Booklet creation apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To improve the productivity of booklet production equipment. [Solution] The pressing member moves relative to the receiving member. A heat-sealing process is performed which includes an approaching motion in which the pressing member approaches the receiving member and a receding motion in which the pressing member moves away from the receiving member. Each time one or more subsequent sheets are placed on the preceding sheet that is between the receiving member and the pressing member, the heat-sealing process is applied to the sheet bundle consisting of the preceding sheet and the subsequent sheets. The heat-sealing process is repeated multiple times to create a booklet consisting of multiple sheets. During the approaching motion, the movement speed of the pressing member is controlled from the approaching start speed to the approaching end speed. The approaching end speed is the speed at which the pressing force becomes the target pressing force. When the movement speed of the pressing member reaches the approaching end speed, the position of the pressing member moves further away from the receiving member depending on the number of times the heat-sealing process has been performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a booklet creating device and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to bind a plurality of sheets to create a booklet, a binding processing device for binding a plurality of sheets using staple pins has been necessary. According to Patent Document 1, a binding processing device that binds a plurality of sheets only by applying pressure without using staple pins has been proposed. In this case, a booklet is created by sandwiching and pressing a plurality of sheets between a first binding tooth and a second binding tooth provided in parallel with respect to the plurality of sheets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The binding apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can bind a small number of sheets, but it cannot bind a large number of sheets. Therefore, by using toner as an adhesive to bond multiple sheets, it becomes possible to create booklets consisting of many sheets. In this case, the booklet creation apparatus, each time a sheet discharged from the fixing device arrives, places that sheet on top of a preceding sheet, and pressurizes and heats these sheets to remelt the toner and bond them together. For example, when creating a booklet consisting of N sheets, N-1 pressurizing and heating processes may be required. A large pressing force is required to reliably bond multiple sheets. Since the pressurizing device operates with driving force provided by a motor, a large pressing force can be obtained by increasing the reduction ratio in the driving force transmission mechanism. However, increasing the reduction ratio increases the operating time of the pressurizing device, reducing the productivity of the booklet creation apparatus. Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the productivity of a booklet creation apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention, for example, A heat-sealing unit for heating and pressurizing adhesive layers in a stacked state of multiple sheets on which adhesive layers have been formed, comprising: a pressurizing member that contacts the sheets and pressurizes them; a receiving member facing the pressurizing member; a moving means for moving the pressurizing member so that the pressurizing member and the receiving member clamp and pressurize the stacked multiple sheets; and a heating means for heating the adhesive layers of the stacked multiple sheets. A control unit that controls the movement of the pressurizing member, A booklet making apparatus having a pressurizing member and a receiving member, which produces one booklet by repeatedly performing the following actions: feeding in a sheet in which an adhesive layer is formed between the pressurizing member and the receiving member, heating and pressurizing the adhesive layers formed on multiple sheets, and then separating the pressurizing member from the sheet, The control unit, When moving the pressing member toward the sheet, the pressing member is decelerated so that it reaches the speed at which the sheet is being pressed. The present invention provides a booklet making apparatus characterized in that, when making one booklet, the pressure member is controlled such that the position where the sheet pressure is reached is a position away from the receiving member, according to the number of times the above operation is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the productivity of a booklet production device is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating the adhesive layer [Figure 3] Diagram explaining the heat-sealing process. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the heat-sealed area [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the structure of the heat-sealed section. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the connection between the transmission mechanism and the pressurizing member. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the interlocking mechanism between the transmission mechanism and the pressurizing member. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the interlocking mechanism between the transmission mechanism and the pressurizing member. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the location of the transmission mechanism and the pressurizing member. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the position of the transmission mechanism and the pressurizing member when a sheet is present. [Figure 11] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating the speed profile [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the control method [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating the speed profile [Figure 15] Diagram explaining the cam mechanism [Modes for carrying out 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 invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <Example 1> 1. Image forming apparatus (image forming system) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer 101 and a booklet making apparatus 170. The printer 101 forms an image with toner on a sheet S. The printer 101 has a housing 102. The booklet making apparatus 170 has a thermocompression bonding unit 53. The thermocompression bonding unit 53 overlaps and aligns a plurality of sheets S delivered from the printer 101 to create a sheet bundle, and heats and presses the sheet bundle to create a booklet. The thermocompression bonding unit 53 may perform thermocompression bonding each time a single sheet S arrives, or may perform thermocompression bonding each time a plurality of sheets S arrive.

[0010] In the printer 101, the photosensitive drum 1 is an image carrier that rotates while carrying an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charger 2 is a charging roller or a 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 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 4 develops the electrostatic latent image using the toner stored in the toner container 26 to form a toner image.

[0011] The feed roller 21 feeds the sheet S held in the sheet cassette 25 into the conveyance path. The separation roller pair 22 separates a single sheet S from a plurality of sheets S and conveys the sheet S further downstream. Here, downstream means downstream in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The registration roller 23 is a conveyance roller that corrects the skew of the sheet S and conveys the sheet S to the transfer nip.

[0012] The transfer roller 7 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 1 to the sheet S. The transfer nip is formed by the contact of the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 7.

[0013] The fixing device 8 has a heating roller and a pressure roller, and applies pressure and heat to the sheet S and the toner image to fix the toner image on the sheet S. The guiding member 9 controls the destination of the sheet S. When the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 11, the guiding member 9 guides the sheet S to the discharge roller 10. The discharge roller 10 discharges the sheet S onto the discharge tray 11. In double-sided printing, the guiding member 9 guides the sheet S to the reversing roller 12. The reversing roller 12 rotates forward to draw in the sheet S with an image formed on the first side. The reversing roller 12 further rotates reversely to feed the sheet S into the conveyance path 13. The sheet S is conveyed through the conveyance path 13 and reaches the transfer nip again. The transfer roller 7 transfers the toner image to the second side of the sheet S. The fixing device 8 fixes the toner image on the second side of the sheet S. The guiding member 9 guides the sheet S to the discharge tray 11.

[0014] When a booklet is created in the booklet making device 170, the guiding member 9 guides the sheet S to the guiding member 5. The guiding member 5 guides the sheet S to the booklet making device 170. [[ID=?10]]

[0015] 2. Booklet Making Device The booklet creation device 170 has a housing 50. The housing 50 has an inlet roller pair 51, a heat-sealing section 53, and an outlet roller pair 54. The heat-sealing section 53 has an outlet tray 57 supported by the housing 50. The inlet roller pair 51 receives the sheet S discharged from the printer 101 and transports it toward the heat-sealing section 53. The heat-sealing section 53 has a processing stage 60 and a stage roller 52. The stage roller 52 discharges the sheet S received from the inlet roller pair 51 toward the processing stage 60. A jogger 58 supports the sheet S when it is placed on the processing stage 60. As a result, the downstream side of the sheet S is supported by the jogger 58 and the upstream side of the sheet S is placed on the processing stage 60. The alignment roller 59 contacts the sheet S and rotates, causing the sheet S to abut against the alignment wall 61 of the processing stage 60. This aligns the sheet S on the processing stage 60. A stack of sheets is completed by repeatedly performing the alignment process on multiple sheets S.

[0016] When a sheet bundle consisting of a predetermined number of sheets S is formed in the processing stage 60, the jogger 58 moves the sheet bundle in a predetermined direction and feeds it to the heat-sealing section 53. The predetermined direction is the direction that intersects the transport direction F1. The heat-sealing section 53 applies heat and pressure to the multiple sheets S on which the adhesive toner image (adhesive layer) has been formed, thereby bonding the sheet bundle and completing the booklet. The discharge roller pair 54 transports the booklet along the transport direction F, and the booklet is discharged to the discharge tray 57.

[0017] Sheet S may be made of any of the following materials: plain paper, cardboard, coated paper (paper with a surface treatment), index paper, plastic film, cloth, envelope, etc. Thus, the size, shape, and material of Sheet S are arbitrary.

[0018] 3.Adhesive layer Figures 2(A) and 2(B) show examples of toner images formed on sheet S. Sheet S has user images 200, such as text, shapes, or photographs, which are arbitrarily prepared by the user, and adhesive layers (adhesive toner images 201 and 202) for bonding two adjacent sheets S together. The shapes of adhesive toner image 201 and adhesive toner image 202 are different. This suggests that they are changed according to the shape of the pressurizing member provided in the heat-sealing section 53.

[0019] In the case of a single-sided printed booklet, the adhesive toner images 201 and 202 are formed only on one side of the sheet S. In the case of a double-sided printed booklet, the adhesive toner images 201 and 202 are formed on one or both sides of the sheet S. However, the adhesive toner images 201 and 202 are not formed on the front and back covers of the booklet.

[0020] 4. Heat-sealed section 4-1. Procedure for heat sealing Figure 3(A) shows the structure of the heat-sealing section 53. Various structures are provided inside the housing 300. The sheet bundle B is inserted into the housing 300 by the jogger 58 and the processing stage 60. Here, a sheet bundle B formed from multiple sheets S is shown, but this is just one example. When the first sheet S is placed on the processing stage 60, the heat-sealing process is not performed. When the second sheet S is brought into the processing stage 60, and both the first and second sheets S are placed on the processing stage 60, the heat-sealing process is performed. Here, to distinguish the sheets S, each sheet S may be assigned an index i. i is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Each time the (i+1)th sheet S arrives at the processing stage 60, the heat-sealing process is performed on the sheet bundle B consisting of the first to (i+1)th sheets S. If the heat-sealing process is performed each time a sheet S arrives, then N-1 heat-sealing processes are required to create a booklet consisting of N sheets S. Furthermore, if the heat-sealing capacity of the heat-sealing unit 53 is high, the heat-sealing process may be performed each time M sheets S are loaded onto the processing stage 60. This may reduce the number of heat-sealing processes required to create a booklet consisting of N sheets S. For example, J heat-sealing processes are required to create a booklet consisting of N sheets S, where J is an integer rounded up from (N-1) / M.

[0021] The heat-sealing section 53 includes a heater section 303, a receiving member 309, and a sheet sensor 340. The sheet sensor 340 is optional. The heater section 303 heats the adhesive toner image 201 on the sheet bundle B to a predetermined heating temperature. The heater section 303 and the receiving member 309 are relatively movable and pressurize the sheet bundle B by sandwiching it between them. In other words, the heater section 303 and the receiving member 309 work together to pressurize the adhesive toner image 201 printed on the sheet bundle B. The heater section 303 and the receiving member 309 function as a support member for the sheet bundle B and a pressurizing member for pressurizing the sheet bundle B. The sheet sensor 340 is a sensor that detects when the sheet bundle B has been inserted into the processing position of the heat-sealing section 53. The sheet sensor 340 may be an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3(B), the sheet bundle B is inserted into the heat-sealing section 53 while being guided by the processing stage 60. As shown in Figure 3(C), the tip of the sheet bundle B rotates the flag of the sheet sensor 340, causing the sheet sensor 340 to detect the sheet bundle B. For example, the insertion of the sheet bundle B is detected when the state of light directed from the light-emitting element in the sheet sensor 340 toward 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. When the sheet sensor 340 detects the sheet bundle B, the heat-sealing section 53 lowers the heater section 303. That is, the heater section 303 approaches the receiving member 309 and the sheet bundle B.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3(D), the heater unit 303 pressurizes the sheet bundle B and heats the adhesive toner image 201. Heating and pressurizing are performed for a predetermined heating time (which may also be called pressurizing time, bonding time, or thermocompression time).

