Liquid-imparting device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid-imparting apparatus capable of imparting liquid to both a medium for automatic stapling and a medium for manual stapling, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. In a liquid-imparting apparatus for imparting liquid to a plurality of media stapled by a press-stapling apparatus, a liquid-imparting cartridge having a conveying path through which a medium can pass in a conveying direction formed inside, a liquid-imparting unit that imparts liquid to a medium, and a liquid-imparting unit moving mechanism that moves the liquid-imparting unit to a first position at which liquid can be imparted to a medium on the conveying path and a second position at which liquid can be imparted to a medium inserted through a liquid-imparting slit provided on a side surface of the liquid-imparting cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid application apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, media processing apparatuses are known for bundling sheet-like media into bundles after an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus. Paper is a known example of a sheet-like medium; therefore, in this specification, the example used for paper bundles of sheet-like media is a "paper bundle" formed by stacking multiple sheets of paper. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of saving resources and reducing environmental impact, media processing apparatuses include a so-called "crimping binding" unit that does not use metal binding pins but instead uses concave and convex binding teeth to clamp and deform the paper bundle.

[0003] In crimp binding, the more sheets of paper forming the paper bundle, the more difficult it is for the binding teeth to engage with the paper bundle, leading to problems such as paper peeling after binding and difficulty in properly maintaining the binding state. Therefore, in media processing apparatus for crimp binding, a liquid application unit is provided to improve binding strength. This unit pre-applies liquid to the position on the paper where the binding teeth will contact (hereinafter referred to as the "binding position"), making it easier for the binding teeth to engage with the paper bundle (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, in the media processing apparatus configured as described above, although liquid can be applied to paper that is conveyed to the crimping and binding unit for binding (hereinafter referred to as "automatic binding") via the conveying unit, liquid cannot be applied to paper that is manually inserted into the crimping and binding unit for binding (hereinafter referred to as "manual binding"). Therefore, there is a problem that the binding strength in manual binding cannot be improved.

[0005] The present invention was proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a liquid application device that can apply liquid to both autobound and manual bound media.

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-019592 Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is a liquid-applying device for applying liquid to multiple media sheets crimped and bound by a crimping and binding device, characterized by comprising: a liquid-applying housing having an internally formed transport path through which the media can pass in a transport direction; a liquid-applying unit for applying liquid to the media; and a liquid-applying unit moving mechanism for moving the liquid-applying unit to a first position capable of applying liquid to the media on the transport path and a second position capable of applying liquid to the media inserted through a liquid-applying slit provided on the side of the liquid-applying housing.

[0008] According to the present invention, a liquid application device is available that can apply liquid to both autobound and manually bound media. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus shown is an external view.

[0010] Figure 2 The diagram shows the internal structure of the liquid application assembly and the crimping assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 Figures (A) and (B) show the liquid-conducting components as viewed from the main scanning direction.

[0012] Figures 4(A)-4(C) The diagram shown is an observation of the liquid imparting to the component from the thickness direction of sheet S.

[0013] Figure 5 Figures (A)-(C) show examples of the contact component (A), the spray unit (B), and the sheet bundle (C) that imparts the liquid, respectively.

[0014] Figure 6 Figures (A) and (B) show the crimping and binding assembly viewed from the thickness direction (A) and the main scanning direction (B).

[0015] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus.

[0016] Figure 8 (A) and (B) show the state diagrams of the sheet material arriving at the conveyor rollers before the crimping assembly.

[0017] Figure 9 Figures (A) and (B) show the state diagrams of the crimping and binding components used in automatic binding.

[0018] Figure 10 The image shows the view from the thickness direction of the sheet. Figure 9 The diagram of the crimping and binding assembly in (B).

[0019] Figure 11 (A) and (B) show the state diagrams of the crimping assembly when the automatically bound sheet is discharged into the discharge tray.

[0020] Figure 12 Figures (A) and (B) show the internal structure of the punching and perforation assembly.

[0021] Figure 13 The image shown is an external view of the image forming system. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 110 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an external view of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is a device for forming images on a sheet S (typically paper). Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a frame 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0023] The frame 11 is box-shaped, forming an internal space for housing the constituent parts of the image forming apparatus 10. Additionally, an internal space 13, operable from outside the image forming apparatus 10, is formed within the frame 11. The internal space 13 is located, for example, slightly above the center of the frame 11 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the outer wall of the frame 11 is cut away, thus exposing the internal space 13 to the outside. Further, the liquid application assembly 20 (liquid application device), the crimping assembly 30 (creeping device), and the punching and perforating assembly 50 (described later) are also included. Figure 12 It can be installed in the internal space 13 of the machine body.

