosulfates, aminocarboxylates, imidazoline derivatives, etc.), nonionics (ether type, ether ester type) , An ester type, a nitrogen-containing type, a polyhydric alcohol, an amino alcohol, a polyethylene glycol and the like), a general surfactant, a fluorine-based surfactant, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

Examples of the organic solvent to be contained in the water or the aqueous solution include turpentine, dipentene, butyl acetate, carbon tetrachloride, cellosolve acetate, xylene, toluene, ethyl acetate, diacetone alcohol, methyl cellosolve acetate, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone. Examples include, but are not limited to, methyl acetate, methylene chloride, ethylene dichloride, cyclohexane, cellosolve, dioxane, acetone, methyl cellosolve, cyclohexanol, butanol, and the like.

Examples of the organic solvent used alone include hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, spirilit, naphtha N01-6 (trade name of Shell Petroleum), isoper E, L, K, V (trade name of Exxon Corporation), IP Solvent (trade name of Idemitsu Oil Co., Ltd.), Shell Solsol 70, 71, Solvesso 100,
150 (trade name of Shell Oil Company), Ascom OMS,
460 (trade name of Spirits), Vegasol 103
0, 2130, 3040 (trade name of Mobile Oil Co., Ltd.) and the like. Further, Fluorinert FC 40, 43, 70, 77 (a trade name of Sumitomo 3M), which is a fluorinated solvent,
Fluid E10, 16, 18, etc., silicone solvent Shin-Etsu Silicone KF96 (trade name), Toray Silicone SH200, 344 (trade name), Toshiba Silicone T
SF431 (trade name) and the like, but are not limited thereto.

The liquid applying unit and toner peeling unit 6 includes first to third peeling rollers 3 as peeling members for peeling and removing the toner from the transfer paper 10 to which the liquid is supplied.
02a, b, and c. The first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, 302c are configured to be movable so as to come into contact with or separate from the surface of the paper holding drum 601, and the movement thereof is controlled by a control unit. Further, the first to third peeling rollers 302
The surfaces of a, b, and c are formed using a material having an adhesive force greater than that of the transfer paper 10 and the toner at least with respect to the softened toner. Specifically, a toner component resin that is the same as or similar to the toner described above, a component resin of an adhesive, or the like can be used, and a metal material of aluminum, copper, nickel, or iron can also be used. But,
It is not limited to these. Further, the resin is
It may be water-soluble or water-insoluble.

Examples of the toner component resin include a polystyrene resin, an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a styrene-butylacrylic copolymer, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyester resin, and an epoxy resin, but are not limited thereto. Not something.

The resin components of the adhesive include protein adhesives such as glue, gelatin, albumin, casein, and carbohydrate adhesives such as starch, cellulose, and complex polysaccharides (eg, gum arabic and tragacanth). Agent, vinyl acetate polymer and copolymer, acrylic,
Thermoplastic adhesives such as ethylene copolymers, polyamides, polyesters, and polyurethanes; rubber adhesives such as polychloroprene, nitrile rubber, recycled rubber, SBR, and natural rubber; Pressure-sensitive adhesive, polyethylene terephthalate (PE) with titanium oxide dispersed
T), and the like, but are not limited thereto. (Hereinafter, margin)

When the above resin is used, it is desirable to form a multilayer structure of at least two layers of a support and a surface layer from the viewpoints of prevention of elongation due to tension and heat, durability and the like. That is, when a roller-shaped peeling member is used as in the illustrated example, it is desirable to form the peeling member by forming a surface layer made of the above resin or the like on a base roller as a support.

As a support for supporting the above resin and the like,
For example, a rubber roller, a sheet, a cellophane tape, a kraft paper adhesive tape, a polyvinyl chloride tape, an acetone tape, a tape such as a filament reinforcing tape, and the like can be used, but are not limited thereto.

The first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b,
c, a heating lamp 3 as a means for softening the toner
01a, b, and c. This heating lamp 301
a, b, and c are in close contact with the front and back of the transfer paper 10 and
The toner adhered to the transfer paper 10 is heated to soften, thereby facilitating the peeling of the toner from the fibers of the transfer paper 10. This heating is desirably performed to such an extent that the toner on the transfer paper 10 does not melt at the pressure contact portion with the drum 601. When the toner is melted, the toner on the transfer paper 10 is not divided into the paper side and the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c, and the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302b are separated.
This is because the transfer to the c side becomes difficult. If the toner is excessively heated, the transfer paper 10 is excessively dried while the first to third peeling rollers 302a, b, and c pass through the pressure contact portions of the transfer paper 10 with the drum 601.
The transfer paper 10 may adhere to the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c via the toner and may not be able to be separated. Therefore, it is desirable to heat the transfer paper 10 to such an extent that the transfer paper 10 after passing through the heating unit is left with some wetness to prevent the toner from re-adhering.

The liquid applying unit and toner peeling unit 6 includes the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c.
A cleaning device 304 for cleaning the surface of the device, a driving unit (not shown), and the like are provided. The cleaning device 304 includes a cleaning roller 305a that removes toner on the surfaces of the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c.
b, c, scraper blades 306a, b, c for scraping off the toner on the cleaning rollers 305a, b, c, and a toner receiver (toner container) 307 for accommodating the toner scraped off by the scraper blades 306a, b, c. ing. The cleaning rollers 305a, b, and c remove excess toner on the surfaces of the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c, and remove the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c.
You may comprise so that a surface may be smoothed. Further, a blade, a scraper, or the like may be used instead of the cleaning roller.

The first to third peeling rollers 302
a, b, and c are configured to have different adhering abilities to the at least softened toner.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first peeling roller 30
The surface 2a has the roughest surface among the three peeling rollers, and has the smallest adhering ability to the softened toner. In addition, the surface of the third peeling roller 302c is the finest of the three peeling rollers, and has the largest adhesion ability to the softened toner. The surface of the second peeling roller 302b is
The second peeling roller 302c has an intermediate roughness between the first peeling roller 302a and the third peeling roller 302c.

The first to third peeling rollers 302a,
Instead of b and c, a belt having the same surface characteristics may be used, or the first to third peeling rollers 30 may be used instead of the cleaning rollers 305a, 305b, and 305c of the cleaning device 304.
2a, b, and c, a cleaning blade or a scraper directly in contact with the surface may be used.

