WO2006011374A1

WO2006011374A1 - Image erasing device

Info

Publication number: WO2006011374A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/013063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiroshi Murakami; Yoshio Ikeda
Original assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba; Toshiba Consumer Marketing Corporation; Toshiba Ha Products Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-07-26
Filing date: 2005-07-14
Publication date: 2006-02-02
Also published as: JP2006035566A; CN1989012A; JP4643195B2

Abstract

An image erasing device for erasing an image formed on a medium by heating the medium, the image being form on the medium by using a material that can be erased by heating. The image erasing device has a body section (1) having a loading opening (78) through which the medium is loaded, a first heat source (27) provided in the body section (1) and heating the medium, a lid section (3) provided on the body section (1) so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft (42) and opening and closing the loading opening (78), a second heat source (51) provided in the lid section (3) and heating the medium from the side opposite to the first heat source (27) with the lid section (3) closed, and a lock mechanism (80) switching between a lock state in which the lid section (3) is locked into a closed state on the side opposite to the pivot shaft (42) and an un-lock state in which the lid section (3) is unlocked.

Description

Image erasing device

Technical field

The present invention relates to an image erasing apparatus that erases an image formed on a medium by heating the medium.

Background art

In recent years, the frequency of taking a hard copy has increased with an increase in the amount of information. This hard copy refers to printing an image displayed on a display screen as it is on a medium such as paper. The amount of medium used increases as the frequency of hard copies increases. Yes. For this reason, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-38039 describes that a hard copy is taken using a material that can be erased with heat or a solvent, and the medium is reused after the image is erased with heat or a solvent. Has been proposed.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In order to erase an image with a solvent, a container for storing the solvent, a carry-in inlet for carrying the medium into the container, a carry-out roller for carrying out the medium from the container, a pump for circulating the solvent in the container, and the like are provided. An image erasing device is required. This image erasing apparatus is difficult to use in an indoor space such as an office because the overall configuration is large and the handling of the solvent requires attention. For this reason, the image erasing apparatus used in the indoor space is preferably the type that heats the medium, but an image erasing apparatus that can safely perform the process of erasing the image by heating the medium has been proposed. This is the actual situation.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image erasing apparatus that can safely perform a process of erasing an image by heating a medium.

Means for solving the problem

The present invention relates to an image erasing apparatus that erases an image formed on a medium using a material that can be erased by heating, by heating the medium. A main body having an inlet, and a first heating provided in the main body for heating the medium A source, a lid provided on the main body so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis, and opening and closing the charging port; and the first heating of the medium in a closed state provided in the lid A second heating source that heats from the opposite side of the source, a locked state in which the lid is locked in a closed state on the side opposite to the pivot shaft, and an unlocked state in which the lid is unlocked are mutually cut. And a lock mechanism to be replaced. The invention's effect

[0006] In the image erasing apparatus of the present invention, the first heating source is provided in the main body, the second heating source is provided in the lid, and the medium is the first heating source and the second in the closed state of the lid. Since the medium is interposed between the heat source and the medium, the image formed on the medium is erased by heat based on the fact that the medium is heated from both sides by the first heat source and the second heat source. Can do. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to the handling of the solvent when using the image erasing device, and the overall configuration of the image erasing device is more compact than that for erasing the image with the solvent. It can be used easily in space. Since the locking mechanism for locking the lid portion in the closed state is provided on the side opposite to the rotation axis of the lid portion, the lid portion can be reliably locked in the closed state. For this reason, the lid cannot be opened from the closed state during heating of the medium, so that the safety when using the image erasing apparatus is increased. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image erasing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of the image erasing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing in detail the internal configuration of the image erasing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the internal structure of the lid case.

FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the appearance of the image erasing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the appearance of the lid case.

FIG. 7A is a top view showing the mounted state of the upper thermistor.

[FIG. 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A showing the mounted state of the upper thermistor.

FIG. 8A is a top view showing a state where the upper thermo switch is mounted.

[FIG. 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. It is.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the image erasing apparatus.

FIG. 10A is a front view showing the internal structure of the lock mechanism in a locked state.

