LAMINATING APPARATUS INCLUDING SINGLE DRIVE SOURCE THAT ROTATES BOTH HOLDER AND CONVEYING ROLLER

[0001] This is a by-pass continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2024/029971 filed on August 23, 2024 claiming priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-148709 filed on September 13, 2023. The entire contents of the International Application and the priority application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] A laminating apparatus is known in the art that records an image on a first member drawn out from a first roll and laminates the first member, on which the image has been recorded, with a second member drawn out from a second roll.

[0003] With the known apparatus described above, a printing unit forms a printed image on a recording medium drawn out from a recording media roll. The recording medium on which the printed image is formed is cut to a predetermined length by a first cutting unit, conveyed to a laminating unit, and superimposed on a laminate member drawn out from a laminate member roll by a guide roll in the laminating unit. The superimposed recording medium and laminate member are heated by pressure and heating rolls and then cut off by a second cutting unit. The recording media roll, the recording medium, the laminate member roll, and the laminate member correspond to the first roll, the first member, the second roll, and the second member, respectively.

[0004] In the laminating apparatus, separately providing a drive source for the first roll and a drive source for a conveying roller that conveys the first member drawn out from the first roll increases the cost of the apparatus.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a means for reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus.

[0006] In order to attain the above and other object, according to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a laminating apparatus. The laminating apparatus includes: a first holder; a second holder; an image recording portion; a lamination roller; a conveying roller; and a drive source. A first roll is mountable on the first holder. The first roll is a first member that is wound into a roll. A second roll is mountable on the second holder. The second roll is a second member that is wound into a roll. The image recording portion is configured to record an image on a first drawn-out portion of the first member. The first drawn-out portion is a portion of the first member that has been drawn out from the first roll. The lamination roller is configured to laminate the first drawn-out portion on which the image recording portion has recorded an image and a second drawn-out portion of the second member together. The second drawn-out portion is a portion of the second member that has been drawn out from the second roll. The conveying roller is disposed at a portion between the first holder and the image recording portion. The conveying roller is configured to convey the first drawn-out portion. The drive source is a single drive source. The drive source is configured to rotate both the first holder and the conveying roller.

[0007] With the laminating apparatus having the above configuration, the single drive source drives the first holder and the conveying roller, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a laminating apparatus. The laminating apparatus includes: a holder; a supply portion; an image recording portion; a lamination roller; a conveying roller; and a drive source. A first roll is mountable on the holder. The first roll is a first member that is wound into a roll. The supply portion is configured to supply a second member. The image recording portion is configured to record an image on a drawn-out portion of the first member. The drawn-out portion is a portion of the first member that has been drawn out from the first roll. The lamination roller is configured to laminate the drawn-out portion on which the image recording portion has recorded an image and the second member supplied by the supply portion together. The conveying roller is disposed at a position between the holder and the image recording portion. The conveying roller is configured to convey the drawn-out portion. The drive source is a single drive source. The drive source is configured to rotate both the holder and the conveying roller.

[0009] With the laminating apparatus having the above configuration, the single drive source causes the holder and the conveying roller to operate, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus.

[0039] Below, a laminating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the following embodiment is merely one example of the present disclosure and that the present embodiment may be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the following description, the advancement from a start point to an end point of an arrow is expressed as a bearing (e.g., “toward”), while advancement in either of the opposing directions along a line connecting the start point and the end point of an arrow is expressed as a direction (e.g., “the left-right direction”). An up-down direction is defined based on the orientation of the laminating apparatus 1 when the laminating apparatus 1 is disposed in its operable state (the state illustrated in FIG. 1A). A front-rear direction is defined with the surface on which an operation unit 12 and a display unit 13 are disposed being designated as the front surface. A left-right direction is defined from the perspective of an observer facing the front side of the laminating apparatus 1. The up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the laminating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a housing 11 with a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An operation unit 12 and a display unit 13 are disposed on the front surface of the housing 11. The front surface of the housing 11 has a discharge opening 14 below the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13. The laminating apparatus 1 laminates two types of members together to generate a finished laminated product 100.

[0041] A tape-shaped first member 101 and a tape-shaped second member 102 are provided in the laminating apparatus 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first member 101 is wound about a cylindrical core member 113 to form a first roll 111, and the second member 102 is wound about a cylindrical core member 114 to form a second roll 112. The first roll 111 and the second roll 112 are respectively mounted on a first holder 21 and a second holder 22 in the laminating apparatus 1.

[0042] The first member 101 is a transparent film, for example. The second member 102 has an adhesive layer on at least one surface. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the second member 102 is a backing paper having a tape layer 104, a first adhesive layer 103 on one surface of the tape layer 104 (the surface on the side of the first member 101 in the finished laminated product 100), and a second adhesive layer 105 on the other surface of the tape layer 104, for example. A release sheet 106 is disposed on the opposite side of the second adhesive layer 105 from the tape layer 104.

[0043] The materials of the first member 101 and the second member 102 are not limited. For example, the second member 102 may be a resinous member such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a synthetic paper such as YUPO (registered trademark) paper, or a metal member. The second member 102 may be transparent or opaque. Each of the first member 101 and the second member 102 may have an adhesive layer on one surface, on the other surface, on both surfaces, or on neither surface. When a material with no adhesive layer is used, the first member 101 and the second member 102 may be laminated together after an adhesive has been applied or may be laminated together through heat fusion or pressure joining, for example. “YUPO” is a registered trademark of YUPO CORPORATION.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first member 101 has a recording surface 107 on which images are recorded, and a back surface 108 on the side opposite the recording surface 107. The second member 102 has a lamination surface 109 on which the first adhesive layer 103 is formed.

[0045] The laminating apparatus 1 laminates the first member 101 and the second member 102 together by bringing the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 into close contact with the lamination surface 109 of the second member 102. The laminating apparatus 1 then cuts the laminated members into a predetermined size, thereby generating a finished laminated product 100 illustrated in FIG. 1B. The finished laminated product 100 generated through this process is discharged through the discharge opening 14.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the laminating apparatus 1 includes, inside the housing 11, a first holder 21, a second holder 22, an image recording unit 30, first through fourth conveying rollers 41 through 44, lamination rollers 50, member sensors 61 through 63, a first cutting unit 68, and a second cutting unit 69. The laminating apparatus 1 additionally includes, inside the housing 11, a control unit 90 and various motors (see FIG. 3). The laminating apparatus 1 further includes guide members (not illustrated) that support the first member 101. The guide members are arranged at appropriate positions within the housing 11. This arrangement forms a conveying path 15 that leads from the first holder 21 to the second cutting unit 69 via the image recording unit 30, the first cutting unit 68, and the lamination rollers 50. In the following description, a direction in which the first member 101 is conveyed along the conveying path 15 from the first holder 21 toward the second cutting unit 69 is expressed as a conveying direction. The conveying direction is identical to the direction for drawing out the first member 101 from the first roll 111, which will be described later.

