Booklet production device

Abstract

To improve the adhesive performance between sheets by toner.SOLUTION: A booklet production device includes: a photoreceptor; exposure means that emits light to the photoreceptor to form a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to an original area and a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to an adhesive area; and development means that forms a first toner image and a second toner image. The booklet production device further includes: transfer means that transfers the first and second toner images onto a sheet; fixing means that fixes the first and second toner images onto the sheet; and adhesion means that produces a booklet by bonding the multiple sheets formed with the first and second toner images by the second toner image. The exposure dose of light for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the exposure dose of light for forming the first electrostatic latent image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a positional relationship of adhesive area arrangement in a booklet producing device. [Background technology]

[0002] The booklet making device creates a booklet by stacking and adhering multiple sheets on which images are formed using an electrophotographic process. According to Patent Document 1, toner is used as an adhesive to adhere the multiple sheets together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-162352 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to improve the adhesive performance between multiple sheets by toner, the amount of toner transferred to the adhesive area may be increased. The amount of toner disposed in the adhesive area depends on the intensity of the laser light irradiated to the photoconductor. The laser light is irradiated onto the photoconductor through an optical system. Therefore, due to the propagation efficiency of the optical system, a sufficient amount of laser light may not be irradiated onto the exposed area on the photoconductor corresponding to the adhesive area on the sheet. In this case, sufficient adhesive force may not be obtained in the adhesive area. Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the adhesive performance between sheets by toner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to, for example, A photoconductor; an exposure means for irradiating the photoconductor with light to form a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document area and a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesion area; a developing means for developing the first electrostatic latent image and the second electrostatic latent image with toner to form a first toner image and a second toner image; a transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed by the developing means onto a sheet; a fixing means for fixing the first toner image and the second toner image to the sheet; a bonding means for bonding a plurality of sheets on which the first toner image and the second toner image are formed, by the second toner image, to produce a booklet; The present invention provides a booklet producing apparatus, wherein an amount of light irradiation for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than an amount of light irradiation for forming the first electrostatic latent image. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides improved inter-sheet adhesion performance with toner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating a booklet production apparatus (image forming apparatus) [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an original area and an adhesive area on a sheet. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exposure apparatus. [Figure 4] A diagram for explaining a laser control unit. [Diagram 5] Circuit diagram explaining the laser control unit [Figure 6] A diagram explaining various signals, light emission amount, and exposure amount [Figure 7] Diagram explaining the thermocompression unit [Figure 8] A diagram explaining the amount of light emitted, optical efficiency, and exposure amount [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exposure apparatus. [Figure 10] A diagram explaining the relationship between the tilt of a semiconductor laser and optical efficiency. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the inclination of a semiconductor laser and the amount of exposure. [Figure 12]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the inclination of a semiconductor laser and the amount of exposure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exposure apparatus. [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the control method DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0009] (1) Image forming system 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 130. The post-processing apparatus 130 is a sheet processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet S, which is a recording material. The intermediate conveying unit 120 conveys the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the post-processing apparatus 130. The post-processing apparatus 130 performs post-processing on the sheet S as necessary and outputs it.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet cassette 8, an image forming unit 10, a fixing device 6, and a housing 19 that houses these components. 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.

[0011] The sheet cassette 8 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet cassette 8 is inserted into the housing 9 so as to be removable, and can store a large number of sheets S. A feed roller 81 feeds the sheet S from the sheet cassette 8, and delivers the sheet S to a conveying roller pair 82. The multi-tray 20 can also feed the sheets S one by one.

[0012] The image forming unit 10 is a tandem-type electrophotographic unit equipped with four process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c, an exposure device 2, and a transfer unit 3. ymc stand for yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively. n stands for black. The process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c are such that multiple parts responsible for the image forming process can be replaced as a whole. In other words, the process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c are formed by integrating multiple parts.

[0013] The process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c have corresponding developing devices Kn, Ky, Km, and Kc, photoconductor drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc, and charging rollers Cn, Cy, Cm, and Cc. The structure of the process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c is substantially the same, except for the type of toner.

[0014] The developing devices Ky, Km, Kc contain yellow, magenta, and cyan toners for forming a visible image on the sheet S. The developing device Kn contains black toner Tn. The black toner Tn is used to form a user image (original image) and to thermally press multiple sheets S together in the post-processing device 130. A black toner image is formed on the photoconductor drum Dn by development with the black toner Tn.

[0015] The image forming unit 10 may have a fifth process cartridge that uses a toner dedicated to adhesion. The type and number of printing toners can be changed depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0016] The charging rollers Cn, Cy, Cm, and Cc are chargers that uniformly charge the surfaces of the corresponding charging rollers Cn, Cy, Cm, and Cc. The exposure device 2 is disposed below the process cartridges 7n, 7y, 7m, and 7c and above the sheet cassette 8. The exposure device 2 irradiates the photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc with corresponding laser beams Jn, Jy, Jm, and Jc to form electrostatic latent images. The exposure device 2 may also be called an optical scanning device.

[0017] The developing devices Kn, Ky, Km, and Kc form toner images by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent images on the photoconductor drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc. The developing devices Kn, Ky, Km, and Kc may also be called developers.

[0018] The transfer unit 3 includes a transfer belt 30 as an intermediate transfer body (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. Primary transfer rollers Fn, Fy, Fm, and Fc are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the transfer belt 30 so as to face the photosensitive drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc.

[0019] The primary transfer rollers Fn, Fy, Fm, and Fc transfer the toner images from the corresponding photoconductor drums Dn, Dy, Dm, and Dc to the transfer belt 30. The primary transfer rollers Fn, Fy, Fm, and Fc may be called primary transfer devices. The toner images are transported to the secondary transfer section by the counterclockwise rotation of the transfer belt 30.

[0020] The secondary transfer roller 5 is disposed to face the inner roller 31, and forms a transfer nip 52 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 be referred to as a secondary transfer portion.

[0021] A fixing unit 6 is disposed above the secondary transfer roller 5 (on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S). The fixing unit 6 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S passing through a fixing nip 61. This causes the toner image to be fixed onto the sheet S.

[0022] FIG. 2A shows an image area 212 where a user image (original image) is formed, and an adhesive area 211 where a toner image is formed by adhesive toner Tn. In this example, the adhesive area 211 extends parallel to the long side of the sheet S. The adhesive area 211 is provided at the end close to the long side. As a result, the post-processing device 130 stacks multiple sheets S and heats and presses the adhesive areas 211 of the multiple sheets S, thereby adhering the multiple sheets S to form a booklet. The booklet in this case is a long-side bound booklet. Here, the width (length in the short side direction) of the adhesive toner image (adhesive area 211) is, for example, 4.0 mm.

[0023] 2B, a small adhesive area 211 for adhesive toner Tn may be formed near the corner of the sheet S. This produces a booklet with corner fastening. An image using adhesive toner Tn is not formed on the sheet S that will be the cover of the booklet.

[0024] FIG. 2(C) shows the amount of exposure applied to the adhesion area 211 and the amount of exposure applied to the image area 212. The vertical axis indicates the amount of exposure. The horizontal axis indicates the main scanning direction. Here, the main scanning direction is a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photoconductor drum D. In FIG. 2(C), it is assumed that a solid image of uniform density is formed in the image area 212. The amount of exposure applied to the adhesion area 211 is greater than the amount of exposure applied to the image area 212. This makes it possible to increase the amount of toner used to adhere multiple sheets S together.

