JP4402890B2 - Recorder / Erase device - Google Patents

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、加熱温度の違いにより可逆的に発色と消色の２つの状態を示すことにより繰り返し印字（画像形成）することができる可逆性感熱記録媒体を用いた記録消去装置及び該記録消去装置を有する記録装置（画像形成装置）に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
この種の記録装置は、一般にリライタブルプリンタ（ＲＷＰ）と呼ばれ、熱可逆性（Ｔｈｅｒｍｏ−Ｃｈｒｏｍｉｃ）フィルム等の可逆性感熱記録媒体を用いたものが実用化されている。
熱可逆性フィルムは、記録層にロイコ染料と顕色剤を備えており、図１１に示すようなリライタブル特性を有している。消色状態（Ａ）から例えば１８０℃に加熱すると、ロイコ染料分子が溶融して発色し（Ｂ）、この状態で急冷すると発色したまま凝集して発色状態が固定される（Ｃ）。
発色状態で例えば１２０〜１６０℃に加熱すると、凝集状態が崩れて顕色剤が自己凝集力で結晶化し（Ｄ）、ロイコ染料を弾き出して（Ｅ）、消色状態（Ａ）に戻る。消色温度と発色温度はフィルムの構成材料によって異なる。
この熱可逆性フィルムの特性に対応して、記録装置では、加熱して印字を消去する記録消去装置と、加熱して印字を行う印字装置を有している。
【０００３】
記録消去装置としては、ハロゲンランプやセラミックヒータ等を内蔵したヒートローラと加圧ローラを圧接し、ヒートローラにより熱を与えながら挟持搬送して記録を消去する構成が知られている。
印字装置としては、プラテンローラにサーマルヘッドを押圧し、サーマルヘッドの発熱素子に画像情報に基づいて通電し、印字する構成が知られている。
記録消去装置としては、上述した構成の他に、面状ヒータであるセラミックヒータと搬送ローラを対向接触させ、セラミックヒータの面に可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面（印字面、画像面）を当接させながら搬送する構成も知られている。また、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面にハロゲンランプやセラミックヒータ等により非接触状態で熱を加えながら搬送して消去する非接触方式のものもある。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−１２７４６７号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２０００−３０９１６９号公報
【特許文献３】
特開平７−２７６８１４号公報
【特許文献４】
特開平６−１１５２４３号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
可逆性感熱記録シート（可逆性感熱記録媒体）の記録内容の消去を行うためには、印字面だけではなく裏面もある程度の温度にする必要がある。可逆性感熱記録シートの表裏で熱膨張・収縮率が異なり、材質によっては波打ち現象が発生する場合等があるからである。
熱源を内蔵したヒートローラにより加熱消去する方式では、ヒートローラの加熱（消去温度への立ち上がり）に時間がかかり、使用電力も大きいものになる。
可逆性感熱記録シートの基材がＰＥＴ（ポリエチレンテレフタレート）等のような場合、熱伝導性がよいため、特にこの傾向が強くなる。
ヒートローラと加圧ローラによる加熱・搬送方式の場合、可逆性感熱記録シートと接触するのは僅かな範囲のニップ部分のみであり、消去に必要十分な熱量を可逆性感熱記録シートに供給するためには搬送速度をある程度遅くする必要があった。
【０００６】
セラミックヒータに可逆性感熱記録シートを直接当接させる方式では、セラミックヒータの熱容量が小さいため、温度の上昇率が大きく且つ可逆性感熱記録シートの通過時の温度低下も大きくなり、可逆性感熱記録シートの消去温度を制御することが困難であった。また、セラミックヒータの場合には温度ムラの影響も出やすいという問題があった。
さらに、セラミックヒータの場合には幅も狭いために、表面のガラスにピンホールがあると消去性に大きく影響していた。
上述のように、可逆性感熱記録シートの裏面（非印字面）も加熱する必要があることからセラミックヒータの対向部位に搬送機能を兼ねたローラを設ける場合、そのローラの加熱にも第２のヒータが必要となって上記立ち上がり時間、電力量の問題が同様に生じるとともに、可逆性感熱記録シートと接触するのはニップ部分のみとなるために高速化は困難であった。
【０００７】
そこで、本発明は、高速搬送においても良好な消去性を得ることができ、作業能率の向上を実現できる記録消去装置及びこれを備えた記録装置の提供を、その主な目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１記載の発明では、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する板状の記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する板状の非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、上記記録面側熱源と上記非記録面側熱源は共に面状ヒータでそれぞれ上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に接する面と反対側の裏面に接触状態で配置され、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられており、上記記録面側熱源により発生した熱が上記記録面ガイド部材を介して間接的に可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面へ伝えられるとともに、上記非記録面側熱源により発生した熱が上記非記録面ガイド部材を介して間接的に可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面へ伝えられる、という構成を採っている。
【０００９】
請求項２記載の発明では、請求項１記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面側熱源と上記非記録面側熱源がそれぞれ上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の裏面側に設けられた支持部材に固定されているとともに、上記支持部材のうち少なくとも一方が可逆性感熱記録媒体の厚み方向に摺動可能に設けられ且つ上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が近づくように付勢され、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材はそれぞれの側に位置する上記支持部材に非固定状態で支持されている、という構成を採っている。
【００１０】
請求項３記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が、鉄を基材とする金属で形成され、且つ、その厚さが０．６〜１．２ｍｍである、という構成を採っている。
【００１１】
請求項４記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が、アルミニウム又は銅及びその合金で形成され、且つ、その厚さが１．０〜２．５ｍｍである、という構成を採っている。
【００１２】
請求項５記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の平面度が、０．３ｍｍ以下である、という構成を採っている。
【００１３】
請求項６記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の面粗さが、１０μｍ以下である、という構成を採っている。
【００１４】
請求項７記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面が、フッ素樹脂又はポリイミド樹脂でコーティングされている、という構成を採っている。
【００１５】
請求項８記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面側熱源と上記非記録面側熱源のうち、少なくとも一方の裏面側に断熱材が設けられている、という構成を採っている。
【００１６】
請求項９記載の発明では、請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の搬送方向の長さが１０ｍｍ以上である、という構成を採っている。
【００１７】
請求項１０記載の発明では、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材のうち少なくとも一方の可逆性感熱記録媒体の厚み方向における厚さが、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録媒体の幅方向の位置により変化している、という構成を採っている。
【００１８】
請求項１１記載の発明では、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材のうち少なくとも一方が、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送を誘導する誘導部を有し、該誘導部の搬送方向の長さが、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録媒体の幅方向の位置により変化している、という構成を採っている。
【００１９】
請求項１２記載の発明では、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材のうち少なくとも一方の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の搬送方向の長さが、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録媒体の幅方向の位置により変化している、という構成を採っている。
【００２０】
請求項１３記載の発明では、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、可逆性感熱記録媒体を挟持搬送するための搬送部材が、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の搬送方向出口から搬送方向下流側へ１０ｍｍ以上離れた箇所に設置されている、という構成を採っている。
【００２１】
請求項１４記載の発明では、可逆性感熱記録媒体に記録された内容を熱により消去する記録消去装置と、可逆性感熱記録媒体に記録を行う印字装置を有する記録装置において、上記記録消去装置が、請求項１乃至１３のうちの何れか１つに記載の記録消去装置である、という構成を採っている。
【００３４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の第１の実施形態を図１乃至図７に基づいて説明する。
まず、図１に基づいて、本実施形態における記録装置としてのリライタブルプリンタ１の構成及びプリント動作の概要を説明する。
リライタブルプリンタ１は、装置本体３５と、該装置本体３５の上面側に左斜め上方に突出するように固定され、可逆性感熱記録媒体としての可逆性感熱記録用紙２６が収容される給紙手段２５と、該給紙手段２５の給紙方向下流側近傍における装置本体３５内部に設けられ、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置３４と、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に画像情報に基づいて印字（画像形成）を行う印字装置３３と、該記録消去装置３４から排出される可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を印字装置３３へ案内する搬送ガイド板１５と、印字装置３３から排出された可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を冷却する冷却ローラ対１８と、冷却された可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を図示しない排紙トレイへ排出する排紙ローラ対２０等を有している。
【００３５】
給紙手段２５に積載収容された可逆性感熱記録用紙２６は、給紙ローラ２２、２３、２４により１枚ずつ分離されて矢印Ｓ方向に給紙される。
