Medium processing device and image formation system

Abstract

To provide a technology that can prevent a decrease in the strength of the press binding even in a low-temperature environment in a media processing device that applies a liquid to a medium before press binding.SOLUTION: A media processing apparatus includes: liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one part of a medium; post-processing means for binding a stack of media that includes at least one medium applied with liquid by the liquid application means; a first liquid storage section provided in the liquid application means to hold liquid; a second liquid storage section that can supply liquid to the first liquid storage section; liquid supply means that allows mutual supply of liquid between the second liquid storage section and the first liquid storage section; and control means. The control means has a liquid temperature lowering response mode, which is an operational mode corresponding to a decrease in liquid temperature, and in the liquid temperature lowering response mode, it controls temperature suppression means corresponding to processing that suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known a media processing device that performs a "stapling process" to bind a bundle (a bundle of media) formed using sheet-like media. In addition, there is also known an image forming device that is equipped with the above-mentioned media processing device among image forming devices that form images on sheet-like media.

[0003] Sheet-like media may be made of various materials. In this specification, the sheet-like medium is assumed to be "paper" that is generally used for image formation and the like. In addition, a "paper stack" in which multiple sheets are stacked is used as an example of a bundle of multiple sheets.

[0004] With a view to conserving resources and reducing the environmental impact, media processing devices are known that are equipped with a pressure-bonding processing section that is capable of so-called "pressure binding," in which a stack of paper is clamped and deformed by pressure using uneven binding teeth, without using metal staples.

[0005] In compression binding, the more sheets of paper that make up a paper stack, the more difficult it is for the binding teeth to bite into the paper stack. Therefore, it is known that compression binding has an issue in that after binding a large number of sheets of paper, it becomes difficult to maintain the bound state, such as the sheets falling off the stack. Therefore, some media processing devices that perform compression binding are equipped with a liquid application unit that applies liquid in advance to the positions on the sheets that the binding teeth will contact in order to increase the binding strength (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By applying liquid in advance using the liquid application unit described in Patent Document 1, the binding teeth can easily bite into the paper stack, and appropriate binding strength can be maintained. However, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the influence of the environmental temperature of the configuration for applying liquid to the paper. In other words, it does not solve the problem of poor binding when the environmental temperature during use is low.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a technology in a media processing device that applies liquid to media and then pressure-bonds the media, which can prevent a decrease in strength of pressure-bonded binding that also uses liquid application, even in a low-temperature environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention includes a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of media, a post-processing means for binding a media bundle including the at least one sheet of media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means, a first liquid storage section provided in the liquid application means for storing liquid, a second liquid storage section capable of supplying the liquid to the first liquid storage section, a liquid supplying means for enabling the liquid to be mutually supplied between the second liquid storage section and the first liquid storage section, and a control means, wherein the control means has a liquid temperature reduction response mode which is an operating mode that responds to a decrease in the temperature of the liquid, and in the liquid temperature reduction response mode, controls a temperature suppression means corresponding to a process of suppressing the decrease in the temperature of the liquid. A media processing device comprising:

[0009] According to the present invention, even in a low-temperature environment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in strength of pressure binding in which liquid is applied in combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge stitching processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 4] 5 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing section as viewed from the liquid application section side in the main scanning direction. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement and configuration of a second liquid storage section in the post-treatment device. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a detachable configuration of a second liquid storage section in the post-treatment device. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a crimping unit of the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of an end binding processing section. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a liquid application and pressure bonding section according to a modified example of the end binding processing section. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a liquid applying operation and a pressure bonding binding operation performed by the liquid applying and pressure bonding unit in FIG. 9 . [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of a binding process by the end binding processing unit. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating positions of a liquid application unit and a pressure bonding unit during binding processing by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 16] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the movement of liquid in the post-treatment device in a liquid temperature drop response mode. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a first processing example of a liquid temperature decrease response mode. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart of a second processing example of the liquid temperature decrease response mode. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart of a third processing example of the liquid temperature decrease response mode. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an installation mode of a heating unit in the post-treatment device. [Figure 21] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating liquid circulation control in a liquid temperature drop response mode. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply configuration for a heating unit in the post-processing device. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a power supply configuration to a heating unit in the post-treatment device. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a power supply configuration to a heating unit in the post-treatment device. [Diagram 25] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a heating means control process in a liquid temperature decrease response mode. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the heating means control process in the liquid temperature decrease response mode. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the internal tray according to the second embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of paper. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a pressure bonding unit according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a liquid deposition section according to a second embodiment, as viewed in the thickness direction of paper. [Diagram 31] 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV of FIG. 26 . [Diagram 32] 26. A cross-sectional view taken along the line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 34] 10 is a flowchart of post-processing performed by a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an embodiment of an image forming system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 as an embodiment. The image forming system 1 has a function of forming an image on paper P, which is an example of a sheet-like medium, and a function of performing post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 2 and a post-processing device 3, which corresponds to an embodiment of a media processing device according to the present invention.

[0012] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet P and discharges the sheet P with the image formed thereon to a post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 includes a tray in which the sheet P is stored, a transport section which transports the sheet P stored in the tray, and an image forming section which forms an image on the sheet P transported by the transport section. The image forming section may be of an inkjet type which ejects ink toward the sheet P to form an image, or of an electrophotographic type which deposits toner on the sheet P to form an image. The configuration of the image forming device 2 is already known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] [First embodiment of post-processing device] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3 (media processing device) according to the first embodiment. The post-processing device 3 is a device that performs post-processing on the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2. One type of post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process that binds a bundle (sheet bundle) of multiple sheets of paper P on which an image has been formed without using staples. This binding process is referred to as a "pressure binding process." Another type of post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process that binds a bundle (sheet bundle) of multiple sheets of paper P on which an image has been formed using staples. This binding process is referred to as a "staple binding process." In the following description, a bundle (media bundle) of multiple overlapping sheets of paper P is referred to as a "paper bundle Pb."

[0014] In addition, more specifically, the "pressure binding process" according to this embodiment is a process in which a part of the paper stack Pb is set as a binding position and pressure is applied to the binding position to deform the position. In other words, it is a process in which a part of the paper stack Pb is pressurized and deformed to bind the paper stack. When explaining a series of binding operations by the pressure binding process, it may be written as "pressure binding." Note that the binding processes that can be performed by the post-processing device 3 include an end binding process that binds the end of the paper stack Pb and a saddle binding process that binds the center of the paper stack Pb.

[0015] The post-processing device 3 includes transport roller pairs 10-19 (transport section) and a switching claw 20. The transport roller pairs 10-19 transport the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the transport roller pairs 10-13 transport the paper P along a first transport path Ph1. Furthermore, the transport roller pairs 14-15 transport the paper P along a second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, the transport roller pairs 16-19 transport the paper P along a third transport path Ph3.

[0016] The first transport path Ph1 is a path from a supply port of the paper P from the image forming device 2 to the first discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the second discharge tray 26 through the internal tray 22 (mounting section). The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the third discharge tray 30.

[0017] The switching claw 20 is disposed at a branching position of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the paper P is discharged to the first discharge tray 21 through the first transport path Ph1 and a second position where the paper P transported through the first transport path Ph1 is guided to the second transport path Ph2. In addition, when the rear end of the paper P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes through the transport roller pair 11, the transport roller pair 14 is rotated in the reverse direction to guide the paper P to the third transport path Ph3. In addition, the post-processing device 3 includes a plurality of sensors (indicated by ▲ in FIG. 2) that detect the position of the paper P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3.

[0018] The post-processing device 3 includes a first discharge tray 21. The paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1 is placed on the first discharge tray 21. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, the paper sheets P that are not to be bound are discharged to the first discharge tray 21.

[0019] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 as a loading tray, an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an end stitching processing unit 25, a staple processing unit 155, and a second discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, the end stitching processing unit 25, and the staple processing unit 155 perform end stitching processing on a sheet stack Pb composed of a plurality of sheets P transported on the second transport path Ph2. The sheet stack Pb that has been subjected to end stitching processing is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 from among the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0020] The "end binding process" referred to here includes a "parallel binding process" in which the binding process is performed along one side of the paper stack Pb that is parallel to the main scanning direction, a "diagonal binding process" in which the binding process is performed at a corner of the paper stack Pb, and a "vertical binding process" in which the binding process is performed along one side of the paper stack Pb that is parallel to the transport direction.

[0021] Hereinafter, the direction from the conveying roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "conveying direction" of the paper P. That is, in this specification, the "conveying direction" corresponds to the direction in which the paper P discharged from the image forming device 2 is moved toward the second discharge tray 26 by the conveying roller pair 10 or the like and then moved toward the end fence 23 by the conveying roller pair 15. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the conveying direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)".

[0022] A plurality of sheets P transported in order via the second transport path Ph2 are temporarily placed on the internal tray 22 as a loading tray. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheets P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L, 24R align the position of the sheets P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The end binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155 perform end binding processing on the end of the sheet bundle Pb aligned by the end fence 23 and the side fences 24L, 24R. Then, the transport roller pair 15 discharges the sheet bundle Pb that has been subjected to the end binding processing to the second discharge tray 26.

[0023] The post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a saddle stitching processing section 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a third discharge tray 30. The end fence 27, the saddle stitching processing section 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle stitching on a paper stack Pb composed of a plurality of paper sheets P transported through the third transport path Ph3. The paper stack Pb that has been saddle stitched is discharged to the third discharge tray 30 from among the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0024] The end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveying direction of the multiple sheets P conveyed in sequence through the third conveying path Ph3. The end fence 27 is also configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the sheet stack Pb faces the saddle stitching processing unit 28 and a folding position where the center faces the paper folding blade 29. The saddle stitching processing unit 28 staples the center of the sheet stack Pb aligned by the end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the sheet stack Pb placed on the end fence 27 at the folding position in half and clamps it between the conveying roller pair 18. The conveying roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the sheet stack Pb that has been saddle stitched to the third discharge tray 30.

[0025] The post-processing device 3 also includes a first liquid storage tank 43 (first liquid storage section) and a first liquid supply section 45 (part of the liquid application section) in the end stitching processing section 25. The first liquid storage tank 43 and the first liquid supply section 45 are not shown in FIG. 2. The post-processing device 3 also includes a second liquid supply section 54 (part of the liquid supply means), a liquid supply pump 55 (part of the liquid supply means), a second liquid storage tank 53 (part of the second liquid storage section), and a second liquid storage tank fixing section 52 (part of the second liquid storage section) as a configuration for refilling the first liquid storage tank 43 with liquid. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 53 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid storage tank fixing section 52, the liquid supply pump 55, and the second liquid supply section 54.

[0026] [Edge binding processing section configuration] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing unit 25, which applies liquid and performs pressure binding processing, as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing unit 25 as viewed from the liquid application unit 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the end binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application unit 31 that performs a processing operation related to liquid application, and a pressure bonding unit 32, which is an example of a post-processing means and performs pressure binding processing. The liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0027] The liquid application unit 31 as a liquid application means applies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the paper P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, applying liquid to the paper P or the paper stack Pb will be referred to as "liquid application", and the process for applying liquid will be referred to as "liquid application process".

[0028] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to execute "liquid application" is, more specifically, a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H2O" as its main component. As long as it is in a liquid state, its temperature state does not matter, and it may be so-called warm water or hot water. In addition, it is not limited to pure water, and it may of course be purified water, or may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content is also not limited to hardness, ranging from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water.

