Medium processing device and image forming system including the same

Abstract

A medium processing apparatus includes: a liquid imparter that imparts a liquid to a portion of a medium; and a post-processing device that processes a medium bundle including the medium to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applicator. The liquid applicator is provided with: a liquid storage unit (43) that stores a liquid; a liquid supply unit (45) having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit so as to absorb the liquid toward the other end of the liquid supply unit; and a liquid applying member (44) connected to the other end of the liquid supply unit, the liquid applying member having a contact surface in contact with the medium, and applying the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit to the medium. A contact surface between the liquid applying member and the medium is located at a position higher than an uppermost position of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a medium processing device and an image forming system equipped with the medium processing device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that there is a medium processing device that binds sheet media on which images are formed by an image forming device into bundles. As an example of sheet media, paper is well known. Therefore, in the following description, as an example of sheet media, a "sheet bundle" formed by stacking sheets is used. From the viewpoint of saving resources and reducing environmental load, some media processing equipment includes a crimper that can perform so-called "press-bonding" without metal binding pins. Specifically, the crimper uses serrated binding teeth to press and deform the sheet bundle.

[0003] When the number of sheets in a sheet bundle increases, there is a possibility that the sheets will be peeled off from the binding state when the binding teeth bite into the sheet bundle. Therefore, there is some difficulty in properly maintaining the binding state. In order to improve the binding strength, there is a media processing device that performs crimping binding and includes a binding unit that preliminarily applies liquid to the position where the binding teeth on the sheets contact the sheets, so that the binding teeth can easily bite into the sheet bundle (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0004] Citation list

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] [Patent Document 1]

[0007] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-199245 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] However, the binding unit described in Patent Document 1 moves in the width direction of the sheet while being equipped with a pump for sucking water stored in a water supply tank. As a result, there arises a problem that the size and complexity of the binding unit increase.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology for achieving miniaturization and simplification of a liquid applying device in a medium processing device that applies liquid to a medium and then performs compression binding.

[0011] Solutions to the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a medium processing device includes a liquid applicator and a post-processing device. The liquid applicator applies liquid to a part of a medium, and the medium is at least one medium. The post-processing device processes a medium bundle, and the medium bundle includes a medium to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applicator. The liquid applicator includes a liquid storage unit, a liquid supply unit, and a liquid applicator member. The liquid storage unit stores the liquid applied by the liquid applicator. The liquid supply unit has one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit to absorb the liquid toward the other end of the liquid supply unit. The liquid applicator member is connected to the other end of the liquid supply unit, and the liquid applicator member has a contact surface in contact with the medium, which is used to apply the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit to the medium. The contact surface of the liquid applicator member with the medium is at a position higher than the uppermost position of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, in a medium processing device that applies liquid to a medium and then performs compression binding, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and simplification of the liquid applying device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of application thereof. Unless explicitly noted, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Moreover, throughout the several views, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0016] [ Figure 1 ]

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [ Figure 2 ]

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [ Figure 3 ]

[0021] Figure 3 Viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an edge binder of a post-processing device.

[0022] [ Figure 4 ]

[0023] Figure 4 Viewed from the liquid dispenser side in the main scanning direction Figure 3Diagram of the edge binder.

[0024] [Figure 5]

[0025] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Yes means Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the construction of a crimper of an edge binder.

[0026] [ Figure 6 ]

[0027] Figure 6 Viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a binding unit of a post-processing device.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ]

[0029] Figure 7 Viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a modified example of a binding unit.

[0030] [ Figure 8 ]

[0031] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 2 A block diagram of the hardware structure for controlling the post-processing device.

[0032] [ Fig. 9 ]

[0033] Fig. 9 Is Figure 3 Flowchart of a binding process performed by an edge binder of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 10]

[0035] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C It means in Fig. 9 Diagram of the positions of the liquid applicator and crimper during the binding process.

[0036] [Figure 11]

[0037] Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid applicator as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0038] [Figure 12]

[0039] Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig. 12C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid applicator as viewed from the liquid applicator side in the main scanning direction.

[0040] [Figure 13]

[0041] Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid applicator according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the liquid applicator side in the main scanning direction.

[0042] [Figure 14]

[0043] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B Yes means Figure 2 A diagram of the configuration structure of the second liquid storage unit in the post-processing device.

[0044] [ Fig.15 ]

[0045] Fig.15 Yes means Fig.14A , Fig. 14B Figure 2 is a diagram of the loading and unloading structure of the second liquid storage unit.

[0046] [ Fig.16 ]

[0047] Fig.16 This is a flow chart of the liquid amount control process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] [Figure 17]

[0049] Fig.17A , Fig. 17B and Fig. 17C is a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 FIG. 10 shows a binding process performed by an edge binder of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] [Figure 18]

[0051] Fig.18A is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.18B yes Fig.18A A perspective view of a liquid dispenser; Fig.18C This is a diagram showing the liquid application cap as seen from the side provided with the protection cap.

[0052] [Figure 19]

[0053] Fig.19A is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.19B yes Fig.19A A perspective view of a liquid dispenser; Fig.19C This is a diagram showing the liquid application cap as viewed from the protection cap side.

[0054] [Figure 20]

[0055] Fig. 20A, Fig. 20B and Fig. 20C This is a schematic diagram showing a process of bringing a liquid imparting member into contact with paper.

[0056] [Figure 21]

[0057] Fig.21A , Fig. 21B and Fig. 21C It is a schematic diagram showing the process of contact and separation between the liquid applying member and the protective cover.

[0058] [ Fig. 22 ]

[0059] Fig. 22 It is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] [Figure 23]

[0061] Fig.23A , Fig. 23B ,and Fig.23C This is a schematic diagram of the internal tray of the post-processing device of the second embodiment viewed from the thickness direction of paper.

[0062] [ Fig.24 ]

[0063] Fig.24 This is a schematic diagram of a crimping device of a post-processing device according to the second embodiment, viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0064] [Figure 25]

[0065] Fig.25A and Fig.25B This is a schematic diagram of the liquid applicator of the post-processing device of the second embodiment when viewed from the thickness direction of paper.

[0066] [Figure 26]

[0067] Fig.26A , Fig.26B and Fig.26C is through Fig.25A A cross-sectional view of a liquid imparting unit of the liquid imparting device taken along line XXV-XXV;

[0068] [Figure 27]

[0069] Fig.27A , Fig.27B ,and Fig.27C is through Fig.25A A cross-sectional view of the liquid applicator's liquid applicator taken along line XXVI-XXVI.

[0070] [ Fig.28 ]

[0071] Fig.28This is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for controlling the operation of the post-processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0072] [ Fig.29 ]

[0073] Fig.29 It is a diagram showing the flow of post-processing by the post-processing device of the second embodiment.

[0074] [ Fig.30 ]

[0075] Fig.30 Yes means Figure 1 A diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to a modified example of the embodiment shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Hereinafter, an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of an image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has a function of forming an image on a sheet P as a sheet-like medium and performing post-processing on the sheet P on which the image is formed. Figure 1 As shown, an image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a post-processing apparatus 3 as medium processing apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet P and outputs the sheet P with the image formed thereon to a post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 includes a tray for storing the sheet P, a conveyor for conveying the sheet P stored in the tray, and an image forming device for forming an image on the sheet P conveyed by the conveyor. The image forming device may be an inkjet image forming device for forming an image with ink or an electrophotographic image forming device for forming an image with toner. Since the image forming device 2 has a general structure, a detailed description of the structure and function of the image forming device 2 is omitted.

[0078] Hereinafter, a post-processing device 3 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0079] Figure 2 : is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on the sheet P on which the image is formed by the image forming device 2. An example of post-processing according to the present embodiment is binding or stapling processing as a "compression binding process" of binding a plurality of sheets P on which images are formed into a bundle of sheets P, i.e., a sheet bundle, without a binding pin. Another example of post-processing according to the present embodiment is binding or stapling processing as a "binding process" of binding a plurality of sheets P on which images are formed into a bundle of sheets P (i.e., a sheet bundle) with a binding pin. In the following description, a bundle of sheets P as a bundle of recording media may be referred to as a "sheet bundle Pb".

[0080] More specifically, the "compression binding process" of the present embodiment is a process called "compression binding", that is, a pressure is applied to a binding position corresponding to a part of the sheet bundle Pb, and the binding position is deformed (pressurized deformation), thereby binding the sheet bundle Pb. As binding that can be performed by the post-processing device 3, there are edge binding and saddle binding. Edge binding is a process of binding the end portions (including the edges) of the sheet bundle Pb. Saddle binding is a process of binding the central portion of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0081] The post-processing device 3 includes a pair of conveying rollers 10 to 19 as conveyors and a switching claw 20. The pair of conveying rollers 10 to 19 conveys the sheet P supplied from the image forming device 2 in the post-processing device 3. Specifically, the pair of conveying rollers 10 to 13 conveys the sheet P along the first conveying path Ph1. The pair of conveying rollers 14 and 15 conveys the sheet P along the second conveying path Ph2. The pair of conveying rollers 16 to 19 conveys the sheet P along the third conveying path Ph3.

[0082] The first conveying path Ph1 is a path extending from the supply port to the discharge tray 21, and the sheet P is supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second conveying path Ph2 is a path branching from the first conveying path Ph1 between the conveying roller pairs 11 and 14 in the conveying direction, and reaching the output tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third conveying path Ph3 is a path branching from the first conveying path Ph1 between the conveying roller pairs 11 and 14 in the conveying direction, and extending to the output tray 30.

[0083] A switching claw 20 serving as a switch is arranged at a branch position between the first conveying path Ph1 and the second conveying path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is capable of switching between a first position and a second position. The switching claw 20 in the first position guides the sheet P to be output to the output tray 21 through the first conveying path Ph1. The switching claw 20 in the second position guides the sheet P conveyed through the first conveying path Ph1 to the second conveying path Ph2. When the rear end of the sheet P entering the second conveying path Ph2 passes through the conveying roller pair 11, the conveying roller pair 14 rotates in the opposite direction to guide the sheet P to the third conveying path Ph3. In addition, the post-processing device 3 has a plurality of sensors for detecting the position of the sheet P in the first conveying path Ph1, the second conveying path Ph2, and the third conveying path Ph3. Each of the plurality of sensors is Figure 2 Indicated by the black triangle mark in the

[0084] The post-processing device 3 includes an output tray 21 . The sheets P conveyed from the first conveying path Ph1 are placed on the output tray 21 . Among the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 , the sheets P that are not bound are output to the output tray 21 .

[0085] The post-processing device 3 further includes an inner tray 22 serving as a receiver, an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an edge binder 25, a staple unit 155, and an output tray 26. The inner tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, the edge binder 25, and the staple unit 155 perform edge binding on a sheet bundle Pb consisting of a plurality of sheets P conveyed in the second conveying path Ph2. The edge-bound sheet bundle Pb of the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 is output to the output tray 26.

[0086] "Edge binding" includes "parallel binding", "oblique binding", and "vertical binding". "Parallel binding" is the process of binding the sheet bundle Pb along one side of the sheet bundle Pb parallel to the main scanning direction. "Oblique binding" is the process of binding a corner of the sheet bundle Pb. "Vertical binding" is the process of binding the sheet bundle Pb along one side of the sheet bundle Pb parallel to the conveying direction.

[0087] In the following description, the direction in which the sheet P is conveyed from the conveying roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the “conveying direction” of the sheet P. In other words, the “conveying direction” herein corresponds to the direction in which the sheet P that has been output from the image forming apparatus 2 moves toward the output tray 26 by, for example, the conveying roller pair 10 and then moves toward the end fence 23 by the conveying roller pair 15. The direction orthogonal to the conveying direction and the thickness direction of the sheet P is defined as the “main scanning direction” or the “width direction of the sheet P”.

[0088] The sheets P sequentially conveyed through the second conveying path Ph2 are temporarily placed on the inner tray 22 serving as a receiver. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the position of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The edge binder 25 and the binding unit 155 bind the ends of the sheet bundle Pb aligned by the end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, the conveying roller pair 15 discharges the edge-bound sheet bundle Pb to the discharge tray 26.

[0089] The post-processing device 3 further includes an end stopper 27, a saddle stitcher 28, a folding knife 29, and an output tray 30. The end stopper 27, the saddle stitcher 28, and the folding knife 29 saddle-stitch a sheet bundle Pb consisting of sheets P conveyed in the third conveying path Ph3. The saddle-stitched sheet bundle Pb of the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 is discharged to the output tray 30.

[0090] The end stopper 27 aligns the position of the sheets P sequentially conveyed through the third conveying path Ph3 in the conveying direction of the sheets P. The end stopper 27 can move between a binding position where the center of the sheet bundle Pb faces the saddle binder 28 and a folding position where the center of the sheet bundle Pb faces the folding knife 29. At the binding position, the saddle binder 28 binds the center of the sheet bundle Pb aligned by the end stopper 27. The folding knife 29 folds the sheet bundle Pb placed on the end stopper 27 in half at the folding position, and causes the conveying roller pair 18 to clamp the sheet bundle Pb. The conveying roller pairs 18 and 19 output the saddle-stitched sheet bundle Pb to the output tray 30.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, in the post-processing device 3, a first liquid storage tank 43 as a first liquid storage portion and a first liquid supply portion 45 as a part of a liquid applicator are provided in the edge binder 25. The post-processing device 3 further includes a second liquid supply portion 54 as a part of the liquid applicator, a liquid supply pump 55 as a part of the liquid applicator, a second liquid storage tank 53 as a part of the second liquid storage portion, and a second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 as a part of the second liquid storage portion to replenish liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 53 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52, the liquid supply pump 55, and the second liquid supply portion 54.

