SHEET PROCESSING APPARATUS, LAMINATING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

Abstract

To provide a sheet processing device which can form a sag space at a prescribed position and stably insert a peeling member to the space.SOLUTION: There is provided a sheet processing device in which two sheets are layered and a sheet-like medium is held between the two partially joined layered sheets. A sheet processing device according to the present invention comprises: conveyance means which conveys the two-layered sheets; a rotary member around which the two-layered sheets are wound; and a peeling member which is movable. The sheet processing device conveys the two-layered sheets in a winding direction, forms a sag space between the two-layered sheets by winding the sheets around the rotary member, inserts the peeling member to the space and peels the two-layered sheets. At this time, the two-layered sheets are conveyed in a direction opposite to the winding direction before inserting the peeling member to the formed sag space. Therefore, the sag space can be formed at a prescribed position instead of a sticking area, and the peeling member can be stably inserted to the space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus, a lamination processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. [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] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a laminating device in which a laminating film having a connected front end is separated by a separating and releasing means (upper and lower vacuums) and then a protective paper sheet is inserted.

[0004] Moreover, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus capable of performing a desired lamination process by controlling the operation of a fixing unit in accordance with the thickness of a laminate sheet.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a sheet peeling device that wraps two overlapping sheets around a rotating member and peels off the two sheets of the two overlapping sheets by creating a difference in winding circumferential length between the inner sheet and the outer sheet based on a geometric relationship. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The sheet peeling device disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a feature that a gap (slack space) is forcibly generated between two sheets due to the difference in winding circumference between the sheets. However, if a sticking area occurs between the sheets, this slack space may be closer to the rotating member used for winding, and the position of the slack space may not be stable. Therefore, it is required to provide a mechanism for the peeling member inserted into the slack space to follow the slack position, which causes problems such as an increase in the size of the device and an increase in cost.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus that can form a slack space at a predetermined position and can stably insert a peeling member into that space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by a sheet processing apparatus that sandwiches a sheet-like medium between two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined together, the sheet processing apparatus comprising: a conveying means that conveys the two-ply sheet; a rotating member that wraps the two-ply sheet; and a peeling member; The two-ply sheet is transported in a winding direction and wound around the rotating member to generate a slack space between the two-ply sheet, and then the two-ply sheet is transported in a direction opposite to the winding direction before the peeling member is inserted into the slack space. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a sheet processing apparatus comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0009] The sheet processing device of the present invention transports the two-ply sheet in the direction opposite to the winding direction before inserting a peeling member into the slack space generated between the two sheets of the two-ply sheet. Therefore, a slack space can be formed at a predetermined position instead of the sticking area, and a peeling member can be stably inserted into the slack space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing a main part of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a second configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 3) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a fourth configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram (part 5) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 8]FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 10] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a slack space formed near the winding roller. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A is a schematic diagram showing that the peeling claw cannot be inserted into the slack space, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing translation of the peeling claw along the sheet conveying direction. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating an operation of forming a slack space at a predetermined position by the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of an operation screen for setting a transport amount after winding, which is displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a sheet processing apparatus having a detection unit (sensor), in which (a) is a sensor that detects the height of the sagging space, and (b) is a sensor that detects the position of the sagging space in the conveying direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing a single insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 2) showing the single insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 17] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 3) showing the single insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 2) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram (part 3) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 22] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Diagram 23] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a peeling claw included in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 24]5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a drive configuration for a peeling claw. [Diagram 25] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S. FIG. [Figure 26] 9 is a perspective view showing a state of the peeling claw and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 27] 9 is a perspective view (part 2) showing the state of the peeling claw and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 28] This is a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets. [Figure 29] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a lamination processing apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention; [Diagram 30] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention; [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing a modified example of an image forming apparatus including a lamination processing device according to the present invention. [Diagram 32] 1 is a first overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus externally equipped with a lamination device according to the present invention; [Diagram 33] FIG. 2 is a second overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus externally equipped with a lamination device according to the present invention. [Diagram 34] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations from sheet feeding, inserting an inner sheet, to completing a lamination process. 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 in which two sheets are stacked and a part (or one side) of the two sheets are joined together. For example, a two-ply sheet may be one in which one side is a transparent sheet such as a transparent polyester sheet and the other side is a transparent or opaque sheet, and the two sheets are joined together at one side. A laminate film is also included as a two-ply sheet.

