Medium processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medium processing apparatus and an image forming system capable of improving the productivity of a process of pressing and binding a plurality of sheet-like media and improving the retention of a bound state. It includes a conveying section that conveys media, a liquid application unit that applies liquid to the media conveyed by the conveying section, and a pressing unit that presses and deforms a bundle of media including at least one page of the media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit to bind it, the liquid application unit being configured so that, depending on the conveying interval of the media conveyed by the conveying section, it is possible to select whether to apply the liquid to all of the media that make up the bundle of media or to apply the liquid only to the media that make up a part of the bundle of media.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a medium processing apparatus and an image forming system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A known medium processing apparatus is a stapling apparatus that performs stapling processing on a bundle of sheets in which sheet-shaped media on which images are formed are formed into a paper bundle. In addition, as an example of sheet-shaped media, paper is known. Therefore, in the present specification, when a description is made regarding a bundle of sheets, a "bundle of sheets" in which paper, which is a plurality of sheets of media, is formed into a paper bundle is described as an example. In addition, in a medium processing apparatus, from the viewpoint of saving resources and reducing environmental load, a medium processing apparatus that performs stapling processing without using a metal-made staple (staple pin) is known. In this medium processing apparatus, a crimping processing portion that can perform "crimp stapling" that crimps a bundle of sheets with a crimping tooth in a concave-convex shape and presses it to deform is provided.

[0003] As is well known, with an increase in the thickness of a bundle of sheets (when the number of sheets of paper that constitute the bundle of sheets increases), the crimping tooth becomes difficult to bite into, the holding force that maintains the stapled state weakens, the stapled paper peels off, and the like, and the maintenance of the stapled state becomes difficult. Therefore, in a medium processing apparatus that performs crimp stapling, in order to improve the stapling strength, a known technique is to make the crimping tooth easily bite into by previously applying water to a position at which the crimping tooth contacts the paper (hereinafter referred to as a "stapling position").

[0004] The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is provided with a water application processing portion for applying water to the paper. The water application by the water application processing portion is performed every time a sheet of paper is stacked in the bundle of sheets, after alignment processing in which the side end portion or the leading end portion of the bundle of sheets and the like is aligned and arranged is performed. Thereby, the subsequent paper that has been aligned is individually subjected to water application, and finally, crimp stapling can be performed at a position at which the crimping tooth easily bites into. Therefore, when the subsequent paper is transported before the water application processing ends, the transport of the subsequent paper needs to be temporarily placed in a standby state, and the end of the water application processing needs to be waited for.

[0005] Therefore, in the related art, a problem of a decrease in the productivity of crimp stapling processing due to water application processing occurs.

[0006] An object of the present application is to provide a technique for improving the productivity of processing in which a plurality of sheet-shaped media is crimped and stapled, and improving the maintenance of the stapled state.

[0007]

Patent Literature 1

[0008] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present application relates to a medium processing apparatus including: a conveying section that conveys a medium; a liquid application unit that applies a liquid to the medium conveyed by the conveying section; and a pressure bonding unit that presses and deforms a medium bundle including at least one page of the medium to which the liquid is applied by the liquid application unit to bind, the liquid application unit being configured so that, depending on a conveying interval of the medium conveyed by the conveying section, it is possible to select whether to apply the liquid to all of the medium that constitutes the medium bundle or to apply the liquid to only the medium that constitutes a part of the medium bundle.

[0009] According to the present application, it is possible to improve the productivity of processing in which a plurality of sheet-like media are pressed and bound and to improve the retention of the bound state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 An overall configuration of an image forming system is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An internal configuration of a post-processing apparatus is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 A schematic view of a processing tray as seen from the upper side is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 A schematic view of a binding processing section as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 are schematic views of the configuration of a pressure bonding mechanism.

[0015] Figure 6 A hardware configuration of a control module that controls the operation of the post-processing apparatus is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 An example of a display of a binding mode selection screen displayed on a display is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 A flowchart of a binding process in which a paper bundle is pressure bonded at a binding position is shown.

[0018] Figure 9 (A) to (D) of FIG. 6 are views of the position of the binding processing section in the binding process of FIG. 5. Figure 8

[0019] Figure 10 A timing chart showing an example of the relationship between the liquid application operation and the conveying time of paper is shown.

[0020] Figure 11 ​Fig. 6 shows a timing chart of another example of the relationship between the liquid application operation and the conveyance time of the paper sheet.

[0021] Figure 12 Fig. 7 shows a timing chart of still another example of the relationship between the liquid application operation and the conveyance time of the paper sheet.

[0022] Figure 13 Fig. 8 shows a timing chart of still another example of the relationship between the liquid application operation and the conveyance time of the paper sheet.

[0023] Figure 14 Fig. 9 shows a timing chart of still another example of the relationship between the liquid application operation and the conveyance time of the paper sheet.

[0024] Figure 15 Fig. 10 shows a timing chart of still another example of the relationship between the liquid application operation and the conveyance time of the paper sheet.

[0025] Figure 16 Fig. 11 shows a data table for defining the productivity as a criterion for determining whether or not the liquid application operation is possible.

[0026] Figure 17 Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a detailed example of the liquid application determination processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] [Embodiment of image forming system]

[0028] Hereinafter, an image forming system 1000 to which the present application is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a configuration diagram of the image forming system 1000 as a whole. The image forming system 1000 has a function of forming an image on a paper sheet P as a sheet-shaped medium and performing post-processing on the paper sheet P on which the image is formed. As shown in the figure, the image forming system 1000 is configured by an MFP 10 and a post-processing device 20 as an embodiment of the medium processing device to which the present application is applied.

[0029] The image forming system 1000 is configured in a manner that the MFP 10 as an image forming device that forms an image on a paper sheet P as a medium and the post-processing device 20 cooperate with each other. That is, the input port of the post-processing device 20 is connected to the discharge port from which the paper sheet P is discharged from the MFP 10, and the operation setting of the post-processing device 20 can be performed on the basis of the parameter set in the MFP 10.

[0030] In addition, the image forming system 1000 is not limited to Figure 1 the configuration shown. For example, the configuration in which the post-processing device 20 is provided in the MFP 10 is included, and the configuration as one device can be adopted. In addition, not only the parameter set in the MFP 10, but also the manner that the operation is performed on the basis of the parameter set in the post-processing device 20 can be adopted.

