Lamination processing device, image forming device, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laminating processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that are easy to use and can satisfy both users who value productivity even when power consumption is high and users who value reduced power consumption even when productivity is reduced. A laminating processing unit (51) for performing a laminating process on a processed body and a heater (52) for heating the laminating processing unit are provided. Then, the device is configured to be able to select either a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the laminating processing unit is heated by the heater all the time when the power is turned on. In the second mode, the laminating processing unit is heated by the heater after the laminating process is requested, and the heating of the laminating processing unit by the heater is terminated after a specified time (Tx) has passed after the laminating process is terminated. In addition, the device is configured to be able to adjust the specified time in the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminating processing device for performing lamination processing on a processed body such as overlapping sheets with an intermediate sheet inserted therein, an image forming device such as a copier, a printer, a fax machine, or their multi-function peripherals, a printing press, etc. having the laminating processing device, and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a lamination processing apparatus that performs a lamination processing on a to-be-processed object or the like in which an intermediate sheet is inserted between two sheets (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Specifically, the lamination processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 separates (peels) two sheets of a laminated sheet (overlapping sheet) whose one side is joined and inserts a protective paper (intermediate sheet) therebetween. Then, the laminated sheet (processed object) with the protective paper inserted therein is conveyed to a portion (lamination processing section) provided with a heater, and is heated and pressurized to perform a lamination process.

[0004] On the other hand, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is that in an image forming device capable of performing a lamination process, after receiving a request for a lamination process, heat storage information of a pressure roller is obtained, a time for preheating the pressure roller is determined based on the heat storage information, and a lamination process is performed after preheating.

[0005] Conventional lamination processing apparatuses are not satisfactory to users who value productivity even if power consumption increases, and are also not satisfactory to users who value low power consumption even if productivity decreases.

[0006] The present invention is completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a laminating processing device, an image forming device and an image forming system that have good usability and satisfy users who attach importance to productivity even if the power consumption is high, and users who attach importance to low power consumption even if the productivity is reduced.

[0007] [Patent Document 1] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2006-160429

[0008] [Patent Document 2] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2015-25908 Summary of the invention

[0009] The lamination processing device involved in the present invention includes: a lamination processing part for applying heat and pressure to a processed body to perform lamination processing, and a heating mechanism for heating the lamination processing part, and is characterized in that the lamination processing device is constructed to be able to select one of a first mode and a second mode and adjust a specified time in the second mode, the first mode is that the heating mechanism continues to heat the lamination processing part while the power is on, and the second mode is that after the lamination processing is requested, the heating of the lamination processing part by the heating mechanism is started, and after the lamination processing is completed and the specified time has passed, the heating of the lamination processing part by the heating mechanism is ended.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a laminating processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system that are easy to use and satisfy both users who value productivity even when power consumption is high and users who value low power consumption even when productivity is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a lamination processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 (A) is a side view showing a state in which the holding component is moved to a holding position, and (B) is a side view showing a state in which the holding component is moved to a retracted position.

[0013] Figure 3 (A) is a stereoscopic view showing a state in which the holding component is moved to a holding position, and (B) is a stereoscopic view showing a state in which the holding component is moved to a retracted position.

[0014] Figure 4 (A)-(D) show the operation schematic diagram of the lamination processing device.

[0015] Figure 5 (A)-(D) shows the following Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the operation of the lamination processing device.

[0016] Figure 6 (A)-(C) shows the following Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the operation of the lamination processing device.

[0017] Figure 7 (A)-(C) shows the following Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the operation of the lamination processing device.

[0018] Figure 8 (A)-(C) shows the following Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the operation of the lamination processing device.

[0019] Fig. 9 (A)-(D) shows the following Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the operation of the lamination processing device.

[0020] Fig.10 (A)-(C) means next Fig. 9 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the lamination processing apparatus.

[0021] Fig.11 The figure shows a state where the peeling claw is inserted into the overlapped sheets as viewed from the width direction.

[0022] Fig.12 (A)-(E) are three-dimensional diagrams showing the action of the peeling claw.

[0023] Fig.13 Shown is a flow chart of the control performed by the lamination processing apparatus.

[0024] Fig.14 The following is shown Fig.13 Flowchart of the control.

[0025] Fig.15 The figure shows the structure of the moving mechanism of the peeling claw.

[0026] Fig.16 (A) and (B) are examples of screens of the operation display panel related to the power saving mode.

[0027] Fig.17 Shown is a flow chart example of control associated with the power saving mode.

[0028] Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of an operation display panel related to the power saving mode as Modification 1. FIG.

[0029] Fig.19 Shown is with Fig.18 A flow chart example of control related to the power saving mode.

[0030] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a lamination processing apparatus as a second variation.

[0031] Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus as a third modification.

[0032] Fig. 22 Shown is Fig.21 Flowchart of control performed by an image forming apparatus.

[0033] Fig.23 Shown is Fig.21 Flowchart of other controls executed by the image forming apparatus.

[0034] Fig.24 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system as a fourth modification.

[0035] Fig.25 (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of image forming systems of other types. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0037] First, use Figure 1 The overall structure and operation of the lamination processing device 50 will be described.

[0038] The lamination processing apparatus 50 is provided with a sheet peeling section 1, a lamination processing section 51, a discharge tray 13, a second discharge tray, and the like.

[0039] The laminating processing section 51 applies heat and pressure to a processing target object (a processing target object in a state where the intermediate sheet PM is inserted between two sheets P1 and P2) to perform a laminating process.

[0040] The sheet peeling section 1 is provided with first and second supply trays 11 and 12, first and second supply rollers 2 and 3, first to third conveying roller pairs 4 to 6, first to eighth sensors 41 to 48, a winding roller 20, a moving mechanism 30, and a peeling claw 16 as a peeling member (see Figure 6 , Fig.12 etc.

[0041] The sheet separation section 1 is a stacked sheet PJ (see FIG. 1 ) in which two sheets P1 and P2 are stacked and joined at one end as a joint portion A. Fig.12 The non-joined portion of the sheets P1 and P2 is peeled off by peeling, and the intermediate sheet PM is inserted between the two sheets P1 and P2 in the peeled state to perform an insertion process.

[0042] In particular, in this embodiment, the overlapping sheet PJ is a sheet obtained by overlapping two sheets P1 and P2 and joining one of the four sides as a joining portion A. That is, only one side (joining portion A) of the overlapping sheet PJ (two sheets P1 and P2) is joined by heat fusion or the like, and the other portions are not joined. In addition, a transparent film material (laminated sheet) can be used as the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the overlapping sheet PJ.

[0043] Then, the sheet peeling unit 1 peels off the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the overlapping sheet PJ (while maintaining the joining of the joining portion A, separates the other end side of the two sheets P1 and P2 on the opposite side of the joining portion A), and inserts an intermediate sheet PM (at least one sheet of ordinary paper, photo, etc.) between the peeled two sheets P1 and P2.

[0044] The lamination processing section 51 is a mechanism for laminating the superimposed sheets PJ (processed object) which have been subjected to the peeling and inserting processes by the sheet peeling section 1. The lamination processing section 51 is provided with a heater 52 as a heating mechanism for heating the lamination processing section 51.

[0045] Specifically, the laminating processing section 51 is a mechanism for laminating (bonding a non-bonded portion by applying heat and pressure) the overlapped sheets PJ in a state where the intermediate sheet PM is inserted between the two sheets P1 and P2 (the two sheets constituting the overlapped sheets PJ) peeled by the sheet peeling section 1, and is disposed on the downstream side (directly downstream side, Figure 1 In the laminating processing section 51, while the overlapped sheets PJ (processed body) with the intermediate sheets PM inserted therein are conveyed in the forward direction, a plurality of heat-pressing roller pairs 51a to 51c are arranged in parallel in the conveying direction to apply heat and pressure to the overlapped sheets PJ (see Figure 1 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 ) In addition, a fourth conveying path K6 as a conveying path is provided between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the lamination processing unit 51 .

[0046] Here, as described above, the lamination processing section 51 is provided with heat and pressure roller pairs 51a to 51c for heating and pressing while conveying the processed object (the overlapped sheets PJ and the intermediate sheets PM after the peeling and inserting processes by the sheet peeling section 1).

[0047] Then, the heater 52 as a heating mechanism heats at least one of the two rollers constituting the heat-pressing roller pair 51a to 51c. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a heater 52 (heating mechanism) is provided inside each of the two rollers constituting the heat-pressing roller pair 51a to 51c (which are pressed together at a predetermined pressure to form a clamping portion for conveying the object to be processed). Then, when power is supplied to the heater 52 from a power supply unit (not shown) controlled by the control unit, the heat-pressing roller pair 51a to 51c is heated by the radiant heat of the heater 52, and heat is supplied to the object to be processed passing through the clamping portion.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the heater 52 (heating means) is provided in each of the two rollers constituting the heat-pressing roller pair 51 a to 51 c , but the heater 52 (heating means) may be provided in only one roller.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, a heater 52 such as a halogen heater is used as a heating mechanism for the heating lamination processing section 51 (heat-pressing roller pair 51a~51c), but the heating mechanism is not limited to this, and for example, it can also be an electromagnetic induction heating method, or a heating mechanism using a resistance heating element, etc.

[0050] The discharge tray 13 is for placing the stacked sheets PJ (and the intermediate sheets PM) after the lamination process discharged from the lamination processing device 50 .

[0051] The second paper discharge tray 55 is used to load the sheets that have not been laminated. In addition, the second paper discharge tray 55 also acts as a retreat portion for temporarily separating the overlapping sheets behind when the lamination process is continuously performed. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 The details will be explained later.

[0052] In addition, a plurality of conveying paths such as the first conveying path K1, the second conveying path K2, the third conveying path K3, the first branch conveying path K4, the second branch conveying path K5, the fourth conveying path K6, and the retreat conveying path K7 are formed in the laminating processing device 50. These conveying paths K1 to K7 are respectively used to guide the conveyance of sheets (overlapping sheets PJ or intermediate sheets PM), and are formed by two opposing conveying guide members (guide plates).

[0053] Particularly, in the present embodiment, the first branch conveyance path K4 and the second branch conveyance path K5 branch off in different directions with the third conveyance path K3 interposed between the winding roller 20 and the third conveyance path K3 .