[0024] As shown in Figure 3(E), after a predetermined heating time has elapsed, the heater unit 303 begins to separate from the sheet bundle B. This makes it possible to remove the sheet bundle B from the heat-sealing unit 53. After that, the heater unit 303 stops in the standby position (home position (HP)). Since the heater unit 303 performs the heating and pressurizing processes simultaneously, the heating time and pressurizing time are equal. Therefore, in the following, the heating time can be read as the pressurizing time.

[0025] 4-2. Structure of the heat-sealed section Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are perspective views of the heat-sealing section 53. Figures 5(A) to 5(H) show the structure of the heat-sealing section 53. The heat-sealing section 53 includes a heater section 303, a receiving member 309, a main chassis 330, and a motor 320. The main chassis 330 constitutes the frame of the heat-sealing section 53. The heater section 303 is reciprocating (slidable) along the Z direction.

[0026] The Z direction is the direction in which the pressing member moves relative to the receiving member to pressurize the sheet bundle B, and is also the height direction (thickness direction) of the sheet bundle B. In a virtual plane perpendicular to the Z direction, the mutually orthogonal directions are the X and Y directions. If necessary, the X, Y, and Z directions are expressed as the +X, +Y, and +Z directions, respectively, and their opposite directions are expressed as the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively.

[0027] Figure 5(A) is a left side view showing the heat-sealed portion 53 as seen from the +X side. Figure 5(B) is a front view showing the heat-sealed portion 53 as seen from the +Y side. Figure 5(C) is a right side view showing the heat-sealed portion 53 as seen from the -X side. Figure 5(D) is a top view showing the heat-sealed portion 53 as seen from the +Z side. Figure 5(E) is a rear view showing the heat-sealed portion 53 as seen from the -Y side. Figure 5(F) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the heat-sealed portion 53 at the AA cutting line shown in Figure 5(B). Figure 5(G) is an enlarged view of region B in Figure 5(F). Figure 5(H) is an enlarged view of region C in Figure 5(F).

[0028] As shown in Figure 5(A), the heat-sealing section 53 moves the heater section 303 by the driving force supplied by the motor 320, which is the drive source, and clamps the sheet bundle B between the heater section 303 and the receiving member 309. As a result, the sheet bundle B and the adhesive toner image 201 are heated and pressurized, and the multiple sheets S contained in the sheet bundle B are bonded together.

[0029] The main chassis 330 includes a left plate 331, a right plate 332, a top plate 333, and a bottom plate 334. The left plate 331 and the right 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 Figure 5(B), a support plate 315 is fixed to the main chassis 330. As shown in Figure 5(H), the support plate 315 supports the receiving member 309 by sandwiching it in cooperation with the support portion 330a of the main chassis 330. This positions the receiving member 309.

[0030] The main chassis 330 and the support sheet metal 315 constitute the frame of the heat-sealing section 53. The main chassis 330 includes mounting sections 312 and 313 for attaching the heat-sealing section 53 to the housing 102 of the printer 101. In other words, the heat-sealing section 53 is attached to the housing 102 via the mounting sections 312 and 313. As shown in Figure 5(D), the insertion direction (-Y direction) of the sheet bundle B may be inclined at approximately 60° with respect to the long side Vc of the sheet bundle B to match the adhesive toner image 201. This ensures that the sheet bundle B is bound parallel to the hypotenuse of the adhesive toner image 201.

[0031] As shown in Figures 5(D) and 5(F), the heat-sealed section 53 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, 318b and mechanical fastening parts (not shown).

[0032] As shown in Figures 5(C), 5(E), and 5(F), the drive system of the heat-sealing section 53 includes a motor 320, a pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, 323, and a rack gear 317. The drive system including the motor 320 is an example of a pressurizing means for pressing the pressurizing member against the sheet bundle B. The motor 320 is a drive source for moving the heater section 303 relative to the receiving member 309 and pressing the pressurizing plate 306 against the sheet bundle B. The pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, 323, and rack gear 317 are a drive transmission mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor 320 into the direction of movement of the heater section 303 (+Z direction / -Z direction) and transmits it to the heater section 303.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5(F), the rack gear 317 is guided by a cylindrical guide shaft 319 extending parallel to the Z direction and reciprocates parallel to the Z direction. Both ends of the guide shaft 319 are fixed to the main chassis 330. The heater unit 303 reciprocates parallel to the Z direction in conjunction with the rack gear 317 via the lifting stay 316.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5(A), an elongated hole 313a is formed in the left side plate 331 of the main chassis 330, substantially parallel to the extension direction of the guide shaft 319. A rib 317a provided on the rack gear 317 fits into the elongated hole 313a. The fitting of the rib 317a into the elongated hole 313a positions the rack gear 317 so as not to rotate around the guide shaft 319 (anti-rotation mechanism). The rib 317a and the elongated hole 313a are examples of anti-rotation mechanisms. Other anti-rotation mechanisms, such as spline engagement, may be employed.

[0035] The pinion gear 320a is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 320. As shown in Figure 5(C), the gear 321 is a stepped gear having a large-diameter gear section and a small-diameter gear section. The large-diameter gear section of gear 321 meshes with the pinion gear 320a. The small-diameter gear section of gear 321 meshes with gear 322. Gear 323 meshes with the rack gear 317. Gear 323 is mounted together with gear 322 on the pivot shaft 324. As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(C), the pivot shaft 324 passes through gears 322 and 323 and is rotatably supported by the left side plate 331 and the right side plate 332 of the main chassis 330. Gears 322 and 323 rotate together via the pivot shaft 324. The pitch circle radius of gear 323 is smaller than that of gear 322.

[0036] In this way, the driving force of the motor 320 is transmitted to the heater section 303 via the pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, 323, and rack gear 317, causing the heater section 303 to slide parallel to the Z direction. Depending on the rotation direction of the motor 320, the heater section 303 moves (up / down) in the +Z and -Z directions.

[0037] The pinion gear 320a, gears 321, 322, 323, and rack gear 317 constitute a reduction mechanism for obtaining the pressure required for thermocompression bonding of the sheet bundle B. A reduction mechanism such as a worm gear or planetary gear mechanism may be employed.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5(F) and 5(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.

[0039] The heater 304 is an electrical component that heats the sheet bundle B to be bonded. The heater 304 may be a ceramic heater. The heater 304 may have, for example, an insulating substrate. The thickness of the insulating substrate is, for example, 1 mm, and the material of the insulating substrate is, for example, alumina. A heating circuit including a heating resistor and a temperature sensing circuit (thermistor 1160 in Figure 11) 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 the thickness direction. The first surface (-Z side) of the insulating substrate is in contact with the pressure plate 306. The second surface (+Z side) of the insulating substrate has the heating circuit and thermistor 1160 mounted on it. When power is supplied to the heating circuit, heat is propagated from the heating circuit through the insulating substrate to the pressure plate 306, and the temperature of the pressure plate 306 rises. 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 1160 becomes the target temperature (e.g., 210°C). This adjusts the surface temperature of the pressure plate 306 to 200°C.

[0040] The pressure plate 306 is a pressure member that works in cooperation with the receiving member 309 as a receiving member to clamp and pressurize the sheet bundle B. The material of the pressure plate 306 is, for example, heat-resistant silicone rubber with a thickness of 3 mm. As shown in Figure 5(G), one of the two surfaces of the pressure plate 306 (the -Z side surface) is the pressure surface 306a that contacts the sheet bundle B. At least a part of the pressure surface 306a may have a convex shape that protrudes in the -Z direction. The pressure surface 306a may also be a convex portion that extends in the X direction. The convex portion of the pressure surface 306a may, for example, have an arc-shaped curved surface when viewed in the X direction. The pressure applied when the sheet bundle B is pressed by the convex portion is, for example, about 1.0 MPa.

[0041] The thermoswitch 305 is an example of a safety device. When abnormal heat generation occurs due to a malfunction in the control system, etc., the thermoswitch 305 detects the abnormal heat generation and physically disconnects the connection between the heat-generating circuit and the power supply, thereby stopping the power supply to the heat-generating circuit.

[0042] The compression spring 307 is positioned 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 the lifting stay 316.

[0043] The pressure plate 306 is fixed to the heater base 308. The heater 304, thermoswitch 305, and 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 heater 304 against the pressure plate 306. This allows the heat from the heater 304 to be efficiently transferred to the pressure plate 306.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5(F) and 5(H), the booklet creation device 170 includes a receiving member 309 as an example of a receiving member. The receiving member 309 has a receiving surface 309a on one side (+Z side) in the Z direction that contacts the sheet bundle B. The receiving member 309 faces the pressure plate 306 of the heater section 303 in the Z direction. The receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 and the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 face each other in the Z direction. The receiving surface 309a and the pressure surface 306a overlap when viewed from the Z direction. However, overlapping when viewed from a certain direction means that when each element is projected perpendicularly onto a virtual plane perpendicular to that direction, the projected area of ​​one element and the projected area of ​​the other element overlap at least partially.

[0045] The receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 is rectangular in shape, elongated in the X direction. Furthermore, when no pressure is applied from the pressure plate 306, the receiving surface 309a is substantially flat.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5(H), the receiving member 309 has shaft portions 309b and 309c extending in a direction intersecting the Z direction (e.g., a perpendicular direction). The receiving member 309 has a shaft portion 309b projecting in the +Y direction and a shaft portion 309c projecting in the -Y direction. Shaft portion 309b is rotatably supported by a bearing 310a. Shaft portion 309c is rotatably supported by a bearing 310b. Shaft portions 309b and 309c are examples of shaft portions (first shaft portions) that extend in a first direction and allow the receiving member to tilt about the shaft portion. The bearing 310a is attached to a support plate 315 fixed to the main chassis 330. The bearing 310b is attached to a support portion 330a of the main chassis 330.