[0024] The image forming unit 12 forms an image on the sheet S contained in the tray and discharges the image-formed sheet S into the liquid supply unit 20, the crimping and binding unit 30, or the punching and perforating unit 50. The image forming unit 12 can be an inkjet type that uses ink to form an image, or an electrophotographic type that uses toner to form an image. The configuration of the image forming unit 12 is known, so detailed description is omitted.

[0025] The liquid imparting component 20 conveys the sheet S from the image forming component 12 to the crimping assembly 30 along the transport path. Figure 1 In the path indicated by the dashed arrow, the sheet S, downstream of the image forming assembly 12 and upstream of the crimping and binding assembly 30, is installed in the internal space 13 of the image forming apparatus 10. That is, the sheet S, on which the image has been formed by the image forming assembly 12, is first transferred to the liquid application assembly 20 for the liquid application process described later, and then transferred to the sheet binding assembly 30 for the crimping and binding process described later.

[0026] Furthermore, the liquid application assembly 20 is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 10. When the liquid application assembly 20 is removed, the sheet S for which the image has been formed by the image forming assembly 12 is directly transferred to the crimping and binding assembly 30 and crimped. Further, in the position where the liquid application assembly 20 is removed in the internal space 13, the punching and perforating assembly 50 is configured to be detachable. When the punching and perforating assembly 50 is installed, the sheet S for which the image has been formed by the image forming assembly 12 is first transferred to the punching and perforating assembly 50 for perforation processing (described later), and then transferred to the crimping and binding assembly 30 for crimping and binding. Additionally, in the position where the liquid application assembly 20 is removed in the internal space 13, the punching and perforating assembly is not the only option; any assembly that performs arbitrary processing on the sheet S can also be installed.

[0027] Figure 2 The diagram shows the internal configuration of the liquid application assembly 20 and the crimping assembly 30. The liquid application assembly 20 and the crimping assembly 30 are modularized and can be connected to the input / output interfaces of the sheet S. Specifically, the input interface IN of the liquid application assembly 20 is configured to connect to the output interface of the image forming assembly 12. Furthermore, the input interface of the crimping assembly 30 is configured to connect to both the output interface of the image forming assembly 12 and the output interface OUT of the liquid application assembly 20.

[0028] Figure 3 The image shown is a view of the liquid-conducting component 20 from the main scanning direction. Figures 4(A)-4(C) The image shown is a view of the liquid-conducting component 20 as seen from the thickness direction of sheet S. Figure 5 The figures shown are example diagrams of the contact component 26(A), the spray unit 27(B), and the sheet bundle Sb(C) that has been coated with liquid. Figures 2 to 4(A) As shown in Figure 4(C), the liquid filling assembly 20 mainly includes a liquid filling box 21, a liquid storage tank 22, a liquid delivery hose 23, a liquid filling unit 24, a liquid filling unit moving mechanism 25, and a manual filling button 29.

[0029] The liquid application housing 21 is box-shaped, forming an internal space for housing the constituent parts 22-25 of the liquid application assembly 20. Furthermore, a transport path Ph1 is formed within the internal space of the binding housing 31, serving as a passageway for the sheet S. The transport path Ph1 extends from the input interface IN, which is connected to the image forming unit 12, to the output interface OUT, which is connected to the sheet binding unit 30. Hereinafter, on the transport path Ph1, the direction from the input interface IN towards the output interface OUT will be referred to as the "first transport direction," and the direction orthogonal to the first transport direction and the thickness direction of the sheet S on the transport path Ph1 will be referred to as the "main scanning direction."

[0030] The storage tank 22 stores the liquid used for applying to the sheet S. More specifically, the liquid stored in the storage tank 22 for "liquid application" is a liquid primarily composed of 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 exemplified above, using a liquid primarily composed of water can improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb compared to using a liquid not primarily composed of water.

[0033] The delivery hose 23 delivers liquid stored in the reservoir 22 to the liquid delivery unit 24. The delivery hose 23 can deliver liquid pumped from the reservoir 22 to the liquid delivery unit 24, or it can deliver liquid to the liquid delivery unit 24 using capillary action or gravity. Furthermore, the delivery hose 23 has sufficient length and flexibility to flex as the liquid delivery unit 24 moves in the main scanning direction.

