Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and sheet processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image formation system which can perform copy or printing etc. which does not require post-processing, such as lamination, without causing deterioration of the image quality and productivity when a sheet is processed on a first transport path.SOLUTION: An image formation system includes: an image formation device 300 which forms images on a sheet; and a sheet processing device 100 which performs post-processing to the sheet. The sheet processing device includes: a first transport path for transporting the sheet and performing the post-processing to the sheet; and a second transport path for transporting the sheet to the downstream side without performing the post-processing. When print jobs including one or N (N≥2) print jobs, in which the post-processing is performed by the sheet processing device, and a print job, in which the post-processing is not performed by the sheet processing device, are commanded, while a given M-th (1≤M<N) print job, in which the post-processing is performed, is executed, the print job, in which the post-processing is not performed, is executed and the sheet is transported in the second transport path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a sheet processing apparatus. [Background technology]

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

[0003] In conventional laminating machines, the inner sheets (paper, photos, etc.) to be sandwiched between the film must be sandwiched one by one by hand, but because the film has an adhesive layer on the inside, it is difficult to peel off by hand, and after peeling, it is also troublesome to sandwich the sheets to be sandwiched in the correct position. In addition, when one sheet is prepared and set in the processing machine (laminator), it takes 30 to 60 seconds to laminate, so it is necessary to wait until the next processing. As a result, even if only a few dozen sheets are laminated, the person cannot leave the laminating processing device for a long time, and the user must repeat the work of sandwiching the sheets, setting it, laminating, sandwiching the sheets while waiting, etc., which requires time and manpower. In addition, if you try to avoid this, you need a dedicated laminating device that uses roll film, which is very expensive (hundreds of thousands to millions of yen).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a laminating device that peels apart sheets of laminated sheets that are connected on one side and inserts an inner sheet between the sheets.

[0005] However, when this laminating device is configured to be connectable to an image forming device, if there is an output that does not require lamination processing, since there is no discharge path (paper discharge path) for normal printing, when an attempt is made to discharge a sheet from the laminating device, the sheet passes through a sheet processing path that includes a peeling path, a heat fixing unit, etc. In this case, heat is applied to the sheet, which can lead to a deterioration in image quality if an image is printed on the sheet.

[0006] In addition, even if the image forming device issues an output command that does not require lamination during the lamination device's sheet peeling and inserting of the inner paper, the sheet processing path that is performing the lamination process still feeds and peels the sheet, inserts the inner paper, and transports the sheet to the thermal fixing unit after processing. Therefore, outputs that do not require lamination must wait until each operation of the lamination process is completed, resulting in a decrease in the productivity of that output. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for conveying the sheet along the first conveying path. laminate Lamination can be performed without compromising image quality and productivity during processing. Reason It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system capable of performing copying, printing, etc. without requiring a printer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, Lamination and a sheet processing apparatus for performing the above steps, the sheet is a first sheet in which two sheets are stacked and partially joined together, and a second sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming device disposed upstream of the sheet processing device, The sheet processing apparatus includes: a lamination processing section; a first stacking means for stacking the first sheet; Transporting the sheet Lamination The first conveying path for carrying out a sheet processing path as a first transport path for peeling off the first sheet and sandwiching the second sheet therebetween; and, Lamination a second transport path for transporting the sheet without a paper discharge path as a second transport path through which the second sheet can be discharged by bypassing the lamination processing section; The sheet processing device includes: LaminationOne or N (N≥2) printing jobs to be performed and by the sheet processing apparatus Lamination When a plurality of printing jobs including both printing jobs not to be performed are instructed, the Lamination During execution of any M-th (1≤M<N) printing job to be performed, the Lamination The printing job not to be performed is executed, and the sheet is conveyed in the second conveyance path, which is solved by an image forming system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] Even during processing of a sheet in the first conveyance path, it is possible to perform copying, printing, etc. that do not require lamination without causing a decrease in image quality and productivity. laminate processing Reason that are not required.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] It is a configuration diagram (Part 1) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] It is a configuration diagram (Part 2) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram (Part 3) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Diagram 5] It is a configuration diagram (Part 4) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 6] It is a configuration diagram (Part 5) and a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 7] It is a configuration diagram (Part 6) and a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 8] It is a configuration diagram (Part 7) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 9] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a configuration diagram (Part 8) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel 10 installed in the sheet processing apparatus 100. FIG. [Figure 14] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another state of the sheet processing apparatus 100 in FIG. [Figure 15] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another state of the sheet processing apparatus 100 in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 18 is a perspective view of a sheet discharge unit of the sheet processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 2 is a schematic side view showing a lifting means for lifting and lowering the paper discharge tray 104. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a sheet sorting mechanism that sorts sheets when they are discharged onto a paper discharge tray. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of sheets sorted by a sheet sorting mechanism. [Diagram 23] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, a sheet processing apparatus 100, and a post-processing apparatus 400. FIG. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a part of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the image forming system. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the image forming system. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the image forming system. [Figure 28]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the image forming system. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the image forming system. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of executing another job in the image forming system. [Diagram 31] 31 is a diagram showing an example in which the same job as in FIG. 30 is executed in an image forming system according to another embodiment. [Diagram 32] 28 is a modified example of the embodiment of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Diagram 33] 33 is a modified example of the embodiment of the image forming system shown in FIG. 32. [Diagram 34] 34 is a modified example of the embodiment of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel 10. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is another diagram showing the operation panel 10. [Figure 38] 30 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in the image forming system shown in FIGS. 25 to 29. [Figure 39] 6 is a flowchart showing a series of operations from a start instruction for each sheet feeding to a sheet discharge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment separates two stacked sheets (hereinafter referred to as sheets S) from each other, and inserts and holds a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as an inner sheet P) between the separated sheets S.

[0012] Here, the sheet S is a two-ply sheet (first sheet) in which two sheets are stacked and a part (or one side) of the two sheets are joined. For example, a two-ply sheet may be one in which one side is a translucent sheet such as a transparent polyester sheet and the other side is a transparent or opaque sheet, and the two sheets are joined at one side. The two-ply sheet also includes a laminate film.

[0013] The inner page P is an example of a sheet-like medium that is inserted between these two stacked sheets. In addition to plain paper, sheet-like media includes cardboard, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper (coated paper, art paper, etc.), tracing paper, and OHP sheets.

[0014] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet tray 102 which is a first stacking means for stacking sheets S, a pickup roller 105 which feeds sheets S from the sheet tray 102, and a pair of transport rollers 107. The inner sheets P are configured so as to be feedable from a paper feed unit 301 of an image forming apparatus 300, which will be described later, and it is possible to print any image on the inner sheets P to be inserted between the sheets S using a copy or printer of the image forming apparatus 300 and insert them inline.

[0015] A transport sensor C1 that detects the transport position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 107 in the transport direction. An inner sheet P fed from an image forming apparatus 300 (see FIG. 9) disposed upstream of the sheet processing apparatus 100 is delivered to the inside of the sheet processing apparatus 100 by an inner sheet delivery guide 117 of the sheet processing apparatus 100. A transport sensor C2 that detects the transport position of the inner sheet P is provided in the inner sheet delivery guide 117.

[0016] The sheet processing apparatus 100 further includes, downstream of the conveying roller pair 107, an inlet roller pair 108 as a first conveying means, a winding roller 109 as a rotating member, an outlet roller pair 113 as a second conveying means, and a stacking roller 114 for stacking the discharged sheet S. Paper ejection meansThe sheet ejection tray 104 is provided with a separating claw 116 between the winding roller 109 and the pair of exit rollers 113 so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S.

