Decoloring device

Abstract

To decolor an object to be decolored without applying a load on a user.SOLUTION: A solvent applying part 30 of a decoloring device 100 applies a solvent 400 capable of eliminating pigment from a fiber onto an object to be decolored 200 including the fiber colored with the pigment. A heat pressing part 60 adds pressure while applying heat to the object to be decolored 200 to which the solvent 400 is applied, and an absorber 300, which is overlapped on the object to be decolored 200 and absorbs the solvent 400 including the pigment from the object to be decolored 200. An object transporting parts 40AA, 40AB transport the object to be decolored 200 to which the solvent 400 is not applied to a solvent applying position and transport the object to be decolored 200 to which the solvent 400 is applied to a heat pressing position. An absorber transporting part 50 transports the absorber 300 to the heat pressing position along with transportation of the object to be decolored 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a decoloring device.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, a technique for printing on fabrics using transfer printing is known. Transfer printing is a printing method in which an image is drawn on a transfer sheet with transfer ink, and the image drawn on the transfer sheet is transferred to a fabric. Also, for fabric recycling, a technique for decoloring a fabric to remove an image from the fabric on which the image is drawn is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for discharging a discharging agent onto a dyed fabric by an inkjet method for discharging. Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet printing apparatus for discharging discharging ink for such discharging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, generally, for decoloring an object to be decolored, in addition to applying a solvent to the object to be decolored, processes such as heat pressing on an absorber that absorbs the object to be decolored and the solvent, supplying the absorber to the object to be decolored, and transporting the object to be decolored are required. Here, it is desirable that these series of processes necessary for decoloring the object to be decolored be automatically executed with as little burden on the user as possible. The inkjet printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is not an apparatus capable of automatically executing these series of processes necessary for decoloring. For this reason, a technique for decoloring an object to be decolored without imposing a burden on the user is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a decolorizing apparatus that decolorizes an object to be decolorized without imposing a burden on the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the decolorizing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a solvent applying means for applying a solvent capable of detaching the pigment from the fiber to an object to be decolorized containing a fiber colored with the pigment; a hot press means for applying pressure while applying heat to the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has been applied and an absorber that is overlaid on the object to be decolorized and absorbs the solvent containing the pigment from the object to be decolorized; an object conveying means for conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has not been applied to a solvent application position and conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has been applied to a hot press position; an absorber conveying means for conveying the absorber to the hot press position in accordance with the conveyance of the object to be decolorized.

[0008] It may further include a control means for controlling the object conveying means and the absorber conveying means so that multiple hot presses are not performed at the same location on either the object to be decolorized or the absorber.

[0009] The object conveying means may include a first conveyor belt for conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has not been applied to the solvent application position; and a second conveyor belt for conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has been applied to the hot press position.

[0010] The object conveying means may include a first pay-out roller for paying out the object to be decolorized wound in a roll shape; and a first take-up roller for taking up the object to be decolorized paid out by the first pay-out roller.

[0011] The solvent applying means includes a solvent storage tank for storing the solvent The object conveying means may convey the object to be decolorized along a conveying path passing through the solvent stored in the solvent storage tank.

[0012] The solvent applying means may include a discharge head that discharges the solvent toward the surface of the object to be decolorized.

[0013] The absorber conveying means a second feeding roller that feeds out the absorber wound in a roll shape, and a second winding roller that winds up the absorber fed out by the second feeding roller.

[0014] The absorber conveying means a supply tray that stores the absorber formed in a sheet shape, and a supply roller that feeds out the absorber stored in the supply tray toward the hot press position.

[0015] The absorber conveying means may include a peeling means that peels off the absorber adhered to the object to be decolorized from the object to be decolorized by the pressure applied by the hot press means.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the object to be decolorized can be decolorized without imposing a burden on the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the decolorization device 100 will be described, and with reference to FIG. 3, the functions of the decolorization device 100 will be described. In FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, for the non-characteristic configurations in the decolorization device 100, illustration, labeling, etc. are appropriately omitted. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the decolorization device 100. FIG. 2 is a side view of the decolorization device 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the functions of the decolorization device 100.

[0019] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the Z-axis is an axis extending in the vertical direction, the X-axis is an axis orthogonal to the Z-axis, and the Y-axis is an axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Z-axis. The direction in which the arrow of the X-axis extends is the positive direction of the X-axis, and the opposite direction of the direction in which the arrow of the X-axis extends is the negative direction of the X-axis. The direction in which the arrow of the Y-axis extends is the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the opposite direction of the direction in which the arrow of the Y-axis extends is the negative direction of the Y-axis. The direction in which the arrow of the Z-axis extends is the positive direction of the Z-axis, and the opposite direction of the direction in which the arrow of the Z-axis extends is the negative direction of the Z-axis. Hereinafter, as appropriate, the positive direction of the X-axis is the back direction, the negative direction of the X-axis is the front direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is the left direction, the negative direction of the Y-axis is the right direction, the positive direction of the Z-axis is the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Z-axis is the downward direction.

[0020] The decolorization device 100 is a device for decolorizing the object to be decolorized 200 and removing pigments from the object to be decolorized 200. The decolorization device 100 executes a series of processes such as applying the solvent 400 to the object to be decolorized 200, thermally pressing the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300, transporting the object to be decolorized 200, and supplying the absorber 300 to the object to be decolorized 200.

[0021] The object to be decolorized 200 is an object to be decolorized, and is an object colored with ink, a dyeing agent, etc. containing a pigment of a dye or a pigment. The object to be decolorized 200 includes fibers colored with a pigment. For example, the object to be decolorized 200 is a fabric on which an image is drawn by transfer printing. In the present embodiment, the object to be decolorized 200 is formed in a thin and flat sheet shape as a whole. As the object to be decolorized 200, a towel, a T-shirt, a flag, a nobori, etc. are assumed.

[0022] The absorber 300 is a member that absorbs the solvent 400. When the absorber 300 is pressed against the object to be decolorized 200 to which the solvent 400 is applied and heated, the absorber 300 absorbs the solvent 400 containing the pigment from the object to be decolorized 200. As the material of the absorber 300, various materials suitable for absorbing the solvent 400 can be adopted. For example, the material of the absorber 300 may be a fabric. In the present embodiment, the absorber 300 is wound in a roll shape before use, stretched during use, and wound in a roll shape again after use. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the absorber 300 has an elongated shape in which the thickness is sufficiently shorter than the width and the length is sufficiently longer than the width.

