Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image formation system in which types and sizes of sheet-like media that can be laminate-processed are increased and which can be used as a laminater that only performs thermal compression.SOLUTION: An image formation system 400 comprises: a sheet processing device which separates a two-layered sheet S in which two sheets are superimposed and portions of the two sheets are joined, and which sandwiches a sheet-like medium P; a thermal compression member 120 which can heat and compress the two-layered sheet S; and an image formation device 300 which forms an image on the sheet-like medium P. The image formation system includes: a first mode in which the sheet-like medium P on which the image is formed by the image formation device 300 is sandwiched in the two-layered sheet S by the sheet processing device and is laminate-processed by the thermal compression member 120; and a second mode in which a sheet set PS in which the sheet-like medium P is sandwiched in the two-layered sheet S by a user is laminate-processed by the thermal compression member 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 30

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology is known for a post-processing device for an image forming apparatus in which a two-ply sheet (laminating film) consisting of two sheets stacked on top of each other and joined (connected) at one side is fed and peeled off, and then a sheet of paper fed from the image forming apparatus is sandwiched between the peeled off film and laminated using heat and pressure.

[0003] However, in the past, after the two-ply sheets had to be peeled off inside the device, the interleaving paper (paper, photos, etc.) had to be sandwiched between the peeled sheets, so the types and shapes of the interleaving paper that could be set were limited to those that could be fed from a paper feed tray or image forming device. In addition, the previous device did not have the function of feeding the sheets with the interleaving paper set and simply subjecting them to heat and pressure processing, so it could not be used as a substitute for a laminator that only performs heat and pressure.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a simple, small, inexpensive device that automates the process of inserting inner pages (paper, photos, etc.) into a two-ply sheet (laminating film) in which two sheets are stacked and joined (connected) at one side, and laminating the sheet by applying heat and pressure. According to this device, the sheet is peeled off using a relatively simple configuration in which the two-ply sheet is wrapped around a rotating member, and at least one inner page (sheet-like medium) is inserted into the peeled sheet at a desired position.

[0005] However, after peeling off the two-ply sheets inside the device, the inner paper must be sandwiched between the peeled sheets, and the type and shape of the inner paper that can be set is limited to paper that can be fed from the paper feed tray or image forming device. Also, this device cannot be used as a substitute for a laminator that only performs heat and pressure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that can laminate an increased variety and size of sheet media and can also be used as a laminator that only applies heat and pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a sheet processing device that peels off a two-ply sheet in which two sheets are stacked and partially joined together, and sandwiches a sheet-like medium therebetween, a heat pressurizing member that can heat and pressurize the two-ply sheet, and an image forming device that forms an image on the sheet-like medium, and has a first mode in which the sheet-like medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming device is sandwiched between the two-ply sheets by the sheet processing device and laminated by the heat pressurizing member, and a second mode in which a sheet set in which a user has sandwiched the sheet-like medium between the two-ply sheets is laminated by the heat pressurizing member; a third mode in which the two-ply sheet and the sheet-like medium are fed from a same stacking means of the sheet processing device, the sheet-like medium is sandwiched between the two-ply sheet, and a lamination process is performed by the heat and pressure member; The problem is solved by an image forming system comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] The types and sizes of sheet media that can be laminated will increase, and an image forming system will be realized that can also be used as a laminator that only applies heat and pressure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a lamination processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram (part 2) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram (part 3) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a discrimination sensor. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the mixed mode when an already peeled sheet S is present in the device. [Figure 12] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 14] This is a configuration diagram (part 10) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing the implementation of the mixed mode when an already peeled sheet S is present in the device. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the implementation of the mixed mode when there is no already peeled sheet S in the device. [Figure 17] This is a configuration diagram (part 11) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Figure 18] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a series of lamination processes in a mixed mode. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel, prompting a user to load a laminate film onto a sheet tray. [Figure 20] 13 is an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel, prompting a user to load inner sheets onto a sheet tray. [Figure 21] 13 is an example of an error screen displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a series of lamination processes in the mixed mode. [Diagram 23]FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram of a lamination processing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a configuration diagram (part 12) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation means for a user to select a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation means for a user to select a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation means for a user to select a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel 10 as an operation means for a user to perform feed sheet settings. [Figure 29] 13 is a diagram showing another operation means for a user to perform feed sheet setting. FIG. [Diagram 30] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lamination device 200 in the second mode. [Diagram 31] 1 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a peeling mechanism equipped with a peeling claw 116 and the like in a lamination processing device 200. FIG. [Diagram 32] 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a heat and pressure roller 120 in a lamination processing device 200. FIG. [Diagram 33] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lamination device 200 in the second mode when a peeled sheet S is present within the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 400 includes an image forming apparatus 300 and a lamination device 200 disposed inside the apparatus.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 300 is mainly composed of a plurality of feeding sections 5 for loading and transporting recording media, an image forming section 4 for forming an image on the recording media, and a thermal fixing section 3 for fixing the formed image onto the recording media.

