Medium processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The present application provides a medium processing device and an image forming system, by appropriately changing the posture of the liquid application mechanism and the binding mechanism, the damage or failure of the two mechanisms and the peripheral equipment caused by the collision of the liquid application mechanism and the binding mechanism can be prevented. The medium processing device has a liquid application unit rotation mechanism, at the posture switching position, the liquid application unit moving to one side of the main scanning direction abuts, switching from the oblique application posture to the parallel application posture, and at the posture switching position, the liquid application unit moving to the other side of the main scanning direction abuts, switching from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture; a collision avoidance mechanism, when the liquid application unit and the binding unit move to the other side of the main scanning direction, before the liquid application unit reaches the posture switching position, in the limiting position reached by the binding unit, the binding unit in the oblique binding posture passes through, and the binding unit in the parallel binding posture is prevented from passing through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media processing 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 often include a "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 crimping 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 crimping binding, a liquid application unit is provided to pre-apply liquid to the binding position on the paper where the binding teeth will contact, so that the binding teeth can easily engage with the paper bundle (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, in media processing apparatuses, there exist devices capable of switching the posture of the binding unit to a parallel binding posture parallel to the main scanning direction and an oblique binding posture inclined relative to the main scanning direction. In this case, in order to apply liquid to the entire area of ​​the binding position, it is preferable to switch the posture of the liquid application unit to a parallel application posture parallel to the parallel binding posture and an oblique application posture parallel to the oblique binding posture.

[0005] However, in the media processing apparatus configured as described above, there is a problem that if the posture of the liquid supply unit and the loading unit arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction is not changed in a predetermined order, one of them will collide with the other and will not be able to change to the desired posture.

[0006] The present invention was proposed to solve such a problem, and its purpose is to provide a media processing device that, by appropriately changing the posture of the liquid supply unit and the loading unit, can prevent damage or malfunction of the two units and their surrounding equipment caused by collision between the liquid supply unit and the loading unit.

[0007] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-166281 Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a liquid application unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one medium; a packing unit configured adjacent to the liquid application unit in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, and performing a prescribed process on a medium bundle containing at least one medium having been liquid-application-referred to the liquid application unit; a moving unit that moves the liquid application unit and the packing unit along the surface of the medium in the main scanning direction; a packing unit rotating unit that switches between an oblique binding posture in which the long side of the packing unit is inclined relative to the main scanning direction and a parallel binding posture in which the long side of the packing unit is oriented toward the main scanning direction by rotating the packing unit about a packing unit rotation axis perpendicular to both the transport direction and the main scanning direction; and a liquid application unit rotation mechanism that rotates the liquid application unit about a liquid application unit parallel to the packing unit rotation axis. The axis rotates to switch between an oblique application posture, where the long side of the liquid application unit is inclined relative to the main scanning direction, and a parallel application posture, where the long side of the liquid application unit is oriented towards the main scanning direction. The liquid application unit rotation mechanism, at the posture switching position, abuts against the liquid application unit moving towards one side of the main scanning direction, switching from the oblique application posture to the parallel application posture. At the posture switching position, it abuts against the liquid application unit moving towards the other side of the main scanning direction, switching from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture. The media processing device has a collision avoidance mechanism. When the liquid application unit and the assembly unit move towards the other side of the main scanning direction, before the liquid application unit reaches the posture switching position, at a restricted position reached by the assembly unit, the collision avoidance mechanism allows the assembly unit in the oblique binding posture to pass through and prevents the assembly unit in the parallel binding posture from passing through.

[0010] According to the present invention, a media processing apparatus can be provided that, by appropriately changing the posture of the liquid supply unit and the assembly unit, can prevent damage or malfunction of the two units and their surrounding equipment caused by collision between the liquid supply unit and the assembly unit. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an overall configuration of the image forming system.

[0012] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an internal structure diagram of the post-processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 The diagram shows the end binding processing unit as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0014] Figure 4 The diagram shows the end-binding processing section as seen from the liquid supply section side in the main scanning direction.

[0015] Figure 5 (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the crimping unit of the end binding processing section.

[0016] Figure 6 The diagram shown is an observation of the liquid imparting a rotating mechanism to the unit, viewed from the thickness direction of the paper.

[0017] Figure 7 The diagram shown is an observation of the liquid imparting the unit's rotation mechanism from the main scanning direction.

[0018] Figure 8 Figures (A) and (B) show the configuration of the posture switching claw installed on the base of the binding mechanism.

[0019] Figure 9 Figures (A)-(F) illustrate the movement of the posture switching lever based on the posture switching pawl.

[0020] Figure 10 (A)-(H) are diagrams illustrating the sequence of actions when the liquid delivery unit is changed to an oblique delivery posture.

[0021] Figure 11 The diagram shows the sequence of actions when the liquid delivery unit is changed to a parallel delivery posture.

[0022] Figure 12 The diagram shows the needle binding processing unit as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0023] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a modified needle binding processing section as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0024] Figure 14 The diagram shows the hardware configuration of the control module that controls the operation of the post-processing device according to this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 The diagram shows a flowchart of the binding process in the end binding section.

[0026] Figure 16 Figures (A)-(D) show the location of the end binding processing section during the binding process.

[0027] Figure 17 Figures (A)-(H) show the positions of the end binding processing sections during the binding process at two locations.

[0028] Figure 18Figures (A)-(C) show the first half of the process of moving the end-binding processing section that has undergone binding processing to the standby position in the correct order.

[0029] Figure 19 Figures (A)-(C) show the front and back halves of the process of moving the end binding processing section that has undergone binding processing to the standby position in the correct order.

[0030] Figure 20 Figures (A) and (B) show the process of causing the end binding processing unit, which has undergone binding processing, to move to the standby position in the wrong order.

[0031] Figure 21 Figures (A)-(C) show the collision avoidance mechanism as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper placed on the inner tray.

[0032] Figure 22 Figures (A) and (B) show the collision avoidance mechanism as viewed from the main scanning direction.

[0033] Figure 23 The diagram shows the flowchart of the regression process.

[0034] Figure 24 Figures (A)-(C) show the positions and orientations of the liquid delivery unit and the pressing unit in the regression process.

[0035] Figure 25 The diagram shown is an internal structure diagram of a post-processing apparatus according to other embodiments.

[0036] Figure 26 Figures (A)-(C) show the internal tray involved in other embodiments as seen from the thickness direction of the paper.

[0037] Figure 27 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a crimping unit according to another embodiment, viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0038] Figure 28 Figures (A) and (B) show the liquid imparting unit of other embodiments as seen from the thickness direction of the paper.

[0039] Figure 29 (A)-(C) are shown Figure 28 XXV-XXV sectional view.

[0040] Figure 30 (A)-(C) are shown Figure 28 sectional views of XXVI-XXVI.

[0041] Figure 31The diagram shown is a hardware configuration diagram of the control module of the post-processing device according to other embodiments.

[0042] Figure 32 The diagram shown is a post-processing flowchart of a post-processing apparatus according to other embodiments.

[0043] Figure 33 The diagram shown is an overall configuration diagram of a variant example of an image forming system.

[0044] Figure 34 Figures (A) and (B) show a modified example 1 of the control unit of the post-processing device.

[0045] Figure 35 Figures (A) and (B) show a modified example 2 of the control unit of the post-processing device. Detailed Implementation

[0046] [Implementation of Image Forming System 1]

[0047] Hereinafter, the image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming function that forms an image on paper P, which is a sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function that performs prescribed post-processing on the paper P with the formed image. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 1 is configured such that the image forming apparatus 2, which has image forming function, and the post-processing apparatus 3, which has the post-processing function according to the present invention, operate in coordination.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sheet-like medium that is processed in the image forming system 1 is described under the premise of "paper". However, the object of processing according to this embodiment is not limited to paper. For example, any medium that can form an image using a conventionally known image forming process is not limited in type. In addition, media that can be folded or bound are also included, and the material or specifications are not limited.

[0049] Image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper P and discharges the paper P with the formed image to post-processing apparatus 3. Image forming apparatus 2 includes a receiving tray 211 containing the paper P, a conveying unit 212 for conveying the paper P contained in the receiving tray 211, and an image forming unit 213 for forming an image on the paper P conveyed by the conveying unit 212. The image forming unit 213 can be an inkjet type that uses ink to form an image, or an electrophotographic type that uses toner to form an image. Furthermore, image forming apparatus 2 includes a control unit 100a that controls various operations of the conveying unit 212 and the image forming unit 213. Since the configuration of image forming apparatus 2 is already known, detailed description is omitted.

[0050] Furthermore, paper is a known example of a sheet-like medium. Therefore, in this specification, when describing a sheet-like medium as the object of processing, "paper P" is used. Additionally, when describing a sheet bundle, an example is given of a "paper bundle Pb" formed by forming a bundle of paper as a multi-page medium.

[0051] [Implementation of Post-processing Device 3]

[0052] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an internal structural diagram of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to this embodiment. The post-processing apparatus 3 has the function of performing a prescribed post-processing on the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. One of the post-processing methods according to this embodiment is a "crimping binding process" which binds a bundle (sheet bundle) of multiple sheets of paper P on which an image has been formed without using a binding pin. Another post-processing method according to this embodiment is a "pin binding process" which binds a bundle (sheet bundle) of multiple sheets of paper P on which an image has been formed using a binding pin. Hereinafter, the bundle of paper P will be referred to as "bundle Pb" as a medium bundle.

[0053] In this embodiment, the liquid application process during crimping is described in detail. However, the liquid application process performed in conjunction with needle binding is also the same. In addition, in the following description, the term "binding process" means that both the "crimping binding process" and the "needle binding process" described above are included, and it is not limited to the binding method (using a binding needle or applying pressure).

[0054] Furthermore, in more detail, the "crimping binding process" involved in this embodiment is a process of applying pressure to a binding position corresponding to a portion of the paper bundle Pb, causing the binding position to deform (pressure deformation) and binding it; this process is called "crimping binding". In addition, the binding processes that can be performed in the post-processing device 3 include end binding processing for binding the ends of the paper bundle Pb and saddle-stitch binding processing for binding the central portion of the paper bundle Pb.

[0055] The post-processing apparatus 3 includes transport roller pairs 10-19 (transport section), switching claw 20, and a control unit 100b (control unit). The control unit 100b controls the operation of the transport roller pairs 10-19 (transport section) and switching claw 20. Details regarding the control unit 100b will be described later. The transport roller pairs 10-19 transport paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 within the post-processing apparatus 3. More specifically, the transport roller pairs 10-13 transport paper P along a first transport path Ph1. Furthermore, the transport roller pairs 14-15 transport paper P along a second transport path Ph2. Further, the transport roller pairs 16-19 transport paper P along a third transport path Ph3. Additionally, a punching unit 132 for punching the paper P transported by the transport roller pairs 10 and 11 is disposed between the transport roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0056] The first transport path Ph1 is the path from the paper P supply port of the image forming apparatus 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pairs 11 and 14 in the transport direction and reaches the discharge tray 26 via the inner tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pairs 11 and 14 in the transport direction and reaches the discharge tray 30.

[0057] The switching claw 20 is positioned at the branch point of the first conveying path Ph1 and the second conveying path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to switch between a first position where paper P is discharged onto the discharge tray 21 via the first conveying path Ph1, and a second position where paper P conveyed via the first conveying path Ph1 is guided onto the second conveying path Ph2. Furthermore, when the rear end of paper P entering the second conveying path Ph2 passes the conveyor roller pair 11, the paper P is guided onto the third conveying path Ph3 by reversing the rotation of the conveyor roller pair 14. Additionally, the post-processing device 3 includes multiple sensors for detecting the position of paper P on each of the conveying paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. Furthermore, the multiple sensors... Figure 2 The black triangle (▲) is used to represent the center.

[0058] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. Paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1 is placed on the discharge tray 21. Paper P that has not been bound from the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 is discharged into the discharge tray 21.

[0059] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 includes an inner tray 22 serving as a holding tray, a bottom baffle 23, side baffles 24L and 24R, an end-binding processing unit 25, a pin-binding processing unit 55, and a discharge tray 26. The inner tray 22, bottom baffle 23, side baffles 24L and 24R, end-binding processing unit 25, and pin-binding processing unit 55 perform end-binding processing on a paper bundle Pb composed of multiple sheets of paper P that is conveyed from the second conveying path Ph2 to the inner tray 22. The paper bundle Pb that has undergone end-binding processing from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 is discharged into the discharge tray 26.

[0060] The term "end binding process" as used here includes "parallel binding process" which binds the paper bundle Pb along one side parallel to the main scanning direction, "oblique binding process" which binds the corners of the paper bundle Pb, and "vertical binding process" which binds the paper bundle Pb along one side parallel to the transport direction.

[0061] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is conveyed from the conveyor roller pair 15 to the end baffle 23 will be defined as the "conveyor direction". That is, the "conveyor direction" in this specification is equivalent to the direction in which the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 moves in the direction of the discharge tray 26 via the conveyor roller pair 10, etc., and then changes direction via the conveyor roller pair 15 to face a different direction than before, namely the bottom baffle 23. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the paper P and the conveyor direction will be defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)".

[0062] Multiple sheets of paper P, sequentially conveyed via the second conveying path Ph2, are temporarily placed on an inner tray 22, which serves as a placement tray. A bottom baffle 23 aligns the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. Side baffles 24L and 24R align the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. An end-binding processing unit 25 and a needle-binding processing unit 155 perform end-binding processing on the paper bundle Pb aligned by the bottom baffle 23 and the side baffles 24L and 24R. Then, the conveyor roller pair 15 discharges the end-binding paper bundle Pb to an discharge tray 26.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an opening / closing door 4 is provided on the side of the frame of the post-processing device 3. The opening / closing door 4 moves between a closed position that closes the opening on the side of the frame of the post-processing device 3 and an open position that opens the opening (opening / closing operation). In addition, the opening / closing door 4 is positioned in the main scanning direction facing at least a portion of the internal tray 22, the bottom baffle 23, and the end binding processing section 25. Therefore, by moving the opening / closing door 4 to the open position, the user can remove the paper P that is blocking the periphery of the internal tray 22, the bottom baffle 23, the end binding processing section 25, and the needle binding processing section 55, thus performing a so-called paper jam removal.

