Post-processing device, post-processing execution decision method, and post-processing execution decision program

Abstract

To prevent a post-processing device from being damaged.SOLUTION: A CPU 111 includes a physical property information acquisition part 127 and a physical property information determination part 129 that acquire first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated onto at least a portion of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, and a determination part 131 that determines whether or not to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a post-processing device, a post-processing execution determination method, and a post-processing execution determination program, and particularly to a post-processing device that executes post-processing on a laminated recording medium, a post-processing execution determination method executed by the post-processing device, and a post-processing execution determination program that causes a computer to execute the post-processing execution determination method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a post-processing device that executes post-processing on a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming device represented by an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). Post-processing includes lamination using a laminate film sheet. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-176791, a laminate processing device that peels two sheets that are stacked and partially joined, sandwiches a sheet-like medium between the peeled sheets, and performs lamination processing, includes a stacking means for stacking the sheets in a lamination processing mode, a thermocompression member for heating and pressing the sheets fed from the stacking means, a thermocompression conveyance path for conveying the sheets to a post-processing device where the thermocompression member is disposed and connected downstream, and a non-thermocompression conveyance path for conveying the sheets to the post-processing device without passing through the thermocompression member, and the stacking means can be used in two modes: a lamination processing mode and a non-lamination processing mode.

[0003] On the other hand, post-processing includes, in addition to lamination processing, deformation processing such as folding the paper and cutting processing such as punching holes or cutting. The size, thickness, paper type, etc. of the paper before lamination processing and the paper after lamination processing are different. Therefore, the laminated paper may be too large or too hard and exceed the ability of the post-processing device to perform deformation processing. When the post-processing device exceeds its ability to perform deformation processing, it may not be possible to execute the deformation processing, or the device may be damaged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a post-treatment device capable of preventing damage to the post-treatment device.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a post-treatment execution determination method capable of preventing damage to the post-treatment device.

[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a post-treatment execution determination program capable of preventing damage to the post-treatment device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a control device includes an acquisition unit that acquires first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, and a determination unit that determines whether to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process based on the acquired first physical property information or second physical property information.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a post-treatment device includes the above control device, a lamination processing unit that laminates a film on at least a part of a recording medium on which an image is formed, and a deformation unit that performs a deformation process for physically deforming the recording medium.

[0010] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing execution determination method causes a control device to execute an acquisition step of acquiring first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, and a determination step of determining whether to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process based on the acquired first physical property information or second physical property information.

[0011] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing execution determination method includes a lamination processing unit that laminates a film on at least a part of a recording medium on which an image is formed, and a deformation unit that performs a deformation process of physically deforming the recording medium, the post-processing device being controlled by the control device.

[0012] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing execution determination program causes a computer to execute an acquisition step of acquiring first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, and a determination step of determining whether to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process based on the acquired first physical property information or second physical property information.

[0013] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing execution determination program includes a lamination processing unit that laminates a film on at least a part of a recording medium on which an image is formed, and a deformation unit that performs a deformation process of physically deforming the recording medium, the post-processing device being controlled by the computer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

Figure 9

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Figure 11

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Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In some of the drawings after FIG. 1, for the sake of clarity of the positional relationship, arrows indicating the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction that are orthogonal to each other are attached. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane, and the Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction. Also, in the following description, in the X direction, the direction in which the arrow points is called the right direction, and the opposite direction is called the left direction. Also, in the Y direction, the direction in which the arrow points is called the front direction, and the opposite direction is called the rear direction.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeding device 2, an image forming device 3, and a post-processing device 4. The post-processing device 4 includes a laminating device 5, a processing device 6, a conveying device 7, a cutting device 8, and a paper discharge tray 9. The processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 perform a deformation process for physically deforming the paper. The deformation process includes a cutting process and a folding process. The cutting process includes a punching process and a cutting process. The folding process includes a middle folding process and a flattening process. The paper feeding device 2, the image forming device 3, the laminating device 5, the processing device 6, the conveying device 7, the cutting device 8, and the paper discharge tray 9 are arranged side by side in this order from the paper feeding device 2 toward the left. The image forming device 3 includes a main circuit 110. Although the details of the main circuit 110 will be described later, it includes a CPU 111 (see FIG. 7) that controls the entire image forming system 1. Note that the main circuit 110 may be provided in the post-processing device 4.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the paper feeding device. Referring to FIG. 2, the paper feeding device 2 includes a first paper feeding tray 11, a second paper feeding tray 12, and a third paper feeding tray 13. Each of the first paper feeding tray 11, the second paper feeding tray 12, and the third paper feeding tray 13 can accommodate a plurality of recording media. In this example, paper is used as the recording media. As the recording media, in addition to paper, an OHP (Overhead projector) film can also be used.

[0019] The types (paper types), sizes, and orientations of the papers accommodated in the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 are the same. Among the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13, the types (paper types), sizes, and orientations of the papers may be the same or different. The paper feeding device 2 takes out one sheet of paper at a time from any one of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 and supplies it to the image forming device 3. Each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 is provided with a pickup roller and a separating roller, and takes out one sheet of paper in order from the uppermost sheet of the stacked multiple sheets of paper. The paper taken out by the pickup roller and the separating roller is conveyed by the supply roller 14. The supply roller 14 conveys the paper along the conveyance path P1. The conveyance path P1 is a path leading to the image forming device 3. The paper conveyed by the supply roller 14 advances along the conveyance path P1 and is supplied to the image forming device 3.

[0020] The image forming device 3 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the image forming device. Referring to FIG. 3, the image forming device 3 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y", "M", "C", and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Printing data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. Since only the colors of the toners handled by the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are different, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described here.

[0021] The image forming unit 20Y includes a developing device 21Y, a photosensitive drum 22Y as an image carrier, a charging roller 23Y, an exposure device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 26Y, a toner bottle 27Y, and a toner hopper 28Y.

[0022] The toner bottle 27Y, the toner hopper 28Y, and the developing device 21Y are arranged on the path through which the toner is conveyed in this order. The toner hopper 28Y is arranged immediately before the developing device 21Y. Toner is supplied from the toner hopper 28Y to the developing device 21Y through a toner conveyance path.

[0023] The developing device 21Y includes a developing roller 25Y. The developing roller 25Y has a built-in magnet roller and holds the charged toner stored in the developing device 21Y by the action of magnetic force. The photosensitive drum 22Y has a cylindrical shape, and a charging roller 23Y, an exposure device 24Y, a developing roller 25Y, and a primary transfer roller 26Y are arranged in order along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 22Y around the photosensitive drum 22Y.

[0024] After the surface of the photosensitive drum 22Y is charged by the charging roller 23Y, it is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 24Y. The exposure device 24Y exposes the image corresponding part on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22Y to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 22Y. Subsequently, the developing device 21Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 22Y with toner. Specifically, the toner held by the developing roller 25Y is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 22Y by the action of electric field force, whereby a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 22Y. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 22Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 29, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force by the primary transfer roller 26Y.

[0025] The intermediate transfer belt 29 is suspended by a driving roller R1 and a driven roller R2 so as not to sag. When the driving roller R1 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer belt 29 rotates clockwise in the figure at a predetermined speed. As the intermediate transfer belt 29 rotates, the driven roller R2 rotates clockwise.

[0026] As a result, the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfer the toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 29 in this order. The timing for each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K to transfer the toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 29 is adjusted by detecting a reference mark attached to the intermediate transfer belt 29. As a result, the toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and white are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 29.

[0027] The first receiving roller R5, the secondary transfer roller R3, the fixing roller pair R4, and the discharge roller R6 are arranged along the transport path P1 in this order and in the transport direction. The first receiving roller R5 receives the paper transported from the paper feeding device 2 and transports the paper toward the secondary transfer roller R3.

