JP2023184023A - Laminate processing device, image formation device and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

To execute cooling processing to decrease temperature by rotating-driving a thermal fixation roller if the thermal fixation roller is at temperature not lower than prescribed temperature when stopping the thermal fixation roller, and to provide notification that an opening/closing door cannot be opened.SOLUTION: A laminate processing device includes: a thermal fixation roller configured to transport a two-layered sheet; driving means configured to rotate and drive the thermal fixation roller; heating means configured to heat the thermal fixation roller; temperature detection means configured to detect temperature of the thermal fixation roller; an opening/closing door composing an outer wall of a device body and configured to expose the thermal fixation roller when opened; and notification means configured to issue a perception signal to a user. If the temperature is not lower than prescribed temperature in stopping the thermal fixation roller, the thermal fixation roller is rotated and driven as cooling processing of the thermal fixation roller, in a state where the heating means is stopped, and when the temperature turns lower than the prescribed temperature, the thermal fixation roller is stopped. The notification means provides notification that the opening/closing door cannot be opened from the rotation and the drive of the thermal fixation roller until the stop thereof, in the cooling processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a laminating processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

Insert an inner paper (paper, photo, etc.) into a two-ply sheet (laminate sheet or laminate film) in which two sheets are stacked and joined (connected) on one side, and heat and pressure are applied. A technique called lamination processing, in which stacked sheets are bonded together, is known.

A lamination processing apparatus that performs lamination processing includes a heat fixing section that applies heat and pressure to two stacked sheets. The heat fixing section includes a pair of heat fixing rollers that are heated and driven to rotate, and forms a nip section through which two stacked sheets pass. By passing a two-ply sheet sandwiching a sheet-like medium through this nip portion, the two-ply sheet can be thermally fixed (adhered).

The heat fixing roller is heated and controlled so that its surface temperature is the optimum temperature for heat fixing, but depending on usage conditions, the temperature may exceed a predetermined temperature (abnormally high temperature). Therefore, techniques for preventing defects such as thermal deformation (thermal damage) in the heat fixing roller have been studied and implemented.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a fixing device of an image forming apparatus, when the temperature of the heating roller at a predetermined time falls outside the allowable temperature range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the heater is stopped, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified, and the heating roller is heated. A control (configuration) for rotating a roller (fixing roller) is disclosed. In this fixing device, since the heating roller rotates without being heated when an abnormality occurs, the surface temperature decreases and problems such as thermal damage can be avoided.

However, it takes time for the temperature of the heating roller to drop to a predetermined temperature, and users who receive notification of an abnormality do not know when they can open the door (cover) of the image forming apparatus and inspect the fixing device. There was a problem. Therefore, the user may open the door (cover) of the image forming apparatus before the temperature of the heating roller has completely decreased, which may cause damage to the heating roller. This also applies to laminating apparatuses having a heat fixing section.

Therefore, in the present invention, when the heat fixing roller is stopped, if the temperature of the heat fixing roller is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven to perform a cooling process to lower the temperature, and the door is not opened. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a lamination processing device that notifies the user that lamination is not possible.

The above-mentioned problem is a laminate processing apparatus that performs a lamination process in which heat and pressure are applied to heat and fix two stacked sheets that sandwich a sheet-like medium, and a heat fixing roller that conveys the two stacked sheets and a A driving means for rotationally driving the fixing roller, a heating means for heating the heat fixing roller, and a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat fixing roller constitute an outer wall of the main body of the apparatus, and when the heat fixing roller is opened, the heat fixing roller is heated. In a laminating apparatus comprising an exposed opening/closing door and a notification means for emitting a sensory signal to a user, when the heat fixing roller is stopped, if the temperature of the heat fixing roller is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing As the roller cooling process, the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven with the heating means stopped, and when the temperature of the heat fixing roller becomes less than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller is stopped; and a laminating processing apparatus, characterized in that in the cooling process, the notification means notifies that the opening/closing door cannot be opened from the time when the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven until it is stopped. solved by.

In the lamination processing apparatus of the present invention, during the cooling process, the notification means notifies that the opening/closing door cannot be opened from the time when the heat fixing roller is rotated until it is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the opening/closing door from being opened during the cooling process, thereby reducing risks to the user and the possibility of heat damage to the heat fixing roller.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing main parts of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (Part 2) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 3) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram (Part 4) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram (part 5) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram (part 6) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram (part 7) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram (No. 8) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (part 1) showing a single insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (part 2) showing a single insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (Part 3) showing a single insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (Part 1) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (Part 2) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram (Part 3) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram (No. 4) showing a multiple insertion mode of the sheet processing device. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram (No. 9) showing the main parts of the sheet processing device. It is a schematic diagram of the peeling claw with which a sheet processing apparatus is provided. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the drive structure of a peeling nail. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a peeling claw is inserted into a sheet S. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the state of the peeling claw and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a perspective view (Part 2) showing the state of the peeling claw and the sheet S in FIG. 8. FIG. This is a modification of the guide path of two separated sheets. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a lamination processing apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus including a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram showing a modified example of an image forming apparatus including a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is an overall configuration diagram (part 1) showing an image forming apparatus externally equipped with a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram (Part 2) showing an image forming apparatus externally equipped with a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations from sheet feeding to inserting an inner sheet to completion of lamination processing. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of a stop process when an abnormality occurs. This is an example of the display screen of the operation panel, in which (a) is a display indicating that an abnormality has occurred, (b) is a display indicating that opening is possible, (c) is a display indicating that opening is not possible, and (d) is a display prompting removal of remaining paper. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an alarm notification process. This is an example of a display screen (warning display) on the operation panel. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of locking of a locking mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of unlocking of a locking mechanism. This is an example of the display screen of the operation panel (displaying the status of the opening/closing door). It is an example of the display screen of an operation panel, (a) is a waiting time display, (b) is a temperature display.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment peels two stacked sheets (hereinafter referred to as sheets S) from each other, and inserts a sheet-like medium (hereinafter referred to as inner paper P) into the peeled sheets S to sandwich them. It is something.

