Laminating device

Abstract

Provided is a means with which it is possible to reduce the cost of a laminating device.　A lamination device 1 comprises: a first holder 21 for supporting a first roll 111; a second holder 22 for supporting a second roll 112; an image recording unit 30 for recording an image on a first member 101 drawn out from the first roll 111; an affixing roller 50 for affixing together the first member 101, on which an image is recorded by the image recording unit 30, and a second member 102 drawn out from the second roll 112; a first transport roller 41 positioned between the first roll 111 and the image recording unit 30, the first transport roller 41 transporting the first member 101 drawn out from the first roll 111; and one shared motor 70 for causing both the first roll 111 and the first transport roller 41 to rotate.

Description

Laminating equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminating apparatus for laminating a plurality of members together.

[0002] Conventionally, laminating devices have been known that record an image on a first member pulled out from a first roll and then bond the first member with the image recorded to a second member pulled out from a second roll (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the device described in Patent Document 1, the printing unit forms a print image on a recording medium pulled out from a recording medium roll. The recording medium with the print image formed thereon is cut to a predetermined length by a first cutting unit, transported to a laminating unit, and superimposed on a laminating member pulled out from a laminating member roll by a guide roll in the laminating unit. The superimposed recording medium and laminating member are heated by a pressure and heating roll and separated by a second cutting unit. The recording medium roll, recording medium, laminating member roll, and laminating member correspond to the first roll, first member, second roll, and second member, respectively.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-211593

[0005] In a laminating device, if a drive source for the first roll and a drive source for a transport roller that transports the first member pulled out from the first roll are provided separately, the cost of the device increases.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a means for reducing the cost of a laminating device.

[0007] (1) The laminating device of the present invention includes a first support section that supports a first roll formed by winding a first member, a second support section that supports a second roll formed by winding a second member, an image recording section that records an image on the first member pulled out from the first roll, a laminating roller that bonds the first member on which the image has been recorded in the image recording section to the second member pulled out from the second roll, a transport roller that is located between the first roll and the image recording section and transports the first member pulled out from the first roll, and a single drive source that rotates both the first roll and the transport roller.

[0008] According to the above laminating device, the first roll and the transport roller are driven by a single drive source, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating device.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the drive source has a rotating part that can rotate in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and when the rotating part rotates in the first direction, the first member is transported in a direction in which it is pulled out from the first roll, and when the rotating part rotates in the second direction, the first member is transported in a direction in which it is rewound onto the first roll.

[0010] (3) Preferably, the drive source has a rotating unit that can rotate in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and the laminating device may further include a first transmission unit that transmits the rotational force of the rotating unit in the first direction to the first roll as a rotational force in a direction to rewind the first member, and a second transmission unit that transmits the rotational force of the rotating unit in the first direction to the conveying roller as a rotational force in a direction to pull out the first member.

[0011] (4) Preferably, the first transmission unit transmits the rotational force of the rotating unit in the second direction to the first roll as a rotational force in a direction to unwind the first member, and the second transmission unit transmits the rotational force of the rotating unit in the second direction to the conveying roller as a rotational force in a direction to unwind the first member.

[0012] (5) Preferably, the first transmission unit has a first transmission path and a second transmission path that transmit the rotational force of the rotating unit to the first roll, the first transmission path having a first one-way clutch on the path, and the second transmission path having a second one-way clutch on the path, the rotational force of the rotating unit in the first direction being transmitted to the first roll via the first transmission path but not being transmitted to the first roll via the second transmission path by the second one-way clutch, and the rotational force of the rotating unit in the second direction being transmitted to the first roll via the second transmission path but not being transmitted to the first roll via the first transmission path by the first one-way clutch.

[0013] (6) Preferably, the first transmission part may further include a torque limiter at least one of downstream of the first one-way clutch in the first transmission path and downstream of the second one-way clutch in the second transmission path.

[0014] (7) Preferably, the first transmission part may further include a first detection part that detects the amount of rotation of a member in the first transmission part, at least one of downstream of the first one-way clutch in the first transmission path and downstream of the second one-way clutch in the second transmission path.

[0015] (8) Preferably, the second transmission unit may have a second detection unit that detects the amount of rotation of a member within the second transmission unit.

[0016] (9) Preferably, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit may include at least one of a gear and a belt.

[0017] (10) Preferably, the drive source may include one motor.

[0018] (11) Preferably, when the amount of the first member wound around the first roll is at a minimum and the rotating part rotates in the second direction, a rotational force may be applied to the first roll and the conveying roller such that the peripheral speed of the first member wound around the first roll is faster than the peripheral speed of the conveying roller.

[0019] (12) Preferably, the first transmission unit includes a torque limiter, and the second transmission unit does not include a torque limiter.

[0020] (13) Preferably, the laminating device further includes a control unit, and the control unit may perform, as the skew correction control for the first member, at least one pull-out operation for pulling the first member out from the first roll and at least one rewinding operation for rewinding the first member onto the first roll.

[0021] (14) Preferably, the laminating device further includes a member sensor downstream of the conveying roller for detecting the first member, and the control unit may switch between the pull-out operation and the rewinding operation based on an output signal of the member sensor.

[0022] (15) Preferably, the laminating device further includes a width direction sensor that detects the width direction position of the first member, and the control unit detects a skewed state of the first member based on an output signal of the width direction sensor, and controls the execution of the pulling-out operation and the rewinding operation based on the detected skewed state.

[0023] (16) The laminating device of the present invention includes a first support section that supports a first roll formed by winding a first member; a supply section that supplies a second member; an image recording section that records an image on the first member pulled out from the first roll; a laminating roller that bonds the first member on which the image has been recorded in the image recording section to the second member supplied from the supply section; a transport roller that is located between the first roll and the image recording section and transports the first member pulled out from the first roll; and a single drive source that rotates both the first roll and the transport roller.

[0024] According to the above laminating device, the first roll and the transport roller are driven by a single drive source, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating device.

[0025] According to the present invention, the first roll and the transport roller can be operated by a single drive source, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating device.

[0026] FIG. 1(A) is an external perspective view of a laminating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a finished laminated product 100 produced by the laminating apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the laminating apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the laminating apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first transmission unit 71 and a second transmission unit 72 of the laminating apparatus 1. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing a transmission path of a rotational force in the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72. FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing the direction of the rotational force transmitted by the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 when the common motor 70 of the laminating apparatus 1 rotates forward. FIG. 5(C) is a diagram showing the direction of the rotational force transmitted by the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 when the common motor 70 rotates reversely. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the direction of the rotational force transmitted by the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 when the common motor 70 rotates forward. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the direction of the rotational force transmitted by the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 when the common motor 70 rotates reversely. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the lamination process performed by the control unit 90 of the lamination apparatus 1. Fig. 9(A) is a diagram showing the lamination apparatus 1 before lamination is performed, Figs. 9(B) and 9(C) are diagrams showing the lamination apparatus 1 while skew correction control is being performed, and Fig. 9(D) is a diagram showing the lamination apparatus 1 after the first member 101 has been gripped by the second conveyance roller 42. Fig. 10(A) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 during slack elimination control, Fig. 10(B) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 during transport of the first member 101, Fig. 10(C) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 during image recording, and Fig. 10(D) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 during transport of the first member 101 after the laminating roller 50 starts to be driven. Fig. 11(A) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 after transporting the first member 101 to the cutting position by the first cutting unit 68, Fig. 11(B) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 after cutting by the first cutting unit 68, Fig. 11(C) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 after cutting by the second cutting unit 69, and Fig. 11(D) is a diagram showing the laminating apparatus 1 during a rewinding operation. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing how the first member 101 is pulled out during skew correction control, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing how the first member 101 is rewound.Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a first transmission unit 75 and a second transmission unit 76 of a laminating apparatus according to a modified example. Fig. 14(A) is a diagram showing the position of a width direction sensor 64 of a laminating apparatus according to a modified example, and Fig. 14(B) is a diagram showing the positions of width direction sensors 65 and 66 of a laminating apparatus according to a modified example. Fig. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a laminating apparatus 2 according to a modified example.