[0023] The solvent 400 is a solvent capable of detaching the pigment from the fiber colored with the pigment. The solvent 400 is a liquid solvent capable of extracting the ink component containing the pigment applied to the object to be decolorized 200 from the object to be decolorized. When the solvent 400 is heated in the state contained in the object to be decolorized 200, the solvent 400 extracts the pigment adhering to the object to be decolorized 200. The solvent 400 functions as a decolorizing solution. As the solvent 400, various solvents suitable for extracting the pigment depending on the pigment adhering to the object to be decolorized 200 and the material of the object to be decolorized 200 can be adopted. For example, as the solvent 400, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate, ethyl acetate diethylene glycol, etc. are suitable. In the present embodiment, the solvent 400 is applied to the object to be decolorized 200 by an inkjet method.

[0024] The decolorization device 100 includes an operation unit 5, a solvent application unit 30, an object conveyance unit 40, an absorber conveyance unit 50, a hot press unit 60, a collection box 70, a support column 81, a support column 82, a support column 83, a support column 84, a support column 85, and a support column 86.

[0025] The operation unit 5 is a module for operating each unit such as the solvent application unit 30, the object conveyance unit 40, the absorber conveyance unit 50, and the hot press unit 60. The operation unit 5 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0026] The control unit 10 controls the operation of the entire decolorization device 100. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, a central arithmetic unit, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central arithmetic processing unit that executes processes and calculations related to the control of the decolorization device 100. In the control unit 10, the CPU reads the programs and data stored in the ROM, uses the RAM as a work area, and comprehensively controls the decolorization device 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit having a timekeeping function. Note that the CPU can specify the current date and time from the time information read from the RTC. The control unit 10 is an example of a control means.

[0027] The storage unit 21 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 21 stores the programs and data used by the control unit 10 to execute various processes. In addition, the storage unit 21 stores the data generated or acquired when the control unit 10 executes various processes.

[0028] The display unit 22 displays various images according to the control by the control unit 10. The display unit 22 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, and the like. The operation reception unit 23 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 10. The operation reception unit 23 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, and the like.

[0029] The communication unit 24 communicates with various devices (not shown) in accordance with various wireless communication standards or various wired communication standards according to the control by the control unit 10. Examples of various wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and the like. Examples of various wired communication standards include USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark), Thunderbolt (registered trademark), and the like. The communication unit 24 includes a communication interface compliant with various communication standards.

[0030] The solvent application unit 30 applies the solvent 400 that extracts the dye contained in the object to be decolorized 200 to the object to be decolorized 200 at the solvent application position. In the present embodiment, the solvent application unit 30 ejects the particles of the solvent 400 onto the object to be decolorized 200 by an inkjet method. The solvent application position is the position where the solvent is applied to the object to be decolorized 200. The configuration of the solvent application unit 30 may be the same as that of a general inkjet printer. The solvent application unit 30 includes a discharge head 31, a motor 32AA, a motor 32AB, a tank 33, a tube 34, a head support 35, a moving unit 36, a guide member 37, a guide member support 38, and a support base 39. The solvent application unit 30 is an example of a solvent application means.

[0031] The discharge head 31 discharges the solvent 400 toward the surface of the object to be decolorized 200 according to the control by the control unit 10. The discharge head 31 discharges the particles of the solvent 400 by an inkjet method such as a piezo method or a thermal head method, for example. The discharge head 31 is an example of a discharge head.

[0032] Motor 32AA is a motor that moves the ejection head 31 in the main scanning direction according to the control by the control unit 10. When the motor 32AA is driven according to the control by the control unit 10, the moving part 36 to which the head support part 35 supporting the ejection head 31 is fixed moves in the main scanning direction along the guide member 37. The main scanning direction is the X-axis direction.

[0033] Motor 32AB is a motor that moves the ejection head 31 in the sub-scanning direction according to the control by the control unit 10. When the motor 32AB is driven according to the control by the control unit 10, the guide member support part 38 that supports the guide member 37 and moves in the sub-scanning direction together with the ejection head 31 moves in the sub-scanning direction along the guide rail 39A extending in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is the Y-axis direction.

[0034] The tank 33 stores the solvent 400 ejected from the ejection head 31. The tube 34 is a tube for supplying the solvent 400 stored in the tank 33 to the ejection head 31. The head support part 35 is a member that supports the ejection head 31. The moving part 36 is a member to which the head support part 35 is fixed and is a member that moves in the main scanning direction along the guide member 37.

[0035] The guide member 37 is a member that guides the moving part 36 in the main scanning direction. The guide member support part 38 is a member that supports the guide member 37 and is a member that moves in the sub-scanning direction along the guide rail 39A. The support base 39 is a base that supports the guide member support part 38. The support base 39 has a guide rail 39A extending in the sub-scanning direction.

[0036] The object transfer unit 40 transfers the decolorization object 200 without the solvent being applied to the solvent application position, and transfers the decolorization object 200 with the solvent applied to the hot press position. The hot press position is the position where the hot press that applies heat and pressure to the decolorization object 200 and the absorber 300 is executed. The object transfer unit 40 transfers the decolorization object 200 using the transfer belt 42AA and the transfer belt 42AB. The object transfer unit 40 includes the object transfer unit 40AA, the object transfer unit 40AB, the plate-like member 45, and the plate-like member 46. The object transfer unit 40 is an example of an object transfer means.

[0037] The object transfer unit 40AA transfers the decolorization object 200 provided by the user to the solvent application position, and transfers the decolorization object 200 with the solvent 400 applied at the solvent application position to the object transfer unit 40AB. The object transfer unit 40AA includes the motor 41AA, the transfer belt 42AA, the roller 43AA, and the roller 44AA.

