Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a media processing device that stably imparts liquid to a medium.SOLUTION: The media processing device includes liquid imparting means for imparting liquid to at least one medium and press bonding means for pressing and binding a plurality of media to which liquid has been imparted by the liquid imparting means. The liquid imparting means includes: a liquid storage part for storing liquid; a liquid supply member having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage part; a liquid imparting member attached to the other end of the liquid supply member at a position facing the medium; contact / separation means for moving the liquid storage part, the liquid supply member, and the liquid imparting member between a liquid imparting position for imparting the liquid to the medium brought into contact with the liquid imparting member and a separation position for separating the liquid imparting member from the medium; and a liquid supply enhancement mechanism that increases the contact area of the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid imparting member from the liquid imparting position to the separation position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a media processing apparatus that performs a process of binding sheet-like media on which images are formed by an image forming apparatus into a bundle. Further, from the viewpoint of resource saving and reduction of environmental load, some media processing apparatuses are provided with pressure bonding processing means capable of performing so-called "pressure bonding binding" in which a media bundle is sandwiched between uneven binding teeth and pressure-deformed without using a metal binding needle.

[0003] In pressure bonding binding, there is a problem that it is difficult to appropriately maintain the bound state, such as the binding teeth being less likely to bite into the media bundle as the number of media constituting the media bundle increases, and the bound media peeling off. Therefore, some media processing apparatuses that perform pressure bonding binding are provided with liquid application processing means for applying a liquid in an amount corresponding to the number of bound sheets to a position where the binding teeth come into contact in order to make it easier for the binding teeth to bite into the media bundle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The liquid application means described in Patent Document 1 applies a liquid to the media by sucking up the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion into the liquid supply member by capillary action and pressing the liquid application member attached to the tip of the liquid supply member against the media. Therefore, when the liquid is repeatedly applied to the media, the supply of the liquid to the liquid application member may not catch up, and the amount of the liquid applied to the media may become unstable.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for stably applying a liquid to a media in a media processing apparatus that performs pressure bonding binding after applying the liquid to the media.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention includes a liquid applying means for applying a liquid to at least one medium, and a pressure bonding means for pressure-bonding and binding a plurality of the media to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applying means. The liquid applying means includes a liquid storage section for storing the liquid, a liquid supply member having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage section, a liquid applying member attached to the other end of the liquid supply member at a position facing the medium, a contact and separation means for moving the liquid storage section, the liquid supply member, and the liquid applying member between a liquid application position where the liquid applying member is brought into contact with the medium to apply the liquid and a separation position where the liquid applying member is separated from the medium, and a liquid supply promoting mechanism for increasing the contact area between the liquid stored in the liquid storage section and the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid application position to the separation position.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in a medium processing apparatus that applies a liquid to a medium and then pressure-bonds and binds it, the liquid can be stably applied to the medium.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described 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-like medium, i.e., a sheet of paper P, and a function of performing post-processing as post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to operate in conjunction with an image forming apparatus 2 as an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus 3 as a medium processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on the paper P and discharges the paper P on which the image has been formed to the post-processing apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a storage tray for storing the paper P, a conveyance unit for conveying the paper P stored in the storage tray, and an image forming unit for forming an image on the paper P conveyed by the conveyance unit. The image forming unit may be an inkjet method for forming an image using ink or an electrophotographic method for forming an image using toner. Since the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 is already well-known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing apparatus 3. The post-processing apparatus 3 has a function of performing a specific post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. The post-processing according to the present embodiment includes a stitching process of stitching a bundle of a plurality of papers P on which images have been formed using a stitching needle, and a stitching process as a pressure-bonding stitching process of stitching without using a stitching needle. Hereinafter, the bundle of papers P will be referred to as a "paper bundle Pb" as a medium bundle.

[0012] Note that the pressure-bonding stitching process according to the present embodiment is, more specifically, a process of applying pressure (pressurizing) to a stitching position corresponding to a part of the paper P that forms the medium bundle, deforming (pressurizing and deforming) the stitching position, and stitching, which is a process called "pressure-bonding stitching". Note that the stitching processes executable in the post-processing apparatus 3 include an end-stitching process of stitching the ends of the paper bundle Pb and a middle-stitching process of stitching the center of the paper bundle Pb.

[0013] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10 to 19 (conveyance unit) and a switching claw 20. The conveyance roller pairs 10 to 19 convey the sheet P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveyance roller pairs 10 to 13 convey the sheet P along the first conveyance path Ph1. Also, the conveyance roller pairs 14 to 15 convey the sheet P along the second conveyance path Ph2. Further, the conveyance roller pairs 16 to 19 convey the sheet P along the third conveyance path Ph3.

[0014] The first conveyance path Ph1 is a path from the supply port of the sheet P from the image forming apparatus 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second conveyance path Ph2 branches from the first conveyance path Ph1 between the conveyance roller pairs 11 and 14 in the conveyance direction and leads to the discharge tray 26 through the internal tray 22. The third conveyance path Ph3 branches from the first conveyance path Ph1 between the conveyance roller pairs 11 and 14 in the conveyance direction and leads to the discharge tray 30.

[0015] The switching claw 20 is disposed at the branching position of the first conveyance path Ph1 and the second conveyance path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 21 through the first conveyance path Ph1 and a second position where the sheet P conveyed through the first conveyance path Ph1 is guided to the second conveyance path Ph2. Also, when the trailing edge of the sheet P that has entered the second conveyance path Ph2 passes the conveyance roller pair 11, the conveyance roller pair 14 is rotated reversely, whereby the sheet P is guided to the third conveyance path Ph3. Further, the post-processing device 3 includes a plurality of sensors that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the conveyance paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. Note that the plurality of sensors are indicated by black-filled triangles (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0016] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 places the sheet P discharged through the first conveyance path Ph1. Sheets P that are not subjected to the binding process among the sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 are discharged to the discharge tray 21.

[0017] Further, the post-processing device 3 includes an internal tray 22 as a placement tray, an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an edge binding processing unit 25, a stitching processing unit 55 as a stitching means, and a discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, the edge binding processing unit 25, and the stitching processing unit 55 perform edge binding processing on a paper bundle Pb composed of a plurality of sheets P conveyed from the second conveyance path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The paper bundle Pb subjected to the edge binding processing is discharged to the discharge tray 26 among the sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0018] Hereinafter, the direction from the pair of conveyance rollers 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "conveyance direction" of the sheet P. That is, the "conveyance direction" in this specification corresponds to the direction in which the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 moves in the direction of the discharge tray 26 by the pair of conveyance rollers 10 or the like and then toward the end fence 23 by the pair of conveyance rollers 15. Further, the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and the conveyance direction of the sheet P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheet P)".

[0019] The internal tray 22 as a placement tray temporarily places a plurality of sheets P sequentially conveyed through the second conveyance path Ph2. The end fence 23 aligns the positions of the sheets P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the positions of the sheets P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The edge binding processing unit 25 and the stitching processing unit 55 bind the ends of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, the pair of conveyance rollers 15 discharges the paper bundle Pb subjected to the edge binding processing to the discharge tray 26.

[0020] [Detailed description of the edge binding processing unit 25] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the edge binding processing unit 25 as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the edge binding processing unit 25 as seen from the side of the liquid application means 31 in the main scanning direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application means 31 and a pressure bonding means 32 which is an example of a post-processing means and serves as a pressure bonding binding processing unit. The liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the internal tray 22.

[0021] The liquid application means 31 applies the liquid (for example, water) stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 as the first liquid storage part to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, applying the liquid to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb is referred to as "liquid application", and the process for performing the liquid application is referred to as "liquid application process".

[0022] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 for "liquid application" is, more specifically, mainly composed of the liquid state of a compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H 2 O". As long as it is in a liquid state, its temperature state is not limited, and it may be so-called warm water or hot water. Also, not limited to pure water, purified water is of course acceptable, and it may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content may have any hardness from so-called soft water to super hard water.

[0023] In addition, additives may be added to the main component. It may contain residual chlorine used as tap water, and it is also desirable that additives such as coloring agents, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and anti-drying agents such as glycerin are added. Furthermore, since inks used in inkjet printers and inks used in aqueous pens also use water as a component, this can be used as "liquid application".

