Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a media processing device that stabilizes the amount of liquid applied by utilizing interfacial phenomena occurring in a liquid application member that applies liquid to a medium.SOLUTION: A media processing device includes liquid application means and post-processing means. The liquid application means applies liquid to a portion of at least one medium, while the post-processing means performs processing on a bundle of media including the medium to which liquid has been applied. The liquid application means includes a liquid application member having a liquid application tip that contacts the medium, a liquid reservoir capable of storing the liquid used for application, a liquid application member moving mechanism that moves the liquid application member toward or away from the medium to bring the liquid application tip into contact with or separate from the medium, and a compression support member for compressing the liquid application member in response to the approach movement of the liquid application tip toward the medium by the liquid application member moving mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A media processing device that binds a stack of sheet-like media is known. Known binding processes that can be applied to such media processing devices include a "staple binding process" that uses a needle-like member (binding member) to penetrate the sheet stack, and a "pressure binding process" that binds the sheet stack by applying pressure and deforming a portion of the sheet stack.

[0003] In a post-processing device (media processing device), a configuration has been disclosed in which, in order to strengthen the binding force and increase the number of sheets that can be bound, liquid is applied to each sheet of media (paper) that is being loaded for binding by moving the tip, which has been pre-soaked in liquid, toward the pressure-bonded binding area of the paper (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which liquid is applied by moving the leading edge of the paper toward and away from the position where the paper is to be pressed, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to pre-soak the leading edge with liquid. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which liquid is replenished by capillary action from a liquid storage tank that follows the leading edge.

[0005] The capillary phenomenon slows down the speed at which the liquid is replenished to the tip (replenishment speed) as the height at which the liquid is sucked up increases and the area in contact with the liquid of the replenishing member (the member that replenishing the liquid to the tip) becomes smaller. Therefore, with conventional technology, it is difficult to solve the problem of the amount of liquid dispensed becoming unstable when the liquid level in the liquid storage tank falls below a certain level.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a media processing device that stabilizes the amount of liquid applied by utilizing an interface phenomenon that occurs in a liquid application member that applies liquid to a medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing device comprising: a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one piece of media; and a post-processing means for processing a media bundle including at least one piece of media to which the liquid has been applied, wherein the liquid application means comprises a liquid application member having a liquid application end that contacts the medium; a liquid storage section capable of storing the liquid used for the liquid application; a liquid application member moving mechanism that moves the liquid application member closer to or away from the medium in order to bring the liquid application end into contact with or away from the medium; and a compression support member that compresses the liquid application member in response to the liquid application end approaching the medium by the liquid application member moving mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the amount of liquid applied can be stabilized by utilizing the interface phenomenon that occurs in the liquid application member that applies the liquid to the medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing section as viewed from the liquid applying means side in the main scanning direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a crimping means. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the staple binding processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a liquid deposition unit including a liquid deposition device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of changes in the amount of liquid in the liquid storage tank when the liquid supply member according to the embodiment is in a dry state. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example of the liquid deposition unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid supply operations that can be performed by the liquid deposition unit. [Figure 14] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid supply operations that can be performed by the liquid deposition unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a liquid deposition section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a liquid deposition section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a liquid deposition unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a liquid supply process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to another embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a view of an internal tray according to another embodiment, viewed from the thickness direction of paper. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a pressure-bonding unit according to another embodiment, viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a view of a liquid deposition section according to another embodiment, viewed from the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 29] 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV in FIG. 22. [Figure 30] 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 22. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block of a post-processing device according to another embodiment. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart of post-processing in a post-processing device according to another embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has functions such as forming an image on paper P, which is a type of sheet-like medium, and performing post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed, as a process after the image has been formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to link an image forming device 2 as an image forming device and a post-processing device 3 as a media processing device according to the present invention.

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

[0012] 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 has a function of performing various post-processing operations on the sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. The post-processing operations according to this embodiment include a staple binding process in which a stack of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed is bound using staples, and a pressure binding process in which the stack is bound without using staples. Hereinafter, the stack of sheets P will be referred to as a "sheet stack Pb" as a medium stack.

[0013] The pressure binding process according to this embodiment, more specifically, is a process of applying pressure (applying pressure) to a binding position corresponding to a part of the sheets P forming the medium bundle, thereby deforming (pressurizing and deforming) the binding position and binding the sheets, and is a process called "pressure binding." The binding processes that can be performed by the post-processing device 3 include an end binding process that binds the end of the sheet bundle Pb, and a saddle binding process that binds the center of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0014] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section) and a switching claw 20. The conveyance roller pairs 10-19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveyance roller pairs 10-13 convey the paper P along a first conveyance path Ph1. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 14-15 convey the paper P along a second conveyance path Ph2. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 16-19 convey the paper P along a third conveyance path Ph3.

[0015] The first transport path Ph1 is a path that leads from the supply port of the paper P from the image forming device 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the discharge tray 26 through the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the discharge tray 30.

[0016] The switching claw 20 is disposed at a branching position of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 21 via the first transport path Ph1, and a second position where the sheet P transported along the first transport path Ph1 is guided to the second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, when the rear end of the sheet P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes the pair of transport rollers 11, the pair of transport rollers 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby guiding the sheet P to the third transport path Ph3. The post-processing device 3 also includes multiple sensors that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. The multiple sensors are indicated by solid triangles (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0017] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 holds the paper sheets P discharged through the first conveying path Ph1. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, the paper sheets P that are not to be bound are discharged to the discharge tray 21.

[0018] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 as a loading tray, an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an edge-stitching processing unit 25, a staple binding processing unit 55 as staple binding means, and a discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, the edge-stitching processing unit 25, and the staple binding processing unit 55 perform edge-stitching processing on a sheet bundle Pb made up of a plurality of sheets P transported from the second transport path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The sheet bundle Pb that has been subjected to edge-stitching processing is discharged to the discharge tray 26 from among the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0019] Hereinafter, the direction from the conveying roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "conveying direction" of the paper P. In other words, the "conveying direction" in this specification corresponds to the direction in which the paper P discharged from the image forming device 2 is moved toward the discharge tray 26 by the conveying roller pair 10, etc., and then moved toward the end fence 23 by the conveying roller pair 15. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the conveying direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)."

[0020] The internal tray 22, which serves as a loading tray, temporarily loads multiple sheets of paper P that are transported in sequence along the second transport path Ph2. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb loaded on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the position of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb loaded on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 55 bind the ends of the sheet bundle Pb that have been aligned by the end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, the transport roller pair 15 discharges the sheet bundle Pb that has been edge-stitched onto the discharge tray 26.

[0021] [Detailed explanation of the edge binding processing unit 25] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing unit 25 as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing unit 25 as seen from the liquid application unit 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the end binding processing unit 25 includes the liquid application unit 31 and a pressure bonding unit 32 which is an example of a post-processing unit and serves as a pressure binding processing unit. The liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0022] The liquid application means 31 applies liquid (for example, water) stored in a first liquid storage tank 43 serving as a first liquid storage section to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, applying liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb will be referred to as "liquid application," and the process for applying liquid will be referred to as "liquid application process."

[0023] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 for "liquid application" is, more specifically, a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H2O" as its main component. As long as it is in a liquid state, its temperature does not matter, and it may be so-called warm water or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water, but may also contain purified water, or ionized salts. The metal ion content does not matter, and the hardness may range from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water.

[0024] In addition to the main ingredient, additives may be added. It may contain residual chlorine, which is used in tap water, and it is also desirable to add colorants, penetrants, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and drying inhibitors such as glycerin. Furthermore, inks used in inkjet printers and water-based pens also contain water, so these may also be used as "liquid application."

[0025] The liquid is not limited to those specifically mentioned here, and any "water" in the broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or an ethanol solution diluted for disinfection, will also work, but if the only purpose is to enhance the binding strength after binding, tap water, which is easy to obtain and manage, can be used. Also, using a liquid whose main component is water, such as those exemplified above, can improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb more than using a liquid whose main component is not water.

[0026] 3 and 4, the liquid applicator 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction together with the pressing device 32 by transmitting the driving force of the first binding processing unit moving motor 50. The liquid applicator 31 includes a lower pressure plate 33 as a platform for placing the paper sheets P or the paper stack Pb, an upper pressure plate 34, a liquid applicator moving mechanism 35, and a liquid applicator mechanism 36. The components of the liquid applicator 31 (the lower pressure plate 33, the upper pressure plate 34, the liquid applicator moving mechanism 35, and the liquid applicator mechanism 36) are held by a liquid applicator frame 31a and a base member 48.

[0027] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 from below. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on a lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to move (lift) above the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the thickness direction of the paper P. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed opposite each other in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, sandwiching the paper P or paper stack Pb therebetween (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction"). Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through-hole 34a penetrating through in the thickness direction at a position facing a liquid application member 451 (one end of a liquid supply member 45 (liquid-absorbing) described later, corresponding to the tip portion) attached to the base plate 40.

