Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To provide, for example, a mechanism that controls the density of an image formed with developer and suitably bonds a bundle of paper by using the developer.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus comprises process cartridges each having developer, and an image forming unit that forms a first image for the text and a second image for crimping on a sheet by using the developer. The image forming apparatus further comprises a sheet crimping unit that crimps and binds sheets on which the images are formed for every predetermined number thereof. The image forming apparatus sets the density level of an image to be formed, and individually controls the density of the first image and the density of the second image on the basis of the set density level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a function of bonding sheets together, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for thermocompression bonding by heating and pressurizing sheets coated with toner as an adhesive. Patent Document 2 proposes a technology for switching the surface on which toner is placed to one side or both sides of the toner area to be heated and pressed in order to adjust the adhesive strength. Also proposed is a mechanism for switching the strength of adhesive strength by switching the pattern on which toner is placed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-209859 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-43751 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems. A user may set the toner (developer) density high or low to obtain the desired final product (printed matter). This toner density setting is applied to the entire image. On the other hand, in a sheet bonding device using a thermocompression bonding method, toner is used as an adhesive. Therefore, if a user sets the toner density of the final product to low, the toner density at the pressure bonding position where it is applied for adhesion will also be low. In this case, a problem occurs in which the desired adhesive strength cannot be obtained.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a mechanism for controlling the density of an image formed by a developer and for appropriately adhering a stack of papers using the developer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is characterized in that, for example, an image forming apparatus includes a process cartridge having a developer, an image forming means for forming a first image for the main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using the developer, a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding the image-formed sheets in predetermined batches, a density setting means for setting the density level of the image to be formed, and a density control means for individually controlling the density of the first image and the second image based on the set density level. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the density of an image formed by a developer can be controlled, and a stack of papers can be appropriately adhered together using the developer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Block diagram of an image forming apparatus and a printer driver according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a buffer unit of the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a thermocompression bonding unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a toner image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a screen of a printer driver according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an operation unit according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a toner density designation of a printer driver according to an embodiment; [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of a print image generated by each module according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between a print image and toner density change control according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] Flowchart according to an embodiment [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between a print image and toner density change control according to an embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a pressure strength designation in a printer driver according to an embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between a print image and toner density change control according to an embodiment; [Figure 16] Flowchart according to an embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] In this specification, the term "image forming apparatus" broadly includes apparatuses that form (record) images on recording materials (recording media), such as single-function printers, copiers, multifunction machines, commercial printing machines, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be a system (image forming system) that connects an image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on a recording material with devices such as a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet feeding apparatus.

[0011] <First embodiment> <System configuration> First, an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. This image forming system includes a PC (personal computer) 100 and an image forming apparatus 1100. These apparatuses are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication line 150 such as a LAN (local area network) or a USB (universal serial bus).

[0012] The PC 100 may be an electronic device such as a mobile terminal such as a PDA (personal digital assistant) or a mobile phone. In addition, the system shown in Fig. 1 shows an example of a system configuration including one each of the PC 100 and the image forming device 1100, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and multiple devices may be included. In addition, the present system may include other devices such as a server device.

[0013] <Hardware configuration> (PC configuration) Next, the hardware configuration of this system will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) shows the main hardware configuration of a PC 100. The PC 100 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a network IF 24, a display 25, a keyboard 26, a mouse 27, and a HDD (hard disk drive) 28. Each device is connected via the CPU 21.

[0014] The CPU 21 controls the entire computer and executes each process described below using programs and data stored in the RAM 22 and ROM 23. The RAM 22 has an area for temporarily recording programs and data loaded from the HDD 28. The RAM 22 also has a work area used when the CPU 21 executes various processes and programs and data received from an external device via the network IF 24. The ROM 23 stores a boot program, setting data for each device constituting the PC 100, and the like.

[0015] The network IF 24 functions as an interface unit for connecting the PC 100 to the communication line 150, and the PC 100 can perform data communication with an external device via the network IF 24 and the communication line 150. There are no particular limitations on the type of the network IF 24, and any type may be used.

[0016] The display 25 is connected to a CRT or liquid crystal display, and can display the processing results of the CPU 21 (for example, a print setting screen described later) in the form of images and characters. The keyboard 26 and mouse 27 are each an example of an input device, and function as a user interface for inputting various instructions to the CPU 21. Note that the types of input devices are not limited to these.

[0017] The HDD 28 stores the OS (operating system), a document creation program, a printer driver, and table data (described later). Other storage devices such as SSDs (solid state drives) may be used as long as they are capable of storing data. The PC 100 reads out the installed operating system and each program into the RAM 22, creates a document, and then transmits print information to the image forming apparatus 1100 via the printer driver and communication line 150 when printing the document.

[0018] (Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) 2(b) shows the main hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1100. The image forming apparatus 1100 includes a CPU 200, a RAM 202, a HDD 203, a printing unit 204, an operation unit 205, a conveying unit 206, a pressure bonding unit 207, and a network IF 208. The CPU 200 is a central processing unit, and is connected to a ROM 201, the RAM 202, and the HDD 203 via a bus. The CPU 200 executes various programs stored in the ROM 201 to perform an image forming operation. In addition, various control data used by the CPU 200 during the image forming operation is saved in the RAM 202. Print data and the like are stored in the HDD 203.

[0019] When the CPU 200 receives a request to start an image forming operation via the operation unit 205 or the network IF 208, it controls each load in the conveying unit 206 to perform a paper conveying operation, and controls each load in the printing unit 204 to perform a printing operation. Depending on the settings, the CPU 200 also controls each load in the pressing unit 207 to perform a paper pressing operation.

[0020] <Detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus> Next, a detailed hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an automatic document feeder of the reading unit 209 of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to the first embodiment. This automatic document feeder is an automatic document transport device or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder).

[0021] The automatic document feeder has a document tray 600 on which documents to be read are loaded. On the document tray 600, there are two document guides 601, and further, a document sensor 602 for detecting the presence or absence of a document and three document size detection sensors 603, 613, and 614 are arranged. The document guide 601 can move in a direction perpendicular to the document transport direction, and the user can move it until it contacts both ends of the document placed on the document tray 600 in the main scanning direction to stabilize the transport of the document. The two document guides 601 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction of the document (perpendicular to the document transport direction), and the documents loaded on the document tray 600 are transported by the rotation of three rollers, a pickup roller 604, a transport roller 606, and a paper discharge roller 609. The pickup roller 604 is a roller for transporting the documents loaded on the document tray 600 into a document transport path inside the automatic document feeder. The transport rollers 606 transport the document transported by the pickup rollers 604 into the document transport path, and the paper discharge rollers 609 transport the document transported by the transport rollers 606 to a paper discharge tray 610 .

