Image forming system and post-processing apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses an image forming system and a post-processing apparatus. The conveying roller conveys a plurality of sheet groups, each of which is coated with an adhesive. The sheet holder holds a plurality of sheet groups by stacking a subsequent sheet group on a preceding sheet group. The thermocompression bonding unit produces a booklet by applying heat and pressure to the plurality of sheet groups held in the sheet holder. The controller acquires sheet information indicating a conveyance duration or a sheet type of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups, and controls, based on the sheet information, a thermocompression bonding parameter applied to at least one subsequent sheet group of the preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups in the thermocompression bonding unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device and an image forming system for making a booklet by bonding a plurality of sheets. Background Art

[0002] There is known a post-processing apparatus for making a booklet from a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed by an image forming apparatus. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-209858, a post-processing apparatus for making a booklet by bonding a plurality of sheets using a powder adhesive is proposed.

[0003] Incidentally, when the conveyance of the sheet to be included in the booklet is delayed, the duration required for making the booklet increases, and the productivity of the post-processing device decreases. If the bonding duration of the booklet is shortened in order to maintain productivity, the sheet may fall off from the booklet. In addition, if the type of the sheet conveyed to the post-processing device is different from the expected type, the heat supplied to the sheet may be insufficient, and the sheet may fall off from the booklet. If the bonding duration is increased in advance, the productivity of the post-processing device decreases. As described above, it is difficult to achieve both productivity and bonding strength. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a post-processing device, comprising: a conveying component for conveying a plurality of sheet groups, each sheet group being coated with an adhesive; a holding component configured to hold the plurality of sheet groups by stacking subsequent sheet groups on preceding sheet groups; a thermocompression bonding component for making a booklet by applying heat and pressure to the plurality of sheet groups held in the holding component; and an acquiring component for acquiring sheet information indicating a conveying duration or a sheet type of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups; and a control component for controlling, in the thermocompression bonding component, thermocompression bonding parameters applied to at least one subsequent sheet group of the preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups based on the sheet information.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an image forming system, including an image forming device and a post-processing device, the image forming device including: an image forming component for forming an image on a plurality of sheets; a coating component for coating an adhesive on the plurality of sheets; and a discharge component for sequentially discharging the plurality of sheets to the post-processing device, and the post-processing device including: a conveying component for conveying a plurality of sheet groups, each sheet group being coated with an adhesive and consisting of sheets discharged from the image forming device; a holding component configured to hold the plurality of sheet groups by stacking subsequent sheet groups on preceding sheet groups; a heat-pressure bonding component for making a booklet by applying heat and pressure to the plurality of sheet groups held in the holding component; and an acquisition component for acquiring sheet information indicating a conveying duration and a sheet type of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups; and a control component for controlling, based on the sheet information, a heat-pressure bonding parameter applied in the heat-pressure bonding component to at least one subsequent sheet group of the preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system.

[0008] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating a printed area of ​​an adhesive.

[0009] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3H is a diagram illustrating the buffer operation.

[0010] 4A to 4D is a diagram illustrating an alignment operation and a bonding operation.

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a diagram illustrating the bonding operation.

[0012] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a controller.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a diagram illustrating the function of a CPU.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding.

[0015] Fig. 9 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding.

[0016] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C It is a diagram illustrating a table for obtaining correction values.

[0017] Fig.11 is a flowchart for explaining a thermocompression bonding process.

[0018] Fig.12 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding.

[0019] Fig.13 is a flowchart for explaining a thermocompression bonding process.

[0020] Fig.14 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding.

[0021] Fig.15 is a flowchart for explaining a thermocompression bonding process.

[0022] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system.

[0023] Fig.17 It is a diagram illustrating the function of a CPU.

[0024] 18A to 18D is a diagram illustrating an alignment operation and a bonding operation.

[0025] Fig.19 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding.

[0026] Fig. 20 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding.

[0027] Fig.21 This is a timing diagram related to sheet conveyance and thermal pressure bonding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but no limitation is imposed on the invention requiring all such features, and a plurality of such features may be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0029] <First Embodiment>

[0030] (1) Image forming system

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 300. The post-processing apparatus 300 is a sheet processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet S as a printing material. The intermediate conveying roller 200 conveys the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the post-processing apparatus 300. The post-processing apparatus 300 performs post-processing on the sheet S as necessary and outputs the sheet S.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet cassette 8, an image forming unit 10, a fixing device 6, and a housing 19 accommodating these. The image forming unit 10 forms a toner image on a sheet S fed from the sheet cassette 8. The fixing device 6 performs a fixing process to fix the toner image on the sheet S.

[0033] A sheet cassette 8 is provided at the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet cassette 8 is inserted so as to be pulled out from the housing 19 and can store a large number of sheets S. A feed roller 81 feeds the sheet S from the sheet cassette 8 and transfers the sheet S to a pair of conveying rollers 82. The multi tray 20 can also feed the sheets S one at a time.

[0034] The image forming unit 10 is a tandem type electrophotographic unit, which includes four process boxes 7n, 7y, 7m and 7c, a scanner unit 2 and a transfer unit 3. The n assigned to the reference numeral means an adhesive. Y, m and c mean yellow, magenta and cyan, respectively. With respect to the process boxes 7n, 7y, 7m and 7c, a plurality of components responsible for image forming processing can be replaced in an integrated manner. That is, the process boxes 7n, 7y, 7m and 7c are formed by a plurality of components that are integrated.

[0035] The process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, 7c include corresponding toner containers Kn, Ky, Km, and Kc, photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc, and charging rollers Cn, Cy, Cm, and Cc. The structures of the process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c are substantially the same except for the type of toner.

[0036] The toner containers Ky, Km and Kc contain yellow, magenta and cyan toners for forming a visible image on the sheet S. The toner container Kn contains an adhesive toner Tn. The adhesive toner Tn is a powder adhesive for bonding multiple sheets S by heat pressing in the post-processing device 300. The adhesive toner image is developed using the adhesive toner Tn and is formed on the photosensitive drum Dn. The adhesive toner image is not intended to convey visual information. Therefore, the adhesive toner image is different from the toner image (normal toner image) formed using the printing toner for printing an image (such as a shape or text) on the sheet S. However, in the following description, the adhesive toner Tn is applied to the sheet S in a predetermined application pattern. Therefore, the layered adhesive toner Tn image developed by the electrophotographic process is also regarded as one of the "toner images".

[0037] When printing a black image (such as text), a black image is realized by overlapping yellow, magenta, and cyan toners (processing black). However, the image forming unit 10 may include a fifth process cartridge in which a black toner is used. The type and amount of printing toner may be changed according to the purpose of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0038] The charging rollers Cn, Cy, Cm and Cc are charging devices and uniformly charge the surfaces of the respective corresponding photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm and Dc. The scanner unit 2 is arranged below the process boxes 7n, 7y, 7m and 7c and above the sheet box 8. The scanner unit 2 forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm and Dc with the respective corresponding laser beams Jn, Jy, Jm and Jc. The scanner unit 2 may be referred to as an exposure device or an optical scanning device.

[0039] The toner containers Kn, Ky, Km, and Kc form toner images by adhering toner to electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc. The toner containers Kn, Ky, Km, and Kc may be referred to as developing devices.

[0040] The transfer unit 3 includes a transfer belt 30 serving as an intermediate transfer member (secondary image carrier). The transfer belt 30 is an endless belt wound around an inner roller 31 and a tension roller 32. The outer peripheral surface (image forming surface) of the transfer belt 30 faces the photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc. The primary transfer rollers Fn, Fy, Fm, and Fc are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the transfer belt 30 to face the photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc.

[0041] The primary transfer rollers Fn, Fy, Fm and Fc transfer the toner images from the corresponding photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm and Dc to the transfer belt 30. The primary transfer rollers Fn, Fy, Fm and Fc may be referred to as primary transfer devices. The toner images are conveyed to the secondary transfer portion by the counterclockwise rotation of the transfer belt 30.

[0042] The secondary transfer roller 5 is arranged to face the inner roller 31, and a transfer nip 52 is formed between the secondary transfer roller 5 and the transfer belt 30. The transfer nip 52 transfers the toner image from the transfer belt 30 to the sheet S. The transfer nip 52 may also be referred to as a secondary transfer portion.

[0043] The fixing device 6 is arranged above the secondary transfer roller 5 (downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S). The fixing device 6 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S passing through the fixing nip 61. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. That is, the printing toners Ty, Tm, and Tc and the adhesive toner Tn are melted and fixed on the sheet S.

[0044] Figure 2A The printing area 211 of the adhesive toner Tn is illustrated. The printing area 211 extends parallel to the long side of the sheet S. The printing area 211 is provided at the edge portion close to the long side. As a result, by stacking a plurality of sheets S and applying heat and pressure to the printing area 211 of the plurality of sheets S through the post-processing device 300, the plurality of sheets S are bonded together and a booklet is formed. The booklet in this case is a booklet bound on the long side. Here, the width (length in the short side direction) of the adhesive toner image (printing area 211) is, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0045] like Figure 2B As shown in , a small printing area 212 for adhesive toner Tn can be formed near the corner of the sheet S. As a result, a booklet bound at the corner is produced. An image for which adhesive toner Tn is used is not formed on the sheet S used as the cover of the booklet.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the switching guide 33 is a wing-shaped guiding member provided downstream of the fixing device 6 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. When the single-sided printing mode of forming an image on one side of the sheet S is selected, the switching guide 33 guides the sheet S to the discharge roller 34. When the double-sided printing mode of forming an image on both sides of the sheet S is selected, the switching guide 33 guides the sheet S on which an image has been formed on the first surface to a pair of switchback rollers 35. The pair of switchback rollers 35 convey the sheet S in the first direction. When the trailing edge of the sheet S enters a state where it can enter the double-sided conveying path 36, the pair of switchback rollers 35 start to reverse. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path 36. The double-sided conveying path 36 conveys the sheet S to the secondary transfer portion again. As a result, an image is formed on the second surface of the sheet S. An adhesive toner image can also be formed on both the first surface and the second surface.

