Medium processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The invention provides a medium processing apparatus and an image forming system capable of changing a transition time for applying a possible state to a liquid corresponding to the amount of liquid in a sub-tank. A medium processing apparatus includes: a liquid application unit that applies a liquid to a portion of at least one medium; a medium processing unit that performs predetermined processing on a medium bundle including the at least one medium to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit; a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid to be applied by the liquid application unit; a liquid supply device includes a liquid storage unit, a liquid detection unit disposed in the liquid storage unit, and a control unit that controls an operation of supplying liquid to a liquid supply unit so as to become a liquid supply possible state in which liquid can be supplied to a medium by the liquid supply unit on the basis of information from the liquid detection unit. The control unit changes the switching time for giving the possible state to the liquid according to the liquid amount of the liquid storage part detected by the liquid detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium processing device and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] A media processing device is known for binding a sheet bundle formed by overlapping sheet-like media. Various binding processes are known that can be applied to such a media processing device. For example, there is a "needle binding process" in which a needle-like member (binding member) penetrates the sheet bundle to bind it, and a "pressure binding process" in which a portion of the sheet bundle is compressed and deformed to bind it.

[0003] During compression binding, a liquid application compression binding process is also known, in which liquid is applied to a sheet bundle (including individual sheets forming the bundle) at a compression location before compression to enhance binding strength. In this specification, the application of liquid to media performed in conjunction with compression binding is referred to as "liquid application." Furthermore, the series of processes performed to apply liquid is referred to as "liquid application."

[0004] In addition, a structure is disclosed in which, in a compression binding device capable of liquid-applying compression binding, the amount of water added (the amount of liquid when liquid is applied) is changed according to the number or type of media to be bound in order to obtain an appropriate binding force (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0005] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, liquid is applied to each sheet of media loaded as a bundle for binding. Consequently, if the sub-tank temporarily storing liquid within the liquid storage tank of the liquid application mechanism (liquid application unit) becomes "out of liquid," it becomes difficult to estimate the time required to complete liquid replenishment to a state where liquid application can be performed. In particular, there is a problem in that the liquid completely permeates the liquid application components of the liquid application unit, making it impossible to estimate the transition time until liquid application can be applied to the media, i.e., to a state where liquid application is possible. This can sometimes result in downtime during liquid application and crimping.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium processing device capable of changing a switching time for enabling a state to be imparted to liquid in accordance with the amount of liquid in a sub-tank.

[0007] [Patent Document 1] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2023-109695 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a medium processing device, characterized in that it includes: a liquid applying unit, which applies liquid to a part of at least one medium; a medium processing unit, which performs prescribed processing on a medium bundle including at least one medium to which liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit; a liquid storage portion, which stores liquid used by the liquid applying unit for liquid application; a liquid detection unit, which is arranged in the liquid storage portion, and a control unit, which controls the action of supplying the liquid to the liquid applying unit, thereby becoming a liquid applying possible state in which liquid can be applied to the medium by the liquid applying unit based on information from the liquid detection unit, and the control unit changes the transition time to the liquid applying possible state according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion detected by the liquid detection unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to change the time for switching to the liquid-giving state according to the amount of liquid in the sub-tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 The figure shows the overall structure of the image forming system.

[0011] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the end stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the end stapling processing section as viewed from the liquid applying section side in the main scanning direction.

[0014] Figure 5 (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the pressure-bonding unit of the end binding processing section.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0016] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction.

[0017] Figure 8 (A) and (B) show the configuration and structure of the second liquid storage tank in the post-processing device.

[0018] Figure 9 (A)-(C) show the assembly and disassembly structure diagram of the second liquid storage tank in the post-processing device.

[0019] Figure 10FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control module for controlling a post-processing device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the binding process of the end binding processing section.

[0021] Figure 12 (A) to (C) of FIG. 1 are diagrams showing the positions of the liquid applying unit and the pressure bonding unit during the binding process of the end binding processing section.

[0022] Figure 13 (A) to (D) are exemplary diagrams showing the situation of replenishing the first liquid storage tank with liquid.

[0023] Figure 14 Shown is a flow chart of the control flow of the filling supply action.

[0024] Figure 15 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing liquid supply control according to a comparative example.

[0025] Figure 16 1 is a diagram showing the lower limit liquid level of permeation in the first liquid storage tank according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 17 (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid replenishment in the first liquid tank according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 18 (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid replenishment in the first liquid tank according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19 1 is a flowchart of the liquid supply determination process according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 20 (A) to (C) are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid replenishment in the first liquid tank according to this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation panel according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 23 (A) to (C) are views showing the inner tray according to the second embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of paper.

[0033] Figure 24FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the pressure bonding unit according to the second embodiment as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0034] Figure 25 (A) and (B) are views showing the liquid applying unit according to the second embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of paper.

[0035] Figure 26 (A)-(C) shows Figure 25 XXV-XXV cross-sectional view.

[0036] Figure 27 (A)-(C) shows Figure 25 Cross-sectional view of XXVI-XXVI.

[0037] Figure 28 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control module of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 29 FIG. 1 is a post-processing flowchart of the post-processing device according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 30 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of the image forming system.

[0040] Figure 31 (A) and (B) show a first modification of the control unit of the post-processing device.

[0041] Figure 32 (A) and (B) show a second modification example of the control unit of the post-processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] [Embodiment of Image Forming System 1]

[0043] Hereinafter, an image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has an image forming function for forming an image on a sheet of paper P, which is a type of sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function for performing a predetermined post-processing on the paper P on which the image is formed. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 1 is configured such that an image forming apparatus 2 having an image forming function and a post-processing apparatus 3 as a medium processing apparatus having a post-processing function according to the present invention operate in cooperation.

[0044] In this embodiment, the description assumes that "paper" is the sheet-like medium processed in the image forming system 1. However, the objects processed according to this embodiment are not limited to paper. For example, as long as the medium can be imaged using conventional image forming processes, its type is not limited. Furthermore, media that can be folded or bound is also included, and there are no restrictions on material or specifications.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper P and discharges the image-formed paper P to the post-processing apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a storage tray 211 that stores paper P, a conveying unit 212 that transports the paper P stored in the storage tray 211, and an image forming unit 213 that forms an image on the paper P transported by the conveying unit 212. The image forming unit 213 may employ an inkjet method that uses ink to form an image, or an electrophotographic method that uses toner to form an image. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes a control unit 100a that controls the various operations of the conveying unit 212 and the image forming unit 213. Since the structure of the image forming apparatus 2 is already known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Paper is a well-known example of sheet-like media. Therefore, in this specification, "paper P" is used to describe the sheet-like media to be processed. Furthermore, when describing a sheet bundle, a "paper bundle Pb," which is a bundle of multiple sheets of paper, is used as an example.

[0047] [First embodiment of post-processing device 3]

[0048] Figure 2 The figure shows the internal structure of a post-processing device 3 according to one embodiment. The post-processing device 3 has the function of performing predetermined post-processing on the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2. One of the post-processing methods according to this embodiment is a "press-bonding process" for binding a bundle of multiple paper P (sheet bundles) with images formed thereon without using binding needles. Another post-processing method according to this embodiment is a "needle binding process" for binding a bundle of multiple paper P (sheet bundles) with images formed thereon using binding needles. Hereinafter, the bundle of paper P will be referred to as a "paper bundle Pb" as a medium bundle.

[0049] In this embodiment, the liquid application process during the pressure-bonding process is mainly described. However, the liquid application process performed in conjunction with the needle binding process is also similar. In the following description, the term "binding process" includes both the "pressure-bonding process" and the "needle binding process" described above, and is not limited to the binding method (using a binding needle or pressure deformation).

[0050] More specifically, the "press-stitch binding process" of this embodiment is a process that applies pressure to a binding position corresponding to a portion of the paper bundle Pb, deforming the binding position (pressurized deformation) to perform binding. This process is called "press-stitch binding." Furthermore, the binding processes executable by the post-processing device 3 include end-stitching for binding the ends of the paper bundle Pb and saddle-stitching for binding the center of the paper bundle Pb.

[0051] The post-processing device 3 includes conveying roller pairs 10 to 19 (conveyance units), a switching component 20, and a control unit 100 b (control unit). The control unit 100 b controls the operation of the conveying roller pairs 10 to 19 (conveyance units), the switching component 20, and the like. Details of the control unit 100 b will be described later. The conveying roller pairs 10 to 19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 within the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveying roller pairs 10 to 13 convey the paper P along the first conveying path Ph1. Furthermore, the conveying roller pairs 14 to 15 convey the paper P along the second conveying path Ph2. Furthermore, the conveying roller pairs 16 to 19 convey the paper P along the third conveying path Ph3. Furthermore, a punching unit 132 for punching the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 is arranged between the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0052] The first conveyance path Ph1 is a path from the paper P supply port of the image forming apparatus 2 to the first discharge tray 21. The second conveyance path Ph2 branches off from the first conveyance path Ph1 between the conveyance roller pairs 11 and 14 in the conveyance direction and reaches the second discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third conveyance path Ph3 branches off from the first conveyance path Ph1 between the conveyance roller pairs 11 and 14 in the conveyance direction and reaches the discharge tray 30.

[0053] The switching component 20 is arranged at a branch position between the first conveying path Ph1 and the second conveying path Ph2. The switching component 20 is configured to be able to switch between a first position for discharging the paper P to the first discharge tray 21 through the first conveying path Ph1 and a second position for guiding the paper P conveyed on the first conveying path Ph1 to the second conveying path Ph2. In addition, when the rear end of the paper P entering the second conveying path Ph2 passes through the conveying roller pair 11, the paper P is guided to the third conveying path Ph3 by rotating the conveying roller pair 14 in the opposite direction. In addition, the post-processing device 3 is equipped with a plurality of sensors for detecting the position of the paper P on each of the conveying paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. In addition, the plurality of sensors are Figure 2 Indicated by a black triangle (▲).

[0054] The post-processing device 3 includes a first discharge tray 21 . Paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1 is placed on the first discharge tray 21 . Paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 that has not been stapled is discharged to the first discharge tray 21 .

[0055] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 serving as a loading tray, a bottom fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an end stapling unit 25 serving as a media processing unit, a needle stapling unit 155, and a second discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the bottom fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, the end stapling unit 25, and the needle stapling unit 155 perform end stapling on a paper bundle Pb consisting of a plurality of paper sheets P conveyed from the second conveyance path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The end-stapling-treated paper bundle Pb of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 is discharged onto the second discharge tray 26.

[0056] The "end stapling process" referred to here refers to the stapling process performed by the end stapling unit 25 and the needle stapling unit 155. Specifically, there are "parallel stapling" for stapling along one side of the paper bundle Pb parallel to the main scanning direction, "diagonal stapling" for stapling the corners of the paper bundle Pb, and "vertical stapling" for stapling along one side of the paper bundle Pb parallel to the conveyance direction.

[0057] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is conveyed from the conveyor roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "conveying direction." Specifically, the "conveying direction" in this specification refers to the direction in which the paper P, after being transported toward the second discharge tray 26 by the conveyor roller pair 10 and the like, is redirected by the conveyor roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23, a direction different from the previous direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the paper P and the conveying direction is defined as the "main scanning direction (the width direction of the paper P)."

[0058] The multiple sheets of paper P sequentially conveyed through the second conveyance path Ph2 are temporarily placed on the inner tray 22, serving as a loading tray. The bottom fence 23 aligns the paper sheets P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the paper sheets P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The end stapling unit 25 and the needle stapling unit 155 perform end stapling on the paper bundle Pb aligned by the bottom fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. The conveying roller pair 15 then discharges the end-stapled paper bundle Pb onto the second discharge tray 26.