[0034] Liquid application unit 24 applies liquid to sheet S. Liquid application unit 24 is disposed above conveying path Ph1. Liquid application unit 24 is configured to contact and separate from sheet S on conveying path Ph1. More specifically, liquid application unit 24 includes contact / separation motor 24a (see reference). Figure 7 ), swing arm 24b, and abutment component 26.

[0035] The contact / separation motor 24a generates a driving force for contacting / separating the abutment member 26 relative to the sheet S on the transport path Ph1. One end of the swing arm 24b is connected to the output shaft of the contact / separation motor 24a, and the other end is connected to the abutment member 26. Furthermore, the swing arm 24b is supported on a rotation axis extending along the main scanning direction, allowing it to rotate. Then, when the contact / separation motor 24a rotates in the first direction, as... Figure 3As shown in (A), the lower surface of the abutment member 26 (the first surface 26c, described later) contacts the upper surface of the sheet S on the transport path Ph1. On the other hand, when the contact / separation motor 24a rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, as... Figure 3 As shown in (B), the abutting part 26 leaves the upper surface of the sheet S on the transport path Ph1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4(A), the liquid application unit moving mechanism 25 moves the liquid application unit 24 in the main scanning direction. The liquid application unit moving mechanism 25 consists of a liquid application moving motor 25a, pulleys 25b and 25c, and synchronous belts 25d and 25e. The synchronous belt 25d is mounted on the output shaft of the liquid application moving motor 25a and the pulley 25b. In addition, the synchronous belt 25e is mounted on the pulleys 25b and 25c. Furthermore, the liquid application unit 24 is mounted on the synchronous belt 25e. Thus, the liquid application unit 24 is transmitted with the rotational driving force of the liquid application moving motor 25a, thereby moving to a first position (see Figure 4(B)) and a second position (see Figure 4(C)) in the main scanning direction.

[0037] The first position is a position where the sheet S on the transport path Ph1 is face-to-face. In other words, the first position is a position where liquid can be applied to the sheet S on the transport path Ph1 (automatic application). Furthermore, the first position is not limited to the position shown in Figure 4(B); it can be any position in the main scanning direction as long as it is face-to-face with the sheet S on the transport path Ph1. The second position is a position at one end in the main scanning direction. In other words, the second position is a position where liquid can be applied to the sheet bundle Sb (multiple stacked sheets S) inserted through the liquid application slit 21a (described later) of the liquid application housing 21 (manual application).

[0038] A liquid application slit 21a for manual application is provided at a position facing the liquid application unit 24 on the liquid application housing 21. The sheet bundle Sb inserted into the liquid application housing 21 through the liquid application slit 21a at its corner can be manually applied by the liquid application unit 24 at a second position. Furthermore, the liquid application housing 21 has a pair of guide walls 21b and 21c arranged in a V-shape to surround the liquid application slit 21a. The pair of guide walls 21b and 21c position the manually applied sheet bundle Sb (i.e., the sheet bundle inserted at its corner into the liquid application slit 21a).

[0039] like Figure 5As shown in (A), the abutment member 26 is composed of a retainer 26a and an elastic member 26b. The retainer 26a is the part connected to the swing arm 24b. The elastic member 26b is the part installed at the lower part of the retainer 26a. The elastic member 26b elastically deforms by abutting against the sheet S, and is capable of containing liquid delivered from the liquid delivery hose 23. The elastic member 26b is, for example, a sponge. The elastic member 26b then has a first surface 26c and a second surface 26d that intersect each other.

[0040] The first surface 26c is the lower surface of the contact member 26 facing the transport path Ph1 in the thickness direction of the sheet S on the transport path Ph1. Then, the first surface 26c is the surface that abuts against the upper surface of the sheet S on the transport path Ph1. The second surface 26d is the side surface of the contact member 26 facing the liquid supply slit 21a in the main scanning direction. Then, the second surface 26d is the surface that abuts against the side surface of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the liquid supply housing 21 through the liquid supply slit 21a. Furthermore, a V-groove 26e for receiving the corner of the sheet bundle Sb is formed on the second surface 26d.