[0064] Furthermore, the user can replenish the liquid in the first liquid reservoir 43 by moving the opening / closing door 4 to the open position. Additionally, for example, the first liquid reservoir 43 can be configured to be detachable from the liquid supply unit 31, allowing the user to replace the empty first liquid reservoir 43 and the replenished first liquid reservoir 43 by moving the opening / closing door 4 to the open position. However, the configuration allowing operation of the periphery of the internal tray 22, bottom baffle 23, end binding processing unit 25, and needle binding processing unit 55 is not limited to the opening / closing door 4.

[0065] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 also includes a bottom baffle 27, a saddle-stitching unit 28, a folding board 29, and a discharge tray 30. The bottom baffle 27, the saddle-stitching unit 28, and the folding board 29 perform saddle-stitching processing on a bundle Pb consisting of multiple sheets of paper P conveyed by the third conveying path Ph3. The bundle Pb that has undergone saddle-stitching processing from the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 is discharged into the discharge tray 30.

[0066] The bottom baffle 27 aligns the position of the multiple sheets of paper P that are sequentially conveyed in the third conveying path Ph3 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the bottom baffle 27 is configured to move the center of the paper bundle Pb to a binding position facing the saddle-stitching process 28 and a bending position facing the folding plate 29. The saddle-stitching process 28 binds the center of the paper bundle Pb, which is aligned with the bottom baffle 27 at the binding position. The folding plate 29 folds the paper bundle Pb, which is placed on the bottom baffle 27 at the bending position, and clamps it into the conveyor roller pair 18. The conveyor roller pair 18 and 19 discharge the saddle-stitched paper bundle Pb into the discharge tray 30.

[0067] [Detailed Description of End Binding Processing Unit 25]

[0068] Figure 3 The image shown is from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the end-binding processing section 25, which performs liquid application and crimping processes. Figure 4The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the end-binding processing unit 25 as seen from the side of the liquid application unit 31 in the main scanning direction. Figure 3 As shown, the end binding processing unit 25 has a liquid application unit 31 for applying liquid to paper P, and a crimping unit 32, as an example of a post-processing unit, for crimping and binding paper bundle Pb. 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 inner tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid application unit 31 applies liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 (liquid storage section) to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. Hereinafter, the application of liquid by the liquid application unit 31 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb, and the operation of the liquid application unit 31 during the application of liquid, will be referred to as "liquid application". In addition, the liquid application operation of the liquid application unit 31 accompanying the control processing will be referred to as "liquid application processing".

[0070] Here, the liquid stored in the first storage tank 43 as the liquid used for liquid filling 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 to improve the binding strength after binding treatment. As long as it is used to improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb, readily available and manageable tap water is sufficient. Furthermore, as a liquid, using the examples above, a liquid with water as its main component can improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb compared to using a liquid that is not primarily composed of water.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the liquid application unit 31 is configured such that it can move along the main scanning direction together with the crimping unit 32 via the driving force transmitted from the end binding processing unit moving motor 50. The liquid application unit 31 has a lower push plate 33, an upper push plate 34 (push unit), a liquid application unit moving mechanism 35, and a liquid application mechanism 36, which serve as a mounting stage for paper P or paper bundle Pb. The constituent parts of the liquid application unit 31 (lower push plate 33, upper push plate 34, liquid application unit moving mechanism 35, liquid application mechanism 36, and liquid application unit moving motor 37) are held by the liquid application frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0074] The lower push plate 33 and the upper push plate 34 are disposed downstream of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is also placed on the lower push plate 33. The lower push plate 33 is disposed on the lower push plate holder 331. The upper push plate 34 is configured to be movable along the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb in a position facing the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0075] That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 sandwich the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, and are arranged facing each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter referred to as "thickness direction"). Furthermore, in the upper pressure plate 34, a through-hole 34a is formed in the thickness direction at a position facing the liquid supply member 451 held via the joint 46 mounted on the base plate 40. Additionally, the liquid supply member 451 is one end of the liquid supply member 45 (liquid suction) described later, corresponding to the front end portion.

[0076] The liquid application unit moving mechanism 35 moves the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, the joint 46, the liquid application component 451, and the liquid supply component 45 in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. In this embodiment, the liquid application unit moving mechanism 35 uses a single liquid application component moving motor 37 to move the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, the joint 46, the liquid application component 451, and the liquid supply component 45 in a coordinated manner. The liquid application unit moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid application component 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.

[0077] The liquid supply unit moving motor 37 generates a driving force that moves the upper push plate 34, the base plate 40, the connecting part 46, the liquid supply component 451, and the liquid supply component 45. A trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb and is configured to rotate in both directions on the liquid supply frame 31a. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid supply unit moving motor 37 via a pulley or belt. A nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the trapezoidal screw 38. Then, when the driving force of the liquid supply unit moving motor 37 is transmitted, the nut 39 moves back and forth on the trapezoidal screw 38 due to its rotation in both directions.

[0078] The base plate 40 is positioned away from the upper push plate 34. Furthermore, the base plate 40 holds the liquid supply component 451 in a state where the front end of the liquid supply component 451 protrudes from the base plate 40 toward the upper push plate 34. Further, the base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and by rotating the trapezoidal screw 38 in both directions, it is configured to move back and forth along the trapezoidal screw 38. Then, the vertical position of the base plate 40 is controlled by a motion sensor 40a (see reference). Figure 14 (To detect)

[0079] The columnar components 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper push plate 34 around the front end portion of the liquid supply component 451. 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 retain the upper push plate 34 at their front ends on the side of the lower push plate 33. Additionally, at the front ends of the columnar components 41a and 41b opposite to the lower push plate 33, a detachment prevention member is provided to prevent the columnar components 41a and 41b from detaching from the base plate 40.

[0080] Helical springs 42a and 42b are inserted externally into columnar components 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper push plate 34. Then, the helical springs 42a and 42b exert force on the upper push plate 34 and columnar components 41a and 41b towards the lower push plate 33 relative to the base plate 40.

[0081] The liquid application unit 31 applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. More specifically, the liquid application unit 31 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb by bringing the liquid application member 451 into contact with the paper P or paper bundle Pb. Furthermore, the liquid application mechanism 36, which is part of the liquid application unit 31, consists of the liquid application member 451, the liquid supply member 45, the first liquid reservoir 43, and the connecting portion 46.

[0082] The first liquid storage tank 43 stores the liquid used to supply paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is detected by the liquid level sensor 43a (liquid detection unit).

[0083] The liquid application component 451 applies liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir 43 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid application component 451 is held on the base plate 40 with its front end facing the upward pressing plate 34. Furthermore, the liquid application component 451 is made of a material with high liquid absorption, such as a continuous bubble body capable of containing liquid. The liquid application component 451 is made of a material capable of absorbing and retaining liquid; its type is not limited as long as it possesses the property of deforming under applied pressure while in contact with the paper P. For example, it can be a foam like a sponge, or fibers capable of absorbing liquid through capillary action.

[0084] The liquid supply component 45 (liquid suction) is an immersion section 452 whose base is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir 43, and is an elongated component connected to the liquid delivery component 451 at its front end. Furthermore, the liquid supply component 45, for example, is made of a material with high water absorption, similar to the liquid delivery component 451. Thus, the liquid absorbed from the immersion section 452 of the liquid supply component 45 is supplied to the liquid delivery component 451 through a capillary effect. That is, the liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir 43 is drawn up from the immersion section 452 of the liquid supply component 45, and the drawn-up liquid is supplied to the liquid delivery component 451 connected to its front end via the liquid supply component 45.

[0085] As described above, the liquid drawn from the immersion portion 452 of the liquid supply member 45 is supplied to the liquid application member 451 through the liquid supply member 45. Then, liquid application is performed by contact between the liquid application member 451 and the uppermost part of the paper P or paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the front end of the liquid application member 451 is supported by the base plate 40 facing downward.

[0086] Furthermore, while the liquid supply component 451 and the liquid dispensing component 45 were described as separate units, they can also be integrally constructed from materials with the same properties (e.g., materials with high liquid absorption rates). That is, the liquid supply component 451 can be configured as part of the liquid dispensing component 45. In this case, the supply of liquid from the liquid dispensing component 45 to the liquid supply component 451 utilizing capillary action can be performed more smoothly, and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0087] The protective member 45a is an elongated cylindrical body (e.g., a tube) inserted externally onto the liquid supply member 45. This prevents leakage or evaporation of the liquid absorbed by the liquid supply member 45. Furthermore, both the liquid supply member 45 and the protective member 45a are formed of a flexible material. The joint 46 is used to fix the liquid supply member 451 to the base plate 40. Thus, even when the liquid supply member 451 is moved by the liquid supply unit moving mechanism 35, it maintains a state where its front end faces the upper pressure plate 34 while protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34.

[0088] In the liquid application process, by controlling the drive amount of the liquid application unit moving motor 37, the movement amount (pressing amount) of the liquid application component 451 relative to the paper P or paper bundle Pb can be controlled. By controlling the movement amount of the liquid application component 451 relative to the paper P or paper bundle Pb, the size of the contact area (contact area) of the liquid application component 451 with the paper P or paper bundle Pb can be adjusted, or the contact time (contact time) can be adjusted. Through this adjustment, the amount of liquid applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb and the diffusion of the liquid can be adjusted.

[0089] [Composition of crimping unit 32]

[0090] The crimping unit 32, as a binding unit, applies pressure to a portion of the paper bundle Pb using its concave and convex upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b to deform it, and binds the paper bundle Pb by pressing the portion of paper P together. That is, the crimping unit 32 can bind the paper bundle Pb without using binding pins. The components of the crimping unit 32 (upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b) are provided on the crimping frame 32c. The crimping unit 32 is an example of a binding unit that binds the paper bundle Pb by applying pressure and deformation at the binding position. Hereinafter, the case of binding by applying pressure and deformation to a predetermined position of the paper bundle Pb using the crimping unit 32 will be simply described as "crimping binding". Furthermore, the crimping binding operation of the crimping unit 32 accompanied by control processing will be labeled as "crimping binding processing". However, the specific example of the binding unit is not limited to the crimping unit 32; it can also be a needle binding unit that binds the paper bundle Pb by having the binding pin pass through the binding position (see reference). Figure 12 , Figure 13 ).

[0091] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the configuration of the crimping unit 32. Figure 5As shown, the crimping unit 32 includes an upper crimping tooth 32a and a lower crimping tooth 32b. The upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b clamp the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 and are arranged facing each other in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. The opposing surfaces of the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b are formed in a concave-convex shape with alternating concave and convex portions.

[0092] Furthermore, the concave and convex portions of the upper pressing tooth 32a and the lower pressing tooth 32b are formed in a staggered manner in a mutually meshing manner. Then, the upper pressing tooth 32a and the lower pressing tooth 32b contact / disconnect the motor 32d (see reference). Figure 14 The driving force is used to abut and separate.

[0093] During the process of feeding the multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb into the inner tray 22, such as Figure 5 As shown in (A), the upper pressure tooth 32a and the lower pressure tooth 32b are separate from each other. Then, when all the sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb are placed by the inner tray 22, as... Figure 5 As shown in (B), the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b engage with the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d to apply pressure from the thickness direction and deform the paper bundle Pb. Thus, the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is crimped and bound. Furthermore, the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb is discharged to the discharge tray 26 via the conveyor roller pair 15.

[0094] Furthermore, as for the configuration of the crimping unit 32, as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b constituting the crimping mechanism are engaged, it is not limited to the structure of the actuation mechanism illustrated in this embodiment. For example, it could be a crimping mechanism using a linkage mechanism that uses a drive source that rotates only forward or backward and a linkage mechanism to perform the crimping and disengaging actions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (for example, the crimping mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167). Alternatively, it could be a linear crimping mechanism that performs the crimping and disengaging actions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b linearly by converting the forward and reverse rotational motion of the drive source into a reciprocating thread mechanism.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end-binding processing unit 25 includes an end-binding processing unit moving unit 47. The end-binding processing unit moving unit 47 moves the end-binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid application unit 31 and the pressing unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The end-binding processing unit moving unit 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, an end-binding processing unit moving motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51 that transmits the driving force of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 to the base member 48, and a standby position sensor 540 (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0096] The liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are mounted adjacent to each other on the base component 48 in the main scanning direction. Figure 4 As shown, the guide shaft 49 is held upstream of the binding mechanism base 116 in the transport direction by a plurality of guide shaft brackets 49a disposed in the main scanning direction. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the guide shaft 49 extends along the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116. Additionally, the guide rail 115 is provided downstream of the binding mechanism base 116 in the transport direction throughout the main scanning direction. Figure 4 As shown, the guide rail 115 includes a fitted portion 115a that fits into the fitting portion 48a of the base member 48 in the main scanning direction. That is, the base member 48 is held in a position on the binding mechanism base 116 in the main scanning direction and can move in the main scanning direction via the guide shaft 49 and the guide rail 115.

[0097] The end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 generates a driving force to move the end-binding processing unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 to the base member 48 via pulleys 551a, 551b, a timing belt 551c, and a fastening part 48b that fastens the base member 48 and the timing belt 551c. As a result, the base member 48 moves along the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction via the integrated liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32.

