JP4890404B2 - Rewritable paper erasing device and rewritable printer provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rewritable paper erasing apparatus that erases the print contents of a rewritable paper and a rewritable printer that includes the rewritable paper and performs printing and erasing on the rewritable paper.

  Conventionally, rewritable paper that can be printed and erased by heat has been put to practical use. Rewritable paper has a reversible thermosensitive recording layer containing leuco dye or developer on the surface of the paper, and the printed content is fixed by rapid cooling after heating, and the printed content is erased by slow cooling after heating. It has the characteristic that

  Erasing the print contents printed on the rewritable paper is performed by a rewritable paper erasing device (hereinafter referred to as “erasing device”). The erasing device picks up the rewritable paper on which the predetermined printing content is printed one by one with a pick-up roller, etc., and adds heat energy necessary for erasing the printing content according to the characteristics of the rewritable paper from a heating element such as a heat roller. After that, the print contents are erased by slow cooling.

  In addition, printing on rewritable paper is performed by a printer that performs printing based on print data including a thermal head, for example. In the printer, the heating temperature of the rewrite medium by the heating element of the thermal print head is set to be higher than the heating temperature for erasing, thereby realizing rapid cooling after heating.

  In recent years, an erasing device is arranged on the upstream side of the transport path of rewritable paper, and a printing unit having a thermal head is arranged on the downstream side, so that rewritable paper can be printed immediately after erasing the print contents of the rewritable paper. A printer has also been realized. As an example, the rewritable medium recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a thick film heater having an erasing function on the upstream side of the conveyance path and a thermal head having a printing function on the downstream side of the conveyance path. The The rewritable medium recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is optimally erased even if the environmental temperature inside the rewritable printer, the characteristics of the rewritable paper (recording medium in Patent Document 1), and the characteristics of a heating element such as a thermal head change. In order to obtain the quality and the printing quality, the control of the sheet conveying speed and the printing head pulse control optimal for the erasing and printing of the printing information according to the environmental temperature and the type of the rewritable sheet are performed.

JP 2001-026132 A

  In a rewritable paper set in the erasing device, a plurality of sheets are accidentally stuck due to dirt on the paper surface or static electricity. Since the transport path of rewritable paper in the erasing device is slightly wider to accommodate paper of various thicknesses, the erasing device can keep the rewritable paper in a state of being stuck in layers on the transport path. It will be transported to. However, the erasing device only applies the thermal energy for erasing applied to the rewritable paper to the rewritable paper in the multi-layered state with a plurality of sheets attached on the conveyance path. Do not add. Therefore, the rewritable paper in the multi-layered state cannot be erased completely without being able to reach the temperature required for erasing the printed content without applying sufficient heat energy to erase the printed content from the erasing device. It is discharged from the erasing device. Then, the rewritable paper discharged from the erasing device is mixed with the printed content remaining without being erased.

  An object of the present invention is to erase the print contents of a rewritable sheet even for a rewritable sheet conveyed in a multi-layered state.

  The rewritable paper erasing apparatus of the present invention includes a first transport path that communicates with a paper discharge unit for discharging rewritable paper that can be printed and erased by heat, and a transport force to the rewritable paper on the first transport path. And a first transport mechanism that transports the rewritable paper toward the paper discharge portion that is downstream of the first transport path, and is disposed in the middle of the first transport path. An erasing unit that heats the rewritable paper conveyed along the conveying path to erase the print content printed on the rewritable paper, and is disposed upstream of the first conveying path from the erasing unit; An overlap determination unit that determines whether or not the rewritable sheets transported along the first transport path overlap, and an erasing process for causing the erasing unit to erase the print contents; If it is determined that the overlap chromatic by determination means, in the erase process, and a process for increasing the thermal energy for erasing the print contents to be given to rewritable sheet being the conveyor.

  Another aspect of the rewritable paper erasing apparatus of the present invention is a first transport path that communicates with a paper discharge section for discharging rewritable paper that can be printed and erased by heat, and the first transport. A first transport mechanism that applies a transport force to the rewritable paper on the path and transports the rewritable paper toward the paper discharge unit that is downstream of the first transport path; and a middle of the first transport path And an erasing unit that heats the rewritable paper conveyed along the first conveyance path and erases the print content printed on the rewritable paper, and the first conveyance path than the erasure part. Means for determining the number of overlapping rewritable sheets conveyed along the first conveying path, and overlapping the rewritable sheets stored in the storage unit. The erasing process is performed based on the parameter corresponding to the determined number of overlapping rewritable sheets according to the definition of the relationship between the number and the parameter relating to the heating and erasing of the rewritable sheet used in the erasing process that causes the erasing unit to erase the print content. Execute.

  The present invention also defines a rewritable printer including the erasing device.