After the toner peeling process, the drum 6
As a detecting means for detecting an unremoved image remaining on the transfer paper 10 held at 01, a CCD sensor 603a is provided downstream of the peeling roller 302 in the rotation direction of the drum 601.

The drying unit 4 is for drying the transfer paper 10, and is composed of an upper drying roller 402 made of, for example, aluminum and having a built-in heating lamp 401, and a lower drying roller 404 pressed downward from below. . The lower drying roller 404 has a surface layer made of a liquid-supplying member, and is in contact with a diaphragm blade (not shown) that squeezes the liquid on the surface layer. Instead of such a pair of drying rollers 402 and 404,
Alternatively, in addition, a belt-shaped member, a hot air fan, an infrared lamp, or the like may be used.

The sorting unit 40 includes a deflecting claw 41, guide plates 42a and 42b, and switches the position of the deflecting claw 41 in accordance with control data from a control unit, which will be described later. The paper 10 is branched and transported into a guide plate 42a that forms a transport path for the transfer paper 10a in which the unremoved image remains and a guide plate 42b that forms a transport path for the transfer paper 10b in which the unremoved image remains. I do.

The paper receiving unit 5 is provided with two paper output trays 501a and 501b for receiving the transfer papers 10 separated by the separation unit 40. The transfer paper 10a having no unremoved image is discharged. The transfer paper 10b, which is discharged to the discharge tray 501a by the roller pair 502a, and on which the unremoved image remains, is discharged by the discharge roller 502b.
1b. The paper discharge tray 501a of the paper receiving unit 5 is an elevator tray that can be raised and lowered, and has a paper discharge level sensor 505 for detecting the level of the transfer paper 10 on the paper discharge tray 501a.

Although not shown, the toner removing device includes a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the transfer sheet 10 is present on the sheet supply table, a unit for detecting a double feed of the transfer sheet 10 by the sheet supply unit 1, A means for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in a liquid container for the penetration promoting liquid 21 of the permeation promoting liquid applying section 2a and a processing liquid 20 for the processing liquid 20 of the processing liquid applying section 2b, means for automatically replenishing the liquid container, and a device for the transfer paper 10. Inner jam detection means, lighting control means for each heating lamp,
A means for filling the toner receiving container 307 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electrical unit of the toner removing device of FIG. Here, a control unit as a control unit of the toner removing device includes a CPU 904, a ROM 905, and a CL.
It comprises a K oscillator 906, an address data bus 907, a parallel interface 908, a driver 910, an A / D converter 918, a RAM 919, a control unit 920 of the operation display unit 50, a serial interface 921, and the like.

In FIG. 2, a DC power supply (PSU) 903 which receives AC power from a commercial power supply 901 when a main switch 902 is turned on supplies a DC power supply voltage to each control IC. The CPU 904 includes an address data bus 9
07, a ROM 9 in which a control program is written
05, CLK oscillator 906, A / D converter 918,
A RAM 919 and the like are connected. The CPU 904 to which the DC power supply voltage has been supplied resets the program counter and the like, and starts control based on the contents of the control program written in the ROM 905. Further, a CLK oscillator 906 is a reference clock (CLK) required for CPU operation.
Supply.

A parallel interface 908 is connected to the CPU 904 through an address data bus 907, and a driver 910 for driving a relay or a motor is connected to an output port of the parallel interface 908. The paper discharge level sensor 505 of the paper receiving unit 5 is also connected to the output port.

The main switch 902, the solid state relays SSR1 (912) and SSR2 (9
13), the resistors 9 corresponding to the heating lamps 301a, b, c for heating the peeling rollers 302a, b, c.
A resistor 915 corresponding to the heating lamp 401 for heating the drying rollers 402 is connected to the commercial power source 901. The relays 912 and 913 are
ON / OFF control is performed via a driver 910. In addition, the thermistors 916 and 917 for detecting the temperatures of the rollers 302a, 302b, 302c and 402 are provided with an A / D converter 918.
And the analog detection data by each thermistor is converted into digital data. The transfer paper condition sensor 105 and the CCD sensors 603a and 603b are also connected to the A / D converter 918.

Here, the heating lamps 301a, 301b,
The temperature control of c and 401 is performed as follows. First, when data for turning on the relay 911 is sent to the driver 910 via the parallel interface, the contact drive coil 911a of the relay 911 is energized and the contact of the relay 911 is closed. And relays 912 and 91
3 is sent to the driver 910 in the same manner as described above, the relay 912 is turned on, a current flows through the resistors 914a, 914b and 914c, and the heating lamp 301 is turned on.
First to third peeling rollers 302a, b, c by a, b, c
Is started. Further, the relay 913 is turned on, a current flows through the resistor 915, and the heating of the drying roller 402 by the heating lamp 401 is started. Thermistor 9
The detection data of the temperature of each roller detected by 16, 917 is read into the CPU 904 via the A / D converter 918, and is compared with the control temperature value written in the RAM 919 to control the temperature. This control temperature data can also be written from the control unit 920 of the operation display unit 50 to the RAM 919 through the serial interface 921.

The serial interface 921 includes:
It is connected to the CPU 904 through an address data bus 907, and its output port is connected to the operation display unit 50.
The control unit 930 of the mark forming unit 30 is also connected in addition to the control unit 920 of FIG.

The driver 910 includes a paper feed motor 923, a registration motor 924, and a main drive motor 92.
2. A discharge tray motor 931 for raising and lowering the discharge tray 501a, a paper holding drum motor 933, application roller motors 928a and 928b, and a peeling roller pressing motor 929.
a, b, c, solenoid 9 for opening and closing clamp claw 602
26, application roller solenoids 927a, b, deflection claw 41
Is connected to a solenoid 932 for switching the position.

Here, the loads other than the paper feed roller 102, the separation roller pair 103 and the registration roller pair 104 are all driven synchronously by the main drive motor 922. Further, which application roller is brought into contact with the paper holding drum 601 is controlled via the application roller solenoids 927a and 927b,
Further, the rotational drive of each roller 207a, b is controlled via the application roller motor 928a, 9b. In addition, the separation / contact of the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c and the amount of pressure applied to the paper holding drum 601 by each peeling roller are controlled via the peeling roller pressing motors 929a, 929b, and 929c.