[0012] In this image forming system 400, the inner pages to be inserted into the laminate sheet can be fed from the image forming device 300 or from a paper feed tray of the lamination processing device 200. Therefore, any image can be inserted inline into the inner pages using a copier or printer.

[0013] 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lamination device 200 of this embodiment peels two overlapping sheets (hereinafter referred to as sheets S) from each other, inserts a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as an inner sheet P) between the peeled sheets S, sandwiches them, and bonds the sheets S by applying heat and pressure.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the lamination device 200 includes a sheet tray 102 which is a loading means for loading the sheets S and / or the inner pages P, a pickup roller 105 which feeds the sheets S / the inner pages P from the sheet tray 102, and a pair of conveying rollers 107.

[0017] The lamination device 200 also includes an entrance roller pair 108 as a first conveying means, a winding roller 109 as a rotating member, and an exit roller pair 113 as a second conveying means, downstream of the conveying roller pair 107. The lamination device 200 also includes a conveying path 125 from the sheet tray 102 toward the entrance roller pair 108, and an intermediate conveying path 126 that conveys the inner sheet P conveyed from the image forming device 300.

[0018] Further downstream of the pair of exit rollers 113, the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts by a separation claw 118, and includes a heat pressurizing roller 120, which is a heat pressurizing member capable of heating and pressing the sheet S, on the upper side, and a conveying roller pair 122 on the lower side. Downstream of the heat pressurizing roller 120 and the conveying roller pair 122, a discharge roller 121 and a paper discharge tray 104 are provided.

[0019] A peeling claw 116 is provided between the winding roller 109 and the pair of exit rollers 113 so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S. The pair of entrance rollers 108, the pair of exit rollers 113, the winding roller 109, and the peeling claw 116 are an example of a peeling mechanism that peels off the sheet S. 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.

[0020] A transport sensor C1 that detects the transport position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 107 in the transport direction, and a transport sensor C3 that detects the transport positions of the sheet S and the inner pages P is provided downstream of the entrance roller pair 108 in the transport direction. 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. Furthermore, the relay transport path 126 is also provided with a transport sensor C2 that detects the transport positions of the sheet S and the inner pages P.

[0021] These transport sensors C1 to C5 also function as sheet detection means for detecting whether the sheet S and / or the inner sheet P is present in the transport path. The transport sensors C1 to C5 can be implemented with sensors such as optical sensors and ultrasonic sensors.

[0022] The lamination device 200 also includes a discrimination sensor 127, which is a sheet discrimination means for discriminating the type of the sheet being conveyed, on the conveyance path 125. The discrimination sensor 127 will be described in detail later.

[0023] Furthermore, on the exterior of the lamination processing device 200, there are provided an operation panel 10 (so-called operation panel) which is a means for displaying information about the device body and for inputting processing commands to the device body, and a power ON / OFF button.

[0024] The operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to the user. The operation panel 10 may be a liquid crystal panel, an LED, or the like. Furthermore, a buzzer or the like may be provided separately as the notification means to notify the user by sound.

[0025] Instead of the operation panel 10, switches / buttons or the like may be provided and used to input processing commands.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing the main parts of the lamination processing device shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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. 2) 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).

[0029] The lamination processing device 200 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] Next, the peeling operation of the sheet S of the lamination device 200 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In Figures 3 to 9, the same components as those in Figures 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] 2, 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 lamination processing device 200 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.

[0033] 3, the sheet S is conveyed by the inlet roller pair 108 toward the winding roller 109. Here, the lamination processing device 200 conveys the sheet S with the side where an end portion, which is one of the four sides of the sheet S, joined being the downstream side in the forward conveying direction (the direction of the arrow A).

[0034] Then, the lamination processing device 200 temporarily stops the conveyance of the sheet S when the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveyance direction passes the winding roller 109. Note that these operations are triggered by detection of the leading end of the sheet S by the conveyance sensor C3, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveyance sensor C3.

[0035] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the lamination device 200 opens the gripping means 110, reverses the rotation direction of the exit roller pair 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).