[0092] Next, the edge binder 25 will be described in detail.

[0093] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the edge binder 25 as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The edge binder 25 performs liquid application and pressure-bonding. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the edge binder 25 as viewed from the liquid applicator 31 side in the main scanning direction. Figure 3 As shown, the edge binder 25 includes a liquid dispenser 31 and a crimper 32. The liquid dispenser 31 performs processing actions related to liquid dispensing. The crimper 32 is used as an example of a post-processing device and performs crimping binding. The liquid dispenser 31 and the crimper 32 are arranged downstream of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction and are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0094] The liquid applicator 31 applies liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. In the following description, applying liquid to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb may be referred to as "liquid applying", and the process of applying liquid may be referred to as "liquid applying process".

[0095] More specifically, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 for "liquid imparting" includes a liquid hydrogen-oxygen compound represented by the chemical formula H2O as a main component. The liquid hydrogen-oxygen compound can be at any temperature. For example, the liquid hydrogen-oxygen compound can be so-called warm water or hot water. The liquid hydrogen-oxygen compound is not limited to pure water. The liquid hydrogen-oxygen compound can be purified water or can contain ionized salts. The metal ion content ranges from so-called soft water to super hard water. In other words, the liquid hydrogen-oxygen compound can be at any hardness.

[0096] The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 may include additives in addition to the main component. The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 may include residual chlorine used as tap water. Preferably, for example, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 may include a colorant, a penetrant, a pH adjuster, a preservative such as phenoxyethanol, a drying inhibitor such as glycerol, or a combination thereof as an additive. Since water is used as an ingredient for ink for an inkjet printer or ink for a water-based pen, such water or ink can be used for "liquid imparting".

[0097] Water is not limited to the specific examples mentioned above. Water may be water in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or an ethanol aqueous solution diluted for disinfection. However, since tap water is easy to obtain and manage, tap water may be simply used for the purpose of crimping binding. The above-exemplified liquids with water as the main component improve the binding strength of the sheet bundle Pb compared to liquids with water not as the main component.

[0098] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the liquid applicator 31 has a lower pressing plate 33, an upper pressing plate 34, and a liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 as a receiving portion for the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb. The components of the liquid applicator 31, such as the lower pressing plate 33, the upper pressing plate 34, and the liquid applicator moving motor 37, are held by the liquid applicator frame 31a and the base 48.

[0099] The lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are arranged downstream of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is also placed on the lower pressing plate 33. The lower pressing plate 33 is arranged on the lower pressing plate support 331. The upper pressing plate 34 can move in the thickness direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb at a position opposite to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. In other words, in a state where the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb is placed on the inner tray 22, the lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are arranged relative to each other in the thickness direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb with the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb sandwiched therebetween. In addition, in the following description, the thickness direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb is sometimes referred to as the "thickness direction". The upper pressing plate 34 has a through hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position opposite to the end of the liquid imparting member 44. The liquid applying member 44 is a part of the liquid applying device 31 , and is held by a holder 46 attached to the substrate 40 .

[0100] The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 moves the upper platen 34, the substrate 40, the retainer 46, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply unit 45, and the first liquid storage tank 43 in the thickness direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb. The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 of this embodiment moves the upper platen 34, the substrate 40, the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply unit 45, and the retainer 46 in a linked (integrated) manner by a single liquid applicator moving motor 37. The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 is composed of, for example, a liquid applicator moving motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a substrate 40, columns 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0101] The liquid applicator moving motor 37 generates a driving force to move the upper platen 34, the base plate 40, the retainer 46, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply portion 45, and the first liquid storage tank 43. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb, and is supported by the liquid applicator frame 31a of the liquid applicator 31 so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid applicator moving motor 37 via, for example, a pulley, a belt, etc. The nut 39 is screwed with the trapezoidal screw 38. The trapezoidal screw 38 rotates in the forward and reverse directions by the driving force transmitted from the liquid applicator moving motor 37. By the rotation of the trapezoidal screw 38, the nut 39 reciprocates on the trapezoidal screw 38.

[0102] The base plate 40 is positioned separately from the upper platen 34. The base plate 40 holds a liquid imparting member 44, and the end of the liquid imparting member 44 protrudes from the base plate 40 toward the upper platen 34. The base plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 through a nut 39 so that the base plate 40 reciprocates along the trapezoidal screw 38 when the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates in the forward and reverse directions. The position of the base plate 40 in the thickness direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb is determined by Figure 8 The position sensor 40a shown in FIG.

[0103] The ends of the columns 41a and 41b surrounding the liquid imparting member 44 protrude from the substrate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34. The columns 41a and 41b are movable in the thickness direction relative to the substrate 40. The columns 41a and 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 with their respective ends closer to the lower pressing plate 33 than the other ends of the columns 41a and 41b. Stoppers for preventing the columns 41a and 41b from escaping from the substrate 40 are provided at the other ends of the columns 41a and 41b. Coil springs 42a and 42b are respectively mounted between the substrate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34 around the columns 41a and 41b. The coil springs 42a and 42b apply force to the upper pressing plate 34 and the columns 41a and 41b toward the lower pressing plate 33 side relative to the substrate 40.

[0104] The liquid applicator 31 applies liquid to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. More specifically, the liquid applicator 31 brings the liquid applicator 44 into contact with the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb to apply liquid to at least one sheet P of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0105] The liquid applicator 31 includes a first liquid amount sensor 43a used as a first liquid detector, a first liquid storage tank 43, a liquid applicator member 44, a first liquid supply portion 45, and a retainer 46. The first liquid storage tank 43 stores liquid for being applied to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb. The amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is detected by the first liquid amount sensor 43a. The first liquid storage tank 43 is connected to the substrate 40 via the retainer 46.

[0106] The liquid imparting member 44 and the first liquid supply part 45 that is arranged in close contact with the liquid imparting member 44 are both held by a retainer 46. The retainer 46 is held by the substrate 40. The first liquid supply part 45 has a first end that is in close contact with the liquid imparting member 44 and a second end that is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. In other words, the second end of the first liquid supply part 45 corresponds to the immersion part that absorbs liquid and supplies liquid to the liquid imparting member 44. The liquid imparting member 44 and the first liquid supply part 45 are both made of a material (e.g., sponge or fiber) with relatively high liquid absorbency, such as an elastic resin formed by an open hole. Therefore, when the second end of the first liquid supply part 45 is immersed in the stored liquid, the liquid is absorbed by capillary action. As a result, the first liquid supply part 45 and the liquid imparting member 44 are imparted by liquid.

[0107] The liquid dispenser shaft 562 including the drive transmission gear 562a is fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid imparting frame 31a of the parts of the liquid dispenser 31. The liquid dispenser shaft 562 and the drive transmission gear 562a are held by the base 48 provided with the liquid imparting frame 31a, thereby can rotate in the positive direction and the reverse direction. The drive transmission gear 562a meshes with the output gear 563a of the liquid dispenser rotary motor 563. By the driving force transmitted to the liquid dispenser shaft 562 from the liquid dispenser rotary motor 563 via the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a, the liquid dispenser 31 can rotate around the liquid dispenser shaft 562 on the base 48 in the positive direction and the reverse direction.

[0108] Now, a description is given of the configuration of the crimper 32 .

[0109] The crimper 32 (used as a post-processing device) presses and deforms a portion of the sheet bundle Pb using the sawtooth-shaped upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, and binds the sheet bundle Pb by crimping the portion of the sheets P. That is, the crimper 32 binds the sheet bundle Pb without using a binding needle. The components of the crimper 32, such as the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, are provided on the crimping frame 32c. In the following description, such a method of binding the sheet bundle Pb by pressing a predetermined position of the sheet bundle Pb and deforming it is sometimes referred to as "crimping binding".

[0110] Figure 5A and Figure 5B 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the crimping device 32. Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the crimper 32 includes an upper crimping tooth 32a and a lower crimping tooth 32b. The upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb in a manner of clamping the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b have serrated surfaces that are opposite to each other. The serrated surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are alternately formed with concave portions and convex portions. The concave portions and convex portions of the upper crimping teeth 32a are offset from the concave portions and convex portions of the lower crimping teeth 32b, so that the upper crimping teeth 32a are meshed with the lower crimping teeth 32b. The upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are connected by Figure 8 The contact / separation motor 32d shown in FIG.

[0111] In the process of feeding the sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb to the inner tray 22, the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are as shown in FIG. Figure 5A When all sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb are placed on the inner tray 22, the upper pressing teeth 32a and the lower pressing teeth 32b mesh with each other to press the sheet bundle Pb in the thickness direction, so that the sheet bundle Pb is deformed, as shown. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is subjected to pressure bonding and binding. The pressure-bonded and bound sheet bundle Pb is discharged to the discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 15 .

[0112] The structure of the crimping device 32 as a crimping mechanism is not limited to the structure of the action mechanism illustrated in the present embodiment, and can be any other suitable structure in which the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b of the crimping mechanism are meshed with each other. For example, the crimping mechanism can utilize a connecting rod mechanism and a driving source to crimp the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b to each other and to separate the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b from each other, and the connecting rod mechanism and the driving source simply rotate in the positive direction and the reverse direction (for example, the crimping mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167). Or the crimping mechanism can adopt a linear motion system, by converting the rotational motion of the driving source in the positive direction and the reverse direction into a screw mechanism of linear reciprocating motion, so that the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are in linear contact with each other, and the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are separated from each other.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, the edge binder 25 includes an edge binder moving mechanism 47. The edge binder moving mechanism 47 moves the edge binder 25 (in other words, the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet P placed on the inner tray 22. The edge binder moving mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base 48, a guide shaft 49, an edge binder moving motor 50, a driving force transmission mechanism 551, and Figure 8 The standby position sensor 51 is shown.

[0114] The liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are mounted to the base 48 so that the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 extends along the main scanning direction at a downstream position of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The guide shaft 49 supports the base 48 so that the base 48 can move in the main scanning direction. The edge binder moving motor 50 generates a driving force to move the binder 25. The edge binder moving motor 50 generates a driving force to move the binder 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 551 transmits the driving force of the edge binder moving motor 50 to the base 48 through the pulleys 551a and 551b and the timing belt 551c.

[0115] Thus, the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 integrated by the base 48 move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49. The positions of the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 can be determined, for example, by an encoder sensor 541 (see FIG. 5 ) mounted on the output shaft of the edge binder moving motor 50. Figure 8 ) to grasp. Standby position sensor 51 (refer to Figure 8 ) Detects the arrival of the edge binder 25 Fig. 10A The situation of the standby position HP is shown.

[0116] The crimper shaft 561 including the drive transmission gear 561a is fixed to the bottom surface of the crimping frame 32c of the component holding the crimper 32. The crimper shaft 561 and the drive transmission gear 561a are held by the base 48 provided with the crimping frame 32c, so that they can rotate in the forward direction and the reverse direction. The drive transmission gear 561a is meshed with the output gear 56a of the crimper rotating motor 56. By the driving force transmitted to the crimper shaft 561 from the crimper rotating motor 56 via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 561a, the crimper 32 can rotate in the forward direction and the reverse direction around the crimper shaft 561 on the base 48.

[0117] Specifically, the binding unit 155 having a function of executing the binding process will be described in detail. Figure 6 The stapler 155 is a schematic diagram of the stapler 155 viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The stapler 155 has a stapler 62 for staple the sheet bundle Pb using staples. The stapler 62 is provided downstream of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction and is arranged separately from the edge stapler 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0118] The stapler 62 as a post-processing device has a structure of so-called "stapling" (i.e., stapling processing) for binding the sheet bundle Pb with a staple. More specifically, the stapler 62 has Figure 8The binding section driving motor 62d is shown. The binding section driving motor 62d drives the binding section 62a. By the driving force of the binding section driving motor 62d, the binding needle loaded in the binding section 62a penetrates the sheet bundle Pb and binds the sheet bundle Pb. Since the binder 62 has a well-known structure, its detailed description will be omitted unless otherwise required.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, the stapler unit 155 includes a stapler unit moving mechanism 77. The stapler unit moving mechanism 77 moves the stapler unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The stapler unit moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base 78, a guide shaft 49, a stapler unit moving motor 80, and a driving force transmission mechanism 81. The driving force transmission mechanism 81 transmits the driving force of the stapler unit moving motor 80 to the base 78 via pulleys 81a, 81b and a timing belt 81c. A stapler shaft 83 having a driving transmission gear 83a is fixed to the bottom surface of the stapler frame 62b that holds the components of the stapler 62. The stapler shaft 83 and the driving transmission gear 83a are held by the base 78 on which the stapler frame 62b is arranged, and can rotate in the forward direction and the reverse direction. The driving transmission gear 83a meshes with the output gear 82a of the stapler rotating motor 82. The stapler 62 can rotate in the forward direction and the reverse direction on the base 78 about the stapler shaft 83 by the driving force transmitted from the stapler rotating motor 82 to the stapler shaft 83 via the output gear 82 a and the drive transmission gear 83 a .

[0120] The stapler 25 and the stapler unit 155 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. The edge stapler moving mechanism 47 and the stapler unit moving mechanism 77 move the stapler 25 and the stapler unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. The edge stapler moving mechanism 47 and the stapler unit moving mechanism 77 can move the edge stapler 25 and the stapler unit 155 independently.