In the above configuration, the transfer paper 10 sent from the paper feed unit 1 is provided with the permeation promoting liquid 21 as required by the permeation promoting liquid applying section 2a of the liquid applying unit and the toner peeling unit 6, and The processing liquid 2 is applied to the processing liquid application section 2b.
After “0” is given, it is sent to the toner peeling section. In this toner peeling section, the toner fixed to the transfer paper 10 is softened by heating from a peeling roller selected from the first to third peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c and adheres to the surface of the peeling roller. I do. Then, when the transfer paper 10 is separated from the surface of the separation roller, the toner adhered to the surface of the separation roller is separated from the transfer paper 10, whereby the toner is removed from the transfer paper 10. The transfer paper 10 from which the toner has been removed is dried by the drying unit 4, separated by the separation unit 40, and then discharged to the paper receiving unit 5.

As described above, according to this toner removing apparatus, the processing liquid 20 is supplied to the transfer paper 10 to which the toner has adhered, and the toner is removed in a state where the processing liquid 20 has permeated the interface between the transfer paper 10 and the toner. Since the toner is peeled, the toner can be removed without damaging the paper fibers.

By the way, when the transfer paper 10 is repeatedly reused by removing the toner by the toner removing device, if the number of times of repeated use increases, the transfer paper 10 may be damaged such as fuzz. There is a possibility that it will. The damage that has occurred on the transfer paper 10 gradually worsens according to the number of repetitions of the toner removal process, that is, the number of times the transfer paper 10 is repeatedly used, and the transfer paper 10 cannot be reused. When the transfer paper 10 is repeatedly used by performing the toner removal processing as described above, the process conditions of the optimum toner removal processing for the transfer paper 10, for example, the transfer paper 10 In some cases, the process conditions for minimizing the damage to the toner and completely removing the toner from the transfer paper 10 may change.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a processing status mark indicating the processing status of the toner removing process in the toner removing device is formed on the transfer paper 10 after the toner removing process. The processing status mark is formed so as to display, for example, the number of reuses of the transfer paper 10. Further, a processing status mark may be formed so as to display process conditions such as how many times the paper holding drum 601 has been rotated until the toner is completely removed, and which peeling roller has been used.

A processing status mark forming unit (hereinafter referred to as a mark forming unit) 3 as processing status mark forming means for forming the processing status mark on the transfer paper 10.
0 can be arranged between the drying unit 4 and the separation unit 40, for example, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the sorting unit 40 may be disposed immediately after the drying unit 4, and the mark forming unit 30 may be disposed immediately before the discharge trays 501 a and 501 b in the discharge cassette 5.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a front view and a perspective view of a punching unit which is an example of the configuration of the mark forming unit 30. FIG. This punching unit comprises a movable punch body 3
1, a drive motor 32 controlled by the control unit, a feed screw 33 rotationally driven by the drive motor, a movable punch body 3
1 is provided with a guide rail 34 for guiding the sheet 1 in the direction of arrow A in the figure, a transport roller 35 for the transfer paper 10, a transport guide member 36, a drive unit (not shown) for the transport roller 35, and the like.

The movable punch body 31 includes a cylindrical punch member 31a and a punch member
The arm 31b to which 1a is fixed is controlled by the control unit, and the driving unit 31d that drives the punch member 31a in the vertical direction (the direction of the arrow B in the drawing) via the arm 31b engages with the lowered punch member. It is constituted by a punch table 31f having a hole 31e formed at a position. Further, a through hole is formed in a side wall portion of the movable punch body 31 through which the feed screw 33 penetrates, and an inner peripheral surface of the through hole is engaged with the feed screw 33 (male screw). Threaded. The feed screw 33 is inserted into the through hole of the movable punch body 31 where the female screw is cut while being screwed. Accordingly, the movable punch body 31 can reciprocate in the direction of arrow A in accordance with the rotation of the feed screw 33. Further, a CCD sensor (not shown) for detecting an existing punch hole or the like may be provided on the upstream side of the punching unit in the transfer paper transport direction.

In the punching unit, the transfer paper 10 conveyed from the drying unit 4 is conveyed from the left side of the drawing onto the punch table of the movable punch main body 31, and the predetermined position determined in advance from the punch position data. The drive of the transport roller 35 is controlled so as to stop it. The punch position in a direction (arrow A direction) orthogonal to the transfer paper transport direction is controlled by rotating the feed screw 33 by the drive motor 35 and moving the movable punch body 31. After the control of the punch position is completed, the drive unit 31c is operated,
The punch member 31a is lowered via the arm 31b to punch the transfer paper 10. Here, the number of punch holes may be one, but a plurality of punch holes may be formed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a printing unit which is another example of the configuration of the mark forming unit 30. This printing unit is an ink jet type, has a nozzle head 37 having three jet nozzles and fixed to a holder 37a, a guide rod 38 that penetrates the holder 37a and guides the movement of the nozzle head 37, and a driving unit of the nozzle head 37. 39 and the like. The drive unit 39 includes a drive motor 39
a, a driving pulley 39b fixed to the rotating shaft of the driving motor 39a, a driven pulley 39c, a driving wire 39c fixed to the holder 37a of the nozzle head and suspended between the pulleys 39b and c, and the like. Due to the rotation of the drive motor 39a, the nozzle head 37 moves in a direction orthogonal to the transfer sheet transport direction via the drive wire 39c. Each jet nozzle of the nozzle head 37 and the drive motor 39a are connected to a driver 910 of a control unit described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a CCD sensor 603b for detecting an existing processing status mark or the like may be provided upstream of the printing unit in the transfer paper transport direction. In addition,
When the printed mark is detected by the sensor,
It is necessary to consider the matching between the color characteristics of the printed mark and the light receiving characteristics of the sensor.

In the printing unit, the transfer paper 10 conveyed from the drying unit 4 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and the nozzle head 37 is controlled by the drive motor 39a.
Is moved in a direction perpendicular to the transfer paper transport direction. Then, ON / OF of each jet nozzle of the nozzle head 37 is performed.
By controlling F at a predetermined timing, the transfer paper 1
A predetermined processing status mark is formed on 0. In this print control, the transfer of the transfer paper 10 does not have to be stopped,
The transfer of the transfer paper 10 may be stopped at the timing of the movement of the nozzle head 37 and the printing by the jet nozzle.

In order to ensure print quality, printing may be performed during transport when the transport speed is low. However, when the transport speed is high, printing may be performed after the transfer paper 10 is temporarily stopped.