[0098] The end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 involved in this embodiment is, for example, a servo motor. Even if the end-binding processing unit 25 does not return to the origin position (e.g., the standby position HP described later) during each movement, the servo motor can stop the end-binding processing unit 25 at the target position (the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 described later).

[0099] Additionally, the post-processing unit 3 has an end-binding processing unit 25 in a standby position HP (see reference). Figure 16 The standby position sensor 44a (for example, a light-shielding optical sensor, see reference) is used to detect (A) and (D). Figure 14 ) and the first encoder sensor 44b (refer to) mounted on the output shaft of the end binding processing unit moving motor 50. Figure 14 Then, the control unit 10, described later, detects that the end-stitching processing unit 25 has reached the standby position HP based on the detection result of the standby position sensor 44a. In addition, the control unit 10, described later, determines the current position of the end-stitching processing unit 25, which has moved from the standby position HP, by counting the pulse signals output from the first encoder sensor 44b.

[0100] However, the specific method by which the end-stitching processing unit 25 stops at the target position instead of returning to the standby position HP is not limited to the example described above. As another example, the post-processing device 3 may also include a sensor that detects when the end-stitching processing unit 25 reaches a predetermined target position.

[0101] Furthermore, a crimping frame 32c, which holds the components of the crimping unit 32, has a crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​fixed to its bottom surface. The crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​is held on the base member 48, which is provided with the crimping frame 32c, so that it can rotate in both directions. Moreover, the crimping unit 32 is configured such that by transmitting the driving force of the crimping unit rotation motor 56 to the crimping unit rotation shaft 54, it can rotate in both directions on the base member 48 with the crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​as the center.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the crimping unit 32 has a crimping unit rotation mechanism 52. The crimping unit rotation mechanism 52 causes the crimping unit 32, which has upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b, to rotate in both forward and reverse directions about a crimping unit rotation axis 54 that extends along the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22. The crimping unit rotation mechanism 52 has a crimping unit rotation axis 54 and a crimping unit rotation motor 56.

[0103] Furthermore, the liquid application unit 31 is configured to rotate in both directions around a liquid application unit rotation shaft 53, which extends along the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. An attitude switching lever 111, which is a component of the liquid application unit rotation mechanism 126 described later, is integrally mounted on the liquid application unit rotation shaft 53.

[0104] The liquid application unit rotation axis 53 and the crimping unit rotation axis 54 extend parallel to each other in separate positions along the main scanning direction. The liquid application unit rotation axis 53 supports the liquid application frame 31a and the liquid application base component 122 so that they can rotate in both directions relative to the base component 48. The crimping unit rotation axis 54 supports the crimping frame 32c so that it can rotate in both directions relative to the base component 48.

[0105] The crimping unit rotation motor 56 generates a driving force to rotate the crimping unit 32 in both directions. This driving force is transmitted to the crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​via a pulley or timing belt (not shown). Consequently, the crimping frame 32c, together with the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, rotates in both directions around the crimping unit rotation shaft 54. This rotation is achieved by a second encoder sensor 44c (see reference 44c) mounted on the output shaft of the crimping unit rotation motor 56. Figure 14 The output pulse signals are counted to determine the rotation angle (or posture) of the crimping unit 32.

[0106] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram shows an explanatory illustration of the liquid application unit rotation mechanism 126 that rotates the liquid application unit 31 in both forward and reverse directions. The liquid application unit rotation mechanism 126 includes a liquid application unit rotation shaft 53 and a posture switching lever 111. The posture switching lever 152 is configured to rotate integrally with the liquid application unit rotation shaft 53 in both forward and reverse directions. The liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are supported by a base component 48. This base component 48 is moved along the guide shaft 49 on the binding mechanism base 116 in the main scanning direction via an end-binding processing unit movement motor 50. A posture switching claw 114 and a guide rail 115 are provided on the binding mechanism base 116.

[0107] The posture switching claw 114 is rotatably mounted on the binding mechanism base 116 in the posture switching position D in the main scanning direction. Then, the posture switching lever 111 is rotated by moving the liquid application unit 31 via the base member 48 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processing unit moving motor 50.

[0108] The posture switching lever 111, posture switching claw 114, and guide rail 115 are included in the liquid application unit rotation mechanism 310, which switches the posture of the liquid application unit 31 as the liquid application unit 31 moves in the main scanning direction. The posture switching lever 111 is an example of a posture switching component that rotates integrally with the liquid application unit 31. The posture switching claw 114 and guide rail 115 are examples of posture switching units that abut against the posture switching lever 111 when the liquid application unit 31 moves in the main scanning direction, thereby switching the posture of the posture switching lever 111.

[0109] Figure 8 The diagram shows the configuration of the posture switching claw 114 mounted on the base 116 of the binding mechanism.

[0110] Figure 9 The diagram shows the action of the posture switching lever 111 based on the posture switching claw 114.

[0111] The posture switching claw 114 is held in a rotatable position by a posture switching claw rotation shaft 119 provided on the binding mechanism base 116. On the other hand, while the posture switching claw 114 is mounted on the binding mechanism base 116, its other end is supported in one direction by a force-applying spring 117 mounted on the posture switching claw 114. Figure 8 The posture-switching claw rotation axis 119 is subjected to force (clockwise). A claw brake 118 is provided on the binding mechanism base 116. Figure 8As shown in (A), the posture switching claw 114 is configured to restrict clockwise rotation while allowing counterclockwise rotation. Figure 8 The rotation of (A) in the direction of the arrow.

[0112] The liquid supply unit 31 is configured such that the liquid supply unit rotation mechanism 126 can... Figure 10 The “parallel imparting posture” shown in (A)~(D), (H) and Figure 10 The liquid application unit 31 is switched between the "oblique application posture" shown in (F) to (G). The "parallel application posture" is the posture of the liquid application unit 31 with its short side direction (long side direction of the liquid application component 451) along the main scanning direction. The "oblique application posture" is the posture of the liquid application unit 31 with its short side direction inclined relative to the main scanning direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the crimping unit 32 is configured such that the crimping unit rotation mechanism 52 can... Figure 10 The "parallel binding posture" shown in (A) to (C) and Figure 10 Switching between the "oblique binding posture" shown in (D) to (H). The "parallel binding posture" is the posture of the crimping unit 32 along the main scanning direction, with the short side direction (long side direction of the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b) of the crimping unit 32.

[0114] "Oblique binding posture" is the posture of the crimping unit 32 in which the short side direction is tilted relative to the main scanning direction.

[0115] Then, the long side directions of the liquid application position of the liquid application unit 31 in the parallel application posture and the binding position of the crimping unit 32 in the parallel binding posture are aligned in the same direction. Similarly, the long side directions of the liquid application position of the liquid application unit 31 in the oblique application posture and the binding position of the crimping unit 32 in the oblique binding posture are aligned in the same direction. That is, the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 rotate only by the same angle between the two postures. In addition, the liquid application position of the liquid application unit 31 in the parallel application posture and the binding position of the crimping unit 32 in the parallel binding posture coincide with each other. Similarly, the liquid application position of the liquid application unit 31 in the oblique application posture and the binding position of the crimping unit 32 in the oblique binding posture coincide with each other.

[0116] Figure 10 The diagram shows the sequence of actions when the crimping unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 are changed to an "oblique application posture".

[0117] like Figure 10As shown in (A), the crimping unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 are located in the standby position HP, outside the paper width area. Additionally, the posture switching lever 111 is located upstream in the transport direction, further than the guide rail 115. Next, as... Figure 10 As shown in (B), the crimping unit 32 and the liquid supply unit 31 push the posture switching claw 114 open while moving to the left. Figure 10 Move in the direction of the arrow (B).

[0118] When the liquid application unit 31 is changed to an oblique application posture, the drive end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 is used to move the base member 48 holding the crimping unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 to the left. Since the counterclockwise rotation of the posture switching claw 114 is not restricted, the posture switching lever 111 presses the posture switching claw 114 while passing over (see reference). Figure 9 (A) and (B)).

[0119] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (C), after the posture switching lever 111 completes its passage through the posture switching claw 114, the drive of the end-binding processing unit movement motor 50 is stopped, and the movement of the base component 48 to the left in the main scanning direction is temporarily halted. At this time, the posture switching claw 114 returns to the rotation-limiting posture after being forced by the force spring (see reference). Figure 9 (C)).

[0120] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (D), the crimping unit rotation motor 56 generates a driving force for rotating the crimping unit 32. This driving force is transmitted to the crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​via a pulley or timing belt (not shown). Consequently, the crimping frame 32c rotates together with the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b about the crimping unit rotation shaft 54. As a result, the posture of the crimping unit 32 changes to an obliquely oriented posture.

[0121] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (E), the base component 48 of the pressing unit 32 and the liquid supply unit 31 is positioned to the right of the main scanning direction. Figure 10 The posture switching lever 111 moves in the direction of the arrow (E). When the posture switching lever 111 contacts the posture switching pawl 114, the clockwise rotation of the posture switching pawl 114 is restricted. Therefore, even if the base component 48 moves to the right, the posture switching lever 111 cannot move to the right and begins to rotate in the oblique direction to impart posture (see reference). Figure 9 (D), (E)).

[0122] Next, as Figure 10As shown in (F), the base component 48 holding the crimping unit 32 and the liquid supply unit 31 moves to the right in the main scanning direction. The posture switching lever 111 rotates while moving to the lower side of the guide rail 115. While moving to the lower side of the guide rail 115 (the lower side of the posture switching claw rotation axis 119 of the posture switching claw 114), the posture switching lever 111 moves in the main scanning direction. As a result, the posture switching claw 114 rotates counterclockwise against the force of the force spring 117. Furthermore, as the base component 48 moves to the right, the posture switching lever 111 moves to the right while passing over the posture switching claw 114 (see reference). Figure 9 (E), (F)). Thus, the rotation of the liquid imparting unit 31 toward the oblique imparting posture ends.

[0123] That is, when the posture switching lever 111 passes through the posture switching claw 114 from one end (left) to the other (right) in the main scanning direction, the liquid application unit 31 rotates from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture. In addition, when rotating from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture, the crimping unit 32 first rotates to the oblique binding posture, and then the liquid application unit 31 rotates to the oblique application posture.

[0124] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (G), the base member 48 of the holding crimping unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 is moved to the right. When the liquid application unit 31 in the oblique application posture moves to a position facing the liquid application position, liquid application is performed by contacting or separating the liquid application member 451 from the paper P.

[0125] Next, as Figure 10 As shown in (H), when the paper bundle Pb consisting of a specified number of sheets of paper P is placed, the base member 48 holding the crimping unit 32 and the liquid supply unit 31 is moved to the left. After the crimping unit 32, which is in an oblique binding posture, moves to a position facing the binding position, crimping is performed by contacting or separating the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b from the paper bundle Pb.

[0126] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the sequence of actions when the liquid delivery unit 31 is changed to a "parallel delivery posture" (also the posture at the standby position HP). First, as... Figure 11 As shown in (A), the crimping unit 32 is in an oblique binding posture, and the liquid application unit 31 is in an oblique application posture.

[0127] Next, as Figure 11 As shown in (B), the base component 48 of the retaining crimping unit 32 and the liquid supply unit 31 is oriented to the left. Figure 11(B) Arrow direction) movement. When the posture switching lever 111 contacts the posture switching pawl 114, because the clockwise rotation of the posture switching pawl 114 is restricted, even if the base component 48 moves to the left, the posture switching lever 111 cannot move to the left, thus starting Figure 11 (B) Rotation in the clockwise direction.

[0128] Next, as Figure 11 As shown in (C), the base component 48 is moved further to the left. The posture switching lever 111 rotates while moving upwards towards the guide rail 115. After the posture switching lever 111 moves upwards, the base component 48 is moved to the right before the posture switching lever 111 passes the posture switching claw 114, completing the rotation of the liquid application unit 31 towards the parallel application posture. Furthermore, by driving the crimping unit rotation motor 56, the crimping unit 32 changes posture from the oblique binding posture to the parallel binding posture.

[0129] That is, when the posture switching lever 111 passes through the posture switching claw 114 from the other side (right side) of the main scanning direction to one end (left side), the liquid application unit 31 rotates from the oblique application posture to the parallel application posture. In addition, when rotating from the oblique application posture to the parallel application posture, the liquid application unit 31 first rotates to the parallel application posture, and then the crimping unit 32 rotates to the parallel binding posture.

[0130] That is, as the liquid delivery unit 31 with the oblique delivery posture moves to one side of the main scanning direction, the posture switching lever 111 abuts against the posture switching claw 114 at the delivery posture switching position D, rotating from the oblique delivery posture to the parallel delivery posture. On the other hand, as the liquid delivery unit 31 with the parallel delivery posture moves to one side of the main scanning direction, the posture switching lever 111 causes the posture switching claw 114 at the delivery posture switching position D to rotate, maintaining the parallel delivery posture as it passes through the delivery posture switching position D.

[0131] Furthermore, as the liquid delivery unit 31 with the parallel delivery posture moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, the posture switching lever 111 abuts against the posture switching claw 114 at the delivery posture switching position D, rotating from the parallel delivery posture to the oblique delivery posture. On the other hand, as the liquid delivery unit 31 with the oblique delivery posture moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, the posture switching lever 111 causes the posture switching claw 114 at the delivery posture switching position D to rotate, maintaining the oblique delivery posture as it passes through the delivery posture switching position D.

