Sheet processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

To realize a sheet processing apparatus capable of laminating two-ply sheets and sheet-like medium at an appropriate fixing temperature.SOLUTION: A sheet processing apparatus 100 for laminating partially connected two-ply sheets S and a sheet-like medium P inserted between the two-ply sheets, includes: a heating and pressurizing component 120 capable of heating and pressurizing the two-ply sheets S and the sheet-like medium P; and information acquisition means for acquiring information on the two-ply sheets S and the sheet-like medium P. The above problem is solved by the sheet processing apparatus in which the fusing temperature of the heating and pressurizing component 120 is set according to the acquired information on the two-ply sheet S and the sheet-like medium P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known technique is lamination, in which an inner layer (paper, photographs, etc.) is inserted between two sheets (such as laminate film) with one side joined (connected), and heat and pressure are applied to bond the two sheets together.

[0003] Conventional laminating machines require manual insertion of the desired interleaving sheets (paper, photos, etc.) into the laminating film, one by one. However, the adhesive layer on the inside of the laminating film makes it difficult to remove by hand, and after removal, it is difficult to precisely position the desired sheets. Furthermore, once a sheet is prepared and set in the laminator, the laminating process takes 30 to 60 seconds, requiring a wait before the next process. As a result, laminating only a few dozen sheets requires a worker to remain in the laminating device for an extended period of time. This requires the user to repeatedly insert sheets, set them in, laminate them, and insert additional sheets while waiting, which requires time and manpower. Another problem is that avoiding this process requires a specialized laminating device using roll film, which is extremely expensive (hundreds of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen).

[0004] Furthermore, in the case of laminating equipment that automatically fixes the laminate film, it is necessary to set an appropriate fixing temperature because the fixing temperature cannot be properly adjusted if it is too high or too low compared to the thickness of the laminate film or the paper used as the inner layer. Therefore, it was necessary to determine the fixing temperature by obtaining not only the thickness of the inner layer but also the thickness of the laminate film.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for determining the fixing temperature based on information about the thickness of the interleaf sheets when laminating an object with an interleaf sheet inserted between two sheets of laminating film. However, because the fixing temperature is determined solely based on information about the thickness of the interleaf sheets, the laminating film can adhere poorly, wrinkle, or warp, resulting in a poor finish. To solve this problem, the user must separately obtain information about the laminating film (such as its thickness) and fine-tune the set temperature, reducing work efficiency. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for fixing a Dehe The object of the present invention is to realize a sheet processing apparatus capable of laminating sheets and sheet-like media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a sheet processing apparatus that laminates a sheet medium in which overlapping sheets are stacked, the apparatus comprising: a heat and pressure member that can heat and pressurize the overlapping sheets and the sheet medium; and an information acquisition means that acquires information about the overlapping sheets and the sheet medium, and the fixing temperature of the heat and pressure member is set in accordance with the information about the overlapping sheets and the sheet medium acquired by the information acquisition means. After that, feeding of the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium is started. The problem is solved by a sheet processing apparatus, characterized in that the fixing temperature is comprised of multiple temperature ranges having different upper and lower limit values ​​based on the combination of the thickness of the stacked sheets and the thickness of the sheet-like medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Appropriate fixing temperature Dehe The sheets and sheet-like media can be laminated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a second structural 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. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a fourth structural 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 configuration diagram (part 6) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram (part 7) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram (part 8) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a structural 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 structural 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] FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 17] This is a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, a sheet processing apparatus 100 or a laminating apparatus 200, and a post-processing apparatus 400. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a diagram showing an operation panel 10 which is an operation unit for setting the thickness of the laminate film S and the thickness of the inner paper P. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the fixing temperature when the thickness of the laminate film S and the thickness of the inner paper are set. [Figure 24] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations from feeding a laminate film to completion of ejection. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic sensor 127 which is a thickness detection means for detecting the film thickness of the laminate film. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic sensor 127, which is a thickness detection means for detecting the thickness of the inner paper. [Figure 28] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another detection mechanism for detecting the film thickness of the laminate film and the paper thickness of the inner paper. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing encoder pulses output by an encoder. [Figure 30] 10 is another flowchart showing a series of operations from feeding of the laminate film to completion of paper discharge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration 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.