[0029] The liquid used for liquid application may contain additives in addition to the main components exemplified above. For example, it may contain residual chlorine used as tap water, or may contain colorants, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, drying inhibitors such as glycerin, etc. It is preferable that preservatives and drying inhibitors are added. Furthermore, inks used in inkjet printing devices and inks used in water-based pens also use water as an ingredient, so these may be used for "liquid application".

[0030] The liquid is not limited to those specifically mentioned here, and any "water" in the broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or an aqueous solution of ethanol diluted for disinfection, can also function, but if the only purpose is to enhance the binding strength after the binding process, tap water, which is easy to obtain and manage, can be used. In addition, using a liquid whose main component is water, such as the above examples, can improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb more than using a liquid whose main component is not water.

[0031] Both the liquid application section 31 and the pressure bonding section 32 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction by transmitting the driving force of the end binding processing section movement motor 50. The position where the liquid application section 31 applies liquid to the paper P or the paper stack Pb (liquid application position or liquid application area) corresponds to the position where the pressure bonding section 32 is to perform pressure binding on the paper stack Pb (press binding position or pressure binding area). Therefore, in the following description, the liquid application position (or liquid application area) and the pressure binding position (or pressure binding area) are given the same reference numerals.

[0032] [Configuration of liquid application section] 3 and 4, the liquid application unit 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction together with the pressing unit 32 by transmitting the driving force of an edge stitching processing unit moving motor 50. The liquid application unit 31 includes a lower pressure plate 33 as a platform for placing the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb, an upper pressure plate 34, a liquid application unit moving mechanism 35, and a liquid application mechanism 36. The components of the liquid application unit 31 (the lower pressure plate 33, the upper pressure plate 34, the liquid application unit moving mechanism 35, and the liquid application mechanism 36) are held by a liquid application frame 31a and a base member 48.

[0033] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The paper P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 is also placed on the lower pressure plate 33. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on the lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be movable in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper stack Pb at a position facing the paper P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction") of the paper P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, sandwiching the paper P or the paper stack Pb. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through hole 34a penetrating in the thickness direction at a position facing the tip of the liquid application member 44 (part of the liquid application section) held via a holding section 46 attached to the base plate 40.

[0034] The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 46, the liquid application member 44, the first liquid supply unit 45, and the first liquid storage tank 43 in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 according to this embodiment moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid application member 44, the first liquid supply unit 45, and the holding unit 46 in an interlocking (integrated) manner by a single liquid application unit movement motor 37. The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid application unit movement motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0035] The liquid applicator movement motor 37 generates a driving force for moving the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding portion 46, the liquid applicator member 44, the first liquid supply portion 45, and the first liquid storage tank 43. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb, and is supported by the liquid applicator frame 31a of the liquid applicator 31 so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid applicator movement motor 37 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is screwed into the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the liquid applicator movement motor 37 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38 in forward and reverse directions, causing the nut 39 to move back and forth on the trapezoidal screw 38.

[0036] The base plate 40 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the upper pressing plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid application member 44 with the tip of the liquid application member 44 protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34. The base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and is configured to be able to move back and forth along the trapezoidal screw 38 as the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates in forward and reverse directions. The position of the base plate 40 in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb is detected by a position detection sensor 40a (see FIG. 13).

[0037] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34 around the tip of the liquid application member 44. The columnar members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable in the thickness direction relative to the base plate 40. The columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their tips on the lower pressing plate 33 side. The tips of the columnar members 41a and 41b on the opposite side to the lower pressing plate 33 are provided with stoppers to prevent the columnar members 41a and 41b from coming off the base plate 40. The coil springs 42a and 42b are inserted around the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b urge the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressing plate 33 side relative to the base plate 40.

[0038] The liquid applying mechanism 36 applies liquid to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid applying unit 31 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb by bringing the liquid applying member 44 into contact with the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb.

[0039] The liquid application mechanism 36 includes a first liquid amount detection sensor 43a (first liquid detection means), a first liquid storage tank 43, a liquid application member 44, a first liquid supply unit 45, and a holding unit 46. The first liquid storage tank 43 stores liquid for application to the paper P or the paper stack Pb. The amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is detected by the first liquid amount detection sensor 43a. The first liquid storage tank 43 is connected to the base plate 40 via the holding unit 46.

[0040] The liquid application member 44 applies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the paper P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid application member 44 and the first liquid supply unit 45, which is installed so as to be in close contact with the liquid application member 44, are both held by a holding unit 46. The holding unit 46 is also held by the base plate 40. The holding unit 46 is a long cylinder (for example, a tube) that is inserted into the first liquid supply unit 45. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid absorbed by the first liquid supply unit 45 from leaking out or evaporating.

[0041] One end of the first liquid supply unit 45 is in close contact with the liquid application member 44, and the other end is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. That is, the other end of the first liquid supply unit 45 corresponds to a liquid immersion unit that sucks up the liquid and supplies it to the liquid application member 44. The liquid application member 44 and the first liquid supply unit 45 are made of a material (e.g., sponge or fiber) with a high liquid absorption rate, such as an elastic resin formed with open cells. Therefore, when the other end of the first liquid supply unit 45 is immersed in the stored liquid, it is in a state of sucking up the liquid by capillary action, and as a result, the first liquid supply unit 45 and the liquid application member 44 are filled with the liquid.

[0042] The tip surface of the liquid application member 44 according to this embodiment is a flat surface. Furthermore, the liquid application member 44 according to this embodiment is supported by the base plate 40 so that the tip surface is parallel to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0043] Furthermore, a liquid application unit rotation shaft 562 equipped with a drive transmission gear 562a is fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid application frame 31a that holds the components of the liquid application unit 31. The liquid application unit rotation shaft 562 and the drive transmission gear 562a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 on which the liquid application frame 31a is provided. The drive transmission gear 562a is engaged with an output gear 563a of a liquid application unit rotation motor 563. The liquid application unit 31 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the liquid application unit rotation shaft 562 by transmitting the driving force of the liquid application unit rotation motor 563 to the liquid application unit rotation shaft 562 via the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a.

[0044] [Configuration of the second storage section] 4, the post-processing device 3 further includes a second storage tank fixing part 52 (part of the second storage part), a second storage tank 53 (part of the second storage part), a second liquid supply part 54, and a liquid supply pump 55 in order to supply liquid to the first storage tank 43. However, the specific method of supplying liquid to the first storage tank 43 is not limited to the following example, and the user may directly replenish liquid to the first storage tank 43.

[0045] Next, the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 53 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows an example of the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 53 as a main tank. Figure 5(A) illustrates a state in which the cover (front door 71) of the post-processing device 3 is open. Figure 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of the post-processing device 3 as seen from the side, illustrating a state in which the cover (front door 71) of the post-processing device 3 is closed.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the second liquid storage tank 53 is installed at a position that can be accessed when the front door 71 of the post-processing device 3 is opened. In addition, a main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 is provided between the arrangement positions of the second liquid storage tank 53 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 and the arrangement positions of the first liquid storage tank 43, etc. A liquid drain plug 611 is provided on the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52. After the liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid supply part 54 is sent back to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 52 can be drained from the inside of the post-processing device 3 by opening the liquid drain plug 611. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from freezing during maintenance of the post-processing device 3.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the second storage tank 53 is detachably attached to the second storage tank fixing part 52, and a state in which the second storage tank 53 is refilled with liquid. As shown in FIG. 6, the second storage tank 53 is configured to be detachably attached to the second storage tank fixing part 52 so that liquid can be refilled. The second storage tank fixing part 52 is provided with a set detection sensor 532 that detects that the second storage tank 53 is set to the second storage tank fixing part 52. When the second storage tank 53 is not set to the second storage tank fixing part 52 (unset state), the outlet of the second storage tank 53 is blocked by the liquid supply valve 531, so that liquid does not leak. When the second storage tank 53 is set to the second storage tank fixing part 52, the liquid supply valve 531 is pushed up, and the liquid stored in the second storage tank 53 flows to the second storage tank fixing part 52, and the liquid can be stored in the second storage tank fixing part 52.

[0048] The second storage tank fixing part 52 stores liquid to be supplied to the first storage tank 43. The second storage tank fixing part 52 is attached to a main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 outside the movement range of the end stitching processing part 25 (liquid application part 31) in the main scanning direction. The amount of liquid stored in the second storage tank fixing part 52 is detected by a second liquid amount detection sensor 52a (second liquid detection means).

[0049] The second storage tank 53 (liquid bottle) stores liquid to be supplied to the second storage tank fixing part 52. The second storage tank 53 is configured to be detachable from the second storage tank fixing part 52. When the second storage tank 53 is attached to the second storage tank fixing part 52, liquid moves from the second storage tank 53 to the second storage tank fixing part 52 until the amount of liquid reaches an upper limit value in the second storage tank fixing part 52. On the other hand, when the amount of liquid in the second storage tank fixing part 52 reaches the upper limit value, the movement of liquid from the second storage tank 53 to the second storage tank fixing part 52 stops.

[0050] The second liquid supply unit 54 connects the second storage tank fixing unit 52 and the first storage tank 43. The second liquid supply unit 54 supplies the liquid stored in the second storage tank fixing unit 52 to the first storage tank 43. The second liquid supply unit 54 is, for example, a hollow member capable of moving liquid, and is configured by a tube-shaped member such as a pipe or a hose, or a combination of these. The diameter (inner diameter dimension) of the hollow part of the second liquid supply unit 54 is set so that the supply speed (second supply speed) of the liquid supplied from the second storage tank fixing unit 52 to the first storage tank 43 becomes a suitable speed. For example, the dimension is set so that the second supply speed is faster than the supply speed (first supply speed) of the liquid supplied from the first storage tank 43 to the liquid applying member 44 through the first liquid supply unit 45.

[0051] The liquid supply pump 55 is attached to the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 together with the second storage tank fixing part 52. The liquid supply pump 55 supplies (pressure-feeds) the liquid stored in the second storage tank fixing part 52 to the first storage tank 43 through the second liquid supply part 54. The liquid supply pump 55 may be included as a part of the second liquid supply part 54, or may be provided between the tubular members that constitute the second liquid supply part 54.

[0052] [Configuration of crimping portion 32] Next, the details of the pressing unit 32 (post-processing means) shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The pressing unit 32 binds the paper-sheet stack Pb by clamping, pressing and deforming at least a portion (i.e., the liquid application position) of the paper-sheet stack Pb to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 31 with the uneven upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b. Hereinafter, the binding process and binding operation by clamping and pressing with the upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b will be referred to as "press binding". In other words, the pressing unit 32 can bind the paper-sheet stack Pb without using a binding member such as a staple. The components of the pressing unit 32 (upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b) are provided on a pressing frame 32c.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressing unit 32. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressing unit 32 has a pair of binding teeth (upper pressing tooth 32a and lower pressing tooth 32b). The upper pressing tooth 32a and the lower pressing tooth 32b are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb so that the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 can be sandwiched. The surfaces of the upper pressing tooth 32a and the lower pressing tooth 32b facing each other are formed in an uneven shape with concave and convex portions alternately formed. In addition, the upper pressing tooth 32a and the lower pressing tooth 32b are formed with the concave and convex portions shifted so as to mesh with each other. The upper pressing tooth 32a and the lower pressing tooth 32b are brought into contact with each other and separated by the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d (see FIG. 13).

