Lamination processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a lamination processing device which prevents deterioration of curling caused by a two-ply sheet being placed vertically and prevents a pressing mark from being left on a sheet surface.SOLUTION: A lamination processing device of the present invention comprises: a sheet discharge roller pair that discharges a two-ply sheet downward in a vertical direction; a discharge tray that is disposed on the lower side of the sheet discharge roller pair in the vertical direction, the discharge tray including a receiving side surface that receives the two-ply sheet discharged from the sheet discharge roller pair in an upright state and a loading surface inclined facing the receiving side surface; and a pressing member. When viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, an extension line of a nip part of the sheet discharge roller pair intersects with the loading surface. The pressing member performs two operations consisting of: a first operation to move its tip end from the receiving side surface toward the loading surface to a first position beyond the extension line, thereby loading the two-ply sheet onto the loading surface; and a second operation to transfer the tip end from the first position and press the two-ply sheet against the loading surface. The pressing member temporarily stops between the first operation and the second operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamination processing device and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology known as lamination involves inserting an inner layer (paper, photographs, etc.) between two sheets that have been stacked and joined (connected) at one side (laminating sheet or laminating film), and then applying heat and pressure to bond the two sheets together.

[0003] In another known lamination device, the laminated sheet is discharged vertically downward by a pair of discharge rollers and then pressed against the inclined side of the discharge tray by a pressing member. This allows the heated sheet to be loaded onto the discharge tray while preventing it from curling due to its own weight.

[0004] In addition, in a vertical stack type paper discharge tray onto which sheets are discharged facing downwards, a configuration for pressing down the stacked sheets is also disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-233996. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional lamination processing devices, if the sheet is pressed against the discharge tray immediately after lamination of two overlapping sheets with the pressing member, the glue between the sheets is not completely cured, and there is a risk of the sheet being pressed down (dented). On the other hand, if the pressing is done too late, the sheet placed vertically may curl more due to its own weight.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a lamination processing device that prevents worsening of curling of two-ply sheets when placed vertically, and prevents pressing marks (dent marks) from being left on the sheet surfaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by a lamination processing device that applies heat and pressure to a two-ply sheet that sandwiches a sheet-like medium and performs a lamination process to thermally fix the two-ply sheet, the lamination processing device including a pair of discharge rollers that discharge the two-ply sheet vertically downward, a discharge tray that is disposed vertically below the pair of discharge rollers and has a receiving side that receives the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of discharge rollers in an upright position and an inclined loading surface that faces the receiving side, and a pressing section that is driven by a driving means to move the two-ply sheet on the receiving side and press it against the loading surface. The problem is solved by a lamination processing device having a pressing member, the pressing member having a nip portion of the pair of discharge rollers that, when viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, intersects with the loading surface, the pressing member performing two actions: a first action of moving its tip from the receiving side toward the loading surface to a first position beyond the extension line and loading the two-ply sheet onto the loading surface, and a second action of moving the tip from the first position and pressing the two-ply sheet onto the loading surface, and the pressing member temporarily stopping between the first action and the second action. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the lamination processing device of the present invention, the pressing member performs two operations: a first operation of moving the two-ply sheet to the stacking surface, and a second operation of pressing the two-ply sheet against the stacking surface. The pressing member stops its operation when the first operation is completed, and performs the second operation after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, the first operation of the pressing member prevents the two-ply sheet from becoming curled due to being placed vertically, and the second operation of the pressing member prevents pressing marks (dents) from being made on the sheet surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus on which the present invention is based; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a second configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 3) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a fourth configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram (part 5) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 10] This is a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 14] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a peeling member included in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 15] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a drive configuration for a peeling member. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a peeling member is inserted into a sheet S. FIG. [Figure 17] 9 is a perspective view showing a state of the peeling member and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 18] 9 is a perspective view (part 2) showing the state of the peeling member and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a lamination processing device including a sheet processing device; [Figure 20]1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination processing apparatus; [Figure 21] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus equipped with an external lamination device; [Figure 22] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a lamination processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a pair of paper discharge rollers and a loading surface of a paper discharge tray. FIG. [Figure 24] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing the operation of discharging a laminated sheet onto the receiving side of a paper output tray, in which (a) shows the start of discharging, (b) shows discharging in the middle of discharging, and (c) shows discharging completed. [Diagram 25] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing the state of a sheet in a paper output tray, in which (a) shows a state in which a curl has occurred in the sheet, and (b) shows a state in which a pressing mark has been left on the sheet. [Figure 26] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first operation of the pressing member for moving a sheet on the receiving side surface to the stacking surface of the paper discharge tray. FIG. [Figure 27] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating a second operation of the pressing member to press the sheet against the stacking surface of the paper discharge tray. [Figure 28] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing a second embodiment of the presser member, in which the speed of the second operation is slower than the speed of the first operation. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a paper discharge tray having a full-state detection sensor. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a paper discharge tray having a temperature detection sensor. [Diagram 31] 6 is a flowchart showing operation control of the pressing member in accordance with the surface temperature of the sheet. [Diagram 32] 13 is an example of an operation panel screen for setting the seat surface temperature at which the second operation is started. [Diagram 33] 10 is a flowchart showing operation control of the pressing member with a waiting time provided. [Diagram 34] 10 is a flowchart showing a control for changing a movable range of a presser member depending on a sheet thickness. [Diagram 35]13 is an example of an operation panel screen for setting a movable range of a presser member. [Diagram 36] 13 is an example of an operation panel screen for setting the drive timing of the pressing member. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the lamination processing device. [Figure 38] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing a second operation of the pressing member, in which (a) shows the start of the second operation, (b) shows the operation in the middle (standby), and (c) shows the operation completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] First, the sheet processing apparatus that is the premise of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus 100 separates two stacked sheets (hereinafter referred to as sheets S) from each other, and inserts and holds a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as an inner sheet P) between the separated sheets S.

[0011] Here, the sheet S is a two-ply sheet in which two sheets P1 and P2 are stacked and a part (or one side) of the two sheets is joined. For example, a two-ply sheet may be one in which one side is a translucent sheet such as a transparent polyester sheet and the other side is a transparent or opaque sheet, and the two sheets are joined at one side. A laminate film is also included as a two-ply sheet.

[0012] The inner page P is an example of a sheet-like medium that is inserted between these two stacked sheets. In addition to plain paper, sheet-like media includes cardboard, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper (coated paper, art paper, etc.), tracing paper, and OHP sheets.