FIG. 10B is a front view showing the internal structure of the lock mechanism in an unlocked state.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an image erasing apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0008] 1 is a body case (body part), 3 is a lid case (lid part), 27 is a lower heating source (first heating source), 51 is an upper heating source (second heating source), 78 is An inlet, 80 is a lock mechanism, and 82 is a lock motor (motor).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] In order to explain the present invention in more detail, it will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 11 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a rectangular tray-shaped paper tray 2 having an open top surface is mounted. In this paper tray 2, printed material such as paper corresponding to the medium is put on the bundle. When the lid case 3 is closed, the printed material in the paper tray 2 is heated with the lower heating plate 4 (see Fig. 3). It is interposed between the plates 5 (see Fig. 3). The lower heating plate 4 is housed in the main body case 1 and heats the printed matter in the paper tray 2 from the lower side. The upper heating plate 5 is housed in the lid case 3 and heats the printed matter in the paper tray 2 from above. This printed material is an image formed using an image forming material. This image forming material refers to a material that can be erased by heating, and develops color by the action of a color former and a developer. When this image forming material is heated, the binder resin and the coloration compound in the image forming material are preferentially compatible with each other. When the color erasing agent is used, the color developer and the color erasing agent are used. Reacts with the agent and discolors. That is, the image erasing apparatus erases an image based on heating the printed material from both the upper and lower sides. The detailed configuration of the image erasing apparatus will be described below.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 2, the main body case 1 is composed of a metal lower main body frame 6, a metal lower front frame 7 and a metal lower rear frame 8 joined together. A rectangular box with an open top I am doing. The lower main body frame 6 of the main body case 1 has a U-shaped frame with the front, rear and upper surfaces opened. The front and rear surfaces of the lower main body frame 6 are formed by a lower front frame 7 and a lower rear frame 8. Covered. The main body case 1 corresponds to a main body portion, and a plurality of heat radiation holes 9 are formed in the lower rear frame 8 of the main body case 1 as shown in FIG. Rubber legs 10 are fixed to the bottom plate of the lower main body frame 6 at four positions of the left rear corner, the right rear corner, the left front corner, and the right front corner. Each of these legs 10 is fixed by tightening screws to the bottom plate of the lower body frame 6 through the legs 10, and the body case 1 is based on placing four legs 10 on the installation surface. It is installed in a separated state with respect to the installation surface.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 3, the case 1 11 made of synthetic resin is housed in the main body case 1 at four locations of the left rear corner, the right rear corner, the left front corner, and the right front corner. The upper end of each case support 11 is formed by molding the head 12. Each of these case supports 11 is fixed by tightening screws into the case support 11 through the bottom plate of the lower body frame 6. The collar 13 is fixed. Each of these collars 13 is made of ceramic and functions as a heat insulating member.

A metal lower heat insulating plate 14 is accommodated in the main body case 1. The lower heat insulating plate 14 has a rectangular dish shape with an open top surface, and the bottom plate of the lower heat insulating plate 14 is located at four locations, the left rear corner, the right rear corner, the left front corner, and the right front corner. Through holes (not shown) are formed. The head portion 12 of the case support 11 is inserted into each of these through holes, and the lower heat insulating plate 14 is supported by the case support 11 in the height direction at four locations on the bottom plate. The lower heat plate 14 partitions the inside of the main body case 1 into an upper erasing chamber 15 and a lower heat insulating chamber 16, and cannot move in the horizontal direction based on the engagement of the four portions of the bottom plate with the head portion 12. Is positioned.

[0013] In the main body case 1, a metal lower heat insulating case 17 is housed in a position above the lower heat insulating plate 14. The lower heat insulating case 17 has a rectangular box shape whose upper surface is open, and the downward force is supported by the plurality of collars 13. The lower heat insulation case 17 is fixed by tightening a screw 19 from the inside of the lower heat insulation case 17 through the collar 13 into the head portion 12 of the case support 11 and tightening the head of each screw 19. And bottom plate of lower insulation case 17 Between the two, a cylindrical collar 20 is interposed.

Each case support 11 is formed with a heater support 21, and each heater support 21 is formed with a cylindrical lower spring guide 22. A heater spring 23, such as a compression coil spring, is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of each lower spring guide 22, and the upper end of each heater spring 23 is the bottom plate of the lower heat insulating plate 14 and the lower heat insulating case 17. It penetrates the bottom plate and protrudes into the lower insulation case 17.

A lower heating plate 4 is accommodated in the lower heat insulating case 17. This lower heating plate 4 is made of a rectangular metal plate. The lower heating plate 4 is made of ceramics located at four locations, the left rear corner, the right rear corner, the left front corner, and the right front corner. Upper spring guide 24 is fixed. Each of the upper spring guides 24 has a cylindrical shape, and is fixed based on tightening screws on the inner peripheral surface of the upper spring guide 24 through the lower heating plate 4. A lower heater 25 is interposed between the lower surface of the lower heating plate 4 and the upper end surfaces of the plurality of upper spring guides 24. The lower heater 25 functions as a heating element, and is fixed based on being sandwiched between the plurality of upper spring guides 24 and the lower heating plate 4. Each of the upper spring guides 24 is inserted into the heater spring 23, and the lower heating plate 4 and the lower heater 25 are supported by a plurality of heater springs 23 in an inertial manner.

[0015] A lower heater retainer 26 is attached to the lower surface of the lower heating plate 4 with a plurality of screws (not shown). The lower heater 25 is in close contact with the lower surface of the lower heating plate 4 by the retaining force of the lower heater retainer 26. is doing. The lower heating plate 4, the lower heater 25, and the lower heater presser 26 constitute a lower heating source 27 corresponding to the first heating source. The lower heating plate 4 is raised based on the heat generated by the lower heater 25. Heat the printed material in the paper tray 2 from below.

A plurality of spacers 28 are attached to the bottom plate of the lower heat insulating case 17. Each of the spacers 28 is formed of a ceramic in a cylindrical shape, and is fixed based on tightening screws 47a into the spacers 28 through the bottom plate of the lower heat insulating case 17. A tray guide 2 a is fixed to the upper end surfaces of the plurality of spacers 28. The tray guide 2a has a rectangular frame shape, and is fixed by tightening screws 47b into the spacers 28 through the tray guide 2a.

A paper tray 2 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the tray guide 2a. This paper tray 2 is It is placed on the hot plate 4 and stored in the lower heat insulating case 17. This paper tray 2 has a rectangular dish shape with an upper surface opened, and the upper surface of the paper tray 2 functions as an input port 78 for feeding printed matter. This paper tray 2 is large enough to allow A4 size printed material to be loaded in two rows on the left and right sides, and the entire bottom surface of the paper tray 2 is embossed. This texture is a process that makes the bottom surface of the paper tray 2 rougher than the rest of the paper tray 2. The bottom surface of the paper tray 2 is to prevent the printed matter from sticking to the print toner. It has a function to prevent.