[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 as a first stacking means for stacking sheets S, a pickup roller 105 for feeding sheets S from the sheet tray 102, and a conveying roller pair 107. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a paper feed tray 103 as a second stacking means for stacking inner sheets P, and a pickup roller 106 for feeding inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103.

[0015] The sheet tray 102 is provided with a size sensor C6, which is a sheet size detection means for detecting the size (length in the conveying direction) of the sheet S, and the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a size sensor C7, which is a medium size detection means for detecting the size (length in the conveying direction) of the inner sheet P.

[0016] Each of the size sensors C6 and C7 includes a plurality of sensors arranged in a line in the conveying direction. The sensor detection results change depending on the size of the stacked sheets S (or inner pages P), so the conveying direction length of the sheets S (or inner pages P) can be detected.

[0017] A transport sensor C1 for detecting the transport position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 107 in the transport direction, and a transport sensor C2 for detecting the transport position of the inner sheet P is provided downstream of the pickup roller 106 in the transport direction.

[0018] The length of the sheet S (or the inner sheet P) in the conveying direction may be detected using these conveying sensors C1 and C2.

[0019] The sheet processing apparatus 100 further includes, downstream of the conveying roller pair 107 and the pickup roller 106, an entrance roller pair 108 as a first conveying means, a winding roller 109 as a rotating member, an exit roller pair 113 as a second conveying means, and a paper discharge tray 104. Between the winding roller 109 and the exit roller pair 113, a peeling claw 116 as a peeling member provided movably in the width direction of the sheet S is provided.

[0020] 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 abnormality detection sensor C4 that detects the state of the sheet S is provided downstream of the winding roller 109 in the transport direction. And 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.

[0021] The pickup roller 105, the pair of conveying rollers 107, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the winding roller 109 are an example of a first feeding means, and the pickup roller 106, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the winding roller 109 are an example of a second feeding means.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment stacks the sheets S and the inner pages P on separate trays, and while transporting the sheets S, separates and opens the two sheets, and inserts the inner pages P into the opening. Then, the sheets S with the inner pages P inserted therein are discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the entrance roller pair 108 and the exit roller pair 113 are, for example, two rollers in pairs, each of which is rotationally driven by a driving means (such as a motor). The entrance roller pair 108 is rotationally driven in one direction, and the exit roller pair 113 is rotationally driven in forward and reverse directions, thereby sandwiching and transporting the sheet S and the inner page P.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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 (the opposite direction to the forward transport direction) is called the reverse transport direction (the direction of arrow B).

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 1 to 22, a series of operations of the sheet processing device 100, that is, operations from peeling off the sheet S to inserting the inner sheet P, will be described. In addition, in Figs. 3 to 22, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in Figs. 1 and 2, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 2, the sheet S is conveyed by the inlet roller pair 108 toward the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet processing apparatus 100 conveys the sheet S with the side where one of the four sides of the sheet S, that is, an end portion, joined, being the downstream side in the forward conveying direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0032] 3, 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.

[0033] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, 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).

[0034] 5, the sheet processing apparatus 100 stops conveying the sheet S when the edge of the sheet S is inserted into the open gripping means 110, and closes the gripping means 110 to grip the edge of the sheet S. These operations are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount.

[0035] 6, 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.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 7, 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 (slack 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.

[0037] Here, the peeling claw 116 will be described in more detail.

[0038] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram of a peeling claw included in the sheet processing apparatus, Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a driving configuration of the peeling claw, and Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S.

[0039] 23, the height dimension of the peeling claw 116 increases gradually from the center to the rear end in the width direction when viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Also, the height dimension of the peeling claw 116 increases gradually from the front end to the center in the transport direction when viewed from the height direction. And, the peeling claw 116 has a cross-shaped shape when viewed from the width direction.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, two peeling claws 116 are disposed facing each other, and are configured to move toward and away from each other by (a) a belt drive, or (b) a rack and pinion, or the like.

[0041] Specifically, in (a) belt drive, a belt 32 is stretched between a drive pulley 30a and a driven pulley 30b, and two peeling claws 116a, 116b are attached to face each other on the belt 32. Here, one peeling claw 116a is connected to the lower belt 32, and the other peeling claw 116b is connected to the upper belt 32, respectively.

[0042] In addition, the drive pulley 30a is provided with a drive transmission gear 34, and the rotation output of a drive motor 36 is transmitted to this drive transmission gear 34 via a motor output gear 35. In other words, the rotation output of the drive motor 36 is transmitted to the belt 32.