[0028] The secondary transfer roller R3 is arranged to face the driven roller R2. An electric field force is generated by the secondary transfer roller R3 between the secondary transfer roller R3 and the driven roller R2. Therefore, when the paper transported along the transport path P1 passes between the secondary transfer roller R3 and the driven roller R2, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 29 is transferred onto the first surface of the paper by the action of the electric field force. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing roller pair R4. The fixing roller pair R4 heats and presses the paper passing between the fixing roller pair R4. As a result, the toner is melted and fixed onto the first surface of the paper.

[0029] A first switching claw 33 is disposed on a conveyance path P1 between a fixing roller pair R4 and a discharge roller R6. The image forming apparatus 3 includes a first reversing mechanism 30 below the conveyance path P1. The first reversing mechanism 30 includes a first reversing path P2, a first reversing roller R7 disposed on the first reversing path P2, and a first retracting tray 34. The first switching claw 33 switches the traveling direction of the sheet to either one of the conveyance path P1 and the first reversing path P2. In a state where the first switching claw 33 switches the traveling direction of the sheet to the conveyance path P1, the sheet conveyed by the fixing roller pair R4 travels along the conveyance path P1 and is received by the discharge roller R6. The discharge roller R6 receives the sheet conveyed by the fixing roller pair R4 and conveys the sheet. The sheet conveyed by the discharge roller R6 travels along the conveyance path P1 and is supplied to the laminating apparatus 5.

[0030] In a state where the first switching claw 33 switches the traveling direction of the sheet to the first reversing path P2, the sheet conveyed by the fixing roller pair R4 travels along the first reversing path P2. The first reversing path P2 includes a first retracting path 31 and a first refeeding path 32. The first retracting path 31 is a path from a position upstream of the first switching claw 33 on the conveyance path P1 to the first retracting tray 34. The first refeeding path 32 is a path from the first retracting tray 34 to a position upstream of the first receiving roller R5 on the conveyance path P1.

[0031] In a state where the first switching claw 33 switches the traveling direction of the sheet to the first reversing path P2, the sheet conveyed by the fixing roller pair R4 enters the first retracting path 31. A plurality of rollers are disposed on the first retracting path 31, and the plurality of rollers convey the sheet. The sheet conveyed by the plurality of rollers on the first retracting path 31 travels along the first retracting path 31 and is received by the first reversing roller R7.

[0032] The first reversing roller R7 conveys the sheet towards the first retraction tray 34 by rotating in the forward direction. After conveying the sheet to the first retraction tray 34 by a predetermined amount, the first reversing roller R7 reverses its rotation direction and rotates in the reverse direction. When the first reversing roller R7 rotates in the reverse direction, the sheet partially accommodated in the first retraction tray 34 is conveyed in the direction opposite to the direction in which it has been conveyed so far and enters the first refeeding path 32. A plurality of rollers are arranged in the first refeeding path 32, and the plurality of rollers convey the sheet. The sheet conveyed by the plurality of rollers is conveyed along the first refeeding path 32 and enters the conveyance path P1.

[0033] The first receiving roller R5 receives the sheet conveyed along the first refeeding path 32 by the plurality of rollers in the first refeeding path 32 and conveys the sheet towards the secondary transfer roller R3. The surface facing upward above the sheet received by the first receiving roller R5 through the first refeeding path 32 is the second surface on the side opposite to the first surface facing upward while the sheet is being supplied from the paper feeding device 2 and conveyed along the conveyance path P1. Therefore, while the sheet conveyed along the first refeeding path 32 is conveyed along the conveyance path P1 by the first receiving roller R5, an image is formed on the second surface of the sheet.

[0034] When the image forming apparatus 3 forms a full-color image, it drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When forming a monochrome image, it drives any one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Also, an image can be formed by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the laminating apparatus. Referring to FIG. 2, The laminating device 5 performs laminating processing to continuously attach the films F1 and F2 to the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming device 3. The films F1 and F2 have a two-layer structure composed of a transparent resin film layer and an adhesive layer. The film F1 and the film F2 may be of the same type or different types. Here, the case where the film F1 and the film F2 are of the same type will be described as an example.

[0036] The laminating device 5 includes a first laminating supply unit 45A, a second laminating supply unit 45B, a first pair of conveying rollers 41A and 41B, a pair of laminating rollers 42A and 42B, a pair of heating rollers 43A and 43B, a third pair of conveying rollers 44A and 44B, and a cutting unit 49.

[0037] The first laminating supply unit 45A includes a first laminating roller 46A and a first supply roller 47A. The first laminating roller 46A rotatably holds a roll around which the film F1 is wound in a roll shape. The film F1 is wound in a roll shape with the adhesive layer facing outward. The first supply roller 47A draws out the film F1 from the first laminating roller 46A and supplies it to the pair of laminating rollers 42A and 42B.

[0038] The second laminating supply unit 45B includes a second laminating roller 46B and a second supply roller 47B. The second laminating roller 46B rotatably holds a roll around which the film F2 is wound in a roll shape. The film F2 is wound in a roll shape with the adhesive layer facing outward. The second supply roller 47B draws out the film F2 from the second laminating roller 46B and supplies it to the pair of laminating rollers 42A and 42B.

[0039] The paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 3, the film F1, and the film F2 are supplied to the laminating roller pair 42A and 42B. At the nip portion N1 where the laminating roller pair 42A and 42B are in contact with each other, the film F1, the paper, and the film F2 are sandwiched between the film F1 and the film F2 and are nipped by the laminating roller pair 42A and 42B. The adhesive layer of the film F1 adheres to the paper, and the adhesive layer of the film F2 adheres to the paper. Thereby, the film F1 is laminated on the front surface of the paper, and the film F2 is laminated on the back surface of the paper.

[0040] The heating roller pair 43A, 43B incorporates heating means such as a halogen heater. The heating roller pair 43A, 43B is biased in the approaching direction by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring. At the nip portion N2 where the heating roller pair 43A, 43B are in contact with each other, the film F1, the paper, and the film F2 are heated and pressed. The heating roller pair 43A, 43B applies pressure while melting the adhesive layers of the films F1 and F2 at the nip portion N2. Thereby, the melted adhesive adheres the transparent resin form layer to the paper.

[0041] The cutting unit 49 cuts the films F1 and F2 adhered to the paper by the heating roller pair 43A, 43B. The cutting unit 49 may cut the films F1 and F2 into a size larger than the size of the paper, or may cut them into the same size as the paper or a size smaller than the size of the paper.

[0042] The temperature and pressure of the heating roller pair 43A, 43B and the conveyance speed of the paper by the first conveyance roller pair 41A, 41B and the third conveyance roller pair 44A, 44B are controlled by the CPU 111 (see FIG. 7).

[0043] Note that in this embodiment, the laminating device 5 has been described as an example of bonding the film F1 to the front surface of the paper and bonding the film F2 to the back surface of the paper. However, the laminating device 5 does not necessarily need to bond the film F1 to the front surface of the paper and bond the film F2 to the back surface of the paper. Also, the laminating device 5 does not necessarily need to bond the film F2 to the back surface of the paper and bond the film F1 to the front surface of the paper. Further, the laminating device 5 may bond the film to only a part of the surface of the paper instead of bonding the films F1 and F2 to the entire surface of the paper.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view for explaining the configuration and operation of the processing device 6. The processing device 6 performs punching processing and middle folding processing on a plurality of sheets discharged from the laminating device 5. The punching processing is one of the cutting processing of the deformation processing, and is a processing for punching punch holes in a plurality of sheets. The middle folding processing is one of the folding processing of the deformation processing, and is a processing for folding a booklet with the central portion as a reference. The processing device 6 forms one booklet BK every time a predetermined number of sheets are discharged from the laminating device 5. In this embodiment, the booklet BK refers to a bundle in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked. Note that the booklet BK includes a bundle of one sheet.