[0054] In the process in which a plurality of sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb are supplied to the internal tray 22, the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a and 32b are spaced apart from each other, as shown in Fig. 7(A). Then, when all sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb are placed on the internal tray 22, the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a and 32b mesh with each other, as shown in Fig. 7(B), and pressurize and deform the sheet stack Pb in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet stack Pb is then discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 15.

[0055] The configuration of the crimping part 32 is not limited to the structure of the operating mechanism as exemplified in this embodiment, as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b constituting the crimping mechanism are engaged with each other. For example, the crimping mechanism may be a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167) that performs the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b using a drive source and a link mechanism that rotates forward or backward only, or may be a linear type crimping mechanism that performs the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b linearly using a screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the drive source in the forward and reverse directions into linear reciprocating motion.

[0056] Further, a crimping frame 32c that holds the components of the crimping unit 32 has a crimping unit rotation shaft 561 equipped with a drive transmission gear 54a fixed to its bottom surface. The crimping unit rotation shaft 561 and the drive transmission gear 54a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on a base member 48 on which the crimping frame 32c is provided. The drive transmission gear 54a is engaged with an output gear 56a of a crimping unit rotating motor 56. The crimping unit 32 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the crimping unit rotation shaft 561 by transmitting the driving force of the crimping unit rotating motor 56 to the crimping unit rotation shaft 561 via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 54a.

[0057] 3, the end stitching processing unit 25 includes an end stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47. The end stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 moves the end stitching processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The end stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, an end stitching processing unit moving motor 50, a driving force transmission mechanism 551, and a standby position sensor 51 (see FIG. 13).

[0058] The liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are attached to the base member 48 in a state where they are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 is provided downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction and extends in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 also supports the base member 48 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction. The end stitching processing unit moving motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the end stitching processing unit 25. The end stitching processing unit moving motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the end stitching processing unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 551 transmits the driving force of the end stitching processing unit moving motor 50 to the base member 48 via pulleys 551a, 551b and a timing belt 551c.

[0059] As a result, the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49. The positions of the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 can be grasped, for example, by an encoder sensor 541 (see FIG. 13) attached to the output shaft of the end binding processing unit movement motor 50. In addition, the standby position sensor 51 (see FIG. 13) detects that the end binding processing unit 25 has reached the standby position HP1 (see FIGS. 15(A) and 15(D)).

[0060] 15(A) and 15(D), the standby position HP1 is a position that is offset in the width direction from the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Also, as shown in Figs. 15(B) to 15(C), the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 can move along the guide shaft 49 to a position that can face the binding position B (liquid applicator position B) of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0061] [Configuration of modified end binding processing unit] Next, with reference to Figs. 8 to 10, an end binding processing unit 25' as a post-processing means, which is a modified example of the end binding processing unit 25 included in the post-processing device 3, will be described. The difference from the end binding processing unit 25 already described is that the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are integrally configured. Note that the same reference numbers are used for components common to the end binding processing unit 25 already described, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the end stitching processing section 25' as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Fig. 9(A) is a perspective view of the liquid application and pressure bonding section 310. Fig. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 9(A). Fig. 9(C) is a plan view of the upper pressure bonding teeth 32a as viewed from the direction of the lower pressure bonding teeth 32b in Fig. 9(A). Figs. 10(A) to (C) are schematic diagrams showing the liquid application operation and pressure bonding binding operation by the liquid application and pressure bonding section 310 as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0063] 8, the end stitching processing unit 25' includes a liquid application and pressure bonding unit 310 that is an integral unit of the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 of the end stitching processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment. The liquid application and pressure bonding unit 310 is disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0064] 8 to 10, configurations corresponding to the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid supply unit 54 are omitted. However, the end stitching processing unit 25′ also has a configuration in which liquid moves from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid supply unit 54.

[0065] The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 applies the liquid LQ stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction by transmitting the driving force of the end stitching processing unit movement motor 50 to the base member 48 by a driving force transmission mechanism 551. The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 includes an upper pressing plate 34, upper pressure teeth 32a, lower pressure teeth 32b, a liquid applying and pressing unit movement mechanism 350, and a liquid supply mechanism 360. Each component of the liquid applying and pressing unit 310 is held by a liquid applying frame 31a and a base member 48. In addition, a liquid applying and pressing unit rotation shaft 54' equipped with a drive transmission gear 54a' is fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid applying frame 31a. The liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 54' and the drive transmission gear 54a' are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 on which the liquid-applying frame 31a is provided. The drive transmission gear 54a' is meshed with an output gear 56a' of the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation motor 56'. The liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part 310 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 54' as the drive force of the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation motor 56' is transmitted to the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 54' via the output gear 56a' and the drive transmission gear 54a'.

[0066] The liquid application and pressure bonding section moving mechanism 350 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the upper pressure teeth 32a in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb in an interlocking manner by the electric cylinder 370. The base plate 40 holds the upper pressure teeth holding member 32a1 and the upper pressure teeth 32a via a holding portion 46. The base plate 40 also movably holds the upper pressure plate 34 via pillar members 41a and 41b. The base plate 40 is attached to the tip of a rod 371 of the electric cylinder 370 via a connecting member 401.

[0067] The columnar members 41a, 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their lower ends. The coil springs 42a, 42b are fitted around the columnar members 41a, 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a, 42b bias the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a, 41b in a direction away from the base plate 40.

[0068] The liquid supply mechanism 360 includes a first liquid storage tank 43, a liquid supply pump 431, and a first liquid supply unit 45. The liquid supply pump 431 supplies the liquid LQ to a liquid reservoir 320 provided in the upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1 as shown in Fig. 9(A) via the first liquid supply unit 45. The first liquid supply unit 45 has a base end connected to the liquid supply pump 431 and a tip end connected to the liquid reservoir 320, and is made of a long and stretchable member.

[0069] 9(B), the upper crimping teeth 32a are provided integrally with an upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1. The upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1 includes a liquid reservoir 320 and a liquid supply path 321 that supplies the liquid LQ stored in the liquid reservoir 320 to the upper crimping teeth 32a. The surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a are subjected to a hydrophilic treatment so that the liquid LQ supplied from the liquid supply path 321 spreads evenly over the surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a. Meanwhile, the portions of the upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1 other than the upper crimping teeth 32a are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment so that the liquid LQ spreads efficiently over the surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, the lower crimping teeth 32b are provided integrally with a lower crimping teeth holding member 32b1 that is a part of the liquid applying frame 31a, and are attached onto a base member 48 via the lower crimping teeth holding member 32b1.

[0071] Next, the liquid application operation and pressure binding operation by the liquid application and pressure bonding unit 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the process in which the paper P is supplied to the internal tray 22, the upper pressure teeth 32a and the lower pressure teeth 32b are separated as shown in FIG. 10(A). Then, when the paper P is placed on the internal tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is contracted to move the upper pressure teeth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 toward the paper P. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the upper pressure plate 34 first comes into contact with the paper P, and then the upper pressure teeth 32a pass through the through hole 34a of the upper pressure plate 34 and come into contact with the paper P. At this time, since the liquid LQ is spread over the surface of the upper pressure teeth 32a, the liquid is applied to the liquid application position of the paper P by bringing the upper pressure teeth 32a into contact with the paper P. Then, when liquid application to the liquid application position is completed, the electric cylinder 370 is extended to separate the upper pressure teeth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 from the paper P. The above-described approaching and separating operation of the upper pressure teeth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 with respect to the paper P corresponds to the liquid application operation, and therefore this liquid application operation is repeatedly performed on the paper P that constitutes the paper stack Pb.

[0072] Thereafter, when a paper stack Pb consisting of a specified number of papers P is placed on the internal tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is further contracted to move the upper pressure tooth 32a toward the lower pressure tooth 32b. Then, as shown in Fig. 10(C), with the paper stack Pb sandwiched between the upper pressure tooth 32a and the lower pressure tooth 32b, the upper pressure tooth 32a moves further toward the lower pressure tooth 32b, and the paper stack Pb is pressurized and deformed by the upper pressure tooth 32a and the lower pressure tooth 32b to pressure-bind the paper stack Pb (pressure-binding operation).

[0073] [Configuration of the staple processing section] Next, the stapling processing unit 155 having a function of executing stapling processing will be described in detail. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing unit 155 as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. The stapling processing unit 155 has stapling means 62 that staples the paper stack Pb using staples. The stapling means 62 is disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction and spaced apart from the end stapling processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0074] The staple binding means 62 as a post-processing means is configured to perform so-called "staple binding processing" by using staples to staple the paper stack Pb. More specifically, the staple binding means 62 is equipped with a staple binding unit drive motor 62d (see FIG. 13) that drives the staple binding unit 62a. The staple binding unit 62a staples the paper stack Pb by penetrating the paper stack Pb with staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a by the driving force of the staple binding unit drive motor 62d. The configuration of the staple binding means 62 is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0075] 11, the stapling processing unit 155 includes a stapling processing unit moving mechanism 77. The stapling processing unit moving mechanism 77 moves the stapling processing unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the stapling processing unit 155 is configured to move in the main scanning direction by the guide shaft 49 between the standby position HP2 shown in FIGS. 15(A) to 15(C) and a position facing the binding position B shown in FIG. 15(D).

[0076] The staple binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a staple binding processing unit moving motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The drive force transmission mechanism 81 transmits the drive force of the staple binding processing unit moving motor 80 to the base member 78 via pulleys 81a and 81b and a timing belt 81c. Furthermore, a staple binding means rotating shaft 83 equipped with a drive transmission gear 83a is fixed to the bottom surface of the staple binding frame 62b that holds the components of the staple binding means 62. The staple binding means rotating shaft 83 and the drive transmission gear 83a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions by the base member 78 on which the staple binding frame 62b is provided. Furthermore, the drive transmission gear 83a is engaged with an output gear 82a of the staple binding means rotating motor 82. The staple binding means 62 is configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around the staple binding means rotation shaft 83 on the base member 78 by transmitting the driving force of the staple binding means rotation motor 82 to the staple binding means rotation shaft 83 via the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a.

[0077] The end stitching processing unit 25 and the staple stitching processing unit 155 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the end stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 and the staple stitching processing unit moving mechanism 77 move the end stitching processing unit 25 and the staple stitching processing unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Furthermore, the end stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 and the staple stitching processing unit moving mechanism 77 can move the end stitching processing unit 25 and the staple stitching processing unit 155 independently of each other.