[0043] Therefore, when the drive motor 36 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the front in the figure), the peeling claws 116a, b can be moved closer to each other, and when the drive motor 36 is rotated counterclockwise, the peeling claws 116a, b can be moved away from each other.

[0044] In the (b) rack and pinion, two racks 42a, b that mesh with one pinion 40 are provided extending in opposite directions, and two peeling claws 116a, b are attached to each of the racks 42a, b facing each other. A drive transmission gear 44 is provided on the pinion 40, and the rotational output of a drive motor 46 is transmitted to the drive transmission gear 44 via a motor output gear 45. That is, the rotational output of the drive motor 46 is transmitted to the racks 42a, b, respectively.

[0045] Therefore, when the drive motor 46 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the front in the figure), the peeling claws 116a, b can be moved closer to each other, and when the drive motor 46 is rotated counterclockwise, the peeling claws 116a, b can be moved away from each other.

[0046] As described above, the peeling claw 116 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned shape and is configured to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S, so that it can be smoothly inserted into the space generated in the sheet S as shown in FIG.

[0047] Returning to the description of the series of operations of the sheet processing apparatus 100, 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. 7), and moves the peeled space of the sheet S to the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction (direction of arrow A) as shown in FIG. 8. 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing the state of the peeling claw 116 and the sheet S in Fig. 8. The peeling claw 116 also has a shape (function) of a bifurcating claw that guides the peeled sheets S in different directions (see Fig. 23), so that the two sheets of the sheet S are in a position where they can be conveyed along different paths.

[0050] Furthermore, because the peeling claw 116 is configured to be movable in the width direction (see FIG. 24), it can be placed in a position suitable for supporting the posture of the sheet S, as shown in FIG. 27. Therefore, even if the size or stiffness of the sheet S changes, the sheet S can be guided in a desired branching direction. This eliminates the need for a sheet branching member that spans the entire width of the conveying path, and a drive device for the branching claw, resulting in lower costs compared to conventional methods.

[0051] 9, 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.

[0052] 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 outlet rollers 113. Therefore, the sheet S is opened widely from the jointed side as an end.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Next, the problem to be solved by the present invention will be described.

[0055] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a slack space formed near the winding roller. Even if (a) a sticking region r occurs between the sheets S, (b) the sticking is forcibly removed by winding the sheets S around the winding roller 109. However, the sticking region r may remain at a position relatively far from the winding roller 109. Therefore, the slack space g is formed near the winding roller 109.

[0056] In this case, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the insertion position of the peeling claw 116 does not match the slack space g, and the peeling claw 116 cannot be inserted into the slack space g. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11(b), it is desirable to provide a moving mechanism for moving the peeling claw 116 parallel to the sheet conveying direction and a position detection means for the slack space g, but this causes problems such as an increase in the size of the device and / or an increase in cost.

[0057] 12, (a) the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109 to form a slack space g, and then (b) the sheet S is transported in the opposite direction to the winding direction (the direction of arrow A) to transport the sticking region r downstream of the exit roller pair 113. This reduces the sticking region r between the exit roller pair 113 and the winding roller 109, and therefore the slack space g can be formed in the same position as in a sheet without the sticking region r.

[0058] That is, since the slack space g can be formed at a position that matches the insertion position of the peeling claw 116, the peeling claw 116 can be stably inserted into the slack space g.

[0059] The operation of moving the slack space after the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109 is called the transport operation after winding. This transport operation may be performed on the sheet S in which no sticking region r has occurred. In this case, since there is no sticking between the winding roller 109 and the pair of exit rollers 113 to begin with, the change in the position of the slack space is small enough that it does not affect the peeling operation.

[0060] Subsequently, advantageous configurations of the invention will be explained.

[0061] (Part 1: Setting the transport amount after winding) It is desirable to preset the distance by which the sheet S is transported in the opposite direction to the winding direction (forward transport direction: the direction of the arrow A) (hereinafter referred to as the "transport amount after winding") before performing the sheet processing (peeling). By presetting the transport amount after winding before the sheet processing, the sagging space can be formed at a stable position.

[0062] In addition, it is desirable that the transport amount after wrapping be equal to or less than the center distance between the winding roller 109 and the pair of exit rollers 113. Since it is only necessary that a sticking region r does not occur between the winding roller 109 and the pair of exit rollers 113, it is efficient not to transport excess sheet S.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferable that the transport amount after wrapping is automatically changed according to the size and / or thickness of the sheet S, or that it can be arbitrarily changed by the user.

