Medium processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a technology in which a liquid is imparted by injecting an easily available liquid in a place where perforation processing is performed on a sheet bundle, and which can achieve improvement in a binding maintenance force after crimp binding.SOLUTION: A medium processing device includes: perforation means for performing perforation processing with respect to a medium; liquid imparting means for imparting a liquid to at least one piece of medium; and crimp means for performing pressurization and deformation with respect to one portion of a bundle of a plurality of media including at least one medium on which liquid imparting has been performed. The liquid imparting means imparts a liquid with respect to a perforation position where perforation processing with respect to the medium is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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 binding process on a "sheet stack" which is a bundle of sheet-like media on which an image is formed by an image forming device. Paper is a widely known example of a sheet-like medium. In this specification, therefore, "paper" is used as an example of the sheet-like medium. Also, a "paper stack" is used as an example of a sheet stack formed by stacking a plurality of papers. Also, from the viewpoint of resource saving and reducing the environmental load, there is known a media processing device that includes a pressure bonding processing section that is capable of so-called "pressure binding" in which a part of the paper stack is clamped and deformed by pressure using uneven binding teeth instead of metal binding needles (staples).

[0003] Since compression binding binds multiple sheets of paper by compressing and deforming a part of the paper stack, the more sheets of paper that make up the paper stack, the less the binding teeth bite into the paper stack, and the less the degree of compression deformation in the stacking direction of the paper stack. As a result, there is a problem that the binding state cannot be maintained, such as the peeling off of the sheets included in the compression-bound paper stack.

[0004] In a post-processing device, a configuration has been disclosed in which holes are punched at specific locations on a stack of paper, and then an adhesive liquid is injected into the holes and pressure is applied in order to improve the binding strength and appearance without producing separation pieces (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, holes must be punched before the binding process, and adhesive liquid must be injected into the holes, so the adhesive liquid must be prepared separately. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the adhesive liquid from drying and to prevent the adhesive from leaking to places other than where it is needed, which poses the problem of requiring a configuration and control for this purpose.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a technology that can inject and apply an easily available liquid to the areas where holes have been applied to a stack of paper, thereby improving the binding retention after pressure binding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing device comprising: a perforation means for performing a perforation process on a medium; a liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one of the media; and a pressing means for applying pressure to and deforming a portion of a stack of multiple media including at least one of the media to which liquid has been applied, wherein the liquid application means applies liquid to the perforation position where the perforation process was performed on the medium. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the binding retention force after pressure binding by injecting and applying a liquid to the perforated portions of the paper stack. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [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. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of an end binding processing unit. [Figure 8] 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 9] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating a liquid applying operation and a pressure binding operation performed by a liquid applying and pressure bonding section. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of a diagonal binding process. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the position of an end binding processing section in the diagonal binding process. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the position of the edge binding processing section during execution of two-point binding. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the application of liquid by using a perforation needle to cause the liquid to permeate into the inside of a stack of paper sheets. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an edge binding processing section including a perforation section. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of an edge binding processing section including a hole punching section. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an end binding processing section including a hole punching processing section. [Figure 17] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an operation process of the end binding processing section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 6 is a flowchart of an end binding process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing a modified example of the end binding process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation process of the edge binding processing unit according to the modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart of a modified example of the end binding process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an end binding processing section including a hole punching processing section. [Diagram 23] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an end binding processing section according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart of an end binding process according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 25]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an end binding processing section including a hole punching processing section. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perforation needle having a perforation processing portion. [Figure 27] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining the operation process for one sheet of paper in the third embodiment. [Figure 28] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an operation process of an end binding processing section according to a third embodiment. [Figure 29] 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams illustrating an operation process of an end binding processing section according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart of an end binding process according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is an external view of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is an external view showing another example of the second embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 35] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a process in a discharge mode of the edge binding process according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 36] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a process in a discharge mode of the edge binding process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a process in a discharge mode of the edge binding process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 38] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a process in a discharge mode of the edge binding process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 39] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a process in a discharge mode of the edge binding process according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 40] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a process in a discharge mode of the edge binding process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [First embodiment] An image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has a function of forming an image on a sheet P (medium) and performing post-processing on the sheet P on which the image has been formed. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1 is made up of an image forming device 2 and a post-processing device 3 (medium processing device).

[0011] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet P and discharges the sheet P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 includes a tray for storing the sheet P, a transport section for transporting the sheet P stored in the tray, and an image forming section for forming an image on the sheet P transported by the transport section. The image forming section may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming device 2 is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment. The post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2. The post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process for binding a medium bundle, which is a bundle of multiple paper sheets P on which images have been formed. The medium bundle is hereinafter referred to as a "paper bundle Pb." More specifically, the binding process according to this embodiment includes so-called "pressure binding" in which the paper bundle Pb is pressurized and deformed at the press binding position, and "staple binding" in which the paper bundle Pb is stapled. Furthermore, the press binding includes an end binding process for binding the end of the paper bundle Pb, and a saddle binding process for binding the center of the paper bundle Pb.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The first transport path Ph1 is a path from a supply port of the paper P from the image forming device 2 to the 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, and leads to the discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. 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, and leads to the discharge tray 30.

[0015] 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 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. 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. The sensor that detects the position of the paper P during transport is indicated by a filled black triangle (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0016] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 holds the paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1. Among the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2, the paper P that is not to be bound is discharged to the discharge tray 21.

[0017] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 (tray), an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an end binding processing unit 25, and a discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, and the end binding processing unit 25 perform end binding processing on a sheet bundle Pb consisting of a plurality of sheets P transported from the second transport path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The "end binding processing" referred to here includes a "parallel binding processing" (see FIG. 12) that performs binding processing along one side parallel to the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle Pb, a "diagonal binding processing" (see FIG. 11) that performs binding processing at a corner of the sheet bundle Pb, and a "vertical binding processing" that performs binding processing at multiple points spaced apart in the width direction along one side parallel to the transport direction of the sheet bundle Pb. The pressure binding position where the sheets are bound by the diagonal binding process is an example of an "end diagonal binding position", and the pressure binding position where the sheets are bound by the parallel binding process or the vertical binding process is an example of an "end binding position".

[0018] Of the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, the sheet stack Pb that has been subjected to edge binding processing is discharged to the discharge tray 26. Hereinafter, the direction in which the sheets P are transported from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction." Furthermore, the "width of the sheet (medium)" includes the length of the sheet P in the thickness direction and in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction (main scanning direction), and the length of the sheet P in the transport direction.

[0019] The internal tray 22 temporarily holds a plurality of sheets of paper P which are transported in sequence along the second transport path Ph2. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheets of paper 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 of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The end binding processing unit 25 binds the ends 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 which has been subjected to the end binding processing onto the discharge tray 26.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the end stitching processing unit 25 as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the end stitching processing unit 25 as viewed from the liquid application means 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the end stitching processing unit 25 includes a liquid application means 31 that applies liquid, and a pressure bonding means 32 that performs pressure binding. The liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0021] The liquid application means 31 applies liquid (for example, water) stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (hereinafter, referred to as "liquid application").

[0022] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 for "liquid application" is, more specifically, a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula HO as a 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 it may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content is also not limited to the hardness, from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water.

[0023] In addition to the main component, additives may be added. It may contain residual chlorine used in tap water, and it is also desirable to add colorants, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and drying inhibitors such as glycerin. Furthermore, inks used in inkjet printers and inks used in water-based pens also use water as an ingredient, so this may be used as "liquid application".

[0024] 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 function as a pressure binding, tap water, which is easy to obtain and manage, can be used. Also, using a liquid whose main component is water, such as the examples given above, can improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb more than using a liquid whose main component is not water.

[0025] The liquid applicator 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction together with the pressure bonding device 32 by transmitting the driving force of the end binding processing section main scanning movement motor 50. The position (liquid applicator position) where the liquid applicator 31 applies liquid to the paper P or the paper stack Pb corresponds to the pressure binding position where the pressure bonding device 32 is scheduled to perform pressure binding on the paper stack Pb. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid applicator position and the pressure binding position are given the same reference numerals.

[0026] 3 and 4, the liquid application means 31 includes a lower pressure plate 33, an upper pressure plate 34 (pressing means), a liquid application unit moving mechanism 35, and a liquid application mechanism 36. The components of the liquid application means 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.

[0027] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the paper P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 from below. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on the lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be movable (raised and lowered) in the thickness direction of the paper P above 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 attached to the base plate 40.

[0028] The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 44 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, and the liquid application member 44 in an interlocking 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, a base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0029] The liquid applicator movement motor 37 generates a driving force for moving the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid applicator member 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably attached to the liquid applicator frame 31a. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to an 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, thereby moving the nut 39.

[0030] The base plate 40 is disposed above the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid application member 44 with the tip of the liquid application member 44 protruding downward. The base plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 and configured to be movable together with the trapezoidal screw 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a liquid application section HP sensor 40a (see FIG. 6).

