Decolorization apparatus, decolorization system, and decolorization method

Abstract

To perform the decolorization process efficiently. [Solution] The decolorization apparatus 1 comprises a processing tank 2, a drum 30 and a rotation support mechanism 35 for the drum 30, and a tank section 5. The processing tank 2 can accommodate multiple workpieces and stores decolorization liquid Q. The drum 30 provided in the processing tank 2 is rotated by the rotation support mechanism 35 to agitate the decolorization liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2. The tank section 5 stores the decolorization liquid Q and is connected to the processing tank 2 via a flow passage 6. The tank section 5 has a first tank 51 and a second tank 52. The flow passage 66 has a supply passage 61 for the decolorization liquid Q that connects the first tank 51 and the second tank 52 to the processing tank 2, and a discharge passage 62 for the decolorization liquid Q that connects the processing tank 2 to the first tank 51.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a decolorizing apparatus, a decolorizing system, and a decolorizing method. [Background Art]

[0002] Dyeing can be performed by sublimation transfer of a dye onto a workpiece containing fibers such as polyester. Techniques have been proposed that enable recycling of the workpiece by decolorizing the dyed workpiece (e.g., Patent Document 1). For example, after the workpiece is immersed in a decolorizing solution and heated, the workpiece is pressed against an absorbent body. This causes the dye to move from the workpiece to the absorbent body, thereby decolorizing the workpiece. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-224128 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, when decolorizing workpieces one by one as in Patent Document 1, the treatment takes time, which may affect the efficiency of the decolorizing treatment.

[0005] It is demanded to improve the efficiency of decolorizing treatment by performing decolorizing treatment on workpieces in batches. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A decolorizing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is (1) A decolorizing apparatus for decolorizing a workpiece containing fibers dyed or colored with a dye, comprising: a treatment tank into which a plurality of said workpieces can be loaded and which stores a decolorizing solution; a stirring section that stirs said decolorizing solution stored in said treatment tank; The system includes a tank section for storing the decolorizing liquid and connected to the processing tank via a flow passage, The tank section comprises a first tank and a second tank. The flow passage includes a supply passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the first tank and the second tank to the treatment tank, and a discharge passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the treatment tank to the first tank.

[0007] (2) In the decolorization apparatus of (1) above, The aforementioned tank section has a third tank, The discharge passage connects the treatment tank to the third tank, The system includes a separation unit that separates the dye from the decolorizing liquid stored in the third tank and supplies it to the second tank.

[0008] (3) In the decolorization apparatus of (1) or (2) above, The tank section is provided with a heating section for heating the stored decolorizing liquid and has a fourth tank connected to the second tank. The supply line connects the fourth tank to the processing tank.

[0009] (4) In any of the decolorization apparatuses described in (1) to (3) above, At least one of the first tank and the second tank has a heating section for heating the decolorizing liquid, A cooling device for cooling the decolorizing liquid, which has been heated and turned into fumes in at least one of the first tank and the second tank, The system includes a return channel for supplying the decolorized liquid, cooled by the cooling device, to the second tank.

[0010] (5) In any of the decolorization apparatuses described in (4) above, The processing tank has a heating section for heating the decolorizing solution, The tank section and a cooling device for cooling the decolorizing liquid that has been heated in the processing tank and turned into fumes, A return channel for supplying the decolorized liquid cooled by the cooling device to the second tank, The system comprises a pressure-reducing tank provided in the aforementioned return channel.

[0011] (6) In any of the decolorization apparatuses described in (1) to (5) above, The processing tank has a drying section for drying the workpiece.

[0012] (7) In any of the decolorization apparatuses described in (1) to (6) above, The tank section is located below the processing tank. The supply channel is equipped with a pump that sucks up the decolorizing liquid stored in the tank and supplies it to the processing tank.

[0013] (8) In the decolorization apparatus of (7) above, The discharge passage is provided as a branch passage of the supply passage and includes a first branch passage connecting the upstream side of the pump and the treatment tank of the supply passage, and a second branch passage connecting the downstream side of the pump and the tank section.

[0014] A decolorization system in one aspect of the present invention is: (9) A decolorizing apparatus for decolorizing a workpiece containing fibers that have been dyed or colored with a dye, A decolorization system comprising a control device for controlling the decolorization device, The decolorization apparatus is, A processing tank capable of loading multiple workpieces and storing a decolorizing solution, A stirring unit for stirring the decolorizing liquid stored in the processing tank, The system includes a tank section for storing the decolorizing liquid and connected to the processing tank via a flow passage, The tank section comprises a first tank and a second tank. The flow passage includes a supply passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the first tank and the second tank to the treatment tank, and a discharge passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the treatment tank to the first tank. The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, A first decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the first tank to the processing tank into which the workpiece is placed, and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit. a first discharge process of discharging the decolorizing liquid used in said first decolorizing process from said treatment tank; a second decolorizing process of supplying said decolorizing liquid from said second tank to said treatment tank and stirring said decolorizing liquid by said stirring section; and a second discharge process of discharging the decolorizing liquid used in said second decolorizing process from said treatment tank to said first tank.

[0015] (10) In the decolorization system according to (9) above, said tank section includes a third tank; said discharge passage connects said treatment tank to said third tank; said decolorization device includes a separation section that separates said dye from said decolorizing liquid stored in said third tank and supplies the separated dye to said second tank; said control device causes said decolorization device to, in said first discharge process, discharge said decolorizing liquid from said treatment tank to said third tank.

[0016] (11) In the decolorization system according to (9) or (10) above, said tank section includes a fourth tank provided with a heating section for heating said decolorizing liquid and connected to said second tank; said supply passage connects said fourth tank to said treatment tank; said control device causes said decolorization device to, during said first decolorizing process, supply said decolorizing liquid from said second tank to said fourth tank, and heat said decolorizing liquid in said fourth tank; during said second decolorizing process, supply the heated decolorizing liquid from said fourth tank to said treatment tank.

[0017] (12) In the decolorization system according to any one of (9) to (10) above, said second tank includes a heating section for heating said decolorizing liquid; said control device causes said decolorization device to, during said first decolorizing process, heat said decolorizing liquid in said second tank, During the second decolorization process, the heated decolorizing solution is supplied from the second tank to the processing tank.

[0018] (13) In any of the decolorization systems described in (9) to (12) above, The processing tank has a drying section for drying the workpiece, The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, After the second discharge process, the drying unit is used to perform a drying process to dry the workpieces in the processing tank.

[0019] A decolorization method in one aspect of the present invention is: (14) A decolorization method in a decolorization apparatus for decolorizing a workpiece containing fibers that have been dyed or colored with a dye, The decolorization apparatus is, A processing tank capable of loading multiple workpieces and storing a decolorizing solution, A stirring unit for stirring the decolorizing liquid stored in the processing tank, The system includes a tank section for storing the decolorizing liquid and connected to the processing tank via a flow passage, The tank section comprises a first tank and a second tank. The flow passage includes a supply passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the first tank and the second tank to the treatment tank, and a discharge passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the treatment tank to the first tank. A first decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the first tank to the processing tank into which the workpiece is placed, and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit. A first discharge process for discharging the decolorizing solution used in the first decolorizing process from the processing tank, A second decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the second tank to the processing tank and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit, The process includes a second discharge process, in which the decolorizing solution used in the second decolorizing process is discharged from the processing tank to the first tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the efficiency of the decolorization process can be increased by decolorizing the workpieces in batches. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a decolorization apparatus and decolorization system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of the tank section and how it is connected to the processing tank. [Figure 4] This chart shows an example of the processing flow of a decolorization device in chronological order. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the configuration of the decolorization apparatus according to Modification 1. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram showing the flow of decolorizing liquid in supply path A when supplying decolorizing liquid to the treatment tank, and (b) is a diagram showing the flow of decolorizing liquid in discharge path when discharging decolorizing liquid from the treatment tank. [Figure 7] This chart shows an example of the processing flow of the decolorization apparatus according to Modification 1 in chronological order. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a decolorization apparatus and decolorization system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along line AA in Figure 1. In the following explanation, the positional relationships will be described using the X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 1 as a reference. In Figure 1, the Z direction is the direction along the vertical line (direction of gravity) in the installed state of the decolorization device, and is the up and down direction on the plane of Figure 1. The X and Y directions are the directions along the horizontal direction, and are perpendicular to the Z direction. The width direction of the decolorization device (left and right direction in Figure 1) will be described as the X direction, and the front and back direction of the decolorization device (left and right direction in Figure 2) will be described as the Y direction. Furthermore, one side in the X direction (left side in Figure 1) will be described as the X1 side, and the other side (right side in Figure 1) will be described as the X2 side. In the following explanation, when we say "along the X, Y, or Z direction," we are not limited to cases where the object is perfectly parallel to the X, Y, or Z direction, but also include cases where it is positioned at a slight inclination relative to the X, Y, or Z direction.