[0036] 5, the lamination device 200 stops conveying the sheet S when the end of the sheet S is inserted into the open gripping means 110, and closes the gripping means 110 to grip the end of the sheet S. These operations are performed by conveying the sheet S a specified amount.

[0037] 6, the lamination apparatus 200 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109 from the side of the two sheets that is not joined together.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7(a), 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 circumferential side, and slack occurs toward the joined end of the sheet S. As a result, a space is created between the two sheets. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(b), 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 a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

[0039] The lamination device 200 rotates the winding roller 109 clockwise with the peeling claw 116 inserted into the space created in the sheet S (see FIG. 7). Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the peeled space of the sheet S is moved to the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction (the direction of the arrow A). 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 (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0040] In this state, the lamination processing device 200 temporarily stops the conveyance of 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 conveyance sensor C5, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveyance sensor C5.

[0041] 9, the lamination device 200 rotates the pair of exit 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, respectively, and the two sheets are entirely peeled off from each other.

[0042] Then, the lamination device 200 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and the joint portion of the sheet S is gripped (nipped) by the pair of exit rollers 113. Therefore, the sheet S is opened widely from the jointed side as an end.

[0043] 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 designated amount from the transport sensor C5. A series of operations starting from the transport of the sheet S to this point is called a "peeling operation."

[0044] Next, a characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.

[0045] (First embodiment) The lamination device 200 of this embodiment can load at least one of a double-ply sheet (sheet S) and a sheet-like medium (inner page P) on the sheet tray 102, and has a "mixed mode" in which the sheet S or the inner page P is fed part by part. The mixed mode is a mode in which a double-ply sheet (sheet S) and a sheet-like medium (inner page P) are fed from the sheet tray 102 of the lamination device 200, the sheet-like medium (inner page P) is sandwiched between the double-ply sheets (sheet S), and laminated by the heat and pressure roller 120, and corresponds to the third mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. This allows the user to select an automatic offline mode in which the device performs lamination, improving user convenience.

[0046] During this time, the image forming apparatus 300 stops operating because there is no need to eject the inner sheet P. This contributes to energy saving by not operating as the image forming apparatus main body in the offline mode.

[0047] When the mixed mode is performed, not only the sheet S but also the inner paper P can be fed from the sheet tray 102. This allows the inner paper P to be used not only for paper (medium) printed by the image forming device 300 but also for paper (medium) loaded on the sheet tray 102.

[0048] When the mixed mode is performed, it is necessary to determine the type of sheet, i.e., whether the sheet S or the inner sheet P is fed from the sheet tray 102. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the lamination device 200 of this embodiment is provided on the conveying path 125 with a discrimination sensor 127 that discriminates the type of the sheet being conveyed.

[0049] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the discrimination sensor 127. The discrimination sensor 127, which is a sheet discrimination means, is a pair of ultrasonic sensors, one of which is an ultrasonic transmitter and the other of which is a receiver.

[0050] The type of sheet (two-ply sheet or sheet-like medium) can be determined by the amount of attenuation of ultrasonic waves when a sheet passes between this discrimination sensor 127. Specifically, (a) when a two-ply sheet (sheet S) passes, the amount of attenuation of ultrasonic waves is large because an air layer exists between the two sheets. On the other hand, (b) when an inner sheet P passes, it is a single sheet, so the amount of attenuation of ultrasonic waves is small. Therefore, using this discrimination sensor 127, the type of sheet transported from the sheet tray 102 can be determined.

[0051] The lamination device 200 of this embodiment changes the lamination process (sheet process) according to the discrimination result of the discrimination sensor 127.

[0052] Next, the sheet processing (lamination processing) when the mixed mode is performed will be described in detail.

[0053] Example 1 11 is a schematic diagram showing the implementation of the mixed mode in a state where a sheet S that has already been peeled off is present inside the device. The sheet tray 102 has sheets S and inner pages P stacked thereon, and the sheet detection means (conveyance sensors C1 to C5) detects the sheet S that has already been peeled off on the conveyance path of the device body.

[0054] When the mixed mode is performed, it is assumed that an inner sheet P is newly fed (as the first sheet) from the sheet tray 102. In this case, the lamination processing device 200 uses the discrimination sensor 127 to discriminate the type of the sheet as a sheet-like medium, and inserts the inner sheet P between the sheets S that have already been peeled off.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the lamination processing device 200 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 to transport the inner sheet P transported from the sheet tray 102 (see FIG. 11) in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) toward the exit roller pair 113.