In the configuration example of the printing unit shown in FIG.
Although the jet nozzle is configured to move in a direction orthogonal to the transfer paper transport direction, the nozzle head 3 in which the jet nozzles are arranged over the entire width of the transfer paper 10 as shown in FIG.
7 may be arranged on the transfer paper 10.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer unit which is another example of the configuration of the mark forming unit 30. This printer unit has the same configuration as a conventional electrophotographic copying machine, and includes a photosensitive drum 70, a charging charger 7
1, an optical writing optical unit 72, a developing unit 73, a transfer charger 74, a fixing roller pair 75, and the like.
The photoconductor layer on the surface of the photoconductor drum 70 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 71, and then is irradiated with a light image corresponding to the processing status mark from the optical unit 72 via the mirror 72a, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. An image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is
The toner image is developed by the developing unit. The toner on the photosensitive drum 70 is transferred to a predetermined position on the transfer paper 10 by the transfer charger 74 and is fixed by the fixing roller pair 75. With the above operation, a toner image of the processing status mark can be formed on the transfer paper 10. The printer unit is controlled via a mark forming unit control unit 930 connected to a serial interface 921 of a control unit described later.

The processing status marks include punch holes formed by the punching unit, Δ and X marks formed by the printing unit and the printer unit, and a mark C in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a barcode having a large amount of information can be used.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the processing status of the toner removal process, for example, a process status mark indicating the number of reuses of the transfer paper 10 is formed on the transfer paper 10 after the toner removal process. In the next toner removal process of 10, the process status mark can be detected to accurately grasp the process status of the transfer paper 10, and the information on the process status can be used to change the process conditions of the toner removal process. It can be used for control.

When the printer unit shown in FIG. 5 is used as the mark forming unit 30 and a processing status mark is formed by a toner image, the processing status mark can be removed by the toner removal processing. In the forming process, the existing processing status mark is temporarily erased, and the overwriting of forming a new processing status mark becomes easy. Therefore, the area where the processing status mark is formed can be set to a specific narrow area on the transfer paper 10, and the area where an image is formed when the transfer paper 10 is reused becomes large.
(Hereinafter, margin)

As described above, according to the present embodiment, after the toner removal processing, the processing status of the toner removal processing, for example, a processing status mark indicating the number of reuses of the transfer paper 10 is formed on the transfer paper 10, In the next toner removal process of 10, the process status mark can be detected to accurately grasp the process status of the transfer paper 10, and the information on the process status can be used to change the process conditions of the toner removal process. It can be used for control.

When the printer unit shown in FIG. 5 is used as the mark forming unit 30 and a processing status mark is formed by a toner image, the processing status mark can be removed by the toner removal processing. In the forming process, the existing processing status mark is temporarily erased, and the overwriting of forming a new processing status mark becomes easy. Therefore, the area where the processing status mark is formed can be set to a specific narrow area on the transfer paper 10, and the area where an image is formed when the transfer paper 10 is reused becomes large.

Next, a description will be given of a control example in which a mark indicating the number of reuses of the transfer paper 10 is used as the processing mark, and the processing condition mark is detected to change the process condition of the toner removal processing. In this embodiment, a transfer paper state sensor 105 for detecting the state of the transfer paper 10 fed by the paper feed roller 102 and the separation roller pair 103 of the paper feed unit 1 is provided as a detection means for detecting the processing status mark. ing. The transfer paper state sensor 105 is a CCD sensor,
It is constituted by a sensor using a laser beam or the like, and detects a processing status mark indicating the number of reuses of the transfer paper 10. In addition,
The transfer paper state sensor 105 determines the degree of fuzziness on the surface of the transfer paper 10, the image area ratio on the transfer paper 10, the transfer paper 10
It can also be configured to read the presence or absence of a seal imprint by the upper red mark or the like.

FIG. 8 is a main flow chart of the control example, and FIG. 9 is a sub-flow chart showing processing steps in the toner removal processing mode of the flow chart.
Is a sub-flowchart showing a peeling process step of the sub-flowchart. First, in FIG. 8, as described above, current flows through the resistors 914a, b, c, and 915, and heating of the rollers 302a, b, c, and 402 is started, and the heating of the rollers 302a, b, c, and 402 is started. When the temperature reaches a temperature (set value in the RAM 919) sufficient for peeling or drying, the operation display unit 5 via the control unit 920.
0 indicates an operable display (eg, LED lighting). And
When the operation command data is transmitted from the control unit 920, C
The PU 904 operates the main drive motor 922, and when the load of the motor can be driven at a constant speed, the feed motor 92
3 is driven to start feeding (step 1). The fed transfer paper 10 is transferred to the transfer paper 10 by the transfer paper state sensor 105.
The processing status mark formed above is detected, and data for judging the reusability is read (step 2). This detection data is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 918, and if necessary, image processing for determining the state of the transfer paper 10 is executed (step 3).

Next, the registration motor 924 rotates while timing with the sheet feeding motor 923 to prevent skew (step 4). Then, the detection data of the transfer paper state is compared with a control reference value (a limit value of the image area ratio, a limit value of the number of reuse times, and the like) written in the ROM 905 to determine whether the toner removal process is possible. (Step 5). Here, if it is determined that the toner removal process is not possible, the paper feed mode is entered (step 6), the deflection claw solenoid 932 is driven, and the transfer paper 10 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 501b (step 7). On the other hand, when it is determined that the toner removal processing is possible, a toner removal processing mode described later is executed (step 8).

In the toner removal processing mode (see FIG. 9), the registration motor 924 sends the transfer paper 10 to the position of the clamp claw 602 where the paper holding drum 601 is opened. Here, when control data for closing the clamp claw 602 of the paper holding drum 601 is sent to the parallel interface 908, the solenoid 926 is operated by the driver 910 to close the clamp claw 602 and hold the transfer paper 10 (step 8-). 1) Turn the paper holding drum motor 933 to O
Rotate to N (step 8-2).

Next, by the application rollers 207a and 207b,
The transfer paper 10 on the paper holding drum 601 is coated with the permeation promoting liquid 21 such as the surfactant and the treatment liquid 20 such as distilled water (Step 8-3). Thereby, the transfer paper 10
The processing liquid 20 is made to permeate the interface between the toner and the toner. Here, the conditions for applying each of the liquids 20, 21 to the transfer paper 10 may be varied based on the detection data read by the transfer paper state sensor 105.