[0023] The decolorization apparatus 1 according to this embodiment decolorizes a workpiece containing fibers dyed or colored with a sublimable dye (dye) using a decolorization solution. The decolorization system 10 includes the decolorization apparatus 1 and a control device 80 that controls the decolorization apparatus 1. <Work> The workpiece contains fibers that can be dyed or colored with sublimation dyes. The fibers are, for example, polyester fibers or nylon fibers. The work may include, for example, knitted or woven fabrics formed from polyester yarn, nylon yarn, polyester blended yarn, or nylon blended yarn. Examples of fibers to be blended with polyester or nylon include cotton, polyurethane, rayon, and linen, and also blends of polyester and nylon. The blending ratio of polyester or nylon to other yarns (polyester or nylon: other yarns) can be set to any ratio in the range of, for example, 50:50 to 90:10. The workpiece can be any article that uses the aforementioned fibers in at least part of it. Examples of workpieces include clothing such as T-shirts, fabric accessories such as bags and scarves, decorative panels, advertising banners, tapestries, and the like.

[0024] <Sublimable dye> Sublimation dyes are not limited to any particular type, as long as the pigment they contain can be incorporated into the gaps between the molecular chains of polyester or nylon fibers to dye or color the fibers. Sublimation dyes are especially preferred if they are dyes that are sublimable, such as sublimation dyes or disperse dyes. Examples of dyeing methods using sublimation dyes include sublimation transfer printing, direct sublimation printing, exhaust dyeing, or thermosol dyeing.

[0025] <Decolorizing liquid> The decolorizing solution is heated and used in the decolorizing apparatus 1. The decolorizing solution is not limited to any particular type, as long as it (i) has a boiling point that exceeds the heating temperature in the decolorizing apparatus 1, (ii) can move sublimable dyes into the decolorizing solution, and (iii) does not have a significant adverse effect on the workpiece. Adverse effects to be avoided on the workpiece include, for example, changes in the color of the fibers themselves that make up the workpiece, deterioration of the texture of the fibers, and shrinkage of the fibers.

[0026] Examples of organic solvents include dimethyl succinate (boiling point: 200°C), dimethyl glutarate (boiling point: 214°C), dimethyl adipate (boiling point: 245°C), ethyl acetate dioxazole (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 decolorizing solution may also be prepared by diluting these components with water or other organic solvents. Additives such as surfactants and fluorescent whitening agents may also be added.

[0027] <Processing flow in a decolorization device> In this embodiment, as an example of processing by the decolorization apparatus 1, a case in which (i) decolorization treatment (first decolorization treatment), (ii) rinsing treatment (second decolorization treatment), and (iii) drying treatment are performed will be described. (i) In the decolorization treatment, the sublimable dye is extracted and separated from the gaps in the fibers of the workpiece. (ii) In the rinsing treatment, the workpiece from which the sublimable dye has been separated is rinsed. (iii) In the drying treatment, the decolorization liquid absorbed by the workpiece is dried.

[0028] (i) Decolorization treatment In the decolorization process, the workpiece, which has been dyed or colored with a sublimable dye, is immersed in a decolorization solution Q heated to a temperature of T1 or higher and agitated. This widens the gaps between the fibers in the workpiece, causing the sublimable dye that was held in the fibers to escape through the gaps and move into the decolorization solution Q.

[0029] Temperature T1 should preferably be above the temperature at which the gaps between the molecular chains of the fibers contained in the workpiece loosen, making it easier for the sublimation dye to escape (hereinafter referred to as the "fiber opening temperature"). For example, the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q should be above the glass transition temperature of the polyester or nylon fibers contained in the workpiece. Furthermore, when the workpiece is dyed using the exhaust dyeing method, it is desirable that the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q be equal to or higher than the dyeing temperature of the workpiece. In particular, if the workpiece contains polyester fibers, the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q can be 110°C or higher, 115°C or higher, 120°C or higher, 125°C or higher, or 130°C or higher. If the workpiece contains nylon fibers, the temperature T1 of the decolorizing solution Q can be 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.

[0030] (ii) Rinsing In the rinsing process, the decolorized workpiece is immersed and agitated in a decolorizing solution Q heated to a temperature T2 lower than temperature T1. Some of the sublimable dye that escaped from the gaps in the workpiece during the decolorization process remains on the surface of the workpiece. During the rinsing process, the remaining sublimable dye moves into the decolorizing solution. In addition, immersion in the decolorizing solution at a temperature T2 lower than temperature T1 lowers the temperature of the workpiece, causing the gaps between the fibers of the workpiece to narrow again, and reducing the likelihood of the sublimable dye re-entering the gaps between the fibers. The temperature T2 of the decolorizing solution during the rinsing process should preferably be 140°C or higher. This allows for further decolorization of areas that were not completely decolorized during the initial decolorization process, and prevents the contaminated decolorizing solution Q adhering to the workpiece from soaking into the workpiece again, thereby improving rinsing efficiency.

[0031] (iii) Drying treatment In the drying process, the rinsed workpieces are heated to evaporate any remaining decolorizing solution. This completes the decolorization of the workpieces, making them reusable.

[0032] <Overview of the decolorization equipment> As shown in Figure 1, the decolorization apparatus 1 includes a processing tank 2. In this embodiment, the decolorization apparatus 1 can perform the decolorization, rinsing, and drying processes described above in a single processing tank 2 in a continuous manner. Furthermore, the processing tank 2 can accommodate multiple workpieces, allowing for batch decolorization of workpieces. The decolorization apparatus 1 also includes a tank section 5 for storing the decolorization liquid Q used in the processing tank 2.

[0033] The processing tank 2 is housed inside a highly airtight case 4, and its structure is designed to reduce leakage of the decolorizing liquid Q that is heated and vaporized in the processing tank 2. Note that in Figure 1, the front part 45 of the case 4 (see Figure 2) is omitted, and the processing tank 2 housed inside the case 4 is exposed. Case 4 is supported by frame 49 and is positioned with a gap in the Z direction relative to the mounting surface FS. The tank section 5 is positioned in the space below case 4.

[0034] Case 4 has a bottom portion 41 and a top portion 42 extending along the X and Y directions. Case 4 also has a side portion 43 on the X1 side (left side in the figure) and a side portion 44 on the X2 side that connect the ends of the bottom portion 41 and the top portion 42 in the X direction. The side portions 43 and 44 extend along the Y and Z directions. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the case 4 has a front section 45 that connects the front ends of the bottom section 41 and the top section 42 in the Y direction, and a rear section 46 that connects the rear ends. The front section 45 and the rear section 46 extend along the X and Z directions. Here, the front section 45 is inclined towards the rear in the Y direction as it moves from the bottom to the top in the Z direction. The user loads and retrieves workpieces into and out of the processing tank 2 from the front of the decolorization device 1. Because the front section 45 is inclined, the user can load and retrieve workpieces without having to bend down significantly. A door 47, which can be opened toward the front, is provided in the center of the front section 45. By opening the door 47, the inside and outside of the case 4 are connected.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the processing tank 2 is box-shaped. In Figure 1, the position of the drum 30 inside the processing tank 2 and the liquid level of the decolorizing solution Q are indicated by dashed lines. The processing tank 2 is positioned at a distance in the Z direction from the bottom surface 41 of the case 4 by a support portion 48 located on the bottom surface 41 of the case 4. As shown in Figure 1, the processing tank 2 has a bottom wall portion 21 and an upper wall portion 22 extending along the X and Y directions. The processing tank 2 also has a side wall portion 23 connecting the X1-side ends of the bottom wall portion 21 and the upper wall portion 22 in the X direction, and a side wall portion 24 connecting the X2-side ends. The side wall portions 23 and 24 extend along the Y and Z directions. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the processing tank 2 also has a front wall portion 26 connecting the front ends of the bottom wall portion 21 and the upper wall portion 22 in the Y direction, and a rear wall portion 27 connecting the rear ends. The front wall portion 26 and the rear wall portion 27 extend along the X and Z directions.