[0017] The body case 1 is provided with a lid case 3 corresponding to a lid portion. As shown in FIG. 4, the lid case 3 is composed of a metal upper body frame 32, a metal upper front frame 33, and a metal upper rear frame 34, which are joined to each other. Has a rectangular box shape. The upper body frame 32 of the lid case 3 has a U-shaped frame shape with the front, rear, and lower surfaces opened. The front and rear surfaces of the upper body frame 32 are covered by the upper front frame 33 and the upper rear frame 34. A plurality of heat radiation holes 35 are formed in the left side plate and the right side plate of the upper body frame 32. As shown in Fig. 6, a metal left reinforcing plate 36, a metal central reinforcing plate 37, and a metal right reinforcing plate 38 are joined to the ceiling surface in the upper body frame 32, As shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcing plate 38 is formed with a pedestal 39 which is located at the front end and the rear end and protrudes downward, and the left reinforcing plate 36 is also located at the front end and the rear end. The same base 39 as the right reinforcing plate 38 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper plate 40 a of the flat hinge 40 is screwed to the upper rear frame 34 of the lid case 3 as shown in FIG. The flat hinge 40 is formed by connecting the upper plate 4 Oa and the lower plate 40b so as to be rotatable around a horizontal rotation shaft 42. The lower plate 40b of the flat hinge 40 is a lower rear frame of the main body case 1. Screwed to 8. The right rear plate 41a of the four damper hinges 41 is screwed to the lower rear frame 8 of the main body case 1. Each of the damper hinges 41 is configured such that the right plate 41a and the left plate 41b are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around a horizontal rotation shaft 42, and the left plate 41b of each damper hinge 41 is arranged on the upper and rear sides of the lid case 3. Screwed to frame 34. The rotation shaft 42 of each of the damper hinges 41 is disposed on the extension of the rotation shaft 42 of the flat hinge 40, and the lid case 3 is connected to the main body via one flat hinge 40 and four damper hinges 41. The body case 1 is mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 42, and the upper surface of the paper tray 2 is opened and closed based on a rotation operation of the lid case 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, a rectangular dish-shaped upper heat insulating plate 43 having an open bottom surface is accommodated in the upper body frame 32 of the lid case 3. The upper heat insulating plate 43 also has a metal plate force that suppresses heat transfer to the ceiling surface of the upper main body frame 32. The upper heat insulating case 44 is located in the upper main body frame 32 below the upper heat insulating plate 43. Is stored! This upper heat insulating case 44 is made of metal and has a rectangular box shape with an open bottom surface. The upper heat insulating plate 43 and the upper heat insulating case 44 are fixed by tightening screws 45 to the respective bases 39 from the bottom plate of the upper heat insulating case 44 through the bottom plate of the upper heat insulating plate 43, and closing the lid case 3. In the state, the upper heat insulating case 44 contacts the lower heat insulating case 17 as shown in FIG. In this state, the lower surface of the upper heat insulating case 44 is blocked by the lower heat insulating case 17, and the upper surface of the lower heat insulating case 17 is blocked by the upper heat insulating case 44, so that a space is formed between the lower heat insulating case 17 and the upper heat insulating case 44. A heating chamber (not shown) is formed.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical collar 47 and a cylindrical collar 46 larger in diameter than the collar 47 are inserted in the outer peripheral surface of each screw 45. Each large collar 46 is interposed between the head of the screw 45 and the bottom plate of the upper heat insulating case 44, and is made of metal as a material. Each of the small-diameter collars 47 is interposed between the bottom plate of the upper heat insulating case 44 and the bottom plate of the upper heat insulating plate 43, and is made of ceramic. Each of these collars 47 functions as a heat insulating member that suppresses heat from being transferred from the upper heat insulating case 44 to the upper main body frame 32 through the upper heat insulating plate 43.

[0021] The bottom plate of the upper heat insulating case 44 is mounted with cylindrical ceramic spacers 48 that are located at four locations, the left rear corner, the right rear corner, the left front corner, and the right front corner. Yes. Each of these spacers 48 is fixed by screwing screws into the spacers 48 through the bottom plate of the upper heat insulating case 44, and the lower end surfaces of the plurality of spacers 48 are made of metal. Upper heating plate 5 is installed. The upper heating plate 5 is fixed by screwing screws into the spacers 48 through the upper heating plate 5, and is housed in the upper heat insulating case 44.

An upper heater 49 is interposed between the upper surface of the upper heating plate 5 and the lower end surfaces of the plurality of spacers 48. The upper heater 49 is sandwiched between the plurality of spacers 48 and the upper heating plate 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover case 3 is closed and stored in the paper tray 2 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, an upper heater presser 50 is attached to the upper surface of the upper heating plate 5 by a plurality of screws (not shown). The upper heater 49 is pressed by the pressing force of the upper heater presser 50. Close contact with the upper surface of the upper heating plate 5. The upper heating plate 5, the upper heater 49, and the upper heater presser 50 constitute an upper heating source 51 corresponding to the second heating source. The upper heating plate 5 is based on the fact that the upper heater 49 generates heat. The temperature is raised and the printed material in the paper tray 2 is heated from above. The printed matter in the paper tray 2 comes into contact with the upper heating plate 5 by the spring force of the heater spring 23.