[0059] The post-processing device 3 further includes a bottom fence 27, a saddle stitching unit 28, a folding plate 29, and a discharge tray 30. The bottom fence 27, the saddle stitching unit 28, and the folding plate 29 perform saddle stitching on a paper bundle Pb consisting of a plurality of paper sheets P conveyed via the third conveyance path Ph3. The saddle stitched paper bundle Pb of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 is discharged onto the discharge tray 30.

[0060] The bottom end fence 27 aligns the positions of multiple sheets of paper P sequentially conveyed along the third conveyance path Ph3 in the conveyance direction. Furthermore, the bottom end fence 27 is configured to move the center of the paper bundle Pb to a binding position facing the saddle stitching unit 28 and a folding position facing the folding plate 29. The saddle stitching unit 28 binds the center of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the bottom end fence 27 at the binding position. The folding plate 29 folds the paper bundle Pb placed on the bottom end fence 27 at the folding position in half and clamps it between the conveyance roller pair 18. The conveyance roller pair 18 and 19 discharges the saddle stitched paper bundle Pb onto the discharge tray 30.

[0061] In addition, the post-processing device 3 includes a liquid applying component 501 (a part of the liquid applying unit), a liquid supply component 50 (a part of the liquid applying unit), and a first liquid tank 44 (a first liquid storage unit) in the end binding processing unit 25. Figure 2 Illustration omitted. The post-processing device 3 then includes a liquid supply path 45 (part of the liquid supply unit), a liquid supply pump 46 (part of the liquid supply unit), a second liquid tank 47 (part of the second liquid storage unit), and a second liquid tank fixing portion 61 (part of the second liquid storage unit) as components for replenishing liquid in the first liquid tank 44. The liquid stored in the second liquid tank 47 is supplied to the first liquid tank 44 via the second liquid tank fixing portion 61, the liquid supply pump 46, and the liquid supply path 45.

[0062] [Configuration of the End Binding Processing Unit 25]

[0063] Figure 3 The figure is viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing section 25 that performs liquid application processing and pressure binding processing. Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing section 25 as viewed from the liquid applying unit 31 side in the main scanning direction. Figure 3 As shown, the end stapling processing section 25 includes a liquid applying unit 31 for applying liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb, and a pressure bonding unit 32, as an example of a post-processing unit, for performing pressure bonding on the paper bundle Pb. The liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid applying unit 31 applies liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. Hereinafter, the application of liquid by the liquid applying unit 31 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb and the operation of the liquid applying unit 31 during this application will be referred to as "liquid application." Furthermore, the liquid application operation of the liquid applying unit 31 accompanied by control processing will be referred to as "liquid application processing."

[0065] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 as the liquid for liquid delivery is, more specifically, a liquid primarily composed of a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H2O." As long as it is in liquid form, its temperature can be either warm or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it can, of course, contain ionized salts. The metal ion content can range from so-called soft water to super-hard water, regardless of hardness.

[0066] In addition to the main ingredients, additives may be added. Residual chlorine, such as in tap water, may also be present. Colorants, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and anti-drying agents such as glycerin are also preferably added. Furthermore, ink used in inkjet printers and ink used in water-based pens also use water as an ingredient, so these can also be used as "liquid application."

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the specific examples listed here. Even "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or diluted ethanol aqueous solution used for disinfection, is also effective. As long as the purpose is to improve the binding strength after the binding process, tap water, which is easily available and manageable, can be used. In addition, as for the liquid, using the above examples, a liquid mainly composed of water can improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb compared to a liquid not mainly composed of water.

[0068] [Configuration of Liquid Applying Unit 31]

[0069] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the liquid applying unit 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along with the pressure bonding unit 32 by the driving force transmitted from the end stapling processing unit moving motor 55. The liquid applying unit 31 includes a lower pressing plate 33, an upper pressing plate 34, and a liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35, which serve as a placement platform for the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The components of the liquid applying unit 31 (the lower pressing plate 33, the upper pressing plate 34, the liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35, and the liquid applying unit moving motor 42) are held by the liquid applying frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0070] In addition, the liquid imparting unit 31 is fixed with the liquid imparting unit rotating shaft 562 that has the drive transmission gear 562a on its bottom surface by the liquid imparting unit frame 31a that keeps the component of liquid imparting unit 31.Liquid imparting unit rotating shaft 562 and drive transmission gear 562a are kept to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions on the base component 48 that is provided with liquid imparting frame 31a.In addition, drive transmission gear 562a is meshed with the output gear 563a of liquid imparting unit rotating motor 563.Then, the formation of liquid imparting unit 31 is, by liquid imparting unit rotating motor 563 is passed to liquid imparting unit rotating shaft 562 via output gear 563a and drive transmission gear 562a, can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions on the base component 48 with liquid imparting unit rotating shaft 562 as the center.

[0071] The lower push plate 33 and the upper push plate 34 are arranged on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is also placed on the lower push plate 33. The lower push plate 33 is mounted on a lower push plate holder 331. The upper push plate 34 is configured to move in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 while facing the paper P or paper bundle Pb.

[0072] Specifically, the lower push plate 33 and the upper push plate 34 are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as the "thickness direction"), sandwiching the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. Furthermore, a through-hole 34a is formed in the upper push plate 34, extending through the paper P or paper bundle Pb in the thickness direction, at a position facing the liquid applying member 501 held by the holding portion 37 attached to the bottom plate 40. The liquid applying member 501 is one end portion of the liquid supply member 50 (liquid aspirator), described later, and corresponds to the leading end portion.

[0073] The liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the bottom plate 40, the holding portion 37, the liquid applying member 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid tank 44 in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. The liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 according to this embodiment uses a single liquid applying unit moving motor 47 to move the upper pressing plate 34, the bottom plate 40, the holding portion 37, the liquid applying member 501, the first liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid tank 44 in a coordinated manner. The liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, a liquid applying unit moving motor 42, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the bottom plate 40, columnar members 41a and 41b, and coil springs 42a and 42b.

[0074] The liquid application unit movement motor 42 generates a driving force to move the upper push plate 34, base plate 40, retaining portion 37, liquid application member 501, liquid supply member 50, and first liquid tank 44. A trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb and is arranged on the liquid application frame 31a so that it can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, the trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid application unit movement motor 42 via a pulley or belt. A nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the trapezoidal screw 38. Then, when the driving force from the liquid application unit movement motor 42 is transmitted, the nut 39 moves back and forth on the trapezoidal screw 38 as the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates in both forward and reverse directions.

[0075] The bottom plate 40 is arranged at a position away from the upper push plate 34. In addition, the bottom plate 40 holds the liquid applying member 501 in a state where the front end portion of the liquid applying member 501 protrudes from the bottom plate 40 toward the upper push plate 34. Furthermore, the bottom plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and is configured to be able to move back and forth along the trapezoidal screw 38 by rotating the trapezoidal screw 38 in the forward and reverse directions. Then, the position of the bottom plate 40 in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb is determined by the movement sensor 40a (refer to Figure 10 ) detection.

[0076] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper push plate 34 around the front end of the liquid applying member 501. Furthermore, the columnar members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the columnar members 41a and 41b retain the upper push plate 34 at their front ends on the side of the lower push plate 33. Furthermore, a fall-off prevention member is provided at the front ends of the columnar members 41a and 41b on the side opposite to the lower push plate 33 to prevent the columnar members 41a and 41b from falling off the base plate 40.

[0077] Coil springs 42a, 42b are externally inserted on columnar members 41a, 41b between bottom plate 40 and upper push plate 34. Coil springs 42a, 42b urge upper push plate 34 and columnar members 41a, 41b toward lower push plate 33 relative to bottom plate 40.

[0078] The liquid applying unit 31 applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. More specifically, the liquid applying unit 31 applies liquid to at least one paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb by bringing the liquid applying member 501 into contact with the paper P or paper bundle Pb. Alternatively, liquid may be applied to each paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb.

[0079] The liquid applying unit 31 includes a first liquid level sensor 43 (first liquid detection unit), a first liquid tank 44, a liquid applying member 501, a liquid supply member 50, and a holding portion 37. The first liquid tank 44 stores liquid for applying liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43. Furthermore, the first liquid tank 44 is connected to the base plate 40 via the holding portion 37.

[0080] The liquid applying member 501 applies the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb. The liquid applying member 501, the liquid supply member 50 (liquid absorber) provided in close contact with the liquid applying member 501, and the first liquid tank 44 are all held by the retaining portion 37. Furthermore, the retaining portion 37 is held on the bottom plate 40. One end of the liquid supply member 50 is in close contact with the liquid applying member 501, while the other end is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44. In other words, the other end of the liquid supply member 50 acts as the immersion portion 502 that absorbs and draws the liquid and supplies it to the liquid applying member 501. The liquid applying member 501 and the liquid supply member 50 are made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge or fiber), such as an elastic resin with interconnected bubbles. However, the liquid applying member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 are not limited in type as long as they are made of a material capable of sucking up and retaining liquid and deforming in response to applied pressure while in contact with the paper P. In other words, the liquid applying member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 can be made of any material capable of sucking up liquid by capillary action.

[0081] Therefore, when the other end (immersion portion 502) of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44, the liquid supply member 50 draws up the liquid through capillary action. Specifically, the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 is drawn up from the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 and supplied to the liquid application member 501 connected to the front end via the liquid supply member 50. As the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 is drawn up by the liquid application member 501, which is in close contact with one end of the liquid supply member 50, the liquid level (liquid storage amount) of the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44, as detected by the first liquid level sensor 43, decreases. As a result, the liquid supply pump 46 supplies liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44.

[0082] Furthermore, while the above description describes a case where the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are separate components, the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 may be integrally formed from a material having the same properties (e.g., a material with a high liquid absorption rate). In other words, the liquid applying member 501 may be formed as a part of the liquid supply member 50. In this case, liquid can be supplied more smoothly from the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid applying member 501 by utilizing capillary action, and costs can be reduced.

[0083] Then, liquid is drawn from the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid applying component 501, and the liquid level in the first liquid tank 44 temporarily drops below a reference level (described later). This triggers a series of liquid supply operations, transferring liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44. This liquid supply operation is primarily performed upon startup of the post-processing device 3 and upon commencement of the binding process in the post-processing device 3, which involves liquid application. It serves as a liquid supply operation for enabling liquid application using the liquid applying component 501. This liquid supply operation will be referred to as a "filling and supplying operation" hereinafter. Details of the filling and supplying operation will be described later.

[0084] In addition, a second liquid tank 47 is provided on the end binding processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3. The second liquid tank 47 is configured to be attachable and detachable to a second liquid tank fixing portion 61 (a part of the second liquid storage portion) provided on the end binding processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3 (see Figure 9 The second reservoir 47 is configured to be fixed (installed) in a predetermined posture on the second reservoir fixing portion 61 (a portion of the second reservoir portion) so as to be able to supply the stored liquid to the first reservoir 44 .

[0085] The operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 is primarily triggered by a decrease in the amount of liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid tank 44, a reference liquid level (described later). The amount of liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid tank 44 decreases as liquid is consumed by the liquid dispensing unit 31. In other words, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 corresponds to the liquid supply operation required in conjunction with the execution of a task involving the dispensing of liquid by the liquid dispensing unit 31.

[0086] This liquid supply operation corresponds to an operation of supplying liquid by adding liquid to the first liquid tank 44 every time the liquid amount (liquid level) of the first liquid tank 44 falls below a reference liquid level described later.

[0087] When the second tank 47 is set on the second tank fixing portion 61, a certain amount of liquid in the second tank 47 is filled into the second tank fixing portion 61. The second tank fixing portion 61 is provided with a detection sensor 51 (setting detection unit) (see Figure 9 The installation detection sensor 51 detects the installation state of the second tank 47 to the second tank fixing portion 61 (refer to Figure 9 When (C) is reached, a signal notifying this state is sent to the control unit 100b, which will be described later. Thus, the control unit 100b, which will be described later, is configured to detect whether the second tank 47 is installed on the second tank fixing portion 61. The configuration of the second tank 47 will be described in detail later.