[0054] The fourth conveying path K6 is a conveying path from the sheet peeling section 1 (third conveying roller pair 6) to the laminating section 51. The evacuation conveying path K7 is a conveying path from the sheet peeling section 1 to the second paper discharge tray 55 (evacuation section) different from the laminating section 51. Specifically, the fourth conveying path K6 and the evacuation conveying path K7 are located on the downstream side of the third conveying roller pair 6 ( Figure 1 on the left side) branches out in different directions.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , overlapped sheets PJ are loaded on the first feeding tray 11. Then, the uppermost overlapped sheet PJ on the first feeding tray 11 is fed by the first feeding roller 2 and conveyed along the first conveying path K1 by the first conveying roller pair 4.

[0056] Thus, the first supply tray 11 and the first supply roller 2 function as a first supply mechanism for supplying the overlapped sheets PJ. Then, the first supply mechanism drives the first supply roller 2 to rotate and supplies the overlapped sheets PJ from the first supply tray 11 under the control of the control unit (control mechanism).

[0057] In addition, the intermediate sheet PM is loaded on the second supply tray 12. Then, the uppermost intermediate sheet PM on the second supply tray 12 is supplied by the second supply roller 3.

[0058] Thus, the second supply tray 12 and the second supply roller 3 function as a second supply mechanism for supplying the intermediate sheet PM (a sheet inserted between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the overlapping sheet PJ peeled off at the non-joined portion). Then, the second supply mechanism drives the second supply roller 3 to rotate and supplies the intermediate sheet PM from the second supply tray 22 under the control of the control unit (control mechanism).

[0059] Then, the lamination processing device 50 in this embodiment performs control such that after the first supply mechanism 2, 11 supplies the overlapped sheets PJ, before the operation of peeling off the non-joined portions of the overlapped sheets PJ is completed, the second supply mechanism 3, 12 starts supplying the intermediate sheet PM.

[0060] That is, in this embodiment, the operation of supplying the overlapping sheets PJ and the operation of supplying the intermediate sheets PM is not performed separately (the user operates the operation display panel 49), but can be performed by a single operation. Specifically, the user starts the processing operation by pressing a button of the operation display panel 49 once, and then the peeling process after the overlapping sheets PJ are supplied and the insertion process of inserting the intermediate sheets PM between the peeled overlapping sheets PJ and the lamination process are automatically performed at the same time according to the single instruction (request).

[0061] Then, the action of starting to supply the intermediate sheet PM from the second supply tray 12 is not performed after the peeling action of the overlapped sheet PJ is completed, but before the peeling action of the overlapped sheet PJ is completed. Therefore, the time required for a series of processes from the supply of the overlapped sheet PJ from the first supply tray 11 to the completion of the insertion of the intermediate sheet PM is effectively shortened, and the productivity of the device is improved. That is, the time from the start to the end of the processing in the sheet insertion device 1 is shortened.

[0062] Here, the first to third conveying roller pairs 4 to 6, the discharge roller pair 7, and the second discharge roller pair 8 are all composed of a driving roller and a driven roller, and are used to convey the sheet clamped in their clamping parts. In the third conveying path K3, starting from the upstream side, the second conveying roller pair 5, the winding roller 20, and the third conveying roller pair 6 are provided. In particular, the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6 and the second discharge roller pair 8 can be rotated forward and reversely, and the third conveying roller pair 6 and the second discharge roller pair 8 are configured to be able to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions ( Figure 1 left direction) can also be reversed ( Figure 1 The third conveying roller pair 6 is also used as a conveying roller pair for conveying the sheet toward the laminating processing section 51 or the second discharge tray 55. The discharge roller pair 7 is a conveying roller pair for discharging the overlapped sheets PJ (and the intermediate sheets PM) after the lamination process toward the discharge tray 13.

[0063] In addition, on the downstream side of the third conveying roller pair 6 ( Figure 1 A switching claw 17 (switching mechanism) for switching the sheet P to be conveyed to the laminating processing section 51 or to the second discharge tray 55 is provided.

[0064] That is, the function of the switching claw 17 is to serve as a switching mechanism to open the fourth conveying path K6 and close the first state ( Fig. 9 and the second state (a) in which the fourth conveying path K6 is closed and the retreat conveying path K7 is opened. Fig. 9 (C) and other states) to switch.

[0065] According to the mode selected by the user (particularly, when a plurality of overlapped sheets PJ are continuously laminated), the switching claw 17 is controlled to appropriately switch the conveyance destination (discharge destination) of the sheets P.

[0066] The operation of the switching claw 17 as the switching mechanism will be described later. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 etc. for detailed explanation.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 The first to fifth sensors 41 to 45 and the seventh and eighth sensors 47 and 48 as sheet detection sensors are all reflective photoelectric sensors that optically detect whether there is a sheet in their positions. The first sensor 41 is arranged near the downstream side of the first conveying roller pair 4, the second sensor 42 is arranged near the downstream side of the second supply roller 3, the third sensor 43 is arranged near the downstream side of the second conveying roller pair 5, and the fourth sensor 44 is arranged on the downstream side of the winding roller 20 (at Figure 1 The left side of the winding roller 20) and the upstream side of the third conveying roller pair 6 (in Figure 1The fifth sensor 45 is arranged on the fourth conveying path K6 from the sheet peeling section 1 to the laminating processing section 51 (on the right side of the third conveying roller pair 6). Figure 1 In the figure, it is the left side (downstream side) of the third conveying roller pair 6. In addition, the seventh sensor 47 is arranged on the first branch conveying path K4, and the eighth sensor 48 is arranged on the second branch conveying path K5.

[0068] The sixth sensor 46 functions as an abnormality detection mechanism for detecting an abnormal state during the peeling operation, which will be described in detail later.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 (B)~(D), Figure 6 (A), etc., the winding roller 20 is at the winding start position W (refer to Figure 5 (B)), the other end side of the overlapping sheets PJ (the opposite side of the side where the joint A is formed) is used as the gripped portion B, and while the gripped portion B is gripped by the gripping member 32 (gripping portion), the gripped portion PJ is rotated in a predetermined direction ( Figure 5 The winding roller 20 is a roller member that winds up the overlapped sheet PJ after rotating (in the counterclockwise direction). The winding roller 20 is driven by a driving motor controlled by a control unit and can rotate in forward and reverse directions around a rotating shaft 20a.

[0070] Specifically, the overlapped sheet PJ is conveyed from the first supply tray via the first conveying path K1, and is conveyed in the forward direction by the second conveying roller pair 5 in the third conveying path K3. Once it passes the winding start position W of the winding roller 20, it is conveyed to the position of the third conveying roller pair 6 (the rear end of the overlapped sheet PJ passes the fourth sensor 44 and the position before the third conveying roller pair 6). Then, the overlapped sheet PJ is conveyed in the reverse direction to the position of the winding roller 20 (winding start position W) by the reversed third conveying roller pair 6, and is gripped by the gripping member 32. Then, the overlapped sheet PJ is further conveyed in the gripped state, and is gripped by the gripping member 32. Figure 1 The winding roller 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction to wind the product.

[0071] Then, refer to Figure 5 (C'), when the overlapping sheets PJ are wound by the winding roller 20, the winding length is proportional to the roller diameter, so the winding length of the first sheet P1 on the inner circumference side of the roller is shorter than the winding length of the second sheet P2 on the outer circumference side of the roller. Therefore, there is a misalignment in the part (the part) where the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 are in close contact (the part) other than the joint A and the gripped part B. Due to this misalignment, the first sheet P1 is bent (loose) relative to the second sheet P2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 (D) Figure 6As shown in (A) and the like, a gap C (gap C formed by the first sheet P1 bending upward) is formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 on one side (one end side) of the joint A of the overlapping sheets PJ. In this way, the two sheets P1 and P2 change from a state of being closely attached without a gap to a state of being peeled off (separated).

[0072] In particular, in the present embodiment, in order to significantly form (increase the difference in the winding lengths of the sheets P1 and P2 ) the gap C as described above, the overlapped sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 for at least one turn.

[0073] As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the winding roller 20 for winding up the overlapped sheet PJ, the overlapped sheet PJ can be peeled without increasing the size and cost of the lamination processing apparatus 50.

[0074] Here, in this embodiment, the gripping member 32 is constituted as follows: Figure 5 As shown in (B'), the held portion B is held without contacting the end surface of the other end side (the held portion B side) of the overlapped sheets PJ.

[0075] Specifically, the gripping member 32 is configured to grip the gripped portion B between the receiving portion 20b of the winding roller 20 without causing the end surface of the other end side of the overlapped sheet PJ to contact any component. The receiving portion 20b is located at the outer periphery of the winding roller 20 and is shaped so as to be exposed to the outside and can be opposed to the gripping member 32.

[0076] Specifically, the overlapping sheet PJ is not clamped and held by the holding member 32 and the supporting portion 20b in a state where the end face (front end face) on the other end side abuts against a specific component (for example, the holding member 32 itself), but the end face (front end face) on the other end side is clamped and held by the outer holding member 32 and the inner supporting portion 20b without abutting against any component.

[0077] Therefore, compared with the situation that makes the front end face abut, can alleviate the undesirable situation that overlapping sheet material PJ (particularly the front end part) is damaged. Particularly, when the front end face of overlapping sheet material P is damaged, even if lamination process is to be carried out to this part, also can become difficult, so the formation of the present invention becomes useful.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, the overlapped sheet PJ wound around the winding roller 20 has the joined portion A formed at one end side opposite to the other end side of the gripped portion B.

[0079] Here, in the present embodiment, at least one of the gripping member 32 (gripping portion) and the receiving portion 20b is formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0080] Thus, compared with the case where both the gripping member 32 and the receiving portion 20b are formed of a rigid body made of a metal material or a resin material, the gripping force on the overlapped sheets PJ can be increased while the surface of the overlapped sheets PJ is less likely to be damaged. In particular, when both the gripping member 32 and the receiving portion 20b are formed of an elastic material, such an effect can be significantly obtained.