[0036] The processing tank 2 is positioned at an angle. Specifically, the processing tank 2 is inclined so that it is located downward in the Z direction as it moves from the front wall portion 26 to the rear wall portion 27. The front portion 45 of the case 4 described above is at an angle of inclination that matches the processing tank 2. The front wall portion 26 is located near the front portion 45 of the case 4. The front wall portion 26 is provided with a door portion 28 that can be opened toward the front. The door portion 28 is provided in an area that overlaps with the door portion 47 of the case 4 when viewed from the Y direction. The door portion 28 can be provided in a size smaller than, for example, the door portion 47. When the user places a workpiece to be decolorized into the processing tank 2, or when retrieving the decolorized workpiece from the processing tank 2, the user opens the door 47 of the case 4 and the door 28 of the processing tank 2. When the user operates the decolorization device 1 to decolorize the workpiece, the user closes the doors 47 and 28. The double-door structure of the case 4 and the processing tank 2 improves the airtightness of the processing tank 2. Alternatively, instead of providing door sections 28 and 47 on the front wall section 26 and the front section 45 respectively, a single integrated door section may be provided.

[0037] The processing tank 2 is connected via a flow passage 6 to a tank section 5 (see Figure 1) located in the space below the case 4. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the tank section 5 and how it is connected to the processing tank 2. As shown in Figure 3, the decolorizing liquid Q is supplied from the tank section 5 to the treatment tank 2 via the flow passage 6. The decolorizing liquid Q used in the treatment tank 2 is then discharged back to the tank section 5 via the flow passage 6. The detailed configuration of the tank section 5 will be described later. As shown in Figure 2, the decolorizing liquid Q supplied from the tank section 5 is stored in the treatment tank 2. As mentioned above, since the treatment tank 2 is arranged at an incline, the water level of the decolorizing liquid Q becomes deeper towards the rear of the treatment tank 2. A heating device 71 (heating section), such as an induction heater, is provided on the bottom wall 21 of the processing tank 2. By operating the heating device 71, the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2 is heated.

[0038] A drum 30 is placed inside the processing tank 2. The drum 30 is cylindrical in shape and has openings 32 and 33 at both ends. The outer surface 31 of the drum 30 is positioned along the Y direction inside the processing tank 2. The openings 32 and 33 at both ends of the drum 30 are positioned towards the front and rear in the Y direction, respectively. The outer surface 31 of the drum 30 is positioned at intervals from the upper wall 22 and the bottom wall 21 of the processing tank 2. The drum 30 is positioned so that its central axis C is inclined along the inclination angle of the processing tank 2. That is, the central axis C of the drum 30 is inclined to be located downward in the Z direction as it moves from the front opening 32 to the rear opening 33.

[0039] The drum 30 is supported by a rotation support mechanism 35 so as to be rotatable around a central axis C. The outer circumferential surface 31 of the drum 30 is provided with a plurality of holes 34 that penetrate radially through the central axis C. The decolorizing liquid Q stored at the bottom of the processing tank 2 passes through the holes 34 and is also stored inside the drum 30.

[0040] When viewed from the Y direction, the front opening 32 of the drum 30 overlaps at least partially with the door 47 of the case 4 and the door 28 of the processing tank 2. This allows the user to open the doors 47 and 28 and load workpieces into the interior surrounded by the outer circumferential surface 31 of the drum 30. Workpieces loaded into the drum 30 are immersed in the decolorizing liquid Q. By rotating the drum 30 with the rotation support mechanism 35, the workpieces are agitated in the decolorizing liquid Q. In other words, the drum 30 and the rotation support mechanism 35 function as agitation units. The processing tank 2 and the drum 30 are set to a size that can accommodate multiple workpieces.

[0041] A blower duct 72 is attached to the upper wall 22 of the processing tank 2. The blower duct 72 supplies air from a fan (not shown) into the processing tank 2 during the drying process. A heat source 73, such as an electric heating element, is located inside the blower duct 72. When the heat source 73 is driven, the air from the fan is heated by the heat source 73 and supplied to the processing tank 2 as warm air. When the heat source 73 is not driven, the air from the fan is supplied to the processing tank 2 as cold air. The air duct 72 and the heating device 71 of the processing tank 2 described above function as a drying unit that dries the workpieces contained in the processing tank 2 during the drying process.

[0042] An exhaust duct 74 is attached to the rear wall 27 of the processing tank 2. As shown in Figure 3, the exhaust duct 74 is connected to a cooling device 75. The cooling device 75 can be, for example, a cooling fan, a condenser, an intercooler, etc. The cooling device 75 can be placed inside the case 4, for example (see Figure 2). The cooling device 75 is connected to an external tank 76 located outside the case 4. In the treatment tank 2, the decolorizing solution Q is heated, generating air containing fumes F from the decolorizing solution Q. The fumes F from the decolorizing solution Q contained in the air are exhausted outside the treatment tank 2 via the exhaust duct 74 and cooled by the cooling device 75, returning the solution to a liquid state. The decolorizing solution Q, now in liquid form, is stored in the external tank 76. The decolorizing solution Q stored in the external tank 76 can be reused for further decolorization treatment of the decolorizing solution Q.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the tank section 5 comprises a plurality of tanks capable of storing the decolorizing liquid Q. For example, the tank section 5 includes four tanks: a first tank 51, a second tank 52, a third tank 53, and a fourth tank 54. The first tank 51 stores the decolorizing solution Q used in the decolorization process. The decolorizing solution Q used for rinsing is discharged from the treatment tank 2 into the first tank 51. The second tank 52 stores the decolorizing solution Q used for rinsing. The second tank 52 stores new decolorizing solution Q or regenerated decolorizing solution Q. The third tank 53 stores the decolorizing liquid Q that is discharged from the treatment tank 2 after the decolorizing treatment and then regenerated. The fourth tank 54 is connected to the second tank 52 by a supply passage 68. By opening a valve V2 provided in the supply passage 68, decolorizing liquid Q is supplied from the second tank 52 to the fourth tank 54. During the decolorization process, the fourth tank 54 is supplied with decolorizing liquid Q from the second tank 52, which is used for rinsing. While the decolorization process is underway, the fourth tank 54 preheats the decolorizing liquid Q that will be used for the next rinsing process.

[0044] The flow passage 6 connecting the processing tank 2 and the tank section 5 includes a supply passage 61 for supplying the decolorizing liquid Q from the tank section 5 to the processing tank 2, and a discharge passage 62 for discharging the decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the tank section 5. The supply channel 61 connects the first tank 51 and the fourth tank 54 to the processing tank 2. By opening and closing valves V1 and V3 provided in the supply channel 61, the tank to which the decolorizing liquid Q is supplied can be switched to the first tank 51 or the fourth tank 54. A pump P is provided in the supply channel 61. The pump P has an inlet Pa on the side of the first tank 51 and the fourth tank 54, and a discharge port Pb on the side of the processing tank 2. The pump P sucks the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the first tank 51 or the fourth tank 54 and discharges it toward the processing tank 2.

[0045] The discharge passage 62 connects the treatment tank 2 to the first tank 51 and the third tank 53. By opening and closing valves V4 and V5 provided in the supply passage 61, the tank from which the decolorizing liquid Q is discharged can be switched to either the first tank 51 or the third tank 53. As described above, the tank section 5 is located below the case 4 that houses the processing tank 2 (see Figure 1). That is, the liquid level of the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2 is located above the liquid level of the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the first tank 51 to the fourth tank 54 of the tank section 5 in the Z direction. As a result, it is possible to discharge the decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the first tank 51 or the third tank 53 by utilizing the difference in water head, without having to install a pump in the discharge passage 62. Furthermore, a pump may also be provided in the discharge passage 62 to allow the decolorizing liquid Q to be discharged more quickly.

