Lamination system, lamination method and program

Abstract

To prevent a decrease in productivity in lamination processing when a sheet gap increases due to image formation.SOLUTION: A lamination system 1 incudes: a laminating section 23 that laminates a sheet (a first type of sheet) with a film F having an adhesive layer; an overlapping section 22 that overlaps leading and trailing ends of successively transported sheets with each other and transports the sheets to the laminating section 23; and a stacking section 30 for stacking insertion sheets (second type sheets) different from the above sheets. When a spacing between sheets of the sheets transported toward the overlapping section 22 is greater than a predetermined spacing, the lamination system 1 inserts the insertion sheet from the stacking section 30 between the sheets whose spacing is greater than a predetermined spacing and supplies the insertion sheet to the overlapping section 22. The overlapping section 22 and the laminating section 23 also process the inserted sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamination system, a lamination method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, laminating devices have been used to cover printed matter with a transparent resin film. For example, a device is known that continuously laminates a film having an adhesive layer (laminating member) onto sheets such as paper that are sequentially conveyed from the upstream side.

[0003] Also, in a laminating device connected to an image forming device, a technology has been proposed in which the trailing edge of a preceding sheet overlaps the leading edge of a succeeding sheet for sheets (paper sheets) that are continuously conveyed (see Patent Document 1). This configuration prevents the adhesive applied to the film from directly contacting the conveying system members.

[0004] In order to ensure that the trailing edge of the preceding sheet and the leading edge of the succeeding sheet are overlapped, the sheets need to be conveyed from the image forming apparatus without interruption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-73668 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, if a delay occurs in image formation in the image forming device, the interval between the sheets fed into the laminating device may increase. In this case, the film may remain in the area where it is bonded to the sheet (pressure bonding area), causing the adhesive surface of the film to come into direct contact with the transport system components, resulting in contamination inside the device.

[0007] To prevent this, a shutdown process is required for the laminating device. The shutdown process is a process of stopping the supply of film or slowing down the film transport speed. Furthermore, if the laminating device is to be used again after the shutdown process, a start-up process is required at the timing when a sheet is fed from the image forming device. The start-up process is a process of restarting the supply of film or increasing the film transport speed.

[0008] In this way, when the sheet interval increases due to image formation, the laminating device needs to perform shutdown and startup processes, which causes a problem of reduced productivity in the laminating process.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in productivity in lamination processing when the sheet interval increases due to image formation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a lamination system comprising a laminating unit that laminates a first type of sheet with a film having an adhesive layer, an overlapping unit that overlaps the leading and trailing ends of the first type of sheets that are continuously transported and transports them to the laminating unit, a stacking unit that stacks a second type of sheet different from the first type of sheet, and an insertion control unit that, when the spacing between the first type of sheets transported toward the overlapping unit is wider than a predetermined spacing, inserts the second type of sheet from the stacking unit between the first type of sheets whose spacing is wider than the predetermined spacing and supplies the second type of sheet to the overlapping unit, wherein the overlapping unit and the laminating unit also process the inserted second type of sheet.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 is a lamination system described in claim 1, further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the first type of sheet, and the lamination unit laminates the first type of sheet on which the image has been formed.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is a lamination system described in claim 2, wherein the position at which the second type of sheet is inserted from the stacking section in the transport path of the first type of sheet is between the image forming section and the overlapping section.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is a lamination system described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a separation section that cuts the film between sheets that are continuously transported in a laminated state with the film to separate the sheets.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is the lamination system described in claim 4, which is provided with an ejection control unit that determines whether each separated sheet has a normally formed image or not, and ejects sheets on which an image has not been normally formed to an ejection section different from that for sheets on which an image has been normally formed.

[0015] The invention described in claim 6 is a lamination system described in claim 5, wherein the second type of sheet is a sheet on which an image has been normally formed, and when the second type of sheet is supplied to the overlapping section, the discharge control unit processes the second type of sheet in the same manner as the first type of sheet.

[0016] The invention described in claim 7 is a lamination system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second type of sheet includes at least one of recycled paper, a sheet purged during image formation, a sheet in the middle of image formation, and a sheet on which an image has been normally formed.

[0017] The invention described in claim 8 is the laminating system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the stacking section is configured so that a user can set the second type of sheets on the stacking section.

[0018] The invention described in claim 9 is a lamination system described in claim 2 or 3, which is provided with an accumulation control unit that accumulates sheets supplied from a storage unit located upstream of the image forming unit on the transport path of the first type of sheet in the stacking unit as the second type of sheet.

[0019] The invention described in claim 10 is the lamination system described in claim 9, wherein the accumulation control unit accumulates the first type of sheet, which has already been imaged or is in the process of being imaged, in the stacking section as the second type of sheet when a jam occurs in the transport path downstream of the image forming section.