[0028] The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid applicator 451 in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 according to this embodiment moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid applicator 451 in an interlocking manner using a single liquid applicator moving motor 37. The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid applicator moving motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41 a, 41 b, and coil springs 42 a, 42 b.

[0029] The liquid applicator movement motor 37 generates a driving force that moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid applicator member 451. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably attached to the liquid applicator frame 31a. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid applicator movement motor 37 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is threaded onto the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the liquid applicator movement motor 37 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38, which moves the nut 39.

[0030] The base plate 40 is disposed above the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid supplying member 451 with the tip of the liquid supplying member 451 protruding downward. 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).

[0031] The pillars 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the tip of the liquid application member 451. The pillars 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. The pillars 41a and 41b hold the upper pressure plate 34 at their lower ends. The upper ends of the pillars 41a and 41b are provided with stoppers to prevent the pillars 41a and 41b from coming off the base plate 40. The coil springs 42a and 42b are fitted onto the pillars 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressure plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressure plate 34 and the pillars 41a and 41b downward relative to the base plate 40.

[0032] The liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to at least one sheet P constituting the paper stack Pb by bringing a liquid application member 451 into contact with the paper sheet P or the paper stack 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.

[0033] The first liquid storage tank 43 stores liquid to be supplied to the paper sheet P or the paper stack 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).

[0034] The liquid supply member 45 (liquid absorbing) has one end serving as a liquid applying member 451 and the other end serving as a liquid immersion section 452 that is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 and sucks up the liquid to supply the liquid to the liquid applying member 451. The liquid applying member 451 is made of a material (for example, sponge or fiber) with a high liquid absorption rate, such as an elastic resin formed with open cells.

[0035] The liquid supply member 45 is made of, for example, a material with high liquid absorption, similar to the liquid application member 451. This allows the liquid absorbed from the immersion portion 452 of the liquid supply member 45 to be supplied to the liquid application member 451 by capillary action. In other words, the immersion portion 452 is configured to suck up the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and supply the liquid through the liquid supply member 45 to the liquid application member 451 connected to the tip thereof.

[0036] The liquid sucked up from the immersion section 452 is supplied to the liquid applying member 451 through the liquid supply member 45, and the liquid applying member 451 comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the paper P or the paper stack Pb, thereby applying the liquid. Therefore, the liquid applying member 451 is supported by the base plate 40 with its tip pointing downward.

[0037] The liquid supply member 45 and the liquid applying member 451 can also be integrally formed from a material with high liquid absorption. In other words, the liquid applying member 451 can be configured to be part of the liquid supply member 45. In this case, the liquid can be more smoothly supplied from the liquid supply member 45 to the liquid applying member 451 by capillary action.

[0038] The protective member 45a is a long cylindrical body (for example, a tube) that is fitted onto the liquid supply member 45. This prevents leakage and evaporation of the liquid absorbed by the liquid supply member 45. The liquid supply member 45 and the protective member 45a are made of a flexible material. The joint 46 fixes the liquid application member 451 to the base plate 40. As a result, 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 a state in which its tip faces downward.

[0039] The crimping means 32 binds the paper-sheet stack Pb by pressurizing and deforming the paper-sheet stack Pb with the concave and convex binding teeth 32a, 32b. In other words, the crimping means 32 can bind the paper-sheet stack Pb without using staples. The components of the crimping means 32 (binding teeth 32a (upper crimping teeth) and binding teeth 32b (lower crimping teeth)) are provided on a crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, binding by pressurizing and deforming predetermined positions of the paper-sheet stack Pb with the crimping means 32 will be simply referred to as "crimp binding."

[0040] [Configuration of binding teeth 32a and 32b] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressing means 32. As shown in Fig. 5, the pressing means 32 includes a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are arranged facing each other in the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb so as to be able to sandwich the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed unevenly with concave and convex portions alternately formed. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are also formed with the concave and convex portions misaligned so as to mesh with each other. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the driving force of a contact / separation motor 32d (see Fig. 8).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5(A), when multiple sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb are being supplied to the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are spaced apart from each other. When all sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb are placed on the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b mesh with each other as shown in FIG. 5(B) due to the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d, and pressurize and deform the sheet bundle Pb in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet bundle Pb is then discharged to the discharge tray 26 by the pair of conveying rollers 15.

[0042] The configuration of the crimping means 32 is not limited to this embodiment as long as the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b constituting the crimping mechanism are meshed. For example, it may be a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167) that performs crimping and separating operations of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b using a drive source and link mechanism that rotates forward only or forward and reverse, or it may be a direct acting type crimping mechanism that performs crimping and separating operations of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b linearly using a screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the drive source into linear motion.

[0043] 3, the edge stitching processing unit 25 includes a first movement mechanism 47. The first movement mechanism 47 moves the edge stitching processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The first movement mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a first stitching processing unit movement motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0044] The liquid applying means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are attached to a base member 48 adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The guide shaft 49 also holds the base member 48 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. The first binding processing unit movement motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the end binding processing unit 25.

[0045] The drive force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the drive force of the first binding processing unit movement motor 50 to the base member 48 via pulleys and a timing belt. As a result, the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49. The position of the end binding processing unit 25 can be grasped by, for example, an encoder sensor attached to the output shaft of the first binding processing unit movement motor 50.

[0046] [Explanation of staple binding processing unit 55] Next, the stapling processing unit 55, which has the function of executing stapling processing, will be described in detail. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing unit 55 as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The stapling processing unit 55 is equipped with stapling means 62 that staples the paper stack Pb. The stapling means 62 is disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction and spaced apart from the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0047] The staple binding means 62 has a configuration for performing so-called "staple binding processing," which binds the paper-sheet bundle Pb using staples. More specifically, the staple binding means 62 has a staple binding unit drive motor 62d (see FIG. 8) that drives the staple binding unit 62a. The staple binding unit 62a then staples the paper-sheet bundle Pb by causing staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a to penetrate the paper-sheet bundle Pb using the driving force of the staple binding unit drive motor 62d. The configuration of the staple binding means 62 is already well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] 6, the stapling processing unit 55 includes a second movement mechanism 77. The second movement mechanism 77 moves the stapling processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper sheets P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The second movement mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a second binding processing unit movement motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The configuration of the second movement mechanism 77 is the same as that of the first movement mechanism 47, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0049] The edge-stitching processing unit 25 and the staple-stitching processing unit 55 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the first movement mechanism 47 and the second movement mechanism 77 move the edge-stitching processing unit 25 and the staple-stitching processing unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Furthermore, the first movement mechanism 47 and the second movement mechanism 77 can move the edge-stitching processing unit 25 and the staple-stitching processing unit 55 independently.

[0050] 7 shows a stapling processing unit 55' as a modified example of the stapling processing unit 55, and is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing unit 55' as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The stapling processing unit 55' differs from the stapling processing unit 55 in that it includes not only a stapling device 62 but also a second liquid applying device 61. As shown in FIG. 7, the stapling processing unit 55' mainly includes the second liquid applying device 61 and the stapling device 62. The second liquid applying device 61 and the stapling device 62 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0051] The second liquid applicator 61 applies liquid (e.g., water) stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb supported by the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including the position where the second liquid applicator 61 applies liquid to the sheet P or sheet bundle Pb corresponds to the binding position where staple binding is to be performed. As shown in FIG. 7 , the second liquid applicator 61 includes a second lower pressure plate 63, a second upper pressure plate 64, a second liquid means moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid applicator mechanism 66. The second liquid means moving mechanism 65 mainly includes, for example, a second liquid applicator 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 supplying mechanism 66 mainly includes a third liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid supply member 75, a second liquid supplying member 751, and a second joint 76. The configuration of the second liquid supplying mechanism 66 is the same as that of the liquid supplying mechanism 36, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0052] In addition, even in the staple binding process, by applying a liquid to the paper P, the binding position can be loosened and softened, making it easier for the staple to penetrate. This allows the number of sheets of paper Pb to be bound to be increased compared to when staple binding is performed without applying liquid.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 2, the post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a saddle stitching unit 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a discharge tray 30. The end fence 27, the saddle stitching unit 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle stitching on a paper stack Pb made up of paper sheets P transported through the third transport path Ph3. The discharge tray 30 receives the paper stack Pb that has been saddle stitched from the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0054] The end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveying direction of multiple sheets P conveyed in sequence through the third conveying path Ph3. The end fence 27 is also configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the sheet stack Pb faces the saddle stitching processing unit 28, and a folding position where the center faces the paper folding blade 29. The saddle stitching processing unit 28 stitches the center of the sheet stack Pb aligned by the end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the sheet stack Pb placed on the end fence 27 at the folding position in half and clamps it between the conveying roller pair 18. The conveying roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the sheet stack Pb that has been saddle stitched onto the discharge tray 30.