[0017] A transport sensor C3 that detects the transport positions of the sheet S and the inner paper P is provided downstream of the entrance roller pair 108 in the transport direction, and an abnormal state detection sensor C4 that detects the state of the sheet S is provided downstream of the winding roller 109 in the transport direction. A transport sensor C5 that detects the transport position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the exit roller pair 113 in the transport direction. In addition, a peel sensor C6 that detects a lower portion of the peeled sheet S is provided below the transport sensor C3, and a peel sensor C7 that detects an upper portion of the peeled sheet S is provided above the exit roller pair 113.

[0018] Here, a conveying path provided with the entrance roller pair 108, the winding roller 109, the peeling claw 116, and the exit roller pair 113 forms a sheet processing path 99 for processing sheets. Specifically, the sheet processing path 99 is for peeling off the sheet S as a first sheet, and sandwiching therein an inner sheet P as a second sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit 305 disposed upstream of the sheet processing device 100. The sheet processing path 99 may include a heat and pressure roller 120 that is a heat and pressure member capable of applying heat and pressure to the sheet S. This enables the sheet processing device to perform lamination processing including heating, and the productivity of the entire system can be improved by performing another job using the paper discharge path during the heating process.

[0019] The sheet processing device 100 has a branch claw 118 provided downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet processing path 99, and a heat and pressure conveying path 128 formed downstream in the conveying direction. In the heat and pressure conveying path 128, a heat and pressure roller 120 and a discharge roller 121 provided downstream of the heat and pressure roller 120 and in the vicinity of the paper discharge port are arranged.

[0020] A heat and pressure roller 120, which is a heat and pressure member, applies heat and pressure to the sheet S sandwiching the inner paper P, which is a sheet-like medium. The sheet is discharged from a paper discharge port by a discharge roller 121 and is discharged and stacked on a paper discharge tray 104.

[0021] The sheet processing device 100 also has a paper discharge path 124 that can discharge the paper or inner pages P, which is the second sheet, to the paper discharge tray 104 without passing through the sheet processing path 99, and a branch claw 119, which is a switching means that can switch the transport destination of the paper or inner pages P to the paper discharge path 124 or the sheet processing path 99 depending on information about the paper or inner pages P, located upstream of the sheet processing path 99. The paper discharge path 124 is provided with transport rollers 125, 127, and 129 that transport the paper or inner pages P, and a discharge roller 123 provided near the paper discharge outlet. The paper or inner pages P discharged from the paper discharge outlet by the discharge roller 123 is discharged and stacked on the paper discharge tray 104.

[0022] Thus, the sheet processing apparatus 100 has a paper discharge path 124 that can discharge paper without passing through the sheet processing path 99, and a branch claw 119 that is a switching means that can guide paper or inner pages P to the paper discharge path 124 upstream of the sheet processing path 99. This allows inner pages P that require lamination to be guided to the sheet processing path 99, and paper that does not require lamination such as copying or printing to be guided to the paper discharge path 124 for discharge. Therefore, even during sheet processing such as during the feeding and peeling operation of the sheet S in the sheet processing path 99 or during insertion of the inner pages P and transport to the heat and pressure roller 120 after sheet processing, normal printing (print jobs using a copy or printer, etc.) in which paper is discharged without lamination can be performed, and the productivity of printing that does not require lamination increases.

[0023] The sheet processing device 100 is also characterized in that it has a branch claw 119, which is a switching means for guiding a sheet to the sheet processing path 99 or the paper discharge path 124, upstream of the junction of the transport paths of the first sheet, sheet S, and the second sheet, inner page P. This makes it possible to guide copy or print paper that does not require lamination to the paper discharge path 124 by the branch claw 119 and discharge it to the paper discharge tray 104, even while the sheet S is being fed in the sheet processing path 99.

[0024] An operation panel 10, which is a display operation means for displaying information on the sheet processing apparatus 100 and receiving operation inputs, is provided on the exterior of the sheet processing apparatus 100. The operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to the user. Alternatively, a notification means other than the operation panel 10 may be provided separately in the sheet processing apparatus 100.

[0025] The entrance roller pair 108 and the exit roller pair 113 are, for example, a pair of rollers, each of which is rotated by a driving means (such as a motor). The entrance roller pair 108 is rotated in one direction, and the exit roller pair 113 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, thereby sandwiching and transporting the sheet S and the inner page P.

[0026] The entrance roller pair 108 transports the sheet S and the inner page P toward the exit roller pair 113. This transport direction is called the forward transport direction (the direction of the arrow A: see FIG. 2).

[0027] Meanwhile, the pair of exit rollers 113 can switch their rotation between forward and reverse directions. The sandwiched sheet S can be transported toward the discharge tray 104 (see FIG. 1) in the forward transport direction, and can also be transported toward the winding roller 109 in the reverse direction (pull-back direction). This direction of transport toward the winding roller 109 (opposite to the forward transport direction) is called the reverse transport direction (the direction of arrow B: see FIG. 3).

[0028] The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a winding roller 109 and a peeling claw 116, which are rotating members, between the pair of entrance rollers 108 and the pair of exit rollers 113. The winding roller 109 is driven to rotate in forward and reverse directions by a driving means (such as a motor), and its rotation can be switched between two directions (clockwise / counterclockwise).

[0029] The winding roller 109 has a roller member 111 and a movable gripping means 110 that is provided on the roller member 111 and grips the sheet S. The movable gripping means 110 is characterized by gripping the leading edge of the sheet S together with the roller member 111. The gripping means 110 may be integrally formed on the outer periphery of the roller member 111, or may be configured as a separate part.

[0030] Next, a series of operations of the sheet processing apparatus 100, that is, operations from peeling off the sheet S to inserting the inner sheet P, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] 1, the sheets S on the sheet tray 102 are stacked so that a portion of the joined two sheets is located downstream in the feed direction (conveying direction) of the pickup roller 105. Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 picks up the sheet S on the sheet tray 102 with the pickup roller 105, and conveys it toward the entrance roller pair 108 by the conveying roller pair 107.

[0032] Next, the inlet roller pair 108 transports the sheet S toward the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with the side where one of the four sides of the sheet S, that is, the end portion, joined, being the downstream side in the forward transport direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0033] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S when the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction passes the winding roller 109. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading end of the sheet S by the conveying sensor C3, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveying sensor C3.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the sheet processing apparatus 100 opens the gripping means 110, reverses the rotation direction of the pair of outlet rollers 113, and conveys the sheet S toward the opening of the gripping means 110 in the reverse conveying direction (the direction of the arrow B).

[0035] 4, the sheet processing apparatus 100 stops conveying the sheet S when the end of the sheet S is inserted into the open gripping means 110, and closes the gripping means 110 to grip the end of the sheet S. Specifically, the gripping means 110 is configured to pinch and grip the sheet S between itself and a receiving portion 115 of the winding roller 109 in a direction perpendicular to the end of the sheet S. The receiving portion 115 is formed so as to be able to face the gripping means 110. These operations are performed by conveying the sheet S a specified amount.

[0036] In this embodiment, at least one of the gripping means 110 and the receiving portion 115 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, a spring, or a leaf spring. This makes it possible to increase the gripping force on the sheet S and to prevent the surface of the sheet S from being scratched, compared to when both the gripping means 110 and the receiving portion 115 are formed of a rigid body such as a metal material or a resin material. In particular, when both the gripping means 110 and the receiving portion 115 are formed of an elastic material, such an effect is easily achieved.

[0037] 5, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109 from the side of the two sheets that is not joined together.

[0038] The winding roller 109 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions about a rotation shaft 112 by the drive of a drive motor controlled by the control unit.