The upper front frame 33 is provided with a synthetic resin upper front cover 52. Two arms 53 are fixed to the upper front cover 52, and a latch 54 is attached to the two arms 53 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 55. A latch spring 56 is interposed between the latch 54 and the upper front cover 52. This latch spring 56 also serves as a compression coil spring force that urges the latch 54 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4. When the lid case 3 is closed, the latch spring 56 is engaged with the latch portion 57 by the spring force of the S latch spring 56. To do. As shown in FIG. 1, the latch portion 57 is fixed to the main body case 1, and the lid case 3 is held in a closed state by the engaging force between the latch 54 and the latch portion 57.

As shown in FIG. 2, a duct 58 is screwed to the bottom plate of the lower heat insulating case 17, and a cylindrical fan casing 59 is screwed to the dust 58. A fan motor 60 (see FIG. 11) is fixed to the fan casing 59. The rotating shaft of the fan motor 60 is positioned in the fan casing 59 as shown in FIG. Fan 61 is fixed. The fan casing 59, the fan motor 60, and the cooling fan 61 constitute a fan device 62, and an opening is formed in the bottom plate of the lower body frame 6 of the main body case 1 below the fan device 62. ing. The opening functions as a maintenance port for performing maintenance “inspection” and replacement of the fan device 62 from the outside, and the opening is covered with a fan cover 63.

[0025] The fan cover 63 is fixed based on fastening a plurality of screws 64 to the bottom plate of the lower main body frame 6 through the fan cover 63, and the lower main body frame 6 based on removing the plurality of screws 64. And is attached to the lower body frame 6 based on tightening a plurality of screws 64. That is, the fan cover 63 removably closes the maintenance port, and a gap 65 is formed between the fan cover 63 and the fan device 62. The fan cover 63 is formed with an intake port 66 that also serves as a plurality of through holes. The cooling fan 61 draws outside air from the intake port 66 into the main body case 1 based on the drive of the fan motor 60. Then, the printed matter in the paper tray 2 is cooled based on the ventilation through the duct 58 into the heating chamber.

[0026] A lower front cover 67 made of synthetic resin is attached to the lower front frame 7 of the main body case 1. A space-like electrical compartment 68 is formed between the lower front cover 67 and the lower front frame 7. ing. The lower front cover 67 has a plurality of claw portions 69, which engage the plurality of claw portions 69 in a plurality of engagement holes (not shown) of the lower front frame 7 and from the lower front cover 67. It is installed based on tightening multiple screws 70 in the lower front frame 7. That is, the lower front cover 67 is removed from the lower front frame 7 based on the removal of the plurality of screws 70 and the removal of the plurality of claws 69 from the engagement hole caps. It is made removable.

As shown in FIG. 9, a mechanism plate 71 is housed in the electrical equipment chamber 68. This mechanism plate 71 is fixed to the lower front frame 7 of the main body case 1, and a substantially L-shaped switch lever 72 is mounted on the mechanism plate 71 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 73! . The switch lever 72 has a projecting operation portion 74, and a lever spring 75 is mounted between the switch lever 72 and the mechanism plate 71. The lever spring 75 is composed of a tension coil spring, and the switch lever 72 is urged in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9 by the spring force of the lever spring 75.

[0028] A lock ring 76 is fixed to the lid case 3. The lock ring 76 enters the electrical compartment 68 of the main body case 1 when the lid case 3 is closed. When the lock ring 76 enters the electrical compartment 68, the switch lever 72 is inclined by the lock ring 76. Is pressed. In other words, the lock ring 76 functions as an operating member for operating the switch lever 72, and the switch lever 72 becomes horizontal by the spring force of the lever spring 75 when the cover case 3 is opened.

[0029] A lid switch 77 having a microswitch force is fixed to the mechanism plate 71. When the lid case 3 is closed, the operation portion 74 of the switch lever 72 is separated from the plunger of the lid switch 77. When switch 77 is turned off and lid case 3 is open, switch lever The lid switch 77 is turned on based on the fact that the 72 operation parts 74 press the plunger of the lid switch 77 upward. That is, the lid switch 77 changes its electrical state in conjunction with the opening / closing of the lid case 3, and the mechanism plate 71 functioning as an opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening / closing of the lid case 3 is shown in FIG. As shown, a lock mechanism 80 is attached, and the lock mechanism 80 is covered with a lower front cover 67. The lock mechanism 80 is used to open the lid case 3 in a closed state and is configured as follows.

A lock case 81 is fixed to the mechanism plate 71, and a lock motor 82 is housed in the lock case 81 as shown in FIG. 10A. A circular rotary plate 84 is fixed to the rotary shaft 83 of the lock motor 82. A pin-shaped cam 85 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating plate 84, and the cam 85 moves in the circumferential direction around the rotating shaft 83 based on the drive of the lock motor 82.

[0031] A cylindrical bearing 86 is formed in the lock case 81, and an annular stopper 87 is formed at the tip of the bearing 86. A plunger 88 is slidably fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the bearing 86, and a cylindrical lock pin 89 and a columnar spring receiver 90 are fixed to the tip of the plunger 88. One end of a lock spring 91 that also has a compression coil spring force is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the spring receiver 90, and the other end of the lock spring 91 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical spring receiver 92. Yes. The spring receiver 92 is fixed in the lock case 81, and the plunger 88 is urged to the right in FIG. 10A by the spring force of the lock spring 91.

