Decoloring apparatus

Abstract

To provide a decoloring apparatus having increased safety through prevention of contact between a decoloring liquid and electrical equipment, in parallel with reduction in equipment cost.SOLUTION: A decoloring apparatus 1 decolors a workpiece W including fiber dyed or colored with a dye, using a decoloring liquid Q. In the decoloring apparatus 1, at least a part having electrical equipment is placed separate from a decoloring part 2, a rinsing part 4 and a drying part 8, which are processing parts where there exists a risk of leakage of the decoloring liquid Q.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a decolorizing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Dyeing can be performed on workpieces containing fibers such as polyester by sublimation transfer of dyes. Technology has been proposed that makes it possible to recycle workpieces by bleaching them after dyeing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, the workpiece is immersed in a bleaching solution and heated, and then pressed onto an absorbent material. This transfers the dye from the workpiece to the absorbent material, allowing the workpiece to be bleached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-224128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The bleaching solution may contain an organic solvent. If the bleaching solution leaks from a treatment section that uses the bleaching solution and comes into contact with electrical equipment, it may ignite. To prevent contact between the bleaching solution and electrical equipment, it is possible to make the treatment section that uses the bleaching solution explosion-proof, but this increases the equipment cost.

[0005] In decolorizing devices, there is a demand for reducing equipment costs while preventing contact between the decolorizing solution and electrical equipment and improving safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a decolorizing device comprises: (1) A decolorizing device that decolorizes a workpiece containing fibers dyed or colored with a dye using a decolorizing solution, At least a portion having electrical equipment is disposed away from a processing portion from which the decolorizing solution may leak.

[0007] (2) In the decolorizing device of (1), a heating device for heating the decolorizing solution; a recovery device that recovers the decolorizing solution vaporized by the heating device by returning it to a liquid state, The recovery device is disposed apart from the electrical equipment.

[0008] (3) In the decolorizing device of (1) or (2), The device includes a reservoir for the bleaching solution, and the reservoir is disposed apart from the electrical device.

[0009] (4) In any one of the decolorizing devices (1) to (3), The decolorizing solution contains an organic solvent having a boiling point higher than the heating temperature in the processing section.

[0010] (5) In any one of the decolorizing devices (1) to (4), The separation distance between the processing unit and the portion having the electrical equipment is set in accordance with the regulations of the installation location. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, in a decolorizing device, it is possible to reduce equipment costs, prevent contact between the decolorizing solution and electrical equipment, and increase safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a decolorizing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the decolorizing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a bleaching unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a bleaching unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a rinsing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a rinsing unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a drying unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a drying unit. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a guide portion according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a guide portion according to Modification 1. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating a guide portion according to Modification 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a guide portion according to a third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a decolorizing device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the decolorizing device 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the decolorizing device 1 cut along the conveyance direction. Note that in Fig. 2, the work holders 3 and 5 are shown spaced apart from the workpiece W to make it easier to understand their positional relationship. In the following explanation, the positional relationship will be explained based on the X, Y, and Z directions in Fig. 1. The Z direction is along the vertical line (direction of gravity) and is the up-down direction on the paper surface of Fig. 1. The X and Y directions are along the horizontal direction and are perpendicular to the Z direction. The X direction is a direction along the direction in which the workpiece is transported in the destaining device 1, and the Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0014] The decolorizing device 1 according to this embodiment decolorizes a workpiece containing fibers dyed or colored with a disperse dye (dye) using a decolorizing liquid. <Work> The workpiece includes fibers that can be dyed or colored with disperse dyes, such as polyester or nylon fibers. The workpiece may include, for example, a knit or woven fabric formed from polyester yarn, nylon yarn, polyester blended yarn, or nylon blended yarn. Fibers blended with polyester or nylon include cotton, polyurethane, rayon, linen, etc., and also include blends of polyester and nylon. The blend ratio of polyester or nylon to other blended yarns (polyester or nylon:other blended yarn) may be 50:50 or more, 60:40 or more, 65:35 or more, 70:30 or more, 75:25 or more, 80:20 or more, 85:15 or more, or 90:10 or more. The workpiece can be any article that uses the above-described fibers at least in part, such as clothing such as T-shirts, cloth accessories such as bags and scarves, decorative panels, advertising banners, tapestries, etc.

[0015] <Disperse dye> The disperse dye is not limited to a specific one as long as the pigment contained therein is incorporated into the gaps in the molecular chains of polyester or nylon fibers to dye or color the fibers. Examples of dyeing methods using disperse dyes include sublimation transfer printing, direct sublimation printing, exhaust dyeing, and thermosol dyeing.

[0016] <Decolorizing liquid> The bleaching liquid is heated before use in the bleaching device 1. The bleaching liquid is not limited to a specific one, as long as it (i) has a boiling point higher than the heating temperature in the bleaching device 1, (ii) can migrate the disperse dye into the bleaching liquid, and (iii) does not have a significant adverse effect on the workpiece. Adverse effects on the workpiece that should be avoided include, for example, changes in the color of the fibers themselves that make up the workpiece, deterioration in the texture of the fibers, and shrinkage of the fibers.

[0017] The main component of the bleaching solution may be, for example, an organic solvent. Examples of such organic solvents include dimethyl succinate (boiling point: 200°C), dimethyl glutarate (boiling point: 214°C), dimethyl adipate (boiling point: 245°C), dihexyl ethyl acetate (boiling point: 218°C), 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide (boiling point: 215°C), benzyl benzoate (boiling point: 325°C), diethylene glycol (boiling point: 245°C), trichloroethane (boiling point: 74°C), dimethyl sulfoxide (boiling point: 189°C), acetone (boiling point: 56°C), methyl ethyl ketone (boiling point: 80°C), and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (boiling point: 146°C). The bleaching solution may be prepared by diluting these components with water or other organic solvents.

[0018] <Outline of the decolorization device> In this embodiment, as an example of processing using the decolorizing device 1, a decolorizing process in which disperse dye is extracted from the gaps between the fibers of the workpiece and separated, a rinsing process in which the workpiece from which the disperse dye has been separated is rinsed, and a drying process in which the decolorizing liquid absorbed by the workpiece is dried will be described.

[0019] 1, the bleaching apparatus 1 includes a bleaching section 2 that performs a bleaching treatment, a rinsing section 4 that performs a rinsing treatment, and a drying section 8 that performs a drying treatment. The bleaching apparatus 1 also includes a transport section 10 that transports the workpiece W. The transport section 10 transports the workpiece W successively to the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8, whereby the workpiece W is subjected to the bleaching treatment, rinsing treatment, and drying treatment.

[0020] The decolorizing device 1 also includes a circulation section 6 that circulates the decolorizing solution between the decolorizing section 2 and the rinsing section 4, a recovery section 7 that recovers fumes from the decolorizing solution, a compressor 18 used to drive the conveying section 10, and a control section 19 that controls the operation of each section of the decolorizing device 1.

[0021] The compressor 18 is connected to an air motor M1 of the bleaching section 2, an air motor M2 of the rinsing section 4, and an air motor M3 of the drying section 8, which will be described later, via air piping (not shown).

[0022] The control unit 19 controls the operation of each part of the bleaching device 1 to perform the bleaching process. The control unit 19 can be configured from an electronic device equipped with, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, and a display device such as a monitor. The control unit 19 controls the operation of the bleaching device 1 by executing a program stored in the storage device.

[0023] The control unit 19 is electrically connected to each part of the bleaching device 1 via wiring La. Although not shown, the wiring La includes electric wires for supplying power to each part and signal wires for transmitting signals from the control unit 19 to each part. Power is supplied to the control unit 19 from a power source (not shown) via a power supply line L.

[0024] Here, it is desirable that the parts including at least electrical equipment in the circulation section 6, recovery section 7, compressor 18, and control section 19 be located away from the processing sections (bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, and drying section 8) from which the bleaching liquid may leak. The separation distance is not limited to a specific distance, but can be set by performing a simulation or the like of the expected leakage range of the decolorizing solution Q. Furthermore, if there are rules regarding separation distances in the place (country or region) where the decolorizing device 1 is installed, the separation distance can be set in accordance with those rules. Examples of the electrical equipment include electronic devices that constitute the control unit 19, and power sources (not shown) for the compressor 18, pumps 63 and 64 of the circulation unit 6, and the fume recovery device 70 of the recovery unit 7. In the example of Figure 1, the bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, and drying section 8 are arranged within a predetermined bleaching area A1, and the circulation section 6, recovery section 7, compressor 18, and control section 19 are arranged in area A2, which is at least outside the bleaching area A1. The bleaching area A1 can be set taking into account the leakage range of the bleaching liquid from the bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, and drying section 8.

[0025] In the bleaching area A1, the bleaching unit 2, the rinsing unit 4, and the drying unit 8 are arranged side by side in the X direction. In the X direction, the bleaching unit 2 is located on the X2 side, the drying unit 8 is located on the X1 side, and the rinsing unit 4 is located between the bleaching unit 2 and the drying unit 8.

[0026] The bleaching area A1 can be defined as the range in which leakage of bleaching liquid from the bleaching unit 2, the rinsing unit 4, and the drying unit 8 is expected. For example, the bleaching area A1 can be defined as an area surrounded by a position at least 2 meters away from the bleaching unit 2 on the X2 side, a position at least 2 meters away from the drying unit 8 on the X1 side, and a position at least 2 meters away from each of the bleaching unit 2, the rinsing unit 4, and the drying unit 8 on the Y1 side and the Y2 side. In this case, the circulation unit 6, the recovery unit 7, the compressor 18, and the control unit 19 are disposed at positions at least 2 meters away from the bleaching unit 2, the rinsing unit 4, and the drying unit 8 in the X and Y directions.

[0027] 2, the conveying unit 10 is provided in a range that crosses the bleaching unit 2, the rinsing unit 4, and the drying unit 8 in the X direction. The conveying unit 10 conveys the workpiece W that has been dyed or colored with a disperse dye from the X2 side (the right side in the figure) in the X direction to the X1 side (the left side in the figure), causing the workpiece W to pass successively through the bleaching unit 2, the rinsing unit 4, and the drying unit 8. That is, in the illustrated example, the direction from the X2 side toward the X1 side in the X direction is the conveying direction of the workpiece W in the bleaching device 1.

[0028] The transport section 10 is composed of, for example, three belt conveyors. Specifically, it is composed of a belt conveyor 11 that circulates inside the bleaching section 2, a belt conveyor 12 that circulates inside the rinsing section 4, and a belt conveyor 13 that circulates inside the drying section 8.

[0029] 2, when viewed from the Y2 direction, the belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13 each rotate counterclockwise (CCW). The areas of the belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13 that move from the X2 side to the X1 side form the transport surfaces 11a, 12a, and 13a for the workpiece W, respectively.

[0030] In the bleaching section 2, a treatment tank 23 (first treatment tank) storing bleaching solution Q is provided at a position where the transport surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 passes. In the rinsing section 4, a treatment tank 43 (second treatment tank) storing heated bleaching solution Q is provided at a position where the transport surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 passes. In the drying section 8, a dryer D is provided at a position where the transport surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 passes.

[0031] The workpiece W transported on the transport surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 comes into contact with the heated bleaching solution Q (first bleaching solution) as it passes through the treatment tank 23, thereby undergoing a decolorizing treatment. The workpiece W transported on the transport surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 comes into contact with the heated bleaching solution Q (second bleaching solution) as it passes through the treatment tank 43, thereby undergoing a rinsing treatment. The workpiece W transported on the transport surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 is dried as the bleaching solution Q evaporates as it passes through the dryer D. Although details will be described later, the drying section 8 is further provided with a guide section 9, so that wrinkles in the workpiece W are smoothed out in parallel with drying by the dryer D.

[0032] The conveying section 10 can adjust the processing time in the bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, and drying section 8, for example, by controlling the rotation speed of the belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13. The processing time can also be adjusted by changing the length of the belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13 in the X direction. For example, the decolorization time of the workpiece W in the decolorization section 2 can be 2 minutes, the rinsing time of the workpiece W in the rinsing section 4 can be 1 minute, and the drying time of the workpiece W in the drying section 8 can be 2 minutes. The processing time can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and temperature of the decolorization liquid, etc.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, these belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13 are connected to the adjacent belt conveyors in the X direction, and the workpieces W are transferred seamlessly between the belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing unit 2 is provided at a higher position in the Z direction than the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4. 2, the height h11 in the Z direction of the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 is higher than the height h12 in the Z direction of the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 (h11>h12). In addition, the end of the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 on the X1 side and the end of the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 on the X2 side are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, between the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 and the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12, a step portion 14 is formed that descends toward the downstream side in the conveying direction (from the X2 side to the X1 side).

[0035] 2, the height h12 in the Z direction of the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 is higher than the height h13 in the Z direction of the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 (h12>h13). In addition, the X1 side end of the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 and the X2 side end of the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the Z direction. Therefore, between the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 and the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13, a step 15 is formed that descends toward the downstream side in the conveying direction (from the X2 side to the X1 side).

[0036] In this way, the conveying section 10 is configured so that the height of the conveying surfaces 11a, 12a, 13a of the workpiece W in the Z direction decreases from the decolorizing section 2 toward the drying section 8. Therefore, when the workpiece W is transferred between the belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13, it falls down the steps 14 and 15 toward the downstream side in the conveying direction. In other words, by utilizing the weight of the workpiece W, the workpiece W is transferred seamlessly between the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8. After the bleaching process, the workpiece W is discharged from the belt conveyor 13 and collected in a collection box 16.

[0037] <Decolorizing section> 2, the decolorizing unit 2 includes a case 21 that houses the belt conveyor 11 and the treatment tank 23, a hood 22 that closes the upper opening of the case 21, and a support unit 20 that supports the case 21 at a distance in the Z direction from the floor G. The support units 20 are provided at both ends of the case 21 in the Y direction (see FIG. 1).

[0038] 3 is a diagram illustrating the bleaching unit 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the case 21 in the bleaching unit 2. 4 is a diagram illustrating the bleaching unit 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross section taken along line AA in FIG.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, the case 21 has a box shape that is open upward in the Z direction. Specifically, the case 21 has a bottom 211 that extends along the X and Y directions, and sidewalls 212 and 213 that connect to the X2-side and X1-side ends of the bottom 211, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4, the case 21 has sidewalls 214 and 215 that connect to the Y2-side and Y1-side ends of the bottom 211, respectively. The sidewalls 212 to 215 extend upward from the bottom 211 along the Z direction.

[0040] 3, a supply port 212a for the workpiece W is formed in the side wall portion 212 on the X2 side (right side in the figure). The supply port 212a is formed in an area overlapping the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 when viewed from the X direction. A discharge port 213a for the workpiece W is provided on the side wall 213 on the X1 side (left side in the drawing). The supply port 212a and the discharge port 213a are formed in regions of the side wall portion 212 and the side wall portion 213 that overlap the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 when viewed in the X direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, at the upper ends of the side wall portions 214 and 215 of the case 21, flanges 216 and 216 extending outward from the case 21 are provided along the Y direction. The flanges 216 and 216 are respectively suspended from the upper plates 202 and 202 of the support portion 20 described later.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the support portion 20 supports the side wall portions 214 and 215 of the case 21 on the Y2 side and the Y1 side sandwiching the case 21. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support portion 20 has a pair of legs 203 and 203 along the Z direction. The pair of legs 203 and 203 are provided at intervals in the X direction. Further, the support portion 20 has a lower plate 201 connecting the lower ends of the pair of legs 203 and 203, and an upper plate 202 connecting the upper ends of the pair of legs 203 and 203.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower plate 201 of the support portion 20 is installed on the floor surface G. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper plate 202 of the support portion 20 supports the case 21 and a hood 22 described later.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, in the X direction, the interval D20 between the pair of legs 203 and 203 is narrower than the overall length L21 of the case 21 (D20 < L21). Also, as shown in FIG. 4, in the Y direction, the intervals between the legs 203 and 203 located on the Y2 side and the Y1 side of the case 21 substantially match the width W21 of the case 21.