[0039] 6(a) is a side view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), when the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109, the difference in winding circumference (difference in winding amount) of the two overlapping sheets causes excess sheet on the inner circumference side, and slack occurs toward the joined end of the sheet S. As a result, a space is created between the two sheets. By inserting the peeling claws 116 into this created space from both sides of the sheet S, it is possible to reliably maintain the space between the two sheets. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C5, and are performed by transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

[0040] The sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 clockwise with the peeling claw 116 inserted into the space created in the sheet S (see FIG. 6), and moves the peeled space of the sheet S to the rear end in the forward conveying direction (arrow A direction) of the sheet S, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). Then, when the designated amount of movement has been reached, the gripping means 110 is released, and the rear end of the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts.

[0041] In this state, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and then moves the peeling claw 116 further in the sheet width direction to peel off the entire rear end of the sheet S. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the conveying sensor C5, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveying sensor C5.

[0042] Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view showing the state of the peeling claw 116 and the sheet S in the state of Fig. 7(a). The peeling claw 116 also has a shape (function) of a bifurcating claw that guides the peeled sheets S in different directions, so that the two sheets of the sheet S are in positions that allow them to be transported along different paths.

[0043] 8, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of outlet rollers 113 counterclockwise from the state in which the entire rear end of the sheet S has been peeled off, and conveys the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction (the direction of the arrow B). That is, the two peeled sheets of the sheet S are guided in the vertical direction by the peeling claws 116, and the two sheets are entirely peeled off from each other.

[0044] Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and the joint portion of the sheet S is gripped (nipped) by the pair of exit rollers 113. Therefore, the sheet S opens widely from the jointed side as an end. The series of operations up to this point is the peeling operation.

[0045] These operations are triggered by detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the conveyance sensor C5, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a designated amount from the conveyance sensor C5.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 300 has a paper feed section 301 arranged at the bottom of the apparatus for storing and feeding the inner pages P, a paper feed means 303 for feeding the inner pages P from the paper feed section 301, an image forming section 305 arranged above the paper feed section 301 and capable of forming an image on the inner pages P, and a paper discharge path 307 for discharging the inner pages P on which the image has been formed. The inner pages P transported through the image forming apparatus 300 are delivered into the sheet processing apparatus 100 by an inner page delivery guide 117 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 arranged downstream.

[0047] After the peeling operation in Fig. 8 is completed, the inner-sheet P is fed from the image forming apparatus 300 as shown in Fig. 9. The inner-sheet P is fed from the paper feed section 301 of the image forming apparatus 300, and is delivered to the inner-sheet delivery guide 117 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 via the paper discharge path 307. At this time, an image may be formed on the inner-sheet P by the image forming section 305.

[0048] Also, a main body paper discharge path and a main body paper discharge tray may be provided above the paper discharge path 307 of the image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to discharge paper from the image forming apparatus 300 even when lamination processing is not performed. With this configuration, when output that does not require lamination processing is performed from the image forming apparatus in the setting shown in Fig. 13, paper can be discharged without passing through the lamination processing unit, so that it can be discharged without losing the output speed of the image forming apparatus main body.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, by configuring at least the sheet processing path 99 to be detachable from the image forming device 300, it is also possible to configure the sheet processing device 100 so that it can peel off and laminate the laminate film even without the image forming device 300.

[0050] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 to transport the inner sheet P transported from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) toward the exit roller pair 113 in the forward transport direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0051] 11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of outlet rollers 113 to merge the sheet S and the inner page P, and inserts the inner page P into the sheet S that has been opened.

[0052] 12, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted in the forward transport direction (arrow direction) by the pair of exit rollers 113, thereby overlapping the two sheets of the sheet S again and closing the opening. Then, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is transported to a heat and pressure conveying path 128 leading to a heat and pressure device by the pair of exit rollers 113, the branching claw 118, and rollers arranged thereafter. The states shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 are the basic operations of feeding and peeling the sheet S, inserting the inner paper, and conveying the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted to the heat and pressure conveying path 128.

[0053] In this way, the sheet processing device 100 of this embodiment can open the sheet S widely and insert and clamp the inner paper P therein. Therefore, the configuration is simpler than, for example, the laminating device of Patent Document 1 that uses a vacuum device, and the entire device can be simplified and made smaller.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel 10 installed in the sheet processing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. A user can use the operation panel 10 to select whether to laminate the sheet and then discharge it (lamination mode), or to print normally without laminating the sheet and then discharge it (copy / print mode). When the copy / print mode is selected, the sheet is transported through the paper discharge path 124 and discharged. By providing the sheet processing device 100 with such a user interface, the user can select between the normal print mode and the lamination mode, and when the normal print mode is selected, the sheet can be discharged to the discharge tray 104 without passing through the sheet processing path 99.

[0055] Here, by setting sheet information for each sheet as to whether or not to perform lamination processing before starting a print job, the sheet processing apparatus 100 can determine whether or not to perform lamination processing based on the sheet received when the sheet is received.

[0056] In this embodiment, the operation panel 10 is taken as an example, but the lamination processing mode and the copy / print mode may be switched by a printer driver, a switch, or the like.

[0057] Therefore, the sheet processing device 100 switches the branch claw 119 depending on the information of the sheet handed over to the sheet processing device 100 from the image forming device 300, specifically, depending on whether a lamination process (sheet processing) is to be performed, whether the sheet is an inner sheet P to be sandwiched between peeled sheets S, whether a copy / print mode is to be performed, or whether the sheet is a paper that is not to be sandwiched between sheets S.

[0058] <Sheet to be laminated> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another state of the sheet processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 13 to perform lamination processing (sheet processing), or when the sheet is an inner sheet P to be sandwiched between the peeled sheets S, the sheet processing apparatus 100 switches the branching claw 119 to the lower position as shown in FIG. 14, and guides the inner sheet P to be inserted between the sheets S to the sheet processing path 99. Next, the sheet S with the inner sheet P inserted therein is transported to the heat and pressure rollers 120, where it is subjected to lamination processing, and is transported by the discharge rollers 121 and discharged to the discharge tray 104.

[0059] <Unlaminated sheet> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another state of the sheet processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 13 and lamination processing (sheet processing) is not performed or the sheet is not to be sandwiched between the sheets S, the sheet processing device 100 switches the branch claw 119 to the upper position as shown in FIG. 15 and guides the sheet delivered from the image forming device 300 to the sheet discharge path 124. Next, the sheet is transported through the sheet discharge path 124 by transport rollers 125, 127, 129 and discharge roller 123, and discharged to the same discharge tray 104 as the sheet S transported through the sheet processing path 99 and the heat and pressure transport path 128.

[0060] As described above, by providing the paper discharge path 124 that does not pass through the sheet processing path 99, it is possible to discharge paper or inner pages P that are not to be laminated even during the sheet processing operation of the sheet processing apparatus 100.

[0061] When there is an output that does not require lamination processing during the basic peeling operation of the sheet S (other than the feeding operation of the inner sheet P from the image forming device 300 after the peeling operation is completed) and during the transport operation to the heat and pressure roller 120, the paper can be guided to the paper discharge path 124 by switching the branch claw 119, and can be discharged to the paper discharge tray 104 by the discharge roller 123.

[0062] Furthermore, if an instruction is given to form an image on a sheet that will not be sandwiched between the sheets S while the sheet S is being processed on the sheet processing path 99, the sheet processing device 100 forms an image on the sheet that will not be sandwiched between the sheets S before forming an image on the inner sheet P that will be sandwiched between the sheets S, and guides the sheet on which the image has been formed to the paper discharge path 124. As a result, even during lamination processing of the sheet S on the sheet processing path 99, an output that does not require lamination, such as a copy or print, can be printed and output from the sheet processing device 100 before a printing instruction is given on the inner sheet P in the lamination processing.

