Sheet separation device, laminating device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

A sheet separating device (1) separates a non-bonded portion of a double-layer sheet (PJ) in which two sheets (P1, P2) are overlapped and bonded together at a joint portion of the double-layer sheet (PJ). The sheet separating device (1) includes a winding roller (20), a pair of conveying rollers (6), and separating claws (16). The winding roller (20) rotates and winds the double-layer sheet (PJ). The pair of conveying rollers (6) conveys the double-layer sheet (PJ) toward the winding roller (20). The separating claws (16) are inserted into a gap between the two sheets (P1, P2) at a position between the winding roller (20) and the pair of conveying rollers (6). The separating claws (16) are arranged in a space bounded by an imaginary plane and including the winding roller (20). The imaginary plane passes through a clamping portion of the pair of conveying rollers and a winding start position where the double-layer sheet (PJ) starts to wind around the winding roller (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sheet separating device configured to separate a double-layer sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and joined together at a joint of the double-layer sheet, a laminating device including the sheet separating device, an image forming device such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunctional device having at least two functions of a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, and an image forming system including the sheet separating device. Background Art

[0002] A sheet separating device (i.e., a laminating device) separates a double-layer sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and joined together at a joint of the double-layer sheet (for example, see Patent Document 1 (JP-2006-160429-A)). Specifically, the laminating device in Patent Document 1 includes a separating device that separates two sheets of a laminated sheet, which is a double-layer sheet in which one side of two sheets is joined, and inserts a protective paper as an insertion sheet therebetween.

[0003] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, one suction device sucks one of the two sheets of a laminated sheet (i.e., a double-layer sheet) in which one side of the two sheets is joined, and the other suction device sucks the other of the two sheets. As a result, the two sheets are separated.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Document

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP-2006-160429-A Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] Since the sheet separating device uses large devices such as two suction devices to separate two sheets constituting a double-layer sheet, the conventional sheet separating device is large and expensive.

[0009] Solution to Problem

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sheet separating device, a laminating device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that can satisfactorily separate two sheets constituting a double-layer sheet without increasing the size of the separating device.

[0011] The sheet separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to separate non-joint portions of a double-layer sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and joined together at a joint portion of the double-layer sheet. The sheet separation device includes a winding roller, a pair of conveying rollers, and separation claws. The winding roller rotates and winds the double-layer sheet. The pair of conveying rollers conveys the double-layer sheet toward the winding roller. The separation claws are inserted into a gap between the two sheets at a position between the winding roller and the pair of conveying rollers. The separation claws are disposed in a space bounded by an imaginary plane and including the winding roller. The imaginary plane passes through a clamping portion of the pair of conveying rollers and a winding start position where the double-layer sheet starts to wind around the winding roller.

[0012] Effects of the present invention

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention can provide a sheet separation device, a laminating device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that can satisfactorily separate two sheets constituting a double-layer sheet without increasing the size of the separation device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not to be regarded as drawn to scale. Also, in all the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0015] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a sheet separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2A Shown is in Figure 1 A side view of a jig that has moved to a clamping position in the sheet separation device shown, Figure 2B Shown is in Figure 1 A side view of a jig that has moved to a release position in the sheet separation device shown.

[0017] Figure 3A Shown is in Figure 1 A perspective view of a jig that has moved to a clamping position in the sheet separation device shown, Figure 3B Shown is in Figure 1 A perspective view of a jig that has moved to a release position in the sheet separation device shown.

[0018] Figures 4A to 4D Shown is Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the operation of the sheet separation device shown.

[0019] Figures 5A to 5D Shown is in Figures 4A to 4D A schematic diagram of the operation of the sheet separation device after the operation of

[0020] Figures 6A to 6C Shown is inFigures 5A to 5D Schematic diagram of a sheet separating device showing the operation of the sheet separating device after the operation of

[0021] Figures 7A to 7C As shown is Figures 6A to 6C Schematic diagram of a sheet separating device showing the operation of the sheet separating device after the operation of

[0022] Figures 8A to 8C As shown is Figures 7A to 7C Schematic diagram of a sheet separating device showing the operation of the sheet separating device after the operation of

[0023] Figure 9 As shown is a schematic diagram of a separating claw inserted into a double - layer sheet along the width direction of the double - layer sheet.

[0024] Figures 10A to 10C As shown is a three - dimensional view of the operation of the separating claw in the width direction.

[0025] Including Figure 11A and 11B of Figure 11 As shown is a flowchart of the control executed in the sheet separating device.

[0026] Figure 12 As shown is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the winding roller, the conveying roller pair, and the separating claw.

[0027] Figure 13 As shown is a schematic diagram of a laminating device according to a first modification example.

[0028] Figure 14 As shown is a schematic diagram of an image forming device according to a second modification example.

[0029] Figure 15 As shown is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to a third modification example.

[0030] Figure 16A and 16B As shown is an example diagram of a driving device for moving the separating claw. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] The words used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] When describing the embodiments shown in the drawings, specific words are used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the particular words selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents having similar functions, operating in a similar manner, and achieving similar results.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same components or equivalents, and the description of these components is simplified or omitted.

[0034] Next, with reference to Figure 1 the configuration and operation of the sheet separating device 1 will be described.

[0035] The sheet separating device 1 separates the non - joined portion of the double - layer sheet PJ in which two sheets P1 and P2 overlap and are joined together at the joining portion A (see Figure 4A ). The double - layer sheet PJ in the present embodiment is composed of two sheets P1 and P2 that overlap and are joined together at one side of the four sides such as the joining portion A. That is, in the double - layer sheet PJ composed of two sheets P1 and P2, only one side of the two sheets P1 and P2 such as the joining portion A is joined by heat fusion or the like, and the other sides of the two sheets P1 and P2 overlap but are not joined as in the non - joined portion. As the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the double - layer sheet PJ, transparent film sheets (i.e., laminated sheets) can be used.

[0036] The double - layer sheet PJ can be formed by folding a single sheet. In the present disclosure, the double - layer sheet PJ formed by folding a single sheet is also defined as two overlapping sheets. The folding portion of the single sheet to be folded is defined as the joining portion, and the other portions are defined as non - joined portions.

[0037] Between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6, the sheet separating device 1 separates the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the double - layer sheet PJ at the non - joined portion. The sheet separating device 1 separates the two sheets P1 and P2 around the joining portion A while maintaining the joining of the two sheets P1 and P2. Subsequently, the sheet separating device 1 inserts the insertion sheet PM between the two separated sheets P1 and P2. The insertion sheet PM is a sheet such as a flat sheet.

[0038] As Figure 1 shown, the sheet separating device 1 includes a first supply tray 11, a second supply tray 12, a first supply roller 2, a second supply roller 3, a first conveying roller pair 4, a second conveying roller pair 5, a third conveying roller pair 6, a discharge tray 13, a first sensor 41, a second sensor 42, a third sensor 43, a fourth sensor 44, a fifth sensor 45, a winding roller 20, a moving mechanism 30, a switching claw 15, a separating claw 16, a first guide 25 as an inner limiting member, a second guide 26 as an outer limiting member, and a third guide 27.

[0039] In addition, the sheet separation device 1 has a plurality of conveying paths such as a first conveying path K1, a second conveying path K2, a third conveying path K3, a first branch conveying path K4, a second branch conveying path K5, etc. The above-mentioned conveying paths K1 to K5 each have two conveying guides (i.e., guide plates) facing each other to guide and convey sheets such as a double-layer sheet PJ or an insertion sheet PM.