[0013] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet tray 102 as a first stacking means for stacking sheets S, a pickup roller 105 for feeding sheets S from the sheet tray 102, and a conveying roller pair 107. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a paper feed tray 103 as a second stacking means for stacking inner sheets P, and a pickup roller 106 for feeding inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103.

[0014] The sheet tray 102 is provided with a size sensor C6, which is a sheet size detection means for detecting the size (length in the transport direction) of the sheet S, and the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a size sensor C7, which is a medium size detection means for detecting the size (length in the transport direction) of the inner sheet P.

[0015] Each of the size sensors C6 and C7 includes a plurality of sensors arranged in a line in the conveying direction. The sensor detection results change depending on the size of the stacked sheets S (or inner pages P), so the conveying direction length of the sheets S (or inner pages P) can be detected.

[0016] A transport sensor C1 for detecting the transport position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 107 in the transport direction, and a transport sensor C2 for detecting the transport position of the inner sheet P is provided downstream of the pickup roller 106 in the transport direction.

[0017] The length of the sheet S (or the inner sheet P) in the conveying direction may be detected using these conveying sensors C1 and C2.

[0018] The sheet processing apparatus 100 further includes, downstream of the conveying roller pair 107 and the pickup roller 106, an entrance roller pair 108 as a first conveying means, a winding roller 109 as a rotating member, an exit roller pair 113 as a second conveying means, and a paper discharge tray 104. Between the winding roller 109 and the exit roller pair 113, a peeling member 116 is provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S.

[0019] A transport sensor C3 that detects the transport positions of the sheet S and the inner paper P is provided downstream of the entrance roller pair 108 in the transport direction, and an abnormality detection sensor C4 that detects the state of the sheet S is provided downstream of the winding roller (winding member) 109 in the transport direction. And a transport sensor C5 that detects the transport position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the exit roller pair 113 in the transport direction.

[0020] The pickup roller 105, the pair of conveying rollers 107, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the winding roller 109 are an example of a first feeding means, and the pickup roller 106, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the winding roller 109 are an example of a second feeding means.

[0021] An operation panel 10, which is a display operation means for displaying information on the sheet processing apparatus 100 and receiving operation inputs, is provided on the exterior of the sheet processing apparatus 100. The operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to the user. Alternatively, a notification means other than the operation panel 10 may be provided separately in the sheet processing apparatus 100.

[0022] The sheet processing apparatus 100 stacks the sheet S and the inner paper P on separate trays 102 and 103, and while transporting the sheet S, peels the sheet S into two sheets P1 and P2. Then, the non-joining ends of the two peeled sheets P1 and P2 are opened, and the inner paper P is inserted between the two sheets P1 and P2 with the non-joining ends opened. The sheet S with the inner paper P inserted is then discharged to and stacked on the discharge tray 104.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the entrance roller pair 108 and the exit roller pair 113 are, for example, two rollers in pairs, each of which is rotationally driven by a driving means (such as a motor). The entrance roller pair 108 is rotationally driven in one direction, and the exit roller pair 113 is rotationally driven in forward and reverse directions, thereby sandwiching and transporting the sheet S and the inner page P.

[0024] The entrance roller pair 108 transports the sheet S and the inner page P toward the exit roller pair 113. This transport direction is called the forward transport direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0025] Meanwhile, the pair of exit rollers 113 can switch their rotation between forward and reverse directions. The sandwiched sheet S can be transported toward the discharge tray 104 (see FIG. 1) in the forward transport direction, and can also be transported toward the winding roller 109 in the reverse direction (pull-back direction). This direction of transport toward the winding roller 109 (the opposite direction to the forward transport direction) is called the reverse transport direction (the direction of arrow B).

[0026] The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a winding roller 109 and a peeling member 116, which are rotating members, between the pair of entrance rollers 108 and the pair of exit rollers 113. The winding roller 109 is driven to rotate in forward and reverse directions by a driving means (such as a motor), and its rotation can be switched between two directions (clockwise / counterclockwise).

[0027] The winding roller 109 has a roller member 111 and a movable gripping means 110 that is provided on the roller member 111 and grips the sheet S. The movable gripping means 110 is characterized by gripping the leading edge of the sheet S together with the roller member 111. The gripping means 110 may be integrally formed on the outer periphery of the roller member 111, or may be configured as a separate part.

[0028] 1 to 13, a series of operations of the sheet processing device 100, i.e., operations from peeling off the sheets S to inserting the inner sheets P between the peeled sheets S, will be described. In addition, in Figs. 3 to 13, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figs. 1 and 2, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0029] 1, the sheets S on the sheet tray 102 are stacked such that a portion of the joined two sheets P1 and P2 is located downstream in the feed direction (conveyance direction) of the pickup roller 105. Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 picks up the sheet S on the sheet tray 102 with the pickup roller 105, and conveys it toward the entrance roller pair 108 by the conveyance roller pair 107.

[0030] 2, the sheet S is conveyed by the inlet roller pair 108 toward the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet processing apparatus 100 conveys the sheet S with the side where one of the four sides of the sheet S, that is, an end portion, joined, being the downstream side in the forward conveying direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0031] 3, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S when the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction passes the winding roller 109. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading end of the sheet S by the conveying sensor C3, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveying sensor C3.

[0032] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet processing apparatus 100 opens the gripping means 110, reverses the rotation direction of the pair of outlet rollers 113, and conveys the sheet S toward the opening of the gripping means 110 in the reverse conveying direction (the direction of the arrow B).

[0033] 5, the sheet processing apparatus 100 stops conveying the sheet S when the edge of the sheet S is inserted into the open gripping means 110, and closes the gripping means 110 to grip the edge of the sheet S. These operations are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount.

[0034] 6, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109 from the side where the two sheets P1 and P2 are not joined.

[0035] 7, when the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109, the difference in winding circumferential length (difference in winding amount) of the two overlapping sheets causes excess sheet on the inner circumference side, and slack occurs toward the joined end of the sheet S. As a result, a space C is generated between the two sheets P1 and P2. By inserting the peeling member 116 into this generated space C from both sides of the sheet S, the space C between the two sheets P1 and P2 can be reliably maintained. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C5, and are performed by transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

[0036] Here, a supplementary explanation of the peeling member 116 will be given.

[0037] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of a peeling member 116 included in the sheet processing apparatus. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a drive configuration of the peeling member 116. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling member 116 is inserted into the sheet S.