[0063] Furthermore, if an instruction is given to form an image on a sheet that will not be sandwiched between the sheets S during processing of the sheets S and the inner sheets P sandwiched between the sheets S in the sheet processing path 99, the sheet processing apparatus 100 forms an image on the sheet that will not be sandwiched between the sheets S, and guides the sheet on which the image has been formed to the paper discharge path 124. As a result, if an instruction is given to insert the inner sheets P into the sheets S in the sheet processing path 99 and to perform normal printing (copying, printing, etc.) during the paper discharge operation, the paper printed in accordance with the normal printing instruction is guided to the paper discharge path 124, thereby improving the productivity of normal printing.

[0064] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. This sheet processing device 100 has a paper discharge path 124 that can discharge paper to a paper discharge tray 104 without passing through the sheet processing path 99, and a branch claw 119, located upstream of the sheet processing path 99, that is a switching means that can switch the transport destination of paper or inner pages P to the paper discharge path 124 or the sheet processing path 99. Transport rollers 125, 127, and 129 that transport paper are arranged on the paper discharge path 124. The transport path downstream of the branch claw 119 branches into a path including the sheet processing path 99 and the paper discharge path 124, but these paths merge again upstream of the discharge rollers 121.

[0065] Therefore, the sheet (inner sheet P) conveyed through the sheet processing path 99 and the sheet (paper) conveyed through the paper discharge path 124 are discharged to a common paper discharge tray 104 by the discharge rollers 121. This allows the sheet processing device 100 to be made smaller and space-saving.

[0066] In the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 14, when sheets are discharged from a transport path formed above the apparatus, the distance to the discharge tray 104 is large, so there is a possibility that the sheets S stacked on the discharge tray 104 may become disarrayed. However, with the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 16, stable stacking can be ensured regardless of which transport path the sheets are discharged from.

[0067] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1, 14, and 15, in the sheet processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the sheet transport path branches into a fixing path and a non-fixing path at the location where the branching claw 119 is arranged, and the paper is discharged directly to the paper discharge tray 104, but the paper discharge tray 104 is configured to be able to move up and down. As a result, regardless of which transport path the paper is discharged from, the distance to the paper discharge tray 104 does not become large, and stable stacking can be ensured.

[0068] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the sheet discharge unit of the sheet processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18(a), when the paper is transported through the paper discharge path 124, the paper discharge tray 104 moves to a lower position to receive the paper, and as shown in FIG. 18(b), when the sheet S is transported through a path including the sheet processing path 99, the paper discharge tray 104 moves to an upper position to receive the sheet S that has been subjected to the heat and pressure treatment.

[0069] FIG. 19 is a schematic side view showing a lifting means for lifting and lowering the paper discharge tray 104. As shown in FIG. 18, if the discharge tray 104 is raised and lowered, the discharge rollers 121, 123 will interfere with the discharge tray 104. Therefore, the sheet processing device 100 has a lifting means for raising and lowering the discharge tray 104, and the discharge tray 104 is raised and lowered by the lifting means in accordance with the transport path along which the sheets S or paper / paper inserts P are transported. As a result, the sheets S or paper / paper inserts P discharged from either transport path are stacked in the same way, stabilizing the stacking quality.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 19, the lifting means for lifting and lowering the discharge tray 104 includes a guide rail 140 for guiding the discharge tray 104 up, down, left, and right, and a pulling member 160 such as a belt or wire connected to the discharge tray 104 for pulling the discharge tray 104. The guide rail 140 has a main body extending in the vertical direction and a tip portion extending obliquely therefrom. The guide rail 140 allows the discharge tray 104 to move not only up and down but also in the sheet conveying direction, so that the discharge rollers 121 and 123 can be avoided when the discharge tray 104 is lifted and lowered. In the figure, the discharge tray 104a is engaged with the upper tip portion of the guide rail 140 and is in the upper position (the discharge outlet of the lamination processing path), the discharge tray 104c is engaged with the lower tip portion of the guide rail 140 and is in the lower position (the discharge outlet of the paper discharge path), and the discharge tray 104b is in the main body of the guide rail 140 and is between the upper position and the lower position. The upper position of the discharge tray 104a is detected by a sensor 141a, and the lower position of the discharge tray 104c is detected by a sensor 141b.

[0071] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. This sheet processing device 100 has a paper output tray 104 which is a first stacking means for stacking sheets S transported through the sheet processing path 99 and the heat and pressure conveying path 128, and a paper output tray 131 which is a second stacking means for stacking paper transported through the paper output path 124 without passing through the sheet processing path 99 and the heat and pressure conveying path 128. By discharging sheets to be laminated and paper to be normally printed (copied, printed, etc.) without laminating to separate paper output trays, the various output products are not mixed together, improving the visibility of sheets and paper and the ease of removal. The other configurations are similar to those of the sheet processing apparatus 100 of the above-described embodiment.

[0072] 14, when sheets are discharged from a transport path formed above the device, the distance to the discharge tray 104 is large, so there is a possibility that the sheets S stacked on the discharge tray 104 may become disarrayed. However, with the configuration of the sheet processing device 100 shown in FIG. 20, stable stacking can be ensured regardless of which transport path the sheets are discharged from.

[0073] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view showing a sheet sorting mechanism that sorts sheets when they are discharged onto a paper discharge tray. The sheet processing device 100 has a sheet sorting mechanism 130 that can change the stacking position of the sheets S on the discharge tray 104 to a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction, and the sheets S and paper / paper inserts P discharged to the discharge tray 104 are sorted on the discharge tray 104 by the sheet sorting mechanism 130. By shifting, sorting, and discharging the sheets to be laminated and the papers that are not laminated but are normally printed (copied or printed, etc.), the various output items are not mixed together, improving the visibility of the sheets / paper and the ease of removal.

[0074] For example, one or both of the discharge rollers 121 and 123 are changed to shift rollers that can move in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction (left and right direction in the drawing) as shown in FIG.

[0075] Specifically, a sheet sorting mechanism 130 as shown in the figure is installed on, for example, the discharge roller 121. The sheet sorting mechanism 130 has a shift cam 132, a shift link 134, a shift cam stud 136, and a shift HP sensor 138. When the shift cam 132 rotates, the shift link 134 follows the movement of the shift cam stud 136, so that the discharge roller 121 moves in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, and the sheet S is shifted to sort the sheets on the discharge tray. As viewed from the home position of the sheet sorting mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 21(a), the discharge roller 121 moves to the right in FIG. 21(b) and discharges the sheet S further to the right, and the discharge roller 121 moves to the left in FIG. 21(c) and discharges the sheet S further to the left.

[0076] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the sheets sorted by the sheet sorting mechanism. The sheets S discharged while being shifted by the sheet sorting mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 21 are stacked separately on the discharge tray 104 as shown in FIG. 22, making it easy to distinguish between sheets that have been heat-pressurized and laminated and sheets that have been output by normal printing.

[0077] As the sheet sorting mechanism, the sheet discharge tray 104 may be configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, or a mechanism for drawing the sheets S toward the sheet discharge outlet may be provided.

[0078] The lamination processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned sheet processing apparatus 100 and a heat and pressure roller 120, which is a heat and pressure member capable of applying heat and pressure to the sheet S, downstream of the sheet processing path 99.

[0079] Moreover, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned sheet processing apparatus 100 and an image forming section 305 disposed upstream of the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus 100 may be built into the image forming apparatus.

[0080] The image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a sheet processing device 100 provided inside the image forming device 300, and a post-processing device provided downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet processing device 100. The post-processing device can, for example, staple printed sheets.

[0081] 23 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system having an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, a sheet processing apparatus 100, and a post-processing apparatus 400. In the following description, parts having the same functions as those of the above-mentioned apparatuses are given the same reference numerals. The image forming apparatus 300 has an operation panel 10. This image forming system is configured so that the inner pages P can be fed from the image forming apparatus 300 via the relay device 310, and any image can be inserted in-line using a method that utilizes a copier or printer. Therefore, a series of operations from feeding the sheets S to peeling, inserting the inner pages, and laminating by heat and pressure can be performed without the need for human labor, which improves convenience compared to conventional technologies.