[0020] The invention described in claim 11 is a lamination method in a lamination system including a lamination unit that laminates a first type of sheet with a film having an adhesive layer, an overlapping unit that overlaps the leading and trailing ends of the first type of sheets that are continuously transported and transports them to the lamination unit, and a loading unit that loads a second type of sheet different from the first type of sheet, wherein when the spacing between the first type of sheets transported toward the overlapping unit is wider than a predetermined spacing, the second type of sheet is inserted from the loading unit between the first type of sheets whose spacing is wider than the predetermined spacing and supplied to the overlapping unit, and the inserted second type of sheet is also processed by the overlapping unit and the lamination unit.

[0021] The invention described in claim 12 is a program for causing a computer of a lamination system including a laminating unit that laminates a first type of sheet with a film having an adhesive layer, an overlapping unit that overlaps the leading and trailing ends of the first type of sheets that are continuously transported and transports them to the laminating unit, and a loading unit that loads a second type of sheet different from the first type of sheet, to execute the following steps: when the spacing between the first type of sheets transported toward the overlapping unit is wider than a predetermined spacing, inserting the second type of sheet from the loading unit between the first type of sheets whose spacing is wider than the predetermined spacing and supplying the second type of sheet to the overlapping unit; and treating the inserted second type of sheet as a processing target for the overlapping unit and the laminating unit. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity in lamination processing when the sheet interval increases due to image formation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a lamination system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the lamination system. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a process of overlapping sheets in an overlapping section. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a separation unit. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing a paper interval adjustment process executed in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing post-processing executed in the laminating device. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the image forming apparatus when a jam occurs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of a lamination system, a lamination method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0025] [Configuration of Lamination System] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a lamination system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the lamination system 1. The lamination system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a lamination device 20.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a paper sheet. The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to a laminating device 20. The image forming apparatus 10 delivers a plurality of papers to the laminating device 20 in succession. The laminating device 20 performs laminating processing on the paper conveyed from the image forming device 10 .

[0027] 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a document reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a storage unit 14, an operation panel 15, a conveying unit 16, a paper feeding unit 17, a communication unit 18, an IF (Interface) unit 19, etc. The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 151 and an operation unit 152. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a stacking unit 30 and a jam detection sensor 40.

[0028] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 14 in response to an operation signal input from an operation unit 152 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 18 or the IF unit 19. The CPU loads the various programs that have been read out into the RAM, and performs overall control of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM.

[0029] The document reading unit 12 reads an image of a document placed on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF), and outputs the obtained image data to the control unit 11.

[0030] Image forming unit 13 forms an image by electrophotography on a sheet (a first type of sheet) supplied from paper supply unit 17. Image forming unit 13 forms an image based on image data read by document reading unit 12 or image data received from an external device.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 13 includes photoconductor drums 131Y, 131M, 131C, and 131K corresponding to the respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, an intermediate transfer belt 132, a secondary transfer roller 133, a fixing unit 134, and the like.

[0032] After being uniformly charged, the photoconductor drum 131Y is scanned and exposed by a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image, and then yellow toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 131Y to develop it. The photoconductor drums 131M, 131C, and 131K are similar to the photoconductor drum 131Y except for the colors they handle, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The toner images of each color formed on the photoconductor drums 131Y, 131M, 131C, and 131K are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 132. That is, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 132 in which the toner images of four colors are superimposed. The color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 132 is transferred all at once onto a sheet of paper by a secondary transfer roller 133 (secondary transfer). The fixing unit 134 applies heat and pressure to the paper onto which the color toner image has been transferred, thereby fixing the color toner image to the paper.

[0034] The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile storage device configured by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit 14 stores various programs, various data, and the like.

[0035] The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 151 that displays various information to the user, and an operation unit 152 that accepts operation inputs by the user. The display unit 151 is configured with a color liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 151 displays various screens according to a display control signal input from the control unit 11. Operation unit 152 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of display unit 151 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of display unit 151. Operation unit 152 outputs an operation signal to control unit 11 based on a user's operation.

[0036] The transport unit 16 has a plurality of roller pairs. The transport unit 16 transports the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 17 to the image forming unit 13. The transport unit 16 transports the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 13 to the lamination device 20. The transport unit 16 transports the insertion paper as the second type of sheet stacked on the stacking unit 30.

[0037] The paper feed unit 17 includes paper feed trays T1, T2, and T3. The paper feed unit 17 supplies paper (a first type of sheet) from the paper feed trays T1, T2, and T3 to the image forming unit 13. Each of the paper feed trays T1, T2, and T3 stores paper of a predetermined paper type and size.

[0038] The communication unit 18 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 10 to a communication network. The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various data to and from external devices connected to the communication network.

[0039] The IF unit 19 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the image forming apparatus 10 and the laminating apparatus 20.

[0040] The stacking section 30 stacks insertion sheets as a second type of sheet different from the sheets (first type of sheet) supplied from the paper supply section 17. The stacking section 30 has a paper storage tray that can be pulled out from the outside. The user can manually set insertion sheets in the stacking section 30. Specifically, the user pulls out the paper storage tray and stores the insertion sheets in the paper storage tray. The user then returns the paper storage tray to the position it was in before it was pulled out.