[0038] The motor 41AA is a motor that rotates the roller 43AA according to the control by the control unit 10. Note that the control unit 10 controls the motor 41AA so that the roller 43AA rotates counterclockwise. When the roller 43AA rotates counterclockwise, the transfer belt 42AA also rotates counterclockwise, and the decolorization device 100 disposed on the transfer belt 42AA moves in the downstream direction of the transfer path. The downstream direction of the transfer path is the left direction in FIG. 2 and the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0039] The transfer belt 42AA is a belt for transferring the decolorization object 200 disposed on the transfer belt 42AA. The transfer belt 42AA transfers the decolorization object 200 without the solvent 400 being applied to the solvent application position. The transfer belt 42AA is hung on the roller 43AA and the roller 44AA and rotates with the rotation of the roller 44AA. The transfer belt 42AA is an example of a first transfer belt.

[0040] Roller 43AA is a roller for rotating the conveyor belt 42AA. Roller 43AA has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates according to the drive by motor 41AA. Roller 44AA is a roller paired with roller 43AA. Roller 44AA has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates as the conveyor belt 42AA rotates.

[0041] The object conveying unit 40AB conveys the decolorization object 200 to which the solvent 400 is applied to the hot press position, and conveys the decolorization object 200 hot-pressed at the hot press position to the collection box 70. The object conveying unit 40AB includes a motor 41AB, a conveyor belt 42AB, a roller 43AB, and a roller 44AB.

[0042] Motor 41AB is a motor that rotates roller 43AB according to the control by the control unit 10. Note that the control unit 10 controls the motor 41AB so that the roller 43AB rotates counterclockwise. When the roller 43AB rotates counterclockwise, the conveyor belt 42AB also rotates counterclockwise, and the decolorization device 100 disposed on the conveyor belt 42AB moves in the downstream direction of the conveyance path.

[0043] The conveyor belt 42AB is a belt for conveying the decolorization object 200 disposed on the conveyor belt 42AB. The conveyor belt 42AB conveys the decolorization object 200 to which the solvent 400 is applied to the hot press position. The conveyor belt 42AB is hung on the roller 43AB and the roller 44AB and rotates as the roller 43AB rotates. The conveyor belt 42AB is an example of a second conveyor belt.

[0044] Roller 43AB is a roller for rotating the conveyor belt 42AB. Roller 43AB has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates according to the drive by motor 41AB. Roller 44AB is a roller paired with roller 43AB. Roller 44AB has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates as the conveyor belt 42AB rotates.

[0045] The plate-like member 45 is a flat member. The plate-like member 45 is arranged to straddle the conveying belt 42AA and the conveying belt 42AB. The plate-like member 45 sends out the decolorization object 200 conveyed to the left end of the conveying belt 42AA to the right end of the conveying belt 42AB. The plate-like member 46 is a flat member. The plate-like member 46 is arranged to straddle the conveying belt 42AB and the recovery box 70. The plate-like member 46 flows the decolorization object 200 conveyed to the left end of the conveying belt 42AB into the recovery box 70.

[0046] The absorber conveying unit 50 conveys the absorber 300 to the hot pressing position in accordance with the conveyance of the decolorization object 200. The absorber conveying unit 50 stretches the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape and supplies it to the hot pressing position, and winds up and recovers the absorber 300 hot-pressed at the hot pressing position in a roll shape. The absorber conveying unit 50 includes a motor 51, a roller 52, and a roller 53. The absorber conveying unit 50 is an example of an absorber conveying means.

[0047] The motor 51 is a motor that rotates the roller 52 in accordance with the control by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 controls the motor 51 so that the roller 52 rotates counterclockwise. When the roller 52 rotates counterclockwise, the absorber 300 wound around the roller 53 is stretched, and the stretched absorber 300 is wound around the roller 52.

[0048] The roller 52 is a roller that winds up the absorber 300 fed out by the roller 53. The roller 52 winds up the absorber 300 that has absorbed the solvent 400 containing the pigment contained in the decolorization object 200. The roller 52 has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates in accordance with the drive by the motor 51. The roller 52 is an example of a second winding roller.

[0049] The roller 53 is a roller that feeds out the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape. The roller 53 is the roller around which the absorber 300 before absorbing the solvent 400 is wound. The roller 53 has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction, and rotates counterclockwise to feed out the absorber 300 as the absorber 300 is wound up by the roller 52. The roller 53 is an example of a second feeding roller.

[0050] The hot press unit 60 performs a hot press that applies pressure while applying heat to the object to be decolorized 200 to which the solvent 400 is applied and the absorber 300 overlapped with the object to be decolorized 200 at the hot press position. The hot press unit 60 includes a heater 61, a motor 62, and a moving unit 63. The hot press unit 60 is an example of a hot press means.

[0051] The heater 61 is a heater for heating the plate-like member 64 provided in the moving unit 63 according to the control by the control unit 10. The motor 62 is a motor that moves the moving unit 63 in the vertical direction according to the control by the control unit 10. When the motor 62 is driven according to the control by the control unit 10, the moving unit 63 moves in the vertical direction along a guide member (not shown) provided on the support column 85 and the support column 86.

[0052] The moving unit 63 is a member that moves in the vertical direction by driving the motor 62. The moving unit 63 includes a plate-like member 64. The plate-like member 64 is a flat plate-like member. When the moving unit 63 descends, the plate-like member 64 is pressed against the absorber 300. When the moving unit 63 further descends, the absorber 300 pressed by the plate-like member 64 is pressed against the object to be decolorized 200. At this time, the plate-like member 64 sandwiches the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 together with the conveyor belt 42AB, applies pressure to the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300, and heats the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300.

[0053] The collection box 70 is a box for collecting the object to be decolorized 200. The decolorized sheet-like object to be decolorized 200 is sequentially supplied to the collection box 70. The supplied objects to be decolorized 200 are stored in the collection box 70 in a stacked manner.

[0054] The support columns 81, 82, 83, and 84 are support columns that support the absorber transport unit 50. The support columns 81 and 82 rotatably support the roller 52, and the support columns 83 and 84 rotatably support the roller 53. The support columns 85 and 86 are support columns that support the thermal press unit 60. The support columns 85 and 86 movably support the moving unit 63.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the main functions of the control unit 10 will be described in detail. Functionally, the control unit 10 includes a discharge control unit 11, a movement control unit 12, a first transport control unit 13, a second transport control unit 14, a heating control unit 15, and a press control unit 16. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the ROM or the storage unit 21. Then, the CPU realizes each of these functions by executing the programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 21.