[0031] [MFP10 Overview]

[0032] The MFP10, as an image forming and processing apparatus, comprises a supply unit 110, a light writing unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a fixing unit 140, and a transport path Tp for transporting paper P contained in the supply unit 110 to the image forming unit 130. Furthermore, as an image reading and processing apparatus, the MFP10 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 150 that automatically supplies an original document Sp containing an image, and an image reading unit 160 that optically reads the original document Sp from the ADF 150. The MFP10 also includes a user interface for executing user processing instructions, processing conditions, and settings, as well as an operation panel 170 that also serves as an information display showing the operating status of the MFP10 and the post-processing unit 20.

[0033] The supply unit 110 has multiple receiving trays for receiving paper P and a pair of supply rollers that feed paper P from each receiving tray to the transport path Tp, and feeds a specified number of sheets of paper P to the transport path Tp according to the execution instructions of the image forming process.

[0034] The operation panel 170 is an operation input interface for instructing the operation of the image forming system 1000, and also serves as an information input interface for users to set the operation conditions of the image forming system 1000. The operation panel 170 functions as a GUI (Graphical User Interface). When the start button, which is the start command for the MFP10, is pressed, image forming processing is executed, an image is formed on the paper P, and then ejected.

[0035] The image reading unit 160 optically reads the original document Sp mounted on the ADF 150 using a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor and outputs it as a read signal after photoelectric conversion. The read signal is then processed by the image processing unit and converted into image data. The image data is then stored in the image storage unit. The stored image data is read out and converted into a control signal for the operation of the light writing unit 120.

[0036] The optical writing unit 120 outputs a laser that has been optically modulated according to a control signal, and forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum of the imaging unit 130 through a faceted mirror.

[0037] The imaging unit 130 applies toner, which is a developing material, to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum. When the paper P supplied by the supply unit 110 is transported to the imaging unit 130 via the transport path Tp, the toner image formed on the photosensitive body is transferred onto the paper P.

[0038] The toner image transferred onto paper P is fixed onto paper P via fixing unit 140. Through this series of processes, a specified image is formed on paper P.

[0039] The paper P with the image formed by the MFP10 is discharged to the subsequent post-processing device 20. The type and conditions of post-processing performed on the paper P in the post-processing device 20 can be preset according to the settings set in advance via the operation panel 170 of the MFP10, or as described later, according to the settings set via the operation panel of the post-processing device 20.

[0040] In the post-processing unit 20, the paper P input from the MFP10 undergoes prescribed post-processing. Then, the post-processed paper P or paper bundle Pb is discharged to the tray section of the post-processing unit 20, which serves as the discharge destination.

[0041] Furthermore, the image forming process in the MFP10 is not limited to the original document Sp read by the image reading unit 160. For example, image forming data can be received from an external device, and image forming processing based on that data can be performed.

[0042] [Overview of Post-processing Unit 20]

[0043] Next, a summary of the post-processing apparatus 20, which is an embodiment of the media conveying device according to the present invention, will be described. The post-processing apparatus 20 has an overlapping conveying unit 250 as a reversing conveying path. The overlapping conveying unit 250 can perform a "pre-stacking process" in which the previously conveyed media is temporarily reversed to a turning conveying path and then the subsequent media is overlapped with multiple pages of the previously conveyed media. The previously conveyed media and the subsequent media, which are integrated by the pre-stacking process, are conveyed to the processing tray 260, which will be described later, while maintaining the integrated state. The reversing conveying path is set upstream in the conveying direction relative to the processing tray 260.

[0044] The post-processing unit 20 performs prescribed post-processing on the paper P discharged from the MFP10, which serves as the host device. The post-processing performed in the post-processing unit 20 can be controlled either by the control module of the post-processing unit 20 based on information from the host device, as described later, or by the control module on the host device side (e.g., the MFP10).

[0045] The post-processing device 20 includes an input conveying section 210 that is continuous with the input port of the paper P discharged from the input MFP10, an upper displacement discharge conveying section 220 and a lower displacement discharge conveying section 230 that branch off on the downstream side of the input conveying section 210, and an overlapping conveying section 250.

[0046] The input conveying unit 210 is equipped with a punching unit PU for performing perforation processing on the paper P input to the post-processing device 20. The paper P passing through the input conveying unit 210 is either conveyed to the upward shifting tray 227 via the upward shifting discharge conveying unit 220, or to the downward shifting discharge conveying unit 230 via the downward shifting discharge conveying unit 236, or to the overlapping conveying unit 250. The destination of these paper Ps is assigned by a first branch claw bc1 and a second branch claw bc2 provided at the branch points of the conveying path.

[0047] Additionally, the overlapping conveyor section 250 has a third branch claw bc3. The third branch claw bc3 is used to switch the conveying destination of the paper P, either conveying it to the processing tray 260 via the overlapping conveyor path D, which is the first conveyor path, or conveying it in reverse to the reversing conveyor path E, which is the second conveyor path.

[0048] The input conveying unit 210 is equipped with multiple pairs of conveying rollers (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveying roller pairs) 211, 212, 213, and 214 in the input conveying path A starting from the input port. Then, a punching unit PU is arranged between the conveying roller pair 213 and the conveying roller pair 214.

[0049] A first branch claw bc1 is disposed downstream of the conveyor roller pair 214. By switching the state of the first branch claw bc1, the conveying direction of the paper P can be assigned to any one of the upper shift conveying path B, the lower shift conveying path C, or the overlapping conveying path D. A second branch claw bc2 is also disposed downstream of the first branch claw bc1. By switching the state of the second branch claw bc2, the conveying direction of the paper P can be assigned to either the upper shift conveying path B or the lower shift conveying path C.

[0050] In the upper displacement discharge conveyor section 220, multiple conveyor roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveyor roller pairs) 221, 222, 223, and 225 are arranged to form the upper displacement conveyor path B. The paper P after passing through the upper displacement conveyor path B is discharged to the upper displacement tray 227. An upper displacement sensor 226 for detecting that the paper P has been discharged to the upper displacement tray 227 is provided near the discharge outlet.

[0051] In the lower displacement discharge conveyor section 230, multiple conveyor roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveyor roller pairs) 231, 232, and 233 are arranged to form the lower displacement conveyor path C. Lower displacement sensors 234 and 235, used to detect that the paper P is discharged to the lower displacement tray 236, are located near the discharge outlet.