[0025] Returning to the description of FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the switching guide 33 is a flap-shaped guide member provided downstream of the fixing unit 6 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. When a single-sided printing mode in which an image is formed on one side of the sheet S is selected, the switching guide 33 guides the sheet S to a discharge roller 34. When a double-sided printing mode in which an image is formed on both sides of the sheet S is selected, the switching guide 33 guides the sheet S with an image formed on the first side to a switchback roller pair 35. The switchback roller pair 35 conveys the sheet S in a first direction. When the rear end of the sheet S is in a state in which it can enter the double-sided conveying path 36, the switchback roller pair 35 starts 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 again to the secondary transfer unit. As a result, an image is formed on the second side of the sheet S.

[0026] The discharge roller 34 conveys the sheet S to an intermediate conveying unit 120. The intermediate conveying unit 120 has a pair of conveying rollers 121 and 122. The pair of conveying rollers 121 and 122 convey the sheet S to a post-processing device 130.

[0027] (2) After-treatment device The post-processing device 130 is a floor-standing type sheet processing device and has a function of buffering a plurality of sheets, a function of aligning a plurality of sheets, and a function of gluing a sheet stack.

[0028] In the following, the end of the sheet S on the front side in the transport direction is referred to as the leading end. The end of the sheet S on the rear side in the transport direction is referred to as the trailing end. Of the two ends of the sheet S, the end that enters the post-processing device 130 first is referred to as the first end. Of the two ends of the sheet S, the end that enters the post-processing device 130 later is referred to as the second end. Note that the leading end may be changed from the first end to the second end and the trailing end may be changed from the second end to the first end due to the switchback transport performed by the post-processing device 130.

[0029] The sheet S conveyed from the intermediate conveying unit 120 is delivered to the entrance rollers 21 of the post-processing device 130. A sheet sensor called the entrance rollers 21 is disposed downstream of the entrance rollers 21. When the sheet sensor 27 detects the rear end of the sheet S, the conveying roller pair 22 accelerates the sheet S. When the rear end of the sheet S, whose discharge destination is set to the upper tray 25, arrives between the conveying roller pair 22 and the conveying roller pair 24, the conveying roller pair 22 decelerates. This causes the conveying speed of the sheet S to become a predetermined discharge speed. The conveying roller pair 22 discharges the sheet S to the upper tray 25.

[0030] When the trailing end of the sheet whose discharge destination is set to the lower tray 37 passes through the check valve 23, the conveying roller pair 22 stops conveying the sheet S. After that, the conveying roller pair 22 starts rotating in the reverse direction. As a result, the sheet S switches back and is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 26. When the sheet sensor 60 provided downstream of the conveying roller pair 26 detects the leading end of the sheet S, the two rollers constituting the conveying roller pair 24 separate. As a result, the conveying roller pair 24 becomes able to accept the following sheet S. Furthermore, the conveying roller pair 26 stops with the preceding sheet S sandwiched between them. The conveying roller pair 26 starts rotating in the reverse direction in response to the arrival of the following sheet S. As a result, the following sheet S is stacked on top of the preceding sheet S. By repeating the switchback of the sheet S by the conveying roller pair 26, multiple sheets S are stacked to form a sheet bundle. Such a sheet bundle forming operation may be called a buffer operation. A unit that realizes the buffer operation is called a buffer unit 80.

[0031] When the sheet stack is completed in the buffer unit 80, the conveying roller pair 26 conveys the sheet stack toward the intermediate stacking unit 42. The sheet stack passes through the conveying roller pair 28 and the sheet sensor 50. The sheet stack is further conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 42 by the kick-out roller 29. A movable vertical alignment plate 39 is disposed in a standby position at the most downstream portion of the intermediate stacking unit 42. The sheet stack is aligned by hitting the vertical alignment plate 39.

[0032] A plurality of sheet bundles are stacked in sequence on the intermediate stacking section 42. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets S that form a booklet are stacked on the intermediate stacking section 42. When the alignment of the predetermined number of sheets S is completed, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 performs a binding operation (thermocompression bonding process) to form a booklet. The vertical alignment plate 39 moves from the standby position to the discharge position, pushing the booklet toward the discharge rollers 38. When the leading edge of the booklet is clamped by the discharge rollers 38, the vertical alignment plate 39 stops and returns to the standby position again. The discharge rollers 38 discharge the booklet received from the vertical alignment plate 39 from the discharge port 46 to the lower tray 37.

[0033] In the above description, the post-processing device 130 forms a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets S by using the buffer unit 80, and conveys the sheet bundle to the intermediate stacking unit 42. However, a single sheet S may be conveyed to the intermediate stacking unit 42.

[0034] (3) Exposure equipment (3-1) Structure 3, the exposure device 2 is illustrated as irradiating laser light onto one photoconductor drum D, but this is merely an example. For example, one exposure device 2 may be disposed for one photoconductor drum D. Alternatively, one exposure device 2 may be disposed for two photoconductor drums D.

[0035] The semiconductor laser 301 is a light source that outputs a laser light (light beam) J. As described later, the semiconductor laser 301 may be configured to output a plurality of light beams. The rotating polygon mirror 302 has a plurality of reflecting surfaces. Each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces realizes one scan. The rotating polygon mirror 302 reflects the laser light J from the semiconductor laser 301 while rotating. The laser light J passes through a lens 304 (e.g., an fθ lens) and is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum D via a reflecting mirror 303. The lens 304 is a lens that corrects the laser light J so that the laser light J moves at a constant speed on the photosensitive drum D. The synchronization sensor 305 detects the laser light J and outputs a synchronization signal 306 to a laser control unit 307. The laser control unit 307 controls the writing timing of the laser light J in the main scanning direction and the light amount of the laser light based on the synchronization signal 306. Moreover, the laser control unit 307 generates a drive current 308 and supplies it to the semiconductor laser 301 to drive the semiconductor laser 301 .

[0036] (3-2) Laser control unit 4 shows details of the laser control unit 307. The CPU 409 controls the semiconductor laser 301 according to a control program stored in the memory 420. The memory 420 includes a non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)) and a volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)).

[0037] The CPU 409 generates a light intensity control signal 410 in accordance with the light intensity of the semiconductor laser 301, and generates a light intensity correction signal 411. The drive current generation unit 412 generates a drive current in accordance with the light intensity control signal 410, and outputs the drive current to a light emission control unit 417.

[0038] The reference signal generator 413 generates a correction reference signal 415 in response to the light amount control signal 410. The correction current generator 414 generates a correction current Ic in response to the light amount correction signal 411 and the correction reference signal 415.

[0039] The image signal generating unit 416 converts image data prepared by a user into an emission control signal for controlling the semiconductor laser 301. The emission control unit 417 generates the driving current 308 according to the output of the driving current generating unit 412 and the output of the correction current generating unit 414. Furthermore, the emission control unit 417 supplies the driving current 308 to the semiconductor laser 301 in synchronization with the output timing of the image signal from the image signal generating unit 416.

[0040] A size sensor 430 and a motor 440 may be optionally connected to the CPU 409. The size sensor 430 is a sensor that detects the size of the sheet S. The CPU 409 may determine or adjust the position of the adhesive region 211 on the sheet S according to the size of the sheet S. The motor 440 is a motor that adjusts the rotation angle (tilt θ) of the semiconductor laser 301. For example, the CPU 409 may adjust the tilt θ of the semiconductor laser 301 according to a resolution designated by a user.

[0041] (3-3) Drive current generation section 5 shows a circuit diagram mainly relating to the laser drive circuit of the laser control unit 307. The light emission control unit 417 is composed of a resistor R0 connected in parallel to the semiconductor laser 301, and a switch SW0. A drive circuit 526 switches whether to supply the drive current 308 to the semiconductor laser 301 or to a resistor R9.