[0081] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the moving mechanism 30 is used to move the holding member 32 to a holding position ( Figure 2 (A) Figure 3 (A)) and the retreat position retreated from the holding position (is Figure 2 (B) Figure 3 Move between the positions shown in (B)).

[0082] Specifically, the moving mechanism 30 includes an arm member 31 , a compression spring 33 as a biasing member, a cam 34 , a motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the cam 34 in forward and reverse directions, and the like.

[0083] The arm member 31 is held on the winding roller 20 so as to be rotatable together with the holding member 32 about the support shaft 31a while holding the holding member 32. In the present embodiment, the holding member 32 is integrally formed (held) at the front end of the arm member 31. On the other hand, the holding member 32 may be a member separate from the arm member 31, and the holding member 32 may be arranged (held) on the arm member 31. In either case, the arm member 31 holding the holding member 32 rotates together with the winding roller 20 about the rotation axis 20a.

[0084] The function of the compression spring 33 is to act as a force applying member to the arm member 31 so that the gripping member 32 is moved from Figure 2 The retreat position shown in (B) moves to Figure 2 Specifically, one end of the compression spring 33 is connected to a fixed position near the rotating shaft 20a, and the other end is connected to one end side of the arm member 31 (the opposite side to the side where the gripping member 32 is provided with the support shaft 31a).

[0085] The cam 34 pushes the arm member 31 against the urging force of the compression spring 33 (urging member), so that the grip member 32 moves from Figure 2 The holding position shown in (A) is moved to Figure 2The cam 34 is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions at a desired rotation angle by a motor controlled by the control unit. The cam 34 is independent from the winding roller 20 and is rotatably held on the device frame around the cam shaft 34a.

[0086] like Figure 2 (A) Figure 3 As shown in (A), when the cam 34 of the moving mechanism 30 is not in contact with the arm member 31, the arm member 31 is urged by the compression spring 33, and the gripping member 32 is pressed against the receiving portion 20b (closed state). The closed state is a state in which the overlapped sheets PJ can be gripped.

[0087] In contrast, Figure 2 (B) Figure 3 As shown in (B), when the cam 34 presses the arm member 31, the arm member 31 resists the force of the compression spring 33 and moves toward the support shaft 31a as the center. Figure 2 The counterclockwise rotation of (B) causes the gripping member 32b to be separated from the receiving portion 20b (open state). The open state is a state in which the overlapped sheets PJ cannot be gripped (grip release state).

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, while the roller portion of the winding roller 20 is divided into a plurality of parts (seven parts) in the axial direction, the cam 34 is also divided into a plurality of parts in the axial direction so as to align with the division positions.

[0089] Thus, the load required for holding the overlapped sheet PJ can be dispersed by dividing the overlapped sheet PJ in the axial direction instead of setting the position for holding the overlapped sheet PJ over the entire axial region. This structure is useful when the required holding force becomes large.

[0090] Here, if Figure 1 , Figure 4 (D) Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5A and the like, in the laminating processing device 50 of the present embodiment, a fourth sensor 44 (sheet detection sensor) is provided for detecting the overlapped sheet PJ conveyed between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. Then, the moving mechanism 30 is controlled based on the detection result of the fourth sensor 44 of the leading end of the overlapped sheet PJ conveyed toward the winding roller 20 through the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0091] Specifically, the fourth sensor 44 is disposed in the conveying path between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. Figure 4 (D) Figure 5As shown in (A) and the like, when the overlapping sheets PJ are conveyed in the reverse direction toward the position of the winding roller 20 by the third conveying roller pair 6 with the side of the gripped portion B as the leading edge, the leading edge thereof (i.e., the leading edge during reverse conveyance) is detected by the fourth sensor 44. Then, the timing of this detection is used as a trigger to adjust and control the timing of stopping the overlapping sheets PJ in the gripping position and the timing of gripping the gripped portion B by the gripping component 32. Specifically, starting from the time when the leading edge of the overlapping sheets PJ is detected by the fourth sensor 44, after a predetermined timing period, the third conveying roller pair 6 is stopped from conveying the overlapping sheets PJ in the reverse direction, and the gripping component 32 is moved from the gripping position to the gripping position. Figure 2 The retreat position shown in (B) moves to Figure 2 The cam 34 is turned to rotate the arm member 31 (moving mechanism 30) by changing the holding position shown in (A).

[0092] By performing such control, the operation of sandwiching the overlapped sheets PJ between the gripping member 32 and the receiving portion 20 b can be performed with high accuracy without causing the end faces of the overlapped sheets PJ to come into contact with any member.

[0093] Here, as mentioned above, the third conveying roller pair 6 is formed in the third conveying path K3 (conveying path) between the winding roller 20, and is a conveying roller pair that conveys the overlapping sheets PJ with the other end side (the side of the gripped portion B) toward the winding roller 20 (winding start position W) as the front.

[0094] In addition, refer to Figure 6 (A)~(C), Fig.11 , Fig.12 (A)~(E), Fig.15 The peeling claw 16 as a peeling member is formed in a gap C between two sheets P1 and P2 at a predetermined position relative to the overlapped sheets PJ, Fig.12 The claw-shaped component is moved to the standby position shown in (A) and inserted.

[0095] More specifically, for the overlapping sheets PJ that are wound from the other end side (the side of the gripped portion B) by the winding roller 20 and clamped at one end side (the side of the joining portion A) by the third conveying roller pair 6 (conveying roller pair), the peeling claw 16 is inserted from the standby position at the end in the width direction into the gap C formed between the two pages of sheets P1 and P2 between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0096] More specifically, in this embodiment, the peeling claws 16 are respectively arranged in the width direction (with Figure 6 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface, that is Fig.11 , Fig.15 A pair of peeling claws at both ends of the left and right directions. Fig.12As shown in FIG. 1 , the peeling claw 16 is formed so that its length in the vertical direction (thickness direction of the overlapped sheets PJ) gradually increases from the front end on the central side in the width direction to the rear end on the outer side in the width direction. In addition, the peeling claw 16 is configured so that the moving mechanism 76 (see FIG. 1 ) controlled by the control unit is moved to the peeling claw 16 by the control unit. Fig.15 ), capable of moving in the width direction.

[0097] Generally, the peeling claw 16 configured in this way is in a standby position (eg, Fig.12 As shown in (A), it is waiting at a position outside the width direction of the sheet P. Then, when separating the overlapping sheets PJ (two sheets P1 and P2), as shown in Fig.11 , Fig.12 As shown in (B) and the like, the peeling claw 16 enters the gap C between the overlapped sheets PJ and secures the gap C.

[0098] like Fig.15 As shown, the moving mechanism 76 for moving the pair of peeling claws 16 in the width direction is composed of a motor 77, a gear pulley 78, a pulley 79, a timing belt 80, etc. The gear pulley 78 is formed in a step-like manner as a gear that meshes with the motor gear provided on the motor shaft of the motor 77, and a pulley that tensions and supports the timing belt 80 together with the pulley 79. The fixing portion 16a of the peeling claw 16 on one side of the pair of peeling claws 16 is fixed to the belt surface ( Fig.15 The fixing portion 16a of the other side peeling claw 16 is fixed to the other side of the timing belt 80 (the belt surface above). Fig.15 In the part of the band below.

[0099] By means of the moving mechanism 76 thus constructed, the motor shaft of the motor 77 is moved Fig.15 When the motor 77 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (clockwise), the gear pulley 78 rotates counterclockwise, the timing belt 80 rotates counterclockwise, and the pair of peeling claws 16 moves from the outer side in the width direction to the center in the width direction (the pair of peeling claws 16 move toward each other). Fig.15 When the pair of peeling claws 16 is rotationally driven in the opposite direction to the arrow direction, the pair of peeling claws 16 moves from the center side in the width direction to the outer side in the width direction (the pair of peeling claws 16 move in the direction away from each other).

[0100] The peeling claw 16 moves relatively from one end side (the side of the joining portion A) to the other end side B (the side of the gripped portion B) with the overlapped sheet PJ inserted into the gap C, and then moves in the width direction between the two sheets P1 and P2 at the end of the other end side of the overlapped sheet PJ.

[0101] Specifically, the control unit controls the moving mechanism 76 (see Fig.15 ) is controlled, a pair of stripping claws 16 are as Fig.12 As shown in (B) and (C) of FIG. 1 , when the overlapped sheets PJ are inserted into both ends of the gap C in the width direction, the end portion of the other end is relatively moved toward the other end to a position exceeding the fixing portion 16a, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in (D), at the other end of the overlapped sheet PJ, the moving mechanism 76 moves from the two ends in the width direction to the center in the width direction between the two sheets P1 and P2. In order to enable such a pair of peeling claws 16 to operate, the moving mechanism 76 is configured so that the pair of peeling claws 16 can move from the standby position to a position close to each other.

[0102] The mechanism for peeling the overlapped sheets PJ by winding the winding roller 20 and inserting the peeling claw 16 can be made smaller than a mechanism for peeling using a large device such as a vacuum. That is, the laminating device 50 can peel the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the overlapped sheets PJ well without being large-scaled.

[0103] In particular, in the present embodiment, at the other end side (rear end) of the overlapped sheet PJ in the width direction, since the peeling claw 16 moves in substantially the entire area in the width direction, the end portion of the other end side opposite to the joint A of the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the overlapped sheet PJ can be fully peeled off (separated). Therefore, even if the end portion of the other end side opposite to the joint A is not fully peeled off, it is still possible to insert the intermediate sheet PM from the other end side of the overlapped sheet PJ (see FIG. Fig.12 Furthermore, the function of the switching member of the peeling claw 16 described below (the function of guiding the two sheets P1 and P2 to the two branch conveying paths K4 and K5, respectively) can be easily exerted.

[0104] Here, in the present embodiment, the peeling claw 16 as the peeling member also serves as a switching member to guide the two sheets P1 and P2 peeled by the peeling claw 16 to two branch conveying paths K4 and K5 branched in different directions.

[0105] In detail, Figure 7 As shown in (C) and the like, the two branch conveying paths K4 and K5 are branched in different directions between the peeling claw 16 (peeling member) and the winding roller 20 with the third conveying path K3 sandwiched therebetween. Specifically, the first branch conveying path K4 is formed to branch upward from the third conveying path K3, and the second branch conveying path K5 is formed to branch downward from the third conveying path K3.

