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

Abstract

To provide a sheet processing device by which the size of double-layered sheets (laminated films) and the size of a sheet-like medium (intermediate paper) are acquired for controlling sheet processing according to the size.SOLUTION: In a sheet processing device, a sheet-like medium is sandwiched between double-layered sheets obtained by laminating two sheets and further bonding a part of them. The sheet processing device comprises: display operation means for executing display of information and reception of operation input; a size acquisition part for acquiring the size of the double-layered sheets and the size of the sheet-like medium; a catching determination part for determining a state of the double-layered sheets when the sheet-like medium is caught based on each of the sizes acquired by the size acquisition part; and a control part for controlling sheet processing according to a determination result of the catching determination part. Thereby the sheet processing can be controlled according to the sizes of the double-layered sheets and the sheet-like medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

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. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned laminate film (the type in which one side of two sheets is joined (connected)) can sometimes cause problems depending on the combination of the size of the laminate film and the size of the paper (interleaf) to be sandwiched between the film.

[0006] For example, if the size of the laminating film is smaller than the size of the inner paper, the inner paper will not fit within the laminating area and lamination will not be performed correctly. Also, if the size of the inner paper is too small compared to the size of the laminating film, the margin will be large and a lot of laminating film will be wasted.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus that acquires the size of a two-ply sheet (laminate film) and the size of a sheet-like medium (inner paper), and controls sheet processing in accordance with these sizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above issues are: A sheet processing apparatus that sandwiches a sheet-like medium between two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined, the sheet processing apparatus comprising: a size acquisition unit that acquires the size of the two overlapping sheets and the size of the sheet-like medium; a control unit that controls sheet processing based on the respective sizes acquired by the size acquisition unit; a pinch determination unit that determines a state of the two overlapping sheets when the sheet-like medium is sandwiched from the respective sizes acquired by the size acquisition unit; and a notification unit that issues a perception signal to a user, wherein when the pinch determination unit determines that the size of the sheet-like medium is smaller than a predetermined threshold value with respect to the size of the two overlapping sheets, the notification unit issues a notification to prompt the user to confirm. is solved by: Effect of the Invention

[0009] The sheet processing apparatus of the present invention can control sheet processing in accordance with the size of the two-ply sheets and the size of the sheet-like medium to be sandwiched between them. [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] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 13] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a peeling claw included in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 14] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a drive configuration for a peeling claw. [Figure 15] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S. FIG. [Figure 16] 9 is a perspective view showing a state of the peeling claw and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 17] 9 is a perspective view (part 2) showing the state of the peeling claw and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 18] This is a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets. [Figure 19] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a lamination processing apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 20] 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; [Figure 21] 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. [Figure 22] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations from sheet feeding, inserting an inner sheet, to completing a lamination process. [Diagram 23] 2 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 24] 13 is an example of an operation screen for setting a sheet size and an inner paper size, which is displayed on an operation panel. [Diagram 25] 13 is an example of a table used to determine lamination. [Figure 26] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet processing operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] 13 is an example of a warning screen displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 28] 13 is an example of an error screen displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 29]FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of the sheet tray of the present embodiment as viewed from above, and FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view showing a state in which sheets are stacked on the sheet tray. [Diagram 30] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a pair of guide members and a width size sensor that detects the width direction size of a sheet. [Diagram 31] 13 is an example of a table used to determine a sheet size. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of a sheet processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 33] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet processing operation according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of a sheet processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 35] 13 is an example of a table used to determine the number of inner pages that can be inserted depending on the size of the sheet and inner pages. [Diagram 36] 13 is an example of a setting screen for the number of inner sheets displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram (part 1) illustrating a multiple sandwiching process of a sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (part 2) illustrating a multiple sandwiching process of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram (part 3) illustrating a multiple sandwiching process of the sheet processing apparatus. [Diagram 40] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram (part 4) illustrating the multiple sandwiching process of the sheet processing apparatus. [Diagram 41] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram (part 5) illustrating the multiple sandwiching process of the sheet processing apparatus. [Diagram 42] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the multiple sandwiching process of the sheet processing apparatus; [Diagram 43] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet processing operation according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of a sheet processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 45]13 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet processing operation according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 46] This is the lamination processing setting screen (part 1) displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 47] This is the lamination processing setting screen (part 2) displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 48] This is the lamination processing setting screen (part 3) displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 49] This is the lamination processing setting screen (part 4) displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 50] This is the lamination processing setting screen (part 5) displayed on the operation panel. 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] 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.