Here, the sheet S is a two-ply sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and a portion (or one side) thereof is joined. An example of a two-ply sheet is one in which one side is a transparent sheet such as a transparent polyester sheet and the other side is a transparent or opaque sheet, which are joined together on one side. Further, the two-ply sheet also includes a laminate film.

The inner paper P is an example of a sheet-like medium inserted into these two stacked sheets. In addition to plain paper, sheet media include cardboard, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper (coated paper, art paper, etc.), tracing paper, OHP sheets, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a sheet tray 102 serving as a first stacking means for stacking sheets S, a pickup roller 105 for feeding the sheets S from the sheet tray 102, and a pair of transport rollers 107. Be prepared. The sheet processing apparatus 100 also includes a paper feed tray 103 which is a second stacking means for stacking inner sheets P, and a pickup roller 106 that feeds the inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103.

The sheet tray 102 is provided with a size sensor C6 which is a sheet size detection means for detecting the size of the sheet S (length in the transport direction), and the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a size sensor C6 that detects the size of the inner paper P (length in the transport direction). A size sensor C7 is provided as a medium size detection means for detecting the size of the medium.

These size sensor C6 and size sensor C7 each include a plurality of sensors arranged in line in the conveyance direction. Since the detection result of the sensor changes depending on the size of the stacked sheets S (or inner paper P), the length of the sheet S (or inner paper P) in the conveying direction can be detected.

A conveyance sensor C1 that detects the conveyance position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the conveyance roller pair 107 in the conveyance direction, and a conveyance sensor C2 that detects the conveyance position of the inner paper P is provided downstream of the pickup roller 106 in the conveyance direction. It is being

Note that the length of the sheet S (or inner paper P) in the transport direction may be detected using these transport sensors C1 and C2.

Further, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes, downstream of the transport roller pair 107 and the pickup roller 106, an entrance roller pair 108 as a first transport means, a winding roller 109 as a rotating member, and an exit roller pair as a second transport means. 113, a paper discharge tray 104, and the like. A peeling claw 116, which is a peeling member provided movably in the width direction of the sheet S, is provided between the winding roller 109 and the exit roller pair 113.

A conveyance sensor C3 is provided downstream of the pair of entrance rollers 108 in the conveyance direction to detect the conveyance positions of the sheet S and the inner paper P, and a conveyance sensor C3 is provided downstream of the winding roller 109 in the conveyance direction to detect the state of the sheet S. A detection sensor C4 is provided. A conveyance sensor C5 for detecting the conveyance position of the sheet S is provided downstream of the exit roller pair 113 in the conveyance direction.

Note that the pickup roller 105, the pair of conveyance rollers 107, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the wrapping roller 109 are examples of the first feeding means, and the pickup roller 106, the pair of entrance rollers 108, and the wrapping roller 109 are examples of the first feeding means. This is an example of a feeding means.

An operation panel 10 is installed on the exterior of the sheet processing apparatus 100. The operation panel 10 is a display and operation means for displaying information in the sheet processing apparatus 100 and accepting operation inputs. Further, this operation panel 10 also serves as a notification means for issuing a perceptual signal to the user. Note that, as an alternative, a configuration in which a notification means other than the operation panel 10 is separately provided in the sheet processing apparatus 100 may be used.

The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment stacks sheets S and inner paper P on separate trays, peels and opens the two sheets while conveying the sheet S, and inserts inner paper P into the opening. do. Then, the sheet S with the inner paper P inserted therein is discharged and stacked on the paper discharge tray 104.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram (Part 1) showing the main parts of the sheet processing apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the entrance roller pair 108 and the exit roller pair 113 are each a pair of rollers, for example, 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 nipping and conveying the sheet S and the inner paper P.

The entrance roller pair 108 conveys the sheet S and the inner paper P toward the exit roller pair 113. This conveyance direction is called the normal conveyance direction (direction of arrow A).

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

Further, the sheet processing apparatus 100 includes a winding roller 109, which is a rotating member, and a peeling claw 116 between the entrance roller pair 108 and the exit roller pair 113. The winding roller 109 is driven to rotate in forward and reverse directions by a driving means (such as a motor), and its rotation can be switched between two directions (clockwise/counterclockwise).

The winding roller 109 includes 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 in that it grips the leading end of the sheet S together with the roller member 111. This gripping means 110 may be integrally formed on the outer periphery of the roller member 111, or may be constructed as a separate component.

Next, a series of operations of the sheet processing apparatus 100, ie, operations from peeling off the sheet S to inserting the inner paper P, will be described using FIGS. 1 to 17. Note that in FIGS. 3 to 17, the same parts as in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 1, the sheets S on the sheet tray 102 are stacked such that the joined part of the two sheets is located downstream of the pickup roller 105 in the feeding direction (conveying direction). Then, in the sheet processing apparatus 100 , the sheet S on the sheet tray 102 is picked up by the pickup roller 105 and conveyed toward the entrance roller pair 108 by the conveyance roller pair 107 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the sheet S is conveyed toward the winding roller 109 by the entrance roller pair 108. Here, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S with one of the four sides of the sheet S, the side where the end portions are joined, as the downstream side in the normal transport direction (direction of arrow A).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the conveyance of the sheet S when the rear end portion of the sheet S in the normal conveyance direction passes the winding roller 109. Note that these operations are performed by using the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C3 as a trigger, and transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet processing apparatus 100 opens the gripping means 110, reverses the rotational direction of the exit roller pair 113, and reversely conveys the sheet S toward the opening of the gripping means 110. direction (direction of arrow B).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, the sheet processing apparatus 100 stops conveyance when the end of the sheet S is inserted into the open gripping means 110, closes the gripping means 110, and grips the end of the sheet S. do. Note that these operations are performed by conveying the sheet S by a specified amount.