[0040] Specifically, the double-layer sheet PJ is stacked on the first supply tray 11. The first supply roller 2 supplies the uppermost double-layer sheet PJ on the first supply tray 11 to the first pair of conveying rollers 4, and the first pair of conveying rollers 4 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ along the first conveying path K1.

[0041] The insertion sheet PM is stacked on the second supply tray 12. The second supply roller 3 supplies the uppermost insertion sheet PM on the second supply tray 12 to the second conveying path K2.

[0042] Each of the first to third pairs of conveying rollers 4 to 6 includes a driving roller and a driven roller each having an elastic layer made of rubber or the like formed on a mandrel, and conveys the sheet sandwiched in the clamping portion between the driving roller and the driven roller. The third conveying path K3 is a path from the second pair of conveying rollers 5 to the third pair of conveying rollers 6, and includes the second pair of conveying rollers 5, the winding roller 20, and the third pair of conveying rollers 6 from the upstream side. The third pair of conveying rollers 6 is configured to be able to rotate forward or backward. Forward rotation conveys the sheet in the forward direction, and backward rotation conveys the sheet in the reverse direction. The third pair of conveying rollers 6 also serves as a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the sheet to the discharge tray 13.

[0043] Each of the first to fifth sensors 41 to 45 is a reflection type photoelectric sensor for optically detecting whether a sheet exists at the position of each sensor. The first sensor 41 is arranged near the downstream side of the first pair of conveying rollers 4. The second sensor 42 is arranged near the downstream side of the second supply roller 3. The third sensor 43 is near the downstream side of the second pair of conveying rollers 5 and is arranged between the second pair of conveying rollers 5 and the winding roller 20. The fourth sensor 44 serving as a sheet detection sensor is near the downstream side of the winding roller 20 and is arranged upstream of the third pair of conveying rollers 6. The fifth sensor 45 is arranged downstream of the third pair of conveying rollers 6.

[0044] The winding roller 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B (and Figures 5B to 5D and Figure 6A ).

[0045] In the winding roller 20, a jig 32, which is an example of a fixture, clamps the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ at the winding start position W. The clamped portion B is one end of the double-layer sheet PJ on the side opposite to the end where the joint portion A is formed. When the jig 32 clamps the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ, the winding roller 20 rotates in a specified rotation direction to wind the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20. The winding roller 20 can rotate forward and backward about the rotation axis 20a.

[0046] The controller controls the drive motor that drives the winding roller 20. The controller includes one or more processing circuits or circuit systems. The processing circuit includes a programmed processor, and the processor includes a circuit system. The processing circuit also includes devices such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and conventional circuit components.

[0047] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the double-layer sheet PJ starts from the first supply disk 11 and passes through the first conveying path K1, and the second conveying roller pair 5 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ in the forward direction along the third conveying path K3. Once the double-layer sheet passes through the position of the winding roller 20 and is conveyed to the position of the third conveying roller pair 6. Thereafter, the third conveying roller pair 6 rotates in the reverse direction to convey the double-layer sheet PJ to the position of the winding roller 20. The jig 32 clamps the double-layer sheet PJ, and the winding roller 20 rotates counterclockwise to wind the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20.

[0048] Referring to Figure 5C ', like the linear velocity of the roller surface that is proportional to the radius of the roller when the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20, the linear velocities of the sheet P1 and the sheet P2 are respectively proportional to the distances from the center of the winding roller 20 to the respective sheets P1 and P2. Therefore, since the sheet P1 is closer to the center of the winding roller 20 than the sheet P2, the linear velocity of the sheet P1 is slower than the linear velocity of the sheet P2. The slower sheet P1, which is called the first sheet P1, is more likely to slacken than the sheet P2, which is called the second sheet P2. As Figure 5D and Figure 6A shown, the upper first sheet P1 bends upward, and a gap C is formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 near the joint portion A, which is the other end of the double-layer sheet PJ. As described above, the two sheets P1 and P2 that are in close contact with each other without any gap are separated from each other.

[0049] Hereinafter, the mechanism for generating the gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6 by winding the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20 will be described.

[0050] In the double-layer sheet PJ wound around the winding roller 20, the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ clamped by the clamp 32 does not slip between the sheets P1 and P2. However, when the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20, a winding circumference difference is generated between the two sheets P1 and P2, thereby causing slippage between the two sheets P1 and P2, and the conveyance amount of the inner sheet P1 is less than that of the outer sheet P2. As a result, slack is generated in the inner sheet P1 between the clamping portion of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20.

[0051] In addition, when the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 more than once, since the thickness of the sheet causes a difference in the winding circumference between the inner circumference and the outer circumference, the slack also increases.

[0052] Finally, the slack accumulates between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20, forming a gap C between the two sheets P1 and P2.

[0053] Specifically, when the distance from the rotation axis 20a (i.e., the center of the axis) of the winding roller 20 to the inner sheet P1 is R, and the thickness of the inner sheet P1 is ΔR, the distance from the rotation axis 20a (i.e., the center of the axis) of the winding roller 20 to the outer sheet P2 is R + ΔR. When the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 once, the difference between the radius of the inner sheet P1 wound around the winding roller 20 and the radius of the outer sheet P2 wound around the inner sheet P1, that is, the thickness ΔR of the inner sheet P1, will generate a circumference difference of 2×ΔR×π. Therefore, when the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 for M turns, a circumference difference of 2×ΔR×π×M is generated as the slack of the inner sheet P1.

[0054] Finally, the slack accumulates between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20, forming a gap C corresponding to 2×ΔR×π×M between the two sheets P1 and P2.

[0055] In the present embodiment, in order to significantly form the gap C as described above, the double-layer sheet PJ wound around the winding roller 20 is wound at least one turn or more.

[0056] In the present embodiment, by winding the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20, the double-layer sheet PJ can be separated without increasing the size and cost of the sheet separating device 1.

[0057] As Figure 5B ' shown, Figure 2A the clamp 32 in [] is configured to clamp the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ without abutting against and contacting the end face of the tip of one end of the clamped portion B.

[0058] The definition of the "end face" of the double-layer sheet is the side surface that extends in the thickness direction and connects the front and back surfaces of the double-layer sheet. Therefore, a rectangular double-layer sheet has four end faces, namely, the front, back, left, and right end faces.

[0059] Specifically, without any member abutting against and restricting one end face of the double-layer sheet PJ, in other words, without any member colliding with or contacting the end face of the double-layer sheet PJ, between the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b of the winding roller 20, in a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ, the jig 32 is configured to clamp and hold the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ. The receiving portion 20b is disposed on the outer surface of the winding roller 20 and faces the jig 32. More specifically, the receiving portion 20b is disposed at a portion that is recessed inward from the virtual outer peripheral surface of the winding roller 20. The virtual outer peripheral surface is the outer peripheral circular surface around which the double-layer sheet PJ is wound.

[0060] More specifically, in a state where a specific member such as the jig 32 abuts against and restricts the end face of one end (i.e., the tip of one end), the double-layer sheet PJ is not clamped and held by the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b. Without the end face of one end, which is the front end, abutting against any member, the double-layer sheet PJ is clamped and held by the outer jig 32 and the inner receiving portion 20b.

[0061] That is to say, in Figure 5B ', the end face of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ (i.e., the tip of one end) does not abut against the obtuse angle portion (wedge portion) of the jig 32, and the clamped portion B of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ is clamped by the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b. Without abutting against any member, the end face of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ (i.e., the front end) coincides with the end of the contact surface of the receiving portion 20b (i.e., Figure 5B 's right end of the contact surface), and at this contact surface, the jig 32 contacts the receiving portion 20b via the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0062] The end face of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ (i.e., the tip of one end) can move to Figure 5B 's right side, beyond the contact surface between the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b, so that the clamped portion B enters the inner side of the sheet from the front end, that is, enters the other end side from the front end. Or, in Figure 5B ', the end face of one end (i.e., the tip of one end) can be located at a point on the left side of the contact surface starting from the right end of the contact surface.