[0046] The third tank 53 and the fourth tank 54 are equipped with heating devices 531 and 541 (heating sections) for heating the decolorizing liquid Q stored therein. In the third tank 53 and the fourth tank 54, similar to the treatment tank 2, the decolorizing liquid Q is heated and evaporated, generating air containing fumes F from the decolorizing liquid Q. The fumes F from the decolorizing liquid Q generated in the third tank 53 and the fourth tank 54 are recovered by a cooling device 56 via a recovery duct 55. The cooling device 56 can be, for example, a cooling fan, a condenser, an intercooler, etc. The fumes F from the decolorizing liquid Q are cooled by the cooling device 56 and return to a liquid state. The decolorizing liquid Q, now back into a liquid state, is supplied to the second tank 52 via a return channel 57. The cooling device 56 can be located inside or outside the case 4. The cooling device 56 may be provided separately from the cooling device 75 described above, or it may be the same as it.

[0047] The decolorizing solution Q stored in the third tank 53 is used in rinsing and decolorizing processes and contains a large amount of sublimable dye. When the decolorizing solution Q in the third tank 53 is heated and turns into fumes F, the sublimable dye is separated from the decolorizing solution Q. The decolorizing solution Q can be regenerated by returning the fumes F from the decolorizing solution Q, from which the sublimable dye has been separated, back into a liquid using the cooling device 56. In other words, the heating device 531 and cooling device 56 of the third tank 53 function as a separation unit that separates the sublimable dye from the decolorizing solution Q stored in the third tank 53.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the electrical components 8 of the decolorization device 1 are located outside the case 4. The electrical components 8 include, for example, electrical equipment that supplies power to the decolorization device 1 and electronic equipment that functions as the control device 80 of the decolorization device 1. By arranging the electrical components 8 separately from the processing tank 2 and tank section 5 where the decolorization liquid Q is stored, contact between the decolorization liquid Q and the electrical components 8 can be avoided. The control device 80 is electrically connected to various parts of the decolorization device 1 via wiring (not shown). The control device 80 can be composed of an electronic device that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or physical switch, and a display device such as a display. The control device 80 controls the operation of the decolorization apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in the storage device.

[0049] In this embodiment, decolorization, rinsing, and drying are performed continuously in a single treatment tank 2. As described above, in the decolorization and rinsing processes, the workpiece is immersed in a heated decolorization solution Q and agitated. This loosens the gaps in the molecular chains of the fibers contained in the workpiece, and the sublimable dye pigments that were held in the fibers move to the decolorization solution Q, thereby decolorizing the workpiece. In other words, the decolorization solution Q used in the decolorization or rinsing process contains the sublimable dyes that were separated from the workpiece. In the rinsing process performed after the decolorization treatment, it is desirable to use a new decolorization solution Q or a regenerated decolorization solution Q. This reduces the adhesion of sublimable dyes dissolved in the decolorization solution Q to the surface of the workpiece. On the other hand, in the decolorization treatment performed before the rinsing process, a decolorization solution Q in which some of the dye has already dissolved can also be used.

[0050] Therefore, in the rinsing process, the decolorization apparatus 1 of this embodiment uses a new decolorization solution Q or a regenerated decolorization solution Q. In the decolorization process performed before the rinsing process, the decolorization apparatus 1 uses the decolorization solution Q used in the rinsing process. Then, the decolorization apparatus 1 regenerates the decolorization solution Q used in the decolorization process and uses it again in the rinsing process. To enable this operation, the decolorization device 1 is equipped with multiple tanks (first tank 51 to fourth tank 54) in the tank section 5. The control device 80 (see Figure 1) of the decolorization system 10 controls the supply and discharge of the decolorization liquid Q between the processing tank 2 of the decolorization device 1 and the first tank 51 to fourth tank 54.

[0051] Figure 4 is a chart showing an example of the processing flow of the decolorization device 1 in chronological order. Figure 4 shows a time chart from the moment the user places the workpiece to be decolorized into the processing tank 2 and inputs a command to start processing to the control device 80 (see Figure 1). The control device 80 controls the decolorization device 1 to perform the processing shown in Figure 4. At the start of processing in the decolorization apparatus 1, decolorizing liquid Q is stored in at least the first tank 51 and the second tank 52. In addition, new decolorizing liquid Q or recycled decolorizing liquid Q is stored in the second tank 52. The decolorizing liquid Q stored in the first tank 51 is either new decolorizing liquid Q, recycled decolorizing liquid Q, or decolorizing liquid Q used in the rinsing process.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the decolorization apparatus 1 opens the valve V1 of the supply passage 61 and drives the pump P to supply a decolorizing liquid Q in quantity A1 from the first tank 51 to the processing tank 2 (step S01). Quantity A1 can be the amount of decolorizing liquid Q used in the decolorization process. As the decolorizing liquid Q is supplied into the processing tank 2, the workpiece placed into the processing tank 2 is immersed in the decolorizing liquid Q. In parallel with step S01, the decolorizing device 1 opens valve V2 of supply passage 68 and supplies decolorizing liquid Q in amount A2 from the second tank 52 to the fourth tank 54 (step S02). Amount A2 can be determined by taking into account the amount A3 of decolorizing liquid Q used in the rinsing process. For example, amount A2 can be the amount A3 of decolorizing liquid Q used in the rinsing process plus the amount evaporated due to heating in the fourth tank 54.

[0053] Once the decolorization device 1 has finished supplying the decolorization liquid Q to the processing tank 2, it activates the heating device 71 (see Figure 2) of the processing tank 2 to heat the decolorization liquid Q (step S03). The decolorization device 1 heats the decolorization liquid Q until its temperature reaches or exceeds temperature T1. In parallel with step S03, the decolorization apparatus 1 operates the heating device 541 (see Figure 3) of the fourth tank 54 to preheat the decolorization liquid Q used for rinsing (step S04, heating treatment). The decolorization apparatus 1 heats the decolorization liquid Q, for example, until the temperature of the decolorization liquid Q is above temperature T2.

[0054] The decolorization device 1 performs the decolorization process (step S05) once the heating of the decolorization liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2 is complete. Specifically, the decolorization device 1 rotates the drum 30 (see Figure 2) in the processing tank 2 using the rotating support mechanism 35 to agitate the workpiece. As the workpiece is heated, the gaps between the fibers contained in the workpiece widen. Also, as the workpiece is agitated, the sublimable dye held in the fibers escapes through the gaps between the fibers and moves more easily into the decolorization liquid Q.

[0055] When the decolorization process is complete, the decolorization device 1 opens valve V5 in the discharge passage 62 and discharges the decolorization liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the third tank 53 (step S06, first discharge process). When the decolorizing liquid Q is discharged into the third tank 53, the decolorizing device 1 performs a regeneration process on the decolorizing liquid Q (step S07). The regeneration process in step S07 is carried out in parallel with the processing in the processing tank 2 from step S08 onwards. The decolorization apparatus 1 operates the heating device 531 (see Figure 3) of the third tank 53 to heat the decolorization liquid Q. When the decolorization liquid Q is heated, it turns into fumes F, separating the sublimable dyes that were dissolved in the decolorization liquid Q. The decolorization liquid Q, now in the form of fumes F, is cooled by the cooling device 56 and returns to a liquid state. The decolorization liquid Q, now in liquid form, is sequentially supplied to the second tank 52 via the reflux channel 57. Any sublimable dye remaining in the third tank 53 can be removed, for example, by washing the third tank 53.

[0056] The decolorizing device 1 opens valve V3 in the supply passage 61 and drives pump P to supply decolorizing liquid Q in quantity A3 from the fourth tank 54 to the treatment tank 2 (step S08). Once the supply of decolorizing liquid Q is complete, the control device 80 causes the decolorizing device 1 to perform the rinsing process (step S09). Specifically, the control device 80 rotates the drum 30 (see Figure 2) in the processing tank 2 using the rotation support mechanism 35 to agitate the workpiece. Sublimable dyes that escape from the gaps in the workpiece during the decolorization process and remain on the surface of the workpiece move into the decolorization solution Q. In addition, by immersing the workpiece in the decolorization solution Q at a temperature T2 lower than the temperature T1 during the decolorization process, the temperature of the workpiece decreases, the gaps between the fibers of the workpiece narrow again, and the re-entry of sublimable dyes into the gaps between the fibers is reduced.