[0064] Fig. 13 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation panel for setting the transport amount after wrapping. As shown in Fig. 13, the user can adjust and input the transport amount after wrapping (shown as the transport amount before peeling in the figure) by touching the screen of the operation panel 10. This allows the user to set the transport amount after wrapping in advance. In this case, the user can set the optimal transport amount after wrapping to match the sheet S used, thereby enabling stable sheet processing (peeling).

[0065] Also, the sheet information (size, thickness, material, etc.) of the sheet S may be input from the operation panel 10, and the transport amount after wrapping may be set based on the information. In this case, too, it is efficient because the sheet S is not transported excessively.

[0066] (Part 2: How to detect slack space) FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet processing apparatus having detection means (sensors), where (a) is a sensor that detects the height of the sagging space, and (b) is a sensor that detects the position of the sagging space in the conveying direction.

[0067] 14(a), a sensor Sh for detecting the height of the sagging space may be further provided to detect the height h of the sagging space at a position where the peeling claw 116 can be inserted. If the detected height h is equal to or smaller than a threshold, the sheet S is conveyed in the direction opposite to the winding direction, whereas if the height h is greater than the threshold, the peeling claw 116 is inserted in that state.

[0068] This is efficient because the height of the slack space is detected and the sheet S is transported in the opposite direction to the winding direction only when necessary, and therefore no extra sheet S is transported.

[0069] 14(b), a sensor Sp may be further provided to detect the apex position of the sagging space. If the detected apex position is not at a position where the peeling claw 116 can be inserted, the sheet S is transported in the opposite direction to the winding direction, whereas if the apex position is at a position where the peeling claw 116 can be inserted, the peeling claw 116 is inserted in that state. Note that the sheet S may be continuously transported in the opposite direction to the winding direction until the apex position of the sagging space is detected at a position where the peeling claw 116 can be inserted.

[0070] This allows the sheet to be conveyed until a slack space is formed at a desired position, enabling stable sheet processing (peeling).

[0071] (Part 3: Inserting the peeling claw) In the above embodiment (including the advantageous configuration), when the sheet S is transported in the direction opposite to the winding direction, it is desirable to insert the peeling claw 116 when the sheet S is stopped after transport, i.e., when the sagging space is also stopped. The peeling claw 116 may be inserted during sheet transport.

[0072] Next, the operation of inserting the inner sheet into the peeled sheet S will be described.

[0073] The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can insert one or more inner sheets P into the sheet S depending on the size (length in the transport direction) of the sheet S and the size (length in the transport direction) of the inner sheets P. First, a single insertion mode in which one inner sheet P is inserted into the sheet S will be described, and then a multiple insertion mode in which multiple inner sheets P are inserted into the sheet S along the transport direction will be described.

[0074] (single insert mode) As shown in FIG. 15, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 to transport the inside 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).

[0075] 16, 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.

[0076] 17, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted in the forward transport direction (the direction of the arrow A) 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 discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or a roller (not shown) disposed thereafter (see FIG. 1).

[0077] Next, the multiple insertion mode will be described. The multiple insertion mode is a mode in which multiple inner sheets P (two sheets in the following embodiment) can be inserted in the sheet transport direction.

[0078] (multiple insert mode) As shown in FIG. 18, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 and transports the first inner sheet (hereinafter referred to as the first inner sheet P1) transported from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) toward the exit roller pair 113.

[0079] 19, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the exit roller pair 113 to merge the sheet S and the first inner sheet P1, and inserts the first inner sheet P1 into the opened sheet S. At this time, the second inner sheet (hereinafter referred to as the second inner sheet P2) conveyed from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) is conveyed toward the exit roller pair 113 in the forward conveying direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of inlet rollers 108 to merge the sheet S with the second inner sheet P2, and further inserts the second inner sheet P2 into the sheet S that has been opened.

[0081] Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the sheet processing device 100 transports the sheet S with the first inner sheet P1 and the second inner sheet P2 inserted in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) using the exit roller pair 113, thereby stacking the two sheets of the sheet S again and closing the opening.

[0082] Even if there are three or more inner pages, they can be inserted in a similar manner.