Next, as shown in FIG. 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 where the two sheets are not joined.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the sheet S is wound around the winding roller 109, the inner sheet is left over due to the difference in the winding circumferential length (difference in the amount of winding) between the two stacked sheets, and the sheet is directed toward the joined end of the sheet S. This will cause loosening. As a result, a space (sag space) is created between the two sheets. By inserting the peeling claws 116 into this created space from both sides of the sheet S, the space between the two sheets can be reliably maintained. Note that these operations are performed by using the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C5 as a trigger, and transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the peeling claw 116.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a peeling claw provided in the sheet processing apparatus, and FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a driving configuration of the peeling claw. Moreover, FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the peeling claw is inserted into the sheet S.

As shown in FIG. 18, when viewed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction, the height dimension of the peeling claw 116 gradually increases from the center in the width direction toward the rear end. Further, when viewed from the height direction, the dimension in the conveyance direction gradually increases from the tip toward the center. The peeling claw 116 has a ten o'clock shape when viewed from the width direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, the two peeling claws 116 are arranged to face each other, and each is moved toward and away from each other by (a) belt drive, or (b) rack and pinion, etc. There is.

Specifically, in (a) belt drive, a belt 32 is stretched between a driving pulley 30a and a driven pulley 30b, and two peeling claws 116a and 116b are attached to the belt 32 so as to face each other. Here, one peeling claw 116a is connected to the lower belt 32, and the other peeling claw 116b is connected to the upper belt 32.

Further, the drive pulley 30a is provided with a drive transmission gear 34, and the rotational output of the drive motor 36 is transmitted to the drive transmission gear 34 via a motor output gear 35. That is, the rotational output of the drive motor 36 is transmitted to the belt 32.

Therefore, if the drive motor 36 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the front in the drawing), the peeling claws 116a, b can be brought close to each other, and if the drive motor 36 is rotated counterclockwise, the peeling claws 116a, b can be moved apart from each other. can.

In addition, in (b) rack and pinion, two racks 42a, b that mesh with one pinion 40 are provided extending in opposite directions, and two peeling claws 116a, b are provided on each rack 42a, b, facing each other. installed. The pinion 40 is provided with a drive transmission gear 44 , and the rotational output of the drive motor 46 is transmitted to the drive transmission gear 44 via a motor output gear 45 . That is, the rotational output of the drive motor 46 is transmitted to the racks 42a and 42b, respectively.

Therefore, if the drive motor 46 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the front in the figure), the peeling claws 116a, b can be brought close to each other, and if the drive motor 46 is rotated counterclockwise, the peeling claws 116a, b can be moved apart from each other. can.

As described above, the peeling claw 116 of this embodiment has the above shape and is configured to be movable in the width direction of the sheet S, so that it can be smoothly inserted into the space created in the sheet S as shown in FIG.

Returning to the explanation of the series of operations of the sheet processing apparatus 100. 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 as shown in FIG. The space is moved to the rear end of the sheet S in the normal conveyance direction (direction of arrow A). Then, when the sheet S has moved by a specified amount, the gripping means 110 is released, and the rear end of the sheet S is separated vertically.

In this state, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops transporting the sheet S, and then moves the peeling claw 116 further in the sheet width direction to peel the entire rear end of the sheet S. Note that these operations are performed by using the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C5 as a trigger, and transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the state of the peeling claw 116 and the sheet S in FIG. 8. Since the peeling claw 116 also has the shape (function) of a branching claw that guides the peeled sheets S in different directions (see FIG. 18), the two sheets S can be transported to different paths. It becomes a posture.

Moreover, since the peeling claw 116 is configured to be movable in the width direction (see FIG. 19), it can be placed at a position suitable for supporting the posture of the sheet S, as shown in FIG. 22. Therefore, even if the size and stiffness of the seat S change, the seat S can be guided in a desired branching direction. This eliminates the need for a sheet branching member that spans the entire width of the conveyance path and a drive device for the branching claws, so costs can be reduced compared to the conventional method.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the sheet processing apparatus 100, after peeling off the entire rear end of the sheet S, rotates the exit roller pair 113 counterclockwise to move the sheet S in the reverse conveying direction (arrow direction B). That is, the two peeled sheets of the sheet S are each guided in the vertical direction by the peeling claws 116, and the two sheets are completely peeled off from each other.

Then, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the conveyance of the sheet S, and the joint portion of the sheet S is held (nipped) by the exit roller pair 113. Therefore, the sheet S has a large opening with one joined side as the end.

Note that these operations are performed by using the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the transport sensor C5 as a trigger, and transporting the sheet S by a specified amount from the transport sensor C5.

Next, the operation of inserting the inner paper into the peeled sheet S will be explained.

The sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can insert one to a plurality of inner sheets P into the sheet S depending on the size of the sheet S (length in the transport direction) and the size of the inner paper P (length in the transport direction). . First, a single insertion mode in which one inner sheet P is inserted into the sheet S will be explained, and then a multiple insertion mode in which a plurality of inner sheets P are inserted into the sheet S along the conveyance direction will be explained.

(single insert mode)
As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the inlet roller pair 108 and directs the inner sheet P conveyed from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) toward the outlet roller pair 113 in the forward conveyance direction (arrow A direction).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the exit roller pair 113 to merge the sheet S and the inner paper P, and inserts the inner paper P into the opened sheet S.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S into which the inner paper P has been inserted in the normal transport direction (direction of arrow A) by the exit roller pair 113, thereby separating two sheets of the sheet S. Stack the sheets again and close the opening. Then, the sheet S with the inner paper P sandwiched therein is ejected and stacked onto the paper ejection tray 104 by the exit roller pair 113 or a roller (not shown) disposed after the pair of exit rollers 113 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the multiple insertion mode will be explained. The multiple insertion mode is a mode in which a plurality of inner sheets P (two sheets in the following embodiment) can be inserted in the sheet conveyance direction.

