Image forming system and program

Abstract

To suppress cost by reducing waste of a laminate film and reduce a replacing work of the laminate film.SOLUTION: An image forming system (system 1) includes: an image forming section 14 that forms an image on a sheet; a laminating section 24 that performs lamination treatment of a laminate film on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming section 14; and a control section 21 that causes a final sheet of a job or a final sheet conveyed up to the laminating section 24 at the time of the job interruption to wait in the laminating section 24 until a subsequent sheet reaches the laminating section 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, laminating devices that laminate a laminate film (hereinafter referred to as a film) onto paper have been known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-338039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] At the start of the lamination process, the laminating machine must perform a stabilization process to stabilize the film. Specifically, the laminating machine first pre-laminates a 100mm length of film without any paper, for example, and then begins laminating the paper. Since the pre-laminated portion of the film (the lead portion) is not necessary for the final product, the laminating machine cuts off and discards the lead portion. In conventional laminating devices, film stabilization processing is performed each time a subsequent job is started after a previous job is completed, and each time a job is resumed after being interrupted. Therefore, when laminating multiple jobs, a large amount of lead is discarded. Because film is an expensive consumable material, unnecessary disposal of film leads to increased costs. Unnecessary disposal of film also poses the problem of increased film roll replacement work.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and a program that can reduce the waste of laminate film, thereby reducing costs, and also reduce the work of replacing the laminate film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming system described in claim 1 is made to achieve the above object, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a laminating unit that laminates a laminating film onto the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit; a control unit that causes the final sheet of a job, or the final sheet that has been conveyed to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted, to wait in the laminating unit until subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit; Equipped with.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit causes the last sheet of the preceding job to wait in the laminating unit until the leading sheet of the succeeding job, which is the succeeding sheet, reaches the laminating unit.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit causes the final sheet conveyed to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted to wait in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit when the job is resumed.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming system described in claim 2, When the subsequent job includes lamination processing, the control unit causes the final sheet to wait in the laminating unit until the leading sheet of the subsequent job reaches the laminating unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming system described in claim 2, When the subsequent job does not include lamination processing, the control unit discharges the final sheet without making it wait in the laminating unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming system described in claim 2, When the type of laminating film used in the laminating process of the subsequent job is different from the type of laminating film used in the laminating process of the preceding job, the control unit discharges the final sheet without making it wait in the laminating unit.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming system described in claim 2, When the size of the laminating film used in the laminating process in the subsequent job is different from the size of the laminating film used in the laminating process in the preceding job, the control unit discharges the final sheet without making it wait in the laminating unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming system described in claim 2, When the control unit receives an instruction to cancel the preceding job, the control unit discharges the final sheet that was transported to the laminating unit when the preceding job was canceled without making the final sheet wait in the laminating unit.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming system described in claim 3, The control unit interrupts the job when the stabilization process is performed in the image forming unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming system described in claim 3, the image forming unit includes a fixing unit that fixes the image on the sheet; The control unit interrupts the job when the fixing temperature in the fixing unit is changed.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the image forming system described in claim 3, a media sensor for detecting a physical property value of the sheet; The control unit interrupts the job when it is determined that printing on the sheet is not possible based on the physical property value detected by the media sensor.

[0017] The invention described in claim 12 is the image forming system described in claim 3, The control unit interrupts the job when an error occurs in the image forming system.

[0018] The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming system described in claim 3, a paper feed unit that feeds the sheet to the image forming unit, The control unit interrupts the job when a sheet shortage occurs in the paper feed unit.

[0019] The invention described in claim 14 is the image forming system described in claim 1, the laminating unit includes a cutting unit that cuts the laminate film; The control unit causes the cutting unit to cut the laminate film between the sheets, at the leading end side of the sheets, or at the trailing end side of the sheets, and then discharges the sheets.

[0020] The invention described in claim 15 is the image forming system described in claim 14, The control unit causes the final sheet to wait in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit, without the cutting unit cutting the laminating film at the rear end side of the final sheet.

[0021] The invention described in claim 16 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The control unit causes the laminating unit to form the lead portion by bonding the laminate film to the sheet without attaching the laminate film to the sheet at the start of the laminating process.