[0057] Here, the decolorizing solution Q used for rinsing is preheated in the fourth tank 54 during the decolorizing process. Therefore, the decolorizing device 1 can quickly start the rinsing process without having to perform the heating treatment in the treatment tank 2.

[0058] Once the rinsing process is complete, the decolorization device 1 opens valve V4 in the discharge passage 62 and discharges the used decolorization liquid Q from the treatment tank 2 to the first tank 51 (step S10, second discharge process). The decolorization liquid Q discharged to the first tank 51 is used in the next decolorization process. Once the decolorization device 1 has finished discharging the decolorization liquid Q from the processing tank 2, it proceeds to dry the workpiece (step S11). The decolorization device 1 heats the processing tank 2 by operating the heating device 71 (see Figure 2) of the processing tank 2. The decolorization device 1 also drives the heat source 73 of the air supply duct 72 to supply hot air into the processing tank 2 and dry the workpiece.

[0059] Once the drying process is complete, the decolorization device 1 performs a cooling process on the workpiece (step S12). The decolorization device 1 stops the heating device 71 (see Figure 2) and the heat source 73 of the air supply duct 72. As a result, cold air is supplied into the processing tank 2, and the workpiece is cooled. Once the cooling process is complete, the user retrieves the workpiece from processing tank 2.

[0060] As described above, the decolorization apparatus 1 and decolorization system 10 described in the embodiments have, for example, the following configuration. (1) The decolorization device 1 decolorizes a workpiece containing fibers that have been dyed or colored with sublimation dyes. The decolorization apparatus 1 comprises a processing tank 2, a drum 30 and a rotation support mechanism 35 (agitation section) for the drum 30, and a tank section 5. The processing tank 2 can accommodate multiple workpieces and stores the decolorizing solution Q. The decolorizing liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2 is agitated by rotating the drum 30, which is installed inside the processing tank 2, using the rotation support mechanism 35. Tank section 5 stores the decolorizing liquid Q and is connected to the processing tank 2 via a flow passage 6. The tank section 5 includes a first tank 51 and a second tank 52. The flow passage 66 includes a supply passage 61 for the decolorizing liquid Q that connects the first tank 51 and the second tank 52 to the treatment tank 2, and a discharge passage 62 for the decolorizing liquid Q that connects the treatment tank 2 to the first tank 51.

[0061] (9) The decolorization system 10 comprises a decolorization device 1 and a control device 80 that controls the decolorization device 1. The control device 80 causes the decolorization device 1 to perform a decolorization process (first decolorization process, step S05), a first discharge process (step S06), a rinsing process (second decolorization process, step S09), and a second discharge process (step S10). In the decolorization process, the decolorization device 1 supplies decolorization liquid Q from the first tank 51 to the processing tank 2 into which the workpiece is placed, and agitates the decolorization liquid Q by rotating the drum 30 with the rotating support mechanism 35. In the first discharge process, the decolorizing device 1 discharges the decolorizing solution Q used in the decolorizing process from the treatment tank 2. In the rinsing process, the decolorizing device 1 supplies decolorizing liquid Q from the second tank 52 to the processing tank 2 and agitates the decolorizing liquid Q by rotating the drum 30 with the rotating support mechanism 35. In the second discharge process, the decolorizing device 1 discharges the decolorizing liquid Q used in the rinsing process from the treatment tank 2 to the first tank 51.

[0062] The decolorization apparatus 1 and decolorization system 10 of this embodiment can decolorize workpieces in batches, thereby increasing the efficiency of the decolorization process. The decolorization apparatus 1 comprises a processing tank 2 capable of handling multiple workpieces, and two tanks (a first tank 51 and a second tank 52) connected to the processing tank 2 via a flow passage 6. By exchanging the decolorization liquid Q between the processing tank 2 and the two tanks 51 and 52, the decolorization apparatus 1 can continuously perform decolorization and rinsing on many workpieces in a single processing tank 2. In this way, the decolorization apparatus 1 has a compact configuration and can decolorize workpieces in batches.

[0063] Furthermore, the decolorization device 1 can, for example, use the decolorizing liquid Q from the first tank 51 for the decolorization process and the decolorizing liquid Q from the second tank 52 for the rinsing process. The decolorization device 1 discharges the decolorizing liquid Q used in the rinsing process from the treatment tank 2 to the first tank 51. The decolorization device 1 can reuse the decolorizing liquid Q used in the rinsing process in the next decolorization process. The decolorization device 1 does not need to replace all of the decolorizing liquid Q between the decolorization process and the rinsing process. The decolorization device 1 can reduce the amount of decolorizing liquid Q used, thereby reducing the cost and environmental burden associated with the decolorizing liquid Q.

[0064] (2) The tank section 5 has a third tank 53. The discharge channel 62 connects the treatment tank 2 to the third tank 53. The decolorization apparatus 1 includes a heating device 531 provided in the third tank 53 and a cooling device 56 connected to the third tank 53. The heating device 531 and the cooling device 56 function as a separation unit. The heating device 531 heats and evaporates the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the third tank 53, thereby separating the sublimable dye. The cooling device 56 cools the fumes F of the decolorizing liquid Q, returning them to a liquid state for regeneration, and supplies them to the second tank 52.

[0065] (10) The control device 80 controls the decolorization device 1, In the first discharge process, the decolorizing liquid Q is discharged from the treatment tank 2 to the third tank 53.

[0066] The decolorization device 1 discharges the decolorization solution Q used in the decolorization process into the third tank 53. The decolorization solution Q discharged into the third tank 53 has its sublimable dye separated by the heating device 531 and the cooling device 56, and is regenerated and returned to the second tank 52. By regenerating and repeatedly using the decolorization solution Q, the cost and environmental burden associated with the decolorization solution Q can be reduced. In this embodiment, the method for separating the sublimable dye from the decolorizing solution Q is not limited to this configuration. For example, the third tank 53 may be provided with a filter or the like for separating the sublimable dye from the decolorizing solution Q.

[0067] (3) The tank section 5 includes a fourth tank 54. The fourth tank 54 is equipped with a heating device 541 (heating section) for heating the stored decolorizing liquid Q and is connected to the second tank 52 via a supply passage 68. The supply path 61 of the flow passage 6 connects the fourth tank 54 to the processing tank 2.

[0068] (11) The control device 80 controls the decolorization device 1, During the first decolorization process, decolorizing solution Q is supplied from the second tank 52 to the fourth tank 54, and the decolorizing solution Q is heated in the fourth tank 54. During the second decolorization process, heated decolorizing solution Q is supplied from the fourth tank 54 to the treatment tank 2.

[0069] Although heating the decolorizing solution Q takes time, preheating the decolorizing solution Q used in the rinsing process in the fourth tank 54 during the decolorizing process allows the rinsing process to be started quickly after the decolorizing process. Furthermore, only the amount of decolorizing solution Q A2, which takes into account the amount A3 required for rinsing, is transferred from the second tank 52 to the fourth tank 54 and heated. This reduces the amount of electricity required to heat the decolorizing solution Q.

[0070] (I) The processing tank 2 is equipped with a heating device 71 (heating section) capable of heating the decolorizing solution Q. The control device 80 instructs the decolorizing device 1 to heat the decolorizing liquid Q supplied from the first tank 51 in the processing tank 2 during the decolorizing process.

[0071] During the first step, the decolorization process, the decolorizing liquid Q supplied from the first tank 51 is directly heated in the processing tank 2. If the decolorizing liquid Q were heated in the first tank 51, its temperature might decrease as it flows through the supply passage 61. However, by directly heating it in the processing tank 2, the temperature drop of the decolorizing liquid Q can be reduced. Furthermore, by keeping the heating device 71 in the processing tank 2 running during the decolorization and rinsing processes, the temperature of the decolorizing liquid Q can be maintained.

[0072] (6) The processing tank 2 includes, as a drying section for drying the workpiece after the second discharge treatment, a heating device 71 and an air duct 72 equipped with a heat source 73. When the heat source 73 is driven, the air from the air duct 72 is heated by the heat source 73 and supplied as hot air to the inside of the processing tank 2.

[0073] (13) The control device 80 controls the decolorization device 1, After the second discharge treatment, a drying treatment (step S11) is performed. In the decolorization process, the decolorization device 1 heats the processing tank 2 with a heating device 71 and supplies hot air into the processing tank 2 from an air supply duct 72 to dry the workpiece.