[0041] The inserted paper includes at least one of recycled paper, paper purged during image formation, paper on which an image is being partially formed, and paper on which an image has been normally formed. Recycled paper is paper made by reusing paper that has already been used. A sheet that is purged during image formation is a sheet in which the process of image formation on the sheet is interrupted and the sheet is removed from the normal sheet transport path. The paper on which an image is being formed is a paper on which image formation has been interrupted midway through. A sheet on which an image is normally formed is a sheet on which there are no abnormalities in the image formed result. The absence of abnormalities includes, for example, no abnormalities in the formed image, no scratches, no stains, etc.

[0042] Jam detection sensors 40 are provided at multiple positions on the paper transport path in laminating system 1. Jam detection sensors 40 detect paper jams (paper jams) transported on the paper transport path, and output the detection results to control unit 11. For example, a photosensor is used as the jam detection sensor 40. Jam detection sensors 40 are provided on the paper transport path in image forming device 10 and on the paper transport path of laminating device 20.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the laminating device 20 includes a control unit 21, a superposing unit 22, a laminating unit 23, a separating unit 24, a memory unit 25, a conveying unit 26, an image reading unit 27, an IF unit 28, and the like.

[0044] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 25 in response to an instruction signal received from the image forming apparatus 10 by the IF unit 28. The CPU loads the various programs that have been read out into the RAM, and performs overall control of the operation of the laminating device 20 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM.

[0045] The overlapping unit 22 is provided upstream of the laminating unit 23 on the paper transport path. The overlapping unit 22 overlaps the leading and trailing ends of the papers (sheets) that are continuously transported from the image forming device 10. Specifically, the overlapping unit 22 overlaps the trailing end of the preceding paper by a predetermined amount on top of the leading end of the succeeding paper, and transports the continuous paper in a band shape. The overlapping section 22 transports a plurality of sheets of paper to the laminating section 23 with the leading and trailing ends of the sheets of paper overlapped with each other.

[0046] 3, the overlapping unit 22 transports the sheets P1 and P2 so that the rear end of the sheet P1 transported along the sheet transport direction Y slightly overlaps (by a predetermined amount) with the top of the leading edge of the sheet P2. Similarly, the overlapping unit 22 transports the sheets P2 and P3 so that the rear end of the sheet P2 slightly overlaps with the top of the leading edge of the sheet P3. The overlapping unit 22 transports each of the sheets P1 to P3 toward the laminating unit 23.

[0047] The overlapping section 22 targets both the paper (first type of sheet) supplied from the paper feed section 17 and on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 13, and the paper (second type of sheet) inserted from the stacking section 30 for overlapping processing. In other words, when an insertion paper is inserted, the overlapping section 22 overlaps the rear end of the paper transported just before (downstream) the insertion paper with the leading end of the insertion paper. The overlapping section 22 also overlaps the rear end of the insertion paper with the leading end of the paper transported just after (upstream) the insertion paper.

[0048] The laminating unit 23 overlays a film F (laminating film) having an adhesive layer onto the multiple sheets of paper being conveyed. The laminating unit 23 laminates each sheet of paper with the film F. The laminating unit 23 continuously attaches the film F to the surface of the sheets of paper that have been overlaid by the overlaying unit 22.

[0049] The laminating section 23 includes a film roll 231, a laminating section 232, a laminating fixing section 233, and the like.

[0050] The film roll 231 is a film F wound in a roll shape. The film F is composed of a transparent resin film layer and an adhesive layer. A heat-melting adhesive is applied to one side of the film F to form the adhesive layer. The film F is transported from the film roll 231 to the nip portion of the lamination section 232 .

[0051] The laminating unit 232 includes a pair of rollers. The laminating unit 232 sandwiches the paper and the film F in a nip formed by the pair of rollers, thereby adhering the adhesive layer of the film F to the surface of the paper. This causes the paper and the film F to be laminated together. The overlapping unit 22 overlaps the leading and trailing ends of the papers, thereby preventing the adhesive applied to the film F from coming into contact with anything other than the paper on the path after the laminating unit 232.

[0052] The laminating and fixing unit 233 applies heat and pressure to the paper and film F that have been bonded together by the bonding unit 232, thereby fixing the film F to the paper. The laminating and fixing unit 233 melts the adhesive layer of the film F, and adheres the melted adhesive layer to the surface of the paper, performing thermocompression bonding.

[0053] The laminating section 23 processes both paper (first type of sheet) supplied from the paper supply section 17 and on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 13, and paper (second type of sheet) inserted from the stacking section 30.

[0054] The separating unit 24 is provided on the paper transport path downstream of the laminating unit 23. The separating unit 24 cuts the film F between the papers that are continuously transported in a state in which the film F is laminated, to separate the papers from each other.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the separation unit 24. As shown in Fig. 4, in the paper transport direction Y, the preceding paper P11 and the following paper P12 are transported with the rear end of the preceding paper P11 overlapped with the front end of the following paper P12.

