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

Abstract

To provide, for example, a mechanism that achieves bonding of sheets by using a specific color and suitably adjusts the consumption of toner in the specific color.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises process cartridges each having developer, and a printer that forms an image by using the developer. In a case where the image forming apparatus can form color images and has a sheet crimping unit that crimps and binds sheets for every predetermined number thereof, when receiving an image forming job, the image forming apparatus selects, according to a predetermined parameter, a first mode of forming a monochrome image by using a first developer having a bonding component, of the developers in a plurality of colors included in the process cartridges, or a second mode of forming a monochrome image by using another developer different from the first developer and not having the bonding component. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus forms an image according to the selected mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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] A toner of a specific color (e.g., black (hereinafter, abbreviated as K)) having adhesive properties is used in a sheet bonding device that bonds sheets together. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that enables management of toner consumption when there is a bias in the toner used, and enables reduction in toner consumption in preparation for cases where color output is truly required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-121993 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems: When a large number of image forming jobs in which sheets are bonded to each other are received, the consumption of toner of a specific color increases, and a problem occurs in that the labor required for purchasing or replacing the toner of the specific color increases.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of at least one of the above problems, and provides a mechanism for realizing adhesion between sheets using a specific color and for suitably adjusting toner consumption of the specific color. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is, for example, an image forming apparatus comprising a process cartridge having a developer, an image forming means for forming an image using the developer, and a sheet pressing means capable of forming a color image and pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets, the image forming apparatus being characterized in that upon receiving an image formation job, the image forming apparatus is provided with a selection means for selecting, in accordance with predetermined parameters, a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using a first developer having an adhesive component among multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, and an execution means for executing image formation in accordance with the selected mode. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize adhesion between sheets using a specific color, and toner consumption of the specific color can be suitably adjusted. [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] A flowchart showing a processing procedure according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a print setting screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing a processing procedure 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 example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a side cross section of the image forming apparatus 1100.

[0021] 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 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] (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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 (recording toner image) 38 for recording an image (object) such as text, a figure, or a photograph among the print images, and a toner image (adhesive toner image) 39 for adhering 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] (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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] <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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] <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).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] <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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 control for binding method 709 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] <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, magnification, and copy density 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.

[0067] 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 on the touch panel display 301 becomes 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 touch panel display 301 is also used to notify the user of information such as paper jam information and toner information.

[0068] In this embodiment, a tandem type color printer configuration including four process cartridges is exemplified, but the number of types of toner may be five or more, or three or less. Also, instead of a configuration in which at least one of the toners of multiple colors is used both as a toner for recording an image on a sheet and as a toner for adhesion, a toner dedicated to adhesion may be used. In this case, the process cartridge using the toner dedicated to adhesion creates only the adhesive toner image 39 (FIG. 6).

[0069] <Processing Procedure> Next, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Here, a processing flow capable of suppressing consumption of toner used for bonding sheets together while bonding the sheets together will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 200 reading a program stored in the ROM 201 and HDD 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program.

[0070] In S902, the CPU 200 accepts an image forming job. More specifically, the CPU 200 receives the print data 901 generated in the printer driver in FIG. 7 from the PC 100 via the communication line 150 and stores it in the RAM 202. In S903, the CPU 200 judges whether the image forming apparatus 1100 is a color machine and a device equipped with a sheet pressing machine. If the judgment in S903 is YES, the process proceeds to S904, and if the judgment in S903 is NO, the process proceeds to S910. In S904, the CPU 200 interprets the print data received in S902 and proceeds to S905. In S905, the CPU 200 judges whether the data being processed in S904 is a drawing object. If the judgment in S905 is YES, the process proceeds to S906, and if the judgment in S905 is NO, the process proceeds to S909. Here, the drawing object is one or more objects included in each page of the print data, and includes various objects such as a text object, a graph object, and an image object. In this embodiment, the toner color to be used for each object is determined, and the consumption amount of K toner having an adhesive component is adjusted.

[0071] In S906, the CPU 200 judges whether the color of the object being processed is K monochrome (K=N and C=M=Y=0, or K=N and C=M=Y=N' (N and N' are any values ​​from 0 to 255)). If the judgment in S906 is YES, the process proceeds to S907, and if the judgment in S906 is NO, the process proceeds to S909. In S907, the CPU 200 judges whether the remaining amount of K toner, which is a predetermined parameter, is equal to or less than a threshold (for example, 30% or less) and whether the pure black mode is off. Here, the pure black mode refers to a mode (first mode) in which black is output using only K toner. If the judgment in S907 is YES, the process proceeds to S908, and if the judgment in S907 is NO, the process proceeds to S909. If the judgment in S907 is YES, the black is operated in process black mode, and the user may be notified that the running cost is increasing, and prompted to replenish the K toner. Here, the process black mode refers to a mode (second mode) that expresses black with C=M=Y, rather than K alone. In other words, in the process black mode, black is expressed using C, M, and Y toners, without using K toner. This makes it possible to reduce consumption of K toner, which contains adhesive components.