[0022] The invention described in claim 17 is the image forming system described in claim 16, The control unit forms the lead portion by the laminating unit when the final sheet is discharged without waiting in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit and then the laminating process is started again.

[0023] The program according to claim 18 comprises: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a laminating unit that laminates a laminating film onto the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit, The control unit functions as a control unit that causes the final sheet of a job, or the final sheet transported to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted, to wait in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waste of laminate film, thereby reducing costs and reducing the work of replacing the laminate film. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lamination control process. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a stabilization process for a film. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a stabilization process for a film. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a lamination process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the subsequent paper waits until it reaches the laminating unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the film between the sheets is cut. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how subsequent sheets are laminated; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where there is no subsequent paper. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the film is cut when there is no subsequent paper. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how laminated paper is discharged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] (Configuration of image forming system) The image forming system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as system 1) includes a paper feeder 30, an image forming apparatus 10, and a laminating apparatus 20, as shown in FIGS.

[0028] (Paper feeder configuration) The paper feed device 30 includes a paper feed section 31 and a transport section 32, and transports paper (sheets) from any one of paper feed trays 311 to 313 of the paper feed section 31 to the image forming apparatus 10 according to the job. The transport unit 32 includes a transport path 321 that connects the paper feed unit 31 to the image forming apparatus 10, and transports the paper. The paper feed unit 31 has paper feed trays 311 to 313 that store paper sheets according to predetermined paper types and / or sizes. Depending on the printing volume in the system 1, the type of paper used, etc., the system 1 may not be provided with a paper feeder 30, and paper may be transported only from a paper feed unit 15 (described later) of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0029] (Configuration of image forming device) The image forming apparatus 10 forms a color image by electrophotography based on image data obtained by reading an image from an original or image data of a job received from an external device (not shown). The image forming apparatus 10 discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to the laminating device 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming device 10 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an image forming control unit 16, a memory unit 17, a communication unit 18, and an image processing unit 19.

[0030] The operation unit 11 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 12, as well as various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button. The operation unit 11 outputs an operation signal to the image formation control unit 16 based on a user's operation.

[0031] The display unit 12 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the image formation control unit 16.

[0032] The document reading unit 13 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a scanner, etc. The document reading unit 13 reads an image of the document and outputs the obtained image data to the image formation control unit 16.

[0033] The image forming unit 14 forms an image on a sheet of paper supplied from the paper supply unit 15 or the paper supply device 30, based on image data that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 19. In this embodiment, the sheet of paper is a sheet of paper. The image forming unit 14 includes photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K corresponding to the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt 142, a secondary transfer roller 143, a fixing unit 144, and the like.

[0034] The image forming unit 14 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 141Y, and then scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 141Y with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 141Y. Next, the image forming unit 14 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 141Y by causing a developing unit (not shown) to attach yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 141Y. The photosensitive drums 141M, 141C, and 141K are similar to the photosensitive drum 141Y except for the colors they handle, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The image forming unit 14 sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 142. That is, the image forming unit 14 forms a color toner image in which the toner images of four colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 142. The image forming unit 14 is equipped with cleaning blades (not shown) that remove residual toner on the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K after the primary transfer. The image forming unit 14 transfers the color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 142 onto a sheet of paper all at once by the secondary transfer roller 143 (secondary transfer).

[0036] The fixing unit 144 includes a heating roller that heats the paper onto which the color toner image has been transferred, and a pressure roller that presses the paper, and fixes the color toner image onto the paper by applying heat and pressure.

[0037] The paper feed unit 15 includes paper feed trays 151 to 153, and supplies paper to the image forming unit 14. Each of the paper feed trays 151 to 153 stores paper of a predetermined paper type and / or size.

[0038] The image forming control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the image forming control unit 16 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. When laminating the paper output from the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming control unit 16 issues an instruction to the laminating device 20 to execute a predetermined laminating process.

[0039] The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs and image data. The storage unit 17 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the image formation control unit 16 to read and write the data. The storage unit 17 stores information such as the type and size of the paper sheets stored in the paper feed trays 311 to 313 of the paper feed device 30 and the paper feed trays 151 to 153 of the paper feed unit 15 for each paper feed tray.