[0041] Thus, the second surface 26d abuts against the two side surfaces that intersect at the corners of the sheet bundle Sb inserted through the liquid supply slit 21a. As a result, as... Figure 5 As shown in (C), in the two sides of the sheet bundle Sb inserted through the liquid-applied slit 21a, the liquid is applied to the two sides that intersect at the corners. However, the liquid can be applied to one side of the sheet bundle Sb, or to the upper or lower surface, via the abutment member 26.

[0042] As another example, the liquid-conducting unit 24 can have Figure 5 The spray unit 27 shown in (B) replaces the contact / separation motor 24a, the swing arm 24b, and the abutment member 26. The spray unit 27 includes a retainer 27a, a first spray nozzle 27b, and a second spray nozzle 27c. The retainer 27a is supported by the liquid supply unit 24 and connected to the liquid delivery hose 23. The first spray nozzle 27b and the second spray nozzle 27c spray the liquid supplied to the retainer 27a through the liquid delivery hose 23. The spraying method is not particularly limited; for example, air pressure can be used.

[0043] The first spray nozzle 27b is disposed on the lower surface of the retainer 27a facing the transport path Ph1 (the surface facing the sheet S on the transport path Ph1). Then, when the liquid supply unit 24 is in the first position, the first spray nozzle 27b sprays liquid toward the sheet S on the transport path Ph1. The second spray nozzle 27c is disposed on the side of the retainer 27a facing the liquid supply slit 21a. Then, when the liquid supply unit 24 is in the second position, the second spray nozzle 27c sprays liquid toward the side of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the liquid supply housing 21 through the liquid supply slit 21a.

[0044] Liquid delivery assembly 20 includes sheet sensor 28 (see Figure 7 The liquid filling unit 24 is used to detect that the sheet S has reached the predetermined position on the transport path Ph1. The manual filling button 29 is a button for manually filling the liquid filling assembly 20. The user inserts the sheet bundle Sb into the liquid filling unit 24 through the liquid filling slit 21a, and can make the liquid filling unit 24 perform manual filling by pressing the manual filling button 29.

[0045] Figure 6 The diagram shows the crimping and binding assembly 30 viewed from the thickness direction (A) and the main scanning direction (B). The crimping and binding assembly 30 performs a crimping and binding process (post-processing) that binds and binds the sheet bundle Sb, whose image has been formed by the image forming unit 12. In this embodiment, the crimping and binding assembly 30 is described as an example of a post-processing unit, but specific examples of post-processing units (post-processing) are not limited to this. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the crimping and binding assembly 30 includes a binding box body 31, an exhaust tray 32, multiple conveyor roller pairs 33, 34, 35, 36 (conveyor units), an inner tray 37, a striking roller 38, a return roller 39, bottom baffles 40L, 40R, side baffles 41L, 41R, a binding unit 42, a binding unit moving mechanism 43, and a manual binding button 49.

[0046] The binding box body 31 is a box-shaped structure that forms an internal space for accommodating the constituent parts of the crimping and binding unit 30. Furthermore, a transport path Ph2 is formed within the internal space of the binding box body 31, serving as a passageway for the sheet S. The discharge tray 32 is supported by the outer surface of the binding box body 31. The discharge tray 32 supports the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb transported by the transport rollers 33-36.

[0047] Conveyor roller pairs 33-36 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the conveyor path Ph2. Conveyor roller pairs 33-36 convey the sheet S along the conveyor path Ph2. Conveyor roller pair 33 consists of a drive roller 33a and a driven roller 33b arranged opposite each other, sandwiching the conveyor path Ph2. The drive roller 33a and driven roller 33b are rotatably supported on the binding box body 31. The rotational driving force of the conveyor motor is transmitted to the drive roller 33a to move the sheet S in the conveying direction (…). Figure 2 The driven roller 33b, which clamps the conveying path Ph2, is configured to face the drive roller 33a and is driven by the rotation of the drive roller 33a. Then, with the drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b clamping the sheet S, the sheet S is conveyed along the conveying path Ph2 by driving the conveying motor.

[0048] The basic configuration of conveyor roller pairs 34 to 36 is the same as that of conveyor roller pair 33. However, conveyor roller pair 36 is composed of a drive roller 36a and a driven roller 36b that can contact and separate from the drive roller 36a. In addition, in order to achieve the sorting process of discharging the sheet S staggered in the width direction to the discharge tray 32, conveyor roller pair 35 can also be configured to slide in the width direction.

