Booklet making apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a booklet forming device having a simpler configuration.SOLUTION: The booklet forming device has a receiving means for manually receiving a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets having an adhesive layer by toner. The booklet forming apparatus includes a heating unit configured to perform a heating process of heating the adhesive layer in the sheet bundle. The booklet forming apparatus includes a pressing unit configured to perform a pressing process of pressing the adhesive layer in the sheet bundle in parallel with the heating process by the heating unit. As a result, a booklet forming apparatus having a simple configuration is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a booklet producing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Booklet-making devices create booklets by stapling multiple sheets, each printed with an image, with an electric stapler. However, metal staples hinder the recycling of booklets. Patent Document 1 proposes a post-processing device that forms an adhesive toner image on a sheet along with an image prepared by the user, and then stacks multiple sheets together and applies heat and pressure to create a booklet (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-237291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, it was necessary to connect a post-processing device having an alignment means for aligning a sheet stack and a thermocompression means for thermocompression bonding the sheet stack to an image forming device that forms an adhesive toner image on a sheet. This made it easy for the booklet production device to become large. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a booklet production device with a simpler configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, a receiving means for receiving a sheet bundle made up of a plurality of sheets having an adhesive layer made of toner, the sheet bundle being manually fed thereto; a heating unit that performs a heat treatment to heat the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle manually fed into the receiving unit; a pressurizing unit that performs a pressurizing process to pressurize the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle in parallel with the heating process by the heating unit; A booklet creation device having the above structure is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a booklet producing device with a simpler configuration is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the position of an adhesive toner image. [Figure 3] Diagram explaining the thermocompression bonding process [Figure 4] Diagram explaining the thermocompression bonding unit [Figure 5] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 7] Diagram explaining the challenges of thermocompression bonding [Figure 8] Diagram explaining the relationship between heating time and temperature [Figure 9] Tables explaining examples and comparative examples [Figure 10] Diagram explaining the user interface [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another position of the adhesive toner image. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another position of the adhesive toner image. [Figure 13] Diagram explaining the booklet creation procedure [Figure 14] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 15] Diagram explaining the user interface DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] Example 1 1. Image forming device (image forming system) 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. The Z direction is the height direction of the image forming apparatus 100, the X direction is the depth direction, and the Y direction is the width direction.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer 101, a sheet processing unit 170, and a document reading device 140. The printer 101 forms an image on a sheet S with toner. The printer 101 has a housing 102. The sheet processing unit 170 creates a booklet by applying heat and pressure to a stack of sheets B manually inserted by a user through an insertion slot 171. The document reading device 140 reads a document placed on a platen glass 141 and transmits an image signal corresponding to the document to the printer 101. The operation unit 150 includes an input device (e.g., a touch sensor, button switches) and a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display).

[0011] In the printer 101, the photosensitive drum 1 is an image carrier that rotates and carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charger 2 is a charging roller or charging wire that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The exposure device 3 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with light corresponding to an image signal, forming an electrostatic latent image. The development roller 4 develops the electrostatic latent image using toner stored in a toner container 26, forming a toner image. The primary transfer roller 5 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 1 to the intermediate transfer body 6. As the intermediate transfer body 6 rotates, the toner image is transported to the secondary transfer nip. The secondary transfer nip is formed when the intermediate transfer body 6 and the secondary transfer roller 7 come into contact with each other.

[0012] The feed roller 21 feeds the sheet S held in the sheet cassette 25 into the conveying path. The separation roller pair 22 separates one sheet S from the multiple sheets S and conveys the sheet S further downstream. Here, downstream means downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The registration roller 23 is a conveying roller that corrects skew of the sheet S and conveys the sheet S to the secondary transfer nip.

[0013] The secondary transfer roller 7 transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer body 6 to the sheet S. The cleaning member 14 cleans any remaining toner on the intermediate transfer body 6. The fuser 8 has a heating roller and a pressure roller, and applies pressure and heat to the sheet S and the toner image, fixing the toner image to the sheet S. The guide member 9 controls the destination of the sheet S. When the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 11, the guide member 9 guides the sheet S to the discharge rollers 10. The discharge rollers 10 discharge the sheet S onto the discharge tray 11. In double-sided printing, the guide member 9 guides the sheet S to the reversing rollers 12. The reversing rollers 12 rotate forward to pull in the sheet S with an image formed on its first side. The reversing rollers 12 then rotate backward to send the sheet S into the conveying path 13. The sheet S is conveyed through the conveying path 13 and reaches the secondary transfer nip again. The secondary transfer roller 7 transfers the toner image to the second side of the sheet S. The fixing unit 8 fixes the toner image on the second surface of the sheet S. The guide member 9 guides the sheet S to a discharge tray 11.

[0014] 1, the sheet processing unit 170 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100, but the sheet processing unit 170 may be a stand-alone booklet producing device or thermocompression bonding device provided outside the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the operation unit 150 functions as an operation unit for the sheet processing unit 170. The sheet processing unit 170 can simultaneously perform heat processing and pressure processing on the sheet stack B. The thermocompression bonding process includes both heat processing and pressure processing.

[0015] The sheet S may be any of plain paper, cardboard, coated paper (paper with a surface treatment), index paper, plastic film, cloth, envelope, etc. In this way, the size, shape, and material of the sheet S are arbitrary.

[0016] 2. Position of adhesive layer FIG. 2A shows an example of a toner image formed on a sheet S. A user image 38, such as text, graphics, or a photograph prepared by the user, and an adhesive layer (adhesive toner image 39) for adhering two adjacent sheets S are formed on the sheet S. In the first embodiment, the shape of the adhesive toner image 39 is a right triangle (with three angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°, respectively). The width Tw of the hypotenuse of the adhesive toner image 39 is 25.0 mm. The amount of toner per unit area (laydown) is 0.40 mg / cm2. These values ​​are merely examples. The position, shape, and size of the adhesive toner image 39 can be changed according to the structure of the sheet processing unit 170 and the size of the sheet S.

[0017] The sheet processing unit 170 can create a booklet made up of multiple sheets S. FIG. 2(B) shows the front and back surfaces of four sheets S1 to S4 that form the booklet. An adhesive toner image 39 is formed on all surfaces except the front cover (the front surface of sheet S1) and the back cover (the back surface of sheet S4) of the booklet. That is, the adhesive toner image 39 is formed on the back surface of sheet S1, both surfaces of sheet S2, both surfaces of sheet S3, and the front surface of sheet S4. Here, double-sided printing is assumed, but this is merely an example. The adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on only one surface of the sheet S.

[0018] 2(C) shows a sheet stack B formed by manually aligning multiple sheets S1 to S4 by a user. The sheet stack B is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170 along direction Q and undergoes a thermocompression bonding process. Direction Q is perpendicular to the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangular adhesive toner image 39. This hypotenuse is parallel to the opening plane of the insertion slot 171.

[0019] FIG. 2(D) shows that a barcode 201 is formed near the adhesive toner image 39 on the sheet S1. The barcode 201 is an image or identification information indicating the thermocompression bonding conditions (heating time, heating temperature, material, size, thickness, and whether or not the sheet S is coated) to be applied to the sheet stack B. The document reading device 140 may read the barcode 201 to decode or acquire the thermocompression bonding conditions. The barcode 201 is optional.

[0020] 2(E) shows the sheet bundle B after the thermocompression bonding process has been completed. As will be described later, a booklet may be formed from a plurality of sheet bundles B.

[0021] 3. Sheet processing section 3-1. Thermocompression bonding procedure 3(A) shows the structure of the sheet processing unit 170. A thermocompression bonding unit 172 and a guide 173 are provided inside a housing 300. The thermocompression bonding unit 172 performs thermocompression bonding on a sheet stack B inserted by a user through an insertion opening 171. The guide 173 receives the sheet stack B inserted through the insertion opening 171, supports the sheet stack B, and guides the sheet stack B to the thermocompression bonding unit 172. Thus, the insertion opening 171 and the guide 173 function as a receiving means.