[0011] 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 is joined together. For example, a two-ply sheet may have a transparent sheet such as a transparent polyester sheet on one side and a transparent or opaque sheet on the other side, joined together at one side. The two-ply sheet also includes a laminate film.

[0012] The inner paper P is an example of a sheet medium that is inserted between these two sheets. In addition to plain paper, sheet media includes cardboard, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper (such as coated paper and art paper), tracing paper, and transparencies.

[0013] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet tray 102 as a first stacking means on which sheets S are stacked and which has a sheet size detection sensor C6, a pickup roller 105 that feeds the sheets S from the sheet tray 102, a pair of conveying rollers 107, and a path for reversing the sheets S. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a paper feed tray 103 as a second stacking means on which inner sheets P are stacked and which has an inner sheet size detection sensor C7, and a pickup roller 106 that feeds the inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103. The sheet size detection sensor C6 can obtain length information of the sheets S in the conveying direction, and the inner sheet size detection sensor C7 can obtain length information of the inner sheets P in the conveying direction.

[0014] 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 C2 that detects the transport position of the inner sheet P is provided downstream of the pickup roller 106 in the transport direction.

[0015] 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 discharge tray 104 for stacking the discharged sheet S. Between the winding roller 109 and the exit roller pair 113, a peeling claw 116 is provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S. The peeling claw 116 is an example of a peeling means for peeling the sheet S.

[0016] A transport sensor C3 that detects the transport positions of the sheet S and the inner sheet 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.

[0017] The pickup roller 105, the pair of conveying rollers 107, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the winding roller 109 are examples of a first feeding means, and the pickup roller 106, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the winding roller 109 are examples of a second feeding means.

[0018] The sheet processing device 100 also has a thermal pressure roller 120, which is a thermal pressure member that heats and pressurizes the sheet S sandwiching the inner paper P, which is a sheet-like medium, a thermal pressure conveying path 128 in which the thermal pressure roller 120 is arranged, a non-thermal pressure conveying path 129 in which the thermal pressure roller 120 is not arranged, and a branching claw 118, which is a branching means that branches the sheet S to the thermal pressure conveying path 128 or the non-thermal pressure conveying path 129.

[0019] The sheet S is conveyed through a heat and pressure conveying path 128 provided with the heat and pressure roller 120, and discharged therefrom, and is discharged and stacked on a paper discharge tray 104. The sheet S is conveyed through a non-heat and pressure conveying path 129 not provided with the heat and pressure roller 120, and is discharged therefrom, and is discharged and stacked on a paper discharge tray 126.

[0020] A branch claw 118 that switches the conveying path of the sheet S is disposed downstream of the conveying sensor C5 in the conveying direction, and downstream of the branch claw 118 are formed a heat and pressure conveying path 128 and a non-heat and pressure conveying path 129. The heat and pressure conveying path 128 is provided with a heat and pressure roller 120 and a discharge roller 121 disposed downstream of the heat and pressure roller 120 and near the paper discharge outlet.

[0021] An operation panel 10, which is a display and operation means for displaying information about the sheet processing apparatus 100 and accepting operation inputs, is installed 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, the sheet processing apparatus 100 may be configured to be provided with a separate notification means other than the operation panel 10.

[0022] The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment stacks the sheets S and the inner sheets P on separate trays, and while conveying the sheets S, separates and opens the two sheets, and inserts the inner sheets P into the opening. Then, the sheets S with the inner sheets P inserted are discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104.

[0023] 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 each, for example, a pair of rollers, and are 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 paper P.

[0024] The pair of entrance rollers 108 transports the sheet S and the inner sheet P toward the pair of exit rollers 113. This transport direction is called the forward transport direction (the direction of arrow A).

[0025] On the other hand, the pair of exit rollers 113 can switch their rotation between forward and reverse directions. The sandwiched sheet S can be conveyed toward the discharge tray 104 (see FIG. 1) in the forward conveyance direction, and can also be conveyed toward the winding roller 109 in the reverse direction (pull-back direction). This direction of conveyance toward the winding roller 109 (the opposite direction to the forward conveyance direction) is called the reverse conveyance direction (the direction of arrow B).

[0026] 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 and counterclockwise).

[0027] 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 molded integrally with the outer periphery of the roller member 111, or may be configured as a separate part.

[0028] 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 an inserting means for inserting the inner paper P into the sheet S.