[0121] Figure 7 FIG. 1 shows a binding unit 155 ′ as a modified example of the binding unit 155 . Specifically, Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of the binding unit 155' viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The binding unit 155' is different from the binding unit 155 in that the binding unit 155' includes a second liquid applicator 612 in addition to the binder 62. Figure 7 As shown, the binding unit 155' includes a second liquid applicator 612 and a binder 62. The second liquid applicator 612 and the binder 62 are arranged on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction and are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0122] The second liquid applicator 612 performs "liquid applicator" to apply liquid (e.g., water) stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb supported on the inner tray 22. The prescribed area including the position where the liquid is applied to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb by the second liquid applicator 612 corresponds to the binding position of the binding. Figure 7 As shown, the second liquid applicator 612 includes a second lower pressing plate 63, a second upper pressing plate 64, a second liquid applicator moving mechanism 65 and a second liquid applicator mechanism 66. The second liquid applicator moving mechanism 65 has, for example, a second liquid applicator moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second substrate 70, second columns 711a, 711b, and second coil springs 721a, 721b. The second liquid applicator mechanism 66 includes a third liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid applicator member 74, a second liquid supply portion 75 and a second joint 76. Since the second liquid applicator mechanism 66 and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The liquid imparting mechanism shown in has a common structure, so unless otherwise required, redundant description thereof will be omitted. Figure 6 The structures shown are the same, so detailed descriptions are omitted unless necessary. Figure 3 The second liquid applicator 612 and the liquid applicator 31 shown have a common rotation mechanism, so repeated descriptions are omitted unless necessary.

[0123] In the binding process, Figure 7 The illustrated binding unit 155 ′ applies liquid to the sheets P to loosen and soften the binding position, thereby facilitating the passage of the binding needle through the sheet bundle Pb. As a result, the number of sheets bound per sheet bundle Pb increases compared to the case of binding without applying liquid.

[0124] Next, the control block of the post-processing device 3 will be described.

[0125] Figure 8 3 is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the post-processing device 3. Figure 8 As shown, the post-processing device 3 has a CPU (central processing unit) 101, a RAM (random access memory) 102, a ROM (read only memory) 103, a HDD (hard disk drive) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105. The CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, the HDD 104, and the I / F 105 are connected to each other via a common bus 109.

[0126] The CPU 101 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that allows data to be read and written at high speed. The CPU 101 uses the RAM 102 as a work area for data processing. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium that allows data to be read and written and has a relatively large storage capacity. The HDD 104 stores, for example, an operating system (OS), various control programs, and application programs.

[0127] Through the operation function of the CPU 101, the post-processing device 3 processes, for example, a control program stored in the ROM 103 and an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. Through such processing, a software controller including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3 is constructed. The software controller constructed in this way cooperates with the hardware resources of the post-processing device 3 to form a functional block that realizes the function of the post-processing device 3. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0128] I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact-separation motor 32d, the crimper rotating motor 56, the liquid applicator moving motor 37, the edge binder moving motor 50, the binding section driving motor 62d, the binder rotating motor 82, the binding unit moving motor 80, the liquid supply pump 55, the position sensor 40a, the first liquid amount sensor 43a, the second liquid amount sensor 52a, the standby position sensor 51, the encoder sensor 541, and the control panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the transport roller pair 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact-separation motor 32d, the crimper rotating motor 56, the liquid applicator moving motor 37, the edge binder moving motor 50, the binding unit driving motor 62d, the binder rotating motor 82, the binding unit moving motor 80, and the liquid supply pump 55 via the I / F 105. On the other hand, the controller 100 obtains detection results from the position sensor 40a, the first liquid amount sensor 43a, the second liquid amount sensor 52a, the standby position sensor 51, and the encoder sensor 541. Although Figure 8 Components related to the binding unit 155 and the edge binder 25 that performs edge binding are shown, but components related to the saddle stitch binder 28 that performs saddle stitch are also controlled by the controller 100, as are components related to the binding unit 155 and the edge binder 25 that performs edge binding.

[0129] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming device 2 includes a control panel 110. The control panel 110 includes an input unit for receiving instructions from a user and a display (notifier) ​​for notifying the user of information. Therefore, the control panel 110 is used as an input device. The input unit is composed of, for example, physical input buttons and a touch panel superimposed on the display. The control panel 110 obtains information from the operator through the input unit and provides information to the operator through the display. Specific examples of the notifier are not limited to displays, and may be a light emitting diode (LED) lamp or a speaker. In addition, the post-processing device 3 may also include a control panel 110 that is the same as the above-mentioned control panel 110.

[0130] As described above, the post-processing device 3 realizes the function of controlling the operation related to liquid application by using the hardware resources of the controller 100 through software (control program) executed by the CPU 101 .

[0131] The following describes the binding process.

[0132] Specifically, the flow of the binding process executed by the edge binder 25 included in the post-processing apparatus 3 will be described. Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of the binding process. Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C Yes means Fig. 9 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positions of the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 in the binding process. Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C In the figure, the change of the posture of the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 is omitted. For example, when the controller 100 obtains an instruction to execute the binding process from the image forming device 2, the controller 100 starts Fig. 9 In the following description, an instruction to execute a binding process may be referred to as a "binding instruction".

[0133] The binding instruction includes, for example, the type of sheet material P (information that affects the spread of liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of sheets P in the sheet bundle Pb, the number of sheet bundles Pb to be bound, the binding position on the sheet bundle Pb, and the binding posture of the edge binder 25. In the following description, the number of sheets P in the sheet bundle Pb is sometimes referred to as the "specified number of sheets", and the number of sheet bundles Pb to be bound is sometimes referred to as the "required number of copies". When the binding process starts, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A As shown, the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are in a parallel binding posture and in a standby position HP. Fig. 10A As shown in FIG. 2 , the standby position HP is a position offset in the width direction from the sheet P placed on the inner tray 22 .

[0134] When the posture indicated in the binding instruction is the "inclined binding posture", the controller 100 drives the crimper rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 of the edge binder 25 to the inclined binding posture. Alternatively, when the posture indicated in the binding instruction is the "inclined binding posture", only the crimper 32 may be rotated to the inclined binding posture without rotating the liquid applicator 31. In this case, compared with the case where both the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are rotated, the driving mechanism can be simplified, thereby achieving the effects of reducing costs, miniaturization of equipment, and reduction of equipment failures.

[0135] On the other hand, in the case where the posture indicated in the binding instruction is the "parallel binding posture", the controller 100 omits the above-mentioned action of rotating the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 of the edge binder 25 to the inclined binding posture. In step S1001, the controller 100 drives the edge binder moving motor 50 to move the edge binder 25 along the main scanning direction so that the liquid applicator 31 is opposite to the binding position B1 indicated by the binding instruction. Before the first sheet P is conveyed to the inner tray 22 by the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14 and 15, the controller 100 performs the operation of step S1001.

[0136] In step S1002, the controller 100 rotates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to accommodate the sheets P on which the images are formed by the image forming device 2 in the inner tray 22. In step S1002, the controller 100 also moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align (jog) the positions of the sheets P held in the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. Such position alignment of the sheet bundle is also called "jogging".

[0137] In step S1003, the controller 100 causes the liquid applicator 31 disposed at a position opposite to the binding position B1 to apply liquid to the binding position B1 of the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S1002. That is, the controller 100 drives the liquid applicator moving motor 37 to bring the liquid applicator member 44 into contact with the binding position B1 of the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22 (see Fig. 10B ).

[0138] In step S1004, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets contained in the inner tray 22 has reached the prescribed number of sheets indicated in the stapling instruction. When the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets P contained in the inner tray 22 has not reached the prescribed number of sheets (No in step S1004), the controller 100 performs the operations of steps S1002 and S1003 again. In other words, the controller 100 performs the processing of steps S1002 and S1003 each time the sheet P is conveyed to the inner tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. The liquid applicator 31 may apply liquid to all or some of the sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0139] When the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets P accommodated in the inner tray 22 has reached the prescribed number (Yes in step S1004), in step S1005, the controller 100 drives the edge binder moving motor 50 to move the edge binder 25 in the main scanning direction so that the crimper 32 faces the binding position B, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10C shown.

[0140] In step S1006, the controller 100 causes the crimper 32 to perform crimping and binding on the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. In step S1007, the controller 100 causes the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the sheet bundle Pb crimped and bound by the crimper 32 to the discharge tray 26. Specifically, the controller 100 drives the contact-separation motor 32d so that the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b clamp the binding position B1 of the sheet bundle Pb supported on the inner tray 22. The sheet bundle Pb is pressed and deformed between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. As a result, the crimper 32 crimps and binds the sheet bundle Pb. Then, the controller 100 causes the conveying roller pair 15 to rotate and discharge the sheet bundle Pb crimped and bound to the discharge tray 26.

[0141] In step S1006, the sheet bundle Pb supported on the inner tray 22 has a crimping binding area sandwiched between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. The crimping binding area overlaps with the liquid imparting area contacted by the front end of the liquid imparting member 44 in step S1003. That is, the crimper 32 crimps and binds the portion of the sheet bundle Pb supported on the inner tray 22 to which the liquid is imparted by the liquid imparting device 31. The crimping binding area sandwiched by the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b completely or partially overlaps with the liquid imparting area contacted by the front end of the liquid imparting member 44, thereby enabling sufficient binding strength to be obtained.

[0142] In step S1008, the controller 100 determines whether the number of copies of the output sheet bundle Pb reaches the required number of copies indicated in the binding instruction. If it is determined that the number of copies of the output sheet bundle Pb does not reach the required number of copies (No in step S1008), the controller 100 executes the actions after step S1002 again. That is, if No in step S1008, the controller 100 repeats the actions of steps S1002 to S1007 until the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies.

[0143] On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of the sheet bundle Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the required number ("YES" in step S1008), in step S1009, the controller 100 drives the edge binder moving motor 50, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A As shown, the edge binder 25 is moved to the standby position HP. In the case where the posture indicated in the binding instruction is the "inclined binding posture", in step S1009, the controller 100 also drives the crimper rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 to the parallel binding posture. On the other hand, in the case where the posture indicated in the binding instruction is the "parallel binding posture", the controller 100 omits the action of rotating the above-mentioned liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 to the parallel binding posture. As a result, the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 return to the parallel binding posture. Fig. 10A The standby position HP is shown. In steps S1001 and S1009, the order in which the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are moved in the main scanning direction and rotated in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the aforementioned order, and may be reversed.

[0144] Hereinafter, a modified example of the above-mentioned edge binder 25 will be described.

[0145] The structure of the edge binder 25 is not limited to the example of the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.17A , Fig. 17B , Fig. 17C 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an edge binder 25A of a modified example of the above embodiment. In addition, the detailed description of the common features of the above embodiment and this modified example is omitted. The following description will focus on the differences between the above embodiment and this modified example.

[0146] Fig.17A , Fig. 17B and Fig. 17C The edge binder 25A shown is Figure 3 The edge binder 25 (in which the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction) is different in that Fig.17A , Fig. 17B and Fig. 17CThe liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 shown are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction of the sheet P. More specifically, the liquid applicator 31 is disposed upstream of the crimper 32 in the conveying direction. Fig.17A As shown, a media sensor 701 for detecting the leading end (downstream end in the conveying direction) of the sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pair 15 is arranged upstream of the liquid applicator 31 in the conveying direction.

[0147] like Fig. 17B As shown, when the sheet P has been conveyed by a predetermined first conveying amount L1 since the leading end of the sheet P is detected by the medium sensor 701 (i.e., when the liquid imparting member 44 of the liquid imparting device 31 faces the binding position B1 of the sheet P), the controller 100 causes the liquid imparting device 31 to impart liquid to the sheet P. The controller 100 causes the liquid imparting device 31 to impart liquid to the sheet P. Fig.17A , Fig. 17B The liquid applicator 31 shown in FIG. 1 repeatedly performs liquid applicator action on the plurality of sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb. When the liquid applicator 31 completes the application of liquid to the plurality of sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb, as shown in FIG. Fig. 17C As shown, when the liquid applicator 31 has conveyed the sheet bundle Pb by a predetermined second conveying amount L2 after imparting liquid to the sheet P (i.e., when the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b of the crimper 32 face the stapling position B1), the controller 100 allows the crimper 32 to crimp and staple the sheet bundle Pb. The first conveying amount L1 and the second conveying amount L2 are specified by, for example, a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the conveying roller pair 15.

[0148] Next, the operation of the liquid applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0149] Reference Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C as well as Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C , describing the process of the liquid applicator 31 applying liquid to the sheet P. Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig. 11C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid applicator 31 as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig. 12C This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid applicator 31 as viewed from the side where the liquid applicator 31 is arranged in the main scanning direction.

[0150] like Fig.11A and Fig. 12AAs shown, before the liquid is imparted to the sheet P (in other words, during the conveying of the sheet P to the inner tray 22 by the conveying roller pair 15), the upper pressing plate 34 and the liquid imparting member 44 have been separated from the upper surface of the sheet P placed on the inner tray 22 and the lower pressing plate 33. As a result, the sheet P newly supplied to the inner tray 22 by the conveying roller pair 15 enters the space between the lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34, and is stacked on the sheet P already placed on the inner tray 22.

[0151] When the liquid applicator moving motor 37 rotates in the first direction, the base plate 40 moves toward the lower platen 33 together with the upper platen 34, the columns 41a and 41b, the coil springs 42a and 42b, the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply part 45 and the retainer 46. Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B As shown, the upper platen 34 contacts the upper surface of the sheet P placed on the lower platen 33. In other words, the sheet P placed on the inner tray 22 and the lower platen 33 is pressed by the upper platen 34. At this time, the liquid applying member 44 does not contact the sheet P yet.