[0045] 4, the side walls 214, 215 of the case 21 abut against the legs 203, 203 from the Y2 side and the Y1 side, respectively. As a result, the case 21 is clamped relative to the support part 20 so as to be immovable in the Y direction. Furthermore, the flanges 216, 216 of the case 21 are suspended from the upper side in the Z direction on the upper plate 202 of the support part 20. The flanges 216, 216 are fixed to the upper plate 202 by bolts (not shown). As a result, the case 21 is supported relative to the support part 20 so as to be immovable in the Z direction and the X direction as well.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the treatment tank 23 has a box shape that is open upward in the Z direction. Specifically, the treatment tank 23 has a bottom portion 231 that extends along the X and Y directions, and side portions 232 and 233 that connect to the X2-side and X1-side ends of the bottom portion 231. A liquid receiver 233a that collects the bleaching solution Q squeezed by a squeezing roller SR (described later) is provided at the upper end of the side portion 233. As shown in FIG. 4, the treatment tank 23 has side portions 234 and 235 that connect to the Y2-side and Y1-side ends of the bottom portion 231. The side portions 232 to 235 extend upward in the Z direction from the bottom portion 231. The top of the treatment tank 23 is open. The bleaching solution Q (first bleaching solution) is stored in the internal space formed by the bottom portion 231 and the side portions 232 to 235. The decolorizing solution Q can be any of the decolorizing solutions exemplified above.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a heating device 25 is attached to the underside of the bottom surface portion 231. The heating device 25 can be, for example, an IH heater. The heating device 25 has a heating plate (not shown) on its upper surface. A wiring La extending from the control unit 19 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the heating device 25, and the heating device 25 is turned ON / OFF in response to instructions from the control unit 19. When the IH heater is turned ON, the decolorizing solution Q in the treatment tank 23 is heated to a predetermined temperature T1.

[0048] Here, the temperature T1 of the bleaching solution Q in the bleaching section 2 is desirably equal to or higher than the temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "fiber-opening temperature") at which the gaps between the molecular chains of the fibers contained in the work W loosen and the pigment of the disperse dye becomes easier to escape. For example, the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q may be any temperature as long as it is equal to or higher than the glass transition point of the polyester fiber or nylon fiber contained in the workpiece W. Furthermore, when the workpiece W is dyed using the exhaust dyeing method, it is desirable to set the temperature T1 of the bleaching solution Q to be equal to or higher than the dyeing temperature of the workpiece W. In particular, when the workpiece W contains polyester fibers, the temperature T1 of the bleaching solution Q can be set to 110°C or higher, 115°C or higher, 120°C or higher, 125°C or higher, or 130°C or higher. Furthermore, when the workpiece W contains nylon fibers, the temperature T1 of the bleaching solution Q can be set to 70°C or higher, 80°C or higher, 90°C or higher, or 100°C or higher. Furthermore, it is desirable that the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q be lower than the boiling point of the decolorizing solution Q.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the treatment tank 23 communicates with a waste liquid tank 60 of the circulation section 6, which will be described later, via a discharge path OL for the decolorizing solution Q, which opens at the bottom section 231. The treatment tank 23 is also in communication with a liquid level adjusting section 26, which will be described later, via a flow path FL for the decolorizing solution Q, which opens at the bottom surface section 231. The treatment tank 23 is also connected to a treatment tank 43 (see FIG. 2) of the rinsing section 4, which will be described later, via a supply passage SL for the decolorizing solution Q, which opens in the side surface portion 235.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid level adjusting unit 26 is attached to the pair of legs 203, 203 of the support unit 20, straddling the pair of legs 203, 203. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid level adjusting unit 26 has a liquid tank 261 that stores the decolorizing liquid Q, and a float-type level sensor 262 that detects the liquid level of the decolorizing liquid Q in the liquid tank 261. 4, the bottom surface 261a of the liquid tank 261 is provided at the same height as the bottom surface 231 of the treatment tank 23. A flow path FL for the decolorizing solution Q opens into the bottom surface 261a of the liquid tank 261. This allows the decolorizing solution Q stored in the treatment tank 23 and the decolorizing solution Q stored in the liquid tank 261 to be maintained at the same liquid level.

[0051] The level sensor 262 has a guide tube 263 arranged along the Z direction, and a float 264 supported by the guide tube 263 so as to be movable up and down and arranged in the liquid tank 261. The level sensor 262 is suspended from a fixed plate 265 that extends in the Y2 direction from the upper side of the liquid tank 261.

[0052] The float 264 floats on the decolorizing solution Q contained in the liquid tank 261. When the liquid level of the decolorizing solution Q in the liquid tank 261 changes, the position of the float 264 in the Z direction changes due to buoyancy. Although not shown in the figure, a magnet is built into the float 264, and a reed switch is housed inside the guide tube 263. The level sensor 262 can detect the liquid level by activating the reed switch with the magnetic force of the magnet inside the float 264. As described above, the liquid levels of the decolorizing solution Q in the liquid tank 261 and the decolorizing solution Q in the treatment tank 23 are the same, so the liquid level in the treatment tank 23 can be grasped by detecting the height of the decolorizing solution Q in the liquid tank 261 with the level sensor 262.

[0053] The level sensor 262 is not limited to a float type, and for example, a level sensor that uses ultrasonic waves or capacitance, or a level sensor that measures water pressure can be used as appropriate. The detection result of the level sensor 262 is transmitted to the control unit 19 (see FIG. 1). Based on the detection result of the level sensor 262, the control unit 19 adjusts the supply amount and discharge amount of the decolorizing solution Q to the treatment tank 23 so that the liquid level in the treatment tank 23 is constant.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 3, the belt conveyor 11 is an endless annular member wound around the outer peripheries of a drive pulley Pa and a plurality of driven pulleys Pb. The drive pulley Pa and the plurality of driven pulleys Pb are rotatable about a rotation axis along the Y direction with respect to the case 21. Note that in Fig. 3, the drive pulley Pa is cross-hatched and its size is exaggerated to make the positional relationship easier to understand.

[0055] 3, the driving pulley Pa and the multiple driven pulleys Pb are spaced apart so as to surround the treatment tank 23 in a cross-sectional view along the X direction. Therefore, the belt conveyor 11 wound around the driving pulley Pa and the multiple driven pulleys Pb rotates so as to surround the treatment tank 23. The region of the belt conveyor 11 that moves above the treatment tank 23 in the Z direction constitutes the transport surface 11a for the workpieces W.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the belt conveyor 11 can be made of, for example, a mesh belt. Chain belts Cb, Cb are provided at the Y1-side end and the Y2-side end of the belt conveyor 11 in the Y direction, respectively. In the Y direction, the width W11 of the belt conveyor 11 including the chain belts Cb, Cb is set to be narrower than the width W23 of the treatment tank 23 (W11 <W23)。

[0057] The chain belt Cb on the Y1 side and the chain belt Cb on the Y2 side are connected to each other via a connecting member Cm1 (see the dashed line in the figure). The connecting member Cm1 is a bar material provided in a direction along the Y direction. A plurality of connecting members Cm1 are provided at intervals in the circulating direction of the belt conveyor 11 (see FIG. 3). The connecting member Cm1 penetrates the inside of the belt conveyor 11, which is made of a mesh belt, in the Y direction and is connected to the Y1-side chain belt Cb and the Y2-side chain belt Cb. The connecting member Cm1 suppresses bending of the belt conveyor 11 in the Z direction and also prevents the Y1-side chain belt Cb and the Y2-side chain belt Cb from becoming out of synchronization when they rotate.

[0058] The chain belt Cb meshes with gears formed on the outer periphery of the drive pulley Pa and multiple driven pulleys Pb. The multiple driven pulleys Pb that mesh with the chain belt Cb are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the belt conveyor 11 when viewed from the X direction. In the following description, the driven pulley Pb on one side of the belt conveyor 11 and the driven pulley Pb on the other side will be collectively referred to as the driven pulleys Pb.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 3, the drive pulley Pa is provided below the treatment tank 23 and on the X1 side of the heating device 25. As shown in Fig. 4, the drive pulley Pa is connected to an air motor M1. The drive pulley Pa rotates around a rotation axis Y11 along the Y direction by the rotational driving force of the air motor M1. When viewed from the X direction, a driven pulley Pb is provided on the opposite side of the drive pulley Pa across the belt conveyor 11.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, when the drive pulley Pa rotates around the rotation axis Y11, the chain belt Cb meshing with the drive pulley Pa and the belt conveyor 11 connected to the chain belt Cb rotate together. The driven pulley Pb rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the chain belt Cb. In the illustrated example, the drive pulley Pa rotates counterclockwise CCW around the rotation axis Y11, causing the belt conveyor 11 to rotate counterclockwise CCW. Therefore, when viewed from the Y2 direction, the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 moves above the treatment tank 23 from the X2 side (right side in the figure) to the X1 side (left side in the figure).

[0061] The conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 moves from the X2 side to the X1 side via six driven pulleys Pb (Pb1 to Pb6) arranged at intervals in the X direction. The driven pulleys Pb1 and Pb6 located at both ends in the X direction are provided at positions offset from the treatment tank 23 when viewed from the Z direction. The driven pulleys Pb2 to Pb5 located between the driven pulleys Pb1 and Pb6 are provided at positions overlapping with the treatment tank 23 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0062] Furthermore, driven pulleys Pb1 and Pb2 located on the supply port 212a side and driven pulleys Pb5 and Pb6 located on the discharge port 213a side are provided in positions above the treatment tank 23 in the Z direction. On the other hand, driven pulleys Pb3 and Pb4 located between driven pulleys Pb2 and Pb5 are arranged below driven pulleys Pb1, Pb2, Pb5, and Pb6 in the Z direction and are immersed in the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 23. Although not shown, the driven pulleys Pb1, Pb2, Pb5, and Pb6 are rotatably supported by side wall portions 214 and 215 (see FIG. 4) of the case 21. In addition, the driven pulleys Pb3 and Pb4 are rotatably supported by side surface portions 234 and 235 (see FIG. 4) of the treatment tank 23.

[0063] The conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 is wound around the driven pulleys Pb1, Pb2, Pb5, and Pb6 so as to pass around the outer periphery on the upper side in the Z direction, and around the driven pulleys Pb3 and Pb4 so as to pass around the outer periphery on the lower side in the Z direction. Therefore, a trapezoidal recess 11b recessed downward in the Z direction is formed on the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 in an area passing through the driven pulleys Pb2 to Pb5.

[0064] As described above, the belt conveyor 11 is made of a mesh belt and has many holes 110 through which the bleaching solution Q can pass (see the enlarged area in Figure 3). Therefore, in the recess 11b, the bleaching solution Q passes through the holes 110 and reaches the area inside the recess 11b. That is, the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 23 passes through the recess 11b and is stored above the area between the driven pulleys Pb3 and Pb4 on the belt conveyor 11. That is, at least the area of ​​the recess 11b between the driven pulleys Pb3 and Pb4 is immersed in the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 23.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, in the decolorizing section 2, the workpiece W supplied from the supply port 212a moves from the X2 side to the X1 side on the conveyor belt 11 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) along the conveying surface 11a as the conveyor belt 11 rotates. As the workpiece W passes through the recess 11b on the conveying surface 11a, it is immersed in the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 23. As the workpiece W moves through the recess 11b from the X2 side to the X1 side, it is decolorized by the bleaching solution Q. The bleaching solution Q is heated to a predetermined temperature T1 by the heating device 25. After passing the recess 11b, the workpiece W moves further along the conveying surface 11a toward the X1 side and is finally discharged from the discharge port 213a.

[0066] The driven pulley Pb6 is provided at a position that protrudes further toward the X1 side than the side wall portion 213 of the case 21. As will be described in detail later, the driven pulley Pe1 that supports the belt conveyor 12 is located below the driven pulley Pb6 in the Z direction (see the imaginary line in the figure). When viewed from the Z direction, the driven pulleys Pb6 and Pe1 overlap. The belt conveyor 11 supported by the driven pulley Pb6 and the belt conveyor 12 supported by the driven pulley Pe1 also overlap when viewed from the Z direction. As a result, the workpiece W on the transport surface 11a is discharged from the discharge port 213a, and then moves downward in the Z direction by its own weight and is delivered to the belt conveyor 12.

[0067] 3, a guide roller GR is disposed on the opposite side of the driven pulley Pb1 across the conveying surface 11a in the Z direction. Although not shown, the guide roller GR is rotatably supported by the Y-direction sidewalls 214 and 215 of the case 21 (see FIG. 4).

[0068] The guide roller GR is in elastic contact with the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 and can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the belt conveyor 11. Therefore, when a workpiece W is inserted between the guide roller GR and the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 from the supply port 212a, the workpiece W is automatically taken into the case 21.

[0069] 3, a squeezing roller SR is provided between driven pulleys Pb5 and Pb6. The squeezing roller SR is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying surface 11a from the driven pulleys Pb5 and Pb6 in the Z direction. Although not shown, the squeezing roller SR is rotatably supported on side walls 214 and 215 (see FIG. 4) of the case 21 in the Y direction.

[0070] The squeezing roller SR is disposed in a position overlapping the liquid receiver 233a of the treatment tank 23 when viewed from the Z direction. The squeezing roller SR is in elastic contact with the transport surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 and can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the belt conveyor 11. When the workpiece W that has passed through the recess 11b passes between the squeezing roller SR and the transport surface 11a, the decolorizing solution Q contained in the workpiece W is squeezed out and flows down the liquid receiver 233a back into the treatment tank 23.

[0071] 3, the bleaching unit 2 has a workpiece holder 3 provided at a position facing the recessed portion 11b of the belt conveyor 11 in the Z direction. The workpiece holder 3 is provided to prevent the workpiece W from floating up in the bleaching solution Q when it passes through the recessed portion 11b.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 3, the workpiece holder 3 has an endless circular belt 31 wound around the outer peripheries of multiple driven pulleys Pc. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the workpiece holder 3 has a frame 32 that supports the multiple driven pulleys Pc. The multiple driven pulleys Pc are supported on the frame 32 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis along the Y direction.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the belt 31 can have the same configuration as the belt conveyor 11. For example, the belt 31 can be made of a mesh belt. Chain belts Cb, Cb are connected to both ends of the belt 31 in the Y direction. In the Y direction, the width W31 of the belt 31 including the chain belt Cb is set to be narrower than the width W11 of the belt conveyor 11 (W31 <W11)。

[0074] The chain belt Cb meshes with gears formed on the outer periphery of each of a plurality of driven pulleys Pc. When viewed from the X direction, the plurality of driven pulleys Pc that mesh with the chain belt Cb are provided at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the belt 31. In the following description, the driven pulley Pc on one side of the belt 31 and the driven pulley Pc on the other side are collectively referred to as the driven pulleys Pc.