[0029] Next, a series of operations of the sheet processing device 100, that is, operations from peeling off the sheet S to inserting the inner paper P, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14. Note that in Figures 3 to 14, the same components as those in Figures 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] 1, the sheets S on the sheet tray 102 are stacked so that a portion of the joined two sheets is located downstream in the feeding direction (conveying direction) of the pickup roller 105. Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 picks up the sheet S on the sheet tray 102 with the pickup roller 105 and conveys it toward the entrance roller pair 108 by the conveying roller pair 107.

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

[0032] 3, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S when the trailing edge of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction passes the winding roller 109. Note that these operations are triggered by the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the conveying sensor C3, and are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveying sensor C3.

[0033] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet processing apparatus 100 opens the gripping means 110, reverses the rotation direction of the pair of outlet rollers 113, and conveys the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction (the direction of arrow B) toward the opening of the gripping means 110.

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

[0035] 6, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109. Here, the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109 from the side of the two sheets that is not joined together.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, when the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109, the difference in the winding circumference of the two overlapping sheets (difference in the amount of winding) causes excess sheet on the inner periphery, resulting in slack toward the joined edge of the sheet S. As a result, a space is created between the two sheets. By inserting the peeling claws 116 into this 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 the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C5, and are performed by transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

[0037] 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 space created by the peeling of the sheet S to the rear end of the sheet S in the forward conveying direction (direction of arrow A) as shown in FIG. 8. Then, when the space has been moved a specified distance, the gripping means 110 is released, and the rear end of the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts.

[0038] 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. These operations are triggered by the 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.

[0039] 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 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-heat and pressure transport path, the branch claw 118 remains in the position shown in the figure, but when the sheet S is transported to the heat and pressure transport path 128, the branch claw 118 is switched to the non-heat and pressure transport path side.

[0040] The switching of the branch claw 118 should be completed between the time when the leading edge of the sheet passes the conveyance sensor C5 and the time when the leading edge of the sheet reaches the branch claw 118 after the insertion of the inner sheet. If the branch claw 118 is switched before this timing, the sheet S before the insertion of the inner sheet will enter the fixing path and part of the sheet will be fixed. Furthermore, if the fixing unit is positioned further downstream to prevent this, the device will become larger.

[0041] 9, the two peeled sheets of the sheet S are guided vertically by the peeling claws 116, and the two entire sheets are peeled off from each other. Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops conveying the sheet S, and the joint portion of the sheet S is gripped (nipped) by the pair of outlet rollers 113. Therefore, the sheet S is opened widely, with the joined side as the end.

[0042] These operations are triggered by the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the conveyance sensor C5, and are carried out by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount from the conveyance sensor C5.

[0043] (Variation) Figure 17 shows a modified example of the guide path for the two peeled sheets. In Figure 9 above, (a) the path for guiding both the upper and lower sheets in the same direction from the joint of sheet S is shown. In addition to this, the upper and lower sheets may be guided in opposite directions, such as (b) a path that guides them in an inverted S-shape or (c) a path that guides them in an S-shape.

[0044] 10 to 14 show the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 100 when conveying the sheet S to the heat and pressure conveying path 128 when 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 by the pickup roller 106 from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) toward the exit roller pair 113.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of outlet rollers 113 to merge the sheet S and the inner sheet P, and inserts the inner sheet P into the sheet S that has been opened.

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the sheet processing device 100 transports the sheet S with the inserted inner paper P in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) using the exit roller pair 113, thereby stacking the two sheets of the sheet S again and closing the opening. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the sheet S with the interleaved paper P sandwiched therebetween is conveyed to a fixing section having a heat and pressure roller 120 by an exit roller pair 113 or a roller disposed thereafter, and lamination processing is performed. Then, the sheet S with the interleaved paper P sandwiched therebetween is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the rotation of the discharge roller 121. These operations are the same whether the inserted number of inner sheets P is one or two or more. The heat and pressure roller 120 may have a thermocouple (temperature sensor) that detects whether the heat and pressure roller 120 has risen to the fixing temperature. 2 to 14 show the basic peeling operation and transport operation to the fixing Md (fixing unit) in the case of lamination processing.

[0047] In this way, the sheet processing device 100 of this embodiment can open a large opening for the sheet S, and insert and clamp the inner paper P therein. Therefore, compared to the laminating device of Patent Document 1, which uses a vacuum device, for example, the configuration is simpler, and the entire device can be simplified and made smaller.