[0047] Each of the first holder 21 and the second holder 22 is a rotatable member that can rotate about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first holder 21 has a thickness equivalent to the inner diameter in the core member 113 of the first roll 111. The second holder 22 has a thickness equivalent to the inner diameter in the core member 114 of the second roll 112. Each of the first holder 21 and the second holder 22 is fixed either to the housing 11 or to a member fixed to the housing 11.

[0048] The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 are arranged in the housing 11 at positions spaced apart from each other. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the first holder 21 is disposed near the center of the housing 11 in the up-down direction and in the rear portion of the housing 11 in the front-rear direction. The second holder 22 is disposed in the upper portion of the housing 11 in the up-down direction and frontward relative to the center of the housing 11 in the front-rear direction. However, the positions of the first holder 21 and the second holder 22 within the housing 11 are not limited to these examples and may be set as desired.

[0049] Before the laminating apparatus 1 operates, the first roll 111 is mounted on the first holder 21, and the second roll 112 is mounted on the second holder 22. The first holder 21 supports the first roll 111 so that the first roll 111 is rotatable. The second holder 22 supports the second roll 112 so that the second roll 112 is rotatable. The first member 101 is drawn out from the first roll 111 supported by the first holder 21. The second member 102 is drawn out from the second roll 112 supported by the second holder 22. The first holder 21 is an example of the first holder of the present disclosure. The second holder 22 is an example of the second holder of the present disclosure.

[0050] The image recording unit 30 is disposed downstream relative to the first roll 111 along the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction. The image recording unit 30 is disposed upward relative to the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction and is positioned between the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 and the first cutting unit 68 in the front-rear direction. The image recording unit 30 includes a carriage 31 and a recording head 32. Two guide rails (not illustrated) are disposed inside the housing 11. The guide rails extend in the left-right direction and both ends of the guide rails are fixed to the housing 11 or to members fixed to the housing 11. The carriage 31 is supported on the guide rails. The carriage 31 moves in the left-right direction when receiving a drive force from a CR motor 83 (see FIG. 3). The image recording unit 30 is an example of the image recording portion of the present disclosure.

[0051] The recording head 32 is mounted on the carriage 31. A plurality of nozzles 33 are formed in the lower surface of the recording head 32. The recording head 32 moves in the left-right direction along with the movement of the carriage 31. A platen 34 is disposed downward relative to the carriage 31 in the up-down direction and covers a part of the moving range of the carriage 31 in the left-right direction. While moving in the left-right direction, the recording head 32 ejects ink downward from the nozzles 33, thereby recording an image on the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 as the first member 101 is conveyed over the platen 34. In this way, the image recording unit 30 records images on the first member 101 drawn out from the first member 101. The recording head 32 is an example of the head of the present disclosure.

[0052] The first through fourth conveying rollers 41 through 44 are positioned between the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 and the lamination rollers 50. Specifically, the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 are positioned between the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 and the image recording unit 30 in the front-rear direction, while the third conveying rollers 43 and the fourth conveying rollers 44 are positioned between the image recording unit 30 and the lamination rollers 50 in the front-rear direction. The second conveying rollers 42 are disposed frontward relative to the first conveying rollers 41 in the front-rear direction. The fourth conveying rollers 44 are disposed frontward relative to the third conveying rollers 43 in the front-rear direction. The first conveying rollers 41 are an example of the conveying roller of the present disclosure.

[0053] The first conveying rollers 41 include a first roller 411 and a second roller 412. The first roller 411 is disposed 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 contacts the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 and the second roller 412 contacts the back surface 108 of the first member 101. In this way, the first conveying rollers 41 hold a portion of the first member 101 therebetween. In other words, the first conveying rollers 41 nip the first member 101 therebetween. The first conveying rollers 41 hold the first member 101 therebetween at a position located between the first roll 111 and the lamination rollers 50.

[0054] Upon receiving a drive force from a common motor 70 (see FIG. 3), the second roller 412 rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction. As the second roller 412 rotates, the first roller 411 also rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction. At this time, a force is applied to the first member 101 in a direction for drawing out the first member 101 from the first roll 111. Upon receiving a drive force in the reverse direction from the common motor 70, the second roller 412 rotates in the reverse direction, and the first roller 411 also rotates in the reverse direction along with the rotation of the second roller 412. At this time, a force is applied to the first member 101 in a direction for bringing the first member 101 closer to the first roll 111, i.e., for taking up the first member 101 onto the first roll 111. The direction for drawing out the first member 101 from the first roll 111 is an example of the draw-out direction of the present disclosure.

[0055] The second conveying rollers 42 include a third roller 421 and a fourth roller 422. The third conveying rollers 43 include a fifth roller 431 and a sixth roller 432. The fourth conveying rollers 44 include a seventh roller 441 and an eighth roller 442. Since the second through fourth conveying rollers 42 through 44 have the same configuration and function as the first conveying rollers 41, a description of this configuration and function has been omitted. As with the first conveying rollers 41, each pair of the second through fourth conveying rollers 42 through 44 hold a portion of the first member 101 at a position located between the first roll 111 (first holder 21) and the lamination rollers 50. In other words, the second rollers 42 nip the first member 101 therebetween at a position between the first holder 21 and the lamination rollers 50, the third rollers 43 nip the first member 101 therebetween at a position between the first holder 21 and the lamination rollers 50, and the fourth rollers 44 nip the first member 101 therebetween at a position between the first holder 21 and the lamination rollers 50.

[0056] Of the pair of rollers constituting each of the first through fourth conveying rollers 41 through 44, the lower roller receives the drive force from the common motor 70 in the present embodiment. However, the upper roller may instead be configured to receive the drive force from the common motor 70, or both the upper and lower rollers may receive the drive force from the common motor 70.

[0057] The lamination rollers 50 are disposed downstream relative to the image recording unit 30 along the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction. The lamination rollers 50 are positioned between the first cutting unit 68 and the second cutting unit 69 in the front-rear direction. The lamination rollers 50 include a first lamination roller 51 and a second lamination roller 52. The first lamination roller 51 is disposed directly above the second lamination roller 52. The first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52 hold a portion of the first member 101 and a portion of the second member 102 therebetween with a predetermined pressure. In other words, the first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52 nip the first member 101 and the second member 102 therebetween with a predetermined pressure. Hence, the first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52 laminate a portion of the first member 101 and a portion of the second member 102 together to generate a finished laminated product 100. The lamination rollers 50 and the second lamination roller 52 are an example of the lamination roller of the present disclosure.

[0058] The second member 102 drawn out from the second roll 112 enters between the first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52. At this time, the lamination surface 109 of the second member 102 faces downward. After passing the image recording unit 30 and the first cutting unit 68, the first member 101 enters beneath the second member 102 between the first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52. At this time, the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 faces upward.