[0047] The receiving member 309 is tiltable such that its receiving surface 309a is tilted around an axis 309d extending in the Y direction. The receiving member 309 is positioned in the Y direction by being sandwiched between the support plate 315 and the support portion 330a of the main chassis 330. The receiving member 309 needs to have rigidity to withstand the pressure applied from the pressure plate 306. Therefore, the receiving member 309 may have a double-ended support configuration supported at both ends in the direction of the axis 309d.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(H), the receiving member 309 is biased by a spring 311. The spring 311 engages with the hook portion of the receiving member 309 and biases the hook portion in the -Z direction. The position where the moment acting on the receiving member 309 due to the biasing force of the spring 311 is zero in the rotational direction around the axis 309d is the neutral position (reference position) of the receiving member 309. When the receiving member 309 rotates from the neutral position in any rotational direction, the biasing force of the spring 311 acts on the receiving member 309, causing it to return to the neutral position.

[0049] The receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 is designed such that, for example, the receiving surface 309a does not tilt when the receiving member 309 is in a neutral position. The absence of tilt in the receiving surface 309a means that, when viewed from the direction of the axis 309d (Y direction), the receiving surface 309a is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0050] The spring 311 is an example of a biasing means for biasing the receiving member 309. If the position of the hook portion relative to the axis 309d is changed, the arrangement of the spring 311 is also changed. Instead of the spring 311, for example, a torsion coil spring or an elastic member such as rubber may be used. Not limited to those using elastic force, a magnet that biases the receiving member 309 by magnetic force, or a weight that biases the receiving member 309 by gravity may also be used.

[0051] Figure 6 shows the lifting stay 316, the light sensor 404, the support member 402, the springs 405a and 405b, the sleeves 401a and 401b, the rack gear 317, and the guide shaft 319. The lifting stay 316 is provided with the support member 402. The support member 402 supports the light sensor 404. The springs 405a and 405b are attached to the lifting stay 316 and the rack gear 317, restricting the independent movement of the lifting stay 316 and the rack gear 317. The guide shaft 319 is inserted through the sleeves 401a and 401b and the rack gear 317. This restricts the direction of movement of the rack gear 317 and the lifting stay 316. The rack gear 317 is provided with light shielding plates 317b and 317c. The light shielding plate 317b blocks or transmits light from the light-emitting element of the light sensor 404 toward the light-receiving element. The light-shielding plate 317c is provided for another light sensor.

[0052] 4-3. Location Detection 4-3-1. Structures involved in position detection Figures 7(A), 7(B), and 7(C) are right side views illustrating the position of the heater unit 303. Figures 8(A), 8(B), and 8(C) are front views illustrating the position of the heater unit 303. Figures 7(A) and 8(A) show the position of the pressure plate 306 when the pressure applied by the pressure plate 306 to the sheet bundle B reaches a predetermined value. Figures 7(B) and 8(B) show the position of the pressure plate 306 at the moment when the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a and the receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 come into contact. Figures 7(C) and 8(C) show the position of the pressure plate 306 when the heater unit 303 stops in the hope position. Enlarged areas 701 to 703 show the contact surface 401c of the lifting stay 316 and the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317.

[0053] In this embodiment, the heater unit 303 descends from the home position to a predetermined shift position at a first speed, and then descends from the shift position to the completion position at a second speed. Here, the first speed is greater than the second speed. The second speed is a speed that can apply an appropriate pressure to the sheet bundle B. The heater unit 303 rises from the completion position to the home position at the first speed. This shortens the travel time and improves the production efficiency of the booklets. Incidentally, the appropriate shift position should be changed according to the thickness of the sheet bundle B loaded on the processing stage 60. This is because if the shift position is inappropriate, the motor 320 that moves the heater unit 303 will lose step or lock up. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the shift position with high accuracy. For this purpose, an optical sensor 404 or the like is used to detect the position of the heater unit 303.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7(A) and other figures, the guide shaft 319 is positioned by sleeves 401a and 401b. Sleeve 401a is mechanically coupled to the support portion 316a of the lifting stay 316. Sleeves 401a and 401b engage with the guide shaft 319, allowing the lifting stay 316, which holds the heater portion 303, to move smoothly in the Z direction.

[0055] The light sensors 403 and 404 are transmissive sensors. Light sensor 403 is mechanically engaged with the left side plate 331. Support member 402 is a member that supports light sensor 404. Support member 402 is mechanically engaged with the lifting stay 316 that holds the heater section 303. One end of spring 405a is attached to the hook 316b of the lifting stay 316. The other end of spring 405a is attached to the hook 317e of the rack gear 317. One end of spring 405b is attached to the hook 316c of the lifting stay 316. The other end of spring 405b is attached to the hook 317f of the rack gear 317. The biasing force of springs 405a and 405b acts in the direction that brings the contact surface 401c of sleeve 401a and the contact surface 317d of rack gear 317 closer together.

[0056] 4-3-2. Approach movement In the first movement section of the pressure plate 306 shown in Figures 7(B) and 7(C), the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 and the receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 are not in contact. In the first movement section, the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a and the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 are in contact. Therefore, in the first movement section, the movement distance of the optical sensor 404 is equal to the movement distance of the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306. Note that it is assumed here that the sheet S does not exist.

[0057] On the other hand, there are cases where a sheet S exists between the pressure surface 306a and the receiving surface 309a. The fact that the pressure surface 306a and the sheet S are not in contact corresponds to the fact that the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a and the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 are in contact.

[0058] Figures 7(B) and 7(A) show the second movement section (pressure section). Figure 7(B) shows the moment when the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 and the receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 come into contact. As the motor 320 moves the rack gear 317 further in the -Z direction, the sheet S is pressurized by the pressure surface 306a and the receiving surface 309a. However, only the rack gear 317 moves in the -Z direction, and the sleeve 401a does not move. As shown in Figure 7(A), the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a and the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 separate.

[0059] In Figures 8(A) to 8(C), line 801 indicates the detection position of the optical sensor 403. Line 802 indicates the detection position of the optical sensor 404. In Figure 8(B), the light-shielding plate 317b of the rack gear 317 shields the detection position of the optical sensor 404 (line 802). This completes the movement of the rack gear 317. At this time, as shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), the springs 405a and 405b are stretched by dz. dz corresponds to the distance in the Z direction between the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 and the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a. In other words, the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 and the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a are separated by dz. The biasing force obtained by stretching springs 405a and 405b by dz becomes a contact force acting between the pressing surface 306a of the pressing plate 306 and the receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309. If there is a sheet S between the pressing surface 306a and the receiving surface 309a, this contact force becomes a nipping force (pressure) on the sheet S.

[0060] Thus, in the first movement section from the home position to just before the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 contacts the receiving surface 309a or the sheet S, the optical sensor 404 moves together with the pressure surface 306a. In other words, the optical sensor 404 moves together with the rack gear 317 and the light shielding plate 317b.

[0061] When the pressure surface 306a contacts the receiving surface 309a or the sheet S, the pressure surface 306a stops. Even after the pressure surface 306a stops, the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 continues to descend. This section of the rack gear 317's total movement is called the second movement section. In the second movement section, the rack gear 317 and the light shielding plate 317b move independently of the pressure plate 306 and the light sensor 404. As a result, the maximum extension of the springs 405a and 405b becomes constant, regardless of the thickness of the sheet S and the sheet bundle B. In other words, the pressure surface 306a can apply a constant pressure to the sheet S, regardless of the thickness of the sheet S.

[0062] After the pressing surface 306a contacts the receiving surface 309a or the sheet S, a large torque is required to extend the springs 405a and 405b by dz. Therefore, the motor 320 needs to be decelerated.

[0063] 4-3-3. Separation operation The movement of the heater unit 303 and the pressure plate 306 from the completed position shown in Figure 7(A) to the home position shown in Figure 7(C) is called the separation movement. The optical sensor 403 is mechanically coupled to the mounting part 312. When the sheet S is absent, the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 and the receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 come into contact. In this case, contact pressure is applied between the pressure surface 306a and the receiving surface 309a. When the predetermined pressurizing time is completed, the motor 320 moves the rack gear 317 in the +Z direction.

[0064] As the rack gear 317 rises, when it reaches the position shown in Figure 7(B), the contact pressure between the pressurizing surface 306a and the receiving surface 309a becomes zero. When the contact pressure becomes zero, the contact surface 401c of the sleeve 401a and the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 come into contact.

[0065] With the contact surface 401c and the contact surface 317d still in contact, the motor 320 moves the rack gear 317 further in the +Z direction. Then, as shown in Figure 7(C), the light-shielding plate 317c coupled to the rack gear 317 shields the light sensor 403. As a result, the motor 320 stops rotating. At this time, the pressure plate 306 and the rack gear 317 are in their respective home positions. Strictly speaking, the home position of the pressure plate 306 and the home position of the rack gear 317 are slightly separated (e.g., 3 mm) in the Z direction.

[0066] 4-4. Changes in the position of the pressure plate Figure 9(A) shows the position Ph of the pressure surface 306a and the position Pr of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 when applying a heat-sealing process to a sheet bundle B consisting of 10 sheets S. Figure 9(B) shows the position Ph of the pressure surface 306a and the position Pr of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 when applying a heat-sealing process to a sheet bundle B consisting of 30 sheets S. The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents the distance (position) of movement in the Z direction with the home position of the contact surface 317d as the reference (Z=0). The dashed line Pr indicates the position of the rack gear 317, and the dashed line Ph indicates the position of the pressure plate 306 of the heater section 303.

[0067] Figure 10(A) shows the state in which a predetermined pressure is applied to 10 sheets S. Figure 10(B) shows the moment when the pressure surface 306a makes contact with the uppermost sheet S among the 10 sheets S. Figure 10(C) shows the state in which the pressure plate 306 is stopped in the home position.

[0068] In Figures 9(A) and 9(B), 0mm corresponds to the position of the contact surface 317d when the light shielding plate 317c of the rack gear 317 is shielding the light sensor 403. As shown in Figure 10(C), 0mm indicates that the contact surface 317d is in the home position HP. As shown in Figure 10(C), the pressure surface 306a is about 3mm below the home position HP. Therefore, the position of the pressure surface 306a is indicated as -3mm.

[0069] The 1.5 mm shown in Figure 10(C) is the thickness of the sheet bundle B, which consists of 10 sheets S. The 15 mm shown in Figure 10(C) is the relative distance in the Z direction from the pressure surface 306a to the receiving surface 309a. The maximum travel distance of the pressure surface 306a is 15 mm.

[0070] Therefore, when the pressure surface 306a moves approximately 13.5 mm in the -Z direction from the home position HP, the pressure surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B. As shown in Figure 10(B), the distance in the Z direction from the home position HP to the contact surface 317d is 13.5 mm. As shown in Figure 9(A), the position of the contact surface 317d is indicated as -13.5 mm. The distance from the home position HP to the pressure surface 306a is 16.5 mm. As shown in Figure 9(A), the position of the pressure surface 306a in the Z direction is indicated as -16.5 mm.