[0074] The decolorization apparatus 1 of this embodiment can complete the decolorization, rinsing, and drying processes for many workpieces within a single processing tank 2, thereby improving the processing efficiency of workpiece batches.

[0075] (7) The tank section 5 is located below the processing tank 2. The supply passage 61 is equipped with a pump P that sucks up the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the tank section 5 and supplies it to the processing tank 2.

[0076] Because the tank section 5 is positioned below the treatment tank 2, the liquid levels in the first tank 51 to the fourth tank 54 are lower than the liquid level in the treatment tank 2. This allows the decolorizing liquid Q to be discharged from the treatment tank 2 to the tank section 5 using the difference in water head, thus eliminating the need for the pump P in the discharge passage 62. This reduces the installation cost and space required for the pump P. Furthermore, a pump P may be provided in the discharge passage 62 to allow for faster discharge of the decolorizing liquid Q.

[0077] <Example 1> Figure 5 shows the configuration of the decolorization apparatus and decolorization system according to Modification 1. In Modification 1, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 5, in the decolorization apparatus 1A of Modified Example 1, the tank section 5A comprises three tanks: the first tank 51A, the second tank 52A, and the third tank 53A. In other words, in Modified Example 1, the fourth tank 54 (see Figure 3) of the embodiment is omitted. Similar to the embodiment, the first tank 51A stores the decolorizing liquid Q used for the decolorization process. The decolorizing liquid Q used for rinsing is discharged from the treatment tank 2 into the first tank 51A. The second tank 52A stores the decolorizing solution Q used for rinsing. The second tank 52A stores new decolorizing solution Q or regenerated decolorizing solution Q. The third tank 53A stores the decolorized liquid Q that is discharged from the treatment tank 2 after the decolorization process and then regenerated. In Modification 1, heating devices 511 and 521 are provided not only in the third tank 53A, but also in the first tank 51A and the second tank 52A.

[0078] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the decolorizing liquid Q supplied from the first tank 51 is heated in the processing tank 2 to perform the decolorizing treatment (see Figure 4, step S03). In Modification 1, the decolorizing liquid Q can be heated in the first tank 51A before being supplied to the processing tank 2. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the decolorizing liquid Q from the second tank 52 was transferred to the fourth tank 54 and heated, but in Modification 1, the second tank 52A heats the decolorizing liquid Q and supplies it directly to the treatment tank 2.

[0079] The flow passage 6A connecting the processing tank 2 and the tank section 5A includes a supply passage 61A for supplying the decolorizing liquid Q from the tank section 5A to the processing tank 2, and a discharge passage 62A for discharging the decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the tank section 5A. In Modification 1, the supply passage 61A connects the first tank 51A and the second tank 52A to the processing tank 2. The supply passage 61A is provided with a pump P, similar to the embodiment. The pump P has its suction port Pa on the first tank 51A and second tank 52A side and its discharge port Pb on the processing tank 2 side.

[0080] The supply line 61A is equipped with valves V2 and V6 that switch the connection between the pump P and the first tank 51A and the second tank 52A. By opening and closing valves V2 and V6, the tank supplying the decolorizing liquid Q to the processing tank 2 can be switched to either the first tank 51A or the second tank 52A. A valve V7 is provided between the pump P and the processing tank 2 in the supply line 61A.

[0081] In the modified example 1, the discharge passage 62A is provided by branching off from the supply passage 61A, which is equipped with the pump P. The discharge passage 62A comprises a first branch passage 621 and a second branch passage 622. The first branch line 621 connects the upstream side of the pump P in the supply line 61A to the treatment tank 2. Specifically, the first branch line 621 branches off from the junction J1 between the suction port Pa of the pump P and valves V2 and V6 in the supply line 61A and connects to the treatment tank 2. Valve V8 is provided in the first branch line 621.

[0082] The second branch line 622 connects the downstream side of the pump P in the supply line 61A to the tank section 5A. Specifically, the second branch line 622 branches off from the junction J2 between the discharge port Pb of the pump P and valve V7 in the supply line 61A and connects to the first tank 51A and the third tank 53A. The second branch line 622 is equipped with valves V4 and V5 that switch the connection between the processing tank 2 and the first tank 51A and the third tank 53A. By opening and closing valves V4 and V5, the tank from which the decolorizing liquid Q is discharged from the processing tank 2 can be switched to either the first tank 51A or the third tank 53A.

[0083] Thus, in Modification 1, by providing the discharge channel 62A as a branch of the supply channel 61A, the decolorizing liquid Q can be discharged from the treatment tank 2 to the tank section 5A using the pump P in the supply channel 61A. By using the pump P, the discharge time of the decolorizing liquid Q can be shortened compared to the case where the decolorizing liquid Q is discharged solely by the pressure due to the head difference between the treatment tank 2 and the tank section 5A. Now, with reference to Figure 6, the flow of the decolorizing solution Q in Modified Example 1 will be explained in detail. Figure 6(a) shows the flow of decolorizing liquid Q in the supply passage 61A when supplying decolorizing liquid Q to the processing tank 2, and Figure 6(b) shows the flow of decolorizing liquid Q in the discharge passage 62A when discharging decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2. Figure 6 illustrates the flow of decolorizing liquid Q between the processing tank 2 and the first tank 51A. In Figure 6, closed valves are hatched to distinguish between open and closed valves. The areas where the flow of decolorizing liquid Q is interrupted by the opening or closing of the valves are indicated by dashed lines.

[0084] In Modification 1, similar to the embodiment, the control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the valve and the driving of the pump P. As shown in Figure 6(a), when supplying the decolorizing liquid Q from the first tank 51A to the processing tank 2, the control device 80 (see Figure 1) opens valves V2 and V7 and closes the other valves. By closing valves V4 and V8, the flow of the decolorizing liquid Q in the discharge passage 62A is blocked. When the control device 80 drives the pump P, the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the first tank 51A is drawn into the pump P, flows through the supply passage 61A, and is supplied to the processing tank 2. Although not shown in the diagram, when supplying the decolorizing liquid Q from the second tank 52A (see Figure 5) to the processing tank 2, the control device 80 opens valves V6 and V7 and closes the other valves. When the control device 80 drives the pump P, the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the second tank 52A is drawn into the pump P, flows through the supply passage 61A, and is supplied to the processing tank 2.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6(b), when discharging the decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the first tank 51A, the control device 80 opens valves V4 and V8 and closes the other valves. Closing valve V2 blocks the flow of the decolorizing liquid Q in the supply passage 61A between junction J1 and the first tank. Closing valve V7 also blocks the flow of the decolorizing liquid Q in the supply passage 61A between the processing tank 2 and junction J2. When the control device 80 drives the pump P, the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2 flows through the first branch line 621 and enters the supply line 61A from the junction J1, and is drawn into the pump P. The decolorizing liquid Q discharged from the pump P enters the second branch line 622 from the junction J2 and is discharged into the first tank 51A.

[0086] Although not shown in the diagram, when discharging the decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the third tank 53A (see Figure 5), the control device 80 opens valves V5 and V8 and closes the other valves. When the control device 80 drives the pump P, the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the processing tank 2 flows through the first branch line 621 and enters the supply line 61A from the junction J1, and is drawn into the pump P. The decolorizing liquid Q discharged from the pump P enters the second branch line 622 from the junction J2 and is discharged into the third tank 53A.

[0087] In this modified example 1, by configuring the discharge channel 62A as a branch of the supply channel 61A, the decolorizing liquid Q can be discharged from the treatment tank 2 using the pump P of the supply channel 61A without having to install a separate pump in the discharge channel 62A.

[0088] As shown in Figure 5, in Modification 1, in addition to the third tank 53A, the first tank 51A and the second tank 52A are connected to the cooling device 56A via the recovery duct 55A. In the first tank 51A to the third tank 53A, the fumes F generated by heating the decolorizing liquid Q are recovered to the cooling device 56A via the recovery duct 55A.