記録消去装置３４は、図２に示すように、ケーシング１０と、該ケーシング１０の上面に設けられ、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の導入口３０ａを有するカバー３０と、ケーシング１０内における導入口３０ａの略真下に設けられた搬送ローラ対１２と、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材２と、該記録面ガイド部材２に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材３と、記録面ガイド部材２を加熱する記録面側熱源としてのセラミックヒータ４と、非記録面ガイド部材３を加熱する非記録面側熱源としてのセラミックヒータ５と、セラミックヒータ４の裏面側（記録面に略平行な面と反対側）に設けられた断熱材６と、セラミックヒータ５の裏面側に設けられた断熱材７を有している。
【００３６】
また、ケーシング１０内部に可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の厚み方向に突出するように形成された支持ブラケット８と、該支持ブラケット８上に摺動可能に設けられ、記録面ガイド部材２を支持する支持部材としての可動フレーム９と、該可動フレーム９を可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の厚み方向に付勢するバネ１１と、支持ブラケット８と略平行に突出し、可動フレーム９の摺動をガイドするガイドブラケット１３と、セラミックヒータ４に埋設状態に設けられ、記録面ガイド部材２の裏面に当接する温度検出手段としてのサーミスタ１４と、非記録面ガイド部材３側においてケーシング１０内部に可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の厚み方向に突出するように形成された支持ブラケット１６と、該支持ブラケット１６に固定ネジ１７で固定され、非記録面ガイド部材３を支持する支持部材としての固定フレーム１９と、セラミックヒータ５に埋設状態に設けられ、非記録面ガイド部材３の裏面に当接する温度検出手段としてのサーミスタ２１等を有している。
可動フレーム９及びバネ１１等により、記録面ガイド部材２を非記録面ガイド部材３へ向けて付勢する付勢手段が構成されている。
【００３７】
図１に示すように、記録消去装置３４で記録内容を消去された可逆性感熱記録用紙２６は、円弧状の搬送経路を有する搬送ガイド板１５内を搬送ローラ対２７等により搬送され、印字装置３３へ達する。
印字装置３３は、プラテンローラ２８と、該プラテンローラ２８に図示しない付勢手段により圧接されたサーマルヘッド２９を有している。記録消去装置３４により記録内容を消去され、又は未記録の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６はプラテンローラ２８で搬送されながらサーマルヘッド２９により印字される。
画像情報に基づいて駆動されるサーマルヘッド２９の加熱温度は適正な発色温度に設定される。
図示しない制御手段のＲＯＭには、予め実験等（コンピュータシミュレーションを含む）により求められた可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の材質の種類と適正な発色温度との関係データテーブルが記憶されており、上記制御手段は入力された又は自動検知された可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の種類に対応する発色温度を選択し、サーマルヘッド２９への電力供給を制御する。
冷却ローラ対１８は、印字装置３３の下流側で印字装置３３によって付与された可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の熱を奪う目的と搬送を兼ねて設けられたローラであり、熱伝導率の高い材料で形成することが望ましい。
【００３８】
図２において、セラミックヒータ４と断熱材６は可動フレーム９に一体に固定されているが、セラミックヒータ４と記録面ガイド部材２とは非固定状態にある。同様に、セラミックヒータ５と断熱材７は固定フレーム１９に一体に固定されているが、セラミックヒータ５と非記録面ガイド部材３とは非固定状態にある。
可動フレーム9は、図３に示すように、ガイドブラケット１３によりガイドされる部分を除く中央部が断面略コ字状に形成され、後面９ｂを２つのバネ１１により付勢されている。断熱材６が固定される前面９ａの可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の幅方向（搬送方向と直交する方向）における両端部には、記録面ガイド部材２を係合するための溝９ａ―１が形成されている。
【００３９】
記録面ガイド部材２は、図４に示すように、後述する可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録面２６ａに略平行な加熱面２ａと、該加熱面２ａの上端から左斜め上方に延び、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を誘導する誘導部２ｂと、加熱面２ａの幅方向両端部にそれぞれ形成されたＬ字状の係合部２ｃと、これらの係合部２ｃの内面に形成され、上記可動フレーム９の溝９ａ―１に係合する凸部２ｄを有している。
図５に示すように、非記録面ガイド部材３も記録面ガイド部材２と同様に形成され、且つ対称性を有するように設けられている。すなわち、非記録面ガイド部材３は、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の非記録面２６ｂに略平行な加熱面３ａと、該加熱面３ａの上端から右斜め上方に延び、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を誘導する誘導部３ｂと、加熱面３ａの幅方向両端部にそれぞれ形成されたＬ字状の係合部３ｃと、これらの係合部３ｃの内面に形成され、上記固定フレーム１９の図示しない溝に係合する凸部３ｄを有している。
【００４０】
記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の対向配置によって、各誘導部２ｂ、３ｂによる逆八の字形状の搬送案内部が形成されている。この搬送案内部により可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の先端部が少々ばたついても確実に記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の間に通すことができる。
記録面ガイド部材２が可動フレーム９による付勢力Ｆで非記録面ガイド部材３へ向けて押圧され、これにより、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録面２６ａに記録面ガイド部材２の加熱面２ａが当接し、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の非記録面２６ｂに非記録面ガイド部材３の加熱面３ａが当接する。
【００４１】
記録面ガイド部材２及び非記録面ガイド部材３の材料としては、金属、耐熱性樹脂、セラミック等を採用でき、特に金属が望ましい。金属においては熱伝導率の高いアルミニウム、銅及びその合金等が挙げられるが、特にアルミニウムが好ましい。アルミニウムで形成する場合、記録面ガイド部材２及び非記録面ガイド部材３の厚さｔは、１．０ｍｍ〜２．５ｍｍであることが好ましい。
好適な材料としては他に、単位体積当たりの熱容量の高いステンレスなど、鉄を基材とする金属も上げられる。この場合、記録面ガイド部材２及び非記録面ガイド部材３の厚さｔは、０．６ｍｍ〜１．２ｍｍであることが好ましい。
また、記録面ガイド部材２の加熱面２ａと非記録面ガイド部材３の加熱面３ａの平面度は、０．３ｍｍ以下であることが好ましい。
【００４２】
また、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６と当接する部分の長さ、すなわち、加熱面２ａ、加熱面３ａの可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の搬送方向における長さｈは、１０ｍｍ以上にすることが好ましい。
記録面ガイド部材2とセラミックヒータ４との間に配置されたサーミスタ１４と、非記録面ガイド部材３とセラミックヒータ５の間に配置されたサーミスタ２１は、その熱時定数が５秒以下のものが好ましい。
【００４３】
記録面ガイド部材２はセラミックヒータ４により一定温度（所定の消去温度）に加熱され、非記録面ガイド部材３はセラミックヒータ５により一定温度に加熱される。可逆性感熱記録用紙２６はその記録面２６ａが記録面ガイド部材２の加熱面２ａに当接し、非記録面２６ｂが非記録面ガイド部材３の加熱面３ａに当接しながら搬送されることにより、波打ち現象を呈することなく記録内容を消去される。
上述のように、本実施形態においては、セラミックヒータ４により発生した熱は記録面ガイド部材２を介して間接的に可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録面へ伝えられ、セラミックヒータ５により発生した熱は非記録面ガイド部材３を介して間接的に可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の非記録面へ伝えられる。
【００４４】
記録面ガイド部材２、非記録面ガイド部材３を介することなく、セラミックヒータ４、５により直接可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を加熱した場合、すなわち、従来における加熱方式の場合、図６（ａ）に示すように、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６がセラミックヒータ４、５間を通過する際に急激な温度降下が起き、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の消去可能温度帯を下回ってしまい、消去不能となる場合がある。
これに対し、本実施形態における上記構成の場合には、セラミックヒータ４、５で発生した熱は記録面ガイド部材２、非記録面ガイド部材３に蓄えられた状態で可逆性感熱記録用紙２６へ移動するので、急激な温度降下は抑制され、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の消去可能温度帯内に収められるため、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を高速に搬送しても記録内容を確実に消去することができる。
【００４５】
すなわち、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６は熱源であるセラミックヒータ４、５の熱を直接に奪わないので、急激な温度降下は起きない。
本実施形態では、上記制御手段によるセラミックヒータ４、５の制御により、非記録面ガイド部材３の加熱面３ａの温度が記録面ガイド部材２の加熱面２ａの温度以下になるように設定されており、且つ、その温度差が５０℃以下になるように設定されている。
これにより、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の厚み方向における温度勾配は小さくなり、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を消去することができる。
本実施形態における効果を図７に示す。従来技術であるＡにおいては可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の搬送速度が大きくなると、消去残留濃度が大きくなり、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の消去が不可能となる。
本実施形態（Ｂ、Ｃ）では、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６との当接部分を記録面ガイド部材２及び非記録面ガイド部材３の存在により長く且つ任意の長さに設定できるので、高速に搬送しながら消去残量濃度を抑制することができる。
【００４６】
次に、図８に基づいて第２の実施形態を説明する。なお、上記実施形態と同一部分は同一符号で示し、特に必要がない限り既にした構成上及び機能上の説明は省略して要部のみ説明する（以下の他の実施形態において同じ）。
セラミックヒータ４とセラミックヒータ５の発熱面内の温度分布の勾配が大きい場合には、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録内容を消去したときに、局所的に残留濃度が大きくなることがある。本実施形態ではこの問題を解決することを目的としている。