A driven plate 93 is fixed to the plunger 88. This follower plate 93 has a square through hole 94, and a cam 85 is inserted into the through hole 94. The left inner surface 95 of the through hole 94 functions as a cam surface. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the cam 85 is separated from the cam surface 95, the tip surface of the plunger 88 is locked by the spring force of the lock spring 91. Contact the stopper 87 of the case 81. In this state, the lock pin 89 is held in a locked state protruding from the inside of the lock case 81 and is engaged in the lock ring 76 of the lid case 3 as shown in FIG. In the engaged state between the lock pin 89 and the lock ring 76, the lid case 3 is locked in the closed state, and the opening operation of the lid case 3 is prohibited. Lock machine The structure 80 locks the lid case 3 at the front end portion of the lid case 3 opposite to the rotation shaft 42.

[0033] When the rotary shaft 83 of the lock motor 82 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10A with the lock pin 89 locked, the cam 85 presses the cam surface 95, and the lock pin 89 is locked as shown in FIG. 10B. Retract into the lock case 81 against the spring force of the spring 91. In this state, the lock pin 89 is restrained so as not to protrude based on the cam surface 95 coming into contact with the cam 85 by the spring force of the lock spring 91, and is held in the unlocked state retracted in the lock case 81. When the lock pin 89 is unlocked, the engagement between the lock pin 89 and the lock ring 76 is released. Therefore, when the lid case 3 is operated, the operating force of the lid case 3 is disengaged between the latch 54 and the latch portion 57, and the lid case 3 is opened.

[0034] The lock motor 82 also has a geared motor force with a built-in reduction gear mechanism. When the lock motor 82 is stopped, the rotary shaft 83 of the lock motor 82 is instantaneously stopped at the current position by the resistance force of the reduction gear mechanism. To do. That is, the lock motor 82 holds the lock mechanism 80 in the locked state based on the energization being stopped when the lock pin 89 is locked, and the lock mechanism 80 is based on the energization being stopped when the lock pin 89 is unlocked. Is held in an unlocked state.

In the lock case 81, a stationary contact 96 made of a leaf spring and a movable contact 97 force S made of a leaf spring are stored. The fixed contact 96 and the movable contact 97 constitute a lock switch 98 (see FIG. 11). When the lock pin 89 is locked, the switch operating unit 99 presses the movable contact 97 as shown in FIG. 10A. Based on the operation, it is elastically deformed so as to be in contact with the fixed contact 96. The switch operating portion 99 is formed on the driven plate 93. When the lock pin 89 is unlocked, the switch operating portion 99 is separated from the movable contact 97 and the movable contact 97 is moved away as shown in FIG. 10B. Separate from fixed contact 96 by elastic restoring force. That is, the lock switch 98 detects the advance / retreat of the lock pin 89, and is turned on when the lock pin 89 is locked and turned off when the lock pin 89 is unlocked.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, a string 100 is stored in the electrical compartment 68. The string 100 has one end connected to the driven plate 93 and the other end protruding outside the lock case 81. The other end of the string 100 is operably exposed based on the removal of the lower front cover 67 from the body case 1. When this string 100 is pulled with the lock pin 89 locked, the follower plate 93 moves, and the lock pin 89 moves from the locked state in FIG. 10A to the unlocked state in FIG. Escape from. That is, the string 100 unlocks the lid case 3 by manual operation. The lock mechanism 80 is configured as described above! RU

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, a concave substrate housing portion 101 is formed in the lower body frame 6 of the body case 1. A plurality of substrate supports 125 in the form of pins are fixed to the substrate storage portion 101, and a control substrate 102 having a printed wiring board force is inserted into the plurality of substrate supports 125. The control board 102 also separates the bottom surface force of the board storage unit 101, and a control device 103 mainly composed of a microcomputer is mounted on the upper surface of the control board 102 as shown in FIG. Yes. The control device 103 is connected to the lower heater 25, the upper heater 49, the fan motor 60, and the lock motor 82. The control device 103 controls the driving of the lower heater 25 to the lock motor 82. Execute the erase operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 104 is formed at the center in the left-right direction of the lower front cover 67. This operation panel 104 has an inclined surface shape that inclines backward as it goes upward. On the operation panel 104, as shown in FIG. 11, a power LED 105, an erase LED 106, a cooling LED 107, and a lock LED 108 are fixed. The power LED 105 to the lock LED 108 are connected to the control device 103. The power LED 105 to the lock LED 108 constitute an operation indicator, and the control device 103 notifies the user of the operation contents based on the lighting control of the power LED 105 to the lock LED 108.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 104 is provided with an on switch 109, a turn off switch 110, and a start switch 111, and the start switch 111 is connected to the control device 103 as shown in FIG. It is connected. The on switch 109 and the off switch 110 are for turning on and off the main power supply, and the control device 103 detects that the start switch 111 has been operated with the main power on and the upper heater 25 and the upper switch 110 are turned on. The heater 49, fan motor 60, and lock motor 82 are driven and controlled, and an image erasing operation is executed.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper front cover 52 of the lid case 3 is formed with a handle 112. When the lid case 3 is closed, the handle 112 is placed on the upper end of the operation panel 104. Forward Protruding. The left and right width dimensions of the handle 112 are set larger than those of the operation panel 104. The left end of the handle 112 is in the closed state of the lid case 3 with respect to the left end of the operation panel 104. Projecting to the left, the right end of the handle 112 protrudes to the right with respect to the right end of the operation panel 104 with the lid case 3 closed. The handle 112 is used to hook a finger when the lid case 3 is also operated to release the closed state force. In the unlocked state of the lock mechanism 80, the user puts the finger on the handle 112 and the lid case When 3 is lifted, the latch 54 and the latch portion 57 are disengaged by the operating force of the lid case 3 and the lid case 3 is opened.