[0088] The first liquid tank 44 and the second liquid tank 47 are connected via a liquid supply path 45. A liquid supply pump 46 is provided near the second liquid tank fixing portion 61. As the liquid supply pump 46 operates, the liquid stored in the second liquid tank 47 is supplied (replenished) from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 via the liquid supply path 45. Therefore, the second liquid tank fixing portion 61 is a component of the liquid supply unit that performs the liquid supply operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44. Furthermore, the liquid supply path 45 is formed of a flexible material. Thus, even if the first liquid tank 44 is moved by the liquid supply unit moving mechanism 35, liquid can still be reliably supplied from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44.

[0089] The amount of liquid supplied from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 can be controlled based on the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. Specifically, the control unit 100b, described later, determines the position (liquid level) of the liquid surface that can be stored in the first liquid tank 44 in order to determine the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 (liquid storage amount) based on the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b, described later, then controls the operating speed or operating time of the liquid supply pump 46 based on the determined liquid storage amount (liquid level) of the first liquid tank 44, thereby adjusting the amount of liquid replenished in the first liquid tank 44 and controlling the liquid storage amount (liquid level) in the first liquid tank 44 to maintain a constant level.

[0090] [Configuration of the pressure-bonding unit 32]

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, the crimping unit 32, which serves as a post-processing unit, applies pressure to at least a portion of the paper bundle Pb to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applying unit 31 (i.e., the liquid application position) through the concave-convex upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, thereby deforming the portion and causing the paper sheets P in the portion to be crimped together to bind the paper bundle Pb. That is, the crimping unit 32 can bind the paper bundle Pb without using a binding needle. The components of the crimping unit 32 (the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b) are provided on the crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, the situation in which the predetermined position of the paper bundle Pb is pressurized and deformed by the crimping unit 32 to be bound will be simply referred to as "crimping binding." In addition, the crimping binding action of the crimping unit 32 accompanied by the control process will be labeled as "crimping binding processing."

[0092] Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the crimping unit 32. Figure 5 As shown, the crimping unit 32 includes an upper crimping tooth 32a and a lower crimping tooth 32b. The upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b clamp the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 and are arranged facing each other in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. The mutually opposing surfaces of the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b are formed into a concave-convex shape in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed. In addition, the concave portions and convex portions of the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b are staggered in a manner that they mesh with each other. Then, the upper crimping tooth 32a and the lower crimping tooth 32b are contacted / separated by the contact / separation motor 32d (refer to Figure 10 ) driving force to abut and separate.

[0093] In the process of a plurality of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb being fed to the inner tray 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the upper pressing teeth 32a and the lower pressing teeth 32b are separated from each other. Then, when all the paper sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb are loaded by the inner tray 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown in FIG. 2B , the upper pressing teeth 32a and the lower pressing teeth 32b engage with each other through the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d, applying pressure in the thickness direction and deforming the paper bundle Pb. This pressure-bonds the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The pressure-bonded paper bundle Pb is then discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by the conveyor roller pair 15.

[0094] In addition, as the structure of the crimping unit 32, as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b that constitute the crimping mechanism are engaged, it is not limited to the structure of the action mechanism illustrated in this embodiment. For example, it can be a crimping mechanism of a connecting rod mechanism type that uses a drive source and a connecting rod mechanism that only rotates forward or reverse to perform the crimping and separation actions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (for example, the crimping mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167). In addition, it can be a crimping mechanism of a direct-acting type that converts the forward and reverse rotational motion of the drive source into a threaded mechanism that moves back and forth to linearly perform the crimping and separation actions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b.

[0095] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the end binding processing unit 25 includes an end binding processing unit moving mechanism 57. The end binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 moves the end binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure contact unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the end portion of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 on the downstream side of the conveying direction. The end binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, an end binding processing unit moving motor 55, a driving force transmission mechanism 551 for transmitting the driving force of the end binding processing unit moving motor 55 to the base member 48, and a standby position sensor 540 (see FIG. 4 ). Figure 10 ).

[0096] The liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure contact unit 32 are mounted on the base member 48 in a state of being adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. Figure 4 As shown, the guide shaft 49 is held by a plurality of guide shaft brackets 49a arranged in the main scanning direction on the upstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction. Figure 3 As shown, the guide shaft 49 is extended along the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116. In addition, the guide rail 115 is provided on the downstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction in the entire main scanning direction. Figure 4 As shown, the guide rail 115 includes an engaged portion 115a that engages with the engaging portion 48a of the base member 48 in the main scanning direction. That is, the base member 48 is held on the binding mechanism base 116 by the guide shaft 49 and the guide rail 115 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction.

[0097] The end stapling unit moving motor 55 generates a driving force for moving the end stapling unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 551 transmits the driving force of the end stapling unit moving motor 55 to the base member 48 via pulleys 551a and 551b, a timing belt 551c, and a fastening portion 48b that fastens the base member 48 to the timing belt 551c. As a result, the liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure contact unit 32, which are integrated via the base member 48, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49.

[0098] The end binding processing unit moving motor 55 involved in this embodiment is, for example, a servo motor, which can stop the end binding processing unit 25 at the target position (the first binding position B1 or the second binding position B2 described later) even if the servo motor does not return the end binding processing unit 25 to the origin position (for example, the standby position HP described later) during each movement.

[0099] In addition, the post-processing device 3 has a function of acknowledging that the end stapling processing section 25 reaches the standby position HP (see Figure 12 (A)) for detecting the standby position sensor 540 (for example, a light-shielding optical sensor, see Figure 10 ) and the encoder sensor 541 mounted on the output shaft of the end binding processing unit moving motor 55 (see Figure 10 Then, the control unit 10, which will be described later, detects that the end stapling processing unit 25 has reached the standby position HP based on the detection result of the standby position sensor 540. In addition, the control unit 10, which will be described later, counts the pulse signals output from the encoder sensor 541 to grasp the current position of the end stapling processing unit 25 that has moved from the standby position HP.

[0100] However, the specific method of stopping the end stapling unit 25 at the target position without returning to the standby position HP is not limited to the above example. As another example, the post-processing device 3 may include a sensor for detecting that the end stapling unit 25 has reached a predetermined target position.

[0101] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the crimping frame 32c of the component holding the crimping unit 32 is fixed to its bottom surface with a crimping unit rotating shaft 54 ​​having a drive transmission gear 54a. The crimping unit rotating shaft 54 ​​and the drive transmission gear 54a are maintained on the base component 48 provided with the crimping frame 32c so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. In addition, the drive transmission gear 54a is engaged with the output gear 56a of the crimping unit rotating motor 56. Furthermore, the crimping unit 32 is configured so that the driving force of the crimping unit rotating motor 56 is transmitted to the crimping unit rotating shaft 54 ​​via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 54a, so that the crimping unit 32 can rotate in the forward and reverse directions on the base component 48 with the crimping unit rotating shaft 54 ​​as the center.

[0102] The end stapling unit 25 is described as having the pressure-bonding unit 32 and the liquid supply unit 31 integrally configured to move along the guide shaft 49. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the pressure-bonding unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 may be configured to move independently.

[0103] [Configuration of Stitching Processing Unit 155]

[0104] Next, the needle binding processing unit 155 having the function of executing the needle binding process will be described in detail. Figure 6 FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of the needle stapling unit 155 as viewed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The needle stapling unit 155 includes a needle stapling unit 62 that binds the paper bundle Pb using binding needles. The needle stapling unit 62 is arranged downstream of the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction, spaced apart from the end stapling unit 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0105] The stitching unit 62 as a post-processing device has a structure for performing a so-called "stitching process" for binding the paper bundle Pb using a binding needle. More specifically, the stitching unit 62 includes a stitching unit driving motor 62d (see FIG. 1 ) for driving a stitching unit 62a. Figure 10 Then, the needle binding unit 62a uses the driving force of the needle binding unit driving motor 62d to cause the binding needles loaded in the needle binding unit 62a to penetrate the paper bundle Pb to bind the paper bundle Pb. Since the structure of the needle binding unit 62 is well known, a detailed description is omitted.

[0106] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the stitching unit 155 includes a stitching unit moving mechanism 77. The stitching unit moving mechanism 77 moves the stitching unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end portion of the paper P or paper bundle Pb loaded on the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The stitching unit moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a stitching unit moving motor 80, and a driving force transmission mechanism 81. The driving force transmission mechanism 81 transmits the driving force of the stitching unit moving motor 80 to the base member 78 via pulleys 81a and 81b, a timing belt 81c, and a fastening portion 78a that fastens the base member 78 and the timing belt 81c. Furthermore, a stitching unit rotating shaft 83 having a driving force transmission gear 83a is fixed to the bottom surface of the stitching frame 62b that holds the components of the stitching unit 62.

[0107] The stitching unit rotation shaft 83 and the drive transmission gear 83a are held on the base member 78, which is provided with the stitching frame 62b, so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, the drive transmission gear 83a meshes with the output gear 82a of the stitching unit rotation motor 82. The driving force of the stitching unit rotation motor 82 is then transmitted to the stitching unit rotation shaft 83 via the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a. As a result, the stitching unit 62 is configured on the base member 78 to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions about the stitching unit rotation shaft 83.

[0108] The end-stitching unit 25 and the needle-stitching unit 155 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. Specifically, the end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 and the needle-stitching unit moving mechanism 77 move the end-stitching unit 25 and the needle-stitching unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Furthermore, the end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 and the needle-stitching unit moving mechanism 77 can independently move the end-stitching unit 25 and the needle-stitching unit 155, respectively.

[0109] [Configuration of a Modified Example of the Stitching Processing Unit 155]

[0110] Figure 7 The figure shows a needle binding processing unit 155' which is a modified example of the needle binding processing unit 155. It is a schematic diagram of the needle binding processing unit 155' viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The needle binding processing unit 155' is different from the needle binding processing unit 155 in that it has not only the needle binding unit 62 but also the second liquid applying unit 612. Figure 7 As shown, the needle binding processing section 55' includes a second liquid applying unit 612 and a needle binding unit 62. The second liquid applying unit 612 and the needle binding unit 62 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction.

[0111] The second liquid applying unit 612 performs "liquid application" to apply the liquid stored in the third liquid tank 73 to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The predetermined area including the position where the second liquid applying unit 612 applies the liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb corresponds to the binding position where the stapling unit 62 is scheduled to perform stapling. Figure 7 As shown, the second liquid applying unit 612 includes a second lower pressing plate 63, a second upper pressing plate 64, a second liquid applying portion moving unit 65, and a second liquid applying unit 66. The second liquid applying portion moving mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid applying portion moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar members 711a, 711b, and second coil springs 721a, 721b.

[0112] The second liquid imparting mechanism 66 includes a third liquid tank 73, a second liquid supply component 75, a second liquid imparting component 74, and a second joint 76. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The liquid applying mechanism (first liquid tank 44, liquid supply member 50, liquid applying member 501, holding portion 37) of the liquid applying unit 31 described in the previous section is common, so further description is omitted. Figure 6 The same as above, so the detailed description is omitted. In addition, the rotation mechanism of the second liquid imparting unit 612 (liquid imparting unit rotation motor 563, output gear 563a, drive transmission gear 562a, liquid imparting unit rotation shaft 562) is the same as above. Figure 3 The rotation mechanism of the liquid applying unit 31 shown is common, and therefore repeated description is omitted.

[0113] like Figure 7 As shown in the needle binding processing unit 155 ′, during the needle binding process, liquid can be applied to the paper P to soften the binding position, making it easier for the binding needle to penetrate. This can increase the number of bound sheets per bundle of paper Pb compared to the case of performing the needle binding process without applying liquid.

