Laminating apparatus, image forming system, and program

Abstract

To provide a laminating apparatus, image forming system, and program that can perform lamination processing with high quality. [Solution] The laminating apparatus 20 includes a laminating unit 26 that laminates a film F onto an image-formed recording medium, an acquisition unit (control unit 21) that acquires paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium, and a first control unit (control unit 21) that controls the transport speed in the laminating unit 26 based on the paper characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

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[0007] The laminating apparatus according to claim 1 is A laminating unit that laminates a film onto an image-formed recording medium, An acquisition unit that acquires paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium, A first control unit controls the transport speed in the laminating unit based on the paper characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit, It is equipped with.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 relates to the laminating apparatus described in claim 1, The first control unit slows down the transport speed as the smoothness of the recording medium indicated by the paper characteristic information decreases.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 relates to the laminating apparatus described in claim 1, The system includes a storage unit that stores the transport speed set according to the paper characteristics information, The first control unit sets the transport speed in the laminating unit to the transport speed stored in the storage unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 relates to the laminating apparatus described in claim 1, The acquisition unit acquires the detection result of a smoothness sensor that detects the smoothness of the recording medium as the paper characteristic information.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 relates to the laminating apparatus described in claim 1, The first control unit adjusts the transport speed based on the results of the lamination process.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 relates to the laminating apparatus described in claim 5, The first control unit acquires a read image obtained by reading the laminated recording medium as a result of the lamination process.

[0013] The image forming system according to claim 7 is a laminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and a second control unit that sets the conveyance speed in the image forming unit to the same speed as the conveyance speed in the laminating unit when the conveyance speed in the laminating unit is slower than the conveyance speed in the image forming unit. It is provided with.

[0014] The image forming system according to claim 8 is a laminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium, and a second control unit that widens the conveyance interval of the recording medium in the image forming unit when the conveyance speed in the laminating unit is slower than the conveyance speed in the image forming unit. It is provided with.

[0015] The program according to claim 9 causes a computer of a laminating device including a laminating unit that laminates a film on an image-formed recording medium to function as an acquisition unit that acquires paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium, and a control unit that controls the conveyance speed in the laminating unit based on the paper characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit. to function as.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the laminating process can be performed with high quality.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of an image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a conveyance speed table. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the lamination process control. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the paper conveyance control. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the lamination process control of a modified example. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a conveyance speed table for storing the adjusted paper conveyance speed.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] <1. Configuration of the Image Forming System> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a laminating apparatus 20.

[0020] (1-1. Configuration of the Image Forming Apparatus) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a document reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a storage unit 14, an operation panel 15, a communication unit 16, a smoothness sensor 17, etc. The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 151 for displaying various information to the user and an operation unit 152 for receiving operation inputs by the user.

[0021] The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and expands them in the RAM according to an operation signal input from the operation unit 152 or an instruction signal received by the communication unit 16. Next, the CPU comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the various programs expanded in the RAM.

[0022] The document reading unit 12 scans and exposes the image of a document placed on a document glass or automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown) using the optical system of a scanning exposure device. Next, the document reading unit 12 reads the reflected light from the scanning exposure using a line image sensor, thereby obtaining an image signal. Next, the document reading unit 12 processes this image signal with A / D conversion, shading correction, compression, etc., and then outputs it as image data to the control unit 11.

[0023] In addition to the image data read by the document reading unit 12, the control unit 11 also acquires image data included in print jobs received from external devices (not shown) via the communication unit 16.

[0024] The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the paper consisting of four colors, C, M, Y, and K, according to the pixel values ​​of the four colors of each pixel in the processed original image. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 13 includes four writing units 131, an intermediate transfer belt 132, a secondary transfer roller 133, a fixing unit 134, and the like.

[0025] The four writing units 131 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132, forming images of C, M, Y, and K colors. Each writing unit 131 has the same configuration except for the color of the image it forms, and comprises a light scanning unit 131a, a photoreceptor 131b, a developing unit 131c, a charging unit 131d, a cleaning unit 131e, and a primary transfer roller 131f.