[0152] If from Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B When the liquid applicator moving motor 37 is further rotated in the first direction in the state of the upper platen 34, the coil springs 42a and 42b clamped by the upper platen 34 and the base plate 40 are elastically compressed. Therefore, while the upper platen 34 pushes the sheet P placed on the inner tray 22 and the lower platen 33, the base plate 40, together with the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply unit 45 and the retainer 46, further moves toward the lower platen 33.

[0153] like Fig. 11C and Fig. 12C As shown, the front end (lower end) of the liquid applying member 44 contacts the sheet P through the through hole 34 a. Thus, the liquid applicator 31 applies liquid to the sheet P through the liquid applying member 44 while the sheet P is pressed by the upper platen 34 .

[0154] When from Fig. 11C and Fig. 12C When the liquid applicator moving motor 37 is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the state of the liquid applicator moving motor 37, the substrate 40 moves together with the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply part 45 and the retainer 46 in a direction away from the lower pressing plate 33. On the other hand, in a state where the sheet P is pushed by the urging force of the coil springs 42a and 42b, the upper pressing plate 34 does not move until the substrate 40 reaches Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B The position of the substrate 40 is reached Fig. 11B and Fig. 12BAfter reaching the position, the upper pressing plate 34, the columns 41a and 41b, and the coil springs 42a and 42b move together with the base plate 40 in a direction away from the lower pressing plate 33.

[0155] like Fig. 12A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the liquid is stored to the first upper limit value (i.e., the uppermost position), the lower end of the liquid applying member 44 (i.e., the surface of the liquid applying member 44 that contacts the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb when applying the liquid) is located higher than the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43. The first liquid storage tank 43 moves in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member 44 (more specifically, moves as a single unit with the liquid applying member 44). As a result, as shown in FIG. Fig. 12B , Fig. 12C As shown in FIG. 1 , the lower end position of the liquid imparting member 44 and the uppermost end position of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43 always satisfy the above relationship. In other words, the lower end of the moving range of the liquid imparting member 44 is located at a position higher than the uppermost end position of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43. In other words, Figure 6 A to Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4C, the surface of the liquid applying member 44 that contacts the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb during liquid application is always located higher than the uppermost position of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and the liquid applying member 44 moves in the direction in which the liquid applying member 44 contacts or separates from the sheet P and the sheet bundle Pb. This configuration can prevent liquid from leaking from the liquid applying member 44 due to excessive supply of liquid sucked from the first liquid storage tank 43 by capillary action to the liquid applying member 44. Thus, the liquid applying member 44 can correctly apply a predetermined amount of liquid, for example, predetermined according to the type of the sheet P, to the sheet P, and can improve the binding strength of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0156] Next, a liquid dispenser according to a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0157] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid applicator of the first variant of the above-mentioned embodiment observed from the configuration side of the liquid applicator in the main scanning direction. In addition, detailed descriptions of the common features of the above-mentioned embodiment and this variant are omitted. The following description focuses on the differences between the above-mentioned embodiment and this variant. The first liquid storage tank 43 of the first variant is different from the above-mentioned embodiment in that the first liquid storage tank 43 is fixed to the liquid applicator frame 31a of the liquid applicator 31 and maintains a certain position regardless of the movement of the liquid applicator member 44. Other aspects are the same as the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0158] like FIG. 13A to FIG. 13CAs shown in FIG. 1 , when the liquid is stored to the first upper limit value, the first modified example is the same as the above-described embodiment in terms of the relationship between the position of the lower end of the liquid imparting member 44 and the position of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. In short, the lower end of the moving range of the liquid imparting member 44 is located at a position higher than the uppermost position of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. In other words, FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C As shown, the surface of the liquid applying member 44 that contacts the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb during liquid applying is always located higher than the uppermost position of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43, and the liquid applying member 44 moves in the direction in which the liquid applying member 44 contacts or separates from the sheet P and the sheet bundle Pb.

[0159] As shown in the first modification, by fixing the first liquid storage tank 43, the fluctuation of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is reduced. Figure 6 In addition to the effect of preventing liquid leakage of the embodiment, the detection accuracy of the first liquid amount sensor 43a can be improved. In addition, since the weight of the object to be applied (constituent component of the liquid applicator 31) moved by the liquid applicator moving motor 37 is reduced, the burden on the liquid applicator moving motor 37 can be reduced. As a result, the liquid applicator moving motor 37 can be set to a low output, which can achieve miniaturization and cost reduction of the device.

[0160] Hereinafter, a second liquid storage tank according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0161] like Figure 4 As shown, the post-processing device 3 is provided with a second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52, a second liquid storage tank 53 as a second liquid storage portion, a second liquid supply portion 54, and a liquid supply pump 55 in order to supply liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43. For example, the liquid is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 in the following manner. However, the manner of supplying the liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43 is not limited to the following example. Alternatively, for example, the operator may directly replenish the first liquid storage tank 43 with liquid.

[0162] Now refer to Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig.15 , the arrangement and construction of the second liquid storage tank 53 are described. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B An example of the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 53 as a main tank is shown. Fig.14A The post-processing device 3 is shown in a state where the cover (ie, the front door 71) is opened. Fig. 14B A side sectional view of the post-processing device 3 showing a state in which the cover (ie, the front door 71) is closed. Fig.14A , Fig. 14BAs shown, the second liquid storage tank 53 is disposed at a position where it can be handled when the front door 71 of the post-processing device 3 is opened. The main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 is disposed between the position where the second liquid storage tank 53 and the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 are disposed and the position where the first liquid storage tank 43 is disposed. The second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is provided with a drain plug 611. After the liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid supply portion 54 is reversely supplied to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52, the drain plug 611 is opened to discharge the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 from the inside of the post-processing device 3. In this way, it is possible to prevent the liquid from freezing during maintenance of the post-processing device 3.

[0163] Fig.15 Indicates a second liquid storage tank 53 that can be mounted to and removed from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52, and replenishing liquid to the second liquid storage tank 53. As shown in FIG. 14, the second liquid storage tank 53 can be mounted to and removed from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 so as to replenish liquid. The second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 is provided with a mounting sensor 532 to detect that the second liquid storage tank 53 is mounted on the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52. When the second liquid storage tank 53 is not mounted on the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52, the outlet of the second liquid storage tank 53 is closed by the liquid supply valve 531 so that the liquid does not leak. When the second liquid storage tank 53 is mounted on the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52, the liquid supply valve 531 is pushed upward, and the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 53 flows to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52, and the liquid is stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52.

[0164] The second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 stores liquid to be supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43. The second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is mounted on the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 outside the moving range of the edge binder 25 of the liquid applicator 31 in the main scanning direction. The amount of liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is detected by a second liquid amount sensor 52a serving as a second liquid detector.

[0165] The second liquid storage tank 53 is a liquid bottle that stores liquid to be supplied to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52. The second liquid storage tank 53 can be mounted to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 and can be removed from the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52. When the second liquid storage tank 53 is mounted to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52, liquid moves from the second liquid storage tank 53 to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 until the amount of liquid in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 reaches the second upper limit value. When the amount of liquid in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 reaches the second upper limit value, the liquid stops moving from the second liquid storage tank 53 to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52.

[0166] The second liquid supply part 54 connects the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 and the first liquid storage tank 43 to each other. The second liquid supply part 54 supplies the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43. The second liquid supply part 54 is, for example, a tube, a hose, or a combination thereof. The diameter (inner diameter) of the second liquid supply part 54 is set to such a size that the speed at which the liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43 through the second liquid supply part 54 is higher than the speed at which the liquid is supplied from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the liquid applying member 44 through the first liquid supply part 45. In the following description, sometimes the speed at which the liquid is supplied from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the liquid applying member 44 via the first liquid supply part 45 is referred to as the first supply speed, and the speed at which the liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid supply part 54 is referred to as the second supply speed.

[0167] The liquid supply pump 55 is mounted on the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 together with the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52. The liquid supply pump 55 supplies (pumps) the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid supply portion 54.

[0168] Next, the liquid amount control process will be described.

[0169] Fig.16 4 is a flow chart of the liquid quantity control process. In the liquid quantity control process, the liquid quantity stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is controlled. The controller 100 executes the liquid quantity control process at any time, for example, at the initial processing of turning on the power of the post-processing device 3, at the start of the binding process described later, etc. Fig.16 The liquid volume control process shown.

[0170] First, in step S901, the controller 100 determines whether the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 detected by the first liquid amount sensor 43a has dropped below a first lower limit value. The first lower limit value is set to, for example, a value corresponding to the maximum amount of liquid given in one binding process. When the controller 100 determines that the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 is equal to or greater than the first lower limit value (No in step S901), the controller 100 ends the liquid amount control process without performing the processes in step S902 and subsequent steps.

[0171] In contrast, when the controller 100 determines that the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 has fallen below the first lower limit value (Yes in step S901), in step S902, the controller 100 determines whether the amount of liquid in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 detected by the second liquid amount sensor 52a has fallen below the second lower limit value. The second lower limit value is set to, for example, a value corresponding to the amount of liquid supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 in step S904 described later.

[0172] When the controller 100 determines that the amount of liquid in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 has dropped below the second lower limit value (yes in step S902), in step S903, the controller 100 provides information through the control panel 110: the second liquid storage tank 53 mounted to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 needs to be replaced, or if the second liquid storage tank 53 is not a removable occasion, the second liquid storage tank 53 needs to be replenished with liquid. The manner of providing information in step S903 is not limited to any specific manner. For example, a message may be displayed on a display, or an LED light may be lit (flashed) as a substitute for the display. The controller 100 continues to provide information in step S903 until the second liquid storage tank 53 is replaced and the amount of liquid in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 becomes equal to or greater than the second lower limit value.

[0173] In contrast, when the controller 100 determines that the amount of liquid in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is equal to or greater than the second lower limit value (No in step S902), in step S904, the controller 100 drives the liquid supply pump 55 to supply a predetermined amount of liquid from the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43. The amount of liquid supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 in step S904 is set so that the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 does not exceed the first upper limit value.

[0174] According to the above-described embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0175] According to the above-described embodiment, liquid is supplied from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the liquid imparting member 44 by the capillary action of the first liquid supply portion 45. Thus, since it is not necessary to install, for example, a liquid supply pump on the liquid imparting device 31, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and simplification of the liquid imparting device 31. In addition, the lower end of the liquid imparting member 44 is always located at a position higher than the uppermost end of the liquid surface in the first liquid storage tank 43. This structure can prevent liquid from being supplied to the liquid imparting member 44 in an amount greater than that required, and prevent liquid from dripping from the liquid imparting member 44. Therefore, the amount of liquid imparted to the sheet material P can be stabilized.

[0176] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the first liquid storage tank 43 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the liquid imparting member 44. Therefore, the position of the lower end of the liquid imparting member 44 can be kept constantly higher than the uppermost position of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43. Therefore, the amount of liquid applied to the sheet material P increases. Alternatively, the first liquid storage tank 43 may be fixed to the frame of the liquid applicator 31 as long as the relationship between the position of the lower end of the liquid imparting member 44 and the uppermost position of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43 is maintained.

[0177] According to the above embodiment, the liquid is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 from the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52, which is fixed outside the moving range of the liquid applicator 31. Therefore, the capacity of the first liquid storage tank 43 is reduced. By reducing the capacity of the first liquid storage tank 43 in this way, the liquid applicator 31 can be further miniaturized, and the output of the edge binder moving motor 50 that moves the liquid applicator 31 can be reduced.

[0178] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the second supply speed of the liquid from the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43 is set higher than the first supply speed of the liquid from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the liquid imparting member 44. As a result, the liquid can be supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 at a high speed and stably. Therefore, the second liquid supply portion 54 can be extended, and the degree of freedom of the setting position of the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 can be increased. The method of making the second supply speed higher than the first supply speed is not limited to the liquid supply by the liquid supply pump 55, and for example, gravity can be used.

[0179] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the liquid is supplied from the detachable second liquid storage tank 53 to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52. Therefore, the operation of supplying the liquid to the liquid applicator 31 can be easier than the operation of directly supplying the liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43. In addition, as described above, when the second liquid supply portion 54 is extended and the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is provided at a position where the second liquid storage tank 53 can be easily replaced, the operation of supplying the liquid is further facilitated.

[0180] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, based on the detection results of the first liquid amount sensor 43a and the second liquid amount sensor 52a, liquid is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43, or a notification is given to replace the second liquid storage tank 53. This configuration can prevent excessive liquid supply to the first liquid storage tank 43 and insufficient liquid supply to the sheet P.

[0181] Next, the evaporation prevention mechanism of the liquid applying member 44 will be described.

[0182] Reference Figures 18A to 18C , Figures 19A to 19C , Figure 20A to Figure 20C , Figures 21A to 21C , a mechanism for preventing the evaporation of the liquid contained in the liquid applying member 44 of the liquid applying device 31 will be described. Since the liquid applying member 44 according to the above-mentioned embodiment is always exposed to the outside air, the liquid evaporates from the liquid applying member 44, and the amount of liquid applied to the sheet P is reduced. As a result, depending on the type of the sheet P, the prescribed amount of liquid may not be applied, resulting in a decrease in the binding strength of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0183] Fig.18A It is a cross-sectional view of the liquid applicator 31. Fig.18B It is a perspective view of the liquid applicator 31. Fig.18C It is a bottom view of the liquid applying member 44. Fig.19A FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid applicator 31 ′ according to another embodiment. Fig.19B It is a perspective view of the liquid applicator 31 ′. Fig.19C It is a bottom view of the liquid applying member 44'. Fig. 20A , Fig. 20B and Fig. 20C 1 is a schematic diagram showing a process of bringing the liquid applying member 44 into contact with the sheet P. FIG. Fig.21A , Fig. 21B , Fig. 21C It is a diagram showing the process of bringing the liquid applying member 44 and the protective cover 58 into contact with and away from each other.