[0022] The discharge tray 610 is provided with a discharge tray document sensor 612 for detecting the presence or absence of a document transported to the discharge tray 610. The document transported by the pickup roller 604 is detected by a document passing detection sensor 605, and based on the detection time, it is determined whether or not the first document has passed. Although not shown in the figure, the transport roller 606, pickup roller 604, and discharge roller 609 are all driven by a stepping motor.

[0023] The document conveyed by the automatic document feeder is read by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) 608 provided in a sensor unit 611 below a reading window 607 of the automatic document feeder. The sensor unit 611 can move freely in the sub-scanning direction (the document conveying direction) and can move in the same direction as the document conveying direction conveyed from the conveying roller 606 to the paper discharge roller 609. The reading window 607 has a certain length in the sub-scanning direction, and within the range of the length, the CIS 608 can be moved to any position and the document can be read at the moved position. The CIS 608 has a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD and a FIFO for storing image data obtained by each photoelectric conversion element, and simultaneously generates a control signal for controlling the FIFO and the CCD. The CIS 608 is generally realized by arranging a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements in a row.

[0024] 3(b) shows a side cross section of the image forming apparatus 1100. The image forming apparatus 1100 includes a printer main body 1101 as an image forming apparatus main body having an image forming function (printing function), and a sheet processing apparatus 1106 having a sheet bonding function. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1100 can also be said to be an image forming system including the printer main body 1101, which functions as an image forming apparatus by itself, and the sheet processing apparatus 1106.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1100 of this embodiment can create a booklet that has been printed and bound in one apparatus by forming an image on each sheet S in the printer main body 1101 and thermocompressing the multiple sheets S in the sheet processing apparatus 1106. Note that a variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used as the sheets S, including paper such as plain paper or thick paper, sheet materials with surface treatments such as coated paper, plastic film, cloth, and sheet materials with special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0026] (Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Body) First, a configuration example of the image forming apparatus main body will be described. The printer main body 1101 includes the printing unit 204 and the conveying unit 206 shown in Fig. 1. The printer main body 1101 is an electrophotographic device equipped with a housing 1101A and an electrophotographic image forming unit 1101B housed inside the housing 1101A.

[0027] The image forming unit 1101B includes an intermediate transfer belt 1108 as an intermediate transfer body, process cartridges arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 1108, a scanner unit 1104 as an exposure device, and a primary transfer roller 1107. The process cartridges have four colors, yellow 1195y, magenta 1195m, cyan 1195c, and black 1195k, and each contains toner, which is a recording material for each color.

[0028] The process cartridge 1195k uses black toner Tk to form a monochromatic image corresponding to the black component of a color image. The process cartridge 1195y uses yellow toner Ty to form a monochromatic image corresponding to the yellow component of a color image. The process cartridge 1195m uses magenta toner Tm to form a monochromatic image corresponding to the magenta component of a color image. The process cartridge 1195c uses cyan toner Tc to form a monochromatic image corresponding to the cyan component of a color image. The image forming apparatus 1100 can realize the formation of a monochrome image and a color image using these process cartridges. The image forming apparatus 1100 according to this embodiment has a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using black toner Tk (first developer). In addition, the image forming apparatus 1100 has a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using yellow toner Ty, magenta toner Tm, and cyan toner Tc (other developers). In addition, the image forming apparatus has a third mode in which a color image is formed using all developers. In this embodiment, a black and white image is taken as an example of a monochrome image, but a single color image such as blue may also be used.

[0029] The process cartridge 1195 includes a photosensitive drum 1102 as an image carrier, a charging device 1103 as a charging section, and a developing unit 1105 as a developing section. Although only the process cartridge 1195k is shown in Fig. 3, the process cartridges 1195y, 1195m, and 1195c also have the same structure. Monochrome images formed in the process cartridges 1195y, 1195m, 1195c, and 1195k are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 1108 so as to be superimposed on each other, and then secondarily transferred onto a sheet in the secondary transfer section.

[0030] The developing unit 1105 includes a developing roller 1105a as a developing portion and a toner container 1105b that contains toner (developer). The developing roller 1105a is rotatably supported by the toner container 1105b. Although only the developing unit 1105 in the process cartridge 1195k is shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridges 1195y, 1195m, and 1195c have the same structure.

[0031] The process cartridges 1195y, 1195m, 1195c, and 1195k are detachable from the housing 1101A. The "housing 1101A" of the printer body 1101 refers to the printer body 1101 excluding the process cartridges 1195. The housing 1101A includes frame members such as a metal frame that constitute the frame of the printer body 1101 and members fixed to the frame, and forms an installation space into which the process cartridge 1195 is installed.

[0032] The printer main body 1101 can use at least one of the toners of multiple colors as a toner for adhering sheets together. For example, black toner Tk can be used as both a toner for recording an image on a sheet and an adhesive toner. In this case, the process cartridge 1195k creates a single-color image (monochrome) corresponding to the black component of the color image, and an adhesive toner image 39 (FIG. 6) to be transferred to the adhesive area of ​​the sheet. Here, the adhesive toner is a toner that has an adhesive component and has a higher adhesive ability than normal toner.

[0033] A scanner unit 1104 serving as an exposure unit is disposed below the process cartridge 1195 within the housing 1101A. A cassette 1113 (also called a sheet tray or storage) serving as a storage unit for storing sheets S used in image formation is attached to the housing 1101A so as to be removable below the scanner unit 1104. Furthermore, one or more optional sheet feeding devices 1130 including additional cassettes 1113 may be connected below the housing 1101A.