[0026] Each writing unit 131 charges the photoreceptor 131b with the charging unit 131d, and then scans the photoreceptor 131b with a light beam emitted by the light scanning unit 131a based on the original image to form an electrostatic latent image. Next, each writing unit 131 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying a colorant such as toner with the developing unit 131c, and forms an image on the photoreceptor 131b. Next, each writing unit 131 sequentially transfers the images formed on the four photoreceptors 131b onto the intermediate transfer belt 132 using its respective primary transfer roller 131f (primary transfer). As a result, the writing unit 131 forms images consisting of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0027] The intermediate transfer belt 132 is an image carrier that is wound around multiple rollers and rotates. The cleaning unit 131e removes any colorant remaining on the photoreceptor 131b after the primary transfer.

[0028] The image forming unit 13 feeds paper from the paper tray T1 in accordance with the timing that the image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 132 reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 133. In this embodiment, the paper is a single sheet. The secondary transfer roller 133 consists of a pair of rollers, one of which presses against the intermediate transfer belt 132, and the other which is one of several rollers that wind the intermediate transfer belt 132. The secondary transfer roller 133 transfers the image from the intermediate transfer belt 132 to the paper (secondary transfer) by pressing it against the intermediate transfer belt 132.

[0029] Next, the image forming unit 13 transports the paper after secondary transfer to the fixing unit 134. The fixing unit 134 performs a fixing process in which the paper is heated and pressurized by the fixing roller 134a to fix the image to the paper.

[0030] In the case of single-sided printing, where an image is formed on only one side of the paper, the image forming unit 13 transports the paper after fixing to the laminating device 20. In the case of double-sided printing, where an image is formed on both sides of the paper, the image forming unit 13 transports the paper after fixing to the inversion path 135 to invert the paper surface, and then feeds the paper again at a position upstream of the secondary transfer roller 133 in the paper transport path.

[0031] The memory unit 14 is a non-volatile storage device equipped with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The memory unit 14 stores various programs, various setting data, etc., so that they can be read and written by the control unit 11.

[0032] The display unit 151 is equipped with a color liquid crystal display or the like, and displays a screen according to the display control signal input from the control unit 11. The display screens include various setting screens, screens containing various buttons, and screens showing the operating status of each function. The operation unit 152 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 151 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 151. The operation unit 152 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 11 based on the user's operation.

[0033] The communication unit 16 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 10 to a communication network, and includes a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and a communication connector. The communication unit 16, under the control of the control unit 11, transmits and receives various types of information with external devices connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0034] The smoothness sensor 17 is positioned, for example, upstream of the image forming unit 13 on the paper transport path. The smoothness sensor 17 is a reflective optical sensor that detects the smoothness of the paper by detecting specularly reflected and diffusely reflected light from the paper surface and outputs the detection result to the control unit 11.

[0035] (1-2. Laminating Machine Configuration) The laminating device 20 laminates the paper (recording medium) on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 10. The laminating device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a superposition unit 24, a mounting unit 25, a laminating unit 26, a cutting unit 27, an image reading unit 28, and the like.

[0036] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU reads various processing programs stored in ROM and loads them into RAM in response to instruction signals received by the communication unit 23. Next, the CPU comprehensively controls the operation of the laminating device 20 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into RAM.

[0037] The memory unit 22 is a non-volatile storage device equipped with an HDD, SSD, or the like. The memory unit 22 stores various programs, various setting data, etc., so that they can be read and written by the control unit 21.

[0038] The memory unit 22 stores the transport speed table 221. Figure 3 shows an example of a transport speed table 221. As shown in Figure 3, the transport speed table 221 stores the correspondence between paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the paper and the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26. The paper characteristic information values ​​indicate that a value closer to X1 indicates lower paper smoothness and a rougher paper surface, while a value closer to X6 indicates higher paper smoothness and a smoother paper surface. The paper transport speed value in the laminating section 26 indicates that a value closer to V1 is slower, and a value closer to V5 is faster. In other words, the relationship between the paper characteristics information corresponding to the smoothness of the paper and the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 indicates that the lower the smoothness of the paper, the slower the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26.