Next, the toner is easily separated from the transfer paper 10 by heating by the heating lamps 301a, 301b, and 301c, and the toner is transferred from the transfer paper 10 by the first to third release rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c. A toner peeling process for peeling and removing is executed (step 8-4).

In this toner peeling process (see FIG. 10),
First, the detection data of the image density of the transfer paper 10 (the amount of adhered toner on the transfer paper 10) read by the transfer paper state sensor 105 is compared with a control reference value written in the ROM 905 (step 8-4). -1). Here, if it is determined that the detection data of the image density is smaller than the control reference value c%, the adhesion to the softened toner is the smallest among the three peeling rollers 302a, 302b, and 302c. The third peeling roller 302c having the highest capacity is moved by the peeling roller pressing motor 929c so as to come into contact with the paper holding drum 601 (step 8-4-2), and the processing liquid 20 is moved.
The toner is peeled off and removed from the transfer paper 10 at the interface where the toner has penetrated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value is equal to or more than the control reference value c%, it is determined whether or not it is the first peeling step (step 8-4-3). Here, if it is determined that this is the first peeling step, the first peeling roller 302 having the smallest adhesion ability to the softened toner is used.
is moved by the peeling roller pressing motor 929a so as to contact the paper holding drum 601 (Step 8-4-).
4) At the interface where the processing liquid 20 has penetrated, the toner is peeled off from the transfer paper 10 and removed. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the first peeling step, it is determined whether or not it is the second peeling step (step 8-4-5), and if it is determined that it is the second peeling step, it is softened. The second peeling roller 30 having an adhering ability between the first peeling roller 302a and the third peeling roller 302c
2b is moved by the peeling roller pressing motor 929b so as to contact the paper holding drum 601 (step 8-4-).
6) At the interface where the processing liquid 20 has penetrated, the toner is peeled off from the transfer paper 10 and removed. If it is determined that the process is not the second peeling step, the third peeling roller 302c is moved by the peeling roller pressing motor 929c so as to contact the paper holding drum 601 (step 8).
-4-2), the toner is peeled off from the transfer paper 10 and removed at the interface portion where the processing liquid 20 has penetrated.

After executing the above-described peeling process, the process returns to step 8-5 in FIG. 9, and the unremoved toner image remaining on the transfer paper 10 is detected by the CCD sensor 603a. Here, the detection data obtained by the CCD sensor 603a indicates that the ratio of the remaining image area of the unremoved toner image is a predetermined control reference value a%.
It is determined whether it is the following (step 8-6). N
In the case of O, it is determined whether or not the above-described liquid application processing and peeling processing have been performed three times or more (step 8-7). In the case of NO in step 8-7, after the liquid applying process is further performed, the peeling process is repeated according to the flowchart of FIG. Thus, the toner on the transfer paper 10 can be completely removed while minimizing the damage on the surface of the transfer paper 10 without peeling the fibers on the surface of the transfer paper 10 together with the toner from the transfer paper 10. Become.

On the other hand, if the determination in step 8-7 is YES, that is, if the toner image having a fixed area cannot be peeled even after repeating the liquid applying process and the peeling process a predetermined number of times, the unremoved toner image is detected by the CCD sensor 603a. The detected data is written into the RAM 919 and used for operation control of the mark forming unit 30, the sorting unit 40, and the like. Then, the solenoid 926 is turned off,
The transfer paper 10 is released by opening the clamp claws 602 and separated from the paper holding drum 601, dried by the drying unit 4 (steps 8-8 and 9), and then sent to the separation unit 40. In the separation unit 40, the CCD sensor 60
Based on 3a, the position of the deflecting claw 41 is switched so that the transfer paper 10b in which an unremoved toner image having a certain area or more remains remains in the guide plate 42b. As a result, the transfer paper 10b becomes a non-reusable transfer paper discharge tray 501b.
(Step 8-10).

If the determination in step 8-6 is YES, that is, if the remaining image area is less than a%, the clamp pawl 602 is opened to release the transfer paper 10 as in steps 8-8 and 9 described above. It is separated from the paper holding drum 601 and dried in the drying unit 4 (steps 8-11 and 8-1).
2).

Next, the transfer paper 1 is
A processing status mark corresponding to the number of reuses is given to 0 (step 8-13). As the mark forming unit, the above-described punching unit, printing unit, printer unit and the like are used. When the punching unit is used, the CCD sensor 603a detects whether or not there is a punch, and if there is a punch, the punch sensor is controlled to punch, for example, next to the punch. When the printing unit is used, for example, the CCD sensor 603a detects whether or not there are 〇, ×, etc. already printed on the leading end of the transfer paper 10, and when the 〇, × marks are present, For example, control is performed so as to print next to it. Further, the color of the processing status mark may be changed according to the number of reuses. For example,
Number of reuses 1, 2, 3, 4. . Red, blue, yellow,
Green. . When a red processing status mark is detected by the CCD sensor 603a, control is performed so as to form a blue processing status mark on the mark. This processing status mark is used in the next toner removal processing as data indicating the state of the transfer paper 10.

Then, the transfer paper 10 with the processing status mark is sent to the sorting unit 40. In the sorting unit 40, based on the CCD sensor 603a, the transfer paper 10 in which an unremoved toner image having a certain area or more does not remain.
The position of the deflecting claw 41 is switched so as to convey a into the guide plate 42a. As a result, the transfer paper 10a is discharged to the reusable transfer paper discharge tray 501a (step 8-14). Here, the discharge level sensor 505
Detects the transfer paper 10a discharged onto the discharge tray 501a and sends data indicating that there is a paper through the parallel interface 908.
31 is operated to lower the paper discharge tray 501a. This lowering operation continues until the input from the paper discharge level sensor 505 reaches a value corresponding to the absence of paper, and the height of the paper on the paper discharge tray 501a is constant even if the stack amount is large. A stable paper discharging operation is performed.

As described above, according to the present control example, the number of reuses indicated by the processing status mark on the transfer paper 10 is detected by the transfer paper state sensor 105, and the detected data is compared with the limit value which is the above control reference value. However, when it is determined that the toner removal processing is not possible because the number of reuses exceeds the limit value, control is performed to prohibit the toner removal processing, so that it is possible to prevent unnecessary toner removal processing from being performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another control example based on the processing status mark. In this control example, a processing status mark on the transfer paper 10 is detected, and control is performed to change the setting of the liquid application condition and the peeling condition based on the detection result of the number of reuses indicated by the mark. In addition,
As the peeling roller, a second peeling roller 302b having an intermediate adhesive force to the toner on the transfer paper 10 is used.