[0027] The following describes a laminating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the following description, the direction of travel is expressed as the direction from the start point of an arrow to the end point, and the direction of travel on the line connecting the start point and end point of an arrow. Furthermore, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the state in which the laminating apparatus 1 is installed and ready for use (the state shown in FIG. 1A ). The front-to-back direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the operation unit 12 and display unit 13 are provided as the front. The left-to-right direction 9 is defined when viewing the laminating apparatus 1 from the front. The up-to-down direction 7, the front-to-back direction 8, and the left-to-right direction 9 are perpendicular to one another.

[0028] [Overview of Laminating Apparatus 1] As shown in Fig. 1(A), the laminating apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 11. An operation unit 12 and a display unit 13 are located on the front of the housing 11. An outlet 14 is located on the front of the housing 11 below the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13. The laminating apparatus 1 bonds two types of members together to create a finished laminated product 100.

[0029] A tape-like first member 101 and a tape-like second member 102 are supplied to the laminating apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 2 , the first member 101 is wound around a cylindrical core material 113 to form a first roll 111. The second member 102 is wound around a cylindrical core material 114 to form a second roll 112. The first roll 111 and the second roll 112 are mounted in a first holder 21 and a second holder 22 of the laminating apparatus 1, respectively.

[0030] The first member 101 is, for example, a transparent film. As shown in Fig. 1(B) , the second member 102 is a member having an adhesive layer on at least one surface. The second member 102 is, for example, a backing sheet having a first adhesive layer 103 on one surface of a tape layer 104 (the surface facing the first member 101 in the finished laminate 100) and a second adhesive layer 105 on the other surface of the tape layer 104. A release sheet 106 is provided on the opposite side of the tape layer 104 with the second adhesive layer 105 sandwiched therebetween.

[0031] The first member 101 and the second member 102 may be made of any material. The second member 102 may be made of, for example, a resin material such as PET or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), synthetic paper such as Yupo paper (registered trademark), or a metal material. The second member 102 may be transparent or opaque. The first member 101 and the second member 102 may have an adhesive layer on one surface, an adhesive layer on the other surface, or both surfaces, or neither surface may have an adhesive layer. When a material without an adhesive layer is used, the first member 101 and the second member 102 may be bonded together after an adhesive is applied, or may be bonded together by heat welding, pressure bonding, or the like.

[0032] 2 , the recording surface 107 is the surface of the first member 101 on which an image is recorded. The back surface 108 is the surface of the first member 101 opposite the recording surface 107. The bonding surface 109 is the surface of the second member 102 that has the first adhesive layer 103.

[0033] The laminating device 1 bonds the first member 101 and the second member 102 by bringing the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 into close contact with the bonding surface 109 of the second member 102. The laminating device 1 cuts the bonded members to a predetermined size. This creates a finished laminated product 100 shown in FIG. 1(B). The created finished laminated product 100 is discharged from the discharge port 14.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the laminating apparatus 1 includes a first holder 21, a second holder 22, an image recording unit 30, first to fourth conveying rollers 41 to 44, a laminating roller 50, member sensors 61 to 63, a first cutting unit 68, and a second cutting unit 69 inside a housing 11. In addition, the laminating apparatus 1 includes a control unit 90 and various motors inside the housing 11 (see FIG. 3). Guide members (not shown) that support the first member 101 are provided at necessary positions inside the housing 11. This forms a conveying path 15 that runs from the first holder 21 to the second cutting unit 69 via the image recording unit 30, the first cutting unit 68, and the laminating roller 50.

[0035] [First holder 21 and second holder 22] The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 are members that can rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction 9. The thickness of the first holder 21 is equal to the inner diameter of the core material 113 of the first roll 111. The thickness of the second holder 22 is equal to the inner diameter of the core material 114 of the second roll 112. The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 are fixed to the housing 11 or a member fixed to the housing 11.

[0036] The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 are located at positions spaced apart from each other within the housing 11. In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the first holder 21 is located near the center of the housing 11 in the up-down direction 7 and at the rear of the housing 11 in the front-rear direction 8. The second holder 22 is located at the top of the housing 11 in the up-down direction 7 and in front of the center of the housing 11 in the front-rear direction 8. The positions of the first holder 21 and the second holder 22 within the housing 11 are arbitrary.

[0037] Before the laminating apparatus 1 operates, a first roll 111 is attached to the first holder 21, and a second roll 112 is attached to the second holder 22. The first holder 21 rotatably supports the first roll 111. The second holder 22 rotatably supports the second roll 112. A first member 101 is pulled out from the first roll 111 supported by the first holder 21. A second member 102 is pulled out from the second roll 112 supported by the second holder 22. The first holder 21 is an example of a first support portion. The second holder 22 is an example of a second support portion.

[0038] [Image Recording Unit 30] The image recording unit 30 is located downstream of the first roll 111 on the transport path 15. The image recording unit 30 is located above the transport path 15 in the up-down direction 7 and between the first roll 111 and the first cutting unit 68 in the front-rear direction 8. The image recording unit 30 includes a carriage 31 and a recording head 32. Two guide rails (not shown) are located inside the housing 11, extending in the left-right direction 9 and having both ends fixed to the housing 11 or to members fixed to the housing 11. The carriage 31 is placed on the two guide rails. The carriage 31 receives driving force from a CR motor 83 (see FIG. 3 ) and moves in the left-right direction 9.

[0039] The recording head 32 is mounted on a carriage 31. A plurality of nozzles 33 are formed on the underside of the recording head 32. As the carriage 31 moves, the recording head 32 moves in the left-right direction 9. A platen 34 is located below the movement range of the carriage 31. The recording head 32 ejects ink downward from the nozzles 33 while moving in the left-right direction 9. This causes an image to be recorded on the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 being transported on the platen 34. In this way, the image recording unit 30 records an image on the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111.

[0040] [First to fourth conveyance rollers 41 to 44] The first to fourth conveyance rollers 41 to 44 are positioned between the first roll 111 and the laminating roller 50. Specifically, the first conveyance roller 41 and the second conveyance roller 42 are positioned between the first roll 111 and the image recording unit 30 in the front-to-rear direction 8. The third conveyance roller 43 and the fourth conveyance roller 44 are positioned between the image recording unit 30 and the laminating roller 50 in the front-to-rear direction 8. The second conveyance roller 42 is positioned in front of the first conveyance roller 41 in the front-to-rear direction 8. The fourth conveyance roller 44 is positioned in front of the third conveyance roller 43 in the front-to-rear direction 8. The first conveyance roller 41 is an example of a conveyance roller.

[0041] The first conveying rollers 41 include a first roller 411 and a second roller 412. The first roller 411 is located directly above the second roller 412. The first member 101 passes between the first roller 411 and the second roller 412. At this time, the first roller 411 abuts against the recording surface 107 of the first member 101, and the second roller 412 abuts against the back surface 108 of the first member 101. As a result, the first conveying rollers 41 grip the first member 101. The first conveying rollers 41 grip the first member 101 between the first roll 111 and the laminating roller 50.

[0042] The second roller 412 receives a driving force from the common motor 70 (see FIG. 3 ) and rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction 9. Accordingly, the first roller 411 also rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction 9. At this time, a force in a direction pulling the first member 101 from the first roll 111 acts on the first member 101. Furthermore, the second roller 412 receives a driving force in the opposite direction from the common motor 70 and rotates in the reverse direction, and accordingly the first roller 411 also rotates in the reverse direction. At this time, a force in a direction moving the first member 101 closer to the first roll 111 acts on the first member 101.