[0106] Then, if Figure 7 As shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. 1 , after the peeling claw 16 is inserted into the gap C, the overlapped sheets PJ are conveyed to one end side ( FIG. 14 ) by the third conveying roller pair 6 . Figure 7 The left side of the overlapping sheet PJ is released from the winding roller 20 at the other end side (refer to Fig.12 Then, if Fig.12 As shown in (D), after the peeling claw 16 is moved to the center in the width direction, this state is maintained, and the overlapped sheets PJ are transported to the other end side again by the third conveying roller pair 6 ( Figure 7 The two sheets P1 and P2 peeled off by the peeling claw 16 are guided to the two branch conveying paths K4 and K5 respectively by the peeling claw 16. That is, the first sheet P1 is guided to the first branch conveying path K4, and the second sheet P2 is guided to the second branch conveying path K5. Then, as follows Figure 8 (A)~(C), Fig.12 As shown in (E), the peeling claw 16 is moved to the standby position, and the intermediate sheet PM is conveyed toward one end of the third conveying path K3 so that the intermediate sheet PM is inserted between the two sheets P1 and P2 in the peeled state.

[0107] Thus, the peeling claw 16 in the present embodiment is used as a peeling member for peeling (separating) the non-joined portion of the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the overlapped sheet PJ, and also as a switching member for guiding the peeled two sheets P1 and P2 to the two branched conveying paths K4 and K5, respectively. Therefore, compared with the case where the peeling member and the switching member are separately provided, the laminating processing device 50 can be made smaller and less expensive. That is, the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the overlapped sheet JP can be effectively and satisfactorily peeled.

[0108] The seventh sensor 47 optically detects that the peeled first sheet P1 is normally conveyed to the first branch conveying path K4 , and the eighth sensor 48 optically detects that the peeled second sheet P2 is normally conveyed to the second branch conveying path K5 .

[0109] In the present embodiment, the peeling claw 16 is configured to function as both a peeling member and a switching member. However, a member functioning as a switching member may be provided separately from the peeling claw 16 functioning as a peeling member.

[0110] Here, refer to Figure 6(A), (C), etc., the first guide component 25 serves as a limiting component to limit the slack (bending) of the first sheet P1 wound on the inner side of the winding roller 20 among the two sheets P1 and P2 of the overlapping sheets PJ between the peeling claw 16 and the winding roller 20 in the third conveying path K3.

[0111] Specifically, the first guide member 25 as the limiting member is provided in the third conveying path relative to the imaginary plane S1 (the imaginary plane passing through the winding start position W of the winding roller 20 and the clamping portion of the third conveying roller pair 6, see Figure 6 (A)) is a conveying guide member arranged on the side (above the imaginary plane S1) where the winding roller 20 is arranged. In addition, the first guide member 25 is formed into a roughly triangular prism shape at a predetermined interval along the outer circumference of the winding roller 20 so as to cover a part of its outer circumference, and is also used as a conveying guide member for the third conveying path K3 and the first branch conveying path K4. That is, the sheet conveyed to the third conveying path K3, the sheet conveyed to the first branch conveying path K4, and the sheet wound on the winding roller 20 are all guided by the first guide member 25.

[0112] In particular, in the third conveying path K3, since the upward deflection of the overlapped sheets PJ (especially the upward deflection of the first sheet P1) is restricted by the first guide member 25 between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6, a gap C of the overlapped sheets PJ (especially the upward deflection of the first sheet P1) is formed intensively between the first guide member 25 and the third conveying roller pair 6. Therefore, even if the amount of the overlapped sheets PJ wound around the winding roller 20 is not increased, the interval of the gap C can be increased, so that the peeling claw 16 can be inserted into the gap C, and the operation of peeling the overlapped sheets PJ can be performed without any problem.

[0113] In addition, refer to Figure 6 (A), (C), etc., the function of the second guide component 26 is to serve as a guide component for guiding the second sheet P2 wound to the outside on the winding roller 20 among the two pages of overlapping sheets PJ P1 and P2 between the peeling claw 16 and the winding roller 20 in the third conveying path K3.

[0114] Specifically, the second guide member 26 as a guide member is provided in the third conveying path relative to the imaginary surface S1 (see Figure 6 (A)) is a conveying guide member arranged on the side where the winding roller 20 is not arranged (below the imaginary plane S1). In addition, the second guide member 26 is arranged in a manner opposed to the lower surface of the sheet from the vicinity of the upstream side of the second conveying roller pair 5 to the vicinity of the downstream side of the third conveying roller pair 6. That is, the sheet conveyed to the third conveying path K3 is guided by the second guide member 26.

[0115] In particular, in the third conveying path K3, the interval between the first guide member 25 and the second guide member 26 between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6 is set to a value that allows the conveyance of a sheet with the largest sheet thickness, and since the interval between the sheets P1 and P2 of the overlapped sheets PJ is limited to be not too large between the first guide member 25 and the second guide member 26, the gap C of the overlapped sheets PJ (especially the upward deflection of the first sheet P1) is formed intensively. Therefore, the peeling claw 16 can be inserted into the gap C, and the operation of peeling the overlapped sheets PJ can be performed without any problem.

[0116] Here, refer to Figure 6 The sixth sensor 46 (abnormality detection sensor) serves as an abnormality detection mechanism, and moves from the standby position of the peeling claw 16 (from Fig.15 The standby position shown is Fig.11 , Fig.12 Before the peeling claw 16 moves to the peeling position shown in (A), the sixth sensor 46 detects an abnormal state that a gap C exceeding a predetermined interval is not formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 at a predetermined position (between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20). That is, before the peeling claw 16 is inserted into the gap C, the sixth sensor 46 as the abnormality detection mechanism detects an abnormal state that a gap C exceeding a predetermined interval is not formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 at a predetermined position.

[0117] In other words, the sixth sensor 46 as the abnormality detection unit, such as Figure 5 (D) Figure 6 As shown in (A), at the timing when the gap C should be formed between the two sheets P1 and P2, a state in which the gap C is not formed at all or a state in which the gap C is not sufficiently spaced is detected as an abnormal state.

[0118] Then, in this embodiment, when the abnormal state is detected by the sixth sensor 46 (abnormality detection means), the occurrence of the abnormal state is notified. Figure 1 As shown, an operation display panel 49 (operation display unit) for displaying various information in the lamination processing device 50 or inputting various instructions is provided in the outer casing of the lamination processing device 50. Then, when the sixth sensor 46 detects that a gap C with a sufficient spacing is not formed in the overlapped sheets PJ, the fact that an abnormality has been detected is displayed on the operation display panel 49. Such a display may be, for example, "Due to an abnormality, the process of inserting the intermediate sheet is terminated. Please confirm the placement direction of the overlapped sheets in the unit supply tray. In addition, if the placement direction is correct, if the same abnormality is repeated, please contact the service personnel" etc.

[0119] As such a sixth sensor 46 (abnormality detection means), a bar sensor or the like that contacts the overlapped sheets PJ (the first upper sheet P1 ) in which the gap C exceeding a predetermined interval is formed can be used.

[0120] Here, refer to Fig. 9 , Fig.10 In the lamination processing device 50 of this embodiment, when lamination processing is performed on multiple overlapping sheets PJ, when the lamination processing unit 51 performs lamination processing on the previous overlapping sheet PJ, the sheet peeling unit 1 performs at least peeling processing of the peeling processing and the insertion processing on the subsequent overlapping sheet PJ.

[0121] That is, in the present embodiment, when laminating a plurality of overlapping sheets PJ is successively performed (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "continuous laminating"), the peeling process of the subsequent overlapping sheet PJ2 is not started after the laminating process of the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1 is completely completed, but the peeling process of the subsequent overlapping sheet PJ2 is started during the laminating process of the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1. In other words, the gap (between sheets) between the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1 and the subsequent overlapping sheet PJ2 is filled to perform the continuous laminating process.

[0122] Therefore, the time until the lamination process (a series of operations) of the plurality of overlapped sheets PJ is completely completed is shortened, and the productivity of the apparatus is improved.

[0123] In particular, in this embodiment, if Fig. 9 (C), (D), Fig.10 As shown in (A), in the continuous lamination process, when the sheet peeling unit 1 peels the following overlapped sheet PJ2, the switching claw 17 (switching mechanism) is controlled to enter the second state (the state of closing the fourth conveying path K6 and opening the retreat conveying path K7).

[0124] That is, when the following overlapped sheet PJ2 is subjected to the peeling process by the sheet peeling section 1 , the fourth conveying path K6 is closed and the evacuation conveying path K7 is opened.

[0125] Therefore, compared with the case where the retreat conveying path K7 is not provided and only the fourth conveying path K6 is used for continuous lamination processing, even if the length of the fourth conveying path K6 (the length in the conveying direction) is shortened (even if the device is miniaturized), the undesirable situation that the subsequent overlapping sheet PJ2 interferes with the previous overlapping sheet PJ1 can be prevented.

[0126] The switching control of the switching claw 17 is performed by the fifth sensor 45 provided near the branching portion between the fourth conveying path K6 and the evacuation conveying path K7 , using the timing of detecting the rear end of the preceding overlapped sheet PJ1 as a trigger.

[0127] In addition, in this embodiment, if Fig.10 As shown in (A) to (C), in the continuous lamination process, after the rear end of the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1 passes through the upstreammost portion of the lamination processing section 51 (the clamping portion of the first heat and pressure roller pair 51a arranged on the upstreammost side in the conveying direction), the front end of the succeeding overlapping sheet PJ2 is sent into the upstreammost portion (the clamping portion of the first heat and pressure roller pair 51a) and controlled.

[0128] Therefore, the continuous lamination process is performed while the gap (between papers) between the preceding overlapped sheet PJ1 and the following overlapped sheet PJ2 is further filled. Therefore, the time until the lamination process (a series of operations) of the plurality of overlapped sheets PJ is completely completed is shortened, and the productivity of the device is improved.

[0129] Below, refer to Figures 4 to 10 , the operation of performing a continuous lamination process on a plurality of overlapping sheets PJ in the lamination process apparatus 50 will be described.