[0072] In S908, the CPU 200 converts the value of K=N and C=M=Y=0, or K=N and C=M=Y=N' (N and N' are any value between 0 and 255) to K=0 and C=M=Y=N'' (N'' is any value between 0 and 255), and proceeds to S909. In S909, the CPU 200 judges whether the interpretation process of all objects in the print data 901 is completed. If the judgment in S909 is YES, the process proceeds to S911, and if the judgment in S909 is NO, the process proceeds to S904. In S911, the CPU 200 executes the print process and ends the process of this flowchart. Here, if sheet pressing is specified, a toner image 39 for pressing is formed as shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, in S910, the CPU 200 executes the normal print process and ends the process of this flowchart. Through the above process, it is possible to suppress consumption of the toner for bonding while bonding the sheets together.

[0073] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a process cartridge having a developer, and a printer that forms an image using the developer. The image forming apparatus also has a sheet pressing unit that can form a color image and presses and binds a predetermined number of sheets. In this case, when the image forming apparatus receives an image forming job, the image forming apparatus selects a mode from among the multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge according to a predetermined parameter. Specifically, the image forming apparatus selects a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using a first developer having an adhesive component, or a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using another developer that is different from the first developer and does not have an adhesive component. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus forms an image according to the selected mode. This allows the sheets to be bonded together using a specific color, and provides a mechanism for suitably adjusting the toner consumption of the specific color.

[0074] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the above first embodiment, an example was described in which, when the remaining amount of K toner is equal to or less than a threshold value, K=N and C=M=Y=0, or K=N and C=M=Y=N' (N and N' are any value between 0 and 255) is converted to K=0 and C=M=Y=N'' (N'' is any value between 0 and 255). The above conversion process is referred to as an adhesive toner saving mode here. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the adhesive toner saving mode is enabled by a print setting menu, rather than by the remaining amount of K toner.

[0075] <Settings screen> The setting screen according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10(a) shows a print setting menu that is displayed by operating the user mode key 307 in Fig. 8. 1000 indicates the adhesive toner saving mode status, and the settings can be changed by operating the button 1001. Fig. 10(a) shows the status in which the adhesive toner saving mode is set to disabled.

[0076] 10B shows a screen for changing the state of the adhesive toner saving mode, which is displayed by operating button 1001. The adhesive toner saving mode can be set to active by operating button 1002. On the other hand, the adhesive toner saving mode can be set to inactive by operating button 1003.

[0077] <Processing Procedure> Next, the processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 1100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Here, a processing flow that can reduce consumption of toner used for bonding sheets together while bonding them according to the printer setting menu will be described. The processing described below is realized, for example, by the CPU 200 reading a program stored in the ROM 201 and HDD 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0078] In S1102, the CPU 200 accepts an image forming job. More specifically, the CPU 200 receives the print data 1150 generated in the printer driver of FIG. 7 from the PC 100 via the communication line 150 and stores it in the RAM 202. In S1103, the CPU 200 judges whether the image forming apparatus 1100 is a color machine and a device equipped with a sheet pressing machine. If the judgment in S1103 is YES, the process proceeds to S1104, and if the judgment in S1103 is NO, the process proceeds to S1110. In S1104, the CPU 200 interprets the print data received in S1102 and proceeds to S1105. In S1105, the CPU 200 judges whether the data being processed in S1104 is a drawing object. If the judgment in S1105 is YES, the process proceeds to S1106, and if the judgment in S1105 is NO, the process proceeds to S1109.

[0079] In S1106, the CPU 200 judges whether the color of the object being processed is K monochrome (K=N and C=M=Y=0, or K=N and C=M=Y=N' (N and N' are any values ​​from 0 to 255)). If the judgment in S1106 is YES, the process proceeds to S1107, and if the judgment in S1106 is NO, the process proceeds to S1109. In S1107, the CPU 200 judges whether the adhesive toner saving mode is enabled and the pure black mode (a mode in which black is output using only K toner) is off, as shown in 1000 in FIG. 10(a). If the judgment in S1107 is YES, the process proceeds to S1108, and if the judgment in S1107 is NO, the process proceeds to S1109. If the judgment in S1107 is YES, the process proceeds to S1107. If the judgment in S1107 is YES, the process proceeds to S1108. If the judgment in S1107 is NO, the process proceeds to S1109. If the judgment in S1107 is YES, the process proceeds to S1107 ...

[0080] In S1108, the CPU 200 converts the values ​​of K=N and C=M=Y=0, or K=N and C=M=Y=N' (N and N' are any values ​​from 0 to 255) to K=0 and C=M=Y=N'' (N'' is any value from 0 to 255), and proceeds to S909. In S1109, the CPU 200 determines whether interpretation processing of all objects in the print data 1150 is completed. If the determination in S1109 is YES, the process proceeds to S1111, and if the determination in S1109 is NO, the process proceeds to S1104. In S1111, the CPU 200 executes print processing and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, in S1110, the CPU 200 executes normal print processing and ends the processing of this flowchart. Through the above processing, it is possible to bond the sheets together while reducing consumption of the toner used for bonding.

[0081] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment selects the second mode when a predetermined parameter indicates that the setting for saving the first developer is valid, and selects the first mode when the setting for saving the first developer is invalid. This makes it possible to realize adhesion between sheets using a specific color and to provide a mechanism for suitably adjusting the toner consumption of the specific color.