First, in FIG. 11, for the transfer paper 10 fed from the paper feed unit 1, a processing status mark indicating the number of reuses on the transfer paper 10 is detected by the transfer paper state sensor 105, and the transfer paper 10 is reused. It is determined whether the sheet is paper (steps 1 and 2). When the transfer paper 10 is reused paper,
Further, the detection data of the number of reuses is compared with a predetermined control reference number (step 3). Here, if the transfer paper 10 contains a large amount of the permeation-promoting liquid 21 such as the surfactant, the toner is difficult to ride and easily peels off during reuse, and if the number of times is less than the reference number, the transfer paper 10 is not damaged. Is determined, the application of the penetration enhancer 21 by the application roller 207a is smaller than usual. On the other hand, if the reference number of times is exceeded, it is determined that the transfer paper 10 is damaged, and the penetration enhancer 21 is not applied ( Steps 4 and 5). Then, in order to lower the peeling efficiency at the time of peeling and not to damage the fibers on the surface of the transfer paper, the set values of the pressing amount and the heating temperature of the peeling roller 302b are set lower than normal values, and The set value is raised from the normal value (step 6).

Next, after the treatment liquid 20 is applied, a toner peeling process is performed under the above-mentioned set conditions, and the CCD sensor 60
At 3a, an unremoved toner image remaining on the transfer paper 10 is detected (steps 7 to 9). Here, the CCD sensor 603a
It is determined whether or not the toner image on the transfer paper 10 has been completely removed based on the detection data (step 10).
If NO, steps 7 to 9 are repeated.
Thus, the toner on the transfer paper 10 can be completely removed while the damage on the surface of the transfer paper 10 is minimized without peeling the fibers on the surface of the transfer paper 10 together with the toner from the transfer paper 10. become.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2 that the transfer paper 10 is not reused paper, the permeation promoting liquid 21 and the processing liquid 20 are applied in normal amounts, and then the pressure of the peeling roller 302b and the heating temperature are increased. , And the rotation speed of the paper holding drum 601 is set to a normal value (steps 11 and 12). Then, a toner peeling process is executed, and an unremoved toner image remaining on the transfer paper 10 is detected by the CCD sensor 603a (steps 13 and 14). Here, it is determined whether or not the toner image on the transfer paper 10 has been completely removed based on the data detected by the CCD sensor 603a (step 15). NO
In the case of the above, steps 12 to 14 are repeated.
Thus, the toner on the transfer paper 10 can be completely removed while the damage on the surface of the transfer paper 10 is minimized without peeling the fibers on the surface of the transfer paper 10 together with the toner from the transfer paper 10. become.

Next, after the toner image is completely removed,
The transfer paper 10 is released from the clamp claws 602, separated from the paper holding drum 601, and then dried by the drying unit 4 (step 16). Then, the processing status mark corresponding to the number of reuses is transferred to the transfer paper 1 by the mark forming unit 30.
Transfer paper 10 with a processing status mark added to 0
Is sent to the sorting unit 40, and is discharged to a discharge tray 501a for reusable transfer paper (step 17).

In step 3 of the control shown in FIG. 11, when it is determined that the transfer paper 10 is damaged based on the detection data of the number of reuses, if the transfer promoting liquid 2 such as a surfactant is used.
In this case, only the treatment liquid 20 such as water was applied without applying 1, and the pressure amount and the heating temperature of the peeling roller 302 to be used were made lower than usual values, and the rotation speed of the paper holding drum 601 was made higher than usual values. Under the conditions, the liquid applying process and the peeling process are performed. In addition to this, if it is determined that the transfer paper 10 is damaged, the upper and lower drying rollers are used to suppress the fluff on the surface of the transfer paper during drying. Control may be performed so that the pressing process between the 402 and 404 is set stronger than usual and the drying step is performed.
In addition, control may be performed so that a peeling roller having a small adhesion ability to the softened toner on the transfer paper 10 is selected and used. Further, when it is determined that the transfer paper 10 is damaged, the liquid application condition, the peeling condition, and the paper holding drum 601 are determined.
The setting changes such as the driving conditions and the drying conditions may be performed alone or in combination as appropriate.

As described above, according to the present control example, the number of reuses indicated by the processing status mark on the transfer paper 10 is detected by the transfer paper state sensor 105, and the detected data is compared with the control reference value. If the number of times of use exceeds the reference value, it is determined that the transfer paper 10 is damaged,
Since the application efficiency is limited and the peeling efficiency in the toner peeling process is reduced, the reuse life of the transfer paper 10 can be extended without further damaging the fibers on the surface of the transfer paper.
(Hereinafter, margin)

[0084] Next, examples of the other toner removing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12. In the paper feeding unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the transfer paper 10
Unlike the toner removing device shown in FIG. 1, the sheet is placed in a sheet feeding tray 101a at the lower portion of the device, and is fed by a sheet feeding roller 102 from the uppermost one. Further, the paper supply unit 1 is provided with a transfer paper state sensor 105 which will be described in detail later, which is constituted by, for example, a reflection type photo sensor.

Further, a deflection claw 41a is provided downstream of the transfer paper state sensor 105 in the transfer paper transport direction.
The deflection claw 41a is displaced according to the detection result of the transfer paper state sensor 105, and switches the transport path of the transfer paper 10 between a toner removal processing unit 6a described below and the collection container 501c. Then, the transfer paper 10 that cannot be reproduced by the deflection claw 41a is discharged without performing unnecessary erasing processing. A collection container 501c that accommodates the transfer paper 10 is provided at the lower right in the figure.

On the other hand, the reproducible transfer paper 10 is transported to the toner removal processing unit 6a. The toner removal processing unit 6a includes a liquid supply device, a toner peeling device, and a drying device along the transport path. This liquid supply device
A liquid container 201 that stores the processing liquid 20, an application roller 207 that supplies the processing liquid 20 in the liquid container 201 to the transfer paper 10,
And a pressing roller 207c that presses the transfer paper 10 from the opposite side of the transfer roller 10 with the application roller 207 therebetween.
Next, the toner peeling device includes a peeling roller 302 having a built-in heating lamp 301d, a pressing roller 207d having a built-in heating lamp 301e and pressing against the peeling roller 302,
A cleaning device 304 for cleaning the surface of the peeling roller 302 is provided. The drying device is provided with a drying roller 402 having a built-in heating lamp 301f and a paper pressing belt 406 which is wound around a peripheral surface of the drying roller 402 and moves endlessly while being wound at a predetermined angle. It has.