[0022] The thermocompression bonding unit 172 has a heater section 303, a receiving part 309, and a sheet sensor 340. The heater section 303 heats the adhesive toner image 39 on the sheet bundle B at a predetermined heating temperature. The heater section 303 and the receiving part 309 are relatively movable and pressurize the sheet bundle B by sandwiching the sheet bundle B. In other words, the heater section 303 and the receiving part 309 cooperate to pressurize the adhesive toner image 39 printed on the sheet bundle B. The heater section 303 and the receiving part 309 function as a support member that supports the sheet bundle B and a pressure member that pressurizes the sheet bundle B. The sheet sensor 340 is a sensor that detects that the sheet bundle B has been inserted into the thermocompression bonding unit 172. The sheet sensor 340 may be an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3B, the sheet stack B is inserted into the thermocompression bonding unit 172 while being guided by the guide 173. As shown in FIG. 3C, the leading edge of the sheet stack B rotates the flag of the sheet sensor 340, causing the sheet sensor 340 to detect the sheet stack B. For example, the state of light directed from the light-emitting element of the sheet sensor 340 to the light-receiving element changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state (or from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state) due to the flag, thereby detecting the insertion of the sheet stack B. When the sheet sensor 340 detects the sheet stack B, the thermocompression bonding unit 172 lowers the heater unit 303. As shown in FIG. 3D, the heater unit 303 presses the sheet stack B and heats the adhesive toner image 39. After a predetermined heating time (which may also be referred to as a pressure time, an adhesive time, or a thermocompression bonding time) has elapsed, the heater unit 303 rises, allowing the sheet stack B to be removed from the thermocompression bonding unit 172. Thereafter, the heater unit 303 stops at a standby position (home position). Because the heater unit 303 performs the heating process and the pressure process simultaneously, the heating time is equal to the pressure time. Therefore, in the following, the heating time can be interpreted as the pressure time. The heating time is the time during which the heater unit 303 is in contact with the sheet stack B. Therefore, the energization time during which power is supplied to the heater unit 303 is longer than the heating time. This is because preheating of the heater unit 303 is performed in advance.

[0024] There is an upper limit to the number of sheets S that can be subjected to thermocompression processing at one time in the thermocompression unit 172. For example, if the thickness of one sheet S is 0.1 mm, the upper limit to the number of sheets S that can form the sheet bundle B is 10. However, this is just one example.

[0025] 3(A) to 3(E), the sheet sensor 340 detects the sheet stack B to trigger the thermocompression bonding process, but this is merely an example. The heater unit 303 may start the thermocompression bonding process when a dedicated physical button provided on the operation unit 150 arranged near the sheet processing unit 170 is pressed. Alternatively, the heater unit 303 may start the thermocompression bonding process when a touch on a software button displayed on the operation unit 150 is detected.

[0026] The heater unit 303 is made of a material with a low heat capacity. The time required for the heater unit 303 to reach the target temperature from the start of heat generation (preheating time) varies depending on the heat capacity of the heater unit 303. The heater unit 303 may start generating heat when a job is input for the printer 101 to print an adhesive toner image 39 on a sheet S. By starting the heater unit 303 to generate heat before the sheet stack B is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170, the user's waiting time after the sheet S is printed is reduced.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3(D), the pressing position (contact position) in the Z direction where the heater unit 303 presses the sheet bundle B varies depending on the thickness of the sheet bundle B. Therefore, if the pressing position is identified, it is possible to obtain the thickness of the sheet bundle B. When the sheet bundle B is not inserted in the sheet processing unit 170, the heater unit 303 directly contacts the receiving part 309. The position Zh0 of the heater unit 303 in the Z direction at this time is stored in advance in the memory of the printer 101. The position Zh1 of the heater unit 303 in the Z direction when the heater unit 303 contacts the sheet bundle B is measured. The position of the heater unit 303 in the Z direction can be obtained, for example, by counting the number of steps (number of pulses) of a stepping motor that moves the heater unit 303. The thickness ZhB of the sheet bundle B is the difference between Zh0 and Zh1. The thickness ZhB is roughly correlated with the heat capacity of the sheet stack B, which is the target of heating by the thermocompression bonding unit 172. The pressurization time may be increased in proportion to the thickness ZhB. Alternatively, the target temperature of the heater 304 may be increased in proportion to the thickness ZhB. This ensures the amount of heat required to bond the sheet stack B with sufficient strength. In addition, overheating of the sheet stack B is prevented.

[0028] 3-2. Structure of the thermocompression unit 4(A) to 4(H) show the structure of the thermocompression bonding unit 172. The Z direction is the direction in which the pressure member moves relative to the receiving member to pressurize the sheet stack B, and is also the height direction (thickness direction) of the sheet stack B. The directions perpendicular to each other in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the Z direction are the X direction and the Y direction. If necessary, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction may be expressed as the +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and the opposite directions may be expressed as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0029] FIG. 4(A) is a left side view showing the thermocompression bonding unit 172 as seen from the +X side. FIG. 4(B) is a front view showing the thermocompression bonding unit 172 as seen from the +Y side. FIG. 4(C) is a right side view showing the thermocompression bonding unit 172 as seen from the -X side. FIG. 4(D) is a plan view showing the thermocompression bonding unit 172 as seen from the +Z side. FIG. 4(E) is a rear view showing the thermocompression bonding unit 172 as seen from the -Y side. FIG. 4(F) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section of the thermocompression bonding unit 172 taken along the AA cutting line shown in FIG. 4(B). FIG. 4(G) is an enlarged view of region B in FIG. 4(F). FIG. 4(H) is an enlarged view of region C in FIG. 4(F).

[0030] 4(A), the thermocompression bonding unit 172 has a heater section 303, a receiving part 309, a main chassis 330, and a motor 320. The main chassis 330 forms a frame of the thermocompression bonding unit 172. The heater section 303 is reciprocatable (slidable) along the Z direction.

[0031] The thermocompression bonding unit 172 moves the heater section 303 by the driving force supplied by the motor 320, which is a driving source, and sandwiches the sheet bundle B between the heater section 303 and the receiving part 309. As a result, the sheet bundle B and the adhesive toner image 39 are heated and pressurized, and the multiple sheets S included in the sheet bundle B are adhered together.

[0032] The main chassis 330 includes a left side plate 331, a right side plate 332, a top plate 333, and a bottom plate 334. The left side plate 331 and the right side plate 332 face each other in the X direction. The top plate 333 and the bottom plate 334 face each other in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 4(B), a support plate 315 is fixed to the main chassis 330. As shown in FIG. 4(H), the support plate 315 cooperates with the support portion 330a of the main chassis 330 to sandwich the receiving component 309, thereby supporting the receiving component 309. This positions the receiving component 309.

[0033] The main chassis 330 and the supporting metal plate 315 form a frame for the thermocompression bonding unit 172. The main chassis 330 includes mounting portions 312 and 313 for mounting the thermocompression bonding unit 172 to the housing 102 of the printer 101. That is, the thermocompression bonding unit 172 is mounted to the housing 102 via the mounting portions 312 and 313. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet stack B is inserted into the thermocompression bonding unit 172 from the insertion opening 171 in the -Y direction. As shown in FIG. 2(C), the insertion direction (-Y direction) of the sheet stack B is inclined at 60° with respect to the long side of the sheet stack B in accordance with the adhesive toner image 39. As a result, the sheet stack B is bound parallel to the oblique side of the adhesive toner image 39. As shown in FIG. 2(E), one of the four corners of the sheet stack B is bound to create a corner-bound booklet.

