Lamination processing device, image forming device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a lamination processing apparatus capable of automatically cleaning a heat roller (heat fixing roller), reducing user's labor, and improving lamination quality.SOLUTION: There is provided a lamination apparatus that performs heat fixing while conveying a two-ply sheet sandwiching a sheet-shaped media, the apparatus comprises: a thermal fixing roller that performs thermal fixing while conveying the two-ply sheet; a cleaning roller for removing an adhesive agent and / or a deposit matter from the thermal fixing roller; a separating member for separating the adhesive agent and / or the deposit matter from the cleaning roller; and a recovery case for recovering the separated adhesive agent and / or deposit matter. When performing a cleaning mode for removing and recovering the adhesive agent and / or adherent matter adhered to the thermal fixing roller, the cleaning roller can be brought into contact with and separated from the thermal fixing roller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Lamination processing devices are known that coat an image surface with a transparent resin film in order to protect an image formed on the surface of paper, coated paper, or the like, to prevent discoloration or fading, or to provide a glossy image surface.

[0003] These lamination processing devices include those that use pouch-type laminating film, those that use roll-type laminating film, and those that attach a film directly to one side.All of these machines apply heat and pressure to the film to perform the laminating coating (processing).

[0004] Among these, the pouch-type laminate film is a two-ply sheet in which two sheets are stacked and joined (connected) at one side, and the object to be laminated can be inserted into it for lamination. Laminate films are generally made of PET film and hot melt adhesives such as polyurethane and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) types.

[0005] A typical laminating device is equipped with a heat roller for heating and a pressure roll for applying heat and pressure to the laminate film. However, even with normal use, the adhesive coated on the inside of the laminate film sometimes oozes out from the left and right edges and the rear edge.

[0006] If the adhesive adheres to the surface of the heat roller, the next laminate film will adhere to and wrap around the heat roller, which may cause film clogging. Also, if the adhesive adheres to the surface of the heat roller, the surface properties of the heat roller will be damaged, causing unevenness in the quality of the subsequent lamination, or adhesive marks may remain on the film surface, reducing the gloss quality.

[0007] For this reason, after the lamination process is completed, a cleaning sheet such as cardboard is passed through to remove dirt (adhesive and the like) from the heat roller (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0008] Also, stains (adhesive and the like) on the heat roller are cleaned by non-contact suction means or blowing means (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the method of cleaning the heat roller with a cleaning sheet, the user must manually pass the cleaning sheet through each lamination process, which increases the user's workload, including the need to prepare the cleaning sheet in advance.

[0010] In addition, the suction means or blowing means requires a strong amount of air to be blown, which causes problems such as an increase in size of the device, noise, etc. Furthermore, there is a risk that the adhesive may become stuck due to the blowing air.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a lamination processing device that can automatically perform cleaning to remove and recover adhesive and / or other deposits that have adhered to a heat roller (thermal fixing roller), thereby reducing the user's workload and improving lamination quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The above problem is solved by a lamination processing device that performs thermal fixing while conveying two-ply sheets that sandwich a sheet-like medium. And,The cleaning device includes a thermal fixing roller that performs thermal fixing while transporting the two-ply sheet, a cleaning roller that removes adhesive and / or deposits from the thermal fixing roller, a separating member that separates the adhesive and / or deposits from the cleaning roller, and a recovery case that recovers the separated adhesive and / or deposits, and when performing a cleaning mode in which the adhesive and / or deposits that have adhered to the thermal fixing roller are removed and recovered, the cleaning roller is capable of contacting and separating from the thermal fixing roller. In the lamination processing apparatus, the cleaning mode is capable of carrying out a first cleaning operation in which the roller surface temperature of the thermal fixing roller is set to a first cleaning temperature (T1) that is higher than a lamination temperature (T0) during thermal fixing, and the cleaning roller is brought into contact with the thermal fixing roller to remove adhesive and / or deposits from the thermal fixing roller, and a second cleaning operation in which the roller surface temperature of the thermal fixing roller is set to a second cleaning temperature (T2) that is lower than the lamination temperature (T0), and the cleaning roller is separated from the thermal fixing roller while removing and recovering the adhesive and / or deposits from the cleaning roller. This problem is solved by the lamination processing device. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The lamination processing device of the present invention automatically removes and collects the adhesive and other substances adhering to the thermal fixing roller, so that the surface properties of the thermal fixing roller can be maintained without the user having to take the time and effort. Also, since the cleaning roller can be brought into contact with and separated from the thermal fixing roller when the cleaning mode is executed, the adhesive and other substances can be removed and collected from the cleaning roller without adhering to the thermal fixing roller again. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [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] FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 15] 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 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a heat and pressure roller; [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning device and a hot and hot pressure roller according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the cleaning roller. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations in a cleaning mode executed after a lamination process. [Figure 20] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations in a cleaning mode that is executed when the main power source is turned on. [Figure 21] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations in a cleaning mode executed during continuous lamination processing. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a paper feed tray 102 serving as a first stacking means for stacking the inner pages P, a pickup roller 105 for feeding the inner pages P from the paper feed tray 102, a pair of conveying rollers 107, and a path for reversing the inner pages P. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a sheet tray 103 serving as a second stacking means for stacking the sheets S, and a pickup roller 106 for feeding the sheets S from the sheet tray 103.