[0114] [Configuration of the Second Liquid Reservoir 47]

[0115] Next, use Figure 8 and Figure 9 The arrangement and configuration of the second tank 47 in the post-processing device 3 will be described. Figure 8 The figure shows an example of the arrangement and configuration of the second reservoir tank 47 serving as a main tank. Figure 8 (A) illustrates a state in which the access cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is opened. Figure 8 (B) is a sectional view of the post-processing device 3 as viewed from the side, illustrating a state where the openable and closable cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is closed. Figure 8 As shown in (A), the second tank 47 is provided in a position where it can be operated after the opening and closing cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is opened. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 3B , the second tank 47 and the second tank fixing portion 61 are positioned forward of the post-processing device 3 in the depth direction (X direction). Furthermore, the first tank 44 and the like are positioned inward of the post-processing device 3 in the depth direction (X direction). A main body side panel 72 of the post-processing device 3 is disposed between the second tank 47 and the second tank fixing portion 61 and the first tank 44 and the like. The second tank fixing portion 61 is mounted on the main body side panel 72 of the post-processing device 3.

[0116] Figure 9The second tank 47 is shown as being removable relative to the second tank fixing portion 61. Figure 9 As shown in (A), the second liquid tank 47 is configured to be removable in order to replenish the liquid to the first liquid tank 44. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 5(B) , the second tank fixing portion 61 is provided with a setting detection sensor 51 (setting detection means) for detecting that the second tank 47 is set on the second tank fixing portion 61 .

[0117] When the installation detection sensor 51 detects the installation state of the second tank 47 with respect to the second tank fixing portion 61 (refer to Figure 9 (C)), a signal notifying the situation is notified to the control unit 100b. Thus, the control unit 100b is configured to be able to detect whether the second tank 47 is set on the second tank fixing portion 61.

[0118] Furthermore, the second tank fixing portion 61 is provided with a second liquid level sensor 94 (second liquid detection means) for detecting the amount of stored liquid L. The output value (voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94 is communicated to the control unit 100b. The control unit 100b then determines whether the amount of liquid stored in the second tank fixing portion 61 is the required amount by evaluating the output value (voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94. If the control unit 100b determines that the second tank 47 is in the set state based on the output signal of the set detection sensor 51, it energizes the second liquid level sensor 94, enabling detection of the presence (liquid level) of liquid in the second tank fixing portion 61.

[0119] In addition, the second liquid tank 47 is configured such that when it is not installed in the second liquid tank fixing portion 61 (uninstalled state), the liquid outlet 471a is blocked by the liquid supply valve 471 so that the liquid L does not leak. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 5(C), when the second reservoir tank 47 is installed on the second reservoir tank fixing portion 61, the liquid supply valve 471 is pushed upward, opening the liquid discharge port 471a of the second reservoir tank 47. This causes the liquid L to flow from the second reservoir tank 47 to the second reservoir tank fixing portion 61. As a result, the liquid L stored in the second reservoir tank 47 flows out to the second reservoir tank fixing portion 61. The liquid L that has flowed out of the second reservoir tank 47 is stored in the second reservoir tank fixing portion 61.

[0120] In addition, as a countermeasure for preventing the post-processing device 3 from freezing or during maintenance, a "liquid draining process" is sometimes performed to drain the liquid L in the post-processing device 3. In the draining process, the liquid L remaining in the first liquid tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45 is supplied to the second liquid tank fixing portion 61 in the reverse direction via the liquid supply path 45 by the liquid supply pump 46. Therefore, the second liquid tank fixing portion 61 is set to a capacity that can store the liquid in the first liquid tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45. In addition, as Figure 9 (B) and Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 5(C), a drain plug 611 is provided on the second tank fixing portion 61. The liquid L remaining in the first tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45 is supplied in the reverse direction to the second tank fixing portion 61 by the liquid supply pump 46. Then, by opening the drain plug 611, the liquid L stored in the second tank fixing portion 61 can be discharged from the interior of the post-processing device 3.

[0121] [Configuration of Control Module of Post-Processing Device 3]

[0122] Next, use Figure 10 The control block structure of the post-processing device 3 will be described. Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration for executing control processing in the post-processing device 3. Figure 10 As shown, the post-processing device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 , an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104 , and an I / F 105 connected via a common bus 109 .

[0123] 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 capable of high-speed data read and write operations and serves as a work area for the CPU 101 when processing information. 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 with a large data storage capacity capable of reading and writing information and stores an operating system (OS), various control programs, and application programs.

[0124] The post-processing device 3 uses the computing capabilities of the CPU 101 to process control programs stored in the ROM 103 and information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. This processing forms a software control unit comprising various functional modules of the post-processing device 3. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3 forms the functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing device 3. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute the control unit 100b (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0125] I / F105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching component 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the crimping unit rotating motor 56, the liquid applying unit moving motor 42, the liquid applying unit rotating motor 563, the end binding processing unit moving motor 55, the needle binding unit driving motor 62d, the needle binding unit rotating motor 82, the needle binding processing unit moving motor 80, the liquid supply pump 46, the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the setting detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, the second encoding sensor 541, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0126] The control unit 100 controls the operation of the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 56, the liquid applying unit movement motor 42, the liquid applying unit rotation motor 563, the end stapling processing unit movement motor 55, the needle stapling unit drive motor 62d, the needle stapling unit rotation motor 82, the needle stapling processing unit rotation motor 80, and the liquid supply pump 46 through the I / F 105. In addition, the control unit 100b obtains the detection results of the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the setting detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, and the encoder sensor 541. In addition, Figure 10 3 , the end stapling unit 25 and the components related to the needle stapling unit 155 are shown in the figure, but the components related to the saddle stitching unit 28 that performs the saddle stitching process are also controlled by the control unit 100 b.

[0127] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming device 2 has an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. Then, the operation panel 110 obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides information to the user through the display. In addition, a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may also be an LED light or a speaker, etc. In addition, the post-processing device 3 may also have the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0128] As described above, the post-processing device 3 realizes the function of controlling the operation related to liquid application by software (control program) executed by the CPU 101 using the hardware resources included in the control unit 100 b .

[0129] Alternatively, the post-processing device 3 may perform liquid application by including only the needle binding unit 62 in the needle binding processing section 155, or by utilizing the liquid application unit 31 in the end binding processing section 25. Conversely, the end binding processing section 25 may include only the pressure bonding unit 32, while liquid application may be performed by utilizing the second liquid application unit 612. In other words, regardless of the type of binding process, liquid application may be performed by only the liquid application unit 31 or the second liquid application unit 612.

[0130] The stitching unit 155' is described as being integrally formed with the second liquid applying unit 612 and moving along the guide shaft 49, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the stitching unit 62 and the second liquid applying unit 612 may be independently movable.

[0131] [Explanation of Binding Processing]

[0132] Next, the flow of the binding process executed by the edge binding processing unit 25 included in the post-processing apparatus 3 will be described. Figure 11 The flowchart shown is when one-stage binding processing is executed. Figure 12 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the transition of the position of the end binding processing unit 25 (liquid applying unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32) during the execution of one binding process. Figure 12 In the figure, the changes in the posture of the liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are omitted. The position where the liquid applying unit 31 applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb (the liquid applying position) corresponds to the predetermined binding position where the pressure bonding unit 32 performs pressure bonding on the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the liquid applying position and the binding position are denoted by the same reference numerals (B1, B2) in the following description.

[0133] The control unit 100b starts the binding process when, for example, an instruction to execute the binding process (hereinafter referred to as a "binding process unit instruction") is received from the image forming apparatus 2. Figure 11 Binding process shown.

[0134] The binding processing instruction includes, for example, the type of paper P (information such as the material or thickness that affects the spread of the liquid), the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined number of sheets"), the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as the "required number of copies"), the binding position of the paper bundle Pb, and the binding posture of the end binding processing unit 25. In addition, Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 5A , at the start of the stapling process, the liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure contact unit 32 are in the parallel stapling posture and are located at the standby position HP, which is offset in the width direction from the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 .

[0135] First, when the posture indicated by the binding processing instruction is the "oblique binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying unit rotating motor 563 and the crimping unit rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid applying unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 constituting the end binding processing unit 25 to the oblique binding posture (S1101). Alternatively, in the case of the "oblique binding posture," only the crimping unit 32 may be rotated to the oblique binding posture without rotating the liquid applying unit 31. This simplifies the driving unit compared to rotating the liquid applying unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 in both the forward and reverse directions, thereby achieving cost reduction, miniaturization of the device, and reduced malfunctions of the device.

[0136] On the other hand, when the posture instructed by the binding processing command is the "parallel binding posture", the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure contact unit 32 constituting the edge binding processing unit 25 to the oblique binding posture.

[0137] The control unit 100b drives the end stapling unit movement motor 55 to move the end stapling unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid applying unit 31 faces the first liquid applying position B1 indicated by the stapling process command (S1101). Furthermore, the control unit 100b executes the process of step S1101 before the first sheet of paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0138] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to store the paper P, on which an image has been formed, in the internal tray 22 (S1102). Furthermore, the control unit 100b moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the positions of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction, a process known as alignment (S1102).

[0139] Next, the control unit 100b controls the liquid applying unit 31 facing the first liquid applying position B1 to apply liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S1102, based on the liquid applying control data adjusted in advance (S1103). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 so that the liquid applying member 501 contacts the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22 (see Figure 12 (B)). In the liquid application process of step S1103, the control unit 100b adjusts the position at which the liquid application member 501 applies liquid to the paper P based on the type of paper P and the binding position included in the binding process instruction. Furthermore, the control unit 100b adjusts the amount by which the liquid application member 501 is pressed against the paper P. Specifically, the control unit 100b controls the driving of the liquid application member movement motor 42 based on the adjusted control data, thereby adjusting the amount by which the liquid application member 501 is moved relative to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed on the inner tray 22.

[0140] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the specified number N indicated by the stapling process instruction (S1104). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the specified number N (S1104: No), it repeats the processes of steps S1102 to S1104 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the specified number N (S1104: Yes). Specifically, the control unit 100b executes the processes of steps S1102 to S1104 each time the sheets P are conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. Furthermore, the liquid application unit 31 can apply liquid not only to all of the multiple sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb, but also to only a portion of the sheets P.

[0141] Then, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number (S1104: Yes), Figure 12As shown in (C), the end binding processing unit moving motor 55 is driven to move the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding unit 32 faces the first binding position B1 (S1105).

[0142] Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping unit 32 to perform crimping and stapling on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (S1106). The control unit 100b then causes the conveyor roller pair 15 to discharge the paper bundle Pb, which has been crimped and stapled by the crimping unit 32, to the second discharge tray 26 (S1107). Specifically, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d, causing the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b to clamp the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 at the first stapling position B1. This causes the paper bundle Pb to be deformed and press-stapled between the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b. The control unit 100b then rotates the conveyor roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped and stapled paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26.

[0143] Furthermore, on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22, the crimping area (equivalent to the first binding position B1) held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b in step S1106 overlaps with the liquid application area (equivalent to the first liquid application position B1) contacted by the tip of the liquid application member 501 in step S1103. In other words, the crimping unit 32 performs crimping and binding on the area of ​​the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 31. Furthermore, the crimping area held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap with the liquid application area contacted by the tip of the liquid application member 501; sufficient binding strength can be achieved even with partial overlap.

[0144] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M indicated by the stapling processing instruction (S1108). The control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M indicated by the stapling processing instruction (S1108: No), and executes the process from step S1102 onward again. In other words, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the process from steps S1102 to S1108 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies M (S1108: Yes).

[0145] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M (S1108: Yes), it drives the end stapling processing unit moving motor 55, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown in (A), the end binding processing unit 25 (liquid supply unit 31 and crimping unit 32) is moved to the standby position HP (S1109). In addition, when the posture indicated by the binding processing instruction is the "oblique binding posture", the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying unit rotation motor 563 and the crimping unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid applying unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 to the parallel binding posture (S1109). On the other hand, when the posture indicated by the binding processing instruction is the "parallel binding posture", the rotation action of the liquid applying unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 to the parallel binding posture is omitted. As a result, the end binding processing unit 25 (liquid supply unit 31 and crimping unit 32) returns to the standby position HP. Figure 12 In addition, in steps S1101 and S1109, the order of moving the liquid applying unit 31 and the pressure contact unit 32 in the main scanning direction and rotating them in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the above order, and may be the reverse order.