[0071] The state shown in Figure 10(B) is the state at time ta in Figure 9(A). Time ta corresponds to the travel time required for the pressurizing surface 306a and the contact surface 317d to move approximately 13.5 mm. In the first travel section, the rack gear 317 and the heater section 303 move together. Therefore, the travel distance of the pressurizing surface 306a and the travel distance of the contact surface 317d are equal.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10(B), the pressure surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B, which consists of 10 sheets S. The pressure surface 306a pressurizes the sheet bundle B in the -Z direction with a predetermined pressure, but only the rack gear 317 moves in the -Z direction along the guide shaft 319. As the light sensor 404 follows the pressure surface 306a, the light shielding plate 317b attached to the rack gear 317 moves closer to the light sensor 404. As the rack gear 317 moves in the -Z direction, the springs 405a and 405b are stretched. The lifting stay 316 is biased in the -Z direction by the biasing force of the springs 405a and 405b. The lifting stay 316 is mechanically coupled to the pressure plate 306. Therefore, the pressure surface 306a pressurizes the sheet bundle B due to the biasing force of the springs 405a and 405b.

[0073] The completed movement position of the rack gear 317 in the -Z direction is approximately 2 mm further away from the position where the pressure surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B. This completed movement position may also be called the movement limit position. When the rack gear 317 reaches the completed movement position, the light shielding plate 317b shields the light sensor 404. This causes the motor 320 to stop rotating, and the rack gear 317 also comes to a standstill. At this time, the pressure applied by the pressure surface 306a to the sheet bundle B reaches a predetermined pressure. As shown in Figures 10(A) and 9(A), the position Ph of the pressure surface 306a remains at -16.5 mm. Here, it is assumed that there is no compressive deformation of the sheet bundle B. The position Pr of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 changes from -13.5 mm to -15.5 mm. At this time, the elapsed time from the start of movement of the pressure plate 306 is tb. The contact surface 317 moves about 2 mm over a movement time of approximately tb-tb. As suggested by the inclination of position Pr in Figure 9(A), the movement speed of the contact surface 317 at this time is relatively low.

[0074] 5. Controller (Control Unit) Figure 11 shows the controller 1100 of the image forming apparatus 100. The central processing unit (CPU) 1101 controls the printer 101 and the booklet creation device 170 according to the program 1121 and parameter group 1122 stored in the ROM area of ​​the memory 1120. The CPU 1101 implements multiple functions, but some or all of these functions may be implemented by other hardware circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)). ROM is an abbreviation for read-only memory. The memory 1120 is a storage device that may include random access memory (RAM), as well as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD).

[0075] The operation unit 150 includes a touch sensor 151 and a group of switches 152 that function as input devices. The touch sensor 151 and the group of switches 152 may also have buttons for inputting the thickness of the sheet S. The operation unit 150 also includes a display 153 that functions as a display device and output device. The display 153 may assist the user by displaying guidance messages such as how to use the booklet creation device 170.

[0076] The printer control unit 1111 controls the printer 101 according to the print job and causes the printer 101 to form an image on the sheet S. The print job has or is associated with information about the number of sheets S contained in the booklet or sheet bundle B.

[0077] The motor control unit 1113 controls the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 320 to lower or raise the heater unit 303. In particular, the motor control unit 1113 controls the rotational speed of the motor 320 according to the speed profile 1123 included in the parameter group 1122. The speed profile 1123 also includes information on acceleration and deceleration. That is, the speed profile 1123 has an acceleration profile that shows acceleration and a deceleration profile that shows deceleration. The motor control unit 1113 determines the deceleration start position based on the completed movement position of the rack gear 317 obtained for the bonded sheet bundle Bi and the thickness of the sheet bundle Bi+1.

[0078] Optical sensors 403 and 404 each have a light-emitting element 1141 and a light-receiving element 1142. In Figure 11, the light-emitting element 1141 and light-receiving element 1142 included in optical sensor 404 are not shown. In optical sensor 403, light from the light-emitting element 1141 toward the light-receiving element 1142 is blocked by the light-shielding plate 317c. Optical sensor 403 detects that the pressure plate 306 and the rack gear 317 have returned to the home position. In optical sensor 404, light from the light-emitting element 1141 toward the light-receiving element 1142 is blocked by the light-shielding plate 317b. Optical sensor 404 detects that the rack gear 317 has reached the movement completion position (pressure completion position).

[0079] The motor control unit 1113 stops the motor 320 when the light sensor 404 is blocked by the light shielding plate 317b. The motor control unit 1113 also stops the motor 320 when the light sensor 403 is blocked by the light shielding plate 317c. The timer 1115 measures a predetermined heating time when the pressurizing surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B. When the predetermined heating time is completed, the motor control unit 1113 starts the motor 320 to reverse rotation and returns the heater unit 303 to the standby position. The standby position may also be called the initial position or home position.

[0080] The counter 1114 counts the number of drive pulses (drive amount) supplied to the motor 320. Therefore, the count value indicates the position of the rack gear 317. For example, the number of drive pulses supplied to the motor 320 to move the rack gear 317 from the home position to the completed position (count value C1) may also be measured using the counter 1114.

[0081] The thickness acquisition unit 1116 acquires the thickness (measured value) of the bonded sheet bundle Bi, or the thickness (estimated value) of the sheet bundle Bi+1. The sheet bundle Bi+1 is a sheet bundle stacked on top of the bonded sheet bundle Bi. For example, the thickness acquisition unit 1116 may acquire the thickness of the sheet bundle Bi based on the count value C1 of the counter 1114. The thickness acquisition unit 1116 may also calculate the thickness (estimated value) of the sheet bundle Bi+1 based on the thickness of the sheet S acquired by the media sensor 1132 provided on the transport path of the printer 101 and the number of sheets S that make up the sheet bundle Bi+1. The number of sheets S that make up the sheet bundle Bi+1 may be input through the operation unit 150. If necessary, the basis weight (g / cm2) of the sheet S may be input through the operation unit 150 or the media sensor 1132. The thickness acquisition unit 1116 may calculate the thickness of the sheet bundle Bi+1 based on the number of sheets S and the basis weight input through the operation unit 150.

[0082] The heater control unit 1117 may determine a combination of target temperature and heating time for the heater 304 based on the number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle Bi+1 and the basis weight of the sheets S. The target temperature and heating time may be input through the operation unit 150. When the heating start condition is met, the heater control unit 1117 starts supplying power to the heater 304. The heater control unit 1117 controls the power supplied to the heater 304 so that the temperature detected by the thermistor 1160 approaches the target temperature. The heating start condition may be, for example, the sheet sensor 340 detecting the sheet bundle B, or the printer 101 starting image formation on the sheet S. The thermistor 1160 may also be called a temperature sensor.

[0083] The motor control unit 1113 may adjust the deceleration start position so that as the heat-pressure bonding process is repeatedly performed, the deceleration start position gradually approaches the home position. For example, the deceleration start position may approach the home position each time the heat-pressure bonding process is performed on M sheets S (where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1). Specifically, the motor control unit 1113 may determine the deceleration start position according to the sum of the thickness of the bonded sheet bundle Bi and the thickness of the unbonded sheet bundle Bi+1. This may determine the gear shift position (deceleration start position) for changing the rotational speed of the motor 320 from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed. Note that controlling the rotational speed of the motor 320 corresponds to controlling the motor torque Tm. The motor control unit 1113 controls the rotational speed of the motor 320 so that the motor torque Tm is always greater than the load torque T when the pressure plate 306 presses the sheet bundle B. In other words, when the rotational speed of the motor 320 is reduced at a predetermined deceleration start position, the motor torque Tm is always greater than the load torque T when the pressure plate 306 presses on the sheet bundle B. Therefore, an appropriate pressure is applied to the sheet bundle B, and the adhesive strength of the booklet reaches an appropriate value.

[0084] 6. How to retrieve the previous bonding position As shown in Figure 9(A), the travel distance of the pressure surface 306a of the heater unit 303 stops changing when the pressure surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B. The contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 moves from Z=0 to Z=-15.5mm. When the contact surface 317d reaches Z=-13.5mm, the pressure surface 306a of the heater unit 303 is in contact with the sheet bundle B. In other words, the travel distance of the contact surface 317d is the sum of the travel distance of the pressure surface 306a and 2mm. The count value of the drive pulse input to the motor 320 to move the contact surface 317d from Z=0 to Z=-15.5mm is C1. The count value C1 indicates the completed position of the rack gear 317. Here, the count value corresponding to Z=0 is assumed to be 0. Furthermore, the count value of the drive pulse corresponding to the travel distance of 2mm is denoted as C2. In this case, the count value C3 obtained by subtracting the count value C2 from the count value C1 indicates the number of drive pulses when the pressure surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B. The motor control unit 1113 may store the count value C3 (or Z=-13.5mm) in the memory 1120. The motor control unit 1113 may also store the count value C1 (or Z=-15.5mm) because the count value C3 can be obtained from the count value C1. The count value C3 and Z=-13.5mm indicate the distance traveled by the pressure surface 306a and the position of the surface of the bonded sheet bundle Bi. The position of the surface of the bonded sheet bundle Bi correlates with the thickness of the bonded sheet bundle Bi. Here, i is merely an index for distinguishing sheet bundle B. A subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1 is loaded onto the bonded sheet bundle Bi. At this time, since the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1 is supported by the sheet bundle Bi, the position of the surface of the bonded sheet bundle Bi corresponds to the position of the bottom surface of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1. The deceleration start position is determined based on the thickness (measured value) of the bonded sheet bundle Bi and the thickness (estimated value) of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1. The deceleration start position is the position or number of drive pulses obtained by subtracting the thickness (estimated value) of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1 from the count value C3 for the bonded sheet bundle Bi. From the deceleration start position, the planned contact position of the pressurizing surface 306a with respect to the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1 or the deceleration start position may be determined.Furthermore, the next deceleration start position may be determined based on the next planned contact position. The bonded sheet bundle Bi and sheet bundle Bi+1 may each be a single sheet S.

[0085] The rack gear 317 can move approximately 2 mm after the pressure surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B. When the rack gear 317 moves approximately 2 mm, the light sensor 404 is shielded from light by the light shielding plate 317b. In other words, the CPU 1101 determines that the movement of the rack gear 317 is complete when a detection signal indicating that the light sensor 404 has been shielded from light by the light shielding plate 317b is output from the light sensor 404. Therefore, the number of sheets S forming the sheet bundle Bi is arbitrary. The count value C3 can be calculated by subtracting the count value C2, which corresponds to 2 mm, from the count value C1, which corresponds to the time until the light sensor 404 shields from the light shielding plate 317b. In other words, the thickness of the sheet bundle Bi is measured.

