Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming system with which a user can easily perform a series of processing from image formation to press-fitting.SOLUTION: When a starting input of "press-fitting printed matter preparation job" is carried out (YES in S101), a main control part refers to a press-fitting processing table (S104) to display "recording material input screen" to an operation part (S105). A recording material capable of being adapted by a press-fitting processing device is displayed on "recording material input screen" in a selectable manner. When the recording material selectable on "recording material input screen" is selected, it is allowed to execute press-fitting processing of the recording material with the press-fitting processing device. When it is allowed to execute the press-fitting processing of the recording material with the press-fitting processing device, a series of processing from image formation to press-fitting for the recording material is carried out by an image forming apparatus and the press-fitting processing device to prepare a press-fitting printed matter. Thus, an image forming system with which a user can easily perform a series of processing from image formation to press-fitting can be provided, and thus it can be expected to improve workability required for preparing the press-fitting printed matter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention forms an image on a recording material, folds the recording material on which the image is formed, and the law of nature, Occasionally was Recording material Pressure Add force Pressure An image forming system that can create pressure-bonded prints by bonding To Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a device for producing a pressure-bonded printed matter with excellent information confidentiality has been proposed (Patent Document 1). Examples of pressure-bonded printed matters include pressure-bonded postcards in which surfaces on which personal information or the like is formed as an image are overlapped and pseudo-bonded, so that the personal information cannot be read until the pseudo-bonded surface is peeled off. Note that the pseudo-bonding referred to here is a form of bonding that can be peeled off after bonding, but is difficult to re-adhere after peeling.

[0003] Methods for carrying out the pseudo-adhesion include, for example, a glue method, a varnish method, and a film method. The glue method is a method in which a heat-sensitive glue is applied to the recording material, and the recording material is adhered by applying heat and pressure. The varnish method is a method in which an ultraviolet-curing varnish is applied to the recording material, and the recording material is adhered by irradiating it with ultraviolet light and applying heat and pressure. The film method is a method in which a heat-sensitive adhesive film is inserted between the overlapping surfaces, and then the recording material is adhered by applying heat and pressure.

[0004] As described above, in order to create a pressure-bonded print, it is necessary to apply heat and pressure to the recording material to bond the recording material. In this case, the adhesive strength is easily affected by the magnitude of heat and pressure applied to the recording material. If the adhesive strength is weak, there is a risk of unintended peeling, and conversely, if the adhesive strength is strong, there is a risk of the image transferring from one side to the other side when peeled. Therefore, in the past, in order to pseudo-bond with an appropriate adhesive strength, the magnitude of heat and pressure (e.g., the temperature of the heater, the pressure of the pressure roller, etc.) applied to the recording material was changed depending on the type of recording material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-96296 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Recently, an image forming system has been proposed that realizes printing in a so-called on-demand system by connecting a post-processing device to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and performing processes from image formation on the recording material to the post-processing continuously without interruption. Therefore, it is considered to connect an apparatus that creates the above-mentioned press-bonded printed matter (hereinafter referred to as a press-bonding device) as a post-processing device. However, a recording material on which an image can be formed by the image forming apparatus is not necessarily a recording material that can be press-bonded by the press-bonding device. If a recording material that cannot be press-bonded by the press-bonding device is conveyed, there is a risk that an error or a press-bonding failure will occur in the press-bonding device, and the entire system including the image forming apparatus will stop. Therefore, in the past, even if a press-bonding device was connected to an image forming apparatus, the user had to manually set the recording material separately, which was time-consuming and troublesome, and it was not possible to improve the work efficiency in creating a press-bonded printed matter.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a recording material Pressure An image forming system in which a pressure bonding device is connected to an image forming apparatus by applying force, allowing a user to easily carry out a series of processes from image formation to pressure bonding. M The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus. Glue to of ApplyThe image forming system includes a bonding device capable of performing a bonding process in which pressure is applied to a folded recording material to bond the recording material, and a control means for controlling the image forming device and the bonding device, wherein the control means allows the bonding device to perform the bonding process on recording material having a basis weight smaller than a predetermined basis weight, and does not allow the bonding device to perform the bonding process on recording material having a basis weight equal to or greater than the predetermined basis weight.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a recording material having an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, a coating unit that coats the recording material with a varnish on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, a folding unit that folds the recording material with the side on which the varnish has been coated by the coating unit facing inward, and a pressing unit that applies pressure to the folded recording material, Apply varnish and fold the recording material, then apply pressure to the folded recording material. The image forming system comprises a bonding device capable of performing a bonding process, and a control means for controlling the image forming device and the bonding device, wherein the control means allows the bonding device to perform the bonding process on recording material whose surface is coated, and does not allow the bonding device to perform the bonding process on recording material whose surface is not coated. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily carry out processes from image formation on a recording material to pressing in a continuous manner without interruption, thereby improving the work efficiency in producing a pressed print. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming system. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a process of creating a bonded print according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]13A and 13B are diagrams showing a recording material input screen, in which (a) is not subjected to pressure bonding, and (b) is subjected to pressure bonding. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of producing a laminated print according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of an image forming system. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing a recording material input screen when pressure bonding is performed in the image forming system shown in FIG. 9; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [First embodiment] <Image forming system> The present embodiment will be described below. First, the image forming system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The image forming system 1X of the present embodiment has an image forming apparatus 100 capable of executing an image forming mode in which a toner image is formed on a recording material S, and a pressure bonding apparatus 200 capable of executing a pressure bonding mode in which a recording material S on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is subjected to pressure bonding. The pressure bonding apparatus 200 is a post-process unit that can be freely added to the image forming apparatus 100 for functional expansion, and the image forming apparatus 100 and the pressure bonding apparatus 200 are connected so that the recording material S can be transferred. This image forming system 1X can create a pressure-bonded printed matter such as a pressure-bonded postcard by conveying the recording material S on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100 to the pressure bonding apparatus 200 and folding and pressing the recording material S by the pressure bonding apparatus 200.