[0059] Upon receiving a drive force from a lamination motor 82 (see FIG. 3), the second lamination roller 52 rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction. As the second lamination roller 52 rotates, the first lamination roller 51 also rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52 laminate the first member 101 and the second member 102 together by bringing the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 into close contact with the lamination surface 109 of the second member 102. As an alternative, the first lamination roller 51 may receive the drive force from the lamination motor 82, or both the first lamination roller 51 and the second lamination roller 52 may receive the drive force from the lamination motor 82. Furthermore, the lamination rollers 50 do not necessarily need to laminate the first member 101 and the second member 102 together. For example, when the laminating apparatus 1 includes, downstream of the lamination rollers 50, a portion that performs thermal welding or pressure bonding, a pair of rollers arranged upstream of such a portion and configured to overlap the first member 101 and the second member 102 may serve as the lamination rollers 50. That is, the lamination rollers 50 may also be rollers that overlap the first member 101 and the second member 102.

[0060] The first cutting unit 68 is disposed downstream relative to the image recording unit 30 along the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction. The first cutting unit 68 is disposed upward relative to the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction and between the third conveying rollers 43 and the fourth conveying rollers 44 in the front-rear direction. The first cutting unit 68 cuts the first member 101 at a position located between the second conveying rollers 42 and the lamination rollers 50.

[0061] The first cutting unit 68 may have any configuration capable of cutting the first member 101. For example, the first cutting unit 68 may include a cutter carriage that moves in the left-right direction when receiving a drive force from a cutting motor 84 (see FIG. 3), and a cutter mounted on the cutter carriage. Alternatively, the first cutting unit 68 may include a movable blade that moves in the up-down direction when receiving a drive force from the cutting motor 84, and a fixed blade that opposes the movable blade.

[0062] The second cutting unit 69 is disposed downstream relative to the lamination rollers 50 along the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction. The second cutting unit 69 is disposed upward relative to the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction and frontward relative to the lamination rollers 50 in the front-rear direction. The second cutting unit 69 simultaneously cuts the first member 101 and the second member 102, which have been laminated together by the lamination rollers 50, at a position downstream relative to the lamination rollers 50 in the conveying direction.

[0063] The second cutting unit 69 may have any configuration capable of cutting the first member 101 and the second member 102. For example, as with the first cutting unit 68, the second cutting unit 69 may include a cutter carriage that moves in the left-right direction and a cutter or may include a movable blade that moves in the up-down direction and a fixed blade that opposes the movable blade.

[0064] Each of the member sensors 61 through 63 is disposed upward relative to the conveying path 15 in the up-down direction. The member sensor 61 is positioned between the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 in the front-rear direction. The member sensor 62 is positioned between the fourth conveying rollers 44 and the lamination rollers 50 in the front-rear direction. The member sensor 63 is disposed frontward relative to the second cutting unit 69 in the front-rear direction. The member sensor 61 may be disposed downstream relative to the first conveying rollers 41 along the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction.

[0065] The member sensor 61 includes a light-emitting element (not illustrated) that emits light toward the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 being conveyed along the conveying path 15, and a light-receiving element (not illustrated) that receives light reflected off the recording surface 107 of the first member 101. When the first member 101 is present beneath the member sensor 61, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 61 receives light reflected off the recording surface 107 of the first member 101, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element is greater than a threshold value. On the other hand, when the first member 101 is not present beneath the member sensor 61, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 61 does not receive light reflected off 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 value. The member sensor 62 has the same configuration as the member sensor 61.

[0066] The member sensor 63 includes a light-emitting element (not illustrated) that emits light toward a surface opposite the lamination surface 109 (hereinafter referred to as an “opposite surface”) of the second member 102 held between the lamination rollers 50, and a light-receiving element (not illustrated) that receives light reflected off the opposite surface of the second member 102. When the second member 102 is present beneath the member sensor 63, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 63 receives light reflected off the opposite surface of the second member 102, and the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element is greater than a threshold value. On the other hand, when the second member 102 is not present beneath the member sensor 63, the light-receiving element of the member sensor 63 does not receive light reflected off 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.

[0067] Although the member sensors 61 through 63 each including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are disposed upward relative to the conveying path 15 in the present embodiment, the member sensors 61 through 63 having the same configuration may instead be disposed downward relative to the conveying path 15.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, an EEPROM 94, and an ASIC 95. The ROM 92 stores a program for controlling various operations of the laminating apparatus 1. The EEPROM 94 stores various data used when the CPU 91 executes the above program. The RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the CPU 91 executes the above program, and as an area for developing data and programs. When the power to the laminating apparatus 1 is turned on, a copy of the program stored in the ROM 92 is transferred to the RAM 93. The CPU 91 executes the program stored in the RAM 93, whereby the control unit 90 performs various control. The control unit 90 is an example of the controller of the present disclosure.

[0069] The ASIC 95 is connected to the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13. The operation unit 12 detects when operating keys are pressed and outputs signals corresponding to the pressed operating keys. The control unit 90 identifies the pressed operating keys based on the output signals received from the operation unit 12. The display unit 13 displays information related to the operations of the laminating apparatus 1 on a screen based on instructions received from the control unit 90.

[0070] The ASIC 95 is also connected to the recording head 32. The control unit 90 outputs signals to the recording head 32 via the ASIC 95 based on image data. In accordance with the signals outputted from the control unit 90, the recording head 32 ejects ink from the nozzles 33 formed in the recording head 32.

[0071] The ASIC 95 is also connected to the member sensors 61 through 63. Each of the member sensors 61 through 63 outputs signals corresponding to the amount of light detected by the light-receiving element thereof. The control unit 90 determines, based on signals outputted from the light-receiving units of the member sensors 61 through 63, whether the first member 101 or the second member 102 is present at the respective positions where the member sensors 61 through 63 are disposed.

[0072] The ASIC 95 is connected to the common motor 70, a conveying motor 77, a second roll motor 81, the lamination motor 82, a CR motor 83, and the cutting motor 84. The ASIC 95 has built-in drive circuits for controlling these motors. The control unit 90 outputs drive signals for rotating respective motors to the drive circuits corresponding to the respective motors. Each drive circuit outputs a drive current based on the drive signal outputted from the control unit 90 to the corresponding motor, thereby causing the corresponding motor to rotate. Some of the motors described above may be configured of the same motor.

[0073] The common motor is a single motor that rotates both the first roll 111 supported by the first holder 21 and the first conveying rollers 41. The common motor 70 generates power for rotating the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41. A first transmission unit 71 is interposed between the common motor 70 and the first holder 21. The first transmission unit 71 transmits a 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 a rotational force of the common motor 70 to the second roller 412.

[0074] The conveying motor 77 generates power for rotating the second through fourth conveying rollers 42 through 44. The rotational force of the conveying motor 77 is transmitted, via a transmission mechanism not illustrated, to the fourth roller 422, the sixth roller 432, and the eighth roller 442.

[0075] The second roll motor 81 generates power for rotating 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 mounted, for example, on the rotational shaft of the second holder 22. The torque limiter 85 limits the power of the second roll motor 81 and transmits the limited power to the rotational shaft of the second holder 22.