[0039] The communication unit 23 is an interface that connects the laminating device 20 to a communication network, and includes a communication IC and a communication connector. The communication unit 23, under the control of the control unit 21, transmits and receives various types of information with external devices connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the overlapping section 24 is located upstream of the lamination section 26 in the paper transport path. The overlapping section 24 overlaps the trailing edge of the preceding sheet of paper with the upper part of the trailing edge of the following sheet of paper by a predetermined overlapping amount, thereby transporting the paper in a continuous strip.

[0041] The mounting section 25 is configured to allow mounting of a film roll 261 of film F, which is a laminate film. The mounting section 25 may be capable of mounting multiple film rolls 261.

[0042] The laminating unit 26 performs lamination by continuously attaching film F to one side of the paper superimposed by the overlapping unit 24. The laminating section 26 includes a film roll 261, a film transport path 262, a bonding section 263, a heating roller 264, a pressure roller 265, and the like.

[0043] The film roll 261 is formed from two layers of film F in a roll shape. Film F consists of a transparent resin film layer and an adhesive layer. The film transport path 262 transports the film F from the film roll 261 to the nip section N1 of the bonding section 263.

[0044] The bonding section 263 is equipped with two rollers, as shown in Figure 1. The bonding section 263 adheres the adhesive layer of the film F to the surface of the paper by sandwiching the paper and the film F between the nip section N1 formed by the two rollers. In this way, the bonding section 263 bonds the paper and the film F together.

[0045] The heating roller 264 incorporates a heating means such as a halogen heater. The pressure roller 265 is biased upward by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown) and pressed against the heating roller 264. The heating roller 264 and the pressure roller 265 form a nip portion N2 where they are in surface contact. The heating roller 264 and the pressure roller 265 melt the adhesive layer of the film F at the nip section N2, and the melted adhesive layer is bonded to the surface of the paper, then heat-pressed and attached.

[0046] The cutting section 27 inserts a cutting blade between the sheets of paper superimposed by the overlapping section 24 to cut only the film F, thereby separating the sheets of paper.

[0047] The image reading unit 28 includes, for example, a color scanner. The image reading unit 28 reads the laminated paper and outputs the read image data to the control unit 21.

[0048] <2. Operation of the Image Forming System> Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the lamination control process performed by the laminating device 20. The laminating device 20 executes laminating control processing when the image forming device 10 acquires job information for a print job including laminating processing via the communication unit 16 or the operation unit 152, and the control unit 11 issues an instruction to execute the laminating processing.

[0049] (Lamination control process) The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 acquires paper characteristic information, which is the result of detecting the target paper for the print job by the smoothness sensor 17, from the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 23 (step A1). The control unit 21 functions as an acquisition unit.

[0050] Next, the control unit 21 obtains the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 corresponding to the paper characteristic information obtained in step A1 from the transport speed table 221. The control unit 21 may also calculate the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 using a calculation formula based on the paper characteristic information obtained in step A1. Next, the control unit 21 determines the acquired paper transport speed as a processing condition for the lamination process (step A2). In other words, the control unit 21 controls the paper transport speed in the lamination unit 26 based on the paper characteristic information. The control unit 21 functions as the first control unit.

[0051] Next, the control unit 21 sets the processing conditions determined in step A2 to the laminating unit 26, performs lamination on the image-formed paper transported from the image forming apparatus 10 (step A3), and terminates the lamination control process.

[0052] Next, the paper transport control process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 (see Figure 5) will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 executes paper transport control processing when it obtains job information for a print job, including lamination processing, via the communication unit 16 or the operation unit 152.

[0053] (Paper transport control processing) The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 obtains the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26, which was determined in step A2 of the laminating control process, from the laminating device 20 via the communication unit 16 (step B1).