[0055] [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 an example of a hardware configuration for executing control processing in the post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 8, the post-processing device 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0056] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0057] The post-processing device 3 processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded into the RAM 102 from a storage medium such as the HDD 104, and the like using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 3 constitutes functional blocks that realize the functions of the post-processing device 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a control unit 100 (control means) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0058] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit movement motor 37, the stapling unit drive motor 62d, the first binding processing unit movement motor 50, the second binding processing unit movement 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, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit movement motor 37, the stapling unit drive motor 62d, the first binding processing unit movement motor 50, the second binding processing unit movement motor 80, and the liquid supply pump 92 through the I / F 105. The control unit 100 also acquires 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. Note that while Fig. 8 only illustrates components related to the edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 55 that perform the edge binding process, components related to the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that performs the saddle stitching process are also controlled by the control unit 100 in the same manner.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts operations from a user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Note that the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc. Alternatively, the post-processing device 3 may be provided with an operation panel 110 similar to the above.

[0060] [Embodiment of Liquid Application Means] Next, a first embodiment of a media processing device according to the present invention will be described in more detail. Figure 9 is a structural diagram of a liquid application unit 31 including a liquid application unit according to this embodiment. The liquid application unit 31 includes a liquid supply member 45 having a liquid application member 451 and an immersion unit 452, a first liquid storage tank 43 as a first liquid storage unit, a second liquid storage tank 91 as a second liquid storage unit, a liquid supply pump 92 and a liquid supply path 93 as liquid supply means, and a control unit 100 as control means.

[0061] As already explained, the liquid supply member 45 is configured as a liquid absorber in which a part (immersion portion 452) is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, and another part (liquid application member 451) comes into contact with the paper P or the paper stack Pb to apply liquid.

[0062] The second liquid storage tank 91 stores liquid to be replenished to 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 a liquid supply path 93 by the operation of a liquid supply pump 92.

[0063] A first liquid level sensor 43a serving as a first liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level is provided in the first liquid storage tank 43. The first liquid level sensor 43a is an electrode sensor having a pair of electrodes.

[0064] The detection signal of the first liquid level sensor 43a is input to the control unit 100, which serves as a control means. The control unit 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 needs to be replenished, the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to replenish the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first storage tank.

[0065] The control unit 100 controls the timing of application of voltage to the electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43a. The control unit 100 also controls the start and stop of operation of the liquid supply pump 92 in response to a detection signal from the first liquid level sensor 43a. When the first liquid level sensor 43a detects the liquid level due to the operation of the liquid supply pump 92 in response to the detection signal from the first liquid level sensor 43a, the control unit 100 stops the operation of the liquid supply pump 92 and also stops the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a.

[0066] Then, the control unit 100 measures the elapsed time after the liquid supply pump 92 has stopped operating, and when the elapsed time exceeds a first predetermined time, it energizes (applies voltage to) the electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43a and executes a detection process to detect the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43 again.

[0067] It takes time for the liquid stored in first storage tank 43 to be sucked up by capillary action in liquid supply member 45 and sent from immersion section 452 to liquid applying member 451 via liquid supply member 45. Therefore, as described above, the liquid level in first storage tank 43 is detected after waiting for the passage of a predetermined time. At this time, if the liquid level drops as a result of being sucked up by liquid supply member 45 and first liquid level sensor 43a does not detect the liquid level, control unit 100 operates liquid supply pump 92 again to replenish the liquid.

[0068] The detection signal of the first liquid level sensor 43a corresponds to an electrical signal that changes depending on the amount of contact between the electrodes and the liquid surface. This electrical signal includes a signal indicating an electrical resistance value, a signal indicating a voltage value, a signal indicating a current value, etc. In other words, any signal that indicates an electrical value that changes when a current is passed between the electrodes (when a voltage is applied) depending on whether the pair of electrodes that make up the electrode sensor are immersed in the liquid or not is considered to be an "electrical signal."

[0069] In this embodiment, an electrode sensor is used as an example of the first liquid level sensor 43a, but other methods may be used. For example, a float sensor or a capacitance sensor may be used to detect the presence or absence of liquid. Furthermore, the first liquid level sensor 43a is not limited to a sensor that detects the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 43, as long as it can detect the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43.

[0070] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the amount of liquid (liquid level position) stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 when the liquid supply member 45 is dry. Hereinafter, a change in the liquid level position will be referred to as a "liquid level change."

[0071] 10(a), liquid is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 43 to set the first liquid level sensor 43a in a state where it can detect the liquid level. At this time, the liquid supply member 45 including the immersion portion 452 is in a dry state. The position (liquid level) of the liquid level when the first liquid level sensor 43a is in a state where it can detect the liquid level is set as the reference liquid level.

[0072] 10(b), the liquid is sucked up from the immersion portion 452 by capillary action, and the liquid supply member 45 absorbs the liquid. At this time, the level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43 drops from the reference liquid level. When the liquid level drops, that is, when the liquid supply member 45 has absorbed the liquid and become wet, the control unit 100 once again evaluates the electrical signal from the first liquid level sensor 43a. If it is determined at this stage that the reference liquid level is not reached, the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to once again replenish the liquid.

[0073] When an electrode sensor is used as the first liquid level sensor 43a, there is a concern that constant application of electricity to the pair of electrodes may cause electrolytic corrosion of the metal used for the electrodes. Furthermore, since a voltage is constantly applied to the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 43, there is a concern that deterioration of the electrodes may be induced, such as electrolysis of the liquid or the adhesion of foreign matter to the electrode surface due to electrolysis, causing the electrodes to dissolve. Therefore, the control unit 100 controls the timing of energizing the first liquid level sensor 43a so that the first liquid level sensor 43a is energized only when the process for determining a change in the liquid level is being executed, rather than constantly energizing the first liquid level sensor 43a.

[0074] [Flow of liquid supply determination process] 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the liquid supply determination process executed by the control unit 100. The liquid supply determination process according to this embodiment is executed when the post-processing device 3 is started up or when the pressure binding process is started.

[0075] For example, when the post-processing device 3 is started, the liquid supply determination process is initiated and a request to check the presence or absence of liquid is issued to the control unit 100 (S701). The request to check the presence or absence of liquid may be issued based on an explicit input from the operation panel 110. Following the request to check the presence or absence of liquid, the control unit 100 applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a (turns on the power) (S702).

[0076] Next, the control unit 100 acquires the value of the electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as the "output value") output by the first liquid level sensor 43a when it detects the liquid level, and determines whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 (S703). The determination of whether or not there is liquid is made based on whether or not the output value output by the first liquid level sensor 43a exceeds a preset "liquid level detection threshold" (liquid detection threshold). For example, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold 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 (power is turned OFF) (S704), and a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete is displayed on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S705).

[0077] In S703, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S703: NO), the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to transfer liquid from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first liquid storage tank 43 (S706).

[0078] Next, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1), it is determined that a sufficient amount of liquid has been replenished into the first liquid storage tank 43 (S707: YES). On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S707: NO) and the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 92 started operating (after S706) has not yet exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 sec) (S716: NO), the supply of liquid to the first liquid storage tank 43 continues until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S707: YES).

[0079] If the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a does not exceed the liquid level detection threshold (for example, threshold VTh1) before the abnormality determination time (T1sec) has elapsed (if S707: NO and S716: YES), it is determined that an abnormality has been detected (due to a malfunction 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 to the first liquid level sensor 43a (S718), and the process ends.

[0080] In S707, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (for example, threshold VTh1) (S707: YES), the liquid supply pump 92 is stopped to stop the supply of liquid (S708), and the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (power supply is turned off) (S709).

[0081] Thereafter, the process is temporarily stopped until a waiting time (T0) has elapsed, which is a first predetermined time that is set as the time required for the liquid supply member 45 to completely suck up the liquid (S710).

[0082] After the standby time (T0) has elapsed, the first liquid level sensor 43a is again energized to check whether or not there is 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 of the liquid supply member 45, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a at this stage is equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S712: YES), the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (power is turned OFF) (S704). Then, a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete is displayed on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S705).

[0083] In S712, if 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 transfer liquid from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first liquid storage tank 43 (S713).

[0084] Next, if the signal from the first liquid level sensor 43a is equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1), it is determined that a sufficient amount of liquid has been replenished into the first liquid storage tank 43 (S714: YES). In this case, the liquid supply pump 92 is stopped to stop the supply of liquid (S715). Then, the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43a is stopped (power is turned OFF) (S704), and a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete is displayed on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S705).

[0085] On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a is less than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S714: NO) and the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 92 started operating (after S713) has not exceeded the abnormality judgment time (T1 sec) (S717: NO), liquid continues to be replenished into the first liquid storage tank 43 until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes equal to or greater than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S714: YES).

[0086] If the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43a does not exceed the liquid level detection threshold (for example, threshold VTh1) before the abnormality determination time (T1sec) has elapsed (if S714: NO and SS717: YES), it is determined that an abnormality has been detected (due to a malfunction of the first liquid level sensor 43a, etc.), and an error stop process is performed (S718) to stop the liquid supply pump 92 and turn off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43a, and the process ends.