[0038] 14, the peeling member 116 is formed integrally with a first plate-shaped portion 116b having a thickness direction (plate thickness direction) substantially the same as the thickness direction of the sheet S, and a second plate-shaped portion 116c intersecting the first plate-shaped portion 116b in the thickness direction. That is, the peeling member 116, which moves in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 14(a) toward the space C of the sheet S, is formed in a substantially cross shape with the first plate-shaped portion 116b extending in the left-right direction (the conveying direction of the sheet S) and the second plate-shaped portion 116c extending in the up-down direction (the direction in which the space C is formed) as shown in FIG. 14(c) when viewed in the Y direction.

[0039] In this way, by providing the second plate-shaped portion 116c extending in the thickness direction of the sheet S (the direction in which the space C is formed), when the peeling member 116 enters between the two sheets P1, P2, as shown in Figure 18, the distance between the two sheets P1, P2 can be increased by at least the vertical length of the second plate-shaped portion 116c.

[0040] 14(d), the peeling member 116 is formed with a tapered portion 116c1 in which the thickness in substantially the same direction as the thickness direction of the sheet S (the vertical direction) gradually increases from the center toward the outside in the width direction of the sheet S. Specifically, the end of the second plate-shaped portion 116c near the center in the width direction of the sheet S is formed with a tapered portion 116c1 whose length in the vertical direction gradually increases from left to right in FIG.

[0041] By providing the tapered portion 116c1 on the second plate-shaped portion 116c (peeling member 116) in this manner, as shown in Fig. 16, when the peeling member 116 is inserted from the standby position into the space C of the sheets S, the peeling member 116 is less likely to get caught on the sheets P1, P2. That is, the peeling member 116 is smoothly inserted into the space C of the sheets S, and the two sheets P1, P2 are separated (peeled) at a sufficient distance by the second plate-shaped portion 116c.

[0042] 14(b) and other drawings, the peeling member 116 is formed with a tapered portion 116b1 in which the thickness in the direction (left-right direction) approximately the same as the conveying direction of the sheet S gradually increases from the center side in the width direction of the sheet S toward the outside. Specifically, the first plate-shaped portion 116b has a tip portion formed in an approximately V-shape as shown in FIG. 14(b). By providing the tapered portion 116b1 in the first plate-shaped portion 116b (peeling member 116) in this manner, the peeling member 116 is smoothly inserted while widening the width of the space C of the sheet S, and the two sheets P1 and P2 are separated (peeled) from each other.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 15, in this embodiment, two peeling members 116 are disposed facing each other and are configured to move toward / away from each other. Fig. 15(a) shows a movement mechanism 76 in which the two peeling members 116 are moved toward / away from each other by belt drive. Fig. 15(b) shows a movement mechanism 81 in which the two peeling members 116 are moved toward / away from each other by a rack and pinion or the like.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 15(a), the moving mechanism 76 of the peeling member 116 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 stepped shape with a gear that meshes with a motor gear installed on the motor shaft of the motor 77, and a pulley that stretches and supports the timing belt 80 together with the pulley 79. Of the pair of peeling members 116, a fixed part 116d of one peeling member 116 is fixed to one belt surface of the timing belt 80 (the upper belt surface in Fig. 15(a)), and a fixed part 116e of the other peeling member 116 is fixed to the other belt surface of the timing belt 80 (the lower belt surface in Fig. 15(a)).

[0045] When the motor shaft of the motor 77 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15(a) (clockwise direction) by the moving mechanism 76 configured in this manner, the gear pulley 78 is rotated counterclockwise, the timing belt 80 is rotated counterclockwise, and the pair of peeling members 116 moves from the outer side in the width direction of the sheet S toward the center in the width direction of the sheet S (the pair of peeling members 116 move in a direction toward each other). On the other hand, when the motor shaft of the motor 77 is rotated in the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15(a), the pair of peeling members 116 moves from the center in the width direction of the sheet S toward the outer side in the width direction of the sheet S (the pair of peeling members 116 move in a direction away from each other).

[0046] 15(b), the moving mechanism 81 is composed of a motor 82, a gear and pinion 84, racks 83A and 83B, etc. The gear and pinion 84 is formed in a stepped shape with a gear that meshes with a motor gear installed on the motor shaft of the motor 82, and pinion gears that mesh with the rack gears of the pair of racks 83A and 83B, respectively. Of the pair of peeling members 116, a fixed portion 116d of one peeling member 116 is fixed to one rack 83A, and a fixed portion 116e of the other peeling member 116 is fixed to the other rack 83B.

[0047] When the motor shaft of the motor 82 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15(b) (clockwise direction) by the moving mechanism 81 configured in this manner, the gear pinion 84 is rotated counterclockwise, and the pair of peeling members 116 moves from the outer side in the width direction of the sheet S toward the center in the width direction of the sheet S (the pair of peeling members 116 move in a direction toward each other). On the other hand, when the motor shaft of the motor 82 is rotated in the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15(b), the pair of peeling members 116 moves from the center in the width direction of the sheet S toward the outer side in the width direction of the sheet S (the pair of peeling members 116 move in a direction away from each other).

[0048] The peeling member 116 has the shape shown in FIGS. 14(a) to (d) and is configured to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S, so that it can be smoothly inserted into the space C generated in the sheet S as shown in FIG.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of the series of operations of the sheet processing apparatus 100, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 clockwise with the peeling member 116 inserted into the space C generated in the sheet S (see FIG. 7), and moves the space C peeled from the sheet S to the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction (direction of arrow A) as shown in FIG. 8. Then, when the designated amount of movement has been reached, the gripping means 110 is released, and the rear end of the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts.

[0050] In this state, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and then moves the peeling member 116 further in the sheet width direction to peel off the entire rear end of the sheet S. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the conveying sensor C5, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveying sensor C5.

[0051] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the state of the peeling member 116 and the sheets S in Fig. 8. The peeling member 116 also has a shape (function) of a bifurcating claw that guides the peeled sheets S in different directions (see Fig. 14), so that the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S are in positions that allow them to be conveyed along different paths.

[0052] Furthermore, because the peeling member 116 is configured to be movable in the width direction (see FIG. 15), it can be placed in a position suitable for supporting the posture of the sheet S, as shown in FIG. 18. Therefore, even if the size or stiffness of the sheet S changes, the sheet S can be guided in a desired branching direction. This eliminates the need for a sheet branching member that spans the entire width of the conveying path, and a drive device for the branching claws, resulting in lower costs compared to the conventional method.