  According to the present invention, the overlap of the rewritable paper is determined, and the thermal energy corresponding to the determined overlap state of the rewritable paper is applied to the rewritable paper to erase the print content. In contrast, the print contents of the rewritable paper can be erased.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the rewritable printer 1. The rewritable printer 1 includes an erasing device 100 including a paper storage unit 201 and an erasing unit 301, and a print unit 101 including a printing unit 401 (see FIG. 2). The erasing apparatus 100 is positioned on the rear side of the rewritable printer 1, and the print unit 101 is positioned on the front side of the rewritable printer 1. The rewritable printer 1 is configured by connecting the front surface 100b of the housing 100a of the erasing device 100 and the rear surface 101b of the housing 101a of the print unit 101, and can be visually recognized as one device. At this time, the communication interfaces 507 and 607 (see FIG. 3) included in each of the erasing apparatus 100 and the print unit 101 are connected to each other through a connect cable CB (see FIG. 3) so that data communication is possible. The erasing device 100 and the print unit 101 can be separated.

  A paper issuing unit 103 is provided in front of the housing 101 a of the print unit 101. In FIG. 1, a display unit 104 and an operation unit 105 are arranged in an upper left portion of the paper issuing unit 103 when viewed from the front. The display unit 104 is a horizontally long liquid crystal display device, and can display information of several lines.

  A rewritable paper P that can be printed and erased by heat is set in the paper storage unit 201 (see FIG. 2) of the erasing apparatus 100. Rewritable paper P has a reversible thermosensitive recording layer containing leuco dye or developer on the paper surface. The printed content is fixed by rapid cooling after heating, and the printed content is erased by slow cooling after heating. It has the characteristic that

  FIG. 2 is a vertical side view of the rewritable printer 1. A transport path 106 for the rewritable paper P is formed inside the rewritable printer 1. The transport path 106 is formed by connecting the first transport path 100 c in the erasing apparatus 100 and the second transport path 101 c in the print unit 101, and the paper storage unit 201 of the erasing apparatus 100 and the paper issuing unit of the print unit 101. 103, and guides the rewritable paper P set in the paper storage unit 201 from the paper storage unit 201 to the paper issuing unit 103. A first transport path 100c formed in the erasing apparatus 100 connects the paper storage unit 201 and the paper discharge unit 100d on the front surface 100b of the housing 100a. A second transport path 101c formed in the print unit 101 communicates the paper introduction unit 101d and the paper issue unit 103 on the back surface 101b of the housing 101a. The paper introduction unit 101d is formed in a shape that allows insertion of the rewritable paper P and is provided in the vicinity of the paper discharge unit 100d of the erasing device 100. The rewritable content is erased by the erasing device 100 and discharged from the paper discharge unit 100d. The sheet P is disposed at a position for receiving the sheet P. Each of the first conveyance path 100c and the second conveyance path 101c constituting the conveyance path 106 is configured such that plate-like members 109 formed of plate-like sheet metal are arranged to face each other.

  The erasing apparatus 100 is mainly configured by a sheet storage unit 201 and an erasing unit 301 and is disposed on the upstream side of the rewritable printer 1.

  The paper storage unit 201 is mainly configured by a lifter 202 provided so as to be movable up and down, and stores the rewritable paper P. The lifter 202 can place and support a plurality of rewritable sheets P in a stacked state. The lifter 202 is driven up and down by being driven by a lifter drive unit 203 (see FIG. 3) that is an actuator. Above the lifter 202, there is provided a pickup roller 205 that applies a conveying force to the uppermost rewritable paper P placed on the lifter 202 by rotation thereof and sends it to the first conveying path 100c. A reverse roller 207 is disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the first transport path 100c with respect to the pickup roller 205. The reverse roller 207 is disposed to face the first conveyance path 100c with the rewritable paper P being separated by about the thickness that the erasing apparatus 100 can handle. The reverse roller 207 rotates in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the first conveyance path 100 c, and separates the lower rewritable sheet P conveyed in a multi-layered state from the sheet storage unit 201 by the rotation of the pickup roller 205. Only the rewritable paper P is transported to the transport path 106.

  The erasing unit 301 is mainly composed of a heat roller 302 and a press roller 303 that are arranged to face each other via the first transport path 100c, and generates heat when energized. The press roller 303 is disposed at a position above the first transport path 100c of the heat roller 302, and a position below the first transport path 100c. The heat roller 302 includes a heater 304 (see FIG. 3) that generates heat when energized, and can heat the rewritable paper P that is transported through the first transport path 100c. The press roller 303 is biased by the heat roller 302 via the first transport path 100c.