[0076] The lamination motor 82 generates power for rotating the lamination rollers 50. A torque limiter 86 is interposed between the lamination motor 82 and the second lamination roller 52. The torque limiter 86 is mounted, for example, on the rotational shaft of the second lamination roller 52. The torque limiter 86 limits the power of the lamination motor 82 and transmits the limited power to the rotational shaft of the second lamination roller 52.

[0077] The control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 to apply a force to the first roll 111 via the rotational shaft of the first holder 21 and to rotate the first conveying rollers 41. The control unit 90 drives the conveying motor 77 to rotate the second through fourth conveying rollers 42 through 44, drives the second roll motor 81 to apply a force to the second roll 112 via the rotational shaft of the second holder 21, and drives the lamination motor 82 to rotate the lamination rollers 50. The control unit 90 further 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.

[0078] Hereinafter, rotation in a clockwise direction (clockwise rotation) and rotation in a counterclockwise direction (counterclockwise rotation) are defined with reference to FIG. 4. A rotational shaft 79 illustrated in FIG. 4 is the rotational shaft of the common motor 70. The rotational shaft 79 is rotatable in the counterclockwise direction and in the clockwise direction, which is opposite the counterclockwise direction. Note that FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a gear train and does not accurately depict the arrangement and sizes of the gears and the geometry of the gear teeth, for example. Furthermore, the common motor 70 is an example of the drive source of the present disclosure. The rotational shaft 79 is an example of the rotating portion of the present disclosure. The counterclockwise direction is an example of the first direction of the present disclosure. The clockwise direction is an example of the second direction of the present disclosure.

[0079] A gear 201 is attached to the rotational shaft 79 of the common motor 70 and rotates together with the rotational shaft 79. As illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A, the first transmission unit 71 includes 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 includes gears 221A, 221B, 222, and 223, and a rotary encoder 235.

[0080] The gear 212A and the gear 212B are disposed at the same position in the up-down direction and in the front-rear direction and share the same rotational shaft. Therefore, the gear 212A and the gear 212B are illustrated as a single gear at the same position in FIG. 4. The same applies to the gear 213A and the gear 213B, and to the gear 215A and the gear 215B. In FIGS. 5A through 5C, “ONE-WAY,” “LIMITER,” “CW,” and “CCW” indicate a one-way clutch, a torque limiter, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise rotation, respectively.

[0081] The gear 201 meshes with the gear 211A. The gear 211B, which has the same rotational axis as the gear 211A, meshes with the gears 212A and 213A. The gear 213B, which has the same rotational axis as the gear 213A, meshes with the gear 214. Each of the gear 212B, which has the same rotational axis as the gear 212A, and the gear 214 meshes with the gear 215A. The gear 215B, which has the same rotational axis as the gear 215A, meshes with the gear 216. The gear 216 meshes with the gear 217 attached to the rotational shaft of the first holder 21.

[0082] The one-way clutch 231 is mounted on the rotational shaft of the gears 212A and 212B. The one-way clutch 231 transmits a rotational force only for counterclockwise rotation between the gears 212A and 212B. The one-way clutch 232 is mounted on the rotational shaft of the gears 213A and 213B. The one-way clutch 232 transmits a rotational force only for clockwise rotation between the gears 213A and 213B. The torque limiter 233 is mounted on the rotational shaft of the gears 215A and 215B. The torque limiter 233 limits a rotational force transmitted between the gears 215A and 215B. The rotary encoder 234 is mounted on the rotational shaft of the gear 215B. The rotary encoder 234 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotated amount of the gear 215B.

[0083] The gear 201 also meshes with the gear 221A. The gear 221B, which shares the same rotational shaft as the gear 221A, meshes with the gear 222. The gear 222 meshes with the gear 223 attached to the rotational shaft of the second roller 412 included in the first conveying rollers 41. The rotary encoder 235 is mounted on the rotational shaft of the gear 222. The rotary encoder 23 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotated amount of the gear 222.

[0084] The rotary encoders 234 and 235 are connected to the ASIC 95 (see FIG. 3). The control unit 90 obtains the rotated amount of the gear 215B based on the output signal from the rotary encoder 234, and obtains the rotated amount of the gear 222 based on the output signal from the rotary encoder 235.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6, when the control unit 90 causes the common motor 70 to rotate in a forward direction, the rotational shaft 79 and the gear 201 rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The rotational force for rotating the rotational shaft 79 in the counterclockwise direction is transmitted as a rotational force for rotating the gears 211A and 211B in the clockwise direction and rotating the gears 212A and 213A in the counterclockwise direction. The rotational force for rotating the gear 212A in the counterclockwise direction is transmitted to the gear 212B by the action of the one-way clutch 231. On the other hand, the rotational force for rotating the gear 213A in the counterclockwise direction is not transmitted to the gear 213B due to the action of the one-way clutch 232. Accordingly, a rotational force for rotating the gear 215A in the clockwise direction is transmitted to the gear 215A from the gear 212B. The rotational force for rotating the gear 215A in the clockwise direction is transmitted as a rotational force for rotating the gear 215B in the clockwise direction and rotating the gear 216 in the counterclockwise direction, and a rotational force in the clockwise direction is applied to the gear 217. The rotational force in the clockwise direction applied to the gear 217 is a rotational force in a direction for taking up the first member 101. The direction for taking up the first member is an example of the take-up direction of the present disclosure.

[0086] Furthermore, the rotational force for rotating the rotational shaft 79 in the counterclockwise direction is transmitted as a rotational force for rotating the gears 221A and 221B in the clockwise direction, rotating the gear 222 in the counterclockwise direction, and rotating the gear 223 in the clockwise direction. The rotational force in the clockwise direction applied to the gear 223 is a rotational force in a direction for drawing out the first member 101.

[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 7, when the control unit 90 causes the common motor 70 to rotate in a reverse direction, the rotational shaft 79 and the gear 201 rotate in the clockwise direction. The rotational force for rotating the rotational shaft 79 in the clockwise direction is transmitted as a rotational force for rotating the gears 211A and 211B in the counterclockwise direction and rotating the gears 212A and 213A in the clockwise direction. The rotational force for rotating the gear 212A in the clockwise direction is not transmitted to the gear 212B due to the action of the one-way clutch 231. On the other hand, the rotational force for rotating the gear 213A in the clockwise direction is transmitted to the gear 213B by the action of the one-way clutch 232, and the gear 213B rotates the gear 214 in the counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, a rotational force for rotating the gear 215A in the clockwise direction is transmitted to the gear 215A from the gear 214. The rotational force rotating the gear 215A in the clockwise direction is transmitted as a rotational force for rotating the gear 215B in the clockwise direction and rotating the gear 216 in the counterclockwise direction, and a rotational force in the clockwise direction is applied to the gear 217.