[0052] The overlapping conveying section 250 is configured with an overlapping conveying path D. The overlapping conveying path D is equipped with a third branch claw bc3. The overlapping conveying section 250 is also equipped with multiple conveying roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveying roller pairs) 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255.

[0053] More specifically, an upstream conveying roller pair 251 is arranged on the upstream side of the third branch claw bc3, and a downstream conveying roller pair 252 is arranged on the downstream side of the third branch claw bc3. Then, between the upstream conveying roller pair 251 and the downstream conveying roller pair 252, an abutment / separation conveying roller pair 253 is arranged on the downstream side of the third branch claw bc3. Furthermore, a retraction conveying roller pair 254 is arranged in the retraction conveying path E.

[0054] In the overlapping conveyor section 250, the paper P conveyed from upstream to downstream is transported to the processing tray 260, which is the destination of the conveying, via the processing tray discharge roller pair 255. In the processing tray 260, an integration process is performed to integrate the ends of the multi-sheet paper P, and a liquid application process is performed to apply liquid to the binding position. Then, the ends of the integrated paper bundle Pb are bound by the binding processing section 25. After the binding process is completed, the paper bundle Pb (media stack) is discharged to the lower shifting tray 236 via the lower shifting conveyor path C.

[0055] In the post-processing apparatus 20, the post-processing performed on the paper P is a binding process that binds a stack (paper bundle Pb) of multiple sheets of paper P with images formed on them. More specifically, the binding process involved in this embodiment includes so-called "crimping binding" in which the paper bundle Pb is deformed by pressure at the binding position and "staple binding" in which the paper bundle Pb is bound with staples. In this specification, the description of the configuration or operation related to staple binding is omitted.

[0056] [Example of the configuration of the binding processing unit 25 and the processing tray 260]

[0057] Here, using Figure 3 This section will describe the binding processing unit 25, which is a binding processing unit included in the post-processing device 20, and the processing tray 260 for holding paper P when performing binding processing of paper P in the binding processing unit 25. Figure 3 Equivalent to Figure 2 View B in the diagram.

[0058] Paper P is conveyed to processing tray 260 via processing tray discharge roller pair 255. Figure 3The hollow arrows shown indicate the conveying direction in this specification. After being conveyed by the discharge rollers 255, the paper P is discharged into the processing tray 260 and slides down the inclined mounting surface by gravity to reach the mounting position. In this specification, the direction marked by the hollow arrows (the direction of sliding down the mounting surface and being collected) will be used as the conveying direction. Furthermore, the movement to the mounting position is not solely due to gravity, although... Figure 3 The illustration is omitted, but it is also possible to consider using a tapping roller that pushes the paper P on the mounting surface in the direction of the blank arrow for conveying, or using a front-end oscillating stacker for movement.

[0059] When the ends of the paper bundle Pb are bound in the binding processing unit 25, an integration process is performed in the processing tray 260 to align the ends of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the processing tray 260 has a pair of side baffles 24 that define the positions of the side ends of the paper P or paper bundle Pb for performing the binding process, and a bottom baffle 23 that defines the position of the front end of the paper P or paper bundle Pb being conveyed toward the binding processing unit 25. The ends of the paper P or paper bundle Pb stacked on the processing tray 260 are integrated by the side baffles 24 and the bottom baffle 23, thus preparing for the binding process.

[0060] First, the paper P conveyed to the processing tray 260 undergoes a consolidation process. Then, after liquid application to the final paper Pe, which serves as the final medium constituting the paper bundle Pb, a binding process is performed. The liquid application is performed at a predetermined position in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (equivalent to...). Figure 9 The paper bundle Pb is then bound at binding position B1. After binding, the paper bundle Pb is discharged from the post-processing unit 20. Additionally, liquid application is performed on each paper P after the integration process.

[0061] Furthermore, as already explained, the direction toward the state in which the object is placed in the processing tray 260 is defined as the "conveyor direction" (or "transport direction"). Figure 3 (The paper transport direction). In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and transport direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (the width direction of the paper P)".

[0062] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the binding processing unit 25 as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 4 Equivalent to Figure 2 View A in the diagram. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application unit 31 and a crimping unit 32. The liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the processing tray 260 in the transport direction.

[0063] The liquid application unit 31 applies liquid (e.g., water) stored in the liquid reservoir 43 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application"). The position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application unit 31 (liquid application position) is related to the predetermined binding position for crimping ( Figure 9 The binding position B1 corresponds to this. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the liquid dispensing unit 31 includes a lower push plate 33, an upper push plate 34, a moving mechanism 35, and a liquid dispensing mechanism 36.

[0064] Here, the liquid stored in the storage tank 43 used for "liquid impartation" is, more specifically, a liquid whose main component is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula H₂O. As long as it is in a liquid state, its temperature is irrelevant; it can be warm or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it can also be purified water and may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content ranges from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water, regardless of hardness.

[0065] In addition to the main ingredients, additives can also be added. It may also contain residual chlorine used as tap water, and preferably includes colorants, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and desiccant such as glycerin. Furthermore, inks used in inkjet printers and water-based pens also use water as a component, so they can also be used as "liquid-based" inks.

[0066] Not limited to those specifically listed here, even "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or ethanol solutions diluted for disinfection, can function, as long as it is used solely for its function as a crimping binding agent, readily available and manageable tap water is sufficient. Furthermore, as a liquid, using the water-based liquids exemplified above, compared to using liquids not primarily composed of water, can improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb.

[0067] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream of the processing tray 260 in the conveying direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260 from below. The lower pressure plate 33 is disposed on the lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to move above the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 sandwich the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260 and are disposed facing each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter referred to as "thickness direction") of the paper P or paper bundle Pb. Furthermore, in the upper pressure plate 34, a through-hole 34a extending in the thickness direction is formed at a position facing the front end of the liquid application member 44 mounted on the base plate 40.

[0068] The moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application component 44 in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 35 uses a single liquid application unit moving motor 37 to move the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application component 44 in a coordinated manner. The moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid application unit moving motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a base plate 40, columnar components 41a and 41b, and helical springs 42a and 42b.

[0069] The liquid application unit moving motor 37 generates a driving force that moves the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application component 44. A trapezoidal screw 38 extends vertically and is rotatably mounted on the liquid application frame 31a. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid application unit moving motor 37 via a pulley or tire. A nut 39 is threaded into the trapezoidal thread 38. Then, when the driving force of the liquid application unit moving motor 37 is transmitted, the nut 39 moves due to the rotation of the trapezoidal thread 38.