[0040] The communication unit 18 includes a communication control card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, etc. The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0041] The image processing unit 19 performs the necessary image processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 17, the image data obtained by reading an image from an original using the original reading unit 13, and the image data input from an external device. The image processing unit 19 sends the processed image data to the image forming unit 14. The image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, etc. The gradation processing is a process of converting the gradation values ​​of each pixel of the image data into corrected gradation values ​​so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the target density characteristics. The halftone processing is an error diffusion process, a screen process using an ordered dithering method, etc. The color conversion processing is a process of converting each RGB gradation value into each CMYK gradation value.

[0042] (Laminating device configuration) The laminating device 20 is installed downstream of the image forming device 10 in the paper conveying direction, and performs laminating processing on the paper conveyed from the image forming device 10 after image formation. Laminating device 20 includes control unit 21, memory unit 22, conveyance unit 23, laminating unit 24, waste bin 25, and paper output tray T1. Waste bin 25 is located downstream of laminating unit 24 in the paper conveyance direction and stores cutting waste generated when the film is cut by cutting unit 244, which will be described later. Paper output tray T1 holds the paper output from laminating device 20.

[0043] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and performs overall control of the operation of the laminating device 20 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. The control unit 21 executes lamination processing on the paper in response to an instruction signal received from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0044] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage device such as a HDD or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs, etc. The storage unit 22 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the control unit 21 to read and write data.

[0045] The conveying section 23 includes a conveying path 231 and a plurality of rollers, and conveys the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 to the laminating section 24 . The conveying unit 23 conveys the sheet laminated by the laminating unit 24 along a conveying path 231b and discharges it to the outside of the apparatus (on the discharge tray T1). Conveying section 23 conveys the cut waste generated when cutting section 244 cuts the film to waste box 25 via conveying path 231a.

[0046] The laminating unit 24 includes a first film supply unit 241 , a second film supply unit 242 , a pressure-bonding unit 243 , and a cutting unit 244 .

[0047] The first film supply unit 241 supplies a roll of film F1, which is made up of a transparent synthetic resin film layer and an adhesive layer. The film F1 has an adhesive applied to one side (the side that comes into contact with the paper) to form the adhesive layer. The film F1 is transported from the first film supply unit 241 to the nip portion of the pressure bonding unit 243 and is adhered to the image surface of the paper.

[0048] The second film supply unit 242 supplies the film F2 formed in a roll and made of a transparent synthetic resin film layer. That is, the film F2 does not have an adhesive layer formed thereon. The film F2 is transported from the second film supply section 242 to the nip section of the pressure bonding section 243 (the non-image side of the paper). The film F2 may have an adhesive layer.

[0049] The pressure-bonding unit 243 includes a pair of rollers that sandwich and pressurize the paper and films F1 and F2 in a nip formed by the pair of rollers, thereby bonding the adhesive layer of film F1 to the surface of the paper. As a result, the paper and film F1 are bonded together. Between the sheets of paper, the pressure-bonding unit 243 sandwiches and pressurizes films F1 and F2 in a nip formed by the pair of rollers, thereby bonding film F2 to the adhesive layer of film F1. As a result, films F1 and F2 are bonded together, and the adhesive applied to film F1 can be prevented from coming into contact with the transport path after the pressure-bonding unit 243.

[0050] The cutting section 244 is provided downstream of the pressure bonding section 243 on the conveying path 231, and cuts the films F1 and F2 on the leading and trailing edge sides of the paper being conveyed.

[0051] (Operation of image forming system) Next, the operation of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The system 1 executes the lamination control process shown in Fig. 3 in the following cases: Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a job including lamination processing from an external device, or when the job is input by the user via the operation unit 11. The job includes the setting information of the job. The job setting information includes the size of the target paper (target paper) for lamination processing, the size of the films F1 and F2 to be attached to the target paper, the type of films F1 and F2, and lamination processing conditions which are processing conditions for lamination processing.