[0034] The intermediate transfer belt 1108 is a movable (rotatable) endless belt stretched around a drive roller 1109a, a tension roller 1109b, and a tension roller 1110, which rotate around parallel axes. The intermediate transfer belt 1108 is moved (rotated, conveyed) counterclockwise in the figure by the rotation of the drive roller 1109a. A primary transfer roller 1107 as a primary transfer member is disposed on the inner circumference side of the intermediate transfer belt 1108 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 1102 via the intermediate transfer belt 1108. A secondary transfer roller 1111 as a transfer member (secondary transfer member) is disposed on the outer circumference side of the intermediate transfer belt 1108 at a position facing the drive roller 1109a via the intermediate transfer belt 1108. A secondary transfer portion as a transfer portion is formed as a nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 1108 and the secondary transfer roller 1111. The intermediate transfer belt 1108, the primary transfer roller 1107, and the secondary transfer roller 1111 constitute a transfer unit for transferring a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1102, which is an image carrier, onto the sheet S.

[0035] A fixing device 1118 is disposed above the secondary transfer unit in the housing 1101A. The fixing device 1118 has a thermal fixing configuration that fixes a toner image by heating. The fixing device 1118 has a pair of rotating bodies (e.g., a pair of rollers including a fixing roller and a pressure roller) that sandwich and transport the sheet S, and a heat source (e.g., a halogen lamp or an induction heating mechanism) that heats the toner image on the sheet S via the fixing roller.

[0036] When the printer main body 1101 executes an image forming operation, a sheet S is fed by a feed roller 1114 from a cassette 1113 at the bottom of the housing 1101A or from a cassette 1113 of a sheet feeding device 1130. A separation roller pair 1115 separates and conveys the fed sheets S one by one. The sheet S is conveyed by a pull-out roller 1116 toward a registration roller pair 1117, and the leading edge of the sheet S hits a nip portion of the registration roller pair 1117 that is in a stopped state, thereby correcting skew of the sheet S. The registration roller pair 1117 sends the sheet S to a secondary transfer unit at a timing synchronized with the progress of a toner image creation process by the image forming unit 1101B.

[0037] Meanwhile, in the image forming section 1101B, a photosensitive drum 1102 and an intermediate transfer belt 1108 rotate. A charging device 1103 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1102. A scanner unit 1104 irradiates the photosensitive drum 1102 with laser light based on image information representing an image to be recorded on a sheet S, and writes an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is developed (visualized) as a toner image by a developing unit 1105 using toner.

[0038] When the sheet processing device 1106 performs thermocompression bonding as described below, the scanner unit 1104 writes an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive drum 1102 with laser light based on information indicating the adhesion position of the sheet S. This electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing unit 1105 in the process cartridge 1195k, so that an adhesive toner image is formed in an area on the photosensitive drum 1102 corresponding to the adhesion position on the sheet S.

[0039] Monochrome images formed on the photosensitive drums 1102 in the process cartridges 1195y, 1195m, 1195c, and 1195k are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 1108 so as to be superimposed on each other. The images are then conveyed toward the secondary transfer section by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 1108. In the secondary transfer section, a voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 1111, so that the toner image is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the sheet S fed from the pair of registration rollers 1117. The sheet S that has passed through the secondary transfer section is sent to a fixing device 1118, where the toner image is heated and pressurized while passing through the nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller, softening the toner, and then the toner is fixed, thereby fixing the image onto the sheet S. The fixing temperature here is, for example, 180° C.

[0040] The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 1118 has its conveying path switched by a switching unit 1119. In the case of single-sided printing, the sheet S is guided to a discharge path 1190 by the switching unit 1119, and is discharged from the housing 1101A by a pair of discharge rollers 1191. In this embodiment, the printer body 1101 is connected to the sheet processing device 1106 via a relay conveying unit 1192. The sheet S discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 1191 is delivered to the sheet processing device 1106 via a pair of conveying rollers 1193 and 1194 of the relay conveying unit 1192. In addition, when the relay conveying unit 1192 and the sheet processing device 1106 are not connected, the pair of discharge rollers 1191 discharges the sheet S as a product onto a stacking tray 1135 provided at the top of the housing 1101A.

[0041] In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet S with an image formed on its first side is guided to a pair of reversing rollers r1 by a switching unit 1119. Then, the sheet S is reversed and conveyed (switchback conveyed) by the pair of reversing rollers r1, and then conveyed via a double-sided conveying path r2 toward a pair of registration rollers 1117. Then, the sheet S passes through a secondary transfer unit and a fixing device 1118, whereby an image is formed on a second side opposite to the first side, and then the sheet S is discharged from the housing 1101A by a pair of discharge rollers 1191.

[0042] Here, an example of a toner image (developer image) formed on a sheet S will be described with reference to Fig. 6. On the illustrated sheet S, a toner image (first image) 38 for recording an image (object) such as text, a figure, or a photograph among the print images, and an adhesive toner image (second image) 39 for adhering the sheets together are formed. Here, the position, shape, size, etc. of the adhesive toner image 39 can be changed according to the configuration of a thermocompression bonding unit 1167 described later.

[0043] When the image forming apparatus 1100 creates a booklet with single-sided printing, the adhesive toner image 39 is formed on only one side of the sheet S (the same side as the recording toner image). In the case of a booklet with double-sided printing, the adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on only one side of the sheet S, or may be formed on both sides of the sheet S. Here, an example is shown in which the adhesive toner image 39 is formed on the long side (predetermined position) on the left side in the figure, but depending on the performance of the apparatus, it may be formed on the long side on the right side, the upper short side, or the lower short side.

[0044] (Sheet processing device) Next, the configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 1106 will be described. The sheet processing apparatus 1106 has a buffer section 1120 as a buffer for stacking a plurality of sheets S, an alignment section 1156 for aligning the plurality of sheets S, and a thermocompression bonding section 1167 for thermocompression bonding the sheets S together. The thermocompression bonding section 1167 corresponds to the bonding section 207 in Fig. 1 and is an example of a sheet bonding apparatus (bonding unit, bonding section, thermocompression bonding section, lamination processing section) for bonding sheets together. The sheet processing apparatus 1106 also has an upper discharge tray 1125 and a lower discharge tray 1137, each of which can be raised and lowered, as discharge destinations for discharging the product of the image forming apparatus 1100.

[0045] The sheet processing device 1106 is a sheet processing device that receives a plurality of sheets S on which images are formed one by one by the printer body 1101, performs a bonding process (thermocompression bonding) and discharges the sheets as a sheet bundle (booklet). Details of the buffer unit 1120, the alignment unit 1156, and the thermocompression bonding unit 1167 will be described later. The sheet processing device 1106 can also discharge the sheets S on which images are formed by the printer body 1101 to the upper discharge tray 1125 or the lower discharge tray 1137 without performing any processing.