[0016] 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 is provided 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 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 1 to 12, 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 12, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in Figs. 1 and 2, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 7, when the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109, the difference in winding circumferential length (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.

[0034] Here, the peeling claw 116 will be described in more detail.

[0035] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a peeling claw included in the sheet processing apparatus, Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a driving configuration of the peeling claw, and Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S.

[0036] 13, 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.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, two peeling claws 116 are disposed facing each other, and are configured to approach / separate from each other by (a) a belt drive, or (b) a rack and pinion, or the like.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Fig. 16 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. 13), so that the two sheets of the sheet S are in a position where they can be conveyed along different paths.

[0047] Furthermore, because the peeling claw 116 is configured to be movable in the width direction (see FIG. 14), it can be placed in a position suitable for supporting the posture of the sheet S, as shown in FIG. 17. 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] (Modification) Figure 18 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 12(a), the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with the inserted inner paper P 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 interleaved 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).

[0055] As an alternative example, when the sheet processing apparatus includes a heat pressurizing device capable of applying heat and pressure to the sheet S, the sheet S may be conveyed to the heat pressurizing device by switching the path using a branching claw 118 as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0056] 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, compared to the laminating device of Patent Document 1 that uses a vacuum device, for example, the configuration is simpler, and the entire device can be simplified and made smaller.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 19 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 20 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.

[0062] 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.).

[0063] The configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 300 will be specifically described. As shown in Fig. 20, 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Fig. 21 is a general configuration diagram showing a modified example of an 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. 20 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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. 19.

[0081] The image forming apparatus 300 shown in Fig. 20 and the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Fig. 21 may be configured to include a sheet processing apparatus instead of the laminating machine. Also, the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Fig. 21 may be configured to have a detachable sheet processing apparatus.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 22 is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations from sheet feeding, inserting the inner sheet, to completing the lamination process. The explanation will be given while indicating the numbers of the drawings corresponding to the flowchart.

[0085] First, 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] When proceeding to step S24a, 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 to transport the sheet S in the forward transport direction.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Next, in step S35, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not to form an image (inline) on the inner sheet P to be inserted into the sheet 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.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is not inline in step S35, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0096] In step S37, the sheet processing apparatus 100 conveys the inner sheet P in the forward conveying direction, and inserts the inner sheet P into the opened sheet S (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0097] Next, in step S38, the path is switched by the branching claw 118. In step S39, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therein is transported to a heat and pressure device (fixing Md), where heat and pressure are applied, completing the lamination process (see FIG. 12(b)).

[0098] Next, a characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.

[0099] In the sheet processing device of this embodiment, no particular mention has been made so far about the size of the sheet S (laminating film) and the inner paper P (paper) sandwiched between the sheet S. However, depending on the combination of the size (dimension) of the sheet S and the size of the inner paper P, there are cases where the lamination process (processing) cannot be performed correctly.

[0100] That is, if the size of the inner paper P is larger than the size of the sheets S, the inner paper P will not fit within the range that can be laminated, and therefore cannot be laminated correctly. On the other hand, if the size of the inner paper P is too small compared to the size of the sheets S, lamination can be performed, but the margins will be large, resulting in waste of the sheets S.

[0101] In the following embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus will be described which acquires the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner sheet P and controls the sheet processing in accordance with these sizes.

[0102] (First embodiment) 23 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a size acquisition unit 52 that acquires the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner paper P, a pinching determination unit 54 that determines the state of the sheet S when the inner paper P is pinched, and a control unit 56 that controls sheet processing. The main control unit 50 is configured as a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, etc.

[0103] The size acquisition unit 52 is connected to the operation panel 10, which is a display operation means, via an I / O port 58 for input and output, and acquires the sizes of the sheets S and inner pages P input (set) via the operation panel 10 by the user.

[0104] Fig. 24 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation panel for setting the sheet size and the inner paper size. In the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the user can select and input the size of the laminating film (sheet S) and the size of the inner paper P to be sandwiched by touching the screen of the operation panel 10. In addition, a series of sheet processes (see Fig. 22) can be started by touching (pressing) the area displayed with "Execute lamination process".

[0105] In the image forming apparatus equipped with the laminating device shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, information on the size of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus may be used as size information of the inner paper.

[0106] In FIG. 23, the sandwiching determination unit 54 determines whether or not the inner sheet P can be sandwiched based on the relative relationship between the size of the sheet S acquired by the size acquisition unit 52 and the size of the inner sheet P (the state of the sheet S when the inner sheet P is sandwiched).