[0130] In addition, in the description of its actions, use Fig.11 , Fig.12 To explain the operation of the peeling claw 16, use Fig.13 , Fig.14 The control flow is illustrated in the flowchart.

[0131] First, when the overlapping sheets PJ (previous overlapping sheets PJ1) are fed from the first feeding tray by the first feeding roller 2 and the first conveying roller pair 4 ( Fig.13 :Step S1), such as Figure 4 As shown in (A) of FIG. 5 , in the third conveying path K3, the joint portion A is the leading edge and the second conveying roller is used to convey the joint portion A in the forward direction (from the Figure 4 The conveyor is transported in the direction of right to left.

[0132] At this time, the moving mechanism 30 is controlled in such a way that the gripping member 32 is located at the gripping position. That is, the cam 34 moves to the rotation position where it does not press the arm member 31. In this way, when the gripping member 32 is located at the gripping position, the gripping member 32 does not hinder the conveyance of the sheet in the third conveying path K3. In addition, the peeling claw 16 is in the standby position ( Fig.12 (A) position) standby.

[0133] Then, if Figure 4As shown in (B), the overlapped sheets PJ are transported by the third conveying roller pair 6 by a predetermined amount X1 ( Fig.13 : Steps S2, S3) until the gripped portion B (the rear end side, the other end side in the forward direction) of the overlapped sheet PJ passes the position of the winding roller 20. In addition, at this time, if the overlapped sheet PJ is the subsequent overlapped sheet PJ2 (the second and subsequent overlapped sheets) in the continuous lamination process, the switching claw 17 (refer to Fig. 9 ) is rotated to a position where the fourth conveying path K6 is closed and the retreat conveying path K7 is opened.

[0134] Then, if Figure 4 As shown in (C), in this state, the conveyance of the overlapped sheets PJ by the third conveying roller pair 6 is temporarily stopped, and the gripping member 32 is moved from the gripping position to the retracted position ( Fig.13 : Step S4). That is, the cam 34 is moved to the rotation position of the pressing arm member 31. This state is a state in which the gripped portion B of the overlapped sheets PJ can be received between the gripping member 32 and the receiving portion 20b.

[0135] Then, if Figure 4 As shown in (D), the third conveying roller pair 6 is rotated in the reverse direction to start conveying the overlapped sheets PJ in the reverse direction ( Fig.13 : Step S5 . At this time, the gripped portion B (the reverse front end, the other end side) of the overlapped sheets PJ is detected by the fourth sensor 44 .

[0136] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (A), the timing when the gripped portion B of the overlapped sheet PJ is detected by the fourth sensor 44 is used as a trigger, and the overlapped sheet PJ is conveyed by the third conveying roller pair 6 by a predetermined amount X2 and then stopped ( Fig.13 : Steps S6, S7), until the gripped portion B of the overlapped sheets PJ reaches the position of the winding roller 20 (winding start position W).

[0137] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (B), in this state, the gripping member 32 is moved from the retreat position to the gripping position ( Fig.13 : Step S8). That is, the cam 34 is moved to a rotation position where the arm member 31 is not pressed. Figure 5 As shown in (B'), the end surface of the other end side of the overlapped sheet PJ does not abut against any member, and the gripped portion B is gripped between the gripping member 32 and the receiving portion 20b.

[0138] Then, if Figure 5As shown in (C), while the overlapping sheets PJ are held by the holding member 32, the winding roller 20 is rotated in the reverse direction (counterclockwise), and the third conveying roller pair 6 is reversed again. At this time, if the rotation of the winding roller 20 continues, Figure 5 As shown in (D), a gap C is formed between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the overlapped sheet PJ between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6. At this time, the overlapped sheet PJ is in a state where the deflection is restricted by the first and second guide members 25 and 26 near the winding roller 20. Therefore, the gap C of the overlapped sheet PJ is concentrated at a position close to the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0139] In this way, since the reverse front end of the overlapping sheets PJ is detected by the fourth sensor 44 arranged on the reverse downstream side relative to the third conveying roller pair 6, and this timing is used as a trigger to determine the timing for gripping the overlapping sheets PJ by the gripping component 32, regardless of the unevenness of the sheet length relative to the necessary sheet conveying amount X2 (an error that exists even for sheets of the same size), the gripped portion B of the overlapping sheets PJ can be conveyed to the desired gripping position with high precision.

[0140] In addition, since the necessary sheet conveying amount X2 can be shortened regardless of the sheet length starting from the detection of the reverse front end of the overlapped sheet PJ by the fourth sensor 44, the unevenness of the conveying amount X2 can be suppressed, and the gripped portion B of the overlapped sheet PJ can be conveyed to the desired gripping position with high precision.

[0141] Therefore, the fourth sensor 44 is preferably arranged at a position close to the winding roller 20 .

[0142] Alternatively, first use Figure 5 (C′) explains the mechanism by which the overlapped sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 and the gap C is generated in the overlapped sheet PJ between the winding roller 20 and the third conveying roller pair 6.

[0143] The following is a further supplementary explanation of this mechanism.

[0144] The overlapping sheets PJ wound on the winding roller 20 are held by the holding member 32 and the sheet deviation is restricted, so a slippage of the circumference difference occurs on the winding roller 20, and the conveyance amount of the inner sheet P1 is reduced compared with the conveyance amount of the outer sheet P2. As a result, deflection (slack) occurs on the inner sheet P1 between the clamping portion of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20. At this time, by winding the overlapping sheets PJ on the winding roller 20 for more than one turn, a circumference difference occurs between the inner circumference and the outer circumference due to the thickness of the sheet, and deflection (slack) occurs in the same manner.

[0145] Specifically, if the thickness of the inner sheet P1 is ΔR and the distance from the rotation axis 20a (axis center) of the winding roller 20 to the inner sheet P1 is R, then the distance from the rotation axis 20a (axis center) of the winding roller 20 to the outer sheet P2 is R+ΔR. Since the difference in radius is only the thickness ΔR of the inner sheet P1, when the overlapping sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 for one circle, a circumference difference of 2×ΔR×π is generated between the inner sheet P1 and the outer sheet P2. Therefore, when the overlapping sheet PJ is wound around the winding roller 20 for M times, a slack of 2×ΔR×π×M is generated in the inner sheet P1.

[0146] Then, the deflection (slack) is finally accumulated between the third conveying roller pair 6 and the winding roller 20, and a gap C corresponding to 2×ΔR×π×M is formed between the two sheets P1 and P2.

[0147] Afterwards, if Figure 6 As shown in (A), from the time when the winding roller 20 starts winding the overlapped sheet PJ to the time when the conveying amount of the third conveying roller pair 6 reaches the specified amount X3, the conveying by the third conveying roller pair 6 is stopped, and the winding roller 20 also stops winding the overlapped sheet PJ ( Fig.13 : Step S9). This state is a state where the overlapped sheets PJ are wound around the winding roller 20 for more than one turn. Normally, the gap C (the distance between the sheet P1 and the sheet P2) between the overlapped sheets PJ is fully expanded.

[0148] At this time, it is determined whether a gap C having a gap greater than a predetermined gap F is detected in the overlapped sheets PJ by the sixth sensor 46 ( Fig.13 :Step S29).

[0149] As a result, when it is determined that a gap C having a sufficient spacing greater than the predetermined spacing F is formed, it is considered that there will be no problem even if the peeling action of the peeling claw 16 is performed later. Figure 6 As shown in (B), the peeling claw 16 is inserted into the gap C of the fully expanded overlapping sheets PJ ( Fig.13 :Step S10). That is, Fig.11 , Fig.12 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the pair of peeling claws 16 are respectively moved from the standby position to the peeling position.

[0150] Then, if Figure 6 As shown in (C), when the peeling claw 16 is inserted into the gap C, the positive rotation (clockwise) of the winding roller 20 is started simultaneously with the start of the positive rotation of the third conveying roller pair 6 ( Fig.13 :Step S11). That is, Fig.12As shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. 1 , the peeling claw 16 inserted into the gap C relative to the overlapped sheet PJ moves from one end side A toward the other end side B. In the present embodiment, such relative movement is achieved by not changing the position of the peeling claw 16 in the conveying direction, but by moving the overlapped sheet PJ itself in the gap C. Fig.12 This is achieved by moving in the directions of the arrows shown in (A) to (C).

[0151] In addition, Fig.13 In step S29, when it is determined that the sixth sensor 46 detects an abnormality, that is, when a gap C having a sufficient spacing greater than the predetermined spacing F is not formed on the overlapped sheets PJ, various problems may arise if the peeling action of the peeling claw 16 is subsequently performed, so the peeling claw 16 is not moved from the standby position to the peeling position. At this time, the operation display panel 49 (see Figure 1 ) is notified that due to an abnormality, the peeling action and the insertion action of the intermediate sheet PM are stopped ( Fig.14 :Step S30).

[0152] Then, if Figure 7 As shown in (A), after the third conveying roller pair 6 is rotated forward so that the overlapped sheet PJ is conveyed by a predetermined amount X4, the forward rotation of the third conveying roller pair 6 and the forward rotation of the winding roller 20 are stopped respectively ( Fig.13 : Step S12). At this time, the gripped portion B of the overlapped sheets PJ is located on the third conveying path K3 ( Figure 5 The state of the winding start position W) shown in (B) (a state where the grip can be released). Fig.12 As shown in (C), the peeling claw 16 is inserted into the gap C with respect to the overlapped sheets PJ and moves relatively toward the other end side B, and then stops at the end portion on the other end side.

[0153] Then, in this state, the gripping member 32 is moved from the gripping position to the retreat position ( Fig.13 :Step S13). That is, the cam 34 is moved to the rotation position where the arm member 31 is not pressed. This state is a state in which the grip of the overlapping sheets PJ by the gripping member 32 is released. In addition, in the present embodiment, although the grip of the gripping member 32 is released by moving the cam 34 (moving mechanism 30), when the pulling force caused by the conveyance of the third conveying roller pair 6 is greater than the gripping force of the gripping member 32, the grip of the gripping member 32 may be released by pulling caused by the conveyance of the third conveying roller pair 6 without moving the cam 34 (moving mechanism 30).