[0056] The discharge control unit 11 controls the discharge of the solvent 400 by the discharge head 31. The discharge control unit 11 controls the discharge head 31 to discharge the particles of the solvent 400 from the discharge head 31. For example, the discharge control unit 11 continuously discharges the solvent 400 from the discharge head 31 while the discharge head 31 moves over the decolorization target 200 so that the solvent 400 is discharged over the entire decolorization target 200 disposed at the solvent application position.

[0057] The movement control unit 12 controls the movement of the discharge head 31. The movement control unit 12 controls the movement of the discharge head 31 so that the discharge head 31 passes over the entire decolorization target 200 disposed at the solvent application position. Specifically, for example, the movement control unit 12 repeats the scanning process and the shift process until the discharge head 31 reaches from one end of the decolorization target 200 in the sub-scanning direction to the other end of the decolorization target 200 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0058] The scanning process is a process of controlling the motor 32AA to move the ejection head 31 from one end of the object to be decolorized 200 in the main scanning direction to the other end of the object to be decolorized 200 in the main scanning direction. The shift process is a process of controlling the motor 32AB to shift the ejection head 31 by a certain distance in the sub-scanning direction.

[0059] The first conveyance control unit 13 controls the object conveyance unit 40 to control the conveyance of the object to be decolorized 200. Specifically, when the object to be decolorized 200 is supplied onto the conveyance belt 42AA by the user, the first conveyance control unit 13 controls the motor 41AA to convey the object to be decolorized 200 before solvent application to the solvent application position. Further, after the solvent is applied to the object to be decolorized 200 at the solvent application position, the first conveyance control unit 13 controls the motor 41AA to convey the object to be decolorized 200 after solvent application to the conveyance belt 42AB via the plate-like member 45.

[0060] Also, when the object to be decolorized 200 after solvent application is supplied onto the conveyance belt 42AB, the first conveyance control unit 13 controls the motor 41AB to convey the object to be decolorized 200 after solvent application to the heat press position. Further, after the heat press is performed on the object to be decolorized 200 at the heat press position, the first conveyance control unit 13 controls the motor 41AB to convey the object to be decolorized 200 after heat press to the collection box 70 via the plate-like member 46.

[0061] The second conveyance control unit 14 controls the absorber conveyance unit 50 to control the conveyance of the absorber 300. Specifically, when the object to be decolorized 200 after solvent application is conveyed to the heat press position, the second conveyance control unit 14 controls the motor 51 to pull out the absorber 300 before heat press from the roller 53 and convey the pulled-out absorber 300 to the heat press position. Further, after the heat press is performed on the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 at the heat press position, the second conveyance control unit 14 controls the motor 51 to wind up the absorber 300 after heat press onto the roller 52.

[0062] The heating control unit 15 controls the heating of the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 by the hot press unit 60. Specifically, when the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 after the solvent is applied are conveyed to the hot press position, the heating control unit 15 heats the heater 61 to heat the plate-like member 64. When the object to be decolorized 200 pressed against the plate-like member 64 is pressed against the absorber 300, the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 are heated. The heating control unit 15 preferably heats the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 to a high temperature such that the dye contained in the object to be decolorized 200 sufficiently dissolves in the solvent 400 and to a low temperature such that the solvent 400 does not evaporate. For example, the heating control unit 15 preferably heats the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 to a temperature of about 120°C to 150°C.

[0063] The press control unit 16 controls the pressurization of the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 by the hot press unit 60. Specifically, when the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 after the solvent is applied are conveyed to the hot press position, the press control unit 16 controls the motor 62 to lower the moving part 63 provided with the plate-like member 64. The press control unit 16 lowers the moving part 63 until the plate-like member 64 is pressed against the absorber 300 and further until the absorber 300 is pressed against the object to be decolorized 200. The press control unit 16 pressurizes the object to be decolorized 200 and the absorber 300 for a certain period of time and then raises the moving part 63.

[0064] Here, it is preferable that the control unit 10 controls the object conveyance unit 40 and the absorber conveyance unit 50 so that multiple hot presses are not performed on the same location of either the object to be decolorized 200 or the absorber 300. That is, when a hot press is performed at the hot press position, the control unit 10 conveys a new object to be decolorized 200 to the hot press position by the object conveyance unit 40 and conveys an unused absorber 300 to the hot press position by the absorber conveyance unit 50 before the next hot press is performed.

[0065] Thus, for the sake of saving the absorber 300, the control unit 10 does not perform multiple heat presses with the part of the absorber 300 switched for one decolorization target 200. Also, for proper decolorization, the control unit 10 does not perform heat presses on multiple decolorization targets 200 with the same part of the absorber 300.

[0066] In this embodiment, the application of the solvent 400 to the decolorization target 200, the heat press on the decolorization target 200 and the absorber 300, the conveyance of the decolorization target 200 to the solvent application position, the conveyance of the decolorization target 200 to the heat press position, the conveyance of the absorber 300 to the heat press position, etc. are automatically executed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the decolorization target 200 can be decolorized without imposing a burden on the user.

[0067] Also, in this embodiment, control is performed so that multiple heat presses are not executed at the same location on either the decolorization target 200 or the absorber 300. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the absorber 300 can be saved while properly decolorizing the decolorization target 200.

[0068] Also, in this embodiment, the decolorization target 200 is conveyed to the solvent application position by the conveyor belt 42AA, and the decolorization target 200 is conveyed to the heat press position by the conveyor belt 42AB. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, the decolorization target 200 that is difficult to wind in a roll shape can be properly conveyed.

[0069] Also, in this embodiment, the discharge head 31 discharges the solvent 400 toward the surface of the decolorization target 200. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the solvent 400 can be properly applied to the decolorization target 200 conveyed by the conveyor belt 42AA.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, the absorber 300 fed out from the roller 53 is conveyed by being wound up by the roller 52. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape can be conveyed with a simple configuration.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the decolorization target 200 in the form of a thin and flat sheet was conveyed by the rotation of the conveyor belts 42AA and 42AB. In this embodiment, an example in which the decolorization target 200B wound in a roll shape is conveyed by winding will be described. Hereinafter, the description of the same configurations, functions, etc. as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted or simplified.