[0042] The amount of laser light J output from the semiconductor laser 301 is controlled to a certain target amount of light when no image signal is supplied. The semiconductor laser 301 has temperature dependency. Therefore, as the temperature of the semiconductor laser 301 rises, the driving current 308 capable of achieving the target amount of light changes. Therefore, the laser control unit 307 executes automatic light amount control (APC) to adjust the driving current 308 and maintain the amount of laser light J at the target amount of light.

[0043] The light amount control signal 410 is, for example, a high-active PWM signal. PWM is an abbreviation for pulse width modulation. The CPU 409 reads out a target light amount of the semiconductor laser 301 from the memory 420. The CPU 409 determines a duty ratio corresponding to the target light amount, and outputs a PWM signal (light amount control signal 410) with the determined duty ratio.

[0044] The PWM signal is input to a comparison voltage generation unit 519. The comparison voltage generation unit 519 is a conversion circuit that converts the PWM signal into a DC voltage and inputs it to the negative terminal of a comparator 520. This DC voltage is a voltage (comparison voltage or target voltage) that corresponds to a target light amount.

[0045] The photodiode 521 is a light receiving element that receives the laser light J from the semiconductor laser 301 and generates a detection current according to the laser light J. The cathode of the photodiode 521 is connected to a reference voltage source Vcc. The anode of the photodiode 521 is connected to an IV conversion unit 522.

[0046] The IV conversion unit 522 is a conversion circuit that converts the detection current into a detection voltage. The detection voltage is input to the positive terminal of the comparator 520. During the execution of APC, the CPU 409 keeps the switch SW1 in the ON state. The comparator 520 compares the detection voltage with the target voltage and generates an output result according to the comparison result. This causes the capacitor C1 to be charged and discharged. The switch SW1 and the capacitor C1 form a sample-and-hold circuit. The voltage held by the capacitor C1 is input to a voltage follower (buffer circuit) formed by an operational amplifier OP1. The voltage follower operates so that the voltage of the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is equal to the voltage of the capacitor C1. The drive circuit 526 controls the drive current 308 that flows through the semiconductor laser 301 and the resistor R1. The capacitor C1 repeats charging and discharging until the light amount of the semiconductor laser 301 reaches the target light amount. When the light amount of the semiconductor laser 301 reaches the target light amount, the charging voltage of the capacitor C1 converges to a constant value, and as a result, the driving current 308 converges to Iapc.

[0047] (3-4) Correction current generation section The light amount correction signal 411 output from the CPU 409 is input to the gate of the FET1. The drain of the FET1 is connected to the active filter 530. Furthermore, the drain is connected to the reference signal generating unit 413 via the resistor R3. The source of the FET1 is connected to the frame ground. The FET1 is turned on / off according to the light amount correction signal 411. The FET1 is pulled up by the resistor R3. The reference signal generating unit 413 is a low-pass filter formed by the resistor R2 and the capacitor C2. The reference signal generating unit 413 smoothes the light amount control signal 410 input from the CPU 409 to generate a DC voltage Vref (correction reference signal 415) and outputs it to one end of the resistor R3. The light amount correction signal 411 is a low-active PWM signal. When the light amount correction signal 411 is High, the FET1 is turned on and Low is input to the active filter 530. When the light intensity correction signal 411 is low, FET1 is turned off, and the correction reference signal 415 is input to the active filter 530. The amplitude of the signal input to the active filter 530 is equal to the amplitude of the correction reference signal 415. The logic of the signal input to the active filter 530 is the inverted logic of the light intensity correction signal 411. Therefore, the signal input to the active filter 530 is also a PWM signal. The PWM signal input to the active filter 530 is smoothed to become a DC voltage and input to the VI conversion unit 531.

[0048] The VI conversion unit 531 includes an operational amplifier OP2, a transistor Tr0, and a resistor R4. The VI conversion unit 531 generates a correction current Ib according to the input DC voltage. The correction current Ib flows through the resistor R4.

[0049] A current mirror circuit 533 is connected to the VI conversion unit 531. The current mirror circuit 533 is composed of resistors R5 and R6 and transistors Tr1 and Tr2. The current mirror circuit 533 generates a correction current Ic having the same current value as the correction current Ib. The correction current Ic flows through the resistor R1 via the diode D1.

[0050] A series of circuit operations as described above generates the correction current Ic. The current value of the correction current Ic is controlled by the correction reference signal 415 and the light amount correction signal 411.

[0051] During image formation, the CPU 409 keeps the switch SW1 in an open state (OFF). The capacitor C1 holds the voltage determined by the APC executed immediately before. The voltage follower continues to output an output voltage equal to the input voltage, thereby causing a current Iapc to flow through the resistor R1.

[0052] When the correction current Ic flows into the resistor R1, the drive current 308 of the semiconductor laser 301 is reduced by an amount corresponding to the correction current Ic. This maintains the current flowing through the resistor R1 at Iapc. Since the drive current 308 is reduced, the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser 301 is reduced. In other words, the CPU 409 can change the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser 301 by controlling the correction current Ic. In this way, the correction current generation unit 414 functions as a reduction circuit that reduces the drive current 308.

[0053] Of the surface (exposure surface) of the photoconductor drum D, the exposure surface corresponding to the adhesive region 211 may be called the adhesive exposure region. When the laser light J exposes the adhesive exposure region, the CPU 409 increases the laser light J. Specifically, the CPU 409 increases the laser light J by supplying a light amount increase signal 534 to the gate of the FET2. The drain of the FET2 is connected to the output terminal of the current mirror circuit 533. The source of the FET2 is connected to the frame ground. At the timing when the laser light J exposes the adhesive exposure region, the FET2 is turned on and the correction current Ic flows to the frame ground. As a result, the drive current 308 is not reduced by the correction current Ic. That is, the drive current 308 appears to increase. In this way, the CPU 409 can increase the drive current 308 by disabling the reduction function of the drive current 308 by the correction current generation unit 414.

[0054] (3-5) Exposure amount of adhesive area 6 shows the light emission control when forming one line of an image. The horizontal axis indicates the passage of time. The vertical axis indicates the synchronization signal 306, the light amount control signal 410, the correction reference signal 415, the light amount correction signal 411, the input voltage to the active filter 530, and the output voltage from the active filter 530. Furthermore, the vertical axis also indicates the correction current Ic, the drive current 308, the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser 301, and the amount of exposure on the surface of the photoconductor drum D.

[0055] One scanning cycle includes a non-image formation section and an image formation section. The non-image formation section is a section (non-exposure section) in which an image is not formed on the photoconductor drum D. The image formation section is a section (exposure section) in which an image is formed on the photoconductor drum D. An APC section is provided as part of the non-image formation section. The APC section is a section in which APC is executed.

[0056] The CPU 409 determines the duty ratio of the light amount control signal 410 according to the target light amount Papc, and outputs the light amount control signal 410. The CPU 409 also executes APC control for each scan and adjusts the current Iapc so that the light amount of the semiconductor laser 301 is equal for each scan. When the laser light J is incident on the synchronization sensor 305 in the APC section, the synchronization sensor 305 outputs a synchronization signal 306. The CPU 409 starts outputting an image signal when a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing at which the synchronization signal 306 is detected (the writing start timing). This causes the semiconductor laser 301 to start emitting light, and the surface of the photoconductor drum D is irradiated with the laser light, forming an electrostatic latent image.