[0013] 1, the pressing device 200 is shown as an example equipped with an adhesive application device 300, a folding device 400, and a pressing device 600. The image forming device 100, the adhesive application device 300, the folding device 400, and the pressing device 600 are connected by a data input / output interface (not shown) capable of serial communication or parallel communication so that control signals, data, and the like can be transmitted and received between each of them.

[0014] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem-type full-color printer of an electrophotographic system. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd that form images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. The image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on a recording material S in response to an image signal from a document reading device (not shown) connected to the main body of the apparatus or an external device 900 such as a personal computer or an external controller connected to the main body of the apparatus so as to be capable of inputting and outputting data. As the recording material S, for example, a sheet material such as uncoated paper, coated paper, or synthetic paper that can be folded is used.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are arranged in line in the moving direction of an intermediate transfer belt 130 in the main body of the apparatus. The intermediate transfer belt 130 is rotated while being stretched around a number of rollers (13, 14, and 15). The intermediate transfer belt 130 carries and transports a toner image to be primarily transferred as described below. A secondary transfer outer roller 11 is arranged at a position opposite to the secondary transfer inner roller 14, which stretches the intermediate transfer belt 130, with the intermediate transfer belt 130 in between, forming a secondary transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 130 to a recording material S. A fixing device 8 is arranged downstream of the secondary transfer unit in the recording material transport direction.

[0016] A cassette 10 containing a recording material S is disposed at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100. The recording material S is conveyed from the cassette 10 toward the registration roller 12 by a conveying roller 16. Thereafter, the registration roller 12 starts to rotate in synchronization with the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 130, so that the recording material S is conveyed to the secondary transfer section. A plurality of cassettes 10 are arranged so as to be able to contain recording materials S of different sizes and thicknesses, and a recording material S selected by a user from any of the plurality of cassettes 10 is conveyed. It should be noted that the recording material S is not limited to the recording material S contained in the cassette 10, and the recording material S placed on the manual feed tray 160 may be conveyed. Also, the recording material S contained in a paper feeder (not shown) connected as an option to the image forming apparatus 100 as a housing different from that of the image forming apparatus 100 may be conveyed to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0017] The four image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd of the image forming apparatus 100 have substantially the same configuration, except for the different developing colors. Therefore, the yellow image forming unit Pa will be described here as a representative, and illustrations and descriptions of the other image forming units Pb, Pc, and Pd will be omitted.

[0018] The image forming unit Pa is provided with a cylindrical photosensitive drum 3a as a photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 3a is rotated in a predetermined direction. A charging device 2a, an exposure device La, a developing device 1a, a primary transfer roller 24a, and a drum cleaning device 4a are arranged around the photosensitive drum 3a.

[0019] A process of forming, for example, a full-color image by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. First, when an image forming operation is started, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 3a is uniformly charged by the charging device 2a. The charging device 2a is, for example, a corona charger that irradiates charged particles associated with corona discharge to charge the photosensitive drum 3a to a uniform negative polarity dark potential. Next, the photosensitive drum 3a is scanned and exposed by a laser beam corresponding to an image signal emitted from the exposure device La. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3a. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3a is developed into a toner image, which is a visible image, by a developer containing toner and a carrier contained in the developing device 1a. In the case of this embodiment, the developing device 1a uses a two-component developer containing non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier as a developer.

[0020] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3a is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 130 at a primary transfer section formed between the photosensitive drum 3a and a primary transfer roller 24a disposed with the intermediate transfer belt 130 sandwiched therebetween. At this time, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 24a. Toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3a after the primary transfer is removed by a drum cleaning device 4a.

[0021] Such an operation is performed in sequence at each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black image forming units Pa to Pd, and the four color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 130. Thereafter, the recording material S accommodated in the cassette 10 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit in accordance with the timing of the formation of the toner images. Then, by applying a secondary transfer bias to the outer secondary transfer roller 11, the full-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 130 are secondarily transferred all at once to the recording material S. Any toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 130 after the secondary transfer is removed by the belt cleaning device 22.

[0022] The recording material S on which the toner image has been formed is transported to a fixing device 8. The fixing device 8 pinches and transports the recording material S on which the toner image has been formed in a fixing nip portion formed by a pair of rollers, thereby heating and pressurizing the recording material S to fix the toner image to the recording material S. Thereafter, the recording material S on which the toner image has been fixed is transported to a pressure bonding device 200, or is discharged to a discharge tray 950 as described later.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a main control unit 101. In this embodiment, the main control unit 101 serves as a control means and is capable of controlling the image forming apparatus 100 to execute an image forming process for forming an image on a recording material S, and is also capable of controlling the pressure bonding apparatus 200 to execute a pressure bonding process for folding and pressure bonding the recording material S. The control configuration of the image forming system 1X will be described later (see FIG. 2).

[0024] Next, the pressure-bonding device 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure-bonding device 200 of this embodiment has an adhesive application device 300 as an application means, a folding device 400 as a folding means, and a pressure-bonding device 600 as a pressure-bonding means. The adhesive application device 300 applies liquid adhesive to the surface of the recording material S on which an image is formed by the image forming device 100. The folding device 400 folds the recording material S with the surface on which the liquid adhesive is applied facing inward. The pressure-bonding device 600 applies heat and pressure to the folded recording material S. The adhesive application device 300, the folding device 400, and the pressure-bonding device 600 will be described below.