[0072] In this embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the configuration of the decolorization device 100B will be described, and with reference to FIG. 6, the function of the decolorization device 100B will be described. In FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, for the non-characteristic configurations in the decolorization device 100B, the illustration, assignment of reference numerals, etc. are appropriately omitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the decolorization device 100B. FIG. 5 is a side view of the decolorization device 100B. In FIG. 5, for ease of understanding, the illustration of the housing, cover, etc. that are not much related to the operation of the decolorization device 100B is omitted, and the main configurations related to the operation of the decolorization device 100B are shown by solid lines. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the function of the decolorization device 100B.

[0073] The decolorization device 100B is a device that performs decolorization of the decolorization target 200B and is a device that removes pigments from the decolorization target 200B. The decolorization device 100B executes a series of processes such as application of the solvent 400 to the decolorization target 200B, hot pressing of the decolorization target 200B and the absorber 300, conveyance of the decolorization target 200B, supply of the absorber 300 to the decolorization target 200B, etc.

[0074] In this embodiment, the decolorization target 200B is wound in a roll shape before decolorization, stretched during decolorization, and wound in a roll shape again after decolorization. That is, in this embodiment, the decolorization target 200B has an elongated shape in which the thickness is sufficiently shorter than the width and the length is sufficiently longer than the width. The decolorization target 200B is composed of, for example, connecting a large number of towels, T-shirts, flags, streamers, etc. Sewing can be considered as a method of connection.

[0075] The decolorization device 100B includes an operation unit 5B, a solvent application unit 30B, an object conveyance unit 40B, an absorber conveyance unit 50B, and a heat press unit 60B. The operation unit 5B is a module for operating each unit such as the object conveyance unit 40B, the absorber conveyance unit 50B, and the heat press unit 60B. The operation unit 5B includes a control unit 10B, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, and a communication unit 24. Physically, the control unit 10B has the same configuration as the control unit 10. The control unit 10B is an example of a control means.

[0076] The solvent application unit 30B applies a solvent 400 for extracting the dye contained in the object to be decolorized 200B to the object to be decolorized 200 at the solvent application position. In the present embodiment, the solvent application unit 30B applies the solvent 400 to the object to be decolorized 200B by immersing the object to be decolorized 200B in the solvent 400. The solvent application unit 30B includes a solvent storage tank 31B. The solvent storage tank 31B is a container for storing the solvent 400. The solvent storage tank 31B is disposed on the conveyance path of the object to be decolorized 200B. The solvent application unit 30B is an example of a solvent application means.

[0077] The object conveyance unit 40B conveys the object to be decolorized 200B without the solvent applied thereto to the solvent application position, and conveys the object to be decolorized 200B with the solvent applied thereto to the heat press position. The object conveyance unit 40B conveys the object to be decolorized 200B by winding. The object conveyance unit 40B includes a motor 41BA, a motor 41BB, a motor 41BC, a roller 42B, a roller 43B, a roller 44B, a roller 45BA, a roller 45BB, a roller 45BC, a roller 45BD, a roller 45BE, a roller 45BF, a roller 45BG, a roller 45BH, a roller 45BI, a roller 46B, a support unit 47BA, a support unit 47BB, and a tension bar 48B. The object conveyance unit 40B is an example of an object conveyance means.

[0078] The motor 41BA is a motor that rotates the roller 42B in accordance with the control by the control unit 10B. Note that the control unit 10B controls the motor 41BA so that the roller 42B rotates counterclockwise. When the roller 42B rotates counterclockwise, the decolorization object 200B stretched from the roller 43B is wound around the roller 42B.

[0079] The motor 41BB is a motor that rotates the roller 44B in accordance with the control by the control unit 10B. Note that the control unit 10B controls the motor 41BB so that the roller 44B rotates clockwise. When the roller 44B rotates clockwise, the decolorization object 200B wound around the roller 43B is stretched.

[0080] The motor 41BC is a motor that moves the roller 46B in the vertical direction in accordance with the control by the control unit 10B. When the motor 41BC is driven in accordance with the control by the control unit 10B, the support portions 47BA and 47BB that rotatably support the roller 46B move in the vertical direction.

[0081] The roller 42B is a roller that winds up the decolorization object 200B stretched from the roller 43B. The roller 42B winds up the decolorization object 200B after decolorization. The roller 42B has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates in accordance with the drive by the motor 41BA. In FIG. 5, for ease of understanding, the illustration of the roller 42B is omitted. The roller 42B is an example of a first winding roller.

[0082] The roller 43B is a roller that pays out the decolorization object 200B wound in a roll shape. The roller 43B is a roller around which the decolorization object 200B before decolorization is wound. The roller 43B has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates counterclockwise to pay out the decolorization object 200B in accordance with the stretching of the decolorization object 200B by the roller 44B. The roller 43B is an example of a first payout roller.

[0083] Roller 44B is a roller that stretches the object to be decolorized 200B from roller 43B. Roller 44B has a rotating shaft (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates according to the drive by motor 41BB.

[0084] Rollers 45BA, 45BB, 45BC, 45BD, 45BE, 45BF, 45BG, 45BH, and 45BI are rollers for guiding the conveyance of the object to be decolorized 200B and have a rotating shaft (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction.

[0085] Roller 45BA is a roller provided between tension bar 48B and roller 45BB. Roller 45BB is a roller for submerging the object to be decolorized 200B into the solvent 400 in the solvent storage tank 31B. Roller 45BC is a roller that sandwiches the object to be decolorized 200B together with roller 44B and sends out the object to be decolorized 200B toward the downstream of the conveyance path.

[0086] Roller 45BD is a roller provided between roller 45BC and roller 45BE. Roller 45BE is a roller provided between roller 45BD and roller 45BF. Roller 45BF is a roller provided between roller 45BE and roller 45BG. Roller 45BG is a roller provided between roller 45BF and roller 45BH. Roller 45BH is a roller that sandwiches the object to be decolorized 200B together with roller 42B. Roller 45BI is a roller that contacts the object to be decolorized 200B wound around roller 42B and rotates according to the rotation of roller 42B.