[0019] The sheet processing apparatus 100 has different paper feed paths and transport paths, and in order to improve productivity, the straight path is used to transport the sheet S to be peeled off, thereby transporting the sheet S in the shortest distance. Since the inner sheet P needs to wait until the sheet peeling operation is completed, it is separated and fed in advance, and is made to wait on a reversible transport path with a sufficient distance to wait.

[0020] In order to achieve both compactness and improved productivity, the path from pickup roller 106, which conveys sheets, to the pair of inlet rollers 108 is configured to be shorter than the path from pickup roller 105, which conveys the inner paper, to the pair of inlet rollers 108, and these paths join upstream of the pair of inlet rollers 108.

[0021] After the insertion of the inner page P is completed, the sheet S is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or rollers arranged thereafter. By providing a path for reversing the inner page P, it is possible to discharge and stack the inner page P on the discharge tray 104 in the page order stacked on the paper feed tray 102.

[0022] A transport sensor C1 for detecting the transport position of the inner sheet P 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 sheet S is provided downstream of the pickup roller 106 in the transport direction.

[0023] 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. A peeling claw 116 is provided between the winding roller 109 and the exit roller pair 113 so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S. The peeling claw 116 is an example of a peeling means that peels off the sheet S.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 1 to 14, 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 14, the same components as those in Figs. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] 1, the sheets S on the sheet tray 103 are stacked so that a part of the joined two sheets is located downstream in the feeding direction (conveying direction) of the pickup roller 106. Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 picks up the sheet S on the sheet tray 103 with the pickup roller 106 and conveys it toward the inlet roller pair 108.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 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.

[0041] 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 (the direction of the 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 8, the sheet processing apparatus 100 then rotates the pair of exit rollers 113 counterclockwise to transport the sheet S in the reverse transport direction (the direction of the arrow B) as shown in FIG. 9. When the leading edge of the sheet passes the transport sensor C5, the branch claw 118 can be switched. When the sheet S is transported to the non-fixing path 129, the branch claw 118 remains in the position shown in the figure, but when the sheet S is transported to the fixing path 128, the branch claw 118 is switched to the fixing path side.

[0044] 9, the two peeled sheets of the sheet S are guided vertically by the peeling claws 116, and the two sheets are peeled off from each other. Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the conveyance of 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 with the jointed side as an end.

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

[0046] 10 to 12 show the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 100 when the sheet S is transported to the fixing path 128 in the case where the user selects the lamination processing mode on the operation panel 10. FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the sheet processing device 100 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 and transports the inner sheet P transported from the paper feed tray 102 (see FIG. 1) by the pickup roller 105 and the transport roller pair 107 in the forward transport direction (arrow A direction) toward the exit roller pair 113.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 12, 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 transported to a fixing section having a heat and pressure roller 120 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or rollers arranged thereafter, and is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 (see FIG. 1). 2 to 12 show the basic peeling operation and the transport operation to the fixing Md (fixing unit) in the case of lamination processing.