[0132] [Explanation of the Pin Binding Processing Section 55]

[0133] Next, details of the needle binding processing unit 55, which has the function of performing needle binding processing, will be explained. Figure 12The diagram shows a needle binding processing unit 55 as seen from the upstream side in the transport direction. The needle binding processing unit 55 has a needle binding unit 62 that uses a binding needle to bind the paper bundle Pb. The needle binding unit 62 is arranged separately in the main scanning direction from the end binding processing unit 25 on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0134] The needle binding unit 62, as a binding unit, has a configuration that performs a so-called "needle binding process" by using binding needles to bind the paper bundle Pb. More specifically, the needle binding unit 62 has a needle binding section drive motor 62d that drives the needle binding section 62a (see reference). Figure 14 Then, the needle binding unit 62a uses the driving force of the needle binding unit drive motor 62d to cause the binding needles filled in the needle binding unit 62a to pass through the paper bundle Pb and bind the paper bundle Pb. Since the structure of the needle binding unit 62 is known, detailed description is omitted.

[0135] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the needle binding processing unit 55 has a needle binding processing unit moving mechanism 77. The needle binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 moves the needle binding processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The needle binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a needle binding processing unit moving motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The drive force transmission mechanism 81 transmits the driving force of the needle binding processing unit moving motor 80 to the base member 78 via pulleys 81a, 81b and a timing belt 81c and a fastening part 78a that fastens the base member 78 and the timing belt 81c. Furthermore, the needle binding frame 62b, which holds the constituent parts of the needle binding unit 62, has a needle binding unit rotating shaft 83 equipped with a drive transmission gear 83a fixed on its bottom surface.

[0136] The pin-fitting element rotation shaft 83 and drive transmission gear 83a are held on the base member 78, which is equipped with the pin-fitting frame 62b, so that they can rotate in both directions. Furthermore, the drive transmission gear 83a meshes with the output gear 82a of the pin-fitting element rotation motor 82. Then, the driving force of the pin-fitting element rotation motor 82 is transmitted to the pin-fitting element rotation shaft 83 via the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a, thereby configuring the pin-fitting element 62 on the base member 78 so that it can rotate in both directions around the pin-fitting element rotation shaft 83.

[0137] Furthermore, the end-stitching processing unit 25 and the needle-stitching processing unit 55 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the end-stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 and the needle-stitching processing unit moving mechanism 77 move the end-stitching processing unit 25 and the needle-stitching processing unit 55 along the common guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction. Further, the end-stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 and the needle-stitching processing unit moving mechanism 77 are capable of moving the end-stitching processing unit 25 and the needle-stitching processing unit 55 independently, respectively.

[0138] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a modified example of the needle binding processing unit 55, specifically a needle binding processing unit 55', viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The needle binding processing unit 55' differs from the needle binding processing unit 55 in that it not only has a needle binding order unit 62 but also a second liquid dispensing unit 612. (As shown...) Figure 13 As shown, the needle binding processing unit 55' includes a second liquid application unit 612 and a needle binding order unit 62. The second liquid application unit 612 and the needle binding order unit 62 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. In addition, in the description of the second liquid application unit 612, components that perform the same function as the liquid application unit 31 are sometimes marked with the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0139] The second liquid application unit 612 performs "liquid application" by applying liquid stored in the second liquid reservoir 73 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. This includes a predetermined area where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the second liquid application unit 612, corresponding to the predetermined stitching position of the stitching unit 62. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the second liquid supply unit 612 includes a second lower push plate 63, a second upper push plate 64, a second liquid supply section moving unit 65, and a second liquid supply unit 66. The second liquid supply section moving mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid supply section moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar components 711a and 711b, and second helical springs 721a and 721b.

[0140] Furthermore, the liquid supply frame 31a, which holds the components of the second liquid supply unit 612, has a second liquid supply unit rotating shaft 562 equipped with a drive transmission gear 562a fixed to its bottom surface. The second liquid supply unit rotating shaft 562 and the drive transmission gear 562a are held on the base member 78, which is provided with the second liquid supply frame 311a, so that they can rotate in both directions. In addition, the drive transmission gear 562a meshes with the output gear 563a of the second liquid supply unit rotation motor 563. Then, the second liquid supply unit 612 is configured such that the driving force of the second liquid supply unit rotation motor 563 is transmitted to the second liquid supply unit rotating shaft 562 via the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a, so that it can rotate in both directions on the base member 78 with the second liquid supply unit rotating shaft 562 as the center.

[0141] The second liquid supply mechanism 66 includes a second liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid supply section 75, a second liquid supply component 74, and a second connecting section 76. The structure of the second liquid supply mechanism 66 is similar to... Figure 3 The liquid dispensing mechanism 36 shown is common to all other mechanisms, therefore further explanation is omitted. Additionally, the configuration of the needle-type order element 62 is similar to... Figure 12 The details are the same, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0142] like Figure 13 As shown in the needle binding processing unit 55', during the needle binding process, by applying liquid to the paper P, the binding position can be softened, making it easier for the binding needle to pass through. Therefore, compared to the case where the needle binding process is performed without applying liquid, the number of sheets bound per bundle of paper Pb can be increased.

[0143] [Control module of post-processing device 3]

[0144] Next, use Figure 14 This will explain the configuration of the control module of the post-processing device 3. Figure 14 The diagram shown is a hardware configuration diagram of the post-processing device 3 used to perform control processing according to this embodiment. Figure 14 As shown, the post-processing device 3 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.

[0145] CPU 101 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of post-processing unit 3. 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.

[0146] The post-processing unit 3 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 3. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing unit 3 forms functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing unit 3. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing unit 3.

[0147] I / F105 is an interface that connects the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressing unit rotation motor 56, the liquid supply unit moving motor 37, the end binding processing unit moving motor 50, the needle binding unit drive motor 62d, the needle binding unit rotation motor 82, the needle binding processing unit moving motor 80, the liquid supply pump 55, the movement sensor 40a, the liquid level sensor 43a, the standby position sensor 44a, the first encoder sensor 44b, the second encoder sensor 44c, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The control unit 100b controls the operation of the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressing unit rotation motor 56, the liquid supply unit moving motor 37, the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50, the needle-binding unit drive motor 62d, the needle-binding unit rotation motor 82, and the needle-binding processing unit moving motor 80 via I / F105. Additionally, the control unit 100b acquires the detection results from the motion sensor 40a, the liquid level sensor 43a, the standby position sensor 44a, the first encoder sensor 44b, and the second encoder sensor 44c. Furthermore, in Figure 14 The diagram shows the end-binding processing unit 25 that performs end-binding processing and the components of the needle-binding processing unit 55, but the components related to the saddle-binding processing unit 28 that performs saddle-binding processing are also controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0148] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 2 has an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes 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, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 then obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user 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, etc. Additionally, the post-processing apparatus 3 may also have the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0149] As described above, the post-processing device 3 uses the hardware resources of the control unit 100b and the software (control program) executed by the CPU 101 to perform the function of controlling the actions related to liquid application.

[0150] Furthermore, the liquid application performed by the post-processing device 3 can be performed in a manner where only the needle binding unit 62 is provided in the needle binding processing unit 155, or by using the liquid application unit 31 provided in the end binding processing unit 25. Conversely, the end binding processing unit 25 can also be configured to only have the crimping unit 32, and the liquid application can be performed using the second liquid application unit 612. That is, the liquid application can be performed by either the liquid application unit 31 or the second liquid application unit 612, regardless of the type of binding process.

[0151] Furthermore, the needle binding processing unit 155' has been described in a manner in which the needle binding unit 62 and the second liquid application unit 612 are integrally formed and move along the guide axis 49, but it is not limited to this. For example, the needle binding unit 62 and the second liquid application unit 612 may also be configured to move independently.

[0152] [Binding Instructions]

[0153] Next, the process of the binding process performed in the end binding processing unit 25 of the post-processing device 3 will be described. Figure 15 The diagram shows a flowchart of a binding process. Figure 16 The diagram shows the change in position of the end-binding processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and crimping unit 32) during the execution of a binding process. Additionally, in Figure 16 The diagram showing the changes in the posture of the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 is omitted. Furthermore, the position where the liquid application unit 31 applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb (the liquid application position) corresponds to the predetermined binding position where the crimping unit 32 crimps and binds the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the liquid application position and the binding position will be labeled with the same symbols (B1, B2) below.

[0154] The control unit 100b starts, for example, when it receives an execution instruction for binding processing (hereinafter referred to as "binding processing unit instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. Figure 15 The binding process shown.

[0155] The binding instructions include, for example, the type of paper P (information on the effect of material or thickness on liquid diffusion), the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "specified number of sheets"), the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as "required copy number"), the binding position of the paper bundle Pb, and the binding posture of the end binding processing section 25. Additionally, as... Figure 16 As shown in (A), at the start of the binding process, the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are in a parallel binding posture and are in a standby position HP, which is a position offset from the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 in the width direction.

[0156] First, when the binding processing instruction indicates a "slanted binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the crimping unit 32, which constitutes the end binding processing unit 25, to the slanted binding posture (S1701). Additionally, the control unit 100b rotates the liquid application unit 31, which constitutes the end binding processing unit 25, to the slanted binding posture via the liquid application unit rotation mechanism 126. Furthermore, in the case of the "slanted binding posture," only the crimping unit 32 can be rotated to the slanted binding posture without rotating the liquid application unit 31 in both directions. Therefore, compared to rotating both the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 in both directions, the drive unit can be simplified, thus achieving cost reduction, device miniaturization, and reduced equipment failure.

[0157] On the other hand, when the posture indicated by the binding processing command is a "parallel binding posture," the control unit 100b omits the action of rotating the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 constituting the end binding processing unit 25 to an oblique binding posture. Instead, the control unit 100b drives the end binding processing unit movement motor 50 to move the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction, so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 indicated by the binding processing command (S1701). Furthermore, the control unit 100b performs step S1701 before conveying the initial paper P to the inner tray 22 via the transport rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0158] Next, the control unit 100b, by rotating the transport rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, receives the paper P, on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, into the inner tray 22 (S1702). Furthermore, the control unit 100b performs a so-called alignment process (S1702) by moving the side baffles 24L and 24R to align the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed in the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0159] Next, the control unit 100b, based on pre-adjusted liquid application control data, causes the liquid application unit 31, which faces the first liquid application position B1, to perform liquid application on the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 in the previous step S1702 (S1703). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit movement motor 37 so that the liquid application component 451 contacts the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 (see reference). Figure 10 (B)). In the liquid application process of step S1703, the control unit 100b adjusts the position of the liquid application member 451 relative to the paper P for applying liquid according to the type and binding position of the paper P included in the binding process instruction. In addition, the control unit 100b adjusts the amount of liquid application member 451 pressed onto the paper P. That is, the control unit 100b controls the drive of the liquid application member moving motor 37 according to the adjusted control data, and adjusts the amount of movement of the liquid application member 451 relative to the binding position B1 of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22.

[0160] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the specified number N indicated by the binding process instruction (S1704). Then, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has not reached the specified number N (S1704: No), the control unit 100b repeats the process of steps S1702 to S1704 until the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 reaches the specified number N (S1704: Yes).

[0161] That is, the control unit 100b performs the processing steps S1702 to S1704 each time the paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15. In addition, the liquid application unit 31 can apply liquid to all the multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, or it can apply liquid to only a portion of the sheets of paper P.

[0162] Then, the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the specified number (S1704: Yes), such as Figure 16As shown in (C), the drive end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 moves the end-binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the crimping unit 32 faces the first binding position B1 (S1705).

[0163] Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping unit 32 to crimp the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (S1706). Then, the control unit 100b discharges the paper bundle Pb crimped by the crimping unit 32 to the discharge tray 26 via the conveyor roller pair 15 (S1707). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d to clamp the paper bundle Pb placed in the inner tray 22 at the first binding position B1 by the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. As a result, the paper bundle Pb is deformed by pressure between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b to perform crimping. Afterward, the control unit 100b discharges the crimped paper bundle Pb to the discharge tray 26 by rotating the conveyor roller pair 15.

[0164] Furthermore, on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, the crimping area (corresponding to the first binding position B1) held by the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b in step S1706 overlaps with the liquid application area (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1) contacted by the front end of the liquid application member 451 in step S1703. In other words, the crimping unit 32 crimps and binds the area on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 that has been liquided by the liquid application unit 31. In addition, the crimping area held by the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap with the liquid application area contacted by the front end of the liquid application member 451; even in the case of partial overlap, sufficient binding strength can be obtained.

[0165] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M indicated by the binding process instruction (S1708). If the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M indicated by the binding process instruction (S1708: No), it executes the processing after step S1702 again. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processing of steps S1702 to S1708 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies M (S1708: Yes).

[0166] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M (S1708: Yes), it drives the end binding processing unit moving motor 50, such as... Figure 16As shown in (A), the end-binding processing unit 25 (liquid supply unit 31 and crimping unit 32) is moved to the standby position HP (S1709). Furthermore, when the posture indicated by the binding processing instruction is "oblique binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the crimping unit 32 to a parallel binding posture (S1709). Additionally, the control unit 100b rotates the liquid supply unit 31 to a parallel binding posture via the liquid supply unit rotation mechanism 126 (S1709). On the other hand, when the posture indicated by the binding processing instruction is "parallel binding posture," the rotation of the liquid supply unit 31 and crimping unit 32 to the parallel binding posture is omitted. Thus, the end-binding processing unit 25 (liquid supply unit 31 and crimping unit 32) is as follows... Figure 16 As shown in (D), it returns to the standby position HP. In addition, in steps S1701 and S1709, the execution order of the actions of moving the liquid application unit 31 and the pressing unit 32 in the main scanning direction and rotating them in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the above order, and may also be the reverse of the above order.

[0167] Figure 17 The diagram shows the change in position of the end-binding processing unit 25 during the execution of the two binding processes. (Omitted and referenced) Figure 16 The explanation should detail the commonalities of the treatments, focusing on the differences. For example... Figure 17 As shown in (A), at the start of the two binding operations, the end binding processing unit 25 is in the standby position HP. Furthermore, the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 are separated in the main scanning direction. Further, in Figure 17 The description refers to the case where two sheets of paper P1 and P2 are crimped and bound together (i.e., the case where the number of sheets N = 2), but the number of sheets P that make up the paper bundle Pb is not limited to this.