  The pickup roller 205, the reverse roller 207, and the heat roller 302 constitute a first transport mechanism 209 that applies a transport force to the rewritable paper P on the first transport path 100c and transports it to the paper discharge unit 100d, and includes an actuator. The first controller 208a (see FIG. 3) is driven to rotate. Further, the press roller 303 urged by the heat roller 302 rotates following the rotation of the heat roller 302.

  The print unit 101 is mainly configured by a printing unit 401 and is disposed on the upstream side of the rewritable printer 1.

  The printing unit 401 is mainly composed of a line-type thermal print head 402 and a platen 403 that are arranged to face each other via the second conveyance path 101c, and performs printing on rewritable paper. Such an arrangement position of the printing unit 401 is in the vicinity of the paper issuing unit 103.

  A second transport path 101c is formed inside the print unit 101, and the rewritable paper P discharged from the paper discharge portion 100d of the erasing apparatus 100 is introduced from the paper introduction portion 101d forming the upstream end thereof. The print unit 101 includes a second transport mechanism 407 for transporting the introduced rewritable paper P. The second transport mechanism 407 is mainly composed of a pair of transport roller pairs 408 provided in pairs along the second transport path 101c, and applies a transport force to the rewritable paper P on the second transport path 101c. To the paper issuing unit 103. Each pair of conveyance rollers 408 constituting the second conveyance mechanism 407 is disposed to face each other via the second conveyance path 101c, and one roller member is urged by the other roller member. Then, the other roller member is driven to rotate by a second controller 208b (see FIG. 3) made of an actuator, and the one roller member rotates following this.

  Further, the erasing apparatus 100 and the print unit 101 constituting the rewritable printer 1 are each provided with sensors.

  The erasing apparatus 100 includes an environmental temperature sensor 151 and a multilayer sensor 153. The environmental temperature sensor 151 is disposed on the side wall of the paper storage unit 201 and detects the temperature in the paper storage unit 201. The multi-layer sensor 153 is positioned immediately after the reverse roller 207 in the first transport path 100c and is disposed on the downstream side thereof.

  The print unit 101 includes a paper temperature sensor 152 and a paper registration sensor 154. The paper temperature sensor 152 is disposed between the paper introduction unit 101d and the printing unit 401 in the second transport path 101c, and detects the temperature of the rewritable paper P introduced into the print unit 101. The sheet registration sensor 154 is a transmissive optical sensor, and is positioned immediately upstream of the printing unit 401 in the second transport path 101c.

  Here, the multilayer sensor 153 will be described. The multi-layer sensor 153 is positioned immediately after the reverse roller 207 in the first transport path 100c and is disposed on the downstream side thereof. The multi-layer sensor 153 is a sensor for detecting the multi-layer state of the rewritable paper P that is transported on the first transport path 100c. As a multi-layer sensor, (a) a sheet positioned between two parallel plate electrodes that are spaced from each other so that a sheet can be inserted, and a capacitance that outputs a capacitance of the electrode and a change in capacitance due to the sheet. Formula (b) For a sheet of paper that is spaced apart and positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the intensity of detection light that enters the light receiving element after passing through the paper emitted from the light emitting element and the transmittance of the detection light (C) The ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter passes through the paper and attenuates with respect to the paper positioned between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver that are spaced apart from each other. There is an ultrasonic output waveform that outputs the output waveform of the ultrasonic wave after the change and the change of the output waveform. Various sensors can be used as the multi-layer sensor 153 as long as the sensor outputs a detection signal corresponding to the sheet thickness including these methods. When the multi-layer sensor 153 detects the rewritable paper P, the multi-layer sensor 153 outputs a detection signal to the CPU 502 (see FIG. 3). The CPU 502 recognizes in advance a reference level that is an output value of a detection signal when the multi-layer sensor 153 detects one or a predetermined number of rewritable sheets P, and the reference level and the multi-layer sensor 153 are input. By comparing the input level of the detected signal, the presence / absence of overlap of the rewritable paper P on the first transport path 100c detected by the multi-layer sensor 153 is determined, and the number of overlaps is calculated. That is, the multi-layer sensor 153 and the CPU 502 constitute a paper state determination unit 510 that determines whether or not there is an overlap and calculates the number of overlapping rewritable papers P. Note that the multi-layer sensor 153 also outputs a detection signal to the CPU 502 even when the number of overlapping rewritable papers P is one. In this case, the paper state determination unit 510 receives the detection signal input from the multi-layer sensor 153 and calculates that the number of overlapping rewritable papers P on the first transport path 100c is one. That is, the paper state determination unit 510 also serves as a paper feed sensor that detects whether or not the rewritable paper P is present at the position where the multilayer sensor 153 is disposed on the first transport path 100c.