[0049] In this manner, the sheet processing device 100 of the present embodiment can open the sheet S widely and insert and clamp the inner paper P therein. Therefore, compared to a laminating device that uses a vacuum device, for example, the configuration is simpler, and the entire device can be simplified and made smaller.

[0050] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can stack the sheets S and the inner pages P on separate trays and transport them separately. This eliminates the need to stack the sheets S and the inner pages P in a predetermined order, improving convenience.

[0051] On the other hand, when the user selects the inner sheet insertion mode on the operation panel 10, the sheet processing apparatus 100 operates as shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the sheet processing apparatus 100 operates in the same manner, but as shown in FIG. 13, in order to transport the inner sheet P to the non-fixing path 129, the branch claw 118 is not switched and the inner sheet P is transported as is.

[0052] 14, while both the sheet S and the inner page P are held (nipped), the sheet S and the inner page P are transported by an exit roller pair 113, thereby inserting the inner page P between the two sheets S. The sheet S is then transported to a non-fixing path 129 that does not have a heat and pressure roller 120, and is discharged and stacked on a paper discharge tray 126 (see FIG. 15), completing the paper discharge. In this way, the user can obtain the sheet with the inner page inserted, and the sheet can be subjected to fixing processing in an offline machine.

[0053] 15 is a general configuration diagram showing 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. The lamination processing device 200 has a peeling claw 116 which is a peeling means for peeling off the sheet S, an exit roller pair 113 which is a conveying means for conveying the sheet S and is disposed downstream of the peeling claw 116, and a branch claw 118 which is a switching means for switching the conveying path of the sheet S and is disposed downstream of the exit roller pair 113.

[0054] The branch claw 118 transports the sheet S to a fixing path 128 for fixing the sheet S or a non-fixing path 129 (see Figs. 12 and 14) for not fixing the sheet S. This makes it possible, when the user selects the non-fixing mode (inner sheet insertion mode), to eject the sheet S without fixing it using the non-fixing path 129 with the inner sheet P inserted into the sheet S. Thus, the inner sheet insertion is automated without any hassle, and the user can perform lamination work on another offline machine, and parallel work is also possible, improving work productivity.

[0055] The lamination processing device 200 also includes an output roller 121 disposed downstream of the heat and pressure roller 120, an output tray 104 for stacking sheets S transported through a fixing path 128, and an output tray 126 for stacking sheets S transported through a non-fixing path 129 that does not have a heat and pressure roller 120.

[0056] 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.

[0057] However, lamination processing is only one example of sheet processing, and lamination processing devices may be broadly called sheet processing devices.

[0058] As in the above-described sheet processing device 100, in the lamination processing device 200, the sheet S after the insertion of the inner page is discharged and stacked on the paper output tray 104 by the exit roller pair 113 or a roller arranged thereafter. By providing a path for reversing the inner page P, it is possible to discharge and stack the sheets on the paper output tray 104 in the page order stacked on the paper feed tray 102.

[0059] Next, an example of the heat and pressure roller will be shown and the problem to be solved by the present invention will be described.

[0060] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the hot and pressure roller. The hot and pressure roller 120 includes a pair of rollers, a front roller 130, a heat roller 132, and a rear roller 134. These rollers are elastic rubber rollers, and materials such as heat-resistant silicon and fluorine-based rubber are mainly used.

[0061] The front rollers 130 pressurize the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted therein to flatten it, and then send it to the heat rollers 132. The heat rollers 132 are heated by a heat source 136, and heat and pressurize the sheet S, and then send it to the rear rollers 134. The rear rollers 134 pressurize the sheet S again to flatten it, and then send it to the discharge rollers 121 (see FIG. 15). The heat rollers 132 are an example of a thermal fixing roller that performs thermal fixing while transporting the sheet S.