[0052] (Lamination control processing) The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 acquires job setting information from the image forming device 10 (step S1). Next, control unit 21 acquires the current remaining amounts of films F1 and F2 loaded in laminating unit 24 (step S2). Specifically, control unit 21 calculates the current feed amount of film F1 since roll-shaped film F1 was loaded into first film supply unit 241, based on the drive time or drive amount of the transport mechanism that transports film F1. Next, control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of film F1 by subtracting the current feed amount of film F1 from the length of film F1 at the time roll-shaped film F1 was loaded into first film supply unit 241. Control unit 21 similarly calculates the current remaining amount of film F2.

[0053] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining lengths of the films F1 and F2 at the current time acquired in step S2 are longer than the length required to laminate one sheet of target paper for the job (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining lengths of the films F1 and F2 at the current time are longer than the length required to laminate one sheet of target paper, based on the unusable lengths of the films F1 and F2, the lamination conditions acquired in step S1, and the size of the target paper. The unusable length of films F1, F2 is the transport distance of films F1, F2 from the core of roll-shaped films F1, F2 to pressure bonding section 243. In other words, the unusable length of films F1, F2 is the length from the core of roll-shaped films F1, F2 to the position where films F1, F2 come into contact with the target paper. The lamination conditions include information on whether to consume films F1 and F2 a predetermined amount longer than the length of the paper in the transport direction, whether to consume films F1 and F2 the same length, or whether to consume films F1 and F2 a predetermined amount shorter than the length of the paper in the transport direction.When consuming films F1 and F2 a predetermined amount longer than the length of the paper in the transport direction, or whether to consume films F1 and F2 a predetermined amount shorter than the length of the paper, the lamination conditions include information on the predetermined amount.

[0054] If the remaining length of the films F1 and F2 at this point is less than the length required to laminate one sheet of the target paper (step S3; NO), the control unit 21 ends the lamination control process.

[0055] On the other hand, if the remaining length of films F1 and F2 at the present time is longer than the length required to laminate one sheet of target paper (step S3; YES), control unit 21 executes stabilization processing of films F1 and F2 (step S4). In step S4, as shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 21 causes the pressure-bonding unit 243 to bond the films F1 and F2 together by a predetermined distance W without sandwiching any paper between them. The predetermined distance W is, for example, 100 mm. As a result, the control unit 21 causes the laminating unit 24 to form a lead portion Fl in which the films F1 and F2 are bonded together without sandwiching any paper. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 cuts off the rear end of the lead portion Fl using the cutting unit 244, and conveys the cut lead portion Fl to the waste box 25 via the conveying path 231a.

[0056] Next, the control unit 21 executes lamination processing for one sheet of target paper by the laminating unit 24 based on the laminating conditions (step S5). In step S5, the control unit 21 causes the laminating unit 24 to attach films F1 and F2 to the paper P1, as shown in FIG. Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the image forming device 10 is currently performing an image forming operation for the job by the image forming unit 14 (step S6). If the image forming apparatus 10 is performing the image forming operation of the job (step S6; YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not a job cancellation instruction operation by the user via the operation unit 11 has been accepted (step S7). If a cancel instruction operation has not been received (step S7; NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the sheet laminated in step S5 is the final sheet in the job based on the job setting information (step S8).

[0057] If the sheet laminated in step S5 (laminated sheet) is not the final sheet of the job (step S8; NO), control unit 21 causes the laminated sheet to wait in laminating unit 24 until the sheet following the laminated sheet reaches laminating unit 24 (step S9). In step S9, control unit 21 causes laminated sheet P1 to wait in laminating unit 24 until the succeeding sheet P2 reaches pressure bonding unit 243, as shown in Fig. 7. The waiting position of laminated sheet P1 in laminating unit 24 is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 7. When the subsequent sheet of paper reaches the laminating unit 24, the control unit 21 causes the cutting unit 244 to cut the films F1 and F2 between the sheets of paper (step S10). In step S10, the control unit 21 causes the cutting unit 244 to cut the films F1 and F2 between the laminated sheet of paper P1 and the subsequent sheet of paper P2, as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, the control unit 21 causes the cutting unit 244 to cut the films F1 and F2 at the rear end side of the laminated sheet of paper P1. The control unit 21 causes the cutting unit 244 to cut the films F1 and F2 at the front end side of the subsequent sheet of paper P2. Next, the control unit 21 ejects the preceding sheet, which is the cut laminated sheet, via the conveyance path 231b (step S11).