[0107] 25 is an example of a table used to determine whether lamination is possible. This table is used to determine whether lamination is possible or not based on the combination of the sizes of the sheet S and the inner paper P.

[0108] SEF stands for "longitudinal feed" and refers to the state where the short side is positioned perpendicular to the conveying direction, while LEF stands for "lateral feed" and refers to the state where the long side is positioned perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0109] How to read the table will now be described. When the laminate film size (size of sheet S) and the inner paper size (size of inner paper P) are the same, the pinch determination unit 54 determines that lamination is possible (indicated by "O").

[0110] On the other hand, if the laminating film size and the inner paper size are different from each other and the inner paper size is larger than the laminating film size, it is determined that lamination is not possible (indicated by "X").

[0111] Furthermore, if the size of the inner paper is smaller than the size of the laminating film and there is a margin on the laminating film (sheet S), it is determined that lamination processing is pending (indicated by "△").

[0112] 23, the pinch determination unit 54 transmits the determination result to the control unit 56. The control unit 56 drives various conveying means (such as the conveying roller pair 107 and the winding roller 109) according to the determination result of the pinch determination unit 54, and performs sheet processing.

[0113] 26 is a flowchart for explaining the sheet processing operation of the first embodiment. The explanation will be given with reference to the flowchart and FIGS.

[0114] First, in step S101, the size acquisition unit 52 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 acquires the size of the sheet S, and then in step S102, acquires the size of the inner paper P. That is, as shown in FIG. 24 above, the size acquisition unit 52 acquires the laminate film size setting value and the inner paper size setting value input by the user on the operation panel 10.

[0115] Next, in step S103, the pinch determination unit 54 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the sizes of the sheet S and the inner sheet P match. If it is determined that they match (in FIG. 25, it is indicated by "◯"), the sheet processing apparatus 100 (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match (other than "O" in FIG. 25), the process proceeds to step S104, where the pinch determination unit 54 determines whether or not the inner sheet P will protrude from the sheet S. If it is determined that protrusion will not occur ("△" in FIG. 25), the process proceeds to step S105, where the control unit 56 displays a warning on the operation panel 10.

[0117] 27 is an example of a warning screen displayed on the operation panel. The operation panel 10 displays the warning screen to inform the user that the size of the inner paper is small and that a large blank space will be created in the lamination. At the same time, the user is asked to confirm whether or not to proceed with the lamination process.

[0118] Next, in step S106, when the user touches (presses) the area on the operation panel 10 that displays "Perform lamination process," the sheet processing apparatus 100 (its control unit 56) performs the series of operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0119] On the other hand, in step S106, if the user touches (presses) the area on the operation panel 10 where "Cancel" is displayed, the process proceeds to step S108, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 (the control unit 56 thereof) cancels the sheet processing.

[0120] Returning to step S104, the remaining operations will now be described. If the pinch determination unit 54 determines that the inner sheet P will protrude from the sheet S (in FIG. 25, this is indicated by "x"), the process proceeds to step S107, and the control unit 56 displays an error on the operation panel 10.

[0121] 28 is an example of an error screen displayed on the operation panel. The operation panel 10 displays the error screen, notifying the user that the lamination process will be canceled because the size of the inner sheet P is too large, and asks for confirmation. When the user touches (presses) an area on the operation panel 10 displaying "OK," the process proceeds to step S108, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 (controller 56 thereof) cancels the sheet processing.

[0122] In this way, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment obtains the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner sheet P, and controls (performs or cancels) the sheet processing according to these sizes. Therefore, lamination suitable for the size can be performed.

[0123] Second embodiment In the previous embodiment, the user inputs the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner paper P on the operation panel 10, and these sizes are acquired by the size acquisition unit 52. In the present embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus is configured to automatically acquire these sizes, so that the user is not required to set the size.

[0124] Fig. 29(a) is a schematic plan view of the sheet tray of this embodiment as seen from above, and Fig. 29(b) is a schematic plan view showing a state in which sheets are stacked on the sheet tray. The sheet tray 102a of this embodiment includes a pair of guide members 130 that regulate the width direction of the sheet (the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction).

[0125] Further, the sheet tray 102a is provided with length size sensors C10, C11, and C12 aligned in a line in the conveying direction of the sheets S for detecting the sheets S. As shown in Fig. 29(b), the detection results of the length size sensors C10, C11, and C12 change depending on the size of the sheets S loaded on the sheet tray 102a, so that the length size (length in the conveying direction) of the sheets S can be detected.