上記問題を解決するために、本実施形態では、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３のうちの少なくとも一方が、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を高速で搬送した場合に、消去残留濃度を抑制できる形状を有していることを特徴としている。
具体的には、記録面ガイド部材２及び非記録面ガイド部材３の、あるいは記録面ガイド部材２又は非記録面ガイド部材３の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の厚み方向における厚さが、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の幅方向（矢印Ｗ方向）の位置により変化していることを特徴としている。
【００４７】
図８は、図４において記録面ガイド部材２を矢印Ｅ方向から見た図（底面図）を示している。記録面ガイド部材２の加熱面２ａの厚みｍが、中央部で薄くなり、両端部で徐々に厚くなるように設定されている。本実施形態では非記録面ガイド部材３においても記録面ガイド部材２と同様に加熱面３ａにおける厚み変化の設定がなされている。
加熱面２ａの厚みｍの変化により、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に与える熱量が加熱面２ａの位置により異なり、これによりセラミックヒータ４の発熱面内の温度分布の勾配の影響を補正できる。すなわち、温度分布の勾配を小さくすることができ、局所的に残留濃度が大きくなることを防止できる。
【００４８】
図９に示すように、記録面ガイド部材２における誘導部２ｂの搬送方向の長さｎを、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の幅方向（矢印Ｗ方向）の位置により変化させるようにしても、第２の実施形態と同様の機能を得ることができる（第３の実施形態）。
本実施形態では、誘導部２ｂの長さｎが中央部で最大となり、両端部へ向かって徐々に小さくなるように設定されており、非記録面ガイド部材３の誘導部３ｂにおいても同様の形状に設定されている。
誘導部２ｂにもセラミックヒータ４による加熱は及んでおり、直接可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に接触はしないが、その形状を変化させることにより可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に対する熱量を操作でき、セラミックヒータ４の発熱面内の温度分布の勾配の影響を補正できる。すなわち、温度分布の勾配を小さくすることができ、局所的に残留濃度が大きくなることを防止できる。
記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３のうち何れか一方の誘導部の搬送方向の長さを変化させるようにしてもよい。
【００４９】
図１０に示すように、記録面ガイド部材２の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に当接する面（加熱面２ａ）の搬送方向の長さｒを、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の幅方向（矢印Ｗ方向）の位置により変化させるようにしても、第２の実施形態と同様の機能を得ることができる（第４の実施形態）。
本実施形態では、加熱面２ａの長さｒが中央部で最小となり、両端部へ向かって徐々に大きくなるように設定されており、非記録面ガイド部材３の加熱面３ａにおいても同様の形状に設定されている。
加熱面２ａの長さｒの変化により、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に与える熱量が加熱面２ａの位置によりことなり、これによりセラミックヒータ４の発熱面内の温度分布の勾配の影響を補正できる。すなわち、温度分布の勾配を小さくすることができ、局所的に残留濃度が大きくなることを防止できる。
記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３のうち何れか一方の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に当接する面（加熱面）の搬送方向の長さを変化させるようにしてもよい。
【００５０】
上記各実施形態では、記録面ガイド部材２の加熱面２ａが可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の記録面に当接し、且つ、非記録面ガイド部材３の加熱面３ａが非記録面に当接する方式であるので、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６が記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の間を通過する際に、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の表面に摩擦による傷が発生する懸念がある。
この場合、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に当接する面（加熱面２ａ、加熱面３ａ）の面粗さを、１０μｍ以下とすることにより傷の発生を防止することができる（第５の実施形態）。
記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の可逆性感熱記録用紙２６に当接する面（加熱面２ａ、加熱面３ａ）を、耐熱性及び低摩擦性を有する材料でコーティングしても同様の傷発生防止機能を得ることができる（第６の実施形態）。
耐熱性及び低摩擦性を有する材料としては、例えばフッ素樹脂やポリイミド樹脂を採用することができる。
【００５１】
可逆性感熱記録用紙２６の材料に、樹脂など軟化点温度が消去温度より低い材料が使われている場合、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の間を通過後、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６がその軟化点温度以下に冷却される前に、搬送ローラなどにより加圧を行うと、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６が塑性変形を起こしてしまい、問題となる。
このような場合、可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を挟持搬送するための搬送部材が、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の搬送方向出口から搬送方向下流側へ離れた位置に設置されるケースにおいては、該設置位置は、上記搬送部材のニップ圧により可逆性感熱記録用紙２６が塑性変形を起こさない距離に設定するようにする（第７の実施形態）。
【００５２】
具体的には、図１で示した構成において、搬送ローラ対２７は、そのニップ位置が記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の搬送方向出口から搬送方向下流側へ１０ｍｍ以上離れた箇所に設置するようにする。
可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を挟持搬送するための搬送部材を、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の搬送方向入り口よりも上流側に設けても上記と同様の塑性変形防止機能を得ることができる（第８の実施形態）。
具体的には、本実施形態の場合、図１に示す搬送ローラ対１２が可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を挟持搬送するための搬送部材となる。
【００５３】
上記各実施形態では、記録面ガイド部材２と非記録面ガイド部材３の間をそれぞれの面に当接させながら可逆性感熱記録用紙２６を搬送する構成としたが、各面（加熱面２ａ、加熱面３ａ）との間に僅かな隙間を有する状態にして非接触状態で搬送するようにしても、上記各実施形態と同様の消去機能を得ることができる。この場合、可動フレーム９は固定方式となる。
【００５４】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、ガイド部材の有する熱容量により消去時の急峻な温度変化を抑制することができ、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送して記録内容を消去することができる。これによりリライタブルプリンタ等における記録消去の作業能率を向上させることができる。
【００５５】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を高精度に消去することができる。
【００５６】
本発明によれば、記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材の有する熱容量により消去時の急峻な温度変化を抑制することができ、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送して記録内容を消去することができる。これによりリライタブルプリンタ等における記録消去の作業能率を向上させることができる。
【００５７】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を高精度に消去することができる。
【００５８】
本発明によれば、消去温度への立ち上がり時間を短くでき、省電力化を実現できる。
【００６０】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体に対する記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材の空隙を少なくすることができ、記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材の熱を可逆性感熱記録媒体の全面に速やかに伝えることができる。これにより、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を消去することができる。
【００６２】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体が記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材間を通過する際に発生する急峻な温度降下を抑制することができ、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を消去することができる。また、記録面ガイド部材及び非記録面ガイド部材の適正な厚みにより消去温度への立ち上がり時間を短くできる。
【００６４】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体に対する記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材の空隙を少なくすることができ、記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材の熱を可逆性感熱記録媒体の全面に速やかに伝えることができる。これにより、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を消去することができる。
【００６５】
本発明によれば、記録面ガイド部材及び非記録面ガイド部材に対する可逆性感熱記録媒体の摩擦を低減でき、可逆性感熱記録媒体の表面を損傷することなく記録内容を消去することができる。
【００６６】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体の表面を損傷することなく記録内容を消去することができる。
【００６８】
本発明によれば、熱源の温度分布を補正することができ、可逆性感熱記録媒体の全面を均一に高精度に消去することができる。
【００７４】
本発明によれば、熱源から付勢手段への熱移動を抑制でき、熱源による記録面ガイド部材、非記録面ガイド部材の加熱効率の低下を防止できる。
【００７５】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体の単位面積当たりの記録面ガイド部材、非記録面ガイド部材との接触時間を長くすることができ、可逆性感熱記録媒体を高速に搬送しながら記録内容を消去することができる。
【００７７】
本発明によれば、可逆性感熱記録媒体が十分に冷却されてから搬送部材による圧力が加えられるため、可逆性感熱記録媒体の塑性変形の発生を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態における記録装置としてのリライタブルプリンタの概要正面図である。
