Lamination device, image forming device, and lamination method

Abstract

To provide a lamination processing apparatus capable of continuing lamination processing without an abnormal stop when the multi-feeding of laminated sheets (two-layered sheets) occurs.SOLUTION: A lamination processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a feeding section for feeding a two-layered sheet; multi-feeding detection means arranged downstream in a transfer direction of the feeding section to detect the multi-feeding of the two-layered sheet; a fixing section arranged downstream in a transfer direction of the multi-feeding detection means to heat and pressurize the two-layered sheet; a discharge section arranged downstream in a transfer direction of the fixing section to discharge the two-layered sheet passing through the fixing section; a purge section arranged separately from the discharge section and including a retreat transport path branched from the transfer direction upstream of the fixing section; and a path switching member for switching the transport path of the two-layered sheet to the fixing section or the purge section, wherein when the multi-feeding of the two-layered sheet is detected, the two-layered sheet is transported to the purge section, and feeding processing of another two-layered sheet is newly retried.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technique known as lamination is known in which two sheets are stacked on top of each other and joined (connected) at one side to form a double-layered sheet (laminate sheet or laminate film), and then an interlayer (paper, photograph, etc.) is inserted between them, and heat and pressure are applied to bond the two layers together.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional laminating apparatus, when an abnormality is detected during conveyance of a laminate sheet, the laminate sheet is conveyed to an evacuation path separate from the normal conveyance path and stored therein.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a branched retreat path is provided in addition to a normal discharge path, and when the laminate film is not properly peeled off, the laminate film is transported to the retreat path.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a paper feed transport system for an image forming device that, as a configuration for easily processing multi-fed sheets, determines the load applied to a sheet transport member when a multi-fed detection unit detects multi-fed sheets, and transports the sheets to different transport paths depending on the magnitude of the load.

[0006] In this way, when double feeding occurs during sheet transport, usability (ease of the user to deal with the abnormality) can be improved by evacuating the sheets to a path (such as a purge tray) different from that used during normal times. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above device, normal sheet transport is stopped (abnormal stop) before the overlapped sheets are evacuated, which means that the job being performed is interrupted, which can reduce productivity.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a laminating device that can continue laminating without abnormally stopping when double feeding of laminate sheets (two-ply sheets) occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by a lamination processing device that laminates a two-ply sheet formed by two sheets being overlapped and partially joined together, and a sheet-like medium inserted between the two sheets. The lamination processing device includes a feeding section that feeds the two-ply sheet, a double-feed detection means that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the feeding section and that detects double feeding of the two-ply sheet, and a lamination device that is arranged downstream in the conveying direction of the double-feed detection means, a sheet processing section that performs a process of peeling off the two stacked sheets; and a sheet processing section that is disposed downstream of the sheet processing section in a feeding direction. a fixing unit that heats and pressurizes the two-ply sheet; a discharge unit that is disposed downstream of the fixing unit in the conveying direction and discharges the two-ply sheet that has passed through the fixing unit; a purge unit that is disposed separately from the discharge unit and includes an evacuation conveying path that branches off from the fixing unit upstream in the conveying direction; and a path switching member that switches the conveying path of the two-ply sheet to the fixing unit or the purge unit, The double feed detection means Double feeding of the two-ply sheets but detection was In this case, the two-ply sheet The two-ply sheets are fed in a multi-fed state without being processed in the sheet processing section and the fixing section. This problem is solved by a lamination processing apparatus which transports the sheet to the purge section and retries feeding another two-ply sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] When the laminating device of the present invention detects double-feeding of two stacked sheets, it transports the two stacked sheets to the purge section and retries feeding another two stacked sheets, so the laminating process can continue without an abnormal stop. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a sheet processing apparatus that is a premise 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 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] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of a lamination processing apparatus equipped with a sheet processing apparatus; [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a lamination device. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a first overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus equipped with an external laminating device. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a second overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus equipped with an external laminating device. [Figure 17] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a lamination processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18]This is the operation screen (part 1) displayed on the operation panel for setting the handling of double feeds. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the lamination processing device depending on whether or not double sheet feeding occurs. [Figure 20] This is the operation screen (part 2) displayed on the operation panel for setting the handling of double feeds. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the lamination processing device according to whether or not a multi-feed of sheets has occurred and a predetermined number of multi-feed sheets. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the lamination processing device depending on whether or not a double sheet feed has occurred and the number of times the double sheet feed has been detected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First, the sheet processing apparatus that is the premise of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus 100 separates two stacked sheets (hereinafter referred to as sheets S) from each other, and inserts and sandwiches a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as an inner sheet P) between the separated sheets S.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet tray 102 as a first stacking means for stacking sheets S, a pickup roller 105 for feeding sheets S from the sheet tray 102, and a pair of conveying rollers 107. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a paper feed tray 103 as a second stacking means for stacking inner sheets P, and a pickup roller 106 for feeding inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The sheet processing apparatus 100 further includes, downstream of the conveying roller pair 107 and the pickup roller 106, an entrance roller pair 108 as a first conveying means, a winding roller 109 as a rotating member, an exit roller pair 113 as a second conveying means, and a paper discharge tray 104. Between the winding roller 109 and the exit roller pair 113, a peeling claw 116 is provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] An operation panel 10, which is a display and operation means for displaying information about the sheet processing apparatus 100 and receiving 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, a notification means other than the operation panel 10 may be separately provided in the sheet processing apparatus 100.