[0154] Then, if Figure 7 As shown in (B), the third conveying roller pair 6 is rotated forward again to start conveying the overlapped sheets PJ in the forward direction ( Fig.13:Step S14). In addition, after the gripped portion B (positive rear end, one end side) of the overlapped sheet PJ passes through the divergence portion of the third conveying path K3 and the branch conveying paths K4 and K5, the gripping component 32 is moved from the retreat position to the gripping position. Furthermore, at this time, the gripped portion B (positive front end, the other end side) of the overlapped sheet PJ is detected by the fourth sensor 44. Then, the timing when the positive rear end of the overlapped sheet PJ is detected by the fourth sensor 44 is used as a trigger, and after the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the overlapped sheet PJ by a specified amount X5 and stops, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in (D), the peeling claw 16 is moved in the width direction ( Fig.13 :Steps S15, S28). Thus, Figure 7 As shown in (B), the two sheets P1 and P2 in the overlapped sheet PJ are in a state where the forward rear ends are separated and opened (see Fig.12 At this time, the peeling (separation) of the overlapped sheets PJ begins.

[0155] Then, if Figure 7 As shown in (C), the third conveying roller pair 6 is reversed and the reverse conveyance of the overlapped sheets PJ is started ( Fig.13 : Step S16). At this time, the peeling claw 16 is at the switching position ( Fig.12 The position shown in (D) of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 , so the two sheets P1 and P2 in the peeled state are as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (C), they are introduced into the two branch conveying paths K4 and K5. At this time, the fifth sensor 45 (refer to Figure 1 ) to detect the joint A (reverse rear end, one end side) of the overlapped sheets PJ. Then, the reverse rear end of the overlapped sheets PJ is detected by the fifth sensor 45 (refer to Figure 1 ) is used as a trigger to start the supply of the intermediate sheet PM from the second supply roller 3 of the second supply tray 12 ( Fig.13 : Steps S17, S18).

[0156] The timing for starting the supply of the intermediate sheet PM is not limited to this, and is preferably set so as to shorten the time required for the peeling process and the inserting process.

[0157] Then, if Figure 8 As shown in (A), the reverse rear end of the overlapped sheet PJ is detected by the fifth sensor 45 (refer to Figure 1 ) is used as a trigger, and the third conveying roller pair 6 conveys the overlapped sheets PJ by a predetermined amount X6 before stopping ( Fig.13:Step S19). At this time, the joint A of the overlapped sheets PJ is located at the position of the clamping portion of the third conveying roller pair 6 or slightly to the left of the clamping portion. That is, one end side of the overlapped sheets PJ is clamped by the third conveying roller pair 6. Then, this state is the state in which the peeling operation of the overlapped sheets PJ is completed.

[0158] In addition, before the peeling operation of the overlapped sheets PJ is completed, the intermediate sheets PM have already started to be fed from the second feeding tray 12. Figure 8 As shown in (A), at the time point when the peeling operation of the overlapped sheets PJ is completed, the leading end (front end, one end side) of the intermediate sheet PM is close to the insertion position between the overlapped sheets PJ.

[0159] On the other hand, the front end (toward the front end, one end side) of the intermediate sheet PM is detected by the third sensor 43. Then, the detection timing is used as a trigger, such as Figure 8 As shown in (B), the peeling claw 16 is moved to the standby position at a timing when it does not interfere with the intermediate sheet PM.

[0160] Furthermore, if Figure 8 (C) Fig.12 As shown in (E), the timing when the forward leading end of the intermediate sheet PM is detected by the third sensor 43 is used as a trigger, and after the intermediate sheet PM is conveyed by the second conveying roller pair 5 for a predetermined amount X7, the forward conveying of the overlapped sheets PJ by the third conveying roller pair 6 is started again ( Fig.13 : Steps S20, S21) At this time, the intermediate sheet PM is held at a desired position between the two sheets P1, P2 with high accuracy.

[0161] In this way, the step of inserting the intermediate sheet PM between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the overlapped sheet PJ (insertion processing) is completed. Fig.13 :Step S22).

[0162] At this time, if Fig. 9 As shown in (A), the switching claw 17 (refer to Figure 1 )Open the fourth conveying path K6 ( Fig.13 : Step S23 . Then, the overlapped sheets PJ (the object to be processed after peeling and the intermediate sheet PM inserted therein) are transported to the lamination processing section 51 by the third transport roller pair 6 through the fourth transport path K6 .

[0163] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown in (B), in the laminating processing section 51, the laminating processing of the overlapping sheets PJ (previous overlapping sheets PJ1) is started ( Fig.14: Step S31). That is, the overlapping sheets PJ1 are conveyed in the laminating processing section 51 while gradually joining the entire area with the intermediate sheet PM inserted therein. At this time, the following overlapping sheet PJ2 (the overlapping sheet before peeling) is conveyed from the first supply tray 11 to the sheet peeling section 1 in a manner that does not interfere with the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1.

[0164] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown in (C), after the rear end (positive rear end, other end side) of the preceding overlapped sheet PJ1 is detected by the fifth sensor 45, the peeling process of the following overlapped sheet PJ2 is started with the timing when the preceding overlapped sheet PJ1 is conveyed by a predetermined amount X8 as a trigger ( Fig.14 : Steps S32, S33). This timing is when the rear end of the first overlapped sheet PJ1 passes through the branching portion of the fourth conveying path K6 and the retreat conveying path K7. Then, at this time, as Fig. 9 C, the fourth conveying path K6 is closed and the evacuation conveying path K7 is opened by switching the claw 17. Fig. 9 The third conveying roller pair 6 and the second discharge roller pair 8 rotate in the direction of the arrow (C), and the overlapping thin sheet PJ2 at the rear is guided to the evacuation conveying path K7 and conveyed to the second discharge tray 55 (evacuation section). At this time, the rear end (gripped portion B) of the overlapping sheet PJ2 at the rear is not located at the winding start position W of the winding roller 20 (refer to Figure 5 The portion of the overlapping sheets PJ2 protruding to the upstream side of the third conveying roller pair 6 is temporarily separated into the evacuation conveying path K7.

[0165] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown in (C), the winding roller 20, the third conveying roller pair 6, and the second discharge roller pair 8 rotate in the arrow direction, so that the following overlapped sheet PJ2 is wound around the winding roller 20.

[0166] Furthermore, if Fig.10 As shown in (A), the peeling (separation) of the two sheets P1 and P2 constituting the subsequent overlapped sheet PJ2 and the supply of the intermediate sheet PM (interposed intermediate sheet PM of the overlapped sheet PJ2) from the second supply tray 12 are started. This series of peeling and inserting processes is different from the case of the previous overlapped sheet PJ1 (previously used Figures 4 to 8 etc.)

[0167] Then, if Fig.10As shown in (B), the timing when the rear end of the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1 passes through the clamping portion (upstreammost portion) of the first heat and pressure roller pair 51a is used as a trigger to convey the following overlapping sheet PJ2 (the overlapping sheet into which the intermediate sheet PM is inserted) to the laminating processing section 51 ( Fig.14 :Steps S34, S35). At this time, the switching claw 17 rotates to a position where the fourth conveying path K6 is opened and the retreat conveying path K7 is closed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rear end is determined based on the timing when the fifth sensor 45 detects that the rear end of the preceding overlapped sheet PJ1 passes through the clamping portion of the first heat and pressure roller pair 51a, but the timing may be determined based on the rotation time of the first heat and pressure roller pair 51a, or a sheet detection sensor may be provided near the first heat and pressure roller pair 51a to directly detect the rear end of the sheet for determination.

[0168] Then, if Fig.10 As shown in (C), the lamination processing section 51 starts the lamination processing of the subsequent overlapped sheet PJ2 ( Fig.14 : Step S36 ) In addition, the previously overlapped sheet PJ1 subjected to the lamination process is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 7 and placed on the discharge tray 13 .

[0169] Then, it is determined whether there is a next overlapping sheet (an overlapping sheet further behind) following the overlapping sheet PJ2. Fig.14 : Step S37), if there is a next overlapping sheet, the control process of steps S32 to S37 is repeated.

[0170] On the other hand, in step S37, when there is no next overlapping sheet, the lamination process of the following overlapping sheet PJ2 is completed ( Fig.14 : Step S38), discharge the overlapping sheets PJ2 onto the discharge tray 13, and end this process.

[0171] In this way, the laminating device 50 in this embodiment performs the steps of supplying the overlapping sheet PJ, peeling the two sheets P1 and P2 of the overlapping sheet PJ, inserting the intermediate sheet PM between the two sheets P1 and P2 after peeling, and laminating the overlapping sheets PJ with the intermediate sheet PM inserted as a series of operations, so that the user's convenience can be improved. Then, when these processes are continuously performed on a plurality of overlapping sheets PJ, the subsequent overlapping sheet PJ2 is peeled off while the preceding overlapping sheet PJ1 is being laminated, so that the productivity can be improved.

[0172] Here, the lamination processing apparatus 50 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to select any one of a "first mode" that emphasizes the productivity of the apparatus and a "second mode" that emphasizes power saving.

[0173] The "first mode" is a control mode in which the heater 52 (heating means) always heats the laminating processing section 51 (heat and pressure roller pairs 51a to 51c) when the power is on (the main power of the device is on).

[0174] Specifically, when the user operates the display panel 49 (see Figure 1 ) operation to select the "first mode", in principle, as long as the power is not disconnected (the main power of the device is disconnected), the heater 52 (heating mechanism) is always turned on. That is, when the power is turned on, the heater 52 is turned on, and when the power is turned off, the heater 52 is turned off.

[0175] Therefore, when the "first mode" is selected, although the power consumption of the device increases because the heater 52 is always turned on, it is not necessary to perform a startup operation of heating the heat-pressing roller pair 51a to 51c to a desired temperature by heating with the heater 52 every time the lamination process is performed, so the productivity of the device is improved. In other words, the time from the issuance of a request (command) for the lamination process to the completion of the lamination process is shortened.

[0176] Therefore, the "first mode" is convenient to use and is satisfactory for users who value productivity even if power consumption is high.