[0041] In the main body case 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a cable case 113 is stored at the rear corner, and the lower rear frame 8 of the main body case 1 is positioned behind the cable case 113. Thus, an opening (not shown) is formed. A cable (not shown) is accommodated in the cable case 113. One end of the cable is connected to the control device 103 through the control board 102, and the other end of the cable is connected to the deodorizing device (through the opening). (Not shown). As shown in FIG. 5, a cable cover 114 is attached to the opening. The cable cover 114 is attached to the lower rear frame 8 by tightening the screws 115 through the cable cover 114, and is removed from the lower rear frame 8 by removing the screws 115. It is attached to the lower rear frame 8 based on tightening the screw 115.

[0042] As shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, a sensor mounting portion 116 is formed in the upper heater presser 50. The sensor mounting portion 116 has a circular shape that swells upward, and is formed on the basis of pressing the upper heater presser 50. The sensor mounting portion 116 is provided with a circular temperature sensing portion 118 of the upper thermistor 117, and the temperature sensing portion 118 is sandwiched between the upper heater 49 and the upper heater presser 50. The upper thermistor 117 detects the surface temperature of the upper heater 49, and the upper heater presser 50 is formed with a circular sensor insertion hole 119 and a straight sensor movement hole 120. The sensor inlet hole 119 is for inserting the temperature sensing part 118 of the upper thermistor 117. The temperature sensing part 118 of the upper thermistor 117 is inserted into the sensor inlet hole 119 and then along the sensor moving hole 120. It is mounted in the sensor mounting portion 116 based on the movement operation. As shown in FIG. 11, the upper thermistor 117 is connected to the control device 103, and the control device 103 outputs an output signal from the upper thermistor 117. Based on this, the surface temperature of the upper heater 49 is detected.

A lower thermistor 121 is connected to the control device 103. The lower thermistor 121 is mounted on the sensor mounting portion (not shown) of the lower heater presser 26 in the same manner as the upper thermistor 117. The temperature sensing portion of the lower thermistor 121 is in contact with the lower surface of the lower heater 25. Yes. The lower thermistor 121 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the surface temperature of the lower heater 25, and the control device 103 detects the surface temperature of the lower heater 25 based on the output signal from the lower thermistor 121.

In the upper heater presser 50, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a cross-shaped switch insertion hole 122 is formed. This switch insertion hole 122 is inserted with the rectangular temperature sensing portion 124 of the upper thermal switch 123, and the temperature sensing portion 124 is rotated after being inserted into the switch insertion hole 122. Is sandwiched between the upper heater 49 and the upper heater presser 50. The upper thermal switch 123 operates based on the surface temperature of the upper heater 49 reaching an abnormal value. The upper thermal switch 123 is interposed in the power supply path of the main power supply. When the upper thermal switch 123 is operated, the power supply path of the main power supply is opened.

A lower thermal switch (not shown) is attached to the lower heater press 26. The temperature sensor of this lower thermal switch is clamped between the lower heater 25 and the lower heater presser 26 in the same manner as the upper thermal switch 123. The lower thermal switch has an abnormal surface temperature of the lower heater 25. Operates based on reaching. The lower thermal switch is interposed in the main power supply path in series with the upper thermal switch 123, and the main power supply path is also opened when the lower thermal switch operates.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

When the main power is turned on, the control device 103 notifies the user that the main power is turned on based on turning on the power LED 105. When it is detected that the start switch 111 is operated in this state, the erasing LED 106 and the cooling LED 107 are turned on, and the opening / closing of the lid case 3 is determined based on the output signal from the lid switch 77. Here, when it is detected that the lid case 3 is closed, the lock pin 89 is protruded to the locked state based on driving the lock motor 82, and the lid case 3 is locked to the closed state. Then, the lock LED 108 blinks to notify the user that the lid case 3 is locked in the closed state. [0047] Based on driving the lower heater 25 and the upper heater 49 when the control LED 103 blinks the lock LED 108, the temperature of the lower heating plate 4 and the upper heating plate 5 is raised, and the erase LED 106 is turned on. The force also switches to the blinking state. The surface temperature of the lower heater 25 is detected based on the output signal from the lower thermistor 121, the surface temperature of the upper heater 49 is detected based on the output signal from the upper thermistor 117, and the detected temperature of the lower heater 25 is When it is detected that the predetermined erase temperature has been reached, the lower heater 25 is maintained at the erase temperature, and when it is detected that the detected temperature of the upper heater 49 has reached the predetermined erase temperature, the upper heater 49 is set to the erase temperature. maintain. These erasing temperatures are set to the same value.