[0146] [Filling supply action]

[0147] Here, use Figure 13 An overview of the filling and supplying operation, which is one of the liquid supply and discharge modes, will be described. Figure 13 The first liquid storage tank 44 shown in (A) is an example of a state in which the liquid is empty. Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 4B , liquid is supplied from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46. At this time, liquid is supplied from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 before the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid tank 44. Furthermore, the liquid level (the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44) at the time the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid tank 44 is referred to as the "reference liquid level." In other words, the reference liquid level refers to the position of the liquid surface during the state detected by the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0148] After that, the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 is sucked up by the capillary effect of the liquid supply member 50. As a result, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 becomes lower than the reference liquid level (see Figure 13 (C)). In order to return the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 to the reference liquid level again when the liquid level in the first liquid tank 44 drops, the liquid supply pump 46 is used to supply liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 as needed (see Figure 13 (D) Through this series of liquid supply operations, the liquid applying unit 31 becomes capable of performing liquid application by the liquid applying member 501 .

[0149] In this embodiment, an electrode sensor is used as an example of the first liquid level sensor 43 , but this is not limiting and other sensors are also possible. For example, a float sensor or an electrostatic capacitance sensor can be used to detect the presence of liquid. Furthermore, the first liquid level sensor 43 is not limited to a sensor that detects the liquid level (liquid surface) in the first liquid storage tank 44 as long as it can detect the presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 .

[0150] Furthermore, when using an electrode sensor as the first liquid level sensor 43, if a voltage is constantly applied to (applied to) the pair of electrodes (constantly energized), there is a risk of galvanic corrosion in the metal used for the electrodes, leading to corrosion. Furthermore, since voltage is constantly applied to the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44, there is also a concern that electrolysis of the liquid may occur, or foreign matter may adhere to the electrode surfaces due to electrolysis, leading to electrode dissolution and other conditions that may induce electrode degradation. Therefore, the control unit 100b does not constantly energize the first liquid level sensor 43. Instead, it controls the energization timing of the first liquid level sensor 43, energizing it (turning it on) only when detecting the presence of liquid in the first liquid tank 44.

[0151] [Control flow of filling supply operation]

[0152] Figure 14 The figure shows an example flow chart of a control flow for a filling and supplying operation (hereinafter referred to as a "filling and supplying control flow"), which is an example of a liquid supplying operation executed by the control unit 100b. The filling and supplying operation is executed when the post-processing device 3 is activated or when the crimping binding process with liquid application begins. This operation is different from the replenishing and supplying operation executed while the post-processing device 3 continues to apply liquid until the paper bundle Pb reaches a predetermined number of copies.

[0153] When the post-processing device 3 is activated, the filling and supply control process begins. When the filling and supply control process begins, the image forming device 2 instructs the control unit 100b to request confirmation of the presence of liquid (S1401). Alternatively, the instruction to request confirmation of the presence of liquid may be based on information input by a user via the operation panel 110 provided in the image forming device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. Upon receiving the instruction to request confirmation of the presence of liquid from the image forming device 2, the control unit 100b applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns it on) (S1402).

[0154] Next, the control unit 100b obtains the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 and determines the presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 (S1403). The presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 is determined based on whether the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds a predetermined "liquid detection threshold" (threshold value). For example, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 when detecting liquid in the first liquid tank 44 is greater than a predetermined liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that the liquid storage amount in the first liquid tank 44 is sufficient (S1403: Yes). In this case, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (de-energizes it) (S1404), displays a notification indicating that liquid dispensing preparation is complete on the operation panel 110, for example (S1405), and terminates the filling and supply control process.

[0155] On the other hand, in step S1403, when the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage V1) (S1403: No), the control unit 100b activates the liquid supply pump 46 to execute the liquid supply from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1406).

[0156] Next, the control unit 100b re-determines whether the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is greater than a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold value) (S1407). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 (S1407: Yes). On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1407: No), the control unit 100b determines whether the time elapsed since the start of operation of the liquid supply pump 46 (S1406) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]) (S1416). When the above-mentioned elapsed time does not exceed the abnormality determination time T1 (S1416: No), the control unit 100b continues the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes above the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage V1) (S1407: Yes).

[0157] On the other hand, if the time elapsed after the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1406) exceeds the abnormality determination time T1 (S1416: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the equipment (such as a failure of the liquid supply pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43) and executes an error stop process (S1418) to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or de-energize the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b then displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1419) and terminates the filling and supply control flow.

[0158] In step S1407, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1407: Yes), the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46, thereby stopping the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 (S1408). The control unit 100b then stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power supply) (S1409).

[0159] The liquid supply unit 50 then draws up the liquid in the first liquid tank 44 through capillary action, etc., and the waiting time until the liquid applying unit 501 is ready to apply liquid is referred to as a "first predetermined time T0 [sec]." Before the first predetermined time T0 elapses, liquid supply control using the liquid supply pump 46 is temporarily suspended (S1410). The "liquid applying unit 501 being ready to apply liquid" refers to a state in which liquid is sufficiently accumulated in the liquid applying unit 501 and / or the liquid supply unit 50.

[0160] Then, after the first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, the control unit 100b turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 again (S1411), obtains the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid tank 44, and determines the presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 (S1412). At this stage, the liquid level (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 decreases due to the suction of the liquid supply component 50. However, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1412: Yes), the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns it off) (S1404). The control unit 100b then displays a notification indicating that liquid dispensing preparation is complete, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1405), terminating the filling and supply control process.

[0161] On the other hand, in step S1412, when the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage V1) (S1412: No), the control unit 100b activates the liquid supply pump 46 to execute the liquid supply from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1413).

[0162] Next, the control unit 100b obtains the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid tank 44, and determines the presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 (S1414). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1414: Yes), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied to the first liquid tank 44. In this case, the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46, halting the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 (S1415). The control unit 100b then stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (de-energizing) (S1404), displays a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is complete, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1405), and terminates the filling and supply control process.

[0163] On the other hand, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1414: No), the control unit 100b determines whether the time elapsed since the start of operation of the liquid supply pump 46 (S1413) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]) (S1417). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1417: No), the control unit 100b continues the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 reaches or exceeds the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1414: Yes).

[0164] On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the abnormality determination time T1 (S1417: YES), the control unit 100b determines that a certain abnormality has occurred in the equipment and executes an error stop process (S1418) to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or de-energize the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b then displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1419), terminating the filling and supply control flow. The "abnormality notification" may be, for example, a warning displayed on the operation panel 110 urging inspection due to a potential malfunction of the liquid supply pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0165] By executing the filling and supply control process described above, the amount of liquid that can be supplied by the liquid supply unit 501 can be stably maintained at a constant amount in the liquid supply unit 50 and / or the liquid supply unit 501. As a result, the frequency of the liquid supply pump 46 supplying liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the liquid supply process.

[0166] [First embodiment of liquid control process]

[0167] Next, one embodiment of the liquid supply control according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, among the liquid supply controls that can be executed in the post-processing device 3 as an embodiment of the medium processing device according to the present invention. Figure 15 Explain the existing problems that can be solved by the present invention. Figure 15 As shown in the example (A), when the first liquid tank 44 is empty and the liquid applying component 501 is dry, the liquid supply pump 46 operates to supply liquid from the second liquid tank 47 (main tank) until the liquid level in the first liquid tank 44 reaches the specified level (reference level). This operation takes approximately 15 seconds. From the time the liquid level in the first liquid tank 44 reaches the reference level, the liquid supply component 50 draws up the liquid, and the liquid permeates the liquid applying component 501, allowing liquid application to proceed, it takes approximately 5 minutes. This waiting time, representing the transition from the start of liquid supply to the liquid application state, takes more than 5 minutes. Furthermore, since this period is directly related to the time required to enable the post-processing device 3 to transport paper P and perform binding processing, it represents downtime for the entire system.

[0168] On the other hand, Figure 15 As shown in the example of (B), assume that the liquid level in the first liquid reservoir 44 is sufficient to allow the liquid to be drawn up by the liquid supply unit 50 and to penetrate the liquid application unit 501, reaching a state where liquid application is possible (liquid level). In this case, the liquid supply pump 46 can supply liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 to replenish the liquid to the reference liquid level. Therefore, the operating time of the liquid supply pump 46 can be approximately 5 seconds. Since liquid application is already possible, no downtime due to the liquid supply operation occurs.

[0169] As described above, based on the liquid level stored in the first liquid tank 44 after the post-processing device 3 is activated and the liquid application and pressure bonding process is performed, the length of time until the liquid application state is switched (conversion time) can be determined. In other words, based on the liquid level when the presence or absence of liquid supply is determined (hereinafter referred to as the "initial liquid level"), it is possible to determine whether there is a waiting time until the liquid application state is enabled. However, in the case of Figure 15 In the conventional liquid supply control described in (A) and (B), the initial liquid level cannot be determined.

[0170] Therefore, in the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown, the lower limit position of the liquid level (immersion level) at which the end of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid tank 44 is defined as the "permeation lower limit level L1." Furthermore, the liquid level detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (reference level) is defined as the "liquid detection level L2." Based on this, the time required for the liquid to be supplied from the permeation lower limit level L1 to the liquid detection level L2 is defined as the "threshold time Tth." Furthermore, the time from the actual start of the liquid supply operation to the liquid detection level L2 is defined as the "supply time T."

[0171] Based on these assumptions, liquid supply control is executed by adding a control that compares the supply time T with the threshold time Tth. This allows selection of whether the liquid has penetrated the liquid supply unit 50, that is, the "wait time" required until the liquid application unit 501 is in a liquid application ready state. The processing flow of this liquid supply control will be described later.

[0172] In the above-described liquid supply control, the supply time T is measured using a software timer function executable in the control unit 100 b .

[0173] The threshold time Tth can be calculated based on the amount of liquid that can be extracted from the capacity of the first liquid tank 44 from the preset permeation lower limit liquid level L1 to the liquid detection level L2 and the liquid supply rate that can be supplied by the liquid supply pump 46. Alternatively, the user can arbitrarily input any value using the operation panel 110 to set the threshold time Tth as needed.

[0174] Next, use Figure 17 and Figure 18 This will explain the determination of whether or not a waiting time is required until the liquid can be provided. Figure 17 (A) illustrates a state where the liquid level (initial liquid level L0 ) before the start of the liquid supply operation is lower than the permeation lower limit liquid level L1 (initial liquid level L0 <permeation lower limit liquid level L1 ). Figure 17(B) illustrates a state where the liquid supply operation is started and the liquid level reaches the liquid detection level L2.

[0175] When liquid is first supplied to the liquid applying member 501 or when the amount of liquid in the first liquid tank 44 decreases after being left for a long time, the liquid does not penetrate into the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 becomes dry and cannot be supplied with liquid.

[0176] like Figure 17 (A) is an example of a case where liquid supply is started to enable liquid supply, and the initial liquid level L0 before the liquid supply operation is lower than the permeation lower limit liquid level L1, and liquid supply is started from this state. In this case, Figure 17 As shown in the example of (B), even if the liquid level reaches the liquid detection level L2 (liquid supply completion), the liquid may not yet penetrate the liquid applying member 501. In this case, a waiting time is generated during the transition to the liquid application enabling state. In this case, the relationship between the supply time T and the threshold time Tth is "supply time T > threshold time Tth."

[0177] Figure 18 (A) shows a case where "initial liquid level L0 ≥ permeation lower limit liquid level L1" at the liquid level before liquid supply, and shows an example in which the liquid supply member 50 is in an immersed state and the liquid applying member 501 is in a liquid-applying state. Figure 18 (B) illustrates the state after the liquid supply operation.