[0021] The sheet processing apparatus 100 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 12. Note that in Figures 3 to 12, the same components as those in Figures 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] 1, the sheets S on the sheet tray 102 are stacked so that a portion where two sheets are joined together 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 9, after peeling off the entire rear end of the sheet S, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of outlet rollers 113 counterclockwise to convey the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction (the direction of arrow B). That is, the two peeled sheets of the sheet S are guided in the vertical direction by the peeling claws 116, and the two sheets are entirely peeled off from each other.

[0038] 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 jointed side as an end.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the pair of entrance rollers 108 to transport the inner sheet P transported from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) in the forward transport direction (direction of arrow A) toward the pair of exit rollers 113.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 12(a), the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with the inserted inner sheet P in the forward transport direction (the direction of arrow A) by the pair of exit rollers 113, thereby overlapping the two sheets of the sheet S again and closing the opening. Then, the sheet S with the interleaved sheet P sandwiched therebetween is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or a roller (not shown) arranged thereafter (see FIG. 1).

[0043] As an alternative example, if the sheet processing apparatus is equipped with a heat and pressure device capable of heating and pressing the sheet S, the path may be switched by a branching claw 118 to transport the sheet S to the heat and pressure device, as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0044] In this way, the sheet processing apparatus 100 can open the sheet S widely and insert and hold the inner sheet P therein.

[0045] Next, a lamination processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that include the sheet processing device will be described.

[0046] 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a laminating device equipped with a sheet processing device. The laminating device 200 includes the sheet processing device 100 described above, a branching claw 118 for switching the conveyance path of the sheet S, a heat and pressure roller 120 that is a heat and pressure member capable of heating and pressurizing the sheet S, and a discharge roller 121 provided downstream of the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 14 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a laminating device. This image forming apparatus 300 has a laminating device 200a inside as a laminating device unit. An operation panel 10 is installed on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 300 as a display and operation means for displaying information about the image forming apparatus 300 and accepting operation inputs. This operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing sensory signals to the user.

[0049] Here, the lamination processing device 200a is equipped with a sheet tray 102 for stacking the sheets S or the inner sheets P, and is configured to be able to feed the sheets S and / or the inner sheets P from the image forming device 300. Therefore, an image can be inserted inline into the sheets S or the inner sheets P by the image forming device 300 (for example, a printer, a copier, etc.).