[0177] In contrast, the control mode performed in the "second mode" is to start heating the lamination processing section 51 (heat pressure roller pair 51a~51c) by the heater 52 (heating mechanism) after the lamination processing is requested, and to end the heating of the lamination processing section 51 by the heater 52 after the lamination processing is completed and the prescribed time Tx has passed.

[0178] Specifically, when the user operates the display panel 49 (see Figure 1 ) to select the "second mode", in principle, the heater 52 (heating mechanism) will not be turned on unless the user presses the operation button for laminating processing by operating the operation display panel 49. That is, the heater 52 is turned on when the laminating processing is requested, and when the laminating processing is completed, the heater 52 is turned off after a predetermined time Tx.

[0179] Therefore, when the "second mode" is selected, it is necessary to start the device by heating the heat-pressing roller pair 51a~51c to the desired temperature through the heater 52 every time the lamination process is performed. The productivity of the device will be reduced, but since the heater 52 is not turned on except during the lamination process, the power consumption of the device is reduced.

[0180] Therefore, the "second mode" is convenient to use and is satisfactory for users who value low power consumption even if productivity is reduced.

[0181] As described above, the “second mode” is a control mode for reducing power consumption of the device, and therefore will be appropriately referred to as a “power saving mode” hereinafter.

[0182] Then, in the present embodiment, the user operates the display panel 49 (see Fig.16 By the operation of (A)), it is possible to select either the "first mode" or the "second mode".

[0183] Specifically, refer to Fig.16 In (A), the user opens the selection screen of the operation display panel 49, and selects the second mode when pressing "convert", and selects the first mode when pressing "do not convert".

[0184] In addition, in the present embodiment, the regular time Tx in the "second mode" (the time from the lamination process to the heater 52 being turned off) is configured to be adjustable.

[0185] Specifically, refer to Fig.16 (B), the user opens the selection screen of the operation display panel 49, and when the regular time Tx displayed as "* minutes * seconds" is changed, the user presses "Change" to adjust the regular time Tx ("* minutes * seconds"). In addition, the timing of the end of the lamination process can be the timing when the discharge sensor (not shown) provided near the discharge roller pair 7 detects the rear end of the overlapped sheets PJ (processed body). In addition, in the present embodiment, in the screen display of the operation display panel 49, the state in which the heater 52 is switched from on to off after the lamination process by the "second mode" is expressed as "switching to the power saving mode".

[0186] Thus, by being able to adjust the time interval Tx, it is possible to meet the user's detailed requirements and improve the convenience of use. For example, in the case of performing a series of lamination processes at a certain interval (time), by adjusting the time interval Tx to a certain length, the power consumption is reduced to a certain extent, and the reduction in productivity can be suppressed to a certain extent.

[0187] Thus, in this embodiment, while switching between the "first mode" emphasizing the productivity of the apparatus and the "second mode" emphasizing energy saving, the time (regulatory time Tx) from the lamination process until the heater 52 is turned off can be adjusted in the "second mode".

[0188] Therefore, the user convenience is improved, and the users can be satisfied, whether they are users who value productivity even if power consumption is high or users who value reduced power consumption even if productivity is reduced.

[0189] Below, use Fig.17 An example of control related to the power saving mode will be described.

[0190] like Fig.17 As shown, first, it is determined whether the second mode (power saving mode) is selected when the power is turned on (step S41).

[0191] As a result, when it is determined that the second mode (power saving mode) is not selected, the first mode is regarded as selected, and the heater 52 is turned on to heat the heat and pressure roller pair 51a to 51c (laminating processing unit 51) (step S42), and this process ends.

[0192] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S41 that the second mode (power saving mode) is selected, when there is a request for lamination processing, the heater 52 is turned on to heat the heat press roller pair 51a to 51c (lamination processing unit 51) (steps S43 and S44). Then, after the lamination processing is completed and the prescribed time Tx (i.e., the time interval Tx) has passed, the lamination processing unit 51 is turned on. Fig.16 When the time set in the setting screen of (B) is reached (steps S45, S46), the heat-pressing roller pair 51a~51c (lamination processing unit 51) is heated and turned off by turning off the heater 52 (step S47), and this process ends.

[0193] <Modification 1>

[0194] In the modification 1, it is configured to be selectable to switch to the "first mode" immediately when the "second mode" is released, or to switch to the "first mode" after a lamination process request is made.

[0195] In addition, the cancellation of the second mode (power saving mode) means switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0196] Specifically, refer to Fig.18 When the user opens the setting screen for the timing of releasing the power saving mode on the operation display panel 49 and presses "When laminating processing", after the laminating processing request is made, it switches from the "second mode" to the "first mode", and when the "panel operation" is pressed, it immediately switches from the "second mode" to the "first mode".

[0197] Thus, by being able to adjust the timing of releasing the power saving mode, it is possible to respond to the user's detailed requirements and improve the convenience of use. For example, if you want to immediately perform a laminating process that temporarily increases productivity, you can switch to the "first mode" immediately after the second mode is released, or if you want to start a laminating process that increases productivity with a margin, you can switch to the "first mode" immediately after the laminating process request is made after the second mode is released.

[0198] Below, use Fig.19 An example of control related to the power saving mode in Modification 1 will be described.

[0199] like Fig.19 As shown, first, it is determined whether the second mode (power saving mode) is selected when the power is turned on (step S41).

[0200] As a result, when it is determined that the second mode (power saving mode) is not selected, it is deemed that the first mode is selected, the heater 52 is turned on to heat the heat and pressure roller pairs 51a to 51c (step S42), and this flow ends.

[0201] In contrast, in step S41, if it is determined that the second mode (power saving mode) is selected, it is determined whether the timing for releasing the second mode (power saving mode) has been set (step S51). As a result, if the timing for releasing the second mode has not been set, the process after step S43 is executed (refer to Fig.17 associated instructions).

[0202] In contrast, in step S51, when the release timing of the second mode is set, it is determined whether the release timing is "at the time of lamination processing" (step S52). As a result, when the release timing is not "at the time of lamination processing", it is immediately switched to the "first mode" to execute the process after step S42. When it is "at the time of lamination processing", after a request for lamination processing is made, it is switched to the "first mode" and the process after step S42 is executed via step 53.

[0203] <Modification 2>

[0204] like Fig. 20 As shown, in the lamination processing apparatus 50 in the second modification, a first supply tray 11 loaded with overlapped sheets PJ and a second supply tray 12 loaded with intermediate sheets PM are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0205] In addition, two branch conveying paths K4 and K5 are formed from the branch part to the Fig. 20 The structure is formed in a roughly S-shape by expanding in different directions to the left and right.

[0206] Then, the lamination processing device 50 in variant example 2 is constructed to be able to select either a "first mode" that emphasizes the productivity of the device or a "second mode" that emphasizes energy saving, and is constructed to be able to adjust the time (regulatory time Tx) from the end of the lamination processing to the time when the heater 52 is disconnected in the "second mode".

[0207] This makes it possible to provide good usability and satisfy both users who value productivity even when power consumption is high and users who value reduced power consumption even when productivity is reduced.

[0208] <Variation 3>

[0209] like Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , an image forming apparatus 100 as a third modification is provided with a main body of the image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet P. Figure 1 However, in this image forming apparatus 100, the sheet P supplied and conveyed by the supply roller 197 from the supply device 112 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100 is conveyed to the laminating processing apparatus 50 as an intermediate sheet PM.

[0210] Reference Fig.21 In the image forming apparatus 100, first, the document D is conveyed (supplied) from the document table to the direction of the arrow in the figure by the conveying roller of the document conveying device 110, and passes over the document reading device 102. At this time, in the document reading device 102, the image information of the document D passing over it is optically read.

[0211] Then, the optical image information read by the manuscript reading device 102 is converted into an electric signal and sent to the writing device 103. Then, starting from the writing device 103, laser beams based on the image information of the electric signal are emitted to the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K in different colors to perform an exposure process.

[0212] Then, a charging process, an exposure process, and a developing process are performed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of the respective image forming units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K, thereby forming desired images on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K, respectively.

[0213] Then, the images formed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K are transferred as color images in an overlapping manner onto the intermediate transfer belt 178. Furthermore, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 is transferred onto the sheet P (the sheet to be the intermediate sheet PM) supplied and conveyed by the supply roller 197 from the supply device 112 as the second supply mechanism at a position facing the secondary transfer roller 189.

[0214] Then, the sheet P (intermediate sheet PM) to which the color image is transferred is conveyed to the position of the fixing device 120. Then, the color image transferred on the surface is fixed to the sheet P (fixing process, fixing process). In addition, the fixing device 120 is composed of a fixing roller 121 having a fixing heater 123 as a fixing heating mechanism disposed therein, and a pressure roller that is pressed against the fixing roller 121 to form a fixing nip portion for conveying the sheet P.

[0215] Then, the sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the discharge roller pair 131, and is sent to the laminating processing device 50 as the middle sheet PM. At this time, in the laminating processing device 50, the aforementioned use Figures 4 to 7 The process described above (stripping of the overlapping sheets PJ) has been completed, and the next step to be performed is to insert the intermediate sheet PM into the lamination processing device 50, and then use Figure 8 The process described here is a process of inserting the intermediate sheet PM into the overlapped sheet PJ. Furthermore, after the overlapped sheet PJ (the object to be processed) into which the intermediate sheet PM is inserted is laminated by the laminating processing unit 51, the overlapped sheet PJ is discharged to the outside of the device by the discharge roller pair 8 and is placed on the discharge tray 13.

[0216] In this way, a series of image forming processes (printing operations) in the image forming apparatus 1 and a series of sheet peeling processes and laminating processes using the intermediate sheet PM after image formation are completed.

[0217] Then, even in the image forming apparatus 100 constructed in this way, while being able to select either a "first mode" that emphasizes the productivity of the apparatus or a "second mode" that emphasizes energy saving, it is also configured to be able to adjust the time (regulatory time Tx) from the time the lamination process is completed to the time the heater 52 is turned off in the "second mode".

[0218] This makes it possible to provide good usability and satisfy both users who value productivity even when power consumption is high and users who value reduced power consumption even when productivity is reduced.

[0219] In addition, although the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 provided in color in Modification 3, the present invention can also be applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus. In addition, although the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus 100 of the electrophotographic method in Modification 3, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can also be applied to image forming apparatuses of other methods (for example, inkjet image forming apparatuses or offset printing presses, etc.).