[0048] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can stack the sheets S and the inner sheets P on separate trays and transport them separately. This eliminates the need to stack the sheets S and the inner sheets P in a predetermined order, improving user convenience.

[0049] 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. 15, in order to transport the inner sheet P to the non-heat and pressure transport path 129, the branch claw 118 is not switched and the sheet is transported as is.

[0050] 16, while both the sheet S and the inner sheet P are held (nipped), the sheet S and the inner sheet P are conveyed by the pair of exit rollers 113, thereby inserting the inner sheet P between the two sheets S. The sheet S is then conveyed to a non-heat and pressure conveying path 129 that does not have a heat and pressure roller 120, and is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 126 (see FIG. 1), thereby completing the discharge. In this way, the user can obtain the sheet with the inner paper inserted, and the sheet can be subjected to fixing processing in an offline machine.

[0051] 1 shows a laminating device equipped with a sheet processing device according to the present invention. The laminating device 200 includes a discharge roller 121 provided downstream of a heat and pressure roller 120, a discharge tray 104 for stacking sheets S conveyed through a heat and pressure conveying path 128, and a discharge tray 126 for stacking sheets S conveyed through a non-heat and pressure conveying path 129 that does not have a heat and pressure roller 120.

[0052] This lamination device 200 is configured to perform a series of operations, from feeding the sheets S, peeling them off, 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 intervention, making it more convenient than conventional technology.

[0053] However, lamination is only an example of sheet processing, and lamination processing devices may be broadly called sheet processing devices.

[0054] Next, a lamination processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that include the sheet processing device according to the present invention will be described.

[0055] 18 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a laminating device according to the present invention. This image forming apparatus 300 is equipped with a laminating device 200a therein as a laminating device section.

[0056] Here, the lamination processing device 200a is equipped with a sheet tray 102 for loading sheets S or inner sheets P, and is configured so that the sheets S and / or inner sheets P can be fed from the image forming device 300. Therefore, images can be inserted inline into the sheets S or inner sheets P by the image forming device 300 (for example, a printer, a copier, etc.). Also, an operation panel 10 is provided on the image forming device 300 as information acquisition means, and the information acquisition means acquires information about the sheets S and inner sheets P from the image forming device main body. The information is, for example, thickness information about the sheets S and the inner sheets P.

[0057] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 18, an intermediate transfer device 150 is provided inside the image forming apparatus 300. The intermediate transfer device 150 has an endless intermediate transfer belt 152 stretched almost horizontally around multiple rollers, and runs counterclockwise.

[0058] Below the intermediate transfer device 150, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black image forming devices 154c, 154m, 154y, and 154k are arranged in four-part tandem along the stretching direction of the intermediate transfer belt 152. Each image forming device 154 is configured by installing a charging device, developing device, transfer device, cleaning device, etc. around a drum-shaped image carrier that rotates clockwise in the figure. Below each image forming device 154, an exposure device 156 is provided.

[0059] A paper feed device 158 is provided below the exposure device 156. The paper feed device 158 includes a first paper feed cassette 160 that stores sheets S and a second paper feed cassette 162 that stores interleave sheets P. The first paper feed cassette 160 is an example of a third stacking means that stores two-ply sheets, and the second paper feed cassette 162 is an example of a fourth stacking means that stores sheet-like media.

[0060] A first paper feed roller 166 is provided at the upper right of the first paper feed cassette 160, which feeds out the sheets S in the first paper feed cassette 160 one by one and places them in the paper transport path 164. Also, a second paper feed roller 168 is provided at the upper right of the second paper feed cassette 162, which feeds out the inner sheets P in the paper feed cassette one by one and places them in the paper transport path 164.

[0061] The paper transport path 164 is formed from bottom to top on the right side of the image forming apparatus main body 300, and leads to the laminating device 200a inside the image forming apparatus main body 300. On the paper transport path 164, a transport roller 170, a secondary transfer device 174 facing the intermediate transfer belt 152, a fixing device 176, and a paper discharge device 178 consisting of a pair of paper discharge rollers are provided in this order.