[0082] In the case of a print job that requires lamination, in the sheet processing apparatus 100, a sheet S is fed from a sheet tray 102 in which the sheets S are stacked, by a pickup roller 105 and a pair of conveying rollers 107. The peeled sheet S is then held by a pair of exit rollers 113, and an inner sheet P fed from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by an entrance roller 146, and merged with the sheet S by a pair of entrance rollers 108, and laminated by heating with a heat and pressure roller 120. The laminated sheet and the inner sheet SG are loaded onto a paper output tray 104 by an exit roller 121.

[0083] Therefore, lamination requires time to peel off the sheet S and time to apply the necessary heat to the sheet S with the interleaf P inserted. As described above, in the past, other jobs could not be executed during a lamination job, which resulted in a problem of reduced productivity of the system as a whole. According to the present invention, as described below, while a certain part of a print job that requires time to process each sheet is being executed, another job can be executed using a paper discharge path (through transport path) that does not pass through the processing path, thereby improving productivity of the entire system.

[0084] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the case of a print job that does not include lamination, a sheet medium (hereinafter referred to as sheet material N) fed from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by inlet rollers 146 of the sheet processing apparatus 100, and is transported to a post-processing apparatus 400 located downstream of the sheet processing apparatus 100 by discharge rollers 147 located downstream in the transport direction of the inlet rollers 146. The post-processing apparatus 400 is capable of performing post-processing such as stapling on the sheet material N that has not been subjected to lamination.

[0085] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the sheet processing device 100 has a sheet processing path, which is a first transport path for transporting a sheet for post-processing (lamination), and a paper discharge path, which is a second transport path for discharging the sheet downstream without lamination. In the figures, the sheet processing path, which is the first transport path, is formed below the branch point of the first transport path and the second transport path, and the paper discharge path, which is the second transport path, is formed to the left of the branch point. In addition to these paths, by having a system control that enables a print job that does not perform lamination during a print job that performs lamination, it is possible to effectively utilize the time for lamination and improve the productivity of the entire system. In addition, a plurality of sensors C10 for detecting the size of the sheets S are arranged on the sheet tray 102.

[0086] 25 to 29 show an example of a case where job 1 with lamination and job 2 without lamination are executed in an image forming system having such system control. In this example, job 1 is to perform lamination processing on two sets of sheets S and inner pages P, and job 2 is to perform a job (e.g., printing) without lamination processing on 100 sets of sheet material N.

[0087] 25, the first sheet S-1 of job 1 is fed from the sheet tray 102. In the image forming apparatus 300, job 2 is executed before the peeling of sheet S-1 is completed, and the first sheet material N-1 is conveyed. In other words, job 2 is controlled so as to be able to interrupt one copy of job 1.

[0088] 26, while the sheet processing device 100 is performing the peeling operation of the sheet S-1, the second sheet N-2, the third sheet N-3 and the subsequent sheets of job 2 are transported one after another in accordance with the productivity of the image forming device 300. In FIG. 26, the sheet N-1 is stacked on the paper discharge tray 150 of the post-processing device 400, the sheet N-2 is being transported along the paper discharge path, and the sheet N-3 is being transported within the image forming device 300.

[0089] 27, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 has completed peeling off the sheet S-1, the inner sheet P-1 of the first copy of job 1 is transported from the image forming apparatus 300. In other words, the continuation of the copy of job 1 is controlled to be resumed in the middle of job 2. In FIG. 27, the sheets N-1, N-2, and N-3 are stacked on the discharge tray 150, and the inner sheet P-1 is being transported from the image forming apparatus 300 into the sheet processing apparatus 100.

[0090] Next, in FIG. 28, while the sheet processing apparatus 100 is performing the steps of sandwiching the intermediate sheet P-1 between the sheets S-1, aligning the positions of the sheet S-1 and the intermediate sheet P-1, and laminating the intermediate sheet P-1 and the sheet S-1 by heating the heat pressing roller 120, Job 2 is resumed again, and the sheet material N is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 300. That is, Job 2 is controlled to be interruptible during the execution of the first part of Job 1. In FIG. 28, the sheet materials N-1, N-2, and N-3 are stacked on the paper discharge tray 150, the sheet material N-4 is being conveyed through the paper discharge path, and the sheet material N-5 is being conveyed inside the image forming apparatus 300.

[0091] Next, in FIG. 29, when the trailing edges of the laminated sheet S-1 and the intermediate sheet P-1 pass through the conveyance sensor C5 in the sheet processing apparatus 100 and are conveyed by a specified amount, the second sheet S-2 of Job 1 is fed. That is, the continuation of the part of Job 1 is controlled to resume during Job 2. In FIG. 29, ten sheets of the sheet materials N-1, N-2, ··· N-10 are stacked on the paper discharge tray 150.

[0092] Thereafter, until Job 1 with the lamination process is completed, the processes shown in FIGS. 26 to 29 are repeated. By the above control, during a job with a lamination process, by executing another job without a lamination process, it is possible to improve the productivity of the entire system.

[0093] As described above, according to the image forming system of the present embodiment, when a plurality of printing jobs including one or N parts (N ≧ 2) of printing jobs that are post-processed by the sheet processing apparatus 100 and printing jobs that are not post-processed by the sheet processing apparatus 100 are instructed, during the execution of any Mth part (1 ≦ M < N) of the printing jobs that are post-processed, a printing job that is not post-processed is executed, and the sheet is conveyed through the second conveyance path.

[0094] Also, during execution of an arbitrary M-th portion (1 ≦ M < N) of a print job that requires post-processing, a print job that does not require post-processing can be executed, and the (M + 1)-th portion of the print job that requires post-processing can be started before completion of the print job that does not require post-processing. As a result, during a print job with post-processing, another print job without post-processing can be executed, and the print job with post-processing can be resumed during the other print job.

[0095] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 300 includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet processing apparatus 100 that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed. The sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a first conveyance path for conveying the sheet to perform post-processing, and a second conveyance path for conveying the sheet downstream without performing post-processing. When a plurality of print jobs including one or N portions (N ≧ 2) of a print job that requires post-processing by the sheet processing apparatus 100 and a print job that does not require post-processing by the sheet processing apparatus 100 are instructed, during execution of an arbitrary M-th portion (1 ≦ M < N) of the print job that requires post-processing, a print job that does not require post-processing is executed, and the sheet is conveyed through the second conveyance path.

[0096] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 that performs post-processing on a sheet includes a first conveyance path for conveying the sheet to perform post-processing, and a second conveyance path for conveying the sheet downstream without performing post-processing. When a plurality of print jobs including one or N portions (N ≧ 2) of a print job that should require post-processing and a print job that does not require post-processing are instructed, during execution of an arbitrary M-th portion (1 ≦ M < N) of the print job that requires post-processing, a print job that does not require post-processing is executed, and the sheet is conveyed through the second conveyance path.

[0097] FIG. 30 shows an example of executing another job in the image forming system. In this example, when the number of sheets in job 2 without lamination is less than the number of sheets without lamination that can be processed during job 1 with lamination, job 3 and subsequent jobs are controlled to be able to interrupt in the middle of a copy of job 1. Note that job 1 laminates two copies of sheets S and inner pages P, job 2 performs a job (e.g., printing) without lamination on two copies of sheet material N, job 3 performs a job (e.g., printing) without lamination on one copy of sheet material N, and job 4 performs a job (e.g., printing) without lamination on 30 copies of sheet material N.