[0168] Before the first sheet of paper P1 constituting the paper bundle Pb is placed on the inner tray 22, the control unit 100b moves the end-binding processing unit 25 along the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 can face the first liquid application position B1. Then, as... Figure 17 As shown in (B), when the liquid application unit 31 is positioned so that it can face the first liquid application position B1, the control unit 100b places the paper P1 on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2 onto the inner tray 22, and performs alignment processing by moving the side baffles 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction.

[0169] Next, the control unit 100b, based on the condition that the first sheet of paper P1 is placed on the inner tray 22, causes the liquid application unit 31 to perform liquid application at the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet of paper P1. Then, as... Figure 17 As shown in (C), the control unit 100b causes the edge binding processing unit 25 to move in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet P1. Then, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet P1.

[0170] Then, in response to completion of liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet P1 by the liquid application unit 31, as Figure 17 shown in (D), in a state where the liquid application unit 31 is kept disposed at a position capable of facing the second liquid application position B2 without moving, the second sheet P2 constituting the paper bundle Pb is accommodated on the inner tray 22, and alignment processing is performed by moving the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction.

[0171] Then, in response to that the second sheet P2 is placed on the inner tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2 of the second sheet P2. Then, as Figure 17 shown in (E), the control unit 100b causes the edge binding processing unit 25 to move in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2. Then, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2.

[0172] That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes conveyance of the sheet P by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15 and liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 by the liquid application unit 31, until the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 reaches a predetermined number N. At this time, for the B-th sheet P (B<N), the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to perform liquid application in the order of the first liquid application position B1 and then the second liquid application position B2. In addition, for the (B+1)-th sheet P, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to perform liquid application in the order of the second liquid application position B2 and then the first liquid application position B1. In other words, for each sheet P, the control unit 100b changes the order in which the liquid application unit 31 performs liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2. Further, without passing through the standby position HP, the control unit 100b causes the binding processing unit 25 to move from one of the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 to the other via the shortest distance.

[0173] Next, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the specified number N, then... Figure 17 As shown in (F), the end-binding processing unit 25 is moved in the main scanning direction so that the crimping unit 32 faces the first binding position B1. Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping unit 32 to perform crimping binding on the first binding position B1 of the paper bundle Pb composed of two sheets of paper P1 and P2 placed on the inner tray 22. Then, as... Figure 17 As shown in (G), the control unit 100b moves the end binding processing unit 25 along the main scanning direction so that the crimping unit 32 faces the second binding position B2 of the paper bundle Pb. Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping unit 32 to perform crimping binding on the second binding position B2 of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0174] Also, in Figure 17 In the example, since the control unit 100b ultimately causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid application position B1, it causes the crimping unit 32 to perform crimping in the order of the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2. On the other hand, when the control unit 100b ultimately causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2, it only needs to cause the crimping unit 32 to perform crimping in the order of the second binding position B2 and the first binding position B1.

[0175] That is, such as Figure 17 As shown, the end-binding processing unit moving mechanism 47, without passing through the standby position HP, enables the end-binding processing unit 25 to move with the shortest distance between the positions where the liquid application unit 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2. Furthermore, without passing through the standby position HP, the end-binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 enables the end-binding processing unit 25 to move with the shortest distance between the positions where the crimping unit 32 faces the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2. Further, without passing through the standby position HP, the end-binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 enables the end-binding processing unit 25 to move with the shortest distance between the positions where the liquid application unit 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 (or the second liquid application position B2) and the crimping unit 32 faces the first binding position B1 (or the second binding position B2).

[0176] Next, the control unit 100b, by rotating the conveyor roller pair 15, discharges the paper bundle Pb, crimped and bound by the crimping unit 32 at the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2, to the discharge tray 26. Furthermore, as... Figure 17As shown in (H), the control unit 100b drives the end binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the binding processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and crimping unit 32) to the standby position HP.

[0177] Then, the control unit 100b uses a reference... Figure 10 and Figure 11 Explanation of posture changes and references Figure 16 and Figure 17 The movement of the main scanning direction is combined to enable the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 of the end binding processing unit 25 to perform liquid application and crimping binding respectively at any position and in any posture of the paper P or paper bundle Pb.

[0178] Here, the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. More specifically, the liquid application unit 31 is arranged on one side (left side) of the crimping unit 32 in the main scanning direction. Then, when the posture changes from a parallel binding posture to an oblique binding posture, the crimping unit 32... Figure 10 The liquid delivery unit 31 rotates counterclockwise so that the downstream end in the delivery direction faces the other side (right side) in the main scanning direction. Additionally, when changing posture from a parallel delivery posture to an oblique delivery posture, the liquid delivery unit 31... Figure 10 Rotate counterclockwise so that the end on the downstream side of the transport direction faces the other side (right side) of the main scanning direction.

[0179] Therefore, when the crimping unit 32 is held in a parallel binding position, and the liquid application unit 31 changes its position from a parallel application position to an oblique application position, the liquid application unit 31 will collide with the crimping unit 32. Furthermore, when the liquid application unit 31 is held in an oblique application position, and the crimping unit 32 changes its position from an oblique binding position to a parallel binding position, the crimping unit 32 will collide with the liquid application unit 31. In other words, the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 need to change their positions in a predetermined sequence. This is because, for example, if the liquid application unit or the crimping unit 32 is inadvertently changed from its predetermined position by the user, as described above, the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 will collide with each other, and there is a possibility that one or both of the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 may be damaged.

[0180] Next, refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 This describes the correct steps for moving the end-binding processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and crimping unit 32) from the position facing the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1) toward the standby position HP on the other side of the main scanning direction. Figure 18The diagram shows the first half of the process of moving the end binding processing unit 25, which has been bound to the first binding position B1, to the standby position HP in the correct order. Figure 19 The diagram shows the latter half of the process of moving the end binding processing unit 25, which has been bound to the first binding position B1, to the standby position HP in the correct order.

[0181] First, such as Figure 18 As shown in (A), immediately after binding at the first binding position B1, the liquid application unit 31 is in a parallel application posture, and the crimping unit 32 is in a parallel binding posture. Next, the control unit 100b moves the end binding processing unit 25 to the other side of the main scanning direction by driving the end binding processing unit movement motor 50, until the crimping unit 32 reaches the binding posture switching position C. The binding posture switching position C is the position where the crimping unit 32 rotates from the parallel binding posture to the oblique binding posture. Furthermore, the binding posture switching position C is closer to the standby position HP than the first binding position B1, and further away from the standby position HP than the application posture switching position D (the setting position of the posture switching claw 114).

[0182] Next, the control unit 100b stops the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 when the crimping unit 32 reaches the binding posture switching position C. Then, as... Figure 18 As shown in (B), the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit to rotate the motor 56, causing the crimping unit 32 to change its posture from a parallel binding posture to an oblique binding posture. On the other hand, at this moment, the liquid application unit 31 maintains a parallel application posture.

[0183] Next, the control unit 100b drives the end-stitching processing unit movement motor 50 again, causing the end-stitching processing unit 25 to move to the other side of the main scanning direction until the liquid application unit 31 moves to the standby position HP side by applying posture switching position D. Then, as Figure 18 As shown in (C), during the process of switching position D by the application posture, the liquid application unit 31 changes from a parallel application posture to an oblique application posture. In addition, at this moment, since the crimping unit 32 has already become an oblique binding posture, the liquid application unit 31 rotating toward the oblique application posture will not collide with the crimping unit 32.

[0184] Next, the control unit 100b moves the end-stitching processing unit 25 towards the main scanning direction by driving the end-stitching processing unit moving motor 50 until the liquid application unit 31 reaches the application posture switching position D. Then, as Figure 19 As shown in (A), the posture of the liquid delivery unit 31 that reaches the posture switching position D changes from the oblique delivery posture to the parallel delivery posture.

[0185] Next, as Figure 19 As shown in (B), the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit rotation motor 56 to change the posture of the crimping unit 32 from an oblique binding posture to a parallel binding posture. In addition, at this moment, since the liquid application unit 31 has already been in a parallel application posture, the crimping unit 32 rotating toward the parallel binding posture will not collide with the liquid application unit 31.

[0186] Then, the control unit 100b moves the end-stitching processing unit 25 to the other side of the main scanning direction by driving the end-stitching processing unit movement motor 50 until the end-stitching processing unit 25 reaches the standby position HP. Thus, as Figure 19 As shown in (C), when the liquid application unit 31 is in a parallel application posture and the crimping unit 32 is in a parallel binding posture, the end binding processing unit 25 reaches the standby position HP.

[0187] Next, refer to Figure 20 This explains the incorrect sequence in which the end-binding processing unit 25 moves from a position facing the first binding position B1 toward the standby position HP on the other side of the main scanning direction. Figure 20 The diagram shows the process of moving the end binding processing unit 25, which has been bound to the first binding position B1, to the standby position HP in the wrong order.

[0188] The control unit 100b determines the position of the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction based on the accumulated value of the pulse signal output from the first encoder sensor 44b. Therefore, when a user moves the opening / closing door 4 to the open position to handle paper jams, causing the end binding processing unit 25 to move along the main scanning direction, the position of the binding processing unit 25 determined by the control unit 100b is different from the actual position of the binding processing unit 25.

[0189] For example, suppose the user places the end binding processing section 25 (which is positioned facing the first binding position B1) on the end of the binding process. Figure 18 (A) The case where the binding posture switching position C is moved to the standby position HP side ( Figure 20 (A)). In addition, at this moment, the liquid application unit 31 is in a parallel application posture, and the crimping unit 32 is in a parallel binding posture.

[0190] In this case, when the control unit 100b moves the end-binding processing unit 25 to the other side of the main scanning direction by driving the end-binding processing unit to move the motor 50, the end-binding processing unit 25 is moved to the other side of the main scanning direction. Figure 20 When the liquid delivery unit 31 moves in the direction of arrow (A), it rotates from a parallel delivery posture to an oblique delivery posture during the process of switching position D by delivery posture. However, as Figure 20As shown in (B), since the crimping unit 32 is still in a parallel binding posture, the liquid delivery unit 31, which is to be rotated into an oblique delivery posture, collides with the crimping unit 32.

[0191] Therefore, as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment also includes a collision avoidance mechanism 90. Figure 21 The diagram shown is a view of the collision avoidance mechanism 90 as seen from the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22. Figure 22 The diagram shows the collision avoidance mechanism 90 as viewed from the main scanning direction. The collision avoidance mechanism 90 is a mechanism that restricts the liquid application unit 31 from switching position D by the application posture while the end-binding processing unit 25 moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, and the crimping unit 32 maintains a parallel binding posture. Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the collision avoidance mechanism 90 is composed of, for example, a limiting member 91, an abutment member 92, and a coil spring 93 (force-applying member).

[0192] The limiting member 91 is installed at the upstream end of the crimping unit 32 in the transport direction. Then, the limiting member 91 moves together with the crimping unit 32 along the main scanning direction and rotates together with the crimping unit 32 about the crimping unit rotation axis 54 in both directions. The surface of the limiting member 91 on the standby position HP side is orthogonal to the main scanning direction (i.e., aligned with the transport direction). On the other hand, the surface of the limiting member 91 opposite to the standby position HP is a tapered surface that recedes towards the upstream side of the main scanning direction (in other words, the front end tapers).

[0193] The abutment member 92 is mounted on the binding mechanism base 116 (support member), which supports the binding processing section 25 at its end, allowing it to move in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the abutment member 92 is positioned at a restricted position E in the main scanning direction. Further, the abutment member 92 is configured to be able to... Figure 21 (A), (C) and Figure 22 The contact position shown in (A) is the same as Figure 21 (B) and Figure 22 The retraction position shown in (B) moves in the conveying direction. Then, the helical spring 93 applies force to the abutting member 92 toward the abutting position.

[0194] The limiting position E is a position closer to the standby position HP than the posture switching position D in the main scanning direction. In addition, the limiting position E is the position reached by the crimping unit 32 (more specifically, the limiting member 91) before the liquid application unit 31 (more specifically, the posture switching rod 111) reaches the posture switching position D when the end-binding processing unit 25 moves to the other side of the main scanning direction.

[0195] The contact position is the position where the movement trajectory of the limiting member 91 overlaps with that of the crimping unit 32 when it is in a parallel binding posture. Alternatively, the contact position is a position deviated from the movement trajectory of the limiting member 91 when the crimping unit 32 is in an oblique binding posture, moving upstream in the transport direction. The retraction position is a position deviated from the movement trajectory of the limiting member 91 when the crimping unit 32 is in a parallel binding posture, moving upstream in the transport direction.

[0196] Therefore, as Figure 21 As shown in (A), with the crimping unit 32 maintaining a parallel binding posture, the end binding processing section 25 moves towards the other side of the main scanning direction. Figure 21 When the crimping unit 32 moves in the direction of arrow (A), before the posture switching lever 111 abuts against the posture switching claw 114, the limiting member 91 abuts against the abutting member 92 at the abutting position. As a result, the collision avoidance mechanism 90 prevents the crimping unit 32 in the parallel binding posture from passing through the limiting position E to the standby position HP side (the other side of the main scanning direction). On the other hand, when the posture of the crimping unit 32 changes to an oblique binding posture and the end binding processing unit 25 moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, the limiting member 91 does not abut against the abutting member 92 at the abutting position. As a result, the collision avoidance mechanism 90 allows the crimping unit 32 in the oblique binding posture to reach the standby position HP side through the limiting position E.