  As another embodiment, the sheet state determination unit 510 includes a multi-layer sensor 153 that outputs a detection signal according to the sheet thickness as described above, and the output level and unit number (for example, one sheet) of the detection signal. It is composed of a processor that compares the reference level, which is the output level of the detection signal of the multi-layer sensor 153 with respect to the sheet thickness, to determine the number of overlapping sheets, and from this sheet state determination unit 510 to the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 The value of the number of overlapping rewritable papers P itself may be input to. In this case, when the number of overlapping rewritable sheets P output from the sheet state determination unit 510 is 2 or more, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 determines that the rewritable sheets P are in an overlapping state.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the rewritable printer 1. The erasing apparatus 100 and the print unit 101 constituting the rewritable printer 1 are connected to each other through a connect cable CB that connects communication interfaces 507 and 607 included in both of the erasing apparatus 100 and the print unit 101.

  The erasing apparatus 100 has an information processing unit 501 as hardware resources for executing information processing. The information processing unit 501 is configured by connecting a flash ROM 504 and an EEPROM 505 via a bus line BL1 to a CPU 502 that executes various arithmetic processes and centrally controls each unit. The flash ROM 504 stores various setting values and various tables in a rewritable manner, and can store the stored contents without power supply. In the flash ROM 504, a definition file F (see FIG. 4) that stores a relational definition between the number of overlapping rewritable papers P and parameters related to the heat erasing of the rewritable paper used in the erasing process executed by the CPU 502 (see FIG. 5). Is remembered. In the definition file F, parameters are set so that each part of the erasing apparatus 100 is driven and controlled so that when the number of overlapping rewritable papers P increases, the amount of heat energy for erasing the print content applied to the rewritable papers P increases. The relationship with the number of overlapping sheets is defined. The EEPROM 505 stores a control program or the like in a rewritable manner and can hold the stored contents without power feeding. The flash ROM 504 and the EEPROM 505 serve as a storage unit 508 that stores data.

  The CPU 502 also drives a lifter driving unit 203 serving as a driving source for the lifter 202 (see FIG. 2) and a first controller 208a that controls the first transport mechanism 209 (see FIG. 2) via the bus line BL1. A heater controller 305 that controls the heater 304 and a sensor input circuit 506 that takes in signals from sensors are connected to each other, and these components are controlled. In addition to the environmental temperature sensor 151 and the multilayer sensor 153, a heater temperature sensor 159 is also connected to the sensor input circuit 506. The heater temperature sensor 159 is built in the heat roller 302 so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the heater 304 constituting the erasing unit 301.

  Further, the CPU 502 is connected to a communication interface 507 for realizing data communication between the erasing apparatus 100 and an external device via the bus line BL1.

  The print unit 101 has an information processing unit 601 as hardware resources for executing information processing. The information processing unit 601 is configured by connecting an SRAM 603, a flash ROM 604, and an EEPROM 605 to a CPU 602 via a bus line BL2. The SRAM 603 stores variable data such as temporary storage data so that it can be rewritten, and is used as a work area.

  The CPU 602 also has a head control circuit 404 that controls the thermal print head 402, a second controller 208b that drives and controls the second transport mechanism 407, a display unit 104, an operation unit 105, and a sensor input via the bus line BL2. Each of these parts is controlled by connecting to each of the circuits 606. In addition to the paper temperature sensor 152 and the paper registration sensor 154, a head temperature sensor 160 is also connected to the sensor input circuit 606. The head temperature sensor 160 is mounted on a thermal print head 402 constituting the printing unit 401.

  Further, the CPU 602 is connected to a communication interface 607 for realizing data communication between the print unit 101 and an external device via the bus line BL2.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the definition file F. The definition file F stores the relationship between the number of overlapping rewritable sheets P and the parameters related to the heat erasure of the rewritable sheets used in the erasing process executed by the CPU 502. This parameter is determined by the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 with respect to the rewritable paper P transported on the first transport path 100c with the color developing component (leuco dye or developer) included in the reversible thermosensitive recording layer of the rewritable paper P. ) Is a parameter used for drive control of each part performed to apply thermal energy to the rewritable paper P to such an extent that the display content of the rewritable paper P is erased to such an extent that human beings cannot be visually recognized. As this parameter, the following can be used as an example.