[0087] The relationship between the liquid supply determination process described above and Figure 10 will now be described. First, as a preliminary step to reaching the state shown in Figure 10(a), if the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 43 is confirmed and it is determined 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 Figure 10(a) is reached, the liquid supply pump 92 is stopped (S707: YES).

[0088] 10(b), after a preset waiting time (T0) has elapsed as the time it takes for the liquid supply member 45 to suck up the liquid, the liquid level drops, and the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43a becomes less than the liquid level detection threshold (e.g., threshold VTh1) (S712: NO). Then, the control unit 100 operates the liquid supply pump 92 to send liquid 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).

[0089] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of a media processing device according to the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment relates to a structure and a supply support operation that support the supply of liquid to a liquid application member in order to improve the binding force during pressure binding.

[0090] 12 illustrates a separate device having a configuration consistent with this embodiment, but with the same functions as the already-described liquid deposition unit 31. Therefore, like the already-described liquid deposition unit 31, the liquid deposition unit 200 shown in FIG. 12 also corresponds to a medium processing unit mounted on the post-processing device 3.

[0091] 12 includes a liquid storage tank 203 that corresponds to the first liquid storage tank 43 included in the liquid deposition means 31. The liquid deposition means 200 also includes a supply member 201 that corresponds to the liquid deposition member 451 included in the liquid deposition means 31. In the following description, the liquid deposition means 200 is assumed to include a sensor similar to the first liquid level sensor 43a included in the liquid deposition means 31, but this is not shown in the drawings.

[0092] The liquid deposition unit 200 deposits the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 by the supply member 201, thereby depositing the liquid onto the paper P. The liquid deposition unit 200 is configured so that when the liquid contained in the supply member 201 is consumed by the liquid deposition, the liquid is transferred from the liquid storage tank 203 to the supply member 201. The liquid deposition unit 200 also includes a mechanism for assisting the liquid replenishment operation so that the liquid transferred from the liquid storage tank 203 to the supply member 201 moves to the end of the supply member 201 that comes into contact with the paper P during the liquid deposition.

[0093] 12 does not include a liquid dispensing member moving mechanism that assists the liquid supply operation, and this configuration is equivalent to a configuration that has been conventionally known. Below, the problems with the conventional configuration will be explained using FIG. 12.

[0094] Fig. 12 illustrates a state in which the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 (liquid amount) is sufficient and equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the liquid level 202 is at a high position. Fig. 12(A) illustrates a state in which a stack of sheets Pb can be received in order to apply liquid. Fig. 12(B) illustrates a state in which liquid is being applied, i.e., a state in which the supply member 201 has moved toward the sheets P. Note that the sheets P are not shown in Fig. 12.

[0095] In the liquid application unit 200, the supply member 201 sucks up the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 by capillary action. The supply member 201 then moves the liquid supplied from the liquid storage tank 203 to the tip (liquid application end) that comes into contact with the paper P. The liquid that has moved to the tip of the supply member 201 moves toward the paper P, and is applied to the paper P when the tip of the supply member 201 comes into contact with the paper P. This series of operations corresponds to liquid application.

[0096] The liquid application unit 200 is housed in a supply member case 219 to prevent liquid from leaking from any portion other than the vicinity of the leading edge that comes into contact with the paper P and the vicinity of the trailing edge that comes into contact with the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203. The supply member case 219 is formed along the supply member 201 from the liquid storage tank 203, and holds the supply member 201.

[0097] The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 is replenished to the supply member 201 until the liquid volume sensor 207 turns on when the post-processing device 3 is started up or before the liquid application operation is performed, as in the liquid supply determination process (see FIG. 11) described as an example of the liquid application unit 31. In this embodiment, as in the liquid supply determination process exemplified in FIG. 11, as an initial process before the binding operation involving liquid application is performed, it is determined whether or not a sufficient amount of liquid is stored in the liquid storage tank 203, and if the amount of liquid in the liquid storage tank 203 (liquid volume) is insufficient, a process is executed to supply liquid to the liquid storage tank 203.

[0098] As will be described later, the liquid deposition unit 200 counts the number of liquid deposition operations in a control program executed by the control unit 100, and performs a support operation to support a liquid replenishing operation that moves liquid to the leading edge of the supply member 201 according to the number of liquid deposition operations. Note that the number of liquid deposition operations in this embodiment refers to the number of liquid deposition operations determined by the number of paper bundles Pb to be formed (number of bundles) specified in a job including post-processing and the number of sheets P used per paper bundle Pb. In other words, it corresponds to the number of liquid deposition operations in the job to be executed. In this embodiment, depending on the number of liquid deposition operations, control is performed so that when the supply member 201 performs a liquid deposition operation, an operation to support liquid supply is also performed.

[0099] The supply member 201 is configured to be movable up and down integrally with the liquid storage tank 203, for example, by a supply member rack 206, a supply member drive gear 204, and a supply member drive source 205. This up and down movement causes one end of the supply member 201 to come into contact with the paper P and apply liquid. At the same time, the other end, i.e., the end not in contact with the paper P, is configured to move up and down due to the application of liquid while always remaining in contact with the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203.

[0100] Since both the liquid application means 31 and the liquid application section 200 already explained use capillary action, the supply speed at which the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 is replenished to the tip through the supply member 201 depends on the height from the liquid surface 202 and the contact area with the liquid.

[0101] Therefore, when the liquid in the liquid storage tank 203 is consumed by adding the liquid and the liquid level 202 drops below the intended level, the speed at which the supply member 201 sucks up the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 may slow down depending on the degree of the drop. In this embodiment, the speed at which the supply member 201 sucks up the liquid from the liquid storage tank 203 by capillary action is referred to as the "liquid supply speed."

[0102] If the liquid supply speed decreases, the amount of liquid applied from the supply member 201 to the paper P may decrease, particularly when a large amount of liquid application is performed, which may result in insufficient liquid application.

[0103] Therefore, in this embodiment, the vertical movement of the liquid deposition unit 200 is controlled to execute a liquid replenishment assist operation to assist in the reduction of the liquid replenishment speed of the supply member 201 in response to the number of liquid deposition operations. The liquid replenishment assist operation is characterized in that the range of vertical movement of the supply member 201 and the range of vertical movement of the liquid storage tank 203 are not moved in the same direction and by the same amount, but are moved in the same direction but by different amounts. By performing this operation, the supply member 201 can be compressed inside the liquid storage tank 203. Furthermore, by moving the supply member 201 and the liquid storage tank 203 by different amounts, the operation of replenishing liquid to the supply member 201 can be supported even when the movement is in the same direction (the direction of liquid deposition). This operation suppresses a reduction in the liquid replenishment speed to the supply member 201. As a result, liquid deposition can be continuously performed while maintaining an appropriate amount of liquid deposited on the paper P.

[0104] 13 and 14 illustrate an example of a configuration of the liquid deposition unit 200 according to this embodiment, including a liquid deposition member moving mechanism for executing a liquid replenishment support operation to the supply member 201. Fig. 13 illustrates a state in which the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 is sufficient, at least a predetermined amount, and the liquid level 202 is at a high position. Note that Fig. 13(A) illustrates a state in which the liquid is being received for deposition onto the paper P, and Fig. 13(B) illustrates a state in which liquid deposition is being performed.

[0105] 14 illustrates a state in which the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 has decreased to an insufficient amount less than a predetermined amount, and the liquid level 202 has reached a low position. Note that Fig. 14(A) illustrates a state in which the liquid is being received before being applied to the paper P, and Fig. 14(B) illustrates a state in which the liquid is being applied.

[0106] The liquid application unit 200 according to this embodiment further includes a cylindrical compression support member 208 that is installed so as to cover a portion of the supply member 201, and a compression support member movement mechanism for moving the compression support member 208 in the up and down direction. The compression support member movement mechanism enables the supply member 201 to be compressed or extended in conjunction with the supply member 201 approaching the paper P during the liquid application operation. This extension and contraction movement of the supply member 201 realizes assistance in liquid replenishment.

[0107] 13 illustrates a state in which a sufficient amount of liquid is stored in the liquid storage tank 203, the liquid level 202 is at a high position, and the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb is received at the liquid application position. In this state, the drive unit (compression drive unit) of the compression support member 208 and the pressure support member movement mechanism operates in the same manner as the drive unit (liquid application drive unit) that moves the supply member 201 and the liquid storage tank 203 up and down.

[0108] The compression drive unit that moves the compression support member 208 in the up and down direction is made up of a support member drive source 211, a support member drive gear 210, and a support member rack 212. The compression drive unit causes the compression support member moving mechanism to perform a predetermined movement operation.