[0070] The base plate 40 is a flat plate parallel to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260. Furthermore, the base plate 40 is positioned above the upper push plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid application member 44 in a downward-protruding position. The base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal thread 38 and is configured to move along with the trapezoidal thread 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is then detected by a motion sensor 40a.

[0071] The columnar components 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the front end of the liquid supply component 44. Furthermore, the columnar components 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. Further, the columnar components 41a and 41b hold the upper push plate 34 at their lower ends. Coil springs 42a and 42b are inserted externally into the columnar components 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper push plate 34. Moreover, the coil springs 42a and 42b exert downward force on the upper push plate 34 and the columnar components 41a and 41b relative to the base plate 40.

[0072] The liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260. More specifically, the liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb by contacting the front end of the liquid application member 44 with the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid application mechanism 36 includes a liquid reservoir 43, a liquid application member 44, a supply member 45, and a connector 46.

[0073] The liquid storage tank 43 stores water for supplying to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The amount of water stored in the liquid storage tank 43 is detected by the liquid level sensor 43a. The liquid application component 44 applies the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid application component 44 is mounted on the base plate 40 with its front end facing downwards. In addition, the liquid application component 44 is made of a material with high water absorption (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0074] The supply component 45 is an elongated component whose bottom end is immersed in the liquid stored in the storage tank 43 and whose front end is connected to the liquid supply component 44. Furthermore, the supply component 45, for example, is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate, similar to the liquid supply component 44. Thus, water absorbed from the bottom end of the supply component 45 is supplied to the liquid supply component 44 through a capillary effect.

[0075] The protective component 45a is an elongated cylindrical body (e.g., a tube) inserted externally onto the supply component 45. This prevents leakage or evaporation of the liquid absorbed by the supply component 45. Furthermore, both the supply component 45 and the protective component 45a are formed of a flexible material. The connector 46 is used to secure the liquid supply component 44 to the base plate 40. Thus, even when moved by the moving mechanism 35, the liquid supply component 44 is maintained in a state where it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 with its front end facing downward.

[0076] The crimping unit 32 uses the concave and convex binding teeth 32a and 32b to press and deform the paper bundle Pb, thereby binding the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "crimping binding"). That is, the crimping unit 32 can bind the paper bundle Pb without using staples. The constituent parts of the crimping unit 32 (binding teeth 32a (upper crimping teeth) and binding teeth 32b (lower crimping teeth)) are provided on the crimping frame 32c.

[0077] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the configuration of the crimping unit 32. Figure 5 As shown, the crimping unit 32 includes a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are arranged facing each other in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb so as to clamp the paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are formed in a concave-convex shape with alternating concave and convex portions. Furthermore, the concave and convex portions of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are staggered in a mutually engaging manner. Then, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are contacted by the separation motor 32d (see reference). Figure 6 The driving force is used to abut and separate.

[0078] During the process of feeding multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb to the processing tray 260, such as Figure 5 As shown in (A), a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are separated from each other. Then, when all the sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb are placed on the processing tray 260, as... Figure 5 As shown in (B), a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b engage to apply pressure in the thickness direction and deform the paper bundle Pb. Thus, the paper bundle Pb placed on the processing tray 260 is crimped and bound. Furthermore, the crimped and bound paper bundle is discharged to the lower displacement tray 236 via a pair of conveyor rollers.

[0079] Furthermore, as a component of the crimping unit 32, it is only necessary for the binding teeth 32a and 32b constituting the crimping mechanism to engage, and therefore it is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it can be a crimping mechanism of the linkage type that uses a drive source and linkage mechanism that rotates only forward or backward to perform the crimping and separating actions of the binding teeth 32a and 32b (for example, the crimping mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167), or it can be a crimping mechanism of the direct motion type that performs the crimping and separating actions of the binding teeth 32a and 32b linearly by converting the rotational motion of the drive source into linear motion through a thread mechanism.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, the binding processing unit 25 has a binding processing unit moving mechanism 47. The binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 moves the binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P placed on the processing tray 260 in the transport direction. The binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a binding processing unit moving motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0081] The liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are mounted adjacent to each other on the base member 48 in the main scanning direction. A guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the processing tray 260, further downstream in the transport direction. The guide shaft 49 supports the base member 48 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. A binding processing unit movement motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the binding processing unit 25. A drive force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the binding processing unit movement motor 50 to the base member 48 via pulleys or a timing belt. Thus, the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32, integrated into the base member 48, move along the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0082] [Control module of post-processing device 20]

[0083] Figure 6 The diagram shows the hardware structure of the control module that controls the operation of the post-processing device 20. Figure 6 As shown, the post-processing device 20 is configured to have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104 and I / F 105 connected via a common bus 109.

[0084] CPU 101 is a computing unit that controls the overall operation of post-processing device 20. RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information, and serves as the working area for CPU 101 when processing information. ROM 103 is a dedicated non-volatile storage medium for reading, storing programs such as firmware. HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium with a large capacity capable of reading and writing information, and stores OS (operating system), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0085] The post-processing unit 20 uses the computing capabilities of the CPU 101 to process control programs stored in the ROM 103 and information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. This processing constitutes a software control unit that includes various functional modules of the post-processing unit 20. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing unit 20 forms functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing unit 20. That is, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 act as controllers 100 for the control modules that control the operation of the post-processing unit 20.

[0086] I / F105 is an interface connecting the conveyor roller pair (251-255, etc.), branch claws (bc1, bc2, bc3, etc.), side baffle 24, liquid application unit 31, pressing unit 32, liquid application unit moving motor 37, contact separation motor 32d, binding processing unit moving motor 50, and operation panel 170 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 uses I / F105 to operate the conveyor roller pair, branch claws, side baffle 24, liquid application unit 31, pressing unit 32, liquid application unit moving motor 37, contact separation motor 32d, and binding processing unit moving motor 50. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The diagram only shows the components that perform the end-binding process.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the MFP10 includes an operation panel 170, which has an operation unit that receives input from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user. The operation unit may include, for example, hard keys or a touch panel superimposed on the display. The operation panel 170 then obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Alternatively, the post-processing device 20 may also have the same operation panel 170 as described above.