[0078] [Configuration of modified example of staple processing unit] 12 shows a stapling processing unit 155' as a modified example of the stapling processing unit 155, and is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing unit 155' viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. The stapling processing unit 155' differs from the stapling processing unit 155 in that it includes not only the stapling means 62 but also a second liquid application unit 612. As shown in FIG. 12, the stapling processing unit 155' includes the second liquid application unit 612 and the stapling means 62. The second liquid application unit 612 and the stapling means 62 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0079] The second liquid applicator 612 performs "liquid applicator" by applying the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 73 to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including a position where the second liquid applicator 612 applies the liquid to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb corresponds to a binding position where staple binding is to be performed. As shown in FIG. 12, the second liquid applicator 612 includes a second lower pressure plate 63, a second upper pressure plate 64, a second liquid applicator moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid applicator mechanism 66. The second liquid applicator moving mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid applicator moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, a second columnar member 711 (711a, 711b), and a second coil spring 721 (721a, 721b). The second liquid application mechanism 66 includes a second liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid application member 74, a third liquid supply unit 75, and a second joint 76. The configuration of the second liquid application mechanism 66 is the same as that of the liquid application mechanism 36, so a repeated description will be omitted. In addition, the configuration of the stapling means 62 is the same as that shown in Fig. 11, so a detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the rotation mechanism of the second liquid application unit 612 is the same as that of the liquid application unit 31 shown in Fig. 3, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0080] 12, in the staple binding process, by applying a liquid to the paper P, the binding position can be loosened and softened, making it easier for the staple to penetrate. This makes it possible to increase the number of sheets stapled per bundle of paper Pb, compared to when the staple binding process is performed without applying liquid.

[0081] 12, components corresponding to the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid supply unit 54 as components for supplying liquid to the staple binding processing unit 155' are omitted. However, the end stitching processing unit 25' also has a configuration for moving liquid to the second liquid deposition unit 612 via the second liquid supply unit 54 with respect to the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0082] [Control block configuration of post-processing device] Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of the post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 13, the post-processing device 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an I / F 105, which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0083] The CPU 101 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0084] The post-processing device 3 processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 to the RAM 102, and the like, using the arithmetic function of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0085] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact and separation motor 32d, the pressure contact section rotation motor 56, the liquid application section movement motor 37, the liquid application section rotation motor 563, the end stitching processing section movement motor 50, the staple stitching section drive motor 62d, the staple stitching means rotation motor 82, the staple stitching processing section movement motor 80, the liquid supply pump 55, the position detection sensor 40a, the first liquid level detection sensor 43a, the second liquid level detection sensor 52a, the standby position sensor 51, the encoder sensor 541, the operation panel 110, the heater 181, the power supply switching relay 187, and the temperature sensor 188 to the common bus 109.

[0086] Through the I / F 105, the controller 100 controls the operation of the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressure contact section rotation motor 56, the liquid application section movement motor 37, the liquid application section rotation motor 563, the end stitching processing section movement motor 50, the staple stitching section drive motor 62d, the staple stitching means rotation motor 82, the staple stitching processing section movement motor 80, the liquid supply pump 55, the heater 181, and the power supply switching relay 187.

[0087] Furthermore, the controller 100 acquires the detection results of the position detection sensor 40a, the first liquid level detection sensor 43a, the second liquid level detection sensor 52a, the standby position sensor 51, the encoder sensor 541, and the temperature sensor 188, as well as input information from the operation panel.

[0088] 13 illustrates components related to the end stitching processing unit 25 that executes the end stitching process and the staple stitching processing unit 155, but does not illustrate components related to the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that executes the saddle stitching process. The components related to the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that executes the saddle stitching process are also controlled by the controller 100.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an input unit that accepts input from a user, and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The input unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, and the like. The operation panel 110 obtains information from the user through the input unit, for example, information specifying an operation mode of the post-processing device 3, and provides the information to the user through the display. Note that a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, or the like. The post-processing device 3 may also be provided with an operation panel 110 similar to that described above.

[0090] As described above, the post-processing device 3 uses the hardware resources of the controller 100 to realize the function of controlling operations related to liquid deposition through software (control programs) executed by the CPU 101.

[0091] [Explanation of binding process] Next, the flow of the binding process executed in the end binding processing unit 25 equipped in the post-processing device 3 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the binding process. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the positions of the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 during the binding process. Note that FIG. 15 does not show changes in the attitude of the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32. The controller 100 starts the binding process shown in FIG. 14, for example, at the timing when an instruction to execute the binding process (hereinafter, referred to as a "binding process instruction") is obtained from the image forming device 2.

[0092] The binding instruction includes, as conditions for the pressure binding process by the pressure bonding unit 32 (hereinafter referred to as "binding conditions"), for example, the type of paper P (information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined number of sheets"), the number of paper stacks Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as "required number of copies"), the position of the binding position B (liquid application position B) in the main scanning direction, the binding posture of the edge binding processing unit 25, and the operation mode selected through the operation panel 110. In addition, it is assumed that the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are in the parallel binding posture and are located at the standby position HP1 (see FIG. 15(A)) at the start of the binding process. As shown in FIG. 15(A), the standby position HP1 is a position that is offset in the width direction from the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0093] First, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 100 executes a liquid application amount setting process and a contact time & movement amount setting process (S901). The liquid application amount setting process is a process for setting the amount of liquid (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application amount") to be applied to the liquid application position B (see FIG. 15(B)). The contact time & movement amount setting process is a process for setting the time (hereinafter referred to as "contact time") during which the tip of the liquid application member 44 contacts the liquid application position B of the paper P, and the amount (hereinafter referred to as "movement amount") that the liquid application member 44 moves from a state in which the liquid application member 44 contacts the paper P or the paper stack Pb toward the paper P or the paper stack Pb. When the liquid application member 44 is an elastic member, this "movement amount" can also be understood as the deformation amount of the liquid application member 44. The details of the liquid application amount setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, and the details of the contact time & movement amount setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 18.

[0094] Next, when the posture instructed by the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture", the controller 100 drives the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 constituting the end binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding posture. In addition, when the posture is the "diagonal binding posture", only the pressure-bonding unit 32 may be rotated to the diagonal binding posture, and the liquid application unit 31 may not be rotated. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to the case where both the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 are rotated, thereby achieving the effects of reducing costs, miniaturizing the device, and reducing equipment failures.

[0095] On the other hand, when the posture instructed by the binding process instruction is the "parallel binding posture", the operation of rotating the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 constituting the end binding processing unit 25 described above to the oblique binding posture is omitted. In addition, the controller 100 drives the end binding processing unit movement motor 50 to move the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the liquid application position B1 instructed by the binding process instruction (S902). Note that the controller 100 executes the process of step S902 before the first sheet P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0096] Next, the controller 100 rotates the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15 to accommodate the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming device 2 in the internal tray 22 (S903). The controller 100 also moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging) (S903).

[0097] Next, the controller 100 causes the liquid applicator 31 located at the liquid applicator position B1 to execute a liquid application process on the paper sheet P placed on the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S903 (S904). That is, the controller 100 drives the liquid applicator movement motor 37 to bring the liquid applicator member 44 into contact with the liquid applicator position B of the paper sheet P placed on the internal tray 22 (FIG. 15(B)).

[0098] Next, the controller 100 judges whether the number of sheets P accommodated in the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number instructed by the binding process instruction (S905). Then, when the controller 100 judges that the number of sheets P accommodated in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number (S905: No), it executes the processes of steps S903 to S904 again. That is, the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S903 to S904 every time a sheet P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. Note that the liquid application process by the liquid application unit 31 does not need to be performed on all of the multiple sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb. As another example, the controller 100 may execute the liquid application process by the liquid application unit 31 on sheets P at intervals of one sheet out of n sheets.

[0099] Then, when the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets P stored in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number (S905: Yes), as shown in FIG. 15(C), it drives the end binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressing unit 32 faces the binding position B (S906).

[0100] Next, the controller 100 executes the pressure binding process by the pressure bonding unit 32 on the paper stack Pb accommodated in the internal tray 22 (S907). Then, the controller 100 discharges the paper stack Pb pressure-bound by the pressure bonding unit 32 to the second discharge tray 26 by the conveying roller pair 15 (S908). That is, the controller 100 drives the approach and separation motor 32d to clamp the binding position B of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper pressure bonding teeth 32a and the lower pressure bonding teeth 32b. As a result, the paper stack Pb is pressurized and deformed between the upper pressure bonding teeth 32a and the lower pressure bonding teeth 32b to perform the pressure binding process. After that, the controller 100 rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the pressure-bound paper stack Pb to the second discharge tray 26.

[0101] Next, the controller 100 judges whether the number of the discharged sheet bundles Pb reaches the required number of copies indicated in the binding process instruction (S909). If the controller 100 judges that the required number of copies has not been reached (S909: No), it executes the processes from step S903 onwards again. That is, the controller 100 repeats the processes from step S903 to S908 until the number of the sheet bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies (S909: No).

[0102] Then, when the controller 100 determines that the number of the paper stack Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies (S909: Yes), the controller 100 drives the edge binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the edge binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP1 as shown in FIG. 15(D) (S910). Also, when the posture instructed by the binding processing instruction is the "diagonal binding posture", the controller 100 drives the pressure bonding unit rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture (S910). On the other hand, when the posture instructed by the binding processing instruction is the "parallel binding posture", the rotation operation of the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture is omitted. As a result, the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 return to the standby position HP1 in FIG. 15(D). In steps S902 and S910, the order in which the liquid deposition unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 move in the main scanning direction and rotate in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the order described above, and may be reversed.

[0103] [Embodiment of processing operation according to the present invention] Next, an embodiment of a characteristic processing operation in the liquid deposition unit 31 provided in the post-processing device 3 according to the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 16, the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid storage tank 53 provided in the liquid deposition unit 31 according to this embodiment are communicated by the second liquid supply unit 54. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 53 can be moved to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the second liquid supply unit 54. The movement of the liquid is achieved by a liquid supply pump 55. The liquid supply pump 55 refers to the movement of the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 53 to the first liquid storage tank 43 as "forward transfer" and the movement of the liquid from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the second liquid storage tank 53 as "reverse transfer", and a control means described later controls these forward transfer and reverse transfer operations.

[0104] 4, which has already been described, liquid supply pump 55 has been described as being attached to main body side plate 72 of post-processing device 3 together with second storage tank fixing part 52. In Fig. 16, second storage tank fixing part 52 is omitted, and an example is shown in which the liquid supply pump is disposed midway through a tube constituting second liquid supply part 54. There are no limitations on the position at which the liquid supply pump is disposed, so long as it is a position that enables the movement of liquid.

[0105] Below, we will explain the “liquid temperature drop response mode,” which is one of the operating modes of the post-processing device 3 when the liquid application unit 31 is operated in a low-temperature environment where the liquid freezes due to the influence of the ambient temperature in which the post-processing device 3 is used.

[0106] The liquid temperature drop response mode is one of the operation modes of the post-processing device 3 that can be set to "enabled" or "disabled" by a user's operation on the operation panel 110, for example.

[0107] As already explained, the liquid application unit 31 has a configuration that holds the liquid in a state that allows it to move between the first liquid storage tank 43, which is the main tank, and the second liquid storage tank 53, which is the sub-tank. When it is predicted that the temperature of the liquid will decrease due to the influence of the ambient temperature due to the configuration of the temperature suppression means that allows it to move between the liquids, the liquid temperature decrease response mode is used to execute a liquid temperature decrease response process so that the liquid temperature does not decrease to the freezing temperature.

[0108] In order to address issues caused by a drop in temperature of the liquid used in liquid deposition, the liquid deposition unit 31 according to this embodiment can realize a process for maintaining the state of the liquid by controlling a temperature suppression means including the first liquid storage tank 43, the second liquid storage tank 53, the second liquid supply unit 54, and the liquid supply pump 55. In other words, by controlling the operation of the above configuration, a process for moving the liquid to a state (position) where freezing is suppressed can be realized. That is, as a process realized by the control means described later, a liquid movement process corresponding to a process for dealing with a drop in liquid temperature is realized by controlling the operation of the liquid supply pump 55.