[0063] Compared with the structure that abuts the end face of the front end of the double-layer sheet against a member, the above structure can reduce the disadvantage that the double-layer sheet PJ (especially the tip of one end) is damaged.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the joint portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ wound around the winding roller 20 is the other end of the double-layer sheet PJ. The other end is located on the opposite side of the end used as the clamped portion B.

[0065] In the present embodiment, at least one of the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b is made of an elastic material such as rubber, or includes an elastic portion such as a spring or a leaf spring. Compared with the sheet separating device having the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b made of a rigid body such as metal or resin, the above sheet separating device can increase the clamping force for clamping the double-layer sheet PJ and prevent damage to the surface of the double-layer sheet PJ. In particular, the sheet separating device including the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b made of an elastic material easily exhibits the above effects.

[0066] As Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B shown, the moving mechanism 30 moves the clamp 32 at the winding start position W of the winding roller 20 between the clamping position where the clamp 32 can clamp the double-layer sheet PJ ( Figure 2A and Figure 3A the position shown) and the release position where the clamp 32 retracts from the clamping position ( Figure 2B and Figure 3B the position shown).

[0067] Specifically, the moving mechanism 30 includes an arm 31, a compression spring 33 as a biasing member, a cam 34, and a motor for rotating the cam 34 forward or backward.

[0068] The arm 31 holds the clamp 32 and is held by the winding roller 20 so as to be rotatable about the support shaft 31a. In the present embodiment, the clamp 32 is connected to the front end which is the bottom of the arm 31, and the clamp 32 and the arm 31 are formed as one member. Alternatively, the clamp 32 and the arm 31 may also be formed as separate members, and the clamp 32 may be disposed on the arm 31, that is, held by the arm 31. In either case, the arm 31 holding the clamp 32 rotates together with the clamp 32 and the winding roller 20 about the rotation shaft 20a.

[0069] The compression spring 33 biases the arm 31 as a biasing member so that the clamp 32 moves from Figure 2B the release position shown to Figure 2A the clamping position shown. Specifically, one end of the compression spring 33 is connected to a fixed portion near the rotation shaft 20a, and the other end of the compression spring 33 is connected to one end of the arm 31, which is the free end opposite to the other end of the arm 31 connected to the clamp 32 with respect to the support shaft 31a.

[0070] The cam 34 pushes the arm 31 against the biasing force of the compression spring 33 serving as a biasing member, so that the jig 32 moves from Figure 2A the clamped position shown to Figure 2B the released position shown. The motor controlled by the controller drives the cam 34 to rotate forward or backward by a desired rotation angle. The cam 34 is held by the device housing so that it can rotate around the camshaft 34a independently of the winding roller 20.

[0071] In the moving mechanism 30 configured as described above, as Figure 2A and 3A shown, the arm 31 that does not contact the cam 34 is biased by the compression spring 33 and presses the jig 32 against the receiving portion 20b. This state is referred to as the closed state.

[0072] On the other hand, as Figure 2B and Figure 3B shown, the arm 31 pressed by the cam 34 rotates counterclockwise about the support shaft 31a against the thrust of the compression spring 33, separating the jig 32 from the receiving portion 20b. This state is called the open state. In the open state, the double-layer sheet PJ is not clamped, which is called the released clamped state. Figure 2B When the jig 32 in the released position enters the open state, the double-layer sheet PJ enters the space between the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b, and the jig 32 moves to the clamped position and enters the closed state. As a result, the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b clamp the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0073] In the present embodiment, as

[0074] and Figure 3A shown, the winding roller 20 has a plurality of cylindrical roller portions (seven in the present embodiment) separated in the axial direction of the winding roller 20. A plurality of jigs 32 and a plurality of arms 31 are respectively provided at recesses between adjacent roller portions (i.e., portions between the roller portions). A plurality of cams 34 are provided so as to be able to abut against the plurality of arms 31 respectively. Figure 3B As described above, as a setting position for clamping the double-layer sheet PJ separately in the axial direction instead of clamping the double-layer sheet PJ over the entire region in the axial direction, it is possible to disperse the load required to clamp the double-layer sheet PJ and to be resistant to scratching at the tip of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ. In addition, the above configuration is useful, for example, when the required clamping force becomes large when clamping a large-sized double-layer sheet PJ or a heavy double-layer sheet PJ, etc.

[0075] In the present embodiment, as

[0076] and Figure 1As shown, the third conveying path K3 is constituted by a linear conveying guide plate. In contrast, the third conveying path can also be constituted by a curved conveying guide plate. In this case, in the present embodiment, the clamping position where the winding roller 20 clamps the double-layer sheet PJ can be changed to a position closer to the rotation axis 20a than the clamping position. Further, in this case, the positions of the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b in the present embodiment can be interchanged, that is, in the winding roller 20, the clamp 32 can be arranged closer to the rotation axis 20a than the receiving portion 20b.

[0077] Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4D and Figure 5A , the fourth sensor 44 in the sheet separating device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The fourth sensor 44 is a sheet detection sensor that detects the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed to the winding roller 20. Based on the result detected by the fourth sensor 44 which is a sheet detection sensor, the controller controls the moving mechanism 30.

[0078] Specifically, the fourth sensor 44 is arranged on the conveying guide of the conveying path between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. As Figure 4D and Figure 5A shown, the third conveying roller pair 6 reversely conveys the double-layer sheet PJ towards the position of the winding roller 20, so that the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ becomes the front end of the reverse conveyance, and the fourth sensor 44 detects the front end of the reversely conveyed double-layer sheet PJ, that is, the tip of one end of the clamped portion B. The control unit uses the timing when the fourth sensor 44 detects the tip of one end of the clamped portion B as a trigger to adjust and control the timing for stopping the double-layer sheet PJ at the clamping position and the timing for the clamp 32 to clamp the clamped portion B. Specifically, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the fourth sensor 44 detects the front end of the double-layer sheet PJ, the third conveying roller pair 6 stops the reverse conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ, and rotates the cam 34 to rotate the arm 31 of the moving mechanism 30, so that the clamp 32 moves from Figure 2B the open position shown in Figure 2A to the clamping position shown in.

[0079] The above control accurately performs the operation of clamping the end faces of the double-layer sheet PJ by the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b without causing the end faces of the double-layer sheet PJ to contact any member.

[0080] As described above, in the third conveying path K3 between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20, the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the tip of one end of the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet with the front end facing the winding start position W of the winding roller 20.

[0081] Refer to Figures 6A to 6C , Figure 9 , Figures 10A to 10C andFigure 12 to illustrate the separating claws 16.