[0053] 9, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of exit rollers 113 counterclockwise from the state in which the entire rear end of the sheet S has been peeled off, and conveys the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction (the direction of the arrow B). That is, the two sheets P1 and P2 peeled off from the sheet S are guided in the vertical direction by the peeling member 116, and the two sheets P1 and P2 are entirely peeled off from each other.

[0054] Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and the joint portion of the sheet S is gripped (nipped) by the pair of outlet rollers 113. Therefore, the sheet S is opened widely from the jointed side as an end.

[0055] These operations are triggered by detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the conveyance sensor C5, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a designated amount from the conveyance sensor C5.

[0056] (Modification) Fig. 10 shows a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets P1, P2. Fig. 9 above shows a path for guiding the two sheets P1, P2 in the same direction from the joint of the sheets S, as shown in Fig. 10(a). In addition to this, the two sheets P1, P2 may be guided in opposite directions, such as a path for guiding the two sheets P1, P2 so that the sheet S draws an inverted S-shape, as shown in Fig. 10(b), or a path for guiding the two sheets P1, P2 so that the sheet S draws an S-shape, as shown in Fig. 10(c).

[0057] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 to transport the inner sheet P transported from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) toward the exit roller pair 113 in the forward transport direction (the direction of arrow A).

[0058] 12, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of outlet rollers 113 to merge the sheet S and the inner page P, and inserts the inner page P into the sheet S that has been opened.

[0059] 13(a), the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted in the forward transport direction (the direction of the arrow A) by the pair of exit rollers 113, thereby overlapping the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S again and closing the opening. Then, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or a roller (not shown) disposed thereafter (see FIG. 1).

[0060] As an alternative example, when the sheet processing apparatus includes a heat pressurizing device capable of applying heat and pressure to the sheet S, the sheet S may be conveyed to the heat pressurizing device by switching the path using a branching claw 118 as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0061] In this manner, the sheet processing apparatus 100 can hold the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S in a wide open state, and can insert and hold the inner sheet P between the two sheets P1 and P2.

[0062] Next, a lamination processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system each including the sheet processing device will be described.

[0063] 19 is a general configuration diagram showing an example of a lamination processing device equipped with a sheet processing device. The lamination processing device 200 includes the sheet processing device 100 described above, a branching claw 118 for switching the conveyance path of the sheet S, a pair of heat and pressure rollers 120 that are heat and pressure members capable of heating and pressurizing the sheet S, and a pair of paper discharge rollers 121 provided downstream of the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120.

[0064] This lamination processing device 200 is configured to perform a series of operations from feeding the sheets S, peeling them, inserting the inner sheets P, and laminating them by heat and pressure, all in one machine. This series of operations can be performed automatically without the need for human labor, making it more convenient than conventional techniques.

[0065] 20 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of an image forming system equipped with a lamination processing device. This image forming system 3001 is equipped with a lamination processing device 200a as a lamination processing device unit in an internal paper discharge unit of an image forming apparatus 300. The lamination processing device 200a is configured so as to be detachable from the internal paper discharge unit of the image forming apparatus 300. In addition, an operation panel 10 is installed on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 300 as a display operation means for displaying information on the image forming apparatus 300 and accepting operation inputs. This operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to a user.

[0066] Here, the lamination processing device 200a is equipped with a sheet tray 102 for stacking the sheets S or the inner pages P, and is configured to be able to feed the sheets S and / or the inner pages P from the image forming device 300. Therefore, an image can be inserted in-line into the sheets S or the inner pages P by the image forming device 300 (e.g., a printer, a copier, etc.).

[0067] A detailed description will be given of the main body configuration of the image forming apparatus 300. As shown in Fig. 20, an intermediate transfer device 150 is provided inside the image forming apparatus 300. The intermediate transfer device 150 stretches an endless intermediate transfer belt 152 substantially horizontally around a number of rollers, and travels counterclockwise.

[0068] Below the intermediate transfer device 150, cyan, magenta, yellow and black imaging devices 154c, 154m, 154y and 154k are arranged in four-part tandem along the stretching direction of the intermediate transfer belt 152. Each imaging device 154 is configured by installing a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device and the like around a drum-shaped image carrier that rotates clockwise in the figure. Below each imaging device 154, an exposure device 156 is provided.

[0069] A paper feed device 158 is provided below the exposure device 156. The paper feed device 158 includes a first paper feed cassette 160 that stores sheets S, and a second paper feed cassette 162 that stores inner sheets P. The first paper feed cassette 160 is an example of a third stacking means that stacks two-ply sheets, and the second paper feed cassette 162 is an example of a fourth stacking means that stacks sheet-like media.

[0070] A first paper feed roller 166 is provided at the upper right of the first paper feed cassette 160 to feed the sheets S in the first paper feed cassette 160 one by one into the paper transport path 164. Also, a second paper feed roller 168 is provided at the upper right of the second paper feed cassette 162 to feed the inner sheets P in the paper feed cassette one by one into the paper transport path 164.

[0071] The paper transport path 164 is formed from the bottom to the top on the right side of the image forming apparatus 300, and leads to a lamination device 200a in the image forming apparatus 300. On the paper transport path 164, a pair of transport rollers 170, a secondary transfer device 174 facing the intermediate transfer belt 152, a fixing device 176, a paper discharge device 178 consisting of a pair of paper discharge rollers, and the like are provided in this order.

[0072] The first paper feed roller 166, the conveying roller pair 170, and the paper conveying path 164 are an example of a third feeding means that feeds two-ply sheets from the first paper feed cassette 160 (third stacking means). The second paper feed roller 168, the conveying roller pair 170, and the paper conveying path 164 are an example of a fourth feeding means that feeds a sheet-like medium from the second paper feed cassette 162 (fourth stacking means). Furthermore, the intermediate transfer device 150, the fixing device 176, and the like are an example of an image forming section that forms an image on a two-ply sheet or a sheet-like medium.

[0073] Next, the operation of performing lamination processing after forming an image on the sheet S in the image forming apparatus 300 will be described.

[0074] When forming an image on the sheet S, first, an original image is read by the image reading device 188, and written by the exposure device 156. Next, a toner image of each color is formed on the image carrier of each of the image forming devices 154c, 154m, 154y, and 154k, and the toner images are transferred in sequence by primary transfer devices 180c, 180m, 180y, and 180k to form a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 152.