[0109] That is, when the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 203 is sufficient and the liquid surface 202 is at a high position, the supply member drive source 205, supply member drive gear 204, supply member rack 206, which move the supply member 201 and the liquid storage tank 203, and the compression drive unit, which moves the compression support member 208, all operate in the same manner. As a result, the supply member 201 is not compressed, and the supply member 201 is moved up and down as shown in FIG. 12 to perform the liquid supply operation.

[0110] 14, that is, when the amount of liquid in the liquid storage tank 203 is below a certain level and the sheet stack Pb is ready to be received, the operation is different from that described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the compression support member 208 is driven separately from the supply member 201 by a compression drive unit (support member drive source 211, support member drive gear 210, support member rack 212).

[0111] 14(B), the supply member 201 is in contact with the bottom surface of the compression support member 208. This causes the supply member 201 to be relatively pushed upward and compressed. The compression of the supply member 201 causes the liquid stored in the supply member 201 to be squeezed out. As a result, a portion of the squeezed liquid is reabsorbed into the supply member 201, and the liquid then flows into a state in which it has an upward flow force, thereby assisting the upward application of the liquid.

[0112] Furthermore, side support holes 220 are formed on the side surfaces of the compression support member 208. Liquid spilling over from the left and right sides of the supply member 201 collects in the gap between the compression support member 208 and the supply member 201, and leaks out from the side support holes 220 into the liquid storage tank 203. This raises the liquid level 202 of the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203.

[0113] In capillary action, the speed at which the supply member 201 absorbs the liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid absorption speed" or "liquid flow speed") depends on the relative height difference between the supply member 201 and the liquid level 202 and the contact area of the supply member 201 with the liquid. Therefore, the rise in the position of the liquid level 202 relative to the bottom of the supply member 201 assists the liquid replenishing operation to the supply member 201.

[0114] As shown in Figure 14(B), after liquid has been dispensed, when returning to the receiving state shown in Figure 14(A), the compression support member 208 is lowered to a position lower than the supply member 201. This returns the supply member 201 to an uncompressed state. Liquid lost from the supply member 201 due to liquid dispense is replenished through support holes 216 provided on the bottom surface or the like of the compression support member 208 and side support holes 220 provided on the side surfaces.

[0115] 14(B), the amount of vertical movement of the liquid application driver during the liquid application operation is designated as a first liquid application movement amount D1, and the amount of vertical movement of the compression driver to support the liquid supply operation is designated as a second liquid application movement amount D2.

[0116] As shown in Figure 14 (B), when the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 203 is small, the liquid level 202 is low, and the liquid replenishment speed during the liquid supply operation is slow, the first liquid application movement amount D1 and the second liquid application movement amount D2 are made different amounts, and the supply member 201 is compressed to assist the liquid replenishment operation.

[0117] [Control process flow of the first embodiment] Next, the flow of the operation control process for the liquid deposition unit 200 in the first embodiment described above will be described using a flowchart. The operation control process described below is an example of control process that becomes possible by executing a predetermined control program in the control unit 100 already described.

[0118] First, at the start of a binding operation involving liquid application, a liquid application preparation process is executed (S1501). The liquid application preparation process is the same as the liquid supply determination process described with reference to Fig. 11, and involves replenishing the liquid in the liquid storage tank 203 and the liquid in the supply member 201 so that the supply member 201 can apply liquid. A detailed description will be omitted.

[0119] Subsequently, the liquid applicator 200 is moved to the binding position. That is, after receiving the paper sheets P, the liquid applicator 200 is moved to a position where it can apply liquid to the binding position (S1502).

[0120] Next, a liquid supply determination process is executed (S1503). Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the liquid supply determination process. In the liquid supply determination process, the number of liquid application operations to be executed after the liquid application preparation process is completed is calculated based on the number of copies of the paper stack Pb formed in the binding process and the number of sheets of paper P per bundle of paper stack Pb. Depending on whether this number of liquid application operations, the "liquid application count LC," exceeds at least two thresholds, it is determined whether to execute the liquid application preparation process (S1501), the non-compressed liquid application process (described later), or the compressed liquid application process (described later).

[0121] First, it is determined whether the number of liquid depositions LC is less than a first threshold value LC1 (S1601). If the number of liquid depositions LC is not less than the first threshold value LC1 (S1601: NO), the process proceeds to a liquid supply determination process (S1602). If the number of liquid depositions LC is greater than the first threshold value LC1, there is a concern that the liquid may run out during liquid deposition. To resolve this, the liquid supply determination process (S1501) is executed again. As a result, the first liquid level sensor 43a detects the liquid amount while refilling the liquid storage tank 203 with the liquid, and liquid is also supplied to the supply member 201.

[0122] If the number of liquid applications LC is less than the first threshold value LC1 (S1601: YES), it is determined whether the number of liquid applications LC is less than the second threshold value LC2 (S1602). If the number of liquid applications LC is less than the first threshold value LC1 (S1602: YES), the process proceeds to non-compressed liquid application processing (S1603). Details of the non-compressed liquid application processing will be described later.

[0123] If the number of liquid depositions LC is not less than the second threshold value LC2 (S1602: NO), the process proceeds to compressed liquid deposition processing (S1604). Details of the non-compressed liquid deposition processing will be described later.

[0124] It should be noted that the first threshold value LC1 is greater than the second threshold value LC2.

[0125] Returning to FIG. 15, following the liquid supply determination process (S1503), a liquid application process is executed (S1504). Depending on the result of the determination process (S1602) in the liquid supply determination process (S1503), one of two different processes is executed for the liquid application process. Details of the liquid application process will be described later.

[0126] Finally, the binding process is executed (S1505). FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the binding process. In the liquid application process (S1504), regardless of whether liquid is applied without compressing the supply member 201 or whether liquid is applied with the supply member 201 compressed, the binding process is the same regardless of the type of liquid application. First, it is determined whether the number of sheets P to which liquid has been applied has reached the "predetermined number" required to form the required sheet bundle Pb specified in the job (S1701).

[0127] If the number of sheets P to which liquid has been applied is not the predetermined number (S1701: NO), the process returns to the liquid application determination process (S1502, S1602). If the number of sheets P to which liquid has been applied is the predetermined number (S1701: YES), the binding means is moved to the binding position (S1702). Next, the binding process is performed on the sheet stack Pb, and the sheets are discharged to the discharge tray (S1703).

[0128] It is determined whether the number of copies of the paper stack Pb discharged is the required number of copies of the paper stack Pb (predetermined number of copies) specified in the job (S1704). If the number of copies of the paper stack Pb is not the predetermined number (S1704: NO), the process returns to the liquid application determination process (S1502, S1602). If the number of copies of the paper stack Pb is the predetermined number (S1704: YES), the edge binding processing unit is moved to the standby position and the process ends (S1705).

[0129] [Flow of Non-Compressed Liquid Application Process According to the First Embodiment] Next, an example of the non-compressed liquid deposition process that is executed when the result of the liquid supply determination process is that the number of liquid depositions LC is less than the second threshold value LC2 (S1602: NO) will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

[0130] First, the supply member drive source 205 and the support member drive source 211 start to be driven (S1801). Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved in the liquid application direction by the first liquid application movement amount D1, and liquid is applied to the paper P (S1802).

[0131] Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved toward the receiving position by the first liquid application movement distance D1, and the non-compressed liquid application process is completed. This process corresponds to the operation described with reference to FIG.

[0132] [Flow of compressed liquid application process according to the first embodiment] Next, an example of the compressed liquid deposition process that is executed when the result of the liquid supply determination process shows that the number of liquid depositions LC is not less than the second threshold value LC2 (S1602: YES) will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

[0133] First, the supply member driving source 205 and the support member driving source 211 start to be driven (S1901). Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved in the paper direction by the second liquid application movement distance D2 (S1902).

[0134] Subsequently, the supply member driving source 205 continues to be driven, and the position of the support member driving source 211 is maintained (S1903).

[0135] Next, only the supply member rack 206 is further moved in the paper direction to apply liquid (S1904). The amount of movement at this time is "first liquid application movement amount D1 - second liquid application movement amount D2".

[0136] Next, the supply member rack 206 is moved in the direction of the receiving position by only the "first liquid application movement amount D1-second liquid application movement amount D2" (S1905).

[0137] Subsequently, the supply member driving source 205 continues to be driven, and the support member driving source 211 resumes being driven (S1906).

[0138] Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved toward the receiving position by the second liquid application movement distance D2 (S1907).

[0139] As described above, in the compressed liquid application process, when the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 have moved the second liquid application movement amount D2, the support member drive source 211 maintains their positions and the supply member drive source 205 continues to move. As a result, the supply member rack 206 moves the first liquid application movement amount D1, and the support member rack 212 moves the second liquid application movement amount D2. This allows the supply member 201 to apply liquid to the paper P while being compressed by the compression support member 208.

[0140] After the liquid is applied, the supply member drive source 205 rotates in the reverse direction, moving toward the receiving position by the "first liquid application movement amount D1 - second liquid application movement amount D2." From that point on, the support member drive source 211 also starts to rotate in the reverse direction, just like the supply member drive source 205, and moves by the second liquid application movement amount D2, thereby completing the movement back to the original receiving position.