[0046] <Buffer section configuration> Next, the configuration of the buffer unit 1120 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the buffer unit 1120. The buffer unit 1120 includes an inlet roller pair 1121, a pre-buffer roller pair 1122, a check valve 1123, a reversing roller pair 1124, and an inner discharge roller pair 1126. The buffer unit 1120 also includes an inlet sensor 1127 that detects a sheet, and a separation mechanism including a plunger solenoid 1145 and the like for opening and closing (contacting and separating) the reversing roller pair 1124.

[0047] The entrance roller pair 1121, the pre-buffer roller pair 1122, the reversing roller pair 1124, and the inner discharge roller pair 1126 are roller pairs that sandwich and transport a sheet. The entrance roller pair 1121 and the pre-buffer roller pair 1122 are disposed on a transport path (entrance path) for the sheet processing device 1106 to receive the sheet S. The reversing roller pair 1124 is disposed on a transport path (first discharge path, see FIG. 3) that communicates with the upper discharge tray 1125. The inner discharge roller pair 1126 is disposed on a transport path (inner discharge path, see FIG. 3) from the reversing roller pair 1124 toward the thermocompression bonding unit 1167. The sheet processing device 1106 includes a transport path (second discharge path, see FIG. 3) from the thermocompression bonding unit 1167 toward the lower discharge tray 1137.

[0048] The entrance path is formed by the entrance upper guide 1140 and the entrance lower guide 1141 in FIG. 4. The first discharge path is formed by the inverting upper guide 1142 and the inverting lower guide 1143. The inner discharge path is formed by the inner discharge upper guide 1146 and the inner discharge lower guide 1147. The entrance sensor 1127 is disposed so as to detect the sheet received by the entrance roller pair 1121. The entrance sensor 1127 may be, for example, a reflective photosensor that irradiates infrared light onto the entrance path through an opening provided in the entrance upper guide 1140 and detects the reflected light from the sheet to determine the presence or absence of the sheet S. The entrance lower guide 1141 may be provided with a hole larger than the spot diameter of the infrared light emitted by the entrance sensor 1127 so as not to reflect the infrared light when no sheet is passing through the entrance path.

[0049] The check valve 1123 is disposed downstream of the pre-buffer roller pair 1122 in the sheet conveying direction in the entrance path. The check valve 1123 is disposed rotatably about a rotation shaft 1123a with respect to the inner discharge upper guide 1146. The check valve 1123 is movable between a first position that prevents the sheet from moving (backflowing) from the first discharge path to the entrance path and a second position that allows the sheet to move from the entrance path to the first discharge path. The check valve 1123 is biased in the C2 direction from the second position toward the first position by a spring (not shown). The check valve 1123 is configured to move in the C1 direction from the first position toward the second position when pressed by the sheet, and to return to the first position when the sheet passes through.

[0050] When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the check valve 1123, the tip of the check valve 1123 in the first position overlaps with the inverted upper guide 1142. In addition, the tip of the check valve 1123 is formed in a comb shape so as to enable overlap with the inverted upper guide 1142. In addition, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the check valve 1123, a space is formed between the check valve 1123 in the second position and the inverted upper guide 1142, allowing the sheet to pass through.

[0051] The pair of reversing rollers 1124 includes an upper reversing roller 1124a and a lower reversing roller 1124b, and driving force is supplied to both rollers. The upper reversing roller 1124a and the lower reversing roller 1124b are configured to rotate in sync at all times. A separation lever 1144 is connected to the upper reversing roller 1124a. The separation lever 1144 is supported rotatably about a lever fulcrum shaft 1144a relative to the upper reversing guide 1142. The separation lever 1144 is rotatably connected to a plunger solenoid 1145 at a solenoid connection shaft 1144b.

[0052] When a current flows through the plunger solenoid 1145, the core moves in the direction D1 in the figure, and the separation lever 1144 rotates in the direction E1 in the figure. In this case, the pair of reversing rollers 1124 is in a separated state (a state in which the nip portion is opened) in which the upper reversing roller 1124a and the lower reversing roller 1124b are separated from each other. Also, when the current flowing through the plunger solenoid 1145 is stopped, the upper reversing roller 1124a moves in the direction E2 due to the biasing force of the pressure spring 1148, and the core of the plunger solenoid 1145 moves in the direction D2. In this case, the pair of reversing rollers 1124 is in an abutting state (a state in which the upper reversing roller 1124a and the lower reversing roller 1124b are in contact with each other (a state in which the nip portion is formed).

[0053] As described below, the buffer unit 1120 performs an operation of stacking newly conveyed sheets on the sheets (stack) while reciprocating the sheets (stack) between the pair of reversing rollers 1124 and the pair of inner discharge rollers 1126. By this operation, the buffer unit 1120 can send the sheets to the alignment unit 1156 in a state where a predetermined number of sheets (for example, five sheets) are stacked.

[0054] 3, the stack of sheets stacked in the buffer unit 1120 is transported from an inner discharge roller pair 1126 through an intermediate transport roller pair 1128 to a kick-out roller pair 1129. The sheet stack is then transported by the kick-out roller pair 1129 to an alignment unit 1156 (intermediate stacking unit, processing stage) consisting of an intermediate upper guide 1151, an intermediate lower guide 1152, etc. In addition, downstream of the kick-out roller pair 1129, a bundle holding flag 1150 is disposed to suppress lifting of the trailing end of the stacked sheets so that the trailing end of the sheets already stacked in the alignment unit 1156 does not interfere with the leading end of the succeeding sheet transported to the alignment unit 1156.

[0055] <Thermocompression bonding operation> Next, a thermocompression bonding operation by the thermocompression bonding unit 1167 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5(a) to Fig. 5(f). Each of Fig. 5(a) to Fig. 5(f) is a view of the thermocompression bonding unit 1167 as seen in the sheet conveying direction (Y direction).

[0056] Fig. 5(a) shows a state where alignment of sheets S1 to S5 in the sheet conveying direction (Y direction) is complete. In this state, the heater unit 1171 is located at a position separated from the sheet stack in the Z direction. Fig. 5(b) shows a state where alignment of sheets S1 to S5 in the width direction is complete. Sheets S1 to S5 are aligned in the sheet width direction (X direction) by abutting against width alignment reference plates 1172a and 1172b.