[0062] Heating methods for the heat roller 132 are divided into external heating methods and internal heating methods depending on the position of the heat source. The external heating method is a configuration in which a heat source is placed near the heat roller 132 and heats the heat roller 132 from the outside. The internal heating method is a configuration in which a heat source is placed inside the heat roller 132 and heats the heat roller 132 from the inside. The heat source generally used is a light-emitting heater such as a halogen lamp, a solid heater having a heating element, or a tubular heater.

[0063] The heat roller 132 in this embodiment is a hollow silicone rubber roller covered with a PFA (fluororesin) tube. Inside the heat roller 132, a light-emitting heater such as a halogen lamp is disposed as a heat source 136.

[0064] In addition, a temperature sensor 138 is provided on or near the surface of the heat roller 132, and the output of the heat source 136 is controlled based on the temperature detected by the sensor so as to prevent a temperature difference between the upper and lower heat rollers and to keep the surface temperature constant.

[0065] In the heat and pressure roller 120 thus configured, when the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted therein is heated and pressurized by the heat roller 132, the molten adhesive may seep out from the edge of the sheet S and adhere to the heat roller 132. This adhesive gradually accumulates on the surface of the heat roller 132, and the adhesive may cause the next sheet S to wrap around the heat roller 132, causing a sheet jam.

[0066] In addition, any adhesive remaining (adhering) on ​​the surface of the heat roller 132 could damage the surface properties of the heat roller 132, resulting in unevenness in the quality of the subsequent lamination, or adhesive marks could remain on the sheet surface, reducing the gloss quality.

[0067] Therefore, the lamination processing device 200 of this embodiment is equipped with a cleaning device that cleans the surface of the heat roller 132, and removes and collects the adhesive and / or adhesions (hereinafter referred to as "adhesive, etc.") remaining on the surface of the heat roller 132.

[0068] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning device and a hot and hot pressure roller according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 17, the same components as those in Fig. 16 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0069] 17, each of the heat rollers 132 is provided with a cleaning device 160 that cleans the surface of the heat roller 132. This cleaning device 160 includes a cleaning roller 162 that removes adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132, a separating member (a cleaning brush 164 and a flicker member 166) that separates the adhesive and the like from the roller, and a collection case 168 that collects the separated adhesive and the like.

[0070] The cleaning roller 162 is in pressure contact with the heat roller 132 and rotates together with the heat roller 132 to remove adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132. The cleaning roller 162 may be a roller made of metal such as iron, stainless steel (SUS), or aluminum.

[0071] A rotatably installed cleaning brush 164 is disposed below the cleaning roller 162. The cleaning brush 164 in this embodiment is rotationally driven in a counter direction to the rotation direction of the cleaning roller 162, and is configured to scrape off adhesive and the like from the surface of the cleaning roller 162. The cleaning brush 164 may be a fibrous brush made of polyamide fiber, stainless steel (SUS), brass, nylon, or the like.

[0072] Adhesive and the like adhering to the cleaning brush 164 are scraped off by a plate-shaped flicker member 166. This flicker member 166 is made of a metal plate such as SUS or aluminum, and abuts against the fiber portion of the cleaning brush 164 in an axial region of the cleaning brush 164. The scraped off adhesive and the like are collected (stored) in a collection case 168.

[0073] The separating member for separating the adhesive and the like from the cleaning roller 162 is not limited to the cleaning brush 164 and the flicker member 166. Any roller or the like may be used as long as it can separate the adhesive and the like from the cleaning roller 162.

[0074] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the cleaning roller. The cleaning roller 162 is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the heat roller 132. Figure 18(a) shows a state in which the cleaning roller 162 is in contact with the heat roller 132 and rotates together with it, while Figure 18(b) shows a state in which it is separated from the heat roller 132. This configuration can be implemented, for example, by providing an actuator that moves the rotation axis of the cleaning roller 162.