[0025] <Adhesive application device> First, the adhesive application device 300 will be described. In this embodiment, an ultraviolet-curing varnish (UV varnish) is used as the heat-sensitive liquid adhesive used to pseudo-adhere the recording material S in the adhesive application device 300. As long as the adhesive application device 300 can adjust the amount of varnish applied to the recording material S, the method of applying varnish to the recording material S may be any appropriate method, such as a roller application method in which varnish is applied by an application roller, or an inkjet method in which varnish is applied by ejecting it from a nozzle. In this embodiment, the roller application method (also called a roll coater method) is used.

[0026] The adhesive application device 300 has a varnish processing control unit 330 and a varnish application unit 301 that applies varnish to the recording material S and dries it. The varnish processing control unit 330 mainly controls the varnish application unit 301. The varnish application unit 301 has a pair of application rollers 302 that applies varnish, a supply roller 303 that supplies varnish to the pair of application rollers 302, a varnish storage unit 304 that stores the varnish, a drying unit 305 that dries the varnish, and a conveyor belt 306 that conveys the recording material S.

[0027] The pair of application rollers 302 applies varnish to one side of the recording material S (for convenience, referred to as the varnish application side) while sandwiching and transporting the recording material S transported from the image forming apparatus 100. The varnish applied by the pair of application rollers 302 is supplied to one roller 302a of the pair of application rollers 302 by a supply roller 303. The supply roller 303 is provided so as to be movable between a contact position where it contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roller 302a and supplies varnish, and a separation position where it separates from the outer peripheral surface of the roller 302a and does not supply varnish. The varnish storage section 304 is a storage case that stores varnish inside, and has an opening formed at a position higher than the liquid level. A part of the supply roller 303 enters the interior through the opening of the varnish storage section 304 and is immersed in the varnish, so that the supply roller 303 can supply varnish to the roller 302a while receiving replenishment of varnish from the varnish storage section 304 by rotating. The varnish applied to the recording material S is dried by a drying section 305. In this embodiment, the drying section 305 irradiates the varnished surface of the recording material S with ultraviolet light.

[0028] The adhesive application device 300 has, as transport paths for the recording material S, an application path 310 that applies varnish to the recording material S and passes it on to the subsequent folding device 400, and an application avoidance path 311 that passes the recording material S to the subsequent folding device 400 without applying varnish to it. Switching between the application path 310 and the application avoidance path 311 is performed by a flapper (not shown).

[0029] <Folding device> Next, the folding device 400 will be described. The folding device 400 is a device that performs folding processing by folding the recording material S that has undergone an image forming process by the image forming device 100, or a recording material S that has undergone an image forming process and an adhesive application process by the adhesive application device 300. In this embodiment, as an example, a roller pressure contact type folding device 400 that is capable of Z-folding and two-folding is shown. The folding device 400 has a folding control unit 430 and a folding unit 440 that folds the recording material S. The folding control unit 430 mainly controls the folding unit 440.

[0030] The folding section 440 will be described taking Z-folding as an example. The recording material S conveyed from the adhesive applying device 300 is drawn into the folding device by an inlet roller pair 401, and is diverted to different conveying paths by a branching flapper 402 depending on whether folding is required. That is, if folding is required, the recording material S is diverted to a folding path toward a conveying roller pair 403, and if folding is not required, the recording material S is diverted to a folding avoidance path toward a paper discharge roller pair 404.

[0031] When the recording material S is distributed to the folding path, it is temporarily stopped at the position of the registration roller pair 405, and a registration correction is performed while forming a loop. The registration-corrected recording material S is conveyed again, and at a predetermined timing after passing the folding position detection sensor 406, it is drawn in by the first folding roller 407 and the second folding roller 408, and the first folding is performed at the same time. Then, when the drawn-in recording material S hits the folding abutment stopper 409, it is drawn in by the second folding roller 408 and the third folding roller 410, and the second folding is performed at the same time. The recording material S that has been subjected to the second folding is conveyed toward the paper discharge roller pair 404, and is delivered to the subsequent pressing device 600 by the paper discharge roller pair 404. Note that when the recording material S is distributed to the folding avoidance path, the recording material S is delivered to the subsequent pressing device 600 by the paper discharge roller pair 404 without being subjected to the Z-folding described above.

[0032] The folding section 440 will be described taking the folding process in two as an example. When the recording material S is distributed to the folding process path, it is subjected to registration correction in the same manner as in the Z-fold process described above, and is transported again. Then, the recording material S is pulled in by the first folding roller 407 and the second folding roller 408, and the first folding process is performed at the same time. Then, in the case of folding in two, when the trailing end of the recording material S hits the trailing end abutting stopper 411 after passing the folding position detection sensor 406, the recording material S is pulled in by the first folding roller 407 and the second folding roller 408, and the folding process is performed at the same time. At this time, the pulled-in recording material S is guided by the leading end guide 412, which has been moved to a predetermined position in advance, and is pulled in by the second folding roller 408 and the third folding roller 410. The recording material S pulled in by the second folding roller 408 and the third folding roller 410 is transported toward the pair of paper discharge rollers 404, and is delivered to the subsequent pressing device 600 by the pair of paper discharge rollers 404. When the recording material S is diverted to the folding avoidance path, the recording material S is delivered to the subsequent pressing device 600 by the pair of paper discharge rollers 404 without being folded in two as described above.

[0033] <Crimping device> Next, the pressing device 600 will be described. The pressing device 600 is a device that performs pressing processing to press the recording material S that has been through the adhesive application process by the adhesive application device 300 and the folding process by the folding device 400 described above. In this embodiment, as an example, a roller pressing type pressing device 600 that can press the recording material S by applying heat and pressure to the recording material S via a pair of pressing rollers that sandwich and convey the recording material S is shown. The pressing device 600 has a pressing process control unit 630 and a pressing unit 640 that presses the recording material S. The pressing process control unit 630 mainly controls the pressing unit 640.