[0057] Fig. 5(c) shows a state in which the heater section 1171 moves in the pressure direction (-Z side) due to the forward rotation of the motor, and the contact surface 1169a of the pressure plate 1169 abuts against the uppermost sheet S5. Fig. 5(d) shows a state in which the sheets S1 to S5 are being sandwiched between the pressure plate 1169 and the receiving plate 1180 and thermocompression bonding of the sheets S1 to S5 is being performed as the motor continues to be driven. Fig. 5(d) also shows a state in which the next sheets S6 to S10 are conveyed to the alignment section 1156 in parallel with the thermocompression bonding of the sheets S1 to S5.

[0058] Fig. 5(e) shows a state in which, after the thermocompression bonding of sheets S1 to S5 is completed, the heater unit 1171 moves (retreats) to the opposite side of the pressure direction (+Z side) due to reverse rotation of the motor, and the pressure plate 1169 moves away from sheet S5. Fig. 5(e) also shows a state in which the next sheets S6 to S10 are aligned, and sheets S1 to S5 are abutted against width alignment reference plates 1172a and 1172b after the heater unit 1171 has retreated.

[0059] 5(f) shows a state in which the heater unit 1171 moves again in the pressure direction (-Z side) due to the forward rotation of the motor, sheets S1 to S10 are sandwiched between the pressure plate 1169 and the receiving plate 1180, and sheets S6 to S10 are being thermocompression-bonded together. Here, an adhesive toner image is formed on the upper surface of sheet S5 and / or the lower surface of sheet S6, so that the sheet stack made up of sheets S1 to S5 and the sheet stack made up of sheets S6 to S10 are thermocompression-bonded together.

[0060] In this way, the thermocompression bonding unit 1167 can create a booklet consisting of more than the predetermined number of sheets by performing one thermocompression operation each time a stack of a predetermined number of sheets is aligned by the alignment unit 1156. Here, an example in which a booklet consisting of 10 sheets S1 to S10 is created has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a booklet consisting of several tens of sheets or more can also be created.

[0061] When the thermocompression bonding of all sheets constituting a part of a booklet is completed, the booklet consisting of sheets S1 to S10 is pushed out by the vertical alignment reference plate and transported in the sheet transport direction toward the pair of bundle discharge rollers 1136 (FIG. 3) (-Y side). In other words, the vertical alignment reference plate is an example of a pushing member that pushes out the sheet bundle from the alignment unit 1156 and the thermocompression bonding unit 1167. Note that a pushing member that pushes out the processed sheet bundle may be provided separately from the vertical alignment reference plate that serves as a reference for aligning the sheet bundle.

[0062] The bundle discharge roller pair 1136 is a roller pair that can be opened and closed (capable of contact and separation), and receives a booklet in a separated state. After the leading edge of the booklet in the direction in which the vertical alignment reference plate pushes the booklet passes the position of the bundle discharge roller pair 1136, the movement of the vertical alignment reference plate is stopped, and the bundle discharge roller pair 1136 is switched to the contact state. As a result, the bundle discharge roller pair 1136 holds and transports the booklet, and discharges it onto the lower discharge tray 1137. Meanwhile, the vertical alignment reference plate returns to the standby position again after delivering the booklet to the bundle discharge roller pair 1136. In this way, the configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to provide a sheet bonding device, a sheet processing device, and an image forming apparatus that can bond sheets together more stably.

[0063] <Settings screen> Next, an example of a setting screen by the printer driver according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) shows an example of a print setting screen 700 displayed on the display 25 by the printer driver of the PC 100 according to this embodiment.

[0064] The printer driver is a print control program installed in the PC 100, and is executed by the CPU 21. The printer driver is also called from a document program also installed in the PC 100, and generates print information consisting of print setting commands for printing and drawing data commands to be printed. The print information generated by the CPU 21 using the printer driver is sent to the image forming apparatus 1100 connected via the communication line 150 by the CPU 21 using an OS (operating system), and print processing and sheet processing are performed. This print setting screen 700 is displayed on a display device such as the display 25 based on an instruction from the CPU 21, and the user performs print settings via this screen using an input device such as a pointing device or a keyboard.

[0065] The print setting screen 700 provides basic print settings such as document size 701, paper size 702, number of copies 703, collated printing 704, and print orientation 705. In addition, as an extended print function, it is possible to set page layout 706 for setting layout printing, single-sided / double-sided / bookbinding 707 for setting single-sided, double-sided, bookbinding printing, and binding direction 708 for setting the binding direction of the printed matter. Furthermore, the print setting screen 700 has a binding method 709 control for setting the binding method for the printed matter. The print setting screen 700 in FIG. 7(a) shows a screen when the binding method 709 is set, and it is possible to set "none" 711 for no binding, "staple" 712 for stapling, and "press" 713 for thermo-press bonding. It also has a print quality tab 714 for displaying a group of controls for setting print quality.

[0066] Fig. 7(b) shows an example of a position designation screen 720 that is displayed on the display 25 based on an instruction from the CPU 21 when the position designation 710 button in Fig. 7(a) is operated. In this screen, it is possible to designate a position to which the binding method set in the binding method 709 is applied.

[0067] When the crimping 713 is set in the binding method 709, a crimping position designation screen 720 as shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed. The user can set the crimping position 721 via this crimping position designation screen 720. Here, the radio buttons of the crimping positions that can be set are displayed in a valid state, and the radio buttons of the crimping positions that cannot be set are displayed in a disabled state. A desired crimping position can be designated from the radio buttons of the crimping positions that are in a valid state by user input. In the example of FIG. 7(b), a state in which "left side" is selected is shown in a valid state in which three positions, the upper left, the lower left, and the left side, can be set by user input, but this is one example, and other positions may be selected by user input. Note that positions that cannot be selected due to the performance of the image forming apparatus may be hidden and controlled to be unselectable.

[0068] When the bonding 713 is set in the binding method 709, the CPU 21 uses the printer driver to write a command to perform thermocompression bonding at the position selected in the bonding position 721 in Fig. 7(b) into the printing information. As a result, the bonding unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 1100 that received the printing information performs the bonding process at the bonding position.

[0069] <Operation section configuration> Next, the operation unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. A user can input various conditions and information to the image forming apparatus 1100 via this operation unit 205 to set them. FIG. 8(a) is a top view of the operation unit 205. The display unit 301 is a touch panel display, and can display a menu screen for copying, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(b). On this menu screen, the number of copies, selected paper size, and magnification are displayed. When the application mode 309 on this screen is operated, the screen transitions to a screen on which various settings for the copy job can be made.