[0056] The separation unit 24 includes a guide member 241, a cutter 242, and a movement mechanism (not shown). The guide member 241 is a member extending in a width direction X perpendicular to the paper transport direction Y. The movement mechanism moves the cutter 242 along the guide member 241. In reality, the guide member 241 is provided along a direction A that forms a predetermined angle θ with the width direction X of the paper.

[0057] The separation unit 24 inserts the cutter 242 between the preceding sheet P11 and the succeeding sheet P12. The separation unit 24 moves the cutter 242 in the width direction X of the sheets (actually, direction A) and cuts the film F along the rear edge of the preceding sheet P11. In other words, the separation unit 24 cuts the film F between the sheets of paper that are connected by being adhered to the film F, thereby returning the sheets to individual sheets.

[0058] The storage unit 25 is a non-volatile storage device configured by an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 25 stores various programs, various data, and the like.

[0059] The conveying section 26 has a plurality of roller pairs. The conveying section 26 conveys the paper conveyed from the image forming device 10 within the laminating device 20.

[0060] The image reading unit 27 reads the image surface of the paper being conveyed and generates read image data.

[0061] The IF unit 28 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the laminating device 20 and the image forming device 10.

[0062] 1, the laminating device 20 includes discharge trays T11 and T12 as a discharge section. Paper that has passed through the laminating device 20 is discharged to the discharge trays T11 and T12.

[0063] The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 judges whether the interval between the image-formed sheets (first type of sheets) transported toward the overlapping unit 22 is wider than a predetermined interval. If the interval between the image-formed sheets is wider than the predetermined interval, the control unit 11 inserts an insertion sheet (second type of sheet) from the stacking unit 30 between the image-formed sheets whose interval is wider than the predetermined interval. The control unit 11 supplies these sheets to the overlapping unit 22 with the insertion sheet inserted between the image-formed sheets. That is, the control unit 11 functions as an insertion control unit.

[0064] 1, in the paper transport path R1 for paper on which an image has been formed (first type of sheet), the position where the insertion paper is inserted from the stacking unit 30 (junction position Q1) is between the image forming unit 13 and the overlapping unit 22. The insertion paper is transported from the stacking unit 30 through paper transport path R2, and merges with the paper transport path R1 for paper on which an image has been formed at the junction position Q1.

[0065] The control unit 11 determines, based on the timing of various processes related to image formation in the image forming apparatus 10, whether or not the interval between successively conveyed sheets of paper on which images have been formed will be wider than a predetermined interval. For example, the control unit 11 switches the paper feed trays T1, T2, and T3 to be used from one paper feed tray to another in the paper feed unit 17. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the interval between the paper fed from the paper feed tray immediately before the switching and the paper fed from the paper feed tray immediately after the switching will be wider than the normal paper interval.

[0066] Other processes that widen the gap between sheets of paper on which images have been formed include a toner forced discharge process, a toner concentration adjustment process, and the like.

[0067] The forced toner discharge process is a process for preventing deterioration of the toner by discharging the toner in the developing device of each color of the image forming unit 13. The control unit 11 forcibly discharges the toner in the developing device by forming a predetermined patch image on the intermediate transfer belt 132. The forced toner discharge process is executed, for example, when images with a low printing rate are continuously formed.

[0068] The toner concentration adjustment process is a process for stabilizing the image concentration. In the toner concentration adjustment process, first, the control unit 11 changes the development conditions for each color of the image forming unit 13 to form a plurality of patches with different toner concentrations on the intermediate transfer belt 132. The control unit 11 acquires the detection results of each patch on the intermediate transfer belt 132 by a density sensor (not shown). The control unit 11 performs control so as to obtain a stable toner concentration by feeding back the development conditions for each color according to the acquired detection results. The toner concentration adjustment process is executed, for example, at a predetermined interval (number of sheets of paper, time, etc.).

[0069] When an insertion sheet is inserted, the overlapping section 22 overlaps the inserted insertion sheet with the leading and trailing ends of the sheets being conveyed before and after it, and conveys them to the laminating section 23. When an insertion sheet is inserted, the laminating section 23 also laminates the inserted insertion sheet.

[0070] The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 determines whether or not each sheet separated by the separation unit 24 has a properly formed image. The control unit 21 discharges sheets of paper on which images are not properly formed (defective sheets) to a discharge tray (discharge unit) different from that for sheets of paper on which images are properly formed (normal sheets). In other words, the control unit 21 functions as a discharge control unit. For example, the control unit 21 controls the transport unit 26 to discharge normal sheets of paper to the discharge tray T11. The control unit 21 also controls the transport unit 26 to discharge defective sheets of paper to the discharge tray T12.