[0089] In one embodiment (see Figure 3), a cooling device 75 is provided in the exhaust duct 74 of the processing tank 2, and the fumes F generated in the processing tank 2 are cooled by the cooling device 75 before being discharged to an external tank 76. As shown in Figure 5, in Modification 1, the exhaust duct 74A is connected to the cooling device 56A together with the recovery duct 55A. In other words, in Modification 1, both the fumes F generated in the processing tank 2 and the fumes F generated in the first tank 51A to the third tank 53A are recovered by the cooling device 56A.

[0090] The cooling device 56A cools the fumes F in the decolorizing liquid Q and returns them to a liquid state. The decolorizing liquid Q, now back into a liquid, is supplied to the second tank 52A via the reflux channel 57A. In Modification 1, a vacuum tank 58 is provided in the reflux channel 57A. The vacuum tank 58 is a tank that can be evacuated by a vacuum ejector (not shown). In Modification 1, the fumes F generated in the first tank 51A, the second tank 52A, the third tank 53A, and the processing tank 2 are collected in the cooling device 56A, resulting in a larger amount of fumes F compared to the embodiment. Therefore, there is a possibility that fumes F that are not sufficiently cooled and do not return to a liquid state may be generated in the cooling device 56A.

[0091] Therefore, by providing a vacuum tank 58 as a buffer in the reflux channel 57A, even if the decolorizing liquid Q does not completely return to liquid in the cooling device 56A, it is temporarily stored in the vacuum tank 58, where it is sufficiently cooled and becomes easier to return to liquid. When the vacuum tank 58 is evacuated by the vacuum ejector, the inside of the processing tank 2 connected to the vacuum tank 58 via the reflux channel 57A and exhaust duct 74A is also depressurized. As a result, the boiling point of the decolorizing liquid Q in the processing tank 2 is lowered, making it easier to evaporate even at low temperatures. For example, by depressurizing the vacuum tank 58 during the drying process, the decolorizing liquid Q remaining in the processing tank 2 evaporates quickly and is easily recovered by the cooling device 56A.

[0092] Figure 7 is a chart showing an example of the processing flow of the decolorization apparatus 1A according to Modification 1 in chronological order. Since the processing details for each step are the same as in the embodiment, they will be explained in a simplified manner. Figure 7 also shows a time chart from the moment the user places the workpiece to be decolorized into the processing tank 2 and operates the control device 80 (see Figure 1) to input the instruction to start the process. The control device 80 controls the decolorization device 1A to perform the process shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the decolorization apparatus 1A operates the heating device 511 (see Figure 5) of the first tank 51A to heat the decolorization liquid Q (step S21). The decolorization apparatus 1A heats the decolorization liquid Q until its temperature reaches or exceeds T1. In parallel with step S21, the decolorizing device 1A heats the decolorizing solution Q in the second tank 52A (step S22). The decolorizing device 1A heats the decolorizing solution Q until its temperature reaches T2 or higher. Once the decolorization device 1A has finished heating the decolorization solution Q, it opens valves V2 and V7 and drives pump P to supply a quantity A1 of decolorization solution Q from the first tank 51A to the processing tank 2 (step S23). Once the decolorization device 1A has finished supplying the decolorization solution Q to the processing tank 2, it performs the decolorization process (step S24).

[0093] Once the decolorization process is complete, the decolorization device 1A opens valves V5 and V8 and drives pump P to discharge the decolorization liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the third tank 53A (step S25, first discharge process). When the decolorizing liquid Q is discharged into the third tank 53A, the decolorizing device 1A activates the heating device 531 of the third tank 53A to perform a regeneration process in which the sublimable dye is separated from the used decolorizing liquid Q and regenerated (step S26). The decolorization device 1A opens valves V6 and V7 and drives pump P to supply decolorizing liquid Q in quantity A3 from the second tank 52A to the treatment tank 2 (step S27). Once the supply of decolorizing liquid Q is complete, the decolorization device 1A performs rinsing (step S28). Once the rinsing process is complete, the decolorization device 1A opens valves V4 and V8 and drives pump P to discharge the used decolorization liquid Q from the treatment tank 2 to the first tank 51A (step S29, second discharge process). The decolorization liquid Q discharged to the first tank 51A can be used for the next decolorization process. In Modification 1, pump P is used to discharge the decolorizing liquid Q in the first and second discharge processes. Although schematically illustrated in the drawing, the time required for the first and second discharge processes is shorter compared to the case where pump P is not used.

[0094] Once the decolorization device 1A has finished discharging the decolorization liquid Q from the processing tank 2, it performs drying and cooling treatment on the workpiece (steps S30, S31). Once the cooling process is complete, the user retrieves the workpiece from the processing tank 2. The user can also place the next workpiece into the processing tank 2 after retrieving the previous one to continue the decolorization process.

[0095] Thus, when multiple processes are performed consecutively in the decolorization apparatus 1A, the heating devices 511, 521, and 531 of the first tank 51A to the third tank 53A may be kept running at all times. In this case, for subsequent processing of workpieces, the decolorizing solution Q in the first tank 51A is already heated when the user places the workpiece into the processing tank 2. Therefore, the heating process in step S21 can be omitted or shortened. As a result, the time T1 from when the user places the workpiece into the processing tank 2 until the decolorizing process begins can be shortened compared to the first time for subsequent processing.

[0096] As described above, the decolorization apparatus 1A and decolorization system 10A according to Modification 1 have, for example, the following configuration. (4) The first tank 51A and the second tank 52A may have heating devices 511 and 521 (heating sections) for heating the decolorizing liquid Q. The decolorization apparatus 1A includes a cooling device 56A for cooling the decolorization liquid Q which has been heated in the first tank 51A and the second tank 52A and turned into fumes F, The system may also include a return channel 57A for supplying the decolorizing liquid Q, cooled by the cooling device 56A, to the second tank 52A.

[0097] (12) The control device 80 controls the decolorization device 1A, During the first decolorization process (step S24), the decolorization solution Q is heated in the second tank 52A. During the second decolorization process (step S28), heated decolorizing solution Q is supplied from the second tank 52A to the processing tank 2.

[0098] In the decolorization apparatus 1A of the modified example 1, heating devices 511 and 521 can also be provided in the first tank 51A and the second tank 52A. The decolorization device 1A can, for example, supply a decolorizing solution Q, preheated in the first tank 51A, to the processing tank 2 during the decolorization process. When processing workpieces continuously, keeping the decolorizing solution Q constantly heated in the first tank 51A can shorten the time from when the user places the workpiece into the processing tank 2 until the decolorization process begins.

[0099] Furthermore, the decolorization device 1A can, for example, heat the decolorization liquid Q for rinsing in the second tank 52A during the decolorization process. This allows the decolorization liquid Q to be directly supplied from the second tank 52A to the treatment tank 2 during the rinsing process. In the decolorization device 1A of Modification 1, the fourth heating tank 54 (see Figure 3) can be omitted, making it suitable for situations where the installation space for the decolorization device 1A is limited. Depending on the installation space and cost of the decolorization device 1A, a heating device may be installed in only one of the first tank 51A or the second tank 52A.

[0100] (II) The decolorization apparatus 1A is equipped with a cooling device 56A. The cooling device 56A cools the fumes F generated when the decolorization liquid Q is heated in the processing tank 2 and the tank section 5A, returns them to liquid form, and supplies them to the second tank 52A.

[0101] By cooling the fumes F of the decolorizing liquid Q contained in the exhaust from the treatment tank 2 and tank section 5A back into liquid, the exhaust from the treatment tank 2 and tank section 5A can be safely released into the atmosphere, thereby reducing the environmental burden. Furthermore, in Modification 1, the decolorizing liquid Q, which has been returned to liquid by the cooling device 56A, is supplied directly to the second tank 52A. Since it is unnecessary to supply the decolorizing liquid Q stored in the external tank 76 (see Figure 3) to the second tank 52A, the cost of the decolorizing liquid Q can be reduced, and the workload of the user can be reduced.

[0102] (5) The processing tank 2 has a heating device 71 (heating section) for heating the decolorizing solution Q. The decolorization apparatus 1A includes a tank section 5, a cooling device 56A for cooling the decolorization liquid Q which has been heated in the processing tank 2 and turned into fumes F, and a return channel 57A for supplying the decolorization liquid Q cooled by the cooling device 56A to the second tank 52A. The decolorization apparatus 1A also includes a vacuum tank 58 located in the reflux channel 57A. The vacuum tank 58 can be depressurized using a vacuum ejector or the like.