[0034] The pressing unit 640 will be described. The pressing unit 640 has a pair of pressing rollers 601 that rotate to sandwich and transport the recording material S, a heater 602 that heats the pair of pressing rollers 601, and a thermistor 603 that detects the temperature of the pair of pressing rollers 601. The pair of pressing rollers 601 has an upper roller 601a and a lower roller 601b, and the upper roller 601a and the lower roller 601b are each maintained at a desired temperature by the heater 602 according to the temperature detected by the thermistor 603. The pair of pressing rollers 601 can apply heat and pressure to the recording material S while sandwiching and transporting the recording material S in a folded state. As a result, the recording material S that is folded with the varnished surface on the inside is pseudo-adhered by pasting the coated surfaces together with the varnish.

[0035] <Control configuration of image forming system> Next, the control of the image forming system 1X will be described using Fig. 2 while referring to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the image forming apparatus 100 (more specifically, the main control unit 101) centrally manages operation commands for the pressure bonding apparatus 200 (adhesive application apparatus 300, folding apparatus 400, and pressure bonding apparatus 600) and controls them. Note that various devices such as motors and power supplies are connected in addition to those shown in Fig. 2, but illustration and description of these are omitted here as they are not the main point of the invention.

[0036] In the image forming system 1X of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the varnish processing control unit 330, the folding processing control unit 430, and the pressure bonding processing control unit 630 are connected to the main control unit 101 via a communication cable 500 so as to be able to communicate operation commands and various data. In accordance with operation commands from the main control unit 101, the varnish processing control unit 330 operates the adhesive application device 300, the processing control unit 430 operates the folding device 400, and the pressure bonding control unit 630 operates the pressure bonding device 600. That is, the main control unit 101 can control the entire image forming system 1X by transmitting operation commands to the pressure bonding device 200 (the adhesive application device 300, the folding device 400, and the pressure bonding device 600) while controlling the operation of the image forming device 100.

[0037] The main control unit 101, the varnishing control unit 330, the folding control unit 430, and the pressing control unit 630 may have the same configuration. For example, each of them has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0038] The main control unit 101 has a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. The ROM 103 and the RAM 104 store various programs such as an image forming process (not shown) and a compression printed matter creation process (see Figs. 3 and 5) described below, and various data such as a compression processing table (see Tables 1 and 2). The RAM 104 can also temporarily store the results of calculations associated with the execution of the various programs.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 700 having, for example, a liquid crystal display unit (see FIG. 1), and the operation unit 700 is connected to the main control unit 101. The operation unit 700 as an input means is capable of displaying various screens on the liquid crystal display unit that present various programs and various data, and is a touch panel that accepts inputs for starting various programs and inputting various data in response to a user's touch operation on the screen.

[0040] A user can input the start of a "bonded print creation job" from the operation unit 700. When a "bonded print creation job" is input, the CPU 102 executes a bonded print creation process (program) stored in the ROM 103. In response to this, the image forming apparatus 100 and the bonding processing apparatus 200 (adhesive application apparatus 300, folding apparatus 400, and bonding apparatus 600) can be operated. The user can also input the start of an "image formation job" from the operation unit 700, in which case the CPU 102 executes an image formation process (program) stored in the ROM 103. In this case, however, although the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the recording material S, the bonding processing apparatus 200 does not bond the recording material S.

[0041] The varnishing control unit 330 has a CPU 331, a ROM 332, and a RAM 333. The CPU 331 operates the adhesive application device 300 based on a control program stored in the ROM 332. The folding control unit 430 has a CPU 431, a ROM 432, and a RAM 433. The CPU 431 operates the folding device 400 based on a control program stored in the ROM 432.

[0042] The pressure bonding process control unit 630 includes a CPU 631, a ROM 632, and a RAM 633. The CPU 631 operates the pressure bonding device 600 based on a control program stored in the ROM 632. The pressure bonding process control unit 630 is connected to a motor 634 that rotates and drives the pressure bonding roller pair 601, a heater 602 that heats the pressure bonding roller pair 601, and a thermistor 603 that detects the temperature of the pressure bonding roller pair 601. The pressure bonding process control unit 630 transmits the detection result (temperature data) of the thermistor 603 to the main control unit 101. The pressure bonding process control unit 630 can change the temperature of the heater 602 by receiving a target temperature (data) from the main control unit 101. The pressure bonding process control unit 630 can also change the rotation speed of the motor 634 by receiving a target speed (data) of the recording material S to be conveyed from the main control unit 101. The target temperature and the target speed differ depending on the type of the recording material S (uncoated paper, coated paper, etc.), the basis weight of the recording material S, and the like.

[0043] As described above, the pressure bonding device 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 100 operates under the control of the main control unit 101. However, even if the recording material S is compatible with the image forming apparatus 100, the pressure bonding device 200 may not be compatible with the recording material S. For example, the recording material S into which the varnish applied to the surface is easily permeated cannot be secured with the desired adhesive strength of the varnish even if an image can be formed, and problems such as the recording material S not being able to be pressure bonded or being easily peeled off even if it can be pressure bonded are generated, and therefore the pressure bonding device 200 cannot handle it. An example of the recording material S into which the varnish is easily permeated is a recording material S (uncoated paper) whose surface is not coated. In addition, even if the recording material S is capable of forming an image, if the recording material S is thick and has a relatively large basis weight, the heating by the pressure roller pair 601 is insufficient, and the desired adhesive strength of the varnish cannot be secured, and similar problems may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, when producing a pressure-bonded printed matter, the main control unit 101 determines whether or not to perform pressure bonding of the recording material S depending on the type and basis weight of the recording material S, and controls the operation of the pressure bonding device 200 accordingly. This point will be described below.