[0043] The second conveyance rollers 42 include a third roller 421 and a fourth roller 422. The third conveyance rollers 43 include a fifth roller 431 and a sixth roller 432. The fourth conveyance rollers 44 include a seventh roller 441 and an eighth roller 442. The second to fourth conveyance rollers 42 to 44 have the same configurations and functions as the first conveyance roller 41, and therefore will not be described here. Similar to the first conveyance roller 41, the second to fourth conveyance rollers 42 to 44 grip the first member 101 between the first roll 111 and the laminating roller 50.

[0044] Here, of the two rollers included in the first to fourth conveying rollers 41 to 44, the lower roller receives the driving force from the common motor 70. Alternatively, the upper roller may receive the driving force from the common motor 70, or both the upper and lower rollers may receive the driving force from the common motor 70.

[0045] [Laminating Roller 50] The laminating roller 50 is located downstream of the image recording unit 30 on the conveying path 15. The laminating roller 50 is located between the first cutting unit 68 and the second cutting unit 69 in the front-rear direction 8. The laminating roller 50 includes a first laminating roller 51 and a second laminating roller 52. The first laminating roller 51 is located directly above the second laminating roller 52. The first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52 grip the first member 101 and the second member 102 with a predetermined force. As a result, the first member 101 and the second member 102 are bonded together to form the finished laminate 100.

[0046] The second member 102 pulled out from the second roll 112 enters between the first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52. At this time, the laminating surface 109 of the second member 102 faces downward. The first member 101 that has passed through the image recording unit 30 and the first cutting unit 68 enters below the second member 102 between the first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52. At this time, the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 faces upward.

[0047] The second laminating roller 52 receives a driving force from a laminating motor 82 (see FIG. 3 ) and rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction 9. Accordingly, the first laminating roller 51 also rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction 9. The first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52 bond the first member 101 and the second member 102 together by bringing the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 and the bonding surface 109 of the second member 102 into close contact with each other. Note that the first laminating roller 51 may receive a driving force from the laminating motor 82, or both the first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52 may receive a driving force from the laminating motor 82. Also, the laminating roller 50 does not necessarily have to bond the first member 101 and the second member 102 together. For example, if the laminating apparatus 1 has a section downstream of the laminating roller 50 where thermal welding or pressure bonding is performed, a pair of rollers disposed in front of the section and overlapping the first member 101 and the second member 102 will be the laminating roller 50. The laminating roller 50 is also a roller that overlaps the first member 101 and the second member 102.

[0048] [First cutting unit 68] The first cutting unit 68 is located downstream of the image recording unit 30 on the conveying path 15. The first cutting unit 68 is located above the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction 7 and between the third conveying roller 43 and the fourth conveying roller 44 in the front-rear direction 8. The first cutting unit 68 cuts the first member 101 between the second conveying roller 42 and the laminating roller 50.

[0049] The first cutting unit 68 has any configuration capable of cutting the first member 101. The first cutting unit 68 may include, for example, a cutter carriage that receives a driving force from a cutting motor 84 (see FIG. 3 ) and moves in the left-right direction 9, and a cutter mounted on the cutter carriage. Alternatively, the first cutting unit 68 may include a movable blade that receives a driving force from the cutting motor 84 and moves in the up-down direction 7, and a fixed blade that faces the movable blade.

[0050] [Second cutting unit 69] The second cutting unit 69 is located downstream of the laminating roller 50 in the conveying path 15. The second cutting unit 69 is located above the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction 7 and in front of the laminating roller 50 in the front-rear direction 8. The second cutting unit 69 is downstream of the laminating roller 50 in the conveying direction and simultaneously cuts the first member 101 and the second member 102 that have been bonded together by the laminating roller 50.

[0051] The second cutting unit 69 has any configuration capable of cutting the first member 101 and the second member 102. For example, like the first cutting unit 68, the second cutting unit 69 may include a cutter carriage that moves in the left-right direction 9 and a cutter, or may include a movable blade that moves in the up-down direction 7 and a fixed blade that faces the movable blade.

[0052] [Component sensors 61 to 63] The component sensors 61 to 63 are all located above the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction 7. The component sensor 61 is located between the first conveying roller 41 and the second conveying roller 42 in the front-rear direction 8. The component sensor 62 is located between the fourth conveying roller 44 and the laminating roller 50 in the front-rear direction 8. The component sensor 63 is located in front of the second cutting unit 69 in the front-rear direction 8. The component sensor 61 may be located downstream of the first conveying roller 41 on the conveying path 15.

[0053] The member sensor 61 includes a light-emitting element (not shown) that emits light toward the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 transported along the transport path 15, and a light-receiving element (not shown) that receives light reflected by the recording surface 107 of the first member 101. When the first member 101 is present below the member sensor 61, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 61 receives light reflected by the recording surface 107 of the first member 101, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element is greater than the threshold. On the other hand, when the first member 101 is not present below the member sensor 61, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 61 does not receive light reflected by the recording surface 107 of the first member 101, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element is less than the threshold. The member sensor 62 has the same configuration as the member sensor 61.

[0054] The member sensor 63 includes a light-emitting element (not shown) that emits light toward the surface (hereinafter referred to as the opposite surface) of the second member 102 gripped by the laminating roller 50 opposite to the laminating surface 109, and a light-receiving element (not shown) that receives light reflected by the opposite surface of the second member 102. When the second member 102 is present below the member sensor 63, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 63 receives light reflected by the opposite surface of the second member 102, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element is greater than the threshold value. On the other hand, when the second member 102 is not present below the member sensor 63, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 63 does not receive light reflected by the opposite surface of the second member 102, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element is less than the threshold value.

[0055] Although the member sensors 61 to 63 including a light emitting element and a light receiving element are provided above the transport path 15 here, such member sensors 61 to 63 may also be provided below the transport path 15 .

[0056] [Control Unit 90 and Its Peripheral Parts] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, and an EEPROM 94. The ROM 92 stores programs for controlling various operations of the laminating device 1. The EEPROM 94 stores various data used when the above programs are executed. The RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording various data used when the CPU 91 executes the above programs, and as an area for expanding data and programs. When the laminating device 1 is powered on, the programs stored in the ROM 92 are copied and transferred to the RAM 93. The CPU 91 executes the programs stored in the RAM 93. This allows the control unit 90 to perform various controls.

[0057] The ASIC 95 is connected to the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13. The operation unit 12 detects when an operation key is pressed and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressed operation key. The control unit 90 identifies the pressed operation key based on the output signal from the operation unit 12. The display unit 13 displays information related to the operation of the laminating device 1 on its screen based on instructions from the control unit 90.

[0058] The recording head 32 is connected to the ASIC 95. The control unit 90 outputs a signal corresponding to image data to the recording head 32 via the ASIC 95. The recording head 32 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 33 provided in the recording head 32 in response to the signal output from the control unit 90.

[0059] Member sensors 61 to 63 are connected to the ASIC 95. The member sensors 61 to 63 output signals according to the amount of light detected by their light-receiving elements. Based on the output signals from the light-receiving elements, the control unit 90 determines whether the first member 101 or the second member 102 is present at the arrangement positions of the member sensors 61 to 63.

[0060] [Various Motors] The common motor 70, the conveying motor 77, the second roll motor 81, the laminating motor 82, the CR motor 83, and the cutting motor 84 are connected to the ASIC 95. Drive circuits for controlling these motors are incorporated into the ASIC 95. The control unit 90 outputs drive signals for rotating each motor to the drive circuits corresponding to each motor. The drive circuits output drive currents corresponding to the drive signals output from the control unit 90 to the corresponding motors. This causes the corresponding motors to rotate. Note that some of the above motors may be configured as the same motor.