[0070] In FIG. 8(a), the reset key 302 is used to return the copy mode to the standard mode. The start key 303 instructs the start of a copy operation. The stop key 304 is used to interrupt the copy operation. The clear key 305 returns the copy mode to the standard mode. The numeric keypad 306 is a numeric input key for setting the number of copies, etc. When the user mode key 307 is operated, a menu can be selected, and various settings for the image forming apparatus 1100 can be registered. When the counter key 308 is operated, the display unit 301 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 8(c), and various counter information can be viewed. In FIG. 8(c), the total number of color prints, the total number of monochrome prints, and the sum of these are displayed. The display unit 301 is also used to notify the user of information such as paper jam information and toner information.

[0071] <Print quality setting screen> Next, with reference to Fig. 9, a print quality setting screen when the print quality tab 714 of the printer driver in Fig. 7 is selected will be described. The print quality setting screen 900 is displayed on a display device such as a display based on instructions from the CPU, and the user sets print settings via the screen using an input device such as a mouse or keyboard. The print quality setting screen 900 includes a color mode setting 902, a print purpose setting 903 that calls up print quality settings preset for each print purpose, such as general / DTP / graphics, and a toner density setting 904.

[0072] In this embodiment, the toner density can be set in a numerical level in the toner density setting 904. On the left side of the toner density setting 904, a button object is displayed in an operable manner to increase or decrease the toner density level from -8 to 8 by one level. Also, on the right side of the toner density setting 904, a slide bar for setting the toner density is displayed in an operable manner. The toner density can be adjusted by operating the slide object left or right on the slide bar. When the slide object is positioned at the leftmost position, the toner density is set to -8 level, and when the slide object is positioned at the rightmost position, the toner density is set to 8 level. In this way, in the toner density setting 904, the toner density can be set in a total of 17 levels, from -8, which is the lightest, to 8, which is the densest toner density. In the example of FIG. 9, -8, which is the lightest toner density, is shown.

[0073] <Control module> Next, various control modules executed by the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Here, a print image generated by the CPU 200 executing each module in a program stored in the ROM 201 will be described. As modules for generating a print image, the image forming apparatus 1100 includes an image expansion module 1001, a pressure bonding position module 1002, and a density change module 1003.

[0074] An image development module 1001 develops image data 1011 in print information transmitted to an image forming apparatus 1100 via a printer driver of a PC 100. The developed image data 1011 is stored as a print image 1021 in a RAM 202 or a HDD 203 in the image forming apparatus 1100.

[0075] Next, the pressure-bonding position module 1002 acquires the pressure-bonding position 1012 in the print information. In the example of Fig. 10, the pressure-bonding position is the left edge of the paper. This corresponds to the left edge of the pressure-bonding position 721 in Fig. 7(b). The pressure-bonding position module 1002 synthesizes a pressure-bonding marker on the left edge of the pressure-bonding position for the print image 1021 developed by the image development module 1001, and generates a print image 1022.

[0076] Next, the density change module 1003 acquires the toner density 1013 in the print information. In the example of Fig. 10, the toner density is -8. This corresponds to the -8 toner density setting 904 in Fig. 9. The density change module 1003 changes the toner density of the print image 1022 combined by the pressure bonding position module 1002, and generates a print image 1023.

[0077] <Toner concentration control> Next, the toner density control for the print image 1022 executed by the density change module 1003 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] A print image 11001 stored in the RAM 202 or HDD 203 includes a pressure-bonded marker (second image) 11011 and a body image (first image) 11012. The image for the body corresponds to the first image, and the image for pressure-bonding corresponds to the second image. The print image 11001 stores information on a pressure-bonded marker area 11021 of the pressure-bonded marker 11011 and a body image area 11022 of the body image 11012. The density change module 1003 controls different toner densities for the pressure-bonded marker area 11021 and the body image area 11022.

[0079] For the pressure-bonded marker area 11021, a toner density control 11031 for the pressure-bonded marker area is executed. The toner density control 11031 for the pressure-bonded marker area controls the actual toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100 so as not to make it thinner than a predetermined threshold value, with a predetermined threshold value as the boundary. In other words, the toner density control 11031 controls the toner density to be thinner according to the setting up to a predetermined threshold value (lower limit), but controls so as not to make it thinner beyond the predetermined threshold value. This makes it possible to prevent the pressure-bonded marker from becoming extremely thin and the pressure-bonding force from becoming weak.

[0080] Furthermore, the toner density control 11031 executes a toner density control 11032 for the body image area. The toner density control 11032 for the body image area linearly controls the toner density in accordance with the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100, and provides a product with the print quality desired by the user. In other words, unlike the pressure-bonded marker area 11021, the toner density for the body image area 11022 is controlled in accordance with the user setting without setting a lower limit.

[0081] <Printing control> Next, a process procedure of print control by the image forming apparatus 1100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 1100 reading a program stored in the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0082] In S1201, the CPU 200 receives print information transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1100 via the printer driver of the PC 100, and the process proceeds to S1202. In S1202, the CPU 200 executes the image expansion module 1001, expands image data from the print information received in S1201 into the RAM 202 or the HDD 203, and the process proceeds to S1203.

[0083] In S1203, the CPU 200 executes the bonding position module 1002, obtains information on the bonding position 1012 in the print information, and proceeds to S1204. In S1204, the CPU 200 executes the bonding position module 1002, synthesizes a bonding marker at the bonding position for the print image developed in S1202, and retains the bonding marker area and the body image area in the print image, and proceeds to S1205. In S1205, the CPU 200 executes the density change module 1003, obtains the toner density 1013 in the print information, and proceeds to S1206.

[0084] In S1206, the CPU 200 executes the density change module 1003, obtains the pressure-bonded marker area and the body image area from the print image, and proceeds to S1207. In S1207, the CPU 200 executes the density change module 1003, and proceeds to S1208 to perform density control according to each area. In S1208, the CPU 200 executes the density change module 1003, and determines whether the area to be subjected to density control is a pressure-bonded marker area. If it is a pressure-bonded marker area, proceeds to S1209, and if it is a body image area, proceeds to S1210.