[0024] Not limited to what is specifically listed here, "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or an ethanol aqueous solution diluted for disinfection, also functions. However, if it is only for the purpose of enhancing the binding strength after binding treatment, tap water, which is easy to obtain and manage, can be used. Also, as the liquid, using a liquid mainly composed of water as exemplified above can improve the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb compared to using a liquid that does not mainly contain water.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid applying means 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction together with the crimping means 32 when the driving force of the first binding processing unit moving motor 50 is transmitted. The liquid applying means 31 includes a lower pressing plate 33 as a mounting table for the paper P or the paper bundle Pb, an upper pressing plate 34, a liquid applying means moving mechanism 35, and a liquid applying mechanism 36. The component parts (lower pressing plate 33, upper pressing plate 34, liquid applying means moving mechanism 35, liquid applying mechanism 36) of the liquid applying means 31 are held by a liquid applying frame 31a and a base member 48.

[0026] The lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the internal tray 22. The lower pressing plate 33 supports the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 from below. The lower pressing plate 33 is provided on a lower pressing plate holder 331. The upper pressing plate 34 is configured to move (lift) in the thickness direction of the paper P above the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction") of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb with the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 sandwiched therebetween. Further, a through hole 34a penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the upper pressing plate 34 at a position facing a liquid applying member 451 (which is one end of a liquid supply member 45 (liquid absorbent) described later and corresponds to the tip portion) attached to the base plate 40.

[0027] The liquid application means moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 451 in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. The liquid application means moving mechanism 35 according to the present embodiment moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 451 in conjunction with a single liquid application unit moving motor 37. The liquid application means moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, a liquid application unit moving motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a base plate 40, columnar members 41a and 41b, and coil springs 42a and 42b.

[0028] The liquid application unit moving motor 37 generates a driving force for moving the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 451. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably attached to the liquid application frame 31a. Further, the trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid application unit moving motor 37 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is screwed onto the trapezoidal screw 38. Then, when the driving force of the liquid application unit moving motor 37 is transmitted and the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates, the nut 39 moves.

[0029] The base plate 40 is disposed above the upper pressing plate 34. Further, the base plate 40 holds the liquid application member 451 in a state where the tip portion of the liquid application member 451 protrudes downward. Furthermore, the base plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 and is configured to be movable together with the trapezoidal screw 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a movement sensor 40a (see FIG. 8).

[0030] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the tip of the liquid application member 451. Also, the columnar members 41a and 41b are configured to be relatively movable in the thickness direction with respect to the base plate 40. Further, the columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their lower ends. Moreover, at the upper ends of the columnar members 41a and 41b, there are provided retaining means for preventing the columnar members 41a and 41b from coming off the base plate 40. The coil springs 42a and 42b are externally inserted into the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. And the coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b downward with respect to the base plate 40.

[0031] The liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to the sheet P or the stack of sheets Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to at least one sheet P constituting the stack of sheets Pb by bringing the liquid application member 451 into contact with the sheet P or the stack of sheets Pb. The liquid application mechanism 36 includes a first liquid storage tank 43, a liquid supply member 45 including the liquid application member 451, and a joint 46.

[0032] The first liquid storage tank 43 stores liquid for supplying to the sheet P or the stack of sheets Pb. The liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is detected by a first liquid level sensor 43a (first liquid detection means).

[0033] The liquid supply member 45 (liquid absorbing member) has one end as the liquid application member 451 and the other end immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and is an immersion part 452 for sucking up the liquid to supply the liquid to the liquid application member 451. The liquid application member 451 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge, fiber), such as an elastic resin formed of continuous bubbles.

[0034] The liquid supply member 45 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate, for example, similar to the liquid application member 451. Thus, the liquid absorbed from the liquid immersion part 452 of the liquid supply member 45 is supplied to the liquid application member 451 by capillary action. That is, the liquid immersion part 452 sucks up the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and the liquid is configured to be supplied through the liquid supply member 45 to the liquid application member 451 connected to the tip.

[0035] The liquid sucked up from the liquid immersion part 452 is supplied through the liquid supply member 45 to the liquid application member 451, and liquid application is performed when the liquid application member 451 contacts the uppermost surface of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the liquid application member 451 is supported by the base plate 40 with the tip facing downward.

[0036] Note that the liquid supply member 45 and the liquid application member 451 can also be integrally formed of a material with a high liquid absorption rate. That is, the liquid application member 451 can be configured to be a part of the liquid supply member 45. In that case, the supply of the liquid from the liquid supply member 45 to the liquid application member 451 by capillary action can be performed more smoothly.

[0037] The protection member 45a is a long cylindrical body (for example, a tube) externally inserted into the liquid supply member 45. Thereby, leakage and evaporation of the liquid absorbed by the liquid supply member 45 can be prevented. Also, the liquid supply member 45 and the protection member 45a are formed of a flexible material. The joint 46 fixes the liquid application member 451 to the base plate 40. Thereby, even when the liquid application member 451 is moved by the liquid application means moving mechanism 35, it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 and maintains the state where the tip faces downward.

[0038] The crimping means 32 binds the stack of sheets Pb by pressurizing and deforming the stack of sheets Pb with the uneven binding teeth 32a and 32b. That is, the crimping means 32 can bind the stack of sheets Pb without using binding needles. The component parts of the crimping means 32 (the binding teeth 32a (upper crimping teeth) and the binding teeth 32b (lower crimping teeth)) are provided on the crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, binding by pressurizing and deforming a predetermined position of the stack of sheets Pb by the crimping means 32 will be simply referred to as "crimp binding".

[0039] [Configuration of the binding teeth 32a and 32b] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping means 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the crimping means 32 includes a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction of the stack of sheets Pb so as to sandwich the stack of sheets Pb placed on the inner tray 22. The surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b facing each other are formed in an uneven shape in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed. Further, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are formed with the concave portions and the convex portions shifted so as to mesh with each other. Then, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are separated and joined by the driving force of the separation / approach motor 32d (see FIG. 8).

[0040] In the process of supplying the plurality of sheets P constituting the stack of sheets Pb to the inner tray 22, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are separated from each other. Then, when all the sheets P constituting the stack of sheets Pb are placed on the inner tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 5(B) by the driving force of the separation / approach motor 32d, and the stack of sheets Pb is pressurized and deformed from the thickness direction. As a result, the stack of sheets Pb placed on the inner tray 22 is crimp-bound. Further, the crimp-bound stack of sheets Pb is discharged to the discharge tray 26 by the pair of conveying rollers 15.

[0041] Note that the configuration of the crimping means 32 is not limited to this embodiment as long as a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b constituting the crimping mechanism can mesh with each other. For example, a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (for example, one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167) that performs the crimping and separating operations of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b using only a forward rotation or a driving source that rotates forward and backward and a link mechanism may be used, or a linear motion type crimping mechanism that linearly performs the crimping and separating operations of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b by a screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the driving source into a linear motion may also be used.

[0042] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes a first moving mechanism 47. The first moving mechanism 47 moves the edge binding processing unit 25 (that is, the liquid applying means 31 and the crimping means 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The first moving mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a first binding processing unit moving motor 50, and a driving force transmission mechanism 51.

[0043] The liquid applying means 31 and the crimping means 32 are attached to the base member 48 in a state of being adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the internal tray 22. Further, the guide shaft 49 holds the base member 48 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction. The first binding processing unit moving motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the edge binding processing unit 25.

[0044] The driving force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the first binding processing unit moving motor 50 to the base member 48 via a pulley or a timing belt. Thereby, the liquid applying means 31 and the crimping means 32 integrated by the base member 48 move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49. The position of the edge binding processing unit 25 can be grasped by, for example, an encoder sensor attached to the output shaft of the first binding processing unit moving motor 50.

[0045] [Explanation of the sewing binding processing unit 55] Next, the details of the stitching processing unit 55 having a function of executing the stitching process will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the stitching processing unit 55 as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The stitching processing unit 55 includes a stitching means 62 that stitches the paper bundle Pb using stitching needles. The stitching means 62 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the edge stitching processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the internal tray 22.

[0046] The stitching means 62 has a configuration that performs a so-called "stitching process" of stitching the paper bundle Pb using stitching needles. More specifically, the stitching means 62 includes a stitching unit drive motor 62d (see FIG. 8) that drives the stitching unit 62a. Then, the stitching unit 62a stitches the paper bundle Pb by passing the stitching needles loaded in the stitching unit 62a through the paper bundle Pb by the driving force of the stitching unit drive motor 62d. Since the configuration of the stitching means 62 is already well-known, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the stitching processing unit 55 includes a second moving mechanism 77. The second moving mechanism 77 moves the stitching processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end portion in the conveyance direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The second moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a second stitching processing unit moving motor 80, and a driving force transmission mechanism 81. Since the configuration of the second moving mechanism 77 is common to the first moving mechanism 47, a repeated description will be omitted.