[0056] 13 and 14, the lamination device 200 rotates the pair of exit rollers 113 to merge the sheet S and the inner sheet P, and inserts the inner sheet P into the opened sheet S. This series of operations starting with the transport of the inner sheet P is called the "insertion operation."

[0057] The sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is then subjected to lamination processing (or is not subjected to processing) and then discharged onto the discharge tray 104.

[0058] Example 2 Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing the implementation of the mixed mode in a state where the sheet S that has already been peeled off is present inside the device. As in Fig. 11, the sheet S and the inner paper P are stacked on the sheet tray 102, and the sheet S that has already been peeled off is present on the conveying path of the device body.

[0059] When the mixed mode is performed, it is assumed that a sheet S1 (two-ply sheet) is newly (first) fed from the sheet tray 102. In this case, when the discrimination sensor 127 discriminates that the type of the sheet is a two-ply sheet, the lamination processing device 200 ejects the sheet S from the device body and peels off the new sheet S1.

[0060] In this way, it is possible to prevent a plurality of double-ply sheets from being mixed in the apparatus, and since the user does not need to remove the sheets S in the apparatus, no downtime occurs.

[0061] Alternatively, the pickup roller 105 and the pair of conveying rollers 107 may be configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions, so that the sheet S1 is conveyed in the reverse direction and returned to the sheet tray 102. In this case, the user only needs to remove the sheet S1 from the sheet tray 102, thereby reducing the operation time.

[0062] As another alternative, when performing the mixed mode, once the type of sheet is determined to be a two-ply sheet, the feeding of the new sheet S1 is stopped, the mixed mode is terminated, and an inner sheet transported from the image forming device 300 is inserted between the sheets S in the device.

[0063] Example 3 Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the implementation of the mixed mode when there is no already peeled sheet S in the device. Fig. 16 differs from Figs. 11 and 15 in that the sheet detection means (conveyance sensors C1-5) does not detect the already peeled sheet S on the conveyance path of the device main body (there is no peeled sheet).

[0064] When the mixed mode is performed, it is assumed that an inner page P is newly fed (as the first sheet) from the sheet tray 102. In this case, the lamination processing device 200 discharges the inner page P as it is when the discrimination sensor 127 discriminates that the type of the sheet is an inner page (sheet-like medium) (see FIG. 17).

[0065] Therefore, even if the inner sheet P is mistakenly fed before the sheet S (two-ply sheet) is peeled off, the process is not interrupted and no downtime occurs.

[0066] 18 is a flowchart for explaining a series of lamination processes in the mixed mode. The flowchart will be explained with reference to the figures corresponding to the flowchart.

[0067] First, in step S101, the lamination processing device 200 uses the discrimination sensor 127 to discriminate the type of sheet fed from the sheet tray 102. If the type of sheet is a laminate sheet (two-ply sheet S1) (YES), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0068] In step S102, the lamination processing device 200 judges whether there is a peeled sheet S on the conveying path of the device body by the conveying sensors C1 to C5. If there is a sheet S (YES), in step S103, the lamination processing device 200 discharges the peeled sheet (Example 2; see FIG. 15). Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0069] On the other hand, if the sheet S is not present on the conveying path of the main body of the apparatus in step S102 (if NO), the process also proceeds to step S104.

[0070] In step S104, the lamination device 200 winds the fed sheet S1 around the winding roller 109 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Next, in step S105, the lamination device 200 peels the two entire sheets of the sheet S1 from each other (see FIG. 9).

[0071] After step S105 is completed, the laminate processing device 200 is in a state where the already peeled sheet S1 is present inside the device body, and the process returns to step S101 again.

[0072] In step S101, if the type of the sheet is a sheet-like medium (inner sheet P) (if NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0073] In step S106, the lamination processing device 200 determines whether or not there is already peeled off sheet S (or sheet S1) on the conveyance path of the device body using the conveyance sensors C1 to 5. If there is sheet S (or sheet S1) (YES), in step S107, the lamination processing device 200 performs an inserting operation and an ejecting operation of the inner sheet P (Example 1; see FIGS. 12 to 14).

[0074] This completes a series of sheet processing steps (lamination processing).

[0075] On the other hand, in step S106, if it is determined that the sheet S (or the sheet S2) is not present on the conveying path of the device body (NO), the process proceeds to step S108. The lamination device 200 discharges the inner sheet P as it is (Example 3; see FIG. 17).

[0076] After step S108 is completed, there is no peeled sheet S1 left inside the main body of the lamination device 200. Then, the process returns to step S101 to wait for another feeding.