[0075] After performing the lamination process, the lamination processing device 200 of this embodiment configured as described above executes a cleaning mode in which it removes and collects adhesive and the like adhering to the heat roller 132. This cleaning mode is characterized in that it is possible to carry out a first cleaning operation in which it removes adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132, and a second cleaning operation in which it removes adhesive and the like from the cleaning roller 162 and collects it.

[0076] When the first cleaning operation is performed, the roller surface temperature of the heat roller 132 is set to a first cleaning temperature (T1) that is higher than the lamination temperature (T0) used for thermal fixing (T1>T0). This is because the adhesive attached to the heat roller 132 becomes more fluid at high temperatures and turns into a liquid. In other words, by actively increasing the fluidity of the adhesive attached to the heat roller 132, removal from the heat roller 132 can be facilitated.

[0077] Then, the cleaning roller 162 is brought into contact with the heat roller 132 to remove adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132 (see FIG. 18(a)).

[0078] On the other hand, in the second cleaning operation, the roller surface temperature of the heat roller 132 is set to a second cleaning temperature (T2) (T0>T2) which is lower than the lamination temperature (T0). Then, the cleaning roller 162 is separated from the heat roller 132, and the adhesive and the like are removed and collected from the cleaning roller 162 (see FIG. 18(b)).

[0079] This is because the cleaning brush 164 removes the adhesive from the cleaning roller 162 at the timing when the adhesive attached to the cleaning roller 162 starts to solidify. Also, by separating the cleaning roller 162 from the heat roller 132, it is possible to prevent the adhesive that has started to solidify from adhering to the heat roller 132 again and to hasten the decrease in temperature of the cleaning roller 162.

[0080] The adhesive adhering to the cleaning brush 164 is scraped off (separated) by the flicker member 166 and collected (stored) in the collection case 168. Therefore, the adhesive and the like on the cleaning roller 162 and the cleaning brush 164 are removed, making it possible to prepare for the next cleaning.

[0081] The lamination operation temperature (T0) is set to a temperature at which the adhesive of the sheet S adheres to the inner paper P according to the sheet conveying speed, etc., without causing the sheet S to deform. In this embodiment, it is set to about 120°C to 130°C. The first cleaning temperature (T1) is set to about 160°C to 180°C. However, these temperatures can be changed as desired according to the nip length and nip pressure of the heat roller 132, etc.

[0082] 19 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations in a cleaning mode executed after the lamination process. In this embodiment, a cleaning mode is executed after the lamination process to remove and collect adhesive and the like adhering to the heat roller 132.

[0083] After performing the lamination process, the lamination device 200 proceeds to step S11 and switches to a cleaning mode. Next, in step S12, the heat source 136 is controlled to set the surface temperature of the heat roller 132 to a first cleaning temperature (T1).

[0084] Next, in step S13, the cleaning device 160 starts a first cleaning operation, and the cleaning roller 162 removes adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132.

[0085] Next, in step S14, the lamination processing device 200 controls the heat source 136 to set the surface temperature of the heat roller 132 to a second cleaning temperature (T2). Subsequently, in step S15, the cleaning device 160 starts a second cleaning operation, removes and collects adhesive and the like from the cleaning roller 162, and ends the cleaning mode.

[0086] In this way, the lamination processing device 200 of this embodiment automatically removes and collects adhesives and the like adhering to the heat roller 132, so that the surface quality of the heat roller 132 can be maintained without any trouble for the user. Also, since the cleaning roller 162 can be brought into contact with and separated from the heat roller 132 when the cleaning mode is performed, the adhesives and the like can be removed and collected from the cleaning roller 162 without adhesives and the like adhering to the heat roller 132 again.

[0087] Second embodiment 20 is a flow chart for explaining a series of operations in the cleaning mode executed when the main power supply of the lamination processing apparatus 200 is turned on. In this embodiment, the cleaning mode is executed when the main power supply of the lamination processing apparatus 200 is turned on.