【図２】記録消去装置の拡大概要正面図である。
【図３】記録消去装置における記録面ガイド部材の付勢手段の概要斜視図である。
【図４】記録面ガイド部材の概要斜視図である。
【図５】可逆性感熱記録媒体に対する記録面ガイド部材と非記録面ガイド部材の位置関係を示す図である。
【図６】可逆性感熱記録媒体の通紙期間（時間）とヒータ温度との関係を示す図で（ａ）は従来における図、（ｂ）は本実施形態における図である。
【図７】可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送速度と消去残留濃度との関係を示すグラフで、従来品と本実施形態における比較を示すグラフである。
【図８】第２の実施形態における記録面ガイド部材の概要底面図である。
【図９】第３の実施形態における記録面ガイド部材の概要斜視図である。
【図１０】第４の実施形態における記録面ガイド部材の概要斜視図である。
【図１１】可逆性感熱記録媒体の消色・発色メカニズムを示す図である。
【符号の説明】
２ 記録面ガイド部材
２ａ 可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面としての加熱面
２ｂ、３ｂ 誘導部
３ 非記録面ガイド部材
３ａ 可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面としての加熱面
４ 記録面側熱源としてのセラミックヒータ
５ 非記録面側熱源としてのセラミックヒータ
６、７ 断熱材
２６ 可逆性感熱記録媒体
２６ａ 記録面
２６ｂ 非記録面
３３ 印字装置
３４ 記録消去装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention uses a reversible thermosensitive recording medium capable of repetitive printing (image formation) by reversibly showing two states of color development and decoloration due to differences in heating temperature. Note The present invention relates to a recording / erasing apparatus and a recording apparatus (image forming apparatus) having the recording / erasing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of recording apparatus is generally called a rewritable printer (RWP), and a recording apparatus using a reversible thermosensitive recording medium such as a thermo-reversible (Thermo-Chromic) film has been put into practical use.
The thermoreversible film includes a leuco dye and a developer in the recording layer, and has a rewritable characteristic as shown in FIG. When heated to 180 ° C. from the decolored state (A), for example, the leuco dye molecules melt and develop color (B), and when rapidly cooled in this state, the color develops and aggregates while fixing the color (C).
When heated to 120 to 160 ° C. in the colored state, for example, the aggregated state collapses and the developer crystallizes with self-aggregating force (D), ejects the leuco dye (E), and returns to the decolored state (A). The decoloring temperature and color development temperature differ depending on the constituent materials of the film.
Corresponding to the characteristics of this thermoreversible film, the recording apparatus has a recording erasing apparatus that erases printing by heating and a printing apparatus that performs printing by heating.
[0003]
As a recording / erasing device, a configuration is known in which a heat roller containing a halogen lamp, a ceramic heater, or the like is in pressure contact with a pressure roller, and the recording is erased by nipping and conveying the heat roller while applying heat.
As a printing apparatus, there is known a configuration in which a thermal head is pressed against a platen roller, a heating element of the thermal head is energized based on image information, and printing is performed.
In addition to the above-described configuration, the recording / erasing apparatus is configured such that a ceramic heater, which is a planar heater, and a conveying roller are opposed to each other, and a recording surface (printing surface, image surface) of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium is applied to the ceramic heater surface. A configuration for conveying while contacting is also known. Also, there is a non-contact type in which the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is erased by transporting it while applying heat in a non-contact state by a halogen lamp, a ceramic heater or the like.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-127467 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-309169 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 7-276814 A
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-6-115243
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to erase the recorded contents of the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet (reversible thermosensitive recording medium), not only the printing surface but also the back surface needs to have a certain temperature. This is because the thermal expansion / contraction rate differs between the front and back sides of the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet, and a waving phenomenon may occur depending on the material.
In the method of heating and erasing using a heat roller with a built-in heat source, heating of the heat roller (rising up to the erasing temperature) takes time, and the power used is large.
This tendency is particularly strong when the base material of the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet is PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like because of good thermal conductivity.
In the case of the heating / conveying system using a heat roller and a pressure roller, the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet is in contact with only a small nip portion to supply the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet with a sufficient amount of heat necessary for erasing. It was necessary to slow down the conveyance speed to some extent.
[0006]
In the method in which the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet is brought into direct contact with the ceramic heater, the heat capacity of the ceramic heater is small, so the rate of temperature increase is large and the temperature drop when passing through the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet is large. It was difficult to control the erasing temperature of the sheet. In the case of a ceramic heater, there is a problem that the influence of temperature unevenness is likely to occur.
Furthermore, since the ceramic heater has a narrow width, if there is a pinhole in the glass on the surface, the erasability is greatly affected.