[0054] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26, acquired in step B1, is slower than the paper transport speed in the image forming unit 13 (step B2). If the paper transport speed of the laminating unit 26 is not slower than the paper transport speed of the image forming unit 13 (Step B2; NO), the control unit 11 terminates the paper transport control process.

[0055] On the other hand, if the paper transport speed of the laminating unit 26 is slower than the paper transport speed of the image forming unit 13 (step B2; YES), the control unit 11 sets the paper transport speed of the image forming unit 13 to be equal to the paper transport speed of the laminating unit 26. Alternatively, the control unit 11 widens the paper transport interval within the image forming apparatus 10 beyond the currently set interval (step B3). The control unit 11 functions as a second control unit. Next, the control unit 11 terminates the paper transport control process.

[0056] <3. Variant> Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the above embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the lamination control process for a modified example.

[0057] (Lamination control process for modified form) The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 executes steps C1 to C3, which are the same as steps A1 to A3 of the laminating control process in the above embodiment. Next, the control unit 21 uses the image reading unit 28 to read the paper that has been laminated in step C3 and acquires the read image data (step C4).

[0058] Next, the control unit 21 determines, based on the read image data acquired in step C4, whether or not there are air bubbles between the film F and the paper in the laminated paper (step C5). If there are no air bubbles between the film F and the paper (step C5; NO), the control unit 21 terminates the lamination control process.

[0059] On the other hand, if there are air bubbles between the film F and the paper (step C5; YES), the control unit 21 updates the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 stored in the transport speed table 221 (step C6) and terminates the laminating control process. In other words, the control unit 21 adjusts the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 based on the laminating result. In step C6, if there are air bubbles between the film F and the paper, the control unit 21 slows down the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 to a speed lower than the currently set speed. Figure 7 shows an example of a transport speed table 221 that stores the paper transport speed in the laminating unit 26 after adjustment. In the example shown in Figure 7, the paper transport speed value in the laminating unit 26 indicates that the value is slower when it is closer to V0, and faster when it is closer to V5.

[0060] <4. Effects> As described above, the laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment includes a laminating unit 26 that laminates a film F onto a recording medium on which an image has been formed. The laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit (control unit 21) that acquires paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium. The laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment includes a first control unit (control unit 21) that controls the transport speed in the laminating processing unit 26 based on paper characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, since lamination can be performed at a paper transport speed set according to the paper characteristics information, problems such as air bubbles forming between the film F and the paper can be suppressed. This allows for high-quality lamination.

[0061] In the laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment, the first control unit (control unit 21) slows down the transport speed in the laminating section 26 as the smoothness of the recording medium indicated by the paper characteristic information decreases. Therefore, even when the paper surface is relatively rough, problems such as air bubbles forming between the film F and the paper can be suppressed by making the transport speed in the laminating section 26 relatively slow.

[0062] The laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 22 that stores the transport speed in the laminating section 26, which is set according to the paper characteristics information. The first control unit (control unit 21) sets the transport speed in the laminating unit 26 to the transport speed stored in the storage unit 22. Therefore, the transport speed in the laminating section 26 can be easily set using the transport speed table 221.

[0063] In the laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit (control unit 21) acquires the detection result of the smoothness sensor 17, which detects the smoothness of the recording medium, as paper characteristic information. Therefore, paper characteristic information can be easily obtained.

[0064] In the laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment, the first control unit (control unit 21) adjusts the transport speed in the laminating section 26 based on the laminating results. Therefore, the transport speed in the laminating section 26 can be set to a speed at which no problems occur during the laminating process.

[0065] In the laminating apparatus 20 according to this embodiment, the first control unit (control unit 21) acquires a read image of the laminated recording medium as a result of the lamination process. Therefore, the results of the lamination process can be easily determined based on the scanned image of the laminated paper.