[0109] Hereinafter, an example of the liquid temperature drop response process executed in liquid application unit 31 in which the liquid temperature drop response mode is set to active will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0110] 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process executed when the liquid temperature drop response mode is set to active. First, a process of moving the liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 43, the second liquid storage tank 53, and the second liquid supply unit 54 in a low-temperature environment where the liquid may freeze will be described.

[0111] As already explained, when applying liquid in the binding process, the liquid applying unit 31 is used. At this time, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 53 is sent (supplied) to the first liquid storage tank 43, and the liquid is applied from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the binding area. The amount of liquid consumed by applying the liquid for one binding operation (liquid volume) is very small.

[0112] That is, it is assumed that the liquid supplied at the start of the binding operation often remains in the first liquid storage tank 43 at the end of a series of binding operations. In this case, when the environmental temperature in the installation environment (usage environment) of the post-processing device 3 is low, in order to prevent the liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 43 from freezing, it is preferable to empty the first liquid storage tank 43. To do this, the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 can be moved to the second liquid storage tank 53. In other words, the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 can be discharged toward the second liquid storage tank 53.

[0113] Furthermore, when it is expected that the temperature of the environment in which the post-processing device 3, including the liquid application unit 31, is used will drop to the freezing temperature of the liquid, it is necessary to not only drain the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 but also drain the liquid remaining inside the second liquid supply unit 54. This is because the second liquid supply unit 54 is configured to be distributed over a wide, narrow range inside the post-processing device 3, and is therefore thought to be more likely to freeze than the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0114] Furthermore, if the liquid remaining in the second liquid supply unit 54 freezes, not only will it be impossible to deliver the liquid, but there is also a risk of damage to the second liquid supply unit 54. Damage to the second liquid supply unit 54 can cause liquid leakage along the liquid delivery path, which can lead to processing defects in the binding process involving liquid application. Furthermore, liquid leakage from the second liquid supply unit 54 due to freezing can also be a cause of failure due to an electrical short circuit in the electronic components that make up the post-processing device 3, and is therefore a situation that should be avoided as much as possible.

[0115] Therefore, when there is a possibility that the remaining liquid may freeze at the time when the binding operation involving the application of liquid is completed or during the interval until the next binding operation is started, it is advisable to operate the liquid supply pump 55 to discharge the remaining liquid to prevent freezing. That is, when the liquid temperature reduction response mode is set to be enabled, at the time when the binding operation involving the application of liquid is completed or when the binding operation involving the application of liquid is not resumed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the binding operation was completed, no liquid remains in either the second liquid storage tank 53 or the second liquid supply unit 54 from the second liquid storage tank 53 to the first liquid storage tank 43. This can reduce the risk of the remaining liquid freezing in a low-temperature environment.

[0116] In addition to reducing the risk of freezing, there is also an effect that the range heated by the heater 181, which will be described later, can be limited to reduce power consumption.

[0117] There are several possible timings for performing a discharge process for moving the liquid from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the second liquid storage tank 53, in other words, discharging the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 53 and the second liquid supply unit 54. The flow of the discharge process for each of the several timings will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0118] 17 is a flowchart for explaining the process of discharging the remaining liquid when the liquid temperature drop response mode is set to be enabled and pressure binding of the paper stack Pb is completed. The process in S1701 to S1704 is the same as the binding process (S901 to S910) already explained using FIG. 14, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0119] Following completion of the binding job involving liquid application (S1704), it is determined whether or not the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is enabled as an operating mode (S1705). If the liquid temperature drop response mode is not enabled (S1705: N), the post-processing device 3 is shifted to a standby state (S1707). If the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled (S1705: Y), a liquid discharge process is executed to move liquid from the first liquid storage tank 43, which is a sub-tank, to the second liquid storage tank 53, which is a main tank (S1706).

[0120] S1706 is executed by the controller 100 operating the liquid supply pump 55 to pump the liquid backward.

[0121] When liquid is discharged from the second liquid storage tank 53 at the end of each binding job, the period during which residual liquid remains in the first liquid storage tank 43 is the shortest. However, when liquid application is involved, liquid must be supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 from zero at the start of each binding job, which lengthens the waiting time until the job starts.

[0122] Next, referring to Figure 18, we will explain the process of draining residual liquid, which is executed when the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled and when the post-processing device 3 goes into standby mode after the pressure binding of the paper stack Pb is completed and a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0123] First, a job involving liquid application is started (S1801). Then, liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 53 to the first liquid storage tank 43 (S1802). Then, a binding operation involving liquid application is performed (S1803). When the predetermined binding operation is completed (S1804), the post-processing device 3 transitions to a standby state (S1805).

[0124] After the state is shifted to the standby state, it is determined whether or not the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is set as an operating mode (S1806). If the liquid temperature drop response mode is not set as an active mode (S1806: N), the liquid transfer process that is executed when a job start request is made after the compression binding is completed is terminated.

[0125] If the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled (S1806: Y), a timer (t) for measuring the standby time is initialized and measurement is started (S1807). It is determined whether the timer (t) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold time (t0) (S1808). If the timer (t) is not equal to or greater than the threshold time (t0) (S1808: N), the standby state continues and the timer (t) is updated (S1809).

[0126] If the timer (t) is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold time (t0) (S1808: Y), a liquid discharge process is executed to discharge the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 into the second liquid storage tank 53 (S1810).

[0127] S1810 is executed by the controller 100 operating the liquid supply pump 55 to pump the liquid backward.

[0128] After the liquid discharge process is completed, the standby state continues, and the liquid transfer process, which is executed when a job start request is made after the pressure binding is completed, is completed.

[0129] If the waiting time after the completion of the binding job does not exceed the threshold time (t0), the process of discharging the remaining liquid from the first liquid storage tank 43 is not performed, so there is a trade-off between the effect of the countermeasure against the liquid temperature and the increase in the waiting time when the binding job is executed. Therefore, the switching may be performed automatically based on a user instruction from the operation unit 120 or the detection result by the temperature detection unit.

[0130] Next, with reference to FIG. 19, a process for draining remaining liquid that is executed when the liquid temperature drop response mode is set to be enabled and a pause request is made to the post-processing device 3 will be described.

[0131] When executing a pause request in the controller 100, if the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled (S1901: Y), a liquid discharge process is executed to discharge the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 into the second liquid storage tank 53 (S1902).

[0132] If the liquid temperature drop response mode is not enabled (S1901: N), a stop request is executed (S1903) without executing the liquid discharge process for discharging the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the second liquid storage tank 53. The post-processing device 3 transitions to a hibernation state or an energy saving mode (S1904). Note that the hibernation request corresponds to a shutdown to stop the operation of the post-processing device 3, or a request to transition to an energy saving mode.

[0133] When a stop request is made, the draining process of the first liquid storage tank 43 is performed by determining whether the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled or not. Since this process is not performed while the post-treatment device 3 is in operation, it is a process that is only performed during times when the post-treatment device 3 is not in use, such as at night.

[0134] [Installation example of Heater 181] Next, as a measure to prevent the liquid from becoming too cold (measure to prevent freezing), an example of installing a heater 181 for maintaining the temperature of the liquid held in the liquid application unit 31 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 20(a), the heater 181 is installed in both the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid storage tank 53, and in the second liquid supply unit 54. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the heater 181 is installed only in the second liquid storage tank 53, which is the source of the drainage.

[0135] As already explained, the second liquid storage tank 53 is installed near the surface of the post-processing device 3 so that it can be removed by the user and replenished with liquid. In addition, the first liquid storage tank 43 is installed inside the post-processing device 3 so as to supply liquid to the liquid application unit 31.

[0136] The second liquid supply unit 54 is one of the components that can be installed over a wide range in order to communicate between the second liquid storage tank 53 and the first liquid storage tank 43. Therefore, when the heater 181 is also installed in the second liquid supply unit 54, it needs to be installed so as to cover the installation range of the second liquid supply unit 54, and therefore there is a concern that the installation range of the heater 181 will also be wide.

[0137] 17 to 19, when the liquid discharge process (the process of discharging the remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the second liquid storage tank 53) is performed, it corresponds to a state in which there is no remaining liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid supply unit 54, except for a limited period such as when the binding process is being performed. Therefore, by setting the heater 181 for preventing the remaining liquid from freezing near the second liquid storage tank 53, it is possible to cover the range in which the heater 181 heats the liquid.

[0138] That is, by restricting the installation positions of the heaters 181 to the vicinity of the second liquid storage tank 53, it is possible to reduce the number of heaters 181 to be installed, and to reduce the installation space, installation costs, and power consumption.

[0139] If the number of heaters 181 is increased in order to include the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid supply unit 54 in the heating range of the heaters 181, it is possible to reduce power consumption by individually controlling the lighting of each heater 181. This has a significant effect in cases where constant heating is required to prevent freezing at night, for example.

[0140] [Circulation control of residual liquid] Next, a control process for maintaining (warming) the temperature of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 by circulating the residual liquid between the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid storage tank 53 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0141] 20(b), if the heater 181 is provided only near the second liquid storage tank 53, there is a concern that the temperature of the liquid in the second liquid supply unit 54 and the first liquid storage tank 43 will drop during a binding job operation involving liquid application when the temperature of the environment in which the post-processing device 3 is used is low (when it is cold). This is particularly a concern immediately after the operating power is turned on in the morning.

[0142] For this reason, when a certain period of continuous execution of binding processing involving liquid application has elapsed, for example, when a job is executed in which a large number of copies are produced by binding processing and the continuous operation time of the liquid application unit 31 is long, the job is temporarily stopped after the certain period of time has elapsed, and the liquid is returned from the first liquid storage tank 43 to the second liquid storage tank 53 as illustrated in FIG. 21(b). This causes the liquid to be mixed with the liquid heated by the heater 181 installed near the second liquid storage tank 53. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 21(c), the liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 53 to the first liquid storage tank 43. This makes it possible to increase the temperature of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0143] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the temperature of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is measured using a temperature sensor 188, and the controller 100 determines whether the liquid temperature is suitable for dispensing the liquid, thereby enabling the above control to be performed.

[0144] The temperature sensor 188 may be provided in both the first liquid storage tank 43 and the second liquid storage tank 53, or only in the second liquid storage tank 53.

[0145] For example, even if only the second storage tank 53 is installed, when the liquid temperature in the first storage tank 43 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the liquid heated in the second storage tank 53 and the low-temperature liquid in the first storage tank 43 are circulated and mixed at regular intervals. Therefore, it is sufficient to measure only the liquid temperature in the second storage tank 53.

[0146] [Operation control for heater 181] Next, an embodiment of a power supply configuration for controlling the heating process by the heater 181 will be described with reference to Fig. 22. When there is concern about freezing of liquid in a low-temperature environment, the time period when the risk of freezing is greatest is nighttime. In particular, the time period during which the operating power supply of the post-processing device 3 is shut off (OFF) is considered to be the state in which freezing is most likely to occur.

[0147] In order for the heater 181 to function as an anti-freeze function, it is necessary that the heater 181 can heat the post-treatment device 3 even when the post-treatment device 3 is not in use. Therefore, it is preferable that the power supply to the heater 181 is provided as a second power supply 182 in a system separate from the main power supply 183 that supplies power to the driving parts 185 and the like.