[0050] The main body configuration of the image forming apparatus 300 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 14, 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 the belt 152 runs counterclockwise.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The paper transport path 164 is formed from bottom to top on the right side of the image forming apparatus 300, and leads to the laminating device 200a inside the image forming apparatus 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 300 to perform lamination processing after forming an image on the sheet S will be described.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Since the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, it is also possible to perform lamination processing by the lamination processing device 200a after forming an image on the inner paper P. Also, it is also possible to perform lamination processing after forming images on the inner paper P and the sheet S.

[0063] 15 and 16 are diagrams showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with an external laminating device. In Figs. 15 and 16, the same components as those in Figs. 13 and 14 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The image forming apparatus 400 in FIG. 15 differs from the image forming apparatus 300 in FIG. 14 in that a laminating device 200b is provided outside the image forming apparatus main body.

[0065] The laminating device 200b is configured to transport two overlapping sheets vertically and perform laminating processing. The laminating device 200b is equipped with a sheet tray 102 for stacking sheets S, and is configured so that the inner sheets P can be fed from the image forming device 500 via a relay R. Therefore, any image can be inserted inline into the inner sheets P using a copier or printer (image forming device 500).

[0066] After the inner sheet insertion is completed, the sheet S is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or rollers arranged thereafter. The discharge tray 104 is arranged inside the housing of the lamination processing device 200b. This facilitates the vertical transport of the sheet S toward the discharge tray 104.

[0067] Specifically, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therebetween is conveyed to a fixing section having a heat and pressure roller 120 by the pair of exit rollers 113 or rollers arranged thereafter.

[0068] The sheet S is heated and pressed, and the toner is fixed, when it passes the heat and pressure roller 120. After passing the heat and pressure roller 120, the sheet S continues to be transported vertically downward toward the paper discharge tray 104, and is stacked on the paper discharge tray 104.

[0069] In this way, the pressed sheet S is discharged vertically downward after passing through the heat and pressure roller 120, so that the heated sheet S can be stacked on the discharge tray 104 while preventing the sheet S from bending due to external forces.

[0070] The image forming apparatus 500 in Fig. 16 is configured such that another post-processing device 250 (for example, a paper feeder (stacker) and / or a case binder) is provided downstream of the laminating device 200b. Depending on the user's request, jobs that require laminating and jobs that do not require laminating can be performed in parallel, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of a configuration that is characteristic of the present invention, in which, when a double feed of laminate sheets (sheets S) occurs, sheets S are evacuated to a path (purge tray) that is different from that used in normal times.

[0072] (First embodiment) Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a lamination processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 17, the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 16 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The laminating device 200c has a double feed detection sensor C6 that detects double feeding of sheets S, located downstream in the conveying direction of a feeding unit (sheet tray 102, pickup roller 105, etc.) that feeds sheets S, near the pair of conveying rollers 107. Here, the double feed detection sensor C6 is an example of a double feed detection means, and for example, an ultrasonic sensor or a displacement meter can be used.

[0074] Further, downstream in the conveying direction of the double feed detection sensor C6, there is a sheet processing section (such as an entrance roller pair 108, a winding roller 109, and an exit roller pair 113) that peels off the sheet S and sandwiches the inner sheet P. Further, downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet processing section, there is a heat and pressure roller 120, and an output tray 104 that is a stacking section that stacks the sheet S that has passed through the heat and pressure roller 120.

[0075] The configurations and functions of the sheet processing section and fixing section (heat and pressure roller 120, etc.) have already been explained in the sheet processing apparatus 100 and laminating apparatus 200, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] Furthermore, the laminating device 200c has a purge tray 126 that is arranged separately from the discharge tray 104 and includes an evacuation transport path 124 that branches off from the upstream side of the heat and pressure roller 120 in the transport direction, and a path switching member 119 that switches the transport path of the sheet S. In addition, a pair of transport rollers 125 is provided between the evacuation transport path 124 and the purge tray 126.

[0077] The purge tray 126 has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of sheets S (for example, about 10 sheets), and is provided with a sheet detection sensor C7 that detects the presence or absence of the sheets S. The purge tray 126 is an example of a purge unit, and the sheet detection sensor C7 is an example of a sheet detection means. The sheet detection means may be, for example, a laser displacement meter.