[0197] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown in (B), with the crimping unit 32 maintaining a parallel binding posture, the end binding processing section 25 moves towards the side of the main scanning direction ( Figure 21 When the device moves in the direction of arrow (B), the tapered surface of the limiting member 91 abuts against the abutting member 92 in the abutting position, causing the abutting member 92 to move towards the retraction position against the force of the coil spring 93. As a result, the collision avoidance mechanism 90 allows the crimping unit 32 in the parallel binding posture to move from the limiting position E to the opposite side of the standby position HP (the side in the main scanning direction). Further, as Figure 21 As shown in (C), when the limiting member 91 passes through the limiting position E, the abutting member 92 returns to the abutting position again by the force of the coil spring 93.

[0198] Next, refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 This describes the return process of moving the end-binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP while avoiding collisions between the liquid-applying unit 31 and the crimping unit 32. Figure 23 The diagram shows the flowchart of the regression process. Figure 24 The diagram shows the position and orientation of the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 during the regression processing. As an example, after the binding process is completed normally, the control unit 100b executes... Figure 23 The regression process is shown. As another example, control unit 100b executes the following after an abnormal end to the binding process (e.g., removal of the paper bundle Pb via paper jam processing). Figure 23 The regression treatment is shown.

[0199] Furthermore, at the start of the regression process, the liquid application unit 31 is in a parallel application posture, and the crimping unit 32 is in a parallel binding posture. At the end of the regression process, with both the liquid application unit 31 in a parallel application posture and the crimping unit 32 in a parallel binding posture, the end binding processing unit 25 reaches the standby position HP. Further, the distance between the two positions separated in the main scanning direction (the amount of movement in the main scanning direction) is predetermined by the number of pulse signals output from the first encoder sensor 44b. That is, the control unit 100b can determine that the end binding processing unit 25, which was in the first position, has reached the second position by counting the pulse signals output from the first encoder sensor 44b.

[0200] First, the control unit 100b determines whether the end-binding processing unit 25 moves by a force different from the driving force of the end-binding processing unit movement motor 50 (S201). "The end-binding processing unit 25 moves by a force different from the driving force of the end-binding processing unit movement motor 50" could mean, for example, that the user moves the end-binding processing unit 25 by hand, or that the paper P removed from the inner tray 22 is jammed, causing the end-binding processing unit 25 to move. Furthermore, in step S201, the control unit 100b is not limited to directly detecting whether the end-binding processing unit 25 moves by a force different from the driving force of the end-binding processing unit movement motor 50; it can also indirectly identify a high probability of this.

[0201] As an example, the control unit 100b may determine that the end-binding processing unit 25 is likely to move when the sensor detects that the opening / closing door 4 is being opened or closed. As another example, the control unit 100b may also determine that the end-binding processing unit 25 is likely to move when the sensor detects movement of components of the drive force transmission mechanism 51 (pulleys, timing belts, etc.) even when the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 is not being driven. However, the specific method for determining whether the end-binding processing unit 25 moves due to a force different from the driving force of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 is not limited to the examples described above.

[0202] Then, if the control unit 100b determines that the end-binding processing unit 25 has not moved due to a force different from the driving force of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 (i.e., the binding process has ended normally) (S201: No), then... Figure 18As shown in Figure A, the end-binding processing unit 25 is moved to the other side of the main scanning direction by the forward drive motor 50 of the end-binding processing unit until the crimping unit 32 reaches the binding posture switching position C (S202). Then, if the control unit 100b determines that the crimping unit 32 has reached the binding posture switching position C, it will... Figure 18 As shown in (B), by driving the crimping unit to rotate the motor 56, the crimping unit 32 changes its posture from a parallel binding posture to an oblique binding posture (S203).

[0203] Next, when the control unit 100b determines that the posture of the crimping unit 32 has changed to an oblique binding posture, it drives the end binding processing unit moving motor 50 to rotate forward again, as shown in the example. Figure 18 As shown in (C), the end-binding processing unit 25 is moved to the other side of the main scanning direction until the liquid application unit 31 reaches the switching completion position F (S204). The switching completion position F is a position closer to the standby position HP than the application posture switching position D. In addition, the switching completion position F is the position where the posture change of the liquid application unit 31 from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture is completed. Thus, during the process of the liquid application unit 31 passing through the application posture switching position D, the posture change is performed from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture. In addition, since the crimping unit 32 is already in the oblique binding posture, the limiting member 91 does not abut against the abutting member 92 at the limiting position E.

[0204] Next, when the control unit 100b determines that the liquid supply unit 31 has reached the switching completion position F, it reverses the drive of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50, as follows: Figure 19 As shown in (A), the end-stitching processing unit 25 is moved to one side of the main scanning direction until the liquid application unit 31 reaches the application posture switching position D (S205). More specifically, the control unit 100b stops the end-stitching processing unit moving motor 50 before the posture switching lever 111 abuts against the posture switching claw 114, before the liquid application unit 31 changes posture from an oblique application posture to a parallel application posture, and before the posture switching lever 111 passes the posture switching claw 114 to one side of the main scanning direction.

[0205] Next, if the control unit 100b determines that the liquid delivery unit 31 has reached the delivery posture switching position D, then... Figure 19 As shown in (B), by driving the crimping unit rotation motor 56, the crimping unit 32 changes its posture from an oblique binding posture to a parallel binding posture (S206). Next, when the control unit 100b determines that the crimping unit 32 has changed its posture to a parallel binding posture, it drives the end binding processing unit movement motor 50 to rotate forward again, as shown in (B). Figure 19As shown in (C), the end-stitching processing unit 25 is moved to the other side of the main scanning direction until the end-stitching processing unit 25 reaches the standby position HP (S207).

[0206] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the end-binding processing unit 25 moves due to a force different from that of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 (i.e., the binding process ends abnormally) (S201: Yes), it drives the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 in the forward direction, such as... Figure 24 As shown in (A), the end binding processing section 25 is oriented toward the other side of the restriction position E in the main scanning direction. Figure 24 (S208) Move in the direction of the arrow in (A). In addition, when the end binding processing unit 25 moves by a force different from the driving force of the end binding processing unit moving motor 50, the accumulated value of the pulse signal output from the first encoder sensor 44b may not accurately reflect the current position of the end binding processing unit 25.

[0207] On the other hand, in order to make the end-binding processing unit 25 reach the target position, the control unit 100b increases or decreases the magnitude of the current supplied to the end-binding processing unit movement motor 50, which is a servo motor. That is, as Figure 24 As shown in (A), in the restricted position E, the restricting member 91 abuts against the abutting member 92. When the movement of the end-binding processing unit 25 to the other side of the main scanning direction is restricted, the current supplied to the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 gradually increases. That is, the control unit 100b can determine that the restricting member 91 abuts against the abutting member 92 (i.e., the crimping unit 32 has reached the restricted position E) based on the fact that the magnitude of the current supplied to the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 is above a threshold (hereinafter referred to as "overload").

[0208] Therefore, the control unit 100b continues to drive the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 in the forward direction (S208) until an overload of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 is detected (S209: No). Then, based on the detection of an overload of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50 (S209: Yes), the control unit 100b reverses the drive of the end-binding processing unit moving motor 50, as shown in the example. Figure 24 As shown in (B), the end-binding processing unit 25 is moved to one side of the main scanning direction until the crimping unit 32 moves from the restricted position E to the binding posture switching position C. Figure 24(B) arrow direction (S210). Furthermore, the distance (movement amount) between the limiting position E and the posture switching position C is predetermined by the number of pulse signals. The control unit 100b can determine that the crimping unit 32 has reached the binding posture switching position C by counting the number of pulse signals output from the first encoder sensor 44b. Additionally, at step S210, the liquid application unit 31 still maintains its parallel application posture.

[0209] Then, based on the determination that the crimping unit 32 has reached the binding posture switching position C, the control unit 100b executes the processing steps S203 to S207 described above. Thus, as... Figure 24 As shown in (B), the posture of the crimping unit 32 changes to an oblique binding posture (S203), as... Figure 24 As shown in (C), the limiting member 91 does not abut against the abutting member 92, and the end-binding processing unit 25 can pass through the limiting position E (S204). Then, it is possible to proceed as in steps S205 to S207, i.e. Figure 19 As shown in (A) to (C), the end binding processing unit 25 is returned to the standby position HP.

[0210] According to the above-described implementation method, the following effects can be achieved, for example.

[0211] According to the above embodiment, the collision avoidance mechanism 90 can prevent the crimping unit 32 from passing through the restriction position E while maintaining a parallel binding posture. Therefore, when the end binding processing unit 25 returns to the standby position HP, the posture of the liquid application unit 31 can be changed to an oblique application posture after the posture of the crimping unit 32 changes to an oblique binding posture. As a result, collisions between the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 can be prevented.

[0212] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, while applying force to the contact member 92, which is capable of moving between the contact position and the retraction position, towards the contact position by means of the helical spring 93, by forming one side of the limiting member 91 into a conical surface, it is possible to allow the crimping unit 32 in the parallel binding posture to move to one side of the main scanning direction with a simple configuration, and to prevent it from moving to the other side of the main scanning direction.

[0213] Furthermore, according to the above-described implementation method, by executing... Figure 23 The regression process shown can move the end-stitching unit 25 to the standby position HP without collision between the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32, even if the end-stitching unit 25 cannot accurately grasp its current position due to the force movement of the force different from the driving force of the end-stitching unit moving motor 50.

[0214] Additionally, in the above explanation, such as Figure 1As shown, the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 and the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2 are provided separately, but the method is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 34 As shown in (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 may also be provided on one side of the image forming apparatus 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 34 As shown in B, the control unit 100bb of the post-processing device 3 can be integrally formed with the control unit 100ba of the image forming device 2.

[0215] In addition, such as Figure 35 As shown in (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 can also be functionally divided into a control unit 100b1 (e.g., a drive system (motor, etc.)) and a control unit 100b2 (a detection system (sensor, etc.)), and only one control unit 100b2 of the post-processing apparatus 3 can be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Furthermore, as... Figure 35 As shown in (B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3 located on one side of the image forming apparatus 2 can also be integrally formed with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0216] [Other embodiments of the post-processing device]

[0217] Next, refer to Figures 25-33 This section describes the post-processing apparatus 3A according to another embodiment. Furthermore, reference numerals are used to denote common components as in this embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0218] The end-binding processing section 251 of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to another embodiment differs from the end-binding processing section 25 of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to this embodiment, which is equipped with both a liquid application unit 31 and a crimping unit 32. In this embodiment, it only has a crimping unit 32', and the liquid application 131 is located on the upstream side of the transport path. Therefore, after liquid application, a predetermined number of sheets of paper P can be pre-stacked and transported to the crimping unit 32' of the end-binding processing section 251 located on the downstream side, thus improving the productivity of the binding process in the crimping unit 32'.

[0219] Furthermore, the direction in which the conveyor rollers convey paper P to 10, 11, and 14 is opposite to the "conveyor direction" defined above, and is therefore defined as the "reverse conveyor direction". In addition, the reverse conveyor direction and the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of paper P are defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of paper P)".

[0220] Furthermore, the position where liquid is applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application unit 31 (the liquid application position) corresponds to the predetermined binding position where the crimping unit 32' crimps and binds the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the liquid application position and the binding position will be marked with the same symbol (B1) below.

[0221] Figure 25 The diagram shown is an internal structural diagram of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to another embodiment.

[0222] Figure 25 As shown, the end-binding processing section 251 only has a crimping unit 32'. Figure 26 As shown, the crimping unit 32' and the needle binding processing unit 156 are disposed on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. In addition, the crimping unit 32' and the needle binding processing unit 156 are configured to be able to move along the main scanning direction from a position where they can face each other with the end of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 on the downstream side of the transport direction.

[0223] Furthermore, the crimping unit 32' and the needle binding processing unit 156 are configured to rotate in both directions around the crimping unit rotation axis 340 and the needle binding unit rotation axis 84, which extend along the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. That is, the crimping unit 32' and the needle binding processing unit 156 can bind the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 at any position in the main scanning direction at any angle, such as corner oblique binding, parallel one-point binding, or parallel two-point binding.

[0224] Additionally, the crimping unit 32' presses and deforms the paper bundle Pb by means of the concave and convex upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b, thereby binding the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "crecking binding"). On the other hand, the pin binding processing unit 156 can perform pin binding on the paper bundle Pb by passing a pin through the binding position of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0225] Figure 26 The diagram shows the inner tray 22 as seen from the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. Figure 27 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the crimping unit 32' as seen from the downstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 26 As shown, the crimping unit 32' and the needle binding processing unit 156 are disposed downstream of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping unit 32' is configured to move along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. Then, the crimping unit 32' is configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions around a crimping unit rotation axis 340 extending along the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0226] Furthermore, the needle binding processing unit 156 is also configured to move in the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb. Then, the needle binding processing unit 156 is configured to rotate in both directions, centered on the needle binding unit rotation axis 84 extending along the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. Additionally, the other configurations of the needle binding processing unit 156 are similar to those of the second binding processing unit 55 of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment (see...). Figure 12 Since they are the same, detailed explanations are omitted.

[0227] like Figure 27 As shown, the crimping unit 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping unit 32' has a crimping unit moving motor 238 as a drive source. In addition, the base member 48 supporting the crimping frame 32c has a fastening part 48b at its bottom that is fastened to the timing belt 240c. Thus, the driving force of the crimping unit moving motor 238 is transmitted to the base member 48 through the drive transmission mechanism 240 having pulleys 240a, 240b, timing belt 240c, and fastening part 48b, and the crimping unit 32' moves along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (in other words, the guide rail 337) in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the crimping frame 32c, which holds the components of the crimping unit 32', has a crimping unit rotating shaft 340 having a drive transmission gear 340a fixed to its bottom surface.