[0098] 30, jobs 2, 3, and 4 are interrupted during the execution of the first copy of job 1, and as a result, seven sheets, namely, sheets N-1 and N-2 of job 2, sheet N-1 of job 3, and sheets N-1 to N-7 of job 4, are stacked on the discharge tray 150. Then, in the same manner as in FIG. 29, in the sheet processing apparatus 100, when the rear ends of the sheet S-1 laminated in job 1 and the inner sheet P-1 pass the conveyance sensor C5 and are conveyed a designated amount, the sheet S-2 of the second copy of job 1 is fed.

[0099] Fig. 31 shows an example of executing the same job as in Fig. 30 in an image forming system according to another embodiment. This image forming system has an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, and a sheet processing apparatus 100, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 has a paper discharge tray 151 in addition to the above-mentioned configuration. As shown in FIG. 31, the sheet processing apparatus 100 accepts sheet material N that is not to be laminated using its inlet rollers 146, and stacks it in the sheet output tray 151 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 itself using output rollers 147 located downstream of the inlet rollers 146 in the conveying direction.

[0100] FIG. 32 shows a modification of the embodiment of the image forming system shown in FIG. In this example, sheets S and inner pages P are stacked alternately on a sheet tray 102 for stacking sheets S. Then, as in FIG. 27, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 has completed peeling of the first sheet S-1 of job 1, the sheet tray 102 supplies the inner pages P-1 stacked below the sheet S-1. Thereafter, the inner pages P-1 are sandwiched and the sheet S-1 and the inner pages P-1 are laminated by heating, and job 1 and job 2 are executed while job 2 is inserted into job 1. By using the same sheet tray for the inner pages P and sheets S, the printing time can be reduced and productivity can be improved. In addition, offline use is possible.

[0101] FIG. 33 shows a modification of the embodiment of the image forming system shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 33, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, a sheet processing apparatus 100, and a post-processing apparatus 400. The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this example includes a second sheet tray 152, which is a second stacking means for stacking the inner sheets P, above a sheet tray 102 for stacking the sheets S. Providing a paper feed tray dedicated to the inner sheets makes it easy to set the inner sheets P in the sheet processing apparatus 100. The second sheet tray 152 is provided with a plurality of sensors C11 for detecting the size of the inner sheets P. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a pickup roller 153 for feeding the inner sheets P from the second sheet tray 152, a pair of conveying rollers 154, and a conveying sensor C8 for detecting the conveying position of the inner sheets P downstream in the conveying direction of the pair of conveying rollers 107.

[0102] 27, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 has completed peeling the first sheet S-1 of job 1, it supplies the inner sheet P-1 to be sandwiched between the sheet S-1 from the second sheet tray 152. This makes it possible to reduce printing time and improve the productivity of the entire system. Thereafter, the inner sheet P-1 is sandwiched and the sheet S-1 and the inner sheet P-1 are laminated by heating, and job 1 and job 2 are executed while job 2 is inserted into job 1.

[0103] FIG. 34 shows a modification of the embodiment of the image forming system shown in FIG. This image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, and a sheet processing apparatus 100. The sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a discharge tray 151 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 34, the sheet processing apparatus 100 receives sheet material N that is not to be laminated by its inlet rollers 146, and stacks the sheet material N on its own discharge tray 151 by discharge rollers 147 located downstream in the conveying direction of the inlet rollers 146. Here, sheet materials N-1, N-2, and N-3 are stacked on the discharge tray 151.

[0104] In the case of the image forming system shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, the sheet processing apparatus 100 can also be used as an offline laminating machine.

[0105] FIG. 35 shows an image forming system according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this image forming system has an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, a sheet processing apparatus 100, and a post-processing apparatus 400, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 is installed in a space inside the body of the image forming apparatus 300. The sheet processing apparatus 100 has a sheet tray 102 for stacking sheets S, a second sheet tray 152 for stacking inner sheets P arranged above it, and a discharge tray 104 which is a stacking means for stacking the discharged sheets S and the like. This makes it possible for the sheet processing apparatus 100 to supply the inner sheets P to the peeled sheets S.

[0106] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the operation panel 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figures 32 to 35, when the sheet processing device 100 has an inner paper feeding function, the user can select from the "inner paper feeding setting" screen of the operation panel 10 whether the source of the inner paper P is to be the image forming device 300 (Figure 36(a)), the film feed tray (sheet tray 102) of the sheet processing device 100 (Figure 36(b)), or the inner paper feed tray (second sheet tray 152) of the sheet processing device 100 (Figure 36(c)).

[0107] FIG. 37 is another diagram showing the operation panel 10. As shown in FIG. From the "Transporting other jobs during lamination processing" screen on the operation panel 10, the user can select whether to allow jobs that do not involve lamination processing to be performed between the above-mentioned lamination processing jobs (Figure 37(a)) or not to allow them to be performed (Figure 37(b)).

[0108] Specifically, during post-processing of the Mth copy (1≦M≦N) in a print job of 1 copy or N copies (N≧2), the user can select whether or not the sheet material transported from the image forming apparatus 300 can be transported along the second transport path of the sheet processing apparatus 100. This allows the user to select whether or not to process another job during a print job that requires time for post-processing per copy.

[0109] 23, the sheet processing apparatus 100 has a sheet discharge tray 104 which is a sheet discharge means for stacking the post-processed sheets without passing through the second transport path. As a result, the post-processed sheets SG are stacked on a dedicated tray, allowing the user to easily access the sheets.

[0110] FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in the image forming system shown in FIGS. When a job with lamination (job 1) starts, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the sheet S in step S71, and determines whether the leading edge of the sheet reaches the transport sensor C5 in step S72. When the leading edge of the sheet reaches the transport sensor C5 (S72, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the sheet has been transported a specified amount from the transport sensor C5 in step S73. When the sheet has been transported a specified amount from the transport sensor C5 (S73, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether a job without lamination has been input in step S74. When there is a job without lamination (job 2) (S74, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts transporting the sheet material N from the image forming apparatus in step S75 (see FIG. 25). Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the sheet S can accept the inner sheet P in step S76. On the other hand, if there is no job without lamination processing in step S74 (S74, No), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the sheet S can accept the inner page P in step S76.

[0111] If the sheet S is not yet capable of accepting the inner page P (S76, No), the image forming apparatus 300 executes job 2 and transports the sheet material N. On the other hand, if the sheet S is capable of accepting the inner page P (S76, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines in step S77 whether to feed the inner page P from the image forming apparatus. If the inner page P is to be fed from the image forming apparatus (S77, Yes), the image forming apparatus 300 transports the inner page P in step S78, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts inserting the inner page P into the sheet S (see FIG. 27).

[0112] On the other hand, if the inner sheet P is not fed from the image forming apparatus (S77, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines in step S80 whether to feed the inner sheet P from the film tray (sheet tray 102). If Yes, the process proceeds to step S78. If No, the sheet processing apparatus 100 feeds the inner sheet P from the inner sheet tray (second sheet tray 152) in step S81, and proceeds to step S78.

[0113] Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 judges whether the inner sheet P is sandwiched between the sheets S in step S79. If the inner sheet P is sandwiched between the sheets S (S79, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts conveying the sheet S in step S82, and judges whether the leading end of the inner sheet P has passed the conveying sensor C3 in step S83. If the leading end of the inner sheet P has passed the conveying sensor C3 (S83, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 judges whether the sheet has been conveyed a specified amount from the conveying sensor C3 in step S84. If the sheet has been conveyed a specified amount from the conveying sensor C3 (S84, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 judges whether a job without lamination processing has been input in step S85. If there is a job without lamination processing (job 2) (S85, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts conveying the sheet material N from the image forming apparatus in step S86 (see FIG. 28). Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the rear end of the sheet S has reached the transport sensor C5 in step S87. On the other hand, if there is no job without lamination processing in step S85 (S85, No), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the rear end of the sheet S has reached the transport sensor C5 in step S87.