[0077] In this way, the lamination processing device 200 of this embodiment changes the lamination process (sheet processing) according to the discrimination result of the sheet discrimination means and the detection result of the sheet detection means when the mixed mode is performed. Therefore, both sheets S and inner pages P can be mixed on the sheet tray 102, and the types of inner pages that can be inserted can be increased. Also, there is no need to increase the size of the device.

[0078] Next, advantageous configurations will be described.

[0079] When the mixed mode is implemented, if the lamination processing device 200 determines that the first sheet and the second sheet transported are the same sheet type, it is desirable to change the lamination process (sheet processing).

[0080] For example, if the first and second sheets are both double-ply sheets (S1, S2), the conveyance of both double-ply sheets (S1, S2) is stopped as an error process, which prevents double-ply sheets from jamming inside the device.

[0081] Furthermore, if the first and second sheets are both double-ply sheets (S1, S2), the first sheet S1 is peeled off, while the second sheet S2 is conveyed in the reverse direction and returned to the sheet tray 102. In this case, jamming of double-ply sheets can be prevented, and subsequent processing can be facilitated.

[0082] Second embodiment The lamination processing device of this embodiment is characterized in that the type of sheets to be loaded on the sheet tray 102 is displayed to the user on the operation panel 10, which is a notification means, and the user is guided to a correct operation.

[0083] FIG. 19 is an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel to prompt the user to load the laminate film onto the sheet tray, and FIG. 20 is an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel to prompt the user to load the inner pages onto the sheet tray.

[0084] In the mixed mode, a screen such as that shown in Fig. 19 or 20 is displayed on the operation panel 10 to prompt the user to load a laminate film (two-ply sheet) or an inner sheet (sheet-like medium). This is called a manual lamination mode because it prompts the user to perform the task.

[0085] When the user loads the sheets on the sheet tray 102 as instructed on the screen and touches (presses) the area marked "OK," the lamination device starts a series of lamination processes.

[0086] However, if the user does not stack the sheets on the sheet tray 102 as instructed on the screen and instead touches (presses) the area marked "OK," an error screen such as that shown in FIG. 21 will be displayed on the operation panel 10 to prompt the user for confirmation.

[0087] At this time, the type of the stacked sheets is discriminated by the discrimination sensor 127 (see FIGS. 2 and 10), which is the sheet discrimination means described above. Alternatively, a separate dedicated sensor may be provided.

[0088] 22 is a flowchart for explaining a series of lamination processes in the mixed mode as the third mode and the manual lamination mode, which will be explained with reference to the numbers of the drawings corresponding to the flowchart.

[0089] First, in step S201, the lamination processing device 200 determines whether there is a sheet S that has already been peeled off on the conveying path of the device body. If there is a sheet S (YES), in step S202, the lamination processing device 200 displays a screen on the operation panel 10 prompting the user to load the inner pages P onto the sheet tray 102 (see FIG. 19). Next, in step S203, the lamination processing device 200 waits for the user to load the inner pages P onto the sheet tray 102 and give an instruction to start lamination processing.

[0090] Next, in step S204, the lamination device 200 determines whether the type of sheet is a laminate sheet (two-ply sheet S). If it is a laminate sheet (YES), the process proceeds to step S205, where the lamination device 200 displays an error screen on the operation panel 10 to prompt the user to remove the sheet (see FIG. 21). Next, in step S206, the user removes the laminate sheet.

[0091] On the other hand, if the type of the sheet is an inner page in step S204 (if NO), the process proceeds to step S207, where the lamination device 200 inserts the inner page. After the operation is completed, the process proceeds to step S208, where the sheet is discharged.

[0092] In the previous step S201, if there is no already peeled sheet S on the conveying path of the device body, in step S209, the lamination device 200 displays on the operation panel 10 a screen (see FIG. 20) that prompts the user to load the laminate sheet on the sheet tray 102. Next, in step S210, the device waits for the user to load the sheet S on the sheet tray 102 and give an instruction to start the lamination process.

[0093] Next, in step S211, the lamination processing device 200 determines whether the type of sheet is a laminate sheet (two-ply sheet S). If it is a laminate sheet (YES), the process proceeds to step S212, where the lamination processing device 200 performs a peeling operation. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0094] On the other hand, if the type of the sheet is an inner page in step S211 (NO), the process proceeds to step S213, where the lamination device 200 displays an error screen on the operation panel 10 to prompt the user to remove the sheet (see FIG. 21). Next, in step S214, the process waits for the user to remove the lamination sheet.