[0078] It is preferable that the sheet detection sensor C7 be able to detect the presence or absence of the sheet S regardless of the control state of the apparatus main body (including when the power is turned off and on again).

[0079] The path switching member 119 is disposed upstream of the heat and pressure roller 120 and the retreat transport path 124, and switches the transport path of the sheet S transported from the sheet processing section to the heat and pressure roller 120 or the retreat transport path 124 (purge tray 126).

[0080] When the lamination processing device 200c of this embodiment detects a double feed of sheets S during lamination processing, it transports the double fed sheets S to the purge tray 126 (purging processing) and also transports another new sheet S to retry the lamination processing.

[0081] Furthermore, the lamination device 200c of this embodiment can also stop the conveyance of the sheet S (conveyance stop processing) when detecting a double feed of the sheet S during lamination processing.

[0082] When a double feed of sheets S is detected, the user can set in advance whether to perform a purge process (and retry the lamination process) or to stop the conveyance of the sheets S. This setting can be performed, for example, using the operation panel 10 installed on the exterior of the lamination processing device 200c.

[0083] 18 shows an operation screen (part 1) displayed on the operation panel for setting the process to be performed when a double feed occurs. If "Refeed" is selected, the lamination processing device 200c will perform a purge process (and retry the lamination process) when it detects a double feed of sheets S. On the other hand, if "Stop" is selected, the transport of sheets S will be stopped when it detects a double feed of sheets S.

[0084] The processing setting for the multiple feeding ("refeed" or "stop") is sent to the control unit of the lamination processing device 200c and is referred to as necessary.

[0085] 19 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the laminating device depending on whether or not there is a double sheet feed, which will be described with reference to this flowchart and FIGS.

[0086] First, in step S101, the laminating apparatus 200c feeds a sheet S from a feeding section, and then in step S102, the double feed detection sensor C6 determines whether double feeding of the sheets S has occurred.

[0087] If it is determined that there is no double feeding (YES), in step S103, the lamination processing device 200c (sheet processing unit) performs a peeling process for the sheet S, and in step S104, performs an insertion process for the inner sheet P. At this time, the path switching member 119 is in a position to transport the sheet S toward the heat and pressure roller 120. Next, in step S105, the sheet S is fixed by the heat and pressure roller 120, and is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 104 via the discharge roller 121.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that a multi-feed has occurred (NO), the process proceeds to step S106, where the lamination processing device 200c refers to the processing setting for when a multi-feed has occurred (see FIG. 18). If the processing setting is "Stop" (YES), the process proceeds to step S107, where the transport of the multi-fed sheets S is promptly stopped. Next, in step S108, an abnormal state that a multi-feed has occurred is notified on the operation panel 10.

[0089] The user who notices the notification from the operation panel 10 (laminating device 200c) can remove the multi-fed sheets S from inside the device where the conveyance has been stopped.

[0090] If the process setting is "re-feed" in the previous step S106 (if NO), the process proceeds to step S109, and the laminating device 200c performs a purge process on the multi-fed sheets S. Specifically, the laminating device 200c (the sheet processing unit thereof) conveys the multi-fed sheets S downstream as is without peeling the sheets S or inserting the inner sheets P. At the same time, the path switching member 119 is switched to a position where the sheets S are conveyed toward the evacuation conveying path 124, and the multi-fed sheets S are conveyed to the purge tray 126 via the conveying roller pair 125.

[0091] Next, in step S110, the sheet S conveyed to the purge tray 126 is detected by the sheet detection sensor C7. The lamination processing device 200c notifies on the operation panel 10 that the multi-fed sheets S are stored in the purge tray 126.

[0092] The operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to the user, and may notify the user of an abnormality by sound, light, or the like.

[0093] Furthermore, notification that sheets S are stored in the purge tray 126 may be given when the purging process for sheets S is started, or after all lamination processes are completed, or when the next lamination process is started.

[0094] Subsequently, the process returns to step S101, and the laminating device 200c feeds a new sheet S from the feeding section (retry of laminating process).