[0184] like Fig.18A As shown, the liquid applicator 31 includes a first liquid storage tank 43 (serving as a liquid storage portion), a first liquid supply portion 45, a liquid applicator member 44, a retainer 46 (serving as a retainer), a liquid applicator member cover 451 (serving as a cover), a coil spring 461 (serving as a second urging member), a cover 471, a hinge 481, a torsion coil spring 491 (serving as a first urging member), an O-ring 501 (serving as a first sealing member), an O-ring 511 (serving as a second sealing member), and a cover sensor 521. In the present embodiment, the main components of the liquid applicator 31 (e.g., the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply portion 45, the retainer 46, and the liquid applicator member cover 451) are unitized and move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49 as a single unit.

[0185] The first liquid supply portion 45 is a long portion that supplies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the liquid applying member 44. One end of the first liquid supply portion 45 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. The liquid applying member 44 is attached to the other end of the first liquid supply portion 45. The liquid applying member 44 is a portion that contacts the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22 in a state containing the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage tank 43 through the first liquid supply portion 45.

[0186] The first liquid supply part 45 and the liquid imparting member 44 are formed by, for example, a porous member. Therefore, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is supplied to the liquid imparting member 44 by capillary action. In one example, the first liquid supply part 45 and the liquid imparting member 44 can be formed as a whole using, for example, a sponge. In another example, the first liquid supply part 45 and the liquid imparting member 44 can be a separate structure. In this case, the liquid imparting member 44 can be configured to be mountable to the other end of the first liquid supply part 45 and removable (i.e., replaceable) from the other end of the first liquid supply part 45. In addition, the first liquid supply part 45 can be retracted and contracted as the retainer 46 moves, or it can be stored in the retainer 46 in a pre-bent state.

[0187] The holder 46 is movably supported by the frame of the liquid applicator 31. The holder 46 holds the first liquid supply portion 45 and the liquid applicator member 44. The holder 46 also supports the liquid applicator member cover 451 so that the liquid applicator member cover 451 can move in a direction of contact with or separation from the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb. Figure 8 ), the retainer 46 moves together with the first liquid supply unit 45, the liquid imparting member 44 and the liquid imparting member cover 451 in a direction approaching or moving away from the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb. In addition, the retainer 46 moves together with the first liquid supply unit 45 and the liquid imparting member 44 relative to the liquid imparting member cover 451. Fig. 20B The second state shown is Fig. 20C Move between the third states shown.

[0188] like 18A to 18C As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid imparting member cover 451 is formed of a rectangular cylindrical member extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet material P. The liquid imparting member cover 451 has an internal space for accommodating a portion of the first liquid supply portion 45 and a liquid imparting member 44 having a rectangular cross section. Another portion of the first liquid supply portion 45 is accommodated in the holder 46. An opening 451a is provided at the lower end of the liquid imparting member cover 451. At a portion ( Fig.18A In the portion shown by the dotted line in the middle, a notch 451b is formed in the circumferential direction of the lower end. The liquid applying member cover 451 is provided with a support portion 451c that supports the lower end of the coil spring 461.

[0189] As another structure of the liquid applying member cover 451, a FIG. 19A to FIG. 19C The liquid imparting member cover 451' is formed by a two-stage cylindrical member having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, and is FIG. 19A to FIG. 19CThe liquid imparting member cover 451' has a portion for accommodating the first liquid supply portion 45' and a liquid imparting member 44' having a cylindrical cross section (see Fig.19C ) of the inner space. In this case, the cover 471' may be a circular plate-shaped member or a curved circular plate-shaped member whose projected shape is circular. Fig.19B As shown, the liquid imparting member 44' may also be formed of a member having a rectangular cross section.

[0190] The coil spring 461 is provided between the holder 46 and the liquid imparting member cover 451. More specifically, the upper end of the coil spring 461 is connected to the lower end of the holder 46, and the lower end of the coil spring 461 is connected to the upper surface of the support portion 451c of the liquid imparting member cover 451. The coil spring 461 pushes the holder 46 and the liquid imparting member cover 451 in a direction away from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet material P. In other words, the coil spring 461 pushes the liquid imparting member cover 451 downward relative to the holder 46, and pushes the holder 46 upward relative to the liquid imparting member cover 451.

[0191] The cover 471 is rotatably supported by the liquid imparting member cover 451 via the hinge 481. More specifically, the cover 471 is mounted to the cutout 451b. Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B Interruption locations shown and Fig. 20C The cover 471 is not limited to a rotatable structure, and may be configured to be movable in the main scanning direction, which is the radial direction of the liquid applying member cover 451. The torsion coil spring 491 urges the cover 471 toward the blocking position.

[0192] like Fig. 20A and 20B As shown in FIG. 1 , the blocking position is a position where the cover 471 blocks the liquid imparting member 44 and the opening 451a. For example, when the cover 471 is at the blocking position, the liquid imparting member 44 is accommodated in the liquid imparting member cover 451 above the cover 471. In other words, when the cover 471 is at the blocking position, the liquid imparting member 44 is inside the liquid imparting member cover 451 and is blocked from the outside air.

[0193] like Fig. 20C As shown, the retreat position is a position where the cover 471 retreats from between the liquid imparting member 44 and the opening 451a. For example, when the cover 471 is located at the retreat position, the liquid imparting member 44 can be lowered in the liquid imparting member cover 451 to reach the position of the opening 451a. The cover 471 of this embodiment blocks the cutout 451b when the cover 471 is located at the retreat position. In other words, when the cover 471 is located at the retreat position, the cover 471 forms a part of the cutout wall of the liquid imparting member cover 451.

[0194] The O-ring 501 is formed of a material capable of elastic deformation (e.g., rubber). The O-ring 501 is attached to the lower end of the liquid imparting member cover 451 so as to surround the opening 451a. Fig. 20B and Fig. 20C As shown, when the lower end of the liquid imparting member cover 451 contacts the sheet P, the O-ring 501 is in close contact with the sheet P so as to surround the opening 451a, thereby preventing external air from flowing into the interior of the liquid imparting member cover 451 through the opening 451a. Fig. 21B and Fig. 21C As shown, when the lower end of the liquid imparting member cover 451 contacts the protective cover 58, the O-ring 501 is in close contact with the protective cover 58 to surround the opening 451a, thereby preventing external air from flowing into the interior of the liquid imparting member cover 451 through the opening 451a.

[0195] The O-ring 511 is formed of a material that can be elastically deformed (e.g., rubber). The O-ring 511 is mounted on the cover 471 in such a manner as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the cover 471. When the cover 471 is located at the blocking position, the O-ring 511 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the liquid imparting member cover 451. Therefore, external air is prevented from flowing into the space of the liquid imparting member cover 451 that accommodates the liquid imparting member 44. The O-ring 511 does not need to surround the entire outer peripheral surface of the cover 471. For example, in the case where the liquid imparting member 44 is made of a material that does not evaporate the liquid easily, there is no problem even if the O-ring 511 is not provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cover 471.

[0196] The cover sensor 521 detects the relative position of the liquid applying member cover 451 with respect to the retainer 46. More specifically, the cover sensor 521 detects the position of the upper end of the liquid applying member cover 451. That is, the cover sensor 521 detects that the liquid applying device 31 is in the second state (see Fig. 20B ) or the third state (refer to Fig. 20C ) situation. The cover sensor 521 outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100 (see Figure 8 ).

[0197] The liquid applicator 31 is connected to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 via the second liquid supply portion 54. The second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is mounted on the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 independently of the edge binder 25 (liquid applicator 31). The second liquid storage tank 53 (liquid bottle) is removably mounted to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52. The second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 stores the liquid supplied from the second liquid storage tank 53. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid supply portion 54 by the liquid supply pump 57. The configuration for supplying the liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43 is not limited to the above example.

[0198] The first liquid storage tank 43 is provided with a first liquid amount sensor 43a. The second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 is provided with a second liquid amount sensor 52a. The first liquid amount sensor 43a and the second liquid amount sensor 52a detect the amount (remaining amount) of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52, respectively, and output a detection signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100. When the remaining amount detected by the first liquid amount sensor 43a is less than a first threshold value, the controller 100 drives the liquid supply pump 57 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 52 to the first liquid storage tank 43. When the remaining amount detected by the second liquid amount sensor 52a is less than a second threshold value, the controller 100 controls the liquid supply pump 57 via the control panel 110 (see Figure 8 ) Notify to replace the second liquid storage tank 53.

[0199] The liquid applicator 31 has a protective cover 58 and a return path 59. Figure 3 As shown, the protective cover 58 is fixed at a position facing the liquid applying member cover 451 in a substantially vertical direction relative to the sheet P when the liquid applicator 31 is at the standby position HP. Fig. 21C As shown, when the liquid applicator 31 is in the standby position HP and in the third state, the protective cover 58 is in close contact with the liquid applicator member 44 and recovers the liquid discharged from the liquid applicator member 44. The reflux path 59 connects the protective cover 58 and the first liquid storage tank 43. The reflux path 59 refluxes the liquid collected by the protective cover 58 to the first liquid storage tank 43. The protective cover 58 and the reflux path 59 are an example of a reflux mechanism.

[0200] The state of the liquid applicator 31 at the liquid applicator position B1 changes to Fig. 20A The first state shown, Fig. 20B The second state shown, Fig. 20C The third state shown. The liquid dispenser 31 of this embodiment changes state between the first state, the second state, and the third state by the rotation of the liquid dispenser moving motor 37. Specifically, when the liquid dispenser moving motor 37 rotates in the first direction to lower the retainer 46, the liquid dispenser 31 changes from the first state to the third state via the second state. Or when the liquid dispenser moving motor 37 rotates in the second direction to raise the retainer 46, the liquid dispenser 31 changes from the third state to the first state via the second state.

[0201] like Fig. 20AAs shown, the first state is a state of the liquid applicator 31 in which the lower end of the liquid applicator cover 451 is located above the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22, and the cover 471 is in the blocking position. That is, when the liquid applicator 31 is in the first state, the sheet P conveyed along the conveying direction by the conveying roller pair 15 can enter the inner tray 22. When the liquid applicator 31 is in the first state, the liquid applicator 44 is housed in the liquid applicator cover 451 blocked by the cover 471 in the blocking position, and is isolated from the outside air.

[0202] like Fig. 20B As shown in FIG. 1 , the second state is a state of the liquid applicator 31 in which the lower end of the liquid applicator cover 451 (more specifically, the O-ring 501) is in contact with the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22, and the cover 471 is in the blocking position. Therefore, the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22 is fixed by the liquid applicator cover 451. On the other hand, the liquid applicator 44 is still isolated from the outside air in the liquid applicator cover 451.

[0203] like Fig. 20C As shown, the third state is such a state of the liquid applicator 31 that the lower end of the liquid applicator cover 451 (more specifically, the O-ring 501) is in contact with the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22, the cover 471 is in the retracted position, and the liquid applicator 44 is in contact with the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22. Thus, the liquid contained in the liquid applicator 44 is applied to the sheet P. The space between the liquid applicator cover 451 and the sheet P is sealed by the O-ring 501, and the cutout 451b is blocked by the cover 471 located in the retracted position. Therefore, the amount of external air entering the inside of the liquid applicator cover 451 is reduced.

[0204] When the liquid applicator 31 is in the first state, when the liquid applicator moving motor 37 rotates in the first direction, the liquid applicator member 44, the retainer 46, the liquid applicator cover 451, the coil spring 461, the cover 471, the hinge 481, the torsion coil spring 491, the O-rings 501 and 511, and the cover sensor 521 also move downward together. The relative positions of the liquid applicator 44, the first liquid supply unit 45, the retainer 46, and the liquid applicator cover 451 do not change until the lower end of the liquid applicator cover 451 contacts the sheet P.

[0205] After the lower end (O-ring 501) of the liquid applying member cover 451 contacts the sheet material P, when the liquid applying device moving motor 37 further rotates in the first direction, the liquid applying member 44, the retainer 46, and the cover sensor 521 move downward against the force of the coil spring 461 (i.e., move while elastically compressing the coil spring 461). As a result, the liquid applying member 44 approaches the cover 471, and the upper end of the liquid applying member cover 451 approaches the detection position of the cover sensor 521.

[0206] After the liquid applicator 31 is in the second state, when the liquid applicator moving motor 37 further rotates in the first direction, the liquid applicator member 44, the retainer 46, and the cover sensor 521 overcome the force of the coil spring 461 and move further downward. The liquid applicator member 44 moving downward in the liquid applicator cover 451 contacts the cover 471 located at the blocking position, and rotates (moves) the cover 471 from the blocking position to the retreat position against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 491. When the liquid applicator member 44 further descends to the position of the opening 451a, the liquid applicator 31 is in the second state.

[0207] The amount of descent from the first state to the second state changes according to the thickness and number of sheets P supported by the inner tray 22. Therefore, when the cover sensor 521 detects the upper end of the liquid imparting member cover 451, the controller 100 can determine that the liquid imparting device 31 has entered the second state. On the other hand, the amount of descent from the second state to the third state is constant. Therefore, the controller 100 only needs to determine that the liquid imparting device 31 has become the third state based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the liquid imparting device moving motor 37.