[0095] In this way, when the laminate processing device 200 of this embodiment performs the mixed mode, the user can load the laminate sheets or the inner pages in the manual laminate mode. At that time, a message is displayed on the operation panel 10, so that the user can be guided to the correct operation.

[0096] Third embodiment 23 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a lamination device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the lamination device 200b of this embodiment, a sheet tray 102 is provided with a size sensor C6, which is a size detection unit that detects the size (length in the conveying direction) of a sheet being conveyed.

[0097] That is, the lamination device 200b can detect the length Ls of the sheet S in the transport direction and the length Lp of the inner sheet P in the transport direction using the size sensor C6.

[0098] Furthermore, the lamination processing device 200b of this embodiment can compare the transport direction length Ls of the sheet S with the transport direction length Lp of the inner paper P using a size comparison means of the main control unit, which is responsible for controlling the operation of the entire device. The main control unit is composed of a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, etc., and the size comparison means is software implemented therein.

[0099] In the mixed mode, when there is a peeled sheet S on the transport path of the device body and the detected transport direction length Lp of the inner sheet P fits within the transport direction length Ls of the sheet S (Ls>Lp), the lamination device 200b inserts the inner sheet P. However, if the inner sheet P does not fit within the sheet S (Ls≦Lp), the device stops transport of the inner sheet P at that point and performs error processing.

[0100] 24, multiple inner sheets are fed, and if the sum of the lengths of the inner sheets P1 and P2 in the transport direction (Lp1+Lp2) fits within the length of the sheet S in the transport direction (Ls>Lp1+Lp2), the inner sheets P1 and P2 are inserted. On the other hand, if the inner sheets P1 and P2 do not fit within the sheet S (Ls≦Lp1+Lp2), the transport of the inner sheets P1 and P2 is stopped at that point, and error processing is performed.

[0101] At this time, if the size of only the inner page P1 fits within the sheet S (Ls>Lp1), only the inner page P1 is inserted into the sheet S, and the transport of the inner page P2 is stopped to perform error processing.

[0102] Also, the inner pages (both P2 / P1 and P2) may be conveyed in the reverse direction and returned to the sheet tray 102. In this case, the user only needs to obtain the inner pages (both P2 / P1 and P2) from the sheet tray 102, making subsequent processing easier.

[0103] In this way, the lamination processing device 200b of this embodiment detects the length of the conveyed sheet in the conveying direction by the size sensor C6, and changes the lamination process (sheet process) based on the comparison result of the size comparison means. Therefore, multiple inner sheets P can be appropriately inserted into the sheet S.

[0104] As a size detection means, the conveyance sensor C1 can be used to detect the size of the sheet at the detection timing. Also, an encoder of a motor that rotates the pair of conveyance rollers 107 can be used. Furthermore, the size sensor C6, the conveyance sensor C1, and the encoder may be used in combination.

[0105] Next, the first mode according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. The first mode is a mode in which, in the image forming system 400, a sheet-like medium (inner sheet P) on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 300 is sandwiched between two overlapping sheets (sheets S) by the sheet processing device or lamination processing device 200, and laminated using a heat and pressure member (heat and pressure roller 120).

[0106] In at least one of the multiple feeding sections 5 of the image forming apparatus 300 in FIG. When the first mode is performed, first, the inner paper P is fed, printed by the image forming unit 4 of the image forming device 300, and the image is fixed by the thermal fixing unit 3. Thereafter, the inner paper P passes through a conveying path in the image forming device 300 and is conveyed to the relay conveying path 126 of the lamination processing device 200. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 12, the inner paper P is conveyed toward the inside of the peeled sheet S, and as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the inner paper P is merged with the sheet S and sandwiched therebetween.

[0107] The sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is laminated by heating and pressing with the heat and pressure roller 120, and then discharged onto the discharge tray 104.

[0108] Here, operation means for the user to select the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Fig. 25, a rotary switch 150 is provided in the lamination processing device 200 or the image forming device 300. A user can select a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode by rotating the rotary switch 150. Instead of the rotary switch 150, three buttons corresponding to each mode may be provided. The switch or button allows a user to easily switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0109] 26, instead of or in addition to the rotary switch 150, an operation panel 10 is installed in the lamination processing device 200 or the image forming device 300. A user can select the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode by touching the operation panel 10. By switching on the operation panel 10, a user can easily switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0110] 27, instead of or in addition to the rotary switch 150 and the operation panel 10, a microphone 160, which is a voice input mechanism, is connected to the lamination processing device 200 or the image forming device 300. By inputting voice into the microphone 160, the user can select each mode by transmitting the voice to a main control unit of the lamination processing device 200 or the like. By switching by voice input, the user can easily switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0111] Next, the second mode according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second mode is a mode in which the user laminates a sheet set (hereinafter also referred to as a sheet PS with an inner paper set) in which a sheet-like medium is sandwiched between two overlapping sheets (sheets S) as an inner paper P in the image forming system 400. Therefore, the user can select a mode in which the sheet PS with an inner paper set is fed offline.