[0057] The CPU 409 starts outputting the light quantity correction signal 411 in synchronization with the start of image formation. A PWM signal corresponding to the correction reference signal 415 (DC voltage Vref) and the light quantity correction signal 411 is input to the active filter 530. A correction current Ic corresponding to the output voltage generated by the active filter 530 is generated. The CPU 409 can change the light quantity of the semiconductor laser 301 during one scan by changing the correction current Ic. This makes the exposure amount constant at each position in the main scanning direction of the photosensitive drum D. In other words, the CPU 409 generates the light quantity correction signal 411 so that the exposure amount constant at each position in the main scanning direction of the photosensitive drum D.

[0058] (3-6) Thermocompression (adhesive treatment) As shown in Fig. 7, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 has a heater 701 with a built-in heating element as a heat source, and an aluminum heating plate 702 arranged thereon. The heater 701 is, for example, a ceramic heater. The temperature of the heater 701 may be measured by a temperature sensor and controlled by a control circuit so that the measured temperature becomes a target temperature. For example, the target temperature is set so that the surface temperature of a pressure applying portion 709 of the heating plate 702 becomes 200°C. By providing the pressure applying portion 709 on the heating plate 702, the heat and pressure of the thermocompression bonding unit 51 are concentrated at the binding position of the sheet stack W. As a result, the efficiency of heating and pressing is improved.

[0059] The heater 701 is supported by a heater support 703 made of resin. The pressure lever 704 presses the thermocompression bonding unit 51 downward to pressurize the sheet stack W. The pressure of the pressure lever 704 is transmitted to a pressure section 709 via a metal stay 705 serving as a rigid body. The pressure of the pressure lever 704 can be controlled according to the amount by which the pressure lever 704 is moved downward. For example, the pressure is 30 kgf.

[0060] The pressure plate 706 is made of an elastic material (e.g., silicone rubber) because the pressure plate 706 is a member for stably receiving the pressure force. The thermocompression bonding unit 51 presses the sheet stack W consisting of the sheets S1 to S5, and then moves away from the sheet stack W.

[0061] 7, sheets S1 to S5 indicate the first to fifth sheets of a booklet as a product. Sheet S1 is the cover of the booklet. Therefore, no adhesive toner image Tn is formed on sheet S1. An adhesive toner image Tn is formed on the lower surface of sheets S2 to S5.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 7, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 is designed to apply heat and pressure to the right edge of the sheet S. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 2(A) and 2(B), an adhesive region 211 is provided along the right edge of the sheet S. The CPU 409 increases the intensity of the laser light J when the laser light J exposes the surface region of the photoconductor drum D corresponding to the adhesive region 211. This causes more toner to be transferred to the adhesive region 211. In other words, the adhesive force in the adhesive region 211 increases.

[0063] A specific operation in the adhesion area 211 is as follows. The CPU 409 outputs a light amount increase signal 534 (High level) synchronized with the synchronization signal 306. That is, the CPU 409 outputs the light amount increase signal 534 a predetermined time after the synchronization signal 306 is input. The predetermined time is the time required from the time when the laser light J passes through the synchronization sensor 305 to the time when the surface area of ​​the photoconductor drum D corresponding to the adhesion area 211 is exposed to light.

[0064] When the light amount increase signal 534 becomes High, FET2 is turned ON. As a result, the correction current Ic flows into FET2 instead of through the resistor R1. The light amount of the semiconductor laser 301 is controlled so that the current flowing into the resistor R1 is constant. When the correction current Ic flows into FET2, the light amount of the semiconductor laser 301 increases. As shown in FIG. 2C, the exposure amount in the surface area of ​​the photoconductor drum D corresponding to the adhesion area 211 increases.

[0065] (3-7) Relationship between light emission amount and exposure amount 8 shows the relationship between the amount of light emission in the main scanning direction, the optical efficiency of the exposure device 2, and the amount of exposure on the surface of the photoconductor drum D. Here, the amount of light emission is the amount of laser light J at the light emitting point of the semiconductor laser 301.

[0066] An optical system is present between the semiconductor laser 301 and the photoconductor drum D. Therefore, the laser light J emitted from the semiconductor laser 301 is attenuated by the optical system. The amount of this attenuation differs in the main scanning direction. Here, optical efficiency (propagation efficiency) is used as a measure of the ease of propagation of the laser light J.

[0067] The memory 420 stores an approximation formula created based on the optical efficiency measured in advance. This approximation formula may be a function with the main scanning position as a variable. The CPU 409 reads out the approximation formula from the memory 420 and changes the light quantity correction signal 411 according to the approximation formula. As a result, the exposure amount at each position in the main scanning direction (main scanning position) becomes a predetermined value.

[0068] According to FIG. 8, it is assumed that the optical efficiency is low at the start of writing in the main scanning direction and high at the end of writing. The slope of the optical efficiency is constant. The memory 420 may store an approximation formula for the slope of the optical efficiency. The CPU 409 controls the amount of light emitted so that the amount of exposure is constant. According to FIG. 8, the amount of light emitted is high at the start of writing in the main scanning direction and low at the end of writing in the main scanning direction. This makes the amount of exposure constant at each main scanning position.

[0069] (3-8) Optical efficiency and tilt of semiconductor laser The semiconductor laser 301 may be capable of outputting a plurality of beams. By simultaneously outputting a plurality of beams, it becomes possible to draw a plurality of main scanning lines at the same time. Alternatively, an appropriate one of the plurality of beams may be selected in order to correct distortion of the main scanning line. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the semiconductor laser 301 is capable of outputting two beams.

[0070] The optical efficiency is mainly determined by the rotation angle (tilt θ) of the semiconductor laser 301, the reflectance of the rotating polygon mirror 302, the reflectance of the reflecting mirror 303, and the transmittance of the lens 304. FIG. 9(A) and FIG. 9(B) show the positional relationship of the semiconductor laser 301 for black toner, the rotating polygon mirror 302, and the lens 304. FIG. 9(A) shows the positional relationship in the XY plane. FIG. 9(B) shows the positional relationship in the XZ plane. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the tilt θ of the semiconductor laser 301 and the optical efficiency. In FIG. 10, the tilt θ is the rotation angle when the semiconductor laser 301 is rotated around the normal direction of the emission surface 1000 of the semiconductor laser 301 as the rotation axis. The horizontal axis of the optical efficiency indicates the image height. On the horizontal axis, 0 is called the image height center. Light emitting points 1001 and 1002 are arranged on the emission surface 1000. The light emitting points 1001 and 1002 may be called laser elements.

[0071] When the inclination θ is θ1, the two laser beams J output from the light-emitting points 1001 and 1002 form two main scanning lines spaced one dot apart on the exposed surface. One dot is the distance between two main scanning lines when the resolution is set to 600 dpi. In other words, by setting the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301 to +θ1 or -θ1, two main scanning lines can be drawn simultaneously. Note that when the inclination θ is 0, it is not possible to draw two main scanning lines simultaneously, but the peak of the optical efficiency is located at the center of the image height.

[0072] Specifically, the semiconductor laser 301 is rotated so that the angle between the line connecting the two light emitting points 1001, 1002 and the Z axis is +10 degrees or -10 degrees. As a result, the distance between the two main scanning lines drawn on the sheet S by the two laser beams J is 1 dot (resolution=600 dpi). The CPU 409 may switch the resolution by rotating the semiconductor laser 301 using the motor 440. As a result, high resolutions such as 1200 dpi and 2400 dpi may be realized.

[0073] When the inclination θ is +θ1, the optical efficiency is relatively low on the side with a small image height (the side where writing begins in the main scanning direction), and is relatively high on the side with a large image height (the side where writing ends in the main scanning direction).