[0220] Here, the image forming apparatus 100 in the third modification is configured to be able to execute a power saving mode (energy saving mode) for saving power consumed by the image forming apparatus main body 100 .

[0221] In detail, the power saving mode (energy saving mode) of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is a control mode in which the power supplied to the fixing heater 123 of the fixing device 120 is reduced compared with the normal printing when the printing action of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is not executed for a predetermined time (the user can also change the setting). In addition, as mentioned above, the fixing device 120 applies heat and pressure to the sheet P carrying the unfixed image to perform the fixing process (fixing process), and the function of the heater 123 is to serve as a fixing heating mechanism for heating the fixing device 120 (fixing roller 121). Then, since the proportion of the power consumed by the fixing device 120 in the overall power consumption of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is very large, the power saving effect achieved by performing the power saving mode (energy saving mode) is large.

[0222] Here, in Modification 3, when the power saving mode (energy saving mode) of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is executed, control is performed so that the power supply to the laminating processing device 50 is cut off.

[0223] Specifically, if Fig. 22 As shown, first, when the main power of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is turned on, it is determined whether the power saving mode (energy saving mode) of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is executed (step S61). As a result, if the power saving mode is executed, the power supply to the laminating processing device 50 is turned off (step S62), and if the power saving mode is not executed, the power supply to the laminating processing device 50 is maintained (step S63).

[0224] Since the laminating processing device 50 (heater 52) consumes a lot of electricity, when the power saving mode (energy saving mode) of the image forming device main body 100 is executed, the power consumption of the entire image forming device 100 can be effectively reduced by disconnecting the power supply of the laminating processing device 50 (heater 52).

[0225] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 in Modification 3 starts heating the laminating processing section 51 (heat and pressure roller pair 51a to 51c) by the heater 52 (heating mechanism) after starting heating the fixing device 120 (fixing roller 121) by the fixing heater 123 (fixing heating mechanism).

[0226] Specifically, if Fig.23 As shown, first, when the main power of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is turned on (step S71), the main power of the laminating processing device 50 is also turned on (step S72). Then, after it is determined that the heating of the fixing device 120 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 (power supply to the fixing heater 123) has started (step 73), the previously used Fig.17 The flow after step 41 described above is as follows. That is, after the fixing heater 123 is powered, the heater 52 of the laminating device 50 is powered.

[0227] By performing such control, the timing of starting to supply power to the fixing heater 123 and the timing of starting to supply power to the heater 52 of the laminating device 50 are not coincident but are staggered. Therefore, by coinciding the timing of supplying power to both parties, the disadvantage of overlapping the startup peak power of both parties and causing the instantaneous increase in power consumption can be prevented.

[0228] <Variation 4>

[0229] like Fig.24 As shown, the image forming system 200 as the modification example 4 is a laminating processing device 50 provided with a sheet peeling section 1 and a laminating processing section 51, which is detachably provided with respect to the image forming apparatus 100 provided with the image forming section 101. In addition, even in the modification example 4, the sheet P supplied and conveyed from the supply device 112 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the supply roller 197 is conveyed to the laminating processing device 50 as the intermediate sheet PM.

[0230] Reference Fig.24 In the image forming system 200, after the aforementioned use Fig.21 In the image forming process described above, the sheet P (intermediate sheet PM on which the desired image is formed) discharged from the discharge roller pair 131 of the image forming device 100 is fed into the laminating processing device 50, and is similarly inserted into the overlapping sheets PJ, and then laminarized and discharged through the discharge roller pair 7 and placed on the discharge tray 13.

[0231] Then, even in the image forming system 200 constructed in this way, while being able to select either a "first mode" that emphasizes the productivity of the device or a "second mode" that emphasizes energy saving, it is also configured to be able to adjust the time (regulatory time Tx) from the lamination process to the disconnection of the heater 52 in the "second mode".

[0232] This makes it possible to provide good usability and satisfy both users who value productivity even when power consumption is high and users who value reduced power consumption even when productivity is reduced.

[0233] When such lamination processing is not performed, in the image forming system 200 , the sheet P on which an image has been formed through the image forming processing is discharged from the second discharge roller pair 132 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the outside of the apparatus and placed on the second discharge tray 150 .

[0234] Here, the laminating device 50 is provided to be attachable and detachable with respect to the image forming apparatus body 100, and can be removed from the image forming apparatus 100 when the laminating device 50 is no longer needed. Then, when the laminating device 50 is removed in this way, the placement surface 149 on which the laminating device 50 is placed serves as a discharge tray for placing the sheet P (sheet P on which a desired image is formed) discharged from the discharge roller pair 131 to the outside of the apparatus.

[0235] Here, the image forming system 200 in the modification 4 is also configured to be able to execute a power saving mode (energy saving mode) for saving the power consumed by the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 22 When the power saving mode (energy saving mode) of the image forming apparatus 100 is executed, the power supply to the laminating processing apparatus 50 is cut off.

[0236] In addition, Fig.23 The same as the case described in , after the heating of the fixing device 120 by the fixing heater 123 (fixing heating mechanism) starts, the heating of the laminating processing section 51 by the heater 52 (heating mechanism) starts.

[0237] In the image forming system 200 of the fourth modification, the laminating device 50 is detachably provided in a space below the document transport device 110 formed in the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0238] In contrast, Fig.25As in the image forming system 200 shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the laminating device 50 may be detachably provided on the side of the image forming device 100 (on the side where the sheet P after image formation is discharged). In this case, in the laminating device 50, the first supply tray 11 loaded with the overlapped sheets PJ may be arranged at the top, and the sheet peeling section 1 (winding roller 20), the laminating device 51, the discharge tray 13, etc. may be arranged in order from top to bottom. In addition, in the laminating device 50, in addition to the conveying path for guiding the intermediate sheet PM discharged from the image forming device 100 to the sheet peeling section 1 (winding roller 20), a conveying path (conveying roller pair 58, 59) for discharging the sheet P discharged from the image forming device 100 without performing the laminating process may be provided.

[0239] Furthermore, a relay device 300 may be provided for guiding the sheets P (including sheets to be intermediate sheets PM) discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 to the laminating apparatus 50. In this case, the relay device 300 may be configured to be able to convey the intermediate sheets PM.

[0240] In addition, if Fig.25 Like the image forming system 200 shown in (B), a post-processing device 400 for performing post-processing such as punching or stapling may be provided for the sheet P (sheet not subjected to lamination processing) discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 through the lamination processing device 50.

[0241] As described above, the lamination processing device 50 in this embodiment is provided with a lamination processing section 51 for performing a lamination processing of heating and pressurizing a processed object (overlapping sheets PJ, intermediate sheets PM), and a heater 52 (heating mechanism) for heating the lamination processing section 51. Then, it is configured to be able to select either a first mode in which the lamination processing section is heated by the heater 52 when the power is turned on, or a second mode in which the lamination processing section 51 is heated by the heater 52 after the lamination processing is requested, and the heating of the lamination processing section 51 by the heater 52 is terminated after a predetermined time Tx has passed after the lamination processing is completed. In addition, it is configured to be able to adjust the predetermined time Tx in the second mode.

[0242] This makes it possible to provide good usability and satisfy both users who value productivity even when power consumption is high and users who value reduced power consumption even when productivity is reduced.

[0243] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, in addition to the teachings of this embodiment, it is obvious that this embodiment can be appropriately changed. In addition, the number, position, shape, etc. of the constituent members are not limited to this embodiment, and appropriate number, position, shape, etc. can be selected when implementing the present invention.

[0244] In the present specification, the "end face" of a stacked sheet is defined as a face (side face) in the thickness direction that is connected to the front and back surfaces of the stacked sheet. Therefore, a rectangular stacked sheet has four end faces, front, back, left, and right.

Claims

1. A lamination processing device, comprising: a lamination processing section for performing a lamination process by applying heat and pressure to a processed object, and a heating mechanism for heating the lamination processing section, The lamination processing device is characterized in that the lamination processing device is configured to be able to select one of a first mode and a second mode and adjust a prescribed time in the second mode. The first mode is to keep the heating mechanism heating the lamination processing unit while the power is on. In the second mode, the heating mechanism starts heating the lamination processing section after the lamination processing is requested, and ends heating the lamination processing section after the lamination processing is completed and the predetermined time has elapsed.

2. The lamination processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the second mode is released, it is possible to select (1) to switch to the first mode immediately, or (2) to switch to the first mode after requesting the lamination process.

3. The lamination processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A sheet peeling section is provided for peeling off a non-joined portion of an overlapping sheet and inserting an intermediate sheet between two sheets in a peeled state, wherein the overlapping sheet is a sheet whose one end side is joined as a joint portion after the two sheets are overlapped, The lamination processing section performs a lamination process on the overlapped sheets and the intermediate sheet as the processed objects which have been subjected to the peeling process and the insertion process by the sheet peeling section.

4. The lamination processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lamination processing section includes a pair of heat-pressing rollers that heat and pressurize the object while conveying the object to be processed. The heating mechanism heats at least one of the two rollers constituting the heat and pressure roller pair.

5. An image forming device, characterized in that include: The lamination processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and An image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on a sheet.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: A power saving mode for saving power consumed by a main body of the image forming apparatus can be executed, When the power saving mode is executed, the supply of power to the lamination processing device is cut off.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The image forming apparatus main body includes a fixing device for performing a fixing process by heating and pressing a sheet carrying an unfixed image, and a fixing heating mechanism for heating the fixing device. After the fixing heating mechanism starts heating the fixing device, the heating mechanism starts heating the laminating processing section.

8. An image forming system, characterized in that: The lamination processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided so as to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet.

9. The image forming system according to claim 8, characterized in that: A power saving mode for saving power consumed by the image forming apparatus can be executed, When the power saving mode is executed, the supply of power to the lamination processing device is cut off.

10. The image forming system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The image forming system includes a fixing device for performing a fixing process by heating and pressing a sheet carrying an unfixed image, and a fixing heating mechanism for heating the fixing device. After the fixing heating mechanism starts heating the fixing device, the heating mechanism starts heating the laminating processing section.

Images