[0045] In FIG. 5, some of the components of the processing device 6 for performing the above punching processing and middle folding processing are shown. Also, in the upper part of FIG. 5, an example of the operation of the processing device 6 when performing the punching processing and the middle folding processing is shown in time series.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, the processing device 6 has a configuration in which a punching device 60, a pushing device 70, and a folding device 80 are mainly housed in a housing 50. The housing 50 has a right side wall 50R and a left side wall 50L. A paper inlet 51 and a booklet outlet 52 are formed in the right side wall 50R and the left side wall 50L, respectively. As shown by the thick dashed arrow in the left front view of FIG. 5, the sheets discharged from the laminating device 5 first enter the housing 50 through the paper inlet 51 of the right side wall 50R.

[0047] After that, the paper that has entered the housing 50 is sent onto a stacker 61 provided substantially at the center inside the housing 50 by a conveyance mechanism (not shown). A punching device 60 is provided near the stacker 61. The upper surface of the stacker 61 is inclined from the horizontal plane so as to extend obliquely downward to the right from a position diagonally above the left of the punching device 60 in a front view. The punching device 60 includes, for example, a DC (direct current) motor and punches one or more punch holes.

[0048] A stopper 62 is provided at a position diagonally below the right of the punching device 60 and the stacker 61. The paper sent to the stacker 61 slides diagonally downward to the right along the upper surface of the stacker 61. The stopper 62 is configured to be shiftable between a closed state that stops the sliding of the paper at a predetermined position on the stacker 61 and an open state that allows the sliding of the paper on the stacker 61. When the stopper 62 is in the closed state, a predetermined number of sheets of paper are sent to the stacker 61. Thereby, a plurality of sheets of paper are stacked on the stacker 61 in a certain posture and held in a predetermined position and posture with respect to the punching device 60. A booklet BK is formed by stacking a predetermined number of sheets of paper.

[0049] Next, as shown by the thick solid line arrow in the front view at the center of FIG. 5, when the punch blade moves, the punching device 60 punches punch holes in the booklet BK on the stacker 61 as a punching process. Specifically, in the punching device 60, when the DC motor operates, the punch blade moves and the booklet BK held on the stacker 61 is punched.

[0050] Below the center stitch stopper 62, an intermediate conveyance roller 64, a conveyance belt 65, and a stacker 66 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in this order diagonally downward to the left from a position near the stopper 62. The upper surfaces of the conveyance belt 65 and the stacker 66 are inclined from the horizontal plane so as to extend diagonally downward to the left from a position below the intermediate conveyance roller 64 in a front view.

[0051] After the punch holes are perforated in the booklet BK, the stopper 62 shifts from the closed state to the open state. As a result, as indicated by the thick dashed arrow in the right front view of FIG. 5, the booklet BK with the punch holes perforated slides down from the stacker 61 and is sent onto the conveyor belt 65 via the intermediate conveyor roller 64. The conveyor belt 65 further conveys the sheets onto the stacker 66. A stopper 67 is attached to the lower end of the stacker 66. Thereby, the booklet BK is held in a predetermined position and posture on the stacker 66 and the conveyor belt 65. At this time, in the conveyance direction of the booklet BK, the central portion of the booklet BK is located between the conveyor belt 65 and the stacker 66. Also, in this state, the center folding process by the pushing device 70 and the folding device 80 is started.

[0052] The pushing device 70 and the folding device 80 are provided so as to face each other at a position between the conveyor belt 65 and the stacker 66 with the booklet BK held on the stacker 66 in between. Note that the folding device 80 is located diagonally upward to the left with respect to the pushing device 70.

[0053] The folding device 80 includes a pair of belts 83 that rotate by two rollers 81, 82. The pair of belts 83 are arranged so as to be juxtaposed close to each other in the direction in which the stacker 66 extends in a front view. The pushing device 70 has a pushing plate 71 provided so as to be able to advance and retreat toward the gap between the pair of belts 83 of the folding device 80.

[0054] When the center folding process is started, the pushing plate 71 advances toward the folding device 80. As a result, the portion of the booklet BK that comes into contact with the pushing plate 71 is pushed between the pair of belts 83 of the folding device 80. At this time, as the pair of rollers 82 rotate, the portion of the booklet BK pushed between the pair of belts 83 is folded and sent diagonally upward to the left while being discharged from the folding device 80. In this way, the center folding process of the booklet BK is completed. After that, the pushing plate 71 retreats. The booklet BK discharged from the pair of rollers 82 is discharged to the outside of the housing 50 through the discharge guide 90 from the booklet outlet 52 of the left side wall 50L.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view for explaining the configurations of the conveying device and the cutting device. Referring to FIG. 6, the conveying device 7 has a configuration in which a conveying belt 210 is mainly accommodated within a housing 200. The housing 200 has a right side wall 200R and a left side wall 200L. A booklet inlet 201 and a booklet outlet 202 are respectively formed in the right side wall 200R and the left side wall 200L. The height of the booklet inlet 201 is lower than the height of the booklet outlet 202. The conveying belt 210 is provided so as to extend a certain distance from the vicinity of the booklet inlet 201 toward the booklet outlet 202. The conveying device 7 receives the booklet BK discharged from the processing device 6 at the booklet inlet 201. The conveying belt 210 conveys the booklet BK received at the booklet inlet 201 to the booklet outlet 202.

[0056] The housing 300 of the cutting device 8 has a right side wall 300R and a left side wall 300L. A booklet inlet 301 and a booklet outlet 302 are respectively formed in the right side wall 300R and the left side wall 300L. The booklet inlet 301 and the booklet outlet 302 face each other in the X direction.

[0057] The booklet inlet 301 where the cutting device 8 receives the booklet BK is located above the booklet outlet 52 where the processing device 6 discharges the booklet BK. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting device 8 has a paper discharge tray 53 above the booklet outlet 52. This paper discharge tray 53 is movable up to a height at a predetermined distance above the booklet outlet 52. For this reason, the conveying device 7 conveys the booklet BK located at the height of the booklet outlet 52 to the height of the booklet inlet 301 without interfering with the paper discharge tray 53.

[0058] The cutting device 8 performs a flattening process and a cutting process on the booklet BK discharged from the processing device 6. The flattening process in this example is one type of deformation process, namely a folding process, and refers to a process of flattening the spine of the booklet BK. The cutting process in this example is one type of deformation process, namely a cutting process, and refers to a process of cutting the bottom edge of the booklet BK. The paper discharge tray 9 accumulates a plurality of booklets BK discharged from the cutting device 8.

[0059] The cutting device 8 includes a fixing part 220, a pressing roller 231, a conveying belt 310, and a cutting part 320. The conveying belt 310 is provided so as to extend a certain distance from the vicinity of the booklet inlet 301 toward the booklet outlet 302.

[0060] The fixing part 220 and the pressing roller 231 are provided between the conveying belt 310 and the left side wall 300L in the X direction. The fixing part 220 includes a pedestal 221 and a pressing member 222. The pedestal 221 and the pressing member 222 are provided at a position near the left end of the conveying belt 310 so as to be separated from each other and face each other in the Z direction (vertical direction). Further, the pedestal 221 is configured to be immovable in the Z direction, and the pressing member 222 is configured to be movable in the Z direction. For example, the pressing member 222 is driven by an actuator such as a DC motor or an air cylinder, and the pressing member 222 moves in the Z direction.

[0061] The pressing roller 231 is supported by a rotation support part (not shown) so that its outer peripheral surface is located at the same height as the conveying path of the booklet BK in the housing 300 and is rotatable around an axis extending in the Z direction. Also, the pressing roller 231 is supported by a movement support part (not shown) so that it can move in the space to the left of the fixing part 220 in the housing 200 in a plan view.

[0062] For example, a driving part such as an actuator such as a DC motor or an air cylinder drives the pressing roller 231 to move the pressing roller 231 in the X direction. Also, for example, a driving part such as an actuator such as a DC motor or an air cylinder drives the pressing roller 231 to move the pressing roller 231 in the Y direction.