[0075] Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the first paper feed roller 166 to feed the sheet S and place it in the paper transport path 164. Then, the sheet S is transported by the transport roller pair 170 through the paper transport path 164 and sent to the secondary transfer position at the appropriate timing, and the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 152 as described above is transferred to the sheet S by the secondary transfer device 174.

[0076] After the image is transferred to the sheet S, the image is fixed by a fixing device 176, and the sheet S is sent by a paper ejection device 178 to a lamination processing device 200a.

[0077] Further, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the second paper feed roller 168 to feed the inner sheet P, place it in the paper transport path 164, and send it to the lamination processing apparatus 200a by the paper discharge device 178.

[0078] In this way, the sheet S on which the image is formed and the inner page P are sent to the lamination device 200a, where the lamination process is carried out. Details of the lamination process have been described above and will not be described again.

[0079] Since the image forming apparatus 300 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, it is also possible to perform lamination processing by the lamination processing device 200a after forming an image on the inner paper P. Also, it is also possible to perform lamination processing after forming images on the inner paper P and the sheet S.

[0080] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system equipped with an external lamination device. In Fig. 21, the same components as those in Figs. 19 and 20 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0081] The image forming system 4001 in FIG. 21 differs from the image forming system 3001 in FIG. 20 in that a lamination device 200b is provided outside the main body of the image forming apparatus 400. The image forming system 4001 in FIG.

[0082] The lamination processing device 200b is configured to transport two overlapping sheets in the vertical direction and perform lamination processing. The lamination processing device 200b is equipped with a sheet tray 102 for stacking the sheets S, and is configured so that the inner pages P can be fed from the image forming device 400 via a relay R. Therefore, any image can be inserted inline into the inner pages P using a copy or printer (image forming device 400).

[0083] After the inner page insertion is completed, the sheet S is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the exit roller pair 113 or a roller pair disposed thereafter. The discharge tray 104 is disposed inside the housing of the lamination device 200b. This facilitates the vertical transport of the sheet S toward the discharge tray 104.

[0084] Specifically, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is conveyed to a fixing section having a pair of heat and pressure rollers 120 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or a pair of rollers disposed thereafter.

[0085] The sheet S is heated, pressed, and fixed when passing through the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120. After passing through the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120, the sheet S continues to be transported vertically downward toward the discharge tray 104, and is stacked on the discharge tray 104.

[0086] In this manner, the pressed sheet S is discharged vertically downward after passing through the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120, so that the heated sheet S can be stacked on the discharge tray 104 while preventing the sheet S from curving due to external forces.

[0087] The image forming system may be configured to include an image forming apparatus and a lamination device 200b detachably connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0088] Next, a laminate processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0089] (First embodiment) Fig. 22 is an overall configuration diagram of a lamination processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 22, the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 21 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] The lamination processing device 200c includes a pair of heat and pressure rollers 120, a pair of discharge rollers 121, an air blowing means 122, and a discharge tray 104 downstream in the conveying direction of a sheet processing unit (including an entrance roller pair 108, a winding roller 109, an exit roller pair 113, etc.) that peels off the sheet S and sandwiches the inner sheet P.

[0091] The pair of discharge rollers 121 discharges the sheet S vertically downward after passing through the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120. The discharge tray 104 is disposed vertically below the pair of discharge rollers 121, and has a receiving side surface 104a that receives the sheet S discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 121 in an upright position, and an inclined stacking surface 104b that faces the receiving side surface 104a.

[0092] Here, as shown in FIG. 23, an extension line L of the nip portion of the pair of paper discharge rollers 121 is in a positional relationship where it intersects with the inclined loading surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104.

[0093] The discharge tray 104 is provided with a pressing member 124 driven by a drive motor 52 as a driving means, and this pressing member 124 plays a role of moving the sheet S on the receiving side surface 104a and pressing it against the stacking surface 104b.

[0094] The configuration and function of the sheet processing section (the pair of entrance rollers 108, the winding roller 109, the pair of exit rollers 113, etc.) and the fixing section (the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120, etc.) have already been explained in the sheet processing device 100 and the lamination processing device 200 above, so they will be omitted here.

[0095] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of discharging a laminated sheet onto the receiving side of the discharge tray, where Figure 24(a) shows the state when the discharge rollers 121 start to discharge the sheet S, Figure 24(b) shows the state when the discharge rollers 121 are in the middle of discharging the sheet S, and Figure 24(c) shows the state when the discharge rollers 121 have completed discharging the sheet S.

[0096] 24(a), the sheet S that has passed through the pair of heat and pressure rollers 120 is discharged vertically downward by the pair of discharge rollers 121. At this time, the temperature of the sheet S is high, and the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S is not yet hardened.

[0097] 24(b), while the sheet S is being discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 121, the air blowing means 122 blows air onto the sheet S to cool it. This promotes hardening of the adhesive in the sheet S, and the sheet S is urged toward the receiving side surface 104a of the discharge tray 104 by the air pressure.

[0098] 24(c), when the rear end of the sheet S has completely left the pair of discharge rollers 121, the sheet S falls onto the discharge tray 104 and is received in an upright position on the receiving side surface 104a. Therefore, the leading end of the sheet S, which is between the two sheets P1 and P2 and on which the glue has not yet completely hardened, can be prevented from coming into contact with the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b of the discharge tray 104.

[0099] Next, the problem to be solved by the present invention will be described in detail.

[0100] 25A and 25B are schematic diagrams showing the state of the sheet S in the discharge tray 104, in which FIG. 25A shows the sheet S in a curled state, and FIG. 25B shows the sheet S in a pressed state.

[0101] If the sheet S discharged from the discharge roller pair 121 is leaning against the receiving side surface 104a, the curl of the sheet S may worsen due to its own weight (see FIG. 25(a)).

[0102] In addition, since the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 has not yet completely hardened immediately after lamination processing, when the sheet S is pressed against the loading surface 104b of the output tray 104 by the pressing member 124, there is a risk that a pressing mark (dent mark) will be left on the surface of the sheet S (see Figure 25 (b)).

[0103] In conventional lamination processing devices, the sheet S discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 121 was either immediately pressed against the stacking surface 104b or pressed against the stacking surface 104b after waiting for a certain period of time, which could result in either curling or pressing marks.

[0104] The following describes a lamination processing device that prevents the sheet from becoming curled due to its vertical position and also prevents pressing marks (dent marks) from being left on the sheet surface.

[0105] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a first operation of the pressing member to move a sheet on the receiving side surface 104a to the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104. First, as shown in Fig. 26(a), the sheet S is in a state of leaning against the receiving side surface 104a.