[0075] 3, the belt 31 is wound around the outer periphery of four driven pulleys Pc (Pc1 to Pc4). The belt 31 has a trapezoidal shape that follows the recess 11b of the belt conveyor 11 when viewed from the Y direction. At least a portion of the belt 31 is housed in the recess 11b. Belt 31 has bottom surface 31a and top surface 31b extending in the X and Y directions, and inclined surfaces 31c, 31d connecting the X2-side and X1-side ends of bottom surface 31a and top surface 31b, respectively. X2-side inclined surface 31c is inclined in the direction from the X2 side toward the X1 side as it extends from top surface 31b toward bottom surface 31a. X1-side inclined surface 31d is inclined in the direction from the X1 side toward the X2 side as it extends from top surface 31b toward bottom surface 31a.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the bottom surface 31a of the belt 31 and the lower parts of the inclined surfaces 31c and 31d are located within the recess 11b. Within the recess 11b, the bottom surface 31a of the belt 31 faces the belt conveyor 11 passing between the driven pulleys Pb3 and Pb4. Within the recess 11b, the lower part of the inclined surface 31c of the belt 31 faces the belt conveyor 11 passing between the driven pulleys Pb2 and Pb3. The lower part of the inclined surface 31d of the belt 31 faces the belt conveyor 11 passing between the driven pulleys Pb4 and Pb5. In other words, the bottom surface 31a of the belt 31 and the lower parts of the inclined surfaces 31c and 31d function as opposing parts to the recess 11b.

[0077] The belt 31 is provided so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction via biasing mechanisms 34 and 35 (see FIG. 4) described below. Therefore, the gap CL between the recess 11b and the belt 31 is maintained so that the belt 31 can contact the workpiece W in the recess 11b and does not interfere with the conveyance of the workpiece W by the belt conveyor 11. Note that in FIG. 3, the workpiece W is shown spaced apart from the recess 11b and the belt 31 to make it easier to understand the positional relationship between the recess 11b and the belt 31.

[0078] When the belt 31 of the workpiece holder 3 comes into contact with the workpiece W being transported in the recess 11b, a force acts on the belt 31 in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 11 via the workpiece W. As a result, the bottom surface 31a and inclined surfaces 31c, 31d of the belt 31 move from the X2 side to the X1 side. At this time, the driven pulleys Pc (Pc1 to Pc4) that support the belt 31 rotate in the clockwise direction CW around their respective rotation axes. As a result, the belt 31 rotates in the clockwise direction CW when viewed from the Y2 direction. In other words, the bottom surface 31a and inclined surfaces 31c, 31d (opposing portions) of the workpiece holder 3 function as guides that prevent the workpiece W from floating up in the processing tank 23 and guide the movement of the workpiece W in the transport direction.

[0079] The portion of the belt 31 located within the recess 11b is immersed in the bleaching solution Q contained in the treatment tank 23. As described above, the belt 31 is made of a mesh belt and has a large number of holes 310 through which the bleaching solution Q can pass. That is, the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 23 passes through the holes 310 and is thereby stored above the bottom surface 31a of the belt 31. Furthermore, by having the holes 310, the workpiece W sandwiched between the belt conveyor 11 and the belt 31 in the recess 11b comes into uniform contact with the bleaching solution Q over substantially the entire surface.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, the belt 31 is supported by the hood 22 via a frame 32. The frame 32 has a pair of side plates 324, 325 provided on one side and the other side of the belt 31 in the Y direction. The pair of side plates 324, 325 are provided parallel to each other along the Z direction. The pair of side plates 324, 325 are provided in a range extending from the top surface 31b to the bottom surface 31a of the belt 31. A plurality of driven pulleys Pc are rotatably supported on the pair of side plates 324, 325. The frame 32 also has a top plate 321 that connects the upper ends of the pair of side plates 324, 325 and extends along the X and Y directions.

[0081] Connection portions 322, 323 for connection to a hood 22, which will be described later, are provided at both ends of the top plate 321 in the Y direction. The connection portion 322 protrudes toward the Y2 side relative to the side plate 324. The connection portion 323 protrudes toward the Y1 side relative to the side plate 325. An opening 326 is provided in the center of the top plate 321 in the Y direction to allow fumes from the bleaching solution Q to circulate.

[0082] The lower ends of the pair of side plates 324, 325 are positioned in the treatment tank 23 and immersed in the decolorizing solution Q. An agitation mechanism 33 is provided in the area of ​​the pair of side plates 324, 325 that is immersed in the decolorizing solution Q. The agitation mechanism 33 is provided in the area inside the belt 31 (see FIG. 3).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4 , the stirring mechanism 33 includes a shaft 331 penetrating the pair of side plates 324, 325 in the Y direction and a screw 332 attached to the outer periphery of the shaft 331. Although not shown in detail, the shaft 331 is connected to an air motor Ma provided outside the case 21 via an intermediate gear or the like. Driving the air motor Ma rotates the shaft 331 and the screw 332, stirring the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 23. This generates convection in the bleaching solution Q within the treatment tank 23, allowing the disperse dye to escape through gaps between the workpieces W and move more easily into the bleaching solution. The stirring mechanism 33 may be replaced by a propeller rotating with the shaft 331 instead of the screw 332. Alternatively, a vibrator (e.g., an ultrasonic vibrator) may be provided in the treatment tank 23 to vibrate the bleaching solution Q and promote decolorization.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, the hood 22 covers the upper opening of the case 21 and also covers the opening of the treatment tank 23 housed inside the case 21. As described above, the bleaching solution Q can be one whose main component is an organic solvent. When heated, the organic solvent partially evaporates, which can produce an odor. Furthermore, when the evaporated bleaching solution is cooled in the air, it turns into fine particulate fumes F. The hood 22 covers the opening of the treatment tank 23 containing the bleaching solution Q, thereby reducing the diffusion of odor and capturing the fumes F from the bleaching solution Q.

[0085] 2, the hood 22 has a box shape with an opening facing downward. The hood 22 has a bottom wall 220 perpendicular to the Z direction and a cylindrical wall 221 surrounding the outer periphery of the bottom wall 220.

[0086] An exhaust port 225 is opened in the bottom wall 220. The exhaust port 225 is connected to an intake duct 71 of the recovery unit 7 (see FIG. 1) described later. The cylindrical wall 221 has inclined portions 222 and 223 at the X2 side and the X1 side where they connect to the bottom wall 220. The inclined portions 222 and 223 are inclined in a direction approaching the exhaust port 225 as they extend upward in the Z direction.

[0087] When the collection unit 7, which will be described later, is driven, a negative pressure is created around the exhaust port 225 in the bottom wall 220. As a result, the fumes F of the bleaching solution Q generated inside the case 21 rise toward the bottom wall 220. At this time, the fumes F also move in the X direction by traveling along the inclined portions 222, 223 of the hood 22, and naturally gather around the exhaust port 225. The fumes F that have gathered around the exhaust port 225 pass through the intake duct 71 and are collected in the collection unit 7.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of the cylindrical wall 221 of the hood 22 is placed on the upper plates 202, 202 of the support parts 20, 20, and is fastened and supported by bolts or the like (not shown). Arms 224 and 226 that face each other in the Y direction are provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall 221 of the hood 22. The arms 224 and 226 extend in directions that approach each other in the Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the arm 224 has a portion that overlaps with the connection portion 322 of the work holder 3. When viewed from the Z direction, the arm 226 has a portion that overlaps with the connection portion 323 of the work holder 3.

[0089] The connecting portion 322 and the arm portion 224 are connected by a biasing mechanism 34. The biasing mechanism 34 supports the work holder 3 on the hood 22 and biases it downward in the Z direction. The connecting portion 323 and the arm portion 226 are connected by a biasing mechanism 35. The biasing mechanism 35 supports the work holder 3 on the hood 22 and biases it downward in the Z direction. The biasing mechanisms 34 and 35 have the same configuration. In the following description, the biasing mechanism 34 will be used as an example to describe each part of the biasing mechanism 34.

[0090] The biasing mechanism 34 has a shaft S having a screw groove formed on its outer periphery and extending in the Z direction, nuts N threaded onto the upper and lower ends of the shaft S, and a spring Sp extrapolated onto the shaft S between the nuts N on the upper and lower ends.

[0091] The shaft S passes through both the arm portion 224 and the connecting portion 322 in the Z direction. The nuts N, N that are threaded onto the upper and lower ends of the shaft S are provided at positions that sandwich the arm portion 224 and the connecting portion 322 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the work presser 3 is suspended from the hood 22 by the shaft S and the nuts N, N.

[0092] The workpiece holder 3 suspended from the hood 22 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the shaft S. A spring Sp is provided between the arm portion 224 and the connecting portion 322 in the vertical direction. The workpiece holder 3 is in a state in which the connecting portion 322 is pressed against the nut N on the lower side by the biasing force of the spring Sp.

[0093] When the workpiece W comes into contact with the belt 31 of the workpiece holder 3 as it passes through the recess 11b, the workpiece holder 3 is subjected to an upward force (reaction force) from the workpiece W in addition to a force in the conveying direction. Here, the workpiece holder 3 is biased downward by the biasing mechanisms 34, 35. This reduces the possibility that the entire position of the workpiece holder 3 will shift upward significantly during the decolorizing process due to, for example, the influence of the shaking of the decolorizing solution Q in the processing tank 23, and makes it possible to appropriately prevent the workpiece W from floating up in the recess 11b.

[0094] Furthermore, when the upward force acting on the belt 31 from the workpiece W becomes greater than the biasing force of the spring Sp, the workpiece holder 3 is displaced upward. In other words, the entire workpiece holder 3 is displaced upward so as not to impede the transport of the belt conveyor 11. For example, even if multiple workpieces W of different thicknesses are mixed, the workpiece holder 3 moves up and down to match the thickness of the workpiece W while elastically deforming the spring Sp, so that the belt 31 can be kept in contact with the workpiece W while maintaining a position that does not interfere with the transport of the belt conveyor 11.

[0095] Furthermore, the initial position of the workpiece holder 3 in the vertical direction can be adjusted by shifting the screwing position of the nut N at the lower end of the shaft S. For example, for the thinnest possible workpiece W, the belt 31 can be positioned so as to be able to contact the workpiece W in the recess 11b and not to interfere with the conveyance of the workpiece W by the belt conveyor 11.

[0096] <Rinse section> 2, the rinsing unit 4 has a case 41 that houses the belt conveyor 12 and the treatment tank 43, a hood 42 that closes the upper opening of the case 41, and a support unit 40 that supports the case 41 at a distance in the Z direction from the floor G. The support units 40 are provided at both ends of the case 41 in the Y direction (see FIG. 1).

[0097] 5 is a diagram illustrating the rinsing unit 4. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the rinsing unit 4 around the case 41. 6 is a diagram illustrating the rinsing unit 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the cross section BB in FIG.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 5, case 41 has a box shape that is open upward in the Z direction. Specifically, case 41 has a bottom 411 that extends along the X and Y directions, and sidewalls 412 and 413 that connect to the X2-side and X1-side ends of bottom 411, respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, case 41 has sidewalls 414 and 415 that connect to the Y2-side and Y1-side ends of bottom 411, respectively. Sidewalls 412 to 415 extend upward from bottom 411 along the Z direction.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 5, a supply port 412a for the workpiece W is formed in the side wall portion 412 on the X2 side (the right side in the figure). The supply port 412a is formed in a region that overlaps the conveyance surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 when viewed in the X direction. A discharge port 413a for the workpiece W is provided in the side wall portion 413 on the X1 side (the left side in the figure). The supply port 412a and the discharge port 413a are formed in regions of the side wall portion 412 and the side wall portion 413 that overlap the conveyance surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 when viewed in the X direction.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, at the upper ends of the side wall portions 414 and 415 of the case 41, flanges 416, 416 extending outward of the case 41 along the Y direction are provided. The flanges 416, 416 are respectively suspended on the upper plates 402, 402 of the support portion 40 described later.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6, the support portion 40 supports the side wall portions 414 and 415 of the case 41 on the Y2 side and the Y1 side sandwiching the case 41. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support portion 40 has a pair of legs 403, 403 along the Z direction. The pair of legs 403, 403 are provided at intervals in the X direction. Further, the support portion 40 has a lower plate 401 connecting the lower ends of the pair of legs 403, 403 and an upper plate 402 connecting the upper ends of the pair of legs 403, 403.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower plate 401 of the support portion 40 is installed on the floor surface G. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper plate 402 of the support portion 40 supports the case 41 and a hood 42 described later.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 5, in the X direction, the interval D40 between the pair of legs 403, 403 is narrower than the overall length L41 of the case 41 (D40 < L41). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the Y direction, the intervals between the legs 403, 403 located on the Y2 side and the Y1 side of the case 41 substantially match the width W41 of the case 41.

[0104] 6, the side walls 414, 415 of the case 41 abut against the legs 403, 403 from the Y2 side and the Y1 side, respectively. As a result, the case 41 is clamped relative to the support part 40 so as to be immovable in the Y direction. Furthermore, the flanges 416, 416 of the case 41 are suspended from the upper side in the Z direction on the upper plate 402 of the support part 40. The flanges 416, 416 are fixed to the upper plate 402 by bolts (not shown). As a result, the case 41 is supported relative to the support part 40 so as to be immovable in the Z direction and the X direction as well.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 5, the treatment tank 43 has a box shape that is open upward in the Z direction. Specifically, the treatment tank 43 has a bottom portion 431 extending along the X and Y directions, and side portions 432 and 433 connected to the X2-side and X1-side ends of the bottom portion 431. A liquid receiver 433a is provided at the upper end of the side portion 433 to collect the bleaching solution Q squeezed by the squeezing roller SR (described later). As shown in FIG. 6, the treatment tank 43 has side portions 434 and 435 connected to the Y2-side and Y1-side ends of the bottom portion 431. The side portions 432 to 435 extend upward in the Z direction from the bottom portion 431. The top of the treatment tank 43 is open. The bleaching solution Q (second bleaching solution) is stored in the internal space formed by the bottom portion 431 and the side portions 432 to 435.

[0106] The decolorizing solution Q can be any of the decolorizing solutions exemplified above. Furthermore, the bleaching solution Q used in the rinsing unit 4 may be the same as or different from the bleaching solution Q (first bleaching solution) used in the bleaching unit 2. In the illustrated example, the same bleaching solution Q is circulated and used in the bleaching unit 2 and the rinsing unit 4.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 5, a heating device 45 is attached to the underside of the bottom surface portion 431. The heating device 45 can be, for example, an induction heater. The heating device 45 has a heating plate (not shown) on its upper surface. A wiring La extending from the control unit 19 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the heating device 45, and the heating device 45 is turned on and off in response to instructions from the control unit 19. When the induction heater is turned on, the decolorizing solution Q in the treatment tank 43 is heated to a predetermined temperature T2.

[0108] Here, it is desirable that the temperature T2 of the decolorizing solution Q in the rinsing section 4 is lower than the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q in the decolorizing section 2 (T1>T2). In the bleaching section 2, the workpiece W is heated in the bleaching solution Q at a temperature T1 that is equal to or higher than the fiber-spreading temperature, loosening and widening the gaps between the fiber molecular chains. In the rinsing section 4, the workpiece W comes into contact with the bleaching solution Q at a temperature T2 that is lower than that of the bleaching section 2, cooling the workpiece W below the fiber-spreading temperature, narrowing the gaps between the loosened fiber molecular chains again. This reduces the re-absorption of the disperse dye remaining on the surface of the workpiece W into the gaps in the workpiece W. Furthermore, it is desirable that the temperature T2 of the decolorizing solution in the rinsing section 4 be 140° C. or higher. This allows additional decolorization of incompletely decolorized portions after decolorization in the treatment tank 43, and also prevents contaminated decolorizing solution Q adhering to the workpiece W from soaking back into the workpiece W, thereby improving rinsing efficiency.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6, the treatment tank 43 communicates with the treatment tank 23 (see FIG. 2) of the decolorizing unit 2 via a supply channel SL that opens in the bottom surface portion 431. The treatment tank 43 is also in communication with a liquid level adjusting section 46, which will be described later, via a flow passage FL that opens to the bottom surface section 431. The treatment tank 43 also communicates with a separator 61 of the circulation section 6 (to be described later) and a new liquid tank 65 via a return passage RL that opens at the side surface 435 .