[0126] 30 is a schematic diagram of a pair of guide members and a width size sensor that detects the width direction size of a sheet. As shown in FIG 30, width size sensors C13, C14, and C15 that detect the position of the guide member 130 are provided in the moving direction of the guide member 130.

[0127] When the pair of guide members 130 are moved in accordance with the sheets S loaded on the sheet tray 102a, the detection results of the width size sensors C13, C14, and C15 change, so that the width size of the sheets S can be detected.

[0128] 31 is an example of a table used to determine the sheet size. The size of the sheets S stacked on the sheet tray 102a can be determined from the detection values ​​of the length size sensors C10 to C12 and the width size sensors C13 to C15.

[0129] In this embodiment, the paper feed tray has a configuration similar to that of the sheet tray 102a, and the size of the inner sheets P loaded on the paper feed tray can be determined.

[0130] The size sensors C10 to C15 and the guide member 130 are an example of a sheet size detection means provided in the sheet tray 102a. The sheet size detection means determines (detects) the size of the sheet S using the detection values ​​of the size sensors C10 to C15 and the above table. Similarly, the size sensors provided in the paper feed tray are an example of a medium size detection means.

[0131] Fig. 32 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of a sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 32, the same components as those in Fig. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] 32, the size acquisition unit 52a is connected to the sheet size detection means and the medium size detection means via the I / O port 58 for input and output, and can acquire the sizes of the sheets S and the inner pages P loaded in each tray. Therefore, the size setting operation by the user can be omitted.

[0133] 33 is a flowchart for explaining the sheet processing operation of the second embodiment, which will be explained with reference to the flowchart and FIGS.

[0134] First, in step S201, the length sensors C10 to C12 detect the length of the sheets S stacked on the sheet tray 102a. Next, in step S202, the width sensors C13 to C15 detect the width of the sheets S stacked on the sheet tray 102a.

[0135] Then, in step S203, the sheet size detection means determines the size of the sheets S stacked on the sheet tray 102a (see FIG. 31).

[0136] Next, in step S204, the length sensors C10 to C12 detect the length of the inner sheets P loaded on the paper feed tray 103a. Next, in step S205, the width sensors C13 to C15 detect the width of the inner sheets P loaded on the paper feed tray 103a.

[0137] Then, in step S206, the medium size detection means determines the size of the inner sheets P loaded in the paper feed tray 103a (see FIG. 31).

[0138] When a medium sent from the image forming apparatus is used as the inner page P, size information of the medium held by the image forming apparatus may be used in steps S204 to S206.

[0139] Next, in step S207, the pinch determination unit 54a of the sheet processing apparatus 100a determines whether the sizes of the sheet S and the inner sheet P match. If it is determined that they match (in FIG. 25, it is indicated by "◯"), the sheet processing apparatus 100a (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0140] On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match (other than "◯" in FIG. 25), the process proceeds to step S208, where the pinch determination unit 54a determines whether or not the inner sheet P will protrude from the sheet S. If it is determined that protrusion will not occur ("△" in FIG. 25), the process proceeds to step S209.

[0141] In step S209, the pinch determination unit 54a determines whether the length of the sheet S is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, the length of the inner sheet P+30 mm). If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S211, and the control unit 56 displays a warning on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 27).

[0142] On the other hand, if the result in step S209 is NO, the process proceeds to step S210, where the pinch determination unit 54a determines whether the width of the sheet S is equal to or larger than a threshold value (for example, the width of the inner sheet P+30 mm). If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S211, where the control unit 56 displays a warning on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 27).

[0143] In the case of NO in step S210, the sheet processing apparatus 100 (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0144] Returning to step S211, the process there will be described. The operation panel 10 displays a warning screen to inform the user that the size of the inner page is small and that a large blank space will be generated for lamination (see FIG. 27). At the same time, the user is prompted to confirm whether or not to proceed with lamination.

[0145] Next, in step S212, when the user touches (presses) the area on the operation panel 10 that displays "Perform lamination process," the sheet processing apparatus 100a (its control unit 56) performs the series of operations shown in the flowchart of Figure 22 as sheet processing.

[0146] On the other hand, in step S212, if the user touches (presses) the area on the operation panel 10 where "Cancel" is displayed, the process proceeds to step S214, and the sheet processing apparatus 100a (the control unit 56 thereof) cancels the sheet processing.

[0147] Returning now to step S208, the remaining operations will be described. If the pinch determination unit 54a determines that the inner sheet P will protrude from the sheet S (in FIG. 25, this is indicated by "x"), the process proceeds to step S213, and the control unit 56 displays an error on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 28).