  FIG. 4A shows the definition of the relationship between the number of overlaps and the parameter when the driving power necessary for heating the erasing unit 301 as a parameter and setting the erasing unit 301 to a predetermined temperature is adopted. FIG. 4B shows a first transport mechanism necessary for setting the transport speed at which the first transport mechanism 209 transports the rewritable paper P on the first transport path 100c to a predetermined speed as a parameter. A relationship definition between the number of overlaps and parameters when the drive pulse 209 is employed is shown. As described above, as the parameters relating to the erasing of the rewritable paper, the driving power for heating the erasing unit 301 and the driving pulse for driving and controlling the first transport mechanism 209 can be employed. As a parameter, it is also possible to employ a driving power for setting the pressing force with which the heat roller 302 constituting the erasing unit 301 presses the rewritable paper P on the first transport mechanism 209 to a predetermined magnitude.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100. During activation, the erasing apparatus 100 controls the first controller 208a to drive the first transport mechanism 209. Further, during activation, the erasing apparatus 100 acquires the number of overlapping rewritable papers P at the position where the multi-layer sensor 153 is arranged on the first transport path 100c calculated by the paper state determination unit 510 (step S101). It is determined whether or not the number of overlapping sheets is one or more (step S102). If it is determined that the number of overlapping sheets is not one or more (N in step S102), the CPU 502 returns the process to step S101 and acquires the number of overlapping rewritable sheets P again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of overlapping sheets is 1 or more (Y in step S102), the CPU 502 determines whether or not the acquired number of overlapping sheets is 2 or more as a subsequent process (step S103). Only when it is determined that the number of overlapped sheets is two or more (Y in step S103), whether or not there is a multi-layered portion in which two or more sheets are attached to a part of the rewritable paper P transported through the first transport path 100c. Is set to 1 (step S104).

  As processing subsequent to N or S104 in step S103, the CPU 502 refers to the definition file F to acquire a parameter corresponding to the number of overlaps acquired in step S101 (step S105), and subsequently delete processing based on the acquired parameter Is executed (step S106).

  The erasing process executed by the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 in step S106 is a process of controlling the erasing unit 301 to erase the print contents printed on the rewritable paper P. In the erasing process, the CPU 502 refers to the temperature information of the heat roller 302 input from the heater temperature sensor 159, the CPU 502 controls the heater controller 305 to adjust the amount of heat energy given from the heater 304 to the heat roller 302, The temperature of the erasing unit 301 is set to a predetermined temperature. As an example, when the parameter stored in the definition file F is the driving power for heating the erasing unit 301 (see FIG. 4A), the CPU 502 determines the temperature of the erasing unit 301 in the process shown in step S105. The heater controller 305 is controlled in accordance with the acquired parameter (drive power), and the temperature of the heat roller 302 constituting the erasing unit 301 is set to a predetermined temperature. As another example, when the parameter stored in the definition file F is a drive pulse for driving and controlling the first transport mechanism 209 (see FIG. 4B), the CPU 502 While maintaining the temperature at a predetermined temperature, the first controller 208a is controlled in accordance with the parameter (drive pulse) acquired in the process shown in step S105, and the drive speed of the first transport mechanism 209 is adjusted to adjust the rewritable paper P. Is set to a predetermined transport speed. As another example, when the driving power for setting the pressure contact force by which the heat roller 302 presses the rewritable paper P as a parameter to a predetermined magnitude is adopted as a parameter, the CPU 502 is based on the driving power. You may make it drive-control the press mechanism which is not shown in figure which changes the press-contact force of the heat roller 302. FIG. Thus, in the erasure process, the CPU 502 executes a process based on the parameters acquired in the process shown in step S105, and the erasure unit 301 changes the thermal energy transmitted to the rewritable paper P.

  As processing subsequent to the erasing processing shown in step S106, the CPU 502 obtains the number of overlapping rewritable papers P on the first transport path 100c calculated by the paper state determination unit 510 (step S107), and the overlap obtained in step S101. It is determined whether there is a change from the number of sheets (step S108). The CPU 502 repeatedly executes the processes shown in steps S106 to S107 until it is determined that the number of overlapping sheets has changed (N in step S108). If it is determined that there is a change in the number of overlapping sheets (Y in step S108), the CPU 502 returns the process to step S103 (Y in step S109) when it is determined that the number of overlapping sheets after the change is one or more. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of overlaps after the change is not one or more (N in step S109), whether or not the multi-layer flag is 1 is determined that the end of the rewritable paper P has reached the position of the multi-layer sensor 153. After the determination, the process is terminated (step S110). Here, when the multi-layer flag is not 1 in the determination in step S110 (N in step S110), the CPU 502 ends the process as it is. On the other hand, if the multi-layer flag is 1 in the determination in step S110 (Y in step S110), the CPU 502 transmits a print non-execution command to the print unit 101 connected for data communication (step S111). The process ends.

  The heat roller 302 that constitutes the erasing unit 301 and the multilayer sensor 153 that constitutes the paper state determination unit 510 are arranged apart from each other. Therefore, in the processing shown in step S106, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 positions the detected position on the rewritable paper P, on which the paper state determination unit 510 calculates the number of overlapping sheets, at the position of the heat roller 302 by the first transport mechanism 209. At the determined timing, the erasing process is executed based on the parameter corresponding to the number of overlaps of the detected locations.