As described above, since the back surface (non-printing surface) of the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet also needs to be heated, when a roller that also serves as a conveying function is provided at the opposed portion of the ceramic heater, the second heating is also applied to the roller. Since a heater is required, the above-mentioned rise time and power consumption problems occur in the same manner, and only the nip portion is in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording sheet, so it is difficult to increase the speed.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention can achieve good erasability even in high-speed conveyance, and can improve work efficiency. Ru The main purpose is to provide a recording / erasing apparatus and a recording apparatus having the recording / erasing apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording erasing apparatus for erasing recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat to a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. A plate-like recording surface guide member, a plate-like non-recording surface guide member provided opposite to the recording surface guide member and having a surface substantially parallel to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and the recording surface A recording surface side heat source that heats the guide member and a non-recording surface side heat source that heats the non-recording surface guide member, while heating the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member to a predetermined temperature, respectively. A recording erasing apparatus for conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them and erasing the recorded content, wherein both the recording surface side heat source and the non-recording surface side heat source are planar heaters and the recording surface guide member, respectively. Non-recording surface guide part The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are in contact with the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, respectively, in contact with the back surface opposite to the surface in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. The recording surface side heat source The heat generated by is indirectly transmitted to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium via the recording surface guide member, and the heat generated by the non-recording surface side heat source is indirectly transmitted via the non-recording surface guide member. Transmitted to the non-recording surface of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium , Is adopted.
[0009]
In the invention according to claim 2, according to claim 1, Record eraser In The recording surface side heat source and the non-recording surface side heat source are fixed to a support member provided on the back side of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member, respectively, and at least one of the support members is The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to be slidable in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and are urged so that the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member approach each other. It is configured to be supported in an unfixed state by the support member located on the side of .
[0010]
In invention of Claim 3, Claim 1 or 2 In the record erasing device, The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are made of a metal based on iron and have a thickness of 0.6 to 1.2 mm. , Is adopted.
[0011]
In the invention according to claim 4, the claim 1 or 2 In the recording erasing apparatus described above, the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are , Aluminum or copper and alloys thereof, and the thickness is 1.0 to 2.5 mm , Is adopted.
[0012]
In the invention according to claim 5, the claim 1 or 2 In the recording and erasing apparatus described, The flatness of the surfaces of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member that contact the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is 0.3 mm or less. , Is adopted.
[0013]
In the invention of claim 6, the claim of claim 1 or 2 In the recording and erasing apparatus described, The surface roughness of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member that are in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is 10 μm or less. , Is adopted.
[0014]
In the invention of claim 7, the claim of claim 1 or 2 In the recording / erasing apparatus described above, the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member The surface in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is coated with fluororesin or polyimide resin. , Is adopted.
[0015]
In the invention of claim 8, the claim of claim 1 or 2 In the recording and erasing apparatus described, A heat insulating material is provided on at least one of the recording surface side heat source and the non-recording surface side heat source. , Is adopted.
[0016]
In the invention of claim 9, the claim 1 or 2 The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided. The length of the surface in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium in the transport direction is 10 mm or more. , Is adopted.
[0017]
In invention of Claim 10, Erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat In the record erasing device, Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording and erasing apparatus for erasing recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are reversible thermosensitive recording. A thickness of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium in the thickness direction of at least one of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member is provided so as to be in contact with the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the medium. It is changed by the position in the width direction of the conveying direction substantially perpendicular to the reversible thermosensitive recording medium of the recording medium , Is adopted.
[0018]
In the invention according to claim 11, Erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat In the record erasing device, Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording and erasing apparatus for erasing recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are reversible thermosensitive recording. Provided in contact with the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the medium, respectively, and at least one of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member has a guiding portion for guiding conveyance of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. The invitation Length in the transport direction of the section has been changed by the position in the width direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium which is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium , Is adopted.
[0019]
In invention of Claim 12, Erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat In the record erasing device, Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording and erasing apparatus for erasing recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are reversible thermosensitive recording. The length of the surface in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member provided in contact with the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the medium, respectively. ,reversible It is changing the widthwise position of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium which is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the thermal recording medium , Is adopted.
[0020]
In invention of Claim 13, Erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat In the record erasing device, Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording and erasing apparatus for erasing recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are reversible thermosensitive recording. A conveying member provided so as to be in contact with the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the medium to convey and hold the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is conveyed from the conveyance direction exit of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member. direction It is installed at a position apart more than 10mm into the flow side , Is adopted.
[0021]
In invention of Claim 14, A recording / erasing apparatus for erasing the contents recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording medium by heat; and a printing apparatus for recording on the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. In the recording device, 14. The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording / erasing apparatus is any one of claims 1 to 13. , Is adopted.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, based on FIG. 1, an outline of a configuration and printing operation of a rewritable printer 1 as a recording apparatus in the present embodiment will be described.
The rewritable printer 1 is fixed to an apparatus main body 35 and an upper surface side of the apparatus main body 35 so as to protrude obliquely upward to the left, and a paper feeding unit 25 that houses a reversible thermosensitive recording sheet 26 as a reversible thermosensitive recording medium. A recording and erasing device 34 provided inside the apparatus main body 35 in the vicinity of the downstream side of the paper feeding direction of the paper feeding means 25 and erasing the recorded contents of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 by applying heat, and a reversible thermosensitive recording paper. 26, a printing device 33 that performs printing (image formation) based on image information, a conveyance guide plate 15 that guides the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 discharged from the recording / erasing device 34 to the printing device 33, and the printing device 33. A cooling roller pair 18 that cools the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 discharged from the paper, a paper discharge roller pair 20 that discharges the cooled reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 to a paper discharge tray (not shown), and the like. That.
[0035]
The reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 stacked and accommodated in the paper supply means 25 is separated one by one by the paper supply rollers 22, 23, 24 and fed in the direction of arrow S.
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording / erasing device 34 includes a casing 10, a cover 30 provided on the upper surface of the casing 10 and having an inlet 30 a for the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, and the inlet 30 a in the casing 10. The conveyance roller pair 12 provided substantially directly below, the recording surface guide member 2 having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, and the reversible thermosensitive sensor provided facing the recording surface guide member 2. The non-recording surface guide member 3 having a surface substantially parallel to the non-recording surface of the recording paper 26, the ceramic heater 4 as a recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member 2, and the non-recording surface guide member 3 are heated. A ceramic heater 5 as a heat source on the non-recording surface side, a heat insulating material 6 provided on the back surface side of the ceramic heater 4 (on the side opposite to the surface substantially parallel to the recording surface), and a back surface side of the ceramic heater 5 And a heat insulating material 7 that.
[0036]
Further, a support bracket 8 formed so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 inside the casing 10, and slidably provided on the support bracket 8 to support the recording surface guide member 2. As a support member A movable frame 9, a spring 11 that urges the movable frame 9 in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, a guide bracket 13 that protrudes substantially parallel to the support bracket 8 and guides the sliding of the movable frame 9. The thermistor 14 provided as a temperature detecting means provided in a state embedded in the ceramic heater 4 and in contact with the back surface of the recording surface guide member 2, and the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 inside the casing 10 on the non-recording surface guide member 3 side. And a support bracket 16 formed so as to protrude to the support bracket 16 and fixed to the support bracket 16 with a fixing screw 17 to support the non-recording surface guide member 3. As a support member A fixed frame 19 and a thermistor 21 provided as a temperature detecting means provided in an embedded state in the ceramic heater 5 and in contact with the back surface of the non-recording surface guide member 3 are provided.