[0114] Next, in step S88, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the sheet has been conveyed a specified amount by the conveyance sensor C5. If the sheet has been conveyed a specified amount by the conveyance sensor C5 (S88, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines in step S89 whether a job with lamination has been input. If a job with lamination has been input (S89, Yes), the process returns to the start of the job with lamination (see FIG. 29), and this flow is repeated. On the other hand, if there is no job with lamination (S89, No), the print job ends.

[0115] According to this embodiment, when some sheet processing takes a long time, the productivity of the entire system can be improved. Therefore, in addition to the lamination process described above, the same effect can be obtained for other processes such as cutting and enclosing and sealing.

[0116] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a series of operations from an instruction to start feeding of each sheet to discharging the sheet. After the user issues an instruction to start the operation via the operation start means, in step S11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the lamination processing setting shown in Fig. 13 is the "lamination processing mode". If it is not the "lamination processing mode" (S11, No), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts a paper discharge operation without lamination processing.

[0117] In step S12, the sheet processing device 100 judges whether or not the sheet feed / insert operation of the "lamination processing mode" is in progress. As a start condition for the sheet discharge operation without lamination processing, if the sheet feed / insert operation of the "lamination processing mode" is not in progress (S12, No), the sheet processing device 100 can start the interrupt operation of copying / printing at any time, and conversely, if the sheet feed / insert operation of the "lamination processing mode" is in progress (S12, Yes), the sheet processing device 100 waits until all operations are completed before starting the operation (S13, Yes).

[0118] When the "copy / print mode" is started, in step S14, the sheet processing apparatus 100 causes the image forming apparatus to start a paper feed operation, and the process proceeds to step S15, where an image is formed on the paper. Next, the process proceeds to step S16, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 switches the position of the branch claw 119 to guide the paper to the paper discharge path 124 (see FIG. 15).

[0119] Next, the process proceeds to step S17, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not the laminate sheet discharge operation in the "lamination processing mode" is in progress. If the discharge operation is in progress (S17, Yes), the process proceeds to step S18, where the sheet processing apparatus waits until the laminate sheet discharge operation is completed.

[0120] When the paper discharge operation is completed (S18, Yes) or when the paper discharge operation is not in progress (S17, No), the sheet processing apparatus 100 proceeds to the paper discharge operation. That is, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts the paper discharge operation in step S19, and determines whether the sheet sorting mechanism 130 is provided in step S20. If the sheet sorting mechanism 130 is provided (S20, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 moves the sheet sorting mechanism 130 to a non-laminated sheet stacking position in step S21 (see FIG. 21), and if a lifting means for the paper discharge tray 104 is provided in step S22 (S22, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 moves the paper discharge tray 104 to the paper discharge outlet of the paper discharge path 124 in step S23 (see FIG. 19), and discharges the paper to the paper discharge tray 104 in step S24 (see FIG. 18). On the other hand, if the sheet sorting mechanism 130 is not provided in step S20 (S20, No), the process proceeds to step S22, and if the lifting means for the discharge tray 104 is not provided in step S22 (S22, No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0121] On the other hand, after the user issues an instruction to start the operation via the operation starting means, if the lamination process setting shown in FIG. 13 is the "lamination process mode" (S11, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts the lamination process operation.

[0122] That is, in step S25, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the sheet S (see FIG. 1). Next, in step S26, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the transport sensor C3 (see FIG. 1). In step S27, when it is determined that the sheet S has been transported a designated amount from the transport sensor C3, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the transport (see FIG. 2). Next, in step S28, the gripping means 110 is opened, and in step S29, the sheet S is transported in the reverse transport direction (see FIG. 3).

[0123] In step S30, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed a designated amount, in step S31, it temporarily stops conveying the sheet S. Then, in step S32, the gripping means 110 is closed to grip the edge of the sheet S (see FIG. 4).

[0124] Next, in step S33, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109 (see FIG. 5). Then, in step S34, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the conveying sensor C5. In step S35, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines from the conveying sensor C5 that the sheet S has been conveyed a designated amount, in step S36, it detects the state of the sheet S using the abnormal state detection sensor C4.

[0125] The abnormal state detection sensor C4 is an abnormality detection unit that detects whether the dimension of the space generated between two sheets of the sheets S exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In step S37, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the state of the sheets S is normal (the dimension of the space is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value) based on the detection result of the abnormal state detection sensor C4, it proceeds to step S38a.

[0126] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S37 that the state of the sheet S is abnormal (the spatial dimension is below the predetermined threshold), the process proceeds to step S38b, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 notifies of the abnormality and stops sheet processing.

[0127] When proceeding to step S38a, the sheet processing apparatus 100 inserts the peeling claws 116 into the resulting space from both sides of the sheet S (see FIG. 6). Next, in step S39, with the peeling claws 116 inserted from both sides of the sheet S, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 clockwise this time to transport the sheet S in the forward transport direction.

[0128] Next, in step S40, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has arrived at the transport sensor C5. When it is determined in step S41 that the sheet S has been transported a designated amount by the transport sensor C5, the sheet processing apparatus 100 opens the gripping means 110 in step S42.

[0129] Next, in step S43, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and in step S44, the peeling claw 116 is further moved in the sheet width direction (see FIG. 7). As a result, the rear end of the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts.

[0130] In step S45, the sheet processing apparatus 100 conveys the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction. Next, in step S46, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the conveying sensor C5. In step S47, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed a designated amount from the conveying sensor C5, it temporarily stops the conveying in step S48 (see FIG. 8). This completes the peeling of the sheet S.

[0131] In step S49, the sheet processing apparatus 100 judges whether or not it is currently guiding the paper to the paper feed / paper discharge path in the "copy / print mode". As a condition for starting feeding the inner page P after the sheet is peeled off, if it is not currently guiding the paper to the paper feed / paper discharge path in the "copy / print mode" (S49, No), the sheet processing apparatus 100 can always start the interruption operation of feeding the inner page P and inserting the sheet S, and if it is currently guiding the paper to the paper feed / paper discharge path in the "copy / print mode" (S49, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 waits until all of the operations are completed before starting the operation (S50, Yes).

[0132] Next, the process proceeds to feeding the inner sheet P and inserting it into the sheets S. In step S51, the sheet processing apparatus 100 feeds the inner sheet P from the image forming apparatus (see FIG. 9), in step S52, an image is formed on the inner sheet P, and in step S53, the position of the branching claw 119 is switched to guide the sheet to the sheet processing path 99 (see FIG. 14). Next, in step S54, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the inner sheet P and inserts it between the sheets S (see FIGS. 10 and 11), and when it is determined in step S55 that the sheet S has been transported a designated amount by the transport sensor C2, the branching claw 119 is switched to guide the sheet S to the heat and pressure roller 120 (see FIG. 12).

[0133] Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 fixes the sheet S by the thermal fixing Md in step S57, and completes fixing of the laminate sheet in step S58. Next, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines in step S59 that the paper ejection operation in the "copy / print mode" is in progress (S59, Yes), it waits in step S60 until the paper ejection operation is completed.

[0134] Next, when the paper discharge operation is completed (S60, Yes) or when the paper discharge operation is not in progress (S59, No), the process proceeds to the discharge operation of the laminate sheet. That is, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts the discharge operation of the laminate sheet in step S61, and determines whether the sheet sorting mechanism 130 is provided in step S62. If the sheet sorting mechanism 130 is provided (S62, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 moves the sheet sorting mechanism 130 to the stacking position of the laminate sheet in step S63 (see FIG. 21), and if the lifting means for the discharge tray 104 is provided in step S64 (S64, Yes), the sheet processing apparatus 100 moves the discharge tray 104 to the discharge outlet of the lamination process path in step S65 (see FIG. 19), and discharges the laminate sheet to the discharge tray 104 in step S66 (see FIG. 18). This completes the sheet ejection.