  The CPU 602 of the print unit 101 controls the printing unit 401 based on print data received from an external device (not shown) and performs printing on the rewritable paper P. Then, the CPU 602 of the print unit 101 receives the print non-execution command transmitted from the erasing apparatus 100, and whether or not there is a multi-layered portion in the rewritable paper P that is ejected from the erasing apparatus 100 and introduced into the paper introduction unit 101d of the print unit 101. Determine whether. If the CPU 602 of the print unit 101 receives a print non-execution command from the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 and determines that the introduced rewritable paper P has a multi-layer portion, the print unit 401 does not perform printing. Then, the rewritable paper P introduced into the print unit 101 is conveyed to the paper issuing unit 103 as it is.

  As another embodiment, a multilayer sensor is disposed between the printing unit 401 and the paper introduction unit 101d in the middle of the second transport mechanism 407 of the print unit 101, and based on a detection signal generated by the multilayer sensor. The CPU 602 of the print unit 101 may determine whether or not the rewritable paper P has a multilayer portion.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the rewritable printer 1 when the rewritable paper P in the multi-layer state is transported to the first transport path 100c. In the rewritable printer 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the rewritable paper P passed through the reverse roller 207 and transported to the first transport path 100c in a multi-layered state in which a plurality of sheets are attached and formed into layers. On the other hand, the heat energy necessary for erasing the print content is applied to the rewritable paper P, and the print content printed on the rewritable paper P is erased. Hereinafter, when the driving power for heating the erasing unit 301 is adopted as a parameter related to the heating and erasing of the rewritable paper defined in the definition file F in correspondence with the number of overlapping sheets (see FIG. 4A), the multi-layer state is set. An example of processing performed by the rewritable printer 1 when a certain rewritable paper P is transported to the first transport path 100c will be described with reference to FIG.

  The sheet state determination unit 510 included in the erasing device 100 uses a detection signal generated by the multilayer sensor 153 when the position of the rewritable sheet P conveyed along the first conveyance path 100c is positioned at the position of the multilayer sensor 153. Then, the number of overlapping rewritable sheets P at the position of the multi-layer sensor 153 is calculated. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the paper state determination unit 510 calculates 1 as the number of overlaps of the portion L1 of the rewritable paper P. Therefore, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 refers to the definition file F, acquires W1 as the driving power of the erasing unit 301 corresponding to the overlap number = 1, and the rewritable paper P is conveyed by the first conveyance mechanism 209. The heater controller 305 is controlled by the driving power W1 at the timing when the position L1 of the rewritable paper P is positioned in the erasing unit 301, and the temperature of the erasing unit 301 is set to T1.

  When the rewritable paper P is transported along the first transport path 100c by the first transport mechanism 209 and the overlap start point L2 of the rewritable paper P is positioned at the position of the multi-layer sensor 153 (FIG. 6B), the paper The state determination unit 510 calculates 2 as the number of overlaps at the overlap start location L2. At this time, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 executes the process shown in step S104 of FIG. Then, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 refers to the definition file F, acquires W2 as the driving power of the erasing unit 301 corresponding to the overlap number = 2, and the rewritable paper P is transported by the first transport mechanism 209. The heater controller 305 is controlled by the driving power W2 at the timing when the overlap start point L2 of the rewritable paper P is positioned in the erasing unit 301, and the temperature of the erasing unit 301 is set to T2.

  Subsequently, the rewritable paper P is transported by the first transport mechanism 209, and when the overlap end point L3 of the rewritable paper P is positioned at the position of the multilayer sensor 153 (FIG. 6C), the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 Controls the heater controller 305 at the timing when the rewritable paper P is transported by the first transport mechanism 209 and the overlap end point L3 of the rewritable paper P is positioned in the erasing unit 301, and the heater controller 305 is controlled by the driving power W1. Thus, the temperature of the erasing unit 301 is set to T1.

  When the end L4 of the rewritable paper P is positioned at the position of the multi-layer sensor 153 (FIG. 6D), the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 transports the rewritable paper P by the first transport mechanism 209 and rewrites the rewritable paper P. The control of the heater controller 305 is stopped at the timing when the end L4 of the current position is positioned in the erasing unit 301, and heating to the erasing unit 301 is stopped. Further, when the multi-layer flag = 1, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 transmits a print non-execution command to the print unit 101. When the print unit 101 receives the print non-execution command transmitted from the erasing device 100, the print unit 101 determines that the rewritable paper P has a multi-layer portion, and performs printing on the rewritable paper P without using the rewritable paper P. Issued from 103.