[0083] As an alternative example, when the sheet processing apparatus is equipped with a heat pressurizing device capable of heating and pressurizing the sheet S, the sheet S may be conveyed to the heat pressurizing device by switching the path with a branching claw 118 as shown in Fig. 22. This applies not only to the multiple insertion mode but also to the single insertion mode.

[0084] In this manner, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can control the insertion process of the inner sheets P into the sheets S.

[0085] Next, a configuration in which the sheet processing apparatus 100 acquires the sizes (lengths in the conveying direction) of the sheets S and the inner sheets P and the number of inner sheets P to be sandwiched will be described.

[0086] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a size sensor C6 that is a sheet size detection means, and a size sensor C7 that is a medium size detection means. If the length of the inner sheet P in the transport direction is equal to or less than a threshold based on the detection results of these sensors, the sheet processing apparatus 100 automatically switches to multiple insertion mode and performs insertion processing. On the other hand, if the length of the inner sheet P in the transport direction is equal to or more than the threshold, the sheet processing apparatus 100 automatically switches to single insertion mode and performs insertion processing.

[0087] In particular, when the length of the inner paper P in the transport direction is equal to or less than half the length of the sheet S in the transport direction, the insertion process may be performed by automatically switching to the multiple insertion mode. In addition, in the multiple insertion mode, the number of inner papers P to be sandwiched between the sheets S is calculated from the quotient of the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner paper P.

[0088] Instead of or in addition to the size sensors C6 and C7, transport sensors C1 and C2 may be used.

[0089] In this manner, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can automatically control the insertion process in accordance with the sizes of the sheets S and the inner pages P.

[0090] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can load the sheets S and the inner pages P on separate trays and transport them separately. This eliminates the need to load the sheets S and the inner pages P in a predetermined order, improving convenience. Note that, in this embodiment, the sheets S are loaded on the tray 102 and the inner pages P are loaded on the tray 103, but this is not limiting. The inner pages P may be loaded on the tray 102 and the sheets S may be loaded on the tray 103.

[0091] (Modification) Figure 28 shows a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets. In Figure 9 above, (a) a path is shown in which both the upper and lower sheets are guided in the same direction from the joint of sheet S. In addition to this, the upper and lower sheets may be guided in opposite directions, such as (b) a path that guides them in an inverted S shape, or (c) a path that guides them in an S shape.

[0092] Next, a lamination processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system each including the sheet processing device according to the present invention will be described.

[0093] 29 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a lamination processing device equipped with a sheet processing device according to the present invention. The lamination processing device 200 includes the sheet processing device 100 described above, a branching claw 118 for switching the transport path of the sheet S, a heat and pressure roller 120 which is a heat and pressure member capable of heating and pressurizing the sheet S, and a discharge roller 121 provided downstream of the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0094] This lamination processing device 200 is configured to perform a series of operations from feeding the sheets S, peeling them, inserting the inner sheets P, and laminating them by heat and pressure, all in one machine. This series of operations can be performed automatically without the need for human labor, making it more convenient than conventional techniques.

[0095] 30 is a general configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination device according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 300 includes a lamination device 200a therein as a lamination device section.

[0096] Here, the lamination processing device 200a is equipped with a sheet tray 102 for stacking the sheets S or the inner pages P, and is configured to be able to feed the sheets S and / or the inner pages P from the image forming device 300. Therefore, an image can be inserted in-line into the sheets S or the inner pages P by the image forming device 300 (e.g., a printer, a copier, etc.).

[0097] The configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 300 will be specifically described. As shown in Fig. 30, an intermediate transfer device 150 is provided inside the image forming apparatus main body 300. The intermediate transfer device 150 stretches an endless intermediate transfer belt 152 substantially horizontally around a plurality of rollers, and travels counterclockwise.

[0098] Below the intermediate transfer device 150, cyan, magenta, yellow and black imaging devices 154c, 154m, 154y and 154k are arranged in four-part tandem along the stretching direction of the intermediate transfer belt 152. Each imaging device 154 is configured by installing a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device and the like around a drum-shaped image carrier that rotates clockwise in the figure. Below each imaging device 154, an exposure device 156 is provided.

[0099] A paper feed device 158 is provided below the exposure device 156. The paper feed device 158 includes a first paper feed cassette 160 that stores sheets S, and a second paper feed cassette 162 that stores inner sheets P. The first paper feed cassette 160 is an example of a third stacking means that stacks two-ply sheets, and the second paper feed cassette 162 is an example of a fourth stacking means that stacks sheet-like media.

