Sheet bonding device

Abstract

To provide a sheet bonding device allowed to cope with a commercially-available sheet previously given with an adhesive component or to be used only in folding a sheet.SOLUTION: A sheet bonding device has an application mode to apply adhesive to a sheet with an application unit and make a pressure-bonded sheet, and a non-application mode not to apply adhesive to the sheet with the application unit, the non-application mode being only for folding a sheet and / or for folding and bonding a sheet previously given with adhesive.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet bonding device that bonds sheets with an adhesive. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a sheet bonding device has been proposed as a device capable of creating documents that require confidentiality and sealing, such as pay slips and sealed postcards, by applying adhesive to a sheet with an image printed on it (preprinted paper) and then heating and folding the sheet to create a sealed sheet, as in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Incidentally, sheets to which adhesive components have been applied in advance for producing pressure-bonded postcards are commercially available. There is a demand for printing necessary information on such sheets to which adhesive components have been applied in advance using an image forming device or the like, and then performing a bonding process using a sheet bonding device such as that described in Patent Document 1. There is also a demand for using a sheet bonding device such as that described in Patent Document 1 to automate the folding of sheets to which adhesive components have not been applied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-6021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet bonding device that can be used to bond commercially available sheets to which adhesive components have been applied in advance, or that can be used only for folding sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the present invention, the sheet bonding device has an application unit that applies adhesive to a sheet, fixing means that fixes the adhesive to the sheet, folding means that folds the sheet to which the adhesive has been applied by the application unit, and bonding means that heats the sheet folded by the folding means to bond the sheet with the adhesive, and creates a pressure-bonded sheet by folding and bonding the adhesive-coated sheet, and is characterized by having an application mode in which the application unit applies adhesive to the sheet to create the pressure-bonded sheet, and a non-application mode in which the application unit does not apply adhesive to the sheet, and in which the sheet is only folded and / or a sheet to which adhesive has previously been applied is folded and bonded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet bonding device that can be used to bond commercially available sheets to which adhesive components have been applied in advance, or that can be used only for folding sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of a sheet bonding apparatus according to Example 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment of a post-processing unit to the apparatus main body of the sheet bonding apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A to 4F are explanatory diagrams (a to f) of a folding process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams (a to c) of a bonding product output by the sheet bonding apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between curl and a decrease in folding accuracy according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the folder showing the effect of curling according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Example 1] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, etc. of components that have been described once in the following description will remain the same in subsequent descriptions unless otherwise specified.

[0010] (Overall device configuration) First, the overall configuration of the sheet bonding apparatus 1a will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the sheet bonding apparatus 1a, which includes a sheet bonding apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as apparatus main body 10) according to Example 1 and a post-processing unit 30 connected to the apparatus main body 10. The sheet bonding apparatus 1a is composed of the apparatus main body 10, which includes an electrophotographic powder adhesive application mechanism, and the post-processing unit 30, which serves as a sheet processing apparatus. As will be described below, the apparatus main body 10 has a configuration similar to that of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, except that it uses a powder adhesive as a developer.

[0011] First, the internal configuration of the device main body 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the device main body 10 includes a sheet cassette 8 as a sheet storage unit for storing sheets P to be bonded, an electrophotographic unit G1 that applies a powder adhesive to the sheets P, a fixing device 6 as a fixing means (first heating device), and a housing 19 that houses these components. The device main body 10 has a function of applying a powder adhesive Tn to the sheets P fed from the sheet cassette 8 using the electrophotographic unit G1 and then performing a fixing process in which the powder adhesive Tn is fixed to the sheets P using the fixing device 6. Here, pre-printed paper (hereinafter referred to as pre-printed paper) on which information has been printed in advance using various printing methods such as electrophotography, inkjet printing, and offset printing is set as the sheet P. The sheet bonding device 1a of this embodiment is an apparatus that applies only the powder adhesive Tn to the pre-printed paper to produce a bonded product, and can also be called a pressure bonding apparatus.

[0012] The sheet cassette 8 is inserted into the housing 19 at the bottom of the device main body 10 so as to be removable, and stores a large number of sheets P. The sheets P stored in the sheet cassette 8 are fed from the sheet cassette 8 by a feed roller 8f, separated one by one by a pair of separation rollers (not shown), and then transported by a conveyance roller 8a. The feed roller 8f is an example of a feeding member that feeds the sheets P. For example, a feeding mechanism may be used in which the sheets P are attracted to the surface of an endless belt formed with air vents by a negative pressure generated by an air suction unit. The pair of separation rollers includes a conveyance roller that conveys the sheets P and a separation roller that is supported on a fixed shaft via a torque limiter and abuts against the conveyance roller. The separation roller applies friction to the sheet at the nip (separation nip) between the conveyance roller and the separation roller, thereby preventing multiple sheets other than the sheet P in contact with the conveyance roller from being fed. Note that the mechanism for separating the sheets P is not limited to a separation roller, and a pad-like friction member, for example, may also be used.