[0208] When the liquid dispenser 31 is in the third state, when the liquid dispenser moving motor 37 rotates in the second direction, the liquid dispenser member 44, the retainer 46 and the cover sensor 521 move upward. When the liquid dispenser member 44 moves upward to the top of the cover 471 (cutout 451b), the liquid dispenser member 44 is separated from the cover 471. Therefore, the cover 471 moves from the retreat position to the blocking position by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 491. On the other hand, the lower end of the liquid dispenser cover 451 is still in contact with the sheet P. In addition, the controller 100 can also determine that the liquid dispenser 31 is in the second state when the cover sensor 521 does not detect the upper end of the liquid dispenser cover 451.

[0209] After the liquid applicator 31 is in the second state, if the liquid applicator moving motor 37 further rotates in the second direction, the coil spring 461 is fully extended, and the liquid applicator 44, the retainer 46, the liquid applicator cover 451, the coil spring 461, the cover 471, the hinge 481, the torsion coil spring 491, the O-rings 501, 511, and the cover sensor 521 also move upward together. Therefore, the lower end of the liquid applicator cover 451 is separated from the sheet P. In addition, the controller 100 can also determine that the liquid applicator 31 is in the first state based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the liquid applicator moving motor 37.

[0210] In addition, the liquid dispenser 31 can be used even in the standby position HP. Fig.21A The first state shown, Fig. 21B The second state shown, Fig. 21C The process of changing the liquid dispenser 31 is similar to that of referring to Fig. 20A , Fig. 20B and Fig. 20C When the liquid dispenser 31 at the standby position HP becomes the third state, the liquid dispensing member 44 is in close contact with the protective cover 58. As a result, during the standby period of the liquid dispenser 31, the liquid dispensing member 44 is prevented from being exposed to the outside air, and the liquid discharged from the liquid dispensing member 44 flows back to the first liquid storage tank 43 through the protective cover 58 and the reflux path 59.

[0211] Reference Figure 22 to Figure 30 In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0212] The post-processing device 3A of the second embodiment has an edge binder 251. The edge binder 251 is different from the edge binder 25 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment (in which the liquid applicator 31 and the crimper 32 are arranged side by side) in that the edge binder 251 includes a crimper 32', and the liquid applicator 131 is arranged at an upstream position in the conveying direction of the sheet P. With such a structure, it is possible to stack a predetermined number of sheets P after the liquid applicator treatment and convey them to the crimper 32' of the edge binder 251 arranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet P. Therefore, the productivity of the binding process performed by the crimper 32' is improved.

[0213] Since the direction in which the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14 conveys the sheet P is opposite to the "conveying direction" defined above, in the following description, the direction in which the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14 conveys the sheet P is defined as the "opposite conveying direction". The direction orthogonal to the opposite conveying direction and the thickness direction of the sheet P is defined as the "main scanning direction" or the "width direction of the sheet P". The liquid applying position on the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb where liquid is applied by the liquid applicator 131 corresponds to the binding position of the sheet bundle Pb crimped and bound by the crimper 32'. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid applying position and the binding position are marked with the same figure mark.

[0214] Fig. 22 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device 3A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.23A , Fig. 23B and Fig.23C As shown, the edge binder 251 only includes the crimper 32'. Fig. 22 As shown, a crimper 32' and a stapler unit 156 are arranged on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the inner tray 22. In addition, the crimper 32' and the stapler unit 156 are located at a position opposite to the downstream end of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction, and can move in the main scanning direction. In addition, the crimper 32' and the stapler unit 156 can rotate in the positive direction and the reverse direction respectively around the crimper shaft 340 and the stapler shaft 84 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. That is, the crimper 32' and the stapler unit 156 staple the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 at a desired angle at a desired position in the main scanning direction by, for example, corner tilted stapling, parallel stapling at one place, parallel stapling at two places, etc.

[0215] The crimper 32' presses and deforms the sheet bundle Pb by means of the serrated upper crimping teeth 32b and the serrated lower crimping teeth 32b, thereby binding the sheet bundle Pb. In the following description, such a binding method is sometimes referred to as "crimping binding". That is, the crimper 32' crimps the sheet bundle Pb, or crimps the sheet bundle Pb. On the other hand, the binding unit 156 allows the binding needle to penetrate the binding position of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, thereby binding the sheet bundle Pb.

[0216] Fig.23A , Fig. 23B , Fig.23C 2 is a schematic diagram of the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb of the inner tray 22 . Fig.24 3 is a schematic diagram showing the downstream side of the conveying direction of the crimping device 32'. Fig.23A , Fig. 23B , Fig.23CAs shown, a crimper 32' and a binding unit 156 are arranged on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the internal tray 22. The crimper 32' can move in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. In addition, the crimper 32' can rotate in forward and reverse directions around a crimper shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Similarly, the binding unit 156 can move in the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle Pb, and can rotate in forward and reverse directions around a binder shaft 84 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb. The other structures of the binding unit 156 are similar to those of the binding unit 155 ( Figure 6 Therefore, the detailed description will be omitted unless it is particularly necessary.

[0217] like Fig.24 As shown, the crimper 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction at a position downstream of the conveying direction of the inner tray 22. The crimper 32' moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, in other words, along the guide rail 337, by the driving force transmitted from the crimper moving motor 238 through the drive transmission mechanism 240 including pulleys 240a and 240b and the timing belt 240c. The crimper 32' moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, in other words, along the guide rail 337. The crimper shaft 340 including the drive transmission gear 340a is fixed to the bottom surface of the crimping frame 32c of the component holding the crimper 32'. The crimper shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held by the base 48 provided with the crimping frame 32c so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with the output gear 239a of the crimper rotating motor 239. By the driving force transmitted from the crimper rotating motor 239 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a to the crimper shaft 340, the crimper 32' rotates in the forward and reverse directions on the base 48 around the crimper shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the sheet P loaded on the inner tray 22. The guide rail 337, the crimper moving motor 238, the crimper rotating motor 239, the crimper shaft 340 and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute at least a part of the drive mechanism of the crimper 32' according to the second embodiment.

[0218] Crimper 32' Fig.23A Standby position HP shown with Fig. 23B and Fig.23C The crimping device 32' shown in FIG. 1 moves between positions facing the stapling position B1. The standby position HP is away from the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. Fig.23A , Fig. 23B , Fig.23CIn the embodiment, the standby position HP is located away from the right side of the sheet bundle Pb in the main scanning direction. The stapling position B1 is the position of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. However, the specific position of the stapling position B1 is not limited to Fig. 23B , Fig.23C The stapling position B1 may be one or more positions along the main scanning direction at the downstream end of the sheet P in the conveying direction.

[0219] The crimping device 32' is in the Fig. 23B The parallel binding posture shown is similar to Fig.23C The crimping device 32' can change between the inclined binding postures shown. In other words, the crimper 32' can rotate in the forward and reverse directions around the crimper axis 340. The parallel binding posture refers to the posture of the crimper 32' in which the long direction of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding trajectory) is along the main scanning direction. The inclined binding posture refers to the posture of the crimper 32' in which the long direction of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding trajectory) is inclined relative to the main scanning direction.

[0220] In addition, the angle of the upper pressing teeth 32a and the lower pressing teeth 32b in the inclined binding posture relative to the main scanning direction, that is, the rotation angle is not limited to Fig.23C The rotation angle in the oblique binding posture may be any angle as long as the upper pressing teeth 32 a and the lower pressing teeth 32 b face the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 .

[0221] The post-processing device 3A has a liquid applicator 131 and a hole opener 132 as a processor. The liquid applicator 131 and the hole opener 132 are arranged upstream of the inner tray 22 in the opposite conveying direction. In addition, the liquid applicator 131 and the hole opener 132 are arranged at different positions in the opposite conveying direction while facing a sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 to 19. The liquid applicator 131 and the hole opener 132 of this embodiment are arranged between the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid applicator 131 and the hole opener 132 is not limited to Fig. 22 For example, Fig.30 As shown in the figure, when the inserter 6 is arranged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3A, the liquid applicator 131 may be arranged inside the inserter 6 located on the upstream side of the post-processing apparatus 3A. As the inserter 6, for example, a device that can transport the sheet P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 2 and the pre-printed medium conveyed to the post-processing apparatus 3A as a cover sheet, an insert sheet, or a partition sheet without passing through the image forming apparatus 2 can be cited, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0222] like Fig.25AAs shown, liquid is applied to the liquid applying position B1 by the liquid applying head 146 of the liquid applicator 131, and the conveying roller pair 11 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the liquid applying position B1 on the sheet P in the main scanning direction. This is to prevent the amount of liquid at the liquid applying position B1 from being reduced due to the plurality of rollers pressing the liquid applying position B1 when the conveying roller pair 11 conveys the sheet P. As a result, when the sheet P reaches the crimper 32' disposed downstream of the liquid applicator 131 in the opposite conveying direction, the amount of liquid at the liquid applying position B1 is sufficient to maintain the binding strength. Therefore, the binding strength of the sheet bundle Pb is prevented from being reduced due to the reduction in the amount of liquid at the liquid applying position B1 when the sheet is conveyed.

[0223] In addition, multiple roller pairs of the conveying roller pair 11 are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P in the main scanning direction, preventing liquid from adhering to multiple roller pairs and deteriorating the conveying performance of the sheet P, and further preventing conveying blockage caused by the deteriorated conveying performance of the sheet P.

[0224] Although only the conveying roller pair 11 is described above, the plurality of roller pairs of the conveying roller pairs 14 and 15 are preferably arranged at positions not overlapping the liquid application position B1 on the sheet P in the main scanning direction, like the plurality of roller pairs of the conveying roller pair 11 .

[0225] The liquid applicator 131 applies liquid (e.g., water) to the sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pair 10 and 11. In the following description, the application of liquid is sometimes referred to as "liquid application". The hole opener 132 opens a hole in the sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pair 10, 11, which passes through the sheet P in the thickness direction of the sheet P. The processor provided near the liquid applicator 131 is not limited to the hole opener 132. Alternatively, the processor may be a tilt corrector that corrects the tilt or skew of the sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pair 10 and 11.

[0226] Fig.25A and Fig.25B 1 is a view of the liquid applicator 131 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in the thickness direction of the sheet P. Fig.26A , Fig.26B , Fig.26C yes Fig.25A A cross-sectional view of the liquid imparting unit 140 of the liquid imparting device 131 taken along line XXV-XXV. Fig.27A , Fig.27B , Fig.27C yes Fig.25A XXVI-XXVI of the cross-sectional view of the liquid imparting unit 140 of the liquid imparting device 131. Figures 25A to 27CAs shown, the liquid applicator 131 has a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b, annular endless belts 135, 136, a liquid applicator moving motor 137, and a standby position sensor 138 (see Fig.28 ), liquid imparting unit 140.

[0227] The guide shafts 133a and 133b extending in the main scanning direction are separated in the opposite conveying direction. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are supported by a pair of side plates 4a and 4b of the post-processing device 3A. On the other hand, the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b support the liquid applying unit 140 so that the liquid applying unit 140 can move in the main scanning direction.

[0228] A pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are arranged between the guide shafts 133a, 133b in opposite conveying directions. On the other hand, the pulleys 134a and 134b are separated from each other in the main scanning direction. The pulleys 134a, 134b are supported on the frame of the post-processing device 3A so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around the respective axes extending in the thickness direction of the sheet P.

[0229] The endless belt 135 is wound around a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b. The endless belt 135 is connected to the liquid applying unit 140 via a connecting portion 135a. An endless belt 136 is wound around the pulley 134a and a driving pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of the liquid applying device moving motor 137. The liquid applying unit moving motor 137 generates a driving force to move the liquid applying unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0230] When the liquid applicator moving motor 137 rotates, the endless belt 136 is looped between the pulley 134a and the driving pulley 137a, and the pulley 134a rotates. When the pulley 134a rotates, the endless belt 135 is looped between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. Thus, the liquid applicator unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. The liquid applicator 140 reciprocates in the main scanning direction according to the switching of the rotation direction of the liquid applicator moving motor 137.

[0231] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid applying unit 140 has reached the standby position in the main scanning direction. Then, the standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100 as a circuit, which will be referred to below. Fig.28The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitter and a light receiver. The liquid imparting unit 140 at the standby position blocks the optical path between the light emitter and the light receiver. The standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal in response to the light output from the light emitter not being received by the light receiver. The specific structure of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the above structure.

[0232] like Fig.26A , Fig.26B , Fig.26C As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveying path in the post-processing device 3A is divided by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b separated in the thickness direction of the sheet P. The liquid applying unit 140 is arranged at a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid applying unit 140 is opposite to the conveying path (a position opposite to the conveyed sheet P) through the opening of the upper guide plate 5a.

[0233] like FIG. 25A to FIG. 27C As shown, the liquid imparting unit 140 includes: a base 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a mover 144, a holder 145, a liquid imparting head 146, columns 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, an imparting head rotating motor 150, Fig.28 The end-dispensing head moving motor 151 is shown and also Fig.28 The standby angle sensor 152 is shown in FIG.

[0234] The base 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The base 141 is connected to the endless belt 135 through a connecting portion 135a. On the other hand, the base 141 supports components of the liquid imparting unit 140, such as a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a mover 144, a retainer 145, a liquid imparting head 146, columns 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, an imparting head rotating motor 150, an imparting head moving motor 151, and a standby angle sensor 152.