[0034] 4(D) and 4(F), the thermocompression bonding unit 172 has a lifting stay 316 that is movable relative to the main chassis 330. The lifting stay 316 is a sheet metal part that holds the heater section 303 and the rack gear 317. The heater section 303 and the rack gear 317 are fixed to the lifting stay 316 with push nuts 318a and 318b and mechanical fastening parts (not shown), etc.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4(C), 4(E), and 4(F), the drive system of the thermocompression bonding unit 172 includes a motor 320, a pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, and 323, and a rack gear 317. The drive system including the motor 320 is an example of a pressure means that presses the pressure member against the sheet stack B. The motor 320 is a drive source that moves the heater unit 303 relative to the receiving part 309 and presses the pressure plate 306 against the sheet stack B. The pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, and 323, and the rack gear 317 are a drive transmission mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor 320 into the movement direction (+Z direction / -Z direction) of the heater unit 303 and transmits the rotation to the heater unit 303.

[0036] 4(F), rack gear 317 is guided by cylindrical guide shaft 319 extending parallel to the Z direction and moves back and forth parallel to the Z direction. Both ends of guide shaft 319 are fixed to main chassis 330. Heater unit 303 moves back and forth parallel to the Z direction integrally with rack gear 317 via lift stay 316.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4(A), a slot 313a that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the guide shaft 319 is formed in the left side plate 331 of the main chassis 330. A rib 317a provided on the rack gear 317 fits into the slot 313a. By fitting the rib 317a into the slot 313a, the rack gear 317 is positioned so as not to rotate around the guide shaft 319 (rotation prevention). The rib 317a and the slot 313a are an example of a rotation prevention mechanism. Other rotation prevention mechanisms, such as spline engagement, may also be used.

[0038] The pinion gear 320a is attached to the output shaft of the motor 320. As shown in FIG. 4(C), the gear 321 is a stepped gear having a large-diameter gear portion and a small-diameter gear portion. The large-diameter gear portion of the gear 321 meshes with the pinion gear 320a. The small-diameter gear portion of the gear 321 meshes with the gear 322. The gear 323 meshes with the rack gear 317. The gear 323 is attached to the shaft 324 together with the gear 322. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(C), the shaft 324 passes through the gears 322 and 323 and is rotatably supported by the left and right plates 331 and 332 of the main chassis 330. The gears 322 and 323 rotate together via the shaft 324. The pitch radius of the gear 323 is smaller than that of the gear 322.

[0039] In this way, the driving force of motor 320 is transmitted to heater unit 303 via pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, 323, and rack gear 317, causing heater unit 303 to slide parallel to the Z direction. Depending on the rotation direction of motor 320, heater unit 303 moves (rises / lowers) in the +Z direction and the -Z direction.

[0040] The pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, 323, and rack gear 317 constitute a speed reduction mechanism for obtaining the pressure required for thermocompression bonding of the sheet stack B. For example, a worm gear or a planetary gear mechanism may be used as the speed reduction mechanism.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4(F) and 4(G), the heater section 303 includes a heater 304, a pressure plate 306, a thermoswitch 305, a compression spring 307, and a heater base 308.

[0042] The heater 304 is an electrical component that heats the sheet stack B to be bonded. The heater 304 may be a ceramic heater. The heater 304 may have an insulating substrate made of alumina, for example, 1 mm thick. A heating circuit including a heating resistor and a temperature detection circuit (thermistor 560 in FIG. 5) may be formed on the insulating substrate. The insulating substrate is a plate that extends in the X and Y directions with the Z direction as its thickness direction. The first surface (the surface on the -Z side) of the insulating substrate is in contact with the pressure plate 306. The heating circuit and thermistor 560 are mounted on the second surface (the surface on the +Z side) of the insulating substrate. When power is supplied to the heating circuit, heat is transmitted from the heating circuit to the pressure plate 306 via the insulating substrate, causing the temperature of the pressure plate 306 to rise. The material of the pressure plate 306 may be, for example, an aluminum material (1.5 mm thick) that has rigidity and thermal conductivity. The power supplied to the heating circuit is controlled so that the temperature detected by the thermistor 560 becomes the target temperature (for example, 210°C). As a result, the surface temperature of the pressure plate 306 is adjusted to 200°C.

[0043] The pressure plate 306 is a pressure member that cooperates with a receiving part 309 as a receiving member to clamp and press the sheet stack B. The pressure plate 306 is made of, for example, heat-resistant silicone rubber with a thickness of 3 mm. As shown in FIG. 4(G), one of the two surfaces of the pressure plate 306 (the surface on the -Z side) is a contact surface 306a that comes into contact with the sheet stack B. At least a portion of the contact surface 306a may have a convex shape that protrudes in the -Z direction. The contact surface 306a may be a convex portion that extends in the X direction. The convex portion of the contact surface 306a may have, for example, an arc-shaped curved surface when viewed in the X direction. The pressure applied by the convex portion when pressing the sheet stack B is, for example, approximately 1.0 MPa.

[0044] The thermoswitch 305 is an example of a safety device. When abnormal heat generation occurs due to a control system malfunction or the like, the thermoswitch 305 detects the abnormal heat generation and physically cuts off the connection between the heat generating circuit and the power supply, thereby stopping the supply of power to the heat generating circuit.

[0045] The compression spring 307 is disposed between the heater base 308 and the thermoswitch 305. The heater base 308 holds the heater 304, the pressure plate 306, the thermoswitch 305, and the compression spring 307. The heater base 308 is held by an elevation stay 316.

[0046] The pressure plate 306 is fixed to the heater base 308. The heater 304, the thermoswitch 305, and the compression spring 307 are sandwiched between the pressure plate 306 and the heater base 308. The biasing force of the compression spring 307 presses the thermoswitch 305 and the heater 304 against the pressure plate 306. This allows the heat of the heater 304 to be efficiently transmitted to the pressure plate 306.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4(F) and 4(H), the sheet processing unit 170 includes a receiving part 309 as an example of a receiving member. The receiving part 309 has a contact surface 309a that contacts the sheet stack B on one side (+Z side) in the Z direction. The receiving part 309 faces the pressure plate 306 of the heater unit 303 in the Z direction. The contact surface 309a of the receiving part 309 and the contact surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 face each other in the Z direction. The contact surfaces 309a and 306a overlap when viewed from the Z direction. However, when two elements overlap when viewed from a certain direction, this means that when each element is vertically projected onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to that direction, the projection area of ​​one element and the projection area of ​​the other element at least partially overlap.

[0048] The contact surface 309a of the receiving part 309 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the X direction. Furthermore, when no pressure force from the pressure plate 306 is applied, the contact surface 309a is substantially flat (planar).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4(H), receiving part 309 has shafts 309b and 309c extending in a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the Z direction. Receiving part 309 has shaft 309b protruding in the +Y direction and shaft 309c protruding in the -Y direction. Shaft 309b is rotatably supported by bearing 310a. Shaft 309c is rotatably supported by bearing 310b. Shafts 309b and 309c are shafts extending in a first direction and are examples of shafts (first shafts) that allow the receiving member to tilt around the shaft. Bearing 310a is attached to support plate 315 fixed to main chassis 330. Bearing 310b is attached to support portion 330a of main chassis 330.