[0074] On the other hand, when focusing on the optical efficiency when the tilt θ is -θ1, the optical efficiency on the side with the smaller image height (the side where writing begins in the main scanning direction) is relatively high. The optical efficiency on the side with the larger image height (the side where writing ends in the main scanning direction) is relatively low. From the above, it can be seen that there is a correlation between the tilt θ of the semiconductor laser 301 and the image height (main scanning position) at which the optical efficiency reaches its peak.

[0075] The optical efficiency of the optical system consisting of the rotating polygon mirror 302, the reflecting mirror 303, and the lens 304 is uniquely determined by the optical coefficient (e.g., reflectance, transmittance). Therefore, by setting the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301 to an arbitrary value, it becomes possible to adjust the optical efficiency in the main scanning direction. For example, it becomes possible to relatively increase the optical efficiency on the writing side, or conversely, relatively decrease the optical efficiency on the writing side.

[0076] (3-9) Relationship between adhesive area and image area 11(A) and 11(B) show the relationship between the amount of light emission, the optical efficiency, and the amount of exposure. Here, it is assumed that the size of the sheet S is A4. In order to set the amount of exposure at each position in the main scanning direction to a predetermined amount of light, the amount of light emission is adjusted depending on the optical efficiency. In other words, the amount of light emission is increased at main scanning positions where the optical efficiency is low.

[0077] FIG. 11(A) shows a case where the optical efficiency is high on the writing side in the main scanning direction. This corresponds to the case where the tilt θ is -θ1. FIG. 11(B) shows a case where the optical efficiency is low on the writing side in the main scanning direction. This corresponds to the case where the tilt θ is +θ1. Below, the gradient of the optical efficiency in the main scanning direction is described as the left-right difference in the optical efficiency distribution. Furthermore, a state where the optical efficiency is relatively high on the writing side is described as the left side of the optical efficiency distribution being high. On the other hand, a state where the optical efficiency is relatively high on the writing end side is described as the right side of the optical efficiency distribution being high.

[0078] In FIG. 11(A), the exposure amount 1100 indicates the exposure amount of the adhesive region 211. The exposure amount 1101 indicates the exposure amount (attenuation amount) of the adhesive region 211 attenuated by optical efficiency. The exposure amount 1102 indicates the exposure amount (attenuation amount) of the image region 212 attenuated by optical efficiency. In FIG. 11(B), the exposure amount 1103 indicates the exposure amount of the adhesive region 211. The exposure amount 1104 indicates the exposure amount (attenuation amount) of the adhesive region 211 attenuated by optical efficiency. The exposure amount 1105 indicates the exposure amount (attenuation amount) of the image region 212 attenuated by optical efficiency. The required exposure amount 1120 shown in FIG. 11(A) and FIG. 11(B) indicates the exposure amount required to obtain sufficient adhesive strength in the adhesive region 211. Therefore, in order to obtain sufficient adhesive strength, the exposure amounts 1100 and 1103 of the adhesive region 211 only need to be greater than the required exposure amount 1120.

[0079] There is a rated value (upper limit) for the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser 301. This upper limit is a value determined by the manufacturer of the semiconductor laser 301. Therefore, the amount of light emitted for the adhesive region 211 may be set to the upper limit at most.

[0080] 11(A), the exposure dose 1100 for the adhesive region 211 is less than the required exposure dose 1120. In other words, if the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301 is such that the left side of the optical efficiency distribution is high, the exposure dose for the adhesive region 211 will be insufficient, resulting in insufficient adhesive strength.

[0081] 11B, the exposure dose 1103 for the adhesive region 211 exceeds the required exposure dose 1120. In other words, if the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301 is such that the right side of the optical efficiency distribution is high, the exposure dose for the adhesive region 211 will be sufficient, and sufficient adhesive strength will be obtained.

[0082] Therefore, the attenuated exposure amount 1104 is less than the exposure amount 1101, and the exposure amount 1103 is greater than the exposure amount 1100. Since the exposure amount 1103 is greater than the required exposure amount 1120, sufficient adhesive strength is ensured in the adhesive region 211.

[0083] According to this embodiment, when the inclination θ is −θ1, the amount of exposure in the adhesion region 211 is insufficient ( FIG. 11(A) ). Therefore, a inclination θ (=+θ1) is adopted that increases the amount of exposure in the adhesion region 211. As a result, the amount of exposure in the adhesion region 211 increases, and the adhesive strength in the adhesion region 211 improves.

[0084] If possible, the peak of the optical efficiency distribution is located at a main scanning position (adhesive exposure area) on the photoconductor drum D corresponding to the adhesive area 211. Alternatively, the peak of the optical efficiency distribution is located between the image height center and the adhesive exposure area. This means that the slope θ should be closer to +θ1 than to -θ1.

[0085] In this embodiment, the semiconductor laser 301 capable of outputting two laser beams J is used, but this is merely an example. It is sufficient to use an exposure device 2 in which the optical efficiency in the main scanning direction has a gradient, and a semiconductor laser 301 in which the inclination θ is adjustable. The number of laser beams J that the semiconductor laser 301 can output may be three or more.

[0086] Note that, when the exposure apparatus 2 is shipped from a factory, the optical efficiency of the exposure apparatus 2 may be measured, and the tilt θ of the semiconductor laser 301 may be adjusted according to the measured optical efficiency. In this case, an actuator (e.g., motor 440) that rotates the semiconductor laser 301 around the rotation axis that is the normal direction of the emission surface 1000 of the laser light J of the semiconductor laser 301 would be unnecessary.

[0087] (3-10) Small size sheet In the above description, it is assumed that the size of the sheet S is A4. However, there are various sizes of the sheet S. Therefore, hereinafter, a method for setting the optical efficiency when forming the adhesive area 211 on a small-sized sheet S (e.g., A5) will be described.

[0088] Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show the amount of light emitted, optical efficiency, and exposure amount for a small-sized sheet S. The horizontal axis indicates the main scanning position. In particular, in Figure 12(A), the optical efficiency is relatively high at the start of writing in the main scanning direction. This corresponds to a tilt θ of -θ1. In Figure 12(B), the optical efficiency is relatively high at the end of writing in the main scanning direction. This corresponds to a tilt θ of +θ1.

[0089] In Fig. 12(A), exposure amount 1200 indicates the exposure amount of the adhesive region 211. Exposure amount 1201 indicates the exposure amount of the adhesive region 211 attenuated by optical efficiency. Exposure amount 1202 indicates the exposure amount of the image region 212 attenuated by optical efficiency. In Fig. 12(B), exposure amount 1203 indicates the exposure amount of the adhesive region 211. Exposure amount 1204 indicates the exposure amount of the adhesive region 211 attenuated by optical efficiency. Exposure amount 1205 indicates the exposure amount of the image region 212 attenuated by optical efficiency.

[0090] The adhesive force in the adhesive region 211 is improved by increasing the exposure amount of the laser light J that scans the surface region on the photoconductor drum D where the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesive region 211 is formed. In this example, the adhesive region 211 is disposed on the right side (writing end side) of the sheet S. Therefore, a gradient θ (=+θ1) that can increase the optical efficiency on the right side in the main scanning direction is adopted. As a result, the peak of the optical efficiency distribution is disposed between the image center (image height center) and the adhesive exposure region. For example, the peak of the optical efficiency distribution may be disposed closer to the adhesive exposure region than the image height center. If possible, the peak of the optical efficiency distribution may be disposed in the adhesive exposure region. In this way, the image height at which the optical efficiency distribution peaks may be shifted from the image height center toward the adhesive exposure region.