[0228] Furthermore, the crimping unit rotating shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held on the base member 48, which is provided with the crimping frame 32c, so that they can rotate in both directions. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with the output gear 239a of the crimping unit rotation motor 239. Then, by transmitting the driving force of the crimping unit rotation motor 239 to the crimping unit rotating shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a, the crimping unit 32' rotates in both directions on the base member 48 with the crimping unit rotating shaft 340, which extends along the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22, as the center. The guide rail 337, the crimping unit moving motor 238, the crimping unit rotating motor 239, the crimping unit rotating shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of the drive mechanism of the crimping unit 32'.

[0229] The crimping unit 32' is configured to be able to Figure 26 The standby position HP2 shown in (A) and the... Figure 26 (B) and Figure 26The first binding position B1, as shown in (C), moves between face-to-face positions. The standby position HP2 is a position offset from one end of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 towards the main scanning direction. The first binding position B1 is the position on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. However, the specific position of the first binding position B1 is not limited to... Figure 26 Examples can also be any position in the main scanning direction at the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction, and there can be multiple such positions.

[0230] In addition, the orientation of the crimping unit 32' is... Figure 26 The parallel binding posture shown in (B) and Figure 26 The changes between the oblique binding postures shown in (C) are as follows. That is, the crimping unit 32' is configured to rotate in both directions with the crimping unit rotation axis 340 as the center. Here, the so-called parallel binding posture is the posture of the crimping unit 32' with the long sides of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) facing the main scanning direction. On the other hand, the so-called oblique binding posture is the posture of the crimping unit 32' with the long sides of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) tilted towards the main scanning direction.

[0231] Furthermore, the rotation angle in the oblique binding posture (the angle between the upper pressure teeth 32a and the lower pressure teeth 32b relative to the main scanning direction) is not limited to... Figure 24 In example (C), as long as the upper pressure teeth 32a and the lower pressure teeth 32b are face to face with the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, they can be at any angle.

[0232] The post-processing apparatus 3A includes a liquid application unit 131 and a punching and perforating unit 132 (processing section). The liquid application unit 131 and the punching and perforating unit 132 are arranged upstream of the internal tray 22 in the reverse conveying direction. In addition, the liquid application unit 131 and the punching and perforating unit 132 are staggered in the reverse conveying direction in a position that allows them to face a sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveyor rollers 10 to 19 at the same time.

[0233] In this embodiment, the liquid supply unit 131 and the punching and perforating unit 132 are disposed between the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11. However, the configuration of the liquid supply unit 131 is not limited to... Figure 25 Examples. For example, such as Figure 33As shown, when an inserter 6 is arranged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3A, the liquid supply unit 131 can also be arranged in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing apparatus 3A. Examples of inserters 6 include devices that can feed pre-printed media, along with paper P transported from the image forming apparatus 2, to the post-processing apparatus 3A as a cover, insert, or separator, without passing through the image forming apparatus 2.

[0234] In addition, such as Figure 28 As shown in (A), the transport roller pair 11 is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P, which has been liquidated by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application unit 131, in the main scanning direction. This is to prevent the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 from decreasing due to multiple roller pairs pressing the first liquid application position B1 while the transport roller pair 11 is transporting the paper P. As a result, when the paper P reaches the crimping unit 32', which is located on the downstream side of the liquid application unit 131 in the opposite transport direction, the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 is sufficient to maintain the amount of liquid required to maintain the binding strength. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb caused by a decrease in the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 (corresponding to the first binding position B1) during transport.

[0235] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pair 11 in a position that does not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the multiple roller pairs and thus deteriorating the transportability of the paper P, or causing transport jams due to deterioration of transportability.

[0236] Furthermore, the above description only applies to the transport roller pair 11, but similarly, the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pairs 14 to 15 are preferably arranged in a position that does not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0237] The liquid application unit 131 applies liquid to the paper P conveyed by the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application"). The punching unit 132 punches through the paper P conveyed by the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 in the thickness direction. In addition, the processing unit located near the liquid application unit 131 is not limited to the punching unit 132, but may also be a tilt correction unit that corrects the tilt (skew) of the paper P conveyed by the conveyor rollers 10 and 11.

[0238] Figure 28 The diagram shown is a liquid application unit 131 according to another embodiment, viewed from the thickness direction of the paper P. Figure 29 What is shown is Figure 28 Sectional view in XXV-XXV. Figure 30What is shown is Figure 28 Sectional views in XXVI-XXVI. For example... Figures 28-30 As shown, the liquid application unit 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, a seamless annular belt 135 and 136, a liquid application unit moving motor 137, a standby position sensor 138, and a liquid application assembly 140.

[0239] A pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are positioned separately in the reverse conveying direction and extend along the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are supported on a pair of side plates 4a and 4b of the post-processing unit 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b then support the liquid application assembly 140 so that it can move along the main scanning direction.

[0240] A pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are arranged between a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the reverse conveying direction. Furthermore, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are arranged separately in the main scanning direction. Further, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are supported on the frame of the post-processing unit 3A in such a way that they can rotate in both directions about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P.

[0241] A seamless annular belt 135 is mounted on a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. Furthermore, the seamless annular belt 135 is connected to the liquid application assembly 140 via a connecting portion 135a. A seamless annular belt 136 is mounted on pulley 134a and a drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of the liquid application unit moving motor 137. The liquid application unit moving motor 137 generates a driving force for moving the liquid application assembly 140 along the main scanning direction.

[0242] The seamless annular belt 136 rotates around the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, causing the pulley 134a to rotate, due to the rotation of the pulley 134a. Additionally, the seamless annular belt 135 rotates around a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, due to the rotation of the pulley 134a. Thus, the liquid application assembly 140 moves along a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the liquid application unit movement motor 137, the liquid application assembly 140 reciprocates along the main scanning direction.

[0243] Standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid delivery assembly 140 has reached the standby position HP1 in the main scanning direction (see...). Figure 28 The standby position signal, indicating the detection result, is output to the control unit 100b (see reference 100b). Figure 31The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. Then, the liquid supply assembly 140 at the standby position blocks the light path between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part. Then, the standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal if the light emitted from the light-emitting part is not received by the light-receiving part. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the example described above.

[0244] like Figure 29 As shown, the transport path within the post-processing apparatus 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b, which are separately arranged in the thickness direction of the paper P. Then, the liquid application assembly 140 is positioned facing the opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid application assembly 140 is positioned facing the transport path (i.e., the position where it can face the paper P) through the opening in the upper guide plate 5a.

[0245] like Figures 28-30 As shown, the liquid dispensing assembly 140 includes a base component 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a liquid dispensing nozzle moving mechanism 144, a holding component 145, a liquid dispensing head 146, columnar components 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, a coil spring 149a and 149b, a dispensing nozzle rotation motor 150, and a dispensing nozzle moving motor 151 (see reference). Figure 31 ), standby angle sensor 152 (reference) Figure 31 ).

[0246] The base component 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, allowing it to slide in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the base component 141 is connected to a seamless annular belt 135 via a connecting portion 135a. Further, the base component 141 holds the constituent parts 142 to 152 of the liquid supply assembly 140.

[0247] The rotating bracket 142 is mounted on the lower surface of the base component 141 and can rotate in both directions about a rotation axis extending along the thickness direction of the paper P. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 rotates relative to the base component 141 in both directions by receiving a driving force from the printhead rotation motor 150. Further, the rotating bracket 142 holds the liquid reservoir 143, the liquid dispensing printhead moving unit 144, the holding component 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, the columnar components 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0248] Standby angle sensor 152 (reference) Figure 31The standby angle sensor 152 detects when the rotating bracket 142 reaches the standby angle and outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b. The standby angle refers to, for example, the angle during parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. Then, the rotating bracket 142, representing the standby angle, blocks the light path between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part. Then, the standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal if the light emitted from the light-emitting part is not received by the light-receiving part. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the example described above.

[0249] besides, Figure 28 The rotating bracket 142 shown in (A) represents the state during parallel binding of the crimping unit 32', which is located downstream of the liquid dispensing unit 131. Furthermore, Figure 28 The rotating bracket 142 shown in (B) indicates the state when the crimping unit 32', which is located downstream of the liquid dispensing unit 131, is obliquely bound (corner bound).

[0250] A liquid reservoir 143 stores liquid for application to paper P. A liquid application nozzle moving unit 144 is mounted in the liquid reservoir 143 and is movable (e.g., vertically) in the thickness direction of paper P. Furthermore, the liquid application nozzle moving mechanism 144 moves relative to the liquid reservoir 143 by means of a driving force transmitted from the nozzle moving motor 151. A holding member 145 is mounted at the lower end of the liquid application nozzle moving unit 144. A liquid application head 146 protrudes from the holding member 145 toward the transport path (downward in this embodiment). Liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 143 is supplied to the liquid application head 146. Further, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with high liquid absorption (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0251] The columnar components 147a and 147b protrude downward from the retaining member 145 around the liquid supply head 146. Furthermore, the columnar components 147a and 147b are configured to be movable relative to the retaining member 145 in the thickness direction. Further, the columnar components 147a and 147b hold a push plate 148 at their lower ends. A through-hole 148a is formed in the push plate 148 at a position facing the liquid supply head 146. Coil springs 149a and 149b are inserted externally into the columnar components 147a and 147b between the retaining member 145 and the push plate 148. Then, the coil springs 149a and 149b apply force to the columnar components 147a and 147b and the push plate 148 in a direction away from the retaining member 145.

[0252] like Figure 29 (A) and Figure 30As shown in (A), before the paper P is conveyed to a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressing plate 148 is positioned at or above the opening. Then, when the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P conveyed by the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 stops at the position facing the opening, the application nozzle moving motor 151 is rotated in the first direction. As a result, the liquid application nozzle moving unit 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b descend as a single unit, with the pressing plate 148 abutting against the paper P. Furthermore, the first liquid application position B1 is a predetermined position (i.e., the first binding position B1) where the end binding processing unit 251 (i.e., the crimping unit 32') performs crimping and binding.

[0253] Furthermore, after the pressure plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P, by rotating the nozzle moving motor 151 in the first direction, the helical springs 149a and 149b are compressed, and the liquid dispensing nozzle moving unit 144, the holding member 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, and the columnar members 147a and 147b further descend. Then, as... Figure 29 (B) and Figure 30 As shown in (B), the lower surface of the liquid application head 146 abuts against the paper P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid application head 146 is applied to the paper P.

[0254] Furthermore, such as Figure 29 (C) and Figure 30 As shown in (C), by further rotating the nozzle moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid application head 146 can be pressed more forcefully onto the paper P. This increases the amount of liquid applied to the paper P. In other words, the liquid application unit 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by changing the pushing force of the liquid application head 146 onto the paper P.

[0255] On the other hand, by rotating the nozzle moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the liquid dispensing nozzle moving unit 144, the holding member 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the helical springs 149a and 149b rise together. Thus, as Figure 29 (A) and Figure 30 As shown in (A), the liquid application head 146 and the pressing plate 148 are separated from the paper P. That is, the liquid application unit 131 has a liquid application head 146 that can be separated from the paper P.

[0256] Figure 31 The diagram shows the hardware configuration of the control module that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment. Figure 31 As shown, the post-processing device 3A 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.

[0257] CPU 101 is the computing unit that controls the overall operation of the post-processing unit 3A. 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 the OS (operating system), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0258] The post-processing device 3A 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 device 3A. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3A forms functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing device 3A. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0259] I / F105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14, 15, switching claw 20, side baffles 24L, 24R, pressing unit moving motor 238, pressing unit rotating motor 239, contact / separation motor 32d, liquid dispensing unit moving motor 137, dispensing nozzle rotating motor 150, dispensing nozzle moving motor 151, standby position sensor 138, standby angle sensor 152, punching and inserting unit 132, and operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0260] The control unit 100b controls the operation of the conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side baffles 24L and 24R, the pressing unit moving motor 238, the pressing unit rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid dispensing unit moving motor 137, the dispensing nozzle rotating motor 150, the dispensing nozzle moving motor 151, and the punching and inserting part 132 via the I / F 105. Additionally, the control unit 100b acquires the detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105.

[0261] In addition, Figure 31The main illustration shows the components of the end-binding processing unit 251 (crimping unit 32') and the liquid application unit 131 that perform end-binding processing, but the components of the saddle-binding processing unit 28 that performs saddle-binding processing are also controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0262] like Figure 33 As shown, the image forming apparatus 2 has an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. Then, the operation panel 110 obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Alternatively, the post-processing apparatus 3A may also have the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0263] Figure 32 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the post-processing process of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to another embodiment. Specifically, Figure 32 Is execution Figure 26 The flowchart shown is for one of the binding processes.

[0264] The control unit 100b executes, for example, the post-processing execution instructions (hereinafter referred to as "post-processing instructions") acquired from the image forming apparatus 2. Figure 32 The post-processing is shown. Post-processing instructions include, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "specified number of sheets Np"), the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as "necessary copy number Mp"), the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1), the angle of the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the angle of the first liquid application position B1), the type of binding process (parallel binding process, oblique binding process), and the process to be performed in parallel with the liquid application process (in this embodiment, perforation). In addition, at the start of post-processing, the liquid application component 140 is in the standby position HP1 (refer to...). Figure 28 The rotating bracket 142 is held at a standby angle (equivalent to a "parallel binding posture").

[0265] First, the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit movement motor 137, causing the liquid application assembly 140 (equivalent to the liquid application unit) to move along the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid application head 146 from the standby position HP1 to a position that is compatible with the first liquid application position B1 (see reference). Figure 28 (B) is equivalent to Figure 26The first binding position B1 is the position facing each other. Furthermore, when the binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "oblique binding process," the control unit 100b drives the nozzle movement motor 150 to rotate the rotating bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid application nozzle 146 from the standby angle to the liquid application angle corresponding to the "oblique binding posture" (S501). The position and liquid application angle at which the liquid application head 146 can face the first liquid application position B1 can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid application unit movement motor 137 and the nozzle movement motor 150. Also, when the binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the rotating bracket 142. That is, the liquid application assembly 140 moves along the main scanning direction while holding the rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle.