[0086] Figure 9(B) shows the application of pressure to a sheet bundle B consisting of 10 sheets S with a thickness of 0.15 mm. Here, 0 mm represents the position (home position) where the light-shielding plate 317c of the rack gear 317 shields the light sensor 403. The initial distance between the pressure surface 306a and the receiving surface 309a is -15 mm. The initial position (home position) of the pressure surface 306a is Z = -3 mm. When the pressure surface 306a and the contact surface 317d move approximately 10.5 mm in the -Z direction, the pressure surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B. At this time, the position (contact position) of the pressure surface 306a is Z = -13.5 mm (-3 - 10.0 = -13.5). The contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 can move a further 2 mm. The contact surface 317d moves to Z = -12.5 mm and stops (-10.0 - 2 = -12.5).

[0087] Here, the count value C3 is obtained by subtracting the count value C2, which corresponds to 2 mm, from the count value C1 of the drive pulses required to move the contact surface 317d by approximately 12.5 mm. The count value C3 is stored in memory 1120 as the number of drive pulses used to determine the deceleration start position. Alternatively, the count value C1 may be stored instead of the count value C3, and the count value C3 may be determined from the stored count value C1. Or, the deceleration start position may be determined from the count value C1.

[0088] In Example 1, a mechanism is employed such that the amount of extension of springs 405a and 405b after the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 comes into contact with the sheet bundle B is constant regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle B. This mechanism is formed by connecting the rack gear 317 and the heater section 303 via springs 405a and 405b. If the previous movement distance of the contact surface 317d (count value C1) is known, the distance from 0 mm to the surface of the sheet bundle Bi (count value C3) can be determined. This is because the count value C2 is a fixed value that depends on the mechanism. The motor control unit 1113 determines the deceleration start position of the motor 320 in the next thermocompression bonding process based on the count value C3 (the position where the movement of the pressure surface 306a is completed) and the thickness of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1.

[0089] In Example 1, the position of the rack gear 317 when the light-shielding plate 317c of the rack gear 317 shields the light sensor 403 is defined as the home position HP. The CPU 1101 manages the position of the rack gear 317 using the count value of the drive pulse supplied to the motor 320. The rack gear 317 starts moving from its home position. When the light-shielding plate 317b shields the light sensor 404, the rack gear 317 stops moving. The count value C3 is obtained by subtracting a count value C2 corresponding to 2 mm from the count value C1 of the drive pulse when the light-shielding plate 317b shields the light sensor 404. Here, if a bonded sheet bundle Bi exists, the count value C3 indicates the distance from the home position HP to the surface of the sheet bundle Bi. If the sheet bundle Bi does not exist, the count value C3 indicates the distance from the home position HP to the receiving surface 309a (initial value C3'). The difference between the initial value C3' and the count value C3 for the bonded sheet bundle Bi is the count value corresponding to the actual thickness of the bonded sheet bundle Bi. Since C3'-C3 is a measured value, it is a very accurate value. The thickness of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1 is obtained by the media sensor 1132, by user input, or based on user input type information. This allows the position of the surface of the sheet bundle Bi+1 stacked on top of the sheet bundle Bi to be estimated. The thickness of the bonded sheet bundle Bi is measured each time. Therefore, the deviation of the motor 320's drive pulse due to repeated pressure is not accumulated in the thickness of the bonded sheet bundle Bi. In other words, this deviation is not accumulated in the position of the surface of the sheet bundle Bi+1. Thus, the accurate position of the surface of the sheet bundle Bi+1 can be estimated. When sheet bundle Bi+1 is bonded to sheet bundle Bi, the thickness of the new bonded sheet bundle B consisting of sheet bundle Bi and sheet bundle Bi+1 is measured.

[0090] In a method where the user inputs the thickness of sheet S, human errors such as input mistakes can occur. In Example 1, at least the thickness of the bonded sheet bundle Bi is not affected by input errors. Therefore, human errors are less likely to occur.

[0091] Optical sensors 403 and 404 do not need to be used. The distance between the home position (Z=0) and the receiving surface 309a when no sheet S is present is known (15.0 mm). The number of sheets S forming sheet bundle B and the thickness of each sheet S are also known. In other words, the thickness of sheet bundle B can be calculated from the number of sheets S and the thickness of each sheet S. That is, the CPU 1101 may calculate the surface position (count value C3) of sheet bundle Bi by adding a predetermined margin to the difference between the known distance and the thickness of sheet bundle B. The motor control unit 1113 determines the deceleration start position based on the count value C3 and controls the rotation speed of the motor 320 according to the deceleration start position. This makes optical sensors 403 and 404 unnecessary, and the installation space for optical sensors 403 and 404 is not required. This will make the heat-sealing unit 53 cheaper. To more accurately determine the thickness of sheet bundle B, thickness information indicating the thickness of sheet S and information indicating the type of sheet S (e.g., basis weight) may be used.

[0092] 7. Speed ​​control As described above, in the first movement section, the rack gear 317 and the pressure plate 306 move in conjunction. In the second movement section, which has a length of dz, only the rack gear 317 moves, and the pressure plate 306 does not move. Therefore, the profile of the movement speed of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 will be described below.

[0093] When the pressure plate 306 is in its home position HP, the position of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 is defined as 0 mm. If there is no sheet bundle B, when the contact surface 317d moves by approximately -15 mm, the pressure surface 306a of the pressure plate 306 and the receiving surface 309a of the receiving member 309 come into direct contact. The length of the first movement section when there is no sheet bundle B is 15 mm. The length of the second movement section is 2 mm. From the position where the pressure surface 306a contacts the receiving surface 309a or the sheet bundle B, the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 moves further by approximately 2 mm. As an example, the thickness of the sheet S is 0.15 mm.

[0094] 7-1. Sheet bundle formed from 10 sheets S Figure 12(A) shows the speed profile of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 when a sheet bundle B formed from 10 sheets S is heat-pressed together. The horizontal axis represents the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d. The vertical axis represents the speed of movement of the contact surface 317d in the -Z direction (rotational speed of the motor 320). The thickness of the sheet bundle B is 1.5 mm (0.15 × 10 = 1.5). The motor control unit 1113 determines the deceleration start position from the movement completion position stored in the memory 1120. When the count value C of the counter 1114 reaches the count value corresponding to the deceleration start position, the motor control unit 1113 decelerates the movement speed of the rack gear 317 from v1 to V2. As the thickness of the bonded sheet bundle B increases, the deceleration start position approaches the home position HP.

[0095] When the travel distance of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 reaches -13.5 mm, the pressurizing surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B (-15 + 1.5 = -13.5). Therefore, by the time the pressurizing surface 306a contacts the sheet bundle B, the travel speed of the contact surface 317d is reduced to the travel speed at which the final pressurizing force is obtained. Because of the presence of the sheet bundle B, the first travel section is from 0 mm to -13.5 mm. The average travel speed in the first travel section is v1ave. The target travel speed in the first travel section is v1. The second travel section, in which only the rack gear 317 moves, is from -13.5 mm to -15.5 mm. The first travel section may also be called the high-speed travel section. In the second travel section (pressurizing section or low-speed travel section), the average travel speed of the contact surface 317d is v2ave. The target travel speed in the second travel section is v2.

[0096] Figure 12(B) shows the load torque T and the torque Tm generated by the motor 320 at each position in the Z direction. The horizontal axis shows the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d (position in the Z direction). The vertical axis shows the torque. The motor torque Tm exceeds the load torque T because the speed change is performed before the pressure plate 306 contacts the sheet bundle B. T1 is the initial value of the load torque T. T2 is the motor torque Tm when pressurization is complete.

[0097] 7-2. Sheet bundle formed from 50 sheets S Figure 12(C) shows the speed profile of the contact surface 317d when a heat-sealing process is applied to a sheet bundle B formed from 50 sheets S. The horizontal axis represents the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d. The vertical axis represents the travel speed (rotation speed of the motor 320). The thickness of the sheet bundle B is 7.5 mm (0.15 × 50 = 7.5). The motor control unit 1113 determines the deceleration start position from the deceleration start position and speed profile stored in the memory 1120. When the count value C of the counter 1114 reaches the count value corresponding to the deceleration start position, the motor control unit 1113 decelerates the travel speed of the rack gear 317 from v1 to V2.

[0098] When the contact surface 317d and the pressure surface 306a move by approximately -7.5 mm, the pressure surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B (15 - 7.5 = 7.5). Before the pressure surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B, the movement speed of the contact surface 317d must be reduced to the movement speed at which the final pressure is obtained. The first movement section is from 0 mm to -7.5 mm. The target movement speed in the first movement section is v1, and the average movement speed is v1ave. The second movement section is from -7.5 mm to -9.5 mm. The target movement speed in the second movement section is v2, and the average movement speed is v2ave.

[0099] Figure 12(D) shows the load torque T and the torque Tm generated by the motor 320 at each position in the Z direction. The horizontal axis shows the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d (position in the Z direction). The vertical axis shows the torque. The motor torque Tm exceeds the load torque T because the speed change is performed before the pressure plate 306 contacts the sheet bundle B. T1 is the initial value of the load torque T. T2 is the motor torque Tm when pressurization is complete.

[0100] The speed profile described above is merely an example. Any speed profile in which the motor torque Tm always exceeds the load torque T in both the first and second movement sections is usable in Example 1. In other words, v1ave is greater than v2ave, and v2ave is a movement speed (rotational speed) that can achieve the final applied pressure (target applied pressure).

[0101] As shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(C), as the number of sheets S to be subjected to the heat-sealing process N increases, the deceleration start position of the contact surface 317d approaches the home position HP of the pressure plate 306. As the number of sheets S N increases, the target moving speed is changed from v1 to v2 at an earlier timing. Depending on the thickness of the sheet bundle B, the pressure surface 306a decelerates at a position away from the receiving surface 309a, thereby suppressing motor 320 from losing step or locking up.

[0102] Since the target moving speed corresponding to the final applied pressure is v2, it is conceivable that the target moving speed will be maintained at v2 in both the first and second moving sections. However, in this case, the productivity of the booklet creation device 170 will decrease. In Example 1, the target moving speed is set to v1 in the first moving section, allowing the rack gear 317 to move at high speed. As a result, the processing time required for the heat-sealing process is reduced. In other words, the productivity of the booklet creation device 170 is improved.

[0103] The CPU 1101 may always set the target movement speed during the separation operation to v1. This reduces the time required for the separation operation, thereby further improving the productivity of the booklet creation device 170.