[0103] In Modification 1, the fumes F generated in the first tank 51A to the third tank 53A of the tank section 5A and in the processing tank 2 are supplied to the cooling device 56A. If the processing volume in the cooling device 56A increases, there is a possibility that fumes F will be generated that are not sufficiently cooled by the cooling device 56A and do not return to liquid. In Modification 1, a vacuum tank 58 is provided between the cooling device 56A and the second tank 52A. Fumes F that did not return to liquid in the cooling device 56A are more likely to return to liquid as their temperature drops in the vacuum tank 58 before reaching the second tank 52A. Furthermore, for example, during the drying process, reducing the pressure in the vacuum tank 58 lowers the boiling point of the decolorizing liquid Q in the processing tank 2, making it easier to evaporate, thus allowing the workpiece to dry quickly.

[0104] (8) The discharge channel 62A can be provided as a branch of the supply channel 61A. The discharge channel 62A includes a first branch 621 and a second branch 622. The first branch 621 connects the upstream side of the pump P in the supply channel 61A to the treatment tank 2. The second branch 622 connects the downstream side of the pump P in the supply channel 61A to the tank section 5A.

[0105] In the decolorization device 1A, the supply of decolorizing liquid Q from the tank section 5A (first tank 51A or second tank 52A) to the processing tank 2 and the discharge of decolorizing liquid Q from the processing tank 2 to the tank section 5A (first tank 51A or third tank 53A) can be switched by opening and closing valves V2, V6, V7, V4, V5, and V8 provided in the supply passage 61A and the discharge passage 62A. The decolorizing liquid Q discharged from the processing tank 2 to the tank section 5A flows from the first branch passage 621 through the pump P to the second branch passage 622. This allows the decolorizing liquid Q to be discharged using the pump P in the supply passage 61A without providing another pump P in the discharge passage 62A. In other words, in the modified example 1, the installation cost and installation space of the pump P can be reduced while the decolorizing liquid Q can be discharged quickly, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the workpiece.

[0106] The effects described in Embodiment and Modification 1 also apply to the decolorization method performed in the decolorization apparatus 1, 1A and the decolorization systems 10, 10A. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, all of the modified configurations may be applied to the embodiments, or only some of them may be applied to the embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1, 1A: Decolorization device 2: Treatment tank 5, 5A: Tank section 10, 10A: Decolorization system 30: Drum (mixing section) 35: Support rotation mechanism (stirring section) 71: Heating device (drying section) 72: Air duct (drying section) 51, 51A: Tank No. 1 52, 52A: Second Tank 53, 53A: Tank No. 3 54: Tank No. 4 61, 61A: Supply route 62, 62A: Discharge path 531: Heating device (separation section) 56, 56A: Cooling device (separation section) 80: Control device 621: First Junction 622: Second Junction

Claims

1. A decolorizing apparatus for decolorizing a workpiece containing fibers that have been dyed or colored with dyes, A processing tank capable of loading multiple workpieces and storing a decolorizing solution, A stirring unit for stirring the decolorizing liquid stored in the processing tank, The system includes a tank section for storing the decolorizing liquid and connected to the processing tank via a flow passage, The tank section comprises a first tank and a second tank. The decolorization apparatus is characterized in that the flow passage includes a supply passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the first tank and the second tank to the processing tank, and a discharge passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the processing tank to the first tank.

2. In claim 1, The aforementioned tank section has a third tank, The discharge passage connects the treatment tank to the third tank, A decolorizing apparatus characterized by comprising a separation unit that separates the dye from the decolorizing liquid stored in the third tank and supplies it to the second tank.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The tank section is provided with a heating section for heating the stored decolorizing liquid and has a fourth tank connected to the second tank. The decolorization apparatus is characterized in that the supply path connects the fourth tank to the processing tank.

4. In claim 1 or 2, At least one of the first tank and the second tank has a heating section for heating the decolorizing liquid, A cooling device for cooling the decolorizing liquid, which has been heated and turned into fumes in at least one of the first tank and the second tank, A decolorizing apparatus characterized by comprising a return channel for supplying the decolorizing liquid cooled by the cooling device to a second tank.

5. In claim 4, The processing tank has a heating section for heating the decolorizing solution, The tank section and a cooling device for cooling the decolorizing liquid that has been heated in the processing tank and turned into fumes, A return channel for supplying the decolorized liquid cooled by the cooling device to the second tank, A decolorization apparatus characterized by comprising a reduced pressure tank provided in the reflux channel.

6. In claim 1 or 2, The decolorization apparatus is characterized in that the processing tank has a drying section for drying the workpiece.

7. In claim 1 or 2, The tank section is located below the processing tank. The decolorization apparatus is characterized in that the supply passage is provided with a pump that sucks up the decolorizing liquid stored in the tank and supplies it to the processing tank.

8. In claim 7, The decolorization apparatus is characterized in that the discharge passage is provided as a branch passage of the supply passage and comprises a first branch passage connecting the upstream side of the pump and the treatment tank of the supply passage, and a second branch passage connecting the downstream side of the pump and the tank section.

9. A decolorizing device for decolorizing a workpiece containing fibers that have been dyed or colored with dyes, A decolorization system comprising a control device for controlling the decolorization device, The decolorization apparatus is, A processing tank capable of loading multiple workpieces and storing a decolorizing solution, A stirring unit for stirring the decolorizing liquid stored in the processing tank, The system includes a tank section for storing the decolorizing liquid and connected to the processing tank via a flow passage, The tank section comprises a first tank and a second tank. The flow passage includes a supply passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the first tank and the second tank to the processing tank, and a discharge passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the processing tank to the first tank. The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, A first decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the first tank to the processing tank into which the workpiece is placed, and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit. A first discharge process for discharging the decolorizing solution used in the first decolorizing process from the processing tank, A second decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the second tank to the processing tank and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit, A decolorization system characterized by performing a second discharge process, in which the decolorizing liquid used in the second decolorization process is discharged from the processing tank to the first tank.

10. In claim 9, The aforementioned tank section has a third tank, The discharge passage connects the treatment tank to the third tank, The decolorization apparatus includes a separation unit that separates the dye from the decolorization liquid stored in the third tank and supplies it to the second tank. The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, A decolorization system characterized in that, in the first discharge process, the decolorizing liquid is discharged from the processing tank to the third tank.

11. In claim 9 or 10, The tank section is provided with a heating section for heating the decolorizing liquid and has a fourth tank connected to the second tank. The supply path connects the fourth tank to the processing tank, The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, During the first decolorization process, the decolorizing solution is supplied from the second tank to the fourth tank, and the decolorizing solution is heated in the fourth tank. A decolorization system characterized in that, during the second decolorization process, the heated decolorizing solution is supplied from the fourth tank to the processing tank.

12. In claim 9 or 10, The second tank has a heating section for heating the decolorizing solution, The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, During the first decolorization process, the decolorizing solution is heated in the second tank. A decolorization system characterized in that, during the second decolorization process, the heated decolorizing liquid is supplied from the second tank to the processing tank.

13. In claim 9 or 10, The processing tank has a drying section for drying the workpiece, The control device controls the decolorization apparatus, A decolorization system characterized by performing a drying process in which the workpiece in the treatment tank is dried by the drying unit after the second discharge process.

14. A decolorization method in a decolorization apparatus for decolorizing a workpiece containing fibers dyed or colored with a dye, The decolorization apparatus is, A processing tank capable of loading multiple workpieces and storing a decolorizing solution, A stirring unit for stirring the decolorizing liquid stored in the processing tank, The system includes a tank section for storing the decolorizing liquid and connected to the processing tank via a flow passage, The tank section comprises a first tank and a second tank. The flow passage includes a supply passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the first tank and the second tank to the processing tank, and a discharge passage for the decolorizing liquid connecting the processing tank to the first tank. A first decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the first tank to the processing tank into which the workpiece is placed, and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit. A first discharge process for discharging the decolorizing solution used in the first decolorizing process from the processing tank, A second decolorization process involves supplying the decolorizing liquid from the second tank to the processing tank and stirring the decolorizing liquid with the stirring unit, A decolorization method characterized by comprising a second discharge process of discharging the decolorizing solution used in the second decolorization process from the processing tank to the first tank.

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