The movable frame 9 and the spring 11 constitute biasing means for biasing the recording surface guide member 2 toward the non-recording surface guide member 3.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 1, the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 from which the recording contents have been erased by the recording / erasing device 34 is conveyed by a conveying roller pair 27 and the like in a conveying guide plate 15 having an arc-shaped conveying path. Reach 33.
The printing device 33 includes a platen roller 28 and a thermal head 29 that is pressed against the platen roller 28 by an urging means (not shown). The recorded contents are erased by the recording / erasing device 34 or the unrecorded reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is printed by the thermal head 29 while being conveyed by the platen roller 28.
The heating temperature of the thermal head 29 driven based on the image information is set to an appropriate color development temperature.
The ROM of the control means (not shown) stores a relation data table between the material type of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 obtained in advance by experiments or the like (including computer simulation) and an appropriate color development temperature. The means selects the color development temperature corresponding to the type of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 that is input or automatically detected, and controls the power supply to the thermal head 29.
The cooling roller pair 18 is a roller provided for the purpose of depriving the heat of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 applied by the printing device 33 on the downstream side of the printing device 33 and a material having high thermal conductivity. It is desirable to form.
[0038]
In FIG. 2, the ceramic heater 4 and the heat insulating material 6 are integrally fixed to the movable frame 9, but the ceramic heater 4 and the recording surface guide member 2 are not fixed. Similarly, the ceramic heater 5 and the heat insulating material 7 are integrally fixed to the fixed frame 19, but the ceramic heater 5 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 are not fixed.
As shown in FIG. 3, the movable frame 9 has a central portion excluding a portion guided by the guide bracket 13 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and the rear surface 9 b is urged by two springs 11. Grooves 9a-1 for engaging the recording surface guide member 2 are formed at both ends of the front surface 9a to which the heat insulating material 6 is fixed in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction) of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26. Has been.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 4, the recording surface guide member 2 has a heating surface 2a substantially parallel to a recording surface 26a of a reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, which will be described later, and extends obliquely upward to the left from the upper end of the heating surface 2a. An induction portion 2b for guiding the thermal recording paper 26, L-shaped engagement portions 2c formed at both ends in the width direction of the heating surface 2a, and the movable frame formed on the inner surfaces of these engagement portions 2c. 9 has a protrusion 2d that engages with the groove 9a-1.
As shown in FIG. 5, the non-recording surface guide member 3 is also formed in the same manner as the recording surface guide member 2 and has symmetry. That is, the non-recording surface guide member 3 has a heating surface 3a substantially parallel to the non-recording surface 26b of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, and extends obliquely upward to the right from the upper end of the heating surface 3a. The guiding portion 3b for guiding, the L-shaped engaging portions 3c formed at both ends in the width direction of the heating surface 3a, and the grooves (not shown) of the fixing frame 19 formed on the inner surfaces of these engaging portions 3c. Has a convex portion 3d to be engaged with.
[0040]
By the opposing arrangement of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3, an inverted eight-shaped conveyance guide portion is formed by the guide portions 2b and 3b. Even if the leading end portion of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 slightly fluctuates by this conveyance guide portion, it can be surely passed between the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3.
The recording surface guide member 2 is pressed toward the non-recording surface guide member 3 by the urging force F by the movable frame 9, whereby the heating surface 2 a of the recording surface guide member 2 is brought into contact with the recording surface 26 a of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26. The heating surface 3 a of the non-recording surface guide member 3 contacts the non-recording surface 26 b of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26.
[0041]
As a material for the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3, a metal, a heat resistant resin, a ceramic, or the like can be adopted, and a metal is particularly desirable. Examples of the metal include aluminum, copper and alloys thereof having high thermal conductivity, and aluminum is particularly preferable. When formed of aluminum, the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 preferably have a thickness t of 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm.
Other suitable materials include metals based on iron, such as stainless steel with a high heat capacity per unit volume. In this case, the thickness t of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 is preferably 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm.
The flatness of the heating surface 2a of the recording surface guide member 2 and the heating surface 3a of the non-recording surface guide member 3 is preferably 0.3 mm or less.
[0042]
Further, the lengths of the portions of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 that contact the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, that is, the lengths of the heating surface 2a and the heating surface 3a in the transport direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 The length h is preferably 10 mm or more.
The thermistor 14 disposed between the recording surface guide member 2 and the ceramic heater 4 and the thermistor 21 disposed between the non-recording surface guide member 3 and the ceramic heater 5 have thermal time constants of 5 seconds or less. Is preferred.
[0043]
The recording surface guide member 2 is heated to a constant temperature (predetermined erasing temperature) by a ceramic heater 4, and the non-recording surface guide member 3 is heated to a constant temperature by a ceramic heater 5. The reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is conveyed while its recording surface 26 a comes into contact with the heating surface 2 a of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface 26 b comes into contact with the heating surface 3 a of the non-recording surface guide member 3. The recorded contents are erased without exhibiting a ripple phenomenon.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the heat generated by the ceramic heater 4 is indirectly transmitted to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 via the recording surface guide member 2, and the heat generated by the ceramic heater 5. Is indirectly transmitted to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 via the non-recording surface guide member 3.
[0044]
When the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is directly heated by the ceramic heaters 4 and 5 without passing through the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3, that is, in the case of the conventional heating method, FIG. As shown in the figure, when the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 passes between the ceramic heaters 4 and 5, a sudden temperature drop occurs and falls below the erasable temperature zone of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, making erasure impossible. There is.
On the other hand, in the case of the above-described configuration in this embodiment, the heat generated by the ceramic heaters 4 and 5 is stored in the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 to the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26. Since it moves, the rapid temperature drop is suppressed, and the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is within the erasable temperature zone, so that the recorded contents can be surely erased even if the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is conveyed at high speed. Can do.
[0045]
That is, since the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 does not directly take the heat of the ceramic heaters 4 and 5 that are heat sources, a rapid temperature drop does not occur.
In the present embodiment, the temperature of the heating surface 3a of the non-recording surface guide member 3 is set to be equal to or lower than the temperature of the heating surface 2a of the recording surface guide member 2 by controlling the ceramic heaters 4 and 5 by the control means. And the temperature difference is set to 50 ° C. or less.
As a result, the temperature gradient in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is reduced, and the recorded contents can be erased while the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is conveyed at high speed.
The effect in this embodiment is shown in FIG. In the prior art A, when the transport speed of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is increased, the erasure residual density is increased and the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 cannot be erased.
In the present embodiment (B, C), the contact portion with the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 can be set to a long and arbitrary length due to the presence of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3, so that high speed is achieved. It is possible to suppress the erasure remaining density while carrying.
[0046]
Next, a second embodiment will be described based on FIG. Note that the same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and unless otherwise specified, description of the configuration and functions already described is omitted, and only the main part will be described (the same applies to other embodiments below).
When the gradient of the temperature distribution in the heat generation surface of the ceramic heater 4 and the ceramic heater 5 is large, the residual density may locally increase when the recorded content of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is erased. The present embodiment aims to solve this problem.
In order to solve the above problem, in this embodiment, when at least one of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 conveys the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 at a high speed, the erasure residual density is set. It has the shape which can be suppressed.
Specifically, the thickness of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 or the recording surface guide member 2 or the non-recording surface guide member 3 in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is reversible thermosensitive. The reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is characterized in that it changes depending on the position in the width direction (arrow W direction) of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper 26.
[0047]
FIG. 8 shows a view (bottom view) of the recording surface guide member 2 viewed from the direction of arrow E in FIG. The thickness m of the heating surface 2a of the recording surface guide member 2 is set to be thin at the center and gradually thick at both ends. In the present embodiment, the non-recording surface guide member 3 is also set to have a thickness change on the heating surface 3a in the same manner as the recording surface guide member 2.