[0063] A cutting section 320 is provided between the conveyor belt 310 in the X direction and the right side wall 300R. The cutting section 320 includes a lower blade 321 and an upper blade 322. The lower blade 321 and the upper blade 322 are provided at positions near the right end of the conveyor belt 310 so as to be spaced apart from each other and opposed to each other in the Z direction. Further, the lower blade 321 is configured to be immovable in the Z direction, and the upper blade 322 is configured to be movable in the Z direction. For example, the upper blade 322 is driven by an actuator such as a DC motor or an air cylinder, and the upper blade 322 moves in the Z direction. A waste box 332 is disposed below the upper blade 322 and the lower blade 321.

[0064] Thereafter, the pressing roller 231 is driven to move to a position out of the conveyance path of the booklet BK. Further, the pressing member 222 is driven to move upward away from the pedestal 221. The booklet BK after the flattening process is conveyed again by the conveyor belt 210 and discharged to the outside of the housing 200 through the booklet outlet 202 of the left side wall 200.

[0065] Next, the operation of the processing device 6 will be described. A part of the booklet BK discharged from the conveying device 7 enters onto the conveyor belt 310 through between the lower blade 321 and the upper blade 322 of the cutting section 320 from the booklet inlet 301 of the right side wall 300R. When the conveyor belt 310 receives the leading end of the booklet BK discharged from the conveying device 7, the conveyor belt 310 conveys the booklet BK a predetermined distance toward the booklet outlet 302. The spine of the booklet BK is located at the head of the booklet BK in the conveying direction of the booklet BK. Next, the conveyor belt 210 stops the conveyance of the booklet BK in a state where the spine (the leading part of the booklet BK) of the booklet BK protrudes a certain distance to the left from the left end of the conveyor belt 210 and the vicinity of the spine of the booklet BK is positioned between the pedestal 221 and the pressing member 222. At this time, the booklet BK is positioned in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the cutting section 320 such that the mouth portion of the booklet BK is positioned between the lower blade 321 and the upper blade 322. This positioning operation is realized by, for example, a movable stopper (not shown).

[0066] When the booklet BK is positioned between the pedestal 221 and the pressing member 222, the pressing member 222 is driven by an actuator such as a DC motor or an air cylinder, causing the pressing member 222 to descend toward the pedestal 221. As a result, the vicinity of the spine of the booklet BK is sandwiched and fixed between the pedestal 221 and the pressing member 222. In this state, the pressing roller 231 held at a position outside the conveyance path of the booklet BK is moved so as to contact the spine of the booklet BK.

[0067] Next, the pressing roller 231 is driven. Thereby, the pressing roller 231 presses the spine of the booklet BK toward the right. Also, the pressing roller 231 is driven by a second driving unit. Thereby, the pressing roller 231 moves along the spine of the booklet BK from one end to the other end while rotating around the axis in the Z direction. As a result, the entire spine of the booklet BK is pressed by the pressing roller 231, and the spine of the booklet BK is flattened. Thereafter, the pressing roller 231 is driven to move to a position outside the conveyance path of the booklet BK.

[0068] Also, in parallel with the flattening process, with the booklet BK positioned between the pedestal 221 and the pressing member 222, an actuator such as a DC motor or an air cylinder drives the upper blade 322, causing the upper blade 322 to descend toward the lower blade 321. As a result, the mouth of the booklet BK is clamped and cut by the lower blade 321 and the upper blade 322. The cuttings generated by cutting the booklet BK fall into the waste box 332.

[0069] Thereafter, the upper blade 322 is driven by an actuator to move upward away from the lower blade 321, and the pressing member 222 is driven by an actuator to move upward away from the pedestal 221. The booklet BK after the flattening process and the cutting process is conveyed again by the conveyance belt 310 and discharged from the booklet outlet 302 of the left side wall 300L to the paper discharge tray 9 outside the housing 300.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a main circuit. Referring to FIG. 7, the main circuit 110 is provided in any one of a paper feeding device 2, an image forming device 3, a post-processing device 4, and a laminating device 5. Here, a case where the main circuit 110 is provided in the image forming device 3 will be described as an example. Note that the main circuit 110 may be provided in a housing separate from the paper feeding device 2, the image forming device 3, the post-processing device 4, and the laminating device 5.

[0071] The main circuit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that controls the entire image forming system 1, a communication interface (I / F) unit 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, a hard disk drive (HDD) 115 as a mass storage device, and an external storage device 118. The CPU 111 is connected to the paper feeding device 2, the image forming device 3, the post-processing device 4, the laminating device 5, and the operation panel 18, and controls the entire image forming system 1.

[0072] The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program.

[0073] The operation panel 18 is provided on the upper part of the housing of the image forming device 3. The operation panel 18 includes a display unit 19a and an operation unit 19b. The display unit 19a is, for example, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. Note that instead of the LCD, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display or the like can be used as long as it is a device that displays an image.

[0074] The operation unit 19b includes a touch panel or hard keys. The touch panel detects a position indicated by the user within the display surface of the display unit 19a. The hard keys are, for example, contact switches.

[0075] The communication I / F unit 112 is an interface for connecting the image forming system 1 to a network. The communication I / F unit 112 communicates with other computers or data processing devices connected to the network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The network to which the communication I / F unit 112 is connected is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. Also, the network is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

[0076] The external storage device 118 is controlled by the CPU 111, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 119 or a semiconductor memory is attached. In the present embodiment, an example in which the CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 113 will be described. The CPU 111 may control the external storage device 118 to read out a program for the CPU 111 to execute from the CD-ROM 119, store the read program in the RAM 114, and execute it.

[0077] Note that the recording medium for storing the program to be executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the CD-ROM 119, and media such as flexible disks, cassette tapes, optical disks (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC cards, optical cards, mask ROMs, semiconductor memories such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), etc. may also be used. Further, the CPU 111 may download a program from a computer connected to the network and store it in the HDD 115. Alternatively, a computer connected to the network may write the program to the HDD 115. The CPU 111 may load the program stored in the HDD 115 into the RAM 114 and execute it. The program referred to here includes not only programs directly executable by the CPU 111, but also source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, etc.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the CPU. The functions shown in FIG. 8 are realized by the CPU 111 by executing a post-processing execution determination program. Referring to FIG. 8, the CPU 111 includes a post-processing condition acquisition unit 121, a lamination control unit 123, a deformation control unit 125, an object property information acquisition unit 127, an object property information determination unit 129, a determination unit 131, a notification unit 133, and an association unit 135.

[0079] The post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 acquires post - processing conditions. The post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 outputs the post - processing conditions to the physical property information determination unit 129, the lamination control unit 123, the deformation control unit 125, and the determination unit 131. The post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 acquires the printing conditions input by the user operating the operation panel 18 to the operation unit 19b. Also, when the communication I / F unit 112 receives a print job including image data and printing conditions from an external computer, the post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 acquires the printing conditions included in the received print job. The printing conditions include image formation conditions and post - processing conditions. The image formation conditions include paper - feeding conditions for the paper - feeding device 2 to execute paper - feeding processing and image formation conditions for the image forming device 3 to execute image formation processing. The paper - feeding conditions include at least set values that define information for specifying the paper supplied to the image forming device 3. The information for specifying the paper includes the size and paper type of the paper. The paper - feeding conditions may include set values for specifying any one of the first paper - feeding tray 11, the second paper - feeding trays 12 and 13. The image formation conditions include set values for specifying image data, set values for specifying image processing to be executed on the image data, set values for specifying the type of toner for forming an image, and set values for specifying conversion details such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, etc. of the image data.

[0080] The post - processing conditions include set values for the post - processing device 4 to execute post - processing. The post - processing includes lamination processing and deformation processing. The post - processing conditions include lamination conditions and deformation processing conditions. The lamination conditions are set values for executing lamination processing. The deformation conditions are set values for executing deformation processing. The deformation processing includes cutting - processing and folding - processing. The cutting - processing includes punching - processing and cutting - off processing, and the folding - processing includes middle - folding processing and flattening - processing.