[0031] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 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 pressure plate 34 at their lower ends. The upper ends of the columnar members 41a and 41b 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 pressure plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b urge the upper pressure plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b downward with respect to the base plate 40.

[0032] 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 mechanism 36 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb by bringing the tip of a liquid applying member 44 into contact with the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid applying mechanism 36 includes a first liquid storage tank 43, a liquid applying member 44, a supply member 45, and a joint 46.

[0033] The first liquid storage tank 43 stores liquid to be supplied to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is detected by a first liquid amount sensor 43a. The liquid application member 44 applies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid application member 44 is attached to the base plate 40 with its tip facing downward. The liquid application member 44 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (for example, sponge or fiber).

[0034] The supply member 45 is a long member whose base end is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 and whose tip end is connected to the liquid applying member 44. The supply member 45 is also made of a material with high liquid absorption rate, for example, similar to the liquid applying member 44. This allows the liquid absorbed from the base end of the supply member 45 to be supplied to the liquid applying member 44 by capillary action.

[0035] The protective member 45a is a long cylinder (for example, a tube) that is fitted onto the supply member 45. This can prevent the liquid absorbed by the supply member 45 from leaking out or evaporating. In addition, the supply member 45 and the protective member 45a are formed of a flexible material. The joint 46 fixes the liquid application member 44 to the base plate 40. As a result, even when the liquid application member 44 is moved by the liquid application unit movement mechanism 35, it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 and maintains a state in which the tip faces downward.

[0036] 3 and 4, in the liquid application process, there is provided a liquid application member position adjustment means 52 that adjusts the liquid application position by the liquid application member 44. The liquid application member position adjustment means 52 includes a liquid application member position adjustment motor 52a, a pinion gear 52b driven by the liquid application member position adjustment motor 52a, and a rack 52c that meshes with the pinion gear 52b.

[0037] The liquid applicator position adjustment motor 52a and the pinion gear 52b are provided at the joint 46 as described above. Meanwhile, the rack 52c is fixed to the base plate 40. Therefore, by controlling the drive amount of the liquid applicator position adjustment motor 52a, it is possible to adjust the position (liquid applicator position) at which the liquid applicator 44 comes into contact with the paper P. The liquid applicator position adjustment motor 52a moves the liquid applicator 44 and the joint 46 that holds it along the transport direction of the paper P, so that the liquid applicator 44 can apply liquid to a suitable position depending on the position where the binding process is performed on the paper stack Pb by the pressing means 32.

[0038] The pressing means 32 pressurizes and deforms at least a portion of the paper-sheet stack Pb to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means 31 (i.e., the liquid application position) with the uneven binding teeth 32a, 32b, thereby binding the paper-sheet stack Pb (hereinafter, referred to as "press binding"). In other words, the pressing means 32 can bind the paper-sheet stack Pb without using staples. The components of the pressing means 32 (binding teeth 32a (upper pressing teeth) and binding teeth 32b (lower pressing teeth)) are provided on a pressing frame 32c.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressing means 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the pressing means 32 includes a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb so as to be able to sandwich the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed in an uneven shape with concave and convex portions alternately formed. In addition, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed with the concave and convex portions shifted so as to mesh with each other. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the driving force of a contact / separation motor 32d (see FIG. 6).

[0040] In the process in which a plurality of sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb are supplied to the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are spaced apart from each other, as shown in Fig. 5(A). Then, when all sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb are placed on the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b mesh with each other, as shown in Fig. 5(B), and pressurize and deform the sheet bundle Pb in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet bundle Pb is then discharged to the discharge tray 26 by the pair of transport rollers 15.

[0041] The configuration of the crimping means 32 is not limited to this embodiment as long as the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b constituting the crimping mechanism are engaged. For example, the crimping mechanism may be a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (such as that disclosed in Patent No. 6057167) that performs the crimping and separating operations of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b using a drive source and a link mechanism that rotates forward or backward only, or may be a linear motion type crimping mechanism that performs the crimping and separating operations of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b linearly using a screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the drive source into linear motion.

[0042] 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 applying means 31 and the pressure bonding means 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 main scanning moving motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0043] The liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding device 32 are attached to the base member 48 in a state 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 main scanning movement motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the end stitching processing unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the end stitching processing unit main scanning movement motor 50 to the base member 48 via a pulley and a timing belt. As a result, the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding device 32 integrated by the base member 48 move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49.

[0044] The end binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50 in this embodiment is a servo motor that can stop the end binding processing unit 25 at a target position (press binding positions B1, B2 described later) without having to return the end binding processing unit 25 to an origin position (for example, a standby position HP described later) every time it moves.

[0045] The post-processing device 3 also includes an end stitching processing unit HP sensor 44a (e.g., a light-shielding optical sensor; see FIG. 6) that detects when the end stitching processing unit 25 has reached the standby position HP (home position), and an encoder sensor 44b (see FIG. 6) attached to the output shaft of the end stitching processing unit main scanning movement motor 50. The controller 150, which will be described later, detects when the end stitching processing unit 25 has reached the standby position HP based on the detection result of the end stitching processing unit HP sensor 44a. The controller 150 also counts the pulse signals output from the encoder sensor 44b to grasp the current position of the end stitching processing unit 25 that has moved from the standby position HP.

[0046] However, the specific method of stopping the end stitching processing unit 25 at the target position without returning it to the origin position is not limited to the above example. As another example, the post-processing device 3 may be provided with a sensor that detects that the end stitching processing unit 25 has reached a predetermined target position.

[0047] That is, the end binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 can move the end binding processing unit 25 in the shortest distance between the position where the liquid applying means 31 faces the first pressure binding position B1 and the position where the liquid applying means 31 faces the second pressure binding position B2 without passing through the standby position HP. Also, the end binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 can move the end binding processing unit 25 in the shortest distance between the position where the pressure bonding means 32 faces the first pressure binding position B1 and the position where the pressure bonding means 32 faces the second pressure binding position B2 without passing through the standby position HP. Furthermore, the end binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 can move the end binding processing unit 25 over the shortest distance between the position where the liquid application means 31 faces the first crimp binding position B1 (or the second crimp binding position B2) and the position where the crimping means 32 faces the first crimp binding position B1 (or the second crimp binding position B2) without passing through the standby position HP.

[0048] 2, the post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a saddle stitching processing section 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a 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 formed of the paper sheets P transported through the third transport path Ph3. The paper stack Pb that has been saddle stitched is discharged to the discharge tray 30 from among the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0049] The end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveying direction of the multiple sheets P conveyed in sequence along 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 discharge tray 30.

[0050] [Post-processing device 3 control block] Fig. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, 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 interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 150 (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0053] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the operation panel 110, the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the end binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50, the end-to-end binding processing unit HP sensor 44a, the encoder sensor 44b, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressure tooth slide motor 32e, the pressure tooth rotation motor 53, the end fence 23, the liquid application member position adjustment motor 52a, the liquid application unit movement motor 37, the liquid application unit rotation motor 56, the liquid application unit HP sensor 40a, and the first liquid volume sensor 43a to the common bus 109.

[0054] The controller 150 operates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the end binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50, the end-to-end binding processing unit HP sensor 44a, the encoder sensor 44b, the contact and separation motor 32d, the pressure tooth slide motor 32e, the pressure tooth rotation motor 53, the end fence 23, the liquid application member position adjustment motor 52a, and the liquid application unit movement motor 37 through the I / F 105, and acquires detection results from the liquid application unit HP sensor 40a, the first liquid amount sensor 43a, and the encoder sensor 44b. Note that, although only the components that perform the end binding process are illustrated in FIG. 6, the components that perform the saddle stitching process are also controlled by the controller 150 in the same manner.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The 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, and the like. The operation panel 110 obtains information from the user through the operation unit, 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. Also, the post-processing device 3 may be provided with the same operation panel 110 as above.

[0056] Next, an end binding processing unit 25' which is a modified example of the end binding processing unit 25 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. The end binding processing unit 25' differs from the end binding processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment in that the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are integrally configured. Note that the same reference numbers are used for components common to the end binding processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing section 25' as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Fig. 8(A) is a perspective view of the liquid application and pressure bonding section 310. Fig. 8(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 8(A). Fig. 8(C) is a plan view of the binding teeth 32a in Fig. 8(A) as viewed from the binding teeth 32b side. Figs. 9(A) to (C) are schematic diagrams showing the liquid application operation and pressure binding operation by the liquid application and pressure bonding section 310 as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0058] 7, the end stitching processing unit 25' includes a liquid application and pressure bonding unit 310 that is an integral unit of the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 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.