[0062] The first paper feed roller 166, the transport roller 170, and the paper transport path 164 are an example of a third feeding means that feeds two-ply sheets from the first paper feed cassette 160 (third stacking means). The second paper feed roller 168, the transport roller 170, and the paper transport path 164 are an example of a fourth feeding means that feeds sheet-like media from the second paper feed cassette 162 (fourth stacking means). Furthermore, the intermediate transfer device 150, the fixing device 176, etc. are an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on two-ply sheets or sheet-like media.

[0063] Next, the operation of laminating the sheet S after forming an image on it in the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment will be described.

[0064] When forming an image on the sheet S, first, the original image is read by the image reading device 188 and written by the exposure device 156. Next, a toner image of each color is formed on the image carrier of each of the image forming devices 154c, 154m, 154y, and 154k, and the toner images are transferred sequentially by primary transfer devices 180c, 180m, 180y, and 180k to form a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 152.

[0065] Meanwhile, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the first paper feed roller 166 to feed the sheet S and place it in the paper transport path 164. Then, the sheet S is transported by the transport roller 170 through the paper transport path 164 and sent to the secondary transfer position at the appropriate timing, and the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 152 as described above is transferred onto the sheet S by the secondary transfer device 174.

[0066] After the image has been transferred onto the sheet S, the image is fixed by a fixing device 176, and then the sheet is sent by a paper discharge device 178 to a lamination processing device 200a.

[0067] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the second paper feed roller 168 to feed the inner sheet P, put it into the paper transport path 164, and sends it to the laminating device 200a by the paper discharge device 178.

[0068] In this way, the sheet S on which the image is formed and the inner paper P are sent to the laminating device 200a, whereby the laminating process is carried out. Details of the laminating process have been described above and will not be described again.

[0069] The image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, so that after forming an image on the inner sheet P, the laminating device 200a can perform laminating processing. Also, after forming images on the inner sheet P and the sheet S, the laminating processing can be performed.

[0070] Next, a modified example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming system will be described.

[0071] 19 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified image forming apparatus equipped with a laminating device according to the present invention. This image forming apparatus 350 differs from the image forming apparatus 300 in FIG. 18 in that it is equipped with a main body discharge roller 122 and a main body paper discharge tray 123 on the image forming apparatus main body side.

[0072] When the image forming apparatus 350 does not perform lamination processing, it can discharge the recording medium on which an image has been formed using the main body discharge rollers 122 to the main body paper discharge tray 123. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 350 does not perform lamination processing, it does not reduce the output speed of image formation.

[0073] The image forming apparatus 350 may be configured to include the detachable laminating device 200a inside. That is, the laminating device 200a may be removed from the image forming apparatus 350 when laminating is not required.

[0074] In addition, the removed laminating device 200a may be equipped with a paper feed tray 103 for loading the inner sheets P and a pickup roller 106 for feeding the inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103, and may be used as a standalone laminating device similar to that shown in Figure 1.

[0075] The image forming apparatus 300 shown in Fig. 18 and the image forming apparatus 350 shown in Fig. 19 may be configured to include a sheet processing apparatus instead of a laminating machine. Also, the image forming apparatus 350 shown in Fig. 19 may be configured to include a detachable sheet processing apparatus. Having a detachable sheet processing apparatus improves user convenience.

[0076] The image forming system may also be configured to include an image forming apparatus and a sheet processing apparatus 100 or a lamination processing apparatus 200 detachably connected to the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, a system may also be configured to include a paper feeder (stacker) and / or a case binding apparatus. When the sheets S are passed through the fixing device 176, the sheets S are not bonded at the fixing temperature, but are bonded by applying heat at a higher temperature.

[0077] Furthermore, the image forming devices 300 and 350 use an electrophotographic method to form images on the sheet S and the inner paper, but this is not limited to this, and known image forming methods such as an inkjet method or a stencil printing method may also be used.

[0078] An image forming apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the sheet processing apparatus 100 and an image forming unit that forms an image. That is, the sheet processing apparatus 100 may be built into the image forming apparatus.

[0079] FIG. 20 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 laminating apparatus 200 on its exterior (side). In the following description, parts having the same functions as those of the above-mentioned apparatuses are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those parts will be omitted as appropriate. The sheet processing apparatus 100 or the laminating apparatus 200 has a sheet tray 102 for stacking sheets S, and the inner sheets P are configured to be able to be fed from the paper feed unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 300. Any image can be printed on the inner sheets P to be inserted between the sheets S using a method that utilizes the copy or printer of the image forming apparatus 300, and the inner sheets P can be inserted inline.