[0095] The laminating device 200c of this embodiment performs a series of operations: a feeding step of feeding the sheet S and the inner paper P, a step of peeling the sheet S, a step of inserting the inner paper P into the peeled sheet S, a fixing step of heating and pressurizing the sheet S sandwiching the inner paper P, and a discharge step of discharging the fixed sheet S to a discharge section. This improves user convenience.

[0096] Furthermore, when a double feed of sheets S is detected, sheet processing and fixing processing are not performed on the sheets S, and the sheets S are transported and stored in the purge tray 126, and the feeding process of another sheet S can be retried. Therefore, the double-fed sheets S can be maintained in a reusable state, and the lamination process can be continued without an abnormal stop.

[0097] (Variation) As a modification of the above-described lamination processing device, a discharge section for discharging the fixed sheet S outside the device may be provided instead of the discharge tray 104. By eliminating the discharge tray 104, the entire device can be made more compact.

[0098] (Second embodiment) The lamination device 200c of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it changes whether to perform a purge process (first multi-feed processing mode) for the sheets S or a transport stop process (second multi-feed processing mode) depending on the number of multi-fed sheets S (multi-fed sheet count). The number of multi-fed sheets S (i.e., the thickness of the sheets) can be detected by a multi-feed detection sensor C6.

[0099] Furthermore, the threshold value for switching between the purge process (first multifeed processing mode) and the conveyance stop process (second multifeed processing mode) for the sheet S can be set in advance by the user using the operation panel 10, for example.

[0100] 20 shows an operation screen (part 2) displayed on the operation panel for setting the process to be performed when multiple sheets S are fed. When "Refeed" is selected and the threshold for the number of multiple fed sheets is selected (in the figure, "2 sheets or less" is selected), the lamination processing device 200c performs a purge process if the number of multiple fed sheets S is 2 or less, and performs a transport stop process if the number of multiple fed sheets S is 3 or more.

[0101] If "Stop" is selected, the laminating device 200c will stop conveying the sheet S at the point in time when it detects that the sheet S has been fed multiple times.

[0102] 21 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the lamination processing device depending on whether or not there is a multi-feed of sheets and a predetermined number of multi-feed sheets, which will be described with reference to this flowchart and FIGS.

[0103] Steps S101 to S105 are the same as in the first embodiment, so the description will begin with step S201. In step S201, the laminating device 200c compares the thickness of the sheet S detected by the multi-feed detection sensor C6 with the thickness of a predetermined number of multi-fed sheets (here, the thickness of two sheets) and determines whether the number of multi-fed sheets is three or more.

[0104] If it is determined that the number of multi-fed sheets is three or more (YES), the process proceeds to step S202, and the conveyance of the multi-fed sheets S is promptly stopped. Next, in step S203, an abnormal state that a multi-fed has occurred is notified on the operation panel 10.

[0105] On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of overlapped sheets is two or less (if NO), the process proceeds to step S204, and the laminating device 200c performs a purge process on the overlapped sheets S. Specifically, the laminating device 200c (the sheet processing unit thereof) conveys the overlapped sheets S downstream as is without peeling the sheets S or inserting the inner sheets P. At the same time, the path switching member 119 is switched to a position where the sheets S are conveyed toward the evacuation conveying path 124, and the overlapped sheets S are conveyed to the purge tray 126 via the conveying roller pair 125.

[0106] Subsequently, the process returns to step S101, and the laminating device 200c feeds a new sheet S from the feeding section (retry of laminating process).

[0107] In this way, when the lamination processing device 200c of this embodiment detects a double feed of sheets S, it can change whether to perform a purge process (first double feed processing mode) of sheets S or a transport stop process (second double feed processing mode) depending on a predetermined number of double feeds.

[0108] The number of sheets that can be fed multiple times can be set by the user. Therefore, when two sheets are fed multiple times, which occurs most frequently, purging and laminating processes are retried, and when three or more sheets are fed multiple times (there is a concern that feeding downstream could damage the sheets S or the device), feeding can be stopped, and other processing can be performed according to specifications.