[0048] Note that the edge stitching processing unit 25 and the stitching processing unit 55 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the first moving mechanism 47 and the second moving mechanism 77 move the edge stitching processing unit 25 and the stitching processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Further, the first moving mechanism 47 and the second moving mechanism 77 can move the edge stitching processing unit 25 and the stitching processing unit 55 independently.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows a stitching processing unit 55' as a modification of the stitching processing unit 55, and is a schematic view of the stitching processing unit 55' as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The stitching processing unit 55' is different from the stitching processing unit 55 in that it includes not only the stitching means 62 but also the second liquid applying means 61. As shown in FIG. 7, the stitching processing unit 55' mainly includes the second liquid applying means 61 and the stitching means 62. The second liquid applying means 61 and the stitching means 62 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the internal tray 22.

[0050] The second liquid applying means 61 performs "liquid application" for applying the liquid (for example, water) stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb supported by the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including the position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the second liquid applying means 61 corresponds to the stitching position where stitching is to be performed. As shown in FIG. 7, the second liquid applying means 61 includes a second lower pressing plate 63, a second upper pressing plate 64, a second liquid means moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid applying mechanism 66. The second liquid means moving mechanism 65 mainly includes, for example, a second liquid applying unit moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar members 71 (71a, 71b), and second coil springs 72 (72a, 72b). The second liquid applying mechanism 66 mainly includes a third liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid supply member 75, a second liquid applying member 751, and a second joint 76. The configuration of the second liquid applying mechanism 66 is common to the liquid applying mechanism 36, and thus the description thereof will be omitted again.

[0051] In the stitching process as well, by performing the liquid application process on the paper P, the stitching position can be loosened and softened, making it easier for the stitching needles to penetrate. As a result, compared with the case where the stitching process is performed without liquid application, the number of stitched sheets per bundle of the paper bundle Pb can be increased.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 2, the post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a stitching processing unit 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a discharge tray 30. The end fence 27, the stitching processing unit 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform a stitching process on a paper bundle Pb formed by the papers P conveyed through the third conveyance path Ph3. The discharge tray 30 discharges the paper bundle Pb on which the stitching process has been performed among the papers P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0053] The end fence 27 aligns the positions of the plurality of papers P sequentially conveyed through the third conveyance path Ph3 in the conveyance direction. Further, the end fence 27 is configured to be movable to a stitching position where the center of the paper bundle Pb faces the stitching processing unit 28 and a folding position where the center of the paper bundle Pb faces the paper folding blade 29. The stitching processing unit 28 stitches the center of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the end fence 27 at the stitching position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the paper bundle Pb placed on the end fence 27 at the folding position in half and sandwiches it between the conveyance roller pair 18. The conveyance roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the paper bundle Pb on which the stitching process has been performed to the discharge tray 30.

[0054] [Control Block of Post-Processing Device 3] Next, the control block configuration of the post-processing device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 illustrates a hardware configuration for executing control processing executed in the post-processing device 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the post-processing device 3 includes a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an I / F 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0055] The CPU 101 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a non-volatile read-only 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 having a large storage capacity, in which an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc. are stored.

[0056] The post-processing device 3 processes, by means of the arithmetic function provided by the CPU 101, control programs stored in the ROM 103, information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102, and the like. By this processing, a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3 is configured. A functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3 is configured by the combination of the software control unit configured in this way and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 constitute a control unit 100 (control means) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0057] I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claws 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit moving motor 37, the needle stitching unit driving motor 62d, the first stitching processing unit moving motor 50, the second single-stitching processing unit moving motor 80, the liquid supply pump 92, the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43a, the second liquid level sensor 94, the tank set detection unit 922, the temperature sensor 95, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The control unit 100 operates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claws 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit moving motor 37, the needle stitching unit driving motor 62d, the first stitching processing unit moving motor 50, the second single-stitching processing unit moving motor 80, and the liquid supply pump 92 through the I / F 105. Also, the control unit 100 acquires the detection results from the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43a, the second liquid level sensor 94, the tank set detection unit 922, and the temperature sensor 95. Although FIG. 8 shows only the components related to the end-stitching processing unit 25 and the needle stitching unit 55 that execute the end-stitching processing, the components related to the middle-stitching processing unit 28 that executes the middle-stitching processing are also controlled by the control unit 100 in the same manner.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, and the like. Then, the operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides information to the user through the display. Note that a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and an LED lamp, a speaker, or the like may also be used. Also, the post-processing apparatus 3 may be provided with the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0059] [First Embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the medium processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a liquid application means 31 including a liquid application means according to this embodiment. The liquid application means 31 includes a liquid supply member 45 having a liquid application member 451 and an immersion section 452, a first liquid storage tank 43 as a first liquid storage section, a second liquid storage tank 91 as a second liquid storage section, a liquid supply pump 92 as a liquid supply means, a liquid supply path 93, and a control section 100 as a control means.

[0060] As already described, the liquid supply member 45 is composed of a liquid absorbent that immerses a part (immersion section 452) in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 and applies the liquid by bringing the other part (liquid application member 451) into contact with the paper P or the paper bundle Pb.

[0061] The second liquid storage tank 91 stores a liquid for replenishing the first liquid storage tank 43. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 91 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 via the liquid supply path 93 by the operation of the liquid supply pump 92.

[0062] The first liquid storage tank 43 is provided with a first liquid level sensor 43a as a first liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level. The first liquid level sensor 43a is an electrode sensor having a pair of electrodes.

[0063] The detection signal of the first liquid level sensor 43a is input to the control section 100 as a control means. The control section 100 determines the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 based on whether the input detection signal exceeds a liquid level detection threshold (liquid detection threshold). If it is determined that liquid replenishment is necessary, the control section 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to replenish the first liquid storage tank with liquid from the second liquid storage tank 91.

[0064] The control unit 100 controls the voltage application timing to the electrodes provided in the first liquid level sensor 43a. Further, the control unit 100 controls the start and stop of the operation of the liquid supply pump 92 according to the detection signal of the first liquid level sensor 43a. Also, when the first liquid level sensor 43a detects the liquid level by the operation of the liquid supply pump 92 according to the detection signal of the first liquid level sensor 43a, the control unit 100 stops the operation of the liquid supply pump 92 and also stops the voltage application to the first liquid level sensor 43a.

[0065] Then, the control unit 100 measures the elapsed time after the operation of the liquid supply pump 92 stops, and when the elapsed time elapses the first predetermined time, it energizes (applies a voltage to) the electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43a and executes a detection process of detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43 again.

[0066] It takes time for the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to be sucked up by the capillary action of the liquid supply member 45 and sent from the immersion part 452 to the liquid application member 451 through the liquid supply member 45. Therefore, after waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time as described above, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43 is detected. At this time, if the liquid is sucked up by the liquid supply member 45, the liquid level drops, and the first liquid level sensor 43a does not detect the liquid level, the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 again to replenish the liquid.

[0067] Note that the detection signal of the first liquid level sensor 43a corresponds to an electrical signal that changes according to the amount of contact of the electrodes with the liquid level. This electrical signal includes a signal indicating an electrical resistance value, a signal indicating a voltage value, a signal indicating a current value, and the like. That is, any signal that indicates an electrical value that changes when current is passed between the electrodes (when a voltage is applied) depending on whether or not the pair of electrodes constituting the electrode sensor is immersed in the liquid shall be regarded as corresponding to an "electrical signal".

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, although an electrode sensor is shown as an example of the first liquid level sensor 43a, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other methods may be used. For example, a float sensor or a capacitance sensor may be used to detect the presence or absence of a liquid. Further, the first liquid level sensor 43a only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43, and is not limited to detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating changes in the amount (position of the liquid level) of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 when the liquid supply member 45 is dry. Hereinafter, a change in the position of the liquid level is referred to as "liquid level change".

[0070] First, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the first liquid storage tank 43 is supplied with liquid so that the first liquid level sensor 43a detects the liquid level. At this time, the liquid supply member 45 including the liquid immersion portion 452 is in a dry state. Then, the liquid level position (liquid level) when the first liquid level sensor 43a detects the liquid level is defined as the reference liquid level.

[0071] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10(b), due to capillary action, the liquid is sucked up from the liquid immersion portion 452 and the liquid supply member 45 is in a state of sucking the liquid. At this time, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 drops from the reference liquid level. When the liquid level has dropped, that is, when the stage where the liquid supply member 45 has sucked the liquid and become wet is reached, the control unit 100 determines the electrical signal from the first liquid level sensor 43a again. At this stage, when it is determined that the liquid level is less than the reference liquid level, the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to replenish the liquid again.