[0071] A sheet of paper on which an image has been normally formed may be loaded as an insertion sheet in the stacking section 30. When this insertion sheet is supplied to the overlapping section 22, the control section 21 determines whether or not the insertion sheet is a sheet on which an image has been normally formed, similar to the sheet of paper (first type of sheet) supplied from the paper supply section 17, and targets the insertion sheet for processing in switching the discharge tray (discharge section).

[0072] First, a case will be described in which the paper (first type of sheet) supplied from paper supply unit 17 is the target for determining whether it is normal or abnormal. The control unit 21 acquires image data used when the image forming unit 13 formed an image from the image forming apparatus 10 via the IF unit . The control unit 21 compares the read image data obtained by the image reading unit 27 reading the paper on which an image has been formed with the image data used when the image forming unit 13 formed an image on this paper. The control unit 21 compares both sets of image data, and if the degree of agreement between the two sets of image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that the paper to be judged is normal paper. If the degree of agreement between the two sets of image data is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that the paper to be judged is defective paper. If the control unit 21 detects scratches or stains from the read image data, it determines that the paper to be judged is defective paper.

[0073] Next, a case where an insertion sheet (a second type of sheet) inserted from the stacking unit 30 is to be subjected to normal / abnormal discrimination will be described. The memory unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10 stores classification information for each inserted sheet loaded in the loading unit 30. The classification information is information that indicates what type of sheet each inserted sheet is. Examples of classification information include sheets on which an image has been normally formed, sheets that have been purged during image formation, sheets on which an image is being formed, etc. When the control unit 11 of the image forming device 10 transports an insertion sheet from the stacking unit 30, it associates the sorting information of the insertion sheet with the timing for inserting the insertion sheet and transmits them to the laminating device 20 via the IF unit 19.

[0074] The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 acquires classification information of the inserted sheet conveyed from the image forming device 10 and the insertion timing via the IF unit 28. The control unit 21 identifies the targeted inserted sheet based on the insertion timing. The control unit 21 determines what type of sheet the identified inserted sheet is based on the classification information of the inserted sheet. The control unit 21 determines that the inserted sheet is a normal sheet when the classification information of the inserted sheet is "sheet on which an image has been normally formed." The control unit 21 determines that the inserted sheet is a defective sheet when the classification information of the inserted sheet is "sheet purged during image formation." The control unit 21 determines that the inserted sheet is a defective sheet when the classification information of the inserted sheet is "sheet on which an image is being formed." In this manner, the control unit 21 determines whether the inserted sheet among the sheets separated by the separation unit 24 is a normal sheet or not.

[0075] When the insertion paper loaded in the stacking unit 30 is a "paper on which an image has been normally formed," image data used when the image was formed on the insertion paper may be stored in the memory unit 14 of the image forming device 10. In this case, the control unit 11 of the image forming device 10 transmits this image data to the laminating device 20 via the IF unit 19 in association with the timing of inserting the insertion paper. The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 obtains the image data used when forming an image on the insertion sheet and the insertion timing from the image forming device 10 via the IF unit 28. The control unit 21 identifies the insertion sheet that is the target based on the insertion timing. The control unit 21 compares the read image data obtained by the image reading unit 27 reading the insertion sheet with the image data used when forming an image on the insertion sheet. The control unit 21 compares both image data, and if the degree of agreement between the two image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that the insertion sheet to be determined is a normal sheet. If the degree of agreement between the two image data is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 21 determines that the insertion sheet to be determined is a defective sheet. If the control unit 21 detects scratches or stains from the read image data, it determines that the insertion sheet to be determined is a defective sheet.

[0076] The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 may accumulate the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 17 (paper supply trays T1 to T3) serving as a storage unit arranged upstream of the image forming unit 13 on the paper transport path in the stacking unit 30 as an insertion paper (a second type of sheet). That is, the control unit 11 functions as an accumulation control unit. For example, in response to a predetermined operation by the user from the operation unit 152, the control unit 11 controls the transport unit 16 to transport the paper from the paper supply unit 17 to the stacking unit 30. In this case, the paper supplied from the paper supply unit 17 passes through the image forming unit 13, and is then transported to the stacking unit 30 via the paper transport path R3. Here, the paper transported to the stacking unit 30 is not subjected to image formation by the image forming unit 13.

[0077] The control unit 11 detects a jam in the lamination system 1 based on the detection result of the jam detection sensor 40. When a jam occurs in the paper transport path downstream of the image forming unit 13, the control unit 11 accumulates the paper (first type of sheet) on which an image has been formed or is in the process of being formed, in the stacking unit 30 as an insertion paper (second type of sheet). In this case, the paper on which an image has been formed and the paper on which an image is being formed are transported to the stacking section 30 via the paper transport path R3. The "downstream of the image forming unit 13" in the lamination system 1 includes a laminating unit 22, a laminating unit 23, a separating unit 24, and the like.