[0088] Figure 7 The image shown is an example of a binding mode selection screen displayed on a monitor. The binding mode selection screen is displayed on the operation panel 170, which serves as the operation mode setting unit, and is used by the user of the post-processing device 20 to select the binding mode for the binding process described later.

[0089] The binding mode is used to switch between the productivity (throughput) and the binding strength of the crimping process at multiple binding positions. In other words, the binding mode is used to switch the timing of the operation of the crimping unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 in the crimping process. Binding modes include, for example, a productivity priority mode, a binding strength priority mode, and a balance mode.

[0090] The productivity-priority mode prioritizes productivity over the strength of the crimping process. More specifically, the productivity-priority mode is a binding mode that reduces the number of times the liquid application unit 31 applies liquid compared to the binding strength-priority mode. For example, from a productivity point of view, when it can be determined that it is advantageous to perform binding without applying liquid to a certain paper P, the binding mode performs binding on the bundle of paper Pb containing the paper P that is not liquid-applied, without applying liquid to the paper P every time. That is, the productivity-priority mode is a mode in which the number of times the liquid application process on the bundle of paper Pb is reduced (the number of times the liquid application process is skipped or the number of pre-stacks) is greater than that of the binding strength-priority mode and the balance mode. For example, it is a mode in which the liquid application process is reduced on more than 60% of the paper P in the multi-page bundle of paper P that constitutes the bundle of paper Pb.

[0091] The binding strength priority mode prioritizes the strength of the crimp binding over productivity. Since liquid application is prioritized, it is equivalent to a "liquid application priority mode." More specifically, the binding strength priority mode is a binding mode in which the number of times the liquid application unit 31 applies liquid is increased compared to the productivity priority mode and the normal mode. For example, even if it can be determined that productivity is reduced due to a temporary delay in the delivery of subsequent media caused by liquid application to a certain paper P, a binding mode that performs liquid application to paper P every time is performed. Or, it is a mode in which the number of times liquid application is skipped (the number of times liquid application is skipped or the number of pre-stacking) to the paper bundle Pb is less than that of the productivity priority mode and the balance mode. For example, it is a mode in which liquid application is skipped to less than 40% of the paper P in the multi-page paper bundle Pb.

[0092] The balancing mode is a binding mode that balances productivity and crimping strength. More specifically, the balancing mode improves crimping strength compared to a productivity-priority mode by equalizing the number of liquid application processes at multiple binding positions. Furthermore, the balancing mode improves productivity compared to a binding strength-priority mode by reducing the number of liquid application processes performed by the liquid application unit 31. In other words, the number of times the liquid application process on the paper bundle Pb is skipped (the number of times the liquid application process is skipped or the number of pre-stacking processes) is approximately between the productivity-priority mode and the binding strength-priority mode. For example, it is a mode that skips the liquid application process on 50% of the paper P that constitute the multiple sheets of paper bundle Pb.

[0093] like Figure 7As shown, the binding mode selection screen includes a "Productivity Priority Mode" button corresponding to the productivity priority mode, a "Binding Strength Priority Mode" button corresponding to the binding strength priority mode, a "Balanced Mode" button corresponding to the balance mode, and an "Auto" button.

[0094] The "Automatic" button corresponds to the controller 100 determining the binding mode based on the execution conditions of the binding process (e.g., the specified number of pages N of the paper P that constitutes the paper bundle Pb, the liquid absorbency of the paper P, etc.).

[0095] The user of the post-processing device 20 presses (inputs) the button corresponding to the desired binding mode from among the multiple buttons included in the binding mode selection screen. The controller 100 switches to the binding mode corresponding to the pressed button (via the input operation of the operation unit). In addition, the binding mode is not limited to the three modes of productivity priority mode, binding strength priority mode, and balance mode, and any mode can be omitted.

[0096] [Binding Process]

[0097] Next, a binding process, as an example of binding process, performed in the media processing apparatus according to the present invention, will be described using flowcharts and timing diagrams. Figure 8 The diagram shows a flowchart of the binding process. Figure 8 The binding process illustrated illustrates the process performed when the "Auto" button is selected in the binding mode selection screen. That is, the controller 100 performs the binding process, for example, based on the binding process execution instruction (hereinafter referred to as "binding process instruction") acquired from the MFP 10.

[0098] Figure 9 What is shown is Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 during the binding process. Additionally, at the start of the binding process, the binding processing unit 25 is in the standby position HP.

[0099] First, such as Figure 9 As shown in (A), the controller 100 drives the binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the binding processing unit 25 along the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the binding position B1 (i.e., the liquid application position B1) (S801).

[0100] Next, the controller 100 places the paper P, whose image has been formed by the MFP 10, onto the processing tray 260 by rotating the transport roller pair (S802). In addition, the controller 100 aligns the position of the paper P placed on the processing tray 260 in the main scanning direction by moving the side baffle 24 (so-called alignment).

[0101] Next, the controller 100 determines whether to perform the liquid application process on the binding position B1 of the sheet P placed on the processing tray 260 in the just previous step S802 (liquid application determination process in S803). The detailed processing content of S803 will be described later. In the control in S803, when performing the liquid application process, the liquid application unit 31 is moved to the binding position to perform the liquid application process. Additionally, usually, if the liquid application process is to be performed, the controller 100 drives the liquid application unit moving motor 37 so that the liquid application member 44 contacts the binding position B1 of the sheet P placed on the processing tray 260.

[0102] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets placed on the processing tray 260 has reached the specified number of pages N indicated by the binding processing instruction (S804). The specified number of pages N corresponds to the number of sheets P that make up a stack of sheets Pb. Then, based on the result that the number of sheets placed on the processing tray 260 has not reached the specified number of pages N determined by the controller 100 (S804: No), the processes of steps S802 to S803 are executed again.

[0103] That is, the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S802 to S803 each time the sheet P is conveyed to the processing tray 260 by the conveying roller pair. However, depending on the processing content in S803, sometimes the liquid application may not be performed on all the sheets P that make up the stack of sheets Pb. Also, in addition to the determination process of the liquid application process in S803, the controller 100 can also perform control to make the liquid application unit 31 apply liquid to the binding position B1 at an interval of one sheet per n (n < 1 < N) sheets.

[0104] Then, based on the result that the number of sheets P placed on the processing tray 260 has reached the specified number of pages N (one stack of sheets Pb) determined by the controller 100 (S804: Yes), as Figure 9 shown in (C), the controller 100 drives the binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the crimping unit 32 in the main scanning direction so that the crimping unit 32 faces the binding position B1 (S805).