(multiple insert mode)
As shown in FIG. 18, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the inlet roller pair 108, and processes the first inner sheet (hereinafter referred to as the first inner sheet P1) conveyed from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1). ) is conveyed in the normal conveyance direction (direction of arrow A) toward the exit roller pair 113.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the exit roller pair 113 to merge the sheet S and the first inner paper P1, and inserts the first inner paper P1 into the opened sheet S. At this time, the second inner sheet (hereinafter referred to as second inner sheet P2) conveyed from the paper feed tray 103 (see FIG. 1) is directed toward the exit roller pair 113 in the forward conveyance direction (arrow A direction). transport.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the entrance roller pair 108 to merge the sheet S and the second inner paper P2, and further inserts the second inner paper P2 into the opened sheet S. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S into which the first inner paper P1 and the second inner paper P2 are inserted in the normal transport direction (arrow A direction) by the exit roller pair 113. By doing so, the two sheets S are overlapped again and the opening is closed.

Note that even if there are three or more sheets of inner paper, they can be sandwiched in almost the same manner.

As an alternative example, if the sheet processing apparatus is equipped with a heat press device capable of heating and pressurizing the sheet S, as shown in FIG. Good too. This applies not only to multiple insert mode but also to single insert mode.

In this way, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can control the insertion process of the inner paper P into the sheet S.

Next, a configuration in which the sheet processing apparatus 100 acquires the sizes (lengths in the transport direction) of the sheets S and the inner sheets P and the number of inner sheets P to be sandwiched will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1 above, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a size sensor C6 that is sheet size detection means and a size sensor C7 that is medium size detection means. Based on the detection results of these sensors, if the length of the inner sheet P in the transport direction is equal to or less than the threshold value, the sheet processing apparatus 100 automatically switches to the multiple insertion mode and performs the insertion process. On the other hand, if the length of the inner sheet P in the transport direction is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the insertion process is performed by automatically switching to the single insertion mode.

In particular, when the length of the inner sheet P in the conveyance direction is less than half the length of the sheet S in the conveyance direction, the insertion process may be performed by automatically switching to the multiple insertion mode. Furthermore, in the case of the multiple insertion mode, the number of inner sheets P to be inserted between the sheets S is calculated from the quotient of the size of the sheet S and the size of the inner sheets P.

Note that the conveyance sensors C1 and C2 may be used in place of or in addition to the size sensor C6 and the size sensor C7.

In this way, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can automatically control the insertion process according to the sizes of the sheet S and the inner paper P.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can stack the sheets S and the inner paper P on separate trays and transport them separately. Therefore, it is not necessary to stack the sheets S and the inner paper P in a predetermined order, and convenience can be improved. Note that in this embodiment, the sheets S are stacked on the tray 102 and the inner sheets P are stacked on the tray 103, but the present invention is not limited to this. Inner paper sheets P may be stacked on the tray 102, and sheets S may be stacked on the tray 103.

(Modified example)
FIG. 23 shows a modification of the guide path for two separated sheets. In FIG. 9, (a) a route for guiding both the upper and lower sheets in the same direction from the joint portion of the sheet S is shown. In addition to this, the upper and lower sheets may be guided in opposite directions, such as (b) a route in which the guide is drawn in an inverted S shape, or (c) a route in which the guide is guided in an S shape.

Next, a laminating processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 24 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a lamination processing apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. The lamination processing apparatus 200 includes the sheet processing apparatus 100 described above, a branching claw 118 that switches the conveyance path of the sheet S, a thermal fixing roller 120 that is a thermal pressing member that can heat and press the sheet S, and a thermal fixing roller 120 that is a thermal pressing member that can heat and press the sheet S. A discharge roller 121 provided downstream of the fixing roller 120 is provided.

This lamination processing apparatus 200 is configured to be able to carry out a series of operations including feeding and peeling off the sheet S, inserting the inner paper P, and laminating processing using heat and pressure. This series of operations can be performed automatically without the need for human intervention, making it more convenient than conventional techniques.

FIG. 25 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus including a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. This image forming apparatus 300 includes a laminate processing apparatus 200a therein as a laminate processing apparatus section.

Here, the lamination processing apparatus 200a includes a sheet tray 102 on which sheets S or inner paper P are stacked, and is configured to be able to feed the sheets S and/or inner paper P from the image forming apparatus 300. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 300 (for example, a printer, a copier, etc.) can insert an image into the sheet S or the inner paper P inline.

The configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 300 will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 25, an intermediate transfer device 150 is provided within the image forming apparatus main body 300. The intermediate transfer device 150 runs an endless intermediate transfer belt 152 almost horizontally around a plurality of rollers and runs counterclockwise.

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

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

At the upper right of the first paper feed cassette 160, a first paper feed roller 166 is provided that feeds out the sheets S in the first paper feed cassette 160 one by one and feeds them into the paper transport path 164. Further, at the upper right of the second paper feed cassette 162, a second paper feed roller 168 is provided that feeds out the inner sheets P in the paper feed cassette one by one and introduces them into the paper transport path 164.

The paper conveyance path 164 is formed on the right side of the image forming apparatus main body 300 from the bottom to the top, and communicates with the lamination processing device 200a within the image forming apparatus main body 300. The paper conveyance path 164 is provided with a conveyance roller 170, a secondary transfer device 174 facing the intermediate transfer belt 152, a fixing device 176, a paper discharge device 178 consisting of a pair of paper discharge rollers, and the like.

Note that the first paper feed roller 166, the conveyance roller 170, and the paper conveyance path 164 are an example of a third feeding means that feeds two stacked sheets from the first paper feed cassette 160 (third stacking means). Further, the second paper feed roller 168, the conveyance roller 170, and the paper conveyance path 164 are an example of a fourth feeding means that feeds the sheet-like medium from the second paper feed cassette 162 (fourth stacking means). Further, the intermediate transfer device 150, the fixing device 176, and the like are examples of an image forming unit that forms an image on a two-ply sheet or a sheet-like medium.

Next, the operation of performing lamination processing after forming an image on the sheet S in the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment will be described.