[0080] In the sheet processing apparatus 100, a plurality of sensors C6 for detecting the size of the sheet S are arranged on the sheet tray 102, and conveying rollers 144 and 145 are provided before and after the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0081] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 300, a relay apparatus 310, a sheet processing apparatus 100 or a laminating apparatus 200, and a post-processing apparatus 400. As shown in FIG. This image forming system is configured so that inner paper P can be fed from the image forming device 300 via a relay device 310, and by installing another post-processing device 400 downstream of the image forming device 300, users can use it without reducing the efficiency of print jobs that do not require lamination processing.

[0082] In the case of a print job that does not involve lamination, the inner sheets P fed from the image forming apparatus 300 are received by the inlet rollers 146 of the sheet processing apparatus 100, and are transported to the post-processing apparatus 400 located downstream of the sheet processing apparatus 100 by the paper discharge rollers 147 located downstream in the transport direction of the inlet rollers 146. The post-processing apparatus 400 can perform post-processing such as stapling on sheet materials that have not been subjected to lamination processing. The inner sheets P are stacked on the paper discharge tray 190 of the post-processing apparatus 400.

[0083] In the sheet processing apparatus 100, a plurality of sensors C6 for detecting the size of the sheet S are arranged on the sheet tray 102, and conveying rollers 144 and 145 are provided before and after the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0084] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an operation panel 10, which is an operation unit for setting the thickness of a laminate film S, which is an example of a sheet S, and the thickness of an inner sheet P. The operation panel 10 is installed in a sheet processing apparatus 100, an image forming apparatus 300, or an image forming system. The operation panel 10 as an operation unit is an information acquisition means for acquiring information about the laminate film S and the inner sheet P. The operation panel 10 allows a user to input the thickness of the laminate film S and the inner sheet P. A control unit provided in the sheet processing apparatus 100 sets the fixing temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 according to the acquired information about the laminate film S and the inner sheet P. The control unit is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. to control each operation of the sheet processing apparatus 100.

[0085] The user selects the thickness of the laminating film S to be used for the laminating process and the thickness of the interleaf paper P to be sandwiched between the laminating film S from the operation panel 10, and starts the process by pressing the laminating process execution button. In this figure, the thick film mode is set as the laminating film thickness setting, and the thin paper mode is set as the interleaf paper thickness setting. In this figure, an operation panel is used as an example, but the lamination process may also be performed using a switch or the like.

[0086] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the fixing temperature when the thickness of the laminate film and the thickness of the inner paper are set. The laminating film thickness can be set to thin film mode (60μm~90μm), normal film mode (90μm~120μm), or thick film mode (120μm~150μm). The inner paper thickness can be set to thin paper mode (50g / m 2 ~64g / m 2 ), plain paper mode (64 g / m 2 ~80g / m 2 ), thick paper mode (80g / m 2 ~105g / m 2 ) In thin film mode, the thicker the paper of the inner paper P, the higher the fixing temperature (low temperature fixing 1-3). In normal film mode, the thicker the paper of the inner paper P, the higher the fixing temperature (medium temperature fixing 1-3). In thick film mode, the thicker the paper of the inner paper P, the higher the fixing temperature (high temperature fixing 1-3). In other words, the thicker the laminating film S and the thicker the paper of the inner paper P, the higher the fixing temperature.

[0087] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the sheet processing apparatus 100 has a thermistor 125 as a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of each heat and pressure roller 120. The thermistor 125 can detect whether the heat and pressure roller 120 is rising or falling to the fixing temperature. In this example, the thermistor 125 is used as an example, but instead of the thermistor 125, a thermocouple may be used to detect the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0088] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a series of operations from feeding the laminate film to completion of ejection. Before starting paper feeding, the user sets the film thickness of the laminate film S and the paper thickness of the inner sheets P on the operation panel 10 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 or the like (S10), and determines the fixing temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 (S11). Next, when the user presses the start button (lamination process execution button) on the operation panel 10 or the like (S12, YES), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the laminate film S based on a signal from the control unit (S13) and performs a peeling process of the laminate film S (S14, FIGS. 2 to 9). Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the inner sheets P (S15) and performs an inner sheet insertion operation process (S16, FIGS. 10 to 12, 15, and 16).