[0049] The inner tray 37 temporarily supports (stacks) multiple sheets S conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 36. A striking roller 38 is supported above the inner tray 37 at the front end of a rotating arm. The striking roller 38, through the rotation of the rotating arm, supplies the sheets S held by the conveyor roller pair 36 to the inner tray 37. The return roller 39 guides the sheets S towards the conveyor roller pair 36 by abutting against and rotating the upper surface of the sheets S supported by the inner tray 37. Hereinafter, the direction from the conveyor roller pair 36 toward the bottom baffles 40L, 40R will be referred to as the "second conveying direction," and the direction orthogonal to the second conveying direction and the thickness direction of the sheets S supported by the inner tray 37 will be referred to as the "main scanning direction."

[0050] The bottom baffles 40L and 40R abut against the downstream ends of the sheet S supported by the inner tray 37 in the second conveying direction, thereby aligning the sheet S in the second conveying direction. The side baffles 41L and 41R abut against the two ends of the sheet S supported by the inner tray 37, thereby aligning the sheet S in the main scanning direction.

[0051] The assembly unit 42 is positioned at the downstream end of the sheet bundle Sb supported by the inner tray 37 in the second transport direction. Furthermore, the assembly unit 42 is configured to move along the sheet bundle Sb supported by the inner tray 37 in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the second transport direction. The assembly unit 42 performs a crimping binding process, which involves pressing and deforming the sheet bundle Sb to bind it. The crimping binding process binds the sheet bundle Sb by clamping it from both sides in the thickness direction with a pair of binding teeth, causing the fibers of the sheet to become entangled. Additionally, the crimping binding assembly 30 may also include a needle binding unit that binds the sheet bundle Sb by passing a binding needle through it.

[0052] The assembly unit moving mechanism 43 moves the assembly unit 42 in the main scanning direction. The assembly unit moving mechanism 43 consists of a crimping and binding moving motor 43a, pulleys 43b and 43c, and timing belts 43d and 43e. The timing belt 43d is mounted on the output shaft of the crimping and binding moving motor 43a and pulley 43b. The timing belt 43e is mounted on pulleys 43b and 43c. Furthermore, the assembly unit 42 is mounted on the timing belt 43e. Thus, the rotational driving force of the crimping and binding moving motor 43a is transmitted to the assembly unit 42, moving it to a third position in the main scanning direction (see [link]). Figure 10 ) and the fourth position (see Figure 6 (A)).

[0053] The third position is a position where the sheet bundle Sb supported by the inner tray 37 is face-to-face. In other words, the third position is a position where the sheet bundle Sb supported by the inner tray 37 can be crimped and bound (automatically bound). Furthermore, the third position is not limited to... Figure 10 The fourth position can be any position in the main scanning direction, as long as it is a position that allows the sheet bundle Sb supported by the inner tray 37 to face each other. The fourth position is the position at one end of the main scanning direction. In other words, the fourth position is a position where the sheet bundle Sb inserted through the binding slit 31a (described later) of the binding box 31 can be crimped and bound (manually bound).

[0054] A binding slit 31a for manual binding is provided at a position facing the binding unit 42 on the binding box body 31. The binding unit 42 in the fourth position can manually bind the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding box body 31 through the binding slit 31a at its corner. Additionally, the binding box body 31 also has guide walls 31b and 31c to surround the binding slit 31a. The guide wall 31b positions the sheet bundle Sb that will be manually bound (i.e., with its corner inserted into the binding slit 31a) in the second transport direction. The guide wall 31c positions the sheet bundle Sb that will be manually bound (i.e., with its corner inserted into the binding slit 31a) in the main scanning direction.

[0055] The manual binding button 49 is a button for manually binding the sheet bundle to the crimp binding assembly 30. The user inserts the sheet bundle into the binding unit 42 through the binding slit 31a and can manually bind the binding unit 42 by pressing the manual binding button 49.

[0056] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 7 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1010 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.

[0057] CPU 101 is an arithmetic unit that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. 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.

[0058] The image forming apparatus 10 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 image forming apparatus 10. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 forms functional blocks that implement the functions of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0059] I / F105 is an interface that connects the image forming unit 12, contact / separation motor 24a, liquid application movement motor 25a, sheet sensor 28, manual application button 29, assembly unit 42, crimping and binding movement motor 43a, manual binding button 49, and operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 obtains various information from the sheet sensor 28, manual application button 29, manual binding button 49, and operation panel 110 via I / F105, and activates the image forming unit 12, liquid application movement motor 25a, assembly unit 42, and crimping and binding movement motor 43a.