[0109] (Third embodiment) The lamination processing device 200c of the third embodiment is characterized by having a counting means for counting the number of times that double feeding of sheets S is detected, and when the counting means counts a predetermined number of times in succession, it interrupts the lamination process and issues an alert.

[0110] The counting means is, for example, software installed in the control unit of the laminating device 200c, and counts the number of times that double feeds are detected by the double feed detection sensor C6. For example, if the counting means has counted a predetermined number of times or more (for example, four times or more) in succession, it performs a process to stop conveying the sheet S.

[0111] It is preferable that the predetermined number of times can be set in advance by the user using the operation panel 10 or the like.

[0112] 22 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the laminating device depending on whether or not a double feed of sheets has occurred and the number of times the double feed has been detected. Description will be made with reference to this flowchart and FIG.

[0113] Steps S101 to S108 are the same as in the first embodiment, so the description will begin with step S301. In step S301, the laminating device 200c determines whether the number of times that double feed has been detected by the double feed detection sensor C6 is four or less consecutive times.

[0114] If it is determined that the number of times that multi-feeding has been detected is four or less (YES), the process proceeds to step S302, and the laminating device 200c performs a purge process on the multi-fed sheets S. Specifically, the laminating device 200c (the sheet processing unit thereof) conveys the multi-fed sheets S downstream as is without peeling the sheets S or inserting the inner sheets P. At the same time, the path switching member 119 is switched to a position where the sheets S are conveyed toward the evacuation conveying path 124, and the multi-fed sheets S are conveyed to the purge tray 126 via the conveying roller pair 125.

[0115] Next, in step S303, the sheet S conveyed to the purge tray 126 is detected by the sheet detection sensor C7. The lamination processing device 200c notifies on the operation panel 10 that the multi-fed sheets S are stored in the purge tray 126.

[0116] Subsequently, the process returns to step S101, and the laminating device 200c feeds a new sheet S from the feeding section (retry of laminating process).

[0117] On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of times that double feeding has been detected is five or more (if NO), the process proceeds to step S107, and the conveyance of the double-fed sheets S is promptly stopped. Next, in step S108, an abnormal state that double feeding has occurred is notified on the operation panel 10.

[0118] In this way, the lamination device 200c of this embodiment interrupts the lamination process and notifies the user of an abnormality if multiple feeding of sheets S occurs a predetermined number of times in succession. If multiple feeding occurs continuously more than the predetermined number of times, there is a possibility that some kind of malfunction has occurred in the sheets S and / or the device. The lamination device 200c of this embodiment can alert the user to the malfunction at an early stage.

[0119] (Variation) Multi-feeding of sheets S may occur discontinuously (alternating between multi-feeding and not multi-feeding). Therefore, when the value counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined cumulative number (for example, 10 times), the lamination process may be interrupted and the user may be notified of the abnormality.

[0120] It is preferable that the predetermined cumulative number can be set in advance by the user using the operation panel 10 or the like.

[0121] The present invention has been described in detail above using the embodiments. This embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the embodiment and the modifications may be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10 Operation panel 100 Sheet processing device 102 Sheet Tray 103 Paper tray 104 Paper output tray 105, 106 Pickup roller 107, 125 conveying roller pair 108 Entrance roller pair 109 Winding roller 110 Gripping means 111 Roller member 113 Exit Roller Pair 116 Peeling Nail 118 Branch Claw 119 Path switching component 120 Heat and pressure roller 121 Discharge roller 124 Evacuation transport route 126 Purge Tray 150 Intermediate transfer device 152 Intermediate transfer belt 154c, 154k, 154m, 154y imaging device 156 Exposure equipment 158 Paper feeder 160 First paper feed cassette 162 Second paper feed cassette 164 Paper transport path 166 First paper feed roller 168 Second paper feed roller 170 Conveyor roller 174 Secondary transfer device 176 Fixing device 178 Paper ejection device 180c, 180k, 180m, 180y primary transfer device 188 Image reader 200, 200a, 200b, 200c Lamination processing equipment 250 Aftertreatment Device 300, 400, 500 Image forming device C1, C2, C3, C5 transport sensors C4 Abnormal condition detection sensor C6 Double feed detection sensor C7 Sheet detection sensor R Repeater P Medium paper S sheet (two-ply sheet) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0123] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-143072 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5171526