[0087] Roller 46B is a roller that assists in winding up the object to be decolorized 200B by roller 42B. That is, after the roller 46B disposed under the object to be decolorized 200B moves upward and then moves downward, the object to be decolorized 200B is stretched and loosened. The loosened object to be decolorized 200B is wound up by roller 42B.

[0088] The support part 47BA and the support part 47BB are members that rotatably support the roller 46B. The support part 47BA and the support part 47BB move in the vertical direction by the drive of the motor 41BC. The tension bar 48B is a member for adjusting the tension of the object to be decolorized 200B drawn from the roller 43B. The tension bar 48B has an opening (not shown) through which the object to be decolorized 200B passes.

[0089] The absorber conveying unit 50B conveys the absorber 300 to the hot press position in accordance with the conveyance of the object to be decolorized 200B. The absorber conveying unit 50B stretches the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape and supplies it to the hot press position, and winds up and recovers the absorber 300 hot-pressed at the hot press position in a roll shape. The absorber conveying unit 50B includes a motor 51B, a roller 52B, a roller 53B, a roller 54B, and a roller 55B. The absorber conveying unit 50B is an example of an absorber conveying means.

[0090] The motor 51B is a motor that rotates the roller 52B according to the control by the control unit 10B. Note that the control unit 10B controls the motor 51B so that the roller 52B rotates counterclockwise. When the roller 52B rotates counterclockwise, the absorber 300 wound around the roller 53B is stretched, and the stretched absorber 300 is wound around the roller 52B.

[0091] The roller 52B is a roller that winds up the absorber 300 fed out by the roller 53B. The roller 52B winds up the absorber 300 after absorbing the solvent 400. The roller 52B has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates according to the drive by the motor 51B. The roller 52B is an example of a second winding roller.

[0092] Roller 53B is a roller that pays out the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape. Roller 53B is a roller around which the absorber 300 before absorption of the solvent 400 is wound. Roller 53B has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction, and rotates counterclockwise to pay out the absorber 300 as the absorber 300 is wound up by roller 52B. Roller 53B is an example of a second payout roller.

[0093] Rollers 54B and 55B are rollers that guide the conveyance of the absorber 300. Rollers 54B and 55B have a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction. Roller 54B is provided between roller 53B and roller 55B. Roller 55B is provided between roller 54B and roller 55B.

[0094] The hot press unit 60B performs a hot press that applies pressure while applying heat to the object to be decolorized 200B to which the solvent 400 is applied and the absorber 300 overlaid on the object to be decolorized 200B at the hot press position. The hot press unit 60B includes a heater 61B, a motor 62B, a moving part 63B, a roller 64B, a roller 65B, and a plate-like member 66B. The hot press unit 60B is an example of a hot press means.

[0095] The heater 61B is a heater for heating the plate-like member 66B according to the control by the control unit 10B. The motor 62B is a motor that moves the moving part 63B in the left-right direction according to the control by the control unit 10B. When the motor 62B is driven according to the control by the control unit 10B, the moving part 63B moves in the left-right direction along a guide member (not shown).

[0096] The moving part 63B is a member that moves according to the control by the control part 10B. During the execution of the hot press, the moving part 63B moves rightward and sandwiches the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300 between itself and the plate-like member 66B. The moving part 63B sandwiches the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300 between itself and the plate-like member 66B in a conveyable state by pressing the rollers 64B and 65B against the object to be decolorized 200B. The rollers 64B and 65B are rollers for sandwiching the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300 movably between them and the plate-like member 66B. The rollers 64B and 65B are rotatably incorporated into the moving part 63B.

[0097] The plate-like member 66B is a flat plate-like member. The plate-like member 66B is heated by the heater 61B. The plate-like member 66B heats the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300 in a state where the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300 are sandwiched between itself and the moving part 63B.

[0098] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the main functions of the control part 10B will be described in detail. Functionally, the control part 10B includes a first conveyance control part 13, a second conveyance control part 14, a heating control part 15, and a press control part 16. That is, functionally, the control part 10B has the same configuration as the control part 10 except that it does not include a discharge control part 11 and a movement control part 12.

[0099] The first conveyance control part 13 controls the object conveyance part 40B to control the conveyance of the object to be decolorized 200B. Specifically, the first conveyance control part 13 controls the motor 41BB to draw out the object to be decolorized 200B from the roller 43BB, pass the drawn-out object to be decolorized 200B through the solvent 400 in the solvent storage tank 31B, and convey the object to be decolorized 200B after solvent application to the hot press position.

[0100] Also, after the hot press is executed on the object to be decolorized 200B at the hot press position, the first conveyance control part 13 controls the motors 41BA and 41BC to wind up the object to be decolorized 200B after the hot press around the roller 42B while relaxing it.

[0101] The second conveyance control unit 14 controls the absorber conveyance unit 50B to control the conveyance of the absorber 300. Specifically, when the object 200B to be decolorized after solvent application is conveyed to the hot press position, the second conveyance control unit 14 controls the motor 51B to pull out the absorber 300 before hot press from the roller 53B and convey the pulled-out absorber 300 to the hot press position. Further, after hot press is performed on the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 at the hot press position, the second conveyance control unit 14 controls the motor 51B to wind up the absorber 300 after hot press around the roller 52B.

[0102] The heating control unit 15 controls the heating of the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 by the hot press unit 60B. Specifically, when the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 after solvent application are conveyed to the hot press position, the heating control unit 15 heats the heater 61B to heat the plate-like member 66B. When the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 are pressed against the plate-like member 66B by the moving unit 63B, the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 are heated. The heating control unit 15 can continuously heat the conveyed object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300.

[0103] The press control unit 16 controls the pressurization of the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 by the hot press unit 60B. Specifically, when the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 after solvent application are conveyed to the hot press position, the press control unit 16 controls the motor 62B to move the moving unit 63B toward the plate-like member 66B until the object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300 are pressed against the plate-like member 66B by the moving unit 63B. The press control unit 16 can continuously pressurize the conveyed object 200B to be decolorized and the absorber 300.