[0059] 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 binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50. The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 includes an upper pressure plate 34, binding teeth 32a, binding teeth 32b, a liquid applying and pressing unit movement mechanism 350, and a liquid supply mechanism 360. The components of the liquid applying and pressing unit 310 are held by the liquid applying frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0060] The liquid application and pressure bonding section moving mechanism 350 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the binding teeth 32a in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper stack Pb in an interlocking manner by the electric cylinder 370. The base plate 40 holds the upper pressure tooth holding member 32a1 and the binding teeth 32a via a joint 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.

[0061] The columnar members 41a, 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their lower ends. Moreover, the coil springs 42a, 42b are fitted onto the columnar members 41a, 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a, 42b urge the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a, 41b downward with respect to the base plate 40.

[0062] The liquid supply mechanism 360 includes a first liquid storage tank 43, a supply pump 431, and a supply member 45. The 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. 8(A) via the supply member 45. The supply member 45 has a base end connected to the supply pump 431 and a tip end connected to the liquid reservoir 320, and is made of a long and stretchable member.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 8(B), the binding teeth 32a are integrally provided with an upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1. The upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1 is provided with a liquid reservoir 320 and a liquid supply path 321 that supplies the liquid LQ stored in the liquid reservoir 320 to the binding teeth 32a. The surfaces of the binding 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 binding teeth 32a. On the other hand, the portions of the upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1 other than the binding teeth 32a are subjected to a hydrophobic treatment so that the liquid LQ spreads efficiently over the surfaces of the binding teeth 32a.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the binding teeth 32b are integrally provided with a lower crimping teeth holding member 32b1, and are attached onto a base member 48 via the lower crimping teeth holding member 32b1.

[0065] 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. 9. In the process in which the paper P is supplied to the internal tray 22, the binding teeth 32a and the binding teeth 32b are separated as shown in FIG. 9(A). Then, when the paper P is placed on the internal tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is contracted to move the binding teeth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 toward the paper P. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the upper pressure plate 34 first comes into contact with the paper P, and then the binding teeth 32a passes through the through hole 34a of the upper pressure plate 34 and comes into contact with the paper P. At this time, since the liquid LQ is spread over the surface of the binding teeth 32a, the liquid is applied to the liquid application position of the paper P by bringing the binding teeth 32a into contact with the paper P. Then, when the application of the liquid to the liquid application position is completed, the electric cylinder 370 is extended to move the binding teeth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 away from the paper P. The above-described approaching and separating operations (liquid application operations) of the binding teeth 32a and the upper pressing plate 34 with respect to the sheets P are repeatedly performed on the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb.

[0066] After that, when a paper stack Pb consisting of a specified number of sheets P is placed on the internal tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is further contracted to move the binding teeth 32a toward the binding teeth 32b. Then, as shown in Fig. 9C, with the paper stack Pb sandwiched between the binding teeth 32a and 32b, the binding teeth 32a move further toward the binding teeth 32b, and the binding teeth 32a and 32b pressurize and deform the paper stack Pb, thereby compressing and binding the paper stack Pb (compression binding operation).

[0067] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the diagonal binding process. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the positions of the end binding processing unit 25 (liquid application means 31 and pressure bonding means 32) in the diagonal binding process. The controller 150 starts the binding process shown in Fig. 10 at the timing when it receives an instruction to execute the binding process (hereinafter, referred to as a "binding process instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2, for example.

[0068] The binding process instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined number"), the number of sheets Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as the "required number of copies"), the binding position of the sheet bundle Pb, and the binding posture of the end binding processing unit 25. In addition, the liquid applying means 31 and the pressing means 32 are assumed to be in the parallel binding posture and located at the standby position P1 (FIG. 11(A)) at the start of the binding process.

[0069] First, when the posture instructed by the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture", the controller 150 drives the liquid applicator rotation motor 56 and the pressure bonding unit rotation motor 54 to rotate the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 to the diagonal binding posture. On the other hand, when the posture instructed by the binding process instruction is the "parallel binding posture", this process is omitted. In addition, the controller 150 drives the end binding process main scanning movement motor 50 to move the end binding process unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid applicator 31 faces the binding position B1 instructed by the binding process instruction (S801) (FIG. 11(B). Note that the controller 150 executes the process of step S801 before the first paper P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15).

[0070] Next, the controller 150 rotates the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P, on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 2, on the internal tray 22 (S802). In addition, the controller 150 moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0071] Next, the controller 150 causes the liquid applicator 31 located at the binding position B1 to perform a liquid application process on the paper sheet P supported by the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S802 (S803). That is, the controller 150 drives the liquid applicator movement motor 37 to bring the liquid applicator 44 into contact with the binding position B1 of the paper sheet P supported by the internal tray 22.

[0072] Next, the controller 150 determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number instructed by the binding process instruction (S804). If the controller 150 determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number (S804: No), it executes the processes of steps S802 to S803 again. That is, the controller 150 executes the processes of steps S802 to S803 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 may be performed not only on all of the sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb, but also on only some of the sheets P.

[0073] Then, when the controller 150 determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number (S804: Yes), as shown in FIG. 11(C), it drives the end binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50 to move the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressing means 32 faces the binding position P2 (S805).

[0074] Next, the controller 150 performs pressure binding on the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 and discharges it to the discharge tray 26 (S806). That is, the controller 150 drives the approach / separation motor 32d to cause the binding teeth 32a to clamp the binding position B1 of the paper stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22 to the binding teeth 32b. At this time, depending on the conditions, the controller 150 drives the pressure tooth slide motor 32e (see FIG. 6) to perform pressure binding processing multiple times so that the pressure marks are adjacent to each other. In addition, the controller 150 rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the pressure-bound paper stack Pb to the discharge tray 26.

[0075] In addition, on the sheet stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22, the pressure-bonding area where the binding teeth 32a and 32b hold each other in step S806 overlaps with the liquid-applied area contacted by the tip of the liquid-applying member 44 in step S803. In other words, the pressure-bonding means 32 pressure-bonds and binds the area on the sheet stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22 to which liquid has been applied by the liquid-applying means 31. In addition, the pressure-bonding area where the binding teeth 32a and 32b hold each other does not need to completely overlap with the liquid-applied area contacted by the tip of the liquid-applying member 44, and sufficient binding strength can be obtained even if they partially overlap.

[0076] Next, the controller 150 determines whether the number of the discharged sheet bundles Pb reaches the required number of copies indicated in the binding process instruction (S807). When the controller 150 determines that the required number of copies has not been reached (S807: No), it executes the processes from step S802 onwards again. That is, the controller 150 repeatedly executes the processes from step S802 to S806 until the number of the sheet bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies (S807: Yes).

[0077] Then, when the controller 150 determines that the required number of copies has been reached (S807: Yes), it drives the end stitching processing unit main scanning movement motor 50 to move the end stitching processing unit 25 to the standby position P1. Also, when the posture instructed by the binding processing instruction is the "diagonal binding posture", the controller 150 drives the liquid application unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 to the parallel binding posture (S808). On the other hand, when the posture instructed by the binding processing instruction is the "parallel binding posture", this process is omitted. As a result, the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 return to the position shown in FIG. 11(D). Note that in steps S801 and S808, the execution order of the movement operation in the main scanning direction and the rotation operation of the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 is not limited to the above-mentioned order, and may be reversed.

[0078] According to the above embodiment, for example, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

[0079] According to the above embodiment, the binding teeth 32a change the posture of the liquid application member 44 in accordance with the posture of the binding teeth 32b, so that it is possible to limit the range to which the liquid is applied to the paper P. As a result, it is possible to prevent the paper P from becoming wrinkled and the image formed on the paper P from bleeding.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the binding teeth 32a incline the binding teeth 32b and the liquid application member 44 by the same angle in the diagonal binding position, and are disposed at the same position in the conveying direction in each of the parallel binding position and the diagonal binding position, so that the area to which the liquid is applied can be pressure-bonded and bound without special alignment.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example in which the binding teeth 32a, 32b, and the liquid applying member 44 are in an oblique binding position has been described, but the positions of the binding teeth 32a, 32b, and the liquid applying member 44 are not limited to this. As another example, the binding teeth 32a, 32b, and the liquid applying member 44 may be in a "deep flat binding" position in which the longitudinal direction of each tip is parallel to the main scanning direction, or may be changeable to a "vertical binding position" as a third binding position in which the longitudinal direction of each tip is perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

[0082] The vertical binding posture corresponds to a posture in which the binding teeth 32a, 32b, and the liquid applicator 44 are rotated by the pressure tooth rotating motor 53 to positions along the widthwise end of the paper P. In other words, it refers to the postures of the binding teeth 32a, 32b, and the liquid applicator 44 with respect to the paper P or the paper stack Pb when performing binding processing so that the longitudinal direction of the binding mark to be formed is along the widthwise end of the paper P. The pressure part rotating mechanism may rotate the binding teeth 32a, 32b, and the liquid applicator 44 to any angle between the parallel binding posture and the vertical binding posture.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the position of the end binding processing unit 25 during execution of two-point binding. Detailed description of commonalities with the process described with reference to FIG. 11 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 12(A), at the start of two-point binding, the end binding processing unit 25 is located at the standby position HP. Also, the first pressure binding position B1 and the second pressure binding position B2 are positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, FIG. 12 describes a case where two sheets P are pressure-bound (i.e., N=2), but the number of sheets P constituting the paper stack Pb is not limited to this.