[0089] Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 waits until the fixing temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 reaches the optimum temperature (see FIG. 23) for the set thickness of the laminate film S and the thickness of the inner sheet P. That is, if the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 detected by the thermistor 125 is below the lower limit of the fixing temperature range (S17, YES), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts raising the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 (S18) and waits until the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is above the lower limit of the fixing temperature range (S19, YES) and falls within the predetermined fixing temperature range (S20, YES). On the other hand, if the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is above the lower limit of the fixing temperature range (S17, NO) but above the upper limit of the fixing temperature range (S21, YES), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts lowering the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 (S22) and waits until the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is below the upper limit of the fixing temperature range (S23, YES) and falls within the predetermined fixing temperature range (S20, YES). If the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is below the upper limit of the fixing temperature range (S21, NO), the sheet processing apparatus 100 waits until the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 falls within a predetermined fixing temperature range (S20, YES).

[0090] When the temperature of the fixing section reaches the appropriate temperature for the set film thickness of the laminate film S and the paper thickness of the inner paper P, the sheet processing device 100 transports the laminate film S to the fixing section based on a signal from the control section, and performs the fixing process (S24, Figure 13) and paper discharge process (S25, Figure 14) of the laminate film S. After the paper discharge is complete, the sheet processing apparatus 100 checks whether there is the next laminate film S or the next inner sheet P, and if there is (S26, NO), it feeds the laminate film S and the next inner sheet P again (S13 onwards), and repeats the flow until there is no more laminate film S or next inner sheet P. If there is no next laminate film S or next inner sheet P, the job ends (S26, YES).

[0091] 26 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic sensor 127, which is a thickness detection means for detecting the film thickness of the laminate film. The thickness detection means is an example of an information acquisition means for acquiring information about the laminate film S. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic sensor 127 has a transmitter 127a and a receiver 127b, which are arranged on either side of the conveyance path between the entrance roller pair 108 and the winding roller 109. Ultrasonic waves emitted from the transmitter 127a pass through the laminate film S and reach the receiver 127b. At this time, the attenuation (rate) of the ultrasonic waves reaching the receiver 127b can be detected to determine the film thickness of the laminate film S. In FIG. 26(a), the laminate film S is thin, so the attenuation (rate) of the ultrasonic waves is small, but in FIG. 26(b), the laminate film S is thick, so the attenuation (rate) of the ultrasonic waves is large.

[0092] 27 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic sensor 127, which is a thickness detection means for detecting the thickness of the inner paper P. The thickness detection means is an example of information acquisition means for acquiring information about the inner paper P. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic sensor 127 has a transmitter 127a and a receiver 127b arranged on either side of the transport path between the entrance roller pair 108 and the winding roller 109. Ultrasonic waves emitted from the transmitter 127a pass through the inner paper P and reach the receiver 127b. At this time, the attenuation amount (rate) of the ultrasonic waves reaching the receiver 127b can be detected to determine the paper thickness of the inner paper P. In Figure 27(a), the inner paper P is thin, so the attenuation amount (rate) of the ultrasonic waves is small, but in Figure 27(b), the inner paper P is thick, so the attenuation amount (rate) of the ultrasonic waves is large.

[0093] The ultrasonic sensor 127, which is a thickness detection means for detecting the film thickness of the laminate film and the paper thickness of the inner paper, may be provided in addition to the operation panel 10, which allows the user to input these thicknesses.

[0094] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing another thickness detection mechanism for detecting the film thickness of the laminate film and the paper thickness of the inner paper, and FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing encoder pulses output by the encoder. As shown in Figure 28(a), as another thickness detection mechanism, a paper thickness detection lever 181 is arranged in contact with the shaft 108a of the pair of entrance rollers 108, and an encoder 182 is connected to the paper thickness detection lever 181. As shown in Figure 28(b), when the laminating film S or the inner paper P passes through the pair of entrance rollers 108, the pair of entrance rollers 108 moves away from each other by the thickness of the laminating film S or the inner paper P, and the paper thickness detection lever 181 moves accordingly. Then, as shown in Figure 29, an encoder pulse is output by the encoder 182. By reading this encoder pulse, the film thickness of the laminating film S or the paper thickness of the inner paper P can be detected.