[0072] When an electrode sensor is used as the first liquid level sensor 43a, if current is constantly applied (constant energization) to the pair of electrodes, there is a concern that electrolytic corrosion may occur on the metal used for the electrodes, leading to corrosion. Also, since a voltage is constantly applied to the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, there is a concern that electrolysis of the liquid may occur, or foreign matter may adhere to the surface of the electrodes due to electrolysis, causing dissolution of the electrodes, etc., resulting in a state that induces deterioration of the electrodes. Therefore, the control unit 100 controls the energization timing of the first liquid level sensor 43a so as not to constantly energize it, but to limit it to when the determination process for the liquid level change is executed.

[0073] [Flow of Liquid Supply Determination Process] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the liquid supply determination process executed in the control unit 100. The liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment is executed when the post-treatment device 3 is started up or when the crimp binding process is started.

[0074] For example, when the post-treatment device 3 is started up, the liquid supply determination process is started, and a request for confirming the presence or absence of liquid is instructed to the control unit 100 (S701). Note that the instruction for the request for confirming the presence or absence of liquid may be based on an explicit input from the operation panel 110. Following the request for confirming the presence or absence of liquid, the control unit 100 applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a (turns on the energization) (S702).

[0075] Subsequently, the control unit 100 acquires the value of the electrical signal output when the first liquid level sensor 43a detects the liquid level (hereinafter referred to as "output value"), and determines the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 (S703). The determination of the presence or absence of liquid is made based on whether the output value output by the first liquid level sensor 43a exceeds a preset "liquid level detection threshold value" (liquid detection threshold value). For example, when the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1), it is determined that there is a sufficient amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 (S703: YES). In this case, the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (turned off) (S704), and a notification of completion of preparation for liquid application is displayed and output to, for example, the operation panel 110 (S705).

[0076] In S703, when the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1) (S703: NO), the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to execute liquid transfer from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first liquid storage tank 43 (S706).

[0077] Subsequently, when the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1), it is determined that a sufficient amount of liquid has been replenished in the first liquid storage tank 43 (S707: YES). On the other hand, when the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1) (S707: NO), and the elapsed time after the start of operation of the liquid supply pump 92 (after S706) has not exceeded the abnormal determination time (T1sec) (S716: NO), the replenishment of liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43 is continued until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1) (S707: YES).

[0078] If the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a does not reach the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) before the abnormal determination time (T1 sec) elapses (when S707: NO and S716: YES), it is determined that an abnormality has been detected (due to a failure of the first liquid level sensor 43a, etc.), and an error stop process (abnormality notification) is performed to stop the liquid supply pump 92 and turn off the power supply to the first liquid level sensor 43a (S718), and the process ends.

[0079] In S707, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S707: YES), the liquid supply pump 92 is stopped and the replenishment of the liquid is stopped (S708). Then, the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (turned off) (S709).

[0080] Thereafter, the process is temporarily stopped until the standby time (T0), which is a first predetermined time set in advance as the time until the liquid suction by the liquid supply member 45 is completed, elapses (S710).

[0081] After the standby time (T0) has elapsed, the power supply to the first liquid level sensor 43a is turned on again to check for the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 (S711). Since the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43 drops due to the suction by the liquid supply member 45, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) at this stage (S712: YES), the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (turned off) (S704). Then, a notification of the completion of the preparation for liquid application is output and displayed, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S705).

[0082] In S712, when the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S712: NO), the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to perform liquid feeding from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first liquid storage tank 43 (S713).

[0083] Subsequently, when the output from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1), it is determined that a sufficient amount of liquid has been replenished in the first liquid storage tank 43 (S714: YES). In this case, the liquid supply pump 92 is stopped to halt the liquid replenishment (S715). Then, the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (turned off) (S704), and a notification indicating that the preparation for liquid application is complete is displayed and output, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S705).

[0084] On the other hand, when the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1) (S714: NO), and the elapsed time after the start of operation of the liquid supply pump 92 (after S713) has not exceeded the abnormal determination time (T1sec) (S717: NO), the replenishment of liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43 is continued until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1) (S714: YES).

[0085] If the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a does not become equal to or higher than the liquid level detection threshold value (e.g., threshold value VTh1) before the elapse of the abnormal determination time (T1sec) (in the case of S714: NO and S717: YES), it is determined that an abnormality has been detected (such as a failure of the first liquid level sensor 43a), and an error stop process is performed to stop the liquid supply pump 92 and turn off the power supply to the first liquid level sensor 43a (S718), and the process is terminated.

[0086] The relationship between the liquid supply determination process described above and FIG. 10 will be explained. First, as a pre-stage leading to the state shown in FIG. 10(a), when checking the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 and determining that there is "no liquid" (S703: NO), the liquid supply pump 92 is driven to replenish the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43. Then, when the state shown in FIG. 10(a) is reached, the liquid supply pump 92 is stopped (S707: YES).

[0087] Subsequently, when a standby time (T0) preset as the time for the liquid supply member 45 to suck up the liquid elapses as shown in FIG. 10(b), the liquid level drops, so the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes less than the liquid level detection threshold value (for example, threshold value VTh1) (S712: NO). Therefore, the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to execute liquid feeding from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first liquid storage tank 43, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 10(c) (S714: YES).

[0088] [Configuration of the liquid application means 31] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the liquid application means 31 when the liquid application member 451 is at the liquid application position (A) and the separated position (B). As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid application means 31 mainly includes a first liquid storage tank 43 (an example of a liquid storage unit), a first liquid level sensor 43a, a liquid supply member 45, a liquid application member 451, and an approach / separation motor 32d (see FIG. 8), which is an example of the approach / separation means. Note that the basic configuration of each component is as already described.

[0089] The first liquid storage tank 43 is box-shaped for storing liquid. The first liquid level sensor 43a detects the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. One end of the liquid supply member 45 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. Also, a liquid application member 451 is attached to the other end of the liquid supply member 45. Further, the portion between one end and the other end of the liquid supply member 45 is exposed from the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. The liquid application member 451 is attached to the other end of the liquid supply member 45 above the lower pressing plate 33 (i.e., at a position where it can face the paper P supported by the lower pressing plate 33). Then, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 is sucked up by the liquid supply member 45 due to capillary action and supplied to the liquid application member 451 attached to the other end of the liquid supply member 45.

[0090] The contact / separation motor 32d moves the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid supply member 45, and the liquid application member 451 integrally in the vertical direction. Then, the liquid application member 451 moved in the vertical direction by the contact / separation motor 32d moves in the vertical direction between the liquid application position shown in FIG. 12(A) and the separation position shown in FIG. 12(B). The liquid application position is the position of the liquid application member 451 when it contacts the paper P supported by the lower pressing plate 33 and applies liquid to the paper P. The separation position is the position of the liquid application member 451 separated upward from the paper P supported by the lower pressing plate 33. That is, the liquid application position and the separation position are positions separated in the vertical direction.

[0091] Here, since there is a limit to the supply rate of the liquid to the liquid application member 451 due to capillary action, when the frequency of liquid application by the liquid application means 31 increases, the supply of the liquid to the liquid application member 451 may not be in time. As a result, a first problem occurs that the amount of liquid applied by the liquid application means 31 to the paper P becomes unstable. Further, if the liquid application is interrupted until a sufficient amount of liquid is supplied to the liquid application member 451, a second problem occurs that the productivity of the liquid application means 31 decreases.