[0082] The separating claws 16 are claw-shaped members that are inserted into the gap C formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 from both ends of the double-layer sheet PJ in the width direction of the double-layer sheet PJ between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6 when one end (i.e., the clamped portion B) is wound by the winding roller 20 and the other end (i.e., the joint portion A) is clamped by the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0083] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the separating claws 16 are arranged on both sides of the conveying path in the width direction, which is perpendicular to Figures 6A to 6C the direction of the plane shown and Figure 9 the horizontal direction in Figure 10A . The separating claws 16 have fins and plates extending in the vertical direction. In the direction of inserting the separating claws 16 into the double-layer sheet PJ, the plate has a tip and a rear end at the center of the width direction of the plate. Both the plate thickness and the plate width gradually increase from the tip to the rear end. In the direction of inserting the separating claws 16 into the double-layer sheet PJ, the length of the fins in the up-and-down direction gradually increases from the tip of the fins. The rear ends of the fins and plates in the separating claws 16 are formed in a cross shape (see

[0084] Next, the driving device for moving the separating claws 16 in the width direction of the double-layer sheet PJ will be described. As shown in Figure 16A and 16B , the sheet separating device 1 according to the present embodiment includes two separating claws 16a and 16B arranged to face each other. In Figure 16A , the belt driving device moves the two separating claws 16a and 16b closer to or farther away from each other. In Figure 16B , the rack and pinion driving device moves the two separating claws 16a and 16b closer to or farther away from each other.

[0085] Specifically, Figure 16A the belt driving device in

[0086] includes a driving pulley 300a, a driven pulley 300b, and a belt 320 stretched between the driving pulley 300a and the driven pulley 300b. The two separating claws 16a and 16b are attached to the belt 320 to face each other. One separating claw 16a is connected to the lower side of the belt 320, and the other separating claw 16b is connected to the upper side of the belt 320.

[0087] In FIG. 16a, the clockwise rotation of the drive motor 360 causes the separation claws 16a and 16b to approach each other, while the counterclockwise rotation of the drive motor 360 causes the separation claws 16a and 16b to move away from each other.

[0088] Figure 16B The rack and pinion drive device in includes a pinion 400 and two racks 420a and 420b that extend in opposite directions and mesh with the pinion 400. Two facing separation claws 16a and 16b are respectively attached to the racks 420a and 420b. A drive transmission gear 440 is attached to the pinion 400. The drive transmission gear 440 receives the rotational driving force of the drive motor 460 via the motor output gear 450 and transmits the rotational driving force to the racks 420a and 420b.

[0089] In Figure 16B the clockwise rotation of the drive motor 460 causes the separation claws 16a and 16b to approach each other, while the counterclockwise rotation of the drive motor 460 causes the separation claws 16a and 16b to move away from each other.

[0090] The separation claws 16 configured as above standby in the standby position shown in Figure 10A until a gap C is formed in the double-layer sheet PJ as shown in Figure 6A without the separation claws 16 interfering with the conveyance of the sheet such as the double-layer sheet PJ in the third conveyance path K3. Then, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10B when separating the double-layer sheet PJ (formed of two sheets P1 and P2), the separation claws 16 enter the gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ. As a result, the separation claws 16 ensure that the gap C becomes larger.

[0091] Refer to Figure 12 to describe the position of the separation claws 16 in the present embodiment. The separation claws 16 are arranged on the side where the winding roller 20 is arranged with respect to the imaginary plane S1. The imaginary plane S1 includes the clamping portion N of the third conveying roller pair 6 and contacts the winding roller 20 on the side where the double-layer sheet PJ starts to wind around the winding roller 20, which is the side indicated by the white arrow rather than the side indicated by the black arrow in Figure 12 . In other words, the separation claws 16 are arranged in the space bounded by the imaginary plane S1 and including the winding roller 20. The imaginary plane passes through the clamping portion of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding start position W where the double-layer sheet PJ starts to wind around the winding roller.

[0092] When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the winding roller 20, the winding start position W is the tangent point where the winding roller 20 contacts the imaginary plane S1. The imaginary plane S1 includes the tangent of the winding roller 20 at a predetermined position on the side where the double-layer sheet PJ starts to wind around the winding roller 20. The imaginary plane S1 is a plane connecting the winding start position W and the clamping portion N of the third conveying roller pair 6 (more specifically, the end point of the clamping portion N near the end of the winding roller 20). That is, the imaginary plane S1 represents the double-layer sheet PJ, one end of which is wound around the winding roller 20 and the other end of which is clamped by the third conveying roller pair 6 and is pulled by the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. Relative to the imaginary plane S1 on the third conveying path K3, the separating claw 16 is arranged on the side where the winding roller 20 is arranged ( Figure 12 the side indicated by the white arrow in).

[0093] More specifically, when viewed in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction, the separating claw 16 is arranged Figure 12 above the imaginary plane S1 in. In addition, the separating claw 16 is arranged between the two branch conveying paths K4 and K5 and the third conveying roller pair 6 (see Figure 1 ).

[0094] As described above, relative to the imaginary plane S1 representing Figure 6B the sheet P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ in, the separating claw 16 is provided on the side where the winding roller 20 is arranged. As a result, the separating claw 16 can easily enter the gap C between the two sheets P1 and P2. According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the drawback that the separating claw 16 fails to be inserted into the gap C between the two sheets P1 and P2 and thus cannot separate the two sheets P1 and P2. Compared with a mechanism for separating the double-layer sheet PJ using a large device such as a vacuum device, the above mechanism including the winding roller 20 for winding the double-layer sheet and the separating claw 16 for inserting into the double-layer sheet PJ to separate the double-layer sheet PJ can reduce the size of the sheet separating device. That is, without increasing the size of the sheet separating device 1, the above mechanism can satisfactorily separate the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0095] In addition, referring to Figure 12 , the separating claw 16 is preferably arranged in the region sandwiched between two imaginary contact surfaces S1 and S2, where one imaginary contact surface S1 is the one passing through a tangent point of the clamping portion N of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller 20, and the other imaginary contact surface S2 is the other passing through another tangent point of the clamping portion N of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller 20. That is, since the outer peripheral surface of the upper roller of the third conveying roller pair 6 restricts the upward bending of the double-layer sheet PJ, the separating claw 16 is preferably arranged below the imaginary contact surface S2 and in the region sandwiched by the two imaginary contact surfaces S1 and S2.

[0096] Alternatively, in Figure 12 a sheet separating device having a sheet conveyance path that includes a second imaginary plane S2 and in which a winding roller 20 rotates clockwise to wind a double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20, the winding roller 20 rotates clockwise to wind the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20 from a winding start position Z of the winding roller 20. In the above-described sheet separating device, with respect to the second imaginary contact plane S2 (i.e., the imaginary plane), the separating claw 16 is disposed on the side where the winding roller 20 is provided, that is, on the lower side of the second imaginary plane S2. That is, even when the winding roller 20 rotates forward and backward, by disposing the separating claw 16 in the region sandwiched between the two imaginary contact surfaces S1 and S2 (imaginary planes) to wind the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20 and separate the double-layer sheet PJ, the two sheets P1 and P2 can be separated well by the separating claw 16.

[0097] Refer to Figures 7A to 7C to describe the switching claw 15. The switching claw 15 is disposed between the separating claw 16 and the winding roller 20. The double-layer sheet PJ is separated into two sheets P1 and P2 by the separating claw 16, and the two sheets P1 and P2 are given rigidity. The switching claw 15 guides the two sheets P1 and P2 to two branch conveyance paths K4 and K5, respectively. The two branch conveyance paths K4 and K5 branch in different directions from a third conveyance path K3, and the third conveyance path K3 is sandwiched between the two branch conveyance paths K4 and K5. The switching claw 15 is a claw-shaped moving member and rotates forward or backward within a specified angle range to guide the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0098] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the switching claw 15 is a plurality of claws divided with a gap in a direction perpendicular to the plane shown in Figures 7A to 7C i.e., the width direction. The switching claw 15 is configured to be rotatable about a support shaft. The control unit controls a driving device that rotates the switching claw 15.