[0061] The common motor 70 is a single motor that rotates both the first roll 111 supported by the first holder 21 and the first conveyor roller 41. The common motor 70 generates power to rotate the first roll 111 and the first conveyor roller 41. A first transmission unit 71 is interposed between the common motor 70 and the first holder 21. The first transmission unit 71 transmits the rotational force of the common motor 70 to the first holder 21. A second transmission unit 72 is interposed between the common motor 70 and the second roller 412. The second transmission unit 72 transmits the rotational force of the common motor 70 to the second roller 412.

[0062] The conveyor motor 77 generates power to rotate the second to fourth conveyor rollers 42 to 44. The rotational force of the conveyor motor 77 is transmitted to the fourth roller 422, the sixth roller 432, and the eighth roller 442 via a transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0063] The second roll motor 81 generates power to rotate the second roll 112 supported by the second holder 22. A torque limiter 85 is interposed between the second roll motor 81 and the second holder 22. The torque limiter 85 is attached to, for example, the rotation shaft of the second holder 22. The torque limiter 85 limits the power of the second roll motor 81 and transmits it to the rotation shaft of the second holder 22.

[0064] The laminating motor 82 generates power to rotate the laminating roller 50. A torque limiter 86 is interposed between the laminating motor 82 and the second laminating roller 52. The torque limiter 86 is attached to, for example, the rotation shaft of the second laminating roller 52. The torque limiter 86 limits the power of the laminating motor 82 and transmits it to the rotation shaft of the second laminating roller 52.

[0065] The control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 to apply force to the first roll 111 and rotate the first conveyance roller 41. The control unit 90 drives the conveyance motor 77 to rotate the second to fourth conveyance rollers 42 to 44, drives the second roll motor 81 to apply force to the second roll 112, and drives the laminating motor 82 to rotate the laminating roller 50. The control unit 90 drives the CR motor 83 to move the carriage 31, and drives the cutting motor 84 to operate the first cutting unit 68 and the second cutting unit 69.

[0066] [First Transmission Unit 71 and Second Transmission Unit 72] Hereinafter, clockwise and counterclockwise are defined with reference to FIG. 4 . The rotation shaft 79 shown in FIG. 4 is the rotation shaft of the common motor 70. The rotation shaft 79 can rotate counterclockwise and clockwise, which is the opposite direction of counterclockwise. Note that FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a gear train and does not accurately show the gear arrangement, gear size, gear tooth shape, etc. Furthermore, the common motor 70 is an example of a drive source. The rotation shaft 79 is an example of a rotating unit. Counterclockwise is an example of a first direction. Clockwise is an example of a second direction.

[0067] The gear 201 is attached to the rotary shaft 79 of the common motor 70 and rotates together with the rotary shaft 79. As shown in Figures 4 and 5A, the first transmission unit 71 has gears 211A, 211B, 212A, 212B, 213A, 213B, 214, 215A, 215B, 216, and 217, one-way clutches 231 and 232, a torque limiter 233, and a rotary encoder 234. The second transmission unit 72 has gears 221A, 221B, 222, and 223, and a rotary encoder 235.

[0068] Gears 212A and 212B are located at the same position in the up-down direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 and have the same rotation axis, so they are depicted in Fig. 4 as if they were one gear at the same position. The same is true for gears 213A and 213B, and gears 215A and 215B. In Fig. 5, "one-way," "limiter," "CW," and "CCW" represent a one-way clutch, a torque limiter, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise rotation, respectively.

[0069] Gear 201 meshes with gear 211A. Gear 212B, which has the same rotation axis as gear 211A, meshes with gears 212A and 213A. Gear 213B, which has the same rotation axis as gear 213A, meshes with gear 214. Gears 212B and 214, which have the same rotation axis as gear 212A, mesh with gear 215A. Gear 215B, which has the same rotation axis as gear 215A, meshes with gear 216. Gear 216 meshes with gear 217 attached to the rotation axis of first holder 21.

[0070] One-way clutch 231 is attached to the rotating shaft of gears 212A and 212B. One-way clutch 231 transmits only counterclockwise rotational force between gears 212A and 212B. One-way clutch 232 is attached to the rotating shaft of gears 213A and 213B. One-way clutch 232 transmits only clockwise rotational force between gears 213A and 213B. Torque limiter 233 is attached to the rotating shaft of gears 215A and 215B. Torque limiter 233 limits the rotational force transmitted between gears 215A and 215B. Rotary encoder 234 is attached to the rotating shaft of gear 215B. Rotary encoder 234 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of gear 215B.

[0071] Gear 201 also meshes with gear 221A. Gear 221B, which has the same rotation axis as gear 221A, meshes with gear 222. Gear 222 meshes with gear 223, which is attached to the rotation axis of second roller 412 included in first conveying roller 41. Rotary encoder 235 is attached to the rotation axis of gear 222. Rotary encoder 235 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of gear 222.

[0072] The rotary encoders 234 and 235 are connected to the ASIC 95 (see FIG. 3). The control unit 90 obtains the amount of rotation of the gear 215B based on the output signal of the rotary encoder 234, and obtains the amount of rotation of the gear 222 based on the output signal of the rotary encoder 235.

[0073] As shown in Figures 5B and 6, when the control unit 90 rotates the common motor 70 in the forward direction, the rotary shaft 79 and gear 201 rotate counterclockwise. The rotational force that rotates the rotary shaft 79 counterclockwise is transmitted to the gears 211A and 221B clockwise and to the gears 212A and 213A counterclockwise. The rotational force that rotates the gear 212A counterclockwise is transmitted to the gear 212B by the action of the one-way clutch 231. On the other hand, the rotational force that rotates the gear 213A counterclockwise is not transmitted to the gear 213B by the action of the one-way clutch 232. Therefore, the rotational force that rotates the gear 215A clockwise is transmitted from the gear 212B to the gear 215A. The rotational force that rotates gear 215A clockwise is transmitted as a rotational force that rotates gear 215B clockwise and gear 216 counterclockwise, and a clockwise rotational force is imparted to gear 217. The clockwise rotational force imparted to gear 217 is a rotational force in a direction that rewinds the first member 101.

[0074] Furthermore, the rotational force that rotates the rotation shaft 79 counterclockwise is transmitted as a rotational force that rotates the gears 221A and 221B clockwise, the gear 222 counterclockwise, and the gear 223 clockwise. The clockwise rotational force imparted to the gear 223 is a rotational force in a direction that pulls out the first member 101.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5C and 7, when the control unit 90 reverses the common motor 70, the rotary shaft 79 and gear 201 rotate clockwise. The rotational force that rotates the rotary shaft 79 clockwise rotates gears 211A and 211B counterclockwise and is transmitted as a rotational force that rotates gears 212A and 213A clockwise. The rotational force that rotates gear 212A clockwise is not transmitted to gear 212B due to the action of one-way clutch 231. On the other hand, the rotational force that rotates gear 213A clockwise is transmitted to gear 212B due to the action of one-way clutch 232, and gear 212B rotates gear 214 counterclockwise. Therefore, a rotational force that rotates gear 215A clockwise is transmitted from gear 214 to gear 215A. The rotational force that rotates gear 215A clockwise is transmitted as a rotational force that rotates gear 215B clockwise and gear 216 counterclockwise, and a clockwise rotational force is applied to gear 217.

[0076] Furthermore, the rotational force that rotates the rotary shaft 79 clockwise is transmitted as a rotational force that rotates the gears 221A and 221B counterclockwise, the gear 222 clockwise, and the gear 223 counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotational force imparted to the gear 223 is a rotational force in a direction that rewinds the first member 101.