[0092] Therefore, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18, specific examples of the liquid supply promotion mechanisms 200A to 200F according to the present invention will be described. In FIGS. 13 to 18, the illustration of the first liquid level sensor 43a is omitted. The liquid supply promotion mechanisms 200A to 200F are mechanisms that increase the contact area between the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 and the liquid supply member 45 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separation position. More specifically, the liquid supply promotion mechanisms 200A to 200C shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 raise the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 (that is, increase the area where the liquid supply member 45 is immersed in the liquid). Further, the liquid supply promotion mechanisms 200D to 200F shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 supply the droplets of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 to the portion of the liquid supply member 45 exposed from the liquid.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200A. As shown in FIG. 13, the inside of the first liquid storage tank 43 is partitioned into a first chamber 43x and a second chamber 43y. The first chamber 43x and the second chamber 43y are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. Further, the first chamber 43x and the second chamber 43y are separated by a partition wall 43z extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first chamber 43x and the second chamber 43y communicate with each other at the lower end of the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0094] One end of the liquid supply member 45 is immersed in the liquid in the first chamber 43x. Further, the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200A adjusts the liquid level in the second chamber 43y. The liquid supply promoting mechanism 200A includes a pressing member 201 and a pushing-down member 202. The pressing member 201 is fixed to the liquid application frame 31a above the first liquid storage tank 43 (more specifically, the second chamber 43y). The pushing-down member 202 hermetically closes the upper surface of the second chamber 43y. Then, the pushing-down member 202 pushes down the liquid level in the second chamber 43y in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separated position.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 13(A), when the liquid application member 451 is in the liquid application position, the pushing-down member 202 is separated from the pressing member 201 and floats on the liquid level in the second chamber 43y. Further, the pushing-down member 202 moves upward together with the first liquid storage tank 43 in conjunction with the upward movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position. Furthermore, the pushing-down member 202 abuts against the pressing member 201 before the liquid application member 451 reaches the separated position. When the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid supply member 45, and the liquid application member 451 further rise in a state where the pushing-down member 202 abuts against the pressing member 201, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the pushing-down member 202 moves downward in the second chamber 43y and pushes down the liquid level 2 in the second chamber 43y. As a result, the liquid level 1 in the first chamber 43x rises due to the liquid that has moved from the second chamber 43y to the first chamber 43x. Consequently, in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separated position, the area of the liquid supply member 45 immersed in the liquid increases.

[0096] Here, it is desirable that the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the second chamber 43y is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first chamber 43x. This increases the amount of rise in the liquid level in the first chamber 43x when the push-down member 202 pushes down the liquid level in the second chamber 43y, thereby further increasing the contact area between the liquid supply member 45 and the liquid.

[0097] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid supply promotion mechanism 200B. As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid supply promotion mechanism 200B includes a pressing member 201, a push-down member 202, and a coil spring 203 (an example of a biasing member). One end of the coil spring 203 is fixed to the ceiling of the second chamber 43y, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the push-down member 202. When the coil spring 203 is in a compressed state as shown in FIG. 14(A), it does not exert a biasing force. Moreover, the coil spring 203 expands as shown in FIG. 14(B), thereby biasing the push-down member 202 in the opposite direction (i.e., upward) to the direction in which the liquid level of the second chamber 43y is pushed down. The other configurations are the same as those of the liquid supply promotion mechanism 200A of FIG. 13.

[0098] The push-down member 202 moves in a direction to push down the liquid level in the second chamber 43y (i.e., downward) against the biasing force of the coil spring 203 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the separated position to the liquid application position (FIG. 14(A)→FIG. 14(B)). On the other hand, the push-down member 202 moves in a direction opposite to the direction of pushing down the liquid level in the second chamber 43y (i.e., upward) by the biasing force of the coil spring 203 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the separated position to the liquid application position (FIG. 14(B)→FIG. 14(A)). This makes it possible to reliably release the push-down of the liquid level in the second chamber 43y by the push-down member 202 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the separated position to the liquid application position.

[0099] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200C. As shown in FIG. 15, the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200C includes a compression member 204, a first bag portion 205, a second bag portion 206, and a communication portion 207. The compression member 204 is fixed to the liquid application frame 31a above the first liquid storage tank 43. Further, the compression member 204 compresses the first bag portion 205 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separated position (FIG. 15(A) → FIG. 15(B)). Furthermore, the compression member 204 releases the compression of the first bag portion 205 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the separated position to the liquid application position (FIG. 15(B) → FIG. 15(A)).

[0100] The first bag portion 205 and the second bag portion 206 are bag-shaped members configured to be expandable and contractible (expand and contract). The first bag portion 205 is disposed above the liquid level of the first liquid storage tank 43. The second bag portion 206 is disposed inside the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. The communication portion 207 communicates the interiors of the first bag portion 205 and the second bag portion 206. The interiors of the first bag portion 205, the second bag portion 206, and the communication portion 207 contain an amount of air that allows one of the first bag portion 205 and the second bag portion 206 to expand (inflate) and the other to be compressed. Further, the first bag portion 205, the second bag portion 206, and the communication portion 207 move vertically together with the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 15(A), when the liquid application member 451 is at the liquid application position, the compression of the first bag portion 205 by the compression member 204 is released. As a result, the second bag portion 206 is compressed by the water pressure of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43, and the first bag portion 205 expands with the air that has moved through the communication portion 207. Also, the first bag portion 205, the second bag portion 206, and the communication portion 207 move upward together with the first liquid storage tank 43 in conjunction with the upward movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position. Furthermore, the first bag portion 205 abuts against the compression member 204 before the liquid application member 451 reaches the separated position.

[0102] When the first bag portion 205 abuts against the compression member 204 and the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid supply member 45, and the liquid application member 451 further rise, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the air in the compressed first bag portion 205 moves through the communication portion 207 to the second bag portion 206. As a result, the second bag portion 206 that has expanded against the water pressure of the liquid pushes up the liquid level of the first liquid storage tank 43 from the liquid level 1 to the liquid level 2. As a result, in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separated position, the area of the liquid supply member 45 immersed in the liquid increases.

[0103] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid supply promotion mechanism 200D. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the liquid supply promotion mechanisms 200D and 200E. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17(A), the liquid supply promotion mechanism 200D includes a support member 208, a pinion 209, a rack 210, and a rotation shaft 211. The support member 208 is fixed to the liquid application frame 31a above the first liquid storage tank 43. The pinion 209 of the cylindrical gear and the rack 210 having teeth linearly arranged on the surface of the long rod-shaped member constitute a so-called "rack and pinion mechanism".

[0104] The pinion 209 is rotatably supported around the rotation shaft 211 extending in the horizontal direction inside the first liquid storage tank 43. Further, a part (lower part) of the pinion 209 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and the other part (upper part) is exposed from the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface (tooth surface) of the pinion 209 faces the liquid supply member 45. The rack 210 extends downward from the support member 208 at a position where it can mesh with the pinion 209.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 16(A), when the liquid application member 451 is at the liquid application position, the pinion 209 and the rack 210 may be separated or may be meshed. Further, the pinion 209 moves upward together with the first liquid storage tank 43 in conjunction with the upward movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position. Then, the pinion 209 and the rack 210 mesh with each other before the liquid application member 451 reaches the separated position.

[0106] When the pinion 209 and the rack 210 are engaged and the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid supply member 45, and the liquid application member 451 further rise, as shown in FIG. 16(B), the pinion 209 rotates in a direction (i.e., clockwise in FIG. 16) to fly the droplets of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 toward the liquid supply member 45. Accordingly, in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separated position, the droplets of the liquid can be supplied to the region exposed from the liquid of the liquid supply member 45.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 17(B), the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200E includes a support member 208, a pinion 209, a rack 210, a rotation shaft 211, and a blower wheel 212. The pinion 209 and the rack 210 of the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200E have a basic configuration common to the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200D, and are different from the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200D in that they are disposed outside the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0108] The blower wheel 212 is a member in which a plurality of blades are radially arranged at positions circumferentially spaced on the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder. Further, the blower wheel 212 is rotatably supported around the rotation shaft 211 extending in the horizontal direction within the first liquid storage tank 43. That is, the blower wheel 212 rotates integrally with the pinion 209. Further, a part (lower part) of the blower wheel 212 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and the other part (upper part) is exposed from the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. Further, the outer peripheral surface (tooth surface) of the blower wheel 212 faces the liquid supply member 45.

[0109] Then, the pinion 209 and the blower wheel 212 rotate integrally in a direction to fly the droplets of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 toward the liquid supply member 45 in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member 451 from the liquid application position to the separated position. According to the configuration of FIG. 17(B), since the degree of freedom in the shape of the blower wheel 212 is high, the amount of droplets supplied to the liquid supply member 45 can be increased.

[0110] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200F. As shown in FIG. 18, the liquid supply promoting mechanism 200F includes a support member 208, a rotating member 213, a rotating shaft 214, and a pressing member 215. The rotating member 213 is a plate-shaped member. Further, the rotating member 213 is rotatably supported around a horizontally extending rotating shaft 214 in the first liquid storage tank 43. Furthermore, the rotating member 213 has a first end portion on the side closer to the liquid supply member 45 than the rotating shaft 214 and a second end portion on the side farther from the liquid supply member 45 than the rotating shaft 214. The pressing member 215 extends downward from the support member 208. Also, the pressing member 215 faces the second end portion of the rotating member 213 in the vertical direction.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 18(A), when the liquid applying member 451 is at the liquid applying position, the pressing member 215 is separated from the rotating member 213. At this time, the first end portion of the rotating member 213 is disposed inside the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43. Also, the rotating member 213 moves upward together with the first liquid storage tank 43 in conjunction with the upward movement of the liquid applying member 451 from the liquid applying position. Then, before the liquid applying member 451 reaches the separated position, the pressing member 215 abuts against the second end portion of the rotating member 213.