[0100] A first paper feed roller 166 is provided at the upper right of the first paper feed cassette 160 to feed the sheets S in the first paper feed cassette 160 one by one into the paper transport path 164. Also, a second paper feed roller 168 is provided at the upper right of the second paper feed cassette 162 to feed the inner sheets P in the paper feed cassette one by one into the paper transport path 164.

[0101] The paper transport path 164 is formed from the bottom to the top on the right side of the image forming apparatus main body 300, and leads to a lamination device 200a inside the image forming apparatus main body 300. On the paper transport path 164, a transport roller 170, a secondary transfer device 174 facing the intermediate transfer belt 152, a fixing device 176, a paper discharge device 178 consisting of a pair of paper discharge rollers, and the like are provided in this order.

[0102] The first paper feed roller 166, the transport roller 170, and the paper transport path 164 are an example of a third feeding means that feeds two-ply sheets from the first paper feed cassette 160 (third stacking means). The second paper feed roller 168, the transport roller 170, and the paper transport path 164 are an example of a fourth feeding means that feeds a sheet-like medium from the second paper feed cassette 162 (fourth stacking means). Furthermore, the intermediate transfer device 150, the fixing device 176, and the like are an example of an image forming section that forms an image on a two-ply sheet or a sheet-like medium.

[0103] Next, the operation of performing lamination processing after forming an image on the sheet S in the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment will be described.

[0104] When forming an image on the sheet S, first, an original image is read by the image reading device 188, and written by the exposure device 156. Next, a toner image of each color is formed on the image carrier of each of the image forming devices 154c, 154m, 154y, and 154k, and the toner images are transferred in sequence by primary transfer devices 180c, 180m, 180y, and 180k to form a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 152.

[0105] Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the first paper feed roller 166 to feed the sheet S and place it in the paper transport path 164. Then, the sheet S is transported by the transport roller 170 through the paper transport path 164 and sent to the secondary transfer position at the appropriate timing, and the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 152 as described above is transferred to the sheet S by the secondary transfer device 174.

[0106] After the image is transferred to the sheet S, the image is fixed by a fixing device 176, and the sheet S is sent by a paper ejection device 178 to a lamination processing device 200a.

[0107] Further, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the second paper feed roller 168 to feed the inner sheet P, place it in the paper transport path 164, and send it to the lamination processing apparatus 200a by the paper discharge device 178.

[0108] In this way, the sheet S on which the image is formed and the inner page P are sent to the lamination device 200a, where the lamination process is carried out. Details of the lamination process have been described above and will not be described again.

[0109] Since the image forming apparatus 300 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, it is also possible to perform lamination processing by the lamination processing device 200a after forming an image on the inner paper P. Also, it is also possible to perform lamination processing after forming images on the inner paper P and the sheet S.

[0110] Next, a modified example of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming system will be described.

[0111] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a modified image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination device according to the present invention. This image forming apparatus 400 differs from the image forming apparatus 300 in Fig. 30 in that the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a main body discharge roller 122 and a main body paper discharge tray 123.

[0112] When the image forming apparatus 400 does not perform lamination processing, the recording medium on which an image has been formed can be discharged to the main body discharge tray 123 using the main body discharge rollers 122. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 400 does not perform lamination processing, the output speed of the image formation is not reduced.

[0113] The image forming apparatus 400 may be configured to include the lamination device 200a removably inside the image forming apparatus 400. That is, the lamination device 200a may be removed from the image forming apparatus 400 when lamination is not required.

[0114] In addition, the removed lamination processing device 200a may be equipped with a paper feed tray 103 for loading the inner sheets P and a pickup roller 106 for feeding the inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103, and may be used as a standalone lamination processing device similar to that shown in FIG. 29.

[0115] The image forming apparatus 300 shown in Fig. 30 and the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Fig. 31 may be configured to include a sheet processing apparatus instead of the laminating machine. Also, the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Fig. 31 may be configured to have a detachable sheet processing apparatus.

[0116] The image forming system may also be a system including an image forming apparatus, and a sheet processing apparatus 100 or a lamination processing apparatus 200 detachably connected to the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, a system including a paper feeder (stacker) and / or a case binding apparatus may also be configured. When the sheet S passes through the fixing device 176, the sheet S is not bonded at the fixing temperature, but is bonded by applying heat at a higher temperature than the fixing temperature.