When forming an image on the sheet S, first, the image reading device 188 reads the original image, and the exposure device 156 writes the image. Next, a toner image of each color is formed on each image carrier of each image forming device 154c, 154m, 154y, 154k, and the toner image is sequentially transferred by primary transfer devices 180c, 180m, 180y, 180k to an intermediate transfer belt. A color image is formed on 152.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the first paper feed roller 166 to feed the sheet S into the paper transport path 164. Then, the paper is conveyed by a conveyance roller 170 through a paper conveyance path 164 and sent to a secondary transfer position at the appropriate timing, and the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 152 as described above is transferred to a sheet S by a secondary transfer device 174. transcribed.

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

Further, the image forming apparatus 300 rotates the second paper feed roller 168 to feed out the inner paper P, enters the paper transport path 164, and sends it to the lamination processing apparatus 200a by the paper discharge device 178.

In this way, the sheet S on which the image has been formed and the inner paper P are sent to the lamination processing apparatus 200a, thereby performing the lamination process. The details of the lamination process have been described above, so they will be omitted.

Since the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, after forming an image on the inner paper P, the laminating process can be performed by the laminating process apparatus 200a. Furthermore, after forming images on the inner paper P and the sheet S, lamination processing can also be performed.

Next, a modified example of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming system will be described.

FIG. 26 is an overall configuration diagram showing a modification of an image forming apparatus including a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. This image forming apparatus 400 differs from the image forming apparatus 300 of FIG. 25 in that it includes a main body ejection roller 122 and a main body paper ejection tray 123 on the image forming apparatus main body side.

When the image forming apparatus 400 does not perform lamination processing, the image forming apparatus 400 can eject the recording medium on which an image has been formed using the main body ejection roller 122 to the main body paper ejection tray 123. Therefore, image forming apparatus 400 does not reduce the output speed of image formation when lamination processing is not performed.

Note that the image forming apparatus 400 may have a structure in which the laminate processing apparatus 200a is detachably provided therein. That is, when lamination processing is not required, the lamination processing apparatus 200a may be removed from the image forming apparatus 400.

In addition, a paper feed tray 103 for loading the inner sheets P and a pickup roller 106 for feeding the inner sheets P from the paper feed tray 103 are attached to the removed lamination processing apparatus 200a, similar to that shown in FIG. 24. It may also be possible to use it as a standalone laminating machine.

The image forming apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 25 and the image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 26 may be configured to include a sheet processing device instead of the laminate processing machine. Further, in the image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 26, the sheet processing device may be configured to be detachable.

Furthermore, the image forming system may include an image forming apparatus, and a sheet processing apparatus 100 or a laminating apparatus 200 that is detachably connected to the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, a system including a paper feeding device (stacker) and/or a case binding device may be configured. Note that when the sheet S is passed through the fixing device 176, the sheet S is not bonded at the fixing temperature, but is bonded by applying heat at a higher temperature.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatuses 300 and 400 use an electrophotographic method as a method for forming images on the sheet S and the inner paper, but are not limited to this, and may use known methods such as an inkjet method or a stencil printing method. An image forming method may also be used.

27 and 28 are overall configuration diagrams showing an image forming apparatus externally equipped with a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that in FIGS. 27 and 28, the same components as those in FIGS. 25 and 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The image forming apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 27 differs from the image forming apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 25 and the image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 26 in that a lamination processing apparatus 200b is provided outside the main body of the image forming apparatus.

The lamination processing apparatus 200b includes a sheet tray 102 on which sheets S are stacked, and is configured such that inner sheets P can be fed from the image forming apparatus 500 via a relay R. Therefore, any image can be inserted inline on the inner paper P using a copy or printer (image forming apparatus 500).

The image forming apparatus 500 in FIG. 28 has a configuration in which another post-processing device 250 (for example, a paper feed device (stacker) and/or a case binding device, etc.) is provided further downstream of the laminating device 200b. . Depending on the user's request, jobs that perform lamination processing and jobs that do not perform lamination processing can be executed in parallel, increasing work efficiency.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations from sheet feeding to inserting inner sheets to completion of lamination processing. This will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 29 and indicating the corresponding drawing numbers.

First, in step S01, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the user has selected the multiple insertion mode. If the multiple insertion mode is selected, the number of inner sheets is selected in step S02. This can be set using, for example, the operation panel 10.

On the other hand, if the multiple insertion mode is not selected, the process moves to step S03, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the single insertion mode has been selected.

Next, in step S11, the sheet processing apparatus 100 starts feeding the sheet S (see FIG. 1). Next, in step S12, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has arrived at the conveyance sensor C3 (see FIG. 2). In step S13, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed by the specified amount from the conveyance sensor C3, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the conveyance (see FIG. 3). Subsequently, in step S14, the gripping means 110 is opened, and in step S15, the sheet S is transported in the reverse transport direction (see FIG. 4).

When the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed by the specified amount in step S16, it temporarily stops conveying the sheet S in step S17. Then, in step S18, the gripping means 110 is closed and the end of the sheet S is gripped (see FIG. 5).

Subsequently, in step S19, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 counterclockwise to wind the sheet S around the winding roller 109 (see FIG. 6). Next, in step S20, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has arrived at the conveyance sensor C5. When the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines in step S21 that the sheet S has been conveyed by the specified amount from the conveyance sensor C5, in step S22, the sheet processing apparatus 100 detects the state of the sheet S using the abnormal condition detection sensor C4.

This abnormal state detection sensor C4 is an abnormality detection means that detects whether the dimension of the space created between two sheets of the sheet S exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In step S23, if the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the state of the sheet S is normal (the space dimension is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold) based on the detection result of the abnormal state detection sensor C4, the process proceeds to step S24a.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the state of the sheet S is abnormal (the dimension of the space is below a predetermined threshold), the process moves to step S24b, where the sheet processing apparatus 100 notifies the abnormality and starts processing the sheet. Stop.

When proceeding to step S24a, the sheet processing apparatus 100 conveys the sheet S in the direction opposite to the winding direction (in the direction of arrow A), and conveys the sticking region r downstream of the exit roller pair 113. Thereby, a slack space g can be formed at a position that matches the insertion position of the peeling claw 116.