[0013] The electrophotographic unit G1 is an electrophotographic mechanism that includes a process cartridge P1, a scanner unit 2, and a transfer roller 3. The electrophotographic unit G1 functions as an adhesive application unit that applies a powder adhesive to a sheet P by an electrophotographic process that uses a powder adhesive as a developer. A process cartridge is a unit in which multiple parts that perform the electrophotographic process are integrated into an integrally replaceable unit. The apparatus main body 10 is provided with a cartridge support portion (not shown) that is supported by a housing 19, and the process cartridge P1 is detachably mounted in the apparatus main body 10.

[0014] The process cartridge P1 is made up of a photosensitive unit CC equipped with a photosensitive drum 101 as an image carrier, a powder container 104, and a development unit DT equipped with a development roller 105 that performs development using powder. Details will be described later. In this disclosure, the term "development" is not limited to the process of visualizing an electrostatic latent image on an image carrier using printing toner (color toner), but also refers to the process of adhering a transparent powder adhesive Tn to the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier. The powder container 104 contains a powder adhesive Tn (powder adhesive, adhesive toner), which is a powder used for adhering the sheet P.

[0015] The scanner unit 2 functions as an exposure means that irradiates the photosensitive drum 101 of the process cartridge P1 with a laser beam Z to write an electrostatic latent image. The transfer roller 3 faces the photosensitive drum 101 of the process cartridge P1 and forms a transfer nip 3n as a transfer portion together with the photosensitive drum 101. The transfer roller 3 functions as a transfer means that transfers the powder adhesive Tn from the photosensitive drum 101 to the sheet P fed from the sheet cassette 8 at the transfer nip 3n.

[0016] The fixing device 6 is disposed above the transfer roller 3. The fixing device 6 is a thermal fixing type fixing device having a heating roller 6a as a fixing member and a pressure roller 6b as a pressure member. The heating roller 6a is heated by a heating element such as a halogen lamp or ceramic heater or an induction heating mechanism. The pressure roller 6b is pressed against the heating roller 6a by a biasing element such as a spring, generating a pressure force to pressurize the sheet P passing through the nip portion (fixing nip 6n) between the heating roller 6a and the pressure roller 6b. Note that while the configuration in which a pair of rollers as a pair of rotating bodies sandwiches and transports the sheet has been exemplified, a thermal film type fixing device may also be used as the fixing device 6. A thermal film type fixing device has a cylindrical film with a heater having a resistance heating element disposed inside and a pressure roller pressed against the heater across the film, and the sheet is sandwiched and transported in the nip portion between the pressure roller and the film. The pressure force can be set to any level using a control unit (not shown). Alternatively, the pressure may be adjusted by changing the distance between the axes of the heating roller 6a and the pressure roller 6b by controlling the phase of the cam that is in contact with the receiving portion of the biasing member.

[0017] The housing 19 is provided with a discharge port 12, which is an opening for discharging the sheet P from the apparatus main body 10, and a discharge unit 34 is disposed in the discharge port 12. The discharge unit 34, which is a discharge means in this embodiment, has a first discharge roller 34a and a second discharge roller 34b.

[0018] Furthermore, in the apparatus main body 10, a transport path passing through the transport roller 8a, the transfer nip 3n, and the fixing nip 6n constitutes a main transport path R0 along which the powder adhesive Tn is applied (transferred) to the sheet P. When viewed from the main scanning direction in the electrophotographic process, the main transport path R0 extends from below to above, passing along one side of the horizontal direction H relative to the electrophotographic unit G1. Here, the main scanning direction is the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 101, and is also the sheet width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet P transported along the main transport path R0. In other words, the apparatus main body 10 of this embodiment is a so-called vertical transport type (vertical path type) electrophotographic apparatus in which the main transport path R0 extends in a substantially vertical direction V. Note that, when viewed from the vertical direction V, the intermediate path 15 (details of which will be described later) and the sheet cassette 8 at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, the movement direction of the sheet P when the discharge unit 34 discharges the sheet P in the horizontal direction H is opposite to the movement direction of the sheet P when the sheet P is fed from the sheet cassette 8 in the horizontal direction H.

[0019] (After-treatment unit) The post-processing unit will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 illustrates the attachment of the post-processing unit to the apparatus main body of the sheet bonding device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the post-processing unit 30 is attached to the top of the apparatus main body 10. The post-processing unit 30 includes a folder 31 as a folding means and a bonding device 32 as a bonding means, which are housed and integrated in a post-processing unit housing 39. The post-processing unit 30 also includes an intermediate path 15 and a first discharge tray 35. The functions of each part of the post-processing unit 30 will be described later.

[0020] In addition, in this embodiment, the powder adhesive Tn applied by the electrophotographic unit G1 is fixed (temporarily adhered) to the sheet by a fixing device 6 serving as a first heating device, and then the sheet is adhered by an adhesive device 32 serving as a second heating device separate from the first heating device.

[0021] 2, the post-processing unit 30 is provided with a positioning portion (not shown, for example, a convex shape that fits into a recess in the housing 19) for positioning the post-processing unit housing 39 relative to the housing 19 of the apparatus main body 10. The post-processing unit 30 is also provided with a drive source (not shown) and a control unit (not shown) separate from the apparatus main body 10, and is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 10 by coupling a connector 36 of the post-processing unit 30 with a main body-side connector 37 of the apparatus main body 10. This allows the post-processing unit 30 to operate based on commands from the control unit provided in the apparatus main body 10, using power supplied via the apparatus main body 10.