[0091] 12B is greater than the required exposure amount 1120. Thus, sufficient adhesive strength is ensured in the adhesive region 211. However, the adhesive region 211 for the small-sized sheet S is closer to the center of the image than the adhesive region 211 for the large-sized sheet S. In other words, the optical efficiency of the adhesive region 211 for the small-sized sheet S is smaller than the optical efficiency of the adhesive region 211 for the large-sized sheet S. In other words, the adhesive strength of the adhesive region 211 for the small-sized sheet S is smaller than the adhesive strength of the adhesive region 211 for the large-sized sheet S.

[0092] If an equal adhesive force is required in the adhesive region 211 regardless of the size of the sheet S, another measure is required. For example, if the light emission amount of the semiconductor laser 301 has a margin relative to the rated value, the CPU 409 may increase the target light amount of the semiconductor laser 301. In other words, the CPU 409 determines the duty ratio of the light amount control signal 410 so that the target light amount becomes large. This ensures an equal adhesive force in the adhesive region 211 regardless of the size of the sheet S.

[0093] In this way, the CPU 409 may change the target light amount according to the size of the sheet S detected by the size sensor 430. For example, the target light amount for a small-sized sheet S is greater than the target light amount for a large-sized sheet S.

[0094] (3-11) Superimposing multiple toner images In the above embodiment, a toner image is formed in the adhesive region 211 using black toner. However, a toner image using toner of another color may be superimposed on the toner image using black toner. This may increase the adhesive force in the adhesive region 211.

[0095] FIG. 13 shows details of the exposure device 2 of this embodiment. Here, the reflection mirror 303 and the photosensitive drum D are omitted. The semiconductor laser 301a outputs a laser beam Jy for forming a yellow image. The semiconductor laser 301b outputs a laser beam Jm for forming a magenta image. The semiconductor laser 301c outputs a laser beam Jc for forming a cyan image. The semiconductor laser 301d outputs a laser beam Jn for forming a black image.

[0096] Laser light Jy output from semiconductor laser 301a is reflected by rotating polygon mirror 302a and enters lens 304a. The scanning direction of laser light Jy is the +x direction. Laser light Jm output from semiconductor laser 301b is reflected by rotating polygon mirror 302a and enters lens 304b. The scanning direction of laser light Jm is the -x direction.

[0097] Laser light Jc output from semiconductor laser 301c is reflected by rotating polygon mirror 302b and enters lens 304c. The scanning direction of laser light Jc is the +x direction. Laser light Jn output from semiconductor laser 301d is reflected by rotating polygon mirror 302b and enters lens 304d. The scanning direction of laser light Jn is the -x direction.

[0098] In the following, it is assumed that a toner image is formed in the adhesive region 211 by black toner and cyan toner. However, magenta toner or yellow toner may be used instead of cyan toner. Alternatively, three toners or four toners may be used to superimpose a toner image in the adhesive region 211.

[0099] In this embodiment as well, the thermocompression bonding unit 51 is provided on the end side of the writing in the main scanning direction of the sheet S. As shown in Fig. 2(A) , the adhesive region 211 is disposed on the right side of the sheet S. The difference between the left and right optical efficiency distributions is mainly determined by the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301.

[0100] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 13, the scanning direction of the laser light J differs for each color of toner. For example, the scanning direction of the yellow station is different from that of the magenta station. Similarly, the scanning direction of the cyan station is different from that of the black station. From another perspective, the scanning direction of the yellow station is the same as that of the cyan station. Thus, the scanning direction of the magenta station is the same as that of the black station.

[0101] As described in this embodiment, in order to increase the adhesive force in the adhesive region 211, it is sufficient that the peak of the optical index distribution is located on the right side in the main scanning direction. When the black station and the cyan station are selected for the adhesive region 211, it is sufficient that the peak of the optical index distribution is located on the right side in the main scanning direction in both the black station and the cyan station. Since the scanning direction of the black station is opposite to that of the cyan station, the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301c is different from the inclination θ of the semiconductor laser 301d. For example, the inclination θc of the semiconductor laser 301c is set to -θ1, and the inclination θd of the semiconductor laser 301d is set to +θ1.

[0102] As a result, in both the black station and the cyan station, the peak of the optical efficiency distribution is positioned near the main scanning position corresponding to the adhesive region 211. In other words, the adhesive force in the adhesive region 211 is improved.

[0103] The yellow and magenta stations may form toner images in the adhesive area 211. In this case, the peaks of the optical efficiency distributions of both the yellow and magenta stations are located near the main scanning position corresponding to the adhesive area 211.

[0104] (4) Flowchart 14 shows a light amount control method executed by the CPU 409 in accordance with a control program. The light amount control method here is a process for one scan. Therefore, the light amount control method is repeatedly executed until the document image and the adhesive image are completed on one sheet S.

[0105] In S1401, the CPU 409 determines whether or not the synchronization signal 306 has been input from the synchronization sensor 305. In this manner, the synchronization signal 306 serves as a trigger for one scan.

[0106] In step S1402, the CPU 409 resets a counter for identifying the scanning position in the main scanning direction. This counter may be implemented inside the CPU 409 or may be implemented outside the CPU 409.

[0107] In step S1403, the CPU 409 executes APC, which determines the value of the drive current that can achieve the target light amount.

[0108] In S1404, the CPU 409 determines whether or not the write timing has arrived based on the count value of the counter. When the write timing has arrived, the CPU 409 advances the process from S1404 to S1405.

[0109] In S1405, the CPU 409 executes image formation by causing the image signal generating unit 416 to start outputting an image signal. That is, output of the laser light J modulated by the image signal is started. As a result, an original image is formed in the image area 212.

[0110] In S1406, the CPU 409 determines whether or not it is time to increase the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser 301 based on the count value of the counter. The arrival of the increase timing means that the irradiation position (exposure position) of the laser light J has entered the adhesion region 211. Therefore, the CPU 409 advances the process from S1406 to S1407.

[0111] In S1407, the CPU 409 increases the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser 301. For example, the CPU 409 outputs a light amount increase signal 534 to the gate of the FET2. This turns on the FET2, and the correction current Ic flows to the frame ground via the FET2. As a result, the drive current 308 increases to Iapc.

[0112] In S1408, the CPU 409 determines whether or not it is time to stop the semiconductor laser 301 based on the count value of the counter. The stop timing is, for example, the timing at which the formation of the adhesion region 211 by the laser light J is completed. When the stop timing arrives, the CPU 409 advances the process from S1408 to S1409.

[0113] In S1409, the CPU 409 stops the emission of light from the semiconductor laser 301. The emission of light may be stopped by switching the switch SW0.

[0114] (5) Technical ideas derived from the examples (Item 1) A photoconductor; an exposure means for irradiating the photoconductor with light to form a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document area and a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesion area; a developing means for developing the first electrostatic latent image and the second electrostatic latent image with toner to form a first toner image and a second toner image; a transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed by the developing means onto a sheet; a fixing means for fixing the first toner image and the second toner image to the sheet; a bonding means for bonding a plurality of sheets on which the first toner image and the second toner image are formed, by the second toner image, to produce a booklet; a light irradiation amount for forming the second electrostatic latent image being greater than a light irradiation amount for forming the first electrostatic latent image.