[0106] 26(b), the pressing member 124 moves its tip from the receiving side surface 104a toward the stacking surface 104b to a first position beyond the extension line L (see FIG. 23). Then, as shown in FIG. 26(c), the pressing member 124 loads the sheet S onto the stacking surface 104b (first operation) and temporarily stops there (first position).

[0107] Here, when the sheet S is moved by the pressing member 124 toward the stacking surface 104b side from the extension line L, a force (torque) that causes the sheet S to fall toward the stacking surface 104b side due to the movement of the center of gravity of the sheet S acts on the sheet S. As a result, the sheet S is reliably fallen toward the stacking surface 104b side and stacked.

[0108] Please note that when the first operation is completed (see Figure 26 (c)), the temperature of sheet S is still high and the glue between the two sheets P1, P2 is not (or there is a high possibility that it is not) completely hardened.

[0109] 27A and 27B are schematic diagrams showing a second operation of the pressing member, which presses the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104. First, as shown in FIG. 27A, the pressing member 124 is temporarily stopped at the first position. This temporary stop allows the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b to further harden. That is, the pressing member 124 maintains a stopped state at the first position for at least a predetermined time for the glue of the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b to harden.

[0110] Next, as shown in FIG. 27(b), after a predetermined time has elapsed, the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved from the first position to press the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b (second operation).

[0111] In the operation (second operation) of pressing the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b by the pressing member 124, (1) Reduction of curls that occur in the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b. (2) During or immediately after discharge (from the pair of discharge rollers 121), the sheet S, in which the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 has not yet completely hardened, can be prevented from contacting the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b. (3) Securing loading space on the loading surface 104b. There are benefits such as:

[0112] (Second Example) FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the presser member, in which the speed of the second operation is slower than the speed of the first operation.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the pressing member 124 pauses for a predetermined time between the first and second operations, but in this second embodiment, the operating speed is changed (decelerated) to ensure time for the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S to harden.

[0114] A more specific description will be given. First, as shown in Fig. 28(a), the sheet S discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 121 is leaning against the receiving side surface 104a. Next, as shown in Fig. 28(b), the pressing member 124 moves its leading end from the receiving side surface 104a toward the stacking surface 104b to a first position beyond the extension line L (see Fig. 23) at a speed Va (first operation).

[0115] Next, as shown in Fig. 28(c), the pressing member 124 decelerates the speed of its tip to Vb (Va>Vb), and then, as shown in Fig. 28(d), the pressing member 124 presses its tip against the sheet S (second operation).

[0116] When the speed of the leading edge of the pressing member 124 has decelerated to Vb (see FIG. 28(c)), the temperature of the sheet S is still high, and the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S has not yet completely hardened (or there is a high possibility that it has). However, since there is enough time before the pressing member 124 presses its leading edge against the sheet S (see FIG. 28(d)), it is possible to prevent the sheet S from leaving a pressing mark (a dent mark).

[0117] In this way, also in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent pressing marks (dent marks) from being left on the sheet S, and to prevent the curl from worsening due to the vertical placement state.

[0118] Next, advantageous configurations will be described.

[0119] (Part 1: Full detection) 29 is a schematic diagram showing the discharge tray 104 having a full-state detection sensor. The discharge tray 104 is provided with a full-state detection sensor 190 that detects whether the amount of sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b has reached the upper limit.

[0120] If the sheet S on the stacking surface 104b is curled, the full-stack detection sensor 190 may make an erroneous detection (see FIG. 29(a)). In contrast, if the full-stack detection sensor 190 detects the full-stack state while the pressing member 124 is pressing the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b, the erroneous detection can be prevented (see FIG. 29(b)).

[0121] The fullness detection sensor 190 is an example of a fullness detection means. The fullness detection means may be, for example, a laser displacement meter.

[0122] (Part 2: Temperature detection) 30 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet discharge tray 104 having a temperature detection sensor. The sheet discharge tray 104 is provided with a temperature detection sensor 192 that detects the surface temperature of the sheets S stacked on the stacking surface 104b.

[0123] 31 is a flow chart showing the operation control of the pressing member in accordance with the surface temperature of the sheet. The process contents at each step will be described with reference to FIG.

[0124] First, in step S101, the pair of discharge rollers 121 discharges the sheet S. Next, in step S102, the pressing member 124 starts to drive. In step S103, the tip of the pressing member 124 moves to a first position beyond the extension line L of the nip portion of the pair of discharge rollers 121 (first operation). Then, in step S104, the pressing member 124 stops driving.

[0125] In step S105, the control unit 50 of the lamination processing device unit described later judges whether the surface temperature of the sheet S is equal to or lower than the set temperature T. If it is judged that the surface temperature of the sheet S is equal to or lower than the set temperature T (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106, and the pressing member 124 resumes driving. On the other hand, if it is judged that the surface temperature of the sheet S is higher than the set temperature T (S105: No), the pressing member 124 is kept stopped until the surface temperature of the sheet S becomes equal to or lower than the set temperature T (S105: Yes).

[0126] Next, in step S107, the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved toward the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104 to press the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104 (second operation). Then, in step S108, the pressing member 124 is returned to the initial position.

[0127] In this way, after performing the first operation, the pressing member 124 does not perform the second operation until the surface temperature of the sheet S on the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined set temperature T. As a result, the pressing member 124 presses the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104 in a state in which the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S is hardened, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the sheet S from being left with a pressing mark (a dent mark).

[0128] The temperature sensor 192 is an example of a temperature detection means. The temperature detection means may be, for example, a thermistor.

[0129] In step S105, it is preferable that the user can arbitrarily set the set temperature T. As shown in Fig. 32, it is preferable that the seat surface temperature at which the second action is started is displayed on the operation panel 10, for example, so that the user can arbitrarily set the set temperature T.

[0130] (Part 3: Setting the waiting time) 33 is a flow chart showing the operation control of the pressing member 124 with a waiting time provided. The process contents at each step will be described with reference to FIG.

[0131] First, in step S201, the pair of discharge rollers 121 discharges the sheet S. Next, in step S202, the pressing member 124 starts to drive. In step S203, the tip of the pressing member 124 moves to a first position beyond the extension line L of the nip portion of the pair of discharge rollers 121 (first operation). Then, in step S204, the pressing member 124 stops driving.