[0141] The details of the components constituting the liquid deposition unit 200 that enable the above-mentioned operation will be further described. Fig. 20(A) is a view of the AA cross section of Fig. 14(A) as seen from the left side relative to Fig. 14(A). The liquid deposition unit 200 shown in Fig. 20 shows a state in which the position of the liquid level 202 is below a certain height. Fig. 20(B) is a view of the AA cross section of Fig. 14(B) as seen from the left side relative to Fig. 14(B). The liquid deposition unit 200 shown in Fig. 20(B) shows a state in which the position of the liquid level 202 is below a certain height.

[0142] As shown in Figure 20, a hole 215 is opened in a supply member case 219 at the joint between the compression support member 208 and the support member rack 212, which is its drive unit, and a compression support drive member 213, which serves as a transmission member for transmitting driving force from the support member rack 212 to the compression support member 208, is connected via the hole 215. As shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), the hole 215 is provided with a valve 214, which serves as a valve member made of an elastic material such as rubber. The compression support drive member 213, which drives the compression support member 208, passes through a slit-like gap in the hole 215, making it possible to prevent water leakage from the connecting portion.

[0143] Furthermore, the compression support member 208 is provided on its side with a side support hole 220 for liquid replenishment, allowing liquid replenishment from the liquid storage tank 203 to be carried out efficiently.

[0144] Figure 21 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the supply member 201 and the support member rack 212 when viewed from viewpoint B in Figures 13 and 14, and shows the supply member 201 and the support member rack 212 as viewed from directly above.

[0145] 21, there is a compression support member 208 arranged so as to surround the four sides and the depth direction of the supply member 201. A support hole 216 having a smaller diameter than the supply member 201 is provided in the bottom surface of the compression support member 208 in the depth direction of the supply member 201. This makes it possible to supply the liquid in the liquid storage tank 203 to the inside of the compression support member 208.

[0146] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the drive mechanism provided in the liquid deposition unit 200 will be described. Fig. 22(A) shows an example of a drive unit in which a supply member rack 206 and a support member rack 212 are driven individually by a supply member drive source 205 and a support member drive source 211. Fig. 22(B) shows a configuration in which a clutch 218 is added as a connecting member to the drive unit, with the clutch 218 in an ON state. Fig. 22(C) shows a configuration in which a clutch 218 is added to the drive unit, with the clutch 218 in an OFF state.

[0147] The operation of the compression support member 208 explained using Figures 13 and 14 can be achieved by a configuration having a supply member drive source 205 and a support member drive source 211 as shown in Figure 12, for example, but can also be achieved by a configuration in which a clutch 218 shown in Figures 22(B) and 22(C) is switched.

[0148] 22(B) shows a state in which the clutch 218 is ON. When the clutch 218 is ON, the supply member rack 206 is driven from the supply member drive source 205 via the supply member drive gear 204, and the support member drive gear 210 is simultaneously moved via the gear 217 and the clutch 218, thereby driving the support member rack 212. When the clutch 218 is ON, the supply member 201 is not compressed by the compression support member 208.

[0149] 22(C) shows a state in which the clutch 218 is OFF. When the clutch 218 is OFF, no driving force is transmitted to the support member drive gear 210 and the support member rack 212. Therefore, the relative positions of the liquid storage tank 203 and the supply member 201 are maintained. Furthermore, because the supply member rack 206 is located upstream of the clutch 218, the operation of compressing the supply member 201 can be performed by a single supply member drive source 205 by switching the clutch 218 ON / OFF when the water level in the liquid storage tank 203 is below a certain level.

[0150] [Flow of Non-Compressed Liquid Application Process According to Second Embodiment] Next, another example of the non-compressed liquid deposition process that is executed when the result of the liquid supply determination process is that the number of liquid depositions LC is less than the second threshold value LC2 (S1602: NO) will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

[0151] First, the clutch 218 is turned ON to start driving the supply member drive source 205 (S2301). Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved in the liquid application direction by the first liquid application movement amount D1, and liquid is applied to the paper P (S2302).

[0152] Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved by the first liquid application movement amount D1 toward the receiving position (S2303), and the non-compressed liquid application process is completed.

[0153] [Flow of compressed liquid application process according to the second embodiment] Next, another example of the compressed liquid deposition process that is executed when the result of the liquid supply determination process is that the number of liquid depositions LC is not less than the second threshold value LC2 (S1602: YES) will be described using the flowchart in FIG.

[0154] First, the clutch 218 is turned ON to start driving the supply member drive source 205 and the support member drive source 211 (S2401). Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved in the paper direction by the second liquid application movement distance D2 (S2402).

[0155] Next, the clutch 218 is turned off (S2403).

[0156] Next, only the supply member rack 206 is further moved in the paper direction to apply liquid (S2404). The amount of movement at this time is "first liquid application movement amount D1 - second liquid application movement amount D2".

[0157] Next, the supply member rack 206 is moved in the direction of the receiving position by only the "first liquid application movement amount D1-second liquid application movement amount D2" (S2405).

[0158] Subsequently, the supply member driving source 205 continues to be driven, and the support member driving source 211 resumes being driven (S2406).

[0159] Next, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 are moved toward the receiving position by the second liquid application movement distance D2 (S2407).

[0160] In the compressed liquid dispensing process according to the first embodiment, the support member drive source 211 is switched between stopped and driven to control the movement of the supply member 201 into a position where the compressed support member 208 compresses it. However, in the compressed liquid dispensing process according to the second embodiment, the clutch 218 is turned OFF to maintain the position of the compressed support member 208 at the second liquid dispensing movement amount D2 (S2403), and the supply member 201 continues to move to dispense liquid. Thereafter, the supply member drive source 205 rotates in the reverse direction, and at the point where the supply member has moved toward the receiving position by the "first liquid dispensing movement amount D1 - second liquid dispensing movement amount D2," the clutch 218 is turned ON again (S2406). Thereafter, the supply member rack 206 and the support member rack 212 move to the receiving position.

[0161] [Another embodiment of the post-processing device] Next, a post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 33. Note that components common to this embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0162] Unlike the post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment, which has both the liquid applicator 131 and the pressure-bonding device 32, the post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment has only the liquid applicator 131 provided upstream of the conveyance path. This allows a predetermined number of sheets P to be pre-stacked after the liquid applicator process and then conveyed to the pressure-bonding device 32 of the edge stitching unit 25 provided downstream, thereby improving the productivity of the binding process by the pressure-bonding device 32. The direction in which the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, and 14 convey the sheets P is opposite to the "conveyance direction" defined above and is therefore defined as the "reverse conveyance direction." The direction perpendicular to the reverse conveyance direction and the thickness direction of the sheets P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheets P)." The position where the liquid applicator 131 applies liquid to the sheets P or the sheet stack Pb (the liquid applicator position) corresponds to the binding position where the pressure-bonding device 32 is scheduled to perform pressure binding on the sheet stack Pb. Therefore, the liquid applicator position and the binding position will be described below using the same reference numeral.

[0163] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, the edge stitching processing unit 25 includes a crimping unit 32 and a staple binding unit 32'. As shown in FIG. 25, the crimping unit 32 and the staple binding unit 32' are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The crimping unit 32 and the staple binding unit 32' are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the downstream end of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The crimping unit 32 and the staple binding unit 32' are also configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the crimping unit 32 and the staple binding unit 32' can bind the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at any position in the main scanning direction and at any angle, such as in oblique corner binding, single-point parallel binding, or two-point parallel binding.

[0164] The crimping means 32 binds the paper stack Pb by applying pressure and deforming the paper stack Pb with the concave and convex binding teeth 32a, 32b (hereinafter referred to as "crimp binding"). On the other hand, the staple binding means 32' can staple the paper stack Pb by passing a staple through the binding position of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0165] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the pressing means 32 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction. As shown in FIG. 26, the pressing means 32 and the stapling means 32' are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The pressing means 32 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 and to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Similarly, the stapling means 32' is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle Pb and to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 341 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb. Note that other configurations of the stapling means 32' are similar to those of the second binding processing unit 55 (see FIG. 6) of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0166] 27, a guide rail 337 is provided downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction, extending in the main scanning direction. The pressing unit 32 moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (in other words, the guide rail 337) by transmitting the driving force of a pressing unit movement motor 238 through a drive transmission mechanism 240 (pulleys and timing belt). Furthermore, a pressing frame 32c that holds the components of the pressing unit 32 has a rotating shaft 340 fixed to its bottom surface. The rotating shaft 340 is rotatably held by a base member 48 on which the pressing frame 32c is provided. The pressing unit 32 rotates about the rotating shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the sheets P placed on the internal tray 22, by transmitting the driving force of a rotation motor 239 to the rotating 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 a drive mechanism for the crimping means 32 .