[0148] The operation panel 10 displays an error screen to inform the user that the lamination process is to be canceled because the size of the inner sheet P is too large, and asks for confirmation. When the user touches (presses) an area on the operation panel 10 displaying "OK," the process proceeds to step S214, and the sheet processing apparatus 100a (the control unit 56 thereof) cancels the sheet processing.

[0149] In this manner, in this embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 100a is configured to automatically obtain the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner sheet P, so that the size setting operation by the user can be omitted.

[0150] In steps S209 and S210, the thresholds are merely examples and may be changed according to the specifications. Also, the thresholds may be changed according to the determination results of the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner pages P.

[0151] Third embodiment In the first and second embodiments, a process of sandwiching one inner sheet P between one laminate film (sheet S) has been described. However, depending on the size of the sheet S, it is also possible to sandwich multiple inner sheets P. Therefore, in this embodiment, a sheet processing device that can sandwich one to multiple inner sheets P depending on the size settings of the sheet S and the inner sheets P will be described.

[0152] 34 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of a sheet processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG 34, the sheet processing apparatus 100c includes an inner-sheet number acquiring unit 62 that acquires the number of inner sheets P to be sandwiched between sheets S.

[0153] The inner sheet number acquisition unit 62 is connected to the operation panel 10c, which is a display operation means, via an I / O port 58 for input and output, and acquires the number of inner sheets P to be sandwiched between the sheets S, which is input (set) by the user via the operation panel 10c.

[0154] Further, the sandwiching determination unit 54c of this embodiment determines, from the sizes of the sheet S and the inner sheets P acquired by the size acquisition unit 52, whether or not two or more inner sheets P can be sandwiched between the sheet S.

[0155] 35 is an example of a table used to determine the number of inner pages that can be inserted depending on the size of the sheet and the inner pages. If the size of the laminating film (sheet S) and the size of the inner pages are the same, it is determined that only one inner page P can be inserted. However, for example, if the size of the laminating film is A3-SEF and the size of the inner pages is A4-LEF, it is determined that up to two inner pages P can be inserted.

[0156] The operation panel 10c of this embodiment uses the above table to change the setting screen for the number of inner sheets.

[0157] Figure 36 is an example of a setting screen for the number of inner sheets displayed on the operation panel. If the size of the laminate film (sheet S) and the size of the inner sheets to be inserted are the same, only one inner sheet P can be inserted. Therefore, as shown in Figure 36(a), the "Number of sheets to be inserted" is grayed out so that it cannot be set (changed).

[0158] On the other hand, if the size of the laminate film (sheet S) and the size of the inner paper to be sandwiched are different and multiple inner papers P can be sandwiched, the "number of sheets to be sandwiched" can be set (changed). As shown in Figure 36(b), the "number of sheets to be sandwiched" is set to 2 sheets.

[0159] Next, a description will be given of an operation for inserting a plurality of inner sheets P into the sheet S. In a series of operations of the sheet processing apparatus 100c, the operations shown in Figs. 1 to 9 are the same, and the operations shown in Fig. 9 and after will be described with reference to Figs.

[0160] 9, the sheet processing apparatus 100c holds (nips) the leading edge (joint) of the sheet S with the pair of exit rollers 113. Then, as shown in FIG. 37, the sheet processing apparatus 100c rotates the pair of entrance rollers 108 to transport the first inner sheet (hereinafter referred to as the first inner sheet P1) transported from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) toward the pair of exit rollers 113 in the forward transport direction (the direction of arrow A).

[0161] 38, the sheet processing apparatus 100c rotates the pair of outlet rollers 113 to merge the sheet S and the first inner sheet P1, and inserts the first inner sheet P1 into the sheet S that has been opened.

[0162] Next, as shown in FIG. 39, the sheet processing device 100c transports the sheet S with the first inner sheet P1 inserted in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) by the exit roller pair 113, and temporarily suspends transport when the first inner sheet P1 passes the exit roller pair 113.

[0163] Next, as shown in FIG. 40, the sheet processing device 100c rotates the entrance roller pair 108 and transports the second inner sheet (hereinafter referred to as the second inner sheet P2) 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.

[0164] 41, the sheet processing apparatus 100c rotates the pair of inlet rollers 108 to merge the sheet S and the second inner sheet P2, and further inserts the second inner sheet P2 into the sheet S that has been opened.