[0135] The sheet is guided to the sheet processing path 99 and the paper discharge path 124 by operating a branching claw 119 located upstream of the sheet processing path 99. Therefore, during the inner sheet feeding and insertion operation in the "lamination processing mode" when the branching claw 119 is operating (see FIG. 14), and during the paper feeding and paper discharge path guiding operation (see FIG. 15), the system waits until each operation is completed.

[0136] This eliminates mutual sheet interference during lamination processing and when feeding paper for paper discharge, enables interruption operations, and improves productivity.

[0137] The determination of whether the inner paper feeding / insertion operation and the operation of guiding the paper to the paper feed / paper discharge path are completed is triggered by a change in the transport sensor C2, and the completion of each sheet process can be determined based on the transport amount or elapsed time after it is detected that the inner paper P or the rear end of the paper has passed.

[0138] After the sheet peeling is completed (S48), the image forming device is notified of the start of the print job, thereby printing and transporting the inner sheet P. In this case, the winding roller 109, which is the peeling device, is stopped until the inner sheet P is printed, transported, and reaches the transport sensor C3. Therefore, in order to improve productivity, it is also possible to notify the image forming device of the start of the print job after the peeling claw operation shown in FIG. 7 is completed (S44), for example, taking into account the inner sheet transport time.

[0139] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sheet processing apparatus 100 has a paper discharge path 124 that allows paper to be discharged without passing through the sheet processing path 99, and a branch claw 119 that is a switching means that can guide paper to the paper discharge path 124 upstream of the sheet processing path 99. This makes it possible to perform copying, printing, and the like that do not require lamination processing, without causing a decrease in image quality and productivity, even while the sheet S is being processed in the sheet processing path 99. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 99 Sheet handling path 100 Sheet processing device 119 Switching claw (switching means) 124 Paper ejection path P sheet (second sheet) S seat (first seat) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0141] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-160429 A

Claims

1. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet processing apparatus that performs lamination processing on the sheet, the sheet is a first sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and partially joined together, and a second sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming device disposed upstream of the sheet processing device, the sheet processing device includes a lamination processing section, a first stacking means for stacking the first sheet, a sheet processing path as a first transport path for transporting the sheet and performing lamination processing, the first sheet being peeled off and the second sheet being sandwiched therebetween, and a paper discharge path as a second transport path for transporting the sheet without performing lamination processing, the second sheet being able to be discharged by bypassing the lamination processing section; An image forming system characterized in that, when multiple print jobs are instructed, including both a print job of 1 or N copies (N≧2) in which lamination processing is performed by the sheet processing device, and a print job in which lamination processing is not performed by the sheet processing device, the print job in which lamination processing is not performed is executed while any Mth copy (1≦M<N) of the print job in which lamination processing is performed is being executed, and the sheet is transported on the second transport path.

2. 2. The image forming system of claim 1, wherein a print job that does not perform the lamination processing is executed while any Mth copy (1≦M<N) of a print job that performs the lamination processing is being executed, and an M+1th copy of the print job that performs the lamination processing can be started before the completion of the print job that does not perform the lamination processing.

3. The image forming system of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a user can select whether a sheet transported from the image forming device can be transported along the second transport path of the sheet processing device during lamination processing of the Mth copy (1≦M≦N) of the 1 copy or N copies (N≧2) print job.

4. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing device has a sheet discharge means for stacking the laminated sheets without passing through the second transport path.

5. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is capable of loading the second sheet to be sandwiched between the first sheet on the first loading means and supplying the second sheet from the first loading means.

6. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing device has a second stacking means for stacking the second sheet, and supplies the second sheet to be sandwiched between the first sheet when the first sheet is in a peeled state from the second stacking means.

7. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein a user can select whether the second sheet is to be supplied from the image forming apparatus or from the first stacking means.

8. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein a user can select whether the second sheet is to be supplied from the image forming apparatus or from the second stacking means.

9. The image forming system of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sheet processing device has a switching means upstream of the sheet processing path, which is capable of switching the destination of the second sheet to the paper discharge path or the sheet processing path depending on information of the second sheet.

10. the information on the second sheet is a sheet to be sandwiched between the peeled first sheet or a sheet not to be sandwiched between the first sheet, 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein a sheet to be sandwiched between the first sheet is guided to the sheet processing path by the switching means, and a sheet not to be sandwiched between the first sheet is guided to the paper discharge path by the switching means.

11. the information on the second sheet is instruction information for copying, printing or sheet processing, 11. An image forming system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a user can select a copy / print mode or a sheet processing mode, and when the copy / print mode is selected, sheets that are not sandwiched between the first sheet are guided to the paper discharge path.

12. An image forming system as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that when image formation on a sheet that is not to be sandwiched between the first sheet is instructed during processing of the first sheet in the sheet processing path, an image is formed on the sheet that is not to be sandwiched between the first sheet before image formation on the sheet that is to be sandwiched between the first sheet, and the sheet on which the image has been formed is guided to the paper discharge path.

13. The image forming system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that when an instruction is given to form an image on a sheet that is not to be sandwiched between the first sheet during processing of the first sheet and a sheet to be sandwiched between the first sheet in the sheet processing path, an image is formed on the sheet that is not to be sandwiched between the first sheet, and the sheet on which the image has been formed is guided to the paper discharge path.

14. the sheet processing apparatus has a lifting means for lifting the sheet discharging means, 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein said paper ejection means is raised and lowered by said lifting means in accordance with a transport path along which said sheet is transported.

15. the sheet processing device has a sheet sorting mechanism capable of changing a stacking position of the sheets on the sheet discharge means in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction, 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the sheets discharged to said paper discharge means are sorted on said paper discharge means by said sheet sorting mechanism.

16. 16. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing path of the sheet processing apparatus has a heat pressurizing member capable of applying heat and pressure to the sheet.

17. An image forming apparatus having an image forming section that forms an image on a sheet and a sheet processing apparatus that performs lamination processing on the sheet, the sheet is a first sheet in which two sheets are stacked and partially joined together, and a second sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit disposed upstream of the sheet processing device, the sheet processing device includes a lamination processing section, a first stacking means for stacking the first sheet, a sheet processing path as a first transport path for transporting the sheet and performing lamination processing, the first sheet being peeled off and the second sheet being sandwiched therebetween, and a paper discharge path as a second transport path for transporting the sheet downstream without performing lamination processing, the second sheet being able to be discharged by bypassing the lamination processing section; An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when multiple print jobs are instructed, including both a print job of 1 or N copies (N≧2) in which lamination processing is performed by the sheet processing device, and a print job in which lamination processing is not performed by the sheet processing device, the print job in which lamination processing is not performed is executed while any Mth copy (1≦M<N) of the print job in which lamination processing is performed is being executed, and the sheet is transported on the second transport path.

18. A sheet processing apparatus for performing a lamination process on a sheet, the sheet is a first sheet in which two sheets are stacked and partially joined together, and a second sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming device disposed upstream of the sheet processing device, the lamination processing section; a first stacking means for stacking the first sheet; a sheet processing path as a first transport path for transporting the sheet and performing lamination processing, the first sheet being peeled off and the second sheet being sandwiched therebetween; and a paper discharge path as a second transport path for transporting the sheet downstream without performing lamination processing, the second sheet being able to be discharged by bypassing the lamination processing section; This sheet processing device is characterized in that, when multiple print jobs are instructed, including both a print job of 1 or N copies (N≧2) that should be laminated by the sheet processing device, and a print job that does not perform lamination processing by the sheet processing device, while the sheet processing device is executing any M copies (1≦M<N) of the print job that performs lamination processing, the print job that does not perform lamination processing is executed by the sheet processing device, and the sheet is transported on the second transport path.

Images