[0058] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to interrupt the lamination process in the job currently being executed (step S12). If it is determined not to interrupt the laminating process (step S12; NO), the control unit 21 acquires the current remaining amount of films F1 and F2 attached to the laminating unit 24 in the same manner as in step S2 (step S13). Next, in the same manner as in step S3, the control unit 21 determines whether the current remaining amount of film F1, F2 obtained in step S13 is longer than the length required to laminate one sheet of paper that is the target of the job (step S14).

[0059] If the remaining length of the films F1, F2 at this point is less than the length required to laminate one sheet of the target paper (step S14; NO), the control unit 21 ends the lamination control process.

[0060] On the other hand, if the remaining length of films F1 and F2 at this point is longer than the length required to laminate one sheet of target paper (step S14; YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S5 of the lamination control process. In step S5, the control unit 21 causes the laminating unit 24 to attach films F1 and F2 to the subsequent sheet P2, as shown in FIG.

[0061] If the sheet laminated in step S5 (laminated sheet) is the final sheet of the job (step S8; YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a subsequent job reserved in the system 1 (step S15). If there is a reserved subsequent job (step S15; YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the subsequent job includes lamination processing (step S16). If the subsequent job includes lamination (step S16; YES), the control unit 21 determines the following based on the setting information of the subsequent job: Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether the type and size of the films F1, F2 used in the lamination process of the subsequent job are the same as the type and size of the films F1, F2 used in the lamination process of the preceding job (step S17).

[0062] If the type and size of the films F1, F2 used in the lamination process of the subsequent job are the same as the type and size of the films F1, F2 used in the lamination process of the preceding job (step S17; YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the control unit 21 causes the final sheet of the preceding job, which has already been laminated, to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the first sheet of the subsequent job reaches the pressing unit 243. That is, the control unit 21 makes the last paper (sheet) of the preceding job wait in the laminating unit 24 until the first paper (subsequent sheet) of the subsequent job reaches the laminating unit 24. Thereafter, when the first sheet of the subsequent job reaches the laminating unit 24, the control unit 21 causes the cutting unit 244 to cut the films F1 and F2 between the sheets in step S10. In other words, the control unit 21 causes the final paper (sheet) of the preceding job to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the first paper (subsequent sheet) of the subsequent job reaches the laminating unit 24, without cutting the films F1 and F2 at the rear end of the final paper by the cutting unit 244.

[0063] If the image forming apparatus 10 is not performing the image forming operation for the job (step S6; NO), or if a cancel instruction operation is received (step S7; YES), the control unit 21 executes step S18. Alternatively, if there is no reserved subsequent job (step S15; NO), or if the subsequent job does not include lamination processing (step S16; NO), the control unit 21 executes step S18. Alternatively, if the type and size of the films F1, F2 used in the lamination processing of the subsequent job are not the same as the type and size of the films F1, F2 used in the lamination processing of the preceding job (step S17; NO), the control unit 21 executes step S18. In step S18, the control unit 21 cuts the films F1 and F2 at the rear end side of the laminated paper P1 using the cutting unit 244, as shown in FIG. 11, without making the laminated paper P1 wait in the laminating unit 24 until the paper following the laminated paper P1 reaches the laminating unit 24, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 21 ejects the cut laminated paper P1 through the transport path 231b (step S19), and ends the lamination control process. When the job is executed again after steps S18 and S19, the control unit 21 executes the lamination control process from step S1. In other words, the control unit 21 forms the lead portion Fl by the laminating unit 24 when the final sheet of the job is discharged without waiting in the laminating unit 24 until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit 24 and then starts the laminating process again.