[0047] The discharge roller 34 conveys the sheet S to the intermediate conveying roller 200 . The intermediate conveying roller 200 includes a conveying roller pair 201 and 202 . The conveying roller pair 201 and 202 conveys the sheet S to the post-processing device 300 .

[0048] (2) Post-processing device

[0049] The post-processing device 300 is a floor-standing type sheet processing device. The post-processing device 300 includes a buffering function for buffering a plurality of sheets, a function for aligning a plurality of sheets, and a function for bonding a bundle of sheets.

[0050] Hereinafter, the edge portion of the sheet S on the front side in the conveying direction is referred to as the leading edge. The edge portion of the sheet S on the rear side in the conveying direction is referred to as the trailing edge. Of the two edge portions of the sheet S, the edge portion that first enters the post-processing device 300 is referred to as the first edge. Of the two edge portions of the sheet S, the edge portion that enters the post-processing device 300 later is referred to as the second edge. In some cases, by the steering conveying performed by the post-processing device 300, the leading edge changes from the first edge to the second edge, and the trailing edge changes from the second edge to the first edge.

[0051] The sheet S conveyed from the intermediate conveying roller 200 is transferred to the entrance roller 21 of the post-processing device 300. The sheet sensor 27 is arranged downstream of the entrance roller 21. When the sheet sensor 27 detects the trailing edge of the sheet S, the pair of conveying rollers 22 accelerates the sheet S. When the trailing edge of the sheet S, for which the upper tray 25 is set as a discharge destination, reaches between the pair of conveying rollers 22 and the pair of conveying rollers 24, the pair of conveying rollers 22 decelerates. As a result, the conveying speed of the sheet S becomes a predetermined discharge speed. The pair of conveying rollers 24 discharges the sheet S to the upper tray 25.

[0052] When the trailing edge of the sheet S whose discharge destination is set as the lower tray 37 leaves the anti-backflow valve 23, the conveying roller pair 24 stops conveying the sheet S. Then, the conveying roller pair 24 starts to rotate in the reverse direction. As a result, the sheet S is turned and conveyed to the conveying roller pair 26. When the sheet sensor 60 provided downstream of the conveying roller pair 26 detects the leading edge of the sheet S, the two rollers constituting the conveying roller pair 24 separate. As a result, the conveying roller pair 24 can receive the subsequent sheet S. In addition, the conveying roller pair 26 stops while pressing the preceding sheet S. In response to the arrival of the subsequent sheet S, the conveying roller pair 26 starts to rotate in the reverse direction. As a result, the subsequent sheet S is stacked on the preceding sheet S. The sheet S is repeatedly turned by the conveying roller pair 26, multiple sheets S are stacked, and a sheet bundle is formed. Such a sheet bundle forming operation may be referred to as a buffer operation. The unit that implements the buffer operation is referred to as a buffer unit 80.

[0053] When the sheet bundle is completed in the buffer unit 80, the conveying roller pair 26 conveys the sheet bundle toward the intermediate stacking unit 42. The sheet bundle passes through a pair of conveying rollers 28 and a sheet sensor 50. In addition, the sheet bundle is conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 42 by the kick-out roller 29. The movable vertical alignment plate 39 is arranged at a standby position in the most downstream part of the intermediate stacking unit 42. The sheet bundle is aligned by abutting against the vertical alignment plate 39.

[0054] Multiple sheet bundles are sequentially stacked in the intermediate stacking unit 42. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets S for forming a booklet are stacked in the intermediate stacking unit 42. When the alignment of the predetermined number of sheets S is completed, a binding operation (adhesive process) is performed by the hot-press bonding unit 51 to form a booklet. The booklet is pushed toward the discharge roller 38 by the vertical alignment plate 39 moving from the standby position to the discharge position. When the leading edge of the booklet is pressed by the discharge roller 38, the vertical alignment plate 39 stops and returns to the standby position again. The discharge roller 38 discharges the booklet received from the vertical alignment plate 39 from the discharge port 46 to the lower tray 37.

[0055] In the above description, the post-processing device 300 uses the buffer unit 80 to form a sheet bundle composed of multiple sheets S and conveys the sheet bundle to the intermediate stacking unit 42. However, a single sheet S may also be conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 42.

[0056] (3) Buffer operation (stacking operation)

[0057] The buffer operation is an operation for making subsequent sheets or sheet bundles wait in the buffer unit 80 until the post-processing of the preceding sheet bundle is completed in the intermediate stacking unit 42. The buffer operation enables the image forming system 1 to continue the image forming job including post-processing without reducing the productivity (the number of images output per unit time) of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0058] Figures 3A to 3G The buffer operation is illustrated. Here, the first conveyed sheet S is denoted as S1. The second conveyed sheet S is denoted as S2. The sheet bundle formed by stacking the sheet S1 and the sheet S2 is denoted as W. The conveying speeds of the conveying roller pairs 22, 24, and 26 are denoted as V1 and V2 (V1 < V2). The conveying speed V1 is the conveying speed before acceleration, and the conveying speed V2 is the conveying speed after acceleration. Here, the acceleration (speed increase) is an acceleration process for ensuring the sheet interval (hereinafter referred to as the paper interval) necessary for stacking the sheet S in the buffer unit 80 and feeding the sheet bundle downstream.

[0059] The sheet interval generally refers to the distance or duration of conveyance from the trailing edge of the preceding sheet Si to the leading edge of the subsequent sheet Si+1 (where i is an arbitrary integer).

[0060] Figure 3A The diagram shows that the conveying speeds of the conveying roller pair 22 and the conveying roller pair 24 are accelerated to V2 at the timing when the trailing edge (second edge) of the sheet S1 passes the sheet sensor 27 . Figure 3B It is illustrated that the sheet S1 is temporarily stopped at the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet S1 moves a predetermined distance from the sheet sensor 27 and leaves the backflow prevention valve 23. The conveying speed of the conveying roller pair 22 is returned to V1 to receive the sheet S2. Figure 3C The diagram shows that the rotation direction of the conveying roller pair 24 is switched from forward rotation to reverse rotation, and the sheet S1 is conveyed in the F1 direction at a conveying speed V2. The sheet S2 is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 22 at a conveying speed V1.

[0061] Figure 3D The diagram shows that the leading edge (first edge) of the sheet S1 is stopped at a position after being conveyed a predetermined amount from the conveying roller pair 26. When the sheet S1 is pressed by the conveying roller pair 26, the separation rod 44 separates the upper roller 24a in the E1 direction. After the upper roller 24a is separated from the lower roller 24b, the leading edge (first edge) of the sheet S2 passes through the conveying roller pair 24. The separation rod 44 is connected to the plunger solenoid 45 so as to be able to rotate around the solenoid connection axis. When current flows through the plunger solenoid 45, the separation rod 44 rotates in the E1 direction, and the conveying roller pair 24 enters a separated state. When the supply of current to the plunger solenoid 45 stops, the upper roller 24a moves in the E2 direction by the pressing spring.

[0062] Figure 3E The diagram shows that after the trailing edge (second edge) of the sheet S2 passes through the sheet sensor 27, the conveying speed of the conveying roller pair 22 and the conveying roller pair 24 is accelerated to V2. At the timing when the trailing edge (second edge) of the sheet S2 passes through the sheet sensor 27, the conveying roller pair 26 starts to rotate in the opposite direction. As a result, the sheet S1 pressed together by the conveying roller pair 26 is conveyed in the F2 direction. When the sheet S1 and the sheet S2 are conveyed at the same conveying speed, the upper roller 24a moves in the E2 direction and cooperates with the lower roller 24b to press the sheet S1 and the sheet S2. Before the conveying roller pair 24 presses the sheet S1 and the sheet S2 together, the conveying speed (circumferential speed) of the conveying roller pair 24 is adjusted to be V2, which is the conveying speed of the sheet S1 and the sheet S2.

[0063] Figure 3F The figure shows that after the trailing edge (second edge) of the sheet S2 passes through the anti-backflow valve 23, the sheet S1 and the sheet S2 form a sheet bundle W. Figure 3B and Figure 3C Like in Figure 3F In the process, at the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet bundle W leaves the backflow prevention valve 23, the sheet bundle W is temporarily stopped, and the rotation direction of the conveying roller pair 24 is switched from the forward rotation to the reverse rotation.

[0064] Figure 3GThe sheet bundle W is shown being conveyed toward the post-processing unit (thermocompression bonding unit 51) in the F1 direction at a conveying speed V2. The separation lever 44 separates the upper roller 24a from the lower roller 24b at the timing when the sheet bundle W is pressed by the conveying roller pair 26. That is, the upper roller 24a moves in the E1 direction.

[0065] Figure 3H The diagram shows a new buffer sheet S3 after the sheet bundle W is delivered to the heat-compression bonding unit 51. In this case, after the trailing edge of the sheet bundle W leaves the conveying roller pair 24, the upper roller 24a is temporarily stopped. The sheet S3 enters the conveying roller pair 24 while the conveying roller pair 24 is separated. When the trailing edge of the sheet S3 leaves the sheet sensor 27, the conveying speed of the conveying roller pair 22 increases from V1 to V2. Then, the upper roller 24a moves in the E2 direction, and the conveying roller pair 24 enters a contact state. The rotation direction of the upper roller 24a is switched from reverse rotation to forward rotation, and the sheet S3 is conveyed in the F2 direction at a conveying speed of V2. Before the trailing edge of the sheet S3 leaves the conveying roller pair 22, the conveying roller pair 24 starts to convey the sheet S3.

[0066] Here, two sheets S1 and S2 are buffered, but this is only an example. Figure 3G Thereafter, while the third sheet S3 is also buffered, the leading edge of the sheet bundle W is stopped at a position (temporary stop position) after being conveyed a predetermined amount from the conveying roller pair 26. Then, the sheet bundle W and the sheet S3 undergo a stacking operation. Stacking Operation and Combination Figures 3D to 3G The described stacking operations of the sheet S1 and the sheet S2 are the same.