[0099] As Figure 7A shown, before the switching claw 15 guides the rigid sheets P1 and P2 separated from the double-layer sheet PJ by the separating claw 16 to the branch conveyance paths K4 and K5, the switching claw 15 configured as described above stands by at a standby position where it does not interfere with the conveyance of sheets such as the double-layer sheet PJ in the third conveyance path K3. When the switching claw 15 guides the two sheets P1 and P2 separated from the double-layer sheet PJ by the separating claw 16 to the branch conveyance paths K4 and K5, as Figure 7B shown, when viewed from the double-layer sheet PJ, the switching claw 15 rotates to a position that prevents the double-layer sheet PJ from entering the third conveyance path K3. As a result, the first sheet P1 is guided to the first branch conveyance path K4, and the second sheet P2 is guided to the second branch conveyance path K5.

[0100] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7A , the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the other end of the double-layer sheet PJ after the separating claw 16 is inserted into the gap C to the Figure 7A left side until the winding of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ around the winding roller 20 is released. After the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ as shown in Figure 7B , the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys one end of the double-layer sheet PJ to the Figure 7C right side as shown again, and the switching claw 15 guides the first sheet P1 separated by the separating claw 16 to the first branch conveying path K4 and guides the second sheet P2 to the second branch conveying path K5. Then, as shown in Figures 8A to 8C , the second conveying roller pair 5 conveys the inserted sheet PM to the right side of the third conveying path K3, that is, Figures 8A to 8C , and inserts the inserted sheet PM between the two sheets P1 and P2 separated from the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0101] Refer to Figures 6A to 6C to describe the first guide member 25. The first guide member 25 is disposed between the separating claw 16 (refer to Figure 6B ) and the winding roller 20 in the third conveying path K3, and its function is to limit the slack of the first sheet P1 as an inner-side limiting member. The first sheet P1 is the inner sheet of the two sheets P1 and P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ wound around the winding roller 20.

[0102] Specifically, the first guide member 25 as the inner-side limiting member is a conveying guide member disposed on the side where the winding roller 20 is disposed with respect to the imaginary plane S1 (refer to Figure 12 ), that is, the upper side as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 12 . In other words, the first guide member 25 as the inner-side limiting member is disposed in the space bounded by the imaginary plane S1 and including the winding roller 20. The first guide member 25 has a curved surface covering a part of the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller 20, and has the functions of the conveying guide member of the third conveying path K3 and the conveying guide member of the first branch conveying path K4 (refer to Figure 1 ). That is to say, the first guide member 25 guides the sheet conveyed on the third conveying path K3 and the sheet conveyed on the first branch conveying path K4.

[0103] In the third conveyance path K3, the first guide member 25 restricts the double-layer sheet PJ from bending upward between the winding roller 20 and the third conveyance roller pair 6 (i.e., the first sheet P1 bends upward, and further, the sheet P1 is closer to the surface of the winding roller 20 than the second sheet P2). Therefore, the gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ, which is mainly formed by the upward bending of the first sheet P1, is concentratedly formed between the first guide member 25 and the third conveyance roller pair 6. Accordingly, the separation claws 16 can enter the gap C to satisfactorily separate the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0104] Refer to Figures 6A to 6C A description will be given of the second guide member 26. The second guide member 26 is disposed between the separation claws 16 (refer to Figure 6B ) and the winding roller 20 in the third conveyance path K3, and functions as an outer-side restricting member to restrict the amount of slack of the second sheet P2, where the first sheet P1 is the outer sheet of the two sheets P1 and P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ wound around the winding roller 20. The slack of the second sheet P2 is caused by changes in the rotation of the winding roller 20 and the third conveyance roller pair 6.

[0105] Specifically, the second guide member 26 as the outer-side restricting member is a conveyance guide member disposed on the side where the winding roller 20 is not disposed with respect to the imaginary plane S1 (refer to Figure 12 ), that is, Figure 12 the lower side as indicated by the black arrow in Figure 1 . In other words, the second guide member 26 as the outer-side restricting member is disposed in the space bounded by the imaginary plane S1 and not including the winding roller 20. Starting from the position on the upstream side of the second conveyance roller pair 5 and in the forward direction to the entrance of the second branch conveyance path K5 as the fifth conveyance path, the second guide member 26 is disposed to face the lower surface of the sheet (refer to ). That is, the second guide member 26 guides the sheet conveyed on the third conveyance path K3.

[0106] In the third conveyance path K3, the double-layer sheet PJ may bend downward between the winding roller 20 and the third conveyance roller pair 6 (specifically, the second sheet P2 may bend downward). When the winding roller 20 winds the double-layer sheet PJ counterclockwise upward, when the conveyance speed of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed by the winding roller 20 is lower than the conveyance speed of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed by the third conveyance roller pair 6, the double-layer sheet PJ bends downward. When the double-layer sheet bends downward, since the second guide member 26 restricts the downward bending of the double-layer sheet PJ, the gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ, which is mainly formed by the upward bending of the first sheet P1, is concentratedly formed in the region where the winding roller 20 is disposed with respect to the imaginary plane S1 (see Figure 12 ), that is, Figure 12In the upper region indicated by the white arrow. Therefore, the separating claw 16 can enter the gap C to well separate the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0107] Refer to Figures 4A to 8C to describe the following operation of the sheet separating device 1 for separating the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0108] In the operation description, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10C to appropriately describe the operation of the separating claw 16, and refer to Figure 11 the flowchart of Figure 11A and Figure 11B to describe the control flow.

[0109] In Figure 11A step S1 of Figure 4A after the first conveying roller 2 starts to supply the double-layer sheet PJ on the first supply tray 11, as Figure 4A shown, the second conveying roller pair 5 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ with the joint portion A as the front end in the forward direction, which is the direction from the right side to the left side in

[0110] the third conveying path K3. At this time, the controller controls the moving mechanism 30 so that the clamp 32 is located at the clamping position inside the outer circumference of the winding roller 20. That is, the cam 34 rotates and moves to the position where the cam 34 does not push the arm 31. When the clamp 32 is located at the clamping position as described above, the clamp 32 does not interfere with the sheet conveyance in the third conveying path K3. In addition, the free end of the switching claw 15 rotates downward and stands by at the standby position where the switching claw 15 does not interfere with the conveyance of the sheet in the third conveying path K3.

[0111] Then, as Figure 4B shown, the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ in the forward direction until the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ (that is, one end of the double-layer sheet PJ and the rear end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the forward direction) passes through the position of the winding roller 20. As Figure 4C shown, after the double-layer sheet PJ is further conveyed in the forward direction, the third conveying roller pair 6 stops the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ. To determine the timing of stopping the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ, the controller uses the timing when the third sensor 43 detects the joint portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ (that is, the front end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the forward direction and the other end of the double-layer sheet PJ) as the Figure 11A trigger in step S2 of Figure 11AIn step S3, the controller determines whether the third conveying roller pair 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by a specified amount X1, and stops the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ when the third conveying roller pair 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by the specified amount X1.

[0112] When the third conveying roller pair 6 temporarily stops the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ, as Figure 4C shown, in Figure 11A step S4, the clamp 32 moves from the clamping position to the releasing position. That is, the cam 34 rotates and moves to the position where the cam 34 presses the arm 31. In this state, the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ can be received between the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b.

[0113] Then, as Figure 4D shown, in Figure 11A step S5, the third conveying roller pair 6 rotates in the reverse direction and starts to convey the double-layer sheet PJ in the reverse direction. At this time, in order to convey the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ to the clamping position of the clamp 32 in the winding roller 20, the fourth sensor 44 detects the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ, that is, one end of the double-layer sheet PJ and the front end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the reverse direction.