[0266] Additionally, the control unit 100b moves the motor 238 by driving the pressing unit, such as... Figure 26 (A) Figure 26 As shown in (B), the crimping unit 32' is moved from the standby position HP2 to a position where it faces the binding position B1 (S2501). Furthermore, when the binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "oblique binding process," the control unit 100b rotates the crimping unit 32' from the standby angle to the crimping binding angle corresponding to the "oblique binding posture" by driving the crimping unit rotation motor 239 (S2501). The position where the crimping unit 32' reaches the first binding position B1 and the crimping binding angle can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping unit movement motor 238 and the crimping unit rotation motor 239. Also, when the binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping unit 32'. That is, the crimping unit 32' moves along the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0267] Next, the control unit 100b starts conveying the paper P, whose image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, by driving the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 (S2502). Then, the control unit 100b determines whether the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face-to-face with the liquid application assembly 140 (more specifically, the liquid application nozzle 146) (S2503). When it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is not face-to-face with the liquid application assembly 140 (S2503: No), the control unit 100b continues to convey the paper P to the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 until the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face-to-face with the liquid application assembly 140 (S2503: Yes). On the other hand, when it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face-to-face with the liquid application nozzle 146 (S2503: Yes), the control unit 100b stops the conveyor rollers 10 and 11 from conveying the paper P (S2504). The situation where the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is face to face with the liquid application head 146 can be determined by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the motor driving the conveyor rollers 10 and 11.

[0268] The control unit 100b performs the process of applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P via the liquid application assembly 140 (S2505). More specifically, the control unit 100b rotates the application nozzle movement motor 151 in a first direction to bring the liquid application head 146 into contact with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P. Furthermore, the control unit 100b adjusts the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (i.e., the rotation amount of the application nozzle movement motor 151) according to the amount of liquid applied to the paper P.

[0269] The amount of liquid applied to the paper P can be the same for all the paper Ps constituting the paper bundle Pb, or it can vary depending on the paper P. For example, the control unit 100b can reduce the amount of liquid applied to the paper P that is fed later in the flow. In addition, the amount of rotation of the nozzle movement motor 151 can be controlled by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the nozzle movement motor 151.

[0270] Next, the control unit 100b loads the paper P onto the inner tray 22 by driving the conveyor rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15 (S2506). Additionally, the control unit 100b performs a so-called alignment process (S2502) by moving the side baffles 24L and 24R to align the paper P or paper bundle Pb loaded onto the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0271] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the specified number of sheets Np indicated by the post-processing command (S2507). Then, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has not reached the specified number of sheets Np (S2507: No), the control unit 100b repeats the processing steps S2502 to S2507 until the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 reaches the specified number of sheets Np (S2507: Yes).

[0272] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the predetermined number of sheets Np (S807: Yes), it crimps and binds the paper bundle Pb, including the paper P that has been liquidated by the liquid application component 140, at the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P) in the crimping unit 32' (S2508). Further, the control unit 100b discharges the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb to the discharge tray 26 by rotating the conveyor roller pair 15 (S2508).

[0273] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the necessary number of bundles Mp indicated by the post-processing command (S2509). If the control unit 100 determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged has not reached the necessary number of bundles Mp (S2509: No), the processing steps S2502 to S2509 are repeated until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged reaches the necessary number of bundles Mp (S2509: Yes).

[0274] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the necessary number Mp (S2509: Yes), it drives the liquid supply unit moving motor 137 to move the liquid supply assembly 140 to the standby position HP1 (see reference). Figure 28 And drive the crimping unit moving motor 238 to move the crimping unit 32' to the standby position HP2 (see reference). Figure 26(S2510). Additionally, when the posture indicated by the post-processing command is an "oblique binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the nozzle movement motor 150 and the crimping unit rotation motor 239, causing the liquid application assembly 140 and the crimping unit 32' to rotate to a parallel binding posture (standby angle) (S2510). On the other hand, when the posture indicated by the post-processing command is a "parallel binding posture," the action of rotating the liquid application assembly 140 and the crimping unit 32' to the parallel binding posture (standby angle) is omitted. Furthermore, in steps S2501 and S2510, the execution order of the actions of moving the liquid application assembly 140 and the crimping unit 32' in the main scanning direction and rotating them in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the above order, and may also be the reverse of the above order.

[0275] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the end-binding processing unit 25 that performs end-binding processing, but also to the saddle-binding processing unit 28 that performs saddle-binding processing.

[0276] In addition, for Figure 25 The control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3A shown in the second embodiment is also related to... Figure 1 Similarly, the arrangement of the control unit 100a separate from the image forming apparatus 2 has been described, but it is not limited to this arrangement. For example, with Figure 34 Similarly, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A can also be provided on the side of the image forming device 2. Furthermore, with... Figure 34 Similarly, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A can also be integrally formed with the control unit 100a of the image forming device 2.

[0277] In addition, with Figure 35 Similarly, the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3A can be functionally divided into a control unit 100b1 (e.g., a drive system (motor, etc.)) and a control unit 100b2 (a detection system (sensor, etc.)), and the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing apparatus 3A on one side can be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Furthermore, with... Figure 35 Similarly, the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3A located on one side of the image forming apparatus 2 can also be integrally formed with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0278] Furthermore, the control method of the control unit 100b described above, as already explained, is implemented through the cooperation of computer hardware resources and a program of computer software stored in a storage medium. That is, the control method is executed by a computer to coordinate the operation of a computing device, storage device, input device, output device, and control device based on the program in the storage medium. Alternatively, the program in the storage medium can be written into a storage device or storage medium for distribution, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0279] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the examples above. Various modifications can be made without departing from its technical essence, and all technical matters encompassed in the technical concept set forth in the claims are subject to the present 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.

[0280] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0281] <1>

[0282] A media processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: a liquid application unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one medium; a packing unit configured adjacent to the liquid application unit in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, and performing a predetermined processing on a media bundle containing at least one medium having been applied liquid by the liquid application unit; a moving unit that moves the liquid application unit and the packing unit along the surface of the medium in the main scanning direction; a packing unit rotating unit that switches between an oblique binding posture in which the long side of the packing unit is inclined relative to the main scanning direction and a parallel binding posture in which the long side of the packing unit is oriented toward the main scanning direction by rotating the packing unit about a packing unit rotation axis perpendicular to the transport direction and the main scanning direction; and a liquid application unit rotation mechanism that rotates the liquid application unit about a liquid application unit rotation axis parallel to the packing unit rotation axis. The liquid application unit is switched to an oblique application posture in which the long side of the liquid application unit is inclined relative to the main scanning direction, and a parallel application posture in which the long side of the liquid application unit is oriented toward the main scanning direction. The liquid application unit rotation mechanism abuts against the liquid application unit moving toward one side of the main scanning direction at the posture switching position, switching from the oblique application posture to the parallel application posture. At the posture switching position, it abuts against the liquid application unit moving toward the other side of the main scanning direction, switching from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture. The media processing device has a collision avoidance mechanism. When the liquid application unit and the assembly unit move toward the other side of the main scanning direction, before the liquid application unit reaches the posture switching position, at a restricted position reached by the assembly unit, the collision avoidance mechanism allows the assembly unit in the oblique binding posture to pass through and prevents the assembly unit in the parallel binding posture from passing through.

[0283] <2>

[0284] According to the above <1> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the collision avoidance mechanism includes: a limiting member that moves together with the assembly element, and an abutting member disposed in the limiting position such that, when the assembly element moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, it does not abut against the limiting member when the assembly element is in the oblique binding posture, but abuts against the limiting member when the assembly element is in the parallel binding posture.

[0285] <3>

[0286] According to the above <2> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that: the abutting member is movable along the conveying direction between an abutting position where the assembly element is in the parallel binding posture and the moving trajectory of the limiting member overlaps with that of the limiting member, and a retraction position where the assembly element leaves the moving trajectory in the conveying direction; the collision avoidance mechanism includes a force-applying member that applies force to the abutting member toward the abutting position; and the limiting member, when the assembly element in the parallel binding posture moves toward one side of the main scanning direction, causes the abutting member to overcome the force of the force-applying member and move from the abutting position to the retraction position, allowing the assembly element to pass through the limiting position, and when the assembly element in the parallel binding posture moves toward the other side of the main scanning direction, abuts against the abutting member at the abutting position, preventing the assembly element from passing through the limiting position.

[0287] <4>

[0288] According to the above <2> or <3> The media processing apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a controller for controlling the moving unit and the loading unit rotation unit. When the controller determines that the liquid application unit and the loading unit are moving by a force different from the driving force of the moving unit, it causes the liquid application unit and the loading unit to move to the other side in the main scanning direction until the limiting member abuts against the contact member. Corresponding to the abutment between the limiting member and the contact member, the controller causes the liquid application unit and the loading unit to move only a predetermined amount of movement to one side of the main scanning direction. At the same time, the controller switches the loading unit from the parallel binding posture to the oblique binding posture. Corresponding to the switching of the loading unit to the oblique application posture, the controller causes the liquid application unit and the loading unit to move to the other side of the main scanning direction until a standby position that is closer to the other side of the main scanning direction than the limiting position.

[0289] <5>

[0290] According to the above <2> to <4> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the limiting component is installed at the end of the loading unit on the upstream side of the conveying direction.

[0291] <6>

[0292] According to the above <2> to <5> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following is characterized in that: the abutting member is mounted on a support member that movably supports the liquid dispensing unit and the loading unit.

[0293] <7>

[0294] According to the above <1> to <6> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following methods is characterized in that: the loading element applies pressure to deform a portion of the media bundle to load it.

[0295] <8>

[0296] According to the above <1> to <6> The media processing apparatus according to any one of the following methods, characterized in that: the binding element causes a binding needle to pass through a portion of the media bundle to bind it.

[0297] <9>

[0298] An image forming system, characterized by comprising: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the medium, and the aforementioned... <1> to <8> The media processing apparatus as described in any one of the following statements.

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A liquid imparting unit that imparts liquid to a portion of at least one medium; The loading unit is configured adjacent to the liquid delivery unit in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, and performs a prescribed process on a medium bundle containing at least one sheet of the medium that has been liquidally delivered to the liquid delivery unit. A moving unit that moves the liquid dispensing unit and the loading unit along the surface of the medium in the main scanning direction; The binding element rotation unit switches between an oblique binding posture (where the long side of the binding element is inclined relative to the main scanning direction) and a parallel binding posture (where the long side of the binding element is oriented towards the main scanning direction) by rotating the binding element about a binding element rotation axis perpendicular to both the transport direction and the main scanning direction. The liquid application unit rotation mechanism switches between an oblique application posture (where the long side of the liquid application unit is inclined relative to the main scanning direction) and a parallel application posture (where the long side of the liquid application unit is oriented towards the main scanning direction) by rotating the liquid application unit about a liquid application unit rotation axis parallel to the assembly unit rotation axis. The liquid application unit rotation mechanism, at the posture switching position, abuts against the liquid application unit moving to one side of the main scanning direction, switching from the oblique application posture to the parallel application posture; and at the posture switching position, it abuts against the liquid application unit moving to the other side of the main scanning direction, switching from the parallel application posture to the oblique application posture. The media processing device has a collision avoidance mechanism that, when the liquid supply unit and the assembly unit move to the other side of the main scanning direction, before the liquid supply unit reaches the posture switching position, in the restricted position reached by the assembly unit, allows the assembly unit in the oblique binding posture to pass through and prevents the assembly unit in the parallel binding posture from passing through.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collision avoidance mechanism includes: The limiting component moves together with the assembly unit; and An abutting member is provided at the restricted position such that when the assembly element moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, it does not abut against the restricted member when the assembly element is in the oblique binding posture, but abuts against the restricted member when the assembly element is in the parallel binding posture.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The abutting member is movable along the conveying direction between an abutting position overlapping the movement trajectory of the limiting member when the binding element is in the parallel binding posture, and a retraction position away from the movement trajectory in the conveying direction. The collision avoidance mechanism includes a force-applying component that applies force to the abutting member toward the abutting position. When the binding element in the parallel binding posture moves to one side of the main scanning direction, the limiting member causes the abutting member to overcome the force of the applying member and move from the abutting position to the retraction position, allowing the binding element to pass through the limiting position. When the binding element in the parallel binding posture moves to the other side of the main scanning direction, it abuts against the abutting member in the abutting position, preventing the binding element from passing through the limiting position.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The device includes a controller for controlling the moving unit and the loading unit rotation unit. When the controller determines that the liquid application unit and the assembly unit are moving by a force different from the driving force of the moving unit, it moves the liquid application unit and the assembly unit to the other side in the main scanning direction until the limiting member abuts against the abutting member. Corresponding to the abutting against the limiting member, the controller moves the liquid application unit and the assembly unit to one side of the main scanning direction by only a predetermined amount of movement. At the same time, the controller switches the assembly unit from the parallel binding posture to the oblique binding posture. Corresponding to the switching of the assembly unit to the oblique binding posture, the controller moves the liquid application unit and the assembly unit to the other side of the main scanning direction until they reach a standby position that is closer to the other side of the main scanning direction than the limiting position.

5. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The limiting component is installed at the upstream end of the assembly unit in the conveying direction.

6. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The abutment component is mounted on a support component that movably supports the liquid dispensing unit and the packaging unit.

7. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The binding element binds a portion of the medium bundle by applying pressure and deformation.

8. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The binding element causes a binding needle to pass through a portion of the media bundle to bind it.

9. An image forming system, characterized in that... include: An image forming apparatus that forms an image on the medium, and The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images