Next, the process moves to step S24c, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 inserts the peeling claws 116 into the created space from both sides of the sheet S (see FIG. 7). Next, in step S25, the sheet processing apparatus 100 rotates the winding roller 109 clockwise with the peeling claws 116 inserted from both sides of the sheet S to convey the sheet S in the normal conveyance direction.

Next, in step S26, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has arrived at the conveyance sensor C5. When the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed by the specified amount from the conveyance sensor C5 in step S27, it opens the gripping means 110 in step S28.

Next, in step S29, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops transporting the sheet S, and in step S30, moves the peeling claw 116 further in the sheet width direction (see FIG. 8). As a result, the rear end of the sheet S is separated into upper and lower parts.

In step S31, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the sheet S in the reverse transport direction. Next, in step S32, it is determined whether the leading edge of the sheet S has arrived at the conveyance sensor C5. In step S33, when the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines that the sheet S has been conveyed by the specified amount from the conveyance sensor C5, the sheet processing apparatus 100 temporarily stops the conveyance in step S34 (see FIG. 9). This completes the peeling of the sheet S.

Subsequently, in step S35, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether or not to form an image on the inner paper P inserted into the sheet S (inline). In the case of inline, the process moves to step S36, and the sheet processing apparatus 100 causes the image forming apparatus to start a print job and forms an image on the inner sheet P. Next, the process moves to step S37.

On the other hand, in step S35, if it is not inline, the process moves to step S37.

In step S37, the sheet processing apparatus 100 transports the inner paper P in the normal transport direction and inserts the inner paper P into the opened sheet S. Here, in the case of single insertion mode, the operation is as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, and in the case of multiple insertion mode, the operation is as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.

Next, in step S38, the sheet processing apparatus 100 determines whether the selected number of inner sheets P have been inserted into the sheet S. If inserted, the process moves to step S39.

Next, in step S39, the route is switched using the branch claw 118. In step S39, the sheet S sandwiching the inner paper P is conveyed to a heat-pressing device (fixing Md), and heat and pressure are applied thereto, thereby completing the lamination process (see FIG. 17).

Note that in the case of inline (YES in step S35), after the sheet peeling is completed, the image forming apparatus is notified of the start of the print job, and printing and conveyance of the inner paper P are executed. In this case, the sheet processing device is in a waiting state until the printed inner sheet P is transported and reaches the transport sensor C1. Therefore, in consideration of the transportation time of the printed inner paper P, for example, the image forming apparatus may be notified of the print job start after the operation of the peeling claw 116 shown in FIG. 7 is completed. This can improve productivity.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 30 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a lamination processing apparatus according to the present invention. The lamination processing apparatus 200b includes a heat fixing section 50 that heats and presses the sheet S holding the inner paper P therebetween, and an opening/closing door that forms the outer wall of the apparatus main body and exposes the heat fixing section 50 when opened. 60, and an operation panel 10 that displays information and accepts operation input.

The thermal fixing unit 50 includes thermal fixing rollers 120 that are opposed to each other and that convey the sheet S, and heaters 54 that are heating means that heat the thermal fixing rollers 120, respectively. It also includes a contact temperature sensor 56 that is a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120, and a driving means that drives the heat fixing roller 120, respectively.

Further, the opening/closing door 60 includes an opening/closing sensor 62, which is an opening/closing detection section that detects the opening/closing state, and a locking mechanism 64, which locks the opening/closing door 60 so that it cannot be opened. As the opening/closing sensor 62, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or the like can be used. The lock mechanism 64 can use an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. Further, the locking mechanism 64 can lock the opening/closing door 60 automatically or according to a user's instruction.

The operation panel 10 serves as a display operation means for accepting operation inputs, and also serves as a notification means such as a speaker for emitting perceptual signals to the user. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a notification means such as a speaker is separately provided in the lamination processing apparatus 200b.

The lamination processing apparatus 200b of this embodiment stops the operation of the heater 54, the heat fixing roller 120, etc. at the end of the lamination process or when an abnormality occurs, but if the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is higher than a predetermined temperature, , the heat fixing roller 120 is rotated until its temperature drops.

Specifically, after stopping the operation of the heater 54, the heat fixing roller 120, etc., if the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller 120 is stopped while the heater 54 is stopped. Drive rotation. Then, when the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 becomes lower than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller 120 is stopped. This series of processing is called heat fixing roller cooling processing.

Through this cooling process, the heat fixing roller 120 that has reached a high temperature can be cooled (air cooling effect), and problems such as thermal damage can be prevented.

However, it takes time for the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 to fall to a predetermined temperature, and the user who knows that an abnormality has occurred may not know when to open the opening/closing door 60, and/or may have no means to know. There was a problem that there was no.

Therefore, in the laminating processing apparatus 200b of this embodiment, during the cooling process, the opening/closing door 60 cannot be opened using the operation panel 10, which is a notification means, from the time when the heat fixing roller 120 is rotationally driven until it is stopped. It is characterized by notifying the user of the fact and calling attention to it.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of stop processing when an abnormality occurs, and FIG. 32 is an example of a display screen of the operation panel. The explanation will be given with reference to these figures.

First, in step S101, the lamination processing apparatus (the control unit thereof) stops the output of the heater 54 (turns off). Next, in step S102, the rotation of the heat fixing roller 120 is stopped. Subsequently, in step S103, a message to the effect that "an abnormality has occurred" is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 32(a)).

Next, in step S104, the surface temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is detected by the contact temperature sensor 56, and whether or not the detected temperature is lower than the temperature T1 at which thermal damage to the heat fixing roller 120 or risk to the user occurs. Determine whether

If the detected temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is lower than the temperature T1 (in the case of YES), there is no problem even if the opening/closing door 60 is opened. Therefore, the process moves to step S105, and a message that "the opening/closing door can be opened" is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 32(b)).

On the other hand, if the detected temperature of the thermal fixing roller 120 is equal to or higher than the temperature T1 (in the case of NO), the process moves to step S106, and the rotation of the thermal fixing roller 120 is started (cooling process starts). Next, in step S107, a message that "the opening/closing door cannot be opened" is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 32(c)).