[0081] Specifically, the post - processing conditions include, for example, set values that specify the size of the film and the pasting position for the lamination process. The post - processing conditions include, for example, set values that indicate the position and number of punch holes for the punching process, which is one of the cutting processes, and set values that indicate the cutting position for the cutting process, which is one of the deformation processes. Also, the post - processing conditions include, for example, set values that determine the number of sheets included in the booklet for the middle - folding process and flattening process, which are one of the deformation processes.

[0082] The post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 outputs the set values for executing the lamination process among the post - processing conditions to the lamination control unit 123. The lamination control unit 123 controls the laminating device 5 and operates the laminating device 5 according to the set values for executing the lamination process. The set values for executing the lamination process include the size of the film and the position where the film is pasted. The film of the size determined by the set values is pasted on the paper at the position determined by the set values.

[0083] The post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 outputs the set values for executing the deformation process among the post - processing conditions to the deformation control unit 125. The deformation control unit 125 controls the processing device 6, the conveying device 7, and the cutting device 8, and operates the processing device 6, the conveying device 7, and the cutting device 8 according to the set values for executing the deformation process. As a result, according to the set values for executing the deformation process, the punching process and the middle - folding process are executed by the processing device 6, and the cutting process and the flattening process are executed by the cutting device 8.

[0084] The paper property information acquisition unit 127 acquires second paper property information indicating the properties of the paper to be used for image formation. The paper property information acquisition unit 127 outputs the second paper property information to the paper property information determination unit 129 and the determination unit 131. The properties of the paper include information regarding size, thickness, and paper type. The size includes the length in the longitudinal direction and the length in the short transverse direction. The information regarding paper type is the distinction among plain paper, thick paper, and coated paper. In the present embodiment, second paper property information indicating the properties of the paper accommodated in each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 provided in the paper feeding device 2 is associated therewith. A property table in which second paper property information is associated with each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 is stored in the HDD 115. For example, the administrator of the image forming system 1 may operate the operation panel 18 to input the second paper property information corresponding to each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13. In this case, a property table in which second paper property information is associated with each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 is stored in the HDD 115.

[0085] When a printing job is executed, the paper property information acquisition unit 127 identifies the tray among the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 in which the paper targeted by the printing job is stored. The paper property information acquisition unit 127 refers to the property table stored in the HDD 115 and acquires the second paper property information associated with the identified tray.

[0086] Also, a sensor for detecting the properties may be provided in the conveyance path P1 of the paper feeding device 2. The sensor is a transmissive and / or reflective optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the paper property information acquisition unit 127 acquires a property value indicating the properties of the paper to be used for image formation based on the sensor output, and determines the second paper property information corresponding to the property value.

[0087] The physical property information determination unit 129 receives the post - processing conditions from the post - processing condition acquisition unit 121 and the second physical property information from the physical property information acquisition unit 127. Based on the second physical property information and the set values for performing the lamination process included in the post - processing conditions, the physical property information determination unit 129 determines the first physical property information indicating the physical properties of the paper after the lamination process. The physical properties of the paper after the lamination process include information regarding size, thickness, and paper type. The set values for performing the lamination process included in the post - processing conditions determine the type of film to be pasted on the paper, the size of the film, and the position on the paper where the form is to be pasted. The position on the paper where the form is to be pasted includes the front and back surfaces of the paper. Also, when the size of the film is larger than the paper, the position on the paper where the form is to be pasted includes the lengths protruding in the vertical and horizontal directions of the paper. When the size of the film is smaller than the paper, the position on the paper where the form is to be pasted includes the area within the paper. The thickness of the film is determined from the type of film. The physical property information determination unit 129 outputs the first physical property information to the determination unit 131 and the association unit 135.

[0088] The physical property information determination unit 129 determines the physical properties of the paper after the laminating process from the second physical property information and the post-processing conditions. The physical property information determination unit 129 determines the size and thickness of the paper after the laminating process from the second physical property information and the set values for performing the laminating process included in the post-processing conditions. The thickness of the paper after the laminating process is calculated from the thickness of the paper included in the second physical property information, the thickness of the film included in the post-processing conditions, and the position on the paper to which the form is attached. The physical property information determination unit 129 calculates the size of the paper after the laminating process from the size of the paper included in the second physical property information, the size of the film, and the position on the paper to which the form is attached. The physical property information determination unit 129 determines the paper type of the paper after the laminating process from the paper type of the paper included in the second physical property information and the type of the film. The paper type of the paper after the laminating process includes the type and number of the film in addition to the type of the paper. The number of films is 2 when the setting is to attach films to both sides of the paper in the post-processing conditions, and 1 when the setting is to attach a film to one side of the paper. A table may be prepared that defines the paper types corresponding to each of a plurality of combinations of a plurality of types of paper types and a plurality of types of films. The physical property information determination unit 129 determines the paper type of the paper after the laminating process by referring to that table.

[0089] The physical property information determination unit 129 outputs the first physical property information including the values of the physical properties determined for the paper after the laminating process to the determination unit 131 and the association unit 135. The first physical property information includes the size, thickness, and paper type of the paper after the laminating process.

[0090] The association unit 135 receives the second physical property information from the physical property information acquisition unit 127 and the first physical property information from the physical property information determination unit 129. The association unit 135 associates the first physical property information and the second physical property information with any one of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13. The second physical property information is associated with each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 by the user. Then, when the first physical property information is determined by the physical property information determination unit 129, it is associated with the second physical property information that is the basis for determining the first physical property information. As a result, the first physical property information and the second physical property information are associated with each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13.

[0091] The determination unit 131 receives the second physical property information from the physical property information acquisition unit 127, the first physical property information from the physical property information determination unit 129, and the post-processing conditions from the post-processing condition acquisition unit 121. The determination unit 131 determines whether it is possible to perform the deformation process on the paper after the lamination process by the post-processing device 4 based on the first physical property information and the post-processing conditions, and determines whether to execute the post-processing. The determination unit 131 outputs the result of determining whether to execute the post-processing to the deformation control unit 125 and the notification unit 133. Further, the determination unit 131 outputs the first physical property information and the second physical property information to the deformation control unit 125.

[0092] The deformation control unit 125 operates the processing device 6, the conveyance device 7, and the cutting device 8 based on the first physical property information or the second physical property information. The deformation control unit 125 operates the processing device 6, the conveyance device 7, and the cutting device 8 based on the size, thickness, and paper type included in the first physical property information or the second physical property information.

[0093] Since the position where the deformation process is executed is determined according to the size of the paper, the deformation control unit 125 causes the processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 to determine the position where the deformation process is executed on the paper. Also, since the hardness of the paper is determined from the thickness and paper type of the paper, the deformation control unit 125 causes the processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 to determine the driving force when the deformation process is executed on the paper. Thereby, with the position and driving force necessary for executing the deformation process, the punching process and the middle folding process are executed by the processing device 6, and the cutting process and the flattening process are executed by the cutting device 8.

[0094] The determination unit 131 sets the physical properties determined by the first physical property information as the physical properties of the paper after the lamination process. The determination unit 131 specifies the deformation process based on the set values for executing the deformation process included in the post-processing conditions.

[0095] The set values for executing the deformation process include whether or not each of the cutting process and the folding process included in the deformation process can be executed, and whether or not each of the punching process and the cutting process included in the cutting process can be executed. The set values for executing the deformation process include, regarding the punching process of the cutting process, the number of holes to be punched and the positions of the holes on the paper. The set values for executing the deformation process include, regarding the cutting process of the cutting process, the positions in the paper where the paper is to be cut. The set values for executing the deformation process include, regarding the middle folding process of the folding process, the positions in the paper where the paper is to be folded. The set values for executing the deformation process include, regarding the flattening process of the folding process, the positions in the paper where the paper is to be flattened.