[0148] Furthermore, in the case where the post-processing device 3 is provided with an interlock mechanism 184 that is linked to the opening and closing of a part of the housing (device cover), it is desirable that the second power source 182 be a power source of a different system from the interlock mechanism 184 in order to enable heating when work is performed with the interlock mechanism 184 in the open state (device maintenance for paper jams, etc.) or when the interlock is unintentionally in the open state while the main device power is OFF.

[0149] 22, in the case of a configuration in which power is supplied to the heater 181 by a second power source 182 that is separate from the device main power source 183, it is desirable for the user to be able to forcibly turn off the power supply when it is determined that power supply to the heater 181 is not necessary. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, a physical switch 186 may be provided in the power supply path to the heater 181.

[0150] For example, when the post-processing device 3 is in operation, the heater 181 is turned on to prevent a decrease in binding force due to a drop in the liquid temperature. On the other hand, when the temperature at night is not high enough to cause the liquid to freeze and there is no need to keep the heater 181 on all the time when the post-processing device 3 is idle, or when the user does not use the device very frequently and the idle period is long, the heater 181 is turned off. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption while selecting control of the heater 181 that is appropriate for the surrounding environment and the user's usage status.

[0151] Also, the controller 100 may be configured to control the lighting operation of the heater 181. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 24, the controller 100 determines the operating state of the post-treatment device 3, and controls the operation of the power supply switching relay 187 based on temperature information detected by a temperature detection means (temperature sensor 188) in the liquid temperature drop response mode. The power supply switching relay 187 as a switching mechanism performs ON-OFF control of the power supply to the heater 181 by the second power source 182 (control of whether or not power can be supplied) according to the application state of the liquid temperature drop response mode and the detection result of the temperature sensor 188. In this way, the operation of the heater 181 can be controlled according to the application state of the liquid temperature drop response mode and the ambient temperature.

[0152] For example, in a period such as at night when freezing is a concern, if the liquid temperature drop response mode is set to ON but the room temperature during operation of the post-processing device 3 is adequately controlled by air conditioning or the like, there is no need to worry about freezing of the liquid, and it is determined that heating by the heater 181 is unnecessary, the power supply from the second power source 182 is turned off. Also, in a case where the heater 181 is also installed near the first liquid storage tank 43, and the liquid has been discharged from the first liquid storage tank 43 after a job including a binding process has ended, the power supply from the second power source 182 is also turned off. As described above, by controlling the operation of the power supply switching relay 187 to cut off the power supply to the heater 181 at a timing when power supply from the second power source 182 to the heater 181 is no longer necessary, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0153] As an example of the control of the heater 181, the following control is considered.

[0154] [First control example] When the liquid temperature drop response mode is OFF, the heater 181 is turned OFF.

[0155] [Second control example] The heater turn-on duty of the heater 181 is changed depending on whether the temperature inside the post-treatment device 3 (liquid temperature inside the tank or its surroundings) is equal to or higher than n2°C or lower than n2°C. The threshold value n2°C is set to 0°C or close to 0°C. In a state where the liquid has not yet frozen (heating to prevent freezing), the output of the heater 181 may be reduced to only lightly heat the liquid in either the "frozen" or "high risk of freezing" state.

[0156] The threshold n2°C for changing the heater on duty may be one point or multiple points. For example, if the temperature is 10°C or higher, the heater is OFF, and if the temperature is between 10°C and 5°C, the heater on duty is 30%. If the temperature is between 5°C and 0°C, the heater on duty is 50%. And if the temperature is below 0°C, the heater on duty is 100%. In this way, steps may be set to adjust the overheating effect and power consumption.

[0157] [Third control example] When the temperature inside the post-treatment device 3 is below a certain level and two conditions are met, namely, "the water supply / drain operation from the first liquid storage tank 43 is completed within a certain period of time" (first condition) and "the temperature outside the device is n1° C. or more higher than the temperature inside the device" (second condition), the heater 181 is turned off. This is because, since the temperature outside the device is high, there is no risk of the temperature inside the device dropping further from the current point in time and freezing.

[0158] [First embodiment of heater lighting control] Next, a flow of the heater turn-on control process in the above-described "first control example" and "second control example" in which two temperature thresholds are provided will be described.

[0159] For example, as shown in FIG. 25, if the setting of the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is not enabled (S2501: N), the heater 181 is not turned on (S2505) and the process ends.

[0160] If the setting of the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is valid (S2501: Y), it is determined whether the ambient temperature T in the usage environment of the post-treatment device 3 is higher than a predetermined first temperature threshold value T1 (S2502). When the ambient temperature T is higher than the first temperature threshold value T1 (S2502: Y), the controller 100 turns on the heater 181 (S2506). The heater lighting Duty at this time is set to "d1".

[0161] If the setting of the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is valid (S2501: Y) and the ambient temperature T is not higher than the first temperature threshold value T1 (S2502: N), it is determined whether the ambient temperature is higher than a second temperature threshold value T2 (S2503). When the ambient temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold value T2 (S2503: Y), the controller 100 turns on the heater 181 (S2507). The heater lighting Duty at this time is set to "d2".

[0162] If the setting of the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is valid (S2501: Y), the ambient temperature T is not higher than the first temperature threshold value T1 (S2502: N), and the ambient temperature is not higher than the second temperature threshold value T2 (S2503: N), the controller 100 turns on the heater 181 (S2504). The heater lighting Duty at this time is set to "d3".

[0163] As described above, in the liquid temperature drop response mode, by changing the heater lighting duty and turning on the heater 181 in comparison with the predetermined threshold temperature of the ambient temperature of the post-treatment device 3, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining the temperature of the liquid according to the ambient temperature.

[0164] In the description of the above processing, the first temperature threshold value T1 > the second temperature threshold value T2. Also, the heater lighting duty is "d1 < d2 < d3". That is, the lower the ambient temperature, the higher the heater lighting duty is set.

[0165] In addition, in the case of controlling the temperature exemplified in the second control example such that "the heater 181 is turned off if the temperature is 10° C. or higher", the first temperature threshold T1 is set to "10° C.," and "d1" in this case is 0%. Therefore, strictly speaking, in the determination process in S2502, T≧T1 may be used instead of T>T1.

[0166] [Second embodiment of heater lighting control] Next, the flow of the heater turn-on control process in the "first control example" and "third control example" described above will be described.

[0167] For example, as shown in FIG. 26, if the setting of the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is not enabled (S2601: N), the heater 181 is not turned on (S2605) and the process ends.

[0168] The setting of the "liquid temperature drop response mode" is enabled (S2601: Y), and it is determined whether the outside temperature T_out, which is the usage environment of the post-processing device 3, is greater than the value obtained by adding the coefficient α to the inside temperature T_in (S2602). When the outside temperature T_out is greater than the inside temperature T_in+α (S2602: Y), the controller 100 turns on the heater 181 (S2506). Note that the coefficient α is a threshold value for determining the difference between the inside temperature / outside temperature.

[0169] When the "liquid temperature drop response mode" setting is enabled (S2601: Y) and the external temperature T_out is not greater than the internal temperature T_in + α (S2602: N), it is determined whether or not the liquid supply or drainage operation has been completed within the last n seconds (S2603). If the liquid supply or drainage operation has not been completed within the last n seconds (S2603: N), the controller 100 turns on the heater 181 (S2607).

[0170] When "the liquid supply or drainage operation has been completed within the last n seconds" (S2603: Y), the controller 100 does not turn on the heater 181 (S2604).

[0171] As described above, in the liquid temperature drop response mode, if the difference between the temperature outside and the temperature inside the post-treatment device 3 is within a predetermined range, the heater 181 is turned ON. Also, even if the difference is not within the predetermined range, the heater 181 is turned ON if a liquid supply operation or discharge operation has recently been completed.

[0172] When the outside temperature T_out is higher than the inside temperature T_in by α°C or more (the coefficient α does not need to be too large, so about 5°C will suffice), the inside temperature T_in and the liquid temperature are considered to transition in an upward direction. Therefore, if the liquid supply or discharge operation has been completed within the last n seconds, that is, if the liquid is not frozen, it can be determined that there is no risk of freezing even if the heater 181 is turned off.

[0173] As described above, in the liquid temperature drop response mode, the heater 181 is turned off by determining the difference between the outside temperature T_out and the inside temperature T_in of the post-treatment device 3 and the completion of the most recent liquid supply operation or liquid drainage operation, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining the liquid state according to the temperature.

[0174] [Second embodiment of post-processing device] Next, a post-processing device 3A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 35. Note that components common to the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0175] Unlike the end binding processing unit 25 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, which is provided with both the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32, the end binding processing unit 251 of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment is provided with only the pressure bonding unit 32' and the liquid application unit 131 is provided on the upstream side of the transport path. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets P can be pre-stacked after the liquid application process and transported to the pressure bonding unit 32' of the end binding processing unit 251 provided on the downstream side, making it possible to improve the productivity of the binding process in the pressure bonding unit 32'.

[0176] The direction in which the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, and 14 convey the paper P is opposite to the "conveying direction" defined above, and is therefore defined as the "reverse conveying direction." The direction perpendicular to the reverse conveying direction and the thickness direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)." The position where liquid is applied to the paper P or the paper stack Pb by the liquid application unit 131 (liquid application position) corresponds to the binding position where the pressure bonding unit 32' is scheduled to perform pressure binding on the paper stack Pb. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid application position and the binding position are given the same reference numerals.

[0177] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28, the end stitching processing section 251 includes only the pressing section 32'. As shown in FIG. 27, the pressing section 32' and the staple stitching processing section 156 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The pressing section 32' and the staple stitching processing section 156 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the end of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 on the downstream side in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the pressing section 32' and the staple stitching processing section 156 are configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around the pressing section rotation shaft 340 and the staple stitching means rotation shaft 84 that extend in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. In other words, the pressure bonding section 32' and the staple binding processing section 156 can bind the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at any position in the main scanning direction and at any angle, such as diagonal corner binding, parallel one-point binding, parallel two-point binding, etc.

[0178] The crimping unit 32' binds the paper stack Pb by pressurizing and deforming the paper stack Pb with the uneven upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b (hereinafter, referred to as "crimp binding"). Meanwhile, the staple binding processing unit 156 can staple the paper stack Pb by penetrating a staple into the staple position of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0179] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the pressing unit 32' as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. As shown in FIG. 28, the pressing unit 32' and the staple processing unit 156 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The pressing unit 32' is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, and to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions around a pressing unit rotation shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Similarly, the staple processing unit 156 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the paper stack Pb, and to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions around a staple means rotation shaft 84 extending in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. The other configurations of the staple processing unit 156 are the same as those of the staple processing unit 155 (see FIG. 11) of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 29, the pressure-bonding unit 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The pressure-bonding unit 32' moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (in other words, the guide rail 337) by transmitting the driving force of the pressure-bonding unit movement motor 238 through a drive transmission mechanism 240 including pulleys 240a, 240b and a timing belt 240c. Furthermore, the pressure-bonding unit rotation shaft 340 including the drive transmission gear 340a is fixed to the bottom surface of the pressure-bonding frame 32c that holds the components of the pressure-bonding unit 32'. The pressure-bonding unit rotation shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held by the base member 48 on which the pressure-bonding frame 32c is provided so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 340a is meshed with the output gear 239a of the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 239. The driving force of the pressure-bonding unit rotating motor 239 is transmitted to the pressure-bonding unit rotating shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a, so that the pressure-bonding unit 32' rotates in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 around the pressure-bonding unit rotating shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The guide rail 337, the pressure-bonding unit moving motor 238, the pressure-bonding unit rotating motor 239, the pressure-bonding unit rotating shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of a drive mechanism for the pressure-bonding unit 32'.