[0112] In a state where the pressing member 215 abuts against the second end portion of the rotating member 213, when the first liquid storage tank 43, the liquid supply member 45, and the liquid applying member 451 further rise, as shown in FIG. 18(B), the rotating member 213 rotates in a direction (i.e., clockwise in FIG. 18) to blow the droplets of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 toward the liquid supply member 45. As a result, the first end portion of the rotating member 213 is exposed from the liquid, and the droplets of the liquid are supplied to the liquid supply member 45. Consequently, in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member 451 from the liquid applying position to the separated position, the droplets of the liquid can be supplied to the region of the liquid supply member 45 that is exposed from the liquid.

[0113] Here, the distance from the rotation axis 214 to the first end is preferably longer than the distance from the rotation axis 214 to the second end. Thereby, the amount of movement of the first end increases, and the amount of liquid that can be supplied to the liquid supply member 45 increases.

[0114] According to the above embodiment, by operating the liquid supply promoting mechanisms 200A to 200F using the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d, the supply of liquid to the liquid supply member 45 can be promoted with a simple configuration. As a result, liquid can be stably applied to the paper P. In addition, since it is not necessary to interrupt the operation of the liquid applying means 31 until the liquid is supplied to the liquid applying member 451, a decrease in the productivity of the liquid applying means 31 can be prevented.

[0115] Further, according to the liquid supply promoting mechanisms 200A to 200C shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, by raising the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, the supply of liquid to the liquid applying member 451 through the liquid supply member 45 can be promoted.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the liquid supply promoting mechanisms 200D to 200F shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, by spraying the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 onto the liquid supply member 45, the supply of liquid to the liquid applying member 451 through the liquid supply member 45 can be promoted.

[0117] [Another Embodiment of the Post-Processing Apparatus] Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 27, a post-processing apparatus 3A according to another embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the components common to this embodiment, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0118] The post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment is different from the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment in which the liquid application means 131 and the crimping means 32 are provided side by side. Only the liquid application means 131 is provided on the upstream side of the conveyance path. As a result, after the liquid application process, the sheets P can be press-stacked in a predetermined number and conveyed to the crimping means 32 of the edge binding processing unit 25 provided on the downstream side, so that the productivity of the binding process by the crimping means 32 can be improved. Also, since the direction in which the pair of conveyance rollers 10, 11, 14 convey the sheet P is the reverse direction to the "conveyance direction" defined above, it is defined as the "reverse conveyance direction". Further, the direction orthogonal to the reverse conveyance direction and the thickness direction of the sheet P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheet P)". Also, the position (liquid application position) where the liquid is applied to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb by the liquid application means 131 corresponds to the binding position where the crimping means 32 is scheduled to perform crimp binding on the sheet bundle Pb. Therefore, in the following, the liquid application position and the binding position will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0119] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes a crimping means 32 and a stitching means 32'. As shown in FIG. 19, the crimping means 32 and the stitching means 32' are arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the internal tray 22. Also, the crimping means 32 and the stitching means 32' are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the downstream end of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction. Further, the crimping means 32 and the stitching means 32' are configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the crimping means 32 and the stitching means 32' can bind an arbitrary position in the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at an arbitrary angle, such as corner diagonal binding, parallel single-point binding, parallel two-point binding, etc.

[0120] The pressing means 32 pressurizes and deforms the paper stack Pb with the uneven binding teeth 32a, 32b to bind the paper stack Pb (hereinafter, referred to as "pressure binding"). Meanwhile, the staple binding means 32' can staple the paper stack Pb by penetrating a staple into the staple position of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0121] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the pressing means 32 as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. As shown in FIG. 20, the pressing means 32 and the staple binding means 32' are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The pressing means 32 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 and to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Similarly, the staple binding means 32' is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the paper stack Pb and to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 341 extending in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. The other configurations of the staple binding means 32' are the same as those of the second binding processing unit 55 (see FIG. 6) of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0122] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, a guide rail 337 extends in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The crimping means 32 moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the stack of sheets Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (in other words, along the guide rail 337) when the driving force of the crimping means moving motor 238 is transmitted by the drive transmission mechanism 240 (pulleys and timing belts). Further, a crimping frame 32c that holds the components of the crimping means 32 has a rotation shaft 340 fixed to its bottom surface. The rotation shaft 340 is rotatably held by a base member 48 on which the crimping frame 32c is provided. Then, the crimping means 32 rotates about the rotation shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet P placed on the internal tray 22 when the driving force of the rotation motor 239 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 340. The guide rail 337, the crimping means moving motor 238, the rotation motor 239, the rotation shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of the drive mechanism of the crimping means 32.

[0123] The crimping means 32 is configured to be movable to a standby position HP shown in FIG. 20(A) and a position facing the binding position B1 shown in FIGS. 20(B) and 20(C). The standby position HP is a position deviated from one side in the main scanning direction from the stack of sheets Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The binding position B1 is a position on the stack of sheets Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the specific position of the binding position B1 is not limited to the example of FIG. 20, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the sheet P, and there may be a plurality of such positions.

[0124] Also, the crimping means 32 changes its posture (rotates) between a parallel binding posture shown in FIG. 20(B) and an oblique binding posture shown in FIG. 20(C). The parallel binding posture is the posture of the crimping means 32 in which the longitudinal direction of a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding mark) faces the main scanning direction. Further, the oblique binding posture is the posture of the crimping means 32 in which the longitudinal direction of a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding mark) is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0125] Note that the rotation angle in the diagonal binding position (the angle between the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b with respect to the main scanning direction) is not limited to the example of Fig. 20(C), and any angle is acceptable as long as the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b face the stack of sheets Pb placed on the inner tray 22.

[0126] The post-processing device 3A includes a liquid application means 131 and a punch hole drilling means 132 (processing unit). The liquid application means 131 and the punch hole drilling means 132 are arranged on the upstream side in the reverse conveyance direction from the inner tray 22. Also, the liquid application means 131 and the punch hole drilling means 132 are arranged shifted in the reverse conveyance direction at positions where they can face one sheet of paper P conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers 10 to 19 at the same time. The liquid application means 131 and the punch hole drilling means 132 according to the present embodiment are arranged between the pair of conveyance rollers 10 and 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid application means 131 and the punch hole drilling means 132 is not limited to the example of Fig. 19. For example, when an inserter 6 is arranged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in Fig. 27, the liquid application means 131 can also be provided in the inserter 6 located on the upstream side of the post-processing device 3A. Examples of the inserter 6 include a device that can feed a preprint medium conveyed from the image forming apparatus 2 to the post-processing device 3A together with the sheet P as a cover sheet, an inserted sheet, or a partition sheet without passing through the image forming apparatus 2.

[0127] Further, as shown in Fig. 22(A), the pair of conveyance rollers 11 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P to which liquid is applied by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application means 131 in the main scanning direction. This is to prevent the liquid volume at the liquid application position B1 from decreasing when the plurality of pairs of rollers press the liquid application position B1 when the pair of conveyance rollers 11 conveys the sheet P. As a result, when the sheet P reaches the crimping means 32 provided on the downstream side in the reverse conveyance direction from the liquid application means 131, the liquid volume at the liquid application position B1 can secure the liquid volume necessary to maintain the binding strength, so that it is possible to prevent a decrease in the binding strength of the stack of sheets Pb due to a decrease in the liquid volume at the liquid application position B1 during the conveyance process.

[0128] Furthermore, by arranging a plurality of roller pairs constituting the conveyance roller pair 11 at positions that do not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the plurality of roller pairs and deteriorating the conveyance performance of the sheet P, and conveyance jams caused by the deterioration of the conveyance performance.

[0129] Note that, although only the conveyance roller pair 11 has been described above, it is also preferable to arrange a plurality of roller pairs constituting the conveyance roller pairs 14 to 15 at positions that do not overlap with the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P in the main scanning direction.