[0084] The controller 150 moves the end stitching processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid applicator 31 can face the first pressure binding position B1 before the first sheet P1 of the sheet bundle Pb is supplied to the internal tray 22. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the controller 150 places the sheet P1, on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2, on the internal tray 22 and jogs it with the liquid applicator 31 positioned at a position that can face the first pressure binding position B1.

[0085] Next, in response to the sheet P1 being placed on the internal tray 22, the controller 150 causes the liquid applicator 31 to apply liquid to the first pressure binding position B1 of the sheet P1. Next, as shown in Fig. 12(C), the controller 150 moves the end stitching processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid applicator 31 faces the second pressure binding position B2 of the sheet P1. Next, the controller 150 causes the liquid applicator 31 to apply liquid to the second pressure binding position B2 of the sheet P1.

[0086] Next, in response to applying liquid to the first and second crimp binding positions B1 and B2 of the paper P1, the controller 150 places the second paper P2 constituting the paper stack Pb on the internal tray 22 and performs jogging while disposing the liquid applying means 31 in a position that faces the second crimp binding position B2, as shown in FIG. 12(D).

[0087] Next, in response to the sheet P2 being placed on the inner tray 22, the controller 150 causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the second pressure-binding position B2 of the sheet P2. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(E), the controller 150 moves the edge-binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application means 31 faces the first pressure-binding position B1 of the sheet P2. Next, the controller 150 causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the first pressure-binding position B1 of the sheet P2.

[0088] That is, until the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N, the controller 150 repeats the conveyance of the sheet P by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15 and the application of liquid to the first pressure-binding position B1 and the second pressure-binding position B22 by the liquid application means 31. At this time, for the B-th (B < N) sheet P, the controller 150 causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid in the order of the first pressure-binding position B1 and the second pressure-binding position B2. Also, for the (B + 1)-th sheet P, the controller 150 causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid in the order of the second pressure-binding position B2 and the first pressure-binding position B1. In other words, the controller 150 changes the order in which the liquid application means 31 applies liquid to the first pressure-binding position B1 and the second pressure-binding position B2 for each sheet P. Further, the controller 150 moves the binding processing unit 25 from one of the first pressure-binding position B1 and the second pressure-binding position B2 to the other by the shortest distance without passing through the standby position HP.

[0089] Next, in response to determining that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N, as shown in FIG. 12(F), the controller 150 faces the pressure-bonding means 32 to the first pressure-binding position B1. Next, the controller 150 pressure-binds the first pressure-binding position B1 of the stack of sheets placed on the inner tray 22. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(G), the controller 150 faces the pressure-bonding means 32 to the second pressure-binding position B2. Next, the controller 150 pressure-binds the second pressure-binding position B2 of the stack of sheets Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0090] In the example of FIG. 12, since liquid was applied to the first crimp binding position B1 last, crimp binding is performed in the order of the first crimp binding position B1 and the second crimp binding position B2. On the other hand, when liquid is applied to the second crimp binding position B2 last, crimp binding may be performed in the order of the second crimp binding position B2 and the first crimp binding position B1.

[0091] Next, the controller 150 discharges the stack of sheets Pb crimp-bound at the first crimp binding position B1 and the second crimp binding position B2 to the discharge tray 26. Further, as shown in FIG. 12(H), the controller 150 moves the binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP.

[0092] In the above embodiment, an example of crimp-binding one or two locations of the stack of sheets Pb has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case of crimp-binding three or more stacks of sheets Pb spaced apart in the main scanning direction. In this case, the controller 150 causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to three or more crimp binding positions and causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimp binding. Even when crimp-binding three or more locations, the productivity of crimp binding can be improved by applying the present invention.

[0093] However, it is not necessary to apply liquid to all the crimp binding positions for all the sheets P constituting the stack of sheets Pb. For example, when performing crimp binding at three crimp binding positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction, the controller 150 may apply liquid to the three crimp binding positions of the E-th (E < N - 2) sheet P1, apply liquid to the two crimp binding positions of the (E + 1)-th sheet P2, and apply liquid to the one crimp binding position of the (E + 2)-th sheet P2.

[0094] [Liquid Application Operation Using the Piercing Needle 501] Next, a liquid application operation in which liquid is applied using a perforation needle 501 in the end binding processing unit 25 included in the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13, in the end binding processing unit 25 according to this embodiment, when pressure binding is performed, in the operation of applying liquid to the binding position, an operation of executing a perforation process to form holes in the paper stack Pb is performed. In the following description, "pressure binding in which liquid is applied to the binding position" will be referred to as "liquid application pressure binding".

[0095] When performing liquid application pressure binding, it is assumed that liquid is applied to each sheet of paper P that constitutes the paper stack Pb, and that liquid is applied to multiple sheets of paper P collectively (all at once). When liquid is applied all at once, this is mainly the case with the inline method, but manual methods of pressure binding are also known. When performing liquid application pressure binding using the manual method, applying liquid to each sheet of paper P is too time-consuming. Therefore, in the case of the manual method, liquid is applied to the paper stack Pb all at once.

[0096] When applying liquid all at once, if the number of sheets to be bound increases, the liquid LQ does not reach the inside of the paper stack Pb, as shown in Fig. 13(A). As a result, as shown in Fig. 13(B), the degree of pressure bonding due to pressure deformation becomes shallow over the entire thickness direction of the paper stack Pb, and the force that maintains the bound state of the paper stack Pb (binding maintenance force) becomes weak.

[0097] In addition, in FIG. 13(B), the solid line portion of the pressure-bonded binding portion illustrates an example of a portion where the liquid LQ has permeated due to the application of liquid, and this portion has been sufficiently deformed by pressure binding, and the fibers of the paper P have become tangled, resulting in sufficient binding strength even after binding. On the other hand, the dotted line illustrates an example of a portion where the liquid LQ has not permeated. Because little liquid LQ has permeated this dotted line portion, the fibers of the paper P do not become tangled due to pressure binding. As a result, there is concern that a phenomenon will occur in which the paper P will separate from this dotted line portion after binding.

[0098] In this regard, in the liquid application pressure binding according to this embodiment, a perforation process is performed at the binding position using a perforation needle 501, as shown in Fig. 13(C). The perforation process is a process in which the perforation needle 501 is caused to penetrate in advance the portion where liquid is to be applied by the liquid application member 44.

[0099] As a result of the punching process, as shown in Fig. 13(D), permeation holes 511 that serve as permeation paths for the liquid LQ are formed in the paper stack Pb. Liquid application is performed by bringing the liquid application member 44 into contact with the position where the permeation hole 511 is formed, as shown in Fig. 13(E). As a result, the liquid LQ spreads in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb, as shown in Fig. 13(E).

[0100] When pressure binding is performed after the liquid is applied, pressure binding can be performed so that pressure deformation occurs even in the sheets P inside the sheet stack Pb, as shown in Fig. 13(F). By using a medium that is more easily permeable to liquid as the medium used at this time, the liquid LQ can be more easily permeated around the perforated portions.

[0101] [Embodiment of perforation treatment] Next, the punching process associated with the liquid application and pressure bonding process will be described. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration including a punching needle 501 as a needle-shaped member for enabling the punching process. The diagram illustrates the state of the end stitching processing unit 25 as seen from the liquid application means 31 side in the main scanning direction.

[0102] 14, in the edge stitching processing unit 25 capable of performing the punching process, punching needles 501 as a punching member are attached to the base plate 40 together with the liquid application member 44. The punching needles 501 are raised and lowered in conjunction with the liquid application member 44 by the liquid application unit moving mechanism 35 (see FIG. 3). The base plate 40 constitutes a lifting means for allowing the upper pressing plate 34 and the lower pressing plate 33 to be lowered while piercing the punching needles 501.

[0103] The perforation needle 501 used as the perforation means is longer than the length in the ascending / descending direction of the liquid application member 44. Therefore, the perforation needle 501 can pierce the paper stack Pb and form a hole before the tip of the liquid application member 44 touches the paper stack Pb. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from being applied to areas other than those pierced by the perforation needle 501.

[0104] The upper pressure plate 34 and the lower pressure plate 33 facing each other on which the punch needles 501 are arranged are provided with an upper pressure plate through hole 502 and a lower pressure plate through hole 503, respectively. These upper pressure plate through hole 502 and lower pressure plate through hole 503 enable the punch needles 501 to punch holes in the paper stack Pb while the upper pressure plate 34 and the lower pressure plate 33 are holding and pressing the paper stack Pb.