[0132] In step S205, the control unit 50 of the lamination processing device unit described later judges whether or not a predetermined waiting time tm has elapsed since the driving of the pressing member 124 was stopped. If it is judged that the waiting time tm has elapsed (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206, and the pressing member 124 resumes driving. On the other hand, if it is judged that the waiting time tm has not elapsed (S205: No), the pressing member 124 is maintained in a stopped state until the waiting time tm has elapsed (S105: Yes).

[0133] Next, in step S207, the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved to the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104 to press the sheet S (second operation). Then, in step S208, the pressing member 124 is returned to the initial position.

[0134] In this way, the pressing member 124 does not perform the second operation until the predetermined waiting time tm has elapsed after performing the first operation. As a result, the pressing member 124 presses the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b of the discharge tray 104 in a state in which the glue between the two sheets P1 and P2 of the sheet S has hardened, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the sheet S from being left with a pressing mark (a dent mark).

[0135] In step S205, the predetermined waiting time tm may be set arbitrarily by the user. For example, the user may use the operation panel 10 to set the waiting time tm arbitrarily.

[0136] (Part 4 Changing the range of motion) 34 is a flow chart showing a control for changing the movable range of the presser member depending on the thickness of the sheet S. The process contents at each step will be described with reference to FIG.

[0137] First, in step S301, the pair of discharge rollers 121 discharges the sheet S. Next, in step S302, the pressing member 124 starts to drive. In step S303, the tip of the pressing member 124 moves to a first position beyond the extension line L of the nip portion of the pair of discharge rollers 121 (first operation). Then, in step S304, the pressing member 124 stops driving.

[0138] In step S305, the control unit 50 of the lamination processing device unit described later changes the movable range of the pressing member 124 depending on the thickness of the sheet S being processed. For example, when the thickness of the sheet S is A (μm), the process proceeds to step S306a, where the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved a (mm) perpendicular to the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104. When the thickness of the sheet S is B (μm), the process proceeds to step S306b, where the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved b (mm) perpendicular to the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104. When the thickness of the sheet S is C (μm), the process proceeds to step S306c, where the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved c (mm) perpendicular to the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104.

[0139] Then, in step S307, the pressing member 124 is returned to the initial position.

[0140] In this way, the pressing member 124 changes its movable range depending on the thickness of the sheet S to be used, so that the sheet S can be pressed against the stacking surface 104b with an appropriate pressing force. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the sheet S from being left with a pressing mark (a dent mark).

[0141] 35 is an example of an operation panel screen for setting the movable range of the pressing member. It is desirable to be able to arbitrarily set the movable range of the pressing member 124, for example, using the operation panel 10. This allows the movable range to be appropriately set according to the specifications or state of the lamination processing device and the specifications or state of the sheet S.

[0142] 36 is an example of an operation panel screen for setting the drive timing of the pressing member. It is desirable to be able to arbitrarily set the drive timing of the pressing member 124, for example, using the operation panel 10. This allows the drive timing to be appropriately set according to the specifications or state of the lamination processing device and the specifications or state of the sheet S.

[0143] 37 is a hardware configuration diagram of the lamination processing device. The lamination processing device controls the drive motor 52 of the pressing member 124 by a control chip and control software (application) constituting the control unit (PCB) 50.

[0144] In addition, the control unit (PCB) 50 can reflect the results of the full detection sensor 190 and the temperature detection sensor 192 in the control. Furthermore, the control unit (PCB) 50 can communicate with the operation panel 10 and the control units 300a and 400a of the image forming apparatuses 300 and 400 via the communication I / F 54 and reflect the results in the control.

[0145] (Part 5: Second operation of the holding member) Fig. 38 is a schematic diagram showing the second operation of the pressing member, Fig. 38(a) shows the state when the pressing member starts the second operation, Fig. 38(b) shows the state during the second operation (standby), and Fig. 38(c) shows the state when the pressing member completes the second operation.

[0146] 38(a), the tip of the pressing member 124 is moved to press the sheet S against the stacking surface 104b (second operation). Then, as shown in FIG. 38(b), the pressing member 124 continues to press the sheet S on the stacking surface 104b of the paper discharge tray 104 until the next (different) sheet S' starts to be discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 121.

[0147] 38(c), the pressing member 124 returns to the initial position when the discharge roller pair 121 starts discharging the sheet S'. In this manner, the pressing member 124 presses the sheet S stacked on the stacking surface 104b of the discharge tray 104 until the discharge roller pair 121 discharges another sheet S'. This makes it possible to prevent the discharge order of the sheets S from being changed, and to prevent the subsequent sheet S' discharged from the discharge roller pair 121 from contacting the preceding sheet S already stacked on the stacking surface 104b of the discharge tray 104.

[0148] (Part 6: Driving torque limit of the holding member) It is desirable that the drive motor 52 of the pressing member 124 has a torque limiter (overload protection device) and stops driving the pressing member 124 when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is applied. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent pressing marks (dents) from being made on the sheet S and damage to the sheet S caused by the pressing member 124 pressing the sheet S excessively.