[0065] When it is determined that the laminating process is to be suspended (step S12; YES), the control unit 21 suspends the laminating process of the job currently being executed (step S20). For example, the control unit 21 suspends the lamination process when a stabilization process is performed in the image forming apparatus 10. The stabilization process of the image forming apparatus 10 includes maximum density correction, which corrects the maximum density of each color forming an image. The stabilization process of the image forming apparatus 10 includes halftone density correction, which corrects the halftone density of each color forming an image. The stabilization process of the image forming apparatus 10 includes color registration adjustment, which corrects the misalignment of the image formation position of each color forming an image. The stabilization process of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a refresh operation, which discharges toner contained in the development unit and replaces it with new toner to stabilize the toner developability. The stabilization process of the image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation of supplying toner to the cleaning blade to stabilize the cleaning performance of remaining toner on the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K after primary transfer. The stabilization process of the image forming device 10 includes an operation of driving the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K facing the cleaning blades in reverse in order to stabilize the cleaning performance of the remaining toner on the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K after the primary transfer.

[0066] For example, when the image forming control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 changes the fixing temperature in the fixing unit 144 in accordance with a change in the paper type of the target paper, the control unit 21 interrupts the lamination process of the currently executing job.

[0067] The image forming apparatus 10 may be equipped with a media sensor (not shown) that detects the physical properties of the paper. The physical properties of the paper include the thickness, basis weight, moisture content, surface properties, etc. In this case, the image forming control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the physical properties of the paper detected by the media sensor and determines whether the physical properties of the preceding paper and the following paper are the same. If the physical properties of the preceding paper and the following paper are different, the image forming control unit 16 determines that the image forming unit 14 cannot form an image on the following paper and notifies the laminating device 20 that printing is not possible. When the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 receives the notification that printing is not possible from the image forming device 10, the control unit 21 suspends the laminating process of the job currently being executed. That is, when the control unit 21 determines that printing on the paper is not possible based on the physical property values ​​of the paper detected by the media sensor, it suspends the lamination process of the job.

[0068] For example, when the following errors occur in the system 1, the control unit 21 interrupts the lamination process of the job currently being executed. Errors that occur in the system 1 include a jam occurring when paper is transported within the system 1, a lack of toner or ink in the developing unit of the image forming unit 14, etc. Errors that occur in the system 1 include a full container that collects toner removed by a cleaning blade of the image forming unit 14, an open door of the system 1, detection of waste paper on paper after image formation by the image forming unit 14, etc. The door of the system 1 is, for example, a door provided on the housing of the image forming device 10, a door provided on the housing of the laminating device 20, etc.

[0069] When image formation control unit 16 of image forming apparatus 10 detects that there is no paper in paper feed trays 311-313 of paper feed device 30 that feeds target paper or in paper feed trays 151-153 of paper feed unit 15, it notifies laminating device 20 that there is no target paper. When the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 receives a notification from the image forming device 10 that there is no target paper, the control unit 21 suspends the laminating process of the job currently being executed.

[0070] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to resume the laminating process based on, for example, an instruction operation by the user via the operation unit 11 to resume the laminating process (step S20). If the lamination process is not to be resumed (step S21; NO), the control unit 21 returns the lamination control process to step S21. On the other hand, if the lamination process is to be resumed (step S21; YES), the control unit 21 shifts the lamination control process to step S9. In step S9, the control unit 21 makes the laminated sheets wait in the lamination unit 24 until the leading sheet after the job is resumed reaches the lamination unit 24. In other words, the control unit 21 causes the laminated paper, which is the last paper (final sheet) transported to the laminating unit 24 when the job is interrupted, to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the first paper (subsequent sheet) after the job is resumed reaches the laminating unit 24.

[0071] <Effects> As described above, the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes the image forming unit 14 that forms an image on a sheet. The image forming system includes a laminating unit 24 that laminates a laminating film (films F1, F2) onto a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 14. The image forming system includes a control unit that causes the last sheet of a job, or the last sheet conveyed to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted, to wait in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit. Therefore, when a subsequent job is started after the preceding job is completed, or when a job is resumed after being interrupted, no lead portions are formed to be discarded, which reduces the amount of laminate film that is discarded. This reduces the waste of laminate film, which reduces costs and reduces the work of replacing the laminate film.

[0072] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 causes the last sheet of the preceding job to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the first sheet of the succeeding job, which is the succeeding sheet, reaches the laminating unit 24. Therefore, when the preceding job is completed and the subsequent job is started, no lead portions to be discarded are formed, so the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0073] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 causes the final sheet transported to the laminating unit 24 when the job is interrupted to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit 24 when the job is resumed. Therefore, when a job is restarted after being interrupted, no lead portions are formed to be discarded, and the amount of laminate film to be discarded can be reduced.