[0105] Fig. 15 illustrates a perforation processing means 504 including a perforation needle 501. As already described with reference to Fig. 14, perforation needle 501 is attached to base plate 40 and moved up and down in response to the operation of liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 to perform perforation, or perforation processing means 504 may be provided as illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0106] The punching means 504 includes a punching motor 505, a drive cam 506 driven up and down by the punching motor 505, and a needle support member 507 moved up and down by the drive cam 506. The punching means 504 can adjust the position (punching position) where the punching needle 501 contacts the paper P by controlling the drive amount of the punching motor 505. That is, by operating the punching motor 505 by a predetermined amount, the drive cam 506 rotates according to this operation amount, and the engagement of the drive cam 506 moves the needle support member 507 up and down, and the punching needle 501 moves up and down (see FIG. 15(B)). That is, the depth of the hole formed in the paper stack Pb can be controlled according to the drive amount of the punching motor 505. The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 and the punching means 504 may be used in combination to perform punching.

[0107] [First Example] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16(A) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of perforation needles 501 in liquid application means 31 provided in end binding processing unit 25. Fig. 16(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which sheet stack Pb has been transported to end binding processing unit 25. As shown in Fig. 16(B), before performing liquid application processing on sheet stack Pb, perforation needles 501 for opening penetration holes 511 in the areas to which liquid is applied are arranged closer to liquid application unit moving mechanism 35 than liquid application member 44.

[0108] Fig. 16(C) is a view of the liquid applicator 31 shown in Fig. 16(A) taken along the line A, illustrating a cross-sectional view of the upper pressing plate 34 as viewed from below the liquid applicator 31. The upper pressing plate 34 is provided with a through hole 34a to enable the liquid applicator 44 to apply liquid to the paper stack Pb. Furthermore, an upper pressing plate through hole 502 is provided below the through hole 34a.

[0109] Figures 16(D) and 16(E) are figures illustrating how, by moving the end fence 23 in the discharge direction of the paper stack Pb, the location (perforation location) where the penetration hole 511 has been opened by the perforation needle 501 is moved in the sub-scanning direction, and the liquid application means 31 is moved relative to the perforation location to perform the liquid application process.

[0110] [Liquid application and pressure bonding process according to the first embodiment] Next, the steps of the liquid application and pressure bonding process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. First, as shown in Fig. 17(A), the paper stack Pb is transported between the upper pressure plate 34 and the lower pressure plate 33. More precisely, a plurality of paper sheets P are transported to a position where they are butted against the end fence 23 and are stacked on the internal tray 22.

[0111] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17B, the upper presser plate 34 is lowered by the liquid applicator moving mechanism 35, and the paper stack Pb is sandwiched and pressed between the upper presser plate 34 and the lower presser plate 33.

[0112] 17C, the upper pressing plate 34 is further lowered to cause the punching needles 501 to penetrate the stack of paper-sheets Pb, thereby forming the penetration holes 511. As shown in FIG.

[0113] 17(D), the upper presser plate 34 is temporarily raised to release the sheet stack Pb from the lower presser plate 33 and the upper presser plate 34. As shown in FIG.

[0114] Next, as shown in Fig. 17(E), the stack of sheets Pb is moved in the sub-scanning direction, that is, to the left when facing Fig. 17 (to the direction in which the sheets P were transported).

[0115] Next, as shown in Figure 17 (F), the perforation location of the paper stack Pb is moved directly below the liquid application member 44, and the upper pressure plate 34 is lowered again to apply liquid to the location where the permeation hole 511 is formed (the perforation location).

[0116] Fig. 17(G) is a view of the end stitching processing unit 25 as seen from the steam upstream side in the conveying direction at the time when the process illustrated in Fig. 17(F) is completed. Then, as shown in Fig. 17(H), after liquid application, the upper press plate 34 is raised again to make the paper stack Pb movable. Then, the portion where liquid was applied by the liquid application member 44 is moved until it faces the upper pressure teeth 32a and the binding teeth 32b. At this time, the end stitching processing unit moving mechanism 47 moves the paper stack Pb in the main scanning direction.

[0117] Finally, as shown in FIG. 17(I), the pressing means 32 is operated to perform the pressing and binding.

[0118] As described above, when performing liquid application pressure binding on the paper stack Pb, the punching process is performed in advance, the formed permeation holes 511 are punched, and liquid is applied to the punched locations. This improves the binding retention of the paper stack Pb bound by the pressure binding process. In addition, it is not necessary to use a special liquid such as an adhesive, and water, which is easily available, can be used.

[0119] In the steps of Fig. 17(B) and Fig. 17(C) described above, as described with reference to Fig. 15, it is also possible to use punching means 504 which performs punching processing by a separate drive.

[0120] In addition, in the process of Figure 17 (E), the end fence 23 provided on the internal tray 22 on which the stack of paper Pb is loaded and held can be moved in the sub-scanning direction to move the perforation location directly below the liquid application member 44.

[0121] [Control flow of the first embodiment] Next, the binding process flow described with reference to FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18. The controller 150 starts the binding process, for example, at the timing when a binding process instruction is acquired from the image forming apparatus 2. The controller 150 drives the end binding process main scanning movement motor 50 to move the end binding process unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application member 44 faces the binding position instructed by the binding process instruction (S901). The controller 150 executes the process of step S901 before the first sheet P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0122] Next, the controller 150 rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to transport the paper P on which the image has been formed in the image forming device 2 to the internal tray 22 (S902). The controller 150 also moves the side fences 24L and 24R to execute an alignment process for aligning the position in the main scanning direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R correspond to an alignment means.

[0123] Next, the controller 150 determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number instructed by the binding process instruction (S903). When the controller 150 determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number (S903: No), it executes the processes of steps S902 to S903 again. That is, the controller 150 executes the processes of steps S902 to S903 every time a sheet P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0124] When the controller 150 determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number (S903: Yes), as shown in Figures 17(B) and 17(C), it drives the liquid application unit movement motor 37 to perform a punching process with the punch needles 501 at the binding position of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (S904). For this punching process, the punching means 504 shown in Figure 16 may be used.

[0125] After the punching process, the controller 150 moves the end fence 23, which is in contact with the rear end of the paper stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22, in the discharge direction (S905). As a result, after the movement is completed, the punched portion is positioned facing the liquid application member 44.

[0126] Next, the controller 150 causes the liquid applicator 31 to execute a liquid application process on the paper stack Pb moved in the immediately preceding step S905 (S906). That is, the controller 150 drives the liquid applicator movement motor 37 to bring the liquid applicator 44 into contact with and press against the perforated portions of the paper stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22. This causes the liquid to permeate from the liquid applicator 44 not only onto the surface of the paper stack Pb but also into the interior of the paper stack Pb through the permeation holes 511. Note that by using paper P that is easily permeable to liquid, the liquid that has permeated into the interior of the paper stack Pb through the permeation holes 511 can also be made to permeate around the permeation holes 511.

[0127] Next, the controller 150 drives the end stitching processing section main scanning movement motor 50 to move the end stitching processing section 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding means 32 faces the perforation site, that is, the liquid application position (S907).

[0128] Next, the controller 150 performs pressure binding on the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 and discharges it to the discharge tray 26 (S908). That is, the controller 150 drives the approach / separation motor 32d to sandwich the perforated portion of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, i.e., the liquid application position, between the binding teeth 32a and 32b. At this time, depending on the binding process condition setting in the binding process support, the pressure tooth slide motor 32e (see FIG. 6) is driven to perform the pressure binding process multiple times so that the pressure marks are adjacent to each other. Also, the controller 150 rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the pressure-bound paper stack Pb to the discharge tray 26.

[0129] Note that, on the paper stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22, the pressure-bonding area where the binding teeth 32a and 32b clamp in step S908 overlaps the location perforated in step S904 and the liquid-applied area contacted by the tip of the liquid-applying member 44 in step S906. In other words, the pressure-bonding means 32 pressure-bonds and binds the area perforated by the perforation needles 501 and the area to which liquid is applied by the liquid-applying means 31 on the paper stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22.

[0130] Next, the controller 150 determines 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 150 determines that the required number of copies has not been reached (S909: No), it executes the processes from step S902 onwards again. That is, the controller 150 repeatedly executes the processes from step S902 to S908 until the number of the sheet bundles Pb discharged to the discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies (S909: Yes).

[0131] Then, when it is determined that the required number of copies has been reached (S909: Yes), the controller 150 drives the end-stitching processing section main-scanning movement motor 50 to move the end-stitching processing section 25 to the standby position P1 (S910).