The paper receiving unit 5 disposed downstream of the toner removal processing unit 6a in the transport direction is located above the apparatus.
There is provided a paper discharge tray 501a for accommodating the transfer paper 10 subjected to the toner removal processing by the toner removal processing unit 6a.

Then, the processing status mark forming unit 30
Is provided between the toner removal processing unit 6a and the paper receiving unit 5 downstream of the transport direction. This unit includes a transfer paper detection sensor 30a for positioning the transfer paper 10 after the toner removal processing when printing a mark. Mark printing device 30
b and a transfer paper support member 30c.

In the above configuration, for example, as shown in the drawing, the processing status mark forming unit 30 has the transfer paper detection sensor 30a provided at the leading end in the transfer paper transport direction and the mark printing device 30b provided at the rear end. In this case, first, when the fed transfer paper 10 is transported on the upstream side of the toner removal processing unit 6a, one or a plurality of the transfer paper state sensors 105 print on the back surface of the transfer paper 10. The number of marks is read, and the number is temporarily stored in, for example, a storage unit. Next, after the toner removal processing by the toner removal processing unit 6a, the leading end of the transfer paper 10 is detected by the transfer paper detection sensor 30a provided on the downstream side, and positioning for mark printing is performed. The positioned transfer paper 10 is transferred to the transfer paper 10 by the mark printing device 30b.
The mark is additionally printed on the back side of. In order to perform this printing, for example, the second and subsequent marks are placed at positions spaced apart from the previous mark by a predetermined distance so that the marks do not overlap with the position of the previous mark or the intervals between the marks do not become irregular. The printing timing is programmed in advance so that printing is performed. Thus, for example, a new mark is printed neatly after the mark corresponding to the number of marks previously stored, and the malfunction of the transfer paper state sensor 105 during the second and subsequent mark reading can be prevented. it can.

In the illustrated mark printing device 30b,
The mark printing section 30d provided at the tip of the plunger of the solenoid is driven in the vertical direction. Since the transfer paper support member 30c on the opposite side of the transfer path of the transfer paper 10 of the mark printing device 30b supports the transfer paper 10 at the time of printing, the mark is printed accurately on the transfer paper 10. . When the transfer speed of the transfer paper 10 is low, printing may be performed during the transfer. However, when the speed is high, printing may be performed after the transfer paper 10 is temporarily stopped to ensure print quality.

Here, the position where the mark is printed is desirably such that the transfer paper 10 can be reused as much as possible and the appearance is not deteriorated. In this embodiment, the back side of the transfer paper is used. FIG. 13 illustrates a toner removing device.
5 is an example showing mark formation positions when the transfer paper 10 is transported in the short direction P. In this example, in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction of the transfer paper 10, it is located at a distance l below the transfer paper from the center of the transfer paper 10 and at a distance a from the leading end of the transfer paper 10 in the transfer direction. The first mark is printed there. After that, constant pitch S according to the number of times
The marks are additionally printed in the direction opposite to the transport direction P by sequentially shifting them. Here, the transfer paper state sensor 105 needs to be provided so as to be able to detect at least a mark on the back surface of the transfer paper 10. For this reason, the transfer paper 10
In order to detect a mark that moves in the transport direction P and faces the rear surface of the transfer paper 10, the mark is disposed at a distance l below the transfer paper from the center of the transfer paper 10. Also, transfer paper 1
In order to be able to detect marks even when the image is set by rotating it 180 degrees with the image forming surface of the transfer paper 0 facing upward, the mark is also disposed on the back surface of the same transfer paper at a position opposite to the center of the transfer paper 10 by a distance l. Has been established. As a result, there is an advantage that the toner can be removed irrespective of the vertical direction of the transfer paper 10 if the paper is set in the paper feed unit 1 with the image forming surface facing upward.

The toner removing device of this embodiment removes the toner on one side of the transfer paper.
05 on the opposite side of the transfer path of the transfer paper 10
If a total of four transfer papers 10 are arranged on the front and back, the mark printing surface can be detected even if the transfer paper 10 is set regardless of the front and back, and the total number of marks can be detected. Can be reliably detected. Also, the set transfer paper 1
If the mark printing device 30b is moved to a predetermined position in accordance with the state of 0 and printing is performed, a new mark can be arranged on the back surface of the transfer paper 10 after the first formed mark. . In the case of a configuration in which the total number of marks is detected in advance by the transfer paper state sensor 105, the entire mark is removed during the toner removal process, and the transfer paper 10 is removed by the toner removal process.
After removing the toner on both sides, the control may be performed so that the mark is printed again on one side. This eliminates the hassle of setting the transfer paper 10 in a predetermined direction.

It is desirable to select the color and the reflectance in consideration of the shape of the mark to be printed, which can be easily recognized by the user, and that the sensor can distinguish the toner image from the mark. Further, when the reproduced transfer paper 10 is set in a copying machine or the like, if the transfer paper 10 is set in any direction, the marks may not be lined up on the transfer paper 10 at the next recycling. , Transfer paper 1
In order to instruct the user to set the 0 direction, triangles, wings, hearts, and the like shown in FIGS.
A mark shape indicating a direction, such as an arrow shape, may be used. Further, since there is a limit on the number of times the transfer paper 10 can be recycled, if the printing apparatus can print different marks, the last mark is printed with a different mark or character from the previous one, and the final recycling is performed. The user can easily understand that the number is the number.

Next, as an example, the transfer paper on which the mark is printed by the processing status mark forming unit 30 is
FIG. 15 (a) shows a method of setting and reusing a copying machine.
It is shown in (b). In general, transfer paper mounting methods of a copying machine are roughly classified into two types: a method in which the transfer paper is mounted on an outer tray or a manual feed stand provided on the side of the copying machine body, and a method in which the transfer paper is mounted on a built-in tray provided in the copying machine. There is a method. For example, in order to form the former image, there is a type in which the surface on which an image is to be formed is set on the transfer paper 10 as shown in FIG. . On the other hand, in order to form the latter image, as shown in FIG. 15B, there is a type in which the surface on which the image is to be formed is set on the transfer paper 10 facing down and is conveyed in the direction of arrow R in the figure. Therefore, when the reproduced transfer paper 10 is used in a copying machine,
If the position of the mark formed on the back side is correctly adjusted and the transfer paper is set on the tray or the manual feed stand of the copying machine according to each transfer paper mounting method, the copied image can be obtained as shown in FIG.
Is formed on the surface of the transfer paper 10 as shown in FIG. When the transfer paper is reproduced by the toner removing device of the present embodiment, the mark is set correctly with the image side up on the paper feed unit 1 in the same manner as in the transfer paper mounting method of the copying machine. Then, the mark positions can be finely arranged and applied, which is convenient in the subsequent mark forming process.