In the following step S108, the rotation of the thermal fixing roller 120 is continued (cooling by idle rotation) until the detected temperature of the thermal fixing roller 120 becomes lower than the temperature T1.

Then, when the detected temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 becomes lower than the temperature T1, the process moves to step S109, and the rotation of the heat fixing roller 120 is stopped (completion of the cooling process). Next, in step S105, a message that "the opening/closing door can be opened" is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 32(b)).

Then, in step S110, a prompt to "remove remaining paper" is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 32(d)). This means prompting the user to take measures for the cause of the abnormal stop.

This completes the stop processing when an abnormality occurs.

In this way, the lamination processing apparatus of this embodiment performs a cooling process on the heat fixing roller 120 when an abnormality occurs, and also controls the operation panel from the time the heat fixing roller 120 is rotated until it is stopped during the cooling process. 10 indicates that the opening/closing door 60 cannot be opened. This prevents the opening/closing door 60 from being opened during the cooling process, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user (burns), heat damage to the heat fixing roller 120, and the like.

In addition to the above configuration, during the lamination process, if the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller is cooled and a message indicating "door cannot be opened" is displayed on the operation panel 10. It is also possible to display a message to that effect (see FIG. 32(b)).

(Second embodiment)
By the way, even if the operation panel 10 displays a message that "the door cannot be opened" during the laminating process or during the cooling process, the user may open the door 60 by mistake. get (supposed).

Therefore, in the laminating processing apparatus 200b of the present embodiment, if the opening/closing door 60 is opened during the laminating process or while the operation panel 10 is displaying "The opening/closing door cannot be opened", a dangerous Notify that this is the case.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the flow of the alarm notification process, and FIG. 34 is a display screen (an example of a warning display) of the operation panel. The explanation will be given with reference to these figures.

First, in step S201, when the laminating processing apparatus (control unit thereof) detects the open state of the opening/closing door 60 by the opening/closing sensor 62, the process proceeds to step S202, and determines whether or not lamination processing is in progress.

If the lamination process is in progress (in the case of YES), the process moves to step S203, and a message that "danger" is displayed on the operation panel 10 is displayed. Here, as an example, as shown in FIG. 34, a message is displayed indicating that the door (opening/closing door 60) is open and there is a risk that the user may get burnt by touching a hot part or that there is a risk that the machine may malfunction. .

Next, in step S204, the speaker of the operation panel 10 (or a separately provided speaker) emits an alarm sound or voice. In this embodiment, a beep sound or a message to call attention is transmitted by voice to call the user's attention. After a series of warnings, the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S202, if the lamination process is not in progress (in the case of NO), the process moves to step S205, and it is determined whether the cooling process is in progress.

If the cooling process is in progress (in the case of YES), the process moves to step S203, and as described above, a "danger" message is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 34).

In step S205, if the cooling process is not in progress (in the case of NO), the heat fixing roller 120 has already been cooled and is in a stopped state. Therefore, the process ends without issuing a warning (calling attention).

In this way, the lamination processing apparatus of this embodiment emits an alarm sound or voice when the door 60 is opened during the lamination process or while notifying that the door 60 cannot be opened. Therefore, it is possible to call more attention to the user.

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, in order to further enhance the safety of the user and the apparatus, the opening/closing door 60 is locked in a closed state by the locking mechanism 64 during the lamination process or until the cooling process of the heat fixing roller 120 is completed. It is characterized by

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the flow of locking the locking mechanism, and FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the flow of unlocking the locking mechanism.

First, the flow of locking the locking mechanism will be explained. First, in step S301, upon receiving an instruction to start laminating processing, the laminating processing apparatus (control unit thereof) determines whether or not the opening/closing door 60 is closed in step S302.

If the opening/closing door 60 is not closed (in the case of NO), the process moves to step S303, and a message that "the door is open" is displayed on the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 37). This prompts the user to close the door 60.

Next, in step S304, the lamination processing apparatus (the control unit thereof) drives the locking mechanism to lock the opening/closing door 60 so that it cannot be opened.

Next, the flow of unlocking the lock will be explained. First, in step S305, the laminating processing apparatus (the control unit thereof) determines whether the laminating processing is completed.

If it is completed (in the case of YES), the process moves to step S306, where the surface temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is detected by the contact type temperature sensor 56, and the temperature is determined to prevent thermal damage to the heat fixing roller 120 or risk to the user. It is determined whether the temperature is lower than the resulting temperature T1.

If the detected temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is lower than the temperature T1 (in the case of YES), there is no problem even if the opening/closing door 60 is opened. Therefore, the process moves to step S307, and the lamination processing apparatus (the control unit thereof) drives the locking mechanism and unlocks the opening/closing door 60 so that it can be opened.

On the other hand, if the detected temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 is higher than the temperature T1 (in the case of NO), the heat fixing roller is cooled. This continues until the detected temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 becomes lower than the temperature T1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism 64 locks the opening/closing door 60 in the closed state during the lamination process or until the cooling process of the heat fixing roller 120 is completed, so that user safety is ensured. can be increased.

Next, advantageous configurations of the present invention will be explained.

(Displays remaining time of cooling process)
The cooling process varies depending on the surface temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 and/or the surrounding environment. Therefore, users tend to feel anxious about how long they should wait.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 38(a), the remaining time until the cooling process is completed is displayed on the operation panel 10. The time it takes to complete the cooling process is mainly determined by the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120. Therefore, the completion time corresponding to the detected temperature is stored in advance as data and displayed on the operation panel 10 as the remaining time.

As a result, the user can know when to open the opening/closing door 60 (that is, when the cooling process ends), and can wait with peace of mind.

(Temperature display of heat fixing section)
Further, as shown in FIG. 38(b), the temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 (thermal fixing section 50) may be displayed on the operation panel 10. Note that, as described above, the surface temperature of the heat fixing roller 120 can be detected by the contact type temperature sensor 56.