[0104] 8. Flowchart Figure 13 shows the control method of the motor 320. Here, it is assumed that the memory 1120 stores position information indicating the count value C3 obtained for the bonded sheet bundle Bi. If there is no preceding sheet bundle B, an initial value is stored in the position information. The initial value is the count value C1 or C3 measured when there is no sheet S on the receiving member 309. As mentioned above, the count value C3 can be calculated from the count value C1, so in the following, the count value C3 may also be read as the count value C1.

[0105] In S1301, CPU1101 retrieves the location information stored in memory1120.

[0106] In S1302, the CPU 1101 determines the deceleration start position based on the position information. For example, the CPU 1101 determines the planned contact position by subtracting the number of drive pulses corresponding to the thickness of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1 from the count value C3 obtained for the preceding sheet bundle Bi. Furthermore, the CPU 1101 may determine the deceleration start position based on the planned contact position. As shown in Figure 12(A), the deceleration start position indicates the position where the change in the target moving speed of the rack gear 317 from v1 to v2 begins. This position may be expressed by the number or timing of drive pulses. For example, the deceleration start position may be determined by subtracting a predetermined value from the movement completion position or planned contact position indicated by the position information. Here, the predetermined value is a value that includes the transient period (transient distance) required to change from v1 to v2, and may be obtained from the speed profile 1123. In this way, by initiating deceleration at the deceleration start position, the moving speed of the pressurizing surface 306a can reach the second velocity v2 that produces the final applied pressure when the pressurizing surface 306a comes into contact with the surface of the sheet bundle.

[0107] In S1303, the CPU 1101 sets a first speed v1 to the target moving speed, and begins approaching the pressure plate 306 to the receiving member 309 at the first speed v1. For example, the CPU 1101 controls the rotational speed of the motor 320 according to the speed profile 1123 read from the memory 1120. At this time, the CPU 1101 controls the motor 320 so that the motor torque Tm is greater than the load torque T. The CPU 1101 starts counting the number of drive pulses using the counter 1114.

[0108] In S1304, the CPU 1101 determines whether the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 has reached the deceleration start position. For example, the CPU 1101 may determine whether the number of drive pulses supplied to the motor 320 matches the number of pulses corresponding to the deceleration start position. Once the contact surface 317d reaches the deceleration start position, the CPU 1101 proceeds from S1304 to S1305.

[0109] In S1305, the CPU 1101 changes the target travel speed to the second speed v2. The CPU 1101 controls the motor 320 according to the speed profile 1123. At this time, the CPU 1101 controls the motor 320 so that the motor torque Tm is greater than the load torque T. The speed profile 1123 is designed so that the average travel speed v2ave is lower than the average travel speed v1ave.

[0110] In S1306, the CPU 1101 determines whether the heating and pressurization of the sheet bundle B by the pressurizing plate 306 is complete. For example, if the light sensor 404 is shielded from light by the light shielding plate 317b, the CPU 1101 determines that pressurization is complete.

[0111] In S1307, the CPU 1101 updates the position information stored in the memory 1120. Here, the position information is, for example, a count value C3 obtained by subtracting a predetermined value C2 (e.g., the number of pulses corresponding to 2 mm) from a count value C1 measured by the counter 1114. Furthermore, if the thickness of the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+2 is known, the deceleration start position may be determined from the count value C3 and that thickness. Here, the count value C3 is the thickness (measured value) of the bonded sheet bundle consisting of the preceding sheet bundle Bi and the subsequent sheet bundle Bi+1.

[0112] In S1308, the CPU 1101 initiates the separation of the pressure plate 306 at a third velocity v3. The CPU 1101 sets the third velocity v3 to the target movement speed and controls the motor 320. Here, the third velocity v3 only needs to be greater than the second velocity v2. For example, the third velocity v3 may be equal to the first velocity v1.

[0113] 9. Summary According to Embodiment 1, when the controller 1100 moves the pressure plate 306 toward the sheet S, it decelerates the pressure plate 306 so that it reaches the speed at which the sheet is pressed. The pressure plate 306 may also be called a pressing member. When making one booklet, the controller 1100 controls the pressure plate 306 so that the position where it reaches the speed at which the sheet is pressed is located away from the receiving member 309, depending on the number of times the heat-sealing process is performed. This improves the productivity of the booklet making device 170.

[0114] The heater unit 303 is an example of a heating means for heating the adhesive layer when multiple sheets S, each having an adhesive layer formed on it, are stacked on top of each other. The pressure plate 306 is an example of a first pressure means for applying pressure to the adhesive layer. The receiving member 309 is an example of a second pressure means, positioned opposite the first pressure means and working in cooperation with the first pressure means to apply pressure to the adhesive layer. The rack gear 317, motor 320, and lifting stay 316 are examples of moving means for moving the first pressure means relative to the second pressure means. The CPU 1101 is an example of a control means for controlling a thermocompression bonding process that includes an approaching operation in which the first pressure means approaches the second pressure means and a separating operation in which the first pressure means moves away from the second pressure means. The CPU 1101 controls the motor 320 so that a thermocompression bonding process is applied to the sheet bundle B consisting of the preceding sheet and the following sheets each time one or more following sheets (e.g., sheet bundle Bi+1) are stacked on top of a preceding sheet (e.g., sheet bundle Bi) located between the second pressure means and the first pressure means. Furthermore, the CPU 1101 creates a booklet consisting of multiple sheets S by repeatedly executing the heat-sealing process multiple times. During the approach operation, the CPU 1101 decelerates the movement speed of the first pressing means from the approach start speed (e.g., v1, v1ave) to the approach end speed (e.g., v2, v2ave). The approach end speed should be a speed at which the pressing force applied to the sheet bundle B becomes the target pressing force. The motor 320 is controlled so that when the movement speed of the first pressing means reaches the approach end speed, the position of the first pressing means is away from the second pressing means, depending on the number of times the heat-sealing process has been executed. This is because the rack gear 317 moves at high speed in the first movement section and at low speed in the second movement section. This improves the productivity of the booklet creation device 170.

[0115] The rack gear 317 is an example of a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor 320. The springs 405a and 405b are examples of elastic bodies, one end of which is connected to the transmission mechanism and the other end of which is connected to the first pressing means. The pressing plate 306 and the rack gear 317 move in conjunction until the pressing plate 306 contacts the sheet bundle B. After the pressing plate 306 contacts the sheet bundle B, the pressing plate 306 comes to rest, and the rack gear 317 moves independently with the expansion and contraction of the elastic body. As a result, an appropriate pressing force is applied to the sheet bundle B, regardless of the thickness of the sheet bundle B. In other words, an appropriate adhesive force is ensured.

[0116] The optical sensors 403 and 404 are examples of detection means for detecting when the amount of expansion or contraction of an elastic body reaches a predetermined amount. When it is detected that the amount of expansion or contraction has reached a predetermined amount, the CPU 1101 may stop the motor 320. In other words, it becomes possible to appropriately move the rack gear 317 and the pressure plate 306 with respect to a sheet bundle B of any thickness. The predetermined amount (e.g., 2 mm) may be constant and independent of the thickness of the sheet bundle B.

[0117] The light sensor 404 may have a light-emitting element 1141 and a light-receiving element 1142. The rack gear 317 may have a light-shielding plate 317b that moves in conjunction with the rack gear 317. The CPU 1101 may terminate its approach operation and start its separation operation when the light from the light-emitting element 1141 toward the light-receiving element 1142 is blocked by the light-shielding plate 317b. Before the approach operation is terminated, the light is blocked by the light-shielding plate 317b, and the light-shielding plate 317b may be positioned relative to the light sensor 404 so that the light passes through when the approach operation is terminated.

[0118] The transmission mechanism may include a rack gear 317 that converts the rotation of the motor 320 into linear motion. The approach operation may include a movement operation until the pressure plate 306 contacts the sheet bundle B, and a pressurizing operation in which the pressure plate 306 pressurizes the sheet bundle B. The CPU 1101 may perform deceleration control of the motor 320 so that the average movement speed v1ave of the transmission mechanism during the movement operation is greater than the average movement speed v2ave of the transmission mechanism during the pressurizing operation.

[0119] The CPU 1101 may control the movement speed of the pressure plate 306 based on the completion position of the transmission mechanism when the heat-pressing process on the preceding sheet is completed (e.g., -15.5, count value C1). The CPU 1101 may also control the movement speed of the pressure plate 306 based on the completion position of the transmission mechanism and the thickness of one or more subsequent sheets stacked on top of the preceding sheet. In Embodiment 1, speed control is performed based on the count value C3. Since the count value C3 is a value based on the count value C1, the speed control is performed based on the count value C1. As shown in Figure 12(A), the CPU 1101 may control the movement speed of the pressure plate 306 and the rack gear 317 based on the completion position of the transmission mechanism, the thickness of one or more subsequent sheets stacked on top of the preceding sheet, and a predetermined speed profile. The CPU 1101 may control the movement speed of the pressure plate 306 and the rack gear 317 according to the difference between the completed movement position of the transmission mechanism when the heat-pressure bonding process to the preceding sheet is completed (e.g., C1) and a predetermined amount (e.g., C2). In Embodiment 1, the rack gear 317 can descend by another 2 mm after the pressure plate 306 has come into contact with the sheet bundle B.

[0120] The CPU 1101, optical sensor 404, thickness acquisition unit 1116, media sensor 1132, and operation unit 150 may function as acquisition means for acquiring the thickness of the sheet bundle B. The CPU 1101 may control the movement speed of the transmission mechanism in the thermocompression bonding process to the sheet bundle B according to the thickness of the sheet bundle B. As described above, the deceleration start position may be controlled based on the sum of the count value C3 acquired for the sheet bundle Bi and the thickness of the sheet bundle Bi+1 (thickness of sheet bundle B). The thickness acquisition unit 1116 may acquire the thickness of the sheet bundle B based on the completion position of the approach operation to the preceding sheet (e.g., C1) and the thickness of one or more subsequent sheets (thickness of sheet bundle Bi+1).

[0121] The media sensor 1132 is an example of an identification means for identifying the type of one or more subsequent sheets. The thickness acquisition unit 1116 may acquire the thickness of one or more subsequent sheets according to the type of one or more subsequent sheets acquired by the media sensor 1132. For example, the media sensor 1132 may identify the thickness of one sheet S. In this case, the thickness acquisition unit 1116 may acquire the thickness of the sheet bundle Bi+1 by multiplying the number of sheets specified by the print job by the thickness of one sheet S.

[0122] The heater unit 303 may heat the adhesive layer via the pressure plate 306. The heater unit 303 may include a heater 304 that generates heat when power is supplied to it. The heater unit 303 may also include an ultrasonic transducer that generates ultrasonic waves to vibrate the adhesive layer and generate heat in the adhesive layer.

[0123] The photosensitive drum 1 is an example of a forming means for forming a toner image using adhesive toner in the adhesive area of ​​the sheet S. The guide member 5 is an example of a transport means for transporting the sheet S to the booklet creation device.