[0022] (Process cartridge) The process cartridge P1 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the process cartridge P1. The process cartridge P1 is made up of a photosensitive unit CC equipped with a photosensitive drum 101 and the like, and a developing unit DT equipped with a developing roller 105 and the like.

[0023] A photosensitive drum 101, which is a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, is rotatably mounted on the photosensitive unit CC via a bearing (not shown). The photosensitive drum 101 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing (indicated by an arrow w) during the execution of an electrophotographic process by receiving a driving force from a motor (not shown) serving as driving means (driving source) provided in the apparatus main body 10. The photosensitive unit CC also has a charging roller 102 as charging means for charging the photosensitive drum 101, and a cleaning member 103 as cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 101, arranged around the photosensitive drum 101.

[0024] The developing unit DT is provided with a developing roller 105 as a developer carrier that contacts the photosensitive drum 101 and rotates in a clockwise direction (arrow d) in the figure. The developing roller 105 and the photosensitive drum 101 rotate so that their surfaces move in the same direction at the opposing portion (contact portion). The developing roller 105 functions as a developing means that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101 using a powder adhesive Tn as a developer.

[0025] The developing unit DT is also provided with a developer supply roller (hereinafter simply referred to as "supply roller 106") as a developer supply member that rotates in a clockwise direction (arrow e) in the figure. The supply roller 106 and the developing roller 105 rotate so that their surfaces move in opposite directions at their opposing portions (contact portions). The supply roller 106 supplies powder adhesive Tn onto the developing roller 105. At the same time, the supply roller 106 acts to strip off any powder adhesive remaining on the developing roller 105 from the developing roller 105. The developing unit DT is also provided with a developing blade 107 as a developer regulating member that regulates the layer thickness of the powder adhesive Tn supplied onto the developing roller 105 by the supply roller 106.

[0026] A powder adhesive Tn is stored as powder in the powder storage unit 104. A rotatably supported transport member 108 is provided inside the powder storage unit 104. The transport member 108 rotates counterclockwise (indicated by arrow f) in the drawing to agitate the powder adhesive Tn stored in the powder storage unit 104 and transport the powder adhesive Tn to the developing roller 105 and the supply roller 106.

[0027] Here, the photosensitive unit CC and the developing unit DT can be configured as separate units, a photosensitive unit cartridge and a developing unit cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 10. Also, it is possible to configure a powder cartridge that has only the powder storage section 104 and the conveying member 108 and is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 10, separate from the process cartridge that has the photosensitive member and the developer carrier.

[0028] (powder adhesive) The powder adhesive Tn of this embodiment can be a powder containing a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include known thermoplastic resins such as polyester resin, vinyl resin, acrylic resin, styrene-acrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer resin. A plurality of these resins may be contained.

[0029] The powder adhesive Tn preferably further contains a wax. As the wax, known waxes can be used, such as ester waxes, which are esters of alcohol and acid, and hydrocarbon waxes, such as paraffin wax.

[0030] The powder adhesive Tn may also contain a colorant. Known colorants such as black, yellow, magenta, and cyan colorants can be used as the colorant. The content of the colorant in the powder adhesive is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. Furthermore, the powder adhesive Tn may also contain a magnetic material, a charge control agent, and an external additive.

[0031] In order to form an adhesive region (adhesive portion) using the powder adhesive tn on the sheet P using an electrophotographic method, the weight average particle diameter of the powder adhesive Tn is preferably 5.0 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and more preferably 6.0 μm or more and 20 μm or less. Note that printing toner may be used as the powder adhesive Tn as long as it satisfies the adhesive properties.

[0032] (Sheet adhesive control: application mode) Next, the sheet bonding operation (hereinafter referred to as application mode) performed by the sheet bonding apparatus 1a of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 3(a), Fig. 4(a-f), and Fig. 5(a-c). Fig. 4(a-f) is a diagram for explaining the details of the folding process. Fig. 5(a-c) is a diagram showing an example of a bonded product output by the sheet bonding apparatus 1a.

[0033] When using the sheet bonding apparatus 1a of this embodiment to create a finished product such as a pressure-bonded postcard or a pay slip, first, a preprinted sheet on which information has been printed is set as a sheet P in the sheet cassette 8. At this time, the surface of the sheet P to be bonded is set facing upward (toward the top of the apparatus).

[0034] First, data on the application pattern of the powder adhesive Tn to be printed and an application mode execution command are input to the sheet bonding apparatus 1a from an external computer or the like. The control unit of the sheet bonding apparatus 1a applies the powder adhesive Tn to the sheet P in the specified application pattern while conveying the sheet P, and starts a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as the application mode) in which the sheet P is folded and bonded by the post-processing unit 30. In the application mode, first, as shown in FIG. 1, the sheets P are fed one by one from the sheet cassette 8 and conveyed toward the transfer nip 3n via the conveying roller 8a.