[0044] <Creating laminated printed matter> The process of creating a laminated print according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 4(b) while also referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The process of creating a laminated print according to the present embodiment is a procedure that is started by the main control unit 101 when the image forming system 1X is powered on.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the main control unit 101 judges whether an input to start an "image formation job" or a "laminated print production job" has been made from the operation unit 700 (S101). The main control unit 101 keeps the system in a standby state until an input to start either an "image formation job" or a "laminated print production job" has been made from the operation unit 700. When an input to start an "image formation job" has been made (NO in S101), the main control unit 101 displays the "recording material input screen" shown in Fig. 4(a) on the operation unit 700 and waits until the user inputs a selection of the recording material S (NO in S102).

[0046] When the start input of the "image forming job" is performed, that is, when the pressing process of the recording material S is not performed, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the "recording material input screen" displays the recording material S that is stored in the cassette 10 or a paper feeder (not shown) and is compatible with the image forming apparatus 100 so that it can be selected. Here, as the recording materials S that can be compatible with the image forming apparatus 100, a plurality of software keys are displayed, which indicate "plain paper" (uncoated paper), "thick paper 1-4" (uncoated paper) with different basis weights, and "coated paper 1-5" (coated paper) with different basis weights. The user can touch and select one of the software keys indicating the recording materials S displayed on the "recording material input screen", and the selected recording material S is input as the target for image formation by the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the case where "coated paper 3" is selected is shown as an example, and in order to show the user that "coated paper 3" has been selected, the display mode of "coated paper 3" is made different from other recording materials S that have not been selected, as shown in the figure.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, when the recording material S is selected on the "Recording Material Input Screen" shown in FIG. 4(a) (YES in S102), the main control unit 101 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the selected recording material S (S103). In this case, the main control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 but does not transmit an operation command to the pressure bonding apparatus 200. Therefore, an image is formed on the recording material S, but pressure bonding of the recording material S is not performed. In other words, the recording material S on which an image has been formed is simply output, and no pressure-bonded print is created.

[0048] On the other hand, when a command to start a "bonded print job" is input (YES in S101), the main control unit 101 refers to the bonding processing table (Table 1) stored in the ROM 103 (S104), and displays the "recording material input screen" shown in Fig. 4(b) on the operation unit 700 (S105). Then, the main control unit 101 waits until the user inputs a selection of the recording material S (NO in S106). [Table 1]

[0049] As shown in Table 1, the pressure bonding table (data) specifies whether each recording material S can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200. In Table 1, the compatible recording materials S are indicated by a "circle" and the incompatible recording materials S are indicated by a "cross". Therefore, in this example, "plain paper", "thick paper" (uncoated paper), and "coated paper 5" are recording materials S that cannot be handled by the pressure bonding device 200, and "coated paper 1-4" which has a smaller basis weight than "coated paper 5" are recording materials S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200. Specifically, "plain paper" and "thick paper" are recording materials S that cannot be handled by the adhesive application device 300 that applies varnish because varnish easily penetrates them. "Coated paper 5" is a recording material S that cannot be handled by the pressure bonding device 600 because heat is not sufficiently transferred when heated by the pressure bonding roller pair 601 due to its thickness, and the desired adhesive strength of the varnish cannot be secured.

[0050] The adhesive application device 300, the folding device 400, and the pressing device 600 may store data on the recording material S that can be handled by each device in the ROM 332, ROM 432, and ROM 632, respectively. In this case, the main control unit 101 can import each data from the adhesive application device 300, the folding device 400, and the pressing device 600, create the pressing table as described above, and store it in the ROM 103 or the RAM 104 for use. This is advantageous because the pressing table is automatically updated when the adhesive application device 300, the folding device 400, and the pressing device 600 are replaced with new models with higher performance, for example.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4(b), when the start input of the "press-bonded print production job" is performed, that is, when the pressing process of the recording material S is performed, the "recording material input screen" displayed displays the recording material S that can be handled by the pressing process device 200 in a selectable manner according to the pressing process table. Here, "coated paper 1-4" is displayed as a selectable recording material S that can be handled by the pressing process device 200 in accordance with the pressing process table of Table 1. In this embodiment, the display manner of the selectable recording material S and the recording material S that cannot be selected are made different. The user can touch any of "coated paper 1-4" to select it, but cannot select any of "plain paper", "thick paper", and "coated paper 5" by touching them. Note that here, the case where "coated paper 3" is selected is shown as an example, and in order to show the user that "coated paper 3" has been selected, the display manner of the color, etc. of "coated paper 3" is made different from the display manner of the software key indicating the other recording materials S that are not selected, as shown in the figure.

[0052] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 3, when the recording material S is selected on the "recording material input screen" shown in FIG. 4(b) (YES in S106), the main control unit 101 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the selected recording material S (S107). The main control unit 101 also transmits an operation command to the pressure bonding apparatus 200 (S108). That is, in this embodiment, by selecting a selectable recording material S on the "recording material input screen" shown in FIG. 4(b) by a touch operation, the pressure bonding apparatus 200 is permitted to perform pressure bonding of the recording material S. When the pressure bonding apparatus 200 is permitted to perform pressure bonding of the recording material S, a series of processes from image formation to pressure bonding are performed on the recording material S by the image forming apparatus 100 and the pressure bonding apparatus 200, and a pressure bonded print is created.

[0053] Conversely, even if a recording material S that cannot be selected on the "recording material input screen" shown in Fig. 4(b) is touched, the execution of compression processing of the recording material S by the compression processing device 200 is not permitted. In other words, in the case of a recording material S for which the execution of compression processing by the compression processing device 200 is not permitted, by making it unselectable on the "recording material input screen" shown in Fig. 4(b), input of the recording material S is not accepted and the execution is not permitted.