[0117] Furthermore, the image forming devices 300 and 400 use an electrophotographic method for forming images on the sheet S and the inner paper, but this is not limited to this, and known image forming methods such as an inkjet method or a stencil printing method may also be used.

[0118] 32 and 33 are overall configuration diagrams showing an image forming apparatus equipped with an external lamination device according to the present invention. In Fig. 32 and 33, the same components as those in Fig. 30 and 31 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] Image forming apparatus 500 in FIG. 32 differs from image forming apparatus 300 in FIG. 30 and image forming apparatus 400 in FIG. 31 in that image forming apparatus 500 in FIG. 32 includes a laminating device 200b on the outside of the image forming apparatus main body.

[0120] The lamination processing device 200b includes a sheet tray 102 for stacking sheets S, and is configured such that the inner pages P can be fed from the image forming device 500 via a relay R. Therefore, any image can be inserted in-line into the inner pages P using a copier or printer (image forming device 500).

[0121] 33 is configured such that another post-processing device 250 (e.g., a paper feeder (stacker) and / or a case binder) is provided downstream of the lamination device 200b. Depending on the user's request, jobs that require lamination and jobs that do not require lamination can be performed in parallel, improving work efficiency.

[0122] Fig. 34 is a flow chart for explaining a series of operations from sheet feeding, inserting the inner sheet, to completing the lamination process. The flow chart in Fig. 34 will be used to explain the operations while indicating the numbers of the corresponding drawings.

[0123] First, in step S01, the sheet processing apparatus 100 judges whether or not the user has selected the multiple insertion mode. If the multiple insertion mode has been selected, the user is prompted to select the number of inner sheets in step S02. This can be set, for example, using the operation panel 10.

[0124] On the other hand, if the multiple insertion mode has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S03, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the single insertion mode has been selected.

[0125] Next, in step S11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the sheet S (see FIG. 1). Next, in step S12, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the transport sensor C3 (see FIG. 2). In step S13, 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. 3). Next, in step S14, the gripping means 110 is opened, and in step S15, the sheet S is transported in the reverse transport direction (see FIG. 4).

[0126] In step S16, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed a designated amount, in step S17, it temporarily stops conveying the sheet S. Then, in step S18, the gripping means 110 is closed to grip the edge of the sheet S (see FIG. 5).

[0127] Next, in step S19, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109 (see FIG. 6). Then, in step S20, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the conveying sensor C5. In step S21, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed by a designated amount from the conveying sensor C5, in step S22, it detects the state of the sheet S using the abnormal state detection sensor C4.

[0128] 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 S23, 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 S24a.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the state of the sheet S is abnormal (the spatial dimension is below the predetermined threshold), the process proceeds to step S24b, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 notifies of the abnormality and stops sheet processing.

[0130] When proceeding to step S24a, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S in the direction opposite to the winding direction (the direction of the arrow A) and transports the stuck region r downstream of the exit roller pair 113. This allows the slack space g to be formed at a position that matches the insertion position of the peeling claw 116.

[0131] Next, the process proceeds to step S24c, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 inserts the peeling claws 116 into the resulting space from both sides of the sheet S (see FIG. 7). Next, in step S25, 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, and transports the sheet S in the forward transport direction.

[0132] Next, in step S26, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the transport sensor C5. In step S27, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been transported a designated amount from the transport sensor C5, it opens the gripping means 110 in step S28.

[0133] Next, in step S29, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the conveyance of the sheet S, and in step S30, the peeling claw 116 is further moved in the sheet width direction (see FIG. 8). As a result, the rear end of the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts.

[0134] In step S31, the sheet processing apparatus 100 conveys the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction. Then, in step S32, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the conveying sensor C5. In step S33, 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 S34 (see FIG. 9). This completes the peeling of the sheet S.

[0135] Next, in step S35, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not to perform image formation (inline) on the inner sheet P to be inserted into the sheets S. If inline, the process proceeds to step S36, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 causes the image forming apparatus to start a print job and forms an image on the inner sheet P. Then, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0136] On the other hand, if it is not inline in step S35, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0137] In step S37, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the inner sheet P in the forward transport direction and inserts the inner sheet P into the opened sheet S. Here, in the case of the single insertion mode, the operation is as shown in Figs. 15 to 17, and in the case of the multiple insertion mode, the operation is as shown in Figs. 18 to 21.