[0077] In this way, the first transmission unit 71 transmits the counterclockwise and clockwise rotational forces of the rotation shaft 79 to the first roll 111 as rotational forces in a direction to unwind the first member 101. The second transmission unit 72 transmits the counterclockwise rotational force of the rotation shaft 79 to the first conveyor roller 41 as rotational force in a direction to pull out the first member 101, and transmits the clockwise rotational force of the rotation shaft 79 to the first conveyor roller 41 as rotational force in a direction to unwind the first member 101.

[0078] The first transmission unit 71 has a first transmission path 73 and a second transmission path 74 that transmit the rotational force of the rotation shaft 79 to the first roll 111. The first transmission path 73 runs from gear 211B to gear 215A via gear 212A, one-way clutch 231, and gear 212B. The second transmission path 74 runs from gear 211B to gear 215A via gear 213A, one-way clutch 232, and gears 213B and 214. The first transmission path 73 has a one-way clutch 231 on its path. The second transmission path 74 has a one-way clutch 232 on its path. The one-way clutch 231 is an example of a first one-way clutch. The one-way clutch 232 is an example of a second one-way clutch. The rotary encoder 234 is an example of a first detection unit. The rotary encoder 235 is an example of a second detection unit.

[0079] 4, the counterclockwise rotational force of the rotating shaft 79 is transmitted to the first roll 111 via the first transmission path 73, but is not transmitted to the first roll 111 via the second transmission path 74 due to the one-way clutch 232. In addition, the clockwise rotational force of the rotating shaft 79 is transmitted to the first roll 111 via the second transmission path 74, but is not transmitted to the first roll 111 via the first transmission path 73 due to the one-way clutch 231.

[0080] The first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the one-way clutch 231 has a motor-side portion 231A that rotates together with the gear 212A and a roll-side portion 231B that rotates together with the gear 212B. The one-way clutch 232 has a motor-side portion 232A that rotates together with the gear 213A and a roll-side portion 232B that rotates together with the gear 213B. The torque limiter 233 has a motor-side portion 233A that rotates together with the gear 215A and a roll-side portion 233B that rotates together with the gear 215B.

[0081] 6 and 7 also show the first roll 111, the first roller 411, the second roller 412, the intermediate roller 239, and the first member 101. The first member 101 is pulled out from the first roll 111, passes through the intermediate roller 239, and enters between the first roller 411 and the second roller 412.

[0082] Hereinafter, a state in which the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41 can rotate independently at free speeds is referred to as a "free state." For example, a state in which the second member 102 is not connected between the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41 is the free state. The peripheral speed of the first roll 111 on the circumference when the common motor 70 rotates forward in the free state is defined as V1a, and the conveyance force of the first roll 111 at this time is defined as F1a. The peripheral speed of the first roll 111 on the circumference when the common motor 70 rotates reverse in the free state is defined as V1b, and the conveyance force of the first roll 111 at this time is defined as F1b. The peripheral speed of the first conveyance roller 41 on the circumference when the common motor 70 rotates forward or reverse in the free state is defined as V2, and the conveyance force of the first conveyance roller 41 at this time is defined as F2.

[0083] The conveying forces F1a and F1b are rotational forces limited by the torque limiter 233. The conveying force F2 is a rotational force that is not limited by the torque limiter. Furthermore, while the peripheral speed V2 and the conveying force F2 are constant, the peripheral speeds V1a and V1b and the conveying forces F1a and F1b vary depending on the amount of the first member 101 wound around the first roll 111 (the remaining amount of the first member 101). Here, the description is given assuming that the rotational force and rotational speed when the common motor 70 rotates forward are the same as the rotational force and rotational speed when it rotates reversely; however, the rotational force and rotational speed may be different between the forward and reverse rotations.

[0084] The first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are configured to satisfy the following conditions: (Condition 1) V2<minimum value of V1a (Condition 2) F2>maximum value of F1a (Condition 3) V2<minimum value of V1b (Condition 4) F2<minimum value of F1b

[0085] When the common motor 70 rotates forward, V2<V1a and F2>F1a hold, and the conveying force of the first conveying roller 41 is greater than the conveying force of the first roll 111, so the first member 101 is conveyed in the pulling direction at a speed V2. At this time, a clockwise rotational force is applied to the first roll 111 via the first transmission unit 71, and a counterclockwise rotational force is applied from the first conveying roller 41 to the first member 101. Because the latter is greater than the former, the first roll 111 actually rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, the gear 216 actually rotates clockwise, and the gear 215 actually rotates counterclockwise.

[0086] At this time, in the torque limiter 233, the motor-side portion 233A rotates clockwise and the roll-side portion 233B rotates counterclockwise, which generates a rotational force that suppresses the rotation of the first roll 111 in the unwinding direction, and the first member 101 is conveyed in the unwinding direction while maintaining the tension of the conveying force F1a.

[0087] When the common motor 70 rotates in the reverse direction, V2<V1b and F2<F1b hold, and the peripheral speed of the first roll 111 is greater than the peripheral speed of the first conveyance roller 41, so the first member 101 is conveyed in the rewinding direction at a speed V1b. At this time, a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the first conveyance roller 41 via the second transmission unit 72, and a counterclockwise rotational force is applied from the first roll 111 to the first member 101. Therefore, the first conveyance roller 41 rotates at a speed V1b that is faster than the speed V2 caused by the rotational force applied via the second transmission unit 72.

[0088] In this way, the laminating apparatus 1 is configured so that when the rotating shaft 79 rotates counterclockwise, the first member 101 is transported in a direction in which it is pulled out from the first roll 111, and when the rotating shaft 79 rotates clockwise, the first member 101 is transported in a direction in which it is rewound onto the first roll 111. Specifically, the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are configured so that the first member 101 is transported as described above.

[0089] Furthermore, the laminating apparatus 1 is configured so that, when the rotating shaft 79 rotates clockwise with the amount of the first member 101 wound around the first roll 111 at a minimum, a rotational force is applied to the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41 such that the peripheral speed of the first member 101 wound around the first roll 111 is faster than the peripheral speed of the first conveyance roller 41. Specifically, the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are configured to satisfy the above-mentioned relationship in magnitude between the speeds. However, this relationship in magnitude between the speeds should be satisfied only when the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41 can rotate at any speed independently of each other (for example, when it is assumed that the first member 101 is not connected between the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41).

[0090] [Lamination Process by Control Unit 90] The lamination process by the control unit 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The lamination process shown in FIG. 8 is performed by the control unit 90 by executing a program stored in RAM 93. The control unit 90 performs the lamination process, for example, when an instruction to perform the lamination process is received from the operation unit 12. When the control unit 90 performs the lamination process, the lamination device 1 operates as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. Note that FIGS. 9 to 11 show only the main elements of the lamination device 1. Because the third conveyance roller 43 and the fourth conveyance roller 44 play a minor role in the lamination process, a description of the third conveyance roller 43 and the fourth conveyance roller 44 will be omitted below.

[0091] 9A shows an initial state before lamination processing is performed. In the initial state, the control unit 90 stops the first roll 111, the second roll 112, and the laminating roller 50. In the initial state, the leading end of the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111 is gripped by the first conveyance roller 41, and the leading end of the second member 102 pulled out from the second roll 112 is gripped by the laminating roller 50. In addition, the laminating roller 50 grips the remaining first member 101 generated in the previous laminating processing.

[0092] When a user starts using the laminating device 1, the user attaches the first roll 111 to the first holder 21, attaches the second roll 112 to the second holder 22, and causes the first conveying roller 41 to grip the leading edge of the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111, and causes the laminating roller 50 to grip the leading edge of the second member 102 pulled out from the second roll 112. This brings the laminating device 1 into the initial state shown in FIG.