[0054] Furthermore, when the main control unit 101 permits the pressure bonding device 200 to perform pressure bonding of the recording material S, it changes the target temperature of the heater 602 and the target speed of the recording material S (the number of rotations of the motor 634) to values ​​appropriate for the recording material S according to the pressure bonding table of Table 1. For example, when the basis weight is the first basis weight (50 to 100 g / cm 2 In the case of "coated paper 1" having a basis weight of 101 to 180 g / cm, the temperature of the upper roller 601a is set to a first temperature (170°C). 2 In the case of "coated paper 2" having a basis weight of 181 to 260 g / cm, the temperature of the upper roller 601a is set to a second temperature (180° C.) higher than the first temperature. 2 In the case of "coated paper 3" having a basis weight of 261 to 340 g / cm, the conveying speed of the recording material S is set to a first speed (350 mm / s). 2 In the case of "Coated Paper 4" in step 10, the conveying speed of the recording material S is set to a second speed (200 mm / s) which is slower than the first speed.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, in the case of a configuration in which a recording material S is compressed to create a compressed print following image formation, whether or not to perform compression processing is determined according to the type and basis weight of the recording material S, and the operation of the compression processing device 200 can be controlled. This prevents incompatible recording materials S that may cause errors or compression failures in the compression processing device 200 from being conveyed to the compression processing device 200. Therefore, in a configuration in which the compression processing device 200 is connected to the image forming device 100, it is possible to provide an image forming system 1X that allows a user to easily perform a series of processes from image formation to compression, thereby improving the work efficiency in creating a compressed print.

[0056] [Second embodiment] <Creating laminated printed matter> Next, the process of creating a laminated print according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 while also referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The process of creating a laminated print according to the present embodiment is a procedure that is started by the main control unit 101 when the image forming system 1X is powered on.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 5, the main control unit 101 determines whether an input to start an "image formation job" or a "laminated print creation job" has been made from the operation unit 700 (S201). In this embodiment, regardless of whether an input to start an "image formation job" or a "laminated print creation job" has been made, the recording material S is selected from the "recording material input screen" shown in Fig. 4(a). The main control unit 101 keeps the system in a standby state until the selection of the recording material S and the input to start either the "image formation job" or the "laminated print creation job" are made from the operation unit 700.

[0058] When an input to start an "image forming job" is made (NO in S201), the main control unit 101 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the recording material S selected in conjunction with the input to start the "image forming job" (S202). In this case, the main control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 but does not transmit an operation command to the pressure bonding apparatus 200. Therefore, an image is formed on the recording material S, but pressure bonding of the recording material S is not performed. In other words, the recording material S on which an image has been formed is simply output, and no pressure bonded printed matter is created.

[0059] When a start input for the "bonded print production job" is made (YES in S201), the main control unit 101 checks the recording material S selected together with the start input for the "bonded print production job" against the bonding processing table (Table 1) already stored in the ROM 103 (S203). Then, the main control unit 101 determines whether the selected recording material S is a recording material S that can be handled by the bonding processing device 200 (S204).

[0060] If the selected recording material S is a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200 (YES in S204), the main control unit 101 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the selected recording material S (S205). The main control unit 101 also transmits an operation command to the pressure bonding device 200 (S206). In this manner, in this embodiment, it is automatically determined whether the selected recording material S is a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200, and the pressure bonding of the recording material S by the pressure bonding device 200 is permitted according to the determination result. If the pressure bonding of the recording material S by the pressure bonding device 200 is permitted, a series of processes from image formation to pressure bonding on the recording material S is performed by the image forming apparatus 100 and the pressure bonding device 200, and a pressure bonded printed matter is created.

[0061] On the other hand, if the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200 (NO in S204), the main control unit 101 displays a "warning screen" as shown in FIG. 6 on the operation unit 700 and waits (S207). As shown in FIG. 6, the "warning screen" is a screen that displays that the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200 and allows the user to select a process for the selected recording material S. As a process for the recording material S, the user can select one of a "printing and processing execution" process, a "printing only execution" process, and a "cancellation" process. The "printing and processing execution" process is a process that forcibly performs pressure bonding on the recording material S even though it is not a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200. The "printing only execution" process is a process that only performs image formation by the image forming device 100 because the recording material S is not a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200. The "cancel" process is a process forcibly terminating (stopping) the input "bonded print production job" and not performing image formation or bonding. The main control unit 101 executes the process selected by the user in accordance with the "warning screen" displayed on the operation unit 700.

[0062] When the user selects the "printing and processing execution" process (YES in S208), the main control unit 101 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the selected recording material S (S205). The main control unit 101 also transmits an operation command to the bonding processing device 200 (S206). In this case, since the execution of the bonding process of the recording material S by the bonding processing device 200 is permitted, a series of processes from image formation to bonding on the recording material S is performed, and a bonded printed matter can be created. However, since the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that can be handled by the bonding processing device 200, there is a risk that an error or a bonding failure will occur in the bonding processing device 200 in some cases. However, there are cases where a user wants to try to create only one bonded printed matter, and in such cases, the selection is made possible.

[0063] When the user selects the "print only" process (S208: NO and S209: YES), the main control unit 101 controls the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the selected recording material S (S210). Then, the main control unit 101 displays a "print execution screen" as shown in FIG. 7 on the operation unit 700. In this case, the main control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, but does not transmit an operation command to the pressure bonding device 200. Therefore, an image is formed on the recording material S, but the pressure bonding process of the recording material S is not performed. In other words, the recording material S on which an image is formed is simply output, and a pressure-bonded print is not created. In the "print execution screen" shown in FIG. 7, since the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that can be handled by the pressure bonding device 200, it is displayed that the pressure bonding process has not been performed on the recording material S, but an image has been formed.