[0088] When the main switch (main power source) is turned on, the lamination processing device 200 proceeds to step S21 and switches to a cleaning mode. Next, in step S22, the heat source 136 is controlled to set the surface temperature of the heat roller 132 to a second cleaning temperature (T2).

[0089] Next, in step S23, the cleaning device 160 starts a second cleaning operation to remove and collect the adhesive and the like from the cleaning roller 162.

[0090] Next, in step S24, the lamination processing device 200 controls the heat source 136 to set the surface temperature of the heat roller 132 to a first cleaning temperature (T1). Then, in step S25, the cleaning device 160 starts a first cleaning operation, and the cleaning roller 162 removes adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132. Then, the process proceeds to step S26, where the cleaning mode ends.

[0091] In step S27, the lamination device 200 sets the surface temperature of the heat roller 132 to the lamination temperature (T0) and switches to a lamination mode in which lamination processing is performed.

[0092] In this manner, the lamination processing device 200 of this embodiment utilizes the temperature rise at start-up to first clean the cleaning roller 162 and the separating member, and then clean the heat roller 132. Therefore, the adhesive and the like solidified on the cleaning roller 162 and the like can be effectively removed and collected, and the time required to complete cleaning can be shortened.

[0093] Third embodiment 21 is a flow chart explaining a series of operations in the cleaning mode executed during continuous lamination processing. The lamination processing device 200 of this embodiment is characterized by having a counting means for counting the number of lamination processes (number of sheets), and switching from the lamination mode to the cleaning mode when the counted value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0094] When the lamination device 200 starts lamination processing for a continuous job, the process proceeds to step S31, where the number of lamination processes is counted. If the counted value exceeds a certain number of sheets (YES), the process proceeds to step S32, where the mode is switched to cleaning mode.

[0095] Next, in step S33, the cleaning device 160 starts a first cleaning operation, and removes adhesive and the like from the heat roller 132 by the cleaning roller 162. Thereafter, the cleaning device 160 starts a second cleaning operation, and removes and collects adhesive and the like from the cleaning roller 162.

[0096] Next, in step S34, the lamination device 200 controls the heat source 136 to raise the surface temperature of the heat roller 132 to the lamination temperature (T0), and then switches to the lamination mode to resume the lamination process.

[0097] On the other hand, in step S31, if the counted value is within the certain number (if NO), the lamination device 200 continues the lamination process.

[0098] In this manner, the lamination device 200 of this embodiment can interrupt the lamination process in successive jobs to execute the cleaning mode, thereby preventing the adhesive from accumulating on the surface of the heat roller 132.

[0099] In step S33, the first and second cleaning operations are performed in that order in the cleaning mode, but instead, only the first cleaning operation may be performed and then the lamination process may be resumed. This is advantageous when it is desired to quickly resume the continuous lamination process. In this case, it is preferable to switch to the cleaning mode and perform the second cleaning operation when the lamination process of the continuous job is completed.

[0100] Although the present invention has been described in detail using three embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples and can be modified and used in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a plurality of embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0101] Furthermore, the timing for switching to the cleaning mode may be set to any timing, and the first cleaning operation and the second cleaning operation may be performed separately as the cleaning mode.

[0102] For example, various variations can be used, such as performing the first cleaning operation after the lamination process and performing the second cleaning operation every certain number of lamination processes.

[0103] Furthermore, in addition to automatically executing (switching) the cleaning mode, it is also possible to manually switch to the cleaning mode using the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 1) or the like. This is advantageous because the user can clean the heat roller 132 and the like at any time.

[0104] Finally, an image forming apparatus having a lamination processing device and an image forming system having a lamination processing device will be described.

[0105] 22 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 300 has a sheet processing apparatus 100 or a lamination processing apparatus 200 on its side. In the following description, parts having the same functions as those of the above-mentioned apparatuses are given the same reference numbers, and descriptions of those parts will be omitted as appropriate. The sheet processing apparatus 100 or the lamination processing apparatus 200 has a paper feed tray 102 for stacking sheets S. The inner sheets P are configured so that they can be fed from a paper feed section 310 of the image forming apparatus 300, and any image can be printed on the inner sheets P to be inserted into the sheets S using a method that utilizes a copy or printer of the image forming apparatus 300, and the inner sheets P can be inserted inline.