[0050] The receiving part 309 is tiltable so that the contact surface 309a tilts around an axis 309d extending in the Y direction. The receiving part 309 is positioned in the Y direction by being sandwiched between the support plate 315 and the support part 330a of the main chassis 330. The receiving part 309 needs to have enough rigidity to withstand the pressure force from the pressure plate 306. Therefore, the receiving part 309 may have a double-end support configuration in which it is supported at both end portions in the direction of the axis 309d.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4(B) and 4(H), the receiving part 309 is biased by a tension spring 311. The tension spring 311 is engaged with the hook portion of the receiving part 309 and biases the hook portion in the -Z direction. The neutral position (reference position) of the receiving part 309 is the position where the moment acting on the receiving part 309 due to the biasing force of the tension spring 311 in the rotation direction around the axis 309d is zero. When the receiving part 309 rotates from the neutral position in either rotation direction, the biasing force of the tension spring 311 acts on the receiving part 309, causing it to return to the neutral position.

[0052] The contact surface 309a of the receiving part 309 is designed so that the contact surface 309a does not tilt when the receiving part 309 is in a neutral position. The contact surface 309a not tilting means that the contact surface 309a is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction when viewed from the direction of the axis 309d (the Y direction).

[0053] The tension spring 311 is an example of a biasing means for biasing the receiving part 309. When the position of the hook portion relative to the axis 309d is changed, the arrangement of the tension spring 311 is also changed. Instead of the tension spring 311, for example, a torsion coil spring or an elastic member such as rubber may be used. The spring is not limited to one that uses elastic force, and a magnet that biases the receiving part 309 by magnetic force or a weight that biases the receiving part 309 by gravity may also be used.

[0054] 4. Toner The toner is, for example, a toner whose main component is a thermoplastic resin. However, this is merely an example. 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 may also be used. The toner may contain multiple resins selected from these resins.

[0055] The toner may further contain wax, such as ester waxes, which are esters of alcohol and acid, or hydrocarbon waxes, such as paraffin wax.

[0056] The toner may include a black colorant. The toner may also contain magnetic materials, charge control agents, waxes, and external additives.

[0057] 5. Controller FIG. 5 shows a controller 500 of the image forming apparatus 100. A central processing unit (CPU) 501 controls the printer 101, the document reader 140, and the sheet processing unit 170 in accordance with a program 521 and a parameter group 522 stored in the ROM area of ​​a memory 520. The CPU 501 realizes multiple functions, some or all of which may be realized by other hardware circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). ROM is an abbreviation for read-only memory. The memory 520 is a storage device that may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), or the like in addition to random access memory (RAM).

[0058] The operation unit 150 has a touch sensor 551 and a group of switches 552 that function as input devices. The group of switches 552 may have a button for instructing the start of bonding processing in the sheet processing unit 170. The operation unit 150 has a display 553 that functions as a display device and an output device. The display 553 may assist the user by displaying guidance messages that show how to use the sheet processing unit 170, etc.

[0059] The printer control unit 511 controls the printer 101 in accordance with the print job, causing the printer 101 to form an image on a sheet S. The reader control unit 512 controls the document reading device 140 to read the document and generate an image signal or image data corresponding to the document.

[0060] The motor control unit 513 controls the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 320 to lower or raise the heater unit 303. The contact sensor 531 detects that the contact surface 306a of the heater unit 303 has come into contact with the sheet stack B. When the contact sensor 531 detects that the contact surface 306a has come into contact with the sheet stack B, the motor control unit 513 stops the motor 320. When the contact surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet stack B, the timer 515 measures a predetermined heating time. When the predetermined heating time expires, the motor control unit 513 starts the reverse rotation of the motor 320 to return the heater unit 303 to the standby position. The standby position may also be referred to as the initial position or home position. The counter 514 counts the number of drive pulses (drive amount) input to the motor 320 during the period from the standby position to the contact position until the contact surface 306a moves. The count value corresponds to the aforementioned Zh1 used to obtain the thickness of the sheet stack B. Zh1 corresponds to the driving amount of the motor 320 during the period when the pressure plate 306 comes into contact with the sheet stack B from the initial position.

[0061] The thickness acquisition unit 516 acquires the thickness ZhB of the sheet bundle B based on the measurement result (e.g., Zh1) of the counter 514 and an initial value (e.g., Zh0) stored in the memory 520. The thickness acquisition unit 516 may calculate the thickness ZhB of the sheet bundle B based on the thickness of the sheets S acquired by a media sensor 582 provided on the conveyance path of the printer 101 and the number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle B. The number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle B may be input through the operation unit 150. If necessary, the basis weight (g / cm2) of the sheets S may be input through the operation unit 150 or the media sensor 582. The thickness acquisition unit 516 may calculate the thickness ZhB based on the number and thickness of the sheets S input through the operation unit 150.

[0062] The heater control unit 517 determines a combination of the target temperature and heating time of the heater 304 based on the number of sheets S forming the sheet stack B and the basis weight of the sheets S. The target temperature and heating time may be input through the operation unit 150. The heater control unit 517 may adjust the target temperature and heating time based on the temperature and humidity detected by the environmental sensor 561. This is because the appropriate combination of target temperature and heating time varies depending on the initial temperature (ambient temperature) of the sheets S and the amount of moisture contained in the sheets S. The parameter group 522 may hold combinations of target temperature and heating time corresponding to combinations of humidity and temperature. When a heat generation start condition is satisfied, the heater control unit 517 starts supplying power to the heater 304. The heater control unit 517 controls the power so that the temperature detected by the thermistor 560 approaches the target temperature. The heat generation start condition may be, for example, when the sheet sensor 340 detects the sheet stack B or when the printer 101 starts forming images on the sheets S. Thermistor 560 may also be referred to as a temperature sensor.

[0063] The mode switching unit 518 selects one control mode from multiple control modes prepared for controlling the sheet processing unit 170. For example, multiple control modes may exist depending on the thickness ZhB of the sheet stack B. Furthermore, a control mode may exist for separating the sheet S from the sheet stack B by reheating the sheet stack B. The mode switching unit 518 switches the control mode based on the thickness ZhB acquired by the thickness acquisition unit 516 or an instruction input from the operation unit 150. The parameter group 522 stored in the memory 520 includes a combination of a target temperature and a heating time for each control mode. The parameter group 522 may include a threshold value for switching the control mode. The parameter group 522 may also include a table or function for adjusting the target temperature and the heating time based on the ambient temperature and ambient humidity. The dividing unit 519 is optional and will be described in Example 2.

[0064] 6. Flowchart 6 shows a control method of the sheet processing unit 170 executed by the CPU 501 in accordance with the program 521. It is assumed here that the user has input an instruction to start the thermocompression bonding process via the operation unit 150.

[0065] In step S601, the CPU 501 (heater control unit 517) supplies power to the heater 304, causing the heater 304 to start generating heat.

[0066] In S602, the CPU 501 (heater control unit 517) detects the temperature of the heater 304 using the thermistor 560 and determines whether the detected temperature has reached the target temperature. When the detected temperature has reached the target temperature, the CPU 501 proceeds from S602 to S603.

[0067] In S603, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the sheet stack B has been detected by the sheet sensor 340. If the sheet stack B has been detected by the sheet sensor 340, the CPU 501 proceeds from S603 to S604.

[0068] In S604, the CPU 501 (motor control unit 513) starts applying pressure to the pressure plate 306. The motor control unit 513 rotates the motor 320 in the forward direction to lower the pressure plate 306. The heater unit 303 moves in the -Z direction together with the pressure plate 306. When the pressure plate 306 comes into contact with the sheet stack B, the timer 515 starts measuring a predetermined time.

[0069] In S605, the CPU 501 (thickness acquisition unit 516) acquires the thickness ZhB of the sheet stack B. The thickness acquisition unit 516 calculates the thickness ZhB based on, for example, the amount of descent of the pressure plate 306 measured by the counter 514 (the number of pulses of the motor 320).

[0070] In S606, the CPU 501 (mode switching unit 518) determines whether the thickness ZhB is equal to or less than a threshold value, which is, for example, 0.55 mm.