[0096] The determination unit 131 determines whether or not the execution process can be executed for the execution processes determined to be executed in the set values that determine whether or not to execute among the punching process, the cutting process, the middle folding process, and the flattening process included in the deformation process. The determination unit 131 determines whether or not the processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 can execute the deformation process based on the first physical property information and the range of the physical property values of the recording medium on which the processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 can execute the deformation process.

[0097] For example, regarding the punching process executed by the processing device 6, the number of holes to be punched and the position of the holes on the paper are determined by the set values for executing the punching process. The punching device 60 has limitations on the punching positions. In order to punch the paper positioned by the stopper 62, the punching positions of the holes to be punched in the paper are restricted within a range of a predetermined distance from the end of the paper.

[0098] The punching position is determined for the paper before the lamination process according to the post - processing conditions. In this case, the punching position for the paper after the lamination process is the same as the punching position determined for the paper before the lamination process. When the sheet to be pasted on the paper before the lamination process is larger in size than the paper, the size of the paper after the lamination process becomes larger than the size of the paper before the lamination process. Therefore, the distance from the end of the paper after the lamination process to the punching position becomes larger.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the paper before the lamination process and the punching position. Referring to FIG. 9, the punching position is shown at a position separated by a distance X1 from the reference side of the paper before the lamination process.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the paper after the lamination process and the punching position. Referring to FIG. 10, the paper after the lamination process is larger in size than the paper before the lamination process. Focusing on the reference side, the paper after the lamination process is larger by a distance X2 than the paper before the lamination process. The punching position is shown at a position separated by a distance X1 from the reference side of the paper before the lamination process. Therefore, in the paper after the lamination process, the punching position is at a position separated by a distance equal to the sum of the distance X1 and the distance X2 from the reference side.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 8, when the punching position is outside the range of a predetermined distance from the end of the paper after the lamination process, the determination unit 131 determines that it is impossible to execute the punching process on the paper after the lamination process. When the punching position is within the range of a predetermined distance from the end of the paper after the lamination process, the determination unit 131 determines that it is possible to execute the punching process on the paper after the lamination process.

[0102] Further, the punching device 60 has an upper limit on the force applied to the paper for punching. Therefore, the hardness range of the paper that can be punched by the punching device 60 is predetermined. Since the hardness of the sheet attached to the paper before the laminating process is added to the paper after the laminating process, the hardness of the paper after the laminating process becomes greater than the hardness of the paper before the laminating process. The determination unit 131 calculates the hardness of the paper after the laminating process from the hardness of the second physical property information with respect to the thickness and paper type, and the hardness of the film attached to the paper by the laminating process. A hardness table associating hardness with a plurality of combinations of the thickness and paper type of the second physical property information is stored in advance in the HDD 115. The determination unit 131 acquires the hardness of the paper before the laminating process by referring to the hardness table. Also, the type of film is determined by the set value determined by the laminating conditions. A film table associating the type of film with the hardness is stored in advance in the HDD 115. The determination unit 131 acquires the hardness of the film by referring to the film table.

[0103] The determination unit 131 determines the hardness of the paper after the laminating process from the hardness of the paper before the laminating process and the hardness of the film. When a plurality of papers overlap, the hardness of the entire plurality of papers is determined. The determination unit 131 determines that the punching process can be executed if the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is within the hardness range defined for the punching device 60. The determination unit 131 determines that the punching process cannot be executed when the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is outside the hardness range defined for the punching device 60.

[0104] The position to be cut with respect to the paper before the laminating process is determined by the post-processing conditions. In this case, the position to be cut with respect to the paper after the laminating process is the same position as the position to be cut with respect to the paper before the laminating process. When the sheet attached to the paper before the laminating process is larger in size than the paper, the size of the paper after the laminating process becomes larger than the size of the paper before the laminating process. Therefore, the distance from the end of the paper after the laminating process to the position to be cut becomes larger.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet before lamination processing and a cutting position. Referring to FIG. 11, the cutting position is shown at a position separated by a distance X1 from the reference side of the sheet before lamination processing.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet after lamination processing and a cutting position. Referring to FIG. 12, the sheet after lamination processing is larger in size than the sheet before lamination processing. Focusing on the reference side, the sheet after lamination processing is larger by a distance X2 than the sheet before lamination processing. The cutting position is shown at a position separated by a distance X1 from the reference side of the sheet before lamination processing. Therefore, in the sheet after lamination processing, the cutting position is at a position separated by a distance equal to the sum of the distance X1 and the distance X2 from the reference side.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 8, the cutting device 8 has a limitation on the hardness of the sheet that can be cut. When the hardness of the sheet is small, the sheet may enter between the upper blade 322 and the lower blade 321 and cannot be cut. Conversely, when the hardness of the sheet is large, the shearing force required for cutting the sheet increases, so when the shearing force between the upper blade 322 and the lower blade 321 is not sufficient, the sheet may not be cut. Therefore, the range of the hardness of the sheet that the cutting device 8 can cut is predetermined.

[0108] The determination unit 131 determines the hardness of the sheet after lamination processing from the hardness of the sheet before lamination processing and the hardness of the film. When a plurality of sheets overlap, the hardness of the entire plurality of sheets is determined. The determination unit 131 determines that the cutting process can be executed when the hardness of the sheet after lamination processing is within the range of the hardness defined for the cutting device 8. The determination unit 131 determines that the cutting process cannot be executed when the hardness of the sheet after lamination processing is outside the range of the hardness defined for the cutting device 8.

[0109] Regarding the middle folding process, there is an upper limit to the magnitude of the force applied by the pushing device 70 to the paper. When the hardness of the paper to be subjected to the middle folding process is hard and the magnitude of the force applied by the pushing device 70 to the paper exceeds the upper limit of the pushing device 70, in this case, the middle folding process cannot be performed on the paper after the lamination process. Conversely, when the hardness of the paper to be subjected to the middle folding process is below the upper limit of the pushing device 70, the middle folding process can be performed on the paper after the lamination process. For this reason, the range of the hardness of the paper that can be middle-folded by the pushing device 70 is predetermined.

[0110] The determination unit 131 determines the hardness of the paper after the lamination process based on the hardness of the paper before the lamination process and the hardness of the film. When a plurality of papers overlap, the hardness of the entire plurality of papers is determined. The determination unit 131 determines that the middle folding process can be performed when the hardness of the paper after the lamination process is within the range of the hardness defined for the pushing device 70. The determination unit 131 determines that the middle folding process cannot be performed when the hardness of the paper after the lamination process is outside the range of the hardness defined for the pushing device 70.

[0111] Regarding the flattening process, there is an upper limit to the magnitude of the force applied by the pressing roller 231 to the paper. When the hardness of the paper to be subjected to the flattening process is hard and the magnitude of the force applied by the pressing roller 231 to the paper exceeds the upper limit of the pressing roller 231, in this case, the flattening process cannot be performed on the paper after the lamination process. Conversely, when the hardness of the paper to be subjected to the flattening process is below the upper limit of the pressing roller 231, the flattening process can be performed on the paper after the lamination process. For this reason, the range of the hardness of the paper that can be flattened by the pressing roller 231 is predetermined.

[0112] The determination unit 131 determines the hardness of the paper after the laminating process based on the hardness of the paper before the laminating process and the hardness of the film. When a plurality of papers overlap, the hardness of the entire plurality of papers is determined. The determination unit 131 determines that the flattening process can be executed when the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is within the range of the hardness defined for the pressing roller 231. The determination unit 131 determines that the flattening process cannot be executed when the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is outside the range of the hardness defined for the pressing roller 231.