[0104] Here, it is preferable that the control unit 10B controls the object conveyance unit 40B and the absorber conveyance unit 50B so that multiple heat presses are not performed at the same location on either the decolorization target object 200B or the absorber 300. For example, it is preferable that the control unit 10B continuously performs heat pressing on the decolorization target object 200B and the absorber 300 while conveying them at the same speed. That is, it is preferable that the portion of the decolorization target object 200B where heat pressing has not been performed and the portion of the absorber 300 where heat pressing has not been performed are sequentially overlapped and heat pressed.

[0105] In this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 are obtained. That is, according to this embodiment, the decolorization target object 200B can be decolorized without imposing a burden on the user. Also, according to this embodiment, the decolorization target object 200B can be appropriately decolorized while saving the absorber 300. Further, according to this embodiment, the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape can be conveyed with a simple configuration.

[0106] Also, in this embodiment, the decolorization target object 200B is conveyed by winding the decolorization target object 200B wound in a roll shape. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the decolorization target object 200B wound in a roll shape can be conveyed with a simple configuration.

[0107] Also, in this embodiment, the decolorization target object 200B is conveyed along a conveyance path that passes through the solvent 400 stored in the solvent storage tank 31B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, control of applying the solvent 400 to the decolorization target object 200B is unnecessary.

[0108] (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 2, an example in which the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape is adopted was described. In this embodiment, an example in which the absorber 300C formed in a sheet shape is adopted will be described. Hereinafter, for the same configurations, functions, etc. as in Embodiments 1 and 2, the description will be omitted or simplified.

[0109] In this embodiment, with reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the decolorization device 100C will be described, and with reference to FIG. 8, the functions of the decolorization device 100C will be described. In FIGS. 7 and 8, for the configurations that are not characteristic of the decolorization device 100C, illustration, labeling, etc. are appropriately omitted. Also, the appearance of the decolorization device 100C is basically the same as that of the decolorization device 100B. FIG. 7 is a side view of the decolorization device 100C. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the functions of the decolorization device 100C.

[0110] The decolorization device 100C is a device that performs the decolorization of the object to be decolorized 200B and is a device that removes pigments from the object to be decolorized 200B. The decolorization device 100C executes a series of processes such as the application of the solvent 400 to the object to be decolorized 200B, the heat pressing of the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300C, the conveyance of the object to be decolorized 200B, and the supply of the absorber 300C to the object to be decolorized 200B.

[0111] In this embodiment, the object to be decolorized 200B is wound in a roll shape before decolorization, stretched during decolorization, and wound in a roll shape again after decolorization. Also, in this embodiment, the absorber 300C is not wound in a roll shape and is formed in a sheet shape that is taken out one by one during use.

[0112] The decolorization device 100C includes an operation unit 5B, a solvent application unit 30B, an object conveyance unit 40B, an absorber conveyance unit 50C, and a heat pressing unit 60B. That is, the decolorization device 100C has the same configuration as the decolorization device 100B except that it includes an absorber conveyance unit 50C instead of the absorber conveyance unit 50B.

[0113] The absorber conveying unit 50C conveys the absorber 300C to the hot press position in accordance with the conveyance of the object to be decolorized 200B. The absorber conveying unit 50C takes out the absorbers 300C stored in the supply tray 52C one by one and supplies them to the hot press position, and conveys and collects the absorber 300C that has been hot pressed at the hot press position to the collection tray 56C. The absorber conveying unit 50C includes a motor 51C, a supply tray 52C, a roller 53C, a guide member 54C, a roller 55C, and a collection tray 56C. The absorber conveying unit 50C is an example of an absorber conveying means.

[0114] The motor 51C is a motor that rotates the roller 53C in accordance with the control by the control unit 10B. Note that the control unit 10B controls the motor 51C so that the roller 53C rotates clockwise. When the roller 53C rotates clockwise, the uppermost absorber 300C among the plurality of absorbers 300C stored in the supply tray 52C is discharged outside the supply tray 52C.

[0115] The supply tray 52C is a tray that supplies the absorber 300C formed in a sheet shape. The supply tray 52C stores a plurality of stacked absorbers 300C. The supply tray 52C is an example of a supply tray. The roller 53C is a roller that sends out the absorber 300 stored in the supply tray 52C toward the hot press position. The roller 53C has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction and rotates in accordance with the drive by the motor 51C. The roller 53C is an example of a supply roller.

[0116] The guide member 54C is a member that guides the absorber 300C discharged from the supply tray 52C to the roller 55C. The roller 55C is a roller that guides the conveyance of the absorber 300C. The roller 55C is disposed at the point where the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300C merge. The roller 55C has a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction.

[0117] The recovery tray 56C is a tray for recovering the used absorber 300C. The recovery tray 56C includes an inclined portion 56CA that extends obliquely outward from the side surface of the recovery tray 56C. The inclined portion 56CA has a function of peeling off the used absorber 300C that is in close contact with the object to be decolorized 200B by heat pressing from the object to be decolorized 200B. The recovery tray 56C is preferably arranged such that the tip of the inclined portion 56CA contacts the surface of the object to be decolorized 200B being conveyed. The absorber 300C peeled off from the object to be decolorized 200B by the inclined portion 56CA is stored inside the recovery tray 56C. The inclined portion 56CA is an example of peeling means.

[0118] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the functions of the control unit 10B, particularly the functions of the second conveyance control unit 14, will be described.

[0119] The second conveyance control unit 14 controls the absorber conveyance unit 50C to control the conveyance of the absorber 300C. Specifically, when the object to be decolorized 200B after solvent application is conveyed to the heat press position, the second conveyance control unit 14 controls the motor 51C to pull out one absorber 300C before heat pressing from the supply tray 52C and convey the pulled-out absorber 300C to the heat press position. Note that the absorber 300C heat-pressed together with the object to be decolorized 200B at the heat press position is automatically peeled off from the object to be decolorized 200B and stored in the recovery tray 56C.

[0120] Here, it is preferable that the control unit 10B controls the object conveyance unit 40B and the absorber conveyance unit 50C so that multiple heat presses are not performed on the same location of either the object to be decolorized 200B or the absorber 300C. For example, it is preferable that the control unit 10B continuously performs heat pressing on the object to be decolorized 200B and the absorber 300C while conveying them at the same speed. That is, it is preferable that the absorber 300C on which heat pressing has not been performed is overlapped without a gap with the portion of the object to be decolorized 200B where heat pressing has not been performed and heat pressed.