[0112] The operation of the lamination device 200 when feeding sheets PS with inner sheets set therein in the second mode will be described. First, an embodiment for setting the operation contents depending on the type and size of the sheet fed in the second mode in the lamination processing device 200 will be described.

[0113] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an operation panel 10 as an operation means for a user to perform paper feed sheet settings. The operation panel 10 in FIG. 28(a) has, as adjustment items for the "feed sheet settings," the film sheet thickness of the laminate film (in this example, "thick" is selected), the inner paper sheet thickness (in this example, "plain paper" is selected), the film sheet size (in this example, "A4" is selected), the lamination temperature (in this example, "high temperature" is selected), and the lamination speed (in this example, "slow speed" is selected).

[0114] The operation panel 10 in FIG. 28(b) allows the user to set detailed paper feed sheet settings, and allows fine adjustment of each value such as film sheet thickness (μm), inner paper sheet thickness (basis weight), film sheet size (length), film sheet size (width), lamination temperature (℃), and lamination speed (mm / s) in increments.

[0115] In the operation panel 10 in Fig. 28(c), in the second mode, the user can set the thickness of the sheets PS with the interleaf loaded on the operation panel 10. In this example, the sheet thickness is not divided into the interleaf sheet thickness and the film sheet thickness as in Fig. 28(a), and only the adjustment item of "sheet set thickness" is provided (in this example, "thick" is selected). In other words, the user can roughly select the thickness of the entire sheets PS with the interleaf loaded.

[0116] According to the embodiment of Fig. 28, in the second mode, the user can set the thickness of the interleaf-loaded sheet PS on the operation panel 10. This allows for not only the film sheet thickness setting, but also the interleaf-loaded sheet taking into account the interleaf sheet thickness, making it possible to set an appropriate lamination temperature.

[0117] 28, in the second mode, the user can set the temperature for the lamination process on the operation panel 10. This allows the temperature to be easily set on the operation panel 10.

[0118] 28, in the second mode, the user can set the processing speed of the lamination process on the operation panel 10. This allows the speed to be easily set on the operation panel 10.

[0119] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing another operation means for allowing the user to perform feed sheet setting. In this example, the lamination processing device 200 or the image forming device 300 is provided with a rotary knob 151 (FIG. 29(a)) or a switch, or a slide knob 152 (FIG. 29(b)) instead of an operation panel. The user can adjust the above adjustment items with the rotary knob 151 or the slide knob 152. In this example, the rotary knob 151 is for selecting the lamination speed ("low speed", "medium speed", "high speed"), but a rotary knob for selecting other adjustment items such as the thickness of the sheets PS with the inner paper set is also provided. In this example, the slide knob 152 is for selecting the lamination temperature ("low temperature", "medium temperature", "high temperature"), but a slide knob for selecting other adjustment items such as the thickness of the sheets PS with the inner paper set is also provided. Alternatively, instead of these, a microphone 160 as an operation means shown in FIG. 27 may be connected to the lamination processing device 200 or the image forming device 300, and settings may be made by voice input.

[0120] According to the embodiment of Fig. 29(b), in the second mode, the user can set the temperature of the lamination process with the knob, which allows easy temperature setting with the knob.

[0121] According to the embodiment of Fig. 29(a), in the second mode, the user can set the processing speed of the lamination process with the knob, which allows the speed to be easily set with the knob.

[0122] Next, the operation of the lamination apparatus 200 in the second mode will be described. As shown in Fig. 30, the lamination device 200 feeds the sheets PS with inner papers set in the sheet tray 102. Here, the speed at which the sheets PS with inner papers set are fed and transported is a speed that is predetermined based on the combination of "feed sheet settings". After being transported into the device, the sheets PS with inner papers set are transported as is without being peeled by a peeling mechanism equipped with a peeling claw 116 or the like as shown in Fig. 31, and are laminated by the heat and pressure roller 120 as shown in Fig. 32. At this time, the speed and temperature of the lamination process by the heat and pressure roller 120 follow the "feed sheet settings". When the sheets PS with inner papers set are in manual offline mode, the sheets PS with inner papers set only pass through the peeling mechanism.