[0088] Furthermore, the rotational force for rotating the rotational shaft 79 in the clockwise direction is transmitted as a rotational force for rotating the gears 221A and 221B in the counterclockwise direction, rotating the gear 222 in the clockwise direction, and rotating the gear 223 in the counterclockwise direction. The rotational force in the counterclockwise direction applied to the gear 223 is a rotational force in a direction for taking up the first member 101.

[0089] As described above, the first transmission unit 71 transmits both counterclockwise and clockwise rotational forces of the rotational shaft 79 to the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 as a rotational force in a direction for taking up the first member 101 onto the first roll 111. The second transmission unit 72 transmits the counterclockwise rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 to the first conveying rollers 41 as a rotational force in a direction for drawing out the first member 101 from the first roll 111, and transmits the clockwise rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 to the first conveying rollers 41 as a rotational force in a direction for taking up the first member 101 onto the first roll 111.

[0090] The first transmission unit 71 includes a first transmission path 73 and a second transmission path 74 that transmit the rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 to the first roll 111. The first transmission path 73 extends from the gear 211B to the gear 215A via the gear 212A, the one-way clutch 231, and the gear 212B. The second transmission path 74 extends from the gear 211B to the gear 215A via the gear 213A, the one-way clutch 232, and the gears 213B and 214. The first transmission path 73 includes the one-way clutch 231 on the path. The second transmission path 74 includes the one-way clutch 232 on the path. The one-way clutch 231 is an example of the first one-way clutch of the present disclosure. The one-way clutch 232 is an example of the second one-way clutch of the present disclosure. The rotary encoder 234 is an example of the detector of the present disclosure. The rotary encoder 235 is an example of the detector of the present disclosure.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 in the counterclockwise direction (a counterclockwise rotational force of the rotational 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. Conversely, a rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 in the clockwise direction (a clockwise rotational force of the rotational 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. The rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 in the counterclockwise direction is an example of the first rotational force of the present disclosure. The rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 in the clockwise direction is an example of the second rotational force of the present disclosure.

[0092] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, details of the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission portion 72 will be described. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the one-way clutch 231 includes 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 includes 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 includes 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.

[0093] FIGS. 6 and 7 also illustrate the first roll 111, the first roller 411, the second roller 412, an intermediate roller 239, and the first member 101. The first member 101 is drawn out from the first roll 111 and enters between the first roller 411 and the second roller 412 via the intermediate roller 239.

[0094] Hereinafter, a state in which the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41 can rotate independently at free speeds is referred to as a “free state.” For example, when the first member 102 is not connected between the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41, the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41 are in the free state. In the free state, a circumferential speed of the first roll 111 when the common motor 70 rotates in the forward direction is denoted by V1a, and a conveyance force of the first roll 111 at that time is denoted by F1a. In the free state, a circumferential speed of the first roll 111 when the common motor 70 rotates in the reverse direction is denoted by V1b, and a conveyance force of the first roll 111 at that time is denoted by F1b. In the free state, a circumferential speed of the first conveying rollers 41 when the common motor 70 rotates in the forward direction or in the reverse direction is denoted by V2, and a conveyance force of the first conveying rollers 41 at that time is denoted by F2.

[0095] The conveyance forces F1a and F1b are rotational forces limited by the torque limiter 233. The conveyance force F2 is a rotational force not limited by a torque limiter. The circumferential speed V2 and the conveyance force F2 are constant, whereas the circumferential speeds V1a and V1b and the conveyance forces F1a and F1b vary depending on an amount of the first member 101 wound into the first roll 111 (i.e., a remaining amount of the first member 101). Here, a rotational force and a rotational speed of the common motor 70 during rotation in the forward direction (forward rotation) are assumed to be the same as a rotational force and a rotational speed of the common motor 70 during rotation in the reverse direction (reverse rotation), but the rotational force and the rotational speed may be different between forward rotation and reverse rotation.

[0096] The first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are configured to satisfy the following conditions:

[0097] (Condition 1) V2 < Minimum Value of V1a

[0098] (Condition 2) F2 > Maximum Value of F1a

[0099] (Condition 3) V2 < Minimum Value of V1b

[0100] (Condition 4) F2 < Minimum Value of F1b

[0101] When the common motor 70 rotates in the forward direction, Conditions V2 < V1a and F2 > F1a are satisfied. Since the conveyance force of the first conveying rollers 41 is greater than the conveyance force of the first roll 111, the first member 101 is conveyed in a direction for drawing out the first member 101 at a speed V2. At this time, a rotational force in the clockwise direction is applied to the first roll 111 via the first transmission unit 71, and a rotational force in the counterclockwise direction is applied to the first roll 111 from the first conveying rollers 41 via the first member 101. Since the latter is greater than the former, the first roll 111 actually rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, the gear 216 actually rotates in the clockwise direction, and the gear 215B actually rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0102] At this time, in the torque limiter 233, the motor-side portion 233A rotates in the clockwise direction, and the roll-side portion 233B rotates in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, a rotational force in a direction for preventing rotation of the first roll 111 in the draw-out direction is generated, and the first member 101 is conveyed in the draw-out direction while maintaining tension due to the conveyance force F1a.

[0103] When the common motor 70 rotates in the reverse direction, Conditions V2 < V1b and F2 < F1b are satisfied. Since the circumferential speed of the first roll 111 is greater than the circumferential speed of the first conveying rollers 41, the first member 101 is conveyed in a take-up direction at a speed V1b. At this time, a rotational force in the counterclockwise direction is applied to the first conveying rollers 41 via the second transmission unit 72, and a rotational force in the counterclockwise direction is applied from the first roll 111 via the first member 101. Accordingly, the first conveying rollers 41 rotate at a speed V1b that is greater than the speed V2 resulting from the rotational force transmitted via the second transmission unit 72.

[0104] As described above, the laminating apparatus 1 is configured such that, when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the first member 101 is conveyed in a direction for drawing out the first member 101 from the first roll 111, and when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the clockwise direction, the first member 101 is conveyed in a direction for taking up the first member 101 onto the first roll 111. Specifically, the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are configured such that the first member 101 is conveyed as described above.

[0105] Furthermore, the laminating apparatus 1 is configured such that, when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the clockwise direction in a state where the amount of the first member 101 wound into the first roll 111 is minimum, a rotational force is applied to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21 and to the first conveying rollers 41 so that a circumferential speed of the first member 101 wound on the first roll 111 becomes greater than a circumferential speed of the first conveying rollers 41. Specifically, the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 are configured to satisfy the above-described relationship between the magnitudes of speeds. However, this relationship between the magnitudes of speeds should be satisfied in a case where the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41 can rotate independently at free speeds (for example, under an assumption that the first member 101 is not connected between the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41).