[0149] The present invention has been described in detail above using the embodiment, but this embodiment is merely an example and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0150] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. (Aspect 1) A lamination processing device that applies heat and pressure to two overlapping sheets that sandwich a sheet-like medium to perform a lamination process for thermal fixing, a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the two-ply sheet vertically downward; a discharge tray disposed vertically below the pair of discharge rollers, the discharge tray having a receiving side for receiving the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of discharge rollers in an upright position, and an inclined loading surface facing the receiving side; a pressing member that is driven by a driving means and moves the two-ply sheet on the receiving side surface and presses it against the stacking surface; When viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, an extension line of the nip portion of the pair of paper discharge rollers intersects with the stacking surface, a first action of moving a tip of the pressing member from the receiving side surface toward the loading surface to a first position beyond the extension line to load the two-ply sheet on the loading surface; performing two operations: a second operation of moving the leading edge from the first position and pressing the two-ply sheet onto the stacking surface; and The lamination processing device, wherein the pressing member is temporarily stopped between the first operation and the second operation. (Aspect 2) A lamination processing device that applies heat and pressure to two overlapping sheets that sandwich a sheet-like medium to perform a lamination process for thermal fixing, a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the two-ply sheet vertically downward; a discharge tray disposed vertically below the pair of discharge rollers, the discharge tray having a receiving side for receiving the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of discharge rollers in an upright position, and an inclined loading surface facing the receiving side; a pressing member that is driven by a driving means and moves the two-ply sheet on the receiving side surface and presses it against the stacking surface; When viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, an extension line of the nip portion of the pair of paper discharge rollers intersects with the stacking surface, a first action of moving a tip of the pressing member from the receiving side surface toward the loading surface to a first position beyond the extension line to load the two-ply sheet on the loading surface; performing two operations: a second operation of moving the leading edge from the first position and pressing the two-ply sheet onto the stacking surface; and 13. A lamination processing apparatus, comprising: a pressing member having a second movement speed slower than a first movement speed. (Aspect 3) a fullness detection means for detecting whether the stacking amount of the two-ply sheets on the stacking surface has reached an upper limit, 3. The lamination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the full-state detection means detects a full state while the pressing member is pressing the two-ply sheet against the stacking surface. (Aspect 4) A temperature detection means is provided for detecting the surface temperature of the two-ply sheet, The lamination processing device of any one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that after performing the first operation, the pressing member does not perform the second operation until the surface temperature of the two-ply sheet becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined set temperature. (Aspect 5) 5. The lamination apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the set temperature can be set arbitrarily. (Aspect 6) 6. The lamination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member does not perform the second operation until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed after performing the first operation. (Aspect 7) 7. The lamination processing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member presses the two-ply sheet stacked on the stacking surface until the next two-ply sheet starts to be discharged. (Aspect 8) 8. The lamination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member has a movable range that can be changed depending on a thickness of the two-ply sheet. (Aspect 9) 9. The lamination apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movable range of the pressing member can be set arbitrarily. (Aspect 10) 10. The lamination apparatus of claim 1, wherein the timing for performing the first and second operations of the pressing member can be set arbitrarily. (Aspect 11) 11. The lamination processing device according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, further comprising a blower means downstream of the pair of discharge rollers for blowing air onto the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of discharge rollers to cool it. (Aspect 12) 12. The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the driving means for the pressing member stops driving the pressing member when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is applied to the pressing member. (Aspect 13) An image forming apparatus; An image forming system comprising: the lamination device according to any one of aspects 1 to 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 10 Operation Panel 50, 300a, 400a Control unit 52 Drive motor 54 Communication I / F 100 Sheet processing device 102 Sheet Tray 103 Paper feed tray 104 Output tray 104a Reception aspect 104b Loading surface 105, 106 Pickup roller 107 Transport roller pair 108 Inlet roller pair 109 Winding roller 110 Gripping means 111 Roller member 113 Exit roller pair 116 Peeling member 118 Branch Claw 120 Heat and pressure roller pair 121 Paper discharge roller pair 122 Air blowing means 124 Holding member 190 Full detection sensor 192 Temperature Sensor 150 Intermediate transfer device 152 Intermediate transfer belt 154c, 154k, 154m, 154y imaging device 156 Exposure Equipment 158 Paper feeder 160 First paper feed cassette 162 Second paper feed cassette 164 Paper transport path 166 1st feed roller 168 2nd feed roller 170 Transport roller pair 174 Secondary transfer device 176 Fixing device 178 Paper ejection device 180c, 180k, 180m, 180y Primary transfer device 188 Image reader 200, 200a, 200b, 200c Lamination processing device 300, 400 Image forming device C1, C2, C3, C5 Transport Sensor C4 Abnormal condition detection sensor C6, C7 サイズセンサ L extension cord P Medium Paper R medium S, S' シート T set temperature Va, Vb speed tm Standby time

Prior technical literature

Chartered Documents

[0152] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-121728

Claims

1. A lamination processing device that applies heat and pressure to two overlapping sheets sandwiching a sheet-like medium to perform a lamination process for thermal fixing, a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the two-ply sheet vertically downward; a discharge tray disposed vertically below the pair of discharge rollers, the discharge tray having a receiving side for receiving the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of discharge rollers in an upright position, and an inclined loading surface facing the receiving side; a pressing member that is driven by a driving means and moves the two-ply sheet on the receiving side surface and presses it against the stacking surface; When viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, an extension line of the nip portion of the pair of paper discharge rollers intersects with the stacking surface, a first action of moving a tip of the pressing member from the receiving side surface toward the loading surface to a first position beyond the extension line, and loading the two-ply sheet on the loading surface; performing two operations: a first operation of moving the leading edge from the first position and a second operation of pressing the two-ply sheet onto the stacking surface; and The lamination processing apparatus, wherein the pressing member is temporarily stopped between the first operation and the second operation.

2. A lamination processing device that applies heat and pressure to two overlapping sheets sandwiching a sheet-like medium to perform a lamination process for thermal fixing, a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the two-ply sheet vertically downward; a discharge tray disposed vertically below the pair of discharge rollers, the discharge tray having a receiving side for receiving the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of discharge rollers in an upright position, and an inclined loading surface facing the receiving side; a pressing member that is driven by a driving means and moves the two-ply sheet on the receiving side surface and presses it against the stacking surface; When viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, an extension line of the nip portion of the pair of paper discharge rollers intersects with the stacking surface, a first action of moving a tip of the pressing member from the receiving side surface toward the loading surface to a first position beyond the extension line, and loading the two-ply sheet on the loading surface; performing two operations: a first operation of moving the leading edge from the first position and a second operation of pressing the two-ply sheet onto the stacking surface; and A lamination processing apparatus, characterized in that an operating speed of the second operation of the pressing member is slower than an operating speed of the first operation.

3. a fullness detection means for detecting whether the stacking amount of the two-ply sheets on the stacking surface has reached an upper limit, 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the full-load detection means detects the full load while the pressing member is pressing the two-ply sheet against the stacking surface.

4. A temperature detection means is provided for detecting a surface temperature of the two-ply sheet, 3. The lamination processing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member does not perform the second operation after performing the first operation until the surface temperature of the two-ply sheet becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined set temperature.

5. 5. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the set temperature can be set arbitrarily.

6. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member does not perform the second operation until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed after performing the first operation.

7. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member presses the two-ply sheet stacked on the stacking surface until the next two-ply sheet is started to be discharged.

8. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is capable of changing a movable range in accordance with a thickness of the two-ply sheet.

9. 9. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movable range of the pressing member can be set arbitrarily.

10. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timings for performing the first and second operations of the pressing member can be set arbitrarily.

11. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an air blowing means, downstream of the pair of paper discharge rollers, for blowing air onto the two-ply sheet discharged from the pair of paper discharge rollers to cool it.

12. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving means for the pressing member stops driving the pressing member when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is applied to the pressing member.

13. An image forming apparatus; 3. An image forming system comprising: the lamination processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images