[0115] The image area 212 is an example of a document area. In this manner, the exposure amount for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the exposure amount for forming the first electrostatic latent image. This improves the adhesion between the sheets. (Item 2) The exposure means is A light-emitting element; an optical system that guides the light output from the light emitting element to a surface of the photoconductor; 2. The booklet production apparatus according to item 1, wherein the position at which the propagation efficiency of the light from the light-emitting element to the surface of the photoconductor, in a scanning direction of the light parallel to the rotation axis of the photoconductor, reaches a peak, is between the center of the image height of the optical system and a surface area of ​​the surface of the photoconductor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0116] The semiconductor laser 301 is an example of a light emitting element. The rotating polygon mirror 302, the lens 304, and the reflecting mirror 303 are an example of an optical system. In this way, by bringing the exposure position where the optical efficiency is at its peak closer to the adhesive exposure area, it becomes possible to place a large amount of toner on the adhesive area 211. As a result, the adhesive strength between the sheets is improved. (Item 3) the light emitting element has an emission surface on which at least two light emitting points capable of emitting a light beam are disposed, 3. The booklet production apparatus according to item 2, wherein by rotating the light-emitting element around a rotation axis that is the normal direction of the emission surface, a position at which the propagation efficiency is at its peak is disposed between a center of an image height of the optical system and a surface area of ​​the surface of the photoconductor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0117] In order to simultaneously draw two main scanning lines, the semiconductor laser 301 may have multiple light emitting points 1001, 1002. In this case, there are two rotation angles at which a certain resolution can be achieved. Therefore, the rotation angle at which a large amount of toner can be placed in the adhesion area 211 is selected. This improves the adhesive strength between the sheets. (Item 4) 4. The booklet production apparatus according to item 2 or 3, further comprising a rotation means for rotating the light-emitting element so that the position at which the propagation efficiency is at its peak is between a center of an image height of the optical system and a surface area of ​​the photoconductor on which the second electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0118] The motor 440 is an example of a rotation means. The motor 440 may be installed to switch the resolution. By using the motor 440, a rotation angle that can place a large amount of toner on the adhesion area 211 may be selected from two rotation angles that can achieve a certain resolution. (Item 5) Further, a control unit for controlling the exposure unit is provided. 5. The booklet producing apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the control means adjusts an area in which the second electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor in accordance with a size of the sheet. (Item 6) A generating means for supplying a driving current to the light emitting element, 6. A booklet production device according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein a driving current supplied to the light-emitting element when the light is forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than a driving current supplied to the light-emitting element when the light is forming the first electrostatic latent image.

[0119] By increasing the driving current, the amount of exposure may be increased, which may increase the amount of toner carried in the adhesion region 211 and improve adhesion. (Item 7) A generating means for supplying a driving current to the light emitting element; a correction unit that corrects the driving current in accordance with a scanning position of the light on the surface of the photoconductor, the correction unit corrects the drive current in accordance with a scanning position of the light so that a characteristic of the propagation efficiency in a scanning direction of the light parallel to a rotation axis of the photoconductor is offset during a first period in which the light forms the first electrostatic latent image; 7. The booklet production device according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the generating means generates the driving current so that the driving current supplied to the light-emitting element in a second period in which the light forms the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the driving current supplied to the light-emitting element in the first period.

[0120] The driving current generating unit 412 is an example of a generating means. The correction current generating unit 414 is an example of a correcting means. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, a correction current Ic is generated for each main scanning position so that the propagation efficiency characteristics are offset. However, the driving current is relatively increased in the adhesive exposure region. This improves the adhesive force between the sheets. (Item 8) 8. The booklet production device according to item 7, wherein the light-emitting element outputs the light at an upper limit value or a rated value determined for the light-emitting element during the second period.

[0121] In this way, the capabilities of the light emitting elements may be maximized and the adhesion between the sheets may be improved. (Item 9) an adjustment means for adjusting the amount of light output from the light emitting element to a target amount of light; a correction unit that corrects an output amount of the light when the light output from the light emitting element irradiates an image forming area on the surface of the photoconductor in accordance with a propagation efficiency of the optical system; a nullifying means for nullifying the correcting means so that, when the light output from the light emitting element forms the second electrostatic latent image, an irradiation amount of the light for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than an irradiation amount of the light for forming the first electrostatic latent image; 9. The booklet production device according to any one of items 2 to 8, comprising:

[0122] The CPU 409 and the drive current generating section 412 are an example of an adjustment means. The correction current generating section 414 is an example of a correction means. The CPU 409 and the FET 2 are an example of an invalidation means. (Item 10) A power source that supplies a power supply voltage to one end of the light emitting element; a driving circuit included in the adjusting means, one end of which is connected to the other end of the light emitting element, and which generates a driving current to be supplied to the light emitting element; a resistor included in the correction means and connected between the drive circuit and a frame ground; a reduction circuit included in the correction means and configured to reduce the driving current; and 10. The booklet producing apparatus according to item 9, wherein the nullifying means has a switch element that inhibits the reduction of the drive current by the reduction circuit.

[0123] The voltage source Vcc is an example of a power supply. The correction current generator 414 is an example of a reduction circuit. (Item 11) A first photoconductor; a first exposure means for irradiating the first photoconductor with light to form a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to an original region and a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to an adhesion region; a first developing means for developing the first electrostatic latent image and the second electrostatic latent image with a toner of a first color to form a first toner image and a second toner image; a first primary transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed by the first developing means to an intermediate transfer body; A second photoconductor; a second exposure means for irradiating the second photoconductor with light to form a third electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document area and a fourth electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesion area; a second developing means for developing the third electrostatic latent image and the fourth electrostatic latent image with a toner of a second color to form a third toner image and a fourth toner image; a second primary transfer means for transferring the third toner image and the fourth toner image formed by the second developing means to the intermediate transfer body; a secondary transfer means for transferring the first toner image, the second toner image, the third toner image and the fourth toner image from the intermediate transfer body to a sheet; a fixing means for fixing the first toner image, the second toner image, the third toner image and the fourth toner image to the sheet; a bonding means for bonding a plurality of sheets, on which the first toner image, the second toner image, the third toner image and the fourth toner image are formed, by the second toner image and the fourth toner image to produce a booklet; a light irradiation amount for forming the second electrostatic latent image being greater than a light irradiation amount for forming the first electrostatic latent image.

[0124] 13, the toner image made of black toner and the toner image made of cyan toner are examples of the second toner image and the fourth toner image. In this manner, by overlapping a plurality of toner images each having a different color in the adhesive region 211, the adhesive strength between the sheets may be improved. (Item 12) The first exposure means is A first light-emitting element; a first optical system that guides the light output from the first light emitting element to a surface of the first photoconductor; a position where the propagation efficiency of the light from the first light-emitting element to the surface of the first photoconductor, in a scanning direction of the light parallel to a rotation axis of the first photoconductor, is peaked, is disposed between a center of an image height of the first optical system and a surface region of the surface of the first photoconductor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed; The second exposure means is A second light-emitting element; a second optical system that guides the light output from the second light emitting element to a surface of the second photoconductor; Item 12. The booklet production device described in item 11, wherein a position at which the propagation efficiency of the light from the second light-emitting element to the surface of the second photoconductor in a scanning direction of the light parallel to a rotation axis of the second photoconductor peaks is between a center of an image height of the second optical system and a surface area of ​​the surface of the second photoconductor where the fourth electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0125] As described in relation to FIG. 13, the exposure position (main scanning position) at which the transmission efficiency is at its peak may be adjusted in both the black station and the cyan station. (Item 13) the first optical system and the second optical system share a single rotating polygon mirror; the first light emitting element has a first emission surface on which at least two light emitting points capable of emitting light beams are arranged, the second light-emitting element has a second emission surface on which at least two light-emitting points capable of emitting light beams are arranged, by rotating the first light emitting element about a rotation axis that is a normal direction of the first exit surface, a position at which the propagation efficiency is at a peak is disposed between a center of an image height of the first optical system and a surface region of the surface of the first photoconductor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed; Item 13. The booklet production apparatus described in item 12, wherein by rotating the second light-emitting element around a rotation axis that is the normal direction of the second exit surface, a position at which the propagation efficiency is at its peak is positioned between a center of an image height of the second optical system and a surface area of ​​the surface of the second photoconductor where the fourth electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0126] 13, the rotation angles of the semiconductor lasers 301c and 301d in both the black station and the cyan station may be adjusted, which may improve the adhesive strength between the sheets. (Item 14) Item 14. The booklet production apparatus according to item 13, wherein a rotation direction of the first light-emitting element and a rotation direction of the second light-emitting element are opposite to each other.