[0082] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus composed of a single device. For example, the present invention may be applied to a system including a scanner, a printer, a PC, a copier, a multifunction device, and a facsimile machine.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the remaining amount of K toner is determined, but the remaining amount of CMY toner may also be determined. For example, if the remaining amount of CMY toner is low and CMY toner is used in the process black mode, the CMY toner needs to be replaced. In such a case, the user may be asked to select which mode to use for printing. Alternatively, as described in the second embodiment, an image may be formed according to the adhesive toner saving mode setting, and a warning may be displayed according to the remaining amount of each toner.

[0084] 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 an image using a developer; a selection means for selecting, when an image forming job is received, in accordance with predetermined parameters, a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using a first developer having an adhesive component among multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, when the image forming apparatus is capable of forming a color image and has a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding sheets in groups of a predetermined number; An execution means for executing image formation according to the selected mode; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Item 2) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the selection means selects the second mode when the specified parameter indicates that the remaining amount of the first developer is equal to or less than a specified threshold, and selects the first mode when the specified parameter indicates that the remaining amount of the first developer is equal to or less than a specified threshold. (Item 3) The image forming apparatus described in item 1, characterized in that the selection means selects the second mode when the specified parameter indicates that a setting for saving the first developer is enabled, and selects the first mode when the specified parameter indicates that the setting for saving the first developer is disabled. (Item 4) the image forming means forms a developer image for adhesion at a predetermined position on the sheet by using the first developer, 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the sheet pressing means presses the predetermined number of sheets together at the predetermined position. (Item 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to item 4, wherein the predetermined position is a long side or a short side of the sheet. (Item 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 4 or 5, wherein the predetermined position can be set by a user input. (Item 7) the first developer is a black toner; 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the other developers include a yellow toner, a magenta toner, and a cyan toner. (Item 8) the monochrome image is a black and white image, The first mode forms a black-and-white image using the black toner, 8. The image forming apparatus according to item 7, wherein the second mode forms a black-and-white image using the yellow toner, the magenta toner, and the cyan toner. (Item 9) 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the selection unit selects the mode for each object to be processed in the formed image. (Item 10) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer and an image forming unit that forms an image using the developer, comprising the steps of: a selection step of selecting, when the image forming apparatus is capable of forming a color image and has a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets, a first mode for forming a monochrome image using a first developer having an adhesive component among multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode for forming a monochrome image using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, according to predetermined parameters, when an image forming job is received; an execution step in which an execution means executes image formation according to the selected mode; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: (Item 11) An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer and an image forming means for forming an image using the developer, a selection means for selecting, when an image forming job is received, in accordance with predetermined parameters, a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using a first developer having an adhesive component among multiple color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, when the image forming apparatus is capable of forming a color image and has a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding sheets in groups of a predetermined number; An execution means for executing image formation according to the selected mode; A program that makes it work.

[0085] <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.

[0086] 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]

[0087] 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 an image using a developer; a selection means for selecting, when an image forming job is received, in accordance with predetermined parameters, a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using a first developer having an adhesive component among a plurality of color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, when the image forming apparatus is capable of forming a color image and has a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets; An execution means for executing image formation according to the selected mode; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects the second mode when the predetermined parameter indicates that the remaining amount of the first developer is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and selects the first mode when the predetermined parameter indicates that the remaining amount of the first developer is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects the second mode when the specified parameter indicates that a setting for saving the first developer is enabled, and selects the first mode when the specified parameter indicates that the setting for saving the first developer is disabled.

4. the image forming means forms a developer image for adhesion at a predetermined position on the sheet by using the first developer; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet pressing means presses the predetermined position of the predetermined number of sheets one on top of the other.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined position is a long side or a short side of the sheet.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined position can be set by a user input.

7. the first developer is a black toner; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other developers include a yellow toner, a magenta toner, and a cyan toner.

8. the monochrome image is a black and white image, The first mode forms a black-and-white image using the black toner, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second mode forms a black-and-white image using the yellow toner, the magenta toner, and the cyan toner.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said selection means selects said mode for each object to be processed in a formed image.

10. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer and an image forming unit that forms an image using the developer, comprising the steps of: a selection step of selecting, when the image forming apparatus is capable of forming a color image and has a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets, a first mode for forming a monochrome image using a first developer having an adhesive component among a plurality of color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode for forming a monochrome image using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, according to predetermined parameters, when an image forming job is received; an execution step in which an execution means executes image formation according to the selected mode; 13. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

11. An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a developer and an image forming means for forming an image using the developer, a selection means for selecting, when an image forming job is received, in accordance with predetermined parameters, a first mode in which a monochrome image is formed using a first developer having an adhesive component among a plurality of color developers contained in the process cartridge, or a second mode in which a monochrome image is formed using another developer different from the first developer and not having an adhesive component, when the image forming apparatus is capable of forming a color image and has a sheet pressing means for pressing and binding a predetermined number of sheets; An execution means for executing image formation according to the selected mode; A program that makes it work.

Images