[0105] Next, the controller 100 performs crimping binding on the stack of sheets Pb housed in the processing tray 260 and discharges it to the lower shift tray 236 (S806). That is, the controller 100 drives the contact separation motor to make the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b clamp the binding position B1 of the stack of sheets Pb placed on the processing tray 260. Additionally, the controller 100 discharges the crimping-bound stack of sheets Pb to the lower shift tray 236 by rotating the conveying roller pair 233.

[0106] Then, after a series of binding processes are completed, the controller 100, as Figure 9As shown in (D), the binding processing unit moving motor 50 is driven to move the binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP (S807).

[0107] [Detailed Liquid Assignment Judgment Process]

[0108] Next, the liquid application determination process in S803 will be explained. When the liquid application determination process is performed in the post-processing apparatus 20 according to this embodiment, a determination condition is used to determine whether (liquid application process is performed / liquid application process is not performed) liquid application is performed.

[0109] Before using flowcharts for explanation, firstly, use... Figure 10 to 15 The timing diagrams are used to illustrate this. These timing diagrams illustrate the time sequence of the liquid application action, the paper alignment action, and the discharge action of the paper bundle Pb. Additionally, the dashed lines shown in the diagrams indicate the transport intervals of the paper P conveyed to the processing tray 260. Paper P1, paper P2, ... illustrate the transport sequence of paper P. The final paper Pe represents the last paper P among the multiple paper P constituting a paper bundle Pb to be conveyed to the processing tray 260. Therefore, after the final paper Pe has been conveyed to the processing tray 260 and completed the prescribed processing, binding is performed, and after binding is completed, a paper bundle Pb is discharged from the processing tray 260.

[0110] Here, we will first explain the "productivity of the binding process," which is important for determining whether liquid needs to be applied. The productivity of the binding process is defined as the number of paper bundles Pb that can be discharged per unit time. In this case, the productivity of the binding process can be said to be determined by the "time (conveyance time t1) determined by the conveying interval of the paper P being conveyed toward the processing tray 260", the "integration time t2 for integration processing in the processing tray 260", the "liquid application time t3 for applying liquid to the paper P", the "binding time t4 for binding the paper bundles Pb", and the "discharge time t5 for discharging the paper bundles Pb from the processing tray 260". In particular, the conveying time t1 is determined by the processing capacity of the MFP10 that discharges the paper P to the downstream processing unit 20.

[0111] Figure 16 The productivity of MFP10 is expressed as the number of sheets per minute that MFP10 forms an image on paper P and discharges paper P to the post-processing unit 20. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the productivity of MFP10 varies depending on the combination of paper size, type, and thickness (paper thickness) P, and also varies depending on the type of MFP10. MFP10 pre-stores productivity data based on its own type. Figure 16It can process data with considerable processing power. In addition, the post-processing device 20 can receive processing power data from the MFP10 or store it in advance in the HDD104, etc.

[0112] The post-processing device 20 is capable of being based on Figure 16 The illustrated processing capacity data is used to calculate the transport time t1 for each sheet of paper P, which is determined by the processing capacity of the MFP. Alternatively, the transport time t1 can also be calculated by the MFP 10 and communicated to the post-processing unit 20.

[0113] [Timing Chart]

[0114] Figure 10 The diagram shows a comparison between the transport time t1, which is the transport interval for conveying a sheet of paper P to the processing tray 260, and the first total time t10, which combines the integration time t2 and the liquid application time t3 required for that sheet of paper P. The first total time t10 corresponds to the liquid application processing time. If... Figure 10 For example, since the transport time t1 is longer than the first total time t10, and since even if liquid is applied to each sheet of paper P, the transport of subsequent sheets does not need to be put on standby, the productivity of the binding process will not be reduced.

[0115] Figure 11 An example is when the first total time t10, which is the liquid processing time, is longer than the conveying time t1, which is the conveying interval time. In this case, it becomes necessary to put the subsequent paper conveying on hold until the first total time t10 has elapsed. For example, stopping the paper P ejection operation relative to MFP10, stopping image forming processing, etc., inevitably becomes a factor that reduces productivity.

[0116] In this case, for example, liquid application is not performed on paper P2 and paper P4. This eliminates the corresponding liquid application time t3, and the first total time t10 becomes equivalent to the integration time t2. Generally, since the integration time t2 is shorter than the transport time t1, it eliminates the need to pause the transport of subsequent papers, thus improving the productivity of the binding process.

[0117] As already described, the post-processing device 20 includes an overlapping conveying section 250, in which the preceding medium can be temporarily deflected onto a redirecting conveying path, and subsequent media are conveyed overlapping the preceding medium in multiple layers. During this pre-stacking process, as... Figure 12 As shown, even if the first total time t10 is longer than the conveying time t1, it is not necessary to put the paper P from MFP10 on standby. In addition, since the integration time t2 for paper P2 or paper P4 can be omitted, the productivity of the binding process can be improved.

[0118] The above describes a method for improving the productivity of the binding process, relating the time required for conveying the paper P up to the paper bundle Pb, the integration processing, and the liquid application process. Next, a method for determining whether the final paper (final paper Pe) constituting the paper bundle Pb needs liquid application and for improving the productivity of the binding process will be explained.

[0119] exist Figure 13 The example illustrates how a second total time t11, combining the binding time t4 for binding the paper bundle Pb and the discharge time t5 for discharging the paper bundle Pb from the processing tray 260, is compared with the conveying time t1 to determine whether liquid application to the final paper Pe is necessary. Figure 13 As shown, if the second total time t11 of the liquid application processing time, which is the total time of the integration time t2 of the final paper Pe of a paper bundle Pb, the liquid application time t3, the binding time t4, and the discharge time t5, is longer than the transport time t1, then the transport of the paper P3 (the next medium) constituting the next paper bundle Pb will need to be temporarily suspended. That is, the productivity of the binding process deteriorates.