Claims

1. A lamination processing device that laminates a two-ply sheet formed by overlapping two sheets and joining portions of the two sheets together, and a sheet-like medium inserted between the two sheets, a feeding section that feeds the two-ply sheet; a double-feed detection unit disposed downstream in the conveying direction of the feeding unit and configured to detect double feeding of the two-ply sheets; a sheet processing section disposed downstream of the double feed detection section in a conveying direction, the sheet processing section performing a process of separating the double-sheet stack; a fixing unit disposed downstream in the sheet feeding direction of the sheet processing unit and configured to heat and press the two-ply sheet; a discharge section disposed downstream of the fixing section in a conveying direction and configured to discharge the two-ply sheet that has passed through the fixing section; a purge unit that is arranged separately from the discharge unit and includes an evacuation transport path that branches off from an upstream side of the fixing unit in the transport direction; a path switching member that switches a conveyance path of the two-ply sheet to the fixing unit or the purge unit, When the double feed detection means detects double feeding of the two-ply sheets, the lamination processing device transports the two-ply sheets in a double-fed state to the purge section without processing the two-ply sheets in the sheet processing section or the fixing section, and retries feeding another two-ply sheet.

2. When the double feed detection means detects the double feed of the two-ply sheets, the double-ply sheets are transported to the purge section in the double feed state without being processed in the sheet processing section and the fixing section, and the feeding process of another two-ply sheet is newly retried; 2. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the double feed detection means detects double feeding of the two-ply sheets, it is possible to select to stop conveying the two-ply sheets.

3. When the double feed detection means detects the double feed of the two-ply sheets, the double-ply sheets are transported to the purge section in the double feed state without being processed in the sheet processing section and the fixing section, and the feeding process of another two-ply sheet is newly retried; 3. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when double feeding of the two-ply sheets is detected, stopping of the conveyance of the two-ply sheets is changed depending on a predetermined number of double-fed sheets.

4. The lamination processing device according to claim 3 , further comprising an operation unit that can set the number of sheets to be fed multiple times.

5. A lamination processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sheet processing unit performs sheet processing by peeling off the two stacked sheets and sandwiching the sheet-like medium.

6. 6. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the purge unit is capable of storing a plurality of the two-ply sheets.

7. 7. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the purge section is provided with a sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the double-ply sheet.

8. a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to a user; 8. The lamination processing device according to claim 7, wherein, when the double-ply sheets are stored in the purge section, after the lamination process is completed, a notification is given that the double-ply sheets are stored in the purge section.

9. a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to a user; a counting means for counting the number of times double feeding of the two-ply sheets is detected, 9. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counting means interrupts the laminating process and issues a notification when the counting means has counted a predetermined number of times consecutively.

10. a notification means for issuing a sensory signal to a user; a counting means for counting the number of times double feeding of the two-ply sheets is detected, 10. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the value counted by the counting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined cumulative number, the lamination processing is interrupted and an alarm is issued.

11. The lamination processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and an image forming unit that forms an image.

12. A lamination method for laminating a two-ply sheet formed by overlapping two sheets and joining portions of the two sheets together, and a sheet-like medium inserted between the two sheets, the method comprising: a feeding step of feeding the two-ply sheet; a peeling step of peeling off the two-ply sheet; a fixing step of heating and pressing the two-ply sheet; a discharge step of discharging the heated and pressurized two-ply sheet to a discharge section, A lamination processing method characterized in that, if double feeding of the two-ply sheets is detected during the feeding process, the peeling process and the fixing process are not performed, the two-ply sheets are transported to a purge section in the double-fed state, and the feeding process of another two-ply sheet is retried.

Images