According to the above configuration, the number of times the transfer paper 10 is reproduced is recorded on the transfer paper every time the reproduction is repeated, so that it is convenient for the user or the toner removing device to judge it. Further, a mark forming method includes a method of forming a hole as described in the first embodiment,
As another method, there is a method of embossing (watermarking) on the transfer paper. In contrast to these methods, the method adopted in the above embodiment has no trace of holes for the former, so that traces of holes are not formed. It is not unsightly, and the latter has the advantage that the watermark does not disappear during the reproduction process. As described above, the toner removing apparatus according to the present embodiment can display the number of times the transfer paper 10 has been reproduced by a simple method of printing a mark on the back surface of the transfer paper.

In each of the above embodiments, the transfer paper 10
Instead of or in addition to the number of reuses of the toner, the process conditions of the toner removal processing, for example, the conditions for applying the penetration promoting liquid 21 and the processing liquid 20, the type of the peeling roller, and other peeling conditions (the number of times the peeling processing is repeated, the peeling speed) , Heating temperature, peeling density, etc.), drying time, pressing force of the drying roller, etc. may be included in the processing status mark.

In each of the above embodiments, the number of reuses indicated by the processing status mark on the transfer paper 10 is detected by the transfer paper state sensor 105, and the process conditions for the next toner removal processing are determined based on the detected data. However, the processing status mark may be used when the transfer paper 10 is reused, that is, when the process conditions are changed when an image is formed on the reused transfer paper. For example, when an image is formed on a reusable transfer paper from which toner has been removed by an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the transfer paper 10 is hard to be charged, and therefore, when the toner is transferred from the photoconductor to the transfer paper. Transfer failure may occur. Therefore, the number of reuses indicated by the processing status mark on the transfer paper is detected by the transfer paper state sensor, and the charge capacity at the time of image transfer is increased in accordance with the number of reuses indicated by the detected data. May be changed.

In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a transfer paper 10 on which an image is formed by a transfer type electrophotographic copying machine.
However, the present invention can also be applied to an image carrier such as a recording paper used in another image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, a printer, and a printing machine. Further, the present invention is not limited to an image carrier having a fibrous structure, but can be applied to an image carrier capable of forming an image. The image carrier to which the present invention can be applied may be, for example, a laminate in which the surface layer of a base sheet such as a plastic layer is a material layer such as paper.

Note that the toner removing apparatus of the present invention determines how many times the transfer paper 10 has been reproduced and removes the toner from the reproducible transfer paper 10 in order to effectively use the transfer paper 10. A mark is provided as a guide for the next reproduction. Instead, for example, a mark is added to the transfer paper 10 for the purpose of preventing document forgery, and the transfer paper 10 is reproduced. The user may be able to easily determine whether or not this is the case. In this case, it is only necessary to add a mark, and it is not always necessary to detect the mark.

[0100]

Effects of the Invention According to the invention of claims 1 to 4, said image processing conditions mark for displaying the processed form status of the image forming substance removed by forming the image holding member, from the processing status mark Information on the past history of the holder can be obtained. Therefore, the history of the image carrier can be grasped, and the information can be used for control such as change of process conditions in the next image forming substance removal processing of the image carrier, and further, the next image formation can be performed. There is an effect that the process conditions in the substance removal processing can be optimized.

[0102] In particular, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the processing status mark, the image forming substance removal treatment step with a removable der Runode, in process step of the image forming substance removed, existing processing conditions The mark can be erased and a new processing status mark can be formed. Therefore, the area where the processing status mark is formed can be set to a specific narrow area of the image carrier, and the area where an image is formed when the image carrier is reused is increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a toner removing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrical unit of the toner removing device.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a perforation unit used in the toner removing device. (B) is a perspective view of the perforation unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a printing unit used in the toner removing device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a printing unit according to a modification.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer unit used in the toner removing device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transfer sheet on which a barcode is formed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control example of the toner removing device.

FIG. 9 is a sub-flowchart showing a toner removal processing mode of the flowchart.

FIG. 10 is a sub-flowchart showing a toner peeling process of the sub-flowchart.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another control example of the toner removing device.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a toner removing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a transfer direction of transfer paper and a mark formation state in the toner removing device.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mark formed by a mark forming unit of the toner removing device.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a method of transporting transfer paper to a copying machine or the like.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 paper feed unit 4 drying unit 5 paper receiving unit 6 liquid applying unit and toner peeling unit 9 control unit 10 transfer paper 20 processing liquid 21 penetration promoting liquid 30 processing status mark forming unit 40 sorting unit 105 transfer paper state sensor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Shinichi Kuramoto 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company, Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoichi Asaba 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Tanikawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Ricoh (72) Sadao Takahashi 1-3-6, Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Inside Ricoh (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Kimura 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Ricoh (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Ando 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Ricoh (72) Inventor Tadashi Saito 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-4-356089 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int .Cl. ⁷ DB name) G03G 21/00 570 - 578 G03G 21/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An apparatus for removing an image-forming substance from an image carrier, which removes the image-forming substance from an image carrier having a surface to which the image-forming substance is stably attached, using an image-forming substance removing means. Marking means for forming a processing status mark for displaying a processing status of image forming substance removal on the image carrier after removing the image forming substance is provided, wherein the image forming substance is removed from the image carrier. apparatus. 2. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 1, further comprising: mark detecting means for detecting a mark formed by said mark forming means prior to processing by said image forming substance removing means. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, comprising: 3. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier according to claim 2, wherein said processing condition changing means for changing the processing condition of said image forming substance removing means based on a detection result of said mark detecting means. An apparatus for removing an image forming substance from an image carrier, wherein the apparatus is provided. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing status mark is removable by said image forming substance removing means. For removing imaging substance from the