[0060] in addition, Figure 7The controller 100 shown provides unified control over the image forming unit 12, the liquid application assembly 20, and the crimping assembly 30. Alternatively, the image forming unit 12, the liquid application assembly 20, and the crimping assembly 30 can communicate with each other to enable them to operate in tandem.

[0061] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit may include, for example, hard keys or a touch panel superimposed on the display. The operation panel 110 then obtains information from the operator through the operation unit and provides the information to the operator through the display. Furthermore, the specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display; it may also be an LED light or a speaker.

[0062] Next, refer to Figures 4(A)-4(C) and Figure 6 The steps for manual application and manual binding are explained. First, the user prepares a sheet bundle Sb consisting of multiple stacked sheets S. Next, the user inserts the sheet bundle Sb into the liquid application box 21 through the liquid application slit 21a and presses the manual application button 29.

[0063] When the manual supply button 29 is pressed, the controller 100 drives the liquid supply moving motor 25a, moving the liquid supply unit 24 to the second position shown in FIG. 4(C). As a result, the corners of the sheet bundle Sb enter the V-groove 26e, and liquid is supplied from the elastic member 26b. Then, the liquid supplied to the side of the sheet bundle Sb is transmitted along the fibers constituting the sheet S and diffuses... Figure 5 The area specified by the sheet bundle Sb shown in (C).

[0064] Next, the user removes the manually liquid-applied sheet bundle Sb from the liquid-applied slit 21a. Then, the user inserts the manually liquid-applied sheet bundle Sb into the binding box 31 through the binding slit 31a and presses the manual binding button 49.

[0065] When the manual binding button 49 is pressed, the controller 100 drives the crimping and binding moving motor 43a, causing the binding unit 42 to move to... Figure 6 The fourth position is shown in (A). Next, the controller 100 drives the assembly unit 42 to crimp and bind the corner (the part manually liquidened) of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding box 31 through the binding slit 31a.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 4(B) and Figures 8-11 This explains the automatic assignment and automatic binding processes. Figure 8The diagram shown is a state diagram of the crimping assembly unit 30 before the sheet S reaches the conveyor roller pair 36. Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of the crimping and binding assembly 30 for automatic binding. Figure 10 shows the view from the thickness direction of the sheet S. Figure 9 The diagram of crimping assembly 30 at time (B). Figure 11 The diagram shows the state of crimping unit 30 when the sheet S, which has been automatically bound, is discharged into the discharge tray 32.

[0067] First, the controller 100, based on the image forming command input via the operation panel 110, causes the image forming unit 12 to form an image on the sheet S, and outputs the image-bearing sheet S to the crimping assembly 30 via the liquid application assembly 20. More specifically, the controller 100 discharges the sheet S via the liquid application assembly 20 until the sheet S reaches the conveyor roller pair 33 of the crimping assembly 30. The image forming command includes the number of sheets S to be imaged. The controller 100 then sequentially forms images on the number of sheets S displayed by the image forming command.

[0068] Next, as shown in FIG4(B), the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor 24a to make the first surface 26c of the abutment member 26 come into contact with the binding position of the sheet S output from the image forming unit 12 face to face with the liquid application unit 24, based on the sheet sensor 28 detecting that the binding position of the sheet S is face to face with the liquid application unit 24. As a result, the liquid contained in the elastic member 26b is applied to the binding position of the sheet S.

[0069] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, the controller 100 transports the sheet S supplied from the liquid supply assembly 20 along the transport path Ph2 in the second transport direction by rotating the transport roller pair 33-35 in the forward direction. At this time, the transport roller pair 36 is in a state where the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b are separated.

[0070] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, the controller 100 causes the striking roller 38 to abut against the sheet S following the conveyor roller pair 35 and rotate it, thereby receiving the sheet S into the inner tray 37. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, the crimping assembly unit 30 aligns the sheet S housed in the inner tray 37 in the width direction by moving the side baffles 41L and 41R in the width direction.