[0035] In parallel with the feeding of the sheet P, the photosensitive drum 101 of the process cartridge P1 is driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction (arrow w) in the figure. The surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 102. The scanner unit 2 also irradiates the photosensitive drum 101 of the process cartridge P1 with a laser beam Z based on an application pattern, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101 is developed into a powder adhesive Tn image by the powder adhesive Tn carried on the developing roller 105 of the process cartridge P1. In other words, the powder adhesive Tn adheres to an area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 that corresponds to the application pattern where the powder adhesive Tn is to be applied to the sheet P.

[0036] The powder adhesive Tn image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 is transferred to the sheet P at the transfer nip 3n between the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer roller 3. This means that the electrophotographic unit G1 applies (transfers) the powder adhesive Tn to the sheet P.

[0037] Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed to the fixing device 6 and subjected to a thermal fixing process. That is, when the sheet P passes through the fixing nip 6n, the image of the powder adhesive Tn on the sheet P is heated and pressurized, causing the powder adhesive Tn to melt and then solidify, thereby fixing the powder adhesive Tn to the pre-printed surface of the sheet P. Fixation of the powder adhesive Tn refers to the fact that the particles of the powder adhesive Tn carried on the sheet P by electrostatic force after transfer are melted by heating and pressurization and then solidified, so that they do not easily peel off from the surface of the sheet P even when subjected to external mechanical force.

[0038] The sheet P discharged from the apparatus main body 10 is nipped between the first discharge roller 34a and the second discharge roller 34b, and is transported from the discharge opening 12 to the first path R1.

[0039] An intermediate path 15 is provided between the fixing device 6 and the folder 31 on the first route R1. The intermediate path 15 is a sheet transport path located midway between the apparatus main body 10 and the post-processing unit 30. The intermediate path 15 is inclined upward in the vertical direction V toward the folder 31 with respect to the horizontal direction H. Therefore, the first guide roller 31c and the second guide roller 31d at the entrance of the folder 31 are located vertically higher than the first discharge roller 34a and the second discharge roller 34b at the exit of the apparatus main body 10.

[0040] The folder 31 has four rollers, namely, a first guide roller 31c, a second guide roller 31d, a first folding roller 31a, and a second folding roller 31b, and a lead-in portion 31e. The first guide roller 31c and the second guide roller 31d are a pair of guide rollers that sandwich and transport the sheet P received from a transport path (intermediate path 15 in this embodiment) on the upstream side of the folder 31. The first folding roller 31a and the second folding roller 31b are a pair of folding rollers that feed the sheet P while folding it.

[0041] The distance M from the first discharge roller 34a to the first guide roller 31c in the conveying direction of the sheet P along the first path R1 is configured to be shorter than the overall length L of the sheet P in the conveying direction before folding. In other words, the distance M from the first discharge roller 34a to the first guide roller 31c determines the lower limit of the length of the sheet P in the conveying direction that can be processed by the post-processing unit 30. With this configuration, the sheet P is smoothly delivered from the discharge unit 34 to the pair of guide rollers.

[0042] 4(a) to 4(f) show the steps of the folding process of the sheet P by the folder 31. The folding process is performed in the folder 31 so that the surface coated with the powder adhesive Tn faces inward (the surfaces that face each other when folded).

[0043] When performing folding processing, as shown in FIG. 4(a), first guide roller 31c and first folding roller 31a rotate clockwise in the figure, and second guide roller 31d and second folding roller 31b rotate counterclockwise in the figure. First, a leading edge q of sheet P sent out from discharge unit 34 is pulled into the pair of guide rollers (31c, 31d). As shown in FIG. 4(b), leading edge q of sheet P is guided downward by guide wall 31f and contacts first folding roller 31a. Then, leading edge q is pulled into first folding roller 31a and second guide roller 31d, which face each other, and abuts against wall 31g of pull-in portion 31e.

[0044] As the guide roller pair (31c, 31d) continues to pull in the sheet P, the leading edge q slides against the wall 31g and advances deeper into the pull-in section 31e. Eventually, the leading edge q hits the end 31h of the pull-in section 31e, as shown in FIG. 4(c). Note that the pull-in section 31e forms a space extending substantially parallel to the intermediate path 15 below the intermediate path 15, as shown in FIG. 4(c). Then, at the stage shown in FIG. 4(c), the sheet P wraps around the second guide roller 31d and is bent into a U-shape.

[0045] When the guide roller pair (31c, 31d) further pulls the sheet P from the state shown in FIG. 4(c), the sheet P begins to bend at the middle portion r as shown in FIG. 4(d). Eventually, as shown in FIG. 4(e), the middle portion r comes into contact with the second folding roller 31b, and the sheet P is pulled into the nip portion of the folding roller pair (31a, 31b) by the frictional force received from the second folding roller 31b. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(f), the sheet P is folded with the middle portion r as the crease, and is discharged by the folding roller pair (31a, 31b) with the middle portion r leading.

[0046] In this embodiment, the depth N (FIG. 4(e)) of the retraction portion 31e, i.e., the distance from the nip portion of the pair of folding rollers (31a, 31b) to the end portion 31h of the retraction portion 31e, is set to half the total length L of the sheet P. This allows the folder 31 to fold the sheet P in half (center folding). Note that by changing the depth N of the retraction portion 31e, the position of the fold can be changed as desired.