[0130] The liquid application means 131 applies a liquid (for example, water) to the sheet P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application"). The punch hole punching means 132 punches a punch hole that penetrates in the thickness direction in the sheet P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11. Note that the processing unit provided in the vicinity of the liquid application means 131 is not limited to the punch hole punching means 132, and may be an inclination correction unit that corrects the inclination (skew) of the sheet P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0131] FIG. 22 is a view of the liquid application means 131 according to another embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet P. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along XXV-XXV of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 22. As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the liquid application means 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, endless annular belts 135 and 136, a liquid application means moving motor 137, a standby position sensor 138 (see FIG. 25), and a liquid application unit 140.

[0132] The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are each extended in the main scanning direction at positions separated in the reverse conveyance direction. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are supported by a pair of side plates 4a and 4b of the post-processing device 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b support the liquid application unit 140 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction.

[0133] The pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are arranged between the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the reverse conveyance direction. Also, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are arranged spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Further, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are rotatably supported by the frame of the post-processing device 3A about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the sheet P.

[0134] The endless annular belt 135 is wound around the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. Also, the endless annular belt 135 is connected to the liquid application unit 140 by the connecting portion 35a. The endless annular belt 136 is wound around the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of the liquid application means moving motor 137. The liquid application means moving motor 137 generates a driving force for moving the liquid application unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0135] When the liquid application means moving motor 137 rotates, the endless annular belt 136 circulates between the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, rotating the pulley 134a. Also, when the pulley 134a rotates, the endless annular belt 135 circulates between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. Thereby, the liquid application unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Also, by switching the rotation direction of the liquid application means moving motor 137, the liquid application unit 140 reciprocates in the main scanning direction.

[0136] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid application unit 140 has reached the standby position in the main scanning direction, and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to a control unit 100 (see FIG. 25) described later. The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Then, the liquid application unit 140 at the standby position blocks the optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Then, the standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal in response to the fact that the light output from the light emitting unit is not received by the light receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the above example.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 23, the conveyance path in the post-processing apparatus 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b that are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the sheet P. The liquid application unit 140 is disposed at a position facing an opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid application unit 140 is disposed facing the conveyance path (i.e., a position where it can face the sheet P) through the opening of the upper guide plate 5a.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the liquid application unit 140 includes a base member 141, a rotary bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid application head 146, columnar members 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, a rotary motor 150, a moving motor 151 (see FIG. 25), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 25).

[0139] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The base member 141 is connected to an endless annular belt 135 by a connecting portion 35a. Further, the base member 141 supports the components 142 to 152 of the liquid application unit 140.

[0140] The rotary bracket 142 is supported on the lower surface of the base member 141 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the sheet P. Further, the rotary bracket 142 rotates with respect to the base member 141 when the driving force of the rotary motor 150 is transmitted thereto. Furthermore, the rotary bracket 142 supports a liquid storage tank 143, a moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid application head 146, columnar members 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, and coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0141] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 25) detects that the rotary bracket 142 has reached the standby angle and outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100. The standby angle is, for example, the angle when performing parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting part and a light receiving part. Then, the rotary bracket 142 at the standby angle blocks the optical path between the light emitting part and the light receiving part. Then, the standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal in response to the light output from the light emitting part not being received by the light receiving part. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the above example.

[0142] Note that the rotary bracket 142 shown in FIG. 22(A) shows the state when the crimping means 32 on the downstream side of the liquid application means 131 performs parallel binding. Also, the rotary bracket 142 shown in FIG. 22(B) shows the state when the crimping means 32 on the downstream side of the liquid application means 131 performs diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0143] The liquid storage tank 143 stores the liquid to be applied to the paper P. The moving means 144 is supported by the liquid storage tank 143 so as to be movable in the thickness direction of the paper P (for example, up and down). Further, the moving means 144 moves with respect to the liquid storage tank 143 when the driving force of the moving motor 151 is transmitted thereto. The holding member 145 is attached to the lower end of the moving means 144. The liquid application head 146 protrudes downward (in this embodiment) from the holding member 145 toward the conveyance path. Further, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143 is supplied to the liquid application head 146. Furthermore, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (for example, sponge, fiber).

[0144] The columnar members 147a and 147b protrude downward from the holding member 145 around the liquid application head 146. Further, the columnar members 147a and 147b are configured to be relatively movable in the thickness direction with respect to the holding member 145. Furthermore, the columnar members 147a and 147b hold the pressing plate 148 at their lower ends. A through hole 148a is formed in the pressing plate 148 at a position facing the liquid application head 146. The coil springs 149a and 149b are externally inserted into the columnar members 147a and 147b between the holding member 145 and the pressing plate 148. Then, the coil springs 149a and 149b bias the columnar members 147a and 147b and the pressing plate 148 downward with respect to the holding member 145.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 24(A), before the paper P is conveyed to a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressing plate 148 is located at or above the opening. Next, when the liquid application position B1 of the paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11 stops at a position facing the opening, the moving motor 151 is rotated in the first direction. Thereby, the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b move downward integrally, and the pressing plate 148 abuts on the paper P. Note that the liquid application position B1 is a position (i.e., the binding position B1) to be pressure-bound by the end binding processing unit 25.

[0146] Then, even after the pressing plate 148 comes into contact with the sheet P, by rotating the moving motor 151 in the first direction, the coil springs 149a and 149b are compressed, and the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, and the columnar members 147a and 147b further descend. Then, as shown in FIGS. 23(B) and 24(B), the lower surface of the liquid application head 146 comes into contact with the sheet P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid application head 146 is applied to the sheet P.

[0147] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 23(C) and 24(C), by further rotating the moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid application head 146 can be pressed more strongly against the sheet P. Thereby, the amount of liquid applied to the sheet P increases. That is, the liquid application means 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by changing the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 against the sheet P.

[0148] On the other hand, by rotating the moving motor 151 in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b rise integrally. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 24(A), the liquid application head 146 and the pressing plate 148 are separated from the sheet P. That is, the liquid application means 131 includes a liquid application head 146 that can be separated from the sheet P.

[0149] FIG. 25 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the post-processing device 3A includes a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an I / F 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0150] The CPU 101 is an arithmetic means that controls the operation of the entire post-processing device 3A. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a non-volatile storage medium for read-only use, and programs such as firmware are stored therein. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and having a large storage capacity, and an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc. are stored therein.

[0151] The post-processing device 3A processes, by means of the arithmetic function provided by the CPU 101, control programs stored in the ROM 103, information processing programs (application programs) loaded from storage media such as the HDD 104 into the RAM 102, and the like. By this processing, a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3A is configured. A functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3A is configured by the combination of the software control unit configured in this way and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 3A. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, and the HDD 104 constitute a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0152] I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claws 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the crimping means moving motor 238, the rotation motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application means moving motor 137, the rotation motor 150, the moving motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punch hole drilling means 132, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The control unit 100 controls the operations of the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claws 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the crimping means moving motor 238, the rotation motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application means moving motor 137, the rotation motor 150, the moving motor 151, and the punch hole drilling means 132 through the I / F 105. Further, the control unit 100 acquires the detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 through the I / F 105. Although FIG. 33 shows only the components that execute the end binding process, the components that execute the middle binding process are similarly controlled by the control unit 100.

[0153] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, and the like. Then, the operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides information to the user through the display.

[0154] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the post-processing of the post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment. Specifically, it is a flowchart when executing the one-point binding shown in FIG. 20.

[0155] The control unit 100 executes the post-processing shown in FIG. 26 in response to, for example, acquiring an execution instruction for post-processing (hereinafter referred to as "post-processing instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The post-processing instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined number N"), the binding position B1 (corresponding to the liquid application position B1), the binding angle (corresponding to the liquid application angle), and a process executed in parallel with the liquid application process (in this embodiment, punching holes). At the start of the post-processing, it is assumed that the liquid application unit 140 is located at the standby position HP (a position corresponding to the standby position HP in FIG. 20), and the rotary bracket 142 is held at the standby angle.

[0156] First, the control unit 100 drives the liquid application means moving motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid application head 146 to a position where it can face the liquid application position B1 (a position corresponding to the binding position B1 in FIG. 20) from the standby position HP. Further, the control unit 100 drives the rotation motor 150 to rotate the rotary bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid application head 146 from the standby angle to the liquid application angle (S801). The fact that the liquid application head 146 has reached the position where it can face the liquid application position B1 and the liquid application angle can be grasped by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid application means moving motor 137 and the rotation motor 150.

[0157] Also, the control unit 100 drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32 to a position where it can face the binding position B1 from the standby position HP as shown in FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B) (S801). Further, the control unit 100 drives the rotation motor 239 to rotate the crimping means 32 from the standby angle to the crimping binding angle (S801). The fact that the crimping means 32 has reached the position where it can face the binding position B1 and the crimping binding angle can be grasped by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping means moving motor 238 and the rotation motor 239.