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid level adjusting unit 46 is attached to the pair of legs 403, 403 of the support unit 40, straddling the pair of legs 403, 403. As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid level adjusting unit 46 has a liquid tank 461 that stores the decolorizing liquid Q, and a float-type level sensor 462 that detects the liquid level of the decolorizing liquid Q in the liquid tank 461. 6, the bottom surface 461a of the liquid tank 461 is provided at the same height as the bottom surface 431 of the processing tank 43. A flow path FL for the decolorizing solution Q opens into the bottom surface 461a of the liquid tank 461. This allows the decolorizing solution Q stored in the processing tank 43 and the decolorizing solution Q stored in the liquid tank 461 to be maintained at the same liquid level.

[0111] The level sensor 462 has a guide tube 463 arranged along the Z direction, and a float 464 supported by the guide tube 463 so as to be movable up and down and arranged in the liquid tank 461. The level sensor 462 is suspended from a fixed plate 465 extending in the Y2 direction from the upper side of the liquid tank 461.

[0112] The float 464 floats on the decolorizing solution Q contained in the liquid tank 461. When the liquid level of the decolorizing solution Q in the liquid tank 461 changes, the position of the float 464 in the Z direction changes due to buoyancy. Although not shown in the figure, a magnet is built into the float 464, and a reed switch is housed inside the guide tube 463. The level sensor 462 can detect the liquid level by activating the reed switch with the magnetic force of the magnet inside the float 464. As described above, the liquid levels of the decolorizing solution Q in the liquid tank 461 and the decolorizing solution Q in the treatment tank 43 are the same, so the liquid level in the treatment tank 43 can be determined by detecting the height of the decolorizing solution Q in the liquid tank 461 with the level sensor 462.

[0113] The level sensor 462 is not limited to a float type, and for example, a level sensor that uses ultrasonic waves or capacitance, or a level sensor that measures water pressure can be used as appropriate. The detection result of the level sensor 462 is transmitted to the control unit 19 (see FIG. 1). Based on the detection result of the level sensor 462, the control unit 19 adjusts the supply amount and discharge amount of the decolorizing solution Q to the treatment tank 43 so that the liquid level in the treatment tank 43 is constant.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 5, the belt conveyor 12 is an endless annular member wound around the outer peripheries of a drive pulley Pd and a plurality of driven pulleys Pe. The drive pulley Pd and the plurality of driven pulleys Pe are rotatable about a rotation axis along the Y direction relative to the case 41. In Fig. 5, the drive pulley Pd is cross-hatched and its size is exaggerated to make the positional relationship easier to understand.

[0115] 5, the drive pulley Pd and the multiple driven pulleys Pe are spaced apart so as to surround the treatment tank 43 in a cross-sectional view along the X direction. Therefore, the belt conveyor 12 wound around the drive pulley Pd and the multiple driven pulleys Pe rotates so as to surround the treatment tank 43. The region of the belt conveyor 12 that moves above the treatment tank 43 in the Z direction constitutes the transport surface 12a for the workpieces W.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 6, the belt conveyor 12 can be made of, for example, a mesh belt. Chain belts Cb, Cb are provided at the Y1-side end and the Y2-side end of the belt conveyor 12 in the Y direction, respectively. In the Y direction, the width W12 of the belt conveyor 12 including the chain belts Cb, Cb is set to be narrower than the width W43 of the treatment tank 43 (W12 <W43)。

[0117] The chain belt Cb on the Y1 side and the chain belt Cb on the Y2 side are connected to each other via a connecting member Cm2 (see the dashed line in the figure). The connecting member Cm2 is a bar material provided in a direction along the Y direction. A plurality of connecting members Cm2 are provided at intervals in the circulating direction of the belt conveyor 12 (see FIG. 5). The connecting member Cm2 penetrates the inside of the belt conveyor 12, which is made of a mesh belt, in the Y direction and is connected to the Y1-side chain belt Cb and the Y2-side chain belt Cb. The connecting member Cm2 suppresses bending of the belt conveyor 12 in the Z direction and also prevents the Y1-side chain belt Cb and the Y2-side chain belt Cb from becoming out of synchronization when they rotate.

[0118] The chain belt Cb meshes with gears formed on the outer periphery of the drive pulley Pd and multiple driven pulleys Pe. The multiple driven pulleys Pe that mesh with the chain belt Cb are provided at symmetrical positions across the belt conveyor 12 when viewed from the X direction. In the following description, the driven pulley Pe on one side of the belt conveyor 12 and the driven pulley Pe on the other side will be collectively referred to as the driven pulley Pe.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 5, the drive pulley Pd is provided below the treatment tank 43 and on the X1 side of the heating device 45. As shown in Fig. 6, the drive pulley Pd is connected to an air motor M2. The drive pulley Pd rotates around a rotation axis Y12 along the Y direction by the rotational driving force of the air motor M2. When viewed from the X direction, a driven pulley Pe is provided on the opposite side of the drive pulley Pd across the belt conveyor 12.

[0120] As shown in Figure 5, when the drive pulley Pd rotates around the rotation axis Y12, the chain belt Cb meshing with the drive pulley Pd and the belt conveyor 12 connected to the chain belt Cb rotate together. The driven pulley Pe rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the chain belt Cb. In the illustrated example, the drive pulley Pd rotates counterclockwise CCW around the rotation axis Y12, causing the belt conveyor 12 to rotate counterclockwise CCW. Therefore, when viewed from the Y2 direction, the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 moves above the treatment tank 43 from the X2 side (right side in the figure) to the X1 side (left side in the figure).

[0121] The conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 moves from the X2 side to the X1 side via six driven pulleys Pe (Pe1 to Pe6) arranged at intervals in the X direction. The driven pulleys Pe1 and Pe6 located at both ends in the X direction are provided at positions offset from the treatment tank 43 when viewed from the Z direction. The driven pulleys Pe2 to Pe5 located between the driven pulleys Pe1 and Pe6 are provided at positions overlapping with the treatment tank 43 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0122] Furthermore, driven pulleys Pe1 and Pe2 located on the supply port 412a side and driven pulleys Pe5 and Pe6 located on the discharge port 413a side are provided in positions above the treatment tank 43 in the Z direction. On the other hand, driven pulleys Pe3 and Pe4 located between driven pulleys Pe2 and Pe5 are arranged below driven pulleys Pe1, Pe2, Pe5, and Pe6 in the Z direction and are immersed in the bleaching solution Q within the treatment tank 43. Although not shown, the driven pulleys Pe1, Pe2, Pe5, and Pe6 are rotatably supported by side wall portions 414 and 415 (see FIG. 6) of the case 41. The driven pulleys Pe3 and Pe4 are rotatably supported by side surface portions 434 and 435 (see FIG. 6) of the treatment tank 43.

[0123] The conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 is wound around the driven pulleys Pe1, Pe2, Pe5, and Pe6 so as to pass around the outer periphery on the upper side in the Z direction, and around the driven pulleys Pe3 and Pe4 so as to pass around the outer periphery on the lower side in the Z direction. Therefore, a trapezoidal recess 12b recessed downward in the Z direction is formed on the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 in an area passing through the driven pulleys Pe2 to Pe5.

[0124] As described above, the belt conveyor 12 is made of a mesh belt and has a large number of holes 120 through which the bleaching solution Q can pass (see the enlarged area in Figure 5). Therefore, in the recess 12b, the bleaching solution Q passes through the holes 120 and reaches the area inside the recess 12b. That is, the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 43 passes through the recess 12b and is stored above the area between the driven pulleys Pe3 and Pe4 on the belt conveyor 12. That is, at least the area of ​​the recess 12b between the driven pulleys Pe3 and Pe4 is immersed in the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 43.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 5, in the rinsing section 4, the workpiece W supplied from the supply port 412a moves from the X2 side to the X1 side on the conveying surface 12a as the belt conveyor 12 rotates (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). As the workpiece W passes through the recess 12b on the conveying surface 12a, it is immersed in the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 43. As the workpiece W moves through the recess 12b from the X2 side to the X1 side, it is rinsed with the bleaching solution Q. The bleaching solution Q is heated to a predetermined temperature T2 by the heating device 45. After passing the recess 12b, the workpiece W moves further on the conveying surface 12a toward the X1 side and is finally discharged from the discharge port 413a.

[0126] The driven pulley Pe1 is provided at a position that protrudes toward the X2 side from the side wall portion 412 of the case 41. Above the driven pulley Pe1 in the Z direction, the driven pulley Pb6 that supports the belt conveyor 11 is located (see the imaginary line in the figure). As described above, the workpiece W discharged from the belt conveyor 11 moves downward in the Z direction due to its own weight, is transferred to the belt conveyor 12, passes through the supply port 412a, and is transported into the inside of the case 41.

[0127] The driven pulley Pe6 is provided at a position that protrudes further toward the X1 side than the side wall portion 413 of the case 41. As will be described in detail later, the X2-side end of the belt conveyor 13 is located below the driven pulley Pe6 in the Z direction (see the imaginary line in the drawing). When viewed from the Z direction, the belt conveyor 12 supported by the driven pulley Pe6 and the belt conveyor 13 overlap each other. As a result, the workpiece W on the transport surface 12a is discharged from the discharge port 413a, and then moves downward in the Z direction by its own weight and is delivered to the belt conveyor 13.

[0128] 5, a guide roller GR is provided between driven pulleys Pe1 and Pe2. The guide roller GR is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying surface 12a from the driven pulleys Pe1 and Pe2 in the Z direction. Although not shown, the guide roller GR is rotatably supported by side wall portions 414 and 415 (see FIG. 6) of the case 21 in the Y direction.

[0129] The guide roller GR is in elastic contact with the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 and can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the belt conveyor 12. Therefore, when a workpiece W is inserted between the guide roller GR and the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 from the supply port 412a, the workpiece W is automatically taken into the case 41.

[0130] 5, a squeezing roller SR is provided between driven pulleys Pe5 and Pe6. The squeezing roller SR is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying surface 12a from the driven pulleys Pe5 and Pe6 in the Z direction. Although not shown, the squeezing roller SR is rotatably supported on side walls 414 and 415 (see FIG. 6) of the case 21 in the Y direction.

[0131] When viewed from the Z direction, the squeezing roller SR is disposed in a position overlapping the liquid receiver 433a of the treatment tank 43. The squeezing roller SR is in elastic contact with the transport surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 and can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the belt conveyor 12. When the workpiece W that has passed through the recess 12b passes between the squeezing roller SR and the transport surface 12a, the decolorizing solution Q contained in the workpiece W is squeezed out and flows down the liquid receiver 433a back into the treatment tank 43.

[0132] 5, the rinsing unit 4 is provided with a workpiece holder 5 at a position facing the recessed portion 12b of the belt conveyor 12 in the Z direction. The workpiece holder 5 is provided to prevent the workpiece W from floating up in the decolorizing solution Q when it passes through the recessed portion 12b.

[0133] As shown in Fig. 5, the workpiece holder 5 has an endless circular belt 51 wound around the outer peripheries of a plurality of driven pulleys Pf. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the workpiece holder 5 has a frame 52 that supports the plurality of driven pulleys Pf. The plurality of driven pulleys Pf are supported by the frame 52 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis along the Y direction.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 6, the belt 51 can have the same configuration as the belt conveyor 12. For example, the belt 51 can be made of a mesh belt. Chain belts Cb, Cb are connected to both ends of the belt 51 in the Y direction. In the Y direction, the width W51 of the belt 51 including the chain belt Cb is set to be narrower than the width W12 of the belt conveyor 12 (W51 <W12)。

[0135] The chain belt Cb meshes with gears formed on the outer peripheries of a plurality of driven pulleys Pf. The plurality of driven pulleys Pf meshing with the chain belt Cb are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the belt 51 when viewed from the X direction. In the following description, the driven pulley Pf on one side of the belt 51 and the driven pulley Pf on the other side are collectively referred to as the driven pulleys Pf.

[0136] 5, the belt 51 is wound around the outer peripheries of four driven pulleys Pf (Pf1 to Pf4). The belt 51 has a trapezoidal shape that follows the recess 12b of the belt conveyor 12 when viewed from the Y direction. At least a portion of the belt 51 is housed in the recess 12b. Belt 51 has bottom surface 51a and top surface 51b extending in the X and Y directions, and inclined surfaces 51c, 51d connecting the X2-side and X1-side ends of bottom surface 51a and top surface 51b, respectively. X2-side inclined surface 51c is inclined in the direction from the X2 side toward the X1 side as it extends from top surface 51b toward bottom surface 51a. X1-side inclined surface 51d is inclined in the direction from the X1 side toward the X2 side as it extends from top surface 51b toward bottom surface 51a.

[0137] In the illustrated example, the bottom surface 51a of the belt 51 and the lower parts of the inclined surfaces 51c and 51d are located within the recess 12b. Within the recess 12b, the bottom surface 51a of the belt 51 faces the belt conveyor 12 passing between the driven pulleys Pe3 and Pe4. Within the recess 12b, the lower part of the inclined surface 51c of the belt 51 faces the belt conveyor 12 passing between the driven pulleys Pe2 and Pe3. The lower part of the inclined surface 51d of the belt 51 faces the belt conveyor 12 passing between the driven pulleys Pe4 and Pe5. In other words, the bottom surface 51a of the belt 51 and the lower parts of the inclined surfaces 51c and 51d function as opposing parts to the recess 12b.

[0138] The belt 51 is provided so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction via biasing mechanisms 54, 55 (see FIG. 6) described below. Therefore, the gap CL between the recess 12b and the belt 51 is maintained so that the belt 51 can contact the workpiece W in the recess 12b and does not interfere with the conveyance of the workpiece W by the belt conveyor 12. Note that in FIG. 5, the workpiece W is shown spaced apart from the recess 12b and the belt 51 to make it easier to understand the positional relationship between the recess 12b and the belt 51.

[0139] When the belt 51 of the workpiece holder 5 comes into contact with the workpiece W being transported in the recess 12b, a force acts on the bottom surface 51a of the belt 51 via the workpiece W in the transport direction of the belt conveyor 12. As a result, the bottom surface 51a and inclined surfaces 51c, 51d of the belt 51 move from the X2 side to the X1 side. At this time, the driven pulleys Pf (Pf1 to Pf4) that support the belt 51 rotate in the clockwise direction CW around their respective rotation axes. As a result, the belt 51 rotates in the clockwise direction CW as viewed from the Y2 direction. In other words, the bottom surface 51a and inclined surfaces 51c, 51d (opposing portions) of the workpiece holder 5 function as guides that prevent the workpiece W from floating up in the processing tank 43 and guide the movement of the workpiece W in the transport direction.

[0140] The portion of the belt 51 located within the recess 12b is immersed in the bleaching solution Q contained in the treatment tank 43. As described above, the belt 51 is made of a mesh belt and has a large number of holes 510 through which the bleaching solution Q can pass. That is, the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 43 passes through the holes 510 and is thereby stored above the bottom surface 51a of the belt 51. Furthermore, by having the holes 510, the workpiece W sandwiched between the belt conveyor 12 and the belt 51 in the recess 12b comes into uniform contact with the bleaching solution Q over substantially the entire surface.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 6, the belt 51 is supported by the hood 42 via a frame 52. The frame 52 has a pair of side plates 524, 525 provided on one side and the other side of the belt 51 in the Y direction. The pair of side plates 524, 525 are provided parallel to each other along the Z direction. The pair of side plates 524, 525 are provided in a range extending from the top surface 51b to the bottom surface 51a of the belt 51. A plurality of driven pulleys Pf are rotatably supported by the pair of side plates 524, 525. The frame 52 also has a top plate 521 that connects the upper ends of the pair of side plates 524, 525 and extends along the X and Y directions.