[0071] If the thickness ZhB is equal to or less than the threshold, the CPU 501 proceeds from S606 to S607. In S607, the CPU 501 sets the control mode to the first mode, and proceeds from S607 to S608. If the thickness ZhB exceeds the threshold, the CPU 501 proceeds from S606 to S611. In S611, the CPU 501 sets the control mode to the second mode, and proceeds from S611 to S608.

[0072] In S608, the CPU 501 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of pressurization, based on the time measured by the timer 515. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 501 proceeds from S608 to S609.

[0073] In S609, the CPU 501 ends the heating and pressurizing. The heater control unit 517 ends the supply of power to the heater 304. The motor control unit 513 rotates the motor 320 in the reverse direction to return the pressure plate 306 to the standby position.

[0074] 7. Thermocompression bonding conditions (heating conditions) 7(A) to 7(C) show the thermocompression bonding process performed on a sheet bundle B formed of ten sheets S1 to S10 by the thermocompression bonding unit 172. As shown in Fig. 7(A), sheet S1 is located at the top of the sheet bundle B. Sheet S10 is located at the bottom of the sheet bundle B.

[0075] FIG. 7(B) suggests a problem that occurs when sheet stack B is overheated. Sheet stack B is heated by heat supplied from pressure plate 306. Pressure plate 306 contacts sheet S1 of sheet stack B. Therefore, the temperature of the upper part of sheet S1 is likely to be the highest. If the upper part K1 of sheet S1 is overheated, sheet S1 may thermally deteriorate and discolor (turn yellowish). This phenomenon may also be called color change. According to the inventor's research, it has been found that in order to reduce color change, it is sufficient for the temperature of the upper part of sheet S1 to be below a predetermined temperature (e.g., 190°C).

[0076] Figure 7(C) suggests the problems caused by insufficient heating. Sheet S10 is located farthest from pressure plate 306. The upper part of sheet S10 is most susceptible to insufficient heat. If insufficient heat occurs at point K2 of sheet S10, the toner will not melt sufficiently, resulting in reduced adhesive strength. According to the inventor's research, it has been found that in order to ensure sufficient adhesive strength, the temperature of the upper part of sheet S10 should be between 90°C and 110°C. These values ​​are merely examples.

[0077] FIG. 8(A) is a diagram showing the relationship between heating time and temperature in the first mode. FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing the relationship between heating time and temperature in the second mode. The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents temperature. Tg is the target temperature of heater 304. Tc is the surface temperature of pressure plate 306. Ts1 is the temperature of sheet S1. Ts5 is the temperature of the fifth sheet S5. Ts10 is the temperature of the tenth sheet S10. Sheets S1 to S10 are A4-sized sheets called GF-C081 manufactured by Canon Inc.

[0078] If the thickness ZhB of the sheet stack B is equal to or smaller than a threshold value (e.g., 0.55 mm), the first mode is adopted. The target temperature of the heater 304 is set to 240°C. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the sheet stack B may be formed of five sheets S1 to S5. A heating time of four seconds is required for the temperature Ts5 of the top of sheet S5 to reach the adhesive temperature (e.g., 90°C). This four-second heating period raises the temperature Ts1 of sheet S1 to 185°C. Therefore, no color change occurs in sheet S1.

[0079] On the other hand, if the thickness ZhB of the sheet stack B exceeds the threshold value, the second mode is selected. The target temperature Tg of the heater 304 gradually transitions from 240°C to 200°C. As shown in FIG. 8(B), a sheet stack B may be formed from ten sheets S1 to S10. It takes 12 seconds of heating time for the temperature Ts10 of sheet S10 to reach the bonding temperature (e.g., 90°C). In the first few seconds of these 12 seconds, the target temperature Tg of the heater 304 transitions from 240°C to 200°C. The temperature Tc of the pressure plate 306 also drops. The temperature Ts1 of sheet S1 rises to 175°C. Therefore, no color change occurs in sheet S1.

[0080] Here, the threshold value for the thickness ZhB is the upper limit of the thickness at which the adhesive process can be completed without causing a color change while the target temperature Tg remains high. The threshold value may be determined by the CPU 501 depending on the structure of the sheet processing unit 170, the target temperature, the basis weight and material of the sheet S, the characteristics of the adhesive toner, and the toner amount of the adhesive toner image 39.

[0081] FIG. 8(C) shows a first comparative example. Sheet bundle B is formed from sheets S1 to S10. The target temperature Tg is maintained at 240°C (constant). In the first comparative example, it takes 10 seconds of heating time for the temperature Ts10 of sheet S10 to reach the adhesive temperature. During these 10 seconds, the temperature Ts1 of sheet S1 reaches 215°C. This may result in a color change in sheet S1.

[0082] FIG. 8(D) shows a second comparative example. Sheet stack B is formed from sheets S1 to S10. The target temperature Tg is maintained at 200°C (constant). In the second comparative example, the temperature Ts10 of sheet S10 requires 15 seconds of heating to reach a temperature at which adhesion is possible. Because the target temperature Tg is 200°C, the heating time increases. However, because the temperature of sheet S1 is maintained at 175°C, no color change occurs. In this way, by lowering the temperatures of heater 304 and pressure plate 306, color change and adhesion failure are less likely to occur, but the heating time increases.

[0083] Figure 9 is a table showing the experimental results of Figures 8(A) to 8(D). As Figure 9 shows, when the number of sheets S is small, setting the control mode to the first mode shortens the heating time, prevents color change, and achieves sufficient adhesive strength. When the number of sheets S is large, setting the control mode to the second mode suppresses the increase in heating time, prevents color change, and achieves sufficient adhesive strength.

[0084] Thus, in the first mode, the heating temperature of the heater 304 is maintained constant at the first target temperature during the first heating time. In the second mode, the heating temperature of the heater 304 may gradually transition from the first target temperature to the second target temperature during the second heating time, and then the heating temperature may be maintained constant at the second target temperature. That is, the transition from the first target temperature to the second target temperature is performed at the beginning of the second heating time, and the heating temperature is maintained constant for the remainder of the second heating time.

[0085] As another method for setting the thermocompression bonding conditions (target temperature, heating time), for example, the barcode 201 shown in FIG. 2(D) may be used. The CPU 501 (reader control unit 512) causes the document reading device 140 to read the barcode 201 printed on the sheet S1 and decodes the identification information from the barcode 201. The CPU 501 acquires the thermocompression bonding conditions corresponding to the identification information from the parameter group 522. Here, the identification information may be associated with the number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle B, the thickness of one sheet S, or the basis weight of the sheet S. In this case, the CPU 501 may calculate the target temperature and the heating time by substituting the number of sheets S, the thickness of one sheet S, or the basis weight of the sheet S into a predetermined formula.

[0086] 10A shows a setting screen 1000 displayed on the display 553. The setting screen 1000 has a receiving section 1001 that receives input of the number of sheets S that form the sheet bundle B, and a receiving section 1002 that receives input of the basis weight. The CPU 501 may calculate a target temperature and heating time based on the number of sheets and the basis weight. The setting screen 1000 may also have a start instruction button 1003 that the user uses to instruct the start of thermocompression bonding processing.

[0087] 10(B) shows a setting screen 1010 displayed on display 553. Setting screen 1010 has a receiving section 1011 that receives input of a target temperature and a receiving section 1012 that receives input of a heating time. In this manner, the heating time and the target temperature may be input by the user. Setting screen 1010 may also have a start instruction button 1003.

[0088] 8.Other As shown in FIG. 2A, an adhesive toner image 39 is formed on one of the four corners of a sheet S, but this is merely an example of a corner-bound booklet. As shown in FIG. 11A, the adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on the long side of a sheet stack B. This results in a long-edge-bound booklet. The adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on the short side of a sheet stack B. This results in a short-edge-bound booklet. Since the adhesive toner image 39 is printed parallel to the long or short side, the width Tw is equal to or slightly shorter than the length of the long or short side.