[0113] The deformation control unit 125 receives the result determined by the determination unit 131 as to whether to perform the post-processing. The result of determining whether to perform the post-processing includes the results indicating whether to perform each of the punching process, the cutting process, the middle folding process, and the flattening process. When the result indicating not to perform the punching process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the processing device 6 not to perform the punching process. When the result indicating to perform the punching process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the processing device 6 to perform the punching process according to the first material property information. For example, the deformation control unit 125 performs the punching process with a force corresponding to the hardness determined from the first material property information. When the result indicating not to perform the middle folding process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the processing device 6 not to perform the middle folding process. When the result indicating to perform the middle folding process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the processing device 6 to perform the middle folding process according to the first material property information. For example, the deformation control unit 125 performs the middle folding process with a force corresponding to the hardness determined from the first material property information.

[0114] When a result indicating not to execute the cutting process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the cutting device 8 not to execute the cutting process. When a result indicating to execute the cutting process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the cutting device 8 to execute the cutting process according to the first physical property information. For example, the cutting process is executed with a force corresponding to the hardness determined from the first physical property information. When a result indicating not to execute the flattening process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the cutting device 8 not to execute the flattening process. When a result indicating to execute the flattening process is input, the deformation control unit 125 controls the cutting device 8 to execute the flattening process according to the first physical property information. For example, the deformation control unit 125 executes the flattening process with a force corresponding to the hardness determined from the first physical property information.

[0115] The notification unit 133 receives the result determined by the determination unit 131 as to whether to execute the post-processing. When the result of determining not to execute the post-processing is input, the notification unit 133 notifies. For example, the notification unit 133 displays a message indicating not to execute the post-processing on the display unit 19a of the operation panel 18. Also, the notification unit 133 may output a message indicating not to execute the post-processing by voice. Further, when a print job is received from an external computer, the notification unit 133 may send a message to the computer that sent the print job. Furthermore, the notification unit 133 may identify the user who instructed the print job and send an email to that user.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the post-processing execution determination process. The post-processing item execution determination process is a process executed by the CPU 111 when the CPU 111 executes the post-processing execution determination program. Referring to FIG. 13, the CPU 111 acquires the second physical property information of the sheet to be processed (step S01). The CPU 111 identifies the tray in which the sheet to be imaged is stored among the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13. The CPU 111 acquires the second physical property information associated with the identified tray.

[0117] In the next step S02, post - processing conditions are acquired. The post - processing conditions included in the printing conditions are acquired. The printing conditions are the conditions under which a printing job is executed. The printing conditions are acquired by the user inputting them to the operation unit 19b of the operation panel 18. Also, the printing conditions may be received from an external computer together with the image data.

[0118] In step S03, first physical property information is determined. The first physical property information is determined from the second physical property information and the post - processing conditions. When lamination processing is defined in the post - processing conditions, the post - processing conditions include the size, thickness, and type of the film to be laminated, and the position in the paper where the lamination processing is performed. In addition to the second physical property information, the first physical property information is determined from the size, thickness, and paper type of the film.

[0119] In the next step S04, the first physical property information is associated with the paper feed tray, and the process proceeds to step S05. Among the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13, the first physical property information is associated with the paper feed tray associated with the second physical property information acquired in step S01.

[0120] In step S05, it is determined whether execution is possible, and the process proceeds to step S06. Based on the set value for executing the deformation process included in the post - processing conditions, the deformation process is specified. The deformation processes are punching, cutting, middle - folding, and flattening processes. Then, based on the first physical property information and the range of physical property values predetermined for executing the specified deformation process, it is determined whether the deformation process can be executed.

[0121] For the punching process, the size of the paper after the laminating process is determined from the size included in the first physical information and the laminating process conditions included in the post-processing conditions. If the distance between the edge of the paper with the determined size and the punching position determined by the post-processing conditions is within the range of the distance that the punching device 60 of the processing device 6 can punch, it is determined that the punching process can be executed. Also, for the punching process, the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is determined from the thickness and paper type included in the first physical information, and if the determined hardness is within the range of the hardness defined for the punching device 60 of the processing device 6, it is determined that the punching process can be executed.

[0122] For the middle folding process, the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is determined from the thickness and paper type included in the first physical information, and if the determined hardness is within the range of the hardness defined for the pushing device 70 of the processing device 6, it is determined that the middle folding process can be executed.

[0123] For the cutting process, the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is determined from the thickness and paper type included in the first physical information, and if the determined hardness is within the range of the hardness defined for the upper blade 322 and the lower blade 321 of the cutting device 8, it is determined that the cutting process can be executed. For the flattening process, the hardness of the paper after the laminating process is determined from the thickness and paper type included in the first physical information, and if the determined hardness is within the range of the hardness defined for the pressing roller 231 of the cutting device 8, it is determined that the middle folding process can be executed.

[0124] In the next step S06, the process branches based on the determination result of the executability in step S05. If the deformation process is executable, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S10. The deformation process includes the punching process, the middle folding process, the cutting process, and the flattening process. Among the punching process, the middle folding process, the cutting process, and the flattening process, the process branches depending on the executability of the execution process determined to be executed under the post-processing conditions. When there are multiple execution processes, if all of the multiple execution processes are executable, the process proceeds to step S07. When there are multiple execution processes, if at least one of the multiple execution processes is not executable, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0125] In step S07, the CPU 111 controls the image forming apparatus 3 to form an image on a sheet of paper. Then, in the next step S08, the CPU 111 controls the laminating apparatus 5 to perform a laminating process of attaching a film to the sheet of paper on which the image has been formed. Further, in the next step S09, the CPU 111 controls the processing apparatus 6 and the cutting apparatus 8 to execute a deformation process and ends the process.

[0126] In step S10, the CPU 111 notifies the user that the deformation process cannot be executed and ends the process. Information for identifying the execution process among the deformation processes and a message indicating that the execution process cannot be executed are displayed on the display unit 19a. Further, the message may be output as sound. Further, the message may be transmitted to an external computer.

[0127] As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the post-processing apparatus 4 includes a laminating apparatus 5 that laminates a film on at least a part of a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 3, a processing apparatus 6 and a cutting apparatus 8 that execute a deformation process for physically deforming the sheet of paper, and a CPU 111. The CPU 111 acquires second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the sheet of paper, and based on the second physical property information, determines whether to execute a deformation process on the sheet of paper after the laminating process. Therefore, it is possible to surely deform the recording medium after the laminating process.

[0128] Further, the CPU 111 determines the physical properties of the sheet of paper after the laminating process based on the second physical property information and the laminating conditions, and based on the first physical property information regarding the determined physical properties and the range of the physical properties of the sheet of paper on which the deformed portion can execute the deformation process, determines whether the deformation process can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the deformation process can be executed.

[0129] In addition, the processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 execute deformation processing based on the first material information. Therefore, the processing device 6 and the cutting device 8 can accurately execute the deformation processing.

[0130] Also, when it is determined that the CPU 111 does not execute deformation processing on the paper after laminating, it notifies. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that lamination processing and deformation processing cannot be set simultaneously.

[0131] <Modification example> When the CPU 111 determines the first material information, among the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13, the CPU 111 associates the first material information with the paper feed tray associated with the second material information that is the basis for determining the first material information.

[0132] The CPU 111 provided in the image forming apparatus 3 may determine the paper feed tray in which the paper to be post-processed is stored. For example, when the user designates the paper feed tray or when it is designated in the print job. These designations include not only designating the paper feed tray itself but also designating the paper size, paper type, etc. When the paper size or paper type is associated with each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13, the paper feed tray associated with the designated size or paper type of paper is determined.

[0133] When the CPU 111 executes the post-processing execution determination process shown in FIG. 13, if the paper feed tray in which the paper to be post-processed is stored is determined, without executing steps S01 to S04, the CPU 111 acquires the first material information associated with the designated paper feed tray among the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13. Then, in step S05, the CPU 111 determines whether post-processing can be executed using the acquired first material information.

[0134] In this case, the CPU 111 associates the second physical property information and the first physical property information with any one of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13, so that it is possible to easily determine whether the paper accommodated in each of the first paper feed tray 11, the second paper feed tray 12, and the third paper feed tray 13 can be subjected to deformation processing after being laminated.