[0235] The rotating bracket 142 is supported below the base 141 in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the thickness direction of the sheet P. The rotating bracket 142 rotates relative to the base 141 by a driving force transmitted from the applying head rotating motor 150. The rotating bracket 142 supports the liquid storage tank 143, the mover 144, the holder 145, the liquid applying head 146, the columns 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0236] Fig.28The standby angle sensor 152 also shown in the figure detects that the rotating bracket 142 has reached the standby angle. Then, the standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100. The standby angle is, for example, an angle for parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitter and a light receiver. The rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle blocks the light path between the light emitter and the light receiver. The standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal in response to the light output from the light emitter not being received by the light receiver. The specific structure of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the above structure.

[0237] Fig.25A The rotating bracket 142 is shown in a state where the crimper 32 ′ provided on the downstream side of the liquid applicator 131 in the conveying direction of the sheets P performs parallel binding. Fig.25B The rotating bracket 142 is shown in a state when the crimper 32 ′ provided on the downstream side of the liquid applicator 131 in the conveying direction of the sheets P performs oblique binding (ie, corner binding).

[0238] The liquid storage tank 143 stores the liquid to be applied to the sheet P. The mover 144 is supported by the liquid storage tank 143 so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the sheet P (e.g., up and down). The mover 144 moves relative to the liquid storage tank 143 by the driving force transmitted from the imparting head moving motor 151. The retainer 145 is mounted to the lower end of the mover 144. The liquid imparting head 146 protrudes from the retainer 145 toward the conveying path (downward in this embodiment). The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143 is supplied to the liquid imparting head 146. The liquid imparting head 146 is made of a material with relatively high liquid absorbency (e.g., sponge or fiber).

[0239] Columns 147a and 147b protrude downward from retainer 145 around liquid imparting head 146. Columns 147a and 147b can move in the thickness direction relative to retainer 145. Columns 147a and 147b have respective lower ends for holding pressing plate 148. Pressing plate 148 forms through hole 148a at a position facing liquid imparting head 146. Coil springs 149a and 149b are respectively installed around columns 147a and 147b between retainer 145 and pressing plate 148. Coil springs 149a, 149b apply force to columns 147a, 147b and pressing plate 148 downward relative to retainer 145.

[0240] like Fig.26A and Fig.27AAs shown, before the sheet P is conveyed to the position where the sheet P faces the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressing plate 148 is located at the position of the opening or above the opening. Subsequently, when the sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 stops at the position where the liquid imparting position B1 on the sheet P faces the opening, the imparting head moving motor 151 rotates in the first direction. As a result, the mover 144, the retainer 145, the liquid imparting head 146, the columns 147a, 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a, 149b are lowered together, and the pressing plate 148 contacts the sheet P. The liquid imparting position B1 corresponds to the binding position B1 to be crimped and bound by the edge binder 251 (specifically, the crimper 32').

[0241] When the head-dispensing motor 151 rotates in the first direction after the pressing plate 148 contacts the sheet P, the coil springs 149a and 149b are compressed to further move the mover 144, the retainer 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, and the columns 147a and 147b downward. Fig.26B and Fig.27B As shown, the lower surface of the liquid applying head 146 contacts the sheet material P through the through hole 148 a. Then, the liquid contained in the liquid applying head 146 is applied to the sheet material P.

[0242] like Fig.26C and Fig.27C As shown, the applying head moving motor 151 further rotates in the first direction, further strongly pressing the liquid applying head 146 against the sheet P. Therefore, the amount of liquid applied to the sheet P increases. In short, the liquid applicator 131 changes the pressing force of the liquid applying head 146 on the sheet P to adjust the amount of liquid applied to the sheet P.

[0243] On the other hand, the rotation of the imparting head moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes the mover 144, the holder 145, the liquid imparting head 146, the columns 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b to move upward together. Fig.26A and Fig.27A As shown, the liquid applying head 146 and the pressing plate 148 are separated from the sheet P. In other words, the liquid applicator 131 includes the liquid applying head 146 which can be separated from the sheet P.

[0244] Fig.28 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the post-processing device 3A for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.28As shown, the post-processing device 3A includes a CPU 101 , a RAM 102 , a ROM 103 , a HDD 104 , and an I / F 105 . The CPU 101 , the RAM 102 , the ROM 103 , the HDD 104 , and the I / F 105 are connected to each other via a common bus 109 .

[0245] The CPU 101 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3A. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that allows data to be read and written at high speed. The CPU 101 uses the RAM 102 as a work area for data processing. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium that allows data to be read and written and has a relatively large storage capacity. The HDD 104 stores, for example, an operating system (OS), various control programs, and application programs.

[0246] Through the operation function of the CPU 101, the post-processing device 3A processes, for example, a control program stored in the ROM 103 and an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. Through such processing, a software controller including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3A is constructed. The software controller constructed in this way cooperates with the hardware resources of the post-processing device 3A to form a functional block that realizes the function of the post-processing device 3A. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0247] The I / F 105 is an interface for connecting the pair of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the crimper moving motor 238, the crimper rotating motor 239, the contact-separation motor 32d, the liquid applicator moving motor 137, the applicator head rotating motor 150, the applicator head moving motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the hole opener 132, and the control panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 controls the operation of the pair of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the crimper moving motor 238, the crimper rotating motor 239, the contact-separation motor 32d, the liquid applicator moving motor 137, the applicator head rotating motor 150, the applicator head moving motor 151, and the hole opener 132 via the I / F 105.

[0248] The controller 100 obtains the detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105. Fig.28The components of the liquid applicator 131 and the edge binder 251 (crimping device 32') for performing edge binding are shown, but the components of the saddle binder 28 for performing saddle binding are also controlled by the controller 100 like the components of the liquid applicator 131 and the edge binder 251 (crimping device 32') for performing edge binding.

[0249] The control panel 110 includes an operating device for receiving instructions input by an operator and a display used as a notifier for notifying the operator of information. The operating device includes, for example, a physical input button and a touch screen superimposed on the display. The control panel 110 obtains information from the operator through the operating device and provides information to the operator through the display.

[0250] Fig.29 : is a flowchart of the post-processing performed by the post-processing device 3A of the second embodiment. Specifically, Fig.29 Yes Execution FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C Flowchart of the one-place binding process shown.

[0251] For example, when the controller 100 acquires an instruction for executing post-processing from the image forming apparatus 2, the controller 100 executes Fig.29 In the following description, the instruction to execute the post-processing is sometimes referred to as a "post-processing instruction". The post-processing instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb, the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb that is the subject of the binding process (referred to as the "required number of copies"), the binding position B1 (corresponding to the liquid imparting position B1), the binding angle (corresponding to the liquid imparting angle), and the processing performed in parallel with the liquid imparting process (opening holes in this embodiment). In the following description, the number of sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb is sometimes referred to as the "prescribed number N". When the post-processing is started, the liquid imparting unit 140 is in the same FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C The illustrated standby position HP corresponds to the standby position HP, while the rotating bracket 142 is maintained at the standby angle.

[0252] First, in step S801, the controller 100 drives the liquid applicator moving motor 137 to move the liquid applicator unit 140 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid applicator head 146 moves from the standby position HP to a position where it can be aligned with the liquid applicator head 146. Figures 23A to 23CThe liquid imparting position B1 corresponding to the binding position B1 shown in FIG. 8 is a position relative to the liquid imparting position B1. In addition, in step S801, the controller 100 drives the imparting head rotating motor 150 to rotate the rotating bracket 142 so that the liquid imparting head 146 rotates from the standby angle to the liquid imparting angle. According to the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the liquid imparting device moving motor 137, it can be confirmed that the liquid imparting head 146 has reached a position where the liquid imparting head 146 can be relative to the liquid imparting position B1. Similarly, according to the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the imparting head rotating motor 150, it is determined that the liquid imparting head 146 has reached the liquid imparting angle.

[0253] Furthermore, in step S801, the controller 100 drives the crimper moving motor 238 to move the crimper 32' from the standby position HP to a position where the crimper 32' can face the position shown in FIG. Fig.23A and Fig. 23B The position of the stapling position B1 shown. In addition, in step S801, the controller 100 drives the crimper rotating motor 239 to rotate the crimper 32' from the standby angle to the stapling angle, which may be referred to as the crimping stapling angle in the following description. Based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the crimper moving motor 238, it is determined that the crimper 32' has reached a position where the crimper 32' can face the stapling position B1. Similarly, based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the crimper rotating motor 239, it is determined that the crimper 32' has reached the crimping stapling angle.

[0254] Subsequently, in step S802, the controller 100 drives the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 to start conveying the sheet P on which the image is formed by the image forming device 2. In step S803, the controller 100 determines whether the liquid imparting position B1 on the sheet P has faced the liquid imparting unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid imparting head 146). That is, the controller 100 determines whether the liquid imparting unit 140 is opposite to the liquid imparting position B1 on the sheet P, and when the liquid imparting position B1 on the sheet P does not face the liquid imparting head 146 (No in step S803), the controller 100 repeats the judgment of step S803. In other words, the controller 100 continues to drive the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 until the liquid imparting position B1 on the sheet P faces the liquid imparting head 146. On the other hand, in the case where the liquid imparting position B1 on the sheet P is opposite to the liquid imparting head 146 ("Yes" in step S803), in step S804, the controller 100 stops the conveying roller pair 10, 11. Based on a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of a motor driving the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 , it is determined that the liquid applying position B1 on the sheet P has faced the liquid applying head 146 .

[0255] In step S805, the controller 100 causes the liquid applicator 131 to apply liquid to the liquid applying position B1 on the sheet P. More specifically, the controller 100 causes the applicator head moving motor 151 to rotate in the first direction so that the liquid applicator head 146 contacts the liquid applicator position B1 on the sheet P. The controller 100 changes the pressing force of the liquid applicator head 146 (in other words, the rotation amount of the applicator head moving motor 151) according to the amount of liquid to be applied to the sheet P.

[0256] The amount of liquid imparted to the sheet P may be the same for all the sheets P of the sheet bundle Pb, or may be different for each sheet P. For example, the controller 100 may impart a reduced amount of liquid to a sheet P conveyed later. The amount of rotation of the imparting head moving motor 151 may be determined based on a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the imparting head moving motor 151.

[0257] In step S806, the controller 100 drives the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to load the sheet P on the inner tray 22. In step S806, the controller 100 moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the sheet bundle Pb loaded on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. In short, the controller 100 performs so-called "slow push".

[0258] In step S807, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets P loaded on the internal tray 22 has reached the prescribed number of sheets N indicated by the post-processing instruction. When the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets P loaded on the internal tray 22 has not reached the prescribed number of sheets N (No in step S807), the controller 100 performs the operations of steps S802 to S806 again.

[0259] On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N ("Yes" in step S807), in step S808, the controller 100 causes the crimping device 32' to crimp and bind the sheet bundle Pb to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applicator 131 at the binding position B1 (corresponding to the liquid application position B1). In addition, in step S808, the controller 100 causes the conveying roller pair 15 to rotate and output the crimped and bound sheet bundle Pb to the output tray 26.

[0260] The controller 100 drives the liquid applicator moving motor 137 to move the liquid applicator 131 to the standby position HP, and drives the crimper moving motor 238 to move the crimper 32 ′ to the standby position HP.

[0261] When the post-processing instruction includes an instruction to form a plurality of sheet bundles Pb (ie, the number of copies is requested), the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheet bundles Pb output to the output tray 26 has reached Fig. 9 When the controller 100 determines that the number of sheet bundles Pb output to the output tray 26 has not yet reached the required number of copies, the controller 100 repeats the operations of steps S802 to S808. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the number of sheet bundles Pb output to the discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies, the controller 100 moves the liquid applicator 131 and the crimper 32' to the standby position HP as described above.

[0262] The embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to the edge binder 25 that performs edge binding as described above. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure can also be applied to the saddle binder 28 that performs saddle binding.

[0263] The control method described above can be implemented, for example, by a program. For example, the control method can be executed by making a computing device, a storage device, an input device, an output device, and a control device operate in cooperation with each other based on a program. The program can be written into, for example, a storage device or a storage medium and distributed, or can be distributed through, for example, an electrical communication line.

[0264] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments, and many additional modifications and changes are possible according to the teachings within the technical scope of the attached claims. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can practice the disclosure of this patent specification in a manner different from that specifically described herein, and such modifications and substitutions are within the technical scope of the attached claims. These modifications and substitutions are all within the technical scope of the attached claims.

[0265] Now, a description is given of some aspects of the disclosure.

[0266] First, the first aspect will be described.

[0267] A medium processing device, comprising:

[0268] A liquid applicator configured to apply liquid to a portion of a medium, the medium being at least one medium; and a post-processing device configured to process a medium bundle, the medium bundle including the medium to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applicator. The liquid applicator includes: a first liquid storage portion configured to store the liquid applied by the liquid applicator; a first liquid supply portion having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage portion to absorb the liquid toward the other end of the first liquid supply portion; and a liquid applicator member connected to the other end of the first liquid supply portion, the liquid applicator member having a contact surface in contact with the medium, for applying the liquid supplied from the first liquid supply portion to the medium. The contact surface of the liquid applicator member with the medium is at a position higher than the uppermost position of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage portion.

[0269] The second aspect will be described.

[0270] In the medium processing device according to the first aspect, the first liquid supply portion is configured to absorb the liquid stored in the first liquid storage portion by capillary action.

[0271] The third aspect will be described.

[0272] In the medium processing device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the first liquid supply portion is made of the same material as that of the liquid applicator.

[0273] The fourth aspect will be described.

[0274] In the medium processing apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the first liquid supply unit and the liquid applying member are integrated into one unit.

[0275] The fifth aspect will be described.