[0142] Connection portions 522, 523 for connecting to a hood 42, which will be described later, are provided at both ends of the top plate 521 in the Y direction. The connection portion 522 protrudes toward the Y2 side relative to the side plate 524. The connection portion 523 protrudes toward the Y1 side relative to the side plate 525. An opening 526 is provided in the center of the top plate 521 in the Y direction to allow fumes from the bleaching solution Q to circulate.

[0143] The lower ends of the pair of side plates 524, 525 are positioned in the treatment tank 43 and immersed in the decolorizing solution Q. An agitation mechanism 53 is provided in the area of ​​the pair of side plates 524, 525 that is immersed in the decolorizing solution Q. The agitation mechanism 53 is provided in the area inside the belt 51 (see FIG. 5).

[0144] As shown in FIG. 6 , the agitation mechanism 53 includes a shaft 531 penetrating the pair of side plates 524, 525 in the Y direction and a screw 532 attached to the outer periphery of the shaft 531. Although not shown in detail, the shaft 531 is connected to an air motor Mb attached to the outside of the case 41 via an intermediate gear or the like. Driving the air motor Mb rotates the shaft 531 and the screw 532, agitating the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tank 43. This generates a convection current of the bleaching solution Q within the treatment tank 43, and the disperse dye released from the workpieces W is carried by the convection current of the bleaching solution Q and quickly separated from the workpieces W, thereby facilitating rinsing. The agitation mechanism 53 may be replaced by a propeller rotating with the shaft 531 instead of the screw 532. Alternatively, or in combination with the agitation mechanism 53, a vibrator (e.g., an ultrasonic vibrator) may be provided within the treatment tank 43 to vibrate the bleaching solution Q and thereby promote rinsing.

[0145] 2, the hood 42 covers the upper opening of the case 41 and also covers the opening of the treatment tank 43 housed inside the case 41. By having the hood 42 cover the opening of the treatment tank 43 housing the bleaching solution Q, it is possible to reduce the diffusion of odors and also to capture fumes F from the bleaching solution Q.

[0146] 2, the hood 42 has a box shape with an opening facing downward. The hood 42 has a bottom wall 420 perpendicular to the Z direction and a cylindrical wall 421 surrounding the outer periphery of the bottom wall 420.

[0147] An exhaust port 425 is opened in the bottom wall 420. The exhaust port 425 is connected to an intake duct 71 of the recovery unit 7 (see FIG. 1) described later. The cylindrical wall 421 has inclined portions 422, 423 at the X2 side and the X1 side where they connect to the bottom wall 420. The inclined portions 422, 423 are inclined in a direction approaching the exhaust port 425 as they extend upward in the Z direction.

[0148] When the collection unit 7, which will be described later, is driven, a negative pressure is created around the exhaust port 425 in the bottom wall 420. As a result, the fumes F of the bleaching solution Q generated inside the case 41 rise toward the bottom wall 420. At this time, the fumes F also move in the X direction by traveling along the inclined portions 422 and 423 of the hood 42, and naturally gather around the exhaust port 425. The fumes F that have gathered around the exhaust port 425 pass through the intake duct 71 and are collected in the collection unit 7.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 6, the lower end of the cylindrical wall 421 of the hood 42 is placed on the upper plates 402, 402 of the support parts 40, 40, and is fastened and supported by bolts or the like (not shown). Arms 424 and 426 that face each other in the Y direction are provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall 421 of the hood 42. The arms 424 and 426 extend in directions that approach each other in the Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the arm 424 has a portion that overlaps with the connection portion 522 of the workpiece holder 5. When viewed from the Z direction, the arm 426 has a portion that overlaps with the connection portion 523 of the workpiece holder 5.

[0150] The connecting portion 522 and the arm portion 424 are connected by a biasing mechanism 54. The biasing mechanism 54 supports the work holder 5 on the hood 42 and biases it downward in the Z direction. The connecting portion 523 and the arm portion 426 are connected by a biasing mechanism 55. The biasing mechanism 55 supports the work holder 5 on the hood 42 and biases it downward in the Z direction. The biasing mechanisms 54 and 55 have the same configuration. In the following description, the biasing mechanism 54 will be used as an example to describe each part of the biasing mechanism 54.

[0151] The biasing mechanism 54 has a shaft S having a screw groove formed on its outer periphery and extending in the Z direction, nuts N threaded onto the upper and lower ends of the shaft S, and a spring Sp extrapolated onto the shaft S between the nuts N on the upper and lower ends.

[0152] The shaft S passes through both the arm portion 424 and the connecting portion 522 in the Z direction. The nuts N, N that are threaded onto the upper and lower ends of the shaft S are provided at positions that sandwich the arm portion 424 and the connecting portion 522 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the work presser 5 is suspended from the hood 42 by the shaft S and the nuts N, N.

[0153] The workpiece holder 5 suspended from the hood 42 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the shaft S. A spring Sp is provided between the arm portion 424 and the connecting portion 522 in the vertical direction. The workpiece holder 5 is in a state in which the connecting portion 522 is pressed against the nut N on the lower side by the biasing force of the spring Sp.

[0154] When the workpiece W comes into contact with the belt 51 of the workpiece holder 5 as it passes through the recess 12b, the workpiece holder 5 is subjected to an upward force (reaction force) from the workpiece W in addition to a force in the conveying direction. Here, the workpiece holder 5 is biased downward by the biasing mechanisms 54, 55. This reduces the possibility that the entire position of the workpiece holder 5 will shift significantly upward during the decolorizing process due to, for example, the influence of the shaking of the decolorizing solution Q in the processing tank 43, and makes it possible to appropriately prevent the workpiece W from floating up in the recess 12b.

[0155] Furthermore, when the upward force acting on the belt 51 from the workpiece W becomes greater than the biasing force of the spring Sp, the workpiece holder 5 is displaced upward. In other words, the entire workpiece holder 5 is displaced upward so as not to impede the transport of the belt conveyor 12. For example, even if multiple workpieces W of different thicknesses are mixed, the workpiece holder 5 moves up and down to match the thickness of the workpiece W while elastically deforming the spring Sp, so that the belt 51 can be kept in contact with the workpiece W while maintaining a position that does not interfere with the transport of the belt conveyor 12.

[0156] Furthermore, the initial position of the workpiece holder 5 in the vertical direction can be adjusted by shifting the screwing position of the nut N at the lower end of the shaft S. For example, for the thinnest possible workpiece W, the belt 51 can be positioned so as to be able to contact the workpiece W in the recess 12b and not to interfere with the conveyance of the workpiece W by the belt conveyor 12.

[0157] <Drying section> 2, the drying unit 8 has a support part 80 that supports the belt conveyor 13 at a distance from the floor surface G in the Z direction, and a hood 82 that is supported by the support part 80 and that houses the guide part 9 and the dryer D inside. The hood 82 is supported by the support parts 80, 80 at both ends in the Y direction (see FIG. 1).

[0158] 1 and 2, the support unit 80 has a pair of legs 803 extending along the Z direction. The pair of legs 803 are spaced apart in the X direction. The support unit 80 also has a lower plate 801 connecting the lower ends of the pair of legs 803, 803 together, and an upper plate 802 connecting the upper ends of the pair of legs 803, 803 together.

[0159] As shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 2, leveling bolts 86 are provided between the lower plate 801 of the support unit 80 and the floor surface G. The leveling bolts 86 are provided at both ends of the lower plate 801 in the X direction. The leveling bolts 86 are arranged at the four corners of the drying unit 8 when viewed from the Z direction (see Figure 1).

[0160] The leveling bolt 86 has a head 861 placed on the floor surface G, a shaft 862 extending upward in the Z direction from the head 861 and having a threaded groove formed on its outer periphery, and a nut 863 threaded onto the shaft 862.

[0161] The leveling bolts 86 have shafts 862 that penetrate the lower plate 801, and nuts 863 that support the lower plate 801. Therefore, by adjusting the screwing positions of the nuts 863, the support part 80 is displaced in the Z direction. By adjusting the screwing positions of the nuts 863 of the leveling bolts 86 arranged at the four corners of the drying part 8, the entire drying part 8 can be leveled.

[0162] 7 is a diagram illustrating the drying unit 8. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the CC cross section of FIG. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the drying unit 8. Fig. 8(a) is a schematic diagram of the AA cross section in Fig. 7. Fig. 8(b) is a schematic diagram of the AA cross section in an enlarged area in Fig. 8(a). In FIG. 8(a), the workpiece W and the shelf portion 81 are hatched in different ways to make their positions easier to understand.

[0163] 7, a shelf portion 81 is provided between adjacent support portions 80, 80 in the Y direction. The shelf portion 81 has a plate-shaped plate portion 810 extending in the X direction and the Y direction, and flange portions 811, 812 provided on both ends of the plate portion 810 in the Y direction.

[0164] A heating device 85 is installed on the upper surface 810a of the plate portion 810. The heating device 85 can be an induction heater. The heating device 85 has a heat-generating plate (not shown) on its upper surface. A wiring La extending from the control unit 19 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the heating device 85, and the heating device 85 is turned on and off in response to instructions from the control unit 19. When the heating device 85 is turned on, the workpiece W is heated via the heat-generating plate. This causes the decolorizing solution Q that has soaked into the workpiece W to evaporate.

[0165] A flange 811 of the shelf 81 is fixed to the leg 803 of the support 80 on the Y2 side with a bolt (not shown). A flange 812 of the shelf 81 is fixed to the leg 803 of the support 80 on the Y1 side with a bolt (not shown).

[0166] 8, when viewed from the Z direction, the flange portions 811 and 812 are provided parallel to each other and oriented along the X direction. An end 811a on the X1 side and an end 811b on the X2 side of the flange portion 811 each protrude in the X direction from the plate portion 810. An end 812a on the X1 side and an end 812b on the X2 side of the flange portion 812 also each protrude in the X direction from the plate portion 810.

[0167] The shelf portion 81 supports rollers in areas of the flange portions 811 and 812 that protrude toward the X1 and X2 sides from the plate portion 810. Specifically, the shelf portion 81 supports the drive roller 88 at the X1-side ends 811a and 812a of the flange portions 811 and 812, and supports the driven roller 89 at the X2-side ends 811b and 812b.

[0168] The drive roller 88 and the driven roller 89 are provided oriented along the Y direction, and both ends of each are rotatably supported by flange portions 811 and 812. An air motor M3 is connected to the drive roller 88. The drive roller 88 rotates around a rotation axis Y13 along the Y direction by the rotational driving force of the air motor M3. The drive roller 88 may be directly connected to the air motor M3, or may be connected to the air motor M3 via multiple gears.

[0169] 2, the belt conveyor 13 is wound around the outer periphery of a drive roller 88 and a driven roller 89. When the drive roller 88 rotates around a rotation axis Y13, the belt conveyor 13 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller 88. The driven roller 89 rotates around a rotation axis Y13' along the Y direction in conjunction with the rotation of the belt conveyor 13. In the illustrated example, the drive roller 88 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis Y13, causing the belt conveyor 13 to rotate counterclockwise CCW. Therefore, when viewed from the Y2 direction, the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 moves from the X2 side (right side in the drawing) to the X1 side (left side in the drawing). The belt conveyor 13 can be a flat belt made of, for example, silicone rubber. Using silicone rubber can improve the heat resistance and friction coefficient of the belt conveyor 13.

[0170] 2, in a state in which the belt conveyor 13 is wound around the drive roller 88 and the driven roller 89, the X1-side end of the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 in the rinsing unit 4 is located above the X2-side end of the conveying surface 13a in the Z direction. As a result, the workpiece W that has moved to the X1 side on the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 is transferred to the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 by its own weight.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 7, the heating device 85 provided on the plate portion 810 faces the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 in the Z direction. 2, the workpiece W moving on the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 is heated when passing over the heating device 85. As a result, the decolorizing solution Q remaining in the workpiece W evaporates.

[0172] <Food> As shown in Fig. 1, a hood 82 is provided on the upper plate 802 of the support part 80. As shown in Fig. 2, the hood 82 has a box shape with an opening facing downward. The hood 82 has a bottom wall 820 that is perpendicular to the Z direction, and a cylindrical wall 821 that surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom wall 820.

[0173] An exhaust port 825 is opened in the bottom wall 820. The exhaust port 825 is connected to an intake duct 71 of the recovery unit 7 (see FIG. 1) described later. The cylindrical wall 821 has inclined portions 822 and 823 at the portions on the X2 side and X1 side where they connect to the bottom wall 820. The inclined portions 822 and 823 are inclined in a direction approaching the exhaust port 825 as they extend upward in the Z direction.

[0174] When an intake fan (not shown) of the collection unit 7, which will be described later, is driven, negative pressure is created around the exhaust port 825 in the bottom wall 820. As a result, fumes F of the bleaching solution Q generated in the drying unit 8 rise toward the bottom wall 820. At this time, the fumes F also move in the X direction by traveling along the inclined portions 822 and 823 of the hood 82, and naturally gather around the exhaust port 825. The fumes F that have gathered around the exhaust port 825 pass through the intake duct 71 and are collected in the collection unit 7.

[0175] 7, a heat insulating material 82S is provided over the entire inner circumferential surface 82a of the hood 82. Therefore, the temperature inside the drying section 8 is kept substantially constant. The hood 82 has a lower end 821a of a cylindrical wall 821 that abuts against the upper plates 802, 802 of the support portions 80, 80, and is fastened and supported by bolts or the like (not shown).

[0176] When viewed from the X direction, the hood 82 accommodates a dryer D that dries the workpiece W and a guide unit 9 that guides the transport of the workpiece W. The dryer D and guide unit 9 are attached to the hood 82 via brackets 83 and 84.

[0177] Brackets 83 and 84 face each other in the Y direction inside cylindrical wall 821 of hood 82. Bracket 83 is generally L-shaped when viewed from the X direction, and has an arm portion 831 that extends along the Y direction and a connecting portion 832 that extends along the Z direction. Bracket 84 is generally L-shaped when viewed from the X direction, and has an arm portion 841 that extends along the Y direction and a connecting portion 842 that extends along the Z direction.

[0178] The connecting portions 832, 842 are fastened and supported to the cylindrical wall 821 of the hood 82 by bolts or the like (not shown). The arm portions 831, 841 extend from the upper ends of the connecting portions 832, 842 in directions approaching each other in the Y direction.

[0179] The dryer D has a main body Da equipped with a heater and a blower (not shown), and an outlet Db for the dry air Dw generated by the main body Da. An intake duct Dc is connected to the main body Da, allowing air to be taken in from outside the drying unit 8.

[0180] The dryer D is installed such that the main body Da straddles the arm portions 831 and 841 of the brackets 83 and 84, and the air outlet Db extends downward in the Z direction between the arm portions 831 and 841. When viewed from the Z direction, the air outlet Db of the dryer D overlaps with the belt conveyor 13.

[0181] A wiring La extending from the control unit 19 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the main body Da of the dryer D, and the air blowing is switched on and off according to instructions from the control unit 19. When the dryer D is turned on, the decolorizing solution Q that has soaked into the workpiece W evaporates from the workpiece W. In addition, instead of the dryer D, a heater such as an infrared irradiator may be used to evaporate the decolorizing solution Q that has soaked into the workpiece W by heating.

[0182] Here, it is conceivable that the workpiece W may be lifted up by the drying air Dw from the dryer D and fall off the belt conveyor 13. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the workpiece W from falling off the belt conveyor 13, a guide portion 9 is provided.

[0183] 7, the guide unit 9 is provided between the dryer D and the belt conveyor 13 in the Z direction. The guide unit 9 has rollers 94 and 95 that face the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13, frames 92 and 93 that hold the rollers 94 and 95, respectively, and a support beam 91 that supports the frames 92 and 93.

[0184] The frames 92 and 93 are fixed to the support beam 91 by bolts B. The support beam 91 is provided in a direction along the Y direction, and is suspended from brackets 83 and 84 via biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B, which will be described later.