[0138] Next, in step S38, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the selected number of inner sheets P have been inserted into the sheets S. If they have been inserted, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0139] Next, in step S39, the path is switched by the branching claw 118. In step S39, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is transported to a heat and pressure device (fixing Md), and heat and pressure are applied to complete the lamination process (see FIG. 22).

[0140] In the case of inline printing (YES in step S35), the start of a print job is notified to the image forming apparatus after sheet peeling is complete, and printing and transport of the inner pages P are carried out. In this case, the sheet processing apparatus is in a waiting state until the printed inner pages P are transported and reach the transport sensor C1. Therefore, taking into consideration the transport time of the printed inner pages P, the start of a print job may be notified to the image forming apparatus after the operation of the peeling claw 116 shown in FIG. 7 is completed, for example. This can improve productivity.

[0141] The present invention has been described in detail above using the embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the embodiment and the modifications can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10 Operation Panel 100 Sheet processing device 102 Sheet Tray 103 Paper feed tray 104 Output tray 105, 106 Pickup roller 107 Transport roller pair 108 Entrance roller pair 109 Winding roller 110 Gripping means 111 Roller member 113 Exit roller pair 116 Peeling Claw 118 Branch Claw 120 Heat and pressure roller 121 Discharge roller 122 Main body ejection roller 123 Main unit paper output tray 150 Intermediate transfer device 152 Intermediate transfer belt 154c, 154k, 154m, 154y imaging device 156 Exposure Equipment 158 Paper feeder 160 First paper feed cassette 162 Second paper feed cassette 164 Paper transport path 166 1st feed roller 168 2nd feed roller 170 Transport roller 174 Secondary transfer device 176 Fixing device 178 Paper ejection device 180c, 180k, 180m, 180y Primary transfer device 188 Image reader 200, 200a Lamination processing equipment 250 Aftertreatment Device 300, 400 Image forming device C1, C2, C3, C5 Transport Sensor C4 Abnormal condition detection sensor C6, C7 size sensor Sh, Sp sensor (means for detecting slack space) S sheet (2-ply sheet) P Inner paper (sheet media) P1 1st page P2 2nd inner page g Deflection space r Sticky area [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0143] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-160429 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-164593 [Patent Document 3] JP 2020-121868 A

Claims

1. A sheet processing apparatus that sandwiches a sheet-like medium between two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined together, comprising: A conveying means for conveying the two-ply sheet; A rotating member around which the two-ply sheet is wound; A peeling member, A sheet processing device characterized in that the two-ply sheet is transported in a winding direction and wrapped around the rotating member to create a slack space between the two-ply sheet, and then the two-ply sheet is transported in a direction opposite to the winding direction before inserting the peeling member into the slack space.

2. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance by which the two-ply sheet is transported in the direction opposite to the winding direction is preset before the sheet processing.

3. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance by which the two-ply sheet is transported in the direction opposite to the winding direction is equal to or less than a distance between the rotating member and the transport means.

4. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance by which the two-ply sheet is transported in the direction opposite to the winding direction is changed in accordance with sheet information of the two-ply sheet.

5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the sheet information is a size, a thickness, and / or a material of the two-ply sheet.

6. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance by which the two-ply sheet is transported in the direction opposite to the winding direction is changeable by a user.

7. a detection means for detecting a height of the slack space generated in the two-ply sheet at a position where the peeling member is inserted, 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the height is equal to or smaller than a threshold value, the two-ply sheet is transported in a direction opposite to the winding direction.

8. a detection means for detecting a vertex position of the slack space generated in the two-ply sheet in a conveying direction of the two-ply sheet, 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an apex position of the slack space is not at a position where the peeling member can be inserted, the two-ply sheet is transported in a direction opposite to the winding direction.

9. 9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: conveying the two-ply sheet in a direction opposite to the winding direction until the apex position of the slack space is detected at a position where the peeling member can be inserted.

10. 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two-ply sheet is transported in a direction opposite to the winding direction, the two-ply sheet is stopped, and the peeling member is inserted into a slack space of the stopped two-ply sheet.

11. A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A heat and pressure member capable of heating and pressing the two-ply sheet; A lamination processing device comprising:

12. an image forming unit that forms an image; The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the lamination processing apparatus according to claim 11; An image forming apparatus comprising:

13. An image forming apparatus; The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the lamination processing apparatus according to claim 11; An image forming system comprising:

14. 12. An image forming system, comprising: the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1; or the lamination processing apparatus according to claim 11, configured to be detachable from an image forming apparatus.

Images