[0114] Then, as Figure 5A shown, in Figure 11A step S6, the control unit uses the timing when the fourth sensor 44 detects the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ as a trigger, and at the timing when the third conveying roller pair 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by a specified amount X2, that is, when the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ reaches the specified rotational position of the winding roller 20 as the winding start position W, in Figure 11A step S7, stops the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0115] As Figure 5B shown, in Figure 11A step S8, at the specified rotational position of the winding roller 20, the clamp 32 is moved from the releasing position to the clamping position. That is, the cam 34 rotates and moves to the position where the cam 34 does not press the arm 31. In step S8, as Figure 5B shown, the end face of one end of the double-layer sheet PJ does not contact any member, and the clamped portion B is clamped between the clamp 32 and the receiving portion 20b. Figure 12 The winding start position W in Figure 5A is the position of the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller 20 at the specified rotational position. However, at the releasing position in Figure 5B and the clamping position in

[0116] Then, as Figure 5CAs shown, when the jig 32 clamps the double-layer sheet PJ, the winding roller 20 rotates in the reverse direction (i.e., counterclockwise), and at the same time, the third conveying roller pair 6 rotates in the reverse direction again. As the winding roller 20 rotates, as Figure 5D shown, a gap C is formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. When the gap C is formed, the first guide member 25 and the second guide member 26 restrict the bending of the double-layer sheet PJ near the winding roller 20. Therefore, the gap C of the double-layer sheet PJ is concentratedly formed near the third conveying roller pair 6. The gap C is formed relatively large above the imaginary plane S1 (see Figure 12 ).

[0117] As described above, the fourth sensor 44 detects the leading end of the double-layer sheet PJ being conveyed in the reverse direction. The fourth sensor 44 is arranged between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20 and downstream in the reverse rotation direction of the third conveying roller pair 6. Since the controller determines the timing when the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b clamp the clamped portion B with the timing when the fourth sensor 44 detects the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ being conveyed in the reverse direction as a trigger, regardless of how the sheet length varies with respect to the sheet conveyance amount X2 (even if the sheets are sold in the same size, there will be errors in the sheet size), the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ can be accurately conveyed to the desired clamping position.

[0118] By arranging the fourth sensor 44 near the winding roller 20 between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20, since the sheet conveyance amount X2 is measured starting from when the fourth sensor 44 detects the leading end of the double-layer sheet PJ being conveyed in the reverse direction, the sheet conveyance amount X2 can be shortened regardless of the sheet length. The above structure can reduce the variation of the sheet conveyance amount X2 and can accurately convey the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ to the desired clamping position. Therefore, the fourth sensor 44 is preferably arranged near the winding roller 20.

[0119] In Figure 11A step S9, as Figure 5D shown, after the third conveying roller pair 6 continues to rotate in the reverse direction and the winding roller 20 starts to wind the double-layer sheet PJ, as Figure 6A shown, at the timing when the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the double-layer sheet by a specified amount X3, the third conveying roller pair 6 stops conveying the double-layer sheet PJ and the winding roller 20 stops winding the double-layer sheet PJ. In this state, the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 more than one turn, and the gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ is sufficiently enlarged. In addition, the joint portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ is clamped by the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0120] Next, as Figure 6B shown, the separating claw 16 is inserted into Figure 11Ain the gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ that is sufficiently widened in step S10. That is, as Figure 9 and Figure 10A shown, each separating claw 16 moves from the Figure 10A standby position to the Figure 10B position to separate the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0121] When the separating claws 16 move as described above, the pair of separating claws 16 can smoothly enter the gap C formed above the imaginary plane S1 because the pair of separating claws 16 are configured to be able to move in the width direction above the imaginary plane S1 (see Figure 12 ).

[0122] Next, as Figure 6C shown, after the separating claws 16 are inserted into the gap C, in Figure 11A step S11, the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20 start to rotate forward, that is, rotate clockwise. At this time, when the forward (clockwise) rotation of the winding roller 20 can convey the double-layer sheet PJ, the joint portion A may not be clamped by the third conveying roller pair 6. That is, by the forward rotation of the winding roller 20, the joint portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ can be conveyed to the third conveying roller pair 6, and the third conveying roller pair 6 can clamp the joint portion A, and then the third conveying roller pair 6 can convey the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0123] In Figure 11B step S12, as Figure 7A shown, after the forward rotation of the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ by a predetermined amount X4, the controller stops the forward rotation of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the forward rotation of the winding roller 20. At this time, the double-layer sheet PJ is not wound around the jig 32, and the jig 32 can release the clamping of the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ at the winding start position W. That is, at the winding start position W, the jig 32 can move from the clamping position where the jig 32 clamps the clamped portion B to the releasing position.

[0124] In this state, in Figure 11B step S13, the jig 32 moves from the clamping position to the releasing position so that the jig 32 is in the third conveying path K3. That is, the cam 34 rotates and moves to the position where the cam 34 pushes the arm 31 as Figure 2B shown. The jig 32 releases the clamping of the double-layer sheet PJ. In the present embodiment, the cam 34 of the moving mechanism 30 moves to release the clamping of the jig 32, but when the pulling force generated by the conveyance of the third conveying roller pair 6 is greater than the force with which the jig 32 clamps the double-layer sheet PJ, even without the movement of the cam 34 in the moving mechanism 30, the third conveying roller pair 6 can pull the double-layer sheet from the jig 32 to release the clamping and convey the double-layer sheet.

[0125] In Figure 11B step S14 of Figure 7B as shown, the third conveying roller pair 6 rotates forward again to start conveying the double-layer sheet PJ in the forward direction. At this time, the fourth sensor 44 detects the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ, which is one end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the forward direction and the rear end of the double-layer sheet PJ, so that the clamped portion B stops near the separating claw 16. In addition, after the clamped portion B of the double-layer sheet PJ, that is, one end of the double-layer sheet PJ and the rear end of the double-layer sheet PJ, passes over the switching claw 15, the clamp 32 moves from the released position to the clamping position, and the switching claw 15 rotates clockwise from the standby position to the switching position. When the clamped portion B, which is the rear end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the forward direction, reaches near the separating claw 16, as Figure 7B shown, the rear ends of the two sheets P1 and P2 are greatly separated and opened (refer to Figure 10C ).

[0126] Taking the timing when the fourth sensor 44 detects the rear end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the forward direction in Figure 11B step S15 as a trigger, the controller determines whether the third conveying roller pair 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by a specified amount X5. When the third conveying roller pair 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by the specified amount X5, the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ is stopped. In Figure 11B step S16 of Figure 7C as shown, the third conveying roller pair 6 rotates in the reverse direction to start conveying the double-layer sheet PJ in the reverse direction. At this time, since the free end of the switching claw 15 is arranged at the switching position where the switching claw 15 blocks the movement of the double-layer sheet PJ to the third conveying path K3, as Figure 7C shown, the two separated sheets P1 and P2 are respectively guided to the two branch conveying paths K4 and K5. At this time, the fifth sensor 45 (refer to Figure 1 ) detects the joint portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ, which is one end of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the forward direction and the rear end of the double-layer sheet PJ, to stop the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ, so that the vicinity of the joint portion A in the double-layer sheet PJ is clamped by the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0127] Then, in Figure 11B step S17 of Figure 1 taking the timing when the fifth sensor 45 (refer to Figure 1 ) detects the rear end, that is, the joint portion A, of the double-layer sheet PJ conveyed in the reverse direction as a trigger, in Figure 11B step S18 of Figure 8AAs shown, when the third pair of conveying rollers 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by a predetermined amount X6, the conveyance of the double-layer sheet PJ is stopped. When the third pair of conveying rollers 6 has conveyed the double-layer sheet PJ by the predetermined amount X6, the joint portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ is located at the clamping portion of the third pair of conveying rollers 6, or at a downstream side slightly to the left of the clamping portion. That is, the third pair of conveying rollers 6 clamps the other end of the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0128] Then, as Figure 8A shown, the controller starts to supply the insertion sheet PM from the second supply tray 12 (see Figure 11B ) in step S19. At this time, the third sensor 43 detects the front end of the insertion sheet PM being conveyed in the forward direction, which is also referred to as the other end of the insertion sheet PM. In addition, as Figure 1 shown, the separating claw 16 moves to the standby position. Figure 8B shown, the separating claw 16 moves to the standby position.