[0106] A laminating process performed by the control unit 90 will be described next with reference to FIG. 8. The laminating process illustrated in FIG. 8 is executed when the control unit 90 executes a program stored in the RAM 93. When receiving an instruction to execute a laminating process from the operation unit 12, for example, the control unit 90 executes the laminating process. As the control unit 90 executes the laminating process, the laminating apparatus 1 operates as illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 11D. Note that only main components of the laminating apparatus 1 are illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 11D. Furthermore, descriptions related to the third conveying rollers 43 and the fourth conveying rollers 44 have been omitted below since the third conveying rollers 43 and the fourth conveying rollers 44 play only a minor role in the laminating process.

[0107] FIG. 9A illustrates an initial state of the laminating apparatus 1 before execution of the laminating process. In the initial state, the control unit 90 stops the first roll 111, the second roll 112, and the lamination rollers 50. In the initial state, the leading edge of the first member 101 drawn out from the first roll 111 is held between the first conveying rollers 41 while the leading edge of the second member 102 is held between the lamination rollers 50. Additionally, the remaining portion of the first member 101 generated in the previous laminating process remains held between the lamination rollers 50.

[0108] When starting to use the laminating apparatus 1, the user mounts the first roll 111 on the first holder 21 and mounts the second roll 112 on the second holder 22. The user then draws out the first member 101 from the first roll 111 and causes the leading edge of the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 to be held between the first conveying rollers 41. The user also draws out the second member 102 from the second roll 112 and causes the leading edge of the drawn-out portion of the second member 102 to be held between the lamination rollers 50. Through these operations, the laminating apparatus 1 is placed in the initial state illustrated in FIG. 9A.

[0109] At the beginning of the laminating process, the control unit 90 corrects any skew in the first member 101 and the second member 102 (S11). In S11 the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 in the forward direction to apply a force to the first conveying rollers 41 acting in a direction for drawing out the first member 101 (see FIG. 9B and FIG. 12A). At this time, the common motor 70 applies a force to the first roll 111 acting in a direction for taking up the first member 101. However, since the latter force (that is, the force acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101) is smaller than the former force (that is, the force acting in the direction for drawing out the first member 101), the first member 101 is drawn out toward the downstream side of the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as a “draw-out operation”).

[0110] Following the draw-out operation, the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 in a reverse direction to apply a force to the first conveying rollers 41 acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101 (see FIGS. 9C and 12B). At this time as well, the common motor 70 applies a force to the first roll 111 acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101. Accordingly, the first member 101 is taken up onto the first roll 111 (hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as a “take-up operation”).

[0111] During the draw-out operation, the control unit 90 draws out, based on an output signal from the member sensor 61, the first member 101 until the leading edge of the first member 101 reaches the position of the member sensor 61. During the take-up operation, the control unit 90 takes up, based on an output signal from the rotary encoder 235 included in the second transmission unit 72, the first member 101 by a predetermined amount. The control unit 90 executes, as a skew correction control, the draw-out operation and the take-up operation at least once each.

[0112] In addition to the skew correction control for the first member 101, in S11 the control unit 90 drives the lamination motor 82 to apply a force to the lamination rollers 50 acting in a direction for drawing out the second member 102 (see FIG. 9B). At this time, the second roll motor 81 applies a force to the second roll 112 acting in a direction for taking up the second member 102. However, since the latter force (that is, the force acting in the direction for taking up the second member 102) is smaller than the former force (that is, the force acting in the direction for drawing out the second member 102), the second member 102 is drawn out toward the lamination rollers 50.

[0113] Following the draw-out operation for the second member 102, the control unit 90 drives the lamination motor 82 in the reverse direction to apply a force to the lamination rollers 50 acting in the direction for taking up the second member 102 (see FIG. 9C). At this time as well, the second roll motor 81 applies a force to the second roll 112 acting in the direction for taking up the second member 102. Accordingly, the second member 102 is taken up onto the second roll 112.

[0114] During the draw-out operation for the second member 102, the control unit 90 draws out, based on an output signal from the member sensor 63, the second member 102 until the leading edge of the second member 102 reaches the position of the member sensor 63. During the take-up operation, the control unit 90 takes up, based on an output signal from a rotary encoder (not illustrated) mounted on a rotational shaft of the second lamination roller 52 of the lamination rollers 50, the second member 102 by a predetermined amount. The control unit 90 executes, as a skew correction control for the second member 102, the draw-out operation and the take-up operation at least once each.

[0115] When the user causes the leading edge of the drawn-out portion the first member 101 that has been drawn out from the first roll 111 to be held between the first conveying rollers 41, the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 may be held between the first conveying rollers 41 in an oblique direction to the conveying direction, as illustrated in FIG. 12A. In this case, skew in the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 can be corrected by alternately executing the draw-out operation (FIG. 12A) and the take-up operation (FIG. 12B) for the first member 101. Skew in the drawn-out portion of the second member 102 can also be corrected according to the same method.

[0116] In S11 the control unit 90 performs the skew correction for the first member 101 and the skew correction for the second member 102 in parallel. However, the control unit 90 may execute the skew correction for one of the first member 101 and the second member 102 first before executing the skew correction for the other.

[0117] Next, the control unit 90 causes the first member 101 to be held between the second conveying rollers 42 (S12). In S12 the control unit 90 stops driving the lamination motor 82 and the second roll motor 81 to halt the lamination rollers 50 and the second holder 22 together with the second roll 112, respectively. Subsequently, the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 to apply a force to the first conveying rollers 41 acting in the direction for drawing out the first member 101. At this time as well, the common motor 70 applies a force to the first roll 111 acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101. Since the latter force (that is, the force acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101) is smaller than the former force (that is, the force acting in the direction for drawing out the first member 101), the first member 101 is drawn out toward the downstream side of the conveying path 15 in the conveying direction while maintaining certain tension. When the leading edge of the first member 101 reaches the second conveying rollers 42, the second conveying rollers 42 hold the first member 101 therebetween (see FIG. 9D).

[0118] Next, the control unit 90 causes the first member 101 to be conveyed (S13). In S13 the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 to rotate the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42, thereby causing the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 to convey the first member 101 (see FIG. 10B).

[0119] Next, the control unit 90 halts 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 driving the common motor 70 to halt rotation of the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42, thereby stopping conveyance of the first member 101. While the conveyance of the first member 101 is stopped, the image recording unit 30 ejects ink from the recording head 32 onto the recording surface 107 of the first member 101, thereby recording an image on a portion of the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 (see FIG. 10C).

[0120] Next, the control unit 90 determines whether to continue recording images (S15). When the control unit 90 determines that additional image data remains to be recorded, i.e., that image recording is to be continued (S15: YES), the process returns to S13. The control unit 90 repeatedly executes S13 and S14 until reaching a NO determination in S15. In this way, images are sequentially recorded on the first member 101 from the downstream side to the upstream side of the conveying direction. Each shaded area on the first member 101 in FIG. 10B and other drawings denotes an area where the image recording unit 30 has recorded an image in a single recording operation.