[0124] <Example 2> The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 lies in the speed profile. According to the speed profile 1123 of Example 2, deceleration is performed in accordance with the load torque T.

[0125] 9-1. Sheet bundle B formed from 10 sheets S Figure 14(A) shows the speed profile 1123 of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 during the heat-pressing process of a sheet bundle B formed from 10 sheets S. The horizontal axis represents the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d. The vertical axis represents the travel speed of the contact surface 317d in the -Z direction (rotational speed of the motor 320). The thickness of the sheet bundle B is 1.5 mm (0.15 × 10 = 1.5).

[0126] The CPU 1101 controls the motor 320 so that the target moving speed of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 is v1. The motor 320 may be a pulse motor (e.g., a stepping motor) that rotates by an angle proportional to the number of input drive pulses. When the contact surface 317d moves by approximately -13.5 mm, the pressure surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B (15 - 1.5 = 13.5). The first movement section is from 0 mm to -13.5 mm. The average moving speed in the first movement section is v1ave. After that, the CPU 1101 decelerates the motor 320 so that the contact surface 317d does not succumb to the reaction force due to the extension of the spring 405. The second movement section is from -13.5 mm to -15.5 mm. The average moving speed in the second movement section is v2ave.

[0127] Figure 14(B) shows the load torque T and the torque Tm generated by the motor 320 at each position in the Z direction. The horizontal axis shows the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d (position in the Z direction). The vertical axis shows the torque. Speed ​​change is performed when the pressure plate 306 comes into contact with the sheet bundle B. The motor 320 is controlled so that the motor torque Tm exceeds the load torque T according to the speed profile 1123. T1 is the initial value of the load torque T. T2 is the load torque T when pressurization is complete.

[0128] 9-2. Sheet bundle B formed from 50 sheets S Figure 14(A) shows the speed profile of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 during the heat-pressing process of a sheet bundle B formed from 50 sheets S. The horizontal axis represents the distance traveled by the contact surface 317d. The vertical axis represents the travel speed of the contact surface 317d in the -Z direction (rotation speed of the motor 320). The thickness of the sheet bundle B is 1.5 mm (0.15 × 10 = 1.5).

[0129] The CPU 1101 controls the motor 320 so that the target moving speed of the contact surface 317d of the rack gear 317 is v1. When the contact surface 317d moves by approximately -7.5 mm, the pressure surface 306a comes into contact with the sheet bundle B (15 - 7.5 = 7.5). The first movement section is from 0 mm to -13.5 mm. The average moving speed in the first movement section is v1ave. Subsequently, the CPU 1101 decelerates the motor 320 so that the contact surface 317d does not succumb to the reaction force caused by the extension of the spring 405. The second movement section is from -7.5 mm to -9.5 mm. The average moving speed in the second movement section is v2ave.

[0130] The speed profile 1123 described above is merely an example. Any speed profile 1123 that ensures the motor torque Tm always exceeds the load torque T in both the first and second movement sections can be used in Example 2. In other words, v1ave is greater than v2ave, and v2ave is a movement speed (rotational speed of motor 320) that enables the final applied pressure.

[0131] In Example 2, as the number of sheets S to be subjected to the heat-sealing process increases, the completed movement positions of the contact surface 317d and the pressure surface 306a approach the home position HP. The distance between the receiving surface 309a and the pressure surface 306a increases according to the thickness of the sheet bundle B. Also, when the pressure plate 306 contacts the sheet bundle B, the movement speed of the rack gear 317 decreases. In other words, in the first movement section, the pressure plate 306 and the rack gear 317 can move at high speed. In the second movement section, the pressure plate 306 remains stationary, and only the rack gear 317 moves at a low speed. Thus, the CPU 1101 may perform deceleration control of the motor 320 so that the average movement speed v1ave of the transmission mechanism in the movement operation is greater than the average movement speed v2ave of the transmission mechanism in the pressurizing operation. This allows the sheet bundle B to be pressed with an appropriate pressure without the motor 320 losing step or locking up. As a result, the productivity of the booklet making device 170 is improved.

[0132] <Variation> In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the heat-sealing process is performed each time a sheet S is fed into the heat-sealing unit 53, but this is merely an example. The heat-sealing process may be performed each time J sheets S are brought into the heat-sealing unit 53 to form a sheet bundle B. The number of sheets S included in the sheet bundle B, which is the unit in which the heat-sealing process is performed, may be variable. For example, if there are multiple sheet bundles B to create one booklet, the number of sheets S included in each sheet bundle B does not have to be a fixed value.

[0133] In this example, the heater unit 303 heats the adhesive toner image 201 using a heater 304. Instead of the heater 304, a heater unit 303 including an ultrasonic transducer and a horn may be used. The toner may also be heated by vibrations caused by ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer. Thus, any heating device that can heat the adhesive layer can be applied to the heater unit 303.

[0134] Figures 15(A) and 15(B) illustrate the cam mechanism. In the embodiment described above, the power transmitted to gear 322 is transmitted to gear 323 and rack gear 317, causing the heater section 303 to rise and fall. However, this is only one example. The mechanism for raising and lowering the heater section 303 may also be realized by a cam mechanism.

[0135] In Figures 15(A) and 15(B), the cam 1501 is a follower connected to the pivot shaft 324. Therefore, as the pivot shaft 324 rotates, the cam 1501 also rotates. The cam surface 1511 of the cam 1501 abuts against the cam guide 1502. The cam guide 1502 is a follower. The cam guide 1502 has a first follower surface 1521 and a second follower surface 1522.

[0136] As the cam 1501 rotates, the cam guide 1502 rises or falls. Specifically, the cam surface 1511 contacts the first follower surface 1521, pushing up the first follower surface 1521, which causes the cam guide 1502 to rise. The cam surface 1511 contacts the second follower surface 1522, pushing down the second follower surface 1522, which causes the cam guide 1502 to fall.

[0137] The cam guide 1502 is connected to or part of the lifting stay 316. Therefore, when the cam guide 1502 moves up or down, the lifting stay 316 also moves up or down.

[0138] As shown in Figure 15(A), when the cam guide 1502 descends, the pressure plate 306 of the heater unit 303 attached to the lifting stay 316 also descends. This allows the pressure plate 306 to pressurize the sheet bundle. As shown in Figure 15(B), when the cam guide 1502 rises, the pressure plate 306 of the heater unit 303 attached to the lifting stay 316 also rises. This returns the heater unit 303 and the pressure plate 306 to their home positions. Thus, the transmission mechanism may include a cam mechanism (e.g., cam 1501, cam guide 1502) that converts the rotation of the motor 320 into linear motion. Any lifting mechanism capable of raising and lowering the heater unit 303 is applicable to Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0139] <Technical concepts derived from examples> The disclosures herein include booklet-making apparatuses, image-forming apparatuses, image-forming systems, methods, and programs. (Item 1) A heat-sealing unit for heating and pressurizing adhesive layers in a stacked state of multiple sheets on which adhesive layers have been formed, comprising: a pressurizing member that contacts the sheets and pressurizes them; a receiving member facing the pressurizing member; a moving means for moving the pressurizing member so that the pressurizing member and the receiving member clamp and pressurize the stacked multiple sheets; and a heating means for heating the adhesive layers of the stacked multiple sheets. A control unit that controls the movement of the pressurizing member, A booklet making apparatus having a pressurizing member and a receiving member, which produces one booklet by repeatedly performing the following actions: feeding in a sheet in which an adhesive layer is formed between the pressurizing member and the receiving member, heating and pressurizing the adhesive layers formed on multiple sheets, and then separating the pressurizing member from the sheet, The control unit, When moving the pressing member toward the sheet, the pressing member is decelerated so that it reaches the speed at which the sheet is being pressed. A booklet making apparatus characterized in that, when making one booklet, the pressurizing member is controlled such that the position where the sheet pressurizing speed is reached is a position away from the receiving member, according to the number of times the above operation is performed. (Item 2) The aforementioned pressurizing member is a first pressurizing means for pressurizing the adhesive layer, The receiving member is a second pressurizing means that is positioned opposite the first pressurizing means and cooperates with the first pressurizing means to pressurize the adhesive layer. The control unit includes control means for controlling a thermocompression bonding process that includes an approaching operation in which the first pressurizing means approaches the second pressurizing means and a separating operation in which the first pressurizing means moves away from the second pressurizing means. The control means controls the moving means so that each time one or more subsequent sheets are placed on the preceding sheet located between the second pressurizing means and the first pressurizing means, the heat-sealing process is applied to the sheet bundle consisting of the preceding sheet and the subsequent sheet. The control means is By repeatedly performing the heat-sealing process multiple times, one booklet consisting of the multiple sheets is created. In the approach operation, the movement speed of the first pressurizing means is reduced from the approach start speed to the approach end speed. The aforementioned approach termination speed is the speed at which the sheet is pressurized such that the pressurizing force applied to the sheet bundle becomes the target pressurizing force. The booklet making apparatus according to item 1, wherein the movement of the first pressing means is controlled so that when the movement speed of the first pressing means reaches the approach termination speed, the position of the first pressing means is further away from the second pressing means, according to the number of times the heat-sealing process is performed. (Item 3) The aforementioned means of transport is Motor and, A transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor, The transmission mechanism has one end connected to the elastic body and the other end connected to the first pressurizing means, Until the first pressing means contacts the sheet bundle, the first pressing means and the transmission mechanism move in conjunction; after the first pressing means contacts the sheet bundle, the first pressing means remains stationary, and the transmission mechanism moves independently with the expansion and contraction of the elastic body. The booklet creation device described in item 2. (Item 4) The system further includes a detection means for detecting when the amount of expansion or contraction of the elastic body reaches a predetermined amount. When the detection means detects that the amount of extension or contraction has reached a predetermined amount, the control means stops the motor. The booklet creation device described in item 3. (Item 5) The predetermined amount is constant and does not depend on the thickness of the sheet bundle. The booklet creation device described in item 4. (Item 6) The detection means comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, The transmission mechanism has a light-shielding plate that moves in conjunction with the transmission mechanism. The booklet making apparatus according to item 5, wherein the control means terminates the approach operation and starts the separation operation when light from the light-emitting element toward the light-receiving element is blocked by the light-shielding plate. (Item 7) The transmission mechanism includes a rack gear that converts the rotation of the motor into linear motion. A booklet creation device as described in any of items 3 through 6. (Item 8) The transmission mechanism includes a cam mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into linear motion. A booklet creation device as described in any of items 3 through 6. (Item 9) The approach operation includes a movement operation until the first pressurizing means contacts the sheet bundle, and a pressurizing operation in which the first pressurizing means pressurizes the sheet bundle. The control means performs deceleration control of the moving means such that the average moving speed of the transmission mechanism in the moving operation is greater than the average moving speed of the transmission mechanism in the pressurizing operation. A booklet creation device as described in any of items 3 through 8. (Item 10) The booklet making apparatus according to any one of items 3 to 9, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means based on the completed movement position of the transmission mechanism when the heat-sealing process on the preceding sheet is completed. (Item 11) The booklet making apparatus according to item 10, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means based on the position where the movement of the transmission mechanism is completed and the thickness of the one or more subsequent sheets stacked on the preceding sheet. (Item 12) The booklet making apparatus according to item 11, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means based on the movement completion position of the transmission mechanism, the thickness of the one or more subsequent sheets stacked on the preceding sheet, and a predetermined speed profile. (Item 13) The booklet making apparatus according to any one of items 4 to 12, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means according to the difference between the completed movement position of the transmission mechanism when the heat-sealing process on the preceding sheet is completed and a predetermined amount. (Item 14) The system further includes means for obtaining the thickness of a sheet bundle, The control means controls the movement speed of the transmission mechanism in the heat-compression bonding process to the sheet bundle according to the thickness of the sheet bundle. A booklet creation device as described in any of items 2 through 13. (Item 15) The acquisition means acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on the completion position of the approaching operation with respect to the preceding sheet and the thickness of one or more subsequent sheets. The booklet creation device described in item 14. (Item 16) The system further includes identification means for identifying the type of one or more subsequent sheets, The acquisition means acquires the thickness of the one or more subsequent sheets according to the type of the one or more subsequent sheets acquired by the identification means. The booklet creation device described in item 15. (Item 17) The heating means heats the adhesive layer via the first pressurizing means. A booklet creation device as described in any of items 1 through 16. (Item 18) The heating means includes a heater that generates heat when power is supplied to it. The booklet creation device described in item 17. (Item 19) The heating means includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates ultrasonic waves to vibrate the adhesive layer and heat the adhesive layer. Booklet creation apparatus as described in item 17 or 18. (Item 20) A heating means for heating the adhesive layer when multiple sheets with an adhesive layer formed on them are stacked together, A first pressurizing means for pressurizing the adhesive layer, A second pressurizing means is positioned opposite the first pressurizing means and cooperates with the first pressurizing means to pressurize the adhesive layer, A moving means for moving the first pressurizing means relative to the second pressurizing means, The system includes a control means for controlling a thermocompression bonding process that includes an approaching operation in which the first pressing means approaches the second pressing means, and a separating operation in which the first pressing means moves away from the second pressing means. The control means controls the moving means so that each time one or more subsequent sheets are placed on the preceding sheet located between the second pressurizing means and the first pressurizing means, the heat-sealing process is applied to the sheet bundle consisting of the preceding sheet and the subsequent sheet. The control means is By repeatedly performing the aforementioned heat-sealing process multiple times, a booklet consisting of multiple sheets is created. In the approach operation, the movement speed of the first pressurizing means is reduced from the approach start speed to the approach end speed. The aforementioned approach termination speed is the speed at which the pressure applied to the sheet bundle becomes the target pressure. A booklet making apparatus that controls the moving means such that when the moving speed of the first pressing means reaches the approach termination speed, the position of the first pressing means is at a position away from the second pressing means, according to the number of times the heat-sealing process is performed. (Item 21) An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a booklet production apparatus, The image forming apparatus is A forming means for forming a toner image using adhesive toner in the adhesive region of a sheet, The system includes a transport means for transporting the sheet to the booklet creation device, The aforementioned booklet creation apparatus is an image forming system that includes a booklet creation apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 20.