[0067] (4) Alignment operation

[0068] 4A to 4D The diagram illustrates the alignment operation of the sheets S performed in the intermediate stacking portion 42 . The initial state is a state in which the intermediate stacking portion 42 is empty. As an example, a sheet bundle W consisting of five sheets S is conveyed from the buffer unit 80 to the intermediate stacking portion 42 .

[0069] The Y direction is a direction parallel to the stacking surface (stacking plate) of the sheet S in the intermediate stacking portion 42 and parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S conveyed from the kick-out roller 29 to the intermediate stacking portion 42. The Y direction can be called a vertical direction. The X direction is a direction parallel to the stacking surface of the sheet S in the intermediate stacking portion 42 and orthogonal to the Y direction. The X direction can be called a horizontal direction. The Z direction is a direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction (the normal direction of the stacking surface and the thickness direction of the stacked sheet S). The Z direction can be called a height direction. With respect to the X, Y and Z directions, the relative directions are sometimes referred to as -X, -Y and -Z directions, respectively.

[0070] The vertical alignment plate 39 and the vertical alignment roller 40 act as a first alignment unit for aligning a plurality of sheets S in a first direction (Y direction). The vertical alignment plate 39 is arranged at the most downstream portion of the intermediate stacking portion 42 in the Y direction. The vertical alignment plate 39 is a reference member (first reference member) used as a reference for the position of the sheet in the Y direction. The vertical alignment roller 40 is a conveying member for conveying the sheet S in the Y direction so as to align the sheet S by making the sheet S abut against the vertical alignment plate 39. The vertical alignment plate 39 includes a plurality of contact members 39a to 39c arranged to be spaced apart in the X direction. A plurality of contact members 39a to 39c contact the edge of the sheet S. The vertical alignment plate 39 and the vertical alignment roller 40 are integrally formed into a movable unit 59 movable in the Y direction. The movable unit 59 can be moved in the Y direction by a driving source (such as a motor). That is, the position of the vertical alignment plate 39 and the vertical alignment roller 40 in the Y direction can be adjusted. Horizontal registration jaggers 41 a to 41 c function as second registration units that align sheets in a second direction (X direction) at right angles to the first direction.

[0071] The horizontal registration joggers 41a to 41c are moved in the X direction by a driving source such as a motor, and press the side edges of the sheets S stacked on the intermediate stacking portion 42. The horizontal registration plates 72a and 72b are reference members used as a reference for the position in the X direction of the sheets S. The horizontal registration plates 72a and 72b are arranged to face the horizontal registration joggers 41a and 41b in the X direction.

[0072] (4-1) Preparation stage

[0073] like Figure 4A As shown in , sheets S1 to S5 are conveyed to the kick-out roller 29. Sheets S1 to S5 can be conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 42 in a state where the sheet Si located at a lower level protrudes in the Y direction more than the sheet Si+1 located at a higher level. Before the sheet S is stacked in the intermediate stacking portion 42, the vertical alignment plate 39 is pre-moved to a predetermined standby position according to the size of the sheet S to be aligned. The standby position is set so that the position of the edge portion of the sheet S in the -Y direction is constant regardless of the size of the sheet S. In other words, the standby position is a position where the distance in the Y direction from the nip position of the kick-out roller 29 to the vertical alignment plate 39 is slightly longer than the length of the sheet in the Y direction. The horizontal alignment joggers 41a to 41c stand by at a position separated outwardly from the sheet S being conveyed in the X direction so as not to interfere with the conveyance of the sheet S.

[0074] (4-2) Vertical alignment stage

[0075] Figure 4BThe figure shows that the trailing edge of the first sheet S1 leaves the nip of the kick-out roller 29, and the leading edge of the sheet S1 reaches the vertical alignment roller 40. The sheet S1 abuts against the vertical alignment plate 39 and is aligned with the position of the vertical alignment plate 39 as a reference. By the continuous rotation of the vertical alignment roller 40, the sheets S2 to S5 that reach the vertical alignment roller 40 after the sheet S1 sequentially abut against the vertical alignment plate 39. As a result, the five sheets S1 to S5 are aligned in the Y direction (vertical direction) with the position of the vertical alignment plate 39 as a reference.

[0076] (4-3) Horizontal alignment stage

[0077] Figure 4C The diagram shows the alignment of sheets S1 to S5 in the X direction (horizontal direction) after the alignment in the Y direction (vertical direction) is completed. The horizontal alignment joggers 41a to 41c are driven in the X direction as the alignment direction, contact the side edges of the sheets S1 to S5, and press the sheets S1 to S5 toward the horizontal alignment plates 72a and 72b. Then, by contacting the contact surface 500 of the horizontal alignment plates 72a and 72b with the other side edges of the sheets S1 to S5, the sheets S1 to S5 are aligned in the X direction (horizontal direction) with the positions of the horizontal alignment plates 72a and 72b as the reference.

[0078] (4-4) Bonding stage (thermal pressure bonding stage)

[0079] Figure 4D The diagram shows a state in which alignment of five sheets S1 to S5 in the X direction and the Y direction is completed. The target position (alignment position) in the alignment operation is the position of the sheet bundle W when the bonding process (thermocompression bonding) is performed by the thermocompression bonding unit 51. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 applies the adhesive toner Tn to the sheets S1 to S5 so that the side on which the adhesive toner image is formed is located on the thermocompression bonding unit 51 side. When the sheet S1 is the cover of a booklet, the adhesive toner Tn is not applied.

[0080] The heat-compression bonding unit 51 subjects the aligned sheets S1 to S5 to a heat-compression bonding operation. During this time, the horizontal alignment joggers 41a to 41c are retracted in the -X direction. As a result, the intermediate stacking section 42 enters a state in which it can receive the next plurality of sheets S. Then, the sheet bundle W consisting of sheets S6 to S10 generated by the buffer unit 80 is stacked on the sheets S1 to S5.

[0081] Then, the above four steps are repeated for the sheets S1 to S10. As a result, the sheets S1 to S10 are bonded in a state where they are aligned in a precise manner.

[0082] As an example, the sheet bundle W is composed of five sheets S. However, the number of sheets S constituting the sheet bundle W may be, for example, two or three. That is, the number of sheets S included in the sheet bundle W may be less than or equal to the maximum number of sheets S stackable by the buffer unit 80 .

[0083] (5) Thermocompression bonding unit

[0084] like Figure 5A As shown, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 includes a heater 501 and a heating plate 502. The heater 501 includes a heating element as a heating source. The heating plate 502 is arranged on the heater 501 and is made of aluminum, for example. The heater 501 is, for example, a ceramic heater. The temperature of the heater 501 can be measured by a temperature sensor and controlled by a control circuit so that the measured temperature is a target temperature. For example, the target temperature is set so that the surface temperature of the pressurizing portion 509 of the heating plate 502 is 200°C. By providing the pressurizing portion 509 in the heating plate 502, the heat and pressure of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 are concentrated at the binding position of the sheet bundle W. As a result, the heating and pressurizing efficiency is improved.

[0085] The heater 501 is supported by a heater support 503 made of resin. Figure 6 The motor M8 shown in FIG. 1 is driven to push the thermal pressure bonding unit 51 downward in the -Z direction (downward direction) and press the sheet bundle W. The pressing force of the pressing rod 504 is transmitted to the pressing part 509 via the metal bracket 505 (rigid body). The pressing force of the pressing rod 504 can be controlled according to the amount of movement of the pressing rod 504 in the -Z direction (downward direction). For example, the pressing force is 30 kgf.

[0086] The pressurizing plate 506 is formed of an elastic material (eg, silicone rubber). This is because the pressurizing plate 506 is a member for stably receiving a pressurizing force. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 presses the sheet bundle W1 composed of the sheets S1 to S5 and then separates from the sheet bundle W1. Figure 5A The sheets S1 to S5 in FIG. 1 indicate the first to fifth sheets of the booklet as a product. The sheet S1 is the cover of the booklet. Therefore, the adhesive toner Tn image is not formed on the sheet S1. The adhesive toner Tn image is formed on the lower surfaces of the second and subsequent sheets S2 to S5 of the booklet.

[0087] like Figure 5B As shown, the sheet bundle W2 is stacked on the sheets S1 to S5 for which the thermocompression bonding is completed. The sheet bundle W2 is composed of the sheets S6 to S10. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 subjects the sheet bundle W2 stacked on the sheet bundle W1 to the thermocompression bonding operation. As a result, a booklet composed of a plurality of sheets S is produced.

[0088] The sheets S6 to S10 stacked later are included in the same booklet as the sheets S1 to S5. Therefore, adhesive toner Tn images are formed on the respective lower surfaces of the sheets S6 to S10.

[0089] As an example, the post-processing device 300 can produce a booklet consisting of up to 100 sheets S. When the production of the booklet is started, the buffer unit 80 produces a sheet bundle W by buffering up to five sheets S at a time, and feeds the sheet bundle W to the intermediate stacking portion 42. Each time the sheet bundle W arrives, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs a thermocompression bonding operation consisting of a descending operation, a pressing operation, and a lifting operation. By repeating the buffering operation and the thermocompression bonding operation, the booklet can be efficiently produced without reducing the productivity of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0090] When the heat-compression bonding operation of the sheet bundle W including the final page of the booklet is completed in the intermediate stacking section 42, the vertical alignment plate 39 is moved from the standby position to the discharge position. That is, by translating the vertical alignment plate 39 toward the discharge port 46, the completed booklet is pushed out. The discharge roller 38 is provided at the discharge port 46. When the leading edge of the booklet slightly passes over the discharge roller 38, the vertical alignment plate 39 stops and returns to the standby position again. The discharge roller 38 discharges the booklet to the lower tray 37.

[0091] (6) Controller

[0092] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating controllers of the image forming system 1. The printer control unit 600 is a controller that controls the image forming apparatus 100. The finisher control unit 650 is a controller that controls the post-processing apparatus 300. The printer control unit 600 and the finisher control unit 650 are connected to each other via a communication interface and control the operation of the image forming system 1 in cooperation with each other.