Due to the change in the thickness m of the heating surface 2a, the amount of heat applied to the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 varies depending on the position of the heating surface 2a, and thereby the influence of the gradient of the temperature distribution in the heat generating surface of the ceramic heater 4 can be corrected. That is, the gradient of the temperature distribution can be reduced and the residual concentration can be prevented from locally increasing.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 9, the length n of the recording surface guide member 2 in the transport direction of the guide portion 2b is set to the width direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 (arrow W) substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26. Even if the position is changed depending on the position of (direction), the same function as in the second embodiment can be obtained (third embodiment).
In the present embodiment, the length n of the guide portion 2b is set to be maximum at the center portion and gradually decreases toward both end portions, and the guide portion 3b of the non-recording surface guide member 3 has the same shape. Is set to
The induction part 2b is also heated by the ceramic heater 4 and does not directly contact the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26. However, the amount of heat applied to the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 can be manipulated by changing the shape of the induction heater 2b. It is possible to correct the influence of the gradient of the temperature distribution in the heat generation surface. That is, the gradient of the temperature distribution can be reduced and the residual concentration can be prevented from locally increasing.
You may make it change the length of the conveyance direction of any one guide part of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 10, the length r in the transport direction of the surface (heating surface 2 a) of the recording surface guide member 2 that contacts the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26. Even if it is changed depending on the position of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 in the width direction (arrow W direction), the same function as that of the second embodiment can be obtained (fourth embodiment).
In the present embodiment, the length r of the heating surface 2a is set to be minimum at the center and gradually increased toward both ends, and the heating surface 3a of the non-recording surface guide member 3 has the same shape. Is set to
Due to the change in the length r of the heating surface 2a, the amount of heat applied to the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 varies depending on the position of the heating surface 2a, thereby correcting the influence of the gradient of the temperature distribution in the heating surface of the ceramic heater 4. That is, the gradient of the temperature distribution can be reduced and the residual concentration can be prevented from locally increasing.
You may make it change the length of the conveyance direction of the surface (heating surface) contact | abutted to any one reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 among the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3. FIG.
[0050]
In each of the above embodiments, Recording surface guide member 2 The heating surface 2a is in contact with the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, and the heating surface 3a of the non-recording surface guide member 3 is in contact with the non-recording surface. When passing between the surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3, there is a concern that the surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 may be scratched by friction.
In this case, scratches are generated when the surface roughness (heating surface 2a, heating surface 3a) of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 that contacts the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is 10 μm or less. Can be prevented (fifth embodiment).
Even if the surfaces (heating surface 2a and heating surface 3a) of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 that are in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 are coated with a material having heat resistance and low friction properties, the same applies. A scratch generation preventing function can be obtained (sixth embodiment).
As a material having heat resistance and low friction properties, for example, a fluororesin or a polyimide resin can be employed.
[0051]
When a material having a softening point temperature lower than the erasing temperature is used as the material of the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26, the reversible thermosensitive recording is performed after passing between the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3. If pressure is applied by a conveying roller or the like before the paper 26 is cooled below its softening point temperature, the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 undergoes plastic deformation, which is a problem.
In such a case, the conveyance member for nipping and conveying the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is installed at a position away from the conveyance direction exit of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction. In the case, the installation position is set to a distance at which the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 does not undergo plastic deformation due to the nip pressure of the conveying member (seventh embodiment).
[0052]
Specifically, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance roller pair 27 has a nip position that is 10 mm or more away from the conveyance direction outlet of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction. To be installed.
Even if a conveying member for nipping and conveying the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is provided upstream of the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3 in the conveying direction, the same plastic deformation preventing function as described above can be obtained. (Eighth embodiment).
Specifically, in the case of this embodiment, the conveyance roller pair 12 shown in FIG. 1 serves as a conveyance member for nipping and conveying the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26.
[0053]
In each of the above embodiments, the reversible thermosensitive recording paper 26 is transported while contacting the respective surfaces between the recording surface guide member 2 and the non-recording surface guide member 3, but each surface (the heating surface 2a, Even if it is transported in a non-contact state with a slight gap between it and the heating surface 3a), the same erasing function as in the above embodiments can be obtained. In this case, the movable frame 9 is a fixed system.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention According to , A steep temperature change at the time of erasing can be suppressed by the heat capacity of the id member, and the reversible thermosensitive recording medium can be conveyed at high speed to erase the recorded contents. As a result, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of recording and erasing in a rewritable printer or the like.
[0055]
The present invention According to Yes The recorded contents can be erased with high accuracy while conveying the reverse thermosensitive recording medium at high speed.
[0056]
The present invention According to ,Record The heat capacity of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member can suppress an abrupt temperature change during erasure, and the reversible thermosensitive recording medium can be conveyed at high speed to erase the recorded content. As a result, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of recording and erasing in a rewritable printer or the like.
[0057]
The present invention According to Yes The recorded contents can be erased with high accuracy while conveying the reverse thermosensitive recording medium at high speed.
[0058]
The present invention According to , Disappear The rise time to the last temperature can be shortened and power saving can be realized.
[0060]
The present invention According to Yes The gap between the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member with respect to the reverse thermosensitive recording medium can be reduced, and the heat of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member can be quickly transmitted to the entire surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. Can do. Thereby, the recorded contents can be erased while transporting the reversible thermosensitive recording medium at high speed.
[0062]
The present invention According to Yes The steep temperature drop that occurs when the reversible thermosensitive recording medium passes between the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member can be suppressed, and the recorded contents are erased while the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is conveyed at high speed. can do. In addition, the rise time to the erasing temperature can be shortened by appropriate thicknesses of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member.
[0064]
The present invention According to Yes The gap between the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member with respect to the reverse thermosensitive recording medium can be reduced, and the heat of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member can be quickly transmitted to the entire surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. Can do. Thereby, the recorded contents can be erased while transporting the reversible thermosensitive recording medium at high speed.
[0065]
The present invention According to ,Record Friction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium with respect to the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member can be reduced, and the recorded contents can be erased without damaging the surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium.
[0066]
The present invention According to Yes The recorded contents can be erased without damaging the surface of the reverse thermosensitive recording medium.
[0068]
The present invention According to ,heat The temperature distribution of the source can be corrected, and the entire surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium can be erased uniformly and with high accuracy.
[0074]
The present invention According to ,heat Heat transfer from the source to the urging means can be suppressed, and a decrease in heating efficiency of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member due to the heat source can be prevented.
[0075]
The present invention According to Yes The contact time between the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member per unit area of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium can be increased, and the recorded contents can be erased while the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is conveyed at high speed. .
[0077]
The present invention According to Yes Since the pressure by the conveying member is applied after the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is sufficiently cooled, it is possible to prevent plastic deformation of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a rewritable printer as a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic front view of the recording / erasing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a biasing means for a recording surface guide member in the recording / erasing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a recording surface guide member.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a recording surface guide member and a non-recording surface guide member with respect to a reversible thermosensitive recording medium.