[0121] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of Embodiment 2 can be obtained. That is, according to this embodiment, the object to be decolorized 200B can be decolorized without imposing a burden on the user. Further, according to this embodiment, the object to be decolorized 200B can be appropriately decolorized while saving the absorber 300C. Further, according to this embodiment, control of the application of the solvent 400 to the object to be decolorized 200B is unnecessary.

[0122] Also, in this embodiment, the sheet-shaped absorber 300C stored in the supply tray 52C is sent out toward the heat press position. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the object to be decolorized 200B wound in a roll shape can be appropriately decolorized using the sheet-shaped absorber 300C.

[0123] Also, in this embodiment, the absorber 300C that has adhered to the object to be decolorized 200B due to the pressure applied by the heat press unit 60B is automatically peeled off from the object to be decolorized 200B by the inclined portion 56CA. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the used sheet-shaped absorber 300C can be recovered with a simple configuration.

[0124] (Modification example) Although the embodiments have been described above, modifications and applications in various forms are possible. Which parts of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments are adopted is arbitrary. Further, in addition to the configurations, functions, and operations described above, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. Also, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0125] For example, in Embodiment 1, an example in which the absorber 300 wound in a roll shape is adopted has been described. In Embodiment 1, a sheet-shaped absorber 300C may be adopted as in Embodiment 3.

[0126] In Embodiments 2 and 3, an example was described in which the object to be decolorized 200B is passed through the solvent 400 in the solvent storage tank 31B to apply the solvent 400 to the object to be decolorized 200B. In Embodiments 2 and 3, the solvent 400 may be applied to the object to be decolorized 200B by an inkjet method as in Embodiment 1.

[0127] In Embodiment 3, an example was described in which the recovery tray 56C includes an inclined portion 56CA having a function of peeling the absorber 300C from the object to be decolorized 200B. The inclined portion 56CA may be provided separately from the recovery tray 56C.

[0128] In the embodiments, in the control units 10 and 10B, the CPU executed the programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 21, thereby functioning as each unit shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 8. However, in the present disclosure, the control units 10 and 10B may be dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control units 10 and 10B are dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized by a single hardware. Also, among the functions of each unit, a part may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the other part may be realized by software or firmware. Thus, the control units 10 and 10B can realize the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The present disclosure can be implemented in various embodiments and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Further, the above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0130] 5, 5B Operation Unit 10, 10B Control Unit 11 Discharge Control Unit 12 Movement Control Unit 13 First Conveyance Control Unit 14 Second Conveyance Control Unit 15 Heating Control Unit 16 Press Control Unit 21 Storage Unit 22 Display Unit 23 Operation Reception Unit 24 Communication Unit 30, 30B Solvent Application Unit 31 Discharge Head 31B Solvent Storage Tank 32AA, 32AB, 41AA, 41AB, 41BA, 41BB, 41BC, 51, 51B, 51C, 62, 62B Motor 33 Tank 34 Tube 35 Head Support Unit 36, 63, 63B Movement Unit 37, 54C Guide Member 38 Guide Member Support Unit 39 Support Base 39A Guide Rail 40, 40AA, 40AB, 40B Object Conveyance Unit 42AA, 42AB Conveyor Belt Rollers of 42B, 43AA, 43AB, 43B, 44AA, 44AB, 44B, 45BA, 45BB, 45BC, 45BD, 45BE, 45BF, 45BG, 45BH, 45BI, 46B, 52, 52B, 53, 53B, 53C, 54B, 55B, 55C, 64B, 65B Plate-like members of 45, 46, 64, 66B Support parts of 47BA, 47BB Tension bar of 48B Absorbent conveyors of 50, 50B, 50C Supply tray of 52C Recovery tray of 56C Inclined part of 56CA Hot press parts of 60, 60B Heaters of 61, 61B Recovery box of 70 Supports of 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 Decolorization devices of 100, 100B, 100C Objects to be decolorized of 200, 200B Absorbents of 300, 300C Solvent of 400

Claims

1. Solvent application means for applying a solvent capable of detaching the pigment from the fibers to an object to be decolorized containing fibers colored with the pigment; Thermal press means for applying pressure while applying heat to the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has been applied and an absorber that is placed on the object to be decolorized and absorbs the solvent containing the pigment from the object to be decolorized; Object conveyance means for conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has not been applied to the solvent application position and conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has been applied to the thermal press position; Absorber conveyance means for conveying the absorber to the thermal press position in accordance with the conveyance of the object to be decolorized, A decolorization device.

2. Control means for controlling the object conveyance means and the absorber conveyance means so that multiple thermal presses are not performed at the same location on either the object to be decolorized or the absorber, The decolorization device according to Claim 1.

3. The object conveyance means A first conveyor belt for conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has not been applied to the solvent application position; A second conveyor belt for conveying the object to be decolorized to which the solvent has been applied to the thermal press position, The decolorization device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The object conveyance means A first pay-out roller for paying out the object to be decolorized wound in a roll shape; A first take-up roller for taking up the object to be decolorized paid out by the first pay-out roller, The decolorization device according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The solvent application means includes a solvent storage tank for storing the solvent, The object conveyance means conveys the object to be decolorized along a conveyance path passing through the solvent stored in the solvent storage tank, The decolorization device according to Claim 4.

6. The solvent application means includes a discharge head for discharging the solvent toward the surface of the object to be decolorized, The decolorization device according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The absorber conveyance means A second pay-out roller for paying out the absorber wound in a roll shape; A second take-up roller for taking up the absorber paid out by the second pay-out roller, The decolorization device according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. The absorber conveyance means A supply tray for storing the absorber formed in a sheet shape; A supply roller for sending out the absorber stored in the supply tray toward the thermal press position, The decolorization device according to Claim 1 or 2.

9. The absorber conveying means includes a peeling means for peeling off the absorber adhered to the object to be decolorized from the object to be decolorized by the pressure applied by the hot press means. The decolorization device according to claim 8.

Images