[0127] As described in relation to Fig. 13, the scanning direction of the black station and the scanning direction of the cyan station may be opposite to each other. In this case, the rotation direction of the semiconductor laser 301c and the rotation direction of the semiconductor laser 301d may be opposite to each other. This may improve the adhesive force between the sheets.

[0128] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] D: photosensitive drum; 2: exposure device; K: developing device; 5: secondary transfer roller; 6: fixing device; 51: heat and pressure bonding unit

Claims

1. Photoreceptor and An exposure means comprising a light-emitting element and an optical system for guiding light emitted from the light-emitting element to the surface of the photoreceptor, wherein light is irradiated onto the photoreceptor to form a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document area and a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesive area, A developing means that uses toner to develop the first electrostatic latent image and the second electrostatic latent image to form a first toner image and a second toner image, A transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed by the developing means onto a sheet, Fixing means for fixing the first toner image and the second toner image onto the sheet, The device includes an adhesive means for bonding a plurality of sheets on which the first toner image and the second toner image are formed, using the second toner image to produce a booklet. The amount of light irradiation for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the amount of light irradiation for forming the first electrostatic latent image. A booklet manufacturing apparatus, wherein the propagation efficiency of light from the light-emitting element to the surface of the photoreceptor is such that the position where the propagation efficiency peaks in the scanning direction of the light parallel to the rotation axis of the photoreceptor is located between the center of the image height of the optical system and the surface region of the photoreceptor on which the second electrostatic latent image is formed.

2. The light-emitting element has an emission surface on which at least two light-emitting points capable of emitting a light beam are arranged, The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element is rotated with the direction normal to the emission surface as the axis of rotation, so that the position where the propagation efficiency is at its peak is located between the center of the image height of the optical system and the surface region of the photoreceptor on which the second electrostatic latent image is formed.

3. The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating means for rotating the light-emitting element such that the position where the propagation efficiency peaks lies between the center of the image height of the optical system and the surface region on the surface of the photoreceptor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed.

4. The system further includes control means for controlling the exposure means, The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means adjusts the region on the surface of the photoreceptor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed according to the size of the sheet.

5. The system further comprises a generating means for supplying a driving current to the light-emitting element, The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive current supplied to the light-emitting element when the light is forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the drive current supplied to the light-emitting element when the light is forming the first electrostatic latent image.

6. A generating means for supplying a drive current to the light-emitting element, The device further includes a correction means for correcting the drive current according to the scanning position of the light on the surface of the photoreceptor, The correction means corrects the drive current according to the scanning position of the light so that, during the first period in which the light forms the first electrostatic latent image, the characteristics of the propagation efficiency in the scanning direction of the light parallel to the rotation axis of the photoreceptor are canceled out. The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generating means generates the drive current such that the drive current supplied to the light-emitting element during the second period in which the light forms the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the drive current supplied to the light-emitting element during the first period.

7. The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the light-emitting element outputs light at an upper limit value or rated value specified for the light-emitting element during the second period.

8. An adjustment means for adjusting the output amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element to a target light quantity, Correction means for correcting the amount of light output when the light output from the light-emitting element irradiates the image-forming region on the surface of the photoreceptor, according to the propagation efficiency of the optical system, A disabling means for disabling the correction means such that when the light emitted from the light-emitting element forms the second electrostatic latent image, the amount of light irradiated for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the amount of light irradiated for forming the first electrostatic latent image. A booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

9. A power supply that supplies a power supply voltage to one end of the light-emitting element, A drive circuit is included in the adjustment means, and one end of the drive circuit is connected to the other end of the light-emitting element, and the drive circuit generates a drive current supplied to the light-emitting element, The correction means includes a resistor connected between the drive circuit and the frame ground, The correction means includes a reduction circuit that reduces the drive current, It further possesses, The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the disabling means has a switch element that inhibits the reduction effect of the reduction circuit on the drive current.

10. The first photoreceptor and A first exposure means comprising a first light-emitting element and a first optical system that guides light output from the first light-emitting element to the surface of the first photoreceptor, wherein light is irradiated onto the first photoreceptor to form a first electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document area and a second electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesive area, A first developing means that uses a first color toner to develop the first electrostatic latent image and the second electrostatic latent image to form a first toner image and a second toner image, A first primary transfer means for transferring the first toner image and the second toner image formed by the first developing means onto an intermediate transfer medium, The second photoreceptor, A second exposure means comprising a second light-emitting element and a second optical system for guiding light output from the second light-emitting element to the surface of the second photoreceptor, wherein the second exposure means irradiates the second photoreceptor with light to form a third electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document area and a fourth electrostatic latent image corresponding to the adhesive area, A second developing means that uses a second color toner to develop the third electrostatic latent image and the fourth electrostatic latent image to form a third toner image and a fourth toner image, A second primary transfer means for transferring the third toner image and the fourth toner image formed by the second developing means onto the intermediate transfer body, A secondary transfer means for transferring the first toner image, the second toner image, the third toner image, and the fourth toner image from the intermediate transfer body to a sheet, Fixing means for fixing the first toner image, the second toner image, the third toner image, and the fourth toner image onto the sheet, The device includes an adhesive means for forming a booklet by bonding together a plurality of sheets on which the first toner image, the second toner image, the third toner image, and the fourth toner image are formed, using the second toner image and the fourth toner image. The amount of light irradiation for forming the second electrostatic latent image is greater than the amount of light irradiation for forming the first electrostatic latent image. The propagation efficiency of light from the first light-emitting element to the surface of the first photoreceptor, wherein the position where the propagation efficiency peaks in the scanning direction of the light parallel to the rotation axis of the first photoreceptor is located between the center of the image height of the first optical system and the surface region of the surface of the first photoreceptor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed, A booklet manufacturing apparatus, wherein the propagation efficiency of light from the second light-emitting element to the surface of the second photoreceptor is such that the position where the propagation efficiency peaks in the scanning direction of the light parallel to the rotation axis of the second photoreceptor lies between the center of the image height of the second optical system and the surface region of the surface of the second photoreceptor where the fourth electrostatic latent image is formed.

11. The first optical system and the second optical system share a single rotating polyhedron mirror. The first light-emitting element has a first emission surface on which at least two light-emitting points capable of emitting a light beam are arranged, The second light-emitting element has a second emission surface on which at least two light-emitting points capable of emitting a light beam are arranged, By rotating the first light-emitting element with the direction normal to the first emission surface as the axis of rotation, the position where the propagation efficiency peaks is located between the center of the image height of the first optical system and the surface region of the first photoreceptor where the second electrostatic latent image is formed. The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second light-emitting element is rotated with the normal direction of the second emission surface as the axis of rotation, so that the position where the propagation efficiency is at its peak is located between the center of the image height of the second optical system and the surface region of the second photoreceptor on which the fourth electrostatic latent image is formed.

12. The booklet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the rotation direction of the first light-emitting element and the rotation direction of the second light-emitting element are opposite.

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