[0106] In the sheet processing apparatus 100, a plurality of sensors C11 for detecting the size of the sheet S are arranged on the sheet tray 103, and conveying rollers 144 and 145 are provided before and after the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0107] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] This image forming system is configured so that the inner sheet P can be fed from the image forming device 300 via the relay device 312, and by installing another post-processing device 400 downstream of the image forming device 300, the user can use it without reducing the efficiency of print jobs that do not require lamination processing.

[0109] In the case of a print job that does not include lamination, the inner sheet P fed from the image forming apparatus 300 is received by the entrance rollers 146 of the sheet processing apparatus 100, and is transported to the post-processing apparatus 400 located downstream of the sheet processing apparatus 100 by the paper discharge rollers 147 located downstream of the entrance rollers 146 in the transport direction. The post-processing apparatus 400 can perform post-processing such as stapling on the sheet material N that has not been subjected to lamination. The inner sheet P is stacked in the paper discharge tray 150 of the post-processing apparatus 400.

[0110] In the sheet processing apparatus 100, a plurality of sensors C11 for detecting the size of the sheet S are arranged on the sheet tray 103, and conveying rollers 144 and 145 are provided before and after the heat and pressure roller 120. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 Operation Panel 100 Sheet processing device 102 Paper feed tray 103 Sheet Tray 104, 126, 150 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 118 Branch Claw 120 Heat and pressure roller 121 Discharge roller 128 Colonization Pathway 129 Non-colonization pathway 130 Front roller 132 Heat Roller 134 Rear roller 136 Heat source 138 Temperature Sensor 144, 145 Conveyor roller 146 Entrance Roller 147 Paper ejection roller 160 Cleaning device 162 Cleaning roller 164 Cleaning Brush 166 Flicker Component 168 Collection Case 200 Lamination processing equipment 300 Image forming device 312 Relay Device 310 Paper feed section 400 Aftertreatment device N Sheet material P Medium paper S Seat [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0112] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-025447 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 02-0912955 [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-111729 A

Claims

1. A lamination processing apparatus that performs thermal fixing while conveying a two-ply sheet that sandwiches a sheet-like medium, a thermal fixing roller for performing thermal fixing while conveying the two-ply sheet; a cleaning roller for removing adhesive and / or deposits from the thermal fixing roller; a separating member for separating adhesive and / or deposits from the cleaning roller; a collection case for collecting the separated adhesive and / or attached matter; In a lamination processing apparatus, when a cleaning mode is executed in which an adhesive and / or a deposit adhering to the thermal fixing roller is removed and collected, the cleaning roller is capable of contacting and separating from the thermal fixing roller, The cleaning mode is a first cleaning operation in which the roller surface temperature of the thermal fixing roller is set to a first cleaning temperature (T1) that is higher than a lamination temperature (T0) during thermal fixing, and the cleaning roller is brought into contact with the thermal fixing roller to remove adhesive and / or deposits from the thermal fixing roller; a second cleaning operation in which the roller surface temperature of the thermal fixing roller is set to a second cleaning temperature (T2) that is lower than the lamination temperature (T0), the cleaning roller is separated from the thermal fixing roller, and adhesive and / or deposits are removed and collected from the cleaning roller; A lamination processing apparatus capable of carrying out the above-mentioned steps.

2. The separating member is a brush for removing adhesive and / or deposits from the cleaning roller; 2. The laminate processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a flicker member for separating adhesive and / or deposits from the brush.

3. 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning mode is executed after the lamination process.

4. 4. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cleaning operation is first performed in the cleaning mode when a main power source is turned on.

5. A counting means is provided for counting the number of times lamination processing is performed in successive jobs, 5. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning mode is executed when the value counted by the counting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

6. An image forming apparatus having a lamination processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An image forming system comprising a lamination processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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