[0158] Next, the control unit 100 starts transporting the sheet P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 by driving the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S802). The control unit 100 continues to drive the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 until the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803: No). Then, in response to the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P facing the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the control unit 100 stops the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S804). The fact that the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application head 146 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the motor that drives the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11.

[0159] The control unit 100 executes a process of applying liquid to the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P by the liquid application means 131 (S805). More specifically, the control unit 100 causes the liquid application head 146 to abut against the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P by rotating the movement motor 151 in the first direction. Further, the control unit 100 changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (that is, the rotation amount of the movement motor 151) according to the amount of liquid applied to the sheet P.

[0160] The amount of liquid applied to the sheet P may be the same for all the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb, or may be different for each sheet P. For example, the control unit 100 may decrease the amount of liquid applied to the sheets P to be transported later. Also, the rotation amount of the movement motor 151 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the movement motor 151.

[0161] Next, the control unit 100 places the sheet P on the internal tray 22 by driving the pairs of transport rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15 (S806). Further, the control unit 100 aligns the positions of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging) by moving the side fences 24L and 24R.

[0162] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number of sheets N instructed by the post-processing instruction (S807). Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number of sheets N (S807: No), the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S802 to S806 again.

[0163] Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number of sheets N (S807: Yes), the control unit 100 crimps and binds the binding position B1 (corresponding to the liquid application position B1) of the paper bundle Pb to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid application means 131, using the crimping means 32. Further, the control unit 100 discharges the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb to the discharge tray 26 by rotating the transport roller pair 15 (S808).

[0164] Then, the control unit 100 drives the liquid application means moving motor 137 to move the liquid application means 131 to the standby position HP, and drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32 to the standby position HP.

[0165] Note that, as already described, the control method by the control unit 100 described above is realized by the cooperation of computer hardware resources and a program as computer software. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer by operating an arithmetic unit, a storage device, an input device, an output device, and a control device in cooperation based on a program. Also, the program may be written and distributed in a storage device, a storage medium, etc., or distributed through an electric communication line, etc.

[0166] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments exemplified above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the technology. All technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above embodiments show preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0167] [Aspects of the Present Invention] The content of the present invention is as follows, for example. <1> Liquid applying means for applying liquid to at least one medium, and crimping means for crimping and binding a plurality of the media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid applying means. The liquid applying means includes a liquid storage section for storing liquid, a liquid supply member having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage section, a liquid applying member attached to the other end of the liquid supply member at a position facing the medium, and approaching / separating means for moving the liquid storage section, the liquid supply member, and the liquid applying member between a liquid applying position where the liquid applying member is brought into contact with the medium to apply liquid and a separating position where the liquid applying member is separated from the medium. The medium processing apparatus is characterized in that it further includes a liquid supply promoting mechanism for increasing the contact area between the liquid stored in the liquid storage section and the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separating position. <2> The liquid storage section is partitioned into a first chamber in which one end of the liquid supply member is immersed, and a second chamber communicating with the first chamber at the lower end of the liquid storage section. The medium processing apparatus according to <1> above is characterized in that the liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a pressing member for pressing down the liquid level of the second chamber in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separating position. <3> The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the pressing member in a direction opposite to pressing down the liquid level in the second chamber. The pressing member moves in a direction to press down the liquid level in the second chamber against the biasing force of the biasing member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position. The medium processing apparatus according to <2> above, wherein in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the separated position to the liquid applying position, the pressing member moves in a direction opposite to pressing down the liquid level in the second chamber by the biasing force of the biasing member. <4> The medium processing apparatus according to <2> or <3> above, characterized in that a horizontal cross-sectional area of the second chamber is larger than a horizontal cross-sectional area of the first chamber. <5> The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a compressible first bag portion disposed above the liquid level of the liquid storage portion, a compressible second bag portion disposed inside the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion, a communication portion that communicates the first bag portion and the second bag portion, and a compression member that compresses the first bag portion in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position and releases the compression of the first bag portion in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the separated position to the liquid applying position. The medium processing apparatus according to <1> above is characterized by this. <6> The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a pinion partially immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion, and a rack that rotates the pinion in a direction to direct droplets of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position. The medium processing apparatus according to <1> above is characterized by this. <7> The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a turbine partially immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion, and a pinion disposed outside the liquid storage portion and rotating integrally with the turbine, In conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member from the liquid application position to the separated position, a rack that rotates the pinion and the impeller in a direction to project droplets of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section toward the liquid supply member, the media processing apparatus according to <1>. <8> The liquid supply promoting mechanism a rotating member rotatably supported inside the liquid storage section, and a pressing member that presses down an end of the rotating member on the side far from the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid application member from the liquid application position to the separated position, thereby projecting droplets of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section toward the liquid supply member, the media processing apparatus according to <1>. <9> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on the media, and the media processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <8> that crimps and binds a plurality of the media on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, an image forming system.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0168] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Post-processing apparatus 25: Edge binding processing section 36: First liquid application mechanism 43: First liquid storage tank (first liquid storage section) 43a: First liquid level sensor (first liquid detection means) 45: Liquid supply member (liquid absorbent) 451: Liquid application member 452: Immersion section 45a: Protection member 55: Stitching processing section 61: Second liquid application section movement mechanism 73: Third liquid storage tank 75: Second liquid supply member 751: Second liquid application member 92: Liquid supply pump (liquid supply means) 93: Liquid supply path 100: Control Unit (Control Means) 110: Operation Panel 200: Liquid Supply Promotion Mechanism 201, 215: Pressing Member 202: Pushing-down Member 203: Coil Spring 204: Compression Member 205: First Bag Portion 206: Second Bag Portion 207: Communication Portion 208: Support Member 209: Pinion 210: Rack 211, 214: Rotation Axis 212: Impeller 213: Rotation Member

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0169]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. Liquid applying means for applying liquid to at least one medium; Pressing means for press-binding a plurality of the media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid applying means, and comprising: The liquid applying means includes: A liquid storage section for storing liquid; A liquid supply member having one end immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage section; A liquid applying member attached to the other end of the liquid supply member at a position facing the medium; Contact-separation means for moving the liquid storage section, the liquid supply member, and the liquid applying member between a liquid application position where the liquid applying member is brought into contact with the medium to apply liquid and a separation position where the liquid applying member is separated from the medium; A medium processing apparatus, characterized in that it further comprises a liquid supply promotion mechanism for increasing the contact area between the liquid stored in the liquid storage section and the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid application position to the separation position.

2. The liquid storage section includes: A first chamber in which one end of the liquid supply member is immersed; A second chamber communicating with the first chamber at the lower end of the liquid storage section, and is partitioned into the first chamber and the second chamber; The liquid supply promotion mechanism includes a pressing member for pushing down the liquid level of the second chamber in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid application position to the separation position. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes the pressing member.

3. The liquid supply promotion mechanism includes a biasing member for biasing the pressing member in a direction opposite to the direction of pushing down the liquid level of the second chamber; The pressing member: Moves in a direction of pushing down the liquid level of the second chamber against the biasing force of the biasing member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid application position to the separation position; Moves in a direction opposite to the direction of pushing down the liquid level of the second chamber by the biasing force of the biasing member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the separation position to the liquid application position. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it has such a configuration.

4. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second chamber is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first chamber.

5. The liquid supply promotion mechanism includes: An expandable and contractible first bag portion disposed above the liquid level of the liquid storage section; An expandable and contractible second bag portion disposed inside the liquid stored in the liquid storage section; A communication portion for communicating the first bag portion and the second bag portion; The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a compression member that compresses the first bag portion in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position, and releases the compression of the first bag portion in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the separated position to the liquid applying position.

6. The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a pinion partially immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion, and a rack that rotates the pinion in a direction to direct droplets of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

7. The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a turbine partially immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion, a pinion disposed outside the liquid storage portion and rotating integrally with the turbine, and a rack that rotates the pinion and the turbine in a direction to direct droplets of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

8. The liquid supply promoting mechanism includes a rotating member rotatably supported inside the liquid storage portion, and a pressing member that presses down the end of the rotating member on the side far from the liquid supply member in conjunction with the movement of the liquid applying member from the liquid applying position to the separated position, thereby directing droplets of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion toward the liquid supply member. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

9. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on the medium, and an image forming system characterized by comprising the medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 that crimps and binds a plurality of the media on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

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