[0140] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 170...Booklet creation device, 304...Heater, 306...Pressure plate, 309...Support member, 1101...CPU

Claims

1. A heat-sealing unit for heating and pressurizing adhesive layers in a stacked state of multiple sheets on which adhesive layers have been formed, comprising: a pressurizing member that contacts the sheets and pressurizes them; a receiving member facing the pressurizing member; a moving means for moving the pressurizing member so that the pressurizing member and the receiving member clamp and pressurize the stacked multiple sheets; and a heating means for heating the adhesive layers of the stacked multiple sheets. A control unit that controls the movement of the pressurizing member, A booklet making apparatus having a pressurizing member and a receiving member, which produces one booklet by repeatedly performing the following actions: feeding in a sheet in which an adhesive layer is formed between the pressurizing member and the receiving member, heating and pressurizing the adhesive layers formed on multiple sheets, and then separating the pressurizing member from the sheet, The control unit, When moving the pressing member toward the sheet, the pressing member is decelerated so that it reaches the speed at which the sheet is being pressed. A booklet making apparatus characterized in that, when making one booklet, the pressurizing member is controlled such that the position where the sheet pressurizing speed is reached is a position away from the receiving member, according to the number of times the above operation is performed.

2. The aforementioned pressurizing member is a first pressurizing means for pressurizing the adhesive layer, The receiving member is a second pressurizing means that is positioned opposite the first pressurizing means and cooperates with the first pressurizing means to pressurize the adhesive layer. The control unit includes control means for controlling a thermocompression bonding process that includes an approaching operation in which the first pressurizing means approaches the second pressurizing means and a separating operation in which the first pressurizing means moves away from the second pressurizing means. The control means controls the moving means so that each time one or more subsequent sheets are placed on the preceding sheet located between the second pressurizing means and the first pressurizing means, the heat-sealing process is applied to the sheet bundle consisting of the preceding sheet and the subsequent sheet. The control means is By repeatedly performing the heat-pressing process multiple times, one booklet consisting of the multiple sheets is created. In the approach operation, the movement speed of the first pressurizing means is reduced from the approach start speed to the approach end speed. The aforementioned approach termination speed is the speed at which the sheet is pressurized such that the pressurizing force applied to the sheet bundle becomes the target pressurizing force. The booklet making apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement means is controlled so that when the movement speed of the first pressing means reaches the approach termination speed, the position of the first pressing means is further away from the second pressing means, according to the number of times the heat-sealing process is performed.

3. The aforementioned means of transport is Motor and, A transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor, The transmission mechanism has one end connected to the elastic body and the other end connected to the first pressurizing means, Until the first pressing means contacts the sheet bundle, the first pressing means and the transmission mechanism move in conjunction; after the first pressing means contacts the sheet bundle, the first pressing means remains stationary, and the transmission mechanism moves independently with the expansion and contraction of the elastic body. The booklet creation apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The system further includes a detection means for detecting when the amount of expansion or contraction of the elastic body reaches a predetermined amount. When the detection means detects that the amount of extension or contraction has reached a predetermined amount, the control means stops the motor. The booklet production apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The predetermined amount is constant and does not depend on the thickness of the sheet bundle. The booklet production apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The detection means comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, The transmission mechanism has a light-shielding plate that moves in conjunction with the transmission mechanism. The booklet making apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means terminates the approach operation and starts the separation operation when light from the light-emitting element toward the light-receiving element is blocked by the light-shielding plate.

7. The transmission mechanism includes a rack gear that converts the rotation of the motor into linear motion. The booklet production apparatus according to claim 3.

8. The transmission mechanism includes a cam mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into linear motion. The booklet production apparatus according to claim 3.

9. The approach operation includes a movement operation until the first pressurizing means contacts the sheet bundle, and a pressurizing operation in which the first pressurizing means pressurizes the sheet bundle. The control means performs deceleration control of the moving means such that the average moving speed of the transmission mechanism in the moving operation is greater than the average moving speed of the transmission mechanism in the pressurizing operation. The booklet production apparatus according to claim 3.

10. The booklet making apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means based on the position where the movement of the transmission mechanism is completed when the heat-sealing process on the preceding sheet is completed.

11. The booklet making apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means based on the position where the movement of the transmission mechanism is completed and the thickness of the one or more subsequent sheets stacked on the preceding sheet.

12. The booklet making apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means based on the movement completion position of the transmission mechanism, the thickness of the one or more subsequent sheets stacked on the preceding sheet, and a predetermined speed profile.

13. The booklet making apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control means controls the movement speed of the first pressurizing means according to the difference between the completed movement position of the transmission mechanism when the heat-pressure bonding process to the preceding sheet is completed and a predetermined amount.

14. The system further includes means for obtaining the thickness of a sheet bundle, The control means controls the movement speed of the transmission mechanism in the heat-compression bonding process to the sheet bundle according to the thickness of the sheet bundle. The booklet production apparatus according to claim 3.

15. The acquisition means acquires the thickness of the sheet bundle based on the completion position of the approaching operation with respect to the preceding sheet and the thickness of one or more subsequent sheets. The booklet creation apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The system further includes identification means for identifying the type of one or more subsequent sheets, The acquisition means acquires the thickness of the one or more subsequent sheets according to the type of the one or more subsequent sheets acquired by the identification means. The booklet creation apparatus according to claim 15.

17. The heating means heats the adhesive layer via the first pressurizing means. The booklet creation apparatus according to claim 2.

18. The heating means includes a heater that generates heat when power is supplied to it. The booklet creation apparatus according to claim 17.

19. The heating means includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates ultrasonic waves to vibrate the adhesive layer and heat the adhesive layer. The booklet creation apparatus according to claim 17.

20. A heating means for heating the adhesive layer when multiple sheets with an adhesive layer formed on them are stacked together, A first pressurizing means for pressurizing the adhesive layer, A second pressurizing means is positioned opposite the first pressurizing means and cooperates with the first pressurizing means to pressurize the adhesive layer, A moving means for moving the first pressurizing means relative to the second pressurizing means, The system includes a control means for controlling a thermocompression bonding process that includes an approaching operation in which the first pressing means approaches the second pressing means, and a separating operation in which the first pressing means moves away from the second pressing means. The control means controls the moving means so that each time one or more subsequent sheets are placed on the preceding sheet located between the second pressurizing means and the first pressurizing means, the heat-sealing process is applied to the sheet bundle consisting of the preceding sheet and the subsequent sheet. The control means is By repeatedly performing the aforementioned heat-sealing process multiple times, a booklet consisting of multiple sheets is created. In the approach operation, the movement speed of the first pressurizing means is reduced from the approach start speed to the approach end speed. The aforementioned approach termination speed is the speed at which the pressure applied to the sheet bundle becomes the target pressure. A booklet making apparatus that controls the moving means such that when the moving speed of the first pressing means reaches the approach termination speed, the position of the first pressing means is at a position away from the second pressing means, according to the number of times the heat-sealing process is performed.

21. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a booklet production apparatus, The image forming apparatus is A forming means for forming a toner image using adhesive toner in the adhesive region of a sheet, The system includes a transport means for transporting the sheet to the booklet creation device, The aforementioned booklet creation apparatus includes the booklet creation apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 20, and is an image forming system.

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