[0276] In the medium processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the liquid imparting member is movable between a position where the liquid imparting member contacts the medium and a position where the liquid imparting member is separated from the medium. The first liquid storage unit is movable in conjunction with the movement of the liquid imparting member.

[0277] The sixth aspect will be described.

[0278] In the medium processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the liquid imparting member is movable between a position where the liquid imparting member contacts the medium and a position where the liquid imparting member leaves the medium. The first liquid storage portion is always fixed at a certain position regardless of the movement of the liquid imparting member.

[0279] The seventh aspect will be described.

[0280] In the medium processing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, it further includes: a second liquid storage part configured to store the liquid; and a second liquid supply part configured to supply the liquid stored in the second liquid storage part to the first liquid storage part.

[0281] The eighth aspect is described.

[0282] In the medium processing device according to the seventh aspect, a first supply speed of the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage section through the first liquid supply section to the liquid imparting member is lower than a second supply speed of the liquid supplied from the second liquid storage section through the second liquid supply section to the first liquid storage section.

[0283] The ninth aspect is explained.

[0284] In the medium processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, further included is a liquid supplier configured to supply the liquid stored in the second liquid storage portion to the first liquid storage portion through the second liquid supply portion at the second supply speed.

[0285] The tenth aspect is explained.

[0286] In the media processing device according to the ninth aspect, it further includes: a first liquid sensor, configured to detect the amount of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage part; and a controller, configured to drive the liquid supplier to supply the liquid from the second liquid storage part to the first liquid storage part when the amount of the liquid detected by the first liquid sensor is lower than a threshold value.

[0287] The eleventh aspect is explained.

[0288] In the medium processing device according to the tenth aspect, further comprising: a second liquid sensor configured to detect the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid storage part; and a notifier configured to notify information. The controller is configured to cause the notifier to notify that the second liquid storage part is replenished with liquid when the amount of the liquid detected by the second liquid sensor is lower than another threshold value.

[0289] The twelfth aspect is explained.

[0290] In the medium processing device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the liquid applicator includes: a cover member that accommodates the liquid applicator, the cover member having an opening at its lower end; and a cover that can be moved to a blocking position where the cover blocks the opening and a retreat position where the cover retreats from the opening. The liquid applicator is configured to contact the medium through the opening when the cover is in the retreat position to apply the liquid to the medium.

[0291] The thirteenth aspect is explained.

[0292] In the medium processing device according to the twelfth aspect, a first pushing member is further included to push the cover toward the blocking position. The cover contacts the liquid imparting member moving toward the medium in the cover member, and moves from the blocking position to the retreat position against the pushing force of the first pushing member. The cover contacts the liquid imparting member moving away from the medium in the cover member, and moves from the retreat position to the blocking position by the pushing force of the first pushing member.

[0293] The fourteenth aspect is explained.

[0294] In the medium processing device according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, the cover member is movable in a contact direction for contacting the medium and a separation direction for separating from the medium. The liquid applicator changes between a first state, a second state, and a third state, in which the lower end of the cover member is away from the medium and the cover is in the blocking position, in which the lower end of the cover member contacts the medium and the cover is in the blocking position, and in which the lower end of the cover member contacts the medium and the cover is in the retreat position, and the liquid applicator contacts the medium.

[0295] The fifteenth aspect will be described.

[0296] In the medium processing device according to the fourteenth aspect, the liquid applicator includes: a holder that holds the liquid applicator member and supports the cover member so that the cover member can move in a contact direction with the medium and a departure direction away from the medium; a second pushing member that pushes the cover member in a direction away from the holder; and a holder mover configured to move the holder in an approach direction and a departure direction, wherein the approach direction is a direction approaching the medium and the departure direction is a direction away from the medium. The holder is moved from the first state to the approach direction, and the cover member is moved together with the holder in the contact direction, so that the liquid applicator is changed to the second state. The holder is further moved in the approach direction from the second state against the pushing force of the second pushing member, so that the liquid applicator moves in the cover member in a direction in which the liquid applicator contacts the medium, so that the liquid applicator is changed to the third state.

[0297] The sixteenth aspect will be described.

[0298] In the medium processing device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, the liquid applicator is configured to adjust the movement amount of the liquid applicator when changing from the first state to the third state according to the thickness of the medium or the amount of the medium.

[0299] The seventeenth aspect is explained.

[0300] In the medium processing device according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, a first sealing member covering the lower end of the cover member is further included. When the liquid applicator is in the second state or the third state, the first sealing member is in close contact with the medium.

[0301] The eighteenth aspect is explained.

[0302] In the medium processing device according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects, a liquid applicator moving mechanism is further included, which is configured to move the liquid applicator between a liquid applicator position facing the medium and a standby position away from the liquid applicator position. The liquid applicator includes a reflux mechanism, which is configured to contact the liquid applicator member when the liquid applicator is located at the standby position and in the third state, so that the liquid discharged from the liquid applicator member refluxes to the first liquid storage part.

[0303] The nineteenth aspect is explained.

[0304] In the medium processing device according to any one of the twelfth to eighteenth aspects, the cover is supported to be rotatable within a cutout of a circumferential portion of the cover member, and is configured to block the cutout when the cover is in the retracted position.

[0305] The twentieth aspect will be described.

[0306] In the medium processing device according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth aspects, the liquid applicator has a second seal on the outer peripheral surface of the cover, and when the cover is at the blocking position, the second seal is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cover member.

[0307] The twenty-first aspect is explained.

[0308] An image forming system, comprising:

[0309] an image forming device configured to form images on a plurality of media; and

[0310] According to the medium processing device of any one of the first to twentieth aspects, the medium processing device is configured to perform processing on the plurality of media on which images are formed by the image forming device.

[0311] Each function of the described embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits or circuit systems. Processing circuits include programmed processors because processors include circuits. Processing circuits also include devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and conventional circuit mechanisms configured to perform the described functions.

[0312] This patent application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-086931 filed on May 27, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-100950 filed on June 23, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-048397 filed on March 24, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-049890 filed on March 27, 2023, with the Japan Patent Office, and the entire disclosure of each of the above patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0313] Reference numerals list

[0314] 1: Image forming system

[0315] 2: Image forming device

[0316] 3: Post-processing device

[0317] 10~19: Conveyor roller pair

[0318] 20: Switching claw

[0319] 21, 26, 30: Output tray

[0320] 22: Inner tray

[0321] 23, 27: End baffles

[0322] 24L, 24R side baffles

[0323] 25: Edge binder

[0324] 28: Saddle stitcher

[0325] 29: Origami Knife

[0326] 31: Liquid dispenser

[0327] 32: Crimper

[0328] 32a, 32b: Binding teeth

[0329] 32d: Contact / Separation Motor

[0330] 33: Lower pressure plate

[0331] 34: Upper pressure plate

[0332] 34a: Through hole

[0333] 35: Liquid dispenser moving mechanism

[0334] 37: Liquid dispenser moving motor

[0335] 38: Trapezoidal screw

[0336] 39: Nut

[0337] 40: Substrate

[0338] 40a: Position sensor

[0339] 41a, 41b: Column

[0340] 42a, 42b: Coil spring

[0341] 43: First liquid storage tank

[0342] 43a, 52a: Liquid volume sensor

[0343] 44: Liquid imparting component

[0344] 45: First liquid supply unit

[0345] 46: Retainer

[0346] 47: Edge binder moving mechanism

[0347] 48: Base

[0348] 49: Guide shaft

[0349] 50: Edge binder moving motor

[0350] 51: Standby position sensor

[0351] 52: Second liquid storage tank

[0352] 53: Third liquid storage tank

[0353] 54: Second liquid supply unit

[0354] 55: Liquid supply pump

[0355] 100: Controller

[0356] 101: CPU

[0357] 102: RAM

[0358] 103: ROM

[0359] 104: HDD

[0360] 105: I / F

[0361] 109: Public bus

[0362] 110: Control Panel

Claims

1. A medium processing device, comprising: a liquid imparter configured to impart a liquid to a portion of a medium, the medium being at least one medium; as well as a post-processing device configured to process a medium bundle, the medium bundle including the medium to which the liquid is imparted by the liquid imparter; The liquid imparting device comprises: a liquid storage unit configured to store the liquid imparted by the liquid imparting device; a liquid supply portion having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion so as to absorb the liquid toward the other end of the liquid supply portion; and a liquid imparting member connected to the other end of the liquid supplying portion, the liquid imparting member having a contact surface in contact with the medium and used to impart the liquid supplied from the liquid supplying portion to the medium, The contact surface between the liquid applying member and the medium is located at a position higher than an uppermost position of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section.

2. The medium processing device according to claim 1, in, The liquid supply portion is configured to absorb the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion by capillary action.

3. The medium processing device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The liquid supply portion is made of the same material as that of the liquid applicator.

4. The medium processing device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The liquid supply section and the liquid applying member are integrated into one unit.

5. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The liquid imparting member is movable between a position where the liquid imparting member contacts the medium and a position where the liquid imparting member is separated from the medium, and The liquid storage portion is movable in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member.

6. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The liquid imparting member is movable between a position where the liquid imparting member contacts the medium and a position where the liquid imparting member is separated from the medium, and The liquid storage portion is fixedly maintained at a certain position regardless of the movement of the liquid applying member.

7. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: another liquid storage portion, configured to store the liquid; as well as Another liquid supply section is configured to supply the liquid stored in the another liquid storage section to the liquid storage section.

8. The medium processing device according to claim 7, in, A first supply rate of the liquid supplied from the liquid storage portion through the liquid supply portion to the liquid applying member is lower than a second supply rate of the liquid supplied from the other liquid storage portion through the other liquid supply portion to the liquid storage portion. 9 . The medium processing apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a liquid supplier configured to supply the liquid stored in the other liquid storage portion to the liquid storage portion through the other liquid supply portion at the second supply speed.

10. The medium processing device according to claim 9, further comprising: a liquid sensor configured to detect an amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion; as well as The controller is configured to drive the liquid supplier to supply the liquid from the other liquid storage section to the liquid storage section when the amount of the liquid detected by the liquid sensor is lower than a threshold value.

11. The medium processing device according to claim 10, further comprising: another liquid sensor configured to detect an amount of the liquid stored in the another liquid storage portion; as well as Notifier, configured to notify information, The controller is configured to cause the notifier to notify that the other liquid storage unit should be replenished with the liquid when the amount of the liquid detected by the other liquid sensor is lower than another threshold value.

12. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The liquid imparting device comprises: a cover member for housing the liquid applying member, the cover member having an opening at a lower end thereof; and a cover movable to a blocking position where the cover blocks the opening and a retreat position where the cover retreats from the opening, The liquid imparting member is configured to contact the medium through the opening when the cover is in the retracted position to impart the liquid to the medium.

13. The medium processing device according to claim 12, further comprising a pushing member for pushing the cover toward the blocking position, in, The cover contacts the liquid applying member moving toward the medium in the cover member, and moves from the blocking position to the retreat position against the urging force of the urging member. The cover contacts the liquid applying member moving in the cover member in a direction away from the medium, and moves from the retreat position to the blocking position by the urging force of the urging member.

14. The medium processing device according to claim 12 or 13, in, The cover member is movable in a contact direction for contacting the medium and a separation direction for separation from the medium, and In which, the liquid applicator changes between a first state, a second state, and a third state. In the first state, the lower end of the cover member leaves the medium and the cover is in the blocking position. In the second state, the lower end of the cover member contacts the medium and the cover is in the blocking position. In the third state, the lower end of the cover member contacts the medium, the cover is in the retreat position, and the liquid applicator contacts the medium.

15. The medium processing device according to claim 14, in, The liquid imparting device comprises: a holder that holds the liquid applying member and supports the cover member so that the cover member can move in a contact direction with the medium and a separation direction away from the medium; another urging member that urges the cover member in a direction away from the holder; and a holder mover configured to move the holder in an approaching direction and a leaving direction, wherein the approaching direction is a direction approaching the medium and the leaving direction is a direction leaving the medium, wherein the retainer is moved from the first state to the approaching direction, the cover member is moved together with the retainer to the contacting direction, and the liquid applicator is changed to the second state; The retainer is made to resist the pushing force of the other pushing member from the second state and further move in the approaching direction, so that the liquid imparting member moves in the cover member in the direction in which the liquid imparting member contacts the medium, and the liquid imparting member is changed to the third state.

16. The medium processing device according to claim 14 or 15, in, The liquid applicator is configured to adjust a movement amount of the liquid applicator when changing from the first state to the third state, according to a thickness of the medium or an amount of the medium.

17. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising a sealing member covering a lower end of the cover member, in, When the liquid applicator is in the second state or the third state, the sealing member is in close contact with the medium.

18. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising a liquid applicator moving mechanism configured to move the liquid applicator between a liquid applicator position facing the medium and a standby position away from the liquid applicator position, in, The liquid applicator includes a reflux mechanism configured to contact the liquid applicator member and cause the liquid discharged from the liquid applicator member to reflux to the liquid storage portion when the liquid applicator is located at the standby position and in the third state.

19. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 12 to 18, in, The cover is supported to be rotatable within a notch formed in a circumferential portion of the cover member, and is configured to block the notch when the cover is in the retracted position.

20. The medium processing device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, in, The liquid dispenser has an outer seal on the outer peripheral surface of the cover, and When the cover is at the blocking position, the outer seal is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cover member.

21. An image forming system comprising: an image forming device configured to form images on a plurality of media; as well as The medium processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, configured to perform processing on the plurality of media on which images are formed by the image forming device.

Images