6A and 6B are diagrams showing a relationship between a sheet passing period (time) of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium and a heater temperature, in which FIG. 6A is a conventional diagram, and FIG. 6B is a diagram in the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the conveyance speed of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium and the erasure residual density, and is a graph showing a comparison between the conventional product and this embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic bottom view of a recording surface guide member according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a recording surface guide member according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a recording surface guide member according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a decoloring / coloring mechanism of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Recording surface guide member
2a Heating surface as a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium
2b, 3b induction part
3 Non-recording surface guide member
3a Heating surface as a surface substantially parallel to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium
4 Ceramic heater as recording surface side heat source
5 Ceramic heater as a non-recording surface side heat source
6, 7 Heat insulation material
26 Reversible thermosensitive recording medium
26a Recording surface
26b Non-recording surface
33 Printing device
34 Record eraser

Claims (14)

可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、
可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する板状の記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する板状の非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、
上記記録面側熱源と上記非記録面側熱源は共に面状ヒータでそれぞれ上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に接する面と反対側の裏面に接触状態で配置され、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられており、
上記記録面側熱源により発生した熱が上記記録面ガイド部材を介して間接的に可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面へ伝えられるとともに、上記非記録面側熱源により発生した熱が上記非記録面ガイド部材を介して間接的に可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面へ伝えられることを特徴とする記録消去装置。In a recording erasing apparatus for erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat,
A plate-shaped recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and a surface substantially parallel to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member. A plate-shaped non-recording surface guide member, a recording surface-side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member, and a non-recording surface-side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member. A recording erasing apparatus for erasing recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating each non-recording surface guide member to a predetermined temperature,
Both the recording surface side heat source and the non-recording surface side heat source are arranged in contact with the back surface of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member opposite to the surface that contacts the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, respectively. And
The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to contact the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium,
Together with the heat generated by the recording surface heat source is transferred to the recording surface of the indirectly reversible thermosensitive recording medium via the recording surface guide member, heat generated by the non-recording surface side heat source above the non-recording surface guide A recording and erasing apparatus, wherein the recording and erasing apparatus is indirectly transmitted to a non-recording surface of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium through a member . 請求項１記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面側熱源と上記非記録面側熱源がそれぞれ上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の裏面側に設けられた支持部材に固定されているとともに、上記支持部材のうち少なくとも一方が可逆性感熱記録媒体の厚み方向に摺動可能に設けられ且つ上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が近づくように付勢され、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材はそれぞれの側に位置する上記支持部材に非固定状態で支持されていることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1,
The recording surface side heat source and the non-recording surface side heat source are fixed to a support member provided on the back side of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member, respectively, and at least one of the support members is The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to be slidable in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and are urged so that the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member approach each other. A recording and erasing apparatus, wherein the recording and erasing apparatus is supported in a non-fixed state by the support member positioned on the side of the recording medium. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が、鉄を基材とする金属で形成され、且つ、その厚さが０．６〜１．２ｍｍであることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The recording and erasing apparatus, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are made of a metal having iron as a base material and have a thickness of 0.6 to 1.2 mm. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が、アルミニウム又は銅及びその合金で形成され、且つ、その厚さが１．０〜２．５ｍｍであることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The recording and erasing apparatus, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are formed of aluminum or copper and an alloy thereof, and the thickness thereof is 1.0 to 2.5 mm. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の平面度が、０．３ｍｍ以下であることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A recording and erasing apparatus, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member have a flatness of a surface contacting the reversible thermosensitive recording medium of 0.3 mm or less. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の面粗さが、１０μｍ以下であることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A recording / erasing apparatus, wherein the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member have a surface roughness of 10 μm or less in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面が、フッ素樹脂又はポリイミド樹脂でコーティングされていることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A recording and erasing apparatus, wherein surfaces of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member that are in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium are coated with a fluororesin or a polyimide resin. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面側熱源と上記非記録面側熱源のうち、少なくとも一方の裏面側に断熱材が設けられていることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A recording / erasing apparatus, wherein a heat insulating material is provided on at least one of the recording surface side heat source and the non-recording surface side heat source. 請求項１又は２記載の記録消去装置において、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の搬送方向の長さが１０ｍｍ以上であることを特徴とする記録消去装置。The recording / erasing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A recording / erasing apparatus, wherein a length of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium in the transport direction is 10 mm or more. 可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、
可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材のうち少なくとも一方の可逆性感熱記録媒体の厚み方向における厚さが、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録媒体の幅方向の位置により変化していることを特徴とする記録消去装置。In a recording erasing apparatus for erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat,
Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording erasing apparatus that erases the recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature,
The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to contact the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium,
The thickness direction of at least one of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member in the thickness direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. A recording and erasing apparatus characterized by changing according to the position of 可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、
可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材のうち少なくとも一方が、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送を誘導する誘導部を有し、該誘導部の搬送方向の長さが、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録媒体の幅方向の位置により変化していることを特徴とする記録消去装置。In a recording erasing apparatus for erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat,
Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording erasing apparatus that erases the recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature,
The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to contact the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium,
At least one of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member has a guide portion that guides the transport of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and the length of the guide portion in the transport direction is a reversible thermosensitive recording medium. A recording and erasing apparatus that changes depending on the position in the width direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium. 可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、
可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材のうち少なくとも一方の可逆性感熱記録媒体に当接する面の搬送方向の長さが、可逆性感熱記録媒体の搬送方向と略直交する可逆性感熱記録媒体の幅方向の位置により変化していることを特徴とする記録消去装置。In a recording erasing apparatus for erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat,
Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording erasing apparatus that erases the recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature,
The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to contact the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium,
Reversible thermosensitive recording in which the length of the surface in contact with the reversible thermosensitive recording medium of at least one of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member is substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium. A recording and erasing apparatus characterized by changing according to a position in a width direction of a medium. 可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録内容を熱を加えて消去する記録消去装置において、
可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面に略平行な面を有する記録面ガイド部材と、該記録面ガイド部材に対向して設けられ可逆性感熱記録媒体の非記録面に略平行な面を有する非記録面ガイド部材と、上記記録面ガイド部材を加熱する記録面側熱源と、上記非記録面ガイド部材を加熱する非記録面側熱源を有し、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材をそれぞれ所定の温度に加熱しながらこれらの間で可逆性感熱記録媒体を搬送して記録内容を消去する記録消去装置であって、
上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材が可逆性感熱記録媒体の記録面、非記録面にそれぞれ当接するように設けられ、
可逆性感熱記録媒体を挟持搬送するための搬送部材が、上記記録面ガイド部材と上記非記録面ガイド部材の搬送方向出口から搬送方向下流側へ１０ｍｍ以上離れた箇所に設置されていることを特徴とする記録消去装置。In a recording erasing apparatus for erasing the recorded contents of a reversible thermosensitive recording medium by applying heat,
Recording surface guide member having a surface substantially parallel to the recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium, and non-recording having a surface substantially opposite to the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium provided facing the recording surface guide member A recording surface side heat source for heating the recording surface guide member; a non-recording surface side heat source for heating the non-recording surface guide member; and the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member A recording erasing apparatus that erases the recorded contents by conveying a reversible thermosensitive recording medium between them while heating to a predetermined temperature,
The recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member are provided so as to contact the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the reversible thermosensitive recording medium,
A conveying member for nipping and conveying the reversible thermosensitive recording medium is installed at a position separated by 10 mm or more from the conveying direction outlet of the recording surface guide member and the non-recording surface guide member to the downstream side in the conveying direction. A record erasing device. 可逆性感熱記録媒体に記録された内容を熱により消去する記録消去装置と、可逆性感熱記録媒体に記録を行う印字装置を有する記録装置において、
上記記録消去装置が、請求項１乃至１３のうちの何れか１つに記載の記録消去装置であることを特徴とする記録装置。In a recording apparatus having a recording erasing apparatus for erasing the contents recorded on the reversible thermosensitive recording medium by heat and a printing apparatus for recording on the reversible thermosensitive recording medium,
14. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording / erasing apparatus is the recording / erasing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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