[0089] 11(B) shows the front and back sides of four sheets S1 to S4 that form a booklet. An adhesive toner image 39 is formed on all sides of the booklet except for the front cover (the front side of sheet S1) and the back cover (the back side of sheet S). That is, an adhesive toner image 39 is formed on the back side of sheet S1, both sides of sheets S2 and S3, and the front side of sheet S4. Here, double-sided printing is assumed, but this is merely an example. An adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on only one side of sheet S.

[0090] 11(C) shows a sheet bundle B formed by aligning a plurality of sheets S1 to S4 by the user. The sheet bundle B is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170 along the -Y direction and subjected to a thermocompression bonding process.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 12(A), an adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on the upper left corner of sheet S. FIG. 12(B) shows the front and back surfaces of four sheets S1 to S4 that form a booklet. The adhesive toner image 39 is formed on all surfaces except for the front cover (the front surface of sheet S1) and the back cover (the back surface of sheet S) of the booklet. In other words, the adhesive toner image 39 is formed on the back surface of sheet S1, both surfaces of sheets S2 and S3, and the front surface of sheet S4. Here, double-sided printing is assumed, but this is merely an example. The adhesive toner image 39 may be formed on only one surface of sheet S.

[0092] FIG. 12(C) shows a sheet bundle B formed by aligning multiple sheets S1 to S4 by the user. The sheet bundle B is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170 along the direction Q and undergoes a thermocompression bonding process. Because an adhesive toner image 39 is formed on the upper left corner of each sheet S, the sheet bundle B is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170 so that sheet S4 is positioned on top. As shown in FIG. 12(D), a barcode 201 may be formed on the back side of sheet S4. This is because the back side of sheet S4 is the side that is easiest for the user to see. As shown in FIG. 12(E), a booklet bound from the top left is completed.

[0093] 12(A) to 12(E) can be made into a top-right bound booklet by swapping the images formed on each sheet. In this case, the front side of sheet S1 becomes the back cover of the booklet. The back side of sheet S4 becomes the front cover of the booklet. When instructed to create a top-right bound booklet, the CPU 501 determines the position of the adhesive toner image 39 to be one of the four corners. However, the CPU 501 can create a top-right bound booklet no matter at which corner the adhesive toner image 39 is formed by changing the direction and order in which the image is formed depending on the position of the adhesive toner image 39.

[0094] If only right-bound booklets are bound, the surfaces of the printer 101's components (e.g., photosensitive drum 1, developing roller 4, intermediate transfer body 6, belt cleaner) corresponding to the upper right corner of the sheet S will wear out. However, by changing the position of the adhesive toner image 39 using the method shown in FIGS. 12(A) to 12(E), wear on the components involved in image formation can be suppressed. In other words, uneven deterioration within the components is reduced, making it possible to extend the life of the components. In this way, the CPU 501 may change the position of the adhesive layer (adhesive toner image 39) every time a predetermined number of sheet bundles B are formed. The predetermined number may be 1, 2, or more.

[0095] <Example 2> In Example 1, one booklet is produced from one sheet bundle B. In Example 2, one booklet is produced from N sheet bundles B. The total number of sheets S forming the booklet is J. In one thermocompression bonding process, the number of sheets S (prescribed number) that can suppress an increase in heating time, cause no color change, and achieve sufficient adhesive strength is K. In Example 2, matters that are common to Example 1 are given the same reference symbols, and their explanations are omitted.

[0096] 1. How to create a booklet 13(A) to 13(F) show a method for creating a booklet by the sheet processing unit 170 of the second embodiment. Here, four sheet bundles B1 to B4 are stacked in order to create one booklet. Using index i, the i-th sheet bundle B is represented as Bi. As shown in FIG. 13(A), the first sheet bundle B1 is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170. As shown in FIG. 13(B), when the sheet sensor 340 detects the sheet bundle B1, the sheet processing unit 170 performs a thermocompression bonding process on the sheet bundle B1. Here, it is assumed that the first mode described in the first embodiment is applied.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13(C), while sheet bundle B1 remains in the sheet processing unit 170, a second sheet bundle B2 is inserted into the sheet processing unit 170. As shown in Figure 13(D), while sheet bundle B2 is on top of sheet bundle B1, the sheet processing unit 170 performs a thermocompression bonding process. With sheet bundles B1 and B2 remaining in the sheet processing unit 170, a third sheet bundle B3 is placed on top of sheet bundle B2. The sheet processing unit 170 performs a thermocompression bonding process on sheet bundles B1 to B3.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 13(E), the last sheet bundle B4 is inserted through the insertion slot 171 and placed on top of the sheet bundle B3. As shown in Fig. 13(F), with the sheet bundle B4 on top of the sheet bundle B3, the sheet processing unit 170 performs a thermocompression bonding process. As a result, a booklet made up of the sheet bundles B1 to B4 is formed.

[0099] In order to adhere multiple sheet bundles B, the surface of the sheet S on which the adhesive toner image 39 is formed increases. An adhesive toner image 39 is formed on the front surface of the uppermost sheet S in the i-th sheet bundle Bi and on the back surface of the lowermost sheet S in the i+1-th sheet bundle Bi+1. The sheet bundle Bi+1 is stacked on top of the sheet bundle Bi.

[0100] 2. Calculating the number of divisions The CPU 501 (division unit 519) calculates the number of divisions N from the total number J and the specified number K input by the user. If the total number J is 16 and the specified number K is 4, the number of divisions N is 4. If the total number J is 12 and the specified number K is 4, the number of divisions N is 3. If the total number J is 7 and the specified number K is 4, the number of divisions N is 2.

[0101] 3. Flowchart 14 shows a control method of the sheet processing unit 170 executed by the CPU 501 in accordance with the program 521. It is assumed here that the user has issued an instruction via the operation unit 150 to start the thermocompression bonding process.

[0102] In step S1401, the CPU 501 (heater control unit 517) supplies power to the heater 304, causing the heater 304 to start generating heat.

[0103] In S1402, the CPU 501 (division unit 617) obtains the quotient, that is, the division number N, by dividing the total number J by the specified number K. In S1403, the CPU 501 initializes an index i for counting or identifying the sheet stack B. The initial value of i is 0.

[0104] In S1404, the CPU 501 (heater control unit 517) detects the temperature of the heater 304 using the thermistor 560 and determines whether the detected temperature has reached the target temperature. If the detected temperature has reached the target temperature, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1404 to S1405.

[0105] In S1405, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the sheet stack B has been detected by the sheet sensor 340. If the sheet stack B has been detected by the sheet sensor 340, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1405 to S1406.

[0106] In S1406, the CPU 501 (motor control unit 513) starts applying pressure to the pressure plate 306. The motor control unit 513 rotates the motor 320 in the forward direction to lower the pressure plate 306. The heater unit 303 moves in the -Z direction together with the pressure plate 306. When the pressure plate 306 comes into contact with the sheet stack B, the timer 515 starts measuring a predetermined time.

[0107] In S1407, the CPU 501 (heater control unit 517) sets the control mode to the first mode, and performs heating and pressurization on the sheet stack Bi in the first mode.

[0108] In S1408, the CPU 501 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressurization start time based on the time measured by the timer 515. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1408 to S1409.

[0109] In S1409, the CPU 501 adds 1 to the index i. In S1410, the CPU 501 determines whether the index i is equal to the division number N. This determination is equivalent to determining whether the booklet is complete. Alternatively, this determination corresponds to determining whether the thermocompression bonding process has been completed for all the sheet bundles B. If the thermocompression bonding process has not been completed for all the sheet bundles B, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1410 to S1405 and waits for the next sheet bundle B to be inserted into the sheet processing unit 170. If the thermocompression bonding process has been completed for all the sheet bundles B, the CPU 501 proceeds from S1410 to S1411.