[0085] In S1209, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003 to perform toner density control for the pressure-bonded marker, and proceeds to S1211. The toner density control for the pressure-bonded marker is toner density control 11031 for the pressure-bonded marker area described in FIG. 11. On the other hand, in S1210, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003 to perform toner density control for the body image, and proceeds to S1211. The toner density control for the pressure-bonded marker is toner density control 11032 for the body image area described in FIG. 11. In S1211, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003 to determine whether density control for all areas in the print image has been completed. If not, the process returns to S1208 to perform density control for the next area, and if density control for all areas has been completed, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0086] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a process cartridge having a developer, and an image forming unit that forms a first image for the main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using the developer. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus includes a sheet pressing unit that presses and binds a predetermined number of sheets on which images have been formed. The image forming apparatus sets a density level for the image to be formed, and controls the density of the first image and the second image individually based on the set density level. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus performs density control individually for the main text image (first image) and the pressing marker (second image). For example, the image forming apparatus controls the density of the first image and the second image according to the set density level, and controls the density of the second image with a preset threshold value as the lower limit. Specifically, the toner density control 11031 for the pressing marker area controls the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100 so that the actual toner density does not become thinner than a predetermined threshold value as the lower limit. This ensures a minimum adhesive force (pressing force). In this manner, according to this embodiment, the density of the image formed by the developer can be controlled, and the developer can be used to suitably adhere a stack of papers.

[0087] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the above first embodiment, an example was described in which the toner density control 11031 for the pressure-bonded marker area controls the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver so that the actual toner density is set to a predetermined threshold value as the lower limit and is not made thinner than that. This ensures a certain degree of adhesive strength while changing the toner density. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a control is described in which a constant adhesive strength is maintained without changing the adhesive strength by toner density control.

[0088] <Toner concentration control> Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a toner density control for a print image 1022 executed by the density change module 1003 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0089] A print image 13001 stored in the RAM 202 or HDD 203 includes a pressure-bonded marker 13011 and a body image 13012. The print image 13001 stores information on a pressure-bonded marker area 13021 of the pressure-bonded marker 13011 and a body image area 13022 of the body image 13012. The density change module 1003 controls different toner densities for the pressure-bonded marker area 13021 and the body image area 13022.

[0090] A toner density control 13031 for the pressure-bonded marker area is executed for the pressure-bonded marker area 13021. The toner density control 13031 for the pressure-bonded marker area controls to always ensure a predetermined value of toner density without being affected by the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100. This prevents the pressure force from changing in response to a change in toner density. Then, toner density control 13032 for the body image area is executed for the body image area 13022. The toner density control 13032 for the body image area linearly controls the toner density with respect to the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100, and provides a result with the print quality desired by the user.

[0091] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment controls the density of the first image according to the set density level, and controls the density of the second image to a predetermined value regardless of the set density level. In this way, the toner density control 13031 for the pressure marker area controls to always ensure a constant toner density without being affected by the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100. This makes it possible to prevent the pressure from changing in response to a change in toner density.

[0092] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The toner density control (11031, 13031) for the pressure-bonded marker area in the first and second embodiments is an embodiment of whether or not to reflect the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of the PC 100 in the toner density of the pressure-bonded marker. In other words, the toner density control for the main text image area and the pressure-bonded marker area was performed according to one set value. Therefore, the toner density of the main text image and the pressure-bonded part cannot be set independently. For example, it is not possible to control the toner density of the pressure-bonded part to be high because the main text image is desired to be thin but the pressure force is desired to be strong. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example of controlling the toner density according to individual set values ​​for each area will be described.

[0093] <Print settings screen> Next, an example of a print setting screen of a printer driver installed in the PC 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. A print setting screen 700 is displayed on a display device such as a display based on an instruction from the CPU, and the user performs print settings via this screen using an input device such as a mouse or keyboard. The description of 700 to 713 overlaps with the print setting screen 700 in Fig. 7(a), so it will be omitted here.

[0094] The print setting screen 1400 includes a selection object for pressure strength designation 1401 in addition to the configuration of the print setting screen 700. When the pressure strength designation 1401 is operated, a pressure strength designation dialogue 1402 shown in FIG. 14(b) is displayed. The pressure strength designation dialogue 1402 includes a pressure strength designation 1403, which allows the strength of the pressure strength to be set. In this example, the pressure strength can be designated in five stages, and FIG. 14(b) shows that a pressure strength of 4 has been designated. As a designation method, when the operation unit is a touch panel type, the desired level of pressure strength can be set by touch operation. In addition, when the left and right keys of the hardware buttons are used, an operation system may be used in which the pressure strength is reduced by 1 by operating the left key once, and the pressure strength is increased by 1 by operating the right key once. In addition, the left and right key objects may be displayed on the screen in an operable manner, and the pressure strength can be set by operating the left and right keys.

[0095] After setting the compression strength, the set compression strength can be confirmed by operating the OK button, or the set compression strength can be discarded by operating the Cancel button.

[0096] <Toner concentration control> Next, toner density control for a print image 1022 executed by the density change module 1003 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0097] A print image 15001 stored in the RAM 202 or HDD 203 includes a pressure-bonded marker 15011 and a body image 15012. The print image 15001 stores information on a pressure-bonded marker area 15021 of the pressure-bonded marker 15011 and a body image area 15022 of the body image 15012. The density change module 1003 controls different toner densities for the pressure-bonded marker area 15021 and the body image area 15022.

[0098] For the pressure-bonded marker area 15021, a toner density control for pressure-bonded marker area 15031 is implemented. The toner density control for pressure-bonded marker area 15031 linearly controls the toner density based on the setting of pressure strength specification 1403 of the printer driver of PC 100, to achieve the pressure strength desired by the user. Then, for the body image area 15022, a toner density control for body image area 15032 is implemented. The toner density control for body image area 15032 linearly controls the toner density based on the toner density setting 904 of the printer driver of PC 100, to provide a product with the print quality desired by the user.

[0099] <Printing control> Next, a process procedure of print control by the image forming apparatus 1100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The process described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 1100 reading a program stored in the ROM 201 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0100] In S1601, the CPU 200 receives print information transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1100 via the printer driver of the PC 100, and the process proceeds to S1602. In S1602, the CPU 200 executes the image development module 1001, develops image data from the print information received in S1601 into the RAM 202 or the HDD 203, and the process proceeds to S1603.