[0048] When control device 103 detects that both lower heater 25 and upper heater 49 have reached the erase temperature and the set time has elapsed, lower heater 25 and upper heater 49 are turned off, and erase LED 10 6 Switch from blinking to off. Then, the cooling operation of the printed matter is started based on turning on the fan motor 60, and the cooling LED 107 is switched to the blinking state to notify the user that the cooling operation is being performed. In this state, when it is detected that the surface temperature of the lower heater 25 falls below a predetermined cooling end temperature and the surface temperature of the upper heater 49 falls below the same cooling end temperature, the fan motor 60 is turned off. Turn off the cooling LED107. Next, the lock pin 89 is retracted to the unlocked state based on driving the lock motor 82, and the unlocking of the lid case 3 is used based on switching the lock LED 108 from the blinking state to the unlit state. Inform the person.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

A lower heating source 27 was accommodated in the main body case 1, and an upper heating source 51 was accommodated in the lid case 3. For this reason, the printed matter is interposed between the lower heating source 27 and the upper heating source 51 based on the fact that the printed matter is put into the paper tray 2 of the main body case 1 and the lid case 3 is closed. The image formed on the printed material based on the heating from the upper side is erased. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to the handling of the solvent when using the image erasing apparatus, and the overall structure of the image erasing apparatus is more compact than that of erasing an image with a solvent. It can be used easily in an indoor space. Since the locking mechanism 80 is arranged at the front end of the main body case 1 and the lid case 3 is locked in the closed state at the front end opposite to the rotating shaft 42, the lid case 3 must be securely locked. Can do. others Therefore, the lid case 3 cannot be opened while the printed material is heated, so that safety is improved.

A detachable lower front cover 67 that covers the lid switch 77 and the lock mechanism 80 is provided. Therefore, the lid switch 77 and the lock mechanism 80 are exposed based on the removal of the lower front cover 67, and the maintenance and inspection of the lid switch 77 and the lock mechanism 80 can be performed.

A string 100 is provided for manually switching the locking mechanism 80 to the unlocked state in the locked state. For this reason, if the power failure occurs during heating of the printed material, or if the lock mechanism 80 fails during heating of the printed material, the string 100 is exposed and the string 100 is operated based on removing the lower front cover 67. Therefore, the lock mechanism 80 can be switched to the unlocked state, so that the lid case 3 can be opened.

[0051] Based on the fact that the lock motor 82 is stopped at the current position when the power is cut off, the lock mechanism 80 is maintained in the current state. For this reason, when the main power supply is cut off during heating of the printed material, the lock mechanism 80 is held in the same locked state as immediately before the main power supply is cut off. It will not be released. Moreover, when the main power supply is shut off after the operation is completed, the lock mechanism 80 is held in the same unlocked state as immediately before the main power supply is cut off, so that the lid case 3 can be opened without performing any special operation. .

[0052] Since the main body case 1 is provided with the inclined operation panel 104, when the main body case 1 is placed on a desk and used, the input switch 109 to the start switch 111 are easily operated. The lid case 3 is also provided with a handle 112 that protrudes forward from the upper end force of the operation panel 104 when the lid case 3 is closed. For this reason, when the liquid beverage is filled, the handle portion 112 becomes an umbrella and is prevented from being applied to the operation panel 104, so that the operation panel 104 is prevented from becoming dirty.

A fan cover 63 is detachably provided below the fan device 62. For this reason, the maintenance port can be opened based on the removal of the fan cover 63, and the fan unit 62 can be maintained and inspected and replaced through the maintenance port. Since the air intake 66 is provided in the fan cover 63, the outside air can be sucked into the main body case 1 through the air intake 66 when the fan device 62 is driven.

Since the collar 13 supporting the lower heat insulating plate 14 is formed from the ceramic cover, the lower heat source 27 Heat and heat from the upper heating source 51 are hardly transmitted to the case support 11 and the heater support 21 through the lower heat insulating plate 14.

[0054] Since the collar 47 that supports the upper heat insulating case 44 is also formed with ceramic force, the heat from the lower heating source 27 and the heat from the upper heating source 51 are hardly transmitted to the lid case 3 through the upper heat insulating case 47.

Since the gap 65 is provided between the fan device 62 and the fan cover 63, the air in the body case 1 is sucked into the fan casing 59 through the gap 65 when the fan device 62 is driven. For this reason, since the cooling air for cooling the control board 102 is generated, the cooling performance of the electronic components mounted on the control board 102 is enhanced. In addition, a gap was also formed between the control board 102 and the board housing part 101. For this reason, since the cooling air flows along the upper and lower surfaces of the control board 102, the cooling performance of the electronic component is further improved.

Since the case support 11 and the heater support 21 are integrally formed, the positional relationship between the case support 11 and the heater support 21 is stabilized. For this reason, the positional relationship between the lower heat insulating case 17 supported by the case support 11 and the lower heat source 27 supported by the heater support 21 is stabilized.

Since the temperature sensing portion 118 of the upper thermistor 117 is sandwiched between the upper heater presser 50 and the upper heater 49, a dedicated screw and a dedicated mounting plate for fixing the upper thermistor 117 are not required. For this reason, since the screw does not penetrate the upper heating plate 5 and protrude downward, a large amount of printed matter can be put into the paper tray 2. This effect is the same for the upper thermo switch 123.

The temperature sensing part of the lower thermistor 121 was sandwiched between the lower heater presser 26 and the lower heater 25. This eliminates the need for a dedicated screw for fixing the lower thermistor 121 and a dedicated mounting plate, so that the screw does not penetrate the lower heating plate 4 and protrude upward. This effect is the same for the lower thermoswitch.

The lower heater 25 was sandwiched between the lower heating plate 4 and a plurality of upper spring guides 24. For this reason, since the lower heater 25 can be mounted at the same time based on screwing the plurality of upper spring guides 24 to the lower heating plate 4, a dedicated work for mounting the lower heater 25 to the lower heating plate 4 is unnecessary. Become.