[0093] The printer control unit 600 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 601 and a memory 602. The CPU 601 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 602 and controls the image forming apparatus 100 according to the program. The CPU 601 performs image forming processing, sheet conveying processing, etc. in the image forming apparatus 100. The memory 602 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a volatile storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM). The memory 602 stores programs and data and provides a work area when the CPU 601 executes the program. The memory 602 is an example of a non-transitory storage medium that stores a program for controlling the image forming apparatus 100.

[0094] The printer control unit 600 is connected to an external device 105 such as a personal computer and a portable information device via an external interface (I / F) 104. The printer control unit 600 receives an instruction to execute an image forming job of the image forming system 1, etc., input from the external device 105. The printer control unit 600 is connected to the operation display unit 103, which is a user interface of the image forming system 1. The operation display unit 103 includes a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal panel that displays information to the user) and an input device (e.g., a physical button and a touch sensor that accepts an input operation of the user). By communicating with the operation display unit 103, the printer control unit 600 controls the display content of the display device and receives information input via the input device.

[0095] The trimmer control unit 650 includes a CPU 651, a memory 652, and an I / O port 653. The CPU 651 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 652 and controls the post-processing device 300 according to the program. The memory 652 includes a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., ROM, SSD, and HDD) and a volatile storage medium (e.g., RAM). SSD is an abbreviation for a solid state drive. HDD is an abbreviation for a hard disk drive. The memory 652 stores programs and data and provides a work area when the CPU 651 executes a program. The memory 652 is an example of a non-transient storage medium that stores a program for controlling the post-processing device 300. The CPU 651, the memory 652, and the I / O port 653 are connected to each other via a bus 654. The I / O port 653 outputs control signals to various components of the post-processing device 300 and receives signals from them.

[0096] Each function included in the printer control unit 600 and the finisher control unit 650 may be implemented as independent hardware, such as ASIC, or may be implemented in software form as a program module. ASIC is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The printer control unit 600 may be responsible for some or all of the functions of the finisher control unit 650.

[0097] The I / O port 653 is connected to the sheet sensors 27, 50, 60 and the heater 501. The I / O port 653 is connected to motors M1 to M10 as a driving source for conveying the sheet S and a driving source of the thermocompression bonding unit 51.

[0098] The motor M1 rotationally drives the entrance roller 21. The motor M2 rotationally drives the conveying roller pair 22. The motor M3 rotationally drives the conveying roller pair 24. The motor M4 rotationally drives the conveying roller pair 26. The motor M5 rotationally drives the kick-out roller 29. The motor M6 supplies a driving force for intermittently operating the vertical alignment roller 40 one rotation at a time. The motor M7 moves the horizontal alignment jogger 41 in the +X direction or the -X direction. The motor M8 causes the thermal pressure bonding unit 51 to perform an operation for bonding the sheet bundle W by pressure. The motor M9 rotationally drives the discharge roller 38. The motor M10 drives the vertical alignment plate 39 in the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0099] (7) Functional configuration

[0100] Figure 7 The functions implemented by the CPU 651 are illustrated. The CPU 651 implements a sensor control unit 708, a motor control unit 709, a heater control unit 710, a conveying control unit 711, and a post-processing control unit 714 according to a program. Some or all of these functions may be implemented by an ASIC, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The CPU 651 may include a communication circuit 706 for performing serial communication and a timer 707 (such as a real-time clock).

[0101] The communication circuit 706 is connected to the printer control unit 600 and receives information of a job conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 or information of a sheet S. The information of the sheet S may include the type of the sheet S designated by the user or the type of the sheet S detected by the media sensor 79 connected to the printer control unit 600. The communication circuit 706 instructs the printer control unit 600 to temporarily stop the image forming job.

[0102] The sensor control unit 708 activates the sheet sensors 27, 50, and 60, and transmits the signals input from the sheet sensors 27, 50, and 60 to the conveying control unit 711. The conveying control unit 711 instructs the motor control unit 709 to drive the motors M1 to M5 mainly based on the input from the sensor control unit 708. As a result, conveying control of the sheet S, the sheet bundle W, and the booklet is achieved. The post-processing control unit 714 instructs the motor control unit 709 to drive the motors M6 to M10 based on the input from the sensor control unit 708, and instructs the heater control unit 710 to start heating the heater 501. As a result, post-processing such as vertical alignment processing, horizontal alignment processing, and thermal compression bonding operation is achieved.

[0103] The conveying control unit 711 may include an acquisition unit 721, a determination unit 722, a decision unit 723, a thermal compression bonding control unit 724, and the like. The acquisition unit 721 uses a timer 707 to measure the conveying duration from the timing when the leading edge of the sheet S or the sheet bundle W is detected by the sheet sensor 60 to the timing when the leading edge of the sheet S or the sheet bundle W is detected by the sheet sensor 50. The conveying duration may be referred to as sheet information. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 721 uses a communication circuit 706 to acquire sheet information transmitted from the printer control unit 600. The sheet information indicates, for example, the type of each sheet S (e.g., material, grammage, presence or absence of coating).

[0104] The determination unit 722 determines whether there is a delay in conveyance to the intermediate stacking portion 42 for each sheet S or for each sheet bundle W based on the conveyance duration as sheet information. For example, it is determined whether the conveyance duration exceeds a predetermined threshold duration.

[0105] The determination unit 723 determines, based on the sheet information, the thermocompression bonding parameters applied to each sheet S or each sheet bundle W. The thermocompression bonding parameters may include, for example, the bonding duration (thermocompression bonding duration) of the thermocompression bonding unit 51, the heating temperature of the heater 501, the pressing force to be applied to the sheet S or the sheet bundle W by the pressing portion 509 pushed down by the motor M8, and the like.

[0106] The thermocompression bonding control unit 724 controls the motors M8 and M10 through the motor control unit 709 and controls the heater 501 through the heater control unit 710 based on the thermocompression bonding parameters determined by the determination unit 723 .

[0107] (8) Buffering operation and thermal compression bonding

[0108] The image forming system 1 can continuously produce a plurality of booklets. When receiving information of a job from the external device 105 via the communication circuit 706, the conveying control unit 711 obtains the total number of pages U included in the job. Here, it is assumed that the total number U does not exceed the maximum number Q of sheets S that can be stacked on the stacking plate of the intermediate stacking portion 42 (for example, Q=100 sheets). The number of sheets S included in one booklet is defined as M. The maximum number of sheets S included in the sheet bundle W produced by the buffer unit 80 is defined as N.

[0109] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the buffer operation and the thermal compression bonding. The horizontal axis indicates time. The vertical axis indicates the conveying distance and the temperature and pressure of the thermal compression bonding unit 51. Figure 8, the position of the leading edge of the sheet S in the conveying direction is plotted. Therefore, until the sheet S reaches the conveying roller pair 24, the position of the first edge of the sheet S is plotted. After the sheet S is fed from the conveying roller pair 24, the position of the second edge of the sheet S is plotted.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown in , five sheets S1 to S5 are fed from the image forming device 100 to the buffer unit 80 at regular intervals. The buffer unit 80 forms a sheet bundle W1 by stacking five sheets S1 to S5 and feeds the sheet bundle W1 to the intermediate stacking portion 42. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs thermocompression bonding on the sheet bundle W1. Then, the buffer unit 80 makes a sheet bundle W2 and feeds it to the intermediate stacking portion 42. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs thermocompression bonding on the sheet bundles W1 and W2 held in the intermediate stacking portion 42. The buffer unit 80 makes a sheet bundle W3 and feeds it to the intermediate stacking portion 42. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs thermocompression bonding on the sheet bundles W1, W2 and W3 held in the intermediate stacking portion 42. When the booklet consisting of the sheet bundles W1, W2 and W3 is completed, the vertical alignment plate 39 pushes the booklet out. The discharge roller 38 discharges the booklet to the lower tray 37.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown in , the conveying interval between the individual sheets S is Y1. The conveying interval between the individual sheet bundles W is Y2. The duration from when the sheet bundle W is conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 42 until the thermocompression bonding is completed is T0.

[0112] The surface temperature of the heater 501 of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 is controlled to be a target temperature K1. The total pressure applied to the sheet bundle W during the thermocompression bonding duration T0 is controlled to be a target pressure P1.

[0113] Even after being subjected to thermocompression bonding in the intermediate stacking portion 42, the sheet bundle W1 remains in the intermediate stacking portion 42. Therefore, subsequent sheet bundles W2 and W3 are sequentially stacked on the sheet bundle W1. When thermocompression bonding is performed on the sheet bundle W2, the sheet bundle W1 is also subjected to thermocompression bonding. When thermocompression bonding is performed on the sheet bundle W3, the sheet bundles W1 and W2 are also subjected to thermocompression bonding.

[0114] (9) Recovery from transportation delay

[0115] like Fig. 9 As shown in , a sudden conveying slip may occur in the conveying roller pair 26 or the conveying roller pair 28. As a result, the conveying duration necessary for the sheet bundle W1 to be conveyed from the sheet sensor 60 to the sheet sensor 50 may be longer than the expected duration. The difference between the conveying duration and the expected duration is referred to as the delay duration N0.

[0116] When a conveying delay of delay duration N0 occurs, the time for completion of post-processing of sheet bundle W1 is also delayed by N0. The margin of conveying duration between sheet bundle W1 and sheet bundle W2 is assumed to be N1. When N0≤N1, the post-processing duration of sheet bundle W1 is maintained constant, and the start time and end time of the post-processing time are offset by N0, respectively.

[0117] However, in some cases, N0>N1, and the sheet bundle W2 is conveyed to the sheet sensor 50 without delay. In this case, the sheet bundle W2 enters the intermediate stacking portion 42 before the thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W1 is completed, and a paper jam may occur.

[0118] Therefore, the CPU 651 reduces the thermocompression bonding duration of the sheet bundle W1 by the insufficient duration ΔN. In this case, the following relationship is established among the delay duration N0, the margin N1, and the insufficient duration ΔN.

[0119] ΔN=N0-N1...Eq1

[0120] This equation means the following. Due to the delay in conveying the sheet bundle W1, the start time of the thermocompression bonding is N0 later than the specified time. However, since the duration of the thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W1 is shortened by the insufficient duration ΔN, the end time of the thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W1 is N1 later than the specified time. Therefore, a paper jam is less likely to occur.