[0178] When the liquid supply operation is frequently performed, such as when the liquid is supplied by performing an "additional supply operation" in which liquid is supplied every time the liquid level falls below the liquid detection level L2, the liquid penetrates into the liquid supply member 50, that is, the initial liquid level L0 before liquid supply is higher than the penetration lower limit level L1 (see Figure 18 (A)). In this case, even after the start of liquid supply and the completion of liquid supply, the liquid supply member 50 remains immersed in liquid, and the liquid permeates the liquid applying member 501. In this case, no waiting time is incurred during the transition to the liquid applying state, allowing the operation to be performed immediately. Furthermore, the relationship between the supply time T and the threshold time Tth in this case is "supply time T ≤ threshold time Tth."

[0179] [Control Flow of Liquid Supply Operation Related to Waiting Process for Transition to Liquid Supply Enabled State]

[0180] Figure 19The figure shows an example of a liquid supply operation executed by the control unit 100b. This flowchart illustrates the control flow of the liquid supply operation, which controls whether the waiting time occurs within the transition time during the transition waiting process for providing the liquid with a possible state. This liquid supply operation begins, for example, by checking the liquid level in the first liquid tank 44 when the filling supply control process begins after the post-processing device 3 is activated.

[0181] First, when the post-processing device 3 is activated, the filling and supply control process begins. When the filling and supply control process begins, the image forming device 2 instructs the control unit 100b to request confirmation of the presence of liquid (S1901). Alternatively, the instruction to request confirmation of the presence of liquid may be based on information input by a user via the operation panel 110 provided in the image forming device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. Upon receiving the instruction to request confirmation of the presence of liquid from the image forming device 2, the control unit 100b applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns it on) (S1902).

[0182] Next, the control unit 100b obtains the output value (voltage) of the first liquid level sensor 43 and determines the presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 (S1903). For example, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 when detecting liquid in the first liquid tank 44 is greater than a predetermined liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that the liquid storage amount in the first liquid tank 44 is sufficient (S1903: Yes). In this case, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (de-energizes it) (S1904).

[0183] After step S1904, the supply time T is compared with the threshold time Tth. If "T ≤ Tth" (S1905: Yes), a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is ready is output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1906), and the liquid supply control flow ends. If "T ≤ Tth" is not (S1905: No), a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is ready is output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1907), and the liquid supply control flow ends.

[0184] On the other hand, in step S1903, when the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage V1) (S1903: No), the control unit 100b activates the liquid supply pump 46 to execute the liquid supply from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1908).

[0185] Next, the control unit 100b clears and initializes the supply time T as a software timer (S1909), and starts measuring the supply time T (S1920).

[0186] Next, the control unit 100b re-determines whether the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is greater than or equal to the preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold value) (S1921). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is greater than or equal to the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 (S1921: Yes).

[0187] On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1921: No), the control unit 100b measures the time that has elapsed since the liquid supply pump 46 began operating in step S1908, and determines whether the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]) (S1934). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1934: No), the control unit 100b continues to supply liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 via the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 reaches or exceeds the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1921: Yes).

[0188] On the other hand, if the time elapsed after the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1908) exceeds the abnormality determination time T1 (S1934: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the equipment (such as a failure of the liquid supply pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43) and executes an error stop process (S1935) to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or de-energize the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b then stops measuring (counting) the supply time T (S1936), terminating the liquid supply control.

[0189] In step S1921, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1921: Yes), the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46, halting the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 (S1922). The control unit 100b then temporarily stops measuring (counting) the supply time T (S1923). Next, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power supply) (S1924).

[0190] Then, the liquid supply component 50 sucks up the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 through capillary action, etc., and the liquid supply control using the liquid supply pump 46 is temporarily stopped (S1925) until a pre-set standby time (first prescribed time T0 [sec]) has passed, in which the liquid imparting component 501 is in a state where liquid imparting is possible (a state in which liquid is sufficiently accumulated in the liquid imparting component 501 and / or the liquid supply component 50).

[0191] Then, after the first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, the control unit 100b turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 again (S1926). The control unit 100b obtains the output value (voltage) of the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid tank 44, thereby determining the presence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 (S1927). At this stage, the liquid level (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid tank 44 decreases due to the suction of the liquid supply member 50. However, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1927: YES), the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power supply) (S1904).

[0192] After step S1904, the supply time T is compared with the threshold time Tth. If "T ≤ Tth" (S1905: Yes), a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is ready is output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1906), and the liquid supply control flow ends. If "T ≤ Tth" is not (S1905: No), a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is ready is output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1907), and the liquid supply control flow ends.

[0193] On the other hand, in step S1927, when the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage V1) (S1927: No), the control unit 100b activates the liquid supply pump 46 to execute the liquid supply from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1929).

[0194] Next, the control unit 100b restarts the measurement of the supply time T as the software timer (S1929).

[0195] Next, the control unit 100b obtains the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid tank 44, and determines the presence of liquid in the first liquid tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) (S1930). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1930: Yes), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied to the first liquid tank 44. In this case, the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46, halting the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 (S1931), and also stops measuring the supply time T (S1932).

[0196] Then, after step S1904, the supply time T is compared with the threshold time Tth. If "T ≤ Tth" (S1905: Yes), a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is ready is output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1906), and the liquid supply control flow ends. If "T ≤ Tth" is not (S1905: No), a notification indicating that liquid dispensing is ready is output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1907), and the liquid supply control flow ends.

[0197] On the other hand, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1930: No), the control unit 100b determines whether the time elapsed since the start of operation of the liquid supply pump 46 (S1929) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]) (S1933). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1933: No), the control unit 100b continues the supply of liquid from the second liquid tank 47 to the first liquid tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 reaches or exceeds the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1930: Yes).

[0198] On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the abnormality determination time T1 (S1433: YES), the control unit 100b determines that one of the aforementioned abnormalities has occurred in the device and executes an error stop process (S1435) to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or de-energize the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b then stops measuring (counting) the supply time T (S1936), terminating the liquid supply control.

[0199] The liquid supply determination control described above Figure 17 and Figure 18 First, as the Figure 17In the previous stage of the state shown in (A), when the presence of liquid in the first liquid tank 44 is confirmed and it is determined to be "no liquid" (S1903: No), the liquid supply pump 46 is driven to replenish the liquid in the first liquid tank 44. Then, when the liquid reaches Figure 13 When the state (B) is reached, the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S1921: YES).

[0200] Then, if Figure 13 As shown in (C), when the waiting time (T0) preset as the time for the liquid supply component 50 to absorb the liquid has passed, the liquid level has dropped, so the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes lower than the liquid level detection threshold (for example, the threshold V0) (S1927: No). Then, the control unit 100b activates the liquid supply pump 46 to send liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, thereby forming Figure 13 (C) state (S1927: Yes).

[0201] When from Figure 17 When the liquid is supplied from the state (A), the liquid supply is notified to the state (S1906) after the supply is successful. Figure 18 When the supply is started in the state (A), a liquid dispensing preparation wait is notified after the supply is successful (S1907).

[0202] Next, adjustment items in the threshold time Tth will be described. Figure 20 (A) illustrates a state where the initial liquid level L0 is close to the permeation lower limit liquid level L1. Figure 20 (B) and Figure 20 (C) illustrates a state in which, although the amount of liquid stored in the first tank 44 is the same, a tilt or a deviation in components occurs in the first tank 44 .

[0203] The closer the lower surface of the liquid supply part 50 is to the boundary of the permeation lower limit liquid level L1 ( Figure 20 (A)), the threshold time Tth (permeation lower limit liquid level L1) is more susceptible to the inclination caused by the installation environment ( Figure 20 (B)), the case where there is a deviation due to the short length of the liquid supply component 50, etc. ( Figure 20 (C) Right) The impact of the error.

[0204] Then, the operation panel 110 serving as the input unit displays Figure 21 The adjustment screen G1101 shown can appropriately adjust the threshold time Tth for determining the liquid dispensing possible state by any input value by the user.

[0205] In the post-processing device 3 according to the embodiment described above, the liquid supply control includes a control for measuring the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44. When the liquid level is above a predetermined level, the state is immediately switched to the liquid dispensing state. Alternatively, when the liquid level is below the predetermined level, the state is switched to the liquid dispensing state after a predetermined waiting time. This liquid supply control allows the timing of the switch to the liquid dispensing state to be adjusted based on the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, which serves as a sub-tank.

[0206] [Second embodiment of post-processing device 3]

[0207] Next, refer to Figures 22 to 30 , a post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment will be described. Components common to the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0208] Unlike the end stapling unit 25 of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, which includes both a liquid applying unit 31 and a pressure bonding unit 32, the end stapling unit 251 of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment includes only a pressure bonding unit 32′, and the liquid applying unit 31 is located upstream of the conveyance path. This allows a predetermined number of sheets P to be pre-stacked after liquid application and then conveyed to the pressure bonding unit 32′ of the end stapling unit 251, located downstream. This improves the productivity of the stapling process in the pressure bonding unit 32′.

[0209] The direction in which the transport roller pairs 10, 11, and 14 transport the paper P is opposite to the "conveying direction" defined above and is therefore defined as the "reverse conveying direction." Furthermore, the reverse conveying direction and the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the paper P are defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)." Furthermore, the position where liquid is applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application unit 131 (liquid application position) corresponds to the predetermined binding position at which the pressure bonding unit 32' performs pressure bonding on the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the following description will denote the liquid application position and the binding position with the same reference numeral (B1).

[0210] Figure 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Figure 23 As shown, the end binding processing section 251 has only the crimping unit 32'. Figure 23As shown, the pressure-bonding unit 32' and the needle stapling unit 156 are arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the inner tray 22. Furthermore, the pressure-bonding unit 32' and the needle stapling unit 156 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction in a position facing the downstream end portion of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction.

[0211] Furthermore, the pressure bonding unit 32' and the needle stapling processing unit 156 are configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions about a pressure bonding unit rotation axis 340 and a needle stapling unit rotation axis 84, which extend in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. That is, the pressure bonding unit 32' and the needle stapling processing unit 156 can stapling the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 at any position in the main scanning direction at any angle, such as corner stapling, parallel stapling at one position, or parallel stapling at two positions.

[0212] The crimping unit 32' uses its concave-convex upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b to pressurize and deform the paper bundle Pb, thereby binding the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "crimping and binding"). Meanwhile, the needle binding processing unit 156 can needle-bind the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 by passing a binding needle through the binding position of the paper bundle Pb.

[0213] Figure 23 Shown is a schematic diagram of the inner tray 22 viewed from the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. Figure 24 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the crimping unit 32' as seen from the downstream side of the conveying direction. Figure 23 As shown, the pressure-bonding unit 32′ and the stapling processing unit 156 are arranged on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The pressure-bonding unit 32′ is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The pressure-bonding unit 32′ is configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions around a pressure-bonding unit rotation axis 340 extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0214] In addition, the needle binding processing unit 156 is also configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb. Then, the needle binding processing unit 156 is configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions around the needle binding unit rotation axis 84 extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. In addition, the other configurations of the needle binding processing unit 156 are similar to those of the needle binding processing unit 155 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 6 ) are the same, so detailed description is omitted.

[0215] like Figure 24As shown, the crimping unit 32' is provided with a guide rail 337 extending along the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the inner tray 22 in the conveying direction. The crimping unit 32' has a crimping unit moving motor 238 as a driving source. In addition, the base component 48 supporting the crimping frame 32c has a fastening portion 48b for the timing belt 240c at its bottom. As a result, the driving force of the crimping unit moving motor 238 is transmitted to the base component 48 via the drive transmission mechanism 240 having pulleys 240a, 240b, the timing belt 240c, and the fastening portion 48b, and the crimping unit 32' moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 (in other words, the guide rail 337). Furthermore, the crimping frame 32c, which is a component of the crimping unit 32', has a crimping unit rotating shaft 340 having a drive transmission gear 340a fixed to its bottom surface.