[0047] The folder 31 described above is an example of a folding means, and a folding mechanism that forms a crease by pressing a blade against the sheet P and forcing it into the nip between a pair of rollers may also be used. The folding process is not limited to folding in half, and a folding mechanism that performs, for example, a Z-fold or a triple fold may also be used. Since the present embodiment is comprised of a roller and a fixed retraction unit 31e, the drive mechanism can be simplified compared to a folding mechanism that uses a reciprocating blade. Furthermore, the folder 31 of this embodiment only requires a retraction unit 31e with a depth N equal to half the length L of the sheet P in addition to the four rollers, which allows the post-processing unit 30 to be made smaller.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet P that has passed through the folder 31 is conveyed to the bonding device 32. The bonding device 32 has a thermal fixing configuration similar to the fixing device 6. That is, the bonding device 32 has a heating roller 32b as a heating member and a pressure roller 32a as a pressure member. The heating roller 32b is heated by a heating element such as a halogen lamp or a ceramic heater or by an induction heating mechanism. The pressure roller 32a is pressed against the heating roller 32b by a biasing member such as a spring, and generates a pressure to pressurize the sheet P that passes through the nip portion (bonding nip) between the heating roller 32b and the pressure roller 32a. Note that while the configuration in which a pair of rollers as a pair of rotating bodies sandwich and convey the sheet has been exemplified here, a thermal film type fixing device (similar to that described for the fixing device 6) may also be used as the bonding device 32.

[0049] The sheet P folded by the folder 31 is subjected to a bonding process (second thermal fixation of the powder adhesive Tn) by the bonding device 32, and is bonded while still folded. That is, when the sheet P passes through the bonding nip 32n, the powder adhesive Tn on the sheet P is heated and pressurized again in a softened state. This causes the powder adhesives Tn on the bonding surfaces (the surfaces where the powder adhesive Tn is applied and faces each other in the folded state) to adhere to each other. Then, as the powder adhesive Tn cools and hardens, the sheets P are bonded (pressurized) using the powder adhesive Tn as an adhesive.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bonding device 32 has the same configuration as the fixing device 6. An instruction unit (not shown) controls the temperature setting, the process speed (conveying speed) of the sheet P, and the pressure setting.

[0051] The sheet P that has been subjected to the bonding process by the bonding device 32 is discharged to the left side in the figure from a discharge port 32c provided in the post-processing unit housing 39 of the post-processing unit 30. Then, the sheet P is stored in a first discharge tray 35 provided on the left side surface of the apparatus main body 10.

[0052] By carrying out the above-described operations, the powder adhesive Tn is applied to the sheet P, and the sheet P is folded and bonded in the post-processing unit 30, thereby producing a bonded product.

[0053] The adhesive area (bonding location) of the folded sheet P can be changed by changing the application pattern of the powder adhesive Tn on the sheet P. Figures 5(a) to 5(c) show examples of bonded products (output products of the sheet bonding device) with different application patterns of the powder adhesive Tn. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show examples of bonded products (semi-bonded products) intended for opening by the recipient. In the case of a bonded postcard 51 shown in Figure 5(a), the powder adhesive Tn is applied to areas 51a and 51c on one side of the base paper, and the base paper is folded and bonded at the central fold 51b. In the case of a pay slip 52 shown in Figure 5(b), the powder adhesive Tn is applied to areas 52a and 52c on the periphery of one side of the base paper, and the base paper is folded and bonded at the central fold 52b. Figure 5(c) shows a bag (medicine pouch) as an example of an adhesive product (fully bonded product) intended for use without being opened. In this case, powder adhesive Tn is applied to the U-shaped regions 53a and 53c so that the two sides of the folded sheet other than fold line 53b are joined, and the sheet is then folded and adhered at the central fold line 53b.

[0054] Here, a mode having a step of applying the powder adhesive Tn to obtain the adhesion product shown in the above-mentioned FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) is referred to as an application mode.

[0055] In the application mode, the amount of powder adhesive Tn applied was 0.5 mg / cm. The fixing temperature of the fixing device 6 was 200°C, the process speed was 70 mm / sec, and the pressure setting was 0.1 MPa. The bonding temperature of the bonding device 32 was 200°C, the process speed was 70 mm / sec, and the pressure setting was 0.1 MPa.

[0056] As the sheet P, GF-C081 sold by Canon Marketing Japan Inc. was used.

[0057] The amount of powder adhesive Tn to be applied, the surface temperature of the heating roller 32b of the fixing device 6 and the bonding device 32, the process speed, and the pressure setting may be appropriately changed by a control switching means described later according to the target adhesive strength, for example.

[0058] (Control details for non-dispensing mode) Next, the non-application mode will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the same control as in the application mode is performed. In the non-application mode, unlike the application mode described above, the powder adhesive Tn is not applied to or adhered to the sheet P. In this embodiment, this mode is used when only the folding process is performed or when special paper is used.