[0121] When the duration of the hot-press bonding of the sheet bundle W1 is shortened, the amount of heating necessary to achieve the target strength of the bonding strength of the sheet bundle W1 is insufficient compared to the target heating amount. As a result, the sheet S may fall off the booklet. As described above, in the hot-press bonding of the sheet bundle W2, the sheet bundle W1 is also bonded by hot pressing. Therefore, the CPU 651 adds the amount of heating that is lacking in the preceding sheet bundle W to the amount of heating for the hot-press bonding of the subsequent sheet bundle W. As a result, the insufficient amount of heating of the preceding sheet bundle W is compensated. As an example, the insufficient duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1 is converted into at least one of a correction value ΔT for the heating duration, a correction value ΔK for the heating temperature, and a correction value ΔP for the pressing force of the sheet bundle W2.

[0122] Fig. 10A The diagram shows an example of a table that holds the relationship between the correction value ΔT of the heating duration, the correction value ΔK of the heating temperature, and the correction value ΔP of the pressure force with respect to the insufficient duration ΔN. This table is stored in the memory 652. The CPU 651 refers to the table based on the insufficient duration ΔN and determines the correction values ​​ΔT, ΔK, and ΔP corresponding to the insufficient duration ΔN.

[0123] Compensation for the lack of heating amount according to insufficient duration ΔN is achieved by adjusting any one of a plurality of thermocompression bonding parameters (heating duration, heating temperature and pressure). For example, the configuration may be such that only the heating duration, only the heating temperature or only the pressure is adjusted. Alternatively, a combination of heating duration and heating temperature, or a combination of heating duration, heating temperature and pressure may be adjusted. When there are three parameters, there are six possible adjustment combinations. Therefore, there is a question about which thermocompression bonding parameter is prioritized. For example, a configuration may be adopted to decide: the smaller the influence of the thermocompression bonding parameter on the life (durability), temperature rise and power consumption of the thermocompression bonding unit 51, the higher the priority (priority) of the thermocompression bonding parameter. In the first embodiment, the priority of the correction value ΔT of the heating duration is the highest. The priority of the correction value ΔK of the heating temperature is the second highest. The priority of the correction value ΔP of the pressure is the third highest. Considering the life, temperature rise and power consumption of the thermocompression bonding unit 51, the heating duration, heating temperature and pressure are provided with a margin when there is no conveying delay. That is, a design is adopted in which the maximum temperature and the maximum pressure are not used when there is no delivery delay and the heating temperature or the pressure can be increased when necessary.

[0124] according to Fig. 10A , when the insufficient duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1 is 0ms<ΔN≤150ms, the CPU 651 extends the heating duration of the sheet bundle W2 by +50ms to +150ms. As a result, the insufficient heating amount is compensated. For example, when reducing power consumption is important, +50ms can be used. At the same time, when reliable bonding is important, +150ms can be used. The correction value ΔT can be calculated to be proportional to ΔN and from +50ms to +150ms. As described above, ΔN and the correction values ​​ΔT, ΔK, ΔP can be related to each other.

[0125] When the insufficient duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1 is 150ms<ΔN≤300ms, the CPU 651 determines that only correcting the heating duration of the sheet bundle W2 will not be sufficient to compensate for the insufficient heating amount of the sheet bundle W1. Therefore, the CPU 651 increases the correction value ΔK of the heating temperature while setting the correction value ΔT of the heating duration to the maximum value +150ms.

[0126] When the insufficient duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1 is 300ms<ΔN≤450ms, the CPU 651 determines that only by correcting the heating duration and heating temperature of the sheet bundle W2, it will not be enough to compensate for the insufficient heating amount of the sheet bundle W1. Therefore, the CPU 651 sets the correction value ΔT to +150ms, the correction value ΔK to +30°C, and increases the correction value ΔP of the pressing force from +1.5kgf to +4.5kgf.

[0127] As described above, the thermocompression bonding parameters in the thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W2 are adjusted based on the predetermined table. As a result, the shortage of the heating amount of the sheet bundle W1 is compensated by the thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W2.

[0128] For example, in some cases (0ms<ΔN≤150ms), the correction value ΔT of the heating duration can be simply used to compensate for the insufficient duration ΔN. Fig. 9 As shown in the timing chart of , the CPU 651 extends the heating duration in the thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W2 by ΔT. As a result, the shortage of the heating amount of the sheet bundle W1 is fully compensated.

[0129] Meanwhile, in some cases (150ms<ΔN≤300ms), for the insufficient duration ΔN, heating amount compensation according to two thermocompression bonding parameters (correction value ΔT and correction value ΔK) is necessary. In this case, the CPU 651 extends the heating duration in thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W2 by ΔT, increases the heating temperature by ΔK, and changes the target temperature from K1 to K2 (K2>K1). As a result, the insufficient heating amount of the sheet bundle W1 is fully compensated.

[0130] In some cases (300ms<ΔN≤450ms), compensation is necessary for the insufficient duration ΔN according to the three thermocompression bonding parameters (correction value ΔT, correction value ΔK, and correction value ΔP). The CPU 651 extends the heating duration of the sheet bundle W2 by ΔT, increases the heating temperature by ΔK, and increases the pressing amount by ΔP. As a result, the insufficient heating amount of the sheet bundle W1 is fully compensated.

[0131] (10) Flowchart

[0132] Fig.11 The flowchart of the thermocompression bonding executed according to the control program by the CPU 651 is illustrated. Here, for generalization, i is used as an index for distinguishing each sheet bundle W.

[0133] In step S1101 , the CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721 ) acquires the conveyance duration of the i-th sheet bundle Wi. The acquisition unit 721 acquires the duration from the timing when the leading edge of the sheet bundle Wi is detected by the sheet sensor 60 to the timing when the leading edge of the sheet bundle Wi is detected by the sheet sensor 50 as the conveyance duration.

[0134] In step S1102 , the CPU 651 (the acquisition unit 721 ) acquires the insufficient duration ΔN based on the conveyance duration of the sheet bundle Wi. The acquisition unit 721 can calculate the insufficient duration ΔN using the above equation.

[0135] In step S1103, the CPU 651 (determination unit 722) determines whether the i-th sheet bundle Wi will not be sufficiently heated based on the shortage duration ΔN. For example, if the shortage duration ΔN exceeds 0, the determination unit 722 determines that insufficient heating will occur and proceeds from step S1103 to step S1104. If the shortage duration ΔN does not exceed 0, the determination unit 722 determines that insufficient heating will not occur and proceeds from step S1103 to step S1106.

[0136] In step S1104, the CPU 651 (decision unit 723) determines the correction value of the thermal compression bonding parameter to be applied to the subsequent sheet bundle i+1 based on the insufficient duration ΔN. For example, the decision unit 723 may select Fig. 10A The combination of the type of thermocompression bonding parameter and the correction value thereof corresponding to the insufficient duration ΔN is obtained from the table shown in FIG.

[0137] In step S1105, the CPU 651 (decision unit 723) determines the heat-compression bonding parameters applied to the sheet bundle i+1 based on the correction value. For example, the decision unit 723 determines the heating duration applied to the sheet bundle i+1 by adding the correction value ΔT to the default value of the heating duration. The decision unit 723 determines the heating temperature applied to the sheet bundle i+1 by adding the correction value ΔK to the default value of the heating temperature. The decision unit 723 determines the pressing force applied to the sheet bundle i+1 by adding the correction value ΔP to the default value of the pressing force. The default value is pre-stored in the memory 652.

[0138] In step S1106, the CPU 651 (thermocompression bonding control unit 724) performs thermocompression bonding by controlling the thermocompression bonding unit 51 using the thermocompression bonding parameters decided in step S1104.

[0139] In step S1107, the CPU 651 determines whether the booklet is completed. For example, in the case of forming a booklet from the sheet bundles W1, W2, and W3, when the heat-compression bonding of the sheet bundle W3 is completed, the CPU 651 determines that the booklet is completed and proceeds from step S1107 to step S1108. If the heat-compression bonding of the sheet bundle W3 is not completed, the CPU 651 determines that the booklet is not completed and returns from step S1107 to step S1101.

[0140] In step S1108 , the CPU 651 discharges the booklet from the intermediate stacking portion 42 to the lower tray 37 by controlling the motors M9 and M10 .

[0141] As described above, the CPU 651 corrects the thermocompression bonding parameters (eg, heating duration, heating temperature, and pressing force) in thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle W2 based on the shortage duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1. Therefore, shortage in pressure bonding of the sheet bundle W1 is less likely to occur.

[0142] (11) When distributing heating across multiple sheet bundles

[0143] (11-1) Basic Concept

[0144] So far, when a conveyance delay occurs in the sheet bundle W1, a plurality of thermocompression bonding parameters applied to the thermocompression bonding of the subsequent sheet bundle W2 are corrected. However, a configuration may be adopted to adjust the thermocompression bonding parameters of the subsequent plurality of sheet bundles Wi+1, Wi+2, etc. when a conveyance delay occurs in the preceding sheet bundle Wi. That is, in the subsequent plurality of sheet bundles Wi+1, Wi+2, etc., the heat shortage corresponding to the shortage duration ΔN is compensated.

[0145] Fig.12 The diagram illustrates the distribution of heat-compression bonding across sheet bundle W2 and subsequent sheet bundle W3 and the situation by which the lack of heating in sheet bundle W1 is compensated. The CPU 651 (decision unit 723) determines the correction value ΔT1 of the heating duration to be added to sheet bundle W2 and the correction value ΔT2 of the heating duration to be added to sheet bundle W3 based on the insufficient duration ΔN.

[0146] Fig. 10B 651 is a table illustrating the relationship between the insufficient duration ΔN and the correction value ΔT. This table is also determined when the thermal compression bonding unit 51 is designed and is stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 652. The CPU 651 refers to the table based on the insufficient duration ΔN and determines the correction value ΔT1 and the correction value ΔT2. The CPU 651 determines the heating temperature of the sheet bundle W2 by adding the correction value ΔT1 to the default value of the heating temperature of the sheet bundle W2. The CPU 651 determines the heating temperature of the sheet bundle W3 by adding the correction value ΔT2 to the default value of the heating temperature of the sheet bundle W3. The CPU 651 performs thermal compression bonding on each sheet bundle W using the thermal compression bonding parameters determined for each sheet bundle W.