[0165] 42, the sheet processing apparatus 100c transports the sheet S with the first and second inner sheets P1 and P2 inserted in the forward transport direction (the direction of 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 sheets P sandwiched therebetween is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or rollers (not shown) arranged thereafter (see FIG. 1).

[0166] Although the operation of sandwiching two inner pages P between the sheets S is shown in Figs. 37 to 42, even if there are three or more inner pages, they can be sandwiched in a similar manner.

[0167] Here, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 37 to Fig. 42, a series of operations for sandwiching two or more inner sheets P between sheets S is called a multiple sandwiching process. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 12, a series of operations for sandwiching one inner sheet P between sheets S is called a single sandwiching process.

[0168] The sheet processing apparatus 100c of this embodiment can switch between single-insertion processing and multiple-insertion processing depending on the size settings of the sheets S and the inner sheets P. Therefore, a wider variety of lamination processes can be automatically performed.

[0169] 43 is a flowchart for explaining a sheet processing operation according to the third embodiment. The explanation will be given with reference to the flowchart and the drawings.

[0170] First, in step S301, the size acquisition unit 52 of the sheet processing apparatus 100c acquires the size of the sheet S, and then in step S302, acquires the size of the inner paper P. That is, as shown in Fig. 36 above, the size acquisition unit 52 acquires the laminate film size setting value and the inner paper size setting value input by the user on the operation panel 10c.

[0171] Next, in step S303, the operation panel 10c determines the number of inner sheets P that can be inserted (see FIG. 35), and displays the number of inner sheets P that can be inserted selectably on the operation panel 10c (see FIG. 36).

[0172] Next, in step S304, the inner-sheet number obtaining unit 62 of the sheet processing apparatus 100c obtains a setting value of the number of inner sheets P to be sandwiched.

[0173] Next, in step S305, the sandwich determination unit 54c of the sheet processing apparatus 100c determines whether the sizes of the sheet S and the inner sheet P match. If it is determined that they match (in FIG. 25, it is indicated by "◯"), the process proceeds to step S313, and the control unit 56 performs the series of operations (single sandwich processing) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0174] On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S306, where the sandwiching determination unit 54c determines whether or not the inner sheet P protrudes from the sheet S. If it is determined that protrusion does not occur, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0175] In step S307, the pinch determination unit 54c determines whether multiple inner sheets P can be pinched (see FIG. 35). If YES, the process proceeds to step S308, where the pinch determination unit 54c refers to the set number of inner sheets P to be pinched and determines whether the number of sheets to be pinched is multiple.

[0176] In step S308, if the number of sheets of the inner paper P to be sandwiched is multiple, the process proceeds to step S314, and the sheet processing apparatus 100c (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations (multiple sandwiching process) shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 37 to FIG. 42 as sheet processing.

[0177] Here, in S307, if the pinch determination unit 54c determines that a plurality of inner sheets P cannot be pinched, or in step S308, the set number of inner sheets P to be pinched is one, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0178] In step S309, the control unit 56 displays a warning on the operation panel 10c. The operation panel 10c displays a warning screen to inform the user that the size of the inner page is small and that a large blank space will be generated for lamination (see FIG. 27). At the same time, the control unit 56 prompts the user to confirm whether or not to proceed with lamination processing.

[0179] Next, in step S310, when the user touches (presses) the area on the operation panel 10c that displays "Perform lamination process," the sheet processing apparatus 100c (its control unit 56) performs the series of operations (single clamping process) shown in the flowchart of Figure 22 as sheet processing.

[0180] On the other hand, in step S310, if the user touches (presses) an area on the operation panel 10c displaying "Cancel," the process proceeds to step S312, and the (controller 56 of) the sheet processing apparatus 100c cancels the sheet processing.

[0181] Returning to step S306, the remaining operations will now be described. If the pinch determination unit 54c determines that the inner sheet P will protrude from the sheet S, the process proceeds to step S311, and the control unit 56 displays an error on the operation panel 10c (see FIG. 28).

[0182] Then, the user is notified that the lamination process is to be cancelled and is asked to confirm this. When the user touches (presses) an area on the operation panel 10c indicating "OK", the process proceeds to step S312, and the sheet processing apparatus 100c (the control unit 56 thereof) cancels the sheet processing.

[0183] In this manner, in this embodiment, depending on the size settings of the sheets S and the inner sheets P, one to a plurality of inner sheets P can be inserted into the sheet S.

[0184] (Fourth embodiment) The sheet processing apparatuses of the first to third embodiments described above are configured to obtain the size of the sheet S and inner sheets P (and the number of inner sheets P) and determine whether or not lamination processing is possible after starting sheet processing.