[0101] In S1603, CPU 200 executes pressure-bonding position module 1002, obtains information on pressure-bonding position 1012 in the print information, and proceeds to S1604. In S1604, CPU 200 executes pressure-bonding position module 1002, synthesizes a pressure-bonding marker at the pressure-bonding position for the print image developed in S1602, and retains the pressure-bonding marker area and the body image area in the print image, and proceeds to S1605. In S1605, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003, obtains the toner density (first density level) in the print information, and proceeds to S1606. The toner density here corresponds to toner density 904 of the printer driver of PC 100.

[0102] At S1606, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003, obtains the toner density (second density level) in the print information, and proceeds to S1607. The toner density here corresponds to the setting of pressure strength designation 1403 of the printer driver of PC 100. At S1607, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003, obtains the pressure marker area and the body image area from the print image, and proceeds to S1608. At S1608, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003, and proceeds to S1609 to perform density control according to each area. At S1609, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003, and determines whether the area to be density controlled is a pressure marker area. If it is a pressure marker area, proceeds to S1610, and if it is a body image area, proceeds to S1611.

[0103] In S1610, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003 to perform toner density control for the pressure-bonded marker, and proceeds to S1612. The toner density control for the pressure-bonded marker is toner density control 15031 for the pressure-bonded marker area described in FIG. 15. On the other hand, in S1611, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003 to perform toner density control for the body image, and proceeds to S1612. The toner density control for the pressure-bonded marker is toner density control 15032 for the body image area described in FIG. 15. In S1612, CPU 200 executes density change module 1003 to determine whether density control for all areas in the print image has been completed. If not, the process returns to S1609 to perform density control for the next area, and if density control for all areas has been completed, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0104] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment sets a first density level corresponding to the first image and a second density level corresponding to the second image. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus controls the density of the first image according to the first density level, and controls the density of the second image according to the second density level. In this way, since the toner density of the main text image and the pressing portion can be set independently, it is possible to perform control such as making the toner density of the pressing portion thicker in order to make the main text image thinner while at the same time making the pressing force stronger. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the appearance of the main text and the pressing force that the user desires.

[0105] The disclosure of this specification includes the following image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, a process cartridge having a developer; an image forming means for forming a first image for a main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using a developer; a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets on which images are formed; a density setting means for setting a density level of an image to be formed; a density control means for individually controlling the densities of the first image and the second image based on the set density level; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Item 2) The concentration control means is 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the density of each area is individually controlled based on the area where the first image is formed and the area where the second image is formed. (Item 3) The concentration control means is 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the density of the first image and the second image is controlled in accordance with the set density level, and the density of the second image is controlled with a preset threshold value as a lower limit. (Item 4) The concentration control means is controlling the density of the first image in accordance with the set density level; 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the density of the second image is controlled to a predetermined value regardless of the set density level. (Item 5) The density setting means further sets a first density level corresponding to the first image and a second density level corresponding to the second image, The concentration control means is controlling the density of the first image according to the first density level; 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the density of the second image is controlled in accordance with the second density level. (Item 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5, wherein the density setting means sets a strength for pressing the sheet as the second density level. (Item 7) 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the area in which the second image is formed is a long side or a short side of a sheet. (Item 8) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein an area in which the second image is formed can be set by a user input. (Item 9) The image forming means includes: forming the second image using a first developer having an adhesive component among the multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge; The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the first image is formed using at least one of the first developer and another developer that is different from the first developer and does not have an adhesive component, among the multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge. (Item 10) the first developer is a black toner; 10. The image forming apparatus according to item 9, wherein the other developers include a yellow toner, a magenta toner, and a cyan toner. (Item 11) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer, an image forming means for forming a first image for a main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using the developer, and a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of the image-formed sheets, the method comprising the steps of: a density setting step in which a density setting means sets a density level of an image to be formed; a density control step in which a density control means controls the densities of the first image and the second image individually based on the set density level; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: (Item 12) An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer, an image forming means for forming a first image for a main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using the developer, and a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding the image-formed sheets in a predetermined number of sheets, a density setting means for setting a density level of an image to be formed; a density control means for individually controlling the densities of the first image and the second image based on the set density level; A program that makes it work.

[0106] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0107] 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]

[0108] 100: PC, 1100: image forming apparatus, 150: communication line, 21: CPU, 22: RAM, 23: ROM, 24: network IF, 25: display, 26: keyboard, 27: mouse, 28: HDD, 200: CPU, 201: ROM, 202: RAM, 203: HDD, 204: printing unit, 205: operation unit, 206: transport unit, 207: pressure bonding unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a process cartridge having a developer; an image forming means for forming a first image for a body and a second image for pressing on a sheet using a developer; a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets on which images are formed; a density setting means for setting a density level of an image to be formed; a density control means for individually controlling the densities of the first image and the second image based on the set density level; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The concentration control means is 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the density of each of the areas where the first image is formed and the area where the second image is formed is controlled individually based on the area.

3. The concentration control means is 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the density of the first image and the second image is controlled in accordance with the set density level, and the density of the second image is controlled with a preset threshold value as a lower limit.

4. The concentration control means is controlling the density of the first image in accordance with the set density level; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the density of the second image is controlled to a predetermined value regardless of the set density level.

5. The density setting means further sets a first density level corresponding to the first image and a second density level corresponding to the second image, The concentration control means is controlling the density of the first image according to the first density level; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the density of the second image is controlled in accordance with the second density level.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the density setting unit sets a strength for pressing the sheet as the second density level.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area in which the second image is formed is a long side or a short side of a sheet.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area in which the second image is formed can be set by a user input.

9. The image forming means includes: forming the second image using a first developer having an adhesive component among the multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first image is formed using at least one of the first developer and another developer that is different from the first developer and does not have an adhesive component, among the multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge.

10. the first developer is a black toner; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the other developers include a yellow toner, a magenta toner, and a cyan toner.

11. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer, an image forming unit that forms a first image for a main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using the developer, and a sheet pressing unit that presses and binds the image-formed sheets in a predetermined number of sheets, the method comprising the steps of: a density setting step in which a density setting means sets a density level of an image to be formed; a density control step in which a density control means controls the densities of the first image and the second image individually based on the set density level; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

12. An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer, an image forming means for forming a first image for a main text and a second image for pressing on a sheet using the developer, and a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding the image-formed sheets in a predetermined number of sheets, a density setting means for setting a density level of an image to be formed; a density control means for individually controlling the densities of the first image and the second image based on the set density level; A program that makes it work.

Images