[0064] When the user selects the "print only" process, the recording material S on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 may be sent to a discharge tray 950 (escape tray) provided in the image forming apparatus 100, without being sent to the pressure bonding apparatus 200. In such a case, it is preferable to display on the "print execution screen" that the recording material S on which "print only" has been executed has been discharged to the discharge tray 950.

[0065] If the user selects the "Cancel" process (NO in S208 and NO in S209), the main control unit 101 forcibly terminates the "bonded print production job" and performs neither image formation nor bonding (S211). The main control unit 101 then displays a "forced termination screen" as shown in Fig. 8 on the operation unit 700. The "forced termination screen" shown in Fig. 8 displays a message that the "bonded print production job" has been forcibly terminated without performing either bonding or image formation on the recording material S, because the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that can be handled by the bonding device 200.

[0066] As described above, this embodiment also provides an image forming system 1X that enables a user to easily perform a series of processes from image formation to lamination, and has the same effect as the first embodiment described above, that is, it is possible to improve the work efficiency in producing lamination-laminated printed matter.

[0067] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which an adhesive application device 300 (varnish machine) using ultraviolet-curing varnish (UV varnish) was used to pseudo-adhere the recording material S, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a film supply device (film machine) using an adhesive film may also be used. Fig. 9 shows an image forming system 1XA that employs a film supply device 800. In Fig. 9, the same components as those in the image forming system 1X shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be simplified or omitted.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, unlike the image forming system 1X (see Fig. 1) described above, the image forming system 1XA includes a pressing device 200A having a folding device 400, a film supplying device 800, and a pressing device 600. That is, the pressing device 200A includes a folding device 400 that folds the recording material S on which an image has been formed, a film supplying device 800 that supplies a heat-sensitive adhesive film F to the inside of the folded recording material S, and a pressing device 600 that applies heat and pressure to the folded recording material S. The adhesive application device 300 (see Fig. 1) receives the recording material S from the image forming device 100 and transports it toward the folding device 400, while the film supplying device 800 receives the recording material S from the folding device 400 and transports it toward the pressing device 600.

[0069] <Film supply device> The film supply device 800 as a supplying means has a film supply control unit 830, film rolls 801a and 801b around which adhesive film F is wound, and a film supply unit 850 that supplies the adhesive film F to the recording material S. The film supply control unit 830 mainly controls the film supply unit 850. The adhesive film F is, for example, formed of an adhesive layer that generates adhesive force by applying heat and pressure to the front and back surfaces of two adhered layers of transparent film.

[0070] The long adhesive film F wound around the film rolls 801a and 801b is successively supplied along the predetermined film supply paths 802a and 802b. When the Z-folded recording material S reaches the intersections 804a and 804b between the conveying path 803 and the film supply paths 802a and 802b, the adhesive film F is supplied so as to be sandwiched between the recording material S. The adhesive film F is then cut to a desired size by the cutting member 805. On the other hand, when the recording material S folded in half reaches the intersection 804a between the conveying path 803 and the film supply path 802a, the adhesive film F is supplied so as to be sandwiched between the recording material S. The adhesive film F is then cut to a desired size by the cutting member 805.

[0071] In the case of such an image forming system 1XA, the main control unit 101 can also perform the above-mentioned compression printed matter creation process (see FIG. 3). However, the recording material S that can be handled by the compression processing device 200 of the image forming system 1X is different from the recording material S that can be handled by the compression processing device 200A of the image forming system 1XA. Therefore, in the case of the image forming system 1XA, the main control unit 101 can perform processes such as displaying the "recording material input screen" shown in FIG. 10 on the operation unit 700 (see S105 in FIG. 3) in accordance with Table 2 shown below instead of Table 1. [Table 2]

[0072] As shown in Table 2, the compression processing table (data) specifies whether each recording material S can be handled by the compression processing device 200A or not. In Table 2, compatible recording materials S are indicated with a "◯" and incompatible recording materials S are indicated with an "X". In this case, the main control unit 101 determines whether the basis weight of the recording material S is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (341 g / cm in this case), whether it is uncoated paper such as "plain paper" or "cardboard" or "coated paper 1-5". 2 ), the recording material S is deemed not to be compatible with the pressure bonding device 200A. In the case of a recording material S with a basis weight equal to or greater than a predetermined value, heat is not sufficiently transferred when heated by the pressure bonding roller pair 601 due to its thickness, and the desired adhesive strength of the adhesive film cannot be secured, so the recording material S is deemed to be incompatible with the pressure bonding device 600. In the case of such a recording material S, the main control unit 101 does not permit the pressure bonding device 200A to perform pressure bonding of the recording material S.

[0073] In addition, when the main control unit 101 allows the pressing processing device 200A to perform pressing processing of the recording material S, it changes the target temperature of the heater 602 and the target speed of the recording material S (the rotation speed of the motor 634) to values ​​corresponding to the recording material S in accordance with the pressing processing table of Table 2.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 101 executes the above-described pressure-bonded printed matter production process (FIGS. 3 and 5). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any of the control units of the pressure-bonding apparatus 200 (200A) may execute the process. Alternatively, in the case of an image forming system 1X having an external controller as the external device 900, the main control unit 101, the varnish processing control unit 330 (or the film supply control unit 830), the folding control unit 430, and the pressure-bonding control unit 630 may be controlled by the external controller. In this case, the external controller controls the image forming apparatus 100, the pressure-bonding apparatus 200, the adhesive application device 300 (the film supply device 800), the folding device 400, and the pressure-bonding apparatus 600 as a whole via the respective control units, and executes the above-described pressure-bonded printed matter production process (FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0075] In addition, the control unit for controlling the image forming system 1X may be provided in any housing as long as the above-mentioned bonded printed matter production process is executed. For example, the control unit for controlling the entire image forming system 1X may be the above-mentioned main control unit 101 or an external controller, or may be provided inside any device of the bonding processing device 200 and may be configured to execute the above-mentioned bonded printed matter production process (FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the image forming system 1X in which the pressure-bonding device 200 is connected as a separate housing outside the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 has been exemplified, but the pressure-bonding device 200 may be provided inside the main body (within the same housing) of the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, the main control unit 101 also operates as the above-described varnishing control unit 330 (or the film supply control unit 830), the folding control unit 430, and the pressure-bonding control unit 630. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1X (1XA)... image forming system, 100... image forming apparatus, 101... control means (main control section), 200... pressure bonding apparatus, 300... coating means (adhesive coating apparatus), 400... folding means (folding apparatus), 600... pressure bonding means (pressing apparatus), 700... input means (operation section), 800... supply means (film supply apparatus), 900... external device (control device), 950... discharge tray, S... recording material