[0185] In this embodiment, we will describe a sheet processing device that displays a UI (user interface) on an operation panel that allows the user to sequentially set the size, orientation, and number of inner sheets P to be inserted of the sheet S and the inner sheets P, and can perform lamination processing as intended by the user.

[0186] Fig. 44 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of a sheet processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. In Fig. 44, the same components as those in Fig. 23 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0187] 44, an operation panel 10d, which is a display operation means, is connected to a control unit 56d that controls sheet processing via an I / O port 58. The control unit 56d controls the sheet processing based on instructions from the operation panel 10d.

[0188] 45 is a flowchart for explaining a sheet processing operation according to the fourth embodiment. The explanation will be given with reference to the flowchart and the drawings.

[0189] First, in step S401, the operation panel 10d of the sheet processing apparatus 100d displays a screen as shown in Fig. 46, and allows the user to select and set the size of the laminate film (sheet S). Next, in step S402, the operation panel 10d displays a screen as shown in Fig. 47, and allows the user to select and set the orientation of the laminate film.

[0190] There are two orientations: (a) when the long side of the laminate film is joined, and (b) when the short side of the laminate film is joined. When the long side of the laminate film is joined (a), the long side is positioned perpendicular to the conveying direction, which is called "vertical feeding." On the other hand, when the short side of the laminate film is joined (b), the short side is positioned perpendicular to the conveying direction, which is called "horizontal feeding."

[0191] Next, the process proceeds to step S403, where the operation panel 10d determines the size of the inner page that can be inserted. That is, when the size and orientation (feed direction) of the lamination film (sheet S) are determined, the size of the inner page that can be inserted is determined from the table (see FIG. 25) used to determine the lamination process.

[0192] Next, in step S404, the operation panel 10d displays the sizes of inner pages that can be inserted on the panel as shown in FIG. 48, and allows the user to select and set the size of the inner page P.

[0193] Next, in step S405, the operation panel 10d determines whether the orientation of the inner pages to be inserted can be specified. For example, when inserting A4 inner pages into an A3 laminate film, the A4 inner pages can be inserted either vertically or horizontally. However, A3 inner pages can only be inserted in the same orientation as the laminate film. This is determined by the size and orientation of the laminate film (sheet S) and the size of the inner pages, and can be determined using a table (see FIG. 35) used to determine the number of inner pages that can be inserted.

[0194] If it is determined that the operation panel 10d can be specified (YES), the process proceeds to step S406.

[0195] Next, in step S406, the operation panel 10d displays a selection screen for the inserting direction of the inner pages P as shown in FIG. 49 on the panel, and allows the user to select and set the inserting direction of the inner pages P.

[0196] Next, in step S407, the operation panel 10d determines whether multiple inner pages can be inserted into the laminate film (sheet S). This can also be determined using the table shown in Fig. 35. If the operation panel 10d determines that multiple inner pages can be inserted (YES), the process proceeds to step S408.

[0197] In step S408, the operation panel 10d displays a selection screen for the number of inner pages P to be inserted on the panel as shown in FIG. 50, and allows the user to select and set the number of inner pages P to be inserted.

[0198] Next, in step S409, the operation panel 10d sends a sheet processing instruction to the control unit 56. If the number of sheets P sandwiched is multiple, the process proceeds to step S410, and the sheet processing device 100d (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations (multiple sandwiching process) shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 37 to FIG. 42 as the sheet processing.

[0199] On the other hand, if the number of inserted inner sheets P is one, the process proceeds to step S411, and the sheet processing apparatus 100c (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations (single-sheet insertion process) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0200] Returning to step S405, the remaining operations will now be described. If the operation panel 10d determines that the orientation of the inner sheet cannot be specified, the process proceeds to step S411, and the sheet processing apparatus 100c (the control unit 56 thereof) performs the series of operations (single sheet insertion process) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 as sheet processing.

[0201] Also, in step S407, if the operation panel 10d determines that multiple inner sheets are not to be inserted into the laminate film (sheet S), the operation panel 10d proceeds to step S411 and performs the series of operations (single-sheet insertion process) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22.

[0202] In this manner, in this embodiment, the user can select and set the desired settings by following the screen display displayed on the operation panel 10d. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from making setting errors and to present the possibility of inserting multiple inner pages.