[0147] (11-2) Flowchart

[0148] Fig.13 6 is a flowchart illustrating the thermal compression bonding performed by the CPU 651 according to the control program. Fig.11 Compared with the flowchart in Fig.13 , steps S1301 to S1303 have been added between steps S1103 and S1106. Fig.13 In Fig.11The description is incorporated into Fig.11 In the description of the common matters. In step S1103, when determining that the i-th sheet bundle Wi is not sufficiently heated, the CPU 651 proceeds from step S1103 to step S1301.

[0149] In step S1301, the CPU 651 (determination unit 722) determines whether it is necessary to distribute the heating amount to the plurality of subsequent sheet bundles W based on the shortage duration ΔN. For example, if the shortage duration ΔN exceeds a predetermined positive threshold value Nth, the determination unit 722 determines that the distribution is necessary and proceeds from step S1301 to step S1302. Meanwhile, if the shortage duration ΔN does not exceed the threshold value Nth, the determination unit 722 determines that the distribution is not necessary and proceeds from step S1301 to step S1104.

[0150] In step S1302, the CPU 651 (decision unit 723) determines the correction values ​​for distribution to the plurality of subsequent sheet bundles Wi+1 and Wi+2 based on the shortage duration ΔN. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the decision unit 723 refers to a table held in the memory 652 based on the shortage duration ΔN and acquires the correction values ​​ΔT1 and ΔT2.

[0151] In step S1303, the CPU 651 (decision unit 723) determines the thermocompression bonding parameters of the i+1th sheet bundle Wi+1 and the i+2th sheet bundle Wi+2 based on the acquired correction values ​​for allocation. Then, the CPU 651 proceeds from step S1303 to step S1106.

[0152] like Fig.12 As shown in , the heat-pressing bonding parameters of the sheet bundles W2 and W3 are corrected based on the insufficient duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1. Therefore, insufficient pressure bonding of the sheet bundle W1 is less likely to occur. This is also similar for the second to fourth embodiments. Here, for the sake of simplicity of description, only the correction value ΔT of the heating duration is obtained. However, this is only an example. As combined with Fig. 10A As described above, the correction value ΔK of the heating temperature and the correction value ΔP of the pressing force may also be distributed to a plurality of subsequent sheet bundles W.

[0153] <Second Embodiment>

[0154] (1) Basic concept

[0155] In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which, when a sheet bundle W is fed to the intermediate stacking portion 42, the lack of heating caused by the conveyance delay of the sheet bundle W is compensated by thermocompression bonding of the subsequent sheet bundle W. In the second embodiment, a case in which one sheet S is conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 42 at a time is assumed. Therefore, each time one sheet S is stacked in the intermediate stacking portion 42, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs thermocompression bonding.

[0156] As an example, ordinary paper, thick paper i (for example, gram weight = 120g / m2), and thick paper ii (for example, gram weight = 150g / m2) are used as types of sheets S. For these types of sheets S, the buffer unit 80 operates as follows. In the case of ordinary paper, the buffer unit 80 makes a sheet bundle W by stacking a plurality of sheets S, and conveys the sheet bundle W to the intermediate stacking portion 42. In the case of thick paper i and thick paper ii, the buffer unit 80 does not stack a plurality of sheets S. That is, the buffer unit 80 feeds one sheet S to the intermediate stacking portion 42 at a time. This is because, when a plurality of thick papers are stacked in the buffer unit 80, friction occurs between the plurality of sheets S, and a problem occurs in an image on the sheet S.

[0157] The heating temperatures required for ordinary paper, thick paper i, and thick paper ii are different. The target temperature for heating ordinary paper is, for example, 200 degrees. The target temperature for heating thick paper i is 220 degrees. The target temperature for heating thick paper ii is 240 degrees.

[0158] Incidentally, when the user bonds a plurality of sheets S of different types by heat pressing, there is a possibility that a sheet S of a type different from the type indicated by the user will be conveyed. If the heat pressing bonding unit 51 performs heat pressing bonding at a heating temperature for the indicated type, the amount of heating may be insufficient, and insufficient heat pressing bonding may occur. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the amount of heating is insufficient because the type of the preceding sheet S is different from the type expected in advance, the CPU 651 changes the heat pressing bonding parameters of the subsequent sheet S. As a result, insufficient pressure bonding is less likely to occur. In the second embodiment, descriptions of matters identical to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0159] (2) Heat recovery when the sheet type is different from the expected type

[0160] Before the conveyance of the sheet S starts, the CPU 651 (obtaining unit 721) receives expected type information indicating the type of the sheet S to be conveyed to the post-processing device 300 from the printer control unit 600. The expected type information indicates, for example, a type specified by a user. After the conveyance of the sheet S starts, the CPU 651 (obtaining unit 721) receives confirmed type information indicating the type of the sheet S from the printer control unit 600. The confirmed type information indicates the type actually detected by the media sensor 79 that detects the type of the sheet S. The CPU 651 (determining unit 722) determines whether the expected type information matches the confirmed type information.

[0161] Fig.14 It is a timing diagram when the type of sheet S is different from the expected type. The expected type information indicates that the type of sheets S1 to S3 is thick paper i. At the same time, the confirmation type information indicates that the type of sheets S1 and S3 is thick paper i and the type of sheet S2 is thick paper ii. Originally, the heating temperature of sheet S2 must be 240 degrees. However, the conveying of sheets S2 and S3 has begun, and the temperature rise of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 cannot be waited. Therefore, the thermocompression bonding of sheet S2 is performed at 220 degrees. In this case, the heating amount of sheet S2 may be insufficient, and insufficient pressure bonding may occur. Therefore, CPU 651 compensates for the lack of heating amount in sheet S2 in the subsequent sheet S3. Here, the insufficient heating amount ΔW of sheet S2 is compensated by the correction value ΔT of the heating duration of the subsequent sheet S3. The insufficient heating amount ΔW can be calculated using equation Eq2.

[0162] ΔW=(K2-K1)×T0...Eq2

[0163] Here, K2 is the target temperature required for the actual type of sheet S2. K1 is the target temperature required for the expected type. Fig.14 In the case shown in FIG. 1 , K2 = 240 degrees and K1 = 220 degrees. T0 is the default thermal compression bonding duration.

[0164] Fig. 10C The table 652 is a table that holds the relationship between the insufficient heating amount ΔW and the correction value ΔT of the heating duration. This table is also determined when the thermocompression bonding unit 51 is designed, and is stored in the memory 652. The CPU 651 refers to the table based on the insufficient heating amount ΔW and determines the correction value of the thermocompression bonding parameter to be applied to the subsequent sheet S. As a result, the insufficient heating amount of the sheet S2 is compensated in the sheet S3.

[0165] Fig.15 is a flowchart illustrating a thermocompression bonding method executed by the CPU 651 according to a control program.

[0166] In step S1501 , the CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721 ) acquires expected type information of the i-th sheet Si from the memory 652 .

[0167] In step S1502 , the CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721 ) acquires the confirmation type information of the i-th sheet Si from the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0168] In step S1503, the CPU 651 (determination unit 722) determines whether the expected type information matches the confirmed type information. If they match, the CPU 651 proceeds from step S1503 to step S1106. If they do not match, the CPU 651 proceeds from step S1503 to step S1504.

[0169] In step S1504, the CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721) acquires the insufficient heating amount ΔW. For example, the acquisition unit 721 acquires the insufficient heating amount ΔW using equation Eq2.

[0170] In step S1505 , the CPU 651 (determination unit 723 ) acquires a correction value based on the insufficient heating amount ΔW. For example, the determination unit 723 refers to a table stored in the memory 652 , and acquires a correction value ΔT corresponding to the insufficient heating amount ΔW.

[0171] In step S1506, the CPU 651 (decision unit 723) determines the thermal compression bonding parameters of the i+1th sheet Si+1 based on the correction value. For example, the determination unit 723 determines the heating temperature T0+ΔT of the sheet Si+1 by adding the correction value ΔT to the default heating duration T0 of the sheet Si+1. Then, the CPU 651 performs the processing from step S1106 to step S1108.

[0172] As described above, according to the second embodiment, insufficient heating amount caused by the type of the preceding sheet S being different from the expected type is compensated in the following sheet S. As a result, sufficient bonding strength is ensured while maintaining productivity.

[0173] In the above example, only the heating duration among the plurality of thermocompression bonding parameters is corrected, but this is only an example. As described in the first embodiment, other thermocompression bonding parameters (eg, heating temperature and pressure) may be corrected in addition to or instead of the heating duration.

[0174] <Third Embodiment>

[0175] (1) Basic concept

[0176] Although the post-processing device 300 of the first embodiment includes the buffer unit 80, the buffer unit 80 is not essential. Therefore, the third embodiment relates to a thermal compression bonding process when the post-processing device 300 does not include the buffer unit 80. Description of matters described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment among matters to be described in the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0177] (Post-processing device)

[0178] Fig.16 An image forming system 1 according to the third embodiment is illustrated. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 301. The post-processing apparatus 301 is arranged at an upper portion of the image forming apparatus 100. The post-processing apparatus 301 does not include a buffer unit 80.

[0179] The sheet S discharged from the discharge roller 34 is pulled into a conveying path existing inside the post-processing device 301 by the entrance roller 21. The sheet sensor 27 is arranged upstream of the entrance roller 21 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The kick-out roller 29 is arranged downstream of the entrance roller 21. The kick-out roller 29 conveys the sheet S to the intermediate stacking portion 42. The sheet sensor 50 is arranged upstream of the kick-out roller 29.

[0180] The intermediate stacking section 42 is as described above and includes the vertical alignment plate 39 and the thermocompression bonding unit 51, and performs thermocompression bonding on the plurality of sheets S or the sheet bundle W stacked in the intermediate stacking section 42. The booklet held in the intermediate stacking section 42 is discharged to the discharge tray 77 by the vertical alignment plate 39 moving from the standby position to the discharge position.