[0066] The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a laminating device 20. The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes an image forming unit 13 that forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a second control unit (control unit 11) that sets the transport speed in the image forming unit 13 to the same speed as the transport speed in the laminating unit 26 when the transport speed in the laminating unit 26 is slower than the transport speed in the image forming unit 13. Therefore, it is possible to suppress paper transport problems that occur due to differences in the paper transport speed of the image forming unit 13 and the paper transport speed of the laminating unit 26.

[0067] The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a laminating device 20. The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes an image forming unit 13 that forms an image on a recording medium. The image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a second control unit (control unit 11) that widens the transport interval of the recording medium in the image forming unit 13 when the transport speed in the laminating unit 26 is slower than the transport speed in the image forming unit 13. Therefore, it is possible to suppress paper transport problems that occur due to differences in the paper transport speed of the image forming unit 13 and the paper transport speed of the laminating unit 26.

[0068] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from its spirit.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, lamination is performed on one side of the paper, but it is not limited to this. Lamination may be performed on only a part of one side of the paper, or on both sides, not just one side.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an optional configuration is adopted in which the laminating device 20 is installed separately from the image forming apparatus 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 may have a configuration in which the laminating device 20 is built-in. In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the laminating apparatus 20 is assumed to perform the lamination control process, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10, or the control unit of an external device communicated with the laminating apparatus 20, may also perform the lamination control process.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the image forming unit 13 forms an image using an electrophotographic method, but it may also form an image using an inkjet method.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the paper characteristics information is detected by the smoothness sensor 17 and the control unit 21 acquires the detection result, but this is not limited to this. The control unit 21 may acquire paper characteristics information corresponding to the smoothness of the paper that is set in advance in the print job. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may acquire paper characteristics information corresponding to the smoothness of the paper through input from the user via the operation unit 152.

[0073] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the image forming apparatus can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1. Image forming system 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control Unit (Second Control Unit) 12 Manuscript Reading Unit 13 Image forming unit 131 Writing section 131a Optical scanning unit 131b Photoreceptor 131c Developing Department 131d Charged part 131e Cleaning Department 131f Primary Transfer Roller 132 Intermediate transfer belt 133 Secondary Transfer Roller 134 Fixing section 134a Fixing roller 135 Reversal Path 14 Storage section 15. Control Panel 151 Display section 152 Operation section 16 Communications Department T1 Paper Tray 20 Laminating machine 21 Control Unit (Acquisition Unit, First Control Unit) 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Overlapping section 25 Mounting part 26 Lamination Section 261 Film Roll 262 Film transport path 263 Bonding section 264 Heating roller 265 Pressure Roller 27 Cut section 28 Image reading unit

Claims

1. A laminating unit that laminates a film onto an image-formed recording medium, An acquisition unit that acquires paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium, A first control unit controls the transport speed in the laminating unit based on the paper characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit, A laminating machine equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit slows down the transport speed as the smoothness of the recording medium indicated by the paper characteristic information decreases.

3. The system includes a storage unit that stores the transport speed set according to the paper characteristics information, The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit sets the transport speed in the laminating section to the transport speed stored in the storage unit.

4. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the detection result of a smoothness sensor that detects the smoothness of the recording medium as the paper characteristic information.

5. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit adjusts the transport speed based on the results of the laminating process.

6. The laminating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first control unit acquires a read image obtained by reading the laminated recording medium as a result of the laminating process.

7. A laminating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium, A second control unit sets the transport speed in the image forming unit to the same speed as the transport speed in the laminating unit when the transport speed in the image forming unit is slower than the transport speed in the laminating unit. An image forming system comprising the following features.

8. A laminating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium, A second control unit widens the transport interval of the recording medium in the image forming unit when the transport speed in the laminating unit is slower than the transport speed in the image forming unit. An image forming system comprising the following features.

9. A computer for a laminating apparatus that includes a laminating section for laminating a film onto a recording medium on which an image has been formed, An acquisition unit that acquires paper characteristic information corresponding to the smoothness of the recording medium, A control unit controls the transport speed in the laminating unit based on the paper characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit. A program that makes it function as such.

Images