[0203] 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]

[0204] 10, 10c, 10d Operation Panel 30a Drive pulley 30b Driven pulley 32 Belt 34, 44 Drive transmission gear 35, 45 Motor output gear 36, 46 Drive motor 40 Pinion 42a, 42b rack 50 Main control unit 52 Size acquisition section 54, 54a, 54c Entrapment detection unit 56, 56d Control section 58 I / O ports 62 Number of inner pages acquisition unit 100, 100a, 100c sheet processing device 102 Sheet Tray 103 Paper feed tray 104 Output tray 105, 106 Pickup roller 107 Transport roller pair 108 Inlet roller pair 109 Winding roller 110 Gripping means 111 Roller member 113 Exit roller pair 116 Peeling 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 300, 400 Image forming device C10, C11, C12 Length Size Sensor C13, C14, C15 Width size sensor C1, C2, C3, C5 Transport Sensor P1 1st page P2 2nd inner page S sheet (2-ply sheet) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0205] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-160429 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-164593

Claims

1. In a sheet processing apparatus in which a sheet-like medium is sandwiched between two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined together, a size acquisition unit that acquires the size of the two-ply sheet and the size of the sheet-like medium; a control unit that controls sheet processing based on each size acquired by the size acquisition unit; a pinch determination unit that determines a state of the two-ply sheet when the sheet medium is pinched based on the sizes acquired by the size acquisition unit; A notification means for issuing a sensory signal to a user, When the pinch determination unit determines that the size of the sheet medium is smaller than a predetermined threshold value with respect to the size of the two-ply sheet, The sheet processing apparatus further comprises a notification unit that notifies the user to prompt the user to make a confirmation.

2. In a sheet processing apparatus in which a sheet-like medium is sandwiched between two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined together, a size acquisition unit that acquires the size of the two-ply sheet and the size of the sheet-like medium; a control unit that controls sheet processing based on each size acquired by the size acquisition unit; a pinch determination unit that determines a state of the two-ply sheet when the sheet medium is pinched based on the sizes acquired by the size acquisition unit, the pinch determination unit determines whether two or more sheets of the sheet-like medium can be pinched between the two-ply sheets based on the sizes acquired by the size acquisition unit; The control unit, depending on a determination result of the pinch determination unit, a single sandwiching process of sandwiching only one sheet of the sheet-like medium between the two-ply sheets; a multiple sandwiching process of sandwiching two or more sheets of the sheet-like medium between the two-ply sheets; A sheet processing apparatus characterized in that the above-mentioned are performed by switching between the above.

3. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the size of the sheet medium is larger than the size of the two-ply sheet, the sheet processing is canceled.

4. a first stacking means for stacking the two-ply sheets; a sheet size detection means provided in the first stacking means for detecting a size of the double-stacking sheet; 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size detected by the sheet size detection unit is set as the size acquired by the size acquisition unit.

5. a second stacking means for stacking the sheet-like medium; a medium size detection unit provided on the second stacking unit and detecting a size of the sheet medium; 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size detected by the medium size detection unit is set as the size acquired by the size acquisition unit.

6. an inner sheet number acquisition unit that acquires the number of sheets of the sheet-like medium to be sandwiched between the two-ply sheets; When it is determined that two or more sheets of the sheet-like medium can be sandwiched between the two-ply sheets, 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the single-clamping process and the multiple-clamping process are switched according to the number of sheets of the sheet medium to be clamped.

7. A sheet processing apparatus that sandwiches a sheet-like medium between two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined together, comprising: A display operation means for displaying information and accepting operation inputs; a control unit that controls sheet processing based on settings from the display operation means; In a sheet processing apparatus comprising: The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display operation means transmits information about the double-ply sheet, information about the sheet medium, and the number of sheets of the sheet medium to be sandwiched, which are set by a user, to the control unit.

8. The information on the two-ply sheet is a size and an orientation of the two-ply sheet, The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the information on the sheet medium is a size and an orientation of the sheet medium.

9. The control unit, based on the setting from the display operation means, a single sandwiching process of sandwiching only one sheet of the sheet-like medium between the two-ply sheets; a multiple sandwiching process of sandwiching two or more sheets of the sheet-like medium between the two-ply sheets; 9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the above-mentioned operations are performed by switching between the above-mentioned operations.

10. A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A heat and pressure member capable of heating and pressing the two-ply sheet; A lamination processing device comprising:

11. an image forming unit that forms an image; A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a lamination processing apparatus according to claim 10; An image forming apparatus comprising:

12. An image forming apparatus; A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a lamination processing apparatus according to claim 10; An image forming system comprising:

13. An image forming system, characterized in that the sheet processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the lamination processing device described in claim 10, is configured to be detachably attached to the image forming device.

Images