[0110] In S1411, the CPU 501 ends the heating and pressurizing. The heater control unit 517 ends the supply of power to the heater 304. The motor control unit 513 rotates the motor 320 in the reverse direction to return the pressure plate 306 to the standby position.

[0111] In the second embodiment, a booklet is completed by repeating the thermocompression bonding process N times and stacking N sheet bundles B. Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment allows for a smaller number of sheets S to form one sheet bundle B. This reduces the amount of heat applied to the sheet bundle B by the thermocompression bonding unit 172, thereby reducing the risk of color change. Furthermore, it becomes possible to create a booklet made up of a larger number of sheets S.

[0112] Example 3 In the first and second embodiments, the sheet processing unit 170 that performs thermocompression bonding on the sheet stack B has been described. Here, the adhesive that bonds two adjacent sheets S together is toner. As described above, toner re-melts or softens when heated. Therefore, when the sheet stack B that has been subjected to thermocompression bonding is subjected to thermocompression bonding again, the adhesive toner image 39 softens. This allows the user to separate the multiple sheets S that form the sheet stack B. In the third embodiment, a peeling mode (third mode) in which the multiple sheets S are separated or peeled off will be described.

[0113] 15 shows a selection screen 1500 displayed on the display 553. The selection screen 1500 has a button 1501 for instructing the start of thermocompression bonding processing and a button 1502 for instructing the start of peeling processing. The CPU 501 detects, via the touch sensor 551, which of the buttons 1501 and 1502 has been pressed or touched by the user.

[0114] In the first and second embodiments, the combination of the target temperature and heating time of the heater unit 303 is determined so that the temperature of the adhesive toner image 39 of the sheet S located farthest from the heater unit 303 in the sheet stack B becomes 90°C. In the third embodiment, the combination of the target temperature and heating time of the heater unit 303 is determined so that the temperature of the adhesive toner image 39 of the sheet S located farthest from the heater unit 303 in the sheet stack B becomes 130°C. That is, when the button 1502 is pressed, the mode switching unit 518 switches the control mode to the peeling mode. The mode switching unit 518 acquires the target temperature (e.g., 260°C) and heating time for the peeling mode from the parameter group 522, sets the target temperature in the heater control unit 517, and sets the heating time in the timer 515. This makes it possible to peel the sheet S. The heating time in the peeling mode (third mode) may be set longer than the heating time in the first mode, etc.

[0115] When the thermocompression bonding unit 172 heats the sheet stack B again, the user needs to quickly peel the sheet S from the sheet stack B. Therefore, the selection screen 1500 may include a guidance message 1503 for the user regarding the peeling mode.

[0116] In the third embodiment, a method for peeling the sheet S from the bonded sheet stack B has been described. That is, it is possible to return a plurality of bonded sheets S to a plurality of unbonded sheets S.

[0117] <Technical ideas derived from examples> (Item 1) a receiving means (e.g., an insertion port 171) for receiving a sheet bundle made up of a plurality of sheets having a toner adhesive layer thereon; a heating means (e.g., a heater 304) for performing a heating process to heat the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle manually fed into the receiving means; a pressure applying means (e.g., a pressure plate 306, a receiving part 309) for applying pressure to the adhesive layer of the sheet stack in parallel with the heating process by the heating means; A booklet creation device having the above.

[0118] This provides a booklet producing device with a simple configuration. (Item 2) Further, the sheet stack is provided with a receiving unit (e.g., a start instruction button 1003) for receiving an instruction to start the bonding process for the sheet stack. Item 2. The booklet producing device according to item 1, wherein, when the start instruction is accepted, the heating means performs a heating process and the pressing means performs a pressing process.

[0119] This allows the user to manually instruct the start of the thermocompression bonding process. (Item 3) Further, the sheet receiving unit has a detecting means (e.g., a sheet sensor 340) for detecting the sheet bundle manually fed into the receiving unit. 3. The booklet producing apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein when the detection means detects the sheet bundle, the heating means heats the sheet bundle and the pressing means presses the sheet bundle.

[0120] This saves the user the trouble of having to press the start instruction button 1003 . (Item 4) an acquisition unit (e.g., thickness acquisition unit 516, document reader 140, media sensor 532, operation unit 150) for acquiring the thickness of the sheet stack; and a control means (e.g., CPU 501) for controlling the heating means and the pressurizing means, The control means a first mode in which, when the thickness of the sheet stack is equal to or less than a threshold value (e.g., 0.5 mm), the heating means is controlled to a first target temperature (e.g., 240°C), and the heating time of the sheet stack by the heating means is controlled to a first time (e.g., 4 seconds); a second mode in which, when the thickness of the sheet stack exceeds the threshold value, the heating means is controlled to a second target temperature (e.g., 200°C) and the heating time of the sheet stack by the heating means is controlled to a second time (e.g., 12 seconds), 4. The booklet production device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the second target temperature is lower than the first target temperature, and the second time period is longer than the first time period.

[0121] As a result, a control mode according to the thickness of the sheet stack B is applied. (Item 5) The control means a third mode in which the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle adhered by the toner is heated again by the heating means, thereby enabling the sheet to be peeled from the sheet bundle; 5. The booklet production device according to item 4, wherein in the third mode, the heating means is controlled to a third target temperature (e.g., 260° C.) higher than the first target temperature.

[0122] This allows the user booklet producing device to be used as a sheet peeling device as well. (Item 6) When the first sheet bundle is received by the receiving means, the heating means heats the first sheet bundle and the pressing means presses the first sheet bundle; 6. A booklet creation device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein when a second bundle of sheets is stacked on top of the first bundle of sheets in the receiving means, the heating means heats the first bundle of sheets and the second bundle of sheets, and the pressure means pressurizes the first bundle of sheets and the second bundle of sheets, thereby creating a booklet including the first bundle of sheets and the second bundle of sheets.

[0123] In this way, by repeatedly performing the thermocompression process while stacking a plurality of sheet bundles B in order, it is possible to create a booklet made up of a plurality of sheets S. (Item 7) The pressurizing means is a support member (e.g., receiving part 309) for supporting the sheet stack; a pressure member (e.g., a pressure plate 306) that is disposed opposite the support member and presses the sheet stack by sandwiching the sheet stack in cooperation with the support member; a driving means (e.g., a motor 320) for driving the pressure member; The control means a measuring means (e.g., a counter 514) for measuring the driving amount of the driving means during the period from when the pressure member is at the initial position until it contacts the sheet stack; 5. The booklet producing apparatus according to item 4, wherein the acquisition means acquires the thickness of the sheet stack based on the measurement result of the measurement means.

[0124] In this way, the thickness of the sheet stack B may be obtained based on the drive amount of the drive means. (Item 8) 5. The booklet producing device according to item 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on information related to the thickness of the sheet bundle input by a user.

[0125] As FIG. 10(A) suggests, the thickness may be input by the user or calculated by the CPU 501 based on information input by the user. (Item 9) The apparatus further includes a reading means (e.g., a document reading device 140) for reading thickness information (e.g., a barcode 201) printed on the sheet bundle, 5. The booklet producing device according to item 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on the thickness information read by the reading unit.

[0126] The thickness information may be obtained using the document reading device 140. The document reading device 140 is an example of a barcode reader. (Item 10) The booklet production device described in item 4, wherein the second mode is a mode in which, when the heating process of the heating means on the sheet stack is started, the heating temperature of the heating means is lowered from the first target temperature to the second target temperature.