[0181] (2) Hardware

[0182] Fig.17 The electrical hardware of the post-processing device 301 related to the third embodiment is illustrated. Compared with the post-processing device 300 of the first embodiment, only the motors M2 to M4 and the sheet sensor 60 related to the buffer unit 80 are omitted with respect to the post-processing device 301. Therefore, the description of the post-processing device 300 is applied as is to the description of the post-processing device 301 except for the buffering operation.

[0183] (3) Alignment operation

[0184] 18A to 18D The alignment operation of the sheet S in the third embodiment is illustrated. Here, the vertical direction (length direction) of the sheet S is defined as the Y direction. The horizontal direction (width direction) of the sheet S is defined as the X direction. The height direction of the sheet S is defined as the Z direction.

[0185] like Fig.18A As shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet S is fed to the intermediate stacking portion 42 by the kick-out roller 29. Fig.18B As shown in FIG. 5 , the vertical registration roller 40 is supported so as to be rotatable. The vertical registration roller 40 conveys the sheet S toward the vertical registration plate 39 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing at which a predetermined duration has elapsed from the timing at which the sheet sensor 50 detects the leading edge of the sheet S. When the trailing edge of the sheet S contacts the contact members 39a to 39c of the vertical registration plate 39, the vertical registration roller 40 slides. As a result, the position of the sheet S in the vertical direction is rectified.

[0186] like Fig. 18C As shown in FIG. 1 , when the sheet S reaches the contact members 39 a to 39 c, the horizontal registration joggers 41 a to 41 c start to move in the +X direction. Fig.18D As shown in FIG. 5 , the horizontal registration joggers 41 a to 41 c move in the +X direction until the edge portion of the sheet S abuts against the contact surface 500. As a result, the sheet S is arranged at a predetermined position in the horizontal direction.

[0187] and Fig. 18C and Fig.18D The related alignment operation is linked with the thermocompression bonding process of the thermocompression bonding unit 51. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 bonds the plurality of sheets S to each other by bonding the plurality of sheets S through heat and pressure. By performing the thermocompression bonding process on the sheet bundle W aligned in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction by the thermocompression bonding unit 51, a booklet aligned in a precise manner is produced.

[0188] (4) Recovery from transportation delay

[0189] Fig.19 4 is a timing chart showing the thermocompression bonding performed by the thermocompression bonding unit 51 every time five sheets S are conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 42. The sheet bundle W2 and the sheet bundle W3 are also conveyed and bonded by thermocompression in the same manner as the sheet bundle W1. Fig.19 As shown in , the conveying interval between sheets S is Y1. The conveying interval between sheet bundles W is Y2. The duration from conveying to the intermediate stacking portion 42 until the thermocompression bonding is completed is T0. Therefore, T0 is the default thermocompression bonding duration (heating duration and pressing duration).

[0190] The CPU 651 controls the heater 501 until the surface temperature of the heater 501 of the pressure bonding unit 51 reaches the target temperature K1. The CPU 651 controls the motor M8 so that the total pressure applied to the sheet bundle W is the target pressure P1. During the thermocompression bonding duration T0, heating and pressurization are performed.

[0191] Fig. 20The diagram shows an example in which a conveyance delay of the sheet S has occurred. In this example, the acquisition unit 721 measures the duration (conveying duration) of the leading edge of the sheet S being conveyed from the sheet sensor 27 to the sheet sensor 50 using the timer 707. Slippage suddenly occurs at the entrance roller 21, and therefore, the conveyance duration of the sheet S5 is longer than the specified duration. As in the first embodiment, the delay duration at this time is N0.

[0192] In the third embodiment, the method for compensating for insufficient heating when a conveying delay occurs is similar to the method of the first embodiment. That is, the CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721) acquires the conveying duration of the last sheet S among the five sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Wi as the conveying duration of the sheet bundle Wi. The CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721) acquires the delay duration N0 based on the conveying duration of the sheet bundle Wi. In addition, the CPU 651 (acquisition unit 721) calculates the insufficient duration ΔN based on the delay duration N0 and the remainder N1. The CPU 651 (determination unit 723) determines the correction value of the thermal compression bonding parameter applied to the subsequent sheet bundle W based on the insufficient duration ΔN. The CPU 651 (determination unit 723) uses the correction value to correct (determine) the thermal compression bonding parameter. The correction value can be determined based on a table stored in the memory 652. As the correction value, at least one of the correction value ΔT of the heating duration, the correction value ΔK of the heating temperature, and the correction value ΔP of the pressure is determined.

[0193] According to the third embodiment, in the post-processing apparatus 301 configured not to include the buffer unit 80, the CPU 651 also corrects the thermocompression bonding parameters of the subsequent sheet bundle W2 based on the shortage duration ΔN of the sheet bundle W1. As a result, sufficient bonding strength is ensured while maintaining productivity.

[0194] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0195] (1) Basic concept

[0196] In the second embodiment, in the post-processing device 300 including the buffer unit 80, the insufficient heating amount occurring together with the conveyance delay of the preceding sheet S is compensated by the thermocompression bonding parameters of the following sheet S. The second embodiment is also applicable to the image forming system 1 including the post-processing device 301 as in the third embodiment. That is, the insufficient heating amount caused by the difference between the actual type and the expected type of the sheet S conveyed to the intermediate stacking portion 42 is compensated by correcting the thermocompression bonding parameters of the following sheet S. In the fourth embodiment, the description of the matters described in the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

[0197] (2) Recovery when the sheet type is different from the expected type

[0198] Before the conveyance of the sheet S starts, the CPU 651 (obtaining unit 721) receives expected type information indicating the type of the sheet S to be conveyed to the post-processing device 301 from the printer control unit 600. The expected type information indicates, for example, a type specified by a user. Furthermore, after the conveyance of the sheet S starts, the CPU 651 (obtaining unit 721) receives confirmed type information indicating the type of the sheet S determined by the image forming apparatus 100 from the printer control unit 600. The confirmed type information indicates the type actually detected by the media sensor 79 that detects the type of the sheet S. The CPU 651 (determining unit 722) determines whether the expected type information matches the confirmed type information.

[0199] Fig.21 It is a timing diagram when the type of sheet S is different from the expected type. The expected type information indicates that the type of sheets S1 to S3 is thick paper i. At the same time, the confirmation type information indicates that the type of sheets S1 and S3 is thick paper i and the type of sheet S2 is thick paper ii. Originally, the heating temperature of sheet S2 must be 240 degrees. However, the conveying of sheets S2 and S3 has begun, and the temperature rise of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 cannot be waited. Therefore, the thermocompression bonding of sheet S2 is performed at 220 degrees. In this case, the heating amount of sheet S2 may be insufficient, and insufficient pressure bonding may occur. Therefore, CPU 651 compensates for the lack of heating amount in sheet S2 in the subsequent sheet S3. Here, the insufficient heating amount ΔW of sheet S2 is compensated by the correction value ΔT of the heating duration of the subsequent sheet S3. The insufficient heating amount ΔW can be calculated using equation Eq2.

[0200] Here, K2 is the target temperature required for the actual type of sheet S2. K1 is the target temperature required for the expected type. Fig.21 In the case shown in FIG. 1 , K2 = 240 degrees and K1 = 220 degrees. T0 is the default thermal compression bonding duration.

[0201] The method for compensating for insufficient heating in the fourth embodiment is the same as the compensation method in the second embodiment. That is, the CPU 651 executes Fig.15 As a result, in the fourth embodiment, both maintenance of productivity and maintenance of adhesive strength are achieved.

[0202] <Others>

[0203] In the above-described embodiment, the thermal compression bonding parameters are determined based on the insufficient duration ΔN, but this is only an example. The thermal compression bonding parameters applied to the subsequent sheet S or sheet bundle W may be determined based on the delay duration N0 or the conveyance duration of the preceding sheet S or sheet bundle W. That is, the insufficient duration ΔN may be replaced by the delay duration N0 or the conveyance duration of the preceding sheet bundle Wi.

[0204] <Technical concept derived from the embodiment>

[0205] (Item 1)

[0206] The inlet roller 21, the conveying roller pair 26 and 28, and the kick-out roller 29 are examples of conveying rollers. The adhesive toner Tn is an example of a powder adhesive. The sheet S and the sheet bundle W are examples of a sheet group. The sheet group may be formed of one sheet S or a sheet bundle W. Figure 4B and Fig.18D As shown in , the intermediate stacking section 42 is an example of a sheet holder that holds a plurality of sheet groups by stacking a subsequent sheet group on a preceding sheet group. The CPU 651 is an example of a controller that acquires sheet information and controls the thermal compression bonding parameters applied to at least one subsequent sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups based on the sheet information of the preceding sheet group. The sheet information may include, for example, a conveyance duration, a delay duration N0, an insufficient duration ΔN, expected type information, confirmed type information, and the like. As a result, sufficient bonding strength is ensured while maintaining the productivity of the post-processing device 300.

[0207] (Item 2)

[0208] like Fig. 9 As shown in , etc., the thermocompression bonding parameters of the i+1th sheet group can be corrected according to the delay duration N0 or the shortage duration ΔN. As a result, sufficient bonding strength can be ensured while maintaining productivity.

[0209] (Item 3)

[0210] The CPU 651 can determine whether the conveying duration of the i-th sheet group is longer than a predetermined threshold duration. In other words, the CPU 651 determines whether there is a conveying delay. The CPU 651 can determine whether the delay duration N0 is greater than the margin N1. The CPU 651 reduces the heat-pressing bonding duration applied to the i-th sheet group, and increases at least one of the heat-pressing bonding duration, heating temperature, and pressure applied to the i+1-th sheet group. As a result, sufficient bonding strength can be ensured while maintaining productivity.

[0211] (Item 4)

[0212] As reference Fig. 10B As described above, the thermocompression bonding parameters of the plurality of subsequent sheet groups can be corrected so that the amount of heat supplied to the preceding sheet group is a sufficient amount. As a result, sufficient bonding strength can be ensured while maintaining productivity.