[0071] Then, controller 100 repeatedly performs 4(B) Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10The process shown involves forming a sheet bundle Sb on the inner tray 37. Next, the controller 100, based on the number of sheets S stacked on the inner tray 37 as displayed by the image forming instructions, drives the crimping and binding motor 43a, bringing the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb face-to-face with the binding unit 42. Then, the controller 100 binds the sheet bundle Sb supported by the inner tray 37 by driving the binding unit 42.

[0072] Next, as Figure 11 As shown in (A), the controller 100 causes the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b to clamp the sheet bundle Sb by abutting and rotating the return roller 39 against the sheet bundle Sb being crimped. Then, as Figure 11 As shown in (B), the controller 100 discharges the sheet bundle Sb to the discharge tray 32 by causing the conveyor roller pair 36 to rotate in the forward direction.

[0073] According to the above-described implementation method, the following effects can be achieved, for example.

[0074] According to the above embodiment, liquid can be applied not only to the sheet S to be automatically bound (automatic application), but also to the bundle of sheets Sb to be manually bound (manual application). This improves the binding strength of both automatic and manual binding.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by bringing the abutting member 26 (elastic member 26b) into contact with the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb, liquid can be reliably applied to any position on the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb. On the other hand, as Figure 5 As shown in (B), if the spray unit 27 is used, it is possible to impart a small amount of liquid to a large area of ​​the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by abutting the elastic member 26b against the sheet bundle Sb, even if the sheet bundle Sb is inserted at a slightly angled position through the liquid-applying slit 21a, it can contact the side of the sheet bundle Sb to properly apply liquid.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by bringing the elastic member 26b into contact with the side of the sheet bundle Sb inserted through the liquid-applied slit 21a, liquid can penetrate not only the surface (upper and lower surfaces) of the sheet bundle Sb, but also its interior. Further, by providing a V-groove 26e on the elastic member 26b, liquid can be applied to the two sides of the corners of the sheet bundle Sb. This further improves the binding strength of manual binding.

[0078] Furthermore, the liquid application unit 20 described in the above embodiment can achieve particularly advantageous effects by being installed in the internal space 13 of the image forming apparatus 10, which has limited space. However, the liquid application unit 20 is not limited to being installed in the internal space 13. In addition, the installation location of the liquid application unit 20 is not limited to the internal space 13.

[0079] [Variation Example 1]

[0080] Figure 12 The diagram shows the internal structure of the punching and perforation setting assembly 50 (punching and perforation unit). Figure 12 The punching and perforation setting assembly 50 shown is configured to be detachable from the position where the liquid supply assembly 20 is removed from the internal space 13. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to allow for the replacement of the liquid supply assembly 20 and the punching and perforation setting assembly 50 depending on the application. Furthermore, since the configuration of the punching and perforation setting assembly 50 is known, a detailed description is omitted, but for example, the following configuration is also possible.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, the punching and perforation setting assembly 50 includes a frame 51, a sheet sensor 52, perforation pins 53a and 53b, and a punching shavings hopper 54. The frame 51 has an internal space for housing the constituent parts of the punching and perforation setting assembly 50. Furthermore, a transport path is formed within the internal space of the frame 51 for the sheet through which the image forming unit 12 forms an image. The sheet sensor 52 detects whether the sheet S supplied from the image forming unit 12 has reached a predetermined position. The perforation pins 53a and 53b perforate the sheet S detected by the sheet sensor 52. Punching shavings falling from the sheet S fall into the punching shavings hopper 54. Thus, the perforation setting process of punching and perforating the sheet S is realized.

[0082] [Variation Example 2]

[0083] Figure 13 The image shown is an external view of image forming system 1. Figure 13 As shown, the image forming system 1 comprises an image forming apparatus 10, a liquid application device 20', and a crimping device 30'. The image forming apparatus 10, the liquid application device 20', and the crimping device 30' are each independently operable devices, but they are also interconnected. Furthermore, the liquid application device 20' shares the same configuration as the liquid application assembly 20 described above, and the crimping device 30' shares the same configuration as the crimping assembly 30 described above.

[0084] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made without departing from its technical essence, and all technical matters encompassed in the technical concept described 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 disclosed content. These modifications are also included within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0085] The contents of this invention are described below, for example.

[0086] <1>

[0087] A liquid-applying device for applying liquid to multiple media sheets crimped and bound by a crimping and binding device, characterized in that it comprises: a liquid-applying housing having a conveying path formed inside through which the media can pass in a conveying direction; a liquid-applying unit for applying liquid to the media; and a liquid-applying unit moving mechanism for moving the liquid-applying unit to a first position capable of applying liquid to the media on the conveying path, and a second position capable of applying liquid to the media inserted through a liquid-applying slit provided on the side of the liquid-applying housing.