[0185] 8(a), the support beam 91 is a linear, long plate extending along the Y direction. Two support beams 91 are provided spaced apart in the X direction, and are arranged on the drive roller 88 side and the driven roller 89 side, respectively. In the following description, the support beam 91 on the drive roller 88 side will also be referred to as support beam 91A, and the support beam 91 on the driven roller 89 side will also be referred to as support beam 91B.

[0186] The frames 92 and 93 are provided across two support beams 91A and 91B that are aligned in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the frames 92 and 93 are disposed on one side and the other side of the midpoint Xc of the belt conveyor 13 in the Y direction.

[0187] The frame 92 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, the frame 92 has long sides 921 and 922 extending along the X direction, and short sides 923 and 924 connecting the ends of the long sides 921 and 922. The frame 92 is fixed to the support beams 91A and 91B by bolts B that are screwed into the short sides 923 and 924.

[0188] 8(a), the rollers 94 are provided parallel to the short side portions 923 and 924, and are rotatably supported by the long side portions 921 and 922. A plurality of rollers 94 are provided at intervals in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral surface 940 of the roller 94 presses the workpiece W on the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 in the Z direction by the biasing forces of biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B, which will be described later. This prevents the workpieces W from falling off the belt conveyor 13 even when exposed to the drying air Dw from the dryer D.

[0189] 8(a), the frame 93 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, the frame 93 has long sides 931 and 932 extending along the X direction, and short sides 933 and 934 connecting the ends of the long sides 931 and 932. The frame 93 is fixed to the support beams 91A and 91B by bolts B screwed into the short sides 933 and 934.

[0190] 8(a), the rollers 95 are provided parallel to the short side portions 933 and 934, and are rotatably supported by the long side portions 931 and 932. A plurality of rollers 95 are provided at intervals in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral surface 950 of the roller 95 presses the workpiece W on the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 in the Z direction by the biasing forces of biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B, which will be described later.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 8(a), two bolts B are provided at each of the short sides 923 and 924 of the frame 92 and the short sides 933 and 944 of the frame 93, spaced apart in the Y direction. The support beams 91A and 91B are provided with insertion holes 911 to 914 for these bolts B at intervals in the Y direction.

[0192] 8(a), when viewed from the Z direction, the insertion holes 913, 914 of the support beam 91B form an arc shape that follows a common imaginary circle Im. The insertion holes 913, 914 are curved in a direction such that the separation distance in the Y direction increases from the side surface 91a on the X2 side of the support beam 91B toward the side surface 91b on the X1 side. The angular range of the insertion holes 913, 914 in the direction along the imaginary circle Im can be, for example, 30°.

[0193] 8(a), when viewed from the Z direction, the insertion holes 911-914 of the support beam 91A and the insertion holes 911-914 of the support beam 91B are provided line-symmetrically with respect to the midline Yc between the support beams 91A and 91B in the X direction. Also, in each of the support beams 91A and 91B, the insertion holes 911 and 912 and the insertion holes 913 and 914 are provided line-symmetrically with respect to the midline Xc.

[0194] The short sides 923, 924 of the frame 92 and the short sides 933, 934 of the frame 93 are fixed to the support beams 91A, 91B, respectively, by tightening the bolts B inserted into the insertion holes 911 to 914 (see, for example, FIG. 8(b)). On the other hand, the fixation between the frames 92, 93 and the support beams 91A, 91B is released by loosening the bolts B.

[0195] When the bolt B is loosened, the bolt B screwed into the short side portions 923, 924 of the frame 92 and the short side portions 933, 934 of the frame 93 is loosely fitted into the insertion holes 911 to 914. That is, the frames 92, 93 are supported so as to be swingable within the angular range of the insertion holes 911 to 914 relative to the support beams 91A, 91B when viewed from the Z direction.

[0196] For example, as shown in the enlarged area of ​​Figure 8(a), in the insertion holes 913, 914, the bolt B can be displaced in the clockwise direction (CW) or counterclockwise direction (CCW) between the Y2 side end portions 913a, 914a and the Y1 side end portions 913b, 914b of the insertion holes 913, 914.

[0197] 7, biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B are provided on the support beam 91 of the guide portion 9 on the Y2 side of the frame 92 and the Y1 side of the frame 93. The biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B are provided in a direction along the Z direction and are provided across the arm portions 831 and 841 of the brackets 83 and 84 and the support beam 91 of the guide portion 9. In the following explanation, the biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B will be simply referred to as the biasing mechanism 87 unless a distinction is made between them.

[0198] The biasing mechanism 87 has a shaft S having a screw groove formed on its outer periphery and extending in the Z direction, nuts N threaded onto the upper and lower ends of the shaft S, and a spring Sp extrapolated onto the shaft S between the nuts N on the upper and lower ends.

[0199] The shaft S penetrates the arms 831 and 841 of the brackets 83 and 84 and the support beam 91 in the Z direction. Nuts N and N that are screwed onto the upper and lower ends of the shaft S are provided in positions that sandwich the arms 831 and 841 and the support beam 91 of the guide unit 9 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the guide unit 9 is suspended from the brackets 83 and 84 by the shaft S and nuts N and N.

[0200] Guide portion 9 suspended from brackets 83 and 84 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction along shaft S. Springs Sp are provided between arms 831 and 841 and support beam 91 in the vertical direction. Guide portion 9 is in a state in which support beam 91 is pressed against nut N on the lower side by the biasing force of springs Sp.

[0201] As a result, a downward biasing force is constantly applied to the guide portion 9 by the spring Sp, and the rollers 94, 95 maintain a state in which they press the workpiece W on the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 downward in the Z direction. By rotating while pressing the workpiece W, the rollers 94, 95 prevent the workpiece W from being lifted by the drying air Dw from the dryer D and guide the conveyance in the X direction (white arrow in (a) of FIG. 8).

[0202] Here, the guide portion 9 is configured so that the inclination of the rotation axes Lm and Ln of the rollers 94 and 95 can be adjusted when viewed from the Z direction. (i) For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), in the frames 92 and 93, the ends on the X2 side can be displaced in a direction to move closer to each other in the Y direction, and the ends on the X1 side can be displaced in a direction to move away from each other in the Y direction. In this case, the distance W1 between the frames 92 and 93 in the Y direction is narrower on the X2 side than the distance W2 on the X1 side (W1 <W2)。

[0203] 8(a), when the bolt B in the insertion hole 913 of the support beam 91B moves in the clockwise direction CW in the direction along the imaginary circle Im, it abuts against the end 913a on the Y2 side. Also, when the bolt B in the insertion hole 914 moves in the clockwise direction CW, it abuts against the end 914a on the Y2 side. The bolts B in the insertion holes 913 and 914 of the support beam 91A abut against the ends on the Y1 side.

[0204] In this state, bolt B is tightened to fix frame 93 to support beams 91A and 91B, causing roller 95 to rotate around rotation axis Ln, which is inclined clockwise by angle θB with respect to rotation axis Y13 of drive roller 88. For example, angle θB can be set to 15°.

[0205] 8(a), when viewed from the Z direction, by displacing the frame 92 counterclockwise, the bolts B in the insertion holes 911 and 912 of the support beam 91B come into contact with the ends on the Y1 side, respectively. Also, the bolts B in the insertion holes 911 and 912 of the support beam 91A come into contact with the ends on the Y2 side, respectively.

[0206] In this state, bolt B is tightened to fix frame 92 to support beams 91A and 91B, causing roller 94 to rotate around rotation axis Lm, which is inclined counterclockwise by angle θA relative to rotation axis Y13 of drive roller 88. For example, angle θA can be set to 15°.

[0207] As a result, the rollers 94 and 95, which are inclined with respect to the rotation axis Y13, apply uniform tension to the workpiece W moving on the belt conveyor 13 in directions away from each other in the Y direction (arrows a and b in FIG. 8(a)). In other words, the guide unit 9 functions as a tenter. This allows shrinkage and wrinkles that have occurred in the workpiece W to be smoothed out in parallel with the transport of the workpiece W. The workpiece W, which is transported to the X1 side over the rollers 94 and 95, is finally discharged into a collection box 16 (see FIG. 2). For example, by adjusting the angles θA and θB to be smaller than 15°, the tension in the Y direction acting on the workpiece W can be reduced. For example, this can be used for workpieces W with weak tensile strength.

[0208] (ii) For example, in the frames 92 and 93, the rotation axes Lm and Ln of the rollers 94 and 95 can be oriented parallel to the rotation axis Y13 of the drive roller 88, respectively. As shown in the enlarged area of ​​FIG. 8(a), the bolts B in the insertion holes 913, 914 of the support beam 91B are disposed approximately midway between the Y2 side end portions 913a, 914a and the Y1 side end portions 913b, 914b. In this case, no tension in the Y direction acts on the workpiece W on the belt conveyor 13. Therefore, this can be used, for example, when it is desired to prevent the workpiece W from extending in the Y direction.

[0209] (iii) For example, when the workpiece W is transferred from the belt conveyor 12 (see FIG. 2) of the rinsing section 4, it may be positioned at a position biased toward the Y1 side or the Y2 side of the belt conveyor 13. In this case, it is considered that the drying air Dw from the dryer D does not properly hit the workpiece W. In particular, when the workpiece W is small in size, the position on the belt conveyor 13 is likely to vary when viewed from the Z direction.

[0210] Therefore, the frames 92 and 93 are designed so that their X1 side ends can be displaced in a direction to move closer to each other in the Y direction, and their X2 side ends can be displaced in a direction to move away from each other in the Y direction.

[0211] As shown in the enlarged region of FIG. 8(a), the bolts B in the insertion holes 913 and 914 of the support beam 91B abut against the Y1-side end portions 913b and 914b, respectively. In this case, when the bolts B abut against the Y1-side end portions 913b and 914b of the insertion holes 913 and 914 of the support beam 91B, the rotation axis Ln of the roller 95 can be tilted counterclockwise by an angle of 15° with respect to the rotation axis Y13 of the drive roller 88. Note that, although not described further, the rotation axis Lm of the roller 94 can also be tilted clockwise by an angle of 15° with respect to the rotation axis Y13 of the drive roller 88 in the same manner.

[0212] The workpiece W transferred on the Y1 side or Y2 side of the belt conveyor 13 is guided to the midpoint line Xc side by passing through the guide section 9. This allows the drying air Dw from the dryer D to be appropriately applied to the workpiece W on the belt conveyor 13.

[0213] In this way, as described above in (i) to (iii), by adjusting the inclination of the rollers 94, 95 when viewed from the Z direction, the guide unit 9 can provide a variety of ways to guide the workpiece W on the belt conveyor 13, such as applying tension to the workpiece W in the Y direction, simply guiding the transport in the X direction, or moving the workpiece W to a position where it is appropriately hit by the drying air Dw from the dryer D.

[0214] <Circulation section> 1, the circulation unit 6 includes a waste liquid tank 60 for storing used bleaching solution Q, a separation device 61 for separating the disperse dye from the used bleaching solution Q, and a new liquid tank 65 for storing pre-use bleaching solution Q. The separation device 61 can be, for example, a filter or a distillation device. The waste liquid tank 60 is connected to the treatment tank 23 of the decolorization section 2 (see Figure 4) via a discharge path OL, and used decolorization liquid Q discharged from the treatment tank 23 of the decolorization section 2 is stored in the waste liquid tank 60. The waste liquid tank 60 is connected via piping to a separation device 61. The used decolorizing solution Q stored in the waste liquid tank 60 is separated into disperse dyes in the separation device 61. This makes the decolorizing solution Q reusable.

[0215] The separation device 61 is connected to the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4 via a reflux path RL (reflux section) for the decolorizing solution Q. The reflux path RL is provided with a valve 62 for switching the flow of the decolorizing solution Q and a pump 63 for discharging the decolorizing solution Q. The new liquid tank 65 is connected to a valve 62 of the return line RL. The valve 62 allows the supply of the reusable decolorizing liquid Q from the separation device 61 and new decolorizing liquid Q from the new liquid tank 65 to the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing section 4 by switching between them. As described above, the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing section 4 and the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing section 2 are connected via the supply path SL (supply section). A pump 64 is provided in the supply path SL.

[0216] The control unit 19 controls the operation of the pumps 63, 64 of the circulation unit 6 and the switching of the valve 62, so that the circulation unit 6 circulates the bleaching solution Q in the decolorizing device 1. The control unit 19 can perform control such that the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tanks 23, 43 is replaced at regular intervals, for example. Alternatively, the control unit 19 can replace the bleaching solution Q when the concentration of the disperse dye in the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tanks 23, 43 reaches or exceeds a threshold value. In this case, the treatment tanks 23 and 43 may be provided with sensors that measure the concentration of the disperse dye in the bleaching solution Q. Alternatively, the control unit 19 can control the circulation unit 6 so that the liquid level in the treatment tanks 23, 43 is kept constant based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level adjustment units 26, 46.

[0217] The purpose of the rinsing process in the rinsing section 4 is to remove the disperse dye adhering to the surface of the workpiece W. Therefore, it is desirable to use a new decolorizing solution Q or a reusable decolorizing solution Q from which the disperse dye has been removed for the rinsing process. On the other hand, the bleaching treatment in the bleaching unit 2 aims to heat the workpiece W to widen the gaps between the fibers, making it easier for the disperse dye to escape. Therefore, even if a certain amount of disperse dye is present in the bleaching solution Q, it can be used for the bleaching treatment.

[0218] Therefore, the circulation unit 6 supplies the decolorizing solution Q used in the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4 to the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing unit 2 via the supply line SL. The circulation unit 6 returns the decolorizing solution Q that has become reusable in the separation device 61 to the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4 via the return line RL. Alternatively, the circulation unit 6 supplies new decolorizing solution Q stored in a new solution tank 65 to the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4 by switching the valve 62. Therefore, there is no need to supply new decolorizing solution Q to each of the decolorizing unit 2 and the rinsing unit 4. Furthermore, not only new decolorizing solution Q but also decolorizing solution Q that has become reusable in the separation device 61 is supplied to the rinsing unit 4. In other words, by providing the circulation unit 6, the decolorizing device 1 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of new decolorizing solution used. Furthermore, by reusing used decolorizing solution Q instead of discarding it, disposal costs and environmental loads can be reduced.

[0219] The waste liquid tank 60 and new liquid tank 65 of the circulation unit 6 are used to store the bleaching liquid. When using a bleaching liquid containing an organic solvent, it is desirable to locate the waste liquid tank 60 and new liquid tank 65 away from the electrical equipment to avoid ignition.

[0220] <Recovery Department> As shown in FIG. 1, the collection section 7 includes an intake duct 71 connected to the exhaust ports 225, 425, 825 of the decolorizing section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8, a fume collection device 70, and an exhaust duct 72. Although not shown, the intake duct 71 is equipped with an intake fan. By driving the intake fan, air containing fumes F from the bleaching solution generated in the bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, and drying section 8 is exhausted from the exhaust ports 225, 425, and 825 and supplied to the fume collection device 70. The fume collection device 70 recovers the fumes F from the bleaching solution contained in the air by returning them to a liquid. Although not shown, the fume collection device 70 can be configured to include, for example, an electronic cooler that cools the fumes F to condense them, and a collection tank that collects the condensation dripping from the surface of the electronic cooler. The air from which the fumes F have been removed by the fume collection device 70 is exhausted into the atmosphere via the exhaust duct 72. The decolorizing solution returned to a liquid state by the fume collection device 70 can be reused in the decolorizing device 1. Although not shown in the figures, the fume collection device 70 may be connected to the return path RL, and the decolorizing solution returned to a liquid state by the fume collection device 70 may be supplied to the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing section 4.