[0121] After executing S13, when the control unit 90 determines, based on an output signal from the member sensor 62, that the first member 101 has reached the lamination rollers 50, the control unit 90 starts driving the lamination rollers 50. The control unit 90 simultaneously begins driving the lamination motor 82 and driving the second roll motor 81. Thereafter, the control unit 90 drives the lamination motor 82 to apply a force to the lamination rollers 50 acting in the direction for drawing out the second member 102. At this time, the second roll motor 81 applies a force to the second roll 112 acting in the direction for taking up the second member 102 (see FIG. 10D). Thereafter, the lamination rollers 50 bond the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 to the lamination surface 109 of the second member 102.

[0122] When the control unit 90 determines in S15 not to continue image recording (S15: NO), the process advances to S16. In this case, the control unit 90 conveys the first member 101 until a cutting position of the first member 101 has reached beneath the first cutting unit 68 (S16). The cutting position is positioned upstream relative to the position at which the image has been recorded on the first member 101. In S16 the control unit 90 performs the same process as in S13. However, while the lamination rollers 50 are rotating, the first member 101 is conveyed by both the force from the second conveying rollers 42 and the force from the lamination rollers 50 (see FIG. 11A).

[0123] Next, the control unit 90 causes the first member 101 to be cut by the first cutting unit 68 (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 of the first member 101 (see FIG. 11B).

[0124] Next, the control unit 90 causes the first member 101 and the second member 102 to be conveyed after the first member 101 and the second member 102 have been laminated (S18). In S18 the control unit 90 drives the lamination motor 82 to convey the laminated first member 101 and second member 102 until the cutting position of the laminated first member 101 and second member 102 reaches a position beneath the second cutting unit 69.

[0125] After executing S18, the control unit 90 halts the first conveying rollers 41, the second conveying rollers 42, the lamination rollers 50, and the second roll 112. At this time point, the cutting position of the laminated first member 101 and second member 102 is positioned beneath the second cutting unit 69.

[0126] Next, the control unit 90 causes the laminated first member 101 and second member 102 to be cut by the second cutting unit 69 (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 laminated first member 101 and second member 102 at the cutting position of the laminated first member 101 and second member 102 (see FIG. 11C).

[0127] Next, the control unit 90 causes the first member 101 to be taken up (rewound) onto the first roll 101 (S20). In S20 the control unit 90 drives the common motor 70 in the reverse direction to rotate the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 in the reverse direction. The first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 apply a force to the first member 101 acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101. At this time as well, the common motor 70 applies a force to the first roll 111 acting in the direction for taking up the first member 101. Therefore, the first member 101 is conveyed toward the first roll 111 and taken up onto the first roll 111 (see FIG. 11D).

[0128] As described above, the laminating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the first holder 21, the second holder 22, the image recording unit 30 (image recording portion), the lamination rollers 50, and the common motor 70 (drive source). The common motor 70 is a single motor that rotates both the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 and the first conveying rollers 41 (conveying roller). Therefore, with the laminating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the first roll 111 (first holder 21) and the first conveying rollers 41 can be driven by the single common motor 70, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus 1.

[0129] The first member 101 is conveyed in a direction for drawing out the first member 101 (draw-out direction) from the first roll 111 when the rotational shaft 79 (rotating portion) of the common motor 70 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (first direction), and is conveyed in a direction for taking up the first member 101 onto the first roll 111 (take-up direction) when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the clockwise direction (second direction). Accordingly, skew in a drawn-out portion (first drawn-out portion) of the first member 101 can be corrected by rotating the rotational shaft 79 in the clockwise direction and in the counterclockwise direction to perform a draw-out operation for drawing out the first member 101 from the first roll 111 and a take-up operation for taking up the first member 101 onto the first roll 111. Therefore, after the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 is brought into a non-skewed state, an image is recorded on the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 and the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 is laminated with a drawn-out portion of the second member 102, whereby a finished laminated product 100 with reduced misalignment can be obtained.

[0130] The laminating apparatus 1 further includes the first transmission unit 71 (first transmission portion) and the second transmission unit 72 (second transmission portion). The first transmission unit 71 transmits both a counterclockwise rotational force (first rotational force) and a clockwise rotational force (second rotational force) of the rotational shaft 79 to the first roll 111 as a rotational force in a direction for taking up the first member 101. The second transmission unit 72 transmits a counterclockwise rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 to the first conveying rollers 41 as a rotational force in a direction for drawing out the first member 101, and transmits a clockwise rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 to the first conveying rollers 41 as a rotational force in a direction for taking up the first member 101. Accordingly, when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, rotational forces in opposite directions are applied to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21 and to the first conveying rollers 41, thereby applying tension to the first member 101 positioned between the first holder 21 and the first conveying rollers 41. Furthermore, when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the clockwise direction, rotational forces in the same direction are applied to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21 and to the first conveying rollers 41, thereby taking up the first member 101.

[0131] The first transmission unit 71 includes a first transmission path 73 and a second transmission path 74. The first transmission path 73 includes a one-way clutch 231 (first one-way clutch) along the path, and the second transmission path 74 includes a one-way clutch 232 (second one-way clutch) along the path. The counterclockwise rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 is transmitted to the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 via the first transmission path 73 but is not transmitted to the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 via the second transmission path 74 due to the one-way clutch 232. Conversely, the clockwise rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 is transmitted to the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 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. Accordingly, the first transmission unit 71 can apply both the clockwise and counterclockwise rotational forces of the rotational shaft 79 to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21 as rotational forces in a direction for taking up the first member 101.

[0132] The torque limiter 233 and the rotary encoder 234 (detector) are mounted on the rotational shaft of the gear 215B. The torque limiter 233 and the rotary encoder 234 may be disposed at least one of: downstream relative to the one-way clutch 231 along the first transmission path 73; and downstream relative to the one-way clutch 232 along the second transmission path 74. Accordingly, a rotational force limited by the torque limiter 233 can be applied to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21, and the rotary encoder 234 can detect a rotated amount of a member within the first transmission unit 71.

[0133] The rotary encoder 235 (detector) is mounted on the rotational shaft of the gear 222. The rotary encoder 235 may be disposed at any position within the second transmission unit 72. The rotary encoder 235 can detect a rotated amount of a member within the second transmission unit 72. Furthermore, the first transmission unit 71 and the second transmission unit 72 include gears. Therefore, a rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 can be transmitted, through the gears, to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21 and to the first conveying rollers 41.

[0134] When the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the clockwise direction in a state where the amount of the first member 101 wound into the first roll 111 is at a minimum, a rotational force is applied to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21 and to the first conveying rollers 41 such that the circumferential speed of the first member 101 wound on the first roll 111 becomes greater than the circumferential speed of the first conveying rollers 41. Accordingly, when the rotational shaft 79 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 can be taken up while tension is applied to the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 positioned between the first holder 21 and the first conveying rollers 41.

[0135] The first transmission unit 71 includes the torque limiter 233, whereas the second transmission unit 72 does not include a torque limiter. Accordingly, a rotational force limited by the torque limiter 233 can be applied to the first roll 111 via the first holder 21, and a rotational force not limited by a torque limiter can be applied to the first conveying rollers 41.