[0132] [Modification of the first embodiment] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating another means in the process of moving paper-sheet stack Pb in the sub-scanning direction described in Fig. 17(E). As shown in Fig. 19, liquid applicator position adjustment means 52 may be provided as a medium moving mechanism that can move a mechanism in which liquid applicator 44 and punch needles 501 are integrated in the sub-scanning direction.

[0133] [Processing steps in a modified example of the first embodiment] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing steps in a modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 20 describes the binding processing operation when using the liquid application member position adjustment means 52. First, as shown in Fig. 20(A), a stack of paper sheets Pb is transported between the pressing plates.

[0134] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 20B, the liquid application unit moving mechanism 35 lowers the upper pressing plate 34 to clamp and press the paper stack pb between the upper pressing plate 34 and the lower pressing plate 33.

[0135] Next, as shown in FIG. 20(C), the upper pressure plate 34 is raised once to move it away from the paper stack Pb, and the liquid applicator position adjustment means 52 moves the tip of the liquid applicator 44 in the sub-scanning direction opposite the position where the penetration hole 511 is opened by the punch needle 501.

[0136] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 20(D), the upper pressure plate 34 is lowered again to press in, and liquid is applied to the positions where the permeation holes 511 are formed.

[0137] Fig. 20(E) is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing unit 25 when the process of Fig. 20(D) is completed, as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction of the paper P. Next, as shown in Fig. 20(F), the upper pressure plate 34 is temporarily raised to a state in which the paper stack Pb is not being clamped, and the end binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 moves the paper stack Pb in the main scanning direction so that the binding teeth 32a and 32b are opposite the location where the liquid was applied by the liquid application member 44.

[0138] Finally, as shown in FIG. 20(G), the pressing means 32 performs pressure binding.

[0139] [Flowchart of a modified example of the first embodiment] Fig. 21 is a flowchart of the binding process in Fig. 20. After punching the paper stack Pb, there are two possible methods for bringing the liquid applicator 44 into contact with the punched portion: moving the paper stack Pb itself to adjust its position, and moving the liquid applicator side to make the adjustment. The former is explained in the flowchart of Fig. 18, and the latter is explained in this flowchart.

[0140] The flow of moving the liquid application member side is basically the same as in FIG. 18 (S921 to S924 and S926 to S930 are the same processes as S901 to S904 and S906 to S910, respectively), but only S925 is different.

[0141] After punching the paper stack Pb in step S924, the controller 150 causes the liquid application member position adjustment means 52 to move its position (S925). That is, the controller 150 drives the liquid application member position adjustment motor 52a to move the liquid application member 44 so that it is positioned opposite the punching location of the paper stack Pb. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 18.

[0142] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 30. In Fig. 30, punch needles 501 for punching holes in paper stack Pb are arranged in the main scanning direction of liquid applicator 44. The order of processing is almost the same as that described with reference to Fig. 17, but it differs in that, in the step of Fig. 17(E), liquid applicator 31 is moved by an existing mechanism that moves it in the main scanning direction, rather than moving in the sub-scanning direction.

[0143] [Processing procedure of the second embodiment] 23A and 23B are diagrams for explaining the binding process operation in the embodiment 2. First, as shown in Fig. 23A, the sheet stack Pb is transported between the pressure plates. Then, as shown in Fig. 23B, the liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 presses the sheet stack Pb with the pressure plates to perform the punching process.

[0144] Next, as shown in FIG. 23(C), the pressure plate is temporarily separated, and the paper stack Pb is moved in the main scanning direction by the end binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 so that the tip of the liquid application member 44 is opposite the location where the hole was made by the perforation needle 501.

[0145] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 23(D), the upper pressure plate 34 is pressed again, and liquid is applied to the portions where the permeation holes 511 have been formed.

[0146] Next, as shown in FIG. 23(E), the upper pressure plate 34 is temporarily separated, and the end binding processing section moving mechanism 47 moves the paper stack Pb in the main scanning direction so that the binding teeth 32a and 32b are opposite the location where liquid was applied by the liquid application member 44.

[0147] Finally, as shown in FIG. 23(F), the pressing means 32 performs pressure binding.

[0148] [Flowchart of the second embodiment] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the second embodiment. Basically, the process is the same as that described with reference to Figures 18 and 21. However, there are differences in the process after punching the paper stack Pb and the process after applying liquid to the punched areas. The following will mainly explain the differences.

[0149] 24, after punching the paper stack Pb, the controller 150 causes the end binding processing unit 25 to move to a position for performing the next process (S945). That is, the controller 150 drives the end binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50 to move the liquid application member 44 to a position opposite the punching location of the paper stack Pb.

[0150] Then, in step S947, after applying liquid to the paper stack Pb, the controller executes movement of the end binding processing unit 25 to a position for performing the next process (S947). That is, the controller 150 drives the end binding processing unit main scanning movement motor 50 to move the liquid application member 44 to a position facing the perforation location of the paper stack Pb. The end binding processing unit 25 is moved in the main scanning direction so that the pressing means 32 faces the perforation location, i.e., the liquid application position (S907).

[0151] The subsequent processing is similar to that described with reference to Figures 18 and 21, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0152] [Third Example] 25 shows a third embodiment in which punch needles 501 for punching holes in paper stack Pb are disposed inside liquid application member 44. In the case of the third embodiment, the punching process and the liquid application process can be performed at the same time, so the length of punch needles 501 does not need to be longer than the liquid application member 44.

[0153] In this example, holes are made by the punch needle 501 and liquid is applied by the liquid application member 44 in one lifting and lowering operation, but since the liquid is applied while the needle is making holes, it is difficult for the liquid to penetrate into the inside of the paper stack Pb. Therefore, the needle is modified so that liquid can be applied even while the needle is making holes. Details will be explained in FIG.

[0154] [Regarding the perforation needle 501 used in the third embodiment] Next, a perforation needle 501 used in a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. As shown in Fig. 26(A), the base plate 40 holds a needle holding member 508 and a perforation needle 501 via a joint 46. In addition, as shown in Fig. 26(B), water is supplied to a liquid reservoir 509 provided in the needle holding member 508 via a supply member 45.

[0155] The perforation needles 501 are provided integrally with a needle holding member 508. The needle holding member 508 is in contact with an end face of the liquid application member 44, and is configured to supply the liquid pool 509 and the water pooled in the liquid pool 509 to the liquid application member 44. The length of the perforation needles 501 is shorter than the length of the liquid application member 44 in the lifting direction. As a result, when liquid application is to be performed on a sheet-by-sheet basis without perforation processing as in the past, the liquid application can be performed by the liquid application member 44 without the perforation needles 501 coming into contact with the sheet surface by suppressing the amount of lifting. When liquid application and perforation are to be performed simultaneously on a stack of multiple sheets Pb, the amount of lifting can be increased to perform perforation processing directly after liquid application to the sheet surface.

[0156] Fig. 26(C) is a modified example of Fig. 26(B), in which the liquid supplying member 44 is removed. This form is intended for binding only a few sheets, and it is necessary to supply liquid to the inside of the paper stack Pb using the punching member shown in Fig. 26(E) or Fig. 26(F) described next.

[0157] FIG. 26(D) is a cross-sectional view (in the direction of arrow B) of the liquid applicator 44 when viewed from below.

[0158] Figure 26(E) is an example of a variation of the perforation needle 501. A number of cavities are provided on the side, and the perforation needle 501 is configured so that liquid can be dispensed from inside the perforation needle.

[0159] 26(F) shows another variation of perforation needle 501. A spiral recess is provided on the surface of perforation needle 501, so this form also makes it possible to apply liquid at the same time as making a hole.

[0160] 27A and 27B show how liquid is applied to and holes are punched on a stack of paper-sheets Pb in the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 27A, the stack of paper-sheets Pb is conveyed between the pressure plates.

[0161] 27(B), liquid applicator movement mechanism 35 presses paper-sheet stack Pb with a pressure plate, and liquid applicator 44 is further pressed from the state in which it is in contact with the surface of the upper part of paper-sheet stack Pb. This brings the tip of perforation needle 501 into a state in which it reaches the surface of the upper part of paper-sheet stack Pb. Because liquid applicator 44 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge), the side in contact with the surface of the upper part of paper-sheet stack Pb becomes partially crushed.

[0162] The liquid applicator 44 is further pressed in from the state illustrated in Fig. 27(B), which results in a state in which holes have been punched in the stack of paper-sheets Pb, as illustrated in Fig. 27(C).

[0163] When punching is performed as in the state of Fig. 27(C), if the shape of punching needle 501 is as shown in Fig. 24(E) or 24(F), the liquid already supplied to liquid pool 509 will flow into the periphery of the punched portion of paper stack Pb through the inside or side of the needle, as shown in Fig. 27(D). Through the above process, as shown in Fig. 28(E), when the pressure plate is separated after liquid application and punching, the liquid has permeated the periphery of the punched portion.