[0213] (Item 5)

[0214] As combined Fig. 10AAs described above, there may be a priority order (degree of priority) for the thermocompression bonding duration, heating temperature, and pressure. The CPU 651 may select a set of multiple thermocompression bonding parameters according to the priority order. For example, the priority order may be determined to emphasize the durability of the thermocompression bonding unit 51.

[0215] (Item 6)

[0216] The insufficient duration ΔN is an example of the conveyance duration of the i-th sheet group. Fig. 10A The table shown and the like are examples of storage units. The correction values ​​ΔT, ΔK, and ΔP are examples of increase amounts. The table can be implemented by a mathematical function or a program module.

[0217] (Item 7)

[0218] When the i-th sheet group is delayed, the amount of heat applied to the i+1-th sheet group can be increased from the prescribed amount. The heat applied to the i+1-th sheet group is also propagated to the i-th sheet group. As a result, the amount of heating of the i-th sheet group increases.

[0219] (Item 8)

[0220] When the i-th sheet group is delayed, the amount of heat applied to the i+1-th sheet group and the i+2-th sheet group can be increased from the prescribed amount. The heat applied to the i+1-th sheet group is also propagated to the i-th sheet group. The heat applied to the i+2-th sheet group is also propagated to the i-th sheet group through the i+1-th sheet group. As a result, the amount of heating of the i-th sheet group is increased.

[0221] (Item 9)

[0222] Due to the delay of the i-th sheet group, the heating amount of the i-th sheet group is insufficient. Therefore, in order to compensate for this deficiency, the amount of heat supplied to the subsequent sheet groups can be increased. Fig. 10B In the embodiment, the heating amount is distributed between two sheet groups, but the heating amount can also be distributed between three or more sheet groups.

[0223] (Item 10)

[0224] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the section from the sheet sensor 60 to the sheet sensor 50 is an example of a predetermined conveying section. Fig.16 , the section from the sheet sensor 27 to the sheet sensor 50 is an example of a predetermined conveying section. The CPU 651 may adjust the thermal compression bonding parameters applied to the i-th sheet group according to the conveying duration of the i-th sheet group. Fig. 9As shown, the default hot press bonding duration is T0. Regarding the sheet bundle W1, a conveyance delay of the conveyance duration N0 may occur. In this case, the difference between the default hot press bonding duration T0 and the conveyance duration N0 can be assumed to be the actual hot press bonding duration. This may mean that the hot press bonding end time of the sheet bundle W1 does not change from the specified time. Alternatively, considering the margin N1, the hot press bonding end time of the sheet bundle W1 can be offset. If N0 = <N1>, the hot press bonding duration of the sheet bundle W1 is maintained at T0. If N0 > N1, the hot press bonding duration of the sheet bundle W1 is T0 - ΔN. ΔN is the difference between N0 and N1. In particular, if N0 > N1, compensation by subsequent sheet groups is necessary.

[0225] (Item 11)

[0226] As described in the first and third embodiments, the sheet group may be a sheet bundle W composed of multiple sheets S. As described in the second and fourth embodiments, the sheet group may be composed of a single sheet S.

[0227] (Item 12)

[0228] The buffer unit 80 is an example of a manufacturing unit. The intermediate stacking unit 42 of the post-processing device 301 is an example of a manufacturing unit.

[0229] (Item 13)

[0230] As Figure 1 shown, the conveyance roller pairs 26, 28 and the kick-out roller 29 are examples of conveyance units.

[0231] (Item 14)

[0232] As 18A to 18D shown, the intermediate stacking unit 42 can serve as a unit for manufacturing a sheet bundle.

[0233] (Item 15)

[0234] As described in the second and fourth embodiments, the expected type information and the confirmation type information are examples of sheet information. If the expected type is different from the actual type, the heating amount may be insufficient. In this case, the heating amount can be increased in the subsequent sheets S. As a result, sufficient bonding strength is ensured while maintaining the productivity.

[0235] (Item 16)

[0236] If insufficient heating of the i-th sheet Si occurs, the CPU 651 can distribute the heating amount among multiple subsequent sheets Si+1, Si+2, etc.

[0237] (Item 17)

[0238] The second and fourth embodiments mainly describe the grammage of the sheet material S. However, the type of the sheet material S may also be a material related to heat, with or without a coating, and the like.

[0239] (Item 18)

[0240] The image forming unit 10 is an example of an image forming unit. The process cartridge 7n, the transfer belt 30, and the like are examples of a coating unit.

[0241] Other embodiments

[0242] The (one or more) embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments, and by a method executed by a computer of a system or device, for example, by reading out and executing computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above (one or more) embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)) TM ), one or more of flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0243] Other embodiments

[0244] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0245] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A post-processing device, comprising: A conveying member for conveying a plurality of sheet groups, each of which is coated with an adhesive; a holding member configured to hold the plurality of sheet groups by stacking a subsequent sheet group on a preceding sheet group; a thermocompression bonding member for making a booklet by applying heat and pressure to the plurality of sheet groups held in the holding member; and an acquiring means for acquiring sheet information indicating a conveyance duration or a sheet type of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups; as well as A control means for controlling, based on the sheet information, a thermocompression bonding parameter applied in the thermocompression bonding means to at least one subsequent sheet group of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control component is also configured to adjust the thermal compression bonding parameters of the i+1th sheet group stacked on the ith sheet group in addition to adjusting the thermal compression bonding parameters applied to the ith sheet group according to the conveying duration of the ith sheet group among the multiple sheet groups.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 2, wherein: In a case where the conveying duration of the i-th sheet group is longer than a predetermined threshold duration, the control section: reducing a thermocompression bonding duration as a thermocompression bonding parameter applied by the thermocompression bonding part to the i-th sheet group; and At least one of the thermocompression bonding duration, the heating temperature, and the pressing force as thermocompression bonding parameters applied by the thermocompression bonding part to the (i+1)th sheet group is increased.

4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The control section also increases at least one of the thermocompression bonding duration, the heating temperature, and the pressing force as thermocompression bonding parameters applied to the (i+2)th sheet group stacked on the (i+1)th sheet group.

5. The post-processing device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Priority is set in advance for the thermocompression bonding duration, heating temperature, and pressure as thermocompression bonding parameters, and it is determined which of the thermocompression bonding duration, heating temperature, and pressure is to be increased based on the priority.

6. The post-processing device according to claim 4, further comprising: a storage component for storing a combination of a conveying duration of the i-th sheet group, a type of thermocompression bonding parameter applied to the i+1-th sheet group and an increase amount thereof, and a type of thermocompression bonding parameter applied to the i+2-th sheet group and an increase amount thereof, The control component obtains from the storage component the type of thermal compression bonding parameters applied to the i+1th sheet group and their increase amount, and the type of thermal compression bonding parameters applied to the i+2th sheet group and their increase amount, corresponding to the conveying duration of the i-th sheet group.

7. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein: When the heat supplied from the thermocompression bonding component to the i-th sheet group among the multiple sheet groups is insufficient due to delayed arrival of the i-th sheet group in the holding component, the control component increases the heat supplied from the thermocompression bonding component to the (i+1)-th sheet group stacked on the i-th sheet group.

8. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein: When insufficient heat is supplied from the heat pressure bonding component to the i-th sheet group among the multiple sheet groups due to delayed arrival of the i-th sheet group in the holding component, the control component increases the heat supplied from the heat pressure bonding component to the i+1-th sheet group stacked on the i-th sheet group and the heat supplied from the heat pressure bonding component to the i+2-th sheet group stacked on the i+1-th sheet group.

9. The post-processing device according to claim 6, wherein: The control part distributes the heat lacking from the heat necessary to achieve the target bonding strength of the i-th sheet group due to the delay of the i-th sheet group between the heat of the i+1-th sheet group and the heat of the i+2-th sheet group.

10. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein: Control components: acquiring a conveying duration of each sheet group conveyed by a conveying member through a predetermined conveying section as sheet information; and A thermocompression bonding parameter applied to the i-th sheet group is adjusted according to a conveyance duration of the i-th sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups.

11. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein: Each of the plurality of sheet groups is one sheet or a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets.

12. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, further comprising: The production unit is configured to produce a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets as a sheet set.

13. The post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein: The conveying member is configured to convey the sheet bundle produced by the producing unit to the holding member.

14. The post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein: The holding component comprises a production unit.

15. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6, wherein: Each of the plurality of sheet groups consists of one sheet, and The control component obtains sheet information indicating the type of each sheet, and when the type of the i-th sheet conveyed to the holding component is different from the expected type, adjusts the thermal compression bonding parameters applied to the i+1-th sheet stacked on the i-th sheet in the holding component.

16. The post-processing device according to claim 15, wherein: When the type of the i-th sheet conveyed to the holding member is different from the previously expected type, the control member adjusts the thermocompression bonding parameters applied to the i+2-th sheet stacked on the i+1-th sheet in the holding member.

17. The post-processing device according to claim 15, wherein: The sheet type is at least one of the material, grammage, and presence or absence of a coating of the sheet in relation to the amount of heat necessary for thermocompression bonding of the sheet.

18. An image forming system comprising an image forming device and a post-processing device, An image forming device, comprising: An image forming component for forming images on a plurality of sheets; A coating component for coating adhesive on the plurality of sheets; as well as a discharging component for discharging the plurality of sheets sequentially to a post-processing device, and The post-processing device comprises: a conveying member for conveying a plurality of sheet groups, each of which is coated with an adhesive and is composed of sheets discharged from an image forming device; a holding member configured to hold the plurality of sheet groups by stacking a subsequent sheet group on a preceding sheet group; a thermocompression bonding member for making a booklet by applying heat and pressure to the plurality of sheet groups held in the holding member; and an acquiring means for acquiring sheet information indicating a conveyance duration or a sheet type of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups; and A control means for controlling, based on the sheet information, a thermocompression bonding parameter applied in the thermocompression bonding means to at least one subsequent sheet group of a preceding sheet group among the plurality of sheet groups.

Images