  As described above, according to the rewritable printer 1 of the present embodiment, the overlap of rewritable sheets is determined by determining the number of overlapping rewritable sheets P transported through the first transport path 100c. The rewritable paper P is erased based on the parameter corresponding to the determined number of overlapping rewritable papers P according to the definition of the relationship between the number of overlapping rewritable papers P and the parameters related to the heat erasure of the rewritable papers P, that is, the overlapping of the rewritable papers. Since the thermal energy corresponding to the state is applied to the rewritable paper and the printed content is erased, the printed content of the rewritable paper P can be erased even for the rewritable paper P conveyed in a stacked state. .

  Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the same portions as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is also omitted.

  In the erasing apparatus 100 constituting the rewritable printer 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the overlap of the rewritable paper P is determined by the paper state determination unit 510, the rewritable paper conveyed regardless of the number of overlaps. The point that the thermal energy for erasing the printed content given to P is increased is different from the above-described embodiment.

  The sheet state determination unit 510 according to the present embodiment determines the sheet state of the rewritable sheet P at the position where the multilayer sensor 153 is disposed on the first transport path 100c, and outputs a detection signal detected by the multilayer sensor 153. The value is compared with the reference level, and sheet status information indicating any of “no paper”, “paper present”, or “paper overlap” is output. “No paper” indicates that the rewritable paper P is not positioned at a position on the first transport path 100c where the multi-layer sensor 153 is disposed. “Paper present” indicates that a single sheet of rewritable paper P that is not in a multi-layered state is positioned at that position. “Paper overlap” indicates that the rewritable paper P in a multi-layer state is positioned at the position.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. During activation, the erasing apparatus 100 acquires paper state information input from the paper state determination unit 510 (step S201), and determines the presence or absence of the rewritable paper P based on the input paper state information (step S202). When it is determined that the paper status information indicates the status of “paper present” or “paper overlap” and the rewritable paper P exists (step S202), the CPU 502 executes an erasing process according to the paper status. (Step S206). At this time, if the paper state indicates “paper overlap” (Y in step S203), after setting the multi-layer flag to 1 (step S104 in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 5)) (step S203). In step S204, an erasing process corresponding to the sheet state is executed (step S206).

  In the erasing process (step S206) in the present embodiment, when the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 determines that the rewritable paper P is in the “paper overlap” state, the rewritable paper P is in the “paper present” state. Compared to the case where the determination is made, the thermal energy for erasing the print content given to the rewritable paper P is increased, and the print content of the rewritable paper P is erased. As an example, when the rewritable paper P is in the “paper overlap” state, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 increases the drive power applied to the heat roller 302 of the erasing unit 301 as compared with the case of the “paper present” state. Thus, the thermal energy for erasing the print content given to the rewritable paper P is increased. As another example, when the rewritable paper P is in the “paper overlap” state, the CPU 502 of the erasing apparatus 100 reduces the drive pulse of the first transport mechanism 209 as compared with the case where the “paper is present” state. Thus, the conveyance speed of the rewritable paper P is lowered, the time for the erasing unit 301 to contact the rewritable paper P is lengthened, and the thermal energy for erasing the print content given to the rewritable paper P is increased.

  As processing subsequent to the erasure processing shown in step S206, the CPU 502 acquires paper state information input from the paper state determination unit 510 (step S207), and determines whether there is a change from the paper state information acquired in step S201. Determination is made (step S208). The CPU 502 repeatedly executes the processes shown in steps S206 to S207 until it is determined that the sheet status information has changed (N in step S208). If it is determined that the paper status information has changed (Y in step S208), the CPU 502 indicates that the paper status information indicates either “paper present” or “paper overlap” and there is a rewritable paper P. If so, the process returns to step S203 (Y in step S209). On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet status information is “no sheet” and the rewritable sheet P does not exist (N in step S209), it is determined that the end of the rewritable sheet P has reached the position of the multilayer sensor 153 and the multilayer flag is set. After determining whether or not 1, the process is terminated (step S210). Here, when the multi-layer flag is not 1 in the determination in step S210 (N in step S210), the CPU 502 ends the process as it is. On the other hand, if the multi-layer flag is 1 in the determination in step S210 (Y in step S210), the CPU 502 transmits a print non-execution command to the print unit 101 connected so as to be capable of data communication (step S211). The process ends.

  Even in the rewritable printer 1 according to the present embodiment that executes the processing as described above, as in the rewritable printer 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the overlap of the rewritable paper P is determined, and the determined rewritable paper P overlaps. Since the corresponding heat energy is applied to the rewritable paper P and the print content is erased, the print content of the rewritable paper P can be erased even for the rewritable paper P transported in a multilayered state.