[0088] <2>

[0089] According to the above <1> The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that: the liquid dispensing unit has a spraying unit for spraying liquid onto the medium.

[0090] <3>

[0091] According to the above <1> The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that: the liquid dispensing unit has an abutting member that abuts against the medium in a state containing liquid.

[0092] <4>

[0093] According to the above <3> The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that: the contacting component is an elastic component.

[0094] <5>

[0095] According to the above <4> The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that: the abutting member has a first surface that abuts against the medium on the delivery path, and a second surface that intersects the first surface and abuts against the medium inserted through the liquid dispensing slit.

[0096] <6>

[0097] According to the above <5> The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that: the second surface abuts against the side surface of the medium inserted through the liquid dispensing slit.

[0098] <7>

[0099] According to the above <5> The liquid application device is characterized in that: the second surface abuts against two side surfaces that intersect at the corners of multiple sheets of the medium inserted through the liquid application slit.

[0100] <8>

[0101] According to the above <5> To the above <7> The liquid dispensing device according to any one of the following methods, characterized in that: the first surface abuts against the upper surface of the medium on the conveying path.

[0102] <9>

[0103] An image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising: a frame; an image forming unit housed in the frame and forming an image on a medium; and a liquid dispenser detachably supported on the frame and dispensing liquid onto the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. <1> The liquid dispensing device.

[0104] <10>

[0105] According to the above <9> The image forming apparatus is characterized by having a crimping and binding device supported by the frame, the crimping and binding device comprising: a conveying unit for conveying the medium through the conveying path of the liquid supply device; a tray for supporting multiple sheets of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a binding element for pressing and binding the multiple sheets of the medium; a binding box for housing the conveying unit, the tray, and the binding element and supported by the frame; and a binding element moving mechanism for moving the binding element to a third position capable of crimping and binding the multiple sheets of the medium supported by the tray, and a fourth position capable of crimping and binding the multiple sheets of the medium inserted through a binding slit provided on the side of the binding box.

[0106] <11>

[0107] An image forming system, characterized in that it comprises: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a medium, and a device connected to the image forming apparatus. <1> The liquid dispensing device.

Claims

1. A liquid-applying device for applying liquid to multiple sheets of media crimped and bound by a crimping and binding device, characterized in that... include: The liquid is supplied to the housing, which forms a transport path inside that allows the medium to pass through in the transport direction; A liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the medium, and A liquid supply unit moving mechanism that moves the liquid supply unit to a first position capable of supplying liquid to the medium on the delivery path, and a second position capable of supplying liquid to the medium inserted through a liquid supply slit provided on the side of the liquid supply housing. The liquid application unit is configured to apply liquid to the upper surface of the medium at the first position and to apply liquid to the sides of multiple mediums at the second position. The liquid supply unit has a contact member that contacts the medium in a liquid-containing state. The abutting component is an elastic component. The elastic member has a first surface and a second surface that intersect each other. The first surface is the surface that abuts against the upper surface of the medium on the transport path, and the second surface is the surface that abuts against the side surface of the plurality of media inserted through the slit by the liquid.

2. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second surface abuts against two sides that intersect at the corners of multiple media inserted through the slit by the liquid.

3. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that... include: Frame; An image forming unit, which is housed in the frame and forms an image on the medium, and The liquid application device according to claim 1 is detachably supported on the frame and applies liquid to the medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that... A crimping and binding device supported by the frame, the crimping and binding device comprising: A conveying unit that conveys the medium through the conveying path of the liquid dispensing device; A tray capable of supporting multiple sheets of the medium transported by the conveying unit; The binding unit is used to press and deform multiple sheets of the aforementioned media and then crimp and bind them together. The binding box housing the conveying unit, the tray, and the binding unit, and supported by the frame, and The binding element moving mechanism moves the binding element to a third position where it can crimp and bind multiple sheets of the media supported by the tray, and to a fourth position where it can crimp and bind multiple sheets of the media inserted through a binding slit provided on the side of the binding box.

5. An image forming system, characterized in that... include: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a medium, and The liquid application device of claim 1, which is connected to the image forming apparatus.

Images