(Display of opening/closing status of opening/closing door)
As shown in FIG. 37 above, the open/close state of the open/close door 60 may be displayed on the operation panel 10. Note that, as described above, the open/close state of the open/close door 60 can be detected by the open/close sensor 62.

In this way, by displaying the internal temperature of the lamination processing apparatus, the user can wait with peace of mind.

The present invention has been described in detail using the embodiments above. This embodiment is an example, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are, for example, as follows.
(Aspect 1)
A laminating processing apparatus that performs a laminating process of heat fixing by applying heat and pressure to two stacked sheets that sandwich a sheet-like medium,
a heat fixing roller that conveys the two-ply sheet;
a driving means for rotationally driving the heat fixing roller;
heating means for heating the heat fixing roller;
temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat fixing roller;
an opening/closing door forming an outer wall of the apparatus main body and exposing the heat fixing roller when opened;
A laminating processing apparatus comprising: a notification means for emitting a perceptual signal to a user;
When stopping the heat fixing roller, if the temperature of the heat fixing roller is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven while the heating means is stopped as a cooling process for the heat fixing roller. , stopping the heat fixing roller when the temperature of the heat fixing roller becomes less than a predetermined temperature; and
A laminating processing apparatus characterized in that, in the cooling process, the notification means notifies that the opening/closing door cannot be opened during a period from when the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven until it is stopped.
(Aspect 2)
comprising an opening/closing detection section that detects the opening/closing state of the opening/closing door,
Aspect 1, characterized in that when the opening/closing door is opened during the lamination process or during the notification that the opening/closing door cannot be opened, the notification means notifies that it is dangerous. The lamination processing apparatus described in .
(Aspect 3)
The laminating processing apparatus according to aspect 2, wherein when the opening/closing door is opened during the laminating process or while notifying that the opening/closing door cannot be opened, an alarm sound or voice is emitted. .
(Aspect 4)
The laminate processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that when an abnormality occurs, after the cooling process is completed, the notification means notifies the user that a treatment is requested.
(Aspect 5)
comprising a locking means for locking the opening/closing door in a closed state,
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the opening/closing door is locked in a closed state until the cooling process is completed.
(Aspect 6)
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, characterized in that the remaining time until the cooling process is completed is notified.
(Aspect 7)
comprising an opening/closing detection section that detects the opening/closing state of the opening/closing door,
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, characterized in that the lamination processing apparatus notifies the opening/closing state of the opening/closing door.
(Aspect 8)
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is notified.
(Aspect 9)
an image forming section that performs image formation;
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 8,
An image forming apparatus comprising:
(Aspect 10)
an image forming device;
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of aspects 1 to 8,
An image forming system comprising:

10 operation panel 50 thermal fixing section 54 heater 56 contact temperature sensor 60 opening/closing door 62 opening/closing sensor 64 lock mechanism 100 sheet processing device 102 sheet tray 103 paper feed tray 104 paper output tray 105, 106 pickup roller 107 transport roller pair 108 entrance Roller pair 109 Wrapping roller 110 Gripping means 111 Roller member 113 Outlet roller pair 116 Peeling claw 118 Branching claw 120 Heat fixing roller 121 Ejection roller 122 Main body ejection roller 123 Main body paper ejection tray 150 Intermediate transfer device 152 Intermediate transfer belt 154c, 154k, 154m, 154y Image forming device 156 Exposure device 158 Paper feeding device 160 First paper feeding cassette 162 Second paper feeding cassette 164 Paper transport path 166 First paper feeding roller 168 Second paper feeding roller 170 Transport roller 174 Secondary transfer device 176 Fixing device 178 Paper discharge device 180c, 180k, 180m, 180y Primary transfer device 188 Image reading device 200, 200a, 200b Laminating device 250 Post-processing device 300, 400, 500 Image forming device C1, C2, C3, C5 Conveyance sensor C4 Abnormal condition detection sensor C6, C7 Size sensor S sheet (2 sheets stacked)
P Inner paper (sheet-like media)
P1 First inner paper P2 Second inner paper g Deflection space r Sticking area

JP2011-221261A

Claims (10)

A laminating processing apparatus that performs a laminating process of heat fixing by applying heat and pressure to two stacked sheets that sandwich a sheet-like medium,
a heat fixing roller that conveys the two-ply sheet;
a driving means for rotationally driving the heat fixing roller;
heating means for heating the heat fixing roller;
temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heat fixing roller;
an opening/closing door forming an outer wall of the apparatus main body and exposing the heat fixing roller when opened;
A laminating processing apparatus comprising: a notification means for emitting a perceptual signal to a user;
When stopping the heat fixing roller, if the temperature of the heat fixing roller is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven while the heating means is stopped as a cooling process for the heat fixing roller. , stopping the heat fixing roller when the temperature of the heat fixing roller becomes less than a predetermined temperature; and
A laminating processing apparatus characterized in that, in the cooling process, the notification means notifies that the opening/closing door cannot be opened during a period from when the heat fixing roller is rotationally driven until it is stopped. comprising an opening/closing detection section that detects the opening/closing state of the opening/closing door,
If the opening/closing door is opened during the lamination process or during the notification that the opening/closing door cannot be opened, the notification means will notify that it is dangerous. 1. The lamination processing apparatus according to 1. The laminating process according to claim 2, characterized in that when the opening/closing door is opened during the laminating process or while notifying that the opening/closing door cannot be opened, an alarm sound or voice is emitted. Device. 2. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an abnormality occurs, after the cooling process is completed, the notification means notifies the user to urge the user to remove the remaining paper. comprising a locking means for locking the opening/closing door in a closed state,
The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening/closing door is locked in a closed state until the cooling process is completed. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the remaining time until the cooling process is completed is notified. comprising an opening/closing detection section that detects the opening/closing state of the opening/closing door,
The laminate processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lamination processing apparatus notifies the opening/closing state of the opening/closing door. The lamination processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is notified. an image forming section that performs image formation;
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming device;
The lamination processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An image forming system comprising:

Images