1 is an external perspective view of a rewritable printer. It is a vertical side view of a rewritable printer. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a rewritable printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the content of a definition file. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which CPU of an erasing apparatus performs. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by an erasing apparatus when a rewritable sheet in a multi-layer state is transported to a transport path. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which CPU of an erasing apparatus performs.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Erasing device (rewritable paper erasing device), 100c ... 1st conveyance path, 100d ... Paper discharge part, 101 ... Print unit, 101c ... 2nd conveyance path, 101d ... Paper introduction part, 103 ... Paper issue part, 209 ... first transport mechanism, 301 ... erasing section, 401 ... printing section, 407 ... second transport mechanism, 508 ... storage section, 510 ... paper state determination section (overlap determination means, overlap number determination means), P ... Rewritable paper

Claims (10)

A first transport path that communicates with a paper discharge section for discharging rewritable paper that can be printed and erased by heat;
A first transport mechanism that applies a transport force to the rewritable paper on the first transport path and transports the rewritable paper toward the paper discharge unit that is on the downstream side of the first transport path;
An erasing unit that is arranged in the middle of the first transport path and that heats the rewritable paper transported along the first transport path to erase the print content printed on the rewritable paper;
An overlap determination unit that is arranged on the upstream side of the first transport path from the erasing unit and determines whether or not rewritable paper transported along the first transport path overlaps;
Means for executing an erasure process for causing the erasure unit to erase the print content;
Means for executing a process of increasing thermal energy for erasing the print content to be given to the conveyed rewritable paper in the erasing process when it is determined by the overlap determining means that there is an overlap;
A rewritable paper erasing device.   2. The rewritable paper erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the overlap determining unit determines that there is an overlap, the erasable processing increases the thermal energy for erasing the print content by heating the erasing unit.   When the overlap determining unit determines that there is an overlap, in the erasing process, the first transport mechanism is driven and controlled to reduce the transport speed for transporting the rewritable paper, and the thermal energy for erasing the print content The rewritable paper erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Determining whether or not there is a change in the overlapping state of the rewritable paper to be transported in the process in which the first transport mechanism transports the rewritable paper;
In the erasing process for the upstream portion of the first transport path from the change position on the rewritable paper that is determined to have changed in the overlap state of the rewritable paper, the erasure processing is performed according to the determined overlap state. Heat energy applied to the conveyed rewritable paper,
The rewritable paper erasing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A first transport path that communicates with a paper discharge section for discharging rewritable paper that can be printed and erased by heat;
A first transport mechanism that applies a transport force to the rewritable paper on the first transport path and transports the rewritable paper toward the paper discharge unit that is on the downstream side of the first transport path;
An erasing unit that is arranged in the middle of the first transport path and that heats the rewritable paper transported along the first transport path to erase the print content printed on the rewritable paper;
Means for determining the number of overlapping rewritable sheets that are disposed upstream of the erasing unit and that are transported along the first transport path;
In accordance with the definition of the relationship between the number of overlapping rewritable sheets stored in the storage unit and the parameter relating to the heating and erasing of the rewritable sheet used in the erasing process that causes the erasing unit to erase the print contents, Means for performing the erasure process based on the corresponding parameter;
A rewritable paper erasing device. The parameter is a parameter relating to driving power for heating the erasing unit and setting the predetermined temperature.
In the erasing process, the erasing unit is heated based on the parameter, and the erasing unit is set to a temperature according to the determined number of overlapping rewritable sheets.
The rewritable paper erasing apparatus according to claim 5. The parameter is a parameter relating to a conveyance speed of rewritable paper on the first conveyance path conveyed by the first conveyance mechanism,
In the erasing process, the first transport mechanism is driven and controlled based on the parameter, and the transport speed at which the first transport mechanism transports the rewritable paper is determined according to the determined number of overlapped rewritable papers. The transfer speed,
The rewritable paper erasing apparatus according to claim 5. Determining whether or not there is a change in the number of overlapped rewritable sheets in the process in which the first transport mechanism transports rewritable sheets;
Of the rewritable paper, the erasing process for the upstream portion of the first transport path with respect to the change position on the rewritable paper on which it is determined that the number of overlaps has changed corresponds to the determined number of overlaps after the change. Based on the changed parameters
The rewritable paper erasing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7. A rewritable paper erasing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A second transport path that connects a paper introduction section that allows insertion of a rewritable paper discharged from a paper discharge section of the rewritable paper erasing apparatus and a paper issue section, and transports the rewritable paper on the second transport path A second transport mechanism that applies force to transport toward the sheet issuing unit that is downstream of the second transport path, and is disposed in the middle of the second transport path along the second transport path. A printing unit that performs printing on the rewritable paper that is conveyed
Rewritable printer with   It is determined whether or not there is a multi-layered portion that is overlaid on at least a part of the rewritable paper conveyed on the second conveyance path, and if it is determined that there is a multi-layered portion, The rewritable printer according to claim 9, wherein the rewritable paper is conveyed to the paper issuing unit without executing printing on the rewritable paper.

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