[0123] During this time, the image forming apparatus 300 stops operating because there is no need to eject the inner sheet P. This contributes to energy saving by not operating as the image forming apparatus main body in the offline mode.

[0124] Next, an embodiment of the process for feeding a new sheet PS with an inner sheet set therein when a peeled sheet S is present in the device in the second mode will be described. 33, when a new sheet PS with an inner paper set is fed, the sheet S already present in the device is discharged as it is by the rotation of the exit roller pair 113. This eliminates the need for the user to remove the extra sheet S from the device, thereby eliminating the downtime associated with the removal work.

[0125] Whether or not the sheet S is already present in the apparatus may be determined by a combination of the conveyance sensors C1 to C5 in the apparatus.

[0126] As described above, the image forming system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a first mode in which printed inner sheets P are fed and set inline from the image forming device 300 and laminated by the heat and pressure roller 120, a third mode in which inner sheets P are fed offline from the sheet tray 102, set into a two-ply sheet S and laminated by the heat and pressure roller 120, and a second mode in which a sheet PS with inner sheets set in it is fed offline from the sheet tray 102 and laminated by the heat and pressure roller 120, and each mode can be switched.

[0127] In the second mode, even if the inner sheet P has a shape or type that cannot be fed from the paper feed tray, the user can feed the inner sheet P offline by placing it on the two-ply sheet S. This allows the image forming system 400 to function as a laminator that only performs lamination processing, so there is no need to prepare a dedicated laminator.

[0128] Although the lamination processing device has been mainly described as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. A similar configuration can be implemented for a sheet processing device that does not include the heat and pressure roller 120, which is a heat and pressure member, and the discharge roller 121 provided downstream of the heat and pressure roller 120 from the lamination processing device 200. The sheet processing device can perform a peeling operation and an inserting operation of an inner sheet as sheet processing.

[0129] Moreover, the image forming apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 1 may be configured to include a sheet processing apparatus instead of the laminating machine.

[0130] Furthermore, the image forming system may be configured to include an image forming apparatus, a sheet processing apparatus detachably connected to the image forming apparatus, or a lamination processing apparatus 200. Furthermore, a system may be configured to include a paper feeder (stacker) and / or a case binding apparatus.

[0131] The image forming apparatus 300 uses an electrophotographic method as a method for forming an image, but is not limited to this, and may use any known image forming method such as an inkjet method or a stencil printing method.

[0132] The operation panel 10 installed on the exterior of the lamination processing device 200 may be provided on the image forming device 300 .

[0133] Although the present invention has been described in detail 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 advantageous configurations may be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 3. Heat fixing section 4. Image forming section 5 Feeding section 10 Operation Panel 102 Sheet Tray 104 Output tray 105 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 Separation claw 120 Heat and pressure roller 121 Discharge roller 122 Transport roller pair 125 Transport Path 126 Relay Transport Route 127 Discrimination sensor 200 Lamination processing equipment 200b Lamination processing equipment 300 Image forming device 400 Image forming system C1, C3, C5 Transport Sensor C4 Abnormal condition detection sensor C6 Size Sensor P Inner paper (sheet media) S sheet (2-ply sheet) PS Sheet with paper insert (sheet set) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0135] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-179584 A

Claims

1. a sheet processing device that separates the two sheets that are overlapped and partially joined together and sandwiches the sheet-like medium; A heat and pressure member capable of heating and pressing the two-ply sheet; an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the sheet-like medium, a first mode in which the sheet-like medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming device is sandwiched between the two-ply sheets by the sheet processing device, and a lamination process is performed by the heat and pressure member; a second mode in which a user sandwiches the sheet-like medium between the two overlapping sheets and laminates the sheet set with the heat and pressure member; a third mode in which the two-ply sheet and the sheet-like medium are fed from a same stacking means of the sheet processing device, the sheet-like medium is sandwiched between the two-ply sheet, and a lamination process is performed by the heat and pressure member; An image forming system comprising:

2. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode, a peeling mechanism of the sheet processing apparatus does not perform a peeling operation of the sheet set.

3. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped in the second mode or the third mode.

4. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a switch or button for allowing a user to select each mode.

5. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation panel for allowing a user to select each mode.

6. 6. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a voice input mechanism for enabling a user to select each mode by voice input.

7. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein in the second mode, a user can set a thickness of the sheet set using the operation panel or a knob.

8. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein in the second mode, a user can set a temperature for lamination processing via the operation panel or knob.

9. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein in the second mode, a user can set a processing speed of the lamination process using the operation panel or a knob.

Images