[0120] exist Figure 13 In the case shown, as Figure 14 As shown, no liquid application is performed on the final paper Pe (paper P2) of a paper bundle Pb. This avoids the liquid application time t3 for the final paper Pe of a paper bundle Pb, and the second total time t11 becomes the sum of the integration time t2, binding time t4, and discharge time t5. In this case, since the second total time t11 is shorter than the transport time t1, there is no need for transport standby for the subsequent papers forming the next paper bundle Pb, thus improving the productivity of the binding process.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, as long as the next paper P to be conveyed after the final paper Pe of a paper bundle Pb, that is, the paper P3 (the next medium) constituting the next paper bundle Pb, is temporarily retracted into the turning conveyor path in the overlapping conveyor section 250, and the subsequent medium (paper P4) and the preceding medium (paper P3) are conveyed in multiple overlapping manner, even if Figure 14 The situation shown can also prevent a decrease in binding process productivity. Furthermore, this method can also address situations where the binding strength is deemed unfavorable due to the omission of applying liquid to the final paper Pe of a paper bundle Pb. In other words, it can suppress a decrease in binding process productivity while maintaining binding strength.

[0122] [Flowchart of Liquid Assignment Determination Process]

[0123] Figure 17 This is a flowchart showing the details of the liquid application determination process shown in S803. First, it is determined whether the binding mode is set to the "binding strength priority mode" (S1701). If it is the binding strength priority mode (S1701: Yes), even if the productivity of the binding process decreases, the liquid application action is performed on each sheet of paper P (S1702). If it is not the binding strength priority mode (S1702: No), it is determined whether the paper P to be determined is the final paper Pe of a paper bundle Pb (S1703).

[0124] If the paper P to be determined is not the final paper Pe (S1703: No), it is equivalent to being in the middle of forming a paper bundle Pb, that is Figure 10 the state described in. Then, the conveying time t1 and the first total time t10 are compared (S1704). Here, if the conveying time t1 is longer than the first total time t10 (t1≥t10), even if the liquid is applied to the paper P to be determined, the productivity of the binding process will not decrease. So, in this case (S1704: Yes), the liquid application action on the paper P is performed (S1702).

[0125] In S1704, if the conveying time t1 is shorter than the first total time t10 (t1<t10), it is in the middle of forming a paper bundle Pb, which is equivalent to being in Figure 11 the state described in. That is, if the liquid is applied to the paper P to be determined, the productivity of the binding process will decrease. So, in this case (S1704: No), for the paper P (paper P1) to be processed, it is determined whether the pre-stack processing of conveying the subsequent paper (paper P2) to the retracting conveying path and pre-integrating it can be performed (S1705). Specifically, when the subsequent paper (paper P2) meets the conditions of being a paper size that can be pre-stacked (such as A4 vertical, A4 horizontal) as shown in Figure 16 and being a paper type / paper thickness that can be pre-stacked (such as plain paper, thick paper), it is determined that pre-stacking can be performed.

[0126] If the pre-stack processing can be performed (S1705: Yes), because it is equivalent to being in Figure 12 the state described in, the liquid application action is performed on the paper P (paper P1) to be determined (S1702). If the pre-stack processing cannot be performed (S1705: No), the action of applying the liquid to the paper P (paper P1) is skipped (S1706).

[0127] If the paper P to be determined is the final paper Pe (S1703: Yes), then because it is the stage of performing the binding action and the discharging action on a paper bundle Pb, it is in Figure 13 ,Figure 14 , Figure 15 The state described in any of them. Then, the conveyance time t1 and the second total time t11 are compared (S1707). Here, if the conveyance time t1 is longer than the second total time t11 (t1 ≥ t11), it is the state described in Figure 13 . Even if the paper P (the final paper Pe) to be judged is wetted, the productivity of the binding process will not be reduced. Therefore, in this case (S1707: Yes), the liquid application action for the paper P is executed (S1702).

[0128] If the conveyance time t1 is shorter than the second total time t11 (t1 < t11), it is the state described in Figure 13 . In this case, if the final paper Pe to be judged is wetted, the productivity of the binding process will be reduced. Therefore, it is judged whether the pre-stacking process can be executed for the subsequent paper (paper P3) of the final paper Pe (paper P2) (S1705).

[0129] If the pre-stacking process can be executed (S1705: Yes), it is equivalent to the state described in Figure 15 . Therefore, the liquid application action is executed for the final paper Pe to be judged (S1702). If the pre-stacking process cannot be executed (S1705: No), since it is the state described in Figure 14 , the liquid application action for the final paper Pe is skipped (S1706).

[0130] In addition, as described above, the liquid application determination process (S803) is not limited to determining the presence or absence of the liquid application action and setting it by comparing the conveyance time t1 and the time required for the post-processing (the first total time t10 and the second total time t11). For example, the presence or absence of the liquid application action can also be set based on a pre-determined liquid application presence or absence action method. As the liquid application presence or absence action method, for example, a setting that can be considered is to apply or not apply the liquid application action only to the odd-numbered or even-numbered papers P among the multiple papers P constituting the paper bundle Pb, and apply or not apply the liquid application action every two papers.

[0131] Furthermore, even if the liquid application action is skipped (S1706), the liquid application action can be set to be performed if it is determined that the necessary binding strength cannot be obtained without performing the liquid application. Here, the situation where it is determined that the necessary binding strength cannot be obtained without performing the liquid application can be considered, for example, if the number of liquid application actions up to the paper P (the Nth paper) among the multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb is less than the predetermined number of liquid application actions (the number of times the binding state of the paper bundle Pb cannot be maintained when the number of liquid application actions is less than this number), or if the number of sheets of paper P among the multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb that have not undergone liquid application treatment is continuously greater than a predetermined number (the number of sheets that cannot be maintained when the binding state of the paper bundle Pb is greater than the predetermined number).

[0132] According to the above-described implementation method, the following effects are achieved, for example.

[0133] That is, in the post-processing unit 20, when the crimping and binding process is performed, if the productivity of the binding process from forming the paper bundle Pb to discharging the paper bundle Pb is reduced due to the relationship with the processing capacity of the MFP10, the productivity of the binding process can be maintained without reducing the amount of liquid applied to the paper within the allowable range of the binding strength of the crimping and binding.

[0134] Alternatively, it is possible to pre-determine whether to apply liquid to any type of paper without judging whether applying liquid to paper P will reduce the productivity of the binding process.

[0135] Furthermore, when an operation mode that prioritizes the productivity of the binding process is selected, the productivity of the binding process can be maintained without reducing the amount of liquid applied to the paper P within the allowable range of the binding strength of the crimp binding.

[0136] Furthermore, by obtaining the time interval (conveyance time t1) of the paper P discharged from MFP10, it can be determined that even if liquid is applied, the productivity of the binding process of the image forming system 1000 will not decrease.