The upper heater 49 was sandwiched between the upper heating plate 5 and the plurality of spacers 48. Because of this, heating up Since the upper heater 49 can be mounted at the same time based on screwing a plurality of spacers 48 to the plate 5, a dedicated operation for mounting the upper heater 49 to the upper heating plate 5 is not required.

[0057] The bottom surface of the paper tray 2 was squeezed to roughen the bottom surface of the paper tray 2. For this reason, the degree of adhesion of the printed material to the bottom surface of the paper tray 2 is reduced, so the printed material is covered with the paper tray by the glue.

Sticking to the bottom of 2 is prevented.

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

In the paper tray 2, as shown in FIG. 12, a partition plate 29 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed. The partition plate 29 divides the inner space of the paper tray 2 into two parts, a left paper storage chamber 30 and a right paper storage chamber 31. The left paper storage chamber 30 and the right paper storage chamber 31 have an A4 size. Printed material is loaded.

In the lid case 3, the upper left heating source 131 and the upper right heating source 132 are housed! These upper left heating source 131 and upper right heating source 132 are configured by sandwiching a heater between a metal heating plate and a metal heater presser, and closing the lid case 3 In this state, the partition plate 29 of the paper tray 2 is inserted into the gap between the upper left heating source 131 and the upper right heating source 132, and the printed matter in the left paper storage chamber 30 is moved upward and downward by the spring force of the heater spring 23. The printed matter in the right paper storage chamber 31 comes into contact with the upper right heating source 132 by the spring force of the heater spring 23. The upper left heating source 131 and the upper right heating source 132 constitute an upper heating source 133 corresponding to a first heating source, and the upper left heating source 131 heats the printed matter in the left paper storage chamber 30. The upper right heating source 132 heats the printed matter in the right paper storage chamber 31.

[0059] According to the second embodiment, the paper tray 2 is partitioned into the left paper storage chamber 30 and the right paper storage chamber 31 by the partition plate 29. Is prevented from mixing with the printed material.

The upper heating source 133 is divided into the upper left heating source 131 and the upper right heating source 132, and the partition plate 2 of the paper tray 2 is placed in the gap between the upper left heating source 131 and the upper right heating source 132 when the lid case 3 is closed. 9 was inserted. For this reason, the printed matter in the left paper storage chamber 30 is brought into contact with the upper left heating source 131 by the spring force of the heater spring 23, and the printed matter in the right paper storage chamber 31 is brought into contact with the heater spring 23. The upper right heating source 132 can be brought into contact with the spring force of the spring, so that the printed matter in the left paper storage chamber 30 and the printed matter in the right paper storage chamber 31 are heated without being interrupted by the partition member 29. Can do. Also, only the upper left heating source 131 generates heat and only the printed matter in the left paper storage chamber 30 is heated, or only the upper right heating source 132 generates heat and the right paper storage chamber 31 Convenience is improved because only printed matter can be heated.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the upper heating source 133 is divided into two forces. For example, the upper heating source 133 may be divided into three or more. In this case, it is preferable to divide the paper tray 2 into the same number of regions as the number of divisions of the upper heating source 133.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the force that pivotally attaches the lid case 3 to the rear end of the main body case 1 is not limited to this. It can be mounted on the left side for rotation. For example, when the lid case 3 is rotatably mounted on the right side of the main body case 1, the lock mechanism 80 is disposed on the left side of the main body case 1, and the lid case 3 is locked on the left side opposite to the rotation shaft. It is preferable. When lid case 3 is pivotally mounted on the left side of main unit case 1, lock mechanism 80 is placed on the right side of main unit case 1 and lid case 3 is locked on the right side opposite to the pivot axis. It is preferable to do.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the force illustrated as an example of the string 100 as an operation member for manually operating the lock mechanism 80 in the locked state and the unlocked state is not limited to this. For example, a lever may be used.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the string 100 is provided so as to be operable with the lower front cover 67 removed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower front cover 67 is attached. It may be provided so as to be operable in a state. That is, the string 100 may always protrude from the lower front cover 67.

Industrial applicability

[0062] As described above, the image erasing apparatus of the present invention can safely perform the process of erasing an image by heating a medium, and thus is useful for use in an indoor space.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In an image erasing apparatus that erases an image formed on a medium using a material that can be erased by heating, by heating the medium,

A main body (1) having a slot (78) for feeding the medium;

A first heating source (27) provided in the main body (1) for heating the medium; and provided in the main body (1) to be rotatable about a rotation shaft (42), A lid (3) that opens and closes the inlet (78);

A second heating source (51) provided in the lid portion (3) and configured to heat the medium from a side opposite to the first heating source (27) in a closed state of the lid portion (3);

A lock mechanism (80) that switches between the locked state in which the lid (3) is closed on the side opposite to the pivot shaft (42) and the unlocked state in which the lid (3) is unlocked. ).

[2] In the image erasing apparatus according to claim 1,

A motor (82) for switching the locking mechanism (80) between the locked state and the unlocked state is provided.

[3] In the image erasing apparatus according to claim 1,

The locking mechanism (80) includes a ring (76) provided on the lid (3) and a pin (89) provided on the main body (1),

The pin (89) locks the lid (3) in the closed state based on engagement with the ring (76) when the lid (3) is closed. (76) The lid (3) is unlocked based on escape from the inside.

[4] In the image erasing apparatus of claim 1,

A motor (82) for switching the locking mechanism (80) between the locked state and the unlocked state;

The motor (82) is characterized by holding the lock mechanism (80) in a current state based on stopping at a current position when the motor (82) is disconnected. .