[0129] Subsequently, in Figure 11B step S20, the controller uses the timing when the third sensor 43 detects the front end of the insertion sheet PM as a trigger. Since the third sensor 43 has detected the front end of the insertion sheet PM, after the second pair of conveying rollers 5 has conveyed the insertion sheet PM by a predetermined amount X7, as Figure 8C shown, in Figure 11B step S21, the third pair of conveying rollers 6 starts to convey the double-layer sheet PJ in the forward direction again. At this time, the insertion sheet PM is accurately clamped at the desired position between the two sheets P1 and P2.

[0130] Thus, the control unit ends the process of inserting the insertion sheet PM between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ. The third pair of conveying rollers 6 conveys the double-layer sheet PJ with the insertion sheet PM inserted therein in the forward direction, and the double-layer sheet PJ with the insertion sheet PM inserted therein is placed on the discharge tray 13 (see Figure 1 ).

[0131] In the sheet separating device 1 in this embodiment, in the non-joint portion near the joint portion A, a gap C is formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ to separate (peel off) the two sheets P1 and P2 in the state shown in Figure 6A .

[0132] In contrast, if the third pair of conveying rollers 6 clamps the double-layer sheet PJ with sufficient force, the joint portion A can be set as the clamped portion in the state shown in Figure 6A . That is, in Figures 5A to 5DIn this case, the joining portion A of the double-layer sheet PJ is clamped by the jig 32 and the receiving portion 20b, and the double-layer sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20, and the non-joining portion is clamped and conveyed by the third conveying roller pair 6. At this time, by the rotation of the third conveying roller pair 6, the sheets P1 and P2 of the double-layer sheet PJ are conveyed synchronously with each other without slipping. For example, by increasing the clamping pressure of the third conveying roller pair 6, using a roller material with a large coefficient of friction, or using various methods to control the drive of the third conveying roller pair 6 to reduce the slippage between the two sheets P1 and P2 so that it is not likely to occur, and the two sheets P1 and P2 can be separated (peeled off) by forming a desired gap C in the double-layer sheet PJ. The above configuration can also reduce the number of times of conveying the double-layer sheet PJ before inserting the insert sheet PM into the double-layer sheet PJ.

[0133] Next, a first modification will be described. As Figure 13 shown, the laminating apparatus 50 as the first modification has Figure 1 the sheet separating device 1 shown.

[0134] The laminating apparatus 50 includes a laminating processing unit 51 located downstream of the third conveying roller pair 6 in the sheet separating device 1 in the forward direction. The laminating processing unit 51 performs a laminating process on the double-layer sheet PJ in which the insert sheet PM is inserted between the two sheets P1 and P2 separated by the sheet separating device 1.

[0135] The laminating processing unit 51 has a plurality of heating and pressing roller pairs to heat and press the double-layer sheet PJ while conveying the double-layer sheet PJ with the insert sheet PM inserted therein in the forward direction. The double-layer sheet PJ with the insert sheet PM inserted therein passes through the laminating processing unit 51, and the entire area of the double-layer sheet PJ is joined. The double-layer sheet PJ that has undergone the above laminating process is discharged to the outside of the laminating processing unit 51 by the discharge roller pair 7 and placed on the discharge tray 13.

[0136] As described above, in the laminating apparatus 50 according to the first modification, as a series of processes, the supply process of the sheets PJ and PM is performed; the separation process of the two sheets P1 and P2 in the double-layer sheet PJ; the process of inserting the insert sheet PM into the space between the two separated sheets P1 and P2, and the process of laminating the double-layer sheet PJ with the insert sheet PM inserted therein, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0137] Since it is difficult to perform a laminating process on the portion of the double-layer sheet PJ including the damaged front end face, the configuration of the present invention is useful.

[0138] Next, a second modification will be described. As Figure 14 shown, the image forming apparatus 100 as the second modification includes Figure 13The laminating device 50 shown and the image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on the sheet P.

[0139] Referring to Figure 14 , in the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of pairs of sheet conveying rollers disposed in the original document conveying unit 110 supply the original document D from the original document placing table and convey the original document D in the Figure 14 arrow direction, and the original document D passes above the original document reading device 102. The original document reading device 102 optically reads the image data of the original document D passing above the original document reading device 102.

[0140] The image data optically read by the original document reading device 102 is converted into an electric signal and sent to the writing device 103. The writing device 103 emits laser beams of various colors onto the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K based on the electric signal of the image data to perform an exposure process.

[0141] Charging, exposure, and development processes are performed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of the image forming units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K to form desired images on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K, respectively.

[0142] The images formed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K are transferred and superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 to form a color image. At the position where the intermediate transfer belt 178 faces the secondary transfer roller 189, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 is transferred to the surface of the sheet P (the sheet that becomes the inserted sheet PM) supplied and conveyed from the supply device 112 through the supply roller 197.

[0143] After the color image is transferred to the surface of the sheet P (i.e., the inserted sheet PM), the sheet P is conveyed to the position of the fixing device 120. The fixing device 120 fixes the transferred color image on the sheet P.

[0144] After that, the sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 through the discharge roller pair 131 and supplied to the laminating device 50 as the inserted sheet PM. When the laminating device 50 including the sheet separating device 1 receives the inserted sheet PM, the laminating device 50 has completed the process regarding Figures 4A to 7C the process described above (i.e., the process of separating the double-layer sheet PJ), and after the laminating device 50 (sheet separating device 1) receives the inserted sheet PM, it performs the process regarding Figures 8A to 8CAfter the lamination processing section 51 performs the lamination processing on the double-layer sheet PJ into which the insert sheet PM is inserted, the discharge roller pair 7 discharges the double-layer sheet PJ to the outside of the lamination processing section 51 to place the double-layer sheet PJ on the discharge tray 13.

[0145] As described above, a series of image forming processes (ie, printing operations) in the image forming apparatus 100 and a series of sheet separation processes and lamination processes using the insertion sheets PM on which images are formed are completed.

[0146] In the second modification, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the laminating device 50, but may also include Figure 1 The sheet separation device 1 is shown.

[0147] The image forming device 100 of the second modified example of the present disclosure is a color image forming device, but it can also be a monochrome image forming device. The image forming device 100 of the second modified example of the present disclosure adopts electronic photography, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure can be applied to other types of image forming devices, such as inkjet image forming devices and stencil printers.

[0148] The third modification example is described below. Figure 15 As shown, the image forming system 200 according to the third modification example includes Figure 14 The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 forms an image on a sheet P and Figure 13 The laminating device 50 shown is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0149] exist Figure 15 In the image forming system 200 shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 performs the Figure 13 The image formation is described as discharging a sheet P (i.e., an inserted sheet with a desired image formed thereon) from a discharge roller pair 131 to a laminating device 50. The laminating device 50 performs lamination processing on a double-layer sheet PJ into which the inserted sheet PM has been inserted. The discharge roller pair 7 discharges the double-layer sheet PJ to the outside of the laminating device 50 to place the double-layer sheet PJ on a discharge tray 13.