[0167] The pressing means 32 is configured to be movable between a standby position HP shown in Fig. 26(A) and a position facing the binding position B1 shown in Fig. 26(B) and Fig. 26(C). The standby position HP is a position offset to one side in the main scanning direction from the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The binding position B1 is a position on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the specific position of the binding position B1 is not limited to the example in Fig. 26, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the end of the sheet P on the downstream side in the transport direction, and there may be multiple positions.

[0168] The crimping means 32 changes (rotates) its posture between the parallel binding posture shown in Fig. 26(B) and the oblique binding posture shown in Fig. 26(C). The parallel binding posture is a posture of the crimping means 32 in which the longitudinal direction of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimp binding mark) faces the main scanning direction. The oblique binding posture is a posture of the crimping means 32 in which the longitudinal direction of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimp binding mark) is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0169] The rotation angle in the diagonal binding position (the angle of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b relative to the main scanning direction) is not limited to the example in Figure 26 (C), and may be any angle as long as the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b face the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0170] The post-processing device 3A includes a liquid applying unit 131 and a hole punching unit 132 (processing unit). The liquid applying unit 131 and the hole punching unit 132 are disposed upstream of the internal tray 22 in the reverse conveyance direction. The liquid applying unit 131 and the hole punching unit 132 are disposed offset in the reverse conveyance direction at positions where they can simultaneously face one sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 to 19. The liquid applying unit 131 and the hole punching unit 132 according to this embodiment are disposed between the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid applying unit 131 and the hole punching unit 132 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 19. For example, if an inserter 6 is disposed between the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in FIG. 27, the liquid applying unit 131 may be disposed within the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing device 3A. An example of the inserter 6 is a device that can feed preprinted media to the post-processing device 3A together with the paper P transported from the image forming device 2 as a cover, insert paper, or separator paper without passing through the image forming device 2.

[0171] 28A, the conveying roller pair 11 is disposed at a position that does not overlap in the main scanning direction with the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application means 131. This is to prevent a decrease in the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B1 due to the multiple roller pairs pressing against the liquid application position B1 when the conveying roller pair 11 conveys the sheet P. As a result, by the time the sheet P reaches the pressing means 32 provided downstream of the liquid application means 131 in the reverse conveyance direction, the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B1 has been secured to be the amount of liquid necessary to maintain the binding strength, and therefore it is possible to prevent a decrease in the binding strength of the sheet bundle Pb due to a decrease in the amount of liquid at the liquid application position B1 during the conveyance process.

[0172] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs that make up the conveying roller pair 11 in positions that do not overlap with the liquid application position B1 on the paper P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the multiple roller pairs, thereby deteriorating the conveying properties of the paper P, and to prevent conveying jams caused by the deterioration of conveying properties.

[0173] Although only the transport roller pair 11 has been described above, it is preferable that the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pairs 14-15 are similarly arranged at positions that do not overlap the liquid application position B1 on the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0174] The liquid applying means 131 applies (hereinafter referred to as "liquid applying") a liquid (e.g., water) to the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. The punch hole making means 132 makes punch holes that penetrate the paper P in the thickness direction as it is transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. Note that the processing unit provided near the liquid applying means 131 is not limited to the punch hole making means 132, and may be a skew correction unit that corrects the skew of the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11.

[0175] Figure 28 is a view of liquid applicator 131 according to another embodiment, seen from the thickness direction of paper P. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in Figure 28. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in Figure 28. As shown in Figures 28 to 30, liquid applicator 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b, endless circular belts 135, 136, a liquid applicator movement motor 137, a standby position sensor 138 (see Figure 25), and a liquid applicator unit 140.

[0176] The pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b extend in the main scanning direction at positions spaced apart in the reverse transport direction. The pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b are supported by a pair of side plates 4a, 4b of the post-processing device 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b support the liquid deposition unit 140 so that it can move in the main scanning direction.

[0177] The pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are disposed between the pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b in the reverse conveyance direction. The pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are disposed spaced apart in the main scanning direction. The pair of pulleys 134a, 134b are supported by the frame of the post-processing device 3A so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P.

[0178] The endless circular belt 135 is stretched over a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b. The endless circular belt 135 is connected to the liquid deposition unit 140 by a connector 35a. The endless circular belt 136 is stretched over the pulley 134a and a drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of a liquid deposition means movement motor 137. The liquid deposition means movement motor 137 generates a drive force for moving the liquid deposition unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0179] Rotation of the liquid applicator movement motor 137 causes the endless circular belt 136 to revolve between the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, rotating the pulley 134a. Rotation of the pulley 134a also causes the endless circular belt 135 to revolve between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. This causes the liquid applicator unit 140 to move in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Switching the rotation direction of the liquid applicator movement motor 137 also causes the liquid applicator unit 140 to move back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0180] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid deposition unit 140 has reached a standby position in the main scanning direction, and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 31 ), which will be described later. The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The liquid deposition unit 140 in the standby position blocks the optical path between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal in response to the light output from the light-emitting element not being received by the light-receiving element. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the example described above.

[0181] 29, the transport path in post-processing device 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b that are spaced apart in the thickness direction of paper P. The liquid deposition unit 140 is disposed at a position facing an opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid deposition unit 140 is disposed facing the transport path (i.e., a position where it can face paper P) through the opening in the upper guide plate 5a.

[0182] As shown in Figures 28 to 30, the liquid dispensing unit 140 includes a base member 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid dispensing head 146, columnar members 147a and 147b, a pressure plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, a rotation motor 150, a movement motor 151 (see Figure 31), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 31).

[0183] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The base member 141 is connected to the endless circular belt 135 by a connection portion 35a. The base member 141 also supports components 142 to 152 of the liquid deposition unit 140.

[0184] The rotating 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 paper sheet P. The rotating bracket 142 rotates relative to the base member 141 when the driving force of the rotation motor 150 is transmitted to the rotating bracket 142. The rotating bracket 142 also supports a liquid storage tank 143, a moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid dispensing head 146, pillar-shaped members 147a and 147b, a pressure plate 148, and coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0185] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 31) detects that the rotating 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 at which parallel binding occurs. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor equipped with a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle blocks the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. The standby angle sensor 152 outputs the standby angle signal in response to the light output from the light-emitting unit not being received by the light-receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the example described above.

[0186] 28(A) shows the state when the pressure-bonding means 32 downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs parallel binding. Also, the rotation bracket 142 shown in FIG. 28(B) shows the state when the pressure-bonding means 32 downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0187] The liquid storage tank 143 stores 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 (for example, vertically movable) in the thickness direction of the paper P. The moving means 144 moves relative to the liquid storage tank 143 by transmitting the driving force of a moving motor 151. The holding member 145 is attached to the lower end of the moving means 144. The liquid dispensing head 146 protrudes from the holding member 145 towards the conveyance path (downward in this embodiment). The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143 is supplied to the liquid dispensing head 146. The liquid dispensing head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (for example, sponge or fiber).

[0188] The pillar-shaped members 147a, 147b protrude downward from the holding member 145 around the liquid dispensing head 146. The pillar-shaped members 147a, 147b are configured to be movable relative to the holding member 145 in the thickness direction. The pillar-shaped members 147a, 147b hold a pressing plate 148 at their lower ends. A through-hole 148a is formed in the pressing plate 148 at a position facing the liquid dispensing head 146. Coil springs 149a, 149b are inserted around the pillar-shaped members 147a, 147b between the holding member 145 and the pressing plate 148. The coil springs 149a, 149b bias the pillar-shaped members 147a, 147b and the pressing plate 148 downward with respect to the holding member 145.

[0189] 29(A) and 30(A), before the sheet P is conveyed to a position facing the opening in the upper guide plate 5a, the pressure plate 148 is positioned at or above the opening. Next, when the liquid application position B1 of the sheet P conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 10 and 11 stops at a position facing the opening, the movement motor 151 is rotated in the first direction. As a result, the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressure plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b move downward as a unit, and the pressure plate 148 comes into contact with the sheet P. The liquid application position B1 is the position where the sheet P is to be pressure-stitched by the edge stitching processing unit 25 (i.e., the binding position B1).

[0190] Then, by continuing to rotate the movement motor 151 in the first direction after the pressing plate 148 has come into contact with the paper sheet P, the coil springs 149a and 149b are compressed, and the moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid dispensing head 146, and the pillar-shaped members 147a and 147b are further lowered. Then, as shown in FIGS. 29(B) and 30(B), the lower surface of the liquid dispensing head 146 comes into contact with the paper sheet P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid dispensing head 146 is dispensed onto the paper sheet P.

[0191] 29(C) and 30(C), by further rotating the movement motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid dispensing head 146 can be pressed even more strongly against the paper sheet P. This increases the amount of liquid dispensed onto the paper sheet P. In other words, the liquid dispenser 131 can adjust the amount of liquid dispensed by changing the pressing force of the liquid dispensing head 146 onto the paper sheet P.