[0127] The target temperature of the heater unit 303 starts to decrease after the pressure plate 306 comes into contact with the sheet stack B, thereby reducing the waiting time of the user. (Item 11) In the first mode, the heating temperature of the heating means is maintained constant at the first target temperature during the first time period; 5. The booklet production device according to item 4, wherein in the second mode, the heating temperature transitions from the first target temperature to the second target temperature during the second time period, and then the heating temperature is maintained constant at the second target temperature.

[0128] In either the first mode or the second mode, overheating or underheating is unlikely to occur. (Item 12) The booklet production device described in item 4, wherein the combination of the first target temperature and the first time and the combination of the second target temperature and the second time are each determined in advance so that discoloration due to overheating does not occur in the sheet stack and a predetermined adhesive strength is ensured.

[0129] In both the first and second modes, discoloration and adhesive strength are unlikely to occur. (Item 13) When the total number of sheets constituting a booklet is J and the number of sheets that can be bonded by one heat treatment is K, the N sheet bundles are stacked one by one in order on the receiving means, and the heating means performs the heating treatment and the pressing means performs the pressing treatment for each of the N sheet bundles; 13. The booklet production device according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein N is a quotient obtained by dividing J by K.

[0130] In this way, by repeatedly performing the thermocompression process while stacking a plurality of sheet bundles B in order, it is possible to create a booklet made up of a plurality of sheets S. (Item 14) 14. The booklet producing device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the heating means is attached to the pressure means.

[0131] The heater unit 303 may have a pressure plate 306 to which a heater 304 is attached. This makes it possible to perform pressure application and heating simultaneously. In particular, a booklet production device with a simple configuration is provided. (Item 15) an image forming means (e.g., a printer 101) for forming an adhesive layer on a sheet using toner; A booklet creation device according to any one of items 1 to 14, which creates a booklet from the sheets; An image forming apparatus having the same.

[0132] In this way, the sheet processing unit 170 may be mounted on or connected to the image forming apparatus 100 . (Item 16) Item 16. The image forming apparatus according to item 15, wherein the heating means starts to generate heat while the image forming means is forming the adhesive layer on the sheet.

[0133] Preheating of the heater 304 reduces the waiting time for the user. (Item 17) Item 17. The image forming apparatus according to item 15 or 16, wherein the image forming unit forms identification information associated with heating conditions applied to the sheet stack on the sheet located at the top or bottom of the sheet stack.

[0134] The barcode 201 may be formed on either of the two outermost sheets in the sheet stack B. This will make it easier for the user to find the barcode 201. By positioning the barcode 201 near the adhesive layer, the user will be able to easily understand which part of the sheet S should be inserted into the sheet processing unit 170. (Item 18) Item 18. The image forming apparatus according to item 17, wherein the heating conditions include at least one of a heating temperature of the heating means and a heating time of the heating means. (Item 19) 19. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 15 to 18, wherein the image forming unit forms the adhesive layer at one of the four corners of the sheet or at a binding margin that is parallel to the short side or long side of the sheet. (Item 20) 20. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 15 to 19, wherein the image forming unit changes the position of the adhesive layer every time a predetermined number of sheet bundles are formed.

[0135] It is possible to suppress wear of the portion of the surface of the image forming means that comes into contact with the adhesive layer.

[0136] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made 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]

[0137] 171...insertion port, 303...heater part, 306...pressure plate, 309...receiving part

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving a sheet bundle made up of a plurality of sheets having an adhesive layer made of toner, the sheet bundle being manually fed thereto; a heating unit that performs a heat treatment to heat the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle manually fed into the receiving unit; a pressurizing unit that performs a pressurizing process to pressurize the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle in parallel with the heating process by the heating unit; A booklet creation device having the above.

2. further comprising a receiving unit for receiving an instruction to start a bonding process for the sheet bundle; 2. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the start instruction is received, the heating means performs the heating process and the pressing means performs the pressing process.

3. a detecting means for detecting the sheet bundle manually fed into the receiving means; 2. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the sheet bundle is detected by the detection means, the heating means heats the sheet bundle and the pressing means presses the sheet bundle.

4. an acquisition means for acquiring the thickness of the sheet bundle; a control means for controlling the heating means and the pressurizing means, The control means a first mode in which, when the thickness of the sheet stack is equal to or smaller than a threshold value, the heating means is controlled to a first target temperature and a heating time of the sheet stack by the heating means is controlled to a first time; a second mode in which, when the thickness of the sheet stack exceeds the threshold value, the heating means is controlled to a second target temperature and a heating time of the sheet stack by the heating means is controlled to a second time; 2. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second target temperature is lower than the first target temperature, and the second time period is longer than the first time period.

5. The control means a third mode in which the adhesive layer of the sheet bundle adhered by the toner is heated again by the heating means, thereby enabling the sheet to be peeled from the sheet bundle; 5. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in the third mode, the heating means is controlled to a third target temperature higher than the first target temperature.

6. When the first sheet bundle is received by the receiving means, the heating means heats the first sheet bundle and the pressing means presses the first sheet bundle; 2. The booklet creation device of claim 1, wherein when a second stack of sheets is stacked on top of the first stack of sheets in the receiving means, the heating means heats the first stack of sheets and the second stack of sheets, and the pressure means pressurizes the first stack of sheets and the second stack of sheets, thereby creating a booklet including the first stack of sheets and the second stack of sheets.

7. The pressure applying means is a support member for supporting the sheet stack; a pressure member disposed opposite the support member and pressing the sheet stack by sandwiching the sheet stack in cooperation with the support member; a driving means for driving the pressure member, The control means a measuring means for measuring the driving amount of the driving means during a period from when the pressure member is at an initial position until when the pressure member comes into contact with the sheet stack; The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the acquisition means acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on the measurement result of the measurement means.

8. 5. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on information relating to the thickness of the sheet bundle input by a user.

9. The method further includes reading means for reading thickness information printed on the sheet bundle, The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on the thickness information read by the reading unit.

10. 5. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second mode is a mode in which, when the heating process of the heating means on the sheet bundle is started, the heating temperature of the heating means is lowered from the first target temperature to the second target temperature.

11. In the first mode, the heating temperature of the heating means is maintained constant at the first target temperature during the first time period; 5. The booklet production device according to claim 4, wherein in the second mode, after the heating temperature transitions from the first target temperature to the second target temperature during the second time period, the heating temperature is maintained constant at the second target temperature.

12. The booklet creation device of claim 4, wherein the combination of the first target temperature and the first time and the combination of the second target temperature and the second time are each predetermined so that discoloration due to overheating does not occur in the sheet stack and a predetermined adhesive strength is ensured.

13. When the total number of sheets constituting a booklet is J and the number of sheets that can be bonded by one heat treatment is K, the N sheet bundles are stacked one by one in order on the receiving means, and the heating means performs the heating treatment and the pressing means performs the pressing treatment for each of the N sheet bundles; 2. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein N is a quotient obtained by dividing J by K.

14. 2. The booklet producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heating means is attached to said pressure means.

15. an image forming means for forming an adhesive layer on a sheet using toner; A booklet creation device according to claim 1 , which creates a booklet from the sheets; An image forming apparatus having the same.

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the heating means starts to generate heat while the image forming means is forming the adhesive layer on the sheet.

17. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming unit forms identification information associated with heating conditions applied to the sheet bundle on the uppermost or lowermost sheet of the sheet bundle.

18. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the heating conditions include at least one of a heating temperature of the heating unit and a heating time of the heating unit.

19. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming unit forms the adhesive layer at one of four corners of the sheet or at a binding margin that is provided parallel to a short side or a long side of the sheet.

20. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image forming unit changes the position of the adhesive layer every time a predetermined number of sheet bundles are formed.

Images