[0078] [Lamination system operation] Next, the operation of the lamination system 1 will be described. 5 is a flowchart showing the paper interval adjustment process executed in the image forming apparatus 10. The paper interval adjustment process is realized by software processing through cooperation between the CPU of the control unit 11 and a program stored in the storage unit 14.

[0079] First, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 starts a job (step S1). Job data may be received from an external device via the communication unit 18, or may be generated based on an operation instruction from the operation unit 152. The job includes a lamination process.

[0080] Next, the control unit 11 causes the image forming unit 13 to form an image based on the job data (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the conveying unit 16 to convey the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 17 to the image forming unit 13. The control unit 11 controls the image forming unit 13 to form an image on the paper (first type of sheet).

[0081] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the interval (sheet interval) between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 13 is wider than a predetermined interval (step S3). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the interval between the successively transported sheets on which an image has been formed is wider than a predetermined interval based on the timing of various processes related to image formation.

[0082] If the gap between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet on which the image is formed is larger than the predetermined gap (step S3; YES), the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the control unit 21 inserts an insertion sheet (a second type of sheet) from the stacking unit 30 between the sheets whose gap is larger than the predetermined gap. The control unit 21 may successively insert a plurality of insertion sheets between the sheets according to the interval between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet on which an image has been formed.

[0083] Next, the control unit 11 supplies the sheets of paper with the insertion sheet inserted between the sheets of paper with images formed thereon to the overlapping unit 22 (laminating device 20) (step S5). That is, the control unit 11 supplies the sheets of paper with images formed thereon to the overlapping unit 22 in the order of the sheets of paper with images formed thereon, the insertion sheet, and the sheets of paper with images formed thereon.

[0084] In step S3, if the distance between the preceding sheet on which an image has been formed and the succeeding sheet is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (step S3; NO), the control unit 11 supplies the preceding sheet on which an image has been formed and the succeeding sheet to the overlapping unit 22 (laminating device 20) (step S6).

[0085] After step S5 or step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether or not image formation on all the sheets is completed in the image forming unit 13 (step S7).

[0086] If there is any paper on which image formation has not been completed (step S7; NO), the process returns to step S2. In step S7, if image formation on all the sheets is completed (step S7; YES), the sheet interval adjustment process ends.

[0087] 5, for the sake of simplicity, the process of adjusting the paper interval has been described as being performed in sequence, including image formation, insertion of the inserted paper, and supply to the overlapping unit 22. However, in reality, the process is performed on multiple papers that are transported continuously, so each process is performed in parallel.

[0088] 6 is a flowchart showing post-processing executed in laminating device 20. The post-processing is realized by software processing through cooperation between the CPU of control unit 21 and a program stored in storage unit 25.

[0089] First, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 controls the overlapping unit 22 to overlap the leading and trailing ends of the sheets of paper that are being continuously transported. The control unit 21 controls the overlapping unit 22 to transport the sheets of paper with their leading and trailing ends overlapped to the laminating unit 23 (step S11). The overlapping unit 22 processes the sheets of paper transported from the image forming device 10. The sheets of paper transported from the image forming device 10 include the sheets of paper (first type of sheet) supplied from the paper feed unit 17 and the inserted sheets of paper (second type of sheet) inserted from the stacking unit 30.

[0090] Next, the control unit 21 controls the laminating unit 23 to perform lamination processing by superposing the film F on the conveyed paper (step S12). The laminating unit 23 processes the paper conveyed from the overlapping unit 22. The paper conveyed from the overlapping unit 22 includes the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 17 (first type of sheet) and the inserted paper inserted from the stacking unit 30 (second type of sheet).

[0091] Next, the control unit 21 controls the separation unit 24 to cut the film F between the sheets of paper that are continuously transported in a state in which the film F is laminated thereon, and separate the sheets of paper from each other (step S13).

[0092] Next, the control unit 21 controls the image reading unit 27 to read the separated paper (step S14). The image reading unit 27 reads the paper and generates read image data.

[0093] The control unit 21 determines whether or not the separated paper is a paper on which an image has been normally formed (step S15). For example, the control unit 21 compares the read image data obtained in step S14 with the image data used when the image was formed. The control unit 21 compares the two image data, and if the degree of agreement between the two image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determines that the paper to be identified is a paper on which an image has been normally formed. The paper to be identified may be a paper on which an image has already been formed, or may be an inserted paper. Furthermore, the control unit 21 may determine whether or not the insertion sheet is a sheet on which an image has been normally formed, based on classification information of the insertion sheet.

[0094] If the separated paper is a paper on which an image has been normally formed (step S15; YES), the control unit 21 controls the conveying unit 26 to discharge the paper to a discharge tray for normal paper (step S16). For example, the discharge tray T11 is used as the discharge tray for normal paper.

[0095] In step S15, if the separated paper is not a paper on which an image has been normally formed (step S15; NO), the control unit 21 controls the conveying unit 26 to discharge the paper to a discharge tray for defective paper (step S17). For example, the discharge tray T12 is used as the discharge tray for defective paper. After step S16 or step S17, the post-processing ends.