[0216] Furthermore, the crimping unit rotating shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held on the base member 48, which is provided with the crimping frame 32c, so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with the output gear 239a of the crimping unit rotating motor 239. Then, by transmitting the driving force of the crimping unit rotating motor 239 to the crimping unit rotating shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a, the crimping unit 32′ rotates in both forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the crimping unit rotating shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the paper P loaded on the inner tray 22. The guide rail 337, the crimping unit moving motor 238, the crimping unit rotating motor 239, the crimping unit rotating shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of a drive mechanism for the crimping unit 32′.

[0217] The crimping unit 32' is configured to be able to Figure 23 The standby position HP2 shown in (A) and Figure 23 (B) and Figure 23 The standby position HP2 is a position that is offset from the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 toward one end in the main scanning direction. The first stapling position B1 is a position on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22. However, the specific position of the first stapling position B1 is not limited to Figure 23 For example, it may be any position in the main scanning direction at the downstream end portion of the paper P in the conveyance direction, and the number may be multiple.

[0218] In addition, the posture of the crimping unit 32' is Figure 23 (B) shows the parallel binding posture and Figure 23The crimping unit 32' is configured to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions with the crimping unit rotation axis 340 as the center. Here, the so-called parallel binding posture is the posture of the crimping unit 32' in which the long sides of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding mark) are oriented toward the main scanning direction. In addition, the so-called oblique binding posture is the posture of the crimping unit 32' in which the long sides of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding mark) are inclined toward the main scanning direction.

[0219] In addition, the rotation angle in the oblique binding posture (the angle of the upper pressing teeth 32a and the lower pressing teeth 32b relative to the main scanning direction) is not limited to Figure 23 In the example of (C), the upper pressing teeth 32 a and the lower pressing teeth 32 b may be at any angle as long as they face the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 .

[0220] The post-processing device 3A includes a liquid applying unit 131 and a punching unit 132 (processing unit). The liquid applying unit 131 and the punching unit 132 are located upstream of the inner tray 22 in the reverse conveyance direction. Furthermore, the liquid applying unit 131 and the punching unit 132 are staggered in the reverse conveyance direction, so that they can simultaneously face a sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 to 19.

[0221] The liquid applying unit 131 and the punching unit 132 of this embodiment are arranged between the conveying roller pair 10 and 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid applying unit 131 is not limited to Figure 22 For example, Figure 30 As shown in FIG. 1 , when an inserter 6 is provided between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3A, the liquid applying unit 131 may be provided in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing apparatus 3A. The inserter 6 may be, for example, a device that can feed pre-printed media, such as a cover, insert, or separator, to the post-processing apparatus 3A along with the paper P fed from the image forming apparatus 2, without passing through the image forming apparatus 2.

[0222] In addition, if Figure 25As shown in (A), the transport roller pair 11 is positioned so as not to overlap in the main scanning direction with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P, where liquid has been applied by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application unit 131. This is to prevent the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 from decreasing due to the pressure applied by multiple roller pairs during transport of the paper P. As a result, by the time the paper P reaches the pressure bonding unit 32', located downstream of the liquid application unit 131 in the reverse transport direction, the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 remains sufficient to maintain binding strength. This prevents a decrease in the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb due to a decrease in the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 (equivalent to the first binding position B1) during transport.

[0223] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs constituting the conveying roller pair 11 at positions that do not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the multiple roller pairs and deteriorating the conveyance performance of the paper P, or preventing conveyance jams caused by deteriorating conveyance performance.

[0224] In addition, only the transport roller pair 11 has been described above, but the plurality of roller pairs constituting the transport roller pairs 14 and 15 are also preferably arranged at positions that do not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 on the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0225] The liquid applying unit 131 applies liquid to the paper P conveyed by the transport roller pair 10, 11 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid applying"). The punching unit 132 punches holes penetrating the paper P conveyed by the transport roller pair 10, 11 in the thickness direction. The processing unit provided near the liquid applying unit 131 is not limited to the punching unit 132; it may also be a tilt correction unit that corrects the tilt (skew) of the paper P conveyed by the transport roller pair 10, 11.

[0226] Figure 25 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the liquid applying unit 131 according to the second embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper P. FIG. Figure 26 Shown is Figure 25 Sectional view of XXV-XXV. Figure 27 Shown is Figure 25 The sectional view in XXVI-XXVI. Figures 25 to 27 As shown, the liquid applying unit 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133 a and 133 b , a pair of pulleys 134 a and 134 b , seamless endless belts 135 and 136 , a liquid applying unit moving motor 137 , a standby position sensor 138 , and a liquid applying assembly 140 .

[0227] The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are spaced apart in the reverse conveying direction and extend in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, 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. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b then support the liquid application assembly 140 so that it can move in the main scanning direction.

[0228] The pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are positioned between the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the reverse conveying direction. Furthermore, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are supported on the frame of the post-processing device 3A so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P.

[0229] A seamless endless belt 135 is mounted on a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. Furthermore, the seamless endless belt 135 is connected to the liquid applying assembly 140 via a connecting portion 135a. A seamless endless belt 136 is mounted on pulleys 134a and a drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of a liquid applying unit movement motor 137. The liquid applying unit movement motor 137 generates a driving force for moving the liquid applying assembly 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0230] The rotation of the liquid application unit movement motor 137 causes the seamless endless belt 136 to rotate between the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, rotating pulley 134a. Furthermore, the rotation of pulley 134a causes the seamless endless belt 135 to rotate between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. This causes the liquid application assembly 140 to move in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the liquid application unit movement motor 137, the liquid application assembly 140 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0231] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid applying unit 140 has reached the standby position HP1 in the main scanning direction (see Figure 25 ), and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b described later (refer to Figure 28 Standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor comprising a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. Furthermore, at standby position HP1, liquid application assembly 140 blocks the optical path between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion. Then, standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal when light output from the light-emitting portion is not received by the light-receiving portion. However, the specific configuration of standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the above example.

[0232] like Figure 26As shown, the conveyance path within the post-processing device 3A is defined by the upper guide plate 5a and the lower guide plate 5b, which are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the paper P. The liquid applying assembly 140 is positioned facing the opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. Specifically, the liquid applying assembly 140 is positioned facing the conveyance path (i.e., a position where it can face the paper P) through the opening of the upper guide plate 5a.

[0233] like Figures 25 to 27 As shown, the liquid applying assembly 140 includes a base member 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a liquid applying nozzle moving mechanism 144, a holding member 145, a liquid applying head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, a pressing plate 148, coil springs 149a, 149b, a applying nozzle rotating motor 150, and a applying nozzle moving motor 151 (see Figure 28 ), standby angle sensor 152 (refer to Figure 28 ).

[0234] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the base member 141 is connected to the seamless endless belt 135 via a connecting portion 135a. Furthermore, the base member 141 supports the components 142 to 152 of the liquid applying assembly 140.

[0235] The rotating bracket 142 is mounted on the bottom surface of the base member 141 and is rotatable in forward and reverse directions about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 rotates in forward and reverse directions relative to the base member 141 by the driving force transmitted from the head rotation motor 150. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 holds the liquid tank 143, the liquid application head moving unit 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0236] Standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 28 ) detects when the rotating bracket 142 reaches the standby angle and outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b. The standby angle refers to the angle used for parallel binding, for example. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. The rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle then blocks the light path between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion. The standby angle sensor 152 then outputs a standby angle signal in response to the light output from the light-emitting portion not being received by the light-receiving portion. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the above example.

[0237] besides, Figure 25The rotating bracket 142 shown in (A) shows the state when the pressure bonding unit 32' on the downstream side of the liquid applying unit 131 performs parallel binding. Figure 25 The rotating bracket 142 shown in FIG. 1 (B) shows a state in which the pressure bonding unit 32 ′ on the downstream side of the liquid applying unit 131 performs diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0238] The liquid tank 143 stores liquid for application to the paper P. The liquid application nozzle moving unit 144 is installed in the liquid tank 143 so as to be movable (e.g., raised and lowered) in the thickness direction of the paper P. In addition, the liquid application nozzle moving mechanism 144 moves relative to the liquid tank 143 by the driving force transmitted from the nozzle moving motor 151. The retaining member 145 is installed at the lower end of the liquid application nozzle moving unit 144. The liquid application head 146 protrudes from the retaining member 145 toward the conveying path (below in this embodiment). In addition, the liquid stored in the liquid tank 143 is supplied to the liquid application head 146. Furthermore, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0239] The columnar members 147a and 147b protrude downward from the holding member 145 around the liquid dispensing head 146. Furthermore, the columnar members 147a and 147b are configured to be movable relative to the holding member 145 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the columnar members 147a and 147b hold the push plate 148 at their lower ends. A through-hole 148a is formed in the push plate 148 at a position facing the liquid dispensing head 146. Coil springs 149a and 149b are externally inserted into the columnar members 147a and 147b between the holding member 145 and the push plate 148. The coil springs 149a and 149b then bias the columnar members 147a and 147b and the push plate 148 away from the holding member 145.

[0240] like Figure 26 (A) and Figure 27 As shown in (A), before the paper P is transported to a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressing plate 148 is located at or above the opening. Next, when the paper P, transported by the transport roller pairs 10 and 11, stops at the first liquid application position B1 facing the opening, the liquid application head movement motor 151 is rotated in the first direction. As a result, the liquid application head movement unit 144, the retaining member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b are lowered as a whole, and the pressing plate 148 contacts the paper P. The first liquid application position B1 is a predetermined position (i.e., the first binding position B1) for pressure-bonding by the end stapling processing unit 251 (i.e., the pressure bonding unit 32').

[0241] After the push plate 148 contacts the paper P, the liquid applying head moving motor 151 is rotated in the first direction, thereby compressing the coil springs 149a and 149b, and the liquid applying head moving unit 144, the holding member 145, the liquid applying head 146, and the columnar members 147a and 147b are further lowered. Figure 26 (B) and Figure 27 As shown in FIG. 1B , the lower surface of the liquid applying head 146 contacts the paper P through the through-hole 148 a . As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid applying head 146 is applied to the paper P.

[0242] Furthermore, if Figure 26 (C) and Figure 27 As shown in (C), by further rotating the liquid dispensing head moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid dispensing head 146 can be pressed more strongly against the paper P. This increases the amount of liquid applied to the paper P. In other words, the liquid dispensing unit 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by varying the pressing force of the liquid dispensing head 146 against the paper P.

[0243] On the other hand, by rotating the liquid dispensing head moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the liquid dispensing head moving unit 144, the holding member 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, the columnar members 147a, 147b, the pressing plate 148 and the coil springs 149a, 149b are integrally raised. Figure 26 (A) and Figure 27 As shown in FIG. 1A , the liquid applying head 146 and the pressing plate 148 are separated from the paper P. That is, the liquid applying unit 131 includes the liquid applying head 146 that is separable from the paper P.

[0244] Figure 28 FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control module for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Figure 28 As shown, the post-processing device 3A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 , an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104 , and an I / F 105 connected via a common bus 109 .

[0245] The CPU 101 is a computing unit that controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3A. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed data read and write, and serves as a workspace for the CPU 101 when processing information. 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 with a large data storage capacity capable of reading and writing information, and stores an operating system (OS), various control programs, and application programs.