[0093] [Skew Correction of First Member 101 and Second Member 102] At the beginning of the laminating process, the control unit 90 corrects skew of the first member 101 and the second member 102 (S11). In S11, the control unit 90 rotates the common motor 70 in the forward direction, applying a force to the first conveyance roller 41 that acts in a direction to pull out the first member 101 (see FIGS. 9B and 12A). At this time, a force that acts in a direction to rewind the first member 101 is applied from the common motor 70 to the first roll 111. However, since the latter force is smaller than the former force, the first member 101 is pulled out toward the downstream side of the conveyance path 15 (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "pull-out operation").

[0094] Following the pull-out operation, the control unit 90 reverses the common motor 70 to apply a force to the first conveyance roller 41 that acts in a direction to rewind the first member 101 (see FIGS. 9C and 12B). At this time, the common motor 70 also applies a force that acts in a direction to rewind the first member 101 to the first roll 111. As a result, the first member 101 is rewound onto the first roll 111 (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "rewinding operation").

[0095] In the pulling-out operation, the control unit 90 pulls out the first member 101 based on the output signal of the member sensor 61 until the leading end of the first member 101 reaches the position of the member sensor 61. In the rewinding operation, the control unit 90 rewinds the first member 101 by a predetermined amount based on the output signal of the rotary encoder 235 included in the second transmission unit 72. As skew correction control for the first member 101, the control unit 90 executes the pulling-out operation and the rewinding operation of the first member 101 at least once each.

[0096] In addition to the skew correction control of the first member 101, in S11 the control unit 90 drives the laminating motor 82 to apply a force acting in a direction to pull out the second member 102 to the laminating roller 50 (see FIG. 9B ). At this time, a force acting in a direction to rewind the second member 102 is applied from the second roll motor 81 to the second roll 112. However, since the latter force is smaller than the former force, the second member 102 is pulled out toward the laminating roller 50.

[0097] Following the operation of pulling out the second member 102, the control unit 90 drives the laminating motor 82 in the reverse direction to apply a force acting in a direction to rewind the second member 102 to the laminating roller 50 (see FIG. 9C ). At this time, a force acting in a direction to rewind the second member 102 is also applied from the second roll motor 81 to the second roll 112. As a result, the second member 102 is rewound onto the second roll 112.

[0098] In the operation of pulling out the second member 102, the control unit 90 pulls out the second member 102 based on the output signal of the member sensor 63 until the leading end of the second member 102 reaches the position of the member sensor 63. In the operation of rewinding the second member 102, the control unit 90 rewinds the second member 102 by a predetermined amount based on the output signal of a rotary encoder (not shown) attached to the rotation shaft of the laminating roller 50. As skew correction control for the second member 102, the control unit 90 executes the operation of pulling out and the operation of rewinding the second member 102 at least once each.

[0099] When a user causes the first conveyor roller 41 to grip the leading end of the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111, the first member 101 may be gripped at an angle by the first conveyor roller 41, as shown in Fig. 12(A) . In this case, the skew of the first member 101 can be corrected by alternately performing the pulling-out operation (Fig. 12(A)) and the rewinding operation (Fig. 12(B)) of the first member 101. The skew of the second member 102 can also be corrected in a similar manner.

[0100] In S11, the control unit 90 performs in parallel the skew correction of the first member 101 and the skew correction of the second member 102. Note that the control unit 90 may perform either the skew correction of the first member 101 or the skew correction of the second member 102 first, and then perform the other.

[0101] [Gripping the First Member 101 by the Second Conveyor Roller 42] Next, the control unit 90 causes the second conveyor roller 42 to grip the first member 101 (S12). In S12, the control unit 90 stops driving the laminating motor 82 and the second roll motor 81, thereby stopping the laminating roller 50 and the second roll 112. Thereafter, the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 to apply a force to the first conveyor roller 41 acting in a direction to pull out the first member 101. At this time, a force acting in a direction to rewind the first member 101 is also applied from the common motor 70 to the first roll 111. Because the latter force is smaller than the former force, the first member 101 is pulled out toward the downstream side of the conveyance path 15 while maintaining a predetermined tension. When the leading end of the first member 101 reaches the second conveyor roller 42, the second conveyor roller 42 grips the first member 101 (see FIG. 9D ).

[0102] [Transportation of First Member 101 and Image Recording] Next, the control unit 90 controls the transport of the first member 101 (S13). In S13, the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 to rotate the first transport rollers 41 and the second transport rollers 42, causing the first transport rollers 41 and the second transport rollers 42 to transport the first member 101 (see FIG. 10B ).

[0103] Next, the control unit 90 stops the conveyance of the first member 101 and drives the image recording unit 30 to record an image on the first member 101 (S14). In S14, the control unit 90 stops the drive of the common motor 70, stops the rotation of the first conveyance roller 41 and the second conveyance roller 42, and stops the first member 101. While the first member 101 is stopped, ink is ejected from the recording head 32 of the image recording unit 30 onto the recording surface 107 of the first member 101. As a result, an image is recorded on part of the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 (see FIG. 10C ).

[0104] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether or not to continue recording the image (S15). If the control unit 90 determines to continue recording the image (S15: Yes), the control unit 90 proceeds to S13. The control unit 90 repeatedly executes S13 and S14 until it determines No in S15. As a result, images are recorded sequentially on the first member 101 from the downstream side to the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that in Figure 10(B) and other figures, the hatched area on the first member 101 indicates the portion on which the image recording unit 30 recorded an image in one image recording.

[0105] [Driving the Laminating Roller 50] After executing S13, the control unit 90 determines that the first member 101 has reached the laminating roller 50 based on the output signal of the member sensor 62, and starts driving the laminating roller 50. The control unit 90 simultaneously starts driving the laminating motor 82 and the second roll motor 81. After this, the control unit 90 drives the laminating motor 82 to apply a force to the laminating roller 50 that acts in a direction to pull out the second member 102. At this time, a force that acts in a direction to rewind the second member 102 is applied from the second roll motor 81 to the second roll 112 (see FIG. 10D ). After this, the laminating roller 50 bonds the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 and the laminating surface 109 of the second member 102 together.

[0106] [Cutting by First Cutting Unit 68] If the control unit 90 determines in S15 not to continue recording of the image (S15: No), the process proceeds to S16. In this case, the control unit 90 conveys the first member 101 until the cutting position, which is upstream of the position where the image of the first member 101 was recorded, reaches below the first cutting unit 68 (S16). In S16, the control unit 90 performs the same process as S13. However, while the laminating roller 50 is rotating, the first member 101 is conveyed by both the force from the second conveyance roller 42 and the force from the laminating roller 50 (see FIG. 11A ).

[0107] Next, the control unit 90 causes the first cutting unit 68 to cut the first member 101 (S17). In S17, the control unit 90 drives the cutting motor 84 to operate the first cutting unit 68. The first cutting unit 68 cuts the first member 101 at the cutting position (see FIG. 11B).

[0108] [Cutting by second cutting unit 69] Next, the control unit 90 causes the bonded first member 101 and second member 102 to be transported (S18). In S18, the control unit 90 drives the laminating motor 82 to transport the bonded first member 101 and second member 102 until the cutting position of the bonded first member 101 and second member 102 reaches below the second cutting unit 69.

[0109] After executing S18, the control unit 90 stops the first conveyance roller 41, the second conveyance roller 42, the laminating roller 50, and the second roll 112. At this point, the cutting position of the first member 101 and the second member 102 after lamination is located below the second cutting unit 69.

[0110] Next, the control unit 90 causes the second cutting unit 69 to cut the bonded first member 101 and second member 102 (S19). In S19, the control unit 90 drives the cutting motor 84 to operate the second cutting unit 69. The second cutting unit 69 cuts the bonded first member 101 and second member 102 at the cutting position (see FIG. 11C).