Claims

1. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material; a pressure bonding device capable of performing a pressure bonding process in which an adhesive is applied to a recording material on which an image is formed by the image forming device, the recording material is folded, and pressure is applied to the folded recording material to bond the recording material to the pressure bond; A control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus and the pressure bonding apparatus, the control means permits the pressing device to perform the pressing process on a recording material having a basis weight smaller than a predetermined basis weight, and does not permit the pressing device to perform the pressing process on a recording material having a basis weight equal to or greater than the predetermined basis weight.

1. An image forming system comprising:

2. further comprising an input unit for receiving an instruction from a user based on an input operation by the user; When the pressing process is included in the instruction from the user received via the input means, the control means controls the input means to disable the selection input of a recording material having a basis weight equal to or greater than the predetermined basis weight from the input means.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1,

3. further comprising an input unit for receiving an instruction from a user based on an input operation by the user; When the instruction from the user received via the input means includes an instruction to perform the pressing process on a recording material having a basis weight equal to or greater than the predetermined basis weight, the control means does not permit the pressing device to perform the pressing process.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1,

4. The input means has a display unit for displaying information, the control unit displays a warning on the display unit when the instruction from the user received via the input unit includes an instruction to perform the pressing process on a recording material having a basis weight equal to or greater than the predetermined basis weight.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3.

5. the control means controls the display unit to display, as the warning display, information indicating that the instruction from the user accepted via the input means is to be cancelled.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4.

6. the control means controls the display unit to display information that only accepts image formation by the image forming apparatus, based on an instruction from the user received via the input means as the warning display.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4.

7. The pressure bonding device is a coating unit for coating a varnish on a surface of a recording material on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus; a folding means for folding the recording material so that the surface on which the varnish has been applied by the application means is on the inside; a pressing means for applying pressure to the recording material folded by the folding means, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1,

8. The pressure bonding device is a folding unit for folding a recording material on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus; a supplying means for supplying a heat-sensitive adhesive film to the inside of the folded recording material; a pressure bonding means for applying heat and pressure to the recording material that has been folded by the folding means and that has been supplied by the supplying means and that has sandwiched the adhesive film therebetween, 2. The image forming system according to claim 1,

9. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material; a pressure-bonding device that includes a coating means for coating a recording material with an image formed thereon by the image forming device, a folding means for folding the recording material with the surface coated with varnish by the coating means facing inward, and a pressing means for applying pressure to the folded recording material, and that is capable of performing a pressure-bonding process of coating the recording material with an image formed thereon by the image forming device, folding the recording material, and applying pressure to the folded recording material; A control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus and the pressure bonding apparatus, the control means permits the pressure-bonding device to perform the pressure-bonding process on a recording material whose surface is coated, and does not permit the pressure-bonding device to perform the pressure-bonding process on a recording material whose surface is not coated, 1. An image forming system comprising:

10. The control means permits the pressure-bonding device to perform the pressure-bonding process on a recording material whose surface is coated and whose basis weight is less than a predetermined basis weight, and does not permit the pressure-bonding device to perform the pressure-bonding process on a recording material whose surface is coated and whose basis weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined basis weight.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9.

11. An input unit is provided for receiving an instruction from a user based on an input operation by the user, When the instruction from the user received via the input means includes the pressing process, the control means controls the input means to disable selection input of a recording material having an uncoated surface from the input means.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9.

12. further comprising an input unit for receiving an instruction from a user based on an input operation by the user; When the instruction from the user received via the input means includes an instruction to perform the pressing process on a recording material whose surface is not coated, the control means does not permit the pressing device to perform the pressing process.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9.

13. The input means has a display unit for displaying information, the control means, when the instruction from the user received via the input means includes an instruction to perform the pressing process on the recording material whose surface is not coated, displays a warning on the display unit.

13. The image forming system according to claim 12.

14. the control means controls the display unit to display, as the warning display, information indicating that the instruction from the user accepted via the input means is to be cancelled.

14. The image forming system according to claim 13.

15. the control means controls the display unit to display, as the warning display, information that indicates that only image formation by the image forming apparatus is to be accepted, based on an instruction from the user received via the input means.

14. The image forming system according to claim 13.

16. the image forming apparatus has an ejection tray; when the control unit receives an instruction from the user to perform only image formation by the image forming device, the control unit causes the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming device to be discharged to the discharge tray without being conveyed to the pressure bonding device.

7. The image forming system according to claim 6.

17. the image forming apparatus has an ejection tray; when the control unit receives an instruction from the user to perform only image formation by the image forming device, the control unit causes the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming device to be discharged to the discharge tray without being conveyed to the pressure bonding device.

14. The image forming system according to claim 13.

18. an external device connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be capable of inputting and outputting data; The control means is provided in the external device.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1,

19. an external device connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be capable of inputting and outputting data; The control means is provided in the external device.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9.

Images