[0095] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a series of operations from feeding the laminate film to completing discharge when the film thickness of the laminate film and the paper thickness of the inner paper are detected using a detection mechanism. The user does not set the film thickness of the laminate film S and the paper thickness of the inner sheets P on the operation panel 10 of the sheet processing apparatus 100 before starting paper feeding; these are detected during transport after paper feeding begins. First, the user presses the start button (lamination process execution button) on the operation panel 10 or the like (S30, YES) to start feeding the laminate film S (S31). The sheet processing apparatus 100 then detects the film thickness of the laminate film S using the thickness detection mechanism based on a signal from the control unit (S32). Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 performs a peeling process of the laminate film S (S33, FIGS. 2 to 9). Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the inner sheets P (S34), and the thickness detection mechanism detects the paper thickness of the inner sheets P (S35). The fixing temperature is determined from the obtained film thickness and paper thickness of the inner sheets P (S36). Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 performs an inner sheet inserting operation process (S37, FIGS. 10 to 12, 15, and 16).

[0096] Next, the sheet processing apparatus 100 waits until the fixing temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 reaches an appropriate temperature (see FIG. 23) for the detected thickness of the laminate film S and the thickness of the inner sheet P. That is, if the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 detected by the thermistor 125 is below the lower limit of the fixing temperature range (S38, YES), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts raising the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 (S39) and waits until the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is above the lower limit of the fixing temperature range (S40, YES) and falls within the predetermined fixing temperature range (S41, YES). On the other hand, if the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is above the lower limit of the fixing temperature range (S38, NO) but above the upper limit of the fixing temperature range (S42, YES), the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts lowering the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 (S43) and waits until the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is below the upper limit of the fixing temperature range (S44, YES) and falls within the predetermined fixing temperature range (S41, YES). If the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 is below the upper limit of the fixing temperature range (S42, NO), the sheet processing apparatus 100 waits until the temperature of the heat and pressure roller 120 falls within a predetermined fixing temperature range (S41, YES).

[0097] When the temperature of the fixing section reaches the appropriate temperature for the detected film thickness of the laminate film S and the paper thickness of the inner paper P, the sheet processing device 100 transports the laminate film S to the fixing section based on a signal from the control section, and performs the fixing process (S45, Figure 13) and paper discharge process (S46, Figure 14) of the laminate film S. After the paper discharge is complete, the sheet processing apparatus 100 checks whether the next laminate film S or the next inner sheet P is present, and if so (S47, NO), it feeds the laminate film S and the next inner sheet P again (S31 onwards), repeating the flow until there is no more laminate film S or next inner sheet P. If there is no more laminate film S or next inner sheet P, the job ends (S47, YES).

[0098] Although the pouch lamination has been described in this embodiment, roll lamination may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100 Sheet processing device 120 Heat and pressure roller (heat and pressure member) P Inner paper (sheet media) S sheet (two-ply sheet) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0100] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2015-25908

Claims

1. A sheet processing apparatus for laminating a sheet medium in which overlapping sheets are stacked, a heat and pressure member capable of heating and pressing the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium; an information acquisition unit for acquiring information about the stack of sheets and the sheet-like medium, a fixing temperature of the heat and pressure member is set in accordance with the information on the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium acquired by the information acquisition means, and then feeding of the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium is started; The sheet processing apparatus, characterized in that the fixing temperature is configured in a plurality of temperature ranges having different upper and lower limit values ​​based on a combination of the thickness of the stacked sheets and the thickness of the sheet-like medium.

2. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacked sheets are two sheets that are partially joined together, and the sheet-like medium is inserted between the two sheets.

3. the information acquisition unit includes an operation unit that allows a user to input the thickness of the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium; 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is the thickness of the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium.

4. the information acquisition means includes a thickness detection means for detecting the thickness of the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium; 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness detection unit acquires thickness information of the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium.

5. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an inserting unit for inserting the sheet medium into the stack of sheets.

6. a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat and pressure member; 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lamination process is not performed until the temperature of the heat and pressure member detected by the temperature detection means falls within a predetermined fixing temperature range.

7. 7. An image forming apparatus comprising: the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1; and an image forming section for forming an image.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information acquiring unit acquires information about the stacked sheets and the sheet-like medium from a main body of the image forming apparatus.

10. 7. An image forming system comprising the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images