[0059] First, the sheet P to be folded is set in the sheet cassette 8. Next, the process cartridge P1 does not write an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101 and does not develop the powder adhesive Tn, so that the powder adhesive Tn is not applied to the sheet P. The sheet P then passes through the fixing device 6 and is transported to the post-processing unit 30. Within the post-processing unit 30, the sheet P passes through a folder 31 and a bonding device 32 and is then discharged. By performing these processes, the sheet P can be folded only.

[0060] (Switching control between coating mode and non-coating mode) In this embodiment, the sheet bonding apparatus 1a defaults to the coating mode. When switching to the non-coating mode, the user can do so from a PC (not shown), or by pressing a non-coating mode selection button (not shown) located on the sheet bonding apparatus 1a. By providing a selection button on the sheet bonding apparatus 1a, it can be used even in places without a network environment, and the needs of more users can be met. Furthermore, when there are multiple non-coating modes, as in Examples 1 to 3 described below, the multiple modes can be switched by the number of times the non-coating mode selection button is pressed or the number of buttons placed.

[0061] In addition, for example, a means for setting controls arbitrarily or a display unit for notifying the user may be provided so that the user can set the temperature and pressure settings of the fixing device 6, the temperature and pressure settings of the adhesive device 32, the process speed for transporting the sheet P, etc. while checking the quality of the finished product.

[0062] In Example 1, preprinted paper is used and only the folding operation of the sheet bonding device 1a is performed. The non-application mode in Example 1 is referred to as non-application mode 1, and the fixing conditions of the fixing device 6 at this time are referred to as first fixing conditions. In the first fixing conditions, the fixing temperature is 160°C, the process speed of the sheet P is 70 mm / sec, and the pressure setting is 0.1 MPa.

[0063] [Example 2] In this embodiment, explanation of the parts that overlap with those in Example 1 will be omitted. Example 2 is characterized in that, unlike Example 1, pre-glued paper, which is a special paper with an adhesive component applied in advance, is used as pre-printed paper, and only the folding function of the sheet bonding device is used.

[0064] The non-application mode in Example 2 is referred to as non-application mode 2, and the fixing conditions of the fixing device 6 at this time are referred to as second fixing conditions. Under the second fixing conditions, the fixing temperature was 0°C, the process speed of the sheet P was 70 mm / sec, and the pressure setting was 0.08 MPa.

[0065] [Example 3] In this example, explanations of parts that overlap with Examples 1 and 2 will be omitted. Example 3 is characterized in that the same special paper as in Example 2 is used to obtain the bonded product shown in Figure 5, which is different from the other examples.

[0066] The non-application mode in Example 3 is referred to as non-application mode 3, the fixing conditions of the fixing device 6 at this time are referred to as third fixing conditions, and the adhesion conditions of the bonding device 32 are referred to as first adhesion conditions. Under the third fixing conditions, the fixing temperature was 140°C, the process speed when the sheet P passed through the fixing device 6 was 140 mm / sec, and the pressure setting was 0.08 MPa. Under the first adhesion conditions, the adhesion temperature was 240°C, the process speed when the sheet P passed through the bonding device 32 was 70 mm / sec, and the pressure setting was 0.2 MPa.

[0067] [Comparative Example 1] In Comparative Example 1, the fixing temperature was set to 200° C. in the first fixing condition of Non-application Mode 1 in Example 1. Other than that, the comparative example was the same as Example 1.

[0068] Comparative Example 2 In Comparative Example 2, the fixing temperature was set to 0° C., which was different from the third fixing condition of Non-application Mode 3 in Example 3. The adhesion conditions were the same as those in the application mode. Other than that, the comparative example was the same as Example 3.

[0069] [Comparison of Examples 1, 2, and 3 with Comparative Examples 1 and 2] (Process and control details to be implemented) The steps performed in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Table 1, and the control details and the results of the investigation described below are shown in Table 2. Note that horizontal bars indicate that there is no corresponding step, condition, or investigation result, ◯ indicates that no problem occurred, and × indicates that a problem occurred.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] [Table 2]

[0072] (Control mode using only the folding process) Using the configurations of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 1, a comparison of the quality of the finished product was made using a control mode that uses only the folding process. Note that Example 1 was examined using plain paper. A decrease in the folding accuracy of the finished product was observed in Comparative Example 1. It was also found that when the decrease in folding accuracy occurred, a phenomenon called curling occurred, in which the sheet P warped and curved as it passed through the bonding device 32. This is thought to be because, without the powder adhesive Tn, the sheet P was fixed under conditions equivalent to those in the application mode, which transferred excessive heat to the sheet P and caused a large amount of moisture to evaporate from the paper, resulting in curling.

[0073] Next, the relationship between curling and a decrease in folding accuracy will be explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows the process of folding a curled sheet P in a folder. FIG. 6(d) shows the state in which the sheet P hits the edge 31h. Here, because the sheet P is curled, the leading edge of the sheet P bends and hits the edge 31h. FIG. 7 compares the state when the sheet P is curled with the state when the sheet P is curled. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the folder showing the effect of curling in Example 1. Here, the solid line P represents the uncurled sheet P, and the dashed line represents the curled sheet P2. Normally, the folding position of the sheet P is the middle portion r, and the depth N of the pull-in portion 31e and the distance from the middle portion r to the edge 31h are the same. However, in the case of a curled sheet P2, the distance from the middle portion r to the edge 31h is longer due to the curl. Therefore, the position of the middle portion r is different from the originally intended position, and the position of the fold of the sheet P changes. In this way, curling the sheet P can change the fold position of the sheet P, which can reduce the sheet folding accuracy.