[0164] After this, as in the first and second embodiments, the end binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 moves the paper stack Pb in the main scanning direction so that the upper crimping tooth 32a and the binding tooth 32b are opposite the liquid application point, and crimping binding is performed by the crimping means 32.

[0165] [Modification of the third embodiment] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a modified example of the third embodiment described in Fig. 28. This modified example incorporates the means shown in Fig. 26(C).

[0166] As shown in Figure 29, when liquid is not applied to each sheet of paper P individually but rather a liquid application process is performed all at once on a paper stack Pb consisting of multiple sheets of paper P, liquid can be applied via perforation needles 501, so the liquid application member 44 is removed from the method shown in Figure 28.

[0167] First, as shown in Fig. 29(A), the paper stack Pb is transported between the pressure plates. Then, as shown in Fig. 29(B), the liquid applicator movement mechanism 35 presses the paper stack Pb with the pressure plates until the tips of the perforation needles 501 reach the surface of the top of the paper stack Pb.

[0168] If punch needle 501 is pushed further in from the state shown in Fig. 29(B), it will reach the state shown in Fig. 29(C) where a hole has been punched in stack of paper Pb. If punch needle 501 has the shape shown in Fig. 26(E) or Fig. 26(F), when a hole is punched as shown in Fig. 29(C), the water already supplied to liquid pool 509 will flow into the inside of the needle or through the side of the needle and around the punched portion of stack of paper Pb as shown in Fig. 29(D).

[0169] Next, as shown in FIG. 29(E), the pressing plate is separated after the liquid has been applied and the holes have been formed, so that the liquid has permeated the area around the holes.

[0170] The subsequent steps are the same as those explained in FIG. 28 and will not be explained further.

[0171] [Flowchart of the third embodiment] Fig. 30 shows an example of a flowchart according to the third embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 30 includes similar processes to those in the flowcharts according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment already described, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0172] The difference is that after the predetermined number of sheets is reached (S963: Yes), the punching process and the liquid application process are performed simultaneously on the paper stack Pb (S964). The subsequent process is the same as in the first or second embodiment, and the end stitching processing unit 25 is moved in the main scanning direction to perform the stitching process.

[0173] [Second embodiment of image forming apparatus] First, an image forming system 1 as a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 31 and 32 are external views of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 1 is an apparatus having an image forming function of forming an image on a sheet S as a sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function of performing a predetermined sheet process (post-processing) on ​​the sheet S on which the image has been recorded. Note that a specific example of the sheet S is assumed to be "paper" that is generally used for image formation (copying, printing, etc.).

[0174] 31, the image forming system 1 mainly includes an apparatus housing 301 and an image forming unit 300 inside the apparatus housing 301. The apparatus housing 301 is a box-shaped member having an internal space for accommodating components of the image forming system 1. The apparatus housing 301 also has an internal space 302 that is accessible from outside the image forming system 1. The internal space 302 is a portion that is exposed to the outside by cutting out an outer wall of the apparatus housing 301, and is formed, for example, slightly above the center of the apparatus housing 301 in the up-down direction.

[0175] A binding processing unit 100 that enables binding processing for bundling a plurality of sheets S can be attached to the internal space 302 as an optional unit that adds an optional function.

[0176] The image forming unit 300 discharges the sheet S picked up from the sheet storage tray and conveyed to the folding unit 200 and the binding unit 100. The image forming unit 300 may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming unit 300 is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0177] The folding unit 200 is attached to an internal space 302 of the image forming system 1 downstream of the image forming unit 300 and upstream of the binding unit 100 on a conveyance path (path indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. 1) of the sheet S from the image forming unit 300 to the binding unit 100. That is, in the example of the image forming system 1, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 300 is first handed over to the folding unit 200 for a predetermined folding process, and then handed over to the binding unit 100 for a binding process to be described later.

[0178] [Internal configuration of binding processing unit 100] 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the binding processing unit 100. The processing unit 100 is connectable to an input / output interface for the sheets S. That is, the input interface IN of the folding processing unit 200 is configured to be connectable to an output interface of the image forming section 300. Also, the input interface of the binding processing unit 100 is configured to be connectable to the output interface of the image forming section 300 and the output interface OUT of the folding processing unit 200.

[0179] The binding processing unit 100 performs binding processing (post-processing) to bind and bind a plurality of sheets S (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet bundle Sb") on which images have been formed by the image forming section 300. Note that a bundle of a plurality of sheets S will hereinafter be referred to as a "sheet bundle Sb."

[0180] [Internal configuration of binding processing unit 100] In this embodiment, the binding processing unit 100 is described as an example of a post-processing unit that performs sheet processing other than folding, but a specific example of the post-processing unit (post-processing) is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 5, the binding processing unit 100 includes a binding device housing 301, a discharge tray 26, a plurality of conveying roller pairs (a pair of receiving conveying rollers 313, a pair of relay conveying rollers 314, a pair of shift conveying rollers 315 arranged in an internal sheet tray 317, and a pair of discharge conveying rollers 316), an internal sheet tray 317, a tapping roller 318, a return roller 319, an end fence 411 (411L, 411R), a side fence 41 (41L, 41R) (see Fig. 14(b)), and a binding processing unit 42.

[0181] The binding device housing 301 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating components of the binding processing unit 100. A conveying path Ph3, which is a space through which the sheets S pass, is formed in the internal space of the binding device housing 301. The discharge tray 26 is supported on the outer surface of the binding device housing 301. The discharge tray 26 supports the sheets S or the sheet stack Sb conveyed by the receiving conveying roller pair 313, the relay conveying roller pair 314, the shift conveying roller pair 315, and the discharge conveying roller pair 316.

[0182] The receiving conveying roller pair 313, the relay conveying roller pair 314, the shift conveying roller pair 315, and the discharge conveying roller pair 316 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other along the conveying path Ph3. That is, the sheet S received in the binding processing unit 100 is conveyed along the conveying path Ph3 by the receiving conveying roller pair 313, the relay conveying roller pair 314, the shift conveying roller pair 315, and the discharge conveying roller pair 316.

[0183] The receiving conveying roller pair 313, the relay conveying roller pair 314, the shift conveying roller pair 315, and the discharge conveying roller pair 316 are basically configured such that one is a driving roller and the other is a driven roller. The discharge conveying roller pair 316 is configured with a discharge driving roller 36a and a discharge driven roller 36b that can be brought into contact with and separated from the discharge driving roller 36a. The shift conveying roller pair 315 may be configured to be slidable in the width direction in order to realize a sorting process in which the sheet S is shifted in the width direction and discharged to the discharge tray 26.

[0184] The internal sheet tray 317 temporarily supports (stacks) a plurality of sheets S that are transported in sequence along the transport path Ph3. The hitting roller 318 is supported at the tip of a rotating arm above the internal sheet tray 317. The hitting roller 318 supplies the sheet S sandwiched between the pair of discharge transport rollers 316 to the internal sheet tray 317 as the rotating arm rotates. The return roller 319 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the sheet S supported by the internal sheet tray 317, thereby guiding the sheet S toward the end fences 411 (411L, 411R).

[0185] The end fences 411 (411L, 411R) come into contact with the downstream end of the sheet S supported by the internal sheet tray 317 in the conveying direction to align the position of the sheet S in the conveying direction. The side fences 41 (41L, 41R) come into contact with both ends of the sheet S supported by the internal sheet tray 317 in the width direction to align the position of the sheet S in the width direction. The binding processing unit 42 executes a binding process for binding the sheet stack Sb supported by the internal sheet tray 317. The binding process executed by the binding processing unit 42 may be a staple binding process in which a staple is inserted through the sheet stack Sb to bind the sheets, or a pressure binding process in which the sheet stack Sb is pressurized and deformed to bind the sheets. The binding processing unit 100 may include a staple binding processing unit that executes a staple binding process and a pressure binding processing unit that executes a pressure binding process, which are operable independently of each other at positions spaced apart in the width direction.

[0186] [Example of operation of binding processing unit 100] Next, a description will be given of a second operation example of the binding processing unit 100. First, in the binding processing unit 100, a description will be given of the movement of the sheets S when a binding discharge mode is executed in which a plurality of sheets S are bound, the sheets are bound, and the sheet bundle Sb is discharged, with reference to Figs. 35 to 40.

[0187] As in the shift transport mode already described, first, as shown in FIG. 35, the paper transported from the image forming section 300 is received into the binding processing unit 100 and transported along the transport path Ph3 by the receiving transport roller pair 313.

[0188] 36, the discharge driven roller 36b of the discharge conveying roller pair 316 is positioned in a nip pressure release state, and the sheet S is conveyed toward the internal sheet tray 317 without being shift-conveyed by the shift conveying roller pair 315.

[0189] 37, in a state where the sheet S is conveyed to the internal sheet tray 317 by the shift conveying roller pair 315, the tapping roller 318 rotates to tap the sheet S from the conveying path Ph3 toward the internal sheet tray 317, thereby moving the sheet S. In addition, the operation of the tapping roller 318 causes the sheet S to be conveyed toward the end fence 411. This conveyance is called switchback conveyance.