[0221] When using a decolorizing solution containing an organic solvent, it is desirable to place the fume recovery device 70 away from electrical equipment to prevent ignition.

[0222] <Processing flow in the decolorization device> The process flow in the decolorizing device 1 will be described. 3, the workpiece W to be bleached is inserted into the supply port 212a formed in the case 21 of the bleaching unit 2. The workpiece W is sandwiched between the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11 and the guide roller GR and guided into the case 21. The workpiece W placed on the transport surface 11a is transported in the transport direction by the rotation of the belt conveyor 11 counterclockwise (CCW). When the workpiece W moves to the recess 11b of the transport surface 11a, it is immersed in the bleaching solution Q contained in the treatment tank 23. Inside the recess 11b, the workpiece W is sandwiched between the recess 11b and the workpiece presser 3, so that the workpiece W is less likely to float up while immersed in the bleaching solution Q.

[0223] The decolorizing solution Q is heated by the heater 25 to a temperature T1 equal to or higher than the fiber-spreading temperature, and is stirred by the stirring mechanism 33. When the workpiece W comes into contact with the convection current of the heated decolorizing solution Q, the gaps between the fibers contained in the workpiece W widen, and the disperse dye escapes from the gaps between the fibers and moves into the decolorizing solution Q.

[0224] After the workpiece W passes through the recess 11b, the decolorizing solution Q is squeezed out by the squeezing roller SR, and the workpiece W is transported to the outside of the case 21 through the discharge outlet 213a, drops down the step portion 14, and moves to the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 of the rinsing section 4.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 5, the workpiece W is guided from a supply port 412a formed in the case 41 of the rinsing unit 4 into the inside of the case 41 while being sandwiched between the conveying surface 12a and the guide roller GR. The workpiece W placed on the conveying surface 12a is conveyed in the conveying direction by the rotation of the belt conveyor 12 counterclockwise (CCW). When the workpiece W moves to the recess 12b of the conveying surface 12a, it is immersed in the bleaching solution Q contained in the treatment tank 43. Inside the recess 12b, the workpiece W is sandwiched between the recess 12b and the workpiece presser 5, so that the workpiece W is less likely to float up while immersed in the bleaching solution Q.

[0226] The decolorizing solution Q is heated by the heater 45 to a temperature T2 that is lower than the temperature T1, and is stirred by the stirring mechanism 53. When the workpiece W comes into contact with the convection current of the decolorizing solution Q at temperature T2, the disperse dye adhering to the surface of the workpiece W moves into the decolorizing solution. Also, the gaps between the fibers of the workpiece W that had expanded narrow again, reducing the chance of the disperse dye re-entering the gaps.

[0227] After the workpiece W passes through the recess 12b, the decolorizing liquid Q is squeezed out by the squeezing roller SR, and the workpiece W is transported to the outside of the case 41 through the discharge outlet 413a, drops down the step portion 15, and moves to the transport surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 in the drying section 8.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 2, the workpiece W placed on the conveying surface 13a is conveyed in the conveying direction by the belt conveyor 13 rotating counterclockwise CCW. As the workpiece W is transported in the transport direction, it passes over the heating device 85 and also passes under the dryer D provided in the hood 82. The heating device 85 and the dryer D evaporate the decolorizing solution Q that has soaked into the workpiece W, and the workpiece W dries. The workpiece W passes under the dryer D while being sandwiched between the conveying surface 13a and the guide section 9. This prevents the workpiece W from being lifted by the drying air Dw from the dryer D, and guides it in the conveying direction. In addition, tension is applied to the workpiece W in the Y direction by the guide section 9, which smooths out shrinkage and wrinkles that occur during drying (see Figure 8).

[0229] As described above, the bleaching device 1 described in the embodiment has, for example, the following configuration. (1) The decolorizing device 1 is a treatment tank 23 (first treatment tank) of the decolorizing unit 2 that contains a decolorizing solution Q (first decolorizing solution); a treatment tank 43 (second treatment tank) of the rinsing section 4 that contains a decolorizing solution Q (second decolorizing solution); The apparatus includes a conveying section 10 that conveys a workpiece W including fibers that are dyed or colored with a disperse dye (dye). The decolorizing device 1 decolorizes the workpiece W by transporting the workpiece W successively to the treatment tank 23 and the treatment tank 43 using the transport unit 10.

[0230] The bleaching device 1 of this embodiment can efficiently perform the bleaching treatment. In the decolorizing apparatus 1, the conveying unit 10 continuously conveys the workpiece W to the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing unit 2 and the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4, so that the decolorizing treatment in the decolorizing unit 2 and the rinsing treatment in the rinsing unit 4 are seamlessly performed on the workpiece W. This eliminates the need to manually transfer the workpiece W between each treatment, making it possible to automate and speed up the treatment, and reducing labor costs. The bleaching solution Q (first bleaching solution) contained in the processing tank 23 and the bleaching solution Q (second bleaching solution) contained in the processing tank 43 may be the same or different, as described in the embodiment. 2, the treatment tanks 23 and 43 are shown as being roughly the same size, but this is not a limitation. As described above, the depths of the treatment tanks 23 and 43 and the areas of the bottom portions 231 and 431 can be made different depending on the treatment times required in the bleaching unit 2 and the rinsing unit 4, respectively. Furthermore, the lengths of the belt conveyors 11 and 12 in the X direction and the sizes of the recesses 11b and 12b can be adjusted to match the sizes of the treatment tanks 23 and 43, respectively.

[0231] (2) The treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing section 2 and the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing section 4 are arranged side by side along the direction in which the workpiece W is conveyed. The transfer section 10 includes transfer surfaces 11a and 12a of belt conveyors 11 and 12 on which the works W are placed in the decolorizing section 2 and the rinsing section 4, respectively. The transport surface 11a has a recess 11b as a portion that passes through the inside of the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing unit 2. The transport surface 12a has a recess 12b as a portion that passes through the inside of the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4.

[0232] With this configuration, the workpiece W can be placed on the conveying surfaces 11a, 12a and come into contact with the decolorizing solution contained in the treatment tank 23, treatment tank 43. This eliminates the need for a mechanism to move the workpiece W from the conveying surfaces 11a, 12a into each treatment tank 23, 43, and also enables faster treatment.

[0233] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the conveying section 10 is configured with belt conveyors 11, 12, and 13 provided in the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8, respectively, but this is not limited to this example. The conveying section 10 may be, for example, a single belt conveyor that continuously conveys the workpieces over the entire length of the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8. Alternatively, the conveying section 10 may be configured with a single continuous belt conveyor provided in the bleaching section 2 and the rinsing section 4, and a separate belt conveyor provided in the drying section 8. Alternatively, a separate belt conveyor may be provided in the bleaching section 2, and a single continuous belt conveyor provided in the rinsing section 4 and the drying section 8. For example, the conveying section 10 may be configured with rails arranged along the conveying direction and a cart that can slide on the rails, and a conveying surface on which the workpieces W are placed may be provided on the cart. In the embodiment, the bleaching unit 2 and the rinsing unit 4 have been described as having roughly the same configuration, but they may have different configurations. For example, one of the bleaching unit 2 and the rinsing unit 4 may be configured with a belt conveyor, and the other may be configured with, for example, rails and a cart.

[0234] (3) The treatment tank 23 is disposed below the transfer surface 11a in the Z direction (vertical direction) and has an opening at the top. The transfer surface 11a has a recess 11b at a portion that overlaps the opening of the treatment tank 23 when viewed from the Z direction. The recess 11b is at least partially immersed in the decolorizing solution Q contained inside the treatment tank . The treatment tank 43 is disposed below the transfer surface 12a in the Z direction and has an opening at the top. The transfer surface 12a has a recess 12b at a portion overlapping the opening of the treatment tank 43 when viewed from the Z direction. The recess 12b is at least partially immersed in the decolorizing solution Q contained inside the treatment tank 43.

[0235] With a simple configuration in which recesses 11b, 12b are provided on transport surfaces 11a, 12a, the workpiece W can be passed through the inside of treatment tank 23 and treatment tank 43 while being transported. The structure for passing the transport surfaces 11a and 12a through the interior of the treatment tanks 23 and 43 is not limited to the recessed portion. For example, when the transport unit 10 is composed of rails and a cart, the rails may be provided so as to penetrate the side surfaces 232, 233 of the treatment tank 23 and the side surfaces 432, 433 of the treatment tank 43, respectively. When the workpiece W placed on the cart enters the treatment tank 23, 43, the liquid level in the treatment tank 23, 43 may rise, so that the workpiece W placed on the cart is immersed in the bleaching solution. Alternatively, the bleaching solution Q may be sprayed from above the treatment tank 23, 43 toward the workpiece W, thereby immersing the workpiece W in the bleaching solution.

[0236] (4) The decolorizing device 1 includes a hood 22 that covers the opening of the treatment tank 23 and a hood 42 that covers the opening of the treatment tank 43 .

[0237] The bleaching solution Q may be, for example, one whose main component is an organic solvent. When heated, the organic solvent partially evaporates, which can produce an odor. Furthermore, when the evaporated bleaching solution Q is cooled in the air, it turns into fine particulate fumes F. By providing hoods 22, 42 that cover the openings of the treatment tanks 23, 43, it is possible to reduce the diffusion of odors and capture the fumes F from the bleaching solution Q.

[0238] (5) The decolorizing device 1 is equipped with a heating device 25 that heats the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing section 2. The hood 22 of the decolorizing section 2 has an exhaust port 225 through which fumes F of the decolorizing solution Q heated by the heating device 25 are exhausted. The exhaust port 225 is connected to a fume recovery device 70 (recovery device) that returns the fumes F to a liquid and recovers the decolorizing solution Q. The decolorizing apparatus 1 includes a heating device 45 that heats the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing section 4. The hood 42 of the rinsing section 4 has an exhaust port 425 through which fumes F of the decolorizing solution Q heated by the heating device 45 are exhausted. The exhaust port 425 is connected to the fume recovery device 70.

[0239] By recovering the fumes F of the bleaching solution Q from the exhaust gas generated in the bleaching section 2 and the rinsing section 4, the exhaust gas can be safely released into the atmosphere, thereby reducing the burden on the environment. In addition, the bleaching solution Q recovered by the fume recovery device 70 can be reused for processing in the bleaching device 1, thereby reducing processing costs.

[0240] (6) The decolorizing device 1 is provided with a workpiece holder 3 that is disposed inside the treatment tank 23 of the decolorizing section 2, facing the recess 11b of the conveying surface 11a of the belt conveyor 11, and that prevents the workpiece W from floating up. The decolorizing device 1 is provided with a workpiece holder 5 that is disposed inside the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing section 4, facing the recess 12b of the conveying surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12, and that prevents the workpiece W from floating up.

[0241] When the workpiece W is immersed in the decolorizing solution Q in the recesses 11b, 12b, if it floats up and separates from the conveying surfaces 11a, 12a, there is a possibility that the conveyance of the workpiece W will not be carried out properly. By providing the workpiece holders 3, 5 opposite the recesses 11b, 12b, it is possible to reduce the floating of the workpiece W, and therefore the workpiece W can be conveyed smoothly.

[0242] (7) The workpiece holders 3 and 5 have portions facing the recesses 11b and 12b (for example, the bottom surfaces 31a and 51a and the lower portions of the inclined surfaces 31c, 31d, 51c, and 51d). The workpiece holders 3 and 5 can be configured, for example, as a belt conveyor that rotates in conjunction with the belt conveyor 12. In this case, the portions of the workpiece holders 3 and 5 facing the recesses 11b and 12b function as guides that guide the movement of the workpiece W in the conveying direction.

[0243] The workpiece W is sandwiched between the recesses 11b, 12b and the workpiece holders 3, 5 within the recesses 11b, 12b, but the movement of the workpiece W in the conveying direction is guided by the guide portions, so the workpiece W can be conveyed smoothly. The present invention is not limited to the example in which the entire work holders 3 and 5 are configured as belt conveyors. For example, a conveyor roller may be provided as a guide portion on at least one of the bottom surface 31a and the inclined surfaces 31c and 31d.

[0244] (8) The workpiece holder 3 has holes 310 through which the decolorizing solution Q can pass on the bottom surface 31a, which faces the recess 11b. Above the bottom surface 31a, an agitation mechanism 33 for agitating the destaining solution Q (first destaining solution) is provided. The workpiece holder 5 has a hole 510 through which the decolorizing solution Q can pass in the bottom surface 51a, which is the portion facing the recess 12b. Above the bottom surface 51a, an agitation mechanism 53 for agitating the destaining solution Q (second destaining solution) is provided.

[0245] The agitation mechanisms 33, 53 must be positioned so as not to obstruct the transport of the workpieces W and so as to be immersed in the bleaching solution Q. The agitation mechanisms 33, 53 can be positioned, for example, below the recesses 11b, 12b of the treatment tanks 23, 43. However, this would require space for the agitation mechanisms 33, 53, resulting in an increase in the size of the treatment tanks 23, 43 and the amount of bleaching solution Q required. In this embodiment, the workpiece holders 3, 5 are configured as mesh belts, thereby forming holes 310, 510 in the workpiece holders 3, 5. The bleaching solution Q passes through the holes 310, 510 and is also stored above the bottom surface 31a of the workpiece holders 3, 5. This allows the agitation mechanisms 33, 53 to be positioned by utilizing the space above the bottom surface 31a in the recesses 11b, 12b. This contributes to the compactness of the treatment tanks 23, 43 and reduces the amount of bleaching solution Q used. In this embodiment, the workpiece holders 3 and 5, along with the belt conveyors 11 and 12, are also configured as belt conveyors. That is, both the belt conveyors 11 and 12 and the workpiece holders 3 and 5 are formed with a large number of holes 110, 120, 310, and 510 through which the bleaching solution Q can pass. This allows the bleaching solution Q to come into uniform contact with substantially the entire surface of the workpiece W when it is sandwiched between the recesses 11b and 12b and the workpiece holders 3 and 5. Furthermore, even if the workpiece holders 3 and 5 are displaced in the Z direction or the recesses 11b and 12b of the belt conveyors 11 and 12 are bent in the Z direction, the liquid level of the bleaching solution Q in the treatment tanks 23 and 43 is unlikely to fluctuate.

[0246] In the above-described embodiment, the belt conveyors 11, 12 and the work holders 3, 5 are made of mesh belts to form the holes 110, 120, 310, 510, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, a plurality of holes may be formed in a belt-like belt.

[0247] (9) The transport unit 10 has a step portion 14 that descends from the upper side to the lower side in the Z direction toward the downstream side in the transport direction between the processing tank 23 and the processing tank 43 in the transport direction.

[0248] With this configuration, the conveying section 10 can smoothly move the workpiece W between the decolorizing section 2 and the rinsing section 4 by utilizing the weight of the workpiece W itself. In addition, from the viewpoint of utilizing the weight of the work W, a slope may be provided instead of the step portion 14, but the step portion 14 has a shorter distance in the X direction compared to a slope, which contributes to the miniaturization of the decolorizing device 1. 2 shows an example in which the treatment tank 43 of the rinsing unit 4 is located at a lower position in the Z direction than the treatment tank 23 of the bleaching unit 2, but this is not limiting. The transport unit 10 only needs to be located so as to descend downstream in the transport direction at least in the transfer portion from the bleaching unit 2 to the rinsing unit 4, and the treatment tank 43 may be located at the same position as the treatment tank 23 in the Z direction or at a higher position than the treatment tank 23, for example. When the treatment tank 43 is provided at a higher position than the treatment tank 23, the decolorizing solution Q can be supplied from the treatment tank 43 to the treatment tank 23 by utilizing the head difference between the decolorizing solution Q in the treatment tank 43 and the decolorizing solution Q in the treatment tank 23. In this case, the pump 64 (see Figures 1 and 6) of the supply path SL does not need to be provided.