[0074] As described above, in Comparative Example 1, the folding accuracy decreased.

[0075] On the other hand, no deterioration in folding accuracy was observed in Examples 1 and 2. This is because in the non-coating mode, the fixing temperature of the fixing device 6 was set lower than the fixing conditions in the coating mode, which prevented curling and prevented the folding position from shifting.

[0076] Here, for example, when only the folding process is performed, the fixing temperature of the fixing device 6 is preferably lower than the fixing temperature in the application mode. In this case, it may be set to 0°C as in Example 2. Furthermore, since curling can be suppressed by reducing the amount of heat applied to the sheet P, instead of lowering the fixing temperature of the fixing device 6, the process speed when passing through the fixing device 6 may be increased as in Example 3.

[0077] As described above, by using the sheet folding function of the sheet bonding device 1a in Examples 1 and 2, it is possible to obtain a high-quality folded product while suppressing a decrease in the accuracy of folding the paper, without using a dedicated paper folding machine.

[0078] Furthermore, a paper feed port (not shown) may be provided in the transport path from the fixing device 6 to the folding machine 31. When only folding is performed, feeding the preprinted paper from the paper feed port (not shown) can prevent curling caused by the fixing device 6, thereby preventing a decrease in folding accuracy.

[0079] (Comparison of offset of adhesive components of special paper onto heating roller 6a) A comparison was made between Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 regarding the offset of adhesive components of the special paper onto the heating roller 6a. When only the function of folding the special paper was repeatedly performed, in Comparative Example 1, the sheet P was observed to wrap around the heating roller.

[0080] In Comparative Example 1, the folding process for specialty paper was performed under the fixing conditions in the application mode, but with some specialty paper, a phenomenon called offset occurred, in which the adhesive components of the specialty paper migrated to and contaminated the fixing device 6. This occurred because the fixing temperature of the fixing device 6 was high, causing the viscosity of the adhesive components of the specialty paper to drop more than necessary. When the viscosity drops, the adhesive components adhere to the heating roller 6a and contaminate the heating roller 6a. When the adhesive components adhere to the heating roller 6a, the adhesion of the sheet P to the heating roller 6a increases. It was found that if the folding process was performed continuously, the contamination on the heating roller 6a also accumulated, and eventually the sheet P ended up wrapping around the heating roller 6a.

[0081] In Example 2, the amount of heat and pressure applied to the sheet P from the heating roller 32b is lower than in Comparative Example 1. Therefore, the viscosity of the adhesive component does not decrease much when the heating roller 6a contacts the sheet P, and the contact pressure is low, which is thought to be why the adhesive component is less likely to adhere to the heating roller 6a.

[0082] As described above, the second embodiment can suppress the offset of the adhesive component onto the heating roller 32b, and can provide a good product.

[0083] (Comparison of adhesive strength when using special paper) A comparison of adhesive strength when using specialty paper was made between Example 3 and Comparative Example 2. In Comparative Example 2, the adhesive strength was sometimes reduced depending on the specialty paper, whereas this was not observed in Example 3.

[0084] As a result of the investigation, it was found that one of the causes of the problem in Comparative Example 2 was that the adhesive component was not sufficiently softened by the bonding device 32, especially when using specialty paper with a relatively low adhesive strength. Because the adhesive component was not softened sufficiently, when the sheet P placed in the opposing position was pressed by the folding machine 31, the adhesive component did not spread over the surface of the sheet P, and it was not possible to increase the contact area of ​​the adhesive component. It is also believed that the adhesive component was not softened sufficiently, which weakened the adhesion between the sheet P and the adhesive component itself. For these reasons, a decrease in the adhesive strength of the product was observed in Comparative Example 2.

[0085] On the other hand, in Example 3, the third fixing condition and the first bonding condition are set in the fixing device 6. Preliminary heating in the fixing device 6 can promote softening in the bonding device 32. Furthermore, increasing the heating and pressure during bonding can improve the adhesive strength. Increasing the heating and pressure during preheating and bonding in this way makes it possible to handle a wider variety of specialty papers.

[0086] In this case, because it is necessary to prevent a decrease in folding accuracy and the sheet P from wrapping around the heating roller 6a, there is little margin for setting the fixing conditions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process speed passing through the fixing device 6 is set to 140 mm / sec. This reduces the amount of heat applied to the sheet P relative to the temperature applied to the heating film 6a of the fixing device 6. As a result, the sensitivity of the offset to the set temperature is reduced. This widens the setting margin for the fixing conditions. Ultimately, this improves the compatibility with various specialty papers. In this embodiment, as long as the process speed is approximately twice the process speed of the bonding device 32, there is no need to reduce final productivity even if the process speed before entering the folding device 31, including when passing through the fixing device 6, is increased. This is because the sheet P is folded in half by the folding device 31, creating a space half the size of the paper surface in the paper feed direction.