[0246] The post-processing device 3A uses the computing capabilities of the CPU 101 to process control programs stored in the ROM 103 and information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102. This processing forms a software control unit comprising various functional modules of the post-processing device 3A. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 3A forms the functional blocks that implement the functions of the post-processing device 3A. Specifically, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute the control unit 100b (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0247] I / F105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pair 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching component 20, the side guards 24L, 24R, the crimping unit moving motor 238, the crimping unit rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid applying unit moving motor 137, the applying nozzle rotating motor 150, the applying nozzle moving motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punching and drilling unit 132 and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0248] The control unit 100b controls the operations of the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressure-bonding unit moving motor 238, the pressure-bonding unit rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid applying unit moving motor 137, the applying head rotating motor 150, the applying head moving motor 151, and the punching unit 132 via the I / F 105. Furthermore, the control unit 100b obtains detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105.

[0249] In addition, Figure 28 100b, the components of the end stapling unit 251 (pressing unit 32') and the liquid applying unit 131 that perform the end stapling process are mainly shown in the figure, but the components of the saddle stitching unit 28 that performs the saddle stitching process are also controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0250] like Figure 30As shown, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit for accepting input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) for notifying the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys or a touch panel superimposed on the display. The operation panel 110 then obtains information from the user via the operation unit and provides information to the user via the display. Alternatively, the post-processing apparatus 3A may also include an operation panel 110 similar to the above.

[0251] Figure 29 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the post-processing of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 29 It is executed Figure 23 The flowchart shown is for one-position binding processing.

[0252] The control unit 100b executes, for example, the post-processing execution instruction (hereinafter referred to as “post-processing instruction”) acquired from the image forming apparatus 2. Figure 29 The post-processing instructions include, for example, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "prescribed number of sheets Np"), the number of copies of the paper bundle Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as "required number of copies Mp"), the first binding position B1 (equivalent to the first liquid imparting position B1), the angle of the first binding position B1 (equivalent to the angle of the first liquid imparting position B1), the type of binding process (parallel binding process, oblique binding process), and the process performed in parallel with the liquid imparting process (perforation in this embodiment). In addition, at the start of the post-processing, the liquid imparting component 140 is located at the standby position HP1 (refer to Figure 25 ), the rotating bracket 142 is maintained at the standby angle (equivalent to the "parallel binding posture").

[0253] First, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying unit moving motor 137 to move the liquid applying assembly 140 (equivalent to the liquid applying unit) in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid applying head 146 from the standby position HP1 to a position where it can be aligned with the first liquid applying position B1 (see FIG. Figure 25 (B), equivalent to Figure 23 (B) and Figure 23In addition, when the type of binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "oblique binding process", the control unit 100b drives the liquid dispensing nozzle moving motor 150 to rotate the rotating bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid dispensing nozzle 146 from the standby angle to the liquid dispensing angle corresponding to the "oblique binding posture" (S801). The situation in which the liquid dispensing head 146 reaches the position where it can face the first liquid dispensing position B1 and the liquid dispensing angle can be grasped by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the liquid dispensing unit moving motor 137 and the liquid dispensing nozzle moving motor 150. In addition, when the type of binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process", the control unit 100b omits the action of rotating the above-mentioned rotating bracket 142. That is, the liquid dispensing component 140 moves along the main scanning direction while keeping the rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle.

[0254] In addition, the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit to move the motor 238, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 (A) Figure 23 As shown in (B), the crimping unit 32' is moved from the standby position HP2 to a position where it can face the binding position B1 (S801). In addition, when the type of binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "oblique binding process", the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit rotation motor 239 to rotate the crimping unit 32' from the standby angle to the crimping binding angle corresponding to the "oblique binding posture" (S801). The position where the crimping unit 32' can face the first binding position B1 and the crimping binding angle can be grasped by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping unit movement motor 238 and the crimping unit rotation motor 239. In addition, when the type of binding process indicated by the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process", the control unit 100b omits the action of rotating the crimping unit 32'. That is, the crimping unit 32' moves along the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0255] Next, the control unit 100b starts conveying the paper P, on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, by driving the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 (S802). The control unit 100b then determines whether the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is facing the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803). If it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is not facing the liquid application unit 140 (S803: No), the control unit 100b continues conveying the paper P by the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 until the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid application unit 140 (S803: Yes). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the control unit 100b stops conveying the paper P by the conveying roller pair 10 and 11 (S804). The fact that the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid applying head 146 can be detected by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of a motor driving the transport roller pair 10 , 11 .

[0256] The control unit 100b executes a process for the liquid applying unit 140 to apply liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 on the paper P (S805). More specifically, the control unit 100b rotates the application head moving motor 151 in a first direction to bring the liquid applying head 146 into contact with the first liquid applying position B1 on the paper P. Furthermore, the control unit 100b changes the pressing force of the liquid applying head 146 (i.e., the rotation amount of the application head moving motor 151) according to the amount of liquid applied to the paper P.

[0257] The amount of liquid applied to the paper P can be the same for all paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, or can be different for each paper P. For example, the control unit 100b can reduce the amount of liquid applied to the paper P that is transported later. Furthermore, the rotation amount of the application head moving motor 151 can be determined by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the application head moving motor 151.

[0258] Next, the control unit 100b drives the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on the inner tray 22 (S806). Furthermore, the control unit 100b moves the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction to align the positions of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction, a process known as alignment (S806).

[0259] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the specified number Np indicated by the post-processing command (S807). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the specified number Np (S807: No), the control unit 100b repeats the processes of steps S802 to S807 until the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the specified number Np (S807: Yes).

[0260] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np (S807: YES), the pressure bonding unit 32' performs pressure bonding at the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1 of the sheets P) on the paper bundle Pb including the sheets P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 140 (S808). Furthermore, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pair 15 to discharge the pressure-bonded paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S808).

[0261] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies Mp indicated by the post-processing command (S809). If the control unit 100 determines that the number of discharged paper bundles Pb has not reached the required number of copies Mp (S809: No), the process of steps S802 to S809 is repeated until the number of discharged paper bundles Pb has reached the required number of copies Mp (S809: Yes).

[0262] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number Mp (S809: Yes), it drives the liquid applying unit moving motor 137 to move the liquid applying assembly 140 to the standby position HP1 (see Figure 25 ), and drives the crimping unit moving motor 238 to move the crimping unit 32' to the standby position HP2 (refer to Figure 23)(S810). In addition, when the posture indicated by the post-processing instruction is the "oblique binding posture", the control unit 100b drives the nozzle moving motor 150 and the crimping unit rotating motor 239 to rotate the liquid applying component 140 and the crimping unit 32' to the parallel binding posture (standby angle) (S810). On the other hand, when the posture indicated by the post-processing instruction is the "parallel binding posture", the action of rotating the liquid applying component 140 and the crimping unit 32' to the parallel binding posture (standby angle) is omitted. In addition, in steps S801 and S810, the execution order of the action of moving the liquid applying component 140 and the crimping unit 32' in the main scanning direction and the action of rotating in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the above order, and can also be the opposite order to the above order.

[0263] In addition, the present invention can be applied not only to the end binding processing section 25 that performs the end binding process but also to the saddle stitching processing section 28 that performs the saddle stitching process.

[0264] In addition, for Figure 22 The control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 1 Similarly, the embodiment in which the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2 is provided separately has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Figure 31 Similarly to (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A may also be provided on the side of the image forming device 2. Figure 31 (B) Similarly, the control unit 100 b of the post-processing apparatus 3A may be integrally configured with the control unit 100 a of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0265] In addition, with Figure 32 Similarly to (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A may be functionally divided into a control unit 100b1 (e.g., a drive unit system (motor, etc.)) and a control unit 100b2 (a detection unit system (sensor, etc.)), and the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3A on one side may be provided on the image forming device 2 side. Figure 32 (B) Similarly, the control unit 100 b 2 of the post-processing device 3A provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side may be integrally configured with the control unit 100 a of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0266] As already explained, the control method of control unit 100b described above is implemented through the collaboration of computer hardware resources and a computer software program stored in a storage medium. Specifically, the control method is executed by a computer by coordinating the operation of a computing device, storage device, input device, output device, and control device based on the program stored in the storage medium. Alternatively, the program stored in the storage medium can be written to a storage device or storage medium and distributed, or distributed via telecommunications lines.

[0267] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical spirit thereof. The technical matters included in the technical concepts described in the claims are all subject of the present invention. While the above embodiments are preferred examples, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications based on the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0268] [Modes of the Invention]

[0269] The content of the present invention is as follows, for example.

[0270] <1>

[0271] A medium processing device, characterized in that it includes: a liquid applying unit, which applies liquid to a part of at least one medium; a medium processing unit, which performs prescribed processing on a medium bundle including at least one medium to which liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit; a liquid storage portion, which stores liquid used by the liquid applying unit for liquid application; a liquid detection unit, which is arranged in the liquid storage portion, and a control unit, which controls the action of supplying the liquid to the liquid applying unit, thereby becoming a liquid applying possible state in which liquid can be applied to the medium by the liquid applying unit based on information from the liquid detection unit, and the control unit changes the transition time to the liquid applying possible state according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion detected by the liquid detection unit.

[0272] <2>

[0273] According to the <1> The medium processing device described above is characterized in that when the amount of liquid is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit immediately changes the switching time to switch to the liquid-dispensing possible state.

[0274] <3>

[0275] According to the <1> or <2> The medium processing device described above is characterized in that when the amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit changes the switching time so as to switch to the liquid-dispensing possible state after standing by for a predetermined time.

[0276] <4>

[0277] According to the <1> To the above <3> The medium processing device described in any one of the above is characterized in that the control unit determines the amount of liquid by comparing the supply time in the supply action with a preset time.

[0278] <5>

[0279] According to the <4> The described media processing device is characterized by including: an input unit that can arbitrarily change the preset time through user operation, and the control unit sets the preset time based on an input value from the input unit.

[0280] <6>

[0281] An image forming system, comprising:

[0282] an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium;

[0283] a liquid applying unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;

[0284] a medium processing unit that performs a predetermined process on a medium bundle including at least one of the mediums to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit;

[0285] a liquid storage portion for storing liquid used by the liquid imparting unit for imparting liquid;

[0286] a liquid detection unit, which is arranged in the liquid storage portion, and

[0287] a control unit that controls the operation of supplying the liquid to the liquid applying unit so as to achieve a liquid applying enabled state in which the liquid can be applied to the medium by the liquid applying unit based on information from the liquid detection unit;

[0288] The control unit changes a transition time for enabling the liquid to be in a state according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion detected by the liquid detection unit.

Claims

1. A medium processing device, characterized in that include: a liquid applying unit for applying liquid to a portion of at least one medium; a medium processing unit that performs a predetermined process on a medium bundle including at least one of the mediums to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit; a liquid storage portion for storing liquid used by the liquid imparting unit for imparting liquid; a liquid detection unit, which is arranged in the liquid storage portion, and a control unit that controls the operation of supplying the liquid to the liquid applying unit so as to achieve a liquid applying enabled state in which the liquid can be applied to the medium by the liquid applying unit based on information from the liquid detection unit; The control unit changes a transition time for enabling the liquid to be in a state according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion detected by the liquid detection unit.

2. The medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the amount of liquid is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit immediately changes the switching time so as to switch to the liquid dispensing possible state.

3. The medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit changes the switching time so as to switch to the liquid dispensing possible state after standing by for a predetermined time.

4. The medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit determines the amount of the liquid by comparing the supply time in the supply action with a preset time.

5. The medium processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that include: An input unit capable of arbitrarily changing the preset time through user operation, The control unit sets the preset time based on an input value from the input unit.

6. An image forming system, characterized in that include: an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium; a liquid applying unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit; a medium processing unit that performs a predetermined process on a medium bundle including at least one of the mediums to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit; a liquid storage portion for storing liquid used by the liquid imparting unit for imparting liquid; a liquid detection unit, which is arranged in the liquid storage portion, and a control unit that controls the operation of supplying the liquid to the liquid applying unit so as to achieve a liquid applying enabled state in which the liquid can be applied to the medium by the liquid applying unit based on information from the liquid detection unit; The control unit changes a transition time for enabling the liquid to be in a state according to the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion detected by the liquid detection unit.

Images