[0135] <Summary of the Embodiment> (Item 1) An acquisition unit that acquires first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, and A control device including a determination unit that determines whether to execute a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information.

[0136] According to this aspect, based on the first physical property information regarding the physical properties of the film or the second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, it is determined whether to execute a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination. It is determined whether to execute a deformation process before executing a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination. Therefore, it is possible to provide a control device that can prevent damage to the post-processing device.

[0137] (Item 2) The post-processing device according to Item 1, wherein the first physical property information is information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after lamination.

[0138] According to this aspect, based on the information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after lamination, it is determined whether to execute a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination. It is possible to easily determine whether the recording medium after lamination can be subjected to a deformation process.

[0139] (Item 3) The post-processing device according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether the deformation process can be executed based on the first physical property information and the range of the physical properties of the recording medium for which the deformation unit can execute the deformation process.

[0140] According to this aspect, it is determined that the deformation process is executed based on the first physical property information and the range of the physical properties of the recording medium in which the deformation part can execute the deformation process. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the deformation process can be executed.

[0141] (Item 4) The post-processing device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, further comprising an association means for associating the first physical property information and the second physical property information with the paper feeding unit in which the recording medium is accommodated.

[0142] According to this aspect, since the first physical property information and the second physical property information are associated with the paper feeding unit, it is possible to easily determine whether the recording medium accommodated in the paper feeding unit can be deformed after being laminated.

[0143] According to this aspect, since the deformation process is executed based on the first physical property information, the deformation process can be accurately executed.

[0144] (Item 5) The post-processing device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the second physical property information is at least one of information regarding the size, thickness, and paper type of the recording medium.

[0145] According to this aspect, since the second physical property information is at least one of information regarding the size, thickness, and paper type of the recording medium, it is possible to accurately determine whether the deformation process can be executed.

[0146] (Item 6) The post-processing device according to any one of Items 1 to 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies when it is determined by the determination unit not to execute the deformation process on the recording medium after lamination.

[0147] According to this aspect, since it is notified when it is determined not to execute the deformation process on the recording medium after lamination, it is possible to notify the user that lamination and the deformation process cannot be set simultaneously.

[0148] (Item 7) The control device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, A laminating unit that laminates a film on at least a part of the recording medium on which an image has been formed, and a deforming unit that executes the deformation process, and the deformation process is a process of physically deforming the recording medium. A post-processing device.

[0149] According to this aspect, a post-processing device that can prevent damage can be provided.

[0150] (Clause 8) The deforming unit executes the deformation process based on the first physical property information. The post-processing device according to Clause 7.

[0151] (Clause 9) An acquisition step of acquiring first physical property information regarding the physical properties of the film to be laminated on at least a part of the recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, A post-processing execution determination method for causing a control device to execute a determination step of determining whether to execute a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information.

[0152] According to this aspect, a post-processing execution determination method that can prevent damage to the post-processing device can be provided.

[0153] (Clause 10) The first physical property information is information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after lamination. The post-processing execution determination method according to Clause 9.

[0154] (Clause 11) The post-processing device controlled by the control device includes a laminating unit that laminates a film on at least a part of the recording medium on which an image has been formed, and a deforming unit that executes the deformation process, and the deformation process is a process of physically deforming the recording medium. The post-processing execution determination method according to Claim 9 or 10.

[0155] According to this aspect, a post-processing execution determination method that can prevent damage to the post-processing device can be provided.

[0156] (Item 12) An acquisition step of acquiring first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, and A determination step of determining whether to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information, and a post-processing execution determination program for causing a computer to execute the steps.

[0157] According to this aspect, a post-processing execution determination program capable of preventing damage to the post-processing device can be provided.

[0158] (Item 13) The post-processing execution determination program according to Item 12, wherein the first physical property information is information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after the lamination process.

[0159] (Item 14) The post-processing device controlled by the computer includes a lamination processing unit that laminates a film on at least a part of the recording medium on which an image is formed, and A deformation unit that executes the deformation process, and The post-processing execution determination program according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the deformation process is a process of physically deforming the recording medium.

[0160] According to this aspect, a post-processing execution determination program capable of preventing damage to the post-processing device can be provided.

[0161] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0162] 1 Image forming system, 2 Paper feeding device, 3 Image forming device, 4 Post-processing device, 5 Laminating device, 6 Processing device, 7 Conveying device, 8 Cutting device, 9 Paper discharge tray, 121 Post-processing condition acquisition unit, 123 Laminating control unit, 125 Deformation control unit, 127 Physical property information acquisition unit, 129 Physical property information determination unit, 131 Determination unit, 133 Notification unit, 135 Association unit, 11 First paper feeding tray, 12 Second paper feeding tray, 13 Third paper feeding tray, 14 Supply roller, 18 Operation panel, 19a Display unit, 19b Operation unit, 20C, 20M, 20Y, 20K Image forming units, 21Y Developing device, 41A First pair of conveying rollers, 41B First pair of conveying rollers, 42A Pair of laminating rollers, 42B Pair of laminating rollers, 43A Pair of heating rollers, 43B Pair of heating rollers, 44A Third pair of conveying rollers, 44B Third pair of conveying rollers, 45A First laminating supply unit, 45B Second laminating supply unit, 46A First laminating roller, 46B Second laminating roller, 47A First supply roller, 47B Second supply roller, 49 Cutting part, 111 CPU, 112 Communication I / F unit, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 HDD, 118 External storage device, 119 CD-ROM, 200 Housing, 210 Conveying belt, 220 Fixing part, 221 Pedestal, 222 Pressing member, 231 Pressing roller, 310 Conveying belt, 320 Cutting part, 321 Lower blade, 322 Upper blade, 332 Scrap box, F1, F2 Films.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium; A control device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first physical property information is information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after the lamination process.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the deformation process can be performed based on the first physical property information and the range of physical properties of the recording medium on which the deformation process can be performed.

4. The post-processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an association means for associating the first physical property information and the second physical property information with a paper feeding unit that houses the recording medium.

5. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second physical property information is at least one of information regarding the size, thickness, and paper type of the recording medium.

6. The post-processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies when it is determined by the determination unit not to perform the deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process.

7. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A lamination processing unit that laminates a film on at least a part of the recording medium on which an image is formed; A deformation unit that performs the deformation process; and The post-processing device, wherein the deformation process is a process of physically deforming the recording medium.

8. The post-processing device according to claim 7, wherein the deformation unit performs the deformation process based on the first physical property information.

9. An acquisition step of acquiring first physical property information regarding the physical properties of a film to be laminated on at least a part of a recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium; A post-processing execution determination method for causing a control device to perform a determination step of determining whether to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after the lamination process based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information.

10. The post-processing execution determination method according to claim 9, wherein the first physical property information is information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after the lamination process.

11. The post-processing device controlled by the control device includes a laminating unit that laminates a film on at least a part of the recording medium on which an image is formed, and a deforming unit that performs pre-deformation processing, The deforming processing is a processing for physically deforming the recording medium. The post-processing execution determination method according to claim 9 or 10.

12. An acquisition step of acquiring first physical property information regarding the physical properties of the film to be laminated on at least a part of the recording medium or second physical property information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium, A post-processing execution determination program that causes a computer to execute a determination step of determining whether or not to perform a deformation process on the recording medium after lamination based on the acquired first physical property information or the second physical property information.

13. The post-processing execution determination program according to claim 12, wherein the first physical property information is information regarding the physical properties of the recording medium after lamination.

14. The post-processing device controlled by the computer includes a laminating unit that laminates a film on at least a part of the recording medium on which an image is formed, and a deforming unit that performs the deforming process, The deforming process is a process for physically deforming the recording medium. The post-processing execution determination program according to claim 12 or 13.

Images