[0096] For the sake of simplicity, the post-processing in Fig. 6 is described as being performed in order of processes such as overlapping sheets, lamination, sheet separation, and output tray switching. However, in reality, each process is performed in parallel because the processes are performed on multiple sheets of paper that are transported continuously.

[0097] 7 is a flowchart showing a process when a jam occurs, which is executed in the image forming apparatus 10. The process when a jam occurs is realized by software processing in cooperation with the CPU of the control unit 11 and a program stored in the storage unit 14.

[0098] First, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not a jam has occurred in the paper transport path downstream of the image forming unit 13 based on the detection result of the jam detection sensor 40 (step S21). If no jam has occurred in the paper transport path downstream of the image forming unit 13 (step S21; NO), the process returns to step S21.

[0099] When a jam occurs in the paper transport path downstream of the image forming unit 13 (step S21; YES), the control unit 11 controls the transport unit 16 to accumulate the paper on which an image has been formed and the paper on which an image is being formed as an insertion paper in the stacking unit 30 (step S22). The control unit 11 accumulates in the stacking unit 30 all the paper (first type of sheet) that has already been sent out from the paper supply unit 17 and whose destination can be changed to the paper transport path R3. This completes the jamming process.

[0100] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 judges whether the interval between the sheets (first type of sheet) conveyed toward the overlapping unit 22 is wider than a predetermined interval. If the interval between the sheets is wider than the predetermined interval, the control unit 11 inserts an insertion sheet (second type of sheet) from the stacking unit 30 between the sheets whose interval is wider than the predetermined interval. This eliminates the need for shutdown and startup processes in the laminating device 20, and downtime can be avoided. Therefore, the control unit 11 can prevent a decrease in productivity in the laminating process when the sheet interval (sheet interval) increases due to image formation.

[0101] Furthermore, the laminating section 23 can laminate the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming section 13 .

[0102] In addition, in the paper transport path R1 for the image-formed paper (first type sheet), an insertion paper is inserted from the stacking unit 30 to a position (junction position Q1) between the image forming unit 13 and the overlapping unit 22. Therefore, the control unit 11 of the image forming device 10 can insert the insertion paper between the image-formed papers.

[0103] Furthermore, the separating section 24 of the laminating device 20 cuts the film F between the sheets to separate the sheets from each other. Thus, the separating section 24 can return the multiple sheets of paper that were connected by the film F to individual sheets of paper (sheets).

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 discharges sheets of paper on which images are not normally formed (defective sheets) to a discharge tray different from that for sheets of paper on which images are normally formed (normal sheets). This allows the control unit 21 to separate the deliverables to be used later from the rest.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 21 can also determine whether an inserted sheet of paper inserted from the stacking unit 30 is a sheet on which an image has been normally formed, and can switch the discharge tray (discharge unit).

[0106] Furthermore, the lamination system 1 can use any sheet as an insertion sheet (a second type of sheet). For example, since the insert sheet simply needs to be inserted between sheets of paper on which images have been formed, recycled paper can be used as the insert sheet. Furthermore, the lamination system 1 can effectively utilize paper that would otherwise be disposed by using paper that has been purged during image formation or paper on which an image is being partially formed as an insertion paper. Furthermore, by using a sheet on which an image has been normally formed as an insertion sheet, the lamination system 1 can output the insertion sheet as a laminated final product.

[0107] If no insert sheets are stored in the stacking section 30, sheets must be transported from the paper feed section 17 to replenish the stack when the lamination system 1 is used. In this embodiment, the user can manually set the insertion paper in the stacking section 30. This allows the user to prepare the insertion paper in advance before using the lamination system 1. This eliminates the need for waiting time when starting image formation and lamination in the lamination system 1.

[0108] In addition, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 can easily prepare the insertion sheets by storing the sheets supplied from the sheet supply unit 17 (storage unit) in the stacking unit 30 as the insertion sheets (second type of sheets).

[0109] Furthermore, when a jam occurs in the paper transport path downstream of the image forming unit 13, the control unit 11 accumulates the paper (first type of sheet) on which an image has been formed or is in the process of being formed as an insertion paper (second type of sheet) in the stacking unit 30. This allows the lamination system 1 to effectively utilize the paper that would otherwise be disposed.

[0110] The above description of the embodiment is merely an example of the lamination system, lamination method, and program according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 that controls the image forming device 10 and the control unit 21 that controls the laminating device 20 are separately provided within the laminating system 1. Alternatively, the control unit that controls the entire laminating system 1 may insert an insertion sheet from the stacking unit 30 between sheets of paper whose intervals are wider than a predetermined interval when the sheets of paper being transported toward the overlapping unit 22 are wider than a predetermined interval.