[0137] In addition, for paper P that is determined not to be liquid-applied, by temporarily conveying paper P to the retraction path and conveying it in overlap with subsequent paper P to process the assembled and aligned multi-page paper P, the overall processing time can be shortened and the reduction in the productivity of the binding process can be prevented.

[0138] If it is determined that omitting the application of liquid to the final paper P (final paper Pe) in the multi-page paper P constituting a paper bundle Pb would be detrimental to the binding strength, then if the application of liquid to the final paper Pe can temporarily cause the subsequent paper P constituting the next paper bundle Pb to retreat to a retreat path, then by performing liquid application treatment on the final paper Pe, the reduction in the productivity of the binding process can be prevented.

[0139] Furthermore, the control method described above can also be implemented through a program, for example. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer to coordinate the operation of a computing device, storage device, input device, output device, and control device based on a program. Alternatively, the program can be written into a storage device or storage medium for distribution, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0140] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the examples above. Various modifications can be made without departing from its technical spirit, and all technical matters encompassed in the technical concept set forth in the claims are subject to this invention. Although the above embodiments show preferred examples, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications based on the disclosure. These modifications are also included within the technical scope set forth in the claims.

[0141] The present invention can be described, for example, as follows.

[0142] <1>

[0143] A media processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a conveying unit for conveying a medium; a liquid application unit for applying liquid to the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a pressing unit for pressing and deforming a media bundle containing at least one page of the medium that has been liquid-applied by the liquid application unit to bind the media, wherein the liquid application unit is configured to select, depending on the conveying interval of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, whether to apply the liquid application to all the media constituting the media bundle or to only apply the liquid application to a portion of the media constituting the media bundle.

[0144] <2>

[0145] According to the above <1> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: when the liquid application processing time from the arrival of the medium constituting one page of the media bundle at the liquid application position to the end of the liquid application is shorter than the transport interval time corresponding to the transport interval, the liquid application unit applies liquid to the medium transported after the medium.

[0146] <3>

[0147] According to the above <1> or <2> The media processing apparatus is characterized by comprising an operation mode setting unit that allows users to select an operation mode. The operation modes include a binding strength priority mode that applies liquid to each of the multiple pages constituting the media bundle, and a productivity priority mode that shortens the time from when the crimping unit binds and discharges the media bundle. When the operation mode is the productivity priority mode and the liquid application processing time from when one page of the media bundle reaches the liquid application position to when the liquid application ends is longer than the transport interval time equivalent to the transport interval, the liquid application unit either does not apply liquid to media transported after the current medium, or applies liquid to a portion of the media transported after the current medium.

[0148] <4>

[0149] According to the above <3> The media processing device is characterized in that: when the operating mode is the binding strength priority mode, even if the liquid application processing time is longer than the delivery interval time, the liquid application unit still applies liquid to the media delivered after the medium.

[0150] <5>

[0151] According to the above <1> Up to the above <4> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: the liquid supply unit determines whether it is necessary to supply liquid to the prior media based on a comparison between the time until the end of the processing performed in the preceding phase of liquid supply to the media and the delivery interval.

[0152] <6>

[0153] According to the above <1> to <5> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: the conveying unit has a conveying path for conveying the media to a tray holding a plurality of the media, and a reversing conveying path disposed upstream of the tray in the conveying direction and different from the conveying path; the conveying unit temporarily conveys the media that have not been liquid-filled in the liquid-filling unit to the reversing conveying path, and then merges the media that have not been liquid-filled with the media conveyed after the media into the tray and conveys them together; the liquid-filling unit liquid-fills the merged media.

[0154] <7>

[0155] According to the above <6> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: when the next page of media, which is transported after the last page of media in a multi-page medium constituting a media bundle, is transported to the retraction transport path, the liquid application unit applies liquid to the last page of media.

[0156] <8>

[0157] An image forming system, characterized by comprising: an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming images on a plurality of said media, and the aforementioned... <1> Up to the above <7> The media processing apparatus performs crimping and binding on a plurality of media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus.

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus, comprising: The conveying section, which conveys the medium; A liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the medium delivered through the conveying unit, and A crimping unit presses and deforms a media bundle containing at least one page of the medium that has been liquided by the liquid-applying unit to bind it. The liquid application unit is configured such that, depending on the delivery interval of the medium conveyed by the delivery unit, it can select whether to apply the liquid application to all the medium constituting the medium bundle or to apply the liquid application only to a portion of the medium bundle.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the liquid application processing time from the arrival of the medium constituting a page of the medium bundle at the liquid application position to the end of the liquid application is shorter than the delivery interval time corresponding to the delivery interval, the liquid application unit applies liquid to the medium delivered after the medium.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes an operation mode setting unit that allows users to select different operation modes. These modes include a binding strength priority mode that applies liquid to each of the multiple pages constituting the media bundle, and a productivity priority mode that shortens the time from binding the media bundle by the crimping unit to discharge it. When the operating mode is the productivity priority mode and the liquid application processing time from the arrival of the medium constituting a page of the medium bundle at the liquid application position to the end of the liquid application is longer than the conveying interval time corresponding to the conveying interval, the liquid application unit does not apply liquid to the medium that is subsequently conveyed, or applies liquid to a portion of the medium that is subsequently conveyed.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: When the operation mode is the binding strength priority mode, even if the liquid application processing time is longer than the delivery interval time, the liquid application unit will still apply liquid to the medium delivered after the medium.

5. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The liquid supply unit determines whether it is necessary to supply liquid to the prior medium based on a comparison between the time elapsed before the end of the process preceding the liquid supply to the medium and the delivery interval.

6. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The conveying unit has a conveying path for conveying the medium into a tray holding a plurality of the media, and a reversing conveying path configured upstream of the tray in the conveying direction and different from the conveying path. The conveying unit temporarily conveys the medium that has not been liquid-filled in the liquid-filling unit to the retraction conveying path, and then combines the medium that has not been liquid-filled with the medium conveyed after it into the pallet. The liquid application unit applies the liquid to the overlapping media.

7. The media processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: When the next page of medium, which is the last one to be conveyed in a multi-page medium constituting a medium bundle, is conveyed into the retreat conveying path, the liquid application unit applies the liquid to the last page of medium.

8. An image forming system, comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit for forming images on a plurality of said media, and The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 performs crimping and binding on a plurality of said media on which an image has been formed by said image forming apparatus.

Images