[0190] 38(a), the sheet S is switchback-conveyed toward the end fence 411 by the action of the striking roller 318 and the return roller 319. As shown in FIG. 38(b), after hitting the end fence 411, the sheet S is sandwiched by the side fence 41, so that the edge of the sheet S in the width direction is aligned.

[0191] 35 to 38 are repeated, and a predetermined number of sheets S are stacked on the internal sheet tray 317. When the number of sheets S required to form the sheet bundle Sb is stacked, the binding processing unit 42 is driven to bind the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal sheet tray 317. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 39, the binding processing unit 100 clamps the sheet bundle Sb between the discharge drive roller 36a and the discharge driven roller 36b. Then, the binding processing unit 100 discharges the sheet bundle Sb to the discharge tray 26 by forward rotating the pair of discharge conveying rollers 316 and the return roller 319.

[0192] Through the above series of operations, the sheet bundle Sb is discharged onto the discharge tray 26 as shown in Fig. 40. In the above description, the sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb are taken as paper sheets. However, as already described, a folding unit 200 may be present upstream of the binding unit 100. Therefore, the binding unit 100 can also form a sheet bundle Sb from the sheets S that have been folded in the folding unit 200, and transport and discharge the sheet bundle Sb as described above.

[0193] As described above, in the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment, a perforation process is performed on a medium that is easily permeable to liquid, and liquid is applied through the perforations, causing the liquid to permeate around the perforated area, and pressure-deforming the perforated area to perform pressure-bonding binding. The binding retention force can be improved by permeating the liquid into the permeation holes 511 provided in the paper stack Pb, and the liquid used for applying the liquid can be easily obtained water, making it possible to realize simple liquid-applied pressure-bonding binding.

[0194] Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the end stitching processing unit 25 that executes the end stitching process, but also to the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that executes the saddle stitching process.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A punching means for performing a punching process on the medium; A liquid applying means for applying liquid to at least one sheet of the medium; a pressure bonding means for applying pressure and deformation to a portion of a stack of a plurality of media including at least one of the media to which liquid has been applied; Equipped with the liquid applying means applies the liquid to a perforation position where the perforation process has been performed on the medium. The present invention relates to a media processing device. <2> The medium is made of a material through which liquid permeates from a perforation position when liquid is applied at the perforation position, which is a position where the perforation process is performed. The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <3> The perforation means has at least one needle-shaped member. The media processing device according to the above item <1> or <2>. <4> A registration means for registering a plurality of said media is provided, The punching means performs a punching process on a media bundle made up of a plurality of the media, the liquid applying means applies the liquid to the medium bundle in which holes have been formed by the perforation process; The pressure-bonding means applies pressure to the position where the liquid is applied to deform the liquid. The above <1> ~ <3> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <5> the liquid applying means includes a lifting means for moving a liquid applying member toward and away from the medium, The punching means operates in conjunction with the lifting means. The above <1> ~ <4> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <6> the perforation means includes a needle-shaped member having a length capable of completing perforation in the medium before the liquid application member comes into contact with the medium when the liquid application means is moved in a direction approaching the medium by the lifting means. The above <5> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <7> The punching means performs punching processing using a drive source separate from the lifting means. The above <6> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <8> the perforating means is disposed in a sub-scanning direction of the liquid applying means, The above <1> ~ <7> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <9> the liquid application means includes a medium moving mechanism that moves the medium in a sub-scanning direction, and a lifting means that lifts and lowers the liquid application member; After the punching process is performed by the punching means in conjunction with the lifting means, the medium moving mechanism moves the medium so that a perforation position faces the liquid applying member; The above <1> ~ <8> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <10> the liquid application means includes a medium moving mechanism that moves a liquid application member in a sub-scanning direction, and a lifting means that lifts and lowers the liquid application member; After the punching process is performed by the punching means in conjunction with the lifting means, the medium moving mechanism moves the liquid applying member so that the perforation position faces the liquid applying member; The above <1> ~ <8> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <11> the perforation means is disposed in a main scanning direction relative to the liquid application means; The above <1> ~ <10> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <12> the liquid application means includes a medium moving mechanism that moves the medium in a sub-scanning direction, and a lifting means that lifts and lowers the liquid application member; After the punching process is performed by the punching means in conjunction with the lifting means, the medium moving mechanism moves the medium so that a perforation position faces the liquid applying member; The above <1> ~ <11> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <13> The perforation means is disposed inside a liquid applying member of the liquid applying means. The above <1> ~ <12> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <14> The perforation means is provided inside the liquid application means, and the perforation process is performed simultaneously with the application of the liquid. The above <1> ~ <13> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <15> The perforating means comprises a needle-like member for forming holes in the medium, the needle-like member having a plurality of cavities therein. The above <1> ~ <14> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <16> The perforating means includes a needle-shaped member for forming holes in the medium, the needle-shaped member having a spiral groove on a surface thereof. The above <1> ~ <14> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <17> the liquid applying means applies the liquid to a position on the medium where the perforation process has been performed by the perforation means. The above <1> ~ <16> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <18> an image forming apparatus for forming images on a plurality of said media; The above <1> ~ <17> and a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 100: Binding processing unit 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 501 :Punching needle 502: Upper pressure plate through hole 503: Lower pressure plate through hole 504: Perforation processing means 505: Drilling motor 507: Needle support member 508: Needle holding member 509: Liquid reservoir 511: Penetration hole [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0199] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-024680

Claims

1. A punching means for performing a punching process on the medium; A liquid applying means for applying liquid to at least one sheet of the medium; a pressure bonding means for applying pressure and deformation to a portion of a stack of a plurality of media including at least one of the media to which liquid has been applied; Equipped with the liquid applying means applies the liquid to a perforation position where the perforation process has been performed on the medium. A media processing device comprising:

2. The medium is made of a material through which liquid permeates from a perforation position when liquid is applied at the perforation position, which is a position where the perforation process is performed. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. The perforation means has at least one needle-shaped member. The media processing device of claim 1 .

4. A registration means for registering a plurality of said media is provided, The punching means performs a punching process on a media bundle made up of a plurality of the media, the liquid applying means applies the liquid to the medium bundle in which holes have been formed by the perforation process; The pressure-bonding means applies pressure to the position where the liquid is applied to deform the liquid. The media processing device of claim 1 .

5. the liquid applying means includes a lifting means for moving a liquid applying member toward and away from the medium, The punching means operates in conjunction with the lifting means. The media processing device of claim 1 .

6. the perforation means includes a needle-shaped member having a length capable of completing perforation in the medium before the liquid application member comes into contact with the medium when the liquid application means is moved in a direction approaching the medium by the lifting means, The media processing device of claim 5 .

7. The punching means performs punching processing using a drive source separate from the lifting means. The media processing device of claim 6 .

8. the perforating means is disposed in a sub-scanning direction of the liquid applying means, The media processing device of claim 1 .

9. the liquid application means includes a medium moving mechanism that moves the medium in a sub-scanning direction, and a lifting means that lifts and lowers the liquid application member; After the punching process is performed by the punching means in conjunction with the lifting means, the medium moving mechanism moves the medium so that a perforation position faces the liquid applying member; The media processing device of claim 1 .

10. the liquid application means includes a medium moving mechanism that moves a liquid application member in a sub-scanning direction, and a lifting means that lifts and lowers the liquid application member; After the punching process is performed by the punching means in conjunction with the lifting means, the medium moving mechanism moves the liquid applying member so that the perforation position faces the liquid applying member; The media processing device of claim 1 .

11. the perforation means is disposed in a main scanning direction relative to the liquid application means; The media processing device of claim 1 .

12. the liquid application means includes a medium moving mechanism that moves the medium in a sub-scanning direction, and a lifting means that lifts and lowers the liquid application member; After the punching process is performed by the punching means in conjunction with the lifting means, the medium moving mechanism moves the medium so that a perforation position faces the liquid applying member; The media processing device of claim 1 .

13. The perforation means is disposed inside a liquid applying member of the liquid applying means. The media processing device of claim 1 .

14. The perforation means is provided inside the liquid application means, and the perforation process is performed simultaneously with the application of the liquid. The media processing device of claim 1 .

15. The perforating means comprises a needle-like member for forming holes in the medium, the needle-like member having a plurality of cavities therein. The media processing device of claim 1 .

16. The perforating means includes a needle-shaped member for forming holes in the medium, the needle-shaped member having a spiral groove on a surface thereof. The media processing device of claim 1 .

17. the liquid applying means applies the liquid to a position on the medium where the perforation process has been performed by the perforation means. The media processing device of claim 1 .

18. an image forming apparatus for forming images on a plurality of said media; An image forming system comprising: the media processing device according to claim 1 .

Images