[0181] The pressure bonding section 32' is configured to be movable between a standby position HP3 shown in Fig. 28(A) and a position facing the binding position B5 shown in Fig. 28(B) and Fig. 28(C). The standby position HP3 is a position offset to one side in the main scanning direction from the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The binding position B5 is a position on the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the specific position of the binding position B5 is not limited to the example in Fig. 28, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the end on the downstream side in the transport direction of the paper P, and may be multiple positions.

[0182] The crimping portion 32' changes its posture between a parallel binding posture shown in FIG. 28(B) and a diagonal binding posture shown in FIG. 28(C). That is, the crimping portion 32' is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around the crimping portion rotation shaft 340. Here, the parallel binding posture is a posture of the crimping portion 32' in which the longitudinal direction of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) faces the main scanning direction. The diagonal binding posture is a posture of the crimping portion 32' in which the longitudinal direction of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0183] In addition, the rotation angle in the diagonal binding position (the angle of the upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b relative to the main scanning direction) is not limited to the example in Figure 28 (C), and may be any angle as long as the upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b face the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0184] The post-processing device 3A includes a liquid applying section 131 and a punch hole punching means 132 (processing section). The liquid applying section 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 are disposed upstream of the internal tray 22 in the reverse conveying direction. The liquid applying section 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 are disposed offset in the reverse conveying direction at positions where they can simultaneously face one sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 to 19. The liquid applying section 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 according to this embodiment are disposed between the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid applying section 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 is not limited to the example of FIG. 23. For example, when an inserter 6 is disposed between the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in FIG. 35, the liquid applying section 131 may be disposed in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing device 3A. An example of the inserter 6 is a device that can feed preprinted media, which is transported to the post-processing device 3A together with the paper P transported from the image forming device 2, as a cover, insert paper, or partition paper without passing through the image forming device 2.

[0185] 30(A), the conveying roller pair 11 is disposed at a position that does not overlap in the main scanning direction with the liquid application position B5 of the paper P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application unit 131. This is to prevent a decrease in the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B5 due to a contact between the multiple roller pairs and the liquid application position B5 when the conveying roller pair 11 conveys the paper P. As a result, when the paper P reaches the pressing unit 32' provided downstream of the liquid application unit 131 in the reverse conveying direction, the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B5 is sufficient to maintain the binding strength, so that a decrease in the binding strength of the paper stack Pb due to a decrease in the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B5 (corresponding to the binding position B5) during the conveying process can be prevented.

[0186] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs that make up the conveying roller pair 11 at positions that do not overlap with the liquid application position B5 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 conveying performance of the paper P, as well as prevent conveying jams caused by the deterioration of the conveying performance.

[0187] Although only the transport roller pair 11 has been described above, it is preferable that the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pairs 14-15 are similarly disposed at positions that do not overlap the liquid application position B5 of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0188] The liquid application unit 131 applies liquid (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application") to the paper P transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. The punch hole making means 132 makes punch holes penetrating in the thickness direction in the paper P transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. Note that the processing unit provided adjacent to the liquid application unit 131 is not limited to the punch hole making means 132, and may be a skew correction unit that corrects the skew of the paper P transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11.

[0189] Fig. 30 is a view of liquid deposition section 131 according to the second embodiment seen from the thickness direction of paper P. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV of Fig. 30. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 30. As shown in Figs. 30 to 32, liquid deposition section 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b, endless circular belts 135, 136, a liquid deposition section movement motor 137, a standby position sensor 138 (see Fig. 29), and a liquid deposition unit 140.

[0190] The pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b are provided to extend in the main scanning direction at positions spaced apart in the reverse transport direction. The pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b are supported by a pair of side plates 4a, 4b of the post-processing device 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b support the liquid deposition unit 140 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction.

[0191] The pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are disposed between the pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b in the reverse transport direction. The pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are disposed apart from each other in the main scanning direction. The pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are supported by 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.

[0192] The endless circular belt 135 is stretched around a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b. Furthermore, the endless circular belt 135 is connected to the liquid application unit 140 by a connection portion 35a. The endless circular belt 136 is stretched around the pulley 134a and a drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of a liquid application unit movement motor 137. The liquid application unit movement motor 137 generates a drive force for moving the liquid application unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0193] Rotation of the liquid applicator movement motor 137 causes the endless circular belt 136 to rotate between the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, rotating the pulley 134a. Rotation of the pulley 134a also causes the endless circular belt 135 to rotate between the pair of pulleys 134a, 134b. This causes the liquid applicator unit 140 to move in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b. Switching the rotation direction of the liquid applicator movement motor 137 also causes the liquid applicator unit 140 to move back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0194] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid deposition unit 140 has reached a standby position in the main scanning direction, and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to a controller 100 (see FIG. 33) serving as a control unit described below. The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The liquid deposition unit 140 in the standby position blocks the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. The standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal in response to the light output from the light-emitting unit not being received by the light-receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the example described above.

[0195] 31, the transport path in the post-processing device 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b that are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the paper P. The liquid deposition unit 140 is disposed at a position facing an opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. In other words, the liquid deposition unit 140 is disposed facing the transport path (i.e., a position where it can face the paper P) through the opening of the upper guide plate 5a.

[0196] As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the liquid application unit 140 includes a base member 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid application head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, a pressure plate 148, coil springs 149a, 149b, an application head rotation motor 150, an application head movement motor 151 (see Figure 29), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 29).

[0197] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The base member 141 is connected to the endless circular belt 135 by a connection portion 35a. The base member 141 also supports components 142 to 152 of the liquid deposition unit 140.

[0198] The rotating bracket 142 is attached to the underside of the base member 141 so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around 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 of the application head rotating motor 150 being transmitted thereto. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 holds a liquid storage tank 143, a moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid application head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, a pressing plate 148, and coil springs 149a, 149b.

[0199] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 33) detects that the rotating bracket 142 has reached the standby angle, and outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100. The standby angle is, for example, an angle at the time of parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor equipped with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle blocks the optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal in response to the light output from the light emitting unit not being received by the light receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the above example.

[0200] The rotating bracket 142 shown in Fig. 30(A) shows a state in which the pressure-bonding unit 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs parallel binding. The rotating bracket 142 shown in Fig. 30(B) shows a state in which the pressure-bonding unit 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs oblique binding (corner binding).

[0201] The liquid storage tank 143 stores liquid to be applied to the paper P. The moving means 144 is attached to the liquid storage tank 143 so as to be movable (e.g., vertically movable) in the thickness direction of the paper P. The moving means 144 moves relative to the liquid storage tank 143 by transmitting the driving force of an application head moving motor 151. The holding member 145 is attached to the lower end of the moving means 144. The liquid application head 146 protrudes from the holding member 145 toward the transport path (downward in this embodiment). The liquid application head 146 is supplied with the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143. The liquid application head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0202] The pillar members 147a, 147b protrude downward from the holding member 145 around the liquid dispensing head 146. The pillar members 147a, 147b are configured to be movable in the thickness direction relative to the holding member 145. The pillar members 147a, 147b hold a pressing plate 148 at their lower ends. A through hole 148a is formed in the pressing plate 148 at a position facing the liquid dispensing head 146. The coil springs 149a, 149b are inserted around the pillar members 147a, 147b between the holding member 145 and the pressing plate 148. The coil springs 149a, 149b bias the pillar members 147a, 147b and the pressing plate 148 in a direction away from the holding member 145.

[0203] As shown in FIG. 31(A) and FIG. 32(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 the position of the opening or above the opening. Next, when the liquid application position B5 of the paper P transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11 stops at a position facing the opening, the application head moving motor 151 is rotated in a first direction. As a result, the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a, 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a, 149b are lowered as a unit, and the pressing plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P. The liquid application position B5 is a position (i.e., binding position B5) where the paper P is to be pressure-bound by the end binding processing unit 251 (i.e., the pressure bonding unit 32').

[0204] Then, by continuing to rotate the liquid application head moving motor 151 in the first direction after the pressing plate 148 has come into contact with the paper sheet P, the coil springs 149a, 149b are compressed, and the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, and the columnar members 147a, 147b are further lowered. Then, as shown in Figures 31(B) and 32(B), the lower surface of the liquid application head 146 comes into contact with the paper sheet P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid application head 146 is applied to the paper sheet P.

[0205] 31(C) and 32(C), by further rotating the application head moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid application head 146 can be pressed even more strongly against the paper P. This increases the amount of liquid applied to the paper P. In other words, the liquid application unit 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by changing the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 against the paper P.

[0206] On the other hand, by rotating the application head moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the moving means 144, holding member 145, liquid application head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, pressing plate 148, and coil springs 149a, 149b rise together. This causes the liquid application head 146 and pressing plate 148 to move away from the paper P, as shown in Figures 31(A) and 32(A). In other words, the liquid application section 131 includes a liquid application head 146 that can be detached from the paper P.

[0207] Fig. 33 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 33, post-processing device 3A includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0208] The CPU 101 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire post-processing device 3A. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0209] The post-processing device 3A processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 to the RAM 102, and the like, using the arithmetic function of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3A. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3A constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3A. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0210] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressure bonding unit moving motor 238, the pressure bonding unit rotating motor 239, the contact and separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit moving motor 137, the application head rotating motor 150, the application head moving motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punch hole punching means 132, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 controls the operations of the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressure bonding unit moving motor 238, the pressure bonding unit rotating motor 239, the contact and separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit moving motor 137, the application head rotating motor 150, the application head moving motor 151, and the punch hole punching means 132 through the I / F 105.

[0211] Furthermore, the controller 100 acquires detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 through the I / F 105. Note that, although Fig. 29 mainly illustrates components of the end binding processing unit 251 (pressing unit 32') and the liquid application unit 131 that perform the end binding process, components of the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that performs the saddle stitching process are also controlled by the controller 100.

[0212] Operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from a 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. Operation panel 110 obtains information from the user through the operation unit, and provides the information to the user through the display.

[0213] 34 is a flowchart of post-processing by the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment, specifically, a flowchart when the one-point binding shown in FIG.

[0214] The controller 100 executes the post-processing shown in FIG. 34 in response to, for example, receiving an instruction to execute the post-processing (hereinafter, referred to as a "post-processing instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The post-processing instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb (hereinafter, referred to as a "predetermined number of sheets N"), the number of sheets Pb to be bound (hereinafter, referred to as a "required number of copies"), the binding position B5 (corresponding to the liquid application position B5), the angle of the binding position B5 (corresponding to the angle of the liquid application position B5), the type of binding (parallel binding, diagonal binding), and the process executed in parallel with the liquid application process (perforation of punch holes in this embodiment). Note that, at the start of the post-processing, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned at the standby position HP3 (a position corresponding to the standby position HP3 in FIG. 28), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at a standby angle (corresponding to the "parallel binding position").