[0074] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, when a subsequent job includes lamination processing, the control unit 21 causes the final sheet of the preceding job to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the first sheet of the subsequent job reaches the laminating unit 24. Therefore, when lamination processing for the preceding job is completed and lamination processing for the subsequent job is started, no lead portions to be discarded are formed, so the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0075] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 discharges the final sheet of the preceding job without making it wait in the laminating unit 24 when the subsequent job does not include laminating processing. Therefore, if the subsequent job does not include lamination processing, the final sheet of the preceding job can be discharged without waiting in the laminating unit 24.

[0076] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, when the type of laminating film used for the laminating process in the subsequent job is different from the type of laminating film used for the laminating process in the preceding job, the control unit 21 discharges the final sheet of the preceding job without waiting in the laminating unit 24. Therefore, if the types of laminating film used in the laminating process are different and the laminating process for the preceding job and the succeeding job cannot be performed consecutively, the final sheet of the preceding job can be discharged without waiting in the laminating section 24.

[0077] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, when the size of the laminating film used for the laminating process in the subsequent job is different from the size of the laminating film used for the laminating process in the preceding job, the control unit 21 discharges the final sheet of the preceding job without waiting in the laminating unit 24. Therefore, if the sizes of the laminating films used in the laminating process are different and the laminating processes of the preceding job and the succeeding job cannot be executed consecutively, the final sheet of the preceding job can be discharged without waiting in the laminating section 24.

[0078] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, when the control unit 21 receives an instruction to cancel a preceding job, it discharges the final sheet that was transported to the laminating unit 24 at the time of cancellation of the preceding job without waiting in the laminating unit 24. Therefore, when the preceding job is canceled, the final sheet of the preceding job can be discharged without waiting in the laminating unit 24.

[0079] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 suspends a job when the stabilization process in the image forming unit 14 is executed. Therefore, when a job is resumed after the stabilization process of the image forming unit 14 has been performed, no lead portion to be discarded is formed, so the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0080] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the image forming unit 14 includes a fixing unit 144 that fixes an image on a sheet, and the control unit 21 interrupts a job when changing the fixing temperature in the fixing unit 144. Therefore, when a job is resumed after the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 144 is changed, no lead portion to be discarded is formed, so that the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0081] The image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a media sensor that detects the physical property values ​​of a sheet. The control unit 21 interrupts the job when it is determined that printing on the sheet is not possible based on the physical property values ​​of the sheet detected by the media sensor. Therefore, when a job is resumed after it has been determined that printing on the sheet is not possible based on the physical properties of the sheet, no lead portion to be discarded is formed, and the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0082] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 interrupts a job when an error occurs in the image forming system (system 1). Therefore, when a job is restarted after an error occurs in the system 1, no lead portion is formed to be discarded, and therefore the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0083] The image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes paper feed units 15 and 31 that feed sheets to the image forming unit . When the paper feed unit 15 or 31 runs out of sheets, the control unit 21 interrupts the job. Therefore, when a job is restarted after a sheet shortage occurs in the paper feeder 15, 31, no lead portion to be discarded is formed, so the amount of discarded laminate film can be reduced.

[0084] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the laminating unit 24 includes a cutting unit 244 that cuts the laminate film. The control unit 21 causes the cutting unit 244 to cut the laminate film between the sheets, at the leading end side of the sheets, or at the trailing end side of the sheets, and then discharges the sheets. The control unit 21 causes the final sheet to wait in the laminating unit 24 until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit 24, without causing the cutting unit 244 to cut the laminate film at the rear end side of the final sheet. Therefore, the subsequent sheet can be laminated stably without forming a lead portion.

[0085] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, at the start of lamination processing, the control unit 21 causes the laminating unit 24 to form a lead portion by bonding the laminate film to the sheet without bonding the laminate film to the sheet. Therefore, the lamination process can be performed stably on the sheets.

[0086] In the image forming system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 forms a lead portion by the laminating unit 24 when the final sheet is discharged without waiting in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit 24 and then the laminating process is started again. Therefore, even after the final sheet is discharged without waiting in the laminating section until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating section 24, the sheets can be stably laminated.