[0150] When the user does not select the lamination processing mode as described above, the image forming apparatus 100 in the image forming system 200 discharges the sheet P on which an image is formed through the image forming process from the second discharge roller pair 132 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 and places the sheet P on the second discharge tray 150 .

[0151] The laminating device 50 is detachably mounted on the image forming device 100 and can be removed from the image forming device 100 when the laminating device 50 is not needed. The image forming device 100 from which the laminating device 50 has been removed uses the mounting surface 149 on which the laminating device 50 is placed as a discharge tray to mount the sheet P that has an image formed thereon through the image forming process and is discharged to the outside of the image forming device 100 from the discharge roller pair 131.

[0152] In the third modification, the image forming system 200 includes a detachable laminating device 50. However, the image forming system 200 may include a detachable Figure 1 sheet separation device 1 as shown.

[0153] As described above, the sheet separation device 1 according to the present embodiment separates the non-joined portions of two sheets PJ that overlap and are joined at the joint A, and has a winding roller 20 that rotates in a specified rotational direction to wind the two sheets PJ, a third conveying roller pair 6 that conveys the two sheets PJ toward the winding roller 20, and a separation claw 16 that is inserted into the gap C formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. The separation claw 16 is disposed on the side where the winding roller 20 is disposed with respect to the imaginary plane S1, and the imaginary plane S1 includes the clamping portion N of the third conveying roller pair 6 and contacts the winding roller 20 on the side where the double-layer sheet PJ starts to wind around the winding roller 20.

[0154] Thus, without increasing the size of the sheet separation device 1, the above mechanism can satisfactorily separate the two sheets P1 and P2 that constitute the stacked sheet PJ.

[0155] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, in view of the above teachings, many additional modifications and variations can be made. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims, elements of at least one feature of the different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein can be combined with each other and at least one substitution can be made between each other. The number, position, and shape of the above-described components are not limited to the above embodiments. Desired numbers, positions, and shapes can be determined to implement the present disclosure.

[0156] Each of the functions of the described embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuits. The processing circuit includes a programmed processor, and the processor includes circuitry. The processing circuit also includes devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and conventional circuit elements arranged to perform the functions.

[0157] This patent application is based on and claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-048396, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 18, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0158] List of Reference Numerals

[0159] 1 Sheet Separation Device

[0160] 4 First Conveyor Roller Pair

[0161] 5 Second Conveyor Roller Pair

[0162] 6 Third Conveyor Roller Pair (Conveyor Roller Pair)

[0163] 15 Switching Claw (Switching Member)

[0164] 16 Separation Claw (Separation Member)

[0165] 20 Winding Roller

[0166] 20 Winding Shaft

[0167] 20 Receiving Portion

[0168] 25 First Guide (Inner Restricting Member)

[0169] 26 Second Guide (Outer Restricting Member)

[0170] 30 Moving Mechanism

[0171] 31 Arm

[0172] 31 Support Shaft

[0173] 32 Clamp

[0174] 33 Compression Spring (Biasing Member)

[0175] 34 Cam

[0176] 41 First Sensor

[0177] 42 Second Sensor

[0178] 43 Third Sensor

[0179] 44 Fourth Sensor (Sheet Detection Sensor)

[0180] 45 Fifth Sensor

[0181] 50 Laminating Device

[0182] 100 Image Forming Apparatus (Image Forming Apparatus Main Body)

[0183] 200 Image Forming System

[0184] P, P1, P2 Sheets

[0185] PM Insert Sheet

[0186] PJ Double - layer Sheet

[0187] A Joint

[0188] B Clamped Portion

[0189] C Gap

[0190] N Clamping Portion

[0191] W Winding Start Position

[0192] S1 Hypothetical Plane (Hypothetical Contact Surface)

[0193] S2 Hypothetical Contact Surface

Claims

1. A sheet separating device configured to separate a non - joined portion of a double - layer sheet formed by overlapping two sheets and joined together at a joined portion of the double - layer sheet, the device comprising: a winding roller configured to rotate and wind the double - layer sheet; a pair of conveying rollers configured to convey the double - layer sheet toward the winding roller; a separating claw configured to insert into a gap between the two sheets at a position between the winding roller and the pair of conveying rollers, at least a tip portion of the separating claw being configured to be within a space bounded by a hypothetical plane and including the winding roller, the hypothetical plane passing through a clamping portion of the pair of conveying rollers and a winding start position where the double - layer sheet starts to wind around the winding roller, wherein the sheet separating device further comprises: a receiving portion of the winding roller; a clamp configured to clamp one end of the double - layer sheet when the receiving portion is at the winding start position; a moving mechanism configured to move the clamp between a clamping position where the clamp clamps the double - layer sheet and a release position where the clamp releases the double - layer sheet from the clamping position.

2. The sheet separating device according to claim 1, wherein: the separating claw is configured to insert into the gap between the two sheets of the double - layer sheet from one end of the double - layer sheet in the width direction of the double - layer sheet when one end of the double - layer sheet is wound around the winding roller and the other end of the double - layer sheet is clamped by the pair of conveying rollers.

3. The sheet separating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the separating claw is configured to be in a region between a first hypothetical contact surface passing through the clamping portion of the pair of conveying rollers and a first tangent point of the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller, and a second hypothetical contact surface passing through the clamping portion of the pair of conveying rollers and a second tangent point of the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller.

4. The sheet separating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an inner restricting member disposed between the separating claw and the winding roller to restrict the amount of slack of the inner sheet of the two sheets wound around the winding roller.

5. The sheet separating device according to claim 4, wherein: the inner restricting member is a conveying guide disposed within the space bounded by the hypothetical plane and including the winding roller.

6. The sheet separating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an outer restricting member disposed between the separating claw and the winding roller to restrict the amount of slack of the outer sheet of the two sheets wound around the winding roller.

7. The sheet separating device according to claim 6, wherein: the outer restricting member is a conveying guide disposed within a space bounded by the hypothetical plane and not including the winding roller.

8. The sheet separating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a switching claw disposed between the separating claw and the winding roller to guide the two sheets in different directions.

9. The sheet separating device according to claim 8, further comprising: Another pair of conveying rollers, configured to convey and insert the inserted sheet into the space between the two sheets separated by the separating claws, wherein the pair of conveying rollers is configured to convey the double-layer sheet to release one end of the double-layer sheet wound around the winding roller from the winding roller after the separating claws insert into the gap, and then convey the double-layer sheet toward the switching claws, wherein the switching claws are configured to guide the two sheets separated by the separating claws and conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers in different directions, and wherein the another pair of conveying rollers is configured to convey the inserted sheet to insert the inserted sheet between the two sheets guided in different directions.

10. The sheet separating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pair of conveying rollers is configured to convey the double-layer sheet in such a manner that one end of the double-layer sheet is wound around the winding roller and the joint portion is located at the other end opposite to the one end.

11. A laminating device, comprising: The sheet separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and A laminating processing unit, configured to perform a laminating process on the double-layer sheet including the inserted sheet inserted between the two sheets separated by the sheet separating device.

12. An image forming device, comprising: One of the sheet separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and the laminating device according to claim 11, and An image forming device main body that forms an image on a sheet.

13. An image forming system, comprising: An image forming device configured to form an image on a sheet, and One of the sheet separating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 that can be detachably mounted on the image forming device and the laminating device according to claim 11 that can be detachably mounted on the image forming device.

Images