[0215] First, the controller 100 drives the liquid application section moving motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 (corresponding to the liquid application section) in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid application head 146 from the standby position HP3 to a position where it can face the liquid application position B5 (a position corresponding to the binding position B5 in FIG. 28). In addition, when the type of binding process instructed by the post-processing instruction is "diagonal binding process", the controller 100 drives the application head rotating motor 150 to rotate the rotating bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid application head 146 from the standby angle to a liquid application angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S801). The fact that the liquid application head 146 has reached a position and liquid application angle where it can face the liquid application position B5 can be grasped by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid application section moving motor 137 and the application head rotating motor 150. It should be noted that, when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is “parallel binding process”, the controller 100 omits the above-mentioned operation of rotating the rotating bracket 142. In other words, the liquid application unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction while holding the rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle.

[0216] Also, the controller 100 drives the pressure-bonding unit moving motor 238 to move the pressure-bonding unit 32' from the standby position HP3 to a position where the pressure-bonding unit 32' can face the binding position B5, as shown in FIG. 28(A) and FIG. 28(B) (S801). Also, when the type of binding process instructed by the post-processing instruction is the "diagonal binding process", the controller 100 drives the pressure-bonding unit rotating motor 239 to rotate the pressure-bonding unit 32' from the standby angle to the pressure-bonding angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S801). It can be grasped by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the pressure-bonding unit moving motor 238 and the pressure-bonding unit rotating motor 239 that the pressure-bonding unit 32' has reached the position where the pressure-bonding unit 32' can face the binding position B5 and the pressure-bonding angle. When the type of binding process instructed by the post-processing instruction is the "parallel binding process", the controller 100 omits the operation of rotating the pressure-bonding unit 32' described above. That is, the pressure bonding portion 32' moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0217] Next, the controller 100 drives the transport roller pair 10, 11 to start transporting the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 (S802). The controller 100 continues driving the transport roller pair 10, 11 until the liquid application position B5 of the paper P faces the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803: No). Then, in response to the liquid application position B5 of the paper P facing the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the controller 100 stops the transport roller pair 10, 11 (S804). The fact that the liquid application position B5 of the paper P faces the liquid application head 146 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of a motor that drives the transport roller pair 10, 11.

[0218] The controller 100 executes a process of applying liquid to the liquid application position B5 of the paper P by the liquid application unit 140 (S805). More specifically, the controller 100 rotates the application head movement motor 151 in a first direction, thereby bringing the liquid application head 146 into contact with the liquid application position B5 of the paper P. The controller 100 also changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (i.e., the amount of rotation of the application head movement motor 151) depending on the amount of liquid applied to the paper P.

[0219] The amount of liquid applied to the paper P may be the same for all the papers P constituting the paper stack Pb, or may be different for each paper P. For example, the controller 100 may apply less liquid to the paper P that is transported later. The rotation amount of the application head movement motor 151 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the application head movement motor 151.

[0220] Next, the controller 100 drives the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on the internal tray 22 (S806). The controller 100 also moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the paper P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging) (S806).

[0221] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N instructed by the post-processing instruction (S807). Then, when the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S807: No), it executes the processes of steps S802 to S806 again.

[0222] Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N (S807: Yes), the controller 100 causes the pressing section 32' to press and bind the sheet stack Pb to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 140 at binding position B5 (corresponding to liquid application position B5) (S808). Furthermore, the controller 100 rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the press-bound sheet stack Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S808).

[0223] Then, the controller 100 drives the liquid application section movement motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 to the standby position HP3, and drives the pressure bonding section movement motor 238 to move the pressure bonding section 32' to the standby position HP3.

[0224] Furthermore, if the post-processing instruction includes an instruction to form a plurality of sheet bundles Pb (referred to as the required number of copies), similarly to step S909 in Fig. 14, the controller 100 determines whether or not the number of sheet bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies. If the controller 100 determines that the number of sheet bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has not reached the required number of copies, it repeats the processing of steps S802 to S808. On the other hand, if the controller 100 determines that the number of sheet bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies, it moves the liquid application unit 140 and the pressing unit 32' to the standby position HP3 as described above.

[0225] Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the binding processing unit 25 that executes the end binding process, but also to the binding processing unit 28 that executes the saddle stitching process.

[0226] According to the post-processing device 3 of this embodiment described above, the operation control of the components that apply the liquid makes it possible to maintain the liquid in a suitable state so as not to impair the effect of applying the liquid in a low-temperature environment. In other words, the post-processing device 3 is provided with a liquid temperature drop response mode that prevents the liquid from freezing in a low-temperature environment and prevents situations in which the supply of liquid is not required.

[0227] According to the post-processing device 3 operating in the liquid temperature drop compatible mode of this embodiment, when the user determines that the operating environment temperature will reach a temperature at which the liquid may freeze and sets the mode, or based on detection by the temperature sensor, the liquid is made to be in a state in which freezing of the liquid can be prevented at a specific timing. More specifically, in order to prevent the liquid from freezing, the liquid is discharged from a sub-tank that stores the liquid used for liquid application at a specific timing. Or, the liquid is heated to prevent freezing. With these controls, it is possible to perform a binding process operation involving liquid application even in a low-temperature environment, and it is possible to achieve the effect of suppressing the occurrence of binding defects due to insufficient binding force.

[0228] In addition, even in a supply configuration in which liquid is supplied from the main tank to the sub-tank, there is a risk of damage due to freezing. To address this risk, the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment has a liquid temperature drop response mode that enables circulation of liquid between the main tank and the sub-tank, thereby reducing the need for a heating means (heater 181), thereby achieving cost savings, space savings, and power savings.

[0229] The control method described above may be realized, for example, by a program. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer by causing an arithmetic unit, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a control unit to cooperate with each other and operate based on the program. The program may be written in a storage unit or a storage medium, etc., and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunication line, etc.

[0230] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0231] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A liquid applying means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a post-processing unit that staples a medium bundle including at least one sheet of the medium to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit; A first liquid storage section provided in the liquid applying means and configured to store liquid; A second reservoir capable of supplying the liquid to the first reservoir; a liquid supplying means for supplying the liquid between the second liquid storage portion and the first liquid storage portion; A control means, The control means a liquid temperature reduction response mode which is an operation mode that responds to a decrease in the temperature of the liquid; In the liquid temperature reduction response mode, a temperature suppression means corresponding to a process for suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the liquid is controlled. The present invention relates to a media processing device. <2> An operation unit that can be operated by a user is provided, selecting whether the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled or disabled by an input from the operation unit; The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <3> One or more temperature detection means for detecting the temperature inside or outside the aircraft; The control means automatically setting and selecting whether the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled or disabled based on the detection result by the temperature detection means; The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <4> The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, Controlling the transfer process of the liquid from the first liquid storage portion to the second liquid storage portion at a predetermined timing. The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <5> A heating means is provided for heating at least the vicinity of the second liquid storage portion, The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, Controlling the heating process by the heating means. The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <6> The temperature detection means is Detecting the temperature of at least the liquid stored in the second liquid storage portion; The above <3> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <7> The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, when the binding process by the post-processing means is completed, or when a certain waiting period has elapsed since the completion of the binding process, a process of discharging liquid from the first liquid storage portion to the second liquid storage portion is executed. The above <4> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <8> The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, When the device is switched to a sleep mode or an energy saving mode, a process of draining liquid from the first liquid storage portion to the second liquid storage portion is executed. The above <4> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <9> The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, When a period during which the post-processing unit performs the binding process continuously has elapsed for a certain period of time, Repeatedly executing a process of transferring the liquid between the first liquid storage section and the second liquid storage section, The liquid is heated by the heating means. The above <5> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <10> The power supply to the heating means is The power supply must be from a circuit that is not electrically interrupted by the main power supply of the equipment or by opening and closing the equipment cover. The above <5> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <11> A physical switch is provided in a power supply path to the heating means, The power supply to the heating means can be cut off by operating the physical switch. The above <5> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <12> A switching mechanism is provided that allows the control means to switch whether or not power is supplied to the heating means, The control means controls whether or not to supply power to the heating means depending on the application state of the liquid temperature reduction response mode and the detection result by the temperature detection means. The above <5> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <13> an image forming device for forming an image on the medium; A method for binding a plurality of the media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus <1> or the above <12> a media processing device according to any one of The image forming system is characterized by comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0232] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device (media processing device) 10 to 19: Pair of conveying rollers (conveying section) 31: Liquid application section 43: First storage tank (first storage section) 53: Second storage tank (second storage section) 55: Liquid supply pump 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel 155: Staple binding processing section 181: Heater 182:Second power supply 183: Equipment main power supply 184: Interlock mechanism 185: Drive parts 186: Physical switch 187: Power switching relay 188: Temperature sensor [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0233] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-201432 A

Claims

1. A liquid applying means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a post-processing unit that staples a medium bundle including at least one sheet of the medium to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit; A first liquid storage section provided in the liquid applying means and configured to store liquid; A second reservoir capable of supplying the liquid to the first reservoir; a liquid supplying means for supplying the liquid between the second liquid storage portion and the first liquid storage portion; A control means, The control means a liquid temperature reduction response mode which is an operation mode that responds to a decrease in the temperature of the liquid; In the liquid temperature reduction response mode, a temperature suppression means corresponding to a process for suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the liquid is controlled.

23. A media processing device comprising:

2. An operation unit that can be operated by a user is provided, selecting whether the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled or disabled by an input from the operation unit; The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. One or more temperature detection means for detecting the temperature inside or outside the aircraft; The control means automatically setting and selecting whether the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled or disabled based on the detection result by the temperature detection means; The media processing device of claim 1 .

4. The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, Controlling the transfer process of the liquid from the first liquid storage portion to the second liquid storage portion at a predetermined timing. The media processing device of claim 1 .

5. A heating means for heating at least the vicinity of the second liquid storage portion is provided, The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, Controlling the heating process by the heating means. The media processing device of claim 1 .

6. The temperature detection means is Detecting the temperature of at least the liquid stored in the second liquid storage portion; The media processing device of claim 3 .

7. The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, when the binding process by the post-processing means is completed, or when a certain waiting period has elapsed since the completion of the binding process, a process of discharging liquid from the first liquid storage portion to the second liquid storage portion is executed. The media processing device of claim 4 .

8. The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, When the device is switched to a sleep mode or an energy saving mode, a process of draining liquid from the first liquid storage portion to the second liquid storage portion is executed. The media processing device of claim 4 .

9. The control means When the liquid temperature drop response mode is enabled, When a period during which the post-processing unit performs the binding process continuously has elapsed for a certain period of time, Repeatedly executing a process of transferring the liquid between the first liquid storage section and the second liquid storage section, The liquid is heated by the heating means. The media processing device of claim 5 .

10. The power supply to the heating means is The power supply must be from a circuit that is not electrically interrupted by the main power supply of the equipment or by opening and closing the equipment cover. The media processing device of claim 5 .

11. A physical switch is provided in a power supply path to the heating means, The power supply to the heating means can be cut off by operating the physical switch. The media processing device of claim 5 .

12. A switching mechanism is provided that allows the control means to switch whether or not power is supplied to the heating means, The control means controls whether or not to supply power to the heating means depending on the application state of the liquid temperature reduction response mode and the detection result by the temperature detection means. The media processing device of claim 5 .

13. an image forming device for forming an image on the medium; a media processing device according to claim 1 , which binds a plurality of the media on which images have been formed by the image forming device; An image forming system comprising:

Images