[0087] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, the lamination method in the above embodiment is a cold lamination method in which the film F1 is fixed by an adhesive layer that is adhesive at room temperature without heating in the pressure-bonding unit 243, but is not limited to this. The lamination method may also be a hot lamination method in which the film F1 is fixed by melting the adhesive layer. In the above embodiment, the laminating unit 24 adheres a film to both sides of the paper, but this is not limiting. The laminating unit 24 may adhere a film to either the positive or negative side of the paper in the Z axis direction.

[0088] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the image forming system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 System (Image Forming System) 10 Image forming device 11 Control section 12 Display section 13 Document reading unit 14 Image forming unit 141Y, 141M, 141C, 141K photoconductor drum 142 Intermediate transfer belt 143 Secondary transfer roller 144 Fixing section 20 Laminating equipment 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Conveyor 231, 231a, 231b Transport route 24 Laminating Department 241 First Film Supply Unit 242 Second film supply section 243 Crimping section 244 Cutting section 25 Trash Can 30 Paper feeder 31 Paper feed section 311, 312, 313 Paper tray 32 Conveyor F1, F2 film (laminate film) T1 output tray

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a laminating unit that laminates a laminating film onto the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit; a control unit that causes the final sheet of a job, or the final sheet that has been conveyed to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted, to wait in the laminating unit until a subsequent sheet reaches the laminating unit; An image forming system comprising:

2. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit makes the last sheet of the preceding job wait in the laminating unit until the first sheet of the succeeding job, which is the succeeding sheet, reaches the laminating unit.

3. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the final sheet transported to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted to wait in the laminating unit until subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit when the job is resumed.

4. The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein, when the subsequent job includes lamination processing, the control unit causes the last sheet to wait in the laminating unit until the first sheet of the subsequent job reaches the laminating unit.

5. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit discharges the final sheet without making the final sheet wait in the laminating unit when the subsequent job does not include laminating processing.

6. The image forming system of claim 2, wherein the control unit discharges the final sheet without waiting in the laminating unit when the type of laminating film used for the laminating process in the subsequent job is different from the type of laminating film used for the laminating process in the preceding job.

7. The image forming system of claim 2, wherein the control unit discharges the final sheet without waiting in the laminating unit when the size of the laminating film used for the laminating process in the subsequent job is different from the size of the laminating film used for the laminating process in the preceding job.

8. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein when the control unit receives an instruction to cancel the preceding job, the control unit discharges the final sheet transported to the laminating unit at the time of canceling the preceding job without waiting in the laminating unit.

9. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit suspends the job when a stabilization process is performed in the image forming unit.

10. the image forming unit includes a fixing unit that fixes the image on the sheet; The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit interrupts the job when the fixing temperature in the fixing unit is changed.

11. a media sensor for detecting a physical property value of the sheet; The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit interrupts the job when it is determined that printing on the sheet is not possible based on the physical property value detected by the media sensor.

12. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit interrupts the job when an error occurs in the image forming system.

13. a paper feed unit that feeds the sheet to the image forming unit, The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit interrupts the job when a sheet is out in the paper feed unit.

14. the laminating unit includes a cutting unit that cuts the laminate film; The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit discharges the sheets after the cutting unit cuts the laminate film between the sheets, at the leading edge of the sheets, or at the trailing edge of the sheets.

15. The image forming system of claim 14, wherein the control unit causes the final sheet to wait in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit, without the cutting unit cutting the laminating film at the trailing end of the final sheet.

16. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit forms a lead portion by bonding the laminate film to the sheet without attaching the laminate film to the sheet by the laminating unit at the start of the laminating process.

17. The image forming system of claim 16, wherein the control unit forms the lead portion by the laminating unit when starting the laminating process again after discharging the final sheet without waiting in the laminating unit until the subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit.

18. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a laminating unit that laminates a laminating film onto the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit, A program that functions as a control unit that causes the final sheet of a job, or the final sheet transported to the laminating unit when the job is interrupted, to wait in the laminating unit until subsequent sheets reach the laminating unit.

Images