[0087] The above problem can be solved by, for example, slowing down the process speed when the sheet P passes through the bonding device 32, which increases the amount of heat applied to the sheet P and makes it easier to soften the adhesive components. In this example, setting the process speed of the sheet P in the bonding device 32 to 40 mm / sec could sometimes prevent the adhesive strength from decreasing.

[0088] As described above, by using the non-application mode 3, which combines the third fixing condition and the first adhesion condition, it is possible to provide a good finished product even when using special paper with low adhesive strength.

[0089] [Note] The disclosure of the present embodiment also includes the following configuration examples and method examples.

[0090] (Item 1) A sheet bonding device has an application unit that applies adhesive to a sheet, fixing means that fixes the adhesive to the sheet, folding means that folds the sheet to which the adhesive has been applied by the application unit, and bonding means that heats the sheet folded by the folding means to bond the sheet with the adhesive, and creates a pressure-bonded sheet by folding and bonding the sheet to which the adhesive has been applied, an application mode in which the application unit applies adhesive to a sheet to create the pressed sheet; a non-application mode in which adhesive is not applied to the sheet by the application unit, and only folding of the sheet is performed, and / or folding and adhering of a sheet to which adhesive has been previously applied; A sheet bonding device comprising:

[0091] (Item 2) The sheet bonding apparatus according to item 1, a sheet bonding apparatus, characterized in that the amount of heat applied to the sheet by the fixing means is smaller in the non-application mode than in the application mode;

[0092] (Item 3) The sheet bonding apparatus according to items 1 and 2, In the non-application mode, the sheet bonding apparatus is characterized in that the sheet on which no adhesive is applied is folded by the folding means and not bonded by the bonding means.

[0093] (Item 4) The sheet bonding apparatus according to items 1 and 2, In the non-application mode, the sheet to which adhesive has been applied is folded by the folding means and bonded by the bonding means.

[0094] (Item 5) The sheet bonding apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, A sheet bonding apparatus characterized in that in the non-application mode, the fixing means applies a plurality of levels of heat and pressure to the sheet.

[0095] (Item 6) The sheet bonding apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, A sheet bonding device characterized in that in the non-application mode, the amount of heat applied to the sheet in the fixing means is changed by changing at least one of the temperature of the fixing means or the sheet conveying speed.

[0096] (Item 7) The sheet bonding apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, A sheet bonding apparatus characterized in that in the non-application mode, the bonding means applies a plurality of levels of heat and pressure to the sheet.

[0097] (Item 8) The sheet bonding apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, A sheet bonding device characterized in that, in the non-application mode, the amount of heat applied to the sheet by the bonding means is changed by changing at least one of the temperature of the bonding means or the sheet conveying speed.

[0098] (Item 9) The sheet bonding apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, The sheet bonding apparatus has a control means for switching between the application mode and the non-application mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1a Sheet bonding device 2 Scanner Unit 3 Transfer roller 6 Fixing device 6a Heating roller 6b Pressure roller 8-sheet cassette 10. Device body 12 Outlet 30 Aftertreatment Unit 31 Folding machine 32 Gluing device 104 Powder storage section 105 Developing roller 106 Supply roller 108 Transport member G1 Electrophotographic Unit P1 process cartridge CC Photoconductor Unit DT Development Unit Tn Powder Adhesive

Claims

1. A sheet bonding device has an application unit that applies adhesive to a sheet, fixing means that fixes the adhesive to the sheet, folding means that folds the sheet to which the adhesive has been applied by the application unit, and bonding means that heats the sheet folded by the folding means to bond the sheet with the adhesive, and creates a pressure-bonded sheet by folding and bonding the sheet to which the adhesive has been applied, an application mode in which the application unit applies adhesive to a sheet to create the pressed sheet; a non-application mode in which adhesive is not applied to the sheet by the application unit, and only folding of the sheet is performed, and / or folding and adhering of a sheet to which adhesive has been previously applied; A sheet bonding device comprising:

2. 2. The sheet bonding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of heat applied to the sheet by the fixing means is smaller in the non-application mode than in the application mode.

3. 2. The sheet bonding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the non-application mode, a sheet on which no adhesive is applied is folded by the folding means and not bonded by the bonding means.

4. 2. The sheet bonding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the non-application mode, the sheet to which the adhesive has been applied is folded by the folding means and bonded by the bonding means.

5. 5. The sheet bonding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the non-application mode, the fixing means applies a plurality of levels of heat and pressure to the sheet.

6. The sheet bonding device according to claim 5, characterized in that in the non-application mode, the amount of heat applied to the sheet in the fixing means is changed by changing at least one of the temperature of the fixing means or the sheet conveying speed.

7. 5. The sheet bonding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the non-application mode, the bonding means applies a plurality of levels of heat and pressure to the sheet.

8. The sheet bonding device according to claim 7, characterized in that in the non-application mode, the amount of heat applied to the sheet by the bonding means is changed by changing at least one of the temperature of the bonding means or the sheet conveying speed.

9. 2. The sheet bonding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for switching between the application mode and the non-application mode.

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