[0111] [Rewinding of First Member 101] Next, the control unit 90 rewinds the first member 101 onto the first roll 111 (S20). In S20, the control unit 90 reverses the common motor 70 to rotate the first conveyance roller 41 and the second conveyance roller 42 in opposite directions. The first conveyance roller 41 and the second conveyance roller 42 apply a force in a direction to rewind the first member 101. At this time, the common motor 70 also applies a force to the first roll 111 in a direction to rewind the first member 101. Therefore, the first member 101 is conveyed toward the first roll 111 and rewound onto the first roll 111 (see FIG. 11D ).

[0112] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the laminating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the first holder 21 (first support portion), the second holder 22 (second support portion), the image recording unit 30, the laminating roller 50, and the common motor 70 (drive source). The common motor 70 is a single motor that rotates both the first roll 111 and the first transport roller 41 (transport roller). Therefore, according to the laminating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the first roll 111 and the first transport roller 41 can be operated by the single common motor 70, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus 1.

[0113] Furthermore, when the rotating shaft 79 (rotating portion) of the common motor 70 rotates counterclockwise (first direction), the first member 101 is transported in a direction to be pulled out from the first roll 111, and when the rotating shaft 79 rotates clockwise (second direction), the first member 101 is transported in a direction to be rewound onto the first roll 111. Therefore, by rotating the rotating shaft 79 clockwise and counterclockwise, the operation of pulling out the first member 101 from the first roll 111 and the operation of rewinding the first member 101 onto the first roll 111 can be performed, thereby correcting skew of the first member 101. Therefore, after the first member 101 is brought into a state where it is not skewed, an image can be recorded on the first member 101 and then the first member 101 is laminated to the second member 102, thereby obtaining a finished laminate product 100 with little misalignment.

[0114] The laminating apparatus 1 also includes a first transmission unit 71 and a second transmission unit 72. The first transmission unit 71 transmits the counterclockwise and clockwise rotational forces of the rotating shaft 79 to the first roll 111 as rotational forces in a direction to unwind the first member 101. The second transmission unit 72 transmits the counterclockwise rotational force of the rotating shaft 79 to the first conveyor roller 41 as rotational force in a direction to pull out the first member 101, and transmits the clockwise rotational force of the rotating shaft 79 to the first conveyor roller 41 as rotational force in a direction to unwind the second member 102. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 79 rotates counterclockwise, it applies rotational forces in opposite directions to the first roll 111 and the first conveying roller 41, thereby applying tension to the first member 101 located between the first roll 111 and the first conveying roller 41, and when the rotating shaft 79 rotates clockwise, it applies rotational forces in the same direction to the first roll 111 and the first conveying roller 41, thereby rewinding the first member 101.

[0115] The first transmission unit 71 has a first transmission path 73 and a second transmission path 74. The first transmission path 73 has a one-way clutch 231 (first one-way clutch) thereon, and the second transmission path 74 has a one-way clutch 232 (second one-way clutch) thereon. The counterclockwise rotational force of the rotating shaft 79 is transmitted to the first roll 111 via the first transmission path 73 but is not transmitted to the first roll 111 via the second transmission path 74 by the one-way clutch 232. The clockwise rotational force of the rotating shaft 79 is transmitted to the first roll 111 via the second transmission path 74 but is not transmitted to the first roll 111 via the first transmission path 73 by the one-way clutch 231. Therefore, the first transmission unit 71 can apply the clockwise and counterclockwise rotational forces of the rotating shaft 79 to the first roll 111 as rotational forces in a direction to rewind the first member 101.

[0116] A torque limiter 233 and a rotary encoder 234 (first detection unit) are attached to the rotation shaft of the gear 215B. The torque limiter 233 and the rotary encoder 234 may be provided at least one of downstream of the one-way clutch 231 in the first transmission path 73 and downstream of the one-way clutch 232 in the second transmission path 74. This allows the rotational force limited by the torque limiter 233 to be applied to the first roll 111. The rotary encoder 234 can also detect the amount of rotation of the members in the first transmission unit 71.

[0117] A rotary encoder 235 (second detection unit) is attached to the rotation shaft of the gear 222. The rotary encoder 235 may be provided at any position within the second transmission unit 72. The rotary encoder 235 can detect the amount of rotation of the members within the second transmission unit 72. The first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 also include gears. Therefore, the gears can transmit the rotational force of the rotation shaft 79 to the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41.

[0118] Furthermore, when the rotating shaft 79 rotates clockwise with the amount of the first member 101 wound around the first roll 111 at a minimum, a rotational force is applied to the first roll 111 and the first conveying roller 41 such that the peripheral speed of the first member 101 wound around the first roll 111 is faster than the peripheral speed of the first conveying roller 41. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 79 rotates counterclockwise, the first member 101 can be unwound while applying tension to the first member 101 located between the first roll 111 and the first conveying roller 41.

[0119] Furthermore, the first transmission unit 71 includes a torque limiter 233, while the second transmission unit 72 does not include a torque limiter. Therefore, a rotational force limited by the torque limiter 233 can be applied to the first roll 111, and a rotational force not limited by the torque limiter can be applied to the first conveying roller 41.

[0120] Furthermore, the control unit 90 of the laminating device 1 executes the unwinding operation and the rewinding operation at least once each as skew correction control for the first member 101. This makes it possible to correct skew in the first member 101. Therefore, after the first member 101 is brought into a state where it is not skewed, an image is recorded on the first member 101 and the first member 101 is then bonded to the second member 102, thereby obtaining a laminated finished product 100 without distortion.

[0121] The laminating device 1 also includes a member sensor 61 between the first conveyor roller 41 and the second conveyor roller 42 in the front-rear direction 8 (downstream of the first conveyor roller 41). The control unit 90 switches between the pull-out operation and the rewinding operation based on the output signal of the member sensor 61. Therefore, the control unit 90 can switch between the pull-out operation and the rewinding operation in response to the member sensor 61 detecting the first member 101.

[0122] [Modifications] Various modifications can be made to the laminating apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment. The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit of the laminating apparatus according to the modifications may include belts that transmit rotational force. The first transmission unit 75 shown in FIG. 13 has pulleys 241 and 242 and a belt 243 instead of the gear 217. The pulley 241 has the same rotation axis as the gear 216. The pulley 242 has the same rotation axis as the first holder 21. The belt 243 is looped between the pulleys 241 and 242.

[0123] 13 has pulleys 244 and 245 and a belt 246 instead of the gear 223. The pulley 244 has the same rotation axis as the gear 223. The pulley 245 has the same rotation axis as the second roller 412. The belt 246 is hung between the pulleys 244 and 245. The first transmission unit 75 and the second transmission unit 76 can also transmit the rotational force of the rotation axis 79 to the first roll 111 and the first conveyance roller 41 via the belts 243 and 246.

[0124] The laminating apparatus according to the modified example may include a width direction sensor that detects the widthwise position of the first member 101. In Fig. 14(A), a width direction sensor 64 is located on one widthwise side of the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111. The width direction sensor 64 outputs multiple signals indicating whether or not the first member 101 is present within a predetermined range. In Fig. 14(B), width direction sensors 65 and 66 are located on one widthwise side and the other widthwise side of the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111, respectively. The width direction sensors 65 and 66 each output one signal indicating whether or not the first member 101 is present at a predetermined position.

[0125] The control unit 90 detects the skew state of the first member 101 based on the output signal of the width direction sensor 64 (or the width direction sensors 65, 66), and controls the execution of the unwinding operation and the rewinding operation based on the detected skew state. For example, the control unit 90 repeatedly executes the unwinding operation and the rewinding operation of the first member 101 until it determines that the first member 101 is not skewed. Therefore, with the laminating device according to the modified example, the skew of the first member 101 can be suitably corrected according to the detected skew state of the first member 101. Specifically, when the skew of the first member 101 is small, the skew correction control can be completed in a short time. Even when the skew of the first member 101 is large, the skew of the first member 101 can be reliably corrected.