[0112] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the stacking unit 30 is included in the image forming apparatus 10. The stacking unit 30 may be provided anywhere in the lamination system 1 as long as the insertion sheet can be inserted into the sheet transport path between the image forming unit 13 and the overlapping unit 22.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines the occurrence and location of a jam within the lamination system 1 based on the detection result of the jam detection sensor 40. The control unit that determines the occurrence and location of a jam may be provided anywhere within the lamination system 1.

[0114] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which image reading unit 27 is included in laminating device 20. Image reading unit 27 may be provided anywhere in laminating system 1 as long as it can read the paper after separation by separation unit 24.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the first type of sheet is paper that is supplied from paper supply unit 17 and has an image formed thereon by image forming unit 13, but the first type of sheet may also be paper that has no image formed thereon.

[0116] Furthermore, the loading section 30 for loading the insertion sheets may also serve as a post inserter.

[0117] The computer-readable medium storing the program for executing each process is not limited to the above examples. A portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM may be used as the computer-readable medium storing the program. A carrier wave may be used as the medium for providing the program data via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Lamination System 10 Image forming device 11 Control section 13 Image forming section 14 Storage section 16 Conveyor section 17 Paper feed section 18 Communications Department 19 IF Section 20 Laminating equipment 21 Control section 22 Overlapped section 23 Lamination Department 24 Separation part 25 Memory section 26 Conveyor 27 Image reading unit 28 IF Section 30 Loading section 40 Jam detection sensor 231 Film Roll 232 Bonding section 233 Laminate fixing section F Film

Claims

1. a laminating section for laminating a first type of sheet with a film having an adhesive layer; an overlapping section that overlaps leading and trailing ends of the first type sheets that are continuously conveyed with each other and conveys the sheets to the laminating section; a stacking section for stacking a second type of sheet different from the first type of sheet; an insertion control unit that, when an interval between the first type sheets conveyed toward the overlapping unit is greater than a predetermined interval, inserts the second type sheets from the stacking unit between the first type sheets whose interval is greater than the predetermined interval, and supplies the second type sheets to the overlapping unit; Equipped with A lamination system, wherein the overlapping section and the lamination section also process the inserted second type of sheet.

2. an image forming unit that forms an image on the first type of sheet, The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the laminating section laminates the first type of sheet on which the image is formed.

3. 3. The lamination system according to claim 2, wherein the position at which the second type of sheet is inserted from the stacking unit in the transport path for the first type of sheet is between the image forming unit and the overlapping unit.

4. The lamination system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a separation section that cuts the film between the sheets that are continuously transported in a laminated state with the film to separate the sheets from each other.

5. The lamination system according to claim 4, further comprising an ejection control unit that determines whether each separated sheet has a normally formed image thereon, and ejects sheets on which images have not been normally formed to an ejection section different from that for sheets on which images have been normally formed.

6. the second type of sheet is a sheet on which an image is normally formed, The lamination system according to claim 5 , wherein when the second type of sheet is supplied to the overlapping section, the discharge control section processes the second type of sheet in the same manner as the first type of sheet.

7. 3. The lamination system according to claim 1, wherein the second type of sheets includes at least one of recycled paper, sheets purged during image formation, sheets in the middle of image formation, and sheets on which images have been normally formed.

8. 3. The lamination system according to claim 1, wherein the second type of sheet can be set on the stacking section by a user.

9. The lamination system of claim 2 or 3, further comprising an accumulation control unit that accumulates sheets supplied from a storage unit arranged upstream of the image forming unit on the transport path of the first type of sheet in the stacking unit as the second type of sheet.

10. The lamination system of claim 9, wherein the accumulation control unit accumulates the first type of sheet on which an image has been formed or on which an image is being formed in the stacking unit as the second type of sheet when a jam occurs in a transport path downstream of the image forming unit.

11. A lamination method in a lamination system including a laminating unit that laminates a first type of sheet with a film having an adhesive layer, an overlapping unit that overlaps leading and trailing ends of the first type of sheets that are continuously transported with each other and transports the sheets to the laminating unit, and a loading unit that loads a second type of sheet different from the first type of sheet, the method comprising the steps of: when an interval between the first type sheets conveyed toward the overlapping section is greater than a predetermined interval, inserting the second type sheets from the stacking section between the first type sheets whose interval is greater than the predetermined interval and supplying the second type sheets to the overlapping section; The lamination method further comprises subjecting the inserted second type of sheet to processing in the overlapping section and the laminating section.

12. A computer of a lamination system including a laminating unit that laminates a first type of sheet with a film having an adhesive layer, an overlapping unit that overlaps leading and trailing ends of the first type of sheets that are continuously transported with each other and transports the sheets to the laminating unit, and a loading unit that loads a second type of sheet different from the first type of sheet, when an interval between the first type sheets conveyed toward the overlapping section is greater than a predetermined interval, inserting the second type sheets from the stacking section between the first type sheets whose interval is greater than the predetermined interval and supplying the second type sheets to the overlapping section; a step of subjecting the inserted second type of sheet to processing by the overlapping unit and the laminating unit; A program for executing the above.

Images