[0136] The control unit 90 of the laminating apparatus 1 performs, as a skew correction control for the first member 101, the draw-out operation and the take-up operation at least once each. Accordingly, skew in the drawn-out portion of the first member 101 can be corrected. Therefore, after the first member 101 is brought into a non-skewed state, an image is recorded on the first member 101 and the first member 101 is laminated with the second member 102, whereby a finished laminated product 100 without distortion can be obtained.

[0137] The laminating apparatus 1 includes a member sensor 61 between the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 in the front-rear direction (downstream relative to the first conveying rollers 41 in the conveying direction of the first member 101). The control unit 90 switches, based on an output signal from the member sensor 61, between execution of the draw-out operation and execution of the take-up operation. Accordingly, the draw-out operation and the take-up operation can be switched in response to the member sensor 61 detecting the first member 101.

[0138] While the invention has been described in conjunction with various example structures outlined above and illustrated in the figures, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example embodiments of the disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative of the invention, and not limiting the invention. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. Some specific examples of potential alternatives, modifications, or variations in the described invention are provided below:

[0139] A first transmission unit and a second transmission unit of a laminating apparatus according to a variation may include belts for transmitting a rotational force. A first transmission unit 75 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes pulleys 241 and 242 and a belt 243 instead of the gear 217. The pulley 241 shares the same rotational shaft as the gear 216. The pulley 242 shares the same rotational shaft as the first holder 21. The belt 243 is looped around the pulleys 241 and 242.

[0140] A second transmission unit 76 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes pulleys 244 and 245 and a belt 246 instead of the gear 223. The pulley 244 shares the same rotational shaft as the gear 222, and the pulley 245 shares the same rotational shaft as the second roller 412. The belt 246 is looped around the pulleys 244 and 245. With the first transmission unit 75 and the second transmission unit 76 as well, a rotational force of the rotational shaft 79 can be transmitted to the first roll 111 and the first conveying rollers 41 via the belts 243 and 246.

[0141] A laminating apparatus according to another variation may include a width-direction sensor for detecting a position in a width direction of the drawn-out portion of the first member 101. In FIG. 14A, a width-direction sensor 64 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the first member 101 drawn out from the first roll 111. The width-direction sensor 64 outputs a plurality of signals indicating whether the first member 101 is present within a predetermined region. In FIG. 14B, width-direction sensors 65 and 66 are disposed on one side and the other side in the width direction of the first member 101, respectively. The width-direction sensors 65 and 66 each output one signal indicating whether the first member 101 is present at a predetermined position.

[0142] The control unit 90 detects a skewed state of the first member 101 based on output signals from the width-direction sensor 64 (or the width-direction sensors 65 and 66), and controls execution of the draw-out operation and the take-up operation based on the detected skewed state. For example, the control unit 90 repeatedly executes the draw-out operation and the take-up operation until determining that the first member 101 is not skewed. Accordingly, with the laminating apparatus according to the variation, skew in the first member 101 can be suitably corrected in accordance with the detected skewed state of the first member 101. Specifically, when the skew in the first member 101 is small, the skew correction control can be completed in a short time, and even when the skew in the first member 101 is large, the skew in the first member 101 can be reliably corrected.

[0143] A laminating apparatus according to still another variation may laminate a drawn-out portion of the first member 101, which has been drawn out from the first roll 111 and on which an image has been recorded, with a second member 102 having a predetermined length. The laminating apparatus 2 according to the variation illustrated in FIG. 15 includes, instead of the second holder 22, a supply unit 25 for supplying the second member 102 and does not include the first cutting portion 68. The supply unit 25 includes a cassette 26 that accommodates the second member 102 having a predetermined length, and a feeding roller 27 for feeding the second member 102 accommodated in the cassette 26 toward the lamination rollers 50. Also with the laminating apparatus 2 according to the variation, the first roll 111 mounted on the first holder 21 and the first conveying rollers 41 can be driven by the single common motor 70, thereby reducing the cost of the laminating apparatus 2. The first holder 101 on which the first roll 111 is mounted is an example of the holder of the present disclosure. The supply unit 25 is an example of the supply portion of the present disclosure.

[0144] A laminating apparatus according to a variation may include a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit having configurations different from the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit described above. For example, detailed configurations of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit such as the number of gears, gear ratios, branching states of gear trains, and positions of one-way clutches and torque limiters may differ from those of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit described above. Furthermore, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit may include, instead of one-way clutches, planetary gears or mechanisms including solenoids as means for preventing transmission of a rotational force in a specific direction.

[0145] A laminating apparatus according to a variation does not necessarily need to include the third conveying rollers 43 and the fourth conveying rollers 44. In such a laminating apparatus, the second conveying rollers 42 may be disposed at the positions of the third conveying rollers 43 or at the positions of the fourth conveying rollers 44.

[0146] A laminating apparatus according to a variation may include a single lamination roller. By arranging one lamination roller at an appropriate position within the housing 11, the single lamination roller can laminate a portion of the first member 101, which has been drawn out from the first roll 111 and on which an image has been recorded by the image recording unit 30, with a portion of the second member 102, which has been drawn out from the second roll 112. Furthermore, instead of the lamination rollers, the laminating apparatus according to a variation may include, for example, two plate-shaped members arranged with a predetermined spacing in the up-down direction 7. In this case, a holding member disposed downstream in the conveying direction may hold the first member 101 and the second member 102 and pull the first member 101 and the second member 102 in a predetermined direction.

[0147] A laminating apparatus according to a variation may not include the second cutting unit 69. In this case, a laminated member of the first member 101 and the second member 102 is discharged from the discharge opening 14 without being cut. The user may cut the discharged member outside the laminating apparatus, for example, using scissors.

[0148] In the embodiment and variations of the present disclosure, the common motor 70 is described as a single motor that rotates both the first roll 111 supported by the first holder 21 and the first conveying rollers 41; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second roll motor 81 may serve as the common motor 70, the second roll 112 may correspond to the first roll 111, the first conveying rollers 41 may correspond to the lamination rollers 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 lamination rollers 50.

[0149] The image recording unit 30 of the laminating apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment includes the recording head 32 that ejects ink and records images according to a so-called serial inkjet method, but the image recording unit 30 is not limited to this configuration. For example, a recording unit of a laminating apparatus according to a variation may include a fixed inkjet recording head that records images according to a so-called line head method. Alternatively, a recording unit in a laminating apparatus according to a variation may be configured to record images using a so-called thermal head method. Alternatively, a recording unit in a laminating apparatus according to a variation may record images according to a so-called laser method in which toner is fixed to a recording medium using a laser beam.

[0150] Note that the present disclosure includes the phrases “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and the like as alternative expressions that mean one or more of A and B, one or more of A, B and C, and the like, respectively.  More specifically, the phrase “at least one of A and B” means (A), (B) or (A and B), and the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C).