[0126] A laminating apparatus according to a modified example may be configured to bond a first member 101, which has been pulled out from a first roll 111 and has an image recorded thereon, to a second member 102 of a predetermined length. A laminating apparatus 2 according to a modified example shown in FIG. 15 includes a supply unit 25 that supplies the second member 102 instead of the second holder 22, and does not include a first cutting unit 68. The supply unit 25 includes a cassette 26 that stores the second member 102 of a predetermined length and a feed roller 27 that feeds the second member 102 stored in the cassette 26 toward the laminating roller 50. The laminating apparatus 2 according to the modified example can also operate the first roll 111 and the first conveying roller 41 with a single common motor 70, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus 2.

[0127] The laminating device according to the modified example may have a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit having a configuration different from that of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit described above. For example, the detailed configuration of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit (e.g., the number of gears, the gear ratio, the branching state of the gear train, the position of the one-way clutch or the torque limiter, etc.) may be different from that of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit described above. Furthermore, instead of a one-way clutch, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit may be provided with a planetary gear or a mechanism including a solenoid as a means for not transmitting rotational force in a specific direction.

[0128] The laminating device according to the modified example does not necessarily have to include the third conveying roller 43 and the fourth conveying roller 44. In the laminating device according to the modified example, the second conveying roller 42 may be located at the position of the third conveying roller 43 or the position of the fourth conveying roller 44.

[0129] The laminating device according to the modified example may include a single laminating roller. By arranging the single laminating roller at a suitable position within the housing 11, the first member 101, which has been pulled out from the first roll 111 and on which an image has been recorded by the image recording unit 30, and the second member 102, which has been pulled out from the second roll 112, can be laminated together by the single laminating roller. Furthermore, the laminating device according to the modified example may include, instead of the laminating roller, two plate-like members arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction 7. In this case, a gripping member located downstream in the conveying direction may grip the first member 101 and the second member 102 and pull them in a predetermined direction.

[0130] The laminating device according to the modified example does not need to include the second cutting unit 69. In this case, the member formed by bonding the first member 101 and the second member 102 together is discharged from the discharge port 14 in an uncut state. The user cuts the discharged member outside the laminating device, for example, using scissors.

[0131] In the embodiment and modified examples of the present invention, the common motor 70 is a single motor that rotates both the first roll 111 supported by the first holder 21 and the first conveyor roller 41, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second roll motor 81 may be the common motor 70, the second roll 112 may be the first roll 111, the first conveyor roller 41 may be the laminating roller 50, and the second roll motor 81 may be a single motor that rotates both the second roll 112 supported by the second holder 22 and the laminating roller 50.

[0132] The image recording unit 30 of the laminating device 1 has a recording head 32 that ejects ink and records images using a so-called serial inkjet method, but the configuration of the image recording unit 30 is not limited to this. The recording unit of the laminating device according to the modified example may have a fixed inkjet recording head and record images using a so-called line head method, for example. The recording unit of the laminating device according to the modified example may also record images using a so-called thermal head method. The recording unit of the laminating device according to the modified example may also record images using a so-called laser method in which toner is fixed to the recording medium using laser light.

[0133] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2... Laminating device 21... First holder (first support section) 22... Second holder (second support section) 25... Supply section 30... Image recording section 41... First conveying roller (conveying roller) 50... Laminating roller 61... Member sensor 64, 65... Width direction sensor 70... Common motor (driving source) 71, 75... First transmission section 72, 76... Second transmission section 73... First transmission path 74... Second transmission path 79... Rotating shaft (rotating section) 90... Control section 100... Laminated finished product 101... First member 102... Second member 111... First roll 112... Second roll 211-217, 221-223... Gears 231... One-way clutch (first one-way clutch) 232... One-way clutch (second one-way clutch) 233: Torque limiter 234: Rotary encoder (first detection unit) 235: Rotary encoder (second detection unit) 243, 246: Belt

Claims

1. A laminating device comprising: a first support section that supports a first roll formed by winding a first member; a second support section that supports a second roll formed by winding a second member; an image recording section that records an image on the first member pulled out from the first roll; a laminating roller that bonds the first member on which the image has been recorded by the image recording section to the second member pulled out from the second roll; a transport roller that is located between the first roll and the image recording section and transports the first member pulled out from the first roll; and a single drive source that rotates both the first roll and the transport roller.

2. The lamination apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive source has a rotating part that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and when the rotating part rotates in the first direction, the first member is transported in a direction in which it is pulled out from the first roll, and when the rotating part rotates in the second direction, the first member is transported in a direction in which it is rewound onto the first roll.

3. The lamination device as described in claim 1, wherein the drive source has a rotating part that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and further comprises: a first transmission part that transmits the rotational force of the rotating part in the first direction to the first roll as a rotational force in a direction to rewind the first member, and a second transmission part that transmits the rotational force of the rotating part in the first direction to the conveying roller as a rotational force in a direction to pull out the first member.

4. A lamination apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein the first transmission unit transmits the rotational force of the rotating unit in the second direction to the first roll as a rotational force in a direction to rewind the first member, and the second transmission unit transmits the rotational force of the rotating unit in the second direction to the conveying roller as a rotational force in a direction to rewind the first member.

5. A laminating apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein the first transmission section has a first transmission path and a second transmission path for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating section to the first roll, the first transmission path has a first one-way clutch on the path, and the second transmission path has a second one-way clutch on the path, the rotational force of the rotating section in the first direction is transmitted to the first roll via the first transmission path but is not transmitted to the first roll via the second transmission path by the second one-way clutch, and the rotational force of the rotating section in the second direction is transmitted to the first roll via the second transmission path but is not transmitted to the first roll via the first transmission path by the first one-way clutch.

6. A lamination apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein the first transmission section further has a torque limiter at least one of downstream of the first one-way clutch in the first transmission path and downstream of the second one-way clutch in the second transmission path.

7. A lamination apparatus as described in claim 5, wherein the first transmission section further has a first detection section for detecting the amount of rotation of a member within the first transmission section, at least either downstream of the first one-way clutch in the first transmission path or downstream of the second one-way clutch in the second transmission path.

8. A laminating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said second transmission section has a second detection section for detecting the amount of rotation of a member within said second transmission section.

9. The laminating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first transmission section and the second transmission section include at least one of a gear and a belt.

10. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drive source includes one motor.

11. A laminating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein when the amount of the first member wound around the first roll is at a minimum and the rotating portion rotates in the second direction, a rotational force is applied to the first roll and the transport roller such that the peripheral speed of the first member wound around the first roll is faster than the peripheral speed of the transport roller.

12. The laminating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first transmission section includes a torque limiter, and the second transmission section does not include a torque limiter.

13. A laminating apparatus as described in claim 1, further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit executes at least one pull-out operation of pulling out the first member from the first roll and one rewinding operation of rewinding the first member onto the first roll as skew correction control for the first member.

14. The laminating apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a member sensor downstream of the conveying roller for detecting the first member, and the control unit switches between executing the pulling-out operation and the rewinding operation based on an output signal from the member sensor.

15. A laminating apparatus as described in claim 14, further comprising a width direction sensor for detecting the width direction position of the first member, wherein the control unit detects a skewed state of the first member based on an output signal of the width direction sensor, and controls the execution of the pulling out operation and the rewinding operation based on the detected skewed state.

16. A laminating apparatus comprising: a first support section that supports a first roll formed by winding a first member; a supply section that supplies a second member; an image recording section that records an image on the first member pulled out from the first roll; a laminating roller that bonds the first member on which the image is recorded by the image recording section to the second member supplied from the supply section; a transport roller that is positioned between the first roll and the image recording section and transports the first member pulled out from the first roll; and a single drive source that rotates both the first roll and the transport roller.

Images