[0249] (10) A drying section 8 is provided for drying the workpiece W. The conveying section 10 passes the workpiece W through the treatment tank 43 (second treatment tank) and then the drying section 8 in succession.

[0250] With this configuration, the series of processes of bleaching, rinsing, and drying can be automated, reducing labor costs and enabling the bleaching process to be performed at a higher speed.

[0251] (11) The transport section 10 includes a belt conveyor 13 that transports the workpiece W placed on a transport surface 13a in the area passing through the drying section 8. A transfer surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 is located below a transfer surface 12a of the belt conveyor 12 (the area passing through the second treatment tank). The transport surface 13a has a step 15 that descends toward the X1 side (downstream side in the transport direction) between the rinsing section 4 having the treatment tank 43 and the drying section 8.

[0252] With this configuration, the workpiece W transported on the belt conveyor 13 falls down the step 15 between the rinsing section 4 and the drying section 8. In other words, the workpiece W can be moved by utilizing gravity, which is simple and does not require a separate device for transfer (for example, a robot arm).

[0253] (12) The drying section 8 is provided with a guide section 9 that is disposed opposite the conveying surface 13a and that guides the workpiece W during conveyance.

[0254] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the workpieces W from being lifted up by the drying air Dw of the dryer D and falling off the belt conveyor 13, for example.

[0255] (13) The guide portion 9 has rollers 94, 95 that contact the workpiece W on the conveying surface 13a, frames 92, 93 that rotatably support the rollers 94, 95, and support beams 91A, 91B that are support portions that support the frames 92, 93. When viewed from the Z direction (the direction perpendicular to the conveying surface), the frames 92 and 93 are supported by support beams 91A and 91B so as to be able to swing.

[0256] With this configuration, the rollers 94, 95 supported by the frames 92, 93 can have their rotation axes Lm, Ln inclined relative to the rotation axis Y13 of the drive roller 88 (see FIG. 8(a)). Therefore, by adjusting the orientation of the rollers 94 and 95, it is possible to provide a variety of ways to guide the workpiece W on the belt conveyor 13, such as applying tension in the Y direction to the workpiece W on the belt conveyor 13 while preventing it from falling off the belt conveyor 13, simply guiding the transport in the X direction, or moving the workpiece W to a position where it will be appropriately hit by the drying air Dw from the dryer D.

[0257] (14) When viewed from the Z direction, the frames 92 and 93 are disposed on one side and the other side of the midline Xc of the conveying surface 13a in the Y direction (direction perpendicular to the conveying direction). The frame 92 on one side and the frame 93 on the other side are supported by support beams 91A and 91B so that the distance W1 between the short side portions 923 and 933, which are the ends on the X2 side (upstream side in the conveying direction), is narrower than the distance W2 between the short side portions 924 and 934, which are the ends on the X1 side (downstream side in the conveying direction).

[0258] With this configuration, the rollers 94 and 95, which are inclined with respect to the rotation axis Y13, apply uniform tension to the workpiece W moving on the belt conveyor 13 in directions away from each other in the Y direction (arrows a and b in FIG. 8(a)). In other words, the guide unit 9 functions as a tenter. This allows shrinkage and wrinkles that have occurred in the workpiece W to be smoothed out in parallel with the transport of the workpiece W.

[0259] The bleaching device 1 described in the embodiment has, for example, the following configuration. (I) The decolorizing device 1 decolorizes the workpiece W containing fibers dyed or colored with a dye using a decolorizing solution Q. In the bleaching device 1, at least a portion having electrical equipment is disposed away from the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8, which are processing sections from which the bleaching solution Q may leak.

[0260] The decolorizing solution Q may contain an organic solvent. If the bleaching solution Q leaking from the bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, drying section 8, etc. comes into contact with electrical equipment, it may ignite. If the bleaching section 2, rinsing section 4, drying section 8, etc. are made explosion-proof to prevent contact between the bleaching solution Q and electrical equipment, the cost of the equipment will increase. By locating the decolorizing section 2, rinsing section 4, and drying section 8, which may have the risk of leakage of the decolorizing liquid Q, away from, for example, the parts of other processing sections (circulation section 6, recovery section 7, compressor 18, control section 19, etc.) that have at least electrical equipment, it is possible to reduce equipment costs while increasing the safety of the decolorizing device 1.

[0261] (II) The decolorizing device 1 includes heating devices 25 and 45 for heating the decolorizing solution Q, The apparatus is also provided with a fume recovery device 70 that recovers the decolorizing solution Q vaporized by the heating devices 25 and 45 by returning it to a liquid state. The fume collection device 70 is disposed away from the electrical equipment.

[0262] When an organic solvent is used as the bleaching solution Q, there is a possibility that the bleaching solution leaking from the fume recovery device 70 may ignite if it comes into contact with electrical equipment. If the fume recovery device 70 is made explosion-proof, the equipment cost will increase. By arranging the fume recovery device 70 away from the electrical equipment, the safety of the decolorizing device 1 can be improved while reducing the equipment cost.

[0263] (III) The decolorizing device 1 includes a waste liquid tank 60 and a new liquid tank 65, which are storage sections for the decolorizing liquid Q. The waste liquid tank 60 and the new liquid tank 65 are disposed away from the electrical equipment.

[0264] When an organic solvent is used as the decolorizing solution Q, there is a possibility that the decolorizing solution Q leaking from the waste liquid tank 60 and the new liquid tank 65 may ignite if it comes into contact with electrical equipment. If the waste liquid tank 60 and the new liquid tank 65 are made explosion-proof, the cost of the equipment will increase. By locating the waste liquid tank 60 and the new liquid tank 65 away from the electrical equipment, the equipment cost can be reduced and the safety of the decolorizing device can be increased.

[0265] (IV) The bleaching solution Q may contain an organic solvent having a boiling point higher than the heating temperature in the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4 and the drying section 8.

[0266] By using an organic solvent with a high boiling point, the safety of the decolorizing device 1 can be further improved.

[0267] (V) The distances between the bleaching section 2, the rinsing section 4, and the drying section 8 and the section having electrical equipment can be set in accordance with the regulations of the installation location.

[0268] This can further increase the safety of the bleaching device 1.

[0269] <Variation 1> FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a guide portion 9A according to the first modification. 10 is a diagram illustrating a guide portion 9A according to Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 9 and 10 show a guide unit 9A, which is a first modification of the guide unit 9 of the drying unit 8. In the first modification, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, in FIGS. 9 and 10, parts for which reference numerals are omitted can be considered to be denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0270] As shown in FIG. 9, the guide portion 9A according to the first modification includes a roller 99 facing the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13, a shaft 98 inserted into the roller 99, and frames 96 and 97 supporting both ends of the shaft 98.

[0271] The roller 99 and shaft 98 are oriented along the Y direction. The frames 96 and 97 are suspended from brackets 83 and 84 via biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B. The guide portion 9A is in a state in which the frames 96 and 97 are pressed against the lower nut N by the biasing force of the spring Sp. The outer peripheral surface 990 of the roller 99 presses the workpiece W on the conveying surface 13a of the belt conveyor 13 in the Z direction by the biasing forces of the biasing mechanisms 87A and 87B.

[0272] 10, frames 96 and 97 are linear, long plates oriented along the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction. The biasing mechanisms 87A are provided at an end 96a on the X2 side and an end 96b on the X1 side of frame 96 in the X direction. The biasing mechanisms 87B are provided at an end 97a on the X2 side and an end 97b on the X1 side of frame 97 in the X direction.

[0273] When viewed from the Z direction, a roller 99 is provided between the frames 96 and 97 in the Y direction. The roller 99 is supported by the frames 96 and 97 and rotates around a rotation axis Lp that is parallel to the rotation axis Y13 of the drive roller 88. A plurality of rollers 99 are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0274] Here, as shown in Figure 10, among the multiple rollers 99 lined up in the X direction, the roller 99' arranged in the area on the X2 side of the midline Yc of the frames 96 and 97 in the X direction is formed to be curved toward the X1 side when viewed from the Z direction.

[0275] Specifically, a middle portion 99c of the roller 99' in the Y direction is offset toward the X1 side from both end portions 99a, 99b. A shaft 98' that penetrates the roller 99' in the Y direction also has an arc-shaped middle portion 98c in the Y direction that is offset toward the X1 side from both end portions 98a, 98b. The shaft 98' is fixed to the frames 96, 97 so as not to rotate relative to them. In the illustrated example, four rollers 99' and four shafts 98' are provided on the X2 side of the midline Yc.

[0276] The roller 99' is made of, for example, a flexible material (for example, sponge) and is provided rotatably around an arc-shaped shaft 98'. As a result, the roller 99' rotates around an arc-shaped rotation axis Lq such that the middle portion 99c in the Y direction is offset toward the X1 side from both end portions 99a, 99b.

[0277] As a result, when the workpieces W moving on the belt conveyor 13 are transported from the X2 side to the X1 side, tension is applied by the rollers 99' in directions that move them away from each other in the Y direction (arrows a and b in Figure 10). This makes it possible to smooth out shrinkage and wrinkles in the workpieces W. In other words, the guide section 9A functions as a tenter. After passing the rollers 99', the workpieces W are further guided by the rollers 99 toward the X1 side and are ultimately discharged into the collection box 16 (see Figure 2).

[0278] As described above, the guide portion 9A according to the first modification has, for example, the following configuration. (15) The guide portion 9A has a roller 99 that contacts the workpiece W on the conveying surface 13a, a shaft 98 inserted into the roller 99, and frames 96 and 97 that support both ends 98a and 99b of the shaft 98. When viewed from the Z direction, the rollers 99 are provided along the Y direction, and a plurality of rollers 99 are provided at intervals in the X direction. The roller 99' located on the X2 side (upstream side in the conveying direction) is curved so that a middle portion 99c in the Y direction is located closer to the X1 side (downstream side in the conveying direction) than both end portions 99a, 99b.

[0279] With this configuration, when the workpieces W moving on the belt conveyor 13 are transported from the X2 side to the X1 side, tension is applied by the rollers 99' in directions that move the workpieces W away from each other in the Y direction (arrows a and b in FIG. 10). This makes it possible to smooth out shrinkage and wrinkles in the workpieces W. In other words, the guide section 9A functions as a tenter. This allows shrinkage and wrinkles that have occurred in the workpiece W to be smoothed out in parallel with the transport of the workpiece W.

[0280] <Modifications 2 and 3> FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a guide portion 9B according to the second modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a guide portion 9C according to the third modification. 11 and 12, the curvatures of the rollers 99A and 99B are exaggerated. In addition, in Modifications 2 and 3, the same components as those in Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0281] 11, in a guide unit 9B according to Modification 2, a roller 99A is provided between frames 96 and 97 in the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. One end 991 and the other end 992 of the roller 99A are rotatably supported by the frames 96 and 97, respectively. The roller 99A rotates around a rotation axis Lp along the Y direction. A plurality of rollers 99A are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0282] The roller 99A is a crown roller whose outer diameter increases from one end 991 and the other end 992 in the Y direction toward a middle portion 993. When the roller 99A rotates around the rotation axis Lp, the peripheral speed differs between the one end 991 and the other end 992 and the intermediate portion 993. The workpiece W moves at a faster speed in the portion of the roller 99A that contacts the intermediate portion 993 than in the portion that contacts the one end 991 and the other end 992.

[0283] As a result, tension acts on the works W moving on the belt conveyor 13 in directions that move them away from each other in the Y direction (arrows a and b in FIG. 11), thereby smoothing out shrinkage and wrinkles in the works W. In other words, the guide section 9B functions as a tenter.

[0284] 12, in a guide section 9C according to Modification 3, a roller 99B is provided between frames 96 and 97 in the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. One end 994 and the other end 995 of the roller 99B are rotatably supported by the frames 96 and 97, respectively. The roller 99B rotates around a rotation axis Lp along the Y direction. A plurality of rollers 99B are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0285] The roller 99B is an inverted crown roller whose outer diameter decreases from one end 994 and the other end 995 in the Y direction toward a middle portion 996. When the roller 99B rotates around the rotation axis Lp, the peripheral speed differs between the one end 994 and the other end 995 and the intermediate portion 996. The moving speed of the workpiece W is slower at the portion of the roller 99B that contacts the intermediate portion 996 than at the portion that contacts the one end 994 and the other end 995.

[0286] As a result, tension acts on the works W moving on the belt conveyor 13 in directions that move them away from each other in the Y direction (arrows a and b in FIG. 12), thereby smoothing out shrinkage and wrinkles in the works W. In other words, the guide section 9C functions as a tenter.

[0287] Furthermore, the shape of the roller is not limited to these shapes, and any shape may be used as long as it applies tension in the Y direction to the workpiece W. Although not shown in the drawings, for example, a spiral groove or spiral protrusion having phases that move away from each other from the middle to both ends in the Y direction may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical roller.

[0288] In the embodiment and the above-described modified examples 1 to 3, the decolorizing device 1 has been described as an example in which the decolorizing device 1 separates the disperse dye from the workpiece using the decolorizing liquid to decolorize the workpiece, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the decolorizing device 1 may decolorize workpieces that have been dyed or colored by chemical reaction with a dye other than a disperse dye. In this case, the first decolorizing solution used in the decolorizing unit 2 may contain, for example, a bleaching agent that bleaches the pigment of the dye. Examples of bleaching agents include oxidizing bleaches such as chlorine bleaches or oxygen bleaches, and reducing bleaches. Furthermore, the second decolorizing solution used in the rinsing unit 4 may be, for example, a solution containing water as its main component.

[0289] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the modified examples may not only be applied to the embodiment, but at least a portion of the content of each modified example may also be applied to other modified examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0290] 1: Decolorization device 2: Decolorization section 22: Food 225: Exhaust port 23: Treatment tank (first treatment tank) 25: Heating device 3: Work holder 310: Hole 33: Stirring mechanism 4: Rinse section 42: Food 425: Exhaust port 43: Treatment tank (second treatment tank) 45: Heating device 5: Work holder 510: Hole 53: Stirring mechanism 6: Circulation section 60: Waste liquid tank (storage section) 61: Separation device 65: New liquid tank (storage section) 8:Drying section 82: Food 9, 9A, 9B, 9C: Guide section 94, 95: Laura 92, 93: Frame 91A, 91B: Support beam (support part) 923, 933: Short side (upstream edge in the conveying direction) 924, 934: Short side portion (end portion on the downstream side in the conveying direction) 96, 97: Frame 98: Shaft 99: Laura 99': Laura 99c: Middle part 99a, 99b: both ends 7: Recovery Department 70: Fume collection device (collection device) 10: Transport unit 11, 12, 13: Conveyor belt 11a, 12a, 13a: conveying surface 11b, 12b: recessed portion 14, 15: Stepped section 18: Compressor 19: Control unit Q:Decolorizing liquid SL: Supply path (supply section) RL: Reflux path (reflux section)

Claims

1. A decolorization device that decolorizes a workpiece including fibers dyed or colored with a dye using a decolorizing solution, A decolorizing device characterized in that at least a portion having electrical equipment is disposed away from a processing portion from which the decolorizing solution may leak.

2. In claim 1, a heating device for heating the decolorizing solution; a recovery device that recovers the decolorizing solution vaporized by the heating device by returning it to a liquid state, The decolorizing device is characterized in that the recovery device is disposed apart from the electrical equipment.

3. In claim 1, A bleaching device comprising a storage section for the bleaching solution, the storage section being disposed apart from the electrical device.

4. In claim 1, The decolorizing device is characterized in that the decolorizing solution contains an organic solvent having a boiling point higher than the heating temperature in the processing section.

5. In claim 1, A decolorizing device characterized in that the separation distance between the processing section and the section having the electrical equipment is set in accordance with regulations of the installation location.

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