[0192] On the other hand, by rotating the movement motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the movement means 144, holding member 145, liquid dispensing head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, pressure plate 148, and coil springs 149a, 149b rise together. As a result, as shown in Figures 29(A) and 30(A), the liquid dispensing head 146 and pressure plate 148 move away from the paper P. In other words, the liquid dispensing means 131 includes a liquid dispensing head 146 that can be detached from the paper P.

[0193] Fig. 31 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment. As shown in Fig. 31, post-processing device 3A includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0194] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the 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 read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium with a large storage capacity that is capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0195] The post-processing device 3A processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded into the RAM 102 from a storage medium such as the HDD 104, and the like using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3A. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 3A constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3A. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0196] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressing means movement motor 238, the rotation motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application means movement motor 137, the rotation motor 150, the movement motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punch hole punching means 132, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressing means movement motor 238, the rotation motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application means movement motor 137, the rotation motor 150, the movement motor 151, and the punch hole punching means 132 via the I / F 105. In addition, the control unit 100 acquires the detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105 .

[0197] Operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. Operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display.

[0198] 32 is a flowchart of post-processing by a post-processing device 3A according to another embodiment, specifically, when one-point binding shown in FIG.

[0199] The control unit 100 executes the post-processing shown in FIG. 32 in response to, for example, receiving an instruction to execute post-processing (hereinafter referred to as a "post-processing instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The post-processing instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb (hereinafter referred to as a "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 to be executed in parallel with the liquid application process (in this embodiment, punching holes). At the start of the post-processing, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned at the standby position HP (a position corresponding to the standby position HP in FIG. 26), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle.

[0200] First, the control unit 100 drives the liquid dispensing means moving motor 137 to move the liquid dispensing unit 140 in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid dispensing head 146 from the standby position HP to a position where it can face the liquid dispensing position B1 (a position corresponding to the binding position B1 in FIG. 26). The control unit 100 also drives the rotation motor 150 to rotate the rotation bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid dispensing head 146 from the standby angle to the liquid dispensing angle (S801). The fact that the liquid dispensing head 146 has reached the position and liquid dispensing angle where it can face the liquid dispensing position B1 can be determined by pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid dispensing means moving motor 137 and the rotation motor 150.

[0201] 26(A) and 26(B), the control unit 100 drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32 from the standby position HP to a position where it can face the binding position B1 (S801). The control unit 100 drives the rotation motor 239 to rotate the crimping means 32 from the standby angle to the crimp binding angle (S801). The fact that the crimping means 32 has reached the position where it can face the binding position B1 and the crimp binding angle can be determined by pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping means moving motor 238 and the rotation motor 239.

[0202] Next, the control unit 100 drives the pair of transport rollers 10, 11 to start transporting the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 (S802). The control unit 100 continues driving the pair of transport rollers 10, 11 until the liquid application position B1 on the paper P faces the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803: No). Then, in response to the liquid application position B1 on the paper P facing the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the control unit 100 stops the pair of transport rollers 10, 11 (S804). The fact that the liquid application position B1 on the paper P faces the liquid application head 146 can be detected by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the motor that drives the pair of transport rollers 10, 11.

[0203] The control unit 100 executes a process of applying liquid to the liquid application position B1 of the paper sheet P using the liquid application means 131 (S805). More specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the movement motor 151 in the first direction, thereby bringing the liquid application head 146 into contact with the liquid application position B1 of the paper sheet P. The control unit 100 also changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (i.e., the amount of rotation of the movement motor 151) according to the amount of liquid applied to the paper sheet P.

[0204] The amount of liquid applied to the sheets P may be the same for all sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb, or may be different for each sheet P. For example, the control unit 100 may apply less liquid to sheets P that are transported later. The rotation amount of the movement motor 151 can be determined by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the movement motor 151.

[0205] Next, the control unit 100 drives the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on the internal tray 22 (S806). The control unit 100 also moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0206] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N instructed in the post-processing instruction (S807). Then, if the control unit 100 determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S807: No), it executes the processes of steps S802 to S806 again.

[0207] Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N (S807: Yes), the control unit 100 causes the pressure bonding unit 32 to pressure-bind the sheet stack Pb to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 131 at binding position B1 (corresponding to liquid application position B1). Furthermore, the control unit 100 rotates the conveyance roller pair 15 to discharge the pressure-bound sheet stack Pb to the discharge tray 26 (S808).

[0208] Then, the control unit 100 drives the liquid applying means moving motor 137 to move the liquid applying means 131 to the standby position HP, and drives the pressure bonding means moving motor 238 to move the pressure bonding means 32 to the standby position HP.

[0209] As already explained, the control method by the control unit 100 described above is realized by cooperation between the hardware resources of a computer and a program as computer software. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer by causing an arithmetic unit, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a control unit to operate in cooperation with each other based on the program. The program may also be written to a storage unit or a storage medium, etc., and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunications line, etc.

[0210] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof, and all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person 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.

[0211] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> a liquid applying means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a post-processing unit that processes a media bundle including at least one sheet of the medium to which the liquid has been applied; Equipped with The liquid applying means is a liquid application member having a liquid application end that contacts the medium; a liquid storage portion capable of storing a liquid used for applying the liquid; a liquid application member moving mechanism that moves the liquid application member toward or away from the medium in order to bring the liquid application end into contact with or away from the medium; a compression support member that compresses the liquid supplying member in response to an approaching operation of the liquid supplying end portion toward the medium by the liquid supplying member moving mechanism; The media processing device is characterized by comprising: <2> a compression support member moving mechanism that can move the compression support member relatively to the liquid storage portion; When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the compression support member moving mechanism moves in the same direction and by the same amount, When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section is less than a predetermined amount, the compression support member moving mechanism moves relative to the liquid-giving member moving mechanism. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <3> a connecting member that connects the movement operations of the compression support member moving mechanism and the liquid dispensing member moving mechanism, a drive source that supplies a drive force for moving the liquid application member relative to the medium and a drive source that supplies a drive force for moving the compression support member are the same drive source, The connecting member is When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section is less than a predetermined amount, the liquid supplying member moving mechanism and the compression support member moving mechanism are connected via the connecting member so as to generate a difference in the amount of movement of the liquid supplying member moving mechanism and the compression support member moving mechanism. The aforementioned <2> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <4> a transmission member that transmits a driving force from a driving source that supplies a driving force for moving the compression support member moving mechanism to the compression support member; the compression support member holds a liquid application member therein; a valve member for preventing leakage of the liquid contained in the liquid-giving member at a connecting portion between the transmission member and the compression support member; The aforementioned <2> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <5> an image forming device for forming an image on the medium; The image forming apparatus performs the processing on a plurality of the media on which the images are formed. <1> and above <4> a media processing device according to any one of The image forming system is characterized by comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0212] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 100: Control unit 200: Liquid application section 201: Supply material 202:Liquid level 203: Storage tank 204: Supply member drive gear 205: Supply member drive source 206: Supply material rack 207: Liquid level sensor 208: Compression support member 210: Support member drive gear 211: Support member drive source 212: Support member rack 213: Compression support drive member 214: Valve 215: Hole 216: Support hole 217: Gear 218: Clutch 219: Supply material case 220: Side support hole [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0213] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-067783

Claims

1. a liquid applying means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a post-processing unit that processes a media bundle including at least one sheet of the medium to which the liquid has been applied; Equipped with The liquid applying means is a liquid application member having a liquid application end that contacts the medium; a liquid storage portion capable of storing a liquid used for applying the liquid; a liquid application member moving mechanism that moves the liquid application member toward or away from the medium in order to bring the liquid application end into contact with or away from the medium; a compression support member that compresses the liquid supplying member in response to an approaching operation of the liquid supplying end portion toward the medium by the liquid supplying member moving mechanism; A media processing device comprising:

2. a compression support member moving mechanism that can move the compression support member relatively to the liquid storage portion; When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the compression support member moving mechanism moves in the same direction and by the same amount, When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section is less than a predetermined amount, the compression support member moving mechanism moves relative to the liquid-giving member moving mechanism. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. a connecting member that connects the movement operations of the compression support member moving mechanism and the liquid dispensing member moving mechanism, a drive source that supplies a drive force for moving the liquid applying member relative to the medium and a drive source that supplies a drive force for moving the compression support member are the same drive source, The connecting member is When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section is less than a predetermined amount, the liquid supplying member moving mechanism and the compression support member moving mechanism are connected via the connecting member so as to generate a difference in the amount of movement of the liquid supplying member moving mechanism and the compression support member moving mechanism. The media processing device of claim 2 .

4. a transmission member that transmits a driving force from a driving source that supplies a driving force for moving the compression support member moving mechanism to the compression support member; the compression support member holds a liquid application member therein; a valve member for preventing leakage of the liquid contained in the liquid-